• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.155-160
• /
• 2001

Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of globulins in the serum that precipitate on exposure to cold temperatures(cryoglobulins). Pulmonary complications of cryoglobulinemia include interstial infiltration, impaired gas exchange, small airway disease and pleurisy. Only one other acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) case has been described in patients with cryoglobulinemia. A 55-years old man was admitted with dyspnea. He had been diagnosed as being a hepatitis B virus antigen carrier 15 years ago. On the first admission, chest radiography showed a bilateral pleural effusion and a patchy infiltration on both lungs. On protein- and immuno-electrophoresis, cryoglobulinemia was confirmed. The patient was treated with corticosteroid and plasmapheresis. Forty-five days after the diagnosis, the patient complained of progressive dyspnea and showed a diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltration on chest radiography. Despite intensive care with mechanical ventilation, the patient died as consequence of hypoxemia and multiple systemic organ failure. On a pathologic examination of the postmortem lung biopsy, multiple necrotizing vasculitis and increased infiltration of the lymphocytes and monocytes were observed. In conclusion, ARDS developed as a result of pulmonary hemorrhage due to cryoglobulinemia-associated vasculitis.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.297-304
• /
• 2001

Scrophularia buergeriana Misrule has been contaminated with various pathogens in condition of field and storage period. This study was carried out for production of multiple stress resistance plant containing disease resistance that CGST gene expressed in transgenic Scrophularia buergeriana Misrule genome. Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) detoxify endobiotic and xenobiotic compounds by covalent linking of tripeptide glutathione to hydrophobic substrate. GST enzymes have been identified and characterized in insects, bacteria, and many plant species. A cDNA clone of GST was introduced into Scrophularia buergeriana Miquel by transformation with Agrobacterium tumefaciences. In coporation of the CGST gene into S. buergeriana Misrule was confirmed by PCR analysis of genomic DNA. Influence of exposure to darkness on the regeneration potential and transformation frequence were assessed. The activity of GST in transgenic plants was two times higher than that of non-transgenic plants. As a result of anti-microbe assays, the crude extract protein of transgenic plants showed the antimicrobial effects higher than control plants.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.116-129
• /
• 2018

Living creatures possess long-conserved mechanisms to maintain homeostasis in response to various stresses. However, chronic and continuous exposure to stress can result in the excessive production of stress hormones, including catecholamines, which have harmful effects on health. Studies on the relationship between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and cancer have been conducted based on the traditional hypothesis that stress can promote cancer progression. Many preclinical and epidemiological studies have suggested that the regulation of ${\beta}$-adrenergic signaling, which mediates SNS activity, can suppress the progression of solid tumors. SNS activation has highly pleiotropic effects on tumor biology, as it stimulates oncogenes, survival pathways, the epithelial - mesenchymal transition, and invasion. Moreover, it inhibits DNA repair and programmed cell death and regulates the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, endothelial cells, the extracellular matrix, mesenchymal cells, and adipocytes. Although targeted therapies on the molecular basis of tumor proliferation are currently receiving increased attention, they have clinical limitations, such as the compensatory activation of other signaling pathways, emergence of drug resistance, and various side effects, which raise the need for pleiotropic cancer regulation. This review summarizes the effects of the SNS on the development and progression of cancer and discusses the clinical perspectives of ${\beta}$-blockade as a novel therapeutic strategy for this disease.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.10
• /
• pp.1484-1488
• /
• 2009

Familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HOKPP) is an autosomal dominant muscle disorder characterized by episodic attacks of muscle weakness with concomitant hypokalemia. Mutations in either a calcium channel gene (CACNA1S) or a sodium channel gene (SCN4A) have been shown to be responsible for this disease. The combination of sarcolemmal depolarization and hypokalemia has been attributed to abnormalities of the potassium conductance governing the resting membrane potential. To understand the pathophysiology of this disorder, we examined both mRNA and protein levels of delayed rectifier potassium channel genes, KCNQ3 and KCNQ5, in skeletal muscle fibers biopsied from patients with HOKOur results showed an increase in the cytoplasmic level of KCNQ3 protein in patients' cells exposed to 50 mM external concentration of potassium. However, mRNA levels of both channel genes did not show significant change in the same condition. Our results suggest that long term exposure of skeletal muscle cells in HOKPP patients to high extracellular potassium alters the KCNQ3 localization, which could possibly hinder the normal function of this channel protein. These findings may provide an important clue to understanding the molecular mechanism of familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.3595-3604
• /
• 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been one of the most fatal malignant tumors worldwide and its associated morbidity and mortality remain of significant concern. Based on in-depth reviews of serological diagnosis of HCC, in addition to AFP, there are other biomarkers: Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3), descarboxyprothrombin (DCP), tyrosine kinase with Ig and eprdermal growth factor (EGF) homology domains 2 (TIE2)-espressing monocytes (TEMs), glypican-3 (GPC3), Golgi protein 73 (GP73), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) have been proposed as biomarkers for the early detection of HCC. The diagnosis of HCC is primarily based on noninvasive standard imaging methods, such as ultrasound (US), dynamic multiphasic multidetector-row CT (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some experts advocate gadolinium diethyl-enetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) MRI and contrast-enhanced US as the promising imaging madalities of choice. With regard to recent advancements in tissue markers, many cuting-edge technologies using genome-wide DNA microarrays, qRT-PCR, and proteomic and inmunostaining studies have been implemented in an attempt to identify markers for early diagnosis of HCC. Only less than half of HCC patients at initial diagnosis are at an early stage treatable with curative options: local ablation, surgical resection, or liver transplant. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered the standard of care with palliation for intermediate stage HCC. Recent innovative procedures using drug-eluting-beads and radioembolization using Yttrium-90 may exhibit beneficial effects in HCC treatment. During the past few years, several molecular targeted agents have been evaluated in clinical trials in advanced HCC. Sorafenib is currently the only approved systemic treatment for HCC. It has been approved for the therapy of asymptomatic HCC patients with well-preserved liver function who are not candidates for potentially curative treatments, such as surgical resection or liver transplantation. In the USA, Europe and particularly Japan, hepatitis C virus (HCV) related HCC accounts for most liver cancer, as compared with Asia-Pacific regions, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) may play a more important role in HCC development. HBV vaccination, while a vaccine is not yet available against HCV, has been recognized as a best primary prevention method for HBV-related HCC, although in patients already infected with HBV or HCV, secondary prevention with antiviral therapy is still a reasonable strategy. In addition to HBV and HCV, attention should be paid to other relevant HCC risk factors, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to obesity and diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged aflatoxin exposure. Interestingly, coffee and vitamin K2 have been proven to provide protective effects against HCC. Regarding tertiary prevention of HCC recurrence after surgical resection, addition of antiviral treatment has proven to be a rational strategy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.15
• /
• pp.6783-6787
• /
• 2015

