• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.263-269
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• 2022

암 악액질은 암으로 인한 다기관 대사성 질환으로 식욕부진과 체중 감소가 주요 증상이다. 일반적으로 암 환자의 식욕부진과 체중감소는 항암화학요법 치료와 암 환자의 생존율에 악영향을 미치는 심각한 문제이다. 암 악액질은 일반적으로 췌장암, 폐암, 결장암 등 소화기관 암 환자의 약 80%에서 동반되는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 림프종이나 유방암 환자에서는 비교적 드물다. 암 악액질에 의한 식욕부진은 화학요법에 의해서도 일어나지만, 화학요법과는 독립적으로 발생하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 암 악액질의 발병기전으로는 종양 조직에 의해 과도하게 증가되는 염증성 사이토카인에 의한 정상 조직 기능의 저하가 주요 원인이다. 암 악액질의 메커니즘은 아직 완전히 이해되지 않았기 때문에 현재 악액질을 치료할 치료제나 진단 바이오마커가 없는 실정이다. 최근 발표된 연구에서는 암세포에서 분비되는 물질이 악액질에 의한 식욕억제를 일으키는 것이 확인되었고 그 분자생물학적 기전이 밝혀졌다. 이 물질의 발현 및 분비 증가는 암 환자의 악액질 증상과 통계적으로 상관관계가 있는 것으로 밝혀져 암악액질 진단 및 치료제 개발에 활용될 것으로 기대된다. 이 논문에서는 암 악액질의 주요증상인 섭식장애와 체중감소의 이해를 돕고자 알려진 원인과 분자 기전들의 내용을 소개하겠다.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제65권4호
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• pp.387-396
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• 2022

골격근은 체중의 약 40-50%를 차지하며 자세 유지, 연조직 지지, 체온 유지, 호흡 등 다양한 기능을 수행하는 중요한 조직이다. 전 세계적으로 광범위하게 발생하는 암은 근위축을 동반한 암 악액질을 일으켜 항암제의 효과를 떨어뜨리고 암환자의 삶의 질과 생존율을 크게 떨어뜨린다. 따라서 암 악액질을 개선하기 위한 연구가 진행 중이지만 암과 근육 위축 사이의 연관성에 관한 연구는 거의 없다. 암 세포는 종양 관련 대식세포(TAM), 종양 관련 호중구(TAN) 및 Warburg 효과로 인한 인슐린 저항성을 포함하여 독특한 미세 환경 및 대사를 나타낸다. 따라서 암세포의 미세환경과 대사적 특성, 사이토카인과 인슐린 저항성에 의해 영향을 받을 수 있는 근육 위축의 분자적 기전을 정리하였다. 또한 이는 TAM, TAN, Warburg 효과에 영향을 미치는 물질의 암 악액질 개선 가능성을 시사한다. 본 논문에서는 또한 암 악액질을 개선할 수 있는 단일 화합물 및 이들에 의해 매개되는 신호 전달 경로를 통해 지금까지 확인된 메커니즘을 정리하였다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.368-375
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• 2003

Cancer cachexia, characterized by weight loss and progressive tissue wasting, has been postulated to be mediated by cytokines. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Korean Traditional Medicine (KTM ; mokhyang, jisil, osooyu) mixture on food intake, blood cytokines level and blood nutrients status of the cachexia induced-mice. Thirty male Balb/c mice aged 6-8 weets were blocked into 3 groups that were Normal (no colon26 cells) Control (colon 26 cells) and KTM (colon26 cells + KTM extract mixture) group. In Control and KTM groups, murine adenocarcinoma colon 26 cells were injected subcutaneously to induce cachexia. KTM mice were given 200 ul KTM extract mixture (7%) per day. Half of each groups were sacrificed at the 14 th day to see serum cytokines & nutrients and the others were fed until almost of control group died to see life span. food intake and body weight were decreased significantly in cachexia induced groups. Tumor weight of KTM group was significantly lower than control group. Serum cytokines (IL-1$\beta$ and TNF-$\alpha$) level of cachexia induced groups were increased than those of normal group, and those of KTM group were significantly lower than the level of control group. Total serum protein and serum albumin were higher in KTM group than other groups. TG and fatty acid were lower in cachexia induced groups than normal group. HDL-cholesterol in serum was increased in KTM group. Effect of oral administration of KTM extract mixture on survival time of colon26 bearing mice showed extension of the life span. Overall, this study showed that KTM (mokhyang, jisil, osooyu) extract mixture inhibited the growth of cancer cell, changed the secretion of cytokines induced by colon26 adenocarcinoma in mice, and changed nutrition metabolism.

