• PNF and Movement
• /
• 제16권3호
• /
• pp.345-353
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on weight distribution and flexibility for trunk flexion. Method: Sixty participants who had no musculoskeletal disorders were recruited from a local university within six months of this study. The participants were randomly assigned to a PNF stretching group (N=30) and a static stretching group (N=32). For the pre-and post-measurement design, the left-right weight distribution, anterior-posterior weight distribution, and finger-to-floor distance (FFD) were measured before and after the stretching interventions. Result: The FFD results were significantly improved after the interventions, regardless of the group differentiation (p<0.05). The PNF stretching intervention significantly increased the differences between anterior and posterior weight distribution compared to the static stretching group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Both the PNF and static stretching interventions could improve flexibility for trunk flexion mobility. Although the PNF intervention improved the weight distribution in the anterior-posterior direction, further research is required to investigate the various PNF interventions on left-and-right and anterior-posterior weight distribution.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• 제32권1호
• /
• pp.126-140
• /
• 2022

Stem cells can be applied usefully in basic research and clinical field due to their differentiation and self-renewal capacity. The aim of this study was to establish an effective novel therapeutic cellular source and create its molecular expression profile map to elucidate the possible therapeutic mechanism and signaling pathway. We successfully obtained a mesenchymal stem cell population from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) cultured on chemically defined feeder-free conditions and treated with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and performed the expressive proteomic approach to elucidate the molecular basis. We further selected 12 differentially expressed proteins in CTGF-induced hESC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (C-hESC-MSCs), which were found to be involved in the metabolic process, immune response, cell signaling, and cell proliferation, as compared to bone marrow derived-MSCs(BM-MSCs). Moreover, these up-regulated proteins were potentially related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results suggest that C-hESC-MSCs are a highly proliferative cell population, which can interact with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway; thus, due to the upregulated cell survival ability or downregulated apoptosis effects of C-hESC-MSCs, these can be used as an unlimited cellular source in the cell therapy field for a higher therapeutic potential. Overall, the study provided valuable insights into the molecular functioning of hESC derivatives as a valuable cellular source.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제46권3호
• /
• pp.153-164
• /
• 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumor cells characterized by self-renewal and differentiation capacity. CSCs are currently postulated as the driving force that induces intra-tumor heterogeneity leading to tumor initiation, metastasis, and eventually tumor relapse. Notably, CSCs are inherently resistant to environmental stress, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy due to high levels of antioxidant systems and drug efflux transporters. In this context, a therapeutic strategy targeting the CSC-specific pathway holds a promising cure for cancer. NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2; NFE2L2) is a master transcription factor that regulates an array of genes involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species/electrophiles. Accumulating evidence suggests that persistent NRF2 activation, observed in multiple types of cancer, supports tumor growth, aggressive malignancy, and therapy resistance. Herein, we describe the core properties of CSCs, focusing on treatment resistance, and review the evidence that demonstrates the roles of NRF2 signaling in conferring unique properties of CSCs and the associated signaling pathways.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• 제48권1호
• /
• pp.3-10
• /
• 2023

This review aimed to update our knowledge of the classification, pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), with the intention of establishing better treatment protocols. The latest version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders uses an etiology-based approach to characterize TN patients, potentially contributing to the development of targeted treatment measures. Noticeable changes in the recent European Academy of Neurology guidelines for the management of TN include the use of magnetic resonance imaging for exclusion of secondary TN and differentiation of idiopathic and classical TN. Additionally, the use of botulinum toxin type A as an addon therapy for mid-term treatment of TN has also been included. Though there has been limited recent progress in the treatment of TN, previous studies emphasize the importance of customized, multidisciplinary management protocols that include drug therapy optimization; provision of continuous education and support; and timely referral of medically refractory patients for surgery in order to achieve favorable prognosis. Furthermore, slow but growing evidence on gene mutations will help elucidate the pathophysiology of TN and contribute to the development of targeted drugs that are effective and safe.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
• /
• 제11권2호
• /
• pp.61-65
• /
• 2023

