• BMB Reports
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• 제54권12호
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• pp.608-613
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• 2021

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, exhibits a high risk of metastasis. Although chemotherapeutic treatment for metastatic melanoma improves disease outcome and patient survival, some patients exhibit resistance or toxicity to the drug treatment regime. OTUB1 is a deubiquitinating enzyme overexpressed in several cancers. In this study, we investigated the effects of inhibiting OTUB1 expression on melanoma-cell proliferation and viability and identified the underlying molecular mechanism of action of OTUB1. We did endogenous OTUB1 knockdown in melanoma cells using short interfering RNA, and assessed the resulting phenotypes via MTT assays, Western blotting, and cell-cycle analysis. We identified differentially expressed genes between OTUB1-knockdown cells and control cells using RNA sequencing and confirmed them via Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we investigated the involvement of apoptotic and cell survival signaling pathways upon OTUB1 depletion. OTUB1 depletion in melanoma cells decreased cell viability and caused simultaneous accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase, indicating an increase in the apoptotic-cell population. RNA sequencing of OTUB1-knockdown cells revealed an increase in the levels of the apoptosis-inducing protein TRAIL. Additionally, OTUB1-knockdown cells exhibited increased sensitivity to PLX4032, a BRAF inhibitor, implying that OTUB1 and BRAF act collectively in regulating apoptosis. Taken together, our findings show that OTUB1 induces apoptosis of melanoma cells in vitro, likely by upregulating TRAIL, and suggest that approaches targeting OTUB1 can be developed to provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating melanoma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권6호
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• pp.861-867
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• 2022

Objective : High-dose radiation is well known to induce and modulate the immune system. This study was performed to evaluate the correlation between clinical outcomes and changes in natural killer cell activity (NKA) after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKS) in patients with brain cancer. Methods : We performed an open-label, prospective, cross-sectional study of 38 patients who were treated with GKS for brain tumors, including metastatic and benign brain tumors. All of the patients underwent GKS, and blood samples were collected before and after GKS. NKA was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, to measure interferon-gamma (IFNγ) secreted by ex vivo-stimulated NK cells from whole blood. We explored the correlations between NK cell-produced IFNγ (NKA-IFNγ) levels and clinical parameters of patients who were treated with GKS for brain tumors. Results : NKA-IFNγ levels were decreased in metastatic brain tumor patients compared to those with benign brain tumors (p<0.0001). All the patients who used steroid treatment to reduce brain swelling after GKS had an NKA-IFNγ level of zero except one patient. High NKA-IFNγ levels were not associated with a rapid decrease in brain metastasis and did not increase after GKS. Conclusion : The activity of NK cells in metastatic brain tumors decreased more than that in benign brain tumors after GKS.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권8호
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• pp.401-406
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• 2022

Ahnak, a large protein first identified as an inhibitor of TGF-β signaling in human neuroblastoma, was recently shown to promote TGF-β in some cancers. The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, various biological functions, and cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, we used Ahnak knockout (KO) mice that underwent a 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) to investigate the function of Ahnak in TGF-β signaling during liver regeneration. At the indicated time points after PH, we analyzed the mRNA and protein expression of the TGF -β/Smad signaling pathway and cell cycle-related factors, evaluated the cell cycle through proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining, analyzed the mitotic index by hematoxylin and eosin staining. We also measured the ratio of liver tissue weight to body weight. Activation of TGF-β signaling was confirmed by analyzing the levels of phospho-Smad 2 and 3 in the liver at the indicated time points after PH and was lower in Ahnak KO mice than in WT mice. The expression levels of cyclin B1, D1, and E1; proteins in the Rb/E2F transcriptional pathway, which regulates the cell cycle; and the numbers of PCNA-positive cells were increased in Ahnak KO mice and showed tendencies opposite that of TGF-β expression. During postoperative regeneration, the liver weight to body weight ratio tended to increase faster in Ahnak KO mice. However, 7 days after PH, both groups of mice showed similar rates of regeneration, following which their active regeneration stopped. Analysis of hepatocytes undergoing mitosis showed that there were more mitotic cells in Ahnak KO mice, consistent with the weight ratio. Our findings suggest that Ahnak enhances TGF-β signaling during postoperative liver regeneration, resulting in cell cycle disruption; this highlights a novel role of Ahnak in liver regeneration. These results provide new insight into liver regeneration and potential treatment targets for liver diseases that require surgical treatment.

