• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.1657-1663
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• 2015

Background: Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most important step in successful treatment. However, it is usually rare due to the lack of a highly sensitive specific biomarker so that the HCC is usually fatal within few months after diagnosis. The aim of this work was to study the role of plasma nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) and serum peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) as diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of HCC in a high-risk population. Materials and Methods: Plasma nuclear factor kappa B level (NF-${\kappa}B$) and serum peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in addition to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in 72 cirrhotic patients, 64 patients with HCC and 29 healthy controls. Results: NF-${\kappa}B$ and PRDX3 were significantly elevated in the HCC group in relation to the others. Higher area under curve (AUC) of 0.854 (for PRDX3) and 0.825 (for NF-${\kappa}B$) with sensitivity of 86.3% and 84.4% and specificity of 75.8% and 75.4% respectively, were found compared to AUC of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (0.65) with sensitivity of 72.4% and specificity of 64.3%. Conclusions: NF-${\kappa}B$ and PRDX3 may serve as early and sensitive biomarkers for early detection of HCC facilitating improved management. The role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) as a target for treatment of liver fibrosis and HCC must be widely evaluated.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.683-686
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical value of dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT with serum procalcitonin (PCT) in identifying cancers in patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Methods: PCT test and dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT were sequentially performed on 50 consecutive patients with FUO. Two radiologists evaluated all $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT data independently. A consensus was reached if any difference of opinions existed. Final diagnosis was based on a comprehensive analysis of results for the PCT test, dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT and bacterial cultivation, regarded as a gold standard. Results: Among 50 patients, 34 demonstrated PCT ${\geq}0.5{\mu}g/L$. Coincidence imaging showed in 37 patients with inflammatory lesions, and 13 with malignancy. Finally, 36 bacterial, 1 fungal and 1 viral infections, as well as 12 cancerous fevers were confirmed by dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT with PCT, combined with bacterial cultivation and clinical follow-up. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT in association with PCT could be a valuable tool for diagnosis in tumor patients with FUO.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.18-26
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• 2009

Purpose: Recently, the role of serum tumor marker has been studied for an important issue on diagnosing and treating tumors in the head and neck region because tests using tumor markers need relatively simple procedures and are acceptable to patients, compared with other test methods. Tumor marker tests were performed on patients with squamous cell carcinoma, which were known to have the highest prevalence among tumors in the head and neck region. Association between each tumor marker, and diagnosis and prognosis of tumors was assessed. Materials and methods: Tumor marker tests were carried out on 31 patients who visited Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department in Dankook University Dental Hospital between January 2003 and August 2008 and who were diagnosed as primary oral squamous cell carcinoma through out histopathologic diagnosis. Blood sample from these patients was performed to measure tumor markers using nuclear medicine diagnostic equipment. Measured entries were as follows: PSA(prostate-specific antibody), SCCAg( Squamous Cell Carcinoma Related Antigen), CA 19-9(Cancer Antigen 19-9), Ferritin, $\alpha$- FP(Alpha-Fetoprotein), Cyfra 21-1, CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125) and p53. Results: Analyses on each tumor marker indicated that squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region had statistically significant correlation with p53, SCC-Ag(TA-4), Cyfra 21-1 and Ferritin. p53 demonstrated the highest sensitivity. Especially, 4 cases among 18 cases which Ferritin was measured exhibited metastasis. In all those 4 cases, Ferritin values were higher than the standards (15 - 332ng/ml). Therefore, Ferritin is considered to have a close relation with metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: This study shows that tumor marker tests are more useful in evaluating progression and prognosis of tumors rather than in diagnosing them. Particularly, serum Ferritin is considered to be beneficial in assessing metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region and in developing treatment plans based on the assessment.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.236-245
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• 2024

Purpose: The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing with the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. Although NASH has a high risk of progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, few studies have reported noninvasive markers for predicting hepatic fibrosis in children. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracies of serologic biomarkers and scoring systems for hepatic fibrosis in obese children with NASH. Methods: A total of 96 children were diagnosed with NASH based on liver biopsy findings and divided into two groups according to the degree of liver fibrosis: mild (stage 0-1) or advanced (stage 2-4). Clinical and laboratory parameters and serum levels of hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen were measured. The aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score were calculated. Results: Among the noninvasive markers, only serum type IV collagen level and FIB-4 were significantly different between the two groups. The area under the receiver operating curve of each biomarker and scoring system was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-0.90) for type IV collagen at an optimal cutoff of 148 ng/mL (sensitivity 69.8%, specificity 84.6%), followed by 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57-0.83) for APRI, 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56-0.80) for FIB-4, and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53-0.77) for hyaluronic acid. Conclusion: Type IV collagen as a single noninvasive serologic biomarker for hepatic fibrosis and FIB-4 as a hepatic fibrosis score are beneficial in predicting advanced hepatic fibrosis and determining proper diagnosis and treatment strategies before fibrosis progresses in obese children with NASH.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.165-175
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• 2009

