• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제48권5호
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• pp.249-256
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• 2015

Objectives: Epidemiological studies have reported that vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammatory disease. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for inflammation. However, few studies have investigated the interactive effect of vitamin D deficiency and smoking on inflammation. This study aims to investigate the interaction of vitamin D and smoking with inflammatory markers in the urban elderly. Methods: We used data from the Korean Elderly Environmental Panel Study, which began in August 2008 and ended in August 2010, and included 560 Koreans ${\geq}60$ years old living in Seoul. Data was collected via questionnaires that included items about smoking status at the first visit. Vitamin D levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) counts were repeatedly measured up to three times. Results: The association of vitamin D and hs-CRP was significant after adjusting for known confounders (${\beta}=-0.080$, p=0.041). After separate analysis by smoking status, the association of vitamin D deficiency and hs-CRP in smokers was stronger than that in nonsmokers (smokers: ${\beta}=-0.375$, p=0.013; non-smokers: ${\beta}=-0.060$, p=0.150). Smoking status was an effect modifier that changed the association between vitamin D deficiency and hs-CRP (interaction estimate: ${\beta}=-0.254$, p=0.032). Vitamin D was not significantly associated with WBC count (${\beta}=0.003$, p=0.805). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with hs-CRP in the urban elderly. Smoking status was an effect modifier of this association. Vitamin D deficiency was not significantly associated with WBC count.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.2303-2306
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• 2015

Objective: Skin tumors are the most commonly seen cancer type worldwide. Regarding pathogenesis, it is thought that disruption of kinetics through T lymphocyte-mediated development of chronic inflammation may be involved. The present study was intended to identify role of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in the determination of risk for skin cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of 569 cases diagnosed as having primary skin tumors. Data regarding age, gender and histopathological subtype were recorded. Blood parameters studied on the day before surgery including WBCs, neutrophils, and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil:lymphocyte and neutrophil:monocyte ratios were also recorded. Two-hundred and two healthy individuals presented for check-up in an outpatient clinic were selected as the control group. Parameters studied in cases with skin cancer were compared to those healthy individuals. Findings: Of the cases with skin cancer, 401 were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) while 144 were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 13 were malignant melanoma (MM). WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were found to be lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group (p<0.001) while no significant difference was found in other parameters reviewed (p>0.05). No significant difference was found in WBC, neutrophil, neutrophil: monocyte ratio according to gender (p>0.05). Monocyte count was found to be $0.68{\pm}0.61$ in men and $0.55{\pm}0.25$ in women, indicating strong statistical significance (p<0.001). WBC, neutrophil and monocyte values were highest in control group while lowest in BCC. When BCC and SCC groups were compared to controls, significant differences found (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in lymphocyte counts among groups (p=0.976). Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios were 3.24 in BCC, 3.59 in SCC, 3.44 in MM and 5.06 in control group (p<0.001). Conclusions: In our study, it was found that there were significant differences in complete blood count, neutrophil, monocyte and neutrophil:lymphocyte levels among groups. Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio was found to be lowest in BCC among skin cancers.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.11-15
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• 2007

We examined the effects of pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) on platelet activation. Thirty-six women with PIH (blood pressure > 140/90 mm Hg after two consecutive measurements after the $24^{th}$ weeks of gestation) without proteinuria, fifty-six normotensive pregnant women, and fifty non-pregnant women were studied. WBC, RBC, platelet related variables, including mean platelet component (MPC), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet component distribution width (PCDW) were determined for this study. MPC levels were significantly lower in women with PIH compared with normotensive pregnant women and non-pregnant women (P<0.05). MPC levels were inversely con-elated with PIH (r=-0.49, P<0.001), systolic BP (r=-0.22, P<0.01), diastolic BP (r=-0.17, P<0.005), WBC (r=-0.30, P<0.001), MPV (r=-0.41, P<0.001), and PCDW (r=-0.68, P<0.001), and positively con-elated with RBC (r=0.32, P<0.001), platelet count (r=0.21, P<0.05), and mean platelet mass (MPM) (r=0.18, P<0.05). MPC levels were found to be an independent factor associated with PIH and PCDW (P<0.01) after adjustments were made for potential confounding factors such as gestational age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, WBC, RBC, Platelet count, and PCDW. In conclusion, MPC levels were significantly lower in women with PIH, and MPC levels were found to be an independent factor associated with PIH and PCDW. Therefore, platelet activation is suggested as a useful predictor for patients with PIH.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.167-173
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• 2007

