• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.315-318
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• 2012

Objective: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been claimed to play role in carcinogenesis and be related to a bad prognosis in tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COX-2 expression and clinical and pathological parameters in early and advanced stage lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 patients with lung cancer (27 adenocarcinomas, 33 squamous cell carcinomas, 4 large cell carcinomas and 9 small cell cancer) were analysed retrospectively. COX-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in resection materials or lung biopsies. Tumor cells demonstrating more intense staining than smooth muscle and endothelial cells were recorded as COX-2 positive. We investigated the correlation between increased COX-2 expression and histological type of the tumor, the stage of the disease and survival. Results: COX-2 expression was observed in 55% of the adenocarcinomas, 45% of the squamous cell carcinomas and 22% of the small cell carcinomas. No correlation was apparent between COX-2 expression and disease stage, histological type and the survival. Conclusion: The results of this study do not support COX-2 expression as an independent prognostic factor in lung cancer. However, since results of the literature are different, further studies made in larger series are needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.715-718
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• 2012

The current research concerns the clinicopathological significance of MHC class I chain-related protein A (MICA) expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). The expression and location of MICA protein in 14 normal oral mucous and 45 cancerous and para-cancerous tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry and levels of MICA mRNA expression in 29 cancerous and para-cancerous tissues were determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed with the SPSS16.0 software package. MICA was found to be located in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Expression was higher in para-cancerous than in cancerous tissues (P < 0.05). However, no statistical difference was found between the following: 1) para-cancerous tissue with normal mucosa; 2) normal mucosa with cancerous tissue;and 3) among different clinicopathological parameters in OSCC (P > 0.05). The level of MICA mRNA was higher in OSCCs than in para-cancerous tissues, and was correlated with the regional lymph node status and disease stage (P < 0.05). The levels of MICA protein and mRNA expression differ among normal oral mucosa, para-cancerous tissue, and cancerous tissue. MICA may contribute to the tumorigenesis and progression of OSCC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권9호
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• pp.4541-4544
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy with the highest incidence rates among women worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) disease is diagnosed more frequently in younger women, and is associated with a poor prognosis. Elevated levels of serum haptoglobin protein (Hp) are observed in many malignant diseases including breast cancer. We evaluated the expression and prognostic value of Hp among patients with TNBC. Materials and Methods: Serum Hp levels were determined by Elisa in 41 patients with TNBC and 10 normal individuals. Hp status was correlated with other clinico-pathological parameters including patient survival. Results: Of the 41 patients with TNBC, Hp over expression was detected in 24 (59%) by Elisa. Hp up-regulation was confirmed by Elisa based quantification in the serum of 41 TNBC patients against lower grades and 10 normal individuals. Survival analysis revealed that Hp ($p=2.016{\times}10^{-5}$), stage ($p=2.166{\times}10^{-5}$), distant metastasis ($p=2.217{\times}10^{-5}$), tumor size ($p=1.053{\times}10^{-5}$), and tumor grade (p=0.001), correlated with patient survival on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that Hp (p=0.001), and grade of the disease (p=0.008) were independent predictors of survival. Conclusion: Our results indicate that serum levels of Hp may play a role as a potential serum biomarker and prognostic indicator among TNBC patients. Thus, Hp may present a new promising prognostic biomarker in TNBC patients, but independent validations are now necessary for confirmation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권10호
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• pp.4735-4739
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• 2016

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCCA) is an aggressive tumor for which surgical resection is a mainstay of treatment. However, recurrence after resection is common associated with a poor prognosis. Studies regarding recurrence of mass-forming IHCCA are rare; therefore, we investigated the pattern with our dataset. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical and pathological records of 50 mass-forming IHCCA patients who underwent hepatic resection between January 2004 and December 2009 in order to determine the patterns of recurrence and prognosis. All demographic and operative parameters were analyzed for their effects on recurrence-free survival. Results: The median recurrence-free survival time was 188 days (95%CI: 149-299). The respective 1-, 2-, and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were 16.2% (95%CI: 6.6-29.4), 5.4% (95%CI: 1.0-15.8) and 2.7% (95%CI: 0.2-12.0). There was an equal distribution of recurrence at solitary and multiple sites. Univariate analysis revealed no factors related to recurrence-free survival.Conclusion: The overall survival and recurrence-free survival after surgery for mass-forming IHCCA were found to be very poor. Almost all recurrences were detected within 2 years after surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery may add benefit in the affected patients.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.145-153
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• 2007

Objective : Although chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is a common disease, it is very difficult to treat effectively. Toosendan fructus(TOF) has been traditionally used in treatment of abdominal pain and parasite. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Toosendan fructus (TOF) in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Method : Eight-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}$-estradiol after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histophatological profiles. Toosendan fructus(TOF) and testosterone were administered as an experimental specimen and a positive control, respectively. The prostates were evaluated by histopahological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelio-stromal ratio for glandular damage. Also, the prostates were observed by hematological alterations of WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Toosendan fructus(TOF) showed a diminished range of the tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Toosendan fructus(TOF) than that of the control. The epithelio-stromal ratio was lower in Toosendan fructus(TOF) when compared to that of the control. Also, the examination of bloods were not observed hematological change. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Toosendan fructus(TOF) may protect the glandular epithelial cells and may take hematological safety. We concluded that Toosendan fructus(TOF) may could be a useful remedy agents for treating the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.242-252
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• 2018

