• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.537-542
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• 2005

It was proposed that Ru(II)[(1,10-phenanthroline)$_2$dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine ([Ru(phen)$_2$DPPZ]$^{2+}$)complexes and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) simultaneously bind to poly[d(A-T)$_2$] (Biophysics. J. 2003, 85, 3865). Förster type resonance energy transfer from excited DAPI to [Ru(phen)2DPPZ]$^{2+}$ complexes was observed. In this study, we synthesized $\Delta$- and $\wedge$-[Ru(phenanthroline)$_2$dipyrido[3,2-a:2’3’c]6-azaphenazine] ([Ru(phen)$_2$DPAPZ]$^{2+}$) at which the DNA intercalating ligand DPPZ was replaced and we studied its binding properties to poly[d(A-T)$_2$] in the presence and absence of DAPI using polarized spectroscopy and fluorescence techniques. All the spectroscopic properties of the [Ru(phen)$_2$DPAPZ]$^{2+}$-poly[d(A-T)$_2$] complex were the same in the presence and absence of DAPI that blocks the minor groove of polynucleotide, suggesting both $\Delta$- and $\wedge$-[Ru(phen)$_2$DPAPZ]$^{2+}$ complexes are located at the major groove of poly[d(A-T)2]. On the other hand, in contrast with [Ru(phen)$_2$DPPZ]$^{2+}$, both $\Delta$- and $\wedge$-[Ru(phen)$_2$DPAPZ]$^{2+}$ exhibited almost twice the efficiency in the fluorescence quenching of DAPI that binds at the minor groove of poly[d(A-T)$_2$]. This observation indicates that the efficiency of the Förster type resonance energy transfer can be controlled by a small change in the chemical structure of the intercalated ligand.

• BMB Reports
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 1996

The effect of albumin on phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism in Hep-G2, 3T3-H.ras, and 3T3 cells pre-labelled with [Me-$^3H$]choline was studied. The [$^3H$]choline was more efficiently taken up and incorporated into cellular phospholipids in 3T3-H.ras cells than in Hep-G2 and 3T3 cells. In each of the three cell lines, most of the [$^3H$]choline metabolized into the phospholipids was incorporated into PC and only minor was incorporated into lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Bovine serum albumin stimulated the release of [$^3H$]LPC and [$^3H$]PC from each of the three cell lines pre-labelled with [$^3H$]choline. [$^3H$]PC was also released in the absence of albumin but [$^3H$]LPC was not. The efficiency of LPC secretion represented as the proportion of medium [$^3H$]LPC to cellular [$^3H$]choline lipid during a chase period is approximately 9 to 14 times greater in 3T3 cells compared with the transformed 3T3-H.ras and Hep-G2 cells. A similar comparison of published data for rat hepatocytes with Hep-G2 shows secretion to be 35~75 times greater from the rat hepatocytes than from Hep-G2. Also, PC secretion from 3T3 cells was 1.6 times more effective than from 3T3-H.ras, whereas rat hepatocytes secrete PC 2.8~3.8 times more effectively than does Hep-G2. The measurement of specific radioactivity of cellular PC in pre-labelled 3T3 cells showed it to be similar to that of the secreted PC. However, the specific radioactivity of secreted LPC was markedly lower than that of the cellular PC, which suggests that LPC is being secreted from a PC pool distinct from that used for PC secretion.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2008

The present study was aimed to elucidate the mechanism of stabilization of tubulin by deuterium oxide ($D_2O$). Rate of decrease of tryptophan fluorescence during aging of tubulin at 4$^{\circ}C$ and 37$^{\circ}C$ was significantly lower in $D_2O$ than in $H_2O$. Circular dichroism spectra of tubulin after incubation at 4$^{\circ}C$, suggested that complete stabilization of the secondary structure in D2O during the first 24 hours of incubation. The number of available cysteine measured by DTNB reaction was decreased to a lesser extent in $D_2O$ than in $H_2O$. . During the increase in temperature of tubulin, the rate of decrease of fluorescence at 335 nm and change of CD value at 222 nm was lesser in $D_2O$. Differential Scanning calorimetric experiments showed that the $T_m$ values for tubulin unfolding in $D_2O$ were 58.6$^{\circ}C$ and 62.17$^{\circ}C$, and in $H_2O$. those values were 55.4$^{\circ}C$ and 59.35$^{\circ}C$.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6637-6641
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• 2013