• BMB Reports
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• 제56권7호
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• pp.365-373
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• 2023

Loss of skeletal muscle mass is a primary feature of sarcopenia and cancer cachexia. In cancer patients, tumor-derived inflammatory factors promote muscle atrophy via tumor-to-muscle effects, which is closely associated with poor prognosis. During the past decade, skeletal muscle has been considered to function as an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine organ by releasing numerous myokines. The circulating myokines can modulate pathophysiology in the other organs, as well as in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting myokines function as muscle-to-tumor signaling molecules. Here, we highlight the roles of myokines in tumorigenesis, particularly in terms of crosstalk between skeletal muscle and tumor. Better understanding of tumor-to-muscle and muscle-to-tumor effects will shed light on novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

• 대한암한의학회지
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Objective : The association of cancer survival and components of the systemic inflammatory response, combined to form inflammation-based prognostic scores (modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio) is reviewed in this article. Methods and Results : With extensive research of papers in the PubMed, there is good evidence that preoperative measures of the systemic inflammatory response predict cancer survival, independent of tumor stage, in primary operable cancer. GPS also shows its prognostic value as a predictor of survival, independent of tumor stage, performance status and treatment in a variety of advanced cancer. GPS is associated with chemotherapy related toxicities as well as response to treatment and C-reactive protein shows its clinical value as a monitor of chemotherapy response. The systemic inflammatory response is closely related to cachexia and may be suitable measure for the clinical definition of cancer cachexia. Conclusion : Anticipated survival using the inflammation-based prognostic score is a major factor to be taken into consideration when deciding whether active intervention including surgery and chemotherapy or palliation therapy including acupuncture and herb medication is appropriate.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권18호
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• pp.8075-8077
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• 2016

Sarcopenia, characterized by a decline of skeletal muscle plus low muscle strength and/or physical performance, has emerged to be an important prognostic factor for advanced cancer patients. It is associated with poor performance status, toxicity from chemotherapy, and shorter time of tumor control. There is limited data about sarcopenia in cancer patients and associated factors. Moreover, the knowledge about the changes of muscle mass during chemotherapy and its impact to response and toxicity to chemotherapy is still lacking. This review aimed to provide understanding about sarcopenia and to emphasize its importance to cancer treatment.

• BMB Reports
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• 제57권4호
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• pp.167-175
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• 2024

Cancer progression is driven by genetic mutations, environmental factors, and intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises of diverse cell types, such as cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and neuronal cells. These cells mutually influence each other through various factors, including cytokines, vascular perfusion, and matrix stiffness. In the initial or developmental stage of cancer, neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor are associated with poor prognosis of various cancers by communicating with cancer cells, immune cells, and peripheral nerves within the TME. Over the past decade, research has been conducted to prevent cancer growth by controlling the activation of neurotrophic factors within tumors, exhibiting a novel attemt in cancer treatment with promising results. More recently, research focusing on controlling cancer growth through regulation of the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, has gained significant attention. Sympathetic signaling predominantly promotes tumor progression, while the role of parasympathetic signaling varies among different cancer types. Neurotransmitters released from these signalings can directly or indirectly affect tumor cells or immune cells within the TME. Additionally, sensory nerve significantly promotes cancer progression. In the advanced stage of cancer, cancer-associated cachexia occurs, characterized by tissue wasting and reduced quality of life. This process involves the pathways via brainstem growth and differentiation factor 15-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like signaling and hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons. Our review highlights the critical role of neurotrophic factors as well as central nervous system on the progression of cancer, offering promising avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.26-40
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• 2023

Objectives: This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Bojungikgi-tang for lung cancer patients with anorexia. Methods: This was a single-arm, open-label, and single-center trial, and suitable participants took Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang in Chinese, Hochuekki-to in Japanese) three times a day before or between meals for six weeks (42 days). After registration of clinical trials (visit 2), they visited the hospital every three weeks (visits 3 and 4) and measured or tested the effectiveness or safety evaluation variables to analyze the results. The primary outcome was the anorexia/cachexia subscale (A/CS) of functional assessment of anorexia/cachexia therapy (FAACT) score. Results: Seventeen lung cancer patients were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Lung cancer patients had higher A/CS of FAACT scores after six weeks of Bojungikgi-tang administration compared to that at the baseline. This was not significant four lung cancer (p=0.1668). In the secondary outcomes, the visual analog scale (VAS) score of anorexia decreased significantly (p=0.0009), and the CD4/CD8 ratio (p=0.0396) and CD4 levels (p=0.0345) significantly increased after six weeks of treatment. No serious adverse events were reported with Bojungikgi-tang in lung cancer patients. Conclusions: Bojungikgi-tang can be an effective and safe treatment for anorexia in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.51-57
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• 2003

