• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.123-132
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• 2018

Ginseng has gained its popularity as an adaptogen since ancient days because of its triterpenoid saponins, known as ginsenosides. These triterpenoid saponins are unique and classified as protopanaxatriol and protopanaxadiol saponins based on their glycosylation patterns. They play many protective roles in humans and are under intense research as various groups continue to study their efficacy at the molecular level in various disorders. Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 are the most abundant ginsenosides present in ginseng roots, and they confer the pharmacological properties of the plant, whereas ginsenoside Rg3 is abundantly present in Korean Red Ginseng preparation, which is highly known for its anticancer effects. These ginsenosides have a unique mode of action in modulating various signaling cascades and networks in different tissues. Their effect depends on the bioavailability and the physiological status of the cell. Mostly they amplify the response by stimulating phosphotidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, caspase-3/caspase-9-mediated apoptotic pathway, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling. Furthermore, they trigger receptors such as estrogen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and N-methyl-$\text\tiny{D}$-aspartate receptor. This review critically evaluates the signaling pathways attenuated by ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3 in various tissues with emphasis on cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.322-327
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• 2018

A type of breast cancer with a defect in three molecular markers such as the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor is called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Many patients with TNBC have a lower survival rate than patients with other types due to a poor prognosis. In this study, we confirmed the anti-cancer effect of a natural compound, Gomisin G, in TNBC cancer cells. Treatment with Gomisin G suppressed the viability of two TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 but not non-TNBC cell lines such as MCF-7, T47D, and ZR75-1. To investigate the molecular mechanism of this activity, we examined the signal transduction pathways after treatment with Gomisin G in MDA-MB-231 cells. Gomisin G did not induce apoptosis but drastically inhibited AKT phosphorylation and reduced the amount of retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) and phosphorylated Rb. Gomisin G induced in a proteasome-dependent manner a decrease in Cyclin D1. Consequently, Gomisin G causes cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. In contrast, there was no significant change in T47D cells except for a mild decrease in AKT phosphorylation. These results show that Gomisin G has an anti-cancer activity by suppressing proliferation rather than inducing apoptosis in TNBC cells. Our study suggests that Gomisin G could be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of TNBC patients.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.9-14
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• 2018

Ki-67 has been widely performed and become an important biomarker in worldwide clinics, but the standard cut off value of Ki-67 index in breast cancer is still controversy. The objective study was to understand the Ki-67 in breast cancer subtypes and to investigate relative risk of breast cancer subtypes according to Ki-67 cut off value in Korean breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki-67 index was examined from 123 breast cancer patients. Ki-67 index was significantly overexpressed in PR, ER, and HER2 hormone negative groups. Ki-67 index in Triple negative and HER2 subtypes was shown significantly higher than that in Luminal A and Luminal B subtype. Then, we compared the relative risk of each subtype according to 14% and 20% Ki-67 cut off value, which were applied in most clinics. Especially, 20% Ki-67 cut off value in HER2 and Triple negative subtypes was shown 8.41 fold and 2.83 fold higher relative risk than this in Luminal A subtype. Moreover, Ki-67 index in HER2 2+ or 3+ status showed significantly overexpressed than this in HER2 1+ status. At the 20% Ki-67 cut off value, HER2 1+ or 2+ status and 3+ status showed significant difference. Therefore, the 20% Ki-67 cut off value will be useful as a precise prognostic management and helpful for interpreting diverse outcomes of other subtypes in breast cancer patients.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.137-145
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate correlations of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) statuses with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinicohistological characteristics in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Materials and Methods: Data from 64 histologically confirmed ILCs were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative breast MRI was reviewed for morphology and dynamic contrast-enhanced kinetics of the tumor. Pathologic reports were reviewed for ER, PR, and HER2 positivity, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Furthermore, there was an investigation of the MRI features and clinicohistologic characteristics, according to the ER, PR, and HER2 statuses. Results: A significant difference in MRI features and clinicohistological tumor characteristics were observed only in relation to PR status. Of the 64 ILCs, 10 (15.6%) were PR negative. PR negative cancers, compared with PR positive cancers, were more likely to present as non-mass enhancement (P = 0.027); have a significantly larger mean tumor size ($5.00{\pm}1.05cm$ vs. $2.57{\pm}0.21cm$, P = 0.021); and have significantly more metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.010). Conclusion: PR negative ILC presented more frequently as non-mass enhancement on MRI, with larger tumors and increased numbers of metastatic lymph nodes. Therefore, the PR status plays an important role in determining MRI features and clinicohistological characteristics of ILC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.1261-1264
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• 2016