Background: Despite consistent pharmacogenetic effects of CYP2D6 on tamoxifen exposure, there is considerable controversy regarding the validity of CYP2D6 as a predictor of tamoxifen outcome. Understanding the current state of evidence in this area and its limitations is important for the care of patients who require endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 patients with breast cancer who received tamoxifen therapy for at least 3 years, were genotyped for common alleles of the CYP2D6 gene by nested-PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR. Patients were classified as extensive or poor metabolizers (PM) based on CYP2D6*4 alleles in 3 different groups according to the menopause, Her2-neu status, and stage 3. Results: The mean age of the patients with the disease recurrence was $50.8{\pm}6.4$ and in non recurrent patients was $48.2{\pm}6.8$. In this study 63.3% (n=64) patients were extensive metabolizers and 36.6% (n=37) were poor metabolizers. Sixty four of the 101 patients (63.3%) were Her2-neu positive. For tamoxifen-treated patients, no statistically significant difference in rate of recurrence observed between CYP2D6 metabolic variants in stage 3 and post-menopausal patients. However, there was a significant association between CYP2D6 genotype and recurrence in tamoxifen-treated Her2-neu positive patients. Compared with other women with breast cancer, those with Her2-neu positive breast cancer and extensive metabolizer alleles had a decreased likelihood of recurrence. Conclusions: This study for the first time demonstrated significant effects of CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer alleles on risk of recurrence in Her2-neu positive breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. Therefore, CYP2D6 metabolism, as measured by genetic variation, can be a predictor of breast cancer outcome in Her2-neu positive women receiving tamoxifen.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.17
• /
• pp.7485-7489
• /
• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women throughout the world. However, in comparison with Western women, it presents relatively early in women of Asian ethnicity. Early menarche, late menopause, use of OCP's, family history of benign or malignant breast disease, exposure to radiation and BMI in the under-weight range are well known risk factors for the development of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Early detection with the use of breast self-examination (BSE) and breast cancer screening programs can lead to a reduction in the mortality rates due to breast cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the risk factors for breast cancer among young women and to emphasize the importance of early screening among them. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 18 to 25 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected over a period of 6 months from June to December, 2014. A total of 300 young women selected randomly from Dow Medical College and various departments of Karachi University successfully completed the survey. Results: Respondents were 18-25 years of age (mean age=21.5). Out of the 300 young females, 90 (30%) had at least one risk factor, 90 (30%) had two, 40 (13%) had three, 8 (2.7%) had four, 2 (0.7%) had five while one female was found to have six positive risk factors for breast cancer. Some 66 women (22%) experienced symptoms of breast cancer such as non-cyclical pain and lumps. While 222 women (74%) had never performed breast self-examination, 22 (7.3%) had had a breast examination done by a health professional while 32 (10.7%) had participated in breast screening programs. A total of 223 (74.3%) women considered breast cancer screening important for young women. Conclusions: The percentage of young women with risk factors for breast cancer was found to be alarmingly high. Therefore, screening for breast cancer should start at an early age especially in high risk groups. Awareness about breast self-examination should be emphasized. Moreover, screening programs should be started to ensure early detection and reduction of mortality rates caused by breast cancer also in young Pakistani females.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.7
• /
• pp.4187-4193
• /
• 2013

Background: Evaluation of Human papilloma virus (HPV) and its association with promoter methylation of candidate genes, p53 and Aurora A in esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-one esophageal tissue samples from different pathologies were evaluated for HPV infection by PCR, while the promoter methylation status of p53 and Aurora A was assessed by methylation-specific restriction based PCR assay. Statistical analyses were performed with MedCalc and MDR software. Results: Based on endoscopy and histopathology, samples were categorized: cancers (n=56), precancers (n=7), esophagitis (n=19) and normals (n=59). HPV infection was found to be less common in cancers (19.6%), whereas its prevalence was relatively high in precancers (71.4%), esophagitis (57.8%) and normals (45.7%). p53 promoter methylation did not show any significant difference between cancer and normal tissues, whereas Aurora A promoter methylation demonstrated significant association with disease (p=0.00016, OR:5.6452, 95%CI:2.18 to 14.6) when compared to normals. Aurora A methylation and HPV infection was found in a higher percentages of precancer (66.6%), esophagitis (54.5%) and normal (45.2%) when compared to cancers (14.2%). Conclusions: Aurora A promoter methylation is significantly associated with esophageal cancer, but the effect of HPV infection on this epigenetic alteration is not significant. However MDR analysis showed that the hypostatic effect of HPV was nullified when the cases had Aurora methylation and tobacco exposure. Further HPV sub-typing may give an insight into its reduced prevalence in esophageal cancer verses normal tissue. However, with the present data it is difficult to assign any significant role to HPV in the etiopathology of esophageal cancer.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.87-100
• /
• 2003

