• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.1103-1110
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Several epidemiological studies have validated the association of interleukin gene polymorphisms with acute pancreatitis (AP) in different populations. However, there have been few studies in Asian ethnic groups. We aimed to investigate the relationships between inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and AP as pilot research in a Korean ethnic group. Methods: Patients who had been diagnosed with AP were prospectively enrolled. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and DNA sequencing was subsequently performed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin $1{\beta}$ (IL1B), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ (TNFA) genes of patients with AP were compared to those of normal controls. Results: Between January 2011 and January 2013, a total of 65 subjects were enrolled (40 patients with AP vs. 25 healthy controls). One intronic SNP (IL1RN -1129T>C, rs4251961) was significantly associated with the risk of AP (odds ratio, 0.304; 95% confidence interval, 0.095 to 0.967; p = 0.043). However, in our study, AP was not found to be associated with polymorphisms in the promoter regions of inflammatory cytokine genes, including IL1B (-118C>T, c47+242C>T, +3954C/T, and -598T>C) and TNFA (-1211T>C, -1043C>A, -1037C>T, -488G>A, and -418G>A). Conclusions: IL1RN -1129T>C (rs4251961) genotypes might be associated with a significant increase of AP risk in a Korean ethnic group.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.7.1-7.7
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• 2024

Background: Infections of cats with Echinococcus granulosus is uncommon because the cat is not part of the parasite life cycle that a carnivorous and another herbivore represent. Nevertheless, it occurs incidentally when eating food or drinking water contaminated with the worm's larva, especially with the presence of the definitive host (dogs), in this case, the infections are concentrated in stray or outside cats. For this reason, this study examined the possibility of cat infection with E. granulosus and diagnosed the common genotype of this infection. Objective: This study examined the possibility of cat infection with E. granulosus and diagnosed the common genotype of this infection. Methods: Four of the 37 cats that had died in different accidents developed cystic echinococcosis (CE). The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene was initially amplified and sequenced to determine if these cysts belonged to E. granulosus, in beginning. The DNA fragments resulting from sequencing were then compared and aligned with other sequences using the Gene Bank database. Finally, a phylogenetic tree was drawn according to the sequence data obtained from cox1 genes sequencing, and the MEGA 7.0 phylogenetic analysis program was utilized. Results: Four different sequences were deposited in the Gen Bank with accession numbers (ON795961 to ON795964), all of which belong to the G1 genotype. Approximately 84% and 100% of these sequences aligned with G1 (AB622277.1) and G1 (MG722980.1), respectively. Conclusions: G1 is the dominant genotype that causes cat infections, even though the cat's EC infection was incidental.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.179-191
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• 2009

Background: The present study examines a hypothesis that short allergen-derived peptides may shift an Aspergillus fumigatus (Afu-) specific TH2 response towards a protective TH1. Five overlapping peptides (P1-P5) derived from Asp f1, a major allergen/antigen of Afu, were evaluated for prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy in BALB/c mice. Methods: To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy, peptides were intranasally administered to naive mice and challenged with Afu-allergens/antigens. For evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, the mice were sensitized with Afu-allergens/antigens followed by intranasal administration of peptides. The groups were compared for the levels of Afu-specific antibodies in sera and splenic cytokines evaluated by ELISA. Eosinophil peroxidase activity was examined in the lung cell suspensions and lung inflammation was assessed by histopathogy. Results: Peptides P1-, P2- and P3 decreased Afu-specific IgE (84.5~98.9%) and IgG antibodies (45.7~71.6%) in comparison with Afu-sensitized mice prophylactically. P1- and P2-treated ABPA mice showed decline in Afu-specific IgE (76.4~88%) and IgG antibodies (15~54%). Increased IgG2a/IgG1 and IFN-${\gamma}$/IL-4 ratios were observed. P1-P3 prophylactically and P1 therapeutically decreased IL-5 levels and eosinophil peroxidase activity. P1 decreased inflammatory cells' infiltration in lung tissue comparable to non-challenged control. Conclusion: Asp f1-derived peptide P1, prophylactically and therapeutically administered to Balb/c mice, is effective in regulating allergic response to allergens/antigens of Afu, and may be explored for immunotherapy of allergic aspergillosis in humans.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권11호
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• pp.605-610
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• 2020