Background: In breast cancer (BC), it has been suggested that nuclear overexpression of p53 protein might be an indicator of poor prognosis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the expression of p53 BC in Kurdish women from the West of Iran and its correlation with other clinicopathology figures. Materials and Methods: In the present retrospective study, 231 patients were investigated for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positivity, defined as ${\geq}10%$ positive tumor cells with nuclear staining. A binary logistic regression model was selected using Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) in stepwise selection for determination of important factors. Results: ER, PR, the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and p53 were positive in 58.4%, 55.4%, 59.7% and 45% of cases, respectively. Ki67 index was divided into two groups: 54.5% had Ki67<20% and 45.5% had Ki67 ${\geq}20%$. Of 214 patients, 137(64%) had lymph node metastasis and of 186 patients, 122(65.6%) had vascular invasion. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that there was inverse significant correlation between lymph node metastasis (P=0.008, OR 0.120 and 95%CI 0.025-0.574), ER status (P=0.006, OR 0.080, 95%CI 0.014-0.477) and a direct correlation between HER2 (P=005, OR 3.047, 95%CI 1.407-6.599) with the expression of p53. Conclusions: As in a number of studies, expression of p53 had a inverse correlation with lymph node metastasis and ER status and also a direct correlation with HER2 status. Also, p53-positivity is more likely in triple negative BC compared to other subtypes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.340-350
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to determine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$(PPAR${\gamma}$ is involved in the regulation of weaning to estrus of primiparous sows. Twelve sows composed of 6 groups of 2 full-sibs in a similar age (325.2 d), body weight (BW; 152.4 kg) and backfat thickness (BFT; 27.0 mm) at start of lactation, were allocated to accept 31 MJ (restricted group, R-group) or 53 MJ (control group, C-group) DE/d treatment, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the low energy intake resulted in excessive losses of BW and BFT during lactation in R-group sows, which may be related to decrease of serum 15-deoxy-${\Delta}^{12,14}$-prostaglandin $J_2$ (15d-$PGJ_2$), a ligand of PPAR${\gamma}$ The obvious peak and the frequency of LH, FSH and estradiol ($E_2$) were only observed in C-group sows. Except for $E_2$ at d 1 and 2, serum FSH, LH and $E_2$ concentrations in R-group were lower than those in C-group sows after weaning. However, the serum progesterone ($P_4$) level in R-group sows was always more than that in C-group. The expression abundances of PPAR${\gamma}$and GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary, FSH receptor (FSH-R), LH receptor (LH-R), estrogen receptor (ES-R) and aromatase in ovary of anestrous sows were lower than those of estrous sows. Neither the BFT nor the BW was associated with the mRNA abundance of PPAR${\gamma}$in hypothalamus during lactation. Expressions of PPAR${\gamma}$in pituitary and ovary were affected evidently by the BFT changes and only by the loss of BW of sows during and after lactation. Furthermore, PPAR${\gamma}$mRNA level in ovary was significantly related to the expression abundances of GnRH-R, FSH-R, ES-R and aromatase, and GnRH-R was obviously associated with PPAR${\gamma}$expression in pituitary. However, PPAR${\gamma}$expression in hypothalamus likely has no effects on these genes expression and no obvious difference for all sows. Not serum $E_2$ or $P_4$ alone but the ratios of $E_2$ to $P_4$ and 15d-$PGJ_2$ to $P_4$, and serum FSH and LH were evidently related to PPAR${\gamma}$expression in pituitary and ovary. It is concluded that PPAR${\gamma}$is associated with body conditions, reproduction hormones and their receptor expression, which affected the functions of pituitary and ovary and ultimately the estrus after weaning of primiparous sows.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.267-274
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• 2013

