• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3785-3788
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• 2014

Purpose: To explore the clinical characteristics of bone metastasis (BM) in a large sample of preliminarily diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs). Methods: The sample consisted of 1,031 patients diagnosed with NPC at first visitg clinics between October 1989 and June 2012. Several parameters including metastasis locus, T/N staging, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of BM were analyzed retrospectively. Results: In 70 patients who had been preliminarily diagnosed with BM, the incidence of BM in N0, N1, N2 and N3 stage was 5.7%, 17.2%, 50.2%, and 25.7%, respectively, while the incidence in T0, T1, T2 and T3 stage was 0%, 23.8%, 47.6% and 28.6% respectively. BM occurred in most common in vertebral column, rib, sternum, ilium and femur. Positive rate of Epstein-Barr virus antibody was 77.6%. The median survival time was 12 months. Conclusion: The incidence of BM in NPC preliminarily diagnosed is about 7% and it is related to N classification but not T classification.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3583-3587
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• 2012

SUMOylation has emerged as an important post-translational modification that modulates the localization, stability and activity of a broad spectrum of proteins. A dynamic process, it can be reversed by a family of SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs). However, the biological roles of SENPs in mammalian development and pathogenesis remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrated that SENP2 plays a critical role in the control of hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth. SENP2 was found to be down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and over-expression suppressed the growth and colony formation of HCC cells. In contrast, silencing of SENP2 by siRNAs promoted cancer cell growth. We further found that stability of ${\beta}$-catenin was markedly decreased when SENP2 was over-expressed. Interestingly, the decrease was dependent on the de-SUMOylation activity of SENP2, because over-expression of a SENP2 catalytic mutant form had no obviously effects on ${\beta}$-catenin. Our results suggest that SENP2 might play a role in hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth control by modulating the stability of ${\beta}$-catenin.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1147-1151
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• 2005

A new naturally occurring sterol, compound 5, and six known stigmasterols were isolated from fruits of Ailanthus altissima Swingle by repeated column chromatography and RP-HPLC. Their structures were identified as, 5${\alpha}$-stigmastane-3,6-dione (1), 3${\beta}$-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one (2), stigmast-5-ene-3${\beta}$, 7${\alpha}$-diol (3), 6${\alpha}$-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (4), 5${\alpha}$-stigmastane-3${\beta}$, 6${\beta}$-diol (5), stigmast-4-ene-3${\beta}$, 6${\alpha}$-diol (6), stigmast-5-ene-3${\beta}$, 7${\alpha}$, 20$\xi$-triol (7) by spectral analysis and comparison with the published data. These compounds have not been reported from genus Ailanthus, whereas compound 7 was identified by NMR for the first time. In addition, the $95\%$ ethanol extract and compounds from the fruits of Ailanthus altissima SWINGLE were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity. The extract was potent active against the assayed bacteria while compounds 3 and 7 exhibited moderate activity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.610-617
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• 2019

Objective : This study aimed to assess the surgical results of the intradural transpetrosectomy for petrous apex meningiomas (PAMs). In addition, we describe the methods and techniques used to expose and manage superior petrous vein and greater superficial petrosal nerve. Methods : The authors conducted a retrospective study of 16 patients with PAMs operated by the senior author via the intradural transpetrosectomy between February 2012 to May 2017. We reviewed patient data regarding the general characteristics, surgical technique and surgery-related outcomes and adopted a combined follow-up strategy of clinic and telephone contacts to evaluate postoperative complications. Results : Simpson grade I and II resection was performed in 10 out of 16 cases (62.5%), and grade III resection were reported in the remaining six cases (37.5%) with no resultant mortality. The mean Karnofsky Performance Status score was 85.6 preoperatively and improved to 91.9 postoperatively, with a mean follow-up period of 34.4 months (range, 6-66 months). Tumor recurrence was found in two patients and they underwent the second surgical operation. Conclusion : PAMs could be completely resected by the intradural transpetrosectomy with an improved survival rate and postoperative life quality. Superior petrous vein and greater superficial petrosal nerve should be managed properly in avoidance of postoperative complications. Finally, most meningioma inside cavernous sinus or adhered to brainstem could be totally removed without postoperative complications.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.206-213
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• 2022

Ginsenoside Rb2 is an active protopanaxadiol-type saponin, widely existing in the stem and leave of ginseng. Rb2 has recently been the focus of studies for pharmaceutical properties. This paper provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetics for Rb2, which exhibit poor absorption, rapid tissue distribution and slow excretion through urine. Pharmacological studies indicate a beneficial role of Rb2 in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity, tumor, photoaging, virus infection and cardiovascular problems. The underlying mechanism is involved in an inhibition of oxidative stress, ROS generation, inflammation and apoptosis via regulation of various cellular signaling pathways and molecules, including AKT/SHP, MAPK, EGFR/SOX2, TGF-β1/Smad, SIRT1, GPR120/AMPK/HO-1 and NF-κB. This work would provide a new insight into the understanding and application of Rb2. However, its therapeutic effects have not been clinically evaluated. Further studies should be aimed at the clinical treatment of Rb2.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to discuss the diagnostic classification of the traditional medicine for pilosis, and the hair removal treatments in traditional medicine and its clinical application. Backgrounds : In recent years, appearance and beauty have become main interest that have positioned in the medical area. In clinical Korean medicine, a variety of methods such as moxibustion, superficial bleeding, multiple microneedling, facial meridian massage, herbal medicine facial pack, laser acupuncture, and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been applied. Methods and Results : Pilosis, a condition of abnormal hair growth, is stated for the first time in the publication, [Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseases] by Chao Yuan-fang in 610 A.D. It shows that pilosis has been recognised as a disease for ages in Asia. Reviewing several publications, we found multiple approaches to pilosis were already existed in korean medicine. They include internal medicinal classification and its' medications. Acupuncture treatments also focused on regulation of radical causes and superficial removal of abnormal hairs. Specific treatments includes body and ear acupuncture, ear acupressure, hypodermic acupuncture, hypodermic acupuncture injection, laser acupuncture treatment. Physical and chemical methods of hair removal were widely invented. we resulted that significant scientific approaches to pilosis are under way in the korean medical field, and found a variety of medical treatments such as herbal medicines and dermatological methods. Conclusions : Hair removal treatments for pilosis in traditional medicine has a long history. Combined with advanced modern technology it can achieve greater advance in cosmetology.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.11-40
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• 2015