Globally, esophageal cancer is the seventh most common cancer, and the male-to-female ratio in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is significantly imbalanced at 4:1 to 8:1. Obesity, reflux, and smoking are known risk factors for this sex difference; however, fully explaining this remains challenging. Studies have investigated the link between exogenous sex hormones and esophageal cancer occurrence. A meta-analysis revealed a lower risk of EAC in female who had undergone hormone replacement therapy. Androgen-deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer was associated with a decreased risk of EAC. Tissue-based studies have reported varied results regarding the relationship between estrogen receptor expression and survival in female patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Circulating hormone studies have suggested that higher testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels decreased EAC risk in men, and free testosterone was inversely correlated in female with ESCC. However, a high androgen-estrogen ratio in male patients with EAC was linked to increased odds of EAC. Sex hormones influence carcinogenesis, affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, inflammation, and cell death. The studies were limited by the small sample size and varying hormone measurement methods; thus, future studies with definitive conclusions on the association between esophageal cancer and sex hormones are warranted.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제15권2호
• /
• pp.691-694
• /
• 2014

Background: Tumor length in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) has recently received great attention. However, its prognostic role for EC is controversial. The purpose of our study was to characterize the prognostic value of tumor length in EC patients and offer the optimum cut-off point of tumor length by reliable statistical methods. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 consecutive patients with EC who underwent surgery. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off point for tumor length, measured with a handheld ruler after formalin fixation. Correlations between tumor length and other factors were surveyed, and overall survival (OS) rates were compared between the two groups. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were a total of 71 patients, with a male/female divide of 43/28 and a median age of 59. Characteristics were as follows: squamous/adenocarcinoma, 65/6; median tumor length, 4 (0.9-10); cut-off point for tumor length, 4cm. Univariate analysis prognostic factors were tumor length and modality of therapy. One, three and five year OS rates were 84, 43 and 43% for tumors with ${\leq}4cm$ length, whereas the rates were 75, 9 and 0% for tumors >4 cm. There was a significant association between tumor length and age, sex, weight loss, tumor site, histology, T and N scores, differentiation, stage, modality of therapy and longitudinal margin involvement. Conclusions: Future studies for modification of the EC staging system might consider tumor length too as it is an important prognostic factor. Further assessment with larger prospective datasets and practical methods (such as endoscopy) is needed to establish an optimal cut-off point for tumor length.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제23권2호
• /
• pp.197-206
• /
• 2013

본 연구에서는 K562 만성 골수성 백혈병 세포를 이용하여, 분화 유도에 의해 암 유지/개시 세포의 자기 재생능력이 소실되는 지를 조사하였다. K562 세포의 집락(colony) 형성 능력은 PMA 처리에 의하여 현저히 억제되었고, 1 nM 이상의 PMA 처리시에는 집락이 형성되지 않았으나, 약 40%의 세포는 여전히 연한천(soft agar)에서 살아 있었다. PMA 4 nM을 3일간 처리하고 제거한 후 분리한 집락 형성 세포에 다시 10 nM PMA를 3일간 처리하였을 때, 약 70% 정도의 세포가 분화되었고, 6주 후에 PMA를 처리하였을 때는 분화율이 약 90%로 K562 모세포에 PMA를 처리한 수준에 도달하였다. 한편, imatinib-내성 K562 변종 세포들은 연한천에서 집락을 형성하지 않았으며, 대부분의 세포가 CD44 양성이었다. Imatinib 무첨가 배지에서 4개월 배양 후, 이 세포들의 표면 CD44발현량은 감소하였고, K562/R3 imatinib-내성 변종 세포에서는 연한천에서 작은 집락이 형성되었다. 이 세포에서는 imatinib-내성 변종 세포에서 소실되었던 Bcr-Abl이 다시 발현되기 시작하였고, 다른 표현형들도 부분적으로 회복되었다. 이러한 결과는 백혈병 유지 세포가 분화에 내성을 나타내는 세포이며, 분화 유도제를 오랜 기간 동안 고농도로 처리할 수 있다면 백혈병 줄기 세포를 제거하기 위한 분화 요법이 백혈병 치료에 적용될 수 있음을 시사하였다.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• 제33권3호
• /
• pp.359-372
• /
• 2003

