• BMB Reports
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.629-634
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• 2012

The human glycoprotein, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) plays multiple roles in several tumor types, however, its function and clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, we detected STC2 expression by quantitative real-time PCR and found STC2 was upregulated in HCC tissues, correlated with tumor size and multiplicity of HCC. Ectopic expression of STC2 markedly promoted HCC cell proliferation and colony formation, while silencing of endogenous STC2 resulted in a reduced cell growth by cell cycle delay in G0/G1 phase. Western blot analysis demonstrated that STC2 could regulate the expression of cyclin D1 and activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in a dominant-positive manner. Transwell chamber assay also indicated altered patterns of STC2 expression had an important effect on cell migration. Our findings suggest that STC2 functions as a potential oncoprotein in the development and progression of HCC as well as a promising molecular target for HCC therapy.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 1997

The fine needle aspiration biopsy(FNAB) has become a popular method to diagnose mass lesions of the liver. Although many reports have listed FNAB criteria to be used to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), a diagnostic dilemma still exists at the extreme ends of the spectrum, particularly for well differentiated HCC. The authors reviewed a series of FNAB specimens of the liver to distinguish well differentiated HCC from nonneoplastic liver. Fifteen cytologic features were examined in this study: high cellularity, large sheet formation, trabecular pattern, acinar pattern, dispersed pattern, irregular arrangement, increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, naked nuclei, irregular chromatin, irregular nuclear contour, multinucleation, uniform macronucleoli, multiple nuclei, uniform small cytoplasm and monotony of atypia. These features were examined in a series of 76 FNAB specimens. Fifty two specimens were from patients with HCC and 24 specimens were from patients with nonneoplastic lesion or tumors other than HCC containg adequate amount of nonneoplastic hepatocytes in smear. All specimens were coded as to the presence or absence of the above cytologic features. With the use of step-wise logistic regression analysis, three features were identified as the key cytologic features predictive of HCC: irregular chromatin, monotony of atypia and absence of large sheet formation. When these criteria were used, the sensitivity diagnosing HCC by FNAB was 94.2%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value was 88.9%.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5097-5099
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• 2012

Objective: To assess associations of Type II DM with hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in Nepal. Materials and Methods: This case control study was carried out using data retrieved from the register maintained in the Department of Biochemistry of Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences between 1st January, 2012, and 31st August, 2012. The variables collected were age, gender, HbA1c. All biochemical parameters were analyzed in the Central Laboratory of our hospital by standard validated methods. One way ANOVA was used to examine the statistical significant difference between groups with the LSD post-hoc test for comparison of means of case groups. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using simple logistic-regression analysis. Results: Etiological factors for HCC were HBV, HCV, alcohol and cryptogenic cirrhosis. The highest age group belonged to the etiological category of HCV with a mean of $71.9{\pm}3.6$ (CI 69.3, 74.5) years and the lowest age group to the etiological category of HBV with $61.7{\pm}5.3$(CI 57.9, 65.5) years. The main imperative basis of HCC in present study was HCV (39.5%) and second most significant cause of HCC was alcohol (26%). Glycated hemoglobin was found to be more in males with HCC (7.9%) as compared to females (7.3%). The percentage of Type II diabetes mellitus was greater in HCC patients when compared to controls. This difference was statistically significant with an odd ratio of 4.63 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Type II DM influences incidence, risk of recurrence, overall survival, and treatment-related complications in HCC patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3191-3194
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the association between the change of IGF-2 level in serum after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, especially in relation to metastasis. Methods: IGF-2 in serum was measured by quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assaybefore, 3 days and 4 weeks after TACE in 60 patients with HCC. The occurrence of HCC metastasis was also evaluated, 3 months after TACE. Results: (1) The average serum level of IGF-2 in the 60 patients with HCC was $136.5{\pm}87.3$ pg/ml; (2) A tendency for increase was observed with heterogenous uptake of octreotide and portal vein thrombosis. Metastatic foci were found in 37/38 patients in the group with IGF-2 increasing (97.0%), in contrast to 3/22 (13.6%) patients with IGF-2 decrease. Conclusion: The increase of IGF-2 level in serum appears to be associated with the occurrence of metastatic HCC after TACE and chemotherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10209-10215
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• 2015