목적: 미슬토 추출물은 서양에서 오래전부터 사용되어진 면역치료 물질로 위암에 대해서는 연구가 부족한 실정이다. 본 연구에서 수술 받은 위암환자를 대상으로 항암제와 미슬토 추출물의 병합투여가 면역기능에 미치는 효과를 파악하기 위해 시행되었다. 대상 및 방법: 원발성 위암으로 진단받고 근치적 수술을 받은 10명의 환자를 선정하여 항암화학요법과 병행하여 수술 후 7일째부터 미슬토 추출물(ABNOVA viscum-Q)을 주 3회, 총 16주간 피하주사 하였다. 면역기능에 미치는 효과는 환자의 말초혈액에서 백혈구수와 그 분획, 백혈구에 대한 총림프구의 분율 그리고 시토카인들(Interleukin-$1{\beta}$, Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6, Interferon-$\gamma$, Tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$)의 변화를 분석하였다. 상기 항목들은 수술 전과 수술 후 8주, 16주 총 3회 측정되었다. 결과: 남녀비는 9 : 1이며, 평균연령은 55.9세(range $33{\sim}74$세)였다. 병기는 stage Ib가 4명, II가 6명이었다. 백혈구수와 총호중구수는 기저치에 비해 치료 후 8주와 16주에 유의한 감소를 보였다. 총호산구수는 기저치에 비해 8주와 16주에 증가하는 경향을 보였지만 통계적 유의성은 없었다(P=0.15). 총림프구의 수치는 치료 전후 유의한 감소를 보이지만 백혈구 수에 대한 총 림프구의 분율은 유의하지는 않지만(P=0.91) 오히려 증가하고 있다. 각각의 시토카인들은 치료전후 큰 변화를 보이지 않았다. 결론: 치료 전후 의미있는 면역반응의 증가는 관찰하기 어려웠다. 이것은 미슬토 추출물과 항암제의 병용투여에 의한 면역활성과 억제의 상쇄반응으로 생각된다. 총호산구수가 증가하였고, 백혈구에 대한 림프구의 분율이 감소하지 않고 증가하는 양상을 보인 것은 미슬토 추출물에 의해 유발된 면역반응으로 생각된다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.291-297
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• 2014

The radioprotective effects of a single administration of kojic acid (KA) against ionizing radiation were evaluated via assessment of 30-day survival and alterations of peripheral blood parameters of adult C57BL/6 male mice. The 30-day survival rate of mice pretreated with KA (75 or 300 mg/kg body weight, KA75 or KA300) subcutaneously 27 h prior to a lethal dose (8 Gy, 153.52 cGy/min) of gamma irradiation was higher than that of mice irradiated alone (40% or 60% vs 0%). It was observed that the white blood cell (WBC) count/the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin content, haematocrit and platelet count of mice with or without KA pretreatment as exposed to a sub-lethal dose (4 Gy, 148.14 cGy/min) of gamma irradiation decreased maximally at day 4/day 8 post-irradiation. Although the initial WBC values were low in KA300 or WR-2721 (amifostine) groups, they significantly recovered to normal at day 19, whereas in the control group they did not. The results from the cytotoxicity and cell viability assays demonstrated that KA could highly protect Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells against ionizing radiation with low toxicity. In summary, KA provides marked radioprotective effects both in vivo and in vitro.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.287-293
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• 2005

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of serum concentrations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) of patients with ovarian cysts for differential diagnosis of endometrioama. Method: From Jan. 2003 to Dec. 2004, preoperative serum MIF levels were assessed in 28 women with endometrioma, 32 with benign epithelial tumor, 23 with functional and simple cysts, 22 with benign mature cystic teratoma, and 25 women without ovarian tumor as control. MIF levels were determined using an ELISA (Quantikine Human MIF immunoassay, R&D Systems, Inc., USA). Results: Mean MIF levels were higher in all groups with benign tumors than control (all p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between benign tumor groups (p=0.95). There was no significant correlation between MIF levels and tumor volume, body mass index (BMI) (p=0.635, 0.674 respectively) Serum MIF level had significant correlation with count of WBC and neutrophils (p=0.008, 0.024 respectively), but had no correlation with count of lymhocytes and monocytes (p=0.688, 0.294 respectively). Conclusions: This study showed a marked increase in MIF concentrations in the peripheral blood of patients with endometrioma, but there was no significant difference with other benign tumors. Serum MIF level had significant correlation with count of WBC and neutrophils. These suggest serum MIF level has no usefulness for differential diagnosis of endometrioma from other benign ovarian cysts.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.272-278
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• 2006

