• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.285-291
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• 2018

Gremlin-1 (GREM1) has been defined as an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly during embryonic development and tissue differentiation. However, recent studies have shown that GREM1 has BMPs-dependent or -independent functions in diverse human diseases. GREM1 plays a key role in the process of organ fibrosis, including lungs, kidneys, and so on. The GREM1-induced fibrosis typically promotes the development of other diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, renal inflammation, and diabetic nephropathy. More recently, considerable evidence has been reported showing that GREM1 is involved in the promotion and/or progression of tumors in vitro and in vivo. It also performs an oncogenic role in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Although GREM1 is known to function in a variety of diseases, here we focus on the role of GREM1 in cancer, and suggest GREM1 as a potential therapeutic target in certain types of cancer.

• 대한약학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한약학회 2003년도 Proceedings of the Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea Vol.2-2
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• pp.86.2-87
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• 2003

Introduction: Liver fibrosis is defined unbalance of collagen metabolism, especially a stimulation of collagen synthesis and inhibition of collagen degradation, and antifibrotic effect is delaying or inhibition of new collagen synthesis and deposition in liver tissue. In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic and antioxidative effect of Solanum lycopersicum (SL) in liver fibrosis induced rats. Methods: : Rats were randomly divided in three groups (normal, CCl$_4$ and CCl$_4$-SL group) and were received 0.6 ml mixture of CCl$_4$ and olived oil (1:1 v/v) 3 times/week for 4 weeks except of the normal group. (omitted)

• 대한약학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한약학회 2003년도 Proceedings of the Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea Vol.2-2
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• pp.101.1-101.1
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• 2003

The therapeutic goal in liver fibrosis is to reverse fibrosis and selective clearance of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which playa central role in liver fibrogenesis, by apoptosis might be essential during resolution of fibrosis. Past several years we screened for natural products which mediate apoptosis in activated HSCs, and among the candidates honokiol, isolated from Magnoliae Cortex, was found to induce apoptotic death in activated rat HSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner at the concentration between 12.5 microM and 50 microM. (omitted)

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.101-108
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• 2022

High-fat diet (HFD)-fed ovariectomized (OVX) female mice were used as an animal model of obese postmenopausal women. We investigated the effects of ascorbic acid on the histological changes induced in the liver. Plasma alanine aminotransferase levels and liver weights were higher in mice fed an HFD for 18 weeks than in mice fed a low-fat diet, effects that were inhibited by ascorbic acid. Similarly, mice fed an ascorbic acid-supplemented HFD had less hepatic lipid accumulation than did mice fed an HFD alone. Moreover, administration of ascorbic acid reduced inflammatory cells, including mast cells and CD68-positive cells, and inflammatory foci in the liver and inhibited hepatocyte ballooning. Hepatic collagen levels were lower in ascorbic acid-treated versus non-treated mice. These results suggest that ascorbic acid inhibits hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in obese OVX mice. Thus, ascorbic acid intake may be useful for postmenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.291-300
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• 2024

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a congenital genetic disorder, is a notable contributor to the prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Despite the absence of a complete cure, ongoing research aims for early diagnosis and treatment. Although agents such as tolvaptan and mTOR inhibitors have been utilized, their effectiveness in managing the disease during its initial phase has certain limitations. This review aimed to explore new targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of ADPKD, considering ongoing developments. We particularly focus on cell polarity, which is a key factor that influences the process and pace of cyst formation. In addition, we aimed to identify agents or treatments that can prevent or impede the progression of renal fibrosis, ultimately slowing its trajectory toward end-stage renal disease. Recent advances in slowing ADPKD progression have been examined, and potential therapeutic approaches targeting multiple pathways have been introduced. This comprehensive review discusses innovative strategies to address the challenges of ADPKD and provides valuable insights into potential avenues for its prevention and treatment.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.115-122
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• 2008

