• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.117-123
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• 2007

Background: This study was designed to investigate the role of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with regards to differentiation of somatic stem cells originating from the human umbilical cord blood (UCB) into hepatic lineage cells in vitro culture system. Methods: Mononuclear cells from UCB were cultured with and without HGF based on the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, FGF-2, and stem cell factor. The cultured cells were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining analysis with albumin (ALB), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) MoAb. ALB and CK-18 mRNA were also evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In order to observe changes in proliferating capacity with respect to the cultured period, CFSE with affinity to proliferating cells were tagged and later underwent flow cytometry. Results: In the HGF-treated group, cultured cells had a large oval shaped appearance with adherent, but easily detachable characteristics. In the HGF-non treated group, these cells were spindle-shaped with strong adherent characteristics. Expressions of ALB and CK-19 were evident in HGF-treated group compared to non-expression of those in to HGF-non treated group. Dual immunostaining analysis of the ALB producing cells showed presence of PCNA in their nuclei, and ALB and CK-18 mRNA were detected on the 21st day of cultured cells in the HGF-treated group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HGF has a pivotal role in differentiating somatic stem cells of human UCB into hepatic lineage cells in vitro.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.121-134
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• 2006

Objectives : This experiment was conducted to evaluate inhibitory effects against hepatic metastasis and promotion of immunocytes by cultivated wild ginseng Herbal Acupuncture. Methods : Colon26-L5 carcinoma cells were injected through hepatic portal vein to induce hepatic metastatic cancer. Changes in weight, morphology of the cancer, histological impressions were evaluated and cytokine level was analyzed to yield immunological changes. Colon26-L5 carcinoma cells were injected through hepatic portal vein to induce hepatic metastatic cancer. Changes in weight, morphology of the cancer, histological impressions were evaluated and cytokine level was analyzed to yield immunological changes. Results : 1. Mice treated with cultivated wild ginseng Herbal Acupuncture reduced metastatic size compared to the control group. 2. No distinctive differences were witnessed between the cancer cells of control and experimental group in histological observation, but experimental group was closer to the normal tissue condition. 3. Observing immunocytes from the spleen of experimental group, T-lymphocytes were significantly increased. 4. Measuring the level of cytokine IL-4 which stimulates Th 2 were significantly increased. These findings strong1y indicate cultivated wild ginseng Herbal Acupuncture enhances immunity to inhibit the growth of cancer and metastasis.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.124-132
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• 2013

In this study, novel peptides (NIPP-1, NIPP-2) derived from Navicula incerta (microalgae) protein hydrolysate were explored for their inhibitory effects on collagen release in hepatic fibrosis with the investigation of its underlying mechanism of action. TGF-${\beta}1$ activated fibrosis in LX-2 cells was examined in the presence or absence of purified peptides NIPP-1 and NIPP-2. Besides the mechanisms of liver cell injury, protective effects of NIPP-1 and NIPP-2 were studied to show the protective mechanism against TGF-${\beta}1$ stimulated fibrogenesis. Our results showed that the core protein of NIPP-1 peptide prevented fibril formation of type I collagen, elevated the MMP level and inhibited TIMP production in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of NIPP-1 and NIPP-2 on TGF-${\beta}1$ induced LX-2 cells alleviated hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, ${\alpha}$-SMA, TIMPs, collagen and PDGF in the NIPP-1 treated groups were significantly decreased. Therefore, it could be suggested that NIPP-1 has potential to be used in anti-fibrosis treatment.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1386-1391
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• 2005

This study examined the role of Kupffer cells in altering the hepatic secretory and microsomal function during ischemia and reperfusion (ls/Rp). Rats were subjected to 60 min of hepatic ischemia, followed by 1 and 5 h of reperfusion. Gadolinium chloride ($GdCl_{3}$, 7.5 mg/kg body weight, intravenously) was used to inactivate the Kupffer cells 1 day prior to ischemia. Is/Rp markedly increased the serum aminotransferase level and the extent of lipid peroxidation. $GdCl_{3}$ significantly attenuated these increases. Is/Rp markedly decreased the bile. flow and cholate output, and $GdCl_{3}$ restored their secretion. The cytochrome P450 content was decreased by Is/Rp. However, these decreases were not prevented by $GdCl_{3}$. The aminopyrine N-demethylase activity was decreased by Is/Rp, while the aniline p-hydroxylase activity was increased. $GdCl_{3}$ prevented the increase in the aniline p-hydroxylase activity. Overall, Is/Rp diminishes the hepatic secretory and microsomal drug-metabolizing functions, and Kupffer cells are involved in this hepatobiliary dysfunction.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.187-195
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• 1982

This paper dealt with the light microscopical and electron microscopical findings on the morphological changes of the liver of Korean native goat injected with toxin (culture filtrate) of Clostridium perfringens which was isolated from Korean native cattle died of acute Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemia. The results observed are summarized as follows. In the microscopical findings, hyperemia and minute hemorrhage of the liver parenchyma, dilatation of hepatic central vein and centrilobular necrosis of liver, cloudy swelling and hydropic degeneration of hepatic cells, and appearance of light eosinophilic granular bodies in the vacuoles were recognized. In the electron microscopical findings, appearance of pinocytotic vesicle (coated vesicle), fusion of these vesicles, formation of vacuole and accumulation of minute granular proteinous materials in the vacuole were observed in the hepatic cells. Decreased number of glycogen granules, swelling and destruction of mitochondria, proliferation of smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, enlargement of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, dispersal of thready agranular membranous structure and appearance of secondary lysosome were recognized in the hepatic cell cytoplasm.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.229-229
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• 2002

