• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제68권4호
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• pp.212-217
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• 2010

Background: Acyl protein thioesterase-1 (APT1) is a cytosolic protein that may function in the depalmitoylation of numerous proteins, including the Ras family. However, the clinical role of depalmitoyl thioesterase in human cancer is not known. We evaluated the APT1 expression in lung cancer tissue and its clinicopathological findings according APT1 expression pattern. Methods: APT1 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in the tumor tissue from 79 patients, who had undergone curative surgical removal of the primary lesion; all patients had been diagnosed with stage I non-small cell lung cancer between 1993 and 2004, at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Results: The APT1 expression was seen in 50 out of 79 (63.3%) cases. The positive APT1 expression was significantly related with histologic subtype and T stage, but was not influenced by differentiation. The positive APT1 expression was not significantly related to patient age, gender, or smoking history. The median follow-up duration was 10.0 years; the 5-year survival rate was 71.0%. The positive APT1 expression group showed significantly worse overall survival and worse disease-free survival without statistical significance. Conclusion: We conclude that positive APT1 expression in stage I lung cancer after surgery is closely associated with overall survival. To evaluate APT1 as a prognostic marker in lung cancer, comprehensive studies on advanced stage cases are needed.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.163-168
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• 2002

흉곽 내 종양의 방사선 치료를 계획함에 있어, 피부의 움직임을 관찰하여 호흡에 의한 종양의 이동 범위를 추정하는 예비 연구로서 동물 실험을 시행하였다. 실험 동물로는 20 kg 크기의 황구를 이용하였고, 폐의 움직임과 피부의 움직임을 비교하기 위하여 형광투시경과 CCD 카메라를 동시에 이용할 수 있는 시스템을 자체 제작하였다. 폐의 하엽에 해당하는 부위의 피부 위에 방사선에 비투과성인 표시점을 올려놓고, 형광투시경으로 전면과 측면에서 상엽과 하엽의 움직임을 측정하였다. 동시에, CCD 카메라로부터 피부 움직임의 영상을 저장하여 두 개의 측정 결과를 비교하였다. 피부는 진폭 6 mm의 주기로 움직이고, 폐 안의 표적도 운동의 진폭(최대 15 mm)과 방향이 폐의 움직임을 따라 변하는 동안 거의 같은 주기로 움직이는 것이 관찰되어, 피부 위의 표시점과 실제 움직이는 표적은 평균 0.85 이상의 강한 상관 관계가 있음을 알 수 있었다. 이러한 상관 관계로 볼 때, 피부의 움직임으로부터 호흡에 의해 움직이는 폐 내부 종양의 위치를 예측하는 것이 가능함을 알 수 있었다. 동물 실험의 경우 호흡에 의한 피부의 움직임으로부터 정확한 표적의 위치를 예측하는 것이 가능하였고, 이 방법을 실제 환자에서도 응용할 수 있는 가능성이 있음을 보였다.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.173-178
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• 2011

Tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF{\alpha}$) is a multifunctional cytokine that is elevated in inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent evidence has suggested that ${\beta}2$ adrenergic receptor (${\beta}2AR$) activation in osteoblasts suppresses osteogenic activity. In the present study, we explored whether $TNF{\alpha}$ modulates ${\beta}AR$ expression in osteoblastic cells and whether this regulation is associated with the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by $TNF{\alpha}$. In the experiments, we used C2C12 cells, MC3T3-E1 cells and primary cultured mouse bone marrow stromal cells. Among the three subtypes of ${\beta}AR$, ${\beta}2$ and ${\beta}3AR$ were found in our analysis to be upregulated by $TNF{\alpha}$. Moreover, isoproterenol-induced cAMP production was observed to be significantly enhanced in $TNF{\alpha}$-primed C2C12 cells, indicating that $TNF{\alpha}$ enhances ${\beta}2AR$ signaling in osteoblasts. $TNF{\alpha}$ was further found in C2C12 cells to suppress bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteogenic marker genes including Runx2, ALP and osteocalcin. Propranolol, a ${\beta}2AR$ antagonist, attenuated this $TNF{\alpha}$ suppression of osteogenic differentiation. $TNF{\alpha}$ increased the expression of receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL), an essential osteoclastogenic factor, in C2C12 cells which was again blocked by propranolol. In summary, our data show that $TNF{\alpha}$ increases ${\beta}2AR$ expression in osteoblasts and that a blockade of ${\beta}2AR$ attenuates the suppression of osteogenic differentiation and stimulation of RANKL expression by $TNF{\alpha}$. These findings imply that a crosstalk between $TNF{\alpha}$ and ${\beta}2AR$ signaling pathways might occur in osteoblasts to modulate their function.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2012

