• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.20-26
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• 2006

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic inflammatory disease that is characterized by invasive synovial hyperplasia, leading to progressive joint destruction. Recent studies have described that RA is caused by virus, bacteria or outside material. Approximately 2 to 20% of RA cases arc reported to be associated with infected hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the mechanisms underlying virus-induced RA are still unknown. Moreover, few molecular studies have addressed the inflammatory aspects of HCV-associated autoimmune RA. In this study, we aimed to determine whe ther or not another HCV core protein transactivates the IL-8 gene expression, prototypic chemokine, in synovial cell. Methods: To establish the HCV core expressing stable synovial cell line, pCI-neo-core, a plasmid encoding HCV core protein, were transfected to HIG-82 cell line that is an established cell line from rabbit periaricular soft tissue. We examined the morphological changes and cell cycle distribution of HIG-82 cells with expression of HCV core protein by inverted microscopy and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Also, we determined the mRNA levels of Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 related to the inflammation by RT-PCR and then analyzed regulation of IL-8 expression by the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway. Results: Our study showed no significant differences in morphology and cell cycle between HIG-82 control cell line and HIG-82 expressing HCV core protein. However, expression of HCV core protein induces the IL-8 mRNA expression in HIG-82 core cells via activated NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway. Conclusion: These results suggest that HCV core protein can lead to enhanced IL-8 expression. Such a proinflammatory role may contribute to the etiologic pathogenesis in RA patients with HCV infection.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.310-310
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• 2020

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.51-58
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• 2001

담즙정체성 간염의 원인과 임상양상, 검사실 소견 및 경과를 알아보고자 1991년에서 2000년까지 영남대학교 의과대학 부속병원에서 혈액검사 및 간생검으로 담즙정체성 간염이 확진된 14명의 환자를 대상으로 후향적 연구를 시행하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 담즙정체성 간염에서 비정상 간기능검사의 기간은 1개월에서 30개월까지 다양하게 나타났고, 항결핵제, 항생제에 의한 담즙정체성 간염이외에도 한약제, 건강식품에 의한 경우 검사실 소견과 임상경과가 중하게 나타나는 경우가 있으므로, 이들 약물을 사용한 병력이 있는 경우 정기적인 간기능 검사가 필요하다. 담즙정체성 간염이 만성 간내 담즙정체를 보이는 경우 바이러스에 의한 담즙정체성 간염과 담관소멸 증후군으로의 진행 유무, 원발성 담즙성 간경변증, 자가면역성 간염과의 감별이 필요하며, 지속적인 간기능 검사이상을 보일 경우에는 연속적인 간생검이 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.46.1-46.16
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• 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) affects all age group and occurs mainly in women. Pyroptosis is a novel programmed cell death featured with cell bursting and release of proinflammatory cytokines. A deeper understanding of AIH pathogenesis will contribute to novel therapy for AIH patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of IL-17 in immune-mediated liver injury. The levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA, and mRNA levels of STAT3 and IFN gamma-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) were detected by PCR. Expressions of STAT3, IFI16, gasdermin D and cleaved caspase-1 were measured by western-blotting. Immunohistochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy were applied to evaluate liver histopathological changes of the treated mice. Our results showed that the levels of IFI16 was increased in hepatocytes treated with IL-17 protein, and further elevated after STAT3-overexpressed (STAT3-OE) lentivirus treatment. The levels of IFI16 were reduced in hepatocytes treated with IL-17 neutralizing Ab (nAb), but were significantly increased after STAT3-OE treatment. Pyroptosis was observed in hepatocytes treated with IL-17 protein, and further cell damage was observed after STAT3-OE lentivirus treatment. Liver damage was alleviated in mice treated with IL-17 nAb, however sever damage was experienced after STAT3-OE lentivirus treatment. A binding interaction between IFI16 and STAT3 was detected in IL-17 treated hepatocytes. Glutathione transaminase activity was enhanced in concanavalin A-induced AIH mice compared to the control group (p<0.01). IL-17 plays an important role in activating STAT3 and up-regulating IFI16, which may promote the pyroptosis in AIH-related liver injury through STAT3-IFI16 axis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권12호
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• pp.5917-5935
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• 2012

