• The Korean journal of helicobacter and upper gastrointestinal research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.168-173
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• 2018

Gastric cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths, especially in Asian countries. Recently, many studies have analyzed cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) circulating in the blood, for the early diagnosis of cancer and monitoring its progression. Circulating tumor nucleic acids (ctNAs) originate in a tumor and contain tumor-related genetic or epigenetic alterations. This review defines the nomenclatures of each form of cfNAs and describes the characteristics of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and microRNA (miRNA), two major forms of ctNAs studied in gastric cancer research to date. We compare available studies on ctDNA, and explain trends observed in studies of miRNAs in gastric cancers. As these new blood-based biomarkers have attracted increasing attention, we have discussed several important points to be considered before the clinical translation of ctNA detection. We have also discussed the current status of research in this field, and clinical applications of specific ctNAs as tumor markers for gastric cancer diagnosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.225-238
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• 2022

The ultimate goal of human assisted reproductive technology is to achieve a healthy pregnancy and birth, ideally from the selection and transfer of a single competent embryo. Recently, techniques for efficiently evaluating the state and quality of preimplantation embryos using time-lapse imaging systems have been applied. Artificial intelligence programs based on deep learning technology and big data analysis of time-lapse monitoring system during in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos have also been rapidly developed. In addition, several molecular markers of the secretome have been successfully analyzed in spent embryo culture media, which could easily be obtained during in vitro embryo culture. It is also possible to analyze small amounts of cell-free nucleic acids, mitochondrial nucleic acids, miRNA, and long non-coding RNA derived from embryos using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or digital PCR, as well as next-generation sequencing. Various efforts are being made to use non-invasive evaluation of embryo quality (NiEEQ) to select the embryo with the best developmental competence. However, each NiEEQ method has some limitations that should be evaluated case by case. Therefore, an integrated analysis strategy fusing several NiEEQ methods should be urgently developed and confirmed by proper clinical trials.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 1968

Chlorella ellipsoidea cells were cultured in an iron, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum or boron-free medium. Biosynthetic activities of nucleic acids, protein and phospholipid in chlorella cells, which were growing in a microelement deficient medium were compared with those of the normal cells by measuring the contents of phosphate, amino acids or UV-absorbing substances in the various cell fractions. When the algae were grown in a molybdenum-free medium, the amounts of phosphate in the acid-soluble fraction of the cells increased, whereas the amounts of alkali-stable protein and RNA decreased compared with the normal cells showing that the synthesis of protein and RNA from the early products of photosynthesis was inhibited. When the algae were grown in a boron-free medium, amounts of alkali-labile protein and phospholipid of the cells decreased, while the amount of phosphate in acid-soluble fraction increased compared with the normal cells showing that the biosynthesis of protein and phospholipid from the early products of photosynthesis was retarded. In general, amounts of protein and RNA in the microelement deficient cells significantly decreased compared with those of the normal cells. Phosphate content in the acid-soluble fraction of the algal cell grown in an zinc, copper, molybdenum, or boron-free medium increased considerably, whereas that of the algal cell grown in an iron or manganese-free medium decreased remarkably compared with that of the control. It is considered, therefore, that molybdenum, zinc, copper and boron etc. play an important role in the biosyntbesis of macromolecule from acid-soluble phosphate compounds, in contrast to the principal action of iron and manganese on the photosynthetic process itself.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.70 no.4
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• pp.301-306
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• 2011

Background: It is well-known that cell-free nucleic acids rise in patients with many types of malignancies. Several recent experimental studies using cancer cell lines have shown that changes in cell-free RNA are predictive of the response to chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to determine whether quantification of free RNA can be used as a biomarker for clinical responses to chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Methods: Thirty-two patients with lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer, n=24; small cell lung cancer, n=8) were divided into 2 groups according to their responses to chemotherapy (response group, n=19; non-response group, n=13). Blood samples were collected before and after two cycles of chemotherapy. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used for transcript quantification of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. Results: The pre chemotherapy values (Response group $41.36{\pm}1.72$ vs. Non-response group $41.33{\pm}1.54$, p=0.78) and post chemotherapy values (Response group $39.92{\pm}1.81$ vs. Non-response group $40.41{\pm}1.47$, p=0.40) for cell free RNA concentrations, expressed as Ct GAPDH (threshold cycle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene) levels, was not different between the two groups. There was no significant relationship between changes in the cell free RNA level clinical responses after chemotherapy (p=0.43). Conclusion: We did not find a correlation between quantification of serum cell free RNA levels and clinical responses to chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Further investigations are needed to determine whether the cell free RNA level is a useful predictor of responses to chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.65-71
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• 2016

