• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3619-3622
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• 2016

Background: Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are high grade aggressive tumors generally with a poor prognosis, not responding to hormonal and anti Her2 Neu therapy. Expression of the antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 gene (Bcl-2) is associated with low grade, slowly proliferating hormone receptor positive tumors with improved survival. Anti Bcl2 agents can be used as alternative targeted therapy in triple negative cancers. Materials and Methods: The objective of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl2 in triple negative breast cancers and any correlation with clinicopathological variables in Northern Pakistan. Results: All 52 patients were females, aged between 28 and 80 years(average $48.0{\pm}12.1$). 28 cases (53.8%) were positive for Bcl2, this being associated with low grade invasive ductal carcinomas, lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular invasion. Conclusions: Bcl-2 may be an important prognostic factor and its expression might be used for targeted therapy using Anti Bcl2 drugs.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.124-141
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan combination therapy for the treatment of precocious puberty. Methods: 6 databases were searched from the date of inception until April 2021 for relevant studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs) which focused on effects of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan on precocious puberty. Results: Total 8 literatures were included in qualitative analysis and meta analysis on results was conducted on 4 synthesizable studies. The response rate was significantly higher in Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan combination group than in conventional therapy group. Also, serum estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level were significantly lower in Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan combination group than in conventional therapy group. Conclusions: It seems that combination therapy of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan can effectively reduce serum estradiol and FSH level while increasing response rate significantly. Further high quality studies are needed to supplement the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan on precocious puberty.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.142-150
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• 2013

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease, affecting most of those who are receiving dialysis. Cinacalcet, a novel calcimimetic, targets the calcium-sensing receptor to lower PTH levels in dialysis patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess efficacy, safety and appropriateness of use of cinacalcet in dialysis patients. Method: This retrospective study was performed on total 24 cases with identified intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium and phosphorus levels before and 4 weeks after cinacalcet initiation at a teaching hospital from July 1st, 2011 to October 31st, 2012. Results: Cinacalcet decreased iPTH by 19% from baseline after 4weeks treatment and it was statistically significant (p<0.001). Cinacalcet also significantly decreased iPTH levels regardless of dialysis modality (hemodialysis group versus peritoneal dialysis group) and severity of SHPT (iPTH 300-800 pg/ml group versus iPTH >800 pg/ml group). Serum calcium, phosphorus and Ca x P levels were decreased without statistical significance. Gastrointestinal events, headache and hypocalcemia were the most common side effects. Monitoring for iPTH and serum calcium was not performed appropriately. 43.7% patients initiated cinacalcet therapy at serum calcium level< 9.0 mg/dl. Conclusion: In conclusion, cinacalcet lowers parathyroid hormone levels with no serious side effects. However, it is required to avoid cinacalcet treatment in patients with low serum calcium levels and monitor iPTH and serum calcium levels during cinacalcet administration.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 1985

The results of radioiodine treatment of 88 patients are reported. As in the case presented above, careful follow-up with continuous administration of adequate amount of thyroid hormone is very important. To check whether recurrent lesions have appeared or not, scintigrams with test dose of $I^{131}$, usually 1 to 10 mCi, are taken in general. However, it is important that there is a fact that administration of much larger dose (30 to 100 mCi) of $I^{131}$ may result in presenting additional lesions on the scintigrams. Recently, clinical usefulness of serum thyroglobulin determination has been mentioned in literatures from the standpoint of follow-up study of patients after radioiodine treatment. Although this technique seems to be valuable, we have to be aware of the possibility of fluctuation of data which may occur in connection with administration of thyroid hormone. Finally, I would like to say that radioiodine treatment is an effective method for thyroid cancer if patients are adequately selected. However, radioiodine treatment itself is sometimes not enough from the standpoint of radiation dose to the lesions. In such cases, we should not hesitate to consider combination therapy with other modalities. Therefore, in order to overcome this undesirable disease, cooperation between nuclear medicine specialists and other oncologists, such as radiotherapists, is necessary.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.52-55
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• 2020

Background: Immunomodulatory properties of interferon (IFN) have been documented. It may induce autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In addition, it may impair thyroid hormone synthesis through affecting iodide organification in thyroid gland. Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe thyroid function tests disturbances in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) receiving pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG IFN-α) plus ribavirin. Methods: Fifty children with CHC virus infection who received combined pegylated interferon-alpha with ribavirin were selected. Other 50 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex (considered as control group) were selected. All children (100) were subject to liver function tests, virological studies, and follow-up of thyroid function test during and after the treatment course. Results: Our study showed that 28% of children received combined PEG IFN-α plus ribavirin showed subclinical hypothyroidism. After 24 weeks treatment with combined therapy of IFN plus ribavirin, the mean level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 3.23±88 mU/mL, while TSH was 1.16±0.77 mU/mL before starting treatment. On the other hand, mean TSH was 1.09±0.92 mU/mL in normal control group. Conclusion: This study revealed an association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin in children. Further studies on larger number of patients and longer follow-up duration are recommended for further confirmation.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.183-189
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• 2018