Skeletal myogenesis is a complex process that is finely regulated by myogenic transcription factors. Recent studies have shown that saturated fatty acids (SFA) can suppress the activation of myogenic transcription factors and impair the myogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. Despite the increasing evidence of the roles of miRNAs in myogenesis, the targets and myogenic regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs are largely unknown, particularly when myogenesis is dysregulated by SFA deposition. This study examined the implications of SFA-induced miR-183-5p on the myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts. Long-chain SFA palmitic acid (PA) drastically reduced myogenic transcription factors, such as myoblast determination protein (MyoD), myogenin (MyoG), and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), and inhibited FHL1 expression and myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts, accompanied by the induction of miR-183-5p. The knockdown of FHL1 by siRNA inhibited myogenic differentiation of myoblasts. Interestingly, miR-183-5p inversely regulated the expression of FHL1, a crucial regulator of skeletal myogenesis, by targeting the 3'UTR of FHL1 mRNA. Furthermore, the transfection of miR-183-5p mimic suppressed the expression of MyoD, MyoG, MEF2C, and MyHC, and impaired the differentiation and myotube formation of myoblasts. Overall, this study highlights the role of miR-183-5p in myogenic differentiation through FHL1 repression and suggests a novel miRNA-mediated mechanism for myogenesis in a background of obesity.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.71-82
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (cMRF) enables simultaneous mapping of myocardial T1 and T2 with very short acquisition times. Breathing maneuvers have been utilized as a vasoactive stress test to dynamically characterize myocardial tissue in vivo. We tested the feasibility of sequential, rapid cMRF acquisitions during breathing maneuvers to quantify myocardial T1 and T2 changes. METHODS: We measured T1 and T2 values using conventional T1 and T2-mapping techniques (modified look locker inversion [MOLLI] and T2-prepared balanced-steady state free precession), and a 15 heartbeat (15-hb) and rapid 5-hb cMRF sequence in a phantom and in 9 healthy volunteers. The cMRF_5-hb sequence was also used to dynamically assess T1 and T2 changes over the course of a vasoactive combined breathing maneuver. RESULTS: In healthy volunteers, the mean myocardial T1 of the different mapping methodologies were: MOLLI 1,224 ± 81 ms, cMRF_15-hb 1,359 ± 97 ms, and cMRF_5-hb 1,357 ± 76 ms. The mean myocardial T2 measured with the conventional mapping technique was 41.7 ± 6.7 ms, while for cMRF_15-hb 29.6 ± 5.8 ms and cMRF_5-hb 30.5 ± 5.8 ms. T2 was reduced with vasoconstriction (post-hyperventilation compared to a baseline resting state) (30.15 ± 1.53 ms vs. 27.99 ± 2.07 ms, p = 0.02), while T1 did not change with hyperventilation. During the vasodilatory breath-hold, no significant change of myocardial T1 and T2 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: cMRF_5-hb enables simultaneous mapping of myocardial T1 and T2, and may be used to track dynamic changes of myocardial T1 and T2 during vasoactive combined breathing maneuvers.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.723-735
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• 1998