목적: SPIO-enhanced MRI상에서 얻은 radiological non-invasive hepatic fibrosis index (RNHFI)와 AST/혈소판 비(AST to platelet ratio index, APRI)간의 상관관계를 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 5년동안 SPIO-enhanced MRI를 시행받은 환자들을 대상으로 하였다. 환자들을 간경변 집단과 비(非)간경변 집단으로 분류했다. PACS를 이용, 각 환자의 SPIO-enhanced MRI에서 RNHFI (간실질 신호강도 표준편차의 평균(SD), 잡음교정 변이계수(CV))를 산출했고, 각 환자의 실험실 검사 결과를 이용, APRI를 산출했다. Student's t-test를 이용하여 두 집단간의 RNHFI와 APRI의 차이를 비교했다. 각 집단에서, RNHFI와 APRI간의 이변량 상관분석을 시행했다. 결과: 간경변 집단에서, SD, CV의 평균은 각각 $10.3{\pm}3.7$, $0.19{\pm}0.08$였다. 비간경변 집단에서, SD, CV의 평균은 각각 $6.5{\pm}1.6$, $0.08{\pm}0.05$였다. 두 집단의 평균 APRI는 각각 $2.04{\pm}1.7$, $0.32{\pm}0.32$였다. RNHFI와 APRI는 두 집단 사이에서 의미 있는 차이를 보였다 (p<0.05). 간경변 집단에서, SD와 APRI는 양의 상관관계를 보였다 (r=0.5, p<0.001). 결론: SD값이 간섬유화의 간단하고 유용한 예측 인자가 될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.187-194
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• 2001

The oxidative stress causes the cell damage and death and thereby, stimulates membrane lipid peroxidation. In this study, the correlation between the lipid peroxidation product and the parameter of liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) was investigated in cholestasis induced rats. The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (sham: sham operation, BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II : bile duct ligation/scission) and were observed for 2 or 4 weeks. After observation period, the organs were weighed and the ratio of organ weight/body weight was calculated. Sera and liver tissue were used for the measurement of malondealdehyde (MDA), parameter of clinical biochemistry, total collagen content and the staining. The ratio of organ weight/body weight in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II was significantly increased compared to sham operated group. Serological parameters (Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, Alkaline phosphatase and Total bilirubin) in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group were significantly higher than those in sham operated group. Concentration of MDA in BDL/S-I (261%) and BDL/S-II(790%) was significantly increased compared to MDA in sham operated group. And the content of hydroxyproline (hyp) in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group was significantly increased 2~4 times than in sham operated group. The good correlations between hyp in liver tissue and MDA in sera of sham operated group and all operated group were found (r=0.825). The significantly higher value of MDA, hyp and serological parameters in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group suggests the stimulation of lipid peroxidation and chronic liver damage. Especially the activation of lipid peroxidation and the stimulation of liver fibrosis was stronger in BDL/S-II group than in BDL/S-I group. The stronger fibrosis, portal-portal septum formation, the more massive bile duct proliferation in portal triads and stroma, and hepatocytes swelling were observed in liver tissue of and BDL/S-II group compared to BDL/S-I group. Conclusively, a good correlation between MDA as a lipid peroxidation marker and hyp as a liver fibrotic parameter could be connected with the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, cholestasis condition may cause jaundice, activation of lipid peroxidation, and collagen accumulation in liver. Additionally, optimal observation period of bile duct obstruction for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in rats would be four weeks.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.191-198
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• 2011

Background: Postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis is inevitable. Some studies have compared and identified the effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HMWHA) and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids (LMWHA) on peridural fibrosis in postlaminectomy animal models. However, no studies have been found that compare pain behaviors between hyaluronic acids or among hyaluronic acids and other solid materials. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between pain-related behaviors and histopathologic changes in laminectomized rats using various peridurally administered materials. Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats, laminectomized at the L5 and L6 levels, were divided into four groups: group C, laminectomy only; group L, laminectomy and LMWHA application; group H, laminectomy and HMWHA application; group F, laminectomy and fat interposition. Pain behaviors were checked before, 3 days, 1 week, and 3 weeks after surgery. Histopathological changes were checked at the L5 level 3 weeks after the surgery. Results: The 50% withdrawal thresholds in groups L and H were higher than that in groups C and F three days after laminectomy (P < 0.05). The paw withdrawal time did not change among the groups and in each group during the study period. Peridural fibrosis in group F was significantly lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Hyaluronic acids significantly reduced mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. Peridural fibrosis did not show any correlation with pain behaviors. There have been limited studies on the correlation between peridural fibrosis and pain behavioral change, which should be verified by further studies.

