• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.8 no.5
• /
• pp.289-293
• /
• 2004

To investigate whether VacA (vacuolating toxin) produced by Helicobacter pylori Korean stain 99 induces intestinal secretion, purified VacA was added to T84 cell monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers, and electrical parameters were monitored. Mucosal addition of low pH-pretreated VacA increased short circuit current (Isc). The effect was time- and dose-dependent and saturable. The time-to-peak Isc was concentration-dependent. Chloride channel inhibitors, niflumic acid or 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB), inhibited VacA-stimulated Isc. Carbachol (CCh)-induced increase of Isc was prolonged by the addition of VacA to the mucosal side only. The effect was unaltered by the addition of niflumic acid. VacA did not show cytopathic effects. These studies indicate that VacA is a nonlethal toxin that acts in a polar manner on T84 monolayers to potentiate $Cl^-$ secretion and the response to CCh secretion without decrease in monolayer resistance. VacA may contribute to diarrhea diseases in human intestinal epithelial cells.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.1487-1492
• /
• 2003

Gunjung-tang(GJT) has been reported at Shanghanlun(傷寒論), which has been used for the treatment of general weakness, digestive organ disease and the treatment of allergic disorders in clinical medicine. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. In a rat and mouse model, the role of GJT was examined in mast cell-dependent allergic reactions and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. GJT inhibited anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction by Intraperitoneal pretreatment. GJT inhibited both IL-1β and TNF-α secretion on egg albumin induced allergic tissues and compound 48/80 induced thymus. Furthermore, GJT enhanced Band T lymphocytes proliferation. Our findings provide evidence that GJT inhibits the IgE-dependent allergic reactions and inflammatory cytokines secretion, and enhanced immune response.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.25-33
• /
• 1983

With electron microscope, author studied on the pulp structure of human primary tooth in shedding stage. Non-carious human primary molar teeth were selected for this study. Using standard methods, specimens were sectioned and examined by light and electron microscope, The results were as follows; 1. In coronal pulp, odontoblasts were replaced by multinucleated odontoclasts, which contained a large number of mitochondria of varying shape and vacuoles in cytoplasm. Where odontoclasts were in contact with tooth surface, the characteristic ruffled border and clear zone were observed. 2. Fibrous tissue with plentiful collagen fibers and fibroblasts was observed adjacent to the dentin in the pulp. Fibroblast contained a number of mitochondria and well-developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. 3. Inflammatory cells were observed in the pulp and active fibroblasts could be seen between inflammatory cells. In many cases, cervical epithelium proliferated toward absorbed area. 4. Inflammatory cells consisted of a number of lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Macrophage containing lysosomes in digestive state or phagocyting PMN could be seen. 5. In the primary molar of delayed root resorption, odontoblast layer, zone of Weil and cell-rich zone could be seen at roof of pulp chamber and odontoblast in this area cont과ained some lipid droplets.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.3-9
• /
• 2001

In the view of oriental medicine, the liver is the general of the army in its function of protecting against the enemy. So this concept is very closely associated to the immunological function. Its relations with immunological function are as follows. 1. The liver produces most of the proteins and converts them with hepatocytes, composes 80% in total reticuloendothelial system with Kuffer cells & endothelial cells and has typical structure of sinusoidal vessels closely related with the blood system. 2. The liver plays an important role in innate immunity with Kuffer cells as well as with the molecules that the liver produces, related to complementary systems. 3. In the embryonic period, the liver is associated with immune associated cell growth and their maturation. After birth, it is associated with removing old red blood cells and with systematically modulating immune system through hormone metabolism. 4. The liver controls the autoimmune disease resulting from immune complex by removing molecules like immune complex. 5. In the processing of blood 19A from the digestive system, the liver has an important role in protecting the body from unnecessary immune responses. 6. In the oriental medical view, liver plays a major role in the immune function by storing blood and dispersing stagnated hepatoqi with the help of the kidneys and spleen.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.69-76
• /
• 2006

Objectives : The fresh young leaves and dried fruits of Zanthoxylum piperitum (Korean name: Chopi) are used as diuretics, stomachies, anthelmintic and for the treatments of disorders of the digestive organ in Asia. We investigated inhibitory effects of Zanthoxylum piperitum extract on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide(NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines including $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ from RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. Methods : After methanol extract of Zanthoxylum Fructus (Zanthoxylum extract) was pretreated in RAW264.7 cells, the cells were stimulated with LPS. Cell toxicity of Zanthoxylum extract was assayed bv MTT assay. The production of NO from the cells was measured in culture medium by Griess reaction. The production of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1 \;{\beta}$ from the cells was measured in culture medium by ELISA. Results : Zanthoxylum Fructus extract greatly inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion : This result suggests that Zanthoxylum extract may have an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of inflammatory mediators.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.10
• /
• pp.5621-5624
• /
• 2013