The impact of income and education level on the clinical and pathologic characteristics, implementation of clinical breast examination (CBE), and treatment patterns of a small population of Chinese female breast cancer patients was studeied in order to provide a theoretical basis and statistical reference for further nationwide research. We included 484 pathologically confirmed female primary breast cancer inpatients of the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University from February 2003 to January 2004. All cases were reviewed and relevant information was collected using a designed case report form (CRF). Chisquare tests, rank-sum tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used in the analysis. Our analysis showed that: (1) women in different occupation groups had significant differences in tumor size, pre-operative mammography, surgical options, post-operative estrogen receptor (ER), progestin receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status, and post-operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy (P < 0.05); and (2) women with different education levels had statistically significant differences in tumor size, post-operative ER, PR and Her2 status, and post-operative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy (P < 0.05). In Xi'an, China, women in low-income occupations or with low education levels are more likely to have advanced tumor stages at presentation, lower implementation rate of clinical breast examination, and less treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.1077-1082
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• 2016

Background: The three standard biomarkers used in breast cancer are the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The Ki-67 index, a proliferative marker, has been shown to be associated with a poorer outcome, and despite absence of standardization of pathological assessment, is widely used for therapy decision making. We aim to study the role of the Ki-67 index in a group of Asian women with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 450 women newly diagnosed with Stage 1 to 3 invasive breast cancer in a single centre from July 2013 to Dec 2014 were included in this study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between Ki-67 (positive defined as 14% and above) and age, ethnicity, grade, mitotic index, ER, PR, HER2, lymph node status and size. All analyses were performed using SPSS Version 22. Results: In univariable analysis, Ki -67 index was associated with younger age, higher grade, ER and PR negativity, HER2 positivity, high mitotic index and positive lymph nodes. However on multivariable analysis only tumour size, grade, PR and HER2 remained significant. Out of 102 stage 1 patients who had ER positive/PR positive/HER2 negative tumours and non-grade 3, only 5 (4.9%) had a positive Ki-67 index and may have been offered chemotherapy. However, it is interesting to note that none of these patients received chemotherapy. Conclusions: Information on Ki67 would have potentially changed management in an insignificant proportion of patients with stage 1 breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.1111-1113
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• 2012

The ER-/PR+ breast tumor may be the result of a false ER negative result. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in patient and tumor characteristics of the ER-/PR+ phenotype in an Asian setting. A total of 2629 breast cancer patients were categorized on the basis of their age, ethnicity, tumor hormonal receptor phenotype, grade and histological type. There were 1230 (46.8%) ER+/PR+, 306 (11.6%) ER+/PR-, 122 (4.6%) ER-/PR+ and 972 (37%) ER-/PR-. ER-/PR+ tumors were 2.5 times more likely to be younger than 50 years at diagnosis (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.72-3.67). Compared to ER+/PR+ tumors, the ER-/PR+ phenotype was twice more likely to be associated with grade 3 tumors (OR:2.02; 95%CI: 1.00-4.10). In contrast, compared to ER-/PR- tumors, the ER-/PR+ phenotype was 90% less likely to be associated with a grade 3 tumor (OR: 0.12; 95%CI:0.05-0.26), and more likely to have invasive lobular than invasive ductal histology (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.47-9.11). These results show that the ER-/PR+ phenotype occurs in a younger age group and is associated with intermediate histopathological characteristics compared to ER+/PR+ and ER-/PR- tumors. This may imply that it is a distinct entity and not a technical artifact.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.79-83
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• 1993

A 38-year-old female was admitted due to progressive exertional dyspnea and intermittent blood tinged sputum. Chest PA showed diffuse reticular infiltration accompanied by hyperinflation. $PaO_2$ was normal in resting state but profoundly decreased during exercise. Spirometry showed severe obstructive pattern but DLCO was markedly decreased. Lung volumes measured by helium equilibrium method was increased. On HRCT, numerous and relatively uniform sized cysts were evenly distributed throughout the bilateral lung fields. Open lung biopsy was performed and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM) was diagnosed based on the findings of abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymphatic vessels, bronchioles, and small pulmonary veins. Immunohistochemical staining was negative for estrogen receptor but positive for progesterone receptor. Medroxyprogesterone therapy was initiated.