국내 실용 산란계 농장에서 FLHS 병력을 지닌 계군과 정상계군에 대한 특정 혈액화학치를 비교 측정하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. FLHS 계군의 간의 지방 함량과 vacuolation score가 Non-FLHS 계군보다 높게 나타났으며, FLHS를 확인하는데 간의 지방 함량과 조직 병리학적 소견을 평가하는 것이 유의성이 있음을 확인할 수 있었다(p<0.05). 또한, FLHS 계군과 Non-FLHS계군이 실험군으로서 명확하게 구분이 되었다. Non-FLHS와 FLHS 계군의 다섯 가지의 혈액화학치를 측정한 결과, cholesterol, AST, LDH의 평균 수치가 Non- FLHS 계군보다 FLHS 계군이 높았으며, FLHS를 확인하는데 cholesterol, AST, LDH가 유의성 있는 항목임을 알 수 있었다(p<0.05). FLHS 계군은 Non-FLHS 계군보다 CK는 높지 않으면서, AST가 높게 나타났으며, FLHS를 진단하기 위해 AST를 측정할 때, CK를 비교 항목으로 이용하는 것이 유용하다는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. Serum AST는 케이지에서 사육되는 산란계에서 FLHS 발생시 현저하게 상승되는 항목으로, FLHS 계군 중에는 250 IU/L 이상을 보이는 개체가 있었으나, Non-FLHS 계군에는 250 IU/L 이상을 보이는 개체가 없었다. MINITAB을 이용하여 판별 분석을 실시한 결과, AST의 판별 추정 계수가 cholesterol이나 LDH보다 큰 수치를 나타내어, AST가 FLHS의 판별에 더 큰 의미를 부여하는 유용한 항목임을 다시 확인할 수 있었다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.455-464
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• 1995

연구배경: 인체의 결핵균 감염에 대하여 체액성 면역과 세포 매개성 면역이 함께 관여하며 효소결합 면역 분석법으로 결핵균 항원에 대한 항체(IgG)를 측정하는 것은 결핵성 흉막염 진단법으로 이용할 수 있다. 방법: 1992년 5월부터 1994년 7월까지 인하대학교 인하병원에 흉막염으로 입원하였던 환자 중 원인이 확진된 결핵성 흉막염 환자 40예, 비결핵성 흉막염 환자 19예를 대상으로 하여 혈청 및 흉막액에서 PPD 항원과 LAM-B 항원에 대한 IgG 항체가의 흡광도를 측정 하였다. 결과: 1) 결핵성 흉막염군의 흉막액 및 혈청내 PPD와 LAM-B 항체가는 비결핵성 흉악염군보다 유의하게 높았다.(p<0.0005) 2) 혈청내 PPD와 LAM-B 항체가는 흉막액내 항체가 보다 높았다. 3) PPD와 LAM-B에 대한 흉막액 항체와 혈청 항체간에는 의미있는 상관관계를 보였다. 4) 흉막액 PPD 항체의 결핵성 흉막염 진단기준을 0.091로 할 경우 진단적 예민도는 55.0%, 94.7%를 나타내었다. 5) 흉막액 LAM-B 항체의 결핵성 흉막염 진단기준을 0.337로 할 경우 진단적 예민도는 50.0%, 특이도는 94.7%를 나타내었다. 5)결핵성 흉막염군의 진단 양성률은 PPD 피부반응 검사, 흉막액의 양, 활동성 폐결핵 동반여부 등에 의해 영향받지 않았다. 결론: PPD와 LAM-B에 대한 IgG 측정은 결핵성 흉막염의 진단에 도움을 줄 것으로 사료된다. 아울러 PPD와 LAM-B에 대한 IgG는 수동적으로 흉막조직을 통해 혈청에서 흉막액으로 이동함을 제시하고 있다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권17호
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• pp.7825-7829
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• 2015

Background: Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV infection in the world (~14.7%). Around 10-15% of HCV-infected persons will advance to cirrhosis within the first 20 years. The incidence of HCC is expected to grow in the next two decades, largely due to HCV related cirrhosis, and detection of HCC at an early stage is critical for a favorable clinical outcome. No simple reliable non-invasive marker has been available till now. B2M, a non-glycosylated polypeptide composed of 99 amino acids, is one of the components of HLA class I molecules on the surfaces of all nucleated cells. It has been reported that the level of serum B2M is elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis C and HCV-related HCC when compared to HCV-negative patients or healthy donors. Determining the clinical utility of serum B2M as a marker for disease progression in Egyptian patients with HCV related chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was the aim of the present study. Materials and Methods: In this analytical cross sectional study 92 participants were included in 4 equal groups: Group (1) non cirrhotic chronic HCV; Group (2) HCV related liver cirrhosis; Group (3) HCC on top of HCV,; and Group (4) healthy controls. History taking, clinical examination, routine labs and abdominal ultrasound were conducted for all patients, PCR and Metavir scores for group (1) patients, and triphasic CT abdomen and AFP for Group (3) patients. B2M levels were measured in serum with a fully-automated IMX system. Results: The mean serum B2M level of Group (1) was $4.25{\pm}1.48{\mu}g/ml$., Group (2) was $7.48{\pm}3.04$, Group (3) was $6.62{\pm}2.49$ and Group (4) was $1.62{\pm}0.63$. Serum B2M levels were significantly higher in diseased than control group (p<0.01) being significantly higher in cirrhosis ($7.48{\pm}3.04$) and HCC groups ($6.62{\pm}2.49$) than the HCV group ($4.25{\pm}1.48$) (p<0.01). There was a significant correlation between B2M Level and ALK, total and direct bilirubin and INR (p<0.05), and a significant inverse correlation between B2M level and albumin, total proteins, HB andWBCS values (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between B2M level and viral load or Metavir score, largest tumour size or AFP (p>0.05). The best B2M cut-off for HCV diagnosis was 2.6 with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 92%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. The best B2M cut-off for HCC diagnosis was 4.55 which yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive values of 74%, 62%, 39.5, 87.8% respectively (p-value <0.01) while best cut-off for cirrhosis was 4.9, with sensitivity 74 % and specificity 74%.The sensitivity for HCC diagnosis increased upon B2M and AFP combined estimation to 91%, specificity to 79%, NPV to 95% and accuracy to 83%. Conclusions: Serum B2M level is elevated in HCV related chronic liver diseases and may be used as a marker for HCV disease progression towards cirrhosis and carcinoma.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.211-215
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• 2004