Although hepatocellular dysfunction occurs during sepsis. the mechanism responsible for this remains unclear. Since Kupffer cells provide signals that regulate hepatic response in endotoxin and inflammation. the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Kupffer cells in the alterations in the hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing function during sepsis. Rats were subjected to polymicrobial sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)followed by fluid resuscitation. (omitted)

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.229-238
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• 2012

Cyclooxygenase(COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid. Over-expression of COX-2 has been reported to be associated with progressive hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatic C infection and rat liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$). Recently, it is well known that mast cell products can stimulate the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and key players in liver fibrosis. But little is known regarding their role in $CCl_4$-induced liver fibrosis in rat. Our aim was to investigate the relation between COX-2 expression and mast cells during liver fibrosis after $CCl_4$ treatment. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (non-treated 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8-week after $CCl_4$-treatment). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA), collagen-1 and COX-2 in liver tissue from $CCl_4$-treated rats. The density of collagen and mast cells were determined using a computerized image analysis system in liver sections stained with picrosirius red and toluidine blue, respectively. The expression levels of ${\alpha}$-SMA, collagen-1 and COX-2 mRNA were significantly higher at 2 wk in $CCl_4$-treated groups than non-treated group. The number of mast cells in liver tissues increased gradually from 2 wk to 6 wk depending on the fibrosis severity but decreased abruptly at 8 wk. The significant increase of collagen-1 and ${\alpha}$-SMA mRNA expression in $CCl_4$-treated rats was continued until 6 wk while the COX-2 mRNA was significantly decreased at 8 wk. These results suggest that increased mast cells are closely associated with COX-2 over-expression during hepatic fibrogenesis of $CCl_4$-treated rats.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1238-1244
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• 2004

The suppressive effects of Platycodi Radix (Changkil: CK), the root of Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC (Campanulaceae), on the progress of acute carbon tetrachloride $(CCl_4)$-induced hepatic fibrosis were investigated in the rat. CK significantly suppressed $(CCl_4)$-induced hepatic necrosis and inflammation, as determined by the serum enzymatic activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase and serum tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ levels, in dose-dependent manners. In addition, the increased hepatic fibrosis after acute $(CCl_4)$ treatment was suppressed by the administration of CK. CK also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic ${\alpha}$ 1(I) procollagen (type I collagen) mRNA and ${\alpha}$ -smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$ -SMA) expressions in the liver of $(CCl_4)$-intoxicated rats and also suppressed the induction of ${\alpha}$ -SMA and type I collagen in cultured hepatic stellate cells, in dose-dependent manners. These results suggest that the suppressive effects of CK against the progress of acute $(CCl_4)$-induced hepatic fibrosis possibly involve mechanisms related to its ability to block both hepatic inflammation and the activation of hepatic stellate cells.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2022

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used to detect and characterize focal hepatic lesions. Because gadoxetic acid is a hepatocyte-specific contrast agent, its patterns during hepatobiliary phase enhancement provide useful information for differential diagnoses of focal hepatic lesions. Hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare mesenchymal hepatic neoplasm composed of blood vessels, epithelioid cells, and varying amounts of adipose tissue components. Hepatic AMLs usually show marked hypointensity during the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI as hepatic AMLs are devoid of hepatocytes and fibrotic components. The present study describes a patient with hepatic AML and an atypical imaging feature. This tumor showed hyperintensity during the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, mimicking hepatocellular tumors such as hepatocellular adenoma. The hepatobiliary hyperintensity of this lesion was likely due to multifocal entrapped hepatocytes resulting from an intrasinusoidal growth pattern of tumor cells and insufficient hepatic parenchymal enhancement during the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.202-209
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• 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly malignant disease and the third leading cause of all cancer mortalities worldwide, often responses poorly to current treatments and results in dismal outcomes due to frequent chemoresistance and tumor relapse. The heterogeneity of HCC is an important attribute of the disease. It is the outcome of many factors, including the cross-talk between tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment and the acquisition and accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells. In addition, there is accumulating evidence in recent years to show that the malignancy of HCC can be attributed partly to the presence of cancer stem cell (CSC). CSCs are capable to self-renew, differentiate and initiate tumor formation. The regulation of the stem cell-like properties by several important signaling pathways have been found to endow the tumor cells with an increased level of tumorigenicity, chemoresistance, and metastatic ability. In this review, we will discuss the recent findings on hepatic CSCs, with special emphasis on their putative origins, relationship with hepatitis viruses, regulatory signaling networks, tumor microenvironment, and how these factors control the stemness of hepatic CSCs. We will also discuss some novel therapeutic strategies targeted at hepatic CSCs for combating HCC and perspectives of future investigation.