This study was carried out to determine therapeutic the effect of ozonated water therapy on bovine pododermatitis. In addition, bactericidal effect of ozonated water on etiological agent of bovine pododermatitis was examined. The pathohistological examination for the pododermatitis, according to application with ozonated water and ozone ointment was investigated. Thirty healthy cattle were divided two groups(each of 15) : control group(povidone group), treatment group(ozone solution group). Various parameters were evaluated in terms of the lameness score, swelling score, lesion score, WBC count, neutrophil count, pathohistological finding, and antimicrobial action. The decrease of lameness and lesion score were shown in hoof lesions on 14 days after application of ozonated water. Significant decrease of swelling was shown in hoof lesions on 14 days 1Corresponding author after application of ozonated water(p<0.01). In hematological findings, WBC count revealed values within normal range. The number of neutrophils was slightly higher than that of normal, however, this was improved on 14 days after application of ozonated water. In pathohistological findings, recovery was rapid macroscopically and microscopically in the treatment with ozonated water on the hoof lesions and ozonated water was effective. In antimicobial action, bactericidal effect was observed in treatment with ozonated water on the hoof lesions and ozonated water was effective.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.99-109
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• 2006

Objectives : To investigate whether cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture at CV12 and/or ST25 has any immune-enhancing effect in normal rats. Methods : Effects of cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture at CV12 and/or ST25 on blood cell counts, cell composition, cytokine and plasma protein levels were investigated in normal rats. Results : Red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels significantly increased in cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture groups compared with those of the normal group. There was, however, no significant difference in white blood cell (WBC) count and WBC differential count between the normal group and the pharmacopuncture groups. Cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture groups had significantly higher levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6) than the normal group while no significant difference between groups was found in interleukin-$1{\beta}\;(IL-1{\beta})$ level. Total protein and albumin levels were not different between groups. Conclusions : The results suggest that cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture at CV12 and/or ST25 may have no immune-enhancing effect in normal rats.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.2061-2067
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• 2014

Background: It has been demonstrated that neutrophil:lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet:lymphocyte (PLR) ratios are associated with prognosis in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pretreatment white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelet, basophil and eosinophil counts, LDH level, NLR and PLR are associated with prognosis in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed files of 50 patients who were managed with a diagnosis of MPM between 2005 and 2010. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, response to treatment and prognostic factors were evaluated, along with relationships between pretreatment blood parameters and prognosis. Results: Overall, 38 men and 12 women were included to the study. Mean age was $61.5{\pm}9.4$ years (range: 39-83 years). There was advanced disease in 86% (n=43) and the histological type was epithelial mesothelioma in the majority (82%). Of the cases, 17 (34%) received radiotherapy, while 42 cases underwent first- and second-line chemotherapy, with cisplatin plus pemetrexed as the most commonly used regimen. In the assessment after therapy, it was found that there was complete response in 4 cases (8%), partial response in 10 cases (20%), stable disease in 17 cases (34%) and progression in 19 cases (38%). Median follow-up was 10 months (range: 10 day-30 months). Median overall survival was found to be 20.7 months while median progression-free survival as 10 months. In univariate and multivariate analyses, it was found that factors significantly affecting overall survival included stage (p=0.030), response to treatment (p=0.026) and monocyte count (p=0.004), while factors affecting disease-free survival included NLR (p=0.018), response to treatment (p=0.001), and PLR score (p=0.003). Conclusions: Overall and disease-free survival was found to be better in cases with a WBC count<8.000, platelet count<300,000, and low NLR and PLR scores in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제38권6호
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• pp.445-449
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• 2005

Objective : This study is performed to evaluate the clinical manifestations and prognostic factors among patients with pyogenic spinal infections. Methods : The records and radiologic data of 27 patients treated between 2001 and 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. Results : All patients [mean age, 55.2yrs] were treated with i.v. antibiotics and 13[48.1%] required surgical treatment. Mean follow up duration was 38.9 weeks. The sixteen patients[59.2%] had previous surgical procedure on spine and six patients[22.0%] had local injections. The ten patients had predisposing factor [such as, diabetes mellitus, UTI, liver cirrhosis, septic condition]. The most common symptoms are lower back pain and motor weakness. Causative organisms determined only in ten patients[37%] and Staphylococcus aureus[50%] was most common. C-reactive protein[CRP] and white blood cell[WBC] count were more correlated with clinical outcome than erythrocyte sedimentation rate[ESR]. Conclusion : CRP and WBC level can be significant parameters of treatment and prognosis in pyogenic spinal infection.