Among objectives of periodontal therapy. the principal one is the morphological and functional reconstruction of lost periodontal supporting tissues. This includes de novo formation of connective tissue attachment and the regrowth of alveolar bone. The use of enamel matrix derivative(EMD) may be a suitable means of regeneration new periodontal attachment in the infrabony defects. Implant used to replace lost tooth but, implantitis occurred after installation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EMD on differentiation and growth of osteoblast in titanium disc. Twentyfive millimeter diameter and 1mm thick Ti disc which was coated 25, 50, 100, 200${\mu}g$/ml of EMD(Emdogain(R)) used as experimental group, 25, 50, 100, 200ng/d of rhBMP-2 as positive control group, and no coat as negative control group. A human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2 was cultured in Ti disc and cell proliferation and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured at 1 and 6 days. PCR was performed at 2 and 8 hours. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR for mRNA expressions of various osteoblastic differentiation markers -type I collagen, ALP, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein - were performed at appropriate concentrations based upon the results of MTT and ALP assay. Cultured cell-disc complexes were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 2 hour. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and repeated- measures 1-way analysis of variance(SPSS software version 10,SPSS. Chicago. IL). After culture, there was more osteoblast in EMD100${\mu}g$/ml than in EMD50, 200${\mu}g$/ml on day 6. There was significant difference in experimental and positive control group compared control group, as times go by(1 and 6 days). Alkaline phosphatase activity was different significantly in EMD100, 200${\mu}g$/ml and BMP100, 200${\mu}g$/ml on day 6. The results of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that expression of mRNA for ALPase, collagen type I, osteopontin. hone sialoprotein and BMP-2 was detected at 2 hour and 8 hour in EMI 200${\mu}g$/ml subgroup and BMP100ng/ml subgroup. The results of this study suggest that application of enamel matrix derivative on osteoblast attached to titanium surface facilitate the expression of bone specific protein and the differentiation and growth of osteoblast.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• 제31권4호
• /
• pp.267-272
• /
• 2007

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo and have the capacity to differentiate into various types of cells in the body. Hence, these cells may potentially be an indefinite source of cells for cell therapy in various degenerative diseases including neuronal disorders. For clinical applications of human ES cells, directed differentiation of these cells would be necessary. The objective of this study is to develop the culture condition for the expansion of neural precursor cells derived from human ES cells. Human ES cells were able to differentiate into neural precursor cells upon a stepwise culture condition. Neural precursor cells were propagated up to 5000-fold in cell numbers over 12-week period of culture and evaluated for their characteristics. Expressions of sox1 and pax6 transcripts were dramatically up-regulated along the differentiation stages by RT-PCR analysis. In contrast, expressions of oct4 and nanog transcripts were completely disappeared in neural precursor cells. Expressions of nestin, pax6 and sox1 were also confirmed in neural precursor cells by immunocytochemical analysis. Upon differentiation, the expanded neural precursor cells differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. In immunocytochemical analysis, expressions of type III ${\beta}$-tubulin and MAP2ab were observed Presence of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were also confirmed by expressions of GFAP and O4, respectively. Results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of long-term expansion of human ES cell-derived neural precursor cells in vitro, which can be a potential source of the cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

• 대한의생명과학회지
• /
• 제3권1호
• /
• pp.11-20
• /
• 1997

신경아세포종 세포 분화의 조절에 대한 연구는 아직 초기 단계에 불과하나 신경아세포종양의 임상적인 치료에 매우 중요한 기초가 된다. 본 연구는 신경아세포종 세포의 분화를 유도 할 수 있는 유용한 시약을 찾아내고자 하는 노력의 일환으로, 잘 알려진 DNA 합성 억제제가 신경 아세포종의 분화를 유도할 수 있는지를 살펴보고자 신경아세포종양 세포의 형태적, 생화학적 및 유전자 발현에 미치는 효과를 살펴보았다. 신경아세포종양으로부터 수립된 세포주, IMR-32 세포에 DNA 합성 억제제인 sodium butyrate, hydroxyurea, cytosine arabinoside를 각각 처리한 결과 처리하지 않은 대조군과는 달리 정상신경 세포 분화시 볼 수 있는 신경 돌기의 성장이 유도됨을 관찰할 수 있었으며 ,신경 전달 물질인 acetylcholine의 합성 효소인 choline acetyltransferase의 활성도가 현저히 증가되었다. 또한DNA합성 억제제를 처리하지 않은 IMR-32세포에서 탐지되지 않았던 c-myc 유전자의 발현이 시약 처리시 확연히 탐지됨을 관찰할 수 있었다. 이러한 실험 결과들은 DNA합성 억제제가 IMR-32세포의 성장을 억제하고 분화를 유도했음을 보여준 것이며, 어린 아이 시기에 많이 발병되는 신경아세포종양의 급속한 악성화나 전이의 억제기전을 제시해 줄 수 있으리라 생각한다.