Toxoplasmosis has been well known as an important human infection to consider especially in pregnant women. Although many serologic methods are available, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis can be extremely difficult. The presence of increased levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies indicates an infection, but it does not differentiate between a recent and past infection. The purpose of our study was to compare the performance of the ELISA T. gondii IgG/IgM test, a widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, to the ELISA IgG avidity method. One hundred and four serum samples (from 38 males and 66 females) were tested and evaluated from symptomatic patients (chorioretinitis, lymphadenopathy), and from women in their first trimester of pregnancy who were suspected of having toxoplasmosis, The high IgG avidity and ELISA IgG antibody levels were in agreement for 51 of the specimens (49.0％). Thirty-eight discrepant (borderline) results from the IgG avidity method were positive for IgM (3 specimens) and IgG (37 specimens). Interestingly, out of the eight serum samples that were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies, two samples were low IgG avidity, and three samples were borderline. There was no statistically significant relation observed between the results of the IgG avidity method and the ELISA IgG test, and the IgG avidity method and ELISA IgM test (X$^2$=1.987; p=0.370 and X$^2$=2.152; p=0.341, respectively). The IgG avidity method was considered easy to perform and an acceptable approach for the differentiation of discrepant results (recent/chronic) and for the current detection of T. gondii antibodies. We concluded that the determination of IgG avidity is a helpful tool for the diagnosis of the ocular form of toxoplasmosis and it is a safe method for screening this disease in the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.19-26
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• 2007

This study describes the isolation of a Toxocara canis species-specific excretory-secretory(ES) antigen and the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) based on this antigen. Analysis of the ES antigens of T. canis, Toxocara vitulorum, Ascaris lumbricoides and Necator americanus larval antigen was performed by SDS-PAGE followed by western blotting. A 57 kDa T. canis-specific antibody fraction(TcES-57) was identified by western blotting and labelling with anti-Toxocara antibodies(from experimental rabbits and human patients) and tracing with anti-human or anti-rabbit peroxidase conjugate. No protein fraction of 57 kDa was detected in ES or larval antigens collected from T. canis, T. vitulorum, A. lumbricoides and N. americanus. Using TcES-57, a specific anti-serum was produced in rabbits and a double sandwich ELISA was developed. This test was validated using known seropositive sera from toxocariasis patients, sera from A. lumbricoides or N. americanus patients, and 50 serum samples from cats. These tests revealed that TcES-57 antigen is specific to T. canis infection and does not cross react with sera of other related infections. Thus, ELISA based on TcES-57 antigen was proven to be an effective tool in the diagnosis of toxocariasis and studies on the role of T. canis in the epidemiology of human toxocariasis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제55권4호
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• pp.226-229
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• 2014

We describe a rare case of intradural-extramedullary primary spinal cysticercosis. A 42-year-old man visited our institute for lower back pain. He denied having consumed raw meet. Magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed an intradural pure cystic mass at the L3-L4 level. A radiologic diagnosis of spinal arachnoid cyst was established. Three years later, he complained of aggravated back pain, and follow-up MR examination showed a markedly expanded cyst, occupying the subarachnoid space from the T11 to the S1 level. L2 hemilaminectomy was performed, and a yellowish infected cyst bulged out through the dural opening. The cyst was removed en bloc. The histopathological findings of the cyst were consistent with parasitic infection. Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed the presence of spinal cysticercosis. As there was no intracranial lesion, the final diagnosis was primary spinal cysticercosis, which is very rare. MR imaging is a sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting cystic lesions in the spine; however, it is difficult to distinguish cysticercosis from non-infectious cysts such as an arachnoid cyst without using gadolinium enhancement. Clinicians treating spinal cysts with an unusual clinical course should include cysticercosis as a differential diagnosis. We recommend contrast-enhanced MR imaging and serum ELISA in the diagnostic work-up of such cases.