• 통합자연과학논문집
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.131-136
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• 2022

Cell migration is essential for diverse cellular processes including wound healing, immune response, development, and cancer metastasis. Pi3-kinase (PI3K) is a key regulator for actin cytoskeleton and phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-diphosphate (PIP2) to phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3). High levels of PIP3 by PI3Ks are associated with increased levels of F-actin and pseudopod extension at the leading edge of migrating cells such as neutrophils and Dictyostelium. LY294002 is a well-known PI3K specific inhibitor. Here, we investigated the effect of LY294002 on cell migration. First, we evaluated the appropriate concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for using as a solvent for LY294002. DMSO is a highly polar organic reagent and one of the most common solvent for organic and inorganic chemicals. Cell morphology and cell migration were unaffected at the concentrations less than 0.1 % DMSO. Therefore, stock solution of LY294002 was prepared so that the final concentration of DMSO was 0.1 % or less when treated. When cells were treated with LY294002, cell migration was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximum speed was detected in the presence of 30 µM LY294002. These results suggest that PI3Ks play a inhibitory role in regulating cell migration in our experimental conditions.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제55권1호
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• pp.37-43
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• 2022

Background: The surgical strategy for single-stage resection of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous pulmonary metastases remains a matter of debate. Methods: Perioperative data of patients who underwent single-stage resection of primary CRC and synchronous pulmonary metastases were compared to those of patients who underwent 2-stage resections. The demographic data, number of metastases, type of pulmonary and colorectal resections, operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, morbidities, mortality, medical costs, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results: Twenty-two patients underwent single-stage resection of primary CRC and pulmonary metastases, while 27 patients underwent 2-stage resection. Tumor size and the number of pulmonary metastases were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The extent of pulmonary metastasectomy and abdominal procedures were similar in both groups, as was the thoracic surgical approach (video-assisted thoracic surgery vs. thoracotomy). However, open laparotomy was performed more frequently in the 2-stage group than in the single-stage group (p=0.045), which also had a longer total anesthetic time (p=0.013). The operation time, medical costs, estimated blood loss, complication rates, and severity were similar in both groups, but the length of hospital stay was shorter in the single-stage group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Single-stage colorectal and pulmonary resection shortened the overall hospital stay, with no significant changes in operation time, medical costs, hospital mortality, and morbidity. Therefore, single-stage resection could be a good surgical strategy in selected patients.

• 한국자원식물학회지
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.207-218
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• 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis and high metastasis and recurrence rates. Although extracts of Alnus hirsuta (Turcz. ex Spach) Rupr. (AH) have been demonstrated to possess potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, the underlying mechanism of AH in HCC treatment remains to be elucidated. We investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of AH on migration and invasion of Hep3B cells. Within the non-cytotoxic concentration range, AH significantly inhibited motility and invasiveness of Hep3B cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibitory effects of AH on cell invasiveness are associated with tightening of tight junctions (TJs), as demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance. Immunoblotting indicated that AH decreased levels of claudins, which form major components of TJs and play key roles in the control and selectivity of paracellular transport. Furthermore, AH inhibited the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and simultaneously increased the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2. These effects were related to inactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway in Hep3B cells. Therefore, AH inhibits migration and invasion of Hep3B cells by inhibiting the activity of MMPs and tightening TJs through suppression of claudin expression, possibly by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권8호
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• pp.946-954
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings associated with resection margin status in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) who underwent breast-conserving surgery. Materials and Methods: One hundred and one patients with ILC who underwent preoperative MRI were included. MRI (tumor size, multifocality, type of enhancing lesion, distribution of non-mass enhancement [NME], and degree of background parenchymal enhancement) and clinicopathological features (age, pathologic tumor size, presence of ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS] or lobular carcinoma in situ, presence of lymph node metastases, and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 status) were analyzed. A positive resection margin was defined as the presence of invasive cancer or DCIS at the inked surface. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine pre- and postoperative variables associated with positive resection margins. Results: Among the 101 patients, 21 (20.8%) showed positive resection margins. In the univariable analysis, NME, multifocality, axillary lymph node metastasis, and pathologic tumor size were associated with positive resection margins. With respect to preoperative MRI findings, multifocality (odds ratio [OR] = 3.977, p = 0.009) and NME (OR = 2.741, p = 0.063) were associated with positive resection margins in the multivariable analysis, although NME showed borderline significance. Conclusion: In patients with ILC, multifocality and the presence of NME on preoperative breast MRI were associated with positive resection margins.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.145-151
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• 2024