To assess the contribution of tumor necrosis factor $(TNF){\beta}$ +252 polymorphisms to risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we enrolled 150 pairs of sex- and age-matched patients with HCC, patients with cirrhosis alone, and unrelated healthy controls. $TNF{\beta}$ +252 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Multivariate analysis indicated that $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype [odds ratio (OR), 3.64; 95%CI, 1.49-8.91], hepatitis B surface antigen (OR, 16.38; 95%CI, 8.30-32.33), and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) (OR, 39.11; 95%CI, 14.83-103.14) were independent risk factors for HCC. There was an additive interaction between $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HCV infection (synergy index=1.15). Multivariate analysis indicated that factors associated with $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype included cirrhosis with Child-Pugh C (OR, 4.06; 95%CI, 1.34-12.29), thrombocytopenia (OR, 6.55; 95%CI, 1.46-29.43), and higher serum ${\alpha}$-fetoprotein concentration (OR, 2.53; 95%CI, 1.14-5.62). Patients with $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype had poor cumulative survival (p=0.005). Cox proportional hazard model indicated that $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype was a biomarker for poor HCC survival (hazard ratio, 1.70; 95%CI, 1.07-2.69). In conclusion, there are independent and additive effects between $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype and chronic HBV/HCV infection on risk for HCC. It is a biomarker for poor HCC survival. Carriage of this genotype correlates with disease severity and advanced hepatic fibrosis, which may contribute to a higher risk and poor survival of HCC. Chronic HBV/HCV infected subjects with this genotype should receive more intensive surveillance for early detection of HCC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.954-958
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• 2000

배경: 헤파린표면처리 도관(Heparin-coated circuit: HCC)이 도관과 혈액사이의 반응(Blood-marterial reaction)을 줄여주어서 보체활성화(complement activation), 백혈구활성화(leukocyte activation)와 사이토킨 분비(cytokinerelease)등을 감소시켜 준다. 그러나 HCC가 수술 후에 출혈 양을 줄여주고 헌혈 필요량을 감소시켜 준다는 임상적 효과에 대해서는 인정된 부분이 많으나 아직까지 그 기전은 대부분은 미지의 상태로 남아있는 것이 사실이다. 본 연구는 HCC를 사용한 군(Group H)과 사용하지 않은 군(Group C)간에 심폐기 사용기간(Pumptime), 활성화 응고시간(activated clotting time: ACT)과 헤파린 사용량을 비교 분석해 봄으로서 두 군간에 존재할 수 있는 헤파린 사용량을 비교 분석해 본으로서 두 군간에 존재할 수 있는 헤파린 사용량 차이에 대하여 알아보려고 하게되었다. 대상 및 방법: 본원에서 1999년 5월 1일부터 동년 12월 31일 사이에 연령이 16세 이상인 환자에서 HCC를 사용했던 16명(Group H)과 사용하지 않았던 19명(Group C)을 대상으로 하였다. 모든 환자에서 수술 전 체중, 신장, 체표면적, 심폐기 사용시간(pumptime), 수술 중 최저체온, 대동맥 차단시간(Aortic cross clamping time. ACC time), ACT, 헤파린 및 프로타민 사용 양 등을 조사하였다. 결과: 연구대상 환자의 연령, 체중, 신장, 체표면적, 대동맥차단 시간, 체온 등은 HCC를 사용한 군(H 군)과 사용하지 않은 군(C군)간에 의미 있는 차이가 없었다(p<0.05). 헤파린 공급 전, 공급 후 20분, 40분, 60분과 프로타민 공급 후 20분에 측정한 ACT는 두 군간에 의미 있는 차이가 없었다. 두 군간의 처음에 공급한 헤파린 양과 총 프로타민 사용량은 차이가 없었으나(p>0.05), 추가 공급한 헤파린 양(11$\pm$30 versus 67$\pm$49mg, p<0.05)과 총 헤파린 사용량(176$\pm$44 versus 239$\pm$70mg, p<0.05)은 H군에서 의미 있게 적게 나왔다. 두 군간에서 심폐기 사용시간에는 차이가 없었으면서 H군에서 약 38%정도의 헤파린을 적게 사용하였다. 결론: 결론적으로 HCC의 사용으로 심폐기 사용 시간과 상관없이 추가하는 헤파린 양을 줄임으로서 총 헤파린 사용량을 줄여 줄 수 있었으며 이것이 HCC의 임상적 효과를 나타나게 하는 하나의 요소로 작용할 수 있다고 생각된다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.8
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• pp.550-563
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• 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and incurable cancer. Although understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC has greatly advanced, therapeutic options for the disease remain limited. In this study, we demonstrated that SETD5 expression is positively associated with poor prognosis of HCC and that SETD5 depletion decreased HCC cell proliferation and invasion while inducing cell death. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SETD5 loss downregulated the interferon-mediated inflammatory response in HCC cells. In addition, SETD5 depletion downregulated the expression of a critical glycolysis gene, PKM (pyruvate kinase M1/2), and decreased glycolysis activity in HCC cells. Finally, SETD5 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. These results collectively suggest that SETD5 is involved in the tumorigenic features of HCC cells and that targeting SETD5 may suppress HCC progression.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rather unique. Most of HCC patients have underlying chronic liver diseases with or without cirrhosis and the prognosis of HCC depends on the liver function, as well as the tumor extent. Non-invasive diagnosis of HCC can be made with certain risk factors and specific imaging findings (e.g. hypervascularity). Patients with HCC can receive surgical resection, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy as other solid malignancies. HCC has more treatment options such as liver transplantation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A variety of practice guidelines for HCC has been published by many academic societies. Different healthcare systems and availability of resources also affect the practice guidelines; therefore, practice guidelines have similarities and dissimilarities. Herein, we review the current status of practice guidelines for HCC and future perspectives for the improvement of guidelines are also discussed.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2017