배 경: 비타민 C가 동물실험에서 기도 과민성을 감소시키는 역할을 하는 것으로 보고되고 있는데 이는 비타민 C가 히스타민 분해를 촉진하고, cyclooxygenase 통로를 $PGF_{2\alpha}$에서 $PGE_2$로 이동시키며 평활근 수축을 감소시키고, 산화물의 환원제로 작용하는 사실에 기인한다고 한다. 또한 비흡연자에 비하여 흡연자에서 혈중 비타민 C 농도가 감소하는데 이는 비타민 C가 흡연시 생성되는 산화물의 환원제로 소모되며, 니코틴에 의해 분비되는 catecholamine, serotonin의 합성에 관여하며, 결핍된 식이로 인한 것으로 알려져있다. 연구자들은 기도 과민성이 있는 흡연자와 대조군인 비흡연지를 대상으로 비타민 C의 기도 과민반응에 대한 효과를 알아보고 비타민 C의 기도 과민성에 대한 역할을 알아보고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법: 17명의 흡연자와 8명의 비흡연자에서 기도 과민반응에 대한 비타민 C의 급성 효과를 알아보기 위하여 혈중 비타민 C 농도 측정을 위한 채혈과 폐기능 검사와 메타콜린 기관지 유발검사를 시행하고 비타민 C 3 g 투여 후 1시간 뒤에 상기 검사들을 다시 시행하였고 1주 후 기도 과민반응에 대한 비타민 C의 만성 효과를 알아보기 위하여 17명의 흡연자에서 1주 동안 매일 비타민 1 g 투여 후 혈중 비타민 C 농도 측정을 위한 채혈과 폐기능 검사와 메타콜린 기관지 유발검사를 시행하였다. 또한 기도 과민성에 대한 비타민 C 의 역할을 알아보기 위하여 l주 후 메타콜린에 반응하는 15명중 12명의 흡연자에서 비타민 C 3 g과 cyclooxygenase 억제제인 indomethacin 100 mg을 동시 투여 후 폐기능 검사와 메타콜린 기관지 유발검사를, 1 주 후 메타콜린에 반응하는 12명의 흡연자에서 indomethacin 100 mg만 단독 투여 후 폐기능 검사와 메타콜린 기관지 유발 검사를 시행하였다. 결 과: 전혈 비타민 C 농도를 측정한 결과 흡연자, 비흡연자 각각 $1.17{\pm}:0.22$ mg/dL, $1.14{\pm}:0.19$ mg/dL로 유의한 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 흡연자 17명중 15명(88.2%)이 메타콜린 기관지 유발검사 양성이었고 이중 10명은 $PC_{20}FEV_1$이 8mg/mL 이하였고, 비흡연자군 8명중 7명(87.5%)이 기관지 유발검사 음성이었다. 기관지 유발집사 양성인 15명의 흡연자중 13명에서 비타민 C 3 g 복용 1 시간 후 기관지 반응이 유의하게 감소하였고 l일 비타민 C 1 g 씩 1 주간 복용 후에도 기관지 반응의 감소가 계속 유지되었다. 흡연자의 $PC_{20}FEV_1$과 전혈 비타민 C 농도 사이에는 유의한 상관관계는 없었다. 비타민 C 3 g 투여 후 흡연자에서 관찰할 수 있었던 기관지 반응의 유의한 감소가 indomethacin 100 mg 첨가 후 소실되었다(p>0.05). 결 론: 이상의 결과로 볼 때 혈중 비타민 C 농도는 흡연자군, 비흡연자군에 있어서 유의한 차이가 없지만 흡연자군은 비흡연자군에 비하여 기도 과민성이 유의하게 증가되어 있었으며, 비타민 C 투여에 의해 증가된 기도 과민성이 유의하게 감소하고 indomethacin 첨가 후 비타민 C의 이러한 효과가 소실됨으로 보아 비타민 C가 arachidonic acid 대사작용에 관여함으로 기도 과민성이 감소되리라 사료된다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권11호
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• pp.4597-4601
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• 2015

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173G/C (rs755622) gene polymorphism has been associated with cancer risk. Previous studies have revealed that MIF -173G/C gene polymorphism may increase cancer in the Chinese population, while results of individual published studies remain inconsistent and inconclusive.We performed this meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. Materials and Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Weipu on Dec 31, 2014.Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the association. A total of eight studies including 2,186 cases and 2,285 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Results: The pooled results indicated the significant association between MIF -173G/C polymorphism and the risk of cancer for Chinese population (CC + CG vs GG: OR=1.14, 95%CI=1.02-127, pheterogeneity<0.01; P=0.023; CC vs CG+GG: OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.02-1.23, pheterogeneity<001; P=0.017;CC vs GG: OR=1.18, 95%CI=1.04-1.33, pheterogeneity<001; P=0.008; CG vs GG:OR=1.03, 95%CI=0.91-1.15, pheterogeneity<001; P=0.656; C vs G:OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.14-1.25, pheterogeneity<001; P<001). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with "solid tumors", heterogeneity was very large (OR=0.94,95%CI=0.83-1.06,pheterogeneity=0.044; p=0.297). Within "non-solid tumors", the association became even stronger (OR=6.62, 95 % CI=4.32-10.14, pheterogeneity<0.001; p<0.001). Conclusions: This study suggested that MIF -173G/C gene polymorphism may increase increase cancer in the Chinese population.Furthermore, more larger sample and representative population-based casees and well-matched controls are needed to validate our results.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.309-316
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• 2016