Purpose: Surgical resection for gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with significant post-operative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in patients undergoing resection for gastric adenocarcinoma with respect to post-operative morbidity and survival. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2008 and 2014. Patient demographics, radiological parameters, and pathological data were collected. OsiriX software (Pixmeo) was used to measure skeletal muscle area, which was normalized for height to calculate skeletal muscle index. Results: A total of 56 patients (41 male, 15 female; mean age, $68.4{\pm}11.9years$) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 36% (20 of 56) of the patients were sarcopenic pre-operatively. Both sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patient groups were equally matched with the exception of weight and body mass index (P=0.036 and 0.001, respectively). Sarcopenia was associated with a decreased overall survival (log-rank P=0.003) and was an adverse prognostic predictor of overall survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 10.915; P=0.001). Sarcopenia was a predictor of serious in-hospital complications in multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 3.508; P=0.042). Conclusions: In patients undergoing curative resection for gastric cancer, there was a statistically significant association between sarcopenia and both decreased overall survival and serious post-operative complications. The measurement and reporting of skeletal muscle index on pre-operative computed tomography should be considered.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.31-34
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• 2004

White blood cells (WBCs) are present in most human ejaculates, but abnormally high concentration of seminal leukocytes may reflect an underlying pathological condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined leukocytospermia as status of more than $10^6$ WBC/mL of semen. The purpose of this study was firstly, to compare the outcomes between conventional IVF and ICSI in leukocytospermia, and secondly, to investigate whether ICSI may be an alternation treatment for patients with leukocytospermia. Total 346 cycles of conventional IVF and ICSI candidates underwent IVF cycles at Eulji Hospital Infertility Clinic. Semen Parameters including concentration, motility, morphology of spermatozoa and concentration of leukocytes were assessed from the raw ejaculates. There was no difference in sperm concentration, motility and morphology. The rates of fertilization and good embryo development from ICSI were significantly higher than those from conventional IVF in leukocytospermia (60.4% ＆ 32.5%, respectively for ICSI group and 44.4% ＆ 28.5%, respectively for IVF group, P<0.00l). The pregnancy rate after ICSI was also higher than that from conventional IVF (34.0% vs 29.1 %, P<0.05). These results indicate that the presence of seminal leukocyes (> 1$\times10^6$ WBC/mL of semen) is adversely related with fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rate. Therfore the measurement of seminal leukocytes in routine semen analysis appears to be of prognostic value with regard to male fertilizing potential. In conclusion, it is suggested that ICSI is an alternative choice of treatment for patients with leukocytospermia.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.62-68
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• 2012

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the single oral dose toxicity of Seonpyejeongcheon-tang (SJT) in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods : In this single oral toxicity study, rats were orally administrated in a single dose of 0 or 5,000 mg/kg SJT. There were 7 rats in each group. After single administration, mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes and gross pathological findings were observed for 14 days. Organ weight, clinical chemistry and hematology were tested after 14 days. Results : There was no mortality or other clinical signs for 14 days. There were also no significant differences in body weight, organ weights, hematological and serum chemical parameters between the SJT and control groups. Conclusions : The results obtained in this study suggest that the 50% lethal dose of SJT is over 5,000 mg/kg, so this finding can be expected to provide scientific evidence for the safety of SJT.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.71-80
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• 2008

Objective: There is increasing evidence that chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is recognized to be a local inflammatory disease, and there is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Prunella vulgaris has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of scrofula, goiter, and allergy diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris on inflammatory cytokines and cytopathological alternation in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}-estradiol$ treatment. Methods: Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Prunella vulgaris as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelial-stromal ratio for glandular damage, and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including the interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Prunella vulgaris showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Prunella vulgaris over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelial-stromal ratio was lower with Prunella vulgaris when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytokine genes, Prunella vulgaris inhibited the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunella vulgaris may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. From theses results, we suggest that Prunella vulgaris could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.245-249
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• 1998

White blood cells (WBCs) are present in most human ejaculates, but abnormally high concentration of seminal leukocytes may reflect an underlying pathological condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined leukocytospermia as status of more than $10^6$ WBC/mL of semen. The purpose of this study was firstly, to compare the outcomes between conventional IVF and ICSI in leukocytospermia, and secondly, to investigate whether ICSI may be an alternative treatment for patients with leukocytospermia. Total 121 cycles of conventional IVF and ICSI candidates underwent IVF cycles at PL Infertility Clinic. Semen Parameters including concentration, motility, morphology of spermatozoa and concentration of leukocytes were assessed from the raw ejaculates. There was no difference in sperm concentration, motility and morphology. The rates of fertilization and good embryo development from ICSI were significantly higher than those from conventional IVF in leukocytospermia (63.9% & 48.6%, respectively for ICSI group and 33.4% & 24.1%, respectively for IVF group, p<0.001). The pregnancy rate after ICSI was also higher than that from conventional IVF (34.3% vs 21.6%, p<0.05). These results indicate that the presence of seminal leukocytes ($>1\times10^6$ WBC/mL of semen) is adversely related with fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rate. Therefore the measurement of seminal leukocytes in routine semen analysis appears to be of prognostic value with regard to male fertilizing potential. In conclusion, it is suggested that ICSI is an alternative choice of treatment for patients with leukocytospermia.