Background: To evaluate the results of various types of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of renal tumors in patients with excessive anesthetic and surgical risk. Materials and Methods: Data for RFA performed in in high risk patients were retrospectively evaluated. Other RFA applications in patients with no anesthetic and/or surgical risk were excluded. RFA was by ultrasound or CT guided percutaneous (USG/CT-PRFA) and retroperitoneally or transperitoneally laparoscopic (R/T-LRFA) techniques under general or local anethesia. Follow-up data of enhanced CT or MRI after 1, 3 and 6 months were analysed for twelve RFA applications. Results: The RFA applications included 4 (40%) left-sided, 5 (50%) right-sided and 1 (10%) bilaterally RFA (simultaneously 1 right and 2 left). The localizations of tumors were 2 (16.6%) upper, 5 (41.6%) mid and 5 (41.6%) lower pole. The RFA applications included 9 (75%) USG-PRFA, 1 (8.3%) CT-PRFA, 1 (8.3%) T-LRFA and 1 (8.3%) R-LRFA. The mean age was $65.3{\pm}8.5$ (52-76) years. The mean tumor size was $29.6{\pm}6.08$ (15-40) mm. No complications related to the RFA were encountered in any of the cases. Failure (residual tumour) was determined in 8.3% (1/12) of USG-RFA application. The success rate was thus 91.7% (11/12). Other 1st, 3rd and 6th months follow-up data revealed no residua and recurrence. Conclusions: RFA application appears to be safe as a less invasive and effective treatment modality in selected cases of small renal tumors in individuals with excessive anesthetic and also surgical risk.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.378-383
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• 2017

Background This study aimed to assess the effects of the topical application of tamoxifen on wound healing of burned skin in Wistar rats by evaluating 3 healing characteristics: fibrotic tissue thickness (FTT), scar surface area (SSA), and angiogenesis in the healed scar tissue. Methods Eighteen male Wistar rats were used in this study. A third-degree burn wound was made on the shaved animals' back, measuring $2{\times}2{\times}2cm$. In the first group, a 2% tamoxifen ointment was applied to the wound twice daily for 8 weeks. The second group received a placebo ointment during the same period. The third group did not receive any treatment and served as the control group. Results The median (interquartile range=[Q1, Q3]) FTT was 1.35 (1.15, 1.62) mm, 1.00 (0.95, 1.02) mm, and 1.25 (0.8, 1.5) mm in the control, tamoxifen, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.069). However, the FTT in the tamoxifen group was less than in the placebo and control groups. The median angiogenesis was 3.5 (3.00, 6.25), 8.00 (6.75, 9.25), and 7.00 (5.50, 8.25) vessels per high-power field for the control, tamoxifen, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.067). However, the median angiogenesis was higher in the tamoxifen group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the mean SSA between the tamoxifen group and the control group (P=0.990). Conclusions Local application of tamoxifen increased angiogenesis and decreased the FTT, with no change in the SSA in burned skin areas. These effects are expected to expedite the wound healing process, reducing contracture and preventing hypertrophic scar and keloid formation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.270-280
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the effects oi nutrition education program in physical health, nutritional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the Elderly in Seoul. Nutrition education program was consisted of healthy eating, prevention and diet therapy of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Seventy eight free-living elderly people (13 male, 65 female), aged ${\geq}60 $ years participated in this program. Before and after nutrition education program, we surveyed the general characteristics, physical health, general health, nutrition status, and health-related quality of life to the subjects. All the subjects were divided into program completers (N=47) and noncompleters (N=31). All the data were analyzed by student t-test, chi-square test, paired t-test, and marginal homogeneity test using SPSS 9.0 version at p<0.05. After nutrition education program, physical activity and ADL maintained, however IADL improved in program noncompleters. In eating habits, 'slow eating' significantly improved in program completers in program completers. Nutrition knowledge and recognition scores were significantly increased in both groups, and accuracy score was significantly increased in program completers. However, nutrient-intakes of %RDA were not significantly changed in both groups, and it seemed to be more influenced by other factors such as 'family income' or 'family type' than by the nutrition education program. In HRQoL, social functioning was improved after nutrition education program in both groups (p<0.05). The nutrition education program has more effects on the program completers than on the noncompleters, and it is also needed social supports for the Elderly to fulfill their nutrient requirements.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10603-10605
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• 2015