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic human hepatitis infection and as such is an important global health problem. The virus was discovered in the USA in 1989 and it is now known that three to four million people are infected every year, WHO estimating that 3 percent of the 7 billion people worldwide being chronically infected. Humans are the natural hosts of HCV and this virus can eventually lead to permanent liver damage and carcinoma. HCV is a member of the Flaviviridae family and Hepacivirus genus. The diameter of the virus is about 50-60 nm and the virion contains a single-stranded positive RNA approximately 10,000 nucleotides in length and consisting of one ORF which is encapsulated by an external lipid envelope and icosahedral capsid. HCV is a heterogeneous virus, classified into 6 genotypes and more than 50 subtypes. Because of the genome variability, nucleotide sequences of genotypes differ by approximately 31-34%, and by 20-23% among subtypes. Quasi-species of mixed virus populations provide a survival advantage for the virus to create multiple variant genomes and a high rate of generation of variants to allow rapid selection of mutants for new environmental conditions. Direct contact with infected blood and blood products, sexual relationships and availability of injectable drugs have had remarkable effects on HCV epidemiology. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year from hepatitis and liver cancer caused by HCV virus infection. Approximately 80% of patients with acute hepatitis C progress into a chronic disease state leading to serious hepatic disorders, 10-20% of which develop chronic liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The incubation period of HCV is 6-8 weeks and the infection is often asymptomatic so it is very hard to detect at early stages, making early treatment very difficult. Therefore, hepatitis C is called a "silent disease". Neutralizing antibodies are produced against several HCV proteins during infection but the virus mutates to escape from antibodies. Some patients with chronic hepatitis C may have some symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and pain. Autoimmune and immunecomplex-mediated diseases have also been reported with chronic HCV infection.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.41-48
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• 2005

목 적: 소아에서 발생하는 급성 간염 중 많은 빈도를 차지하는 비-A, B, C 바이러스성 간염의 원인과 간염의 임상적 특징 및 경과에 대한 임상 양상에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법: 2001년 1월부터 2004년 6월까지 부산대학교병원 소아과에서 급성 간염으로 진단된 환자 중 독성, 대사성, 자가 면역성 간염과 신생아 간염은 제외하고 A형, B형, C형의 간염 바이러스 표지자 검사에서 음성 판정을 받은 총 45명의 환아를 대상으로 하여 후향적으로 원인 및 임상적 특징을 분석하였다. 결과: 1) 45명 중 원인 불명의 바이러스성 간염이 26명(57.8%)이었고, CMV 간염이 14명(31.1%), EBV와 HSV 간염이 각각 2명(4.4%), RV 간염이 1명(2.2%)이었다. 2) 남녀비는 1.8 : 1 이었고, 1세 이하가 27명(60.0%)이었다. 3) 여름에 환자 발생이 18명(40.4%)으로 가장 많았고, 동반 증상으로는 발열 13명(28.9%), 오심 또는 구토 12명(26.7%), 황달 10명(22.2%), 설사 8명(17.8%)의 순으로 많았다. 4) 신체 검사에서 간종대가 15명(33.3%), 공막 및 피부 황달 10명(22.2%), 비종대 9명(20.0%)이었다. 5) 임상 경과는 전형적인 급성 간염이 43명(95.6%), 전격성 간염이 2명(4.4%)이었으며, 한 명은 간부전으로 사망했다. 6) 혈청 ALT의 최고치는 $488.7{\pm}771.9IU/L$였고, 원인 불명의 간염이 $606.2{\pm}962.2IU/L$로 비교적 높았다. 7) 혈청 ALT는 2년 동안 경과 추적이 가능했던 38명 중 31명(81.6%)이 6개월 이내에, 4명(10.5%)이 1년 이내에 정상화되었다. 3명(7.9%)이 1년 이상 증가되었지만, 1년 6개월 이내에 모두 정상화되었다. 8) 혈액학적 이상으로 백혈구 증가증이 17명(47.2%)이었고, 재생 불량성 빈혈, 비정형적 림프구증가증, 혈소판 감소증이 각각 1명(2.8%) 있었다. 결 론: 비-A, B, C형 바이러스성 간염은 대부분 예후가 양호하나, 임상적으로 만성 간염의 경과를 보인 경우도 있고 전격성 간염으로 진행한 경우가 있으므로 면밀한 관찰이 필요하다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권10호
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• pp.4367-4372
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• 2014

