• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2000

It is important to identify modifiable risk factors for breast cancer, because the breast cancer is one of the major causs of mortality among women. Some reported that obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer, but the results are not constant. Many risk factors are related to the duration of estrogenic stimulation of the breast. In general, early menarche and late menopause are positive risk factors. Human breast cancer has different characteristics according to the status of menopause(premenopause and postmenopause). In premenopausal women, about 60% of circulating estrogen is from the ovaries in the form of estradiol, and the remaining 40% is estrogen formed primarily in the adipose(fat) tissue via aromatization of androstenedion from the adrenal glands. After menopause this adipose cell production of estrone is the main source of estrogens and the level of estrone is maintained approximately at premenopausal levels. This study was undertaken to determine the role of body size and body mass index by status of menopause in development of breast cancer using retrospective case/control study. From March 1991 to February 1997 at the Wonkwang University Hospital, the breast cancer cases(n=72) and controls(n=86) were selected. By statistical analysis method, regression analysis, paired T-test and multiple logistic regression were done to estimate the influenced factors same as height, weight, BMI, age at menarche and age at menopause. The following results were obtained : 1. In premenopausal women, age at menarche was showed comparatively high correlation coefficients and BMI was described prominently highly in postmenopause. 2. At the results of multiple regression analysis, age at monarch, BMI and weight were showed as significant variables. In this method, critical factor ($R^2$) was 0.054. 3. Paired samples T-test was undertaken to test mean difference between two groups of cases and controls. The result of test performance showed a significant difference. 4. In comparison with women whose weight less than 50 kg, the ORs for the upper 5th group was 1.82(95% confidence interval). The heaviest women had a higher risk(OR=1.14, 95% confidence interval $1.12{\sim}1.31$, p=0.005). Higher body mass index was significantly associated with increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer (OR=1.01, 95% confidence interval $1.08{\sim}l.18$, p=0.05).

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 1997

To develop the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of type D simian retrovirus (SRV) infection, an oligonucleotide primer pair was designed to hybridize to the sequences within env gene of SRV subtype 1 (SRV-1). The 3' proximal env sequences annealing to the primers had been rather conserved among three different subtypes of SRV, SRV-1, SRV-2, and SRV-3 (Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus: MPMV). The PCR using the primer pair targeting an env region successfully detected and amplified all three subtypes of SRV with excellent specificity after single round of reaction. The tests with peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected either with simian immunodeficiency virus or simian T-Iymphotropic virus type 1, major immunosuppressive viral agents together with SRV in simian, verified the specificity of the PCR by excluding any cross reactivity. Semiquantitative titration PCR, amplifying serially diluted plasmid DNA of each subtype, was performed to evaluate sensitivity limits of the reaction. Based on molecular weight of each cloned SRV genome, the PCR should be able to detect one SRV-infected cell per more than $5-7{\times}10^4$ uninfected cells after simple ethidium bromide staining of resulting products. The PCR must be very efficient screening system with its quickness, certainty, and sensitivity for SRV-infected animals used in human AIDS research model. Second round amplification of the reaction products from the first PCR, or Southern hybridization by radiolabeled probes shall render to compete its efficacy to ELISA which has been the most sensitive technique to screen SRV infection but with frequent ambiguity problem.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.10 no.7
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• pp.232-239
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• 2020

This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extracts using three parts of the chives plant: the bulb, the leaf, and the flower. As a result of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability, the scavenging activity of the flower extract was higher than that of the bulb and leaf. In addition, as a result of FRAP analysis, antioxidant activity increased in all extracts depending on the extract concentration. The total polyphenol content was high in the following order: flower (11.29±0.37 mgGAE/g) > leaf (6.61±0.14 mgGAE/g) > bulb (5.7±0.67 mgGAE/g) extract. The cytotoxicity of the three extracts against rat macrophage RAW264.7 cells and HaCaT cells, both of which are human cutaneous keratinocyte cell lines, was minimal. NO by LPS was generated as a result of examining the anti-inflammatory activity of each extract through the NO colorimetric analysis method and ELISA. TNF-α secretion was decreased to a significant level in the flower ethanol extract. Therefore, these results indicate that there is a high possibility that the ethanol extract of chives, a natural plant resource, can be used as a cosmetic raw material.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.168-173
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• 2011