Background: This study represents the first report that the anti-obesity activity of ethanol extracts of Aronia melanocarpa can be enhanced through ultrasonification at a frequency of 120 kHz at $60^{\circ}C$ (UE). Methods and Results: The amounts of cyanidin-3-O-galactose (cya-gal), a major anthocyanin in A. melanocarpa were higher by up to 402.4 mg/100 g, as compared with 221.4 mg/100 g and 322.1 mg/100 g, for hot water at $100^{\circ}C$ and 70% ethanol at $80^{\circ}C$ respectively. This result should cause the higher antioxidant activities of the UE than extract of hot water and ethanol in DPPH free radical scavenging. It was confirmed that the high antioxidant activity of UE could play an important role in inhibiting the production of proteins related to adipocyte differentiation, such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-${\gamma}$ (PPAR-${\gamma}$) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1). Conclusions: Ultrasonification at a frequency of 120 kHz at $60^{\circ}C$ should result in better anti-obesity activity than that observed using other processes. It was also observed for the first time that the anti-obesity activity of A. melanocarpa was associated with its antioxidant activity, possibly due to the higher elution of intact cya-gal, owing to efficient low temperature ultrasonification extraction. These results could also be applied to improve other biological activities of medicinal herbs that contain many types of heat-labile bioactive substances.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.57-63
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The level of serum albumin is an index of nourishment care and management. However, the distribution and correlates of serum albumin levels among individuals with motor disorders have not been reported until now. Therefore, we examined the distribution and correlates of serum albumin levels among individuals with motor disorders. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 249 individuals with motor disabilities (144 men, mean age: 51.4 years; 105 women, mean age: 51.4 years) was conducted at five institutions in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan in 2008. The results were compared with data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey. RESULTS: The mean serum albumin levels were $4.0{\pm}0.4g/dL$ for men and $3.8{\pm}0.5g/dL$ for women. Overall, 17 (11.8%) men and 25 (23.8%) women had hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin level ${\leq}3.5g/dL$); these proportions were greater than those among healthy Japanese adults (${\leq}1%$). Low serum albumin level was related with female sex, older age, low calf circumference, low relative daily energy intake, low hemoglobin (Hb), low blood platelet count, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low $HbA_{1c}$, and high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The strongest correlates, based on standardized betas, were Hb (0.321), CRP (-0.279), and HDL-C (0.279) levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia is higher in individuals with motor disabilities than in healthy individuals and that inflammation is a strong negative correlate of serum albumin levels. Therefore, inflammation should be examined for the assessment of hypoalbuminemia among institutionalized individuals with motor disabilities.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권19호
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• pp.8301-8310
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• 2014

Background: Published data regarding associations between the -765G>C polymorphism in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and digestive system cancer risk have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the genetic risk of the -765G>C polymorphism in the COX-2 gene for digestive system cancer. Materials and Methods: A search was performed in Pubmed, Medline (Ovid), Embase, CNKI, Weipu, Wanfang and CBM databases, covering all studies until Feb 10, 2014. Statistical analysis was performed using Revman5.2. Results: A total of 10,814 cases and 16,174 controls in 38 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that C allele carriers (GC+CC) had a 20% increased risk of digestive system cancer when compared with the homozygote GG (odds ratio (OR)=1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00-1.44 for GC+CC vs GG). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant elevated risks were associated with C allele carriers (GC+CC) in Asians (OR = 1.46, 95% CI=1.07-2.01, and p=0.02) and Africans (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.57-2.87, and p< 0.00001), but not among Caucasians, Americans and mixed groups. For subgroup analysis by cancer type (GC+CC vs GG), significant associations were found between the -765G>C polymorphism and higher risk for gastric cancer (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.03-2.61, and p=0.04), but not for colorectal cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and others. Regarding study design (GC+CC vs GG), no significant associations were found in then population-based case-control (PCC), hospital-based case-control (HCC) and family-based case-control (FCC) studies. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the -765G>C polymorphism of the COX-2 gene is a potential risk factor for digestive system cancer in Asians and Africans and gastric cancer overall.