We here document discovery of expression profile of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and changes in the course of disease. The study population was composed of 75 outpatient HBV cases and 15 healthy control cases. Peripheral blood samples were collected for separation of mononuclear cells. Levels of MDSCs labeled with Lin-DR-CD11b+CD33+ obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), were revealed to have significant differences between the CHB and other groups. They were 0.414% for health control cases and 0.226% for CHB cases (Z=-2.356, p=0.0189). It also observed that the group of HBeAg positive cases had significant difference in MDSCs/PBMC median ($X^2=11.877$, p=0.003), compared with group of HBeAg negative cases and the healthy control group. It suggested considerable MDSCs might be involved in HBeAg immune tolerance. In addition, negative correlations between MDSCs/PBMC and parameters of ALT, AST and TBil, while positive correlation between MDSCs/PBMC and ALB parameter were found. Multiple comparisons between the four phases and health control phase again, there was a statistically sifnificant difference ($X^2=17.198$, p=0.002). Taken together, these findings may provide a new immunotherapy strategy for reduced the expression levels of MDSCs in CHB patients, through induction of an autoimmune response to virus removal.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제72권3호
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• pp.318-322
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• 2012

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease involving multiple-organs with an unknown cause. The new onset of sarcoidosis associated with therapeutic agents has been observed in 3 clinical settings; tumor necrosis factor antagonists in autoimmune rheumatologic diseases, interferon alpha with or without ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C or melanoma, and antineoplastic agent-associated sarcoidosis in patients with hematologic malignancies. Here, we report a female patient who developed sarcoidosis after capecitabine treatment as an adjuvant chemotherapy for sigmoid colon cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a capecitabine-induced sarcoidosis.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.201-212
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• 2023

Purpose: The gastrointestinal system is the most commonly affected organ, followed by the lungs, in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). Hence, it is common for children with PIDs to present with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to analyze the clinical and histopathological findings of patients who were initially admitted to pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology clinics and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs to identify the clinical clues for PIDs. Methods: The demographic, laboratory, and histopathological findings, treatment modality, and outcomes of patients initially admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology unit and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs were recorded. Results: The study included 24 patients (58.3% male; median age [range]: 29 [0.5-204] months). Common clinical presentations included chronic diarrhea (n=8), colitis (n=6), acute hepatitis (n=4), and acute liver failure (n=2). The association of autoimmune diseases, development of malignant diseases, and severe progression of viral diseases was observed in 20.8%, 8.3%, and 16.6% of the patients, respectively. Antibody deficiency was predominantly diagnosed in 29.2% of patients, combined immunodeficiency in 20.8%, immune dysregulation in 12.5%, defects in intrinsic and innate immunity in 4.2%, autoinflammatory disorders in 8.3%, and congenital defects of phagocytes in 4.2%. Five patients remained unclassified (20.8%). Conclusion: Patients with PIDs may initially experience gastrointestinal or liver problems. It is recommended that the association of autoimmune or malignant diseases or severe progression of viral diseases provide pediatric gastroenterologists some suspicion of PIDs. After screening using basic laboratory tests, genetic analysis is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.207-218
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• 2013

Long term outcomes after liver transplantation are major determinants of quality of life and of the value of this heroic treatment. As short term outcomes are excellent, our community is turning to take a harder look at long term outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to review these outcomes, and highlight proposed treatments, as well as pressing topics needing to be studied. A systemic review of the English literature was carried in PubMed, covering all papers addressing long term outcomes in pediatric liver transplant from 2000-2013. Late outcomes after pediatric liver transplant affect the liver graft in the form of chronic liver dysfunction. The causes include rejection particularly humoral rejection, but also de novo autoimmune hepatitis, and recurrent disease. The metabolic syndrome is a major factor in long term cardiovascular complication risk. Secondary infections, kidney dysfunction and malignancy remain a reality of those patients. There is growing evidence of late cognitive and executive function delays affecting daily life productivity as well as likely adherence. Finally, despite a good health status, quality of life measures are comparable to those of children with chronic diseases. Long term outcomes are the new frontier in pediatric liver transplantation. Much is needed to improve graft survival, but also to avoid systemic morbidities from long term immunosuppression. Quality of life is a new inclusive measure that will require interventions and innovative approaches respectful not only on the patients but also of their social circle.