Objectives : Fagopyrum esculentum(FE) has been used for removal of inflammation of internal organs and treatment of sore and ulcer by heat toxin in Korean herbal medicines. In this study, To investigated the protective effect of FE on allergic response, we determined whether FE inhibits allergic response. Methods : The effect of FE was analyzed by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot in RBL-2H3 cells. We investigated cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, as a marker of degranulation, cytokne, and intracellular ROS and MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling. Results : We found that FE suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release, the production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and intracellular ROS level in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. FE also significantly inhibited cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF in RBL-2H3. In addition, PF suppressed the phospholyation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38 and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and NF-${\kappa}B$ signal transduction pathway. Conclusions : Our results indicate that FE protects against allergic response and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation and production of cytokines and ROS via the suppression MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ of signal transduction. Abbrevations : FE, Fagopyrum esculentum; RBL-2H3, rat basophilic leukemia cell line; ROS, reactive oxygen species; MAPK, Mitogen-activated protein kinase; $NF{\kappa}B$, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$; $TNF{\alpha}$, Tumor necrosis factor alpha; GM-CSF, Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor; ERK, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; JNK, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase; p38, p38 MAP kinase; $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, inhibitory-kappa B alpha.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.247-256
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• 2017

Background: KG-135, a standardized formulation enriched with Rk1, Rg3, and Rg5 ginsenosides, has been shown to inhibit various types of cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we explored its effects in A549 human lung cancer cells to investigate the induction of Forkhead Class box O3a (FOXO3a) and autophagy. Methods: Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine B staining. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using flow cytometry. The changes of protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. Autophagy induction was monitored by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles stained with acridine orange. Results: KG-135 effectively arrested the cells in G1 phase with limited apoptosis. Accordingly, a decrease of cyclin-dependent kinase-4, cyclin-dependent kinase-6, cyclin D1, and phospho-retinoblastoma protein, and an increase of p27 and p18 proteins were observed. Intriguingly, KG-135 increased the tumor suppressor FOXO3a and induced the accumulation of autophagy hallmark LC3-II and acidic vesicular organelles without an increase of the upstream marker Beclin-1. Unconventionally, the autophagy adaptor protein p62 (sequestosome 1) was increased rather than decreased. Blockade of autophagy by hydroxychloroquine dramatically potentiated KG-135-induced FOXO3a and its downstream (FasL) ligand accompanied by the cleavage of caspase-8. Meanwhile, the decrease of Bcl-2 and survivin, as well as the cleavage of caspase-9, were also drastically enhanced, resulting in massive apoptosis. Conclusion: Besides arresting the cells in G1 phase, KG-135 increased FOXO3a and induced an unconventional autophagy in A549 cells. Both the KG-135-activated extrinsic FOXO3a/FasL/caspase-8 and intrinsic caspase-9 apoptotic pathways were potentiated by blockade of autophagy. Combination of KG-135 and autophagy inhibitor may be a novel strategy as an integrative treatment for cancers.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.138-144
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• 2015

Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that binds to the estrogen receptor (ER), and exhibits potent anti-tumor and autophagy-inducing effects in breast cancer cells. However, the mechanism of raloxifene-induced cell death and autophagy is not well-established. So, we analyzed mechanism underlying death and autophagy induced by raloxifene in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Treatment with raloxifene significantly induced death in MCF-7 cells. Raloxifene accumulated GFP-LC3 puncta and increased the level of autophagic marker proteins, such as LC3-II, BECN1, and ATG12-ATG5 conjugates, indicating activated autophagy. Raloxifene also increased autophagic flux indicators, the cleavage of GFP from GFP-LC3 and only red fluorescence-positive puncta in mRFP-GFP-LC3-expressing cells. An autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), suppressed the level of LC3-II and blocked the formation of GFP-LC3 puncta. Moreover, siRNA targeting BECN1 markedly reversed cell death and the level of LC3-II increased by raloxifene. Besides, raloxifene-induced cell death was not related to cleavage of caspases-7, -9, and PARP. These results indicate that raloxifene activates autophagy-dependent cell death but not apoptosis. Interestingly, raloxifene decreased the level of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and activated the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. However it was not suppressed the AKT/mTOR pathway. Addition of ATP decreased the phosphorylation of AMPK as well as the accumulation of LC3-II, finally attenuating raloxifene-induced cell death. Our current study demonstrates that raloxifene induces autophagy via the activation of AMPK by sensing decreases in ATP, and that the overactivation of autophagy promotes cell death and thereby mediates the anti-cancer effects of raloxifene in breast cancer cells.

• 미생물학회지
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.277-281
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• 2008