More addition of calcium carbonate in printing paper allows savings of the wood fibers and the drying energy. Pre-flocculation of GCC (ground calcium carbonate) using functional polymers was known as the best available technology to make high loaded paper until now, and it allowed less reduction of the paper essential properties such as tensile strength and smoothness at higher GCC content. However, pre-flocculated GCC became unstable in size under the continued agitation in the mill. Therefore, pre-flocculation method was modified in such a way that the in-situ calcium carbonate was formed between the GCC particles of the pre-flocculated GCC, and the resultant became more stable in size, which we named as HCC (hybrid calcium carbonate). HCC turned out to make high tensile strength and smoothness as much as the pre-flocculated GCC and gave much better size stability against stirring. Furthermore, HCC gave high bulk that pre-flocculation could not make.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.354-365
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and its role as a second-line imaging modality after gadoxetate-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI) in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among at risk observations. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled participants at risk of HCC with treatment-naïve solid hepatic observations (≥ 1 cm) of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LR)-3/4/5/M during surveillance and performed Gd-EOB-MRI. A total of one hundred and three participants with 103 hepatic observations (mean size, 28.2 ± 24.5 mm; HCCs [n = 79], non-HCC malignancies [n = 15], benign [n = 9]; diagnosed by pathology [n = 57], or noninvasive method [n = 46]) were included in this study. The participants underwent CEUS with sulfur hexafluoride. Arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout on Gd-EOB-MRI and CEUS were evaluated. The distinctive washout in CEUS was defined as mild washout 60 seconds after contrast injection. The diagnostic ability of Gd-EOB-MRI and of CEUS as a second-line modality for HCC were determined according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the Korean Liver Cancer Association and National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) guidelines. The diagnostic abilities of both imaging modalities were compared using the McNemar's test. Results: The sensitivity of CEUS (60.8%) was lower than that of Gd-EOB-MRI (72.2%, p = 0.06 by EASL; 86.1%, p < 0.01 by KLCA-NCC); however, the specificity was 100%. By performing CEUS on the inconclusive observations in Gd-EOB-MRI, HCCs without APHE (n = 10) or washout (n = 12) on Gd-EOB-MRI further presented APHE (80.0%, 8/10) or distinctive washout (66.7%, 8/12) on CEUS, and more HCCs were diagnosed than with Gd-EOB-MRI alone (sensitivity: 72.2% vs. 83.5% by EASL, p < 0.01; 86.1% vs. 91.1% by KCLA-NCC, p = 0.04). There were no false-positive cases for HCC on CEUS. Conclusion: The addition of CEUS to Gd-EOB-MRI as a second-line diagnostic modality increases the frequency of HCC diagnosis without changing the specificities.