Background: The Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cancer worldwide for males, and the 5th most common cancer overall, with an estimated 900,000 new cases diagnosed in 2008 (14% of the total in males and 7% of the total overall) aim of this study was to assess some of the most proposed environmental factors influencing the incidence of prostate cancer among Iranian men. Smoking, opioids, occupation and living location were considered as studied risk factors of the prostate cancer in this research. Material and methods: Two groups of affected men with prostate cancer and controls aged 50-75 years referred to medical clinics were subjects in this case-control study. Living and working place, smoking and drug consuming habits were assessed for any associations with prostate cancer. Results: The largest number, of patients, in order, belonged to Tehran, provincial capitals, major industrial cities, small towns and villages, respectively. The disease showed links with smoking and drugs with a significant difference between controls and patients (P value <0.0001). Conclusions: Our recent evidence duplicates previously done researches confirming the serious adverse effects of smoking and drugs on the prostate cancer occurrence in Iranian men. Living place bearings some hazardous behaviors which increases the rate of diseases as well as advanced chance for associated cancers like prostate.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2017

Background: Automated nerve excitability testing is used to assess various peripheral neuropathies and motor neuron diseases. Comparing these excitability parameters with normal data provides information regarding the axonal excitability properties and ion biophysics in diseased axons. This study measured and compared normal values of axonal excitability parameters in both the distal motor and sensory axons of normal Koreans. Methods: The axonal excitability properties of 50 distal median motor axons and 30 distal median sensory axons were measured. An automated nerve excitability test was performed using the QTRACW threshold-tracking software (Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK) with the TRONDF multiple excitability recording protocol. Each parameter of stimulus-response curves, threshold electrotonus, current-voltage relationship, and recovery cycle was measured and calculated. Results: Our Korean normal data on axonal excitability showed ranges of values and characteristics similar to previous reports from other countries. We also reaffirmed that there exist characteristic differences in excitability properties between motor and sensory axons: compared to motor axons, sensory axons showed an increased strength-duration time constant, more prominent changes in threshold to hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus (TE) and less prominent changes in threshold to depolarizing TE, and more prominent refractoriness and less prominent subexcitability and superexcitability. Conclusions: We report normal data on axonal excitability in Koreans. These data can be used to compare various pathological conditions in peripheral nerve axons such as peripheral neuropathies and motor neuron disease.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.131-142
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• 2003

We have studied mutant forms of Kir2.1 in which an aspartate residue (D172), important for gating by intracellular polyamines, is replaced by one of three basic residues (Arg, Lys or His). Such channels are highly selective for $K^+$, but show inward rectification that is a shallow function of voltage compared with that found in wild type. This inward rectification occurs with a reduced affinity for spermine and persists in the absence of polyamines. Though the unitary current-voltage relation shows some inward rectification, it is insufficient to account for that seen under whole cell recording. Channels open and shut under single channel recording, and changes of $P_{open}$ appear to generate inward rectification. In D172H, the reduction in affinity for spermine is greater when His is protonated at low $pH_i$. The effective valency for spermine is reduced from $3.09{\pm}0.07$ in wild type to $1.95{\pm}0.09$ in D172H at $pH_i$ 6.3. In the presence of dual mutants of Kir2.1, where E224 is also replaced, spermine affinity becomes undetectable. However, channels still show inward rectification and open and shut under hyper- and depolarisation, respectively. We suggest that Kir2.1 channel are able to undergo conformation changes; these changes may be important physiologically in generating inward rectification, the normal parameters of which are set by the binding of polyamines such as spermine.

• Korea-Australia Rheology Journal
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.155-160
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• 2009

Micropore filtration of dilute red blood cell (RBC) suspensions is a widely known method for determining red blood cell deformability. Use of this method for cells from various laboratory animal species does require considering the effects of the cell size to pore size ratio and of suspension hematocrit. In general, previous animal studies have utilized 5% hematocrit suspensions and five micron pores, and thus conditions similar to human clinical laboratory practice. However, when used for repeated sampling from small laboratory animals or for parallel multiple samples from different sites in large laboratory animals, the volume of blood sampled and hence the hematocrit of the test suspension may be limited. Our results indicate that hematocrit levels yielding stable values of RBC pore transit time are pore size and species specific: three micron pores = $2{\sim}5%$ for dog and $3{\sim}5%$ for rat; five micron pores $3{\sim}5%$ for dog and $1{\sim}5%$ for rat. An analytical approach using a common expression for calculating transit time is useful for determining the sensitivity of this time to hematocrit alterations and hence to indicate hematocrit levels that may be problematic.