• 약학회지
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• 제40권5호
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• pp.550-557
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• 1996

One of therapeutics in liver disease (morbus wilson) is D-penicillamin (D-pen: D-3-mercapto-valin). Especially the cross-linking of collagen molecules could be inhibited by D-pe n in extracellular space. In this study we investigated the antifibrotic effects of D-pen in rats that were induced the liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S). Rats were treated for 4 weeks with D-pen after BDL/S operation or sham operation. The balance between fibrogenesis-marker (PNIIIP) and the fibrolysis-maker (PNIVP) were observed in sera by RIA (radioimmunoassay), and the parameter of collagen deposition in liver tissue (hydroxyproline: HYP) was measured by colorimetry. The weight of liver in BDL/S operated group was increased significantly in compared with sham operation group (15.2g${\pm}$1.1, vs 11.9g${\pm}$3.9: p<0.005, p<0.05). The rats group treated by D-pen showed the lower level of PNIIIP (6.7ng/ml${\pm}$1.5, vs 9.5ng/ml${\pm}$2.8) and the higher value of PIVCP (14.0ng/ml${\pm}$1.9, vs 7.9ng/ml${\pm}$1.5) in sera that compared to untreated rats. The content of HYP was decreased by 141% in BDL/S with D-pen treated group than that of it in BDL/S group. No correlation was revealed between collagen parameters in sera and HYP in liver tissue of BDL/S operated and D-pen treated rats. The group treated with D-pen showed the lower value of clinical biochemistry parameters (GOT: glutamate oxalacetate transaminase, Total-Bilirubin) in compared with only BDL/S operated rats, but the value of GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) and Alkaline phosphatase in two BDL/S groups was nearly same. In the histological finding, we observed mild bile duct proliferation, weak inflammation and fibrosis in BDL/S with D-pen treated group, but BDL/S operated group showed the formation of septum (island of hepatocytes), massive bile duct proliferation. This result represents that the BDL/S operation induces liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) in 4 weeks, and D-pen inhibits the synthesis of collagen weakly and stimulates the degradation of collagen in the extracellular space. We conclude that the monitoring of PNIIIP, PIVCP in sera is useful parameter for screening of antifibrotic effect, and D-pen delay the liver fibrosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.185-191
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• 1993

연구배경 : ICAM-1은 90 kD의 당단백으로서 ${\beta}_2$ integrin과 관계를 가지며, 특발성 폐섬유증의 병인론에 있어서 ICAM-1의 발현과 밀접한 관계가 있다고 보고되고 있다. 특발성 폐섬유종에 있어서 ICAM-1의 발현 정도는 상향조절된다. 특발성 폐섬유증에 있어서 ICAM-1의 발현 양상에 대한 보고는 드물다. 방법 : 본 연구는 특발성 폐섬유증에 있어서 ICAM-1의 발현 양상을 연구하고자 개흉폐생검으로 채취된 특발성 간질성 폐섬유증 3예의 6절편과 폐절제시 채취한 3예의 정상조직을 연구재료로 하여 ICAM-1의 단세포군항체를 이용하여 연역조직화학적 검색을 실시하였다. 결과 : ICAM-1은 3예의 정상조직의 기관지 상피세포나 폐포 세포에서는 발현되지 않았다. 3예의 특발성 폐섬유증 6절편 중 5절편에서 폐포벽의 간질성 섬유아 세포들에서 발현되었고, 1절편에서는 증식된 폐포내 폐포세포에서 발현되었다. 그 정도는 비균질적인 양상을 보였다. 3예의 6절편 중 5절편에서 강한 발현을 1절편에서는 약한 발현정도를 나타냈다. 결론 : 위의 연구 결과를 종합하여 보면, ICAM-1의 발현 증가는 특발성 폐섬유증의 병인과 상당한 관련이 있음을 암시해 주는 것으로 추정된다.