Objective: To examine the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages (RM) and to investigate the association between MTHFR genotype variants and alloimmune activation, proportion of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. Methods: A total of 39 patients with a history of two or more unexplained miscarriages were recruited to this study. The controls were women who had a live birth without a history of RM (n=50). The proportion of pbNK cells was measured by flow cytometry. Plasma homocysteine levels and the incidence of the MTHFR variant of the RM and control groups were compared. The proportion of pbNK cells was compared to the MTHFR variants in the RM group. Results: No differences were found between the two groups' mean plasma homocysteine levels ($7.6{\pm}1.5{\mu}mol$/L vs. $7.1{\pm}2.1{\mu}mol$/L) or incidence of the MTHFR genotype variant (CC, 35% vs. 33%; CT, 40% vs. 53%; and TT, 25% vs. 14%). In the RM group, individuals with the TT variant ($7.7{\pm}1.1{\mu}mol$/L) had higher homocysteine levels than those with the CC and CT variants ($7.4{\pm}1.9{\mu}mol$/L and $7.4{\pm}1.2{\mu}mol$/L) and those with the CT variant ($19.2{\pm}8.1%$) had a higher proportion of CD3-/CD56+ pbNK cells than those with the CC and TT variants ($17.7{\pm}6.6%$ and $17.9{\pm}7.0%$), but the results of both comparisons were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: These preliminary results show no difference in plasma homocysteine levels between the RM and control groups or among MTHFR genotype variants in the RM group, which may suggest that the plasma homocysteine level is difficult to use as a predictive marker of RM in the Korean population. A study of a larger number of patients is needed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1789-1794
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• 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells playing key roles in immune sentinels as initiators of T-cell responses against microbial pathogens and tumors. Sarijang, a folk sauce containing extracts of Rhynchosia nulubilis, Ulmus davidiana roots, Allium sativum, and Rhus Verniaiflura bark, has been used as a nonspecific immunostimulant for cancer patients. However, little is known about its immunomodulating effects or their mechanisms. In this study, we investigated whether sarijang induces phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs. For this study, murine bone marrow-derived myeloid DCs were cultured in the presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and the generated immature DCs were stimulated with sarijang or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our data indicated that sarijang significantly enhanced the expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) as well as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, as did LPS. The results provide new insight into the immunopharmacology of sarijang and suggest a novel approach to the manipulation of DC for therapeutic application.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2012

The Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway regulates diverse developmental processes and adult tissue homeostasis. Inappropriate regulation of this pathway has been associated with human diseases, such as cancers, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Using a cell-based chemical screening with natural compounds, we discovered silybin, a plant flavonoid isolated from the Silybum marianum, which activated the Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway in a synergy with Wnt3a-conditioned medium (Wnt3a-CM). In the presence of Wnt3a-CM, silybin up-regulated ${\beta}$-catenin response transcription (CRT) in HEK293-FL reporter cells and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through stabilization of intracellular ${\beta}$-catenin protein. Silybin and Wnt3a-CM synergistically reduced expression of important adipocyte marker genes including peroxisome-proliferator-activated $receptor{\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) and CAATT enhancer-binding protein ${\alpha}$ (C/$EBP{\alpha}$) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, accompanied by the activation of Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings indicate that silybin is a small-molecule synergist of the Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway and can be used as a controllable reagent for investigating biological processes that involve the Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.166-175
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• 2018

Recombination activating gene-2 (RAG-2) plays a crucial role in the development of lymphocytes by mediating recombination of T cell receptors and immunoglobulins, and loss of RAG-2 causes severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in humans. Rag-2 knockout mice created using homologous recombination in ES cells have served as a valuable immunodeficient platform, but concerns have persisted on the specificity of Rag-2-related phenotypes in these animals due to the limitations associated with the genome engineering method used. To precisely investigate the function of Rag-2, we recently established a new Rag-2 knockout FVB mouse line ($Rag-2^{-/-}$) manifesting lymphopenia by employing a CRISPR/Cas9 system at Center for Mouse Models of Human Disease. In this study, we further characterized their phenotypes focusing on histopathological analysis of lymphoid organs. $Rag-2^{-/-}$ mice showed no abnormality in development compared to their WT littermates for 26 weeks. At necropsy, gross examination revealed significantly smaller spleens and thymuses in $Rag-2^{-/-}$ mice, while histopathological investigation revealed hypoplastic white pulps with intact red pulps in the spleen, severe atrophy of the thymic cortex and disappearance of follicles in lymph nodes. However, no perceivable change was observed in the bone marrow. Moreover, our analyses showed a specific reduction of lymphocytes with a complete loss of mature T cells and B cells in the lymphoid organs, while natural killer cells and splenic megakaryocytes were increased in $Rag-2^{-/-}$ mice. These findings indicate that our $Rag-2^{-/-}$ mice show systemic lymphopenia with the relevant histopathological changes in the lymphoid organs, suggesting them as an improved Rag-2-related immunodeficient model.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.381-388
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• 1991

Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic nagellate in the urogenital tract of human. Innate cytotonicity of macrophages against T. vaginalis has been recognized, but any report on the cytotoxicity of Iymphokine-activated macrophages to T vaginalis is not yet available. The present study aimed to elucidate the Iymphokine-activated cell mediated cytotoxic effect against T. vaginalis by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Cytotoxicity was measured by counting the release of $^3H-thymidine$ from prelabeled protozoa, and tested in U-bottom microtiter plates. Nitrite concentration in culture supernatants was measured by standard Griess reaction. The results obtained are as follows: 1, The cytotoxicity of macrophages was increased by addition of rIL-2 or $rIFN-{\gamma}$$. 2, Cytotoxicity of macrophages was reduced by addition of rIL-4 to rOM-CSV, rIL-2 or $rIFN-{\gamma}$. 3. Crude Iymphokine mixed with anti-lL-2 decreased the cytotoxity of macrophages. 4. In case of macrophages cultured with $rIFN-{\gamma}$ or rIL-4, the concentration of nitrite was related with cytotokity of macrophages against T. vaginalis, but the cytotoxicity of macrophages cultured with rIL-2 and $rIFN-{\gamma}$ was decreased in spite of its high production of llitrite. From the results obtained, it is assumed that rIL-2 and $rIFN-{\gamma}$ enhance the cytotoxicity of macrophages while rIL-4 inhibits the cytotoxicity against T. vaginalis, and that the production of nitrite does not relate with the cytotoxicity of macrophages, but nitric oxide may play a role as an inhibitory factor on the proliferation of T. vaginalis.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.204-211
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• 2006

For the production of the recombinant human interferon-gamma(rhIFN-${\gamma}$) in Escherichia coli, human glucagon and ferritin heavy chain were used as fusion partners. Even though rhIFN-${\gamma}$ is expressed as an inclusion body form in E. coli because of strong hydrophobicity of itself, over 50% of fused rhIFN-${\gamma}$ was expressed as soluble form in E. coli $Origami^{TM}$(DE3) harboring pT7FH(HE)-IFN-${\gamma}$ which encodes ferritin heavy chain-fused rhIFN-${\gamma}$. In the case of using glucagon-ferritin heavy chain hybrid mutant as a fusion partner, 6X His-tag was additionally introduced to N-terminus of GFHM(HE)-IFN-${\gamma}$ for enhancing purification yields of rhIFN-${\gamma}$. Fusion protein HGFHM(HE)-IFN-${\gamma}$ with two 6X His-tag was more effectively bound to Ni-NTA agarose bead than GFHM(HE)-IFN-${\gamma}$ with a 6X His-tag. rhIFN-${\gamma}$ was completely purified from enterokinase-treated HGFHM(HE)-IFN-${\gamma}$ by Ni-NTA affinity column. For high-level production of rhIFN-${\gamma}$, glucose was used as the sole carbon source with simple exponential feeding rate($2.4{\sim}7.2g/h$) in fed-batch process. The effective lactose concentration for the expression of the rhIFN-${\gamma}$ was $10{\sim}20mM$. Under the fed-batch culture conditions, rhIFN-${\gamma}$ production yield reached 11 g DCW/L for 6 hours after lactose induction.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 1991

In order to assess the effects of radiofrequency-induced local hyperthermia on the normal liver, histopathologic findings and biochemical changes after localized hyperthermia in canine liver were studied. Hyperthermia was externally adminsitered using the Thermotron RF-8 (Yamamoto Vinyter Co., Japan; Capacitive type heating machine) with parallel opposed electrodes. Thirteen dogs were used and allocated into one control group (N=3) and two treatment groups according to the treatment temperature. Group I (N=5) was heated with $42.5\pm0.5^{\circ}C$ 30 minutes, and Group II (N=5) was heated with $45\pm0.5^{\circ}C$ for 15-30 minutes. Samples of liver tissue were obtained through a needle biopsy immediately after hyperthermia and T,14, and 28 days after treatment. Blood samples were obtained before treatment and W, 3,5, 7,14 and 28 days after treatment and examined for SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase. Although SGOT and SGPT were elevated after hyperthermia in both groups (three of five in each group), there was no liver cell necrosis or hyperthermia related mortality in Group 1. A hydropic swelling of hepatocytes was prominent histologic finding. Hyperthermia with $45^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes was fatal and showed extensive liver cell necrosis. In conclusion, liverdamage dy heat of $42.5\pm0.5^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes is reversible, and liver damage by heat of $45\pm0.5^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes can be fatal or irreversible. However, these results cannot be applied directly to human trial. Therefore, in erder to apply hyperthermic treatment on human liver tumor safely, close obsewation of temperature with proper thermometry is mandatory. Hyperthermic treatment should be confined to the tumor area while sparing a normal liver as much as possible.