Cell-free nucleic acids (cf-NAs) originate in trophoblasts and are detected in the maternal plasma. Using innovative bioinformatic technologies such as next-generation sequencing, cf-NAs in the maternal plasma have been rapidly applied in prenatal genetic screening for fetal aneuploidy. Amniotic fluid is a complex and dynamic fluid that provides growth factors and protection to the fetus. In 2001, the presence of cf-NA in amniotic fluid was reported. Amniotic fluid is in direct contact with the fetus and is derived from fetal urine and maternal and fetal plasma. Therefore, these genetic materials have been suggested to reflect fetal health and provide real-time genetic information regarding fetal development. Recently, several studies evaluated the global gene expression changes of amniotic fluid cell-free RNA according to gestational age. In addition, by analyzing the transcriptome in the amniotic fluid of fetal aneuploidy, potential key pathways and novel biomarkers for fetal chromosomal aneuploidy were identified. Here, we review the current knowledge of cell-free RNA in amniotic fluid and suggest future research directions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.219-222
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• 1988

Degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) and ribonucleic acid(RNA) by cell-free extract of mixed rumen protozoa of buffalo rumen was investigated. DNA was observed to be degraded rapidly during an initial incubation period of 2 hr with simultaneous appearance of degradation products. RNA on the other hand recorded a rapid degradation during an initial incubation period of 1 hr. RNA degradation products appeared upto an incubation period of 2 hr. DNA was observed to degrade into oligo- and mononucleotides. pyrimidine nucleosides, purine nucleoside adenosine and bases xanthine, hypoxanthine and thymine. Degradation products of RNA comprised of pyrimidine nucleosides, purine nucleoside, adenosine and bases xanthine, hypoxanthine and uracil besides oligo- and mononucleotides.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2022

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT), a form of cell-based immunotherapy that eliminates cancer by restoring and strengthening the body's immune system, has revolutionized cancer treatment. ACT entails intravenous transfer of either tumor-resident or peripheral blood-modified immune cells into cancer patients to mediate anti-tumor response. Although these immune cells control and eradicate cancer via enhanced cytotoxicity against specific tumor antigens, several side effects have been frequently reported in clinical trials. Recently, exosomes, potential cell-free therapeutics, have emerged as an alternative to cell-based immunotherapies, due to their higher stability under same storage condition, lower risk of GvHD and CRS, and higher resistance to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Exosomes, which are nano-sized lipid vesicles, are secreted by living cells, including immune cells. Exosomes contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and the functional role of each exosome is determined by the specific cargo derived from parental cells. Exosomes derived from cytotoxic effectors including T cells and NK cells exert anti-tumor effects via proteins such as granzyme B and FasL. In this mini-review, we describe the current understanding of the ACT and immune cell-derived exosomes and discuss the limitations of ACT and the opportunities for immune cell-derived exosomes as immune therapies.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.49-55
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• 2017

Pre-eclampsia is known to cause considerable maternal morbidity and mortality. Thus, many studies have examined the etiopathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. While many pathophysiological factors related to pre-eclampsia have been identified, the precise etiopathogenesis of pre-eclampsia remains unclear. Numerous studies have identified factors for the early prediction for pre-eclampsia to lead to preparation and closer observation on pre-eclampsia when it occurs. This article reviews on current studies of biomarkers and genetic factors related to pre-eclampsia, which may be important for developing strategies for early prediction of pre-eclampsia.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.229-239
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• 1997

The superoxide anion radical$(O_2)$ poses a threat to macromocules and cell organelles of the living cells. This toxicity damage to all groups of proteins results in loss of enzyme function concerned with metabolism and ion transport, and peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol results in a change of permeability characteristics of the membrane, and oxidative of nucleic acids results in genomic damage and thereby cause mutation, potential carcinogenesis and somatic damage that produce cellular aging Superoxide dismutase(SOD) has received substantial attention as a potential therapeutic agent. It has been investigated as a possible agent for the prevention of ontogenesis, the reduction of cytotoxic effect of anticancer drugs, and protection against damage in ischemic tissue. It is suggest that $O_2$ is concerned with cellular aging, thereafter we need to investigate herb that activated to SOD.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Exosomes are nano-sized membrane-bound extracellular vesicles containing various biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which can be used to modulate physiological processes. The exosomal molecules secreted by cells can be extensively used as tools for diagnosis and therapy. Exosomes carry specific molecules released by the cells they originate from, which can be transferred to surrounding cells or tissues by the exosome. For these reasons, exosomes can be exploited as biomarkers for diagnosis, carriers for drug delivery, as well as therapeutics. In stem cell technology, exosomes have been an attractive option because they can be used as safer therapeutic agents for stem cell-based cell-free therapy. Recently, studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in alleviating symptoms associated with coronavirus disease 2019 as they have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential. Performing multiple studies on exosomes would provide innovative next-generation options for clinical diagnostics and therapy. This review summarizes the use of exosomes focusing on their diverse roles. In addition, the potential of exosomes is illustrated with a focus on how exosomes can be exploited as powerful tools in the days to come.