배경 : Anorexia-cachexia syndrome은 말기 암 환자에서 흔한 증상이며, 암 환자의 주린 사망 원인이 되기도 한다. 이들 증상들은 주로 암 세포 성장과 암세포에서 분비되는 cytokines이 중요한 역할을 한다고 한다. 일부 의사들은 비타민 C가 선택적인 항암 효과를 가지고 있을 뿐만 아니라 여러 가지 말기 암 환자에서 임상 증상을 호전시키는 데 도움이 된다고 보고하였다. 이에 저자 등은 비타민 C가 anorexia-cachexia syndrome을 유발시키는 기전 중의 하나인 사이토카인에 어떤 영향을 주는 지를 알아보고자 한다. 방법 : 2002년 3월 1일부터 2002년 8월 31일까지 국민건강보험공단 일산병원 가정의학과에 입원한 환자 49명을 대상으로 22명은 비타민 C를 1주일동안 지속적으로 10 g을 정맥 주사하였고, 나머지 27명은 비타민 C를 주사하지 않았다. 대상이 된 환자의 비타민 C를 주기 전과 주고 1주일 지난 후의 혈액을 채취하여 cytokine의 변화가 있는 지를 wilcoxon rank sum test를 이용하여 비교분석하였다. 결과 : 대상이 된 총 49명의 환자 중 22명(남자 12명, 여자 10명)이 비타민 C를 사용하였고, 27명(남자18명, 여자 9명)이 비타민 C를 사용하지 않았다. 비타민 C를 사용한 환자에서 $IL-1{\beta}$는 사용 전에는 $6.19{\pm}5.47$이고, 사용 1주일 후에는 $8.76{\pm}5.72$로 $2.94{\pm}7.29$만큼 증가하였고, IL-6는 사용 전에는 $3.07{\pm}8.09$이고 사용 1주일 후라는 $1.31{\pm}2.36$로 $-1.57{\pm}7.96$만큼 감소하였으며, $TNF-{\alpha}$는 사용 전에는 $2.74{\pm}14.24$이고 사용 1주일 후에는 $0.50{\pm}2.00$로 $-4.13{\pm}18.74$만큼 감소하였다. 비타민 C를 사용하지 않은 환자에서는 $IL-1{\beta}$는 사용 전에는 $1.00{\pm}2.19$이고, 사용 1주일 전에는 $17.16{\pm}81.55$로 $16.50{\pm}81.71$만큼 증가하였고, IL-6는 사용 전에는 $2.50{\pm}3.58$이고, 사용 1주일 후에는 $6.49{\pm}12.01$로 $4.11{\pm}12.14$만큼 증가하였으며, $TNF-{\alpha}$는 사용 전에는 $1.19{\pm}2.98$이고, 사용 1주일 후에는 $1.27{\pm}1.52$로 $-0.07{\pm}4.36$만큼 감소하였다. 비타민 C를 사용한 환자와 사용하지 않은 환자에서 사이토카인 변화는 모두 비타민 C를 사용한 환자가 사용하지 않은 환자보다 감소하거나 더 적게 증가하였지만 각각 통계학적인 의미는 없었다($IL-1{\beta}$에서는 P=0.06, IL-6에서는 P=0.166, $TNF-{\alpha}$에서는 P=0.54). 결론 : 비타민 C 사용여부에 따른 cytokines의 변화는 비록 통계학적인 차이는 없지만 비타민 C를 사용한 환자의 cytokines이 모두 사용하지 않은 환자에 비해 감소하였음을 보였다. 비타민 C는 부작용이 거의 없는 안전한 약으로서 말기 암 환자에서 비타민 C사용은 임상 증상을 호전시키는 데 도움이 될 것이라 생각된다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권23호
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• pp.10165-10169
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• 2015

Background: Megestrol acetate (MA) is a steroid origin medicine often used for control of cachexia in oncologic palliative care. Thrombosis is a common problem in oncology patients. One question is whether MA can cause thrombosis. This retrospective, registry-based analysis was therefore conducted to assess thrombotic processes in oncology patients using MA concurrent with chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Data on oncology patients at the metastatic stage using MA were obtained from the archives of our center. Outcomes of patients were evaluated for thromboembolic events (VTEs) during treatment. Results: Ninety-seven oncology patients with a median age of 62 (33-84) years were included. During the median follow-up of 17 months, 58 (59.8%) died leaving 39 (31.2%) still alive. Median overall survival (OS) was 19 months (6-180). Mean time of MA use was 8.69 months(${\pm}3.53$), with a median dose of 160mg (range 160-480mg). Eleven VTEs were detected after MA use, 4 of these in pancreatic cancer cases. The patients with thrombosis non-significantly had worse OS, than those without thrombosis (p=0.106). Conclusions: This trial revealed that the 11.3% of all patients developed thrombosis,who had been treated with MA and chemotherapy concomittantly. There was no statistically significant difference regarding to occurrence of thrombotic process, among the patients receiving different chemotherapy regimens with MA concomittantly. Pancreatic cancer seemed to be related to thrombosis rather than MA use.