Mucosal head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that develop in the upper-aero digestive epithelium. Together they constitute the sixth most common cancer with an estimated 900,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths each year reported worldwide. The risk factors are tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus (HPV). Our research team initially reported a high incidence rate of HNC in the indigenous population of the Northern Territory. Mortality rates also vary in the Australian States and Territories, with particularly high mortality observed in the Northern Territory. There is a paucity of incidence studies of HNC for the Australian States and Territories. Therefore this review primarily focuses on variation in incidence and mortality iacross the country and highlights specifically the high incidence and mortality in the Northern Territory. Attention is also given to sex-specific incidence and mortality rates.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.3187-3190
• /
• 2013

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane receptor which contributes to many processes involved in cell survival, proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, that may lead to cancer development. Gastric cancer is one of the most common diseases of digestive system that has low 5-year-survival. The aim of this research was to determine the significance of EGFR tyrosine kinase domain gene polymorphisms in gastric cancer in Iran. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 83 patients with gastric cancer and 40 normal subjects were investigated for EGFR gene polymorphisms in exons 18-21 by PCR-SSCP. Then, DNA sequencing was conducted for different mobility shift bands. Finally the data were statistically analyzed using the chi-2 test and the SPSSver.16 program. Results: Exon 18 of EGFR gene showed three different bands in SSCP pattern and DNA sequencing displayed one mutation. SSCP pattern of Exons 19 and 21 did not show different migration bands. Exon 20 of EGFR gene revealed multiple migrate bands in SSCP pattern. DNA sequencing displayed 2 mutations in this exon: one mutation was caused amino acid change and another mutation was silent. Conclusion: It may be that EGFR tyrosine kinase gene polymorphisms differ between populations and screening could be useful in gastric cancer patients who might benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.149-157
• /
• 1993

Protein methylase inhibitor which is a modulator of biological methylation has been purified and characterized from porcine liver soluble fraction by cell fractionation, Sephadex G25 chromatography, reverse phase HPLC, size exclusion HPLC. The results are summarized as follows. 1) The purified inhibitor shows apparent homogeneity, as judged by HPLC. 2) A molecular weight of the purified inhibitor which is composed of 18 amino acid residues is about 1,400 daltons. 3) A single absorption peak of ultraviolet spectrum was observed at 260nm. 4) The inhibitor was not inactivated by heating at $100^{\circ}C$ until 60min. and its activity was not influenced by treatment with digestive enzymes, such as trypsin, pepsin, pronase, chymotrypin, lysozyme, DNase, and RNase. 5) The purified inhibitor inhibited protein rnethylase I, II, III and phospholipid methyltransferase activities. 6) The purified inhibitor inhibited noncompetitively protein methylase II from porcine liver, spleen, and testis. 7) The $K_{i}$ values for protein methylase II from porcine liver, spleen, and testis were 300nM, 250nM, 297nM, respectively.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.91-101
• /
• 1996

Exposure indices are important tools which enable scientists to reliably predict and detect exposures to xenobiotics and resultant cell injury. Since the de novo synthesis of stress proteins can be detected early after exposure to some agents, analysis of toxicant-induced changes in gene expression, i.e. alterations in patterns of protein synthesis, may be useful to develop as biomarkers of exposure and toxicity. The acute and chronic effects of cadmium(Cd, $CdCl_2$ 20 mg/kg) on Wistar male rats were evaluated concerning cadmium contents, tissues enzyme activity, HSP expression. The results of the study were as follows: 1. Less cadmium was absorbed through the digestive tracts, but the ratio of contents in renal to hepatic cadmium was higher at 8 weeks after treatment. 2. ALT(alanine aminotransferase), AST(aspartate aminotransferase), glucose, BUN(blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, the key indices of the clinical changes in hepatic and renal function were significantly changed by the cadmium treatment after 1 week in liver, after 4 weeks in kidney. 3. Enhanced synthesis of 70 KDa relative molecular mass proteins were detected in 2 hours after cadmium exposure, with maximum activity occurring at 8~48 hours. Induction of $HSP_{70}$ was evident at proximal tubules and glomeruli in kidney. Testicular cells produced enough HSP to be detected normally. From the above results, it could be concluded that $HSP_{70}$ induction by the cadmium treatment was a rapid reaction to indicate the exposure of xenobiotics.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.65-73
• /
• 2022

A breakthrough in immunotherapy has changed the outlook for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment as the immune surveillance evasion mechanism of tumor cells has been continuously elucidated. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab, which block immune checkpoint receptors or ligands have been approved for the treatment of mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) mCRC based on numerous clinical studies. However, 50% of dMMR/MSI-H mCRC and most mismatch repair proficient/microsatellite stable mCRC remained unresponsive to current immunotherapy. Clinical trials on combination therapy that adds various treatments, such as target agents, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to ICI, have been actively conducted to overcome this immunotherapy limitation. Further studies on safety and efficacy are needed although several trials presented promising data. Additionally, dMMR/MSI-H, tumor mutation burden, and programmed cell death ligand-1 expression have been studied as biomarkers for predicting the treatment response to immunotherapy, but the discovery and validation of more sensitively predictable biomarkers remained necessary. Thus, this study aimed to review recent studies on immunotherapy in mCRC, summarize the efficacy and limitation of immunotherapy, and describe the biomarkers that predict treatment response.