Objectives : With Taoist medicine, there is a way of improving one's health by adopting a unique discipline called 'Five viscera spirit meditation'. The method was reintroduced in traditional Korean medicine when it was finalized. The viscera figures in the Uibang-yuchwi is one of the good examples in which the photos influenced by the five viscera spirit meditation appeared in medical literature. This research is aimed to study the process and the result of how medical knowledge influenced the formation of the five viscera spirit meditation, an important health theory of Taoist medicine, and how Korean medicine was affected by Taoist medicine. Methods : We will compare and study the information included in the following publications: the Taipingjing from the Dong-Han Period when the concepts of five viscera spirit were conceived; the huangtingjing from the Wei-Jin-Nan-Bei-Chao Period when the five viscera spirit meditation was finalized; the Yuanshenjing, the Yuzhoujing and the Buxietu based on Taoist medicine; and the Uibang-yuchwi based on traditional Korean medicine. Results & Conclusions : SThe medical knowledge at the initial stage made its way into Taoist medicine, forming the foundation of health theories and contributing to the creation of the five viscera spirit meditation. After some exchanges of medical knowledge and practices between Taoist medicine and other existing medicines, the five viscera spirit meditation reappeared in medical literature in the form of drawings and was used to cure diseases.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.26-35
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to understand how Sasang Constitutional Medicine has been understood in China. Methods I searched for topics in Chinese such as Sasang medicine (四象醫學), Sasang constitution (四象體質), Chao medicine (朝醫), philosophy (哲學), principles (原理), the school of Confucianism (儒家), Confucianism (儒學) and ideology (思想) in CNKI database on January 15, 2019. The selected studies were summarized as three sections; the basic principles of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, influences of Confucianism and comparison with other medicines. Results In China, the principles of Sasang Constitutional Medicine is explained using the concepts such as Heaven-Human-Nature-Order, the Great Ultimate (Taiji), Two Modes (Liang-Yi), Sasang, heart, sorrow-anger-joy-pleasure, nature-emotions (Xingqing), and viscera-bowels (Zang-Fu). Sasang Constitutional Medicine is considered to has been influenced by Confucianism. The form of Sasang Constitutional Medicine was affected by the Book of Changes (Zhouyi), and the contents were impacted by the Great Learning (Daxue), the Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong), the Mencius (Mengzi) and the Analects (Lunyu). Sasang Constitutional Medicine have distinctive characteristics in comparison with other medicines, such as inherent determinations of constitution, organs difference by constitution the actions of nature, emotions and desire, recognition of humans as social beings, and the signification of heart as a presiding center. Conclusion In China, the philosophy of Sasang Constitutional Medicine has been studied with basis of four-element structure; activity, mind, body and matter. Also, it has been researched in medical aspects of human trying to control the nature and emotions to be physically, mentally and socially healthy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2443-2446
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• 2013

Published data have shown that the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) in plasma and pleural effusion might be usefulness for lung cancer diagnosis. Here, we performed a prospective study to investigate the utility of VEGF and sVEGFR-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for differential diagnosis of primary lung cancer. A total of 56 patients with solitary pulmonary massed by chest radiograph or CT screening were enrolled in this study. BALF and plasma samples were obtained from all patients and analyzed for VEGF and sVEGFR-1 using a commercially available sandwich ELISA kit. The results showed that the levels of VEGF in BALF were significantly higher in patients with a malignant pulmonary mass compared with patients with a benign mass (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference of sVEGFR-1 in BALF was found between malignant and non-malignant groups (P = 0.43). With a cut-off value of 214 pg/ml, VEGF showed a sensitivity and specificity of 81.8% and 84.2%, respectively, in predicting the malignant nature of a solitary pulmonary mass. Our study suggests that VEGF is significantly increased in BALF among patients with lung cancer than in benign diseases. Measurement of VEGF in BALF might be helpful for differential diagnosis of primary lung cancer.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.524-533
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• 2023

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for aging and many diseases, and the disorder of lipid metabolism makes it prominent. This study aims to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on aging, lipid metabolism and stress resistance Methods: Rg1 was administered to Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) cultured in NGM or GNGM. The lifespan, locomotory activity, lipid accumulation, cold and heat stress resistance and related mRNA expression of the worms were examined. Gene knockout mutants were used to clarify the effect on lipid metabolism of Rg1. GFP-binding mutants were used to observe the changes in protein expression Results: We reported that Rg1 reduced lipid accumulation and improved stress resistance in C. elegans. Rg1 significantly reduced the expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes and lipid metabolism-related genes in C. elegans. However, Rg1 did not affect the fat storage in fat-5/fat-6 double mutant or nhr-49 mutant. Combined with network pharmacology, we clarified the possible pathways and targets of Rg1 in lipid metabolism. In addition, Rg1-treated C. elegans showed a higher expression of anti-oxidative genes and heat shock proteins, which might contribute to stress resistance Conclusion: Rg1 reduced fat accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism via nhr-49 and enhanced stress resistance by its antioxidant effect in C. elegans.