Purpose : As age increases, a low-level systemic inflammatory state develops and the levels of anti-aging hormones decrease. The vagus nerve activates parasympathetic nerves and promotes sulfation and secretion of neurotransmitter in the brain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of electrical vagus nerve stimulation on systemic inflammation (CRP) and anti-aging hormone (DHEA-S) levels in elder people. Methods : A total of 30 healthy elder people participated in this study, randomly divided into two groups of 15 subjects. Electrical vagus nerve stimulation was applied to the experimental group for 4 weeks. CRP and DHEA-S levels were compared with those of the control group. Results : The CRP level was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in CRP before and after the intervention. However, the DHEA-S level was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion : Electrical vagus nerve stimulation may alleviate the low-level systemic inflammatory state found in elderly people. These results suggest that it may have the effect of reducing the degenerative inflammatory diseases of the elderly and delaying aging.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.113-120
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• 2015

Osteoporosis is a major bone disorder defined as having bone mineral density (BMD) of 2.5 standard deviations or more below the peak bone mass. Osteoporosis will increasingly be a major disorder that faces the aging mankind. It is the result of an imbalance in the bone remodeling system, where bone constantly undergoes a cycle of resorption by osteoclasts and formation by osteoblasts. Estrogen deficiency in women following menopause is identified as the predominant reason that causes disparity in this system. Current medical treatments for osteoporosis include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), biphosphonates, and teriparatide, but have various side effects that raise questions concerning their medical safety and practicality. Alternative treatments involving natural product sources are under study to find a safer therapy. Many natural sources including lactoferrin and isoflavones and numerous traditional herbal medicines exhibit anti-resorptive or anabolic effects on bone and thus show promises to provide therapeutic agents in treating osteoporosis. Unfortunately, the majority of natural product treatments are still in its preliminary stages to prove their efficacy even though the development pace of treatment for osteoporosis is astounding in the past few decades. Further progress in pre-clinical studies and the subsequent clinical studies will someday lead to a breakthrough that takes us another step forward in science.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.219-224
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• 2009

Objective: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an uncommon cause of male infertility. We investigated the outcome of gonadotropin therapy for restoring fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with HH. Methods: Medical charts of 10 infertile male patients with HH treated with gonadotropin were reviewed. Initial testicular volume were estimated. Semen analysis parameters (semen volume, sperm counts, motility), serum leutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone were determined before and after human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin (hCG/hMG) treatment. Differences were analyzed statistically. Results: Of 10 patients, 7 (70%) succeed at pregnancy (nature pregnancy in 4). Semen analysis parameters, serum FSH, and testosterone were increased significantly after treatment. The population was stratified according to initial testicular volume into a small testis subset (testicular volume less than 10 cc in 4) and a large testis subset (testicular volume 10 cc or greater in 6). Semen analysis parameters and serum testosterone were increased significantly after treatment in large testis subset. Conclusion: Infertile men with HH initiate and maintain spermatogenesis with gonadotropin (hCG/hMG alone or combined) therapy, thus gonadotropin therapy is good choice in infertile men with HH.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.58-64
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• 1996

The parathyroid adenoma is the most common cause of the primary hyperparathyroidism. The characteristic of primary hyperparathyroidism is hypercalcemia and high value of serum parathyroid hormone. The primary hyperparathyroidism with parathyroid adenoma is treated by excision of parathyroid gland involved. Especially, parathyroid storm in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism is more prevalent than commonly appreciated. The symptoms and signs of the syndrome are not only due to the hypercalcemia, but also to the toxic effects of the parathyroid hormone. Its wide, but nonspecific clinical presentations make it easily confused with other cardiovascular or renal diseases. The mortality rate in untreated cases of parathyroid storm is essentially 40%. A 33 year old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism was found to have a left lower parathyroid adenoma, presented with hypercalcemic crisis. Initially, good responsiveness to a saline infusion, furosemide administration was noted. Unfortunately, she became consciousness disturbance after fine-needle aspiration of the parathyroid tumor. The recurrent storm was refractory to medical therapy, but was treated succesfully by emergent surgical removal tumor revealed a parathyroid adenoma with parathyroid hormone. Hypercalcemia was alleviated postoperatively. These observations corroborated a functioning parathyroid adenoma.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.1061-1068
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• 2009

The treatment of pediatric patients with chronic renal disease comprises management of nutritional imbalance, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances, mineral bone disease, anemia, hypertension, and growth retardation. The treatment also includes administration of appropriate renal replacement therapy, if required. Adequate dietary intake of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and caloric intake must be encouraged in such patients to ensure proper growth and development. In addition, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base status must be regularly monitored and should be well maintained. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels must be maintained at their target range, which are determined on the basis of the glomerular filtration rate, to avoid the development of mineral bone disease. This can be achieved by using phosphorus binders and vitamin D analogues. An erythropoiesis-stimulating agent must be administered along with iron supplementation to maintain the hemoglobin level of the patients between 11-12 g/dL. Hypertension must be controlled with adequate water and sodium balance and appropriate antihypertensive agents. Administration of recombinant human growth hormone is recommended to improve the final adult heights.