HIV에 감염된 환자의 경우 다양한 종류의 암이 발생하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이러한 암종의 높은 발생률의 원인으로, 감염에 의한 면역세포의 감소 및 결핍과 같은 간접적인 이유 뿐 아니라, HIV 바이러스 단백질의 발현이 직접적으로 병의 발생에 관여한다는 보고가 있다. 본 연구에서는 HIV 환자에서 높게 나타나는 암의 발생에 대한 기전을 이해하기 위하여 HIV-1 Tat 유전자와, 다수의 암 발생과 관련이 있는 세포막단백 CD99와의 관계를 규명하였다. 먼저 CD99의 발현에 미치는 Tat의 영향을 알아보기 위하여 HIV-1 Tat 발현 안정화 세포주를 확립하고 Tat 단백에 의한 CD99 유전자의 발현 양상 변화를 분석하였다. 실험결과 Tat의 발현에 의하여 CD99 유전자의 발현이 활성화되는 것이 관찰되었으며 이와 반대로 STAT3의 발현은 낮아졌다. CD99 프로모터는 CpG 함량이 높기 때문에 Tat 단백이 DNA 메칠화를 통해서 CD99 유전자의 발현을 조절하는지 확인하기 위하여 methylation specific PCR을 수행하였고 Tat의 발현이 높은 곳에서 특이적으로 CD99 프로모터 부위가 탈메칠화되는 것을 발견하였다. Tat 발현 세포에서만 특이적인 발현 차이를 보이는 유전자 분석을 위한 Differentially Expressed Gene keratin 17과 collagen, type IV 증가됨이 확인되었다. 위의 결과는 HIV Tat 단백이 직접 세포 단백들을 조절하여 암을 발생시킬 수 있다는 보고를 뒷받침한다.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.218-226
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• 2018

Purpose: Standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer consists of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with concomitant fluoropyrimidine or oxaliplatin and surgery with curative intent. Pathological complete response has shown to be predictive for better outcome and survival; nevertheless there are no biological or genetic factors predictive for response to treatment. We explored the correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) GSTP1 (A313G) and XRCC1 (G28152A), and the pathological complete response and survival after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Genotypes GSTP1 (A313G) and XRCC1 (G28152A) were determined by pyrosequencing technology in 80 patients affected by locally advanced rectal cancer. Results: The overall rate of pathological complete response in our study population was 18.75%. Patients homozygous AA for GSTP1 (A313G) presented a rate of pathological complete response of 26.6% as compared to 8.5% of the AG+GG population (p = 0.04). The heterozygous comparison (AA vs. AG) showed a significant difference in the rate of pathological complete response (26.6% vs. 6.8%; p = 0.034). GSTP1 AA+AG patients presented a 5- and 8-year cancer-specific survival longer than GSTP1 GG patients (87.7% and 83.3% vs. 44.4% and 44.4%, respectively) (p = 0.014). Overall survival showed only a trend toward significance in favor of the haplotypes GSTP1 AA+AG. No significant correlations were found for XRCC1 (G28152A). Conclusion: Our results suggest that GSTP1 (A313G) may predict a higher rate of pathological complete response after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and a better outcome, and should be considered in a more extensive analysis with the aim of personalization of radiation treatment.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.121-131
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• 2019

Purpose: The significance of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in gastric carcinoma (GC) is controversial, leading to ambiguous concepts in traditional classifications. This study aimed to determine the prognostic threshold of meaningful NED in GC and clarify its unclear features in existing classifications. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and neural cell adhesion molecule was performed for 945 GC specimens. Survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test and univariate/multivariate models with percentages of NED ($P_{NED}$) and demographic and clinicopathological parameters. Results: In total, 275 (29.1%) cases were immunoreactive to at least 1 neuroendocrine (NE) marker. GC-NED was more common in the upper third of the stomach. $P_{NED}$, and Borrmann's classification and tumor, lymph node, metastasis stages were independent prognostic factors. The cutoff $P_{NED}$ was 10%, beyond which patients had significantly worse outcomes, although the risk did not increase with higher $P_{NED}$. Tumors with ${\geq}10%$ NED tended to manifest as Borrmann type III lesion with mixed/diffuse morphology and poorer histological differentiation; the NE components in this population mainly grew in insulae/nests, which differed from the predominant growth pattern (glandular/acinar) in GC with <10% NED. Conclusions: GC with ${\geq}10%$ NED should be classified as a distinct subtype because of its worse prognosis, and more attention should be paid to the necessity of additional therapeutics for NE components.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.318-324
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• 2019

두경부암은 전세계에서 발병률이 여섯 번째로 높은 암으로 그동안 수술적 치료를 선호하였으나 광범위한 절제에 따른 기능적 장애로 인해 항암치료에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다. 두경부암에서 cisplatin이 가장 많이 사용되는 항암제이나 cisplatin 내성이 문제가 되고 있다. 따라서 부작용은 줄이고, 약제내성 기전에 대해 이해하여 암세포의 사멸은 증대시키는 새로운 항암제의 개발이 필요하다. Survivin은 inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family 중 하나로 두경부암에서 과발현되어 있다. YM155는 survivin을 억제하는 분자로 본 연구를 통해 YM155의 처리 후 두경부 암세포의 세포자멸사가 유도되며, 뇌암 세포와 신장암 세포에서도 세포자멸사가 유도됨을 확인할 수 있었다. 반면에 정상세포인 mesangial cells에는 YM155가 세포자멸사에 영향을 주지 않았다. YM155는 caspase의 활성화를 통해 세포자멸사를 촉진하며, anti-apoptotic protein인 c-FLIP, Mcl-1, survivin의 발현을 저해하는 것으로 확인되었다. YM155는 두경부 뿐만 아니라 다른 장기의 악성종양 치료법의 개발에 활용 될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.