It is important to understand the potential human health implications of exposure to environmental chemicals that may act as hormonally active agents. It is necessary to have an understanding of how pharmaceutical and personal care products and other chemicals affect the ecosystem of our planet as well as human health. Endocrine disruption is defined as the ability of a chemical contaminating the workplace or the environment to interfere with homeostasis, development, reproduction, and/or behavior in a living organism or it's offspring. Certain classes of environmentally persistent chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, and some pesticides can adversely effect the endocrine systems of aquatic life and terrestrial wildlife. Research continues to support the theory of endocrine disruption. However, endocrine disruption researches have been applied to proteomics poorly. Proteomics can be defined as the systematic analysis of proteins for their identity, quantity and function. It could increase the predictability of early drug development and identify non-invasive biomarkers of tonicity or efficacy. Proteome analysis is most commonly accomplished by the combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D/E) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) sr protein chip array and SELDI-TOF MS. Proteomics have an opportunity to play an important role in resolving the question of what role endocrine disruptors play in initiating human disease. Proteomics can also play an imfortant role in the evaluation of the risk assessment and use of risk management and risk communication tools required to address public health concerns related to notions of endocrine disruptors. Understanding the need for the proteomics and possessing knowledge of the developing biomakers used to abbess endocrine activity potential will he essential components relevant to the topic of endocrine disruptors.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.385-408
• /
• 1998

Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) has been used in Korea for many centuries as a treatment for respiratory disease. The effect of Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) on tracheal smooth muscle is not known. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) on histamine and acetylcholine induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction in rats and guinea pigs. Guinea pig (500 g, male) and Sprague Dawley rats (200 g, male) were killed by $CO_2$ exposure and a segment (8-10 mm) of the thoracic trachea from each rat and guinea pig was cut into equal segments and mounted 'in pairs' in a tissue bath. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducers under 0.5 g loading tension. The dose of histamine (His) and acetylcholine (Ach) which evoked 50% of maximal response ($ED_{50}$) was obtained from cumulative dose response curves for histamine and acetylcholine $(10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-4}M)$. Contractions evoked by His $(ED_{50})$ and Ach $(ED_{50})$ were inhibited significantly by Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). In guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, the mean percent inhibition of acetylcholine induced contraction was 13.5% (p<0.05) after $10{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散), $64.6\(p<0.01)\;after\;30{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散), and $92.8\(p<0.01)\;after\;100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). In rat tracheal smooth muscle, the mean percent inhibition of acetylcholine induced contraction was $60.9\(p<0.01)\;after\;30{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散), and $91.2\(p<0.01)\;after\;100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). Also, in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, the mean percent inhibition of histamine induced contraction was $104.8\(p<0.01)\;after\;30{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) and $142.3\(p<0.01)\;after\;100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). In rat tracheal smooth muscle, the mean percent inhibition of histamine induced contraction was $63.7\(p<0.01)\;after\;30{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散), and $107.5\(p<0.01)\;after\;100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). Propranolol $(10^{-7}M)$ slightly but significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). Following treatment with propranolol, the mean percent inhibition caused by $100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) fell to 15.7% (p<0.05) in guinea pig induced by acetylcholine contraction and the mean percent inhibition caused by $100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) fell to 22.3% (p<0.05) in guinea pig induced by histamine contraction and by $100{\mu}l/ml$ Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) fell to 28.7% (p<0.01) in rat induced by histamine contraction. Indomethacin and methylene blue $(10^{-7}\;M)$ did not significantly alter the inhibitory effect of Pyeongpaesan (平肺散). Also, I could find the effects of Pyeongpaesan (平肺散) and Pyeongpaesanga (平肺散加) morphine on the tracheal smooth muscle in guinea pig and rat did not change significantly. These results indicate that Pyeongpaesan. (平肺散) can relax histamine and acetylcholine-induced contraction of guinea pig and rat tracheal smooth muscle, and that this inhibition involves sympathetic effects and the release of cyclooxygenase products.