Background: Contralateral pulmonary resection after pneumonectomy presents considerable challenges, and few reports in the literature have described this procedure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent contralateral lung resection following pneumonectomy for any reason at our institution between November 1994 and December 2020. Results: Thirteen patients (9 men and 4 women) were included in this study. The median age was 57 years (range, 35-77 years), and the median preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 1.64 L (range, 1.17-2.12 L). Contralateral pulmonary resection was performed at a median interval of 44 months after pneumonectomy (range, 6-564 months). Surgical procedures varied among the patients: 10 underwent single wedge resection, 2 were treated with double wedge resection, and 1 underwent lobectomy. Diagnoses at the time of contralateral lung resection included lung cancer in 7 patients, lung metastasis from other cancers in 3 patients, and tuberculosis in 3 patients. Complications were observed in 4 patients (36%), including acute kidney injury, pneumothorax following chest tube removal, pneumonia, and prolonged air leak. No cases of operative mortality were noted. Conclusion: In carefully selected patients, contralateral pulmonary resection after pneumonectomy can be accomplished with acceptable operative morbidity and mortality.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제84권2호
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• pp.460-466
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• 2023

일반적으로 신경내분비암은 소화기나 호흡기에서 발생하고 그 외 장기에서 발견되는 경우는 전이에 의한 경우가 많다. 유방에서 원발성 신경내분비암종은 매우 드물게 발생하여 정확한 임상양상, 영상의학적 소견, 치료와 예후에 대해 잘 알려져 있지 않다. 또한 지금까지 발표된 문헌 보고는 소수에 불과하다. 본 증례에서는 51세 여자의 유방에서 보인 원발성 신경내분비 암종에 대한 영상 소견을 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하고자 한다.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제37권8호
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• pp.691-701
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• 2004

배경: 악성종양에서 신생혈관 생성 및 당분해의 증가는 저산소 상태의 미세환경을 나타내며, 이는 종양의 침습성, 전이 등으로 환자의 예후와 관련이 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)는 당원 수송체, 당분해 효소, 혈관내피세포 성장인자 등의 유전자의 전사를 활성화한다고 알려져 있다. 그리고 HIF-1의 전사 활성도는 HIF-1 a subunit의 표현이 조절되는 정도에 의존한다. 그러나 식도암에서 HIF-1의 발현과 혈관 생성능 및 종양세포 증식능과의 관계 및 예후에 관한 연구는 전무하다. 대상 및 방법: 고신대학교 의과대학 흉부외과학교실에서 1995년부터 2000년까지 수술치험한 77예의 식도 편평세포암 환자의 조직에서 채취한 정상 편평상피와 암조직에서 면역조직화학검사를 이용하여 HIF-1 a의 발현을 조사하고 혈관생성인자, 증식지수, p53 단백과의 상관관계, 임상-병리학적인 인자 및 생존율과의 상관관계를 분석하였다. 결과: HIF-1 a의 고발현율은 42.9% (33예/77예)였다. HIF-1 a의 고발현은 조직학적 등급(p=0.032), 병리학적 병기(p=0.002), 종양 침윤의 깊이(p=0.022), 주위 림프절 전이(p=0.002), 원격전이(p=0.049), 림프관 침윤(p=0.004)과 관련이 있었다. HIF-1 a의 고발현은 혈관내피세포 성장인자의 발현, Ki-67 증식지수와 관련이 있었으나, 미세혈관수와는 관련이 없었고, p53의 발현과는 관련이 있는 경향을 보였다. 단변량분석과 다변량분석에서 HIF-1 a의 고발현은 불량한 예후를 나타내는 인자로 보였다. 결론: 식도 편평세포암 조직에서 HIF-1 a의 발현은 종양조직내 신생혈관의 생성과 관련이 있는 것으로 나타났고, 고발현 된 경우는 림프절 전이와 수술 후 불량한 예후를 나타내었으므로 보다 강화된 치료전략이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.