• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2010

Objective: This study was performed to clarify the role of HomeoboxA (HOXA) and its related signaling molecules in the decidualization of primary cultured endometrial cells. Methods: Human endometrial tissues were obtained by curettage of hysterectomy specimens from patients with conditions other than endometrial diseases. Tissues were minced and digested with Trypsin-EDTA for 20 min, $37^{\circ}C$. Cells were cultured with DMEM/F12 medium in $37^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ incubator for 24 hrs. Cells were treated with HOXA10 siRNA and added transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$ (10 ng/mL) for 48 hrs to induces decidualization in vitro. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was accomplished to observe the expression of HOXA10, prolactin, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor (PPAR)-$\gamma$, and wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt). Results: HOXA10 expression was increased (1.8 fold vs. non-treated control) in TGF-${\beta}1$ treated cells. Decidualization marker, prolactin, was significantly increased in TGF-${\beta}1$ treated cells compared with HOXA10 siRNA treated cells. Endometrial cell differentiation marker, COX-2 was down-regulated by HOXA10 siRNA even if cells were treated with TGF-${\beta}1$. Wnt4 was down-regulated by treated with HOXA10 siRNA, this expression patters was not changed by TGF-${\beta}1$. Expression of PPAR-$\gamma$ was down regulated by TGF-${\beta}1$ in regardless of HOXA10 siRNA treatment. Conclusion: TGF-${\beta}1$ which is induced by progesterone in endometrial epithelial cells may induces stromal cell decidualization via HOXA10 and Wnt signaling cascade.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.253-261
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• 1989

Responses of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), aldosterone and renin release to acute volume expansion were compared in normotensive Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) fed low or high-sodium diet (2 or 25 mmol Na/100 g diet). Experimental diets were fed for 6 weeks from 7-week-old and the growth rate was similar in all groups. In the morning of the experiment, catheters were inserted under ether anesthesia in femoral artery for pressure recording and blood collection, femoral vein for saline infusion, and bladder for urine collection. Then, the rats were placed in restraining cages. When the rats were recovered from anesthesia and the arterial pressure became stabilized, control urine and blood samples were collected. Then, 0.9% saline was infused for 30 min for volume expansion (3% BW). Arterial pressure was significantly higher in the high-sodium SHR but there was no difference between the two groups of Wistar rats. Control plasma levels of Na, K, ANP, renin activity, and hematocrit were not different among the 4 groups. However, plasma aldosterone level was significantly higher in the low-sodium groups. Wistar low-sodium rats showed approximately two times higher plasma aldosterone level than the SHR counterpart. Volume expansion produced a marked increase in plasma ANP level, especially in the high-sodium groups. The low-sodium groups of both strains showed approximately two-fold increase in plasma ANP level. Following a volume expansion plasma aldosterone level and renin activity decreased in all groups. There was a significant logarithmic positive correlation between plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration. The low-sodium rats produced a greater increase in aldosterone release by small increase in plasma renin than did the high-sodium rats. The low- and high-sodium rats produced a similar degree of diuresis and natriuresis after volume expansion. However, SHR produced a greater natriuresis than did the Wistar rats. The above results indicate that regulatory mechanisms of ANP, aldosterone and renin release are different between the normotensive and hypertensive rats, and between the low- and high-sodium groups.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.313-323
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• 2001

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to search activated genes that could be related to radiation adaptive response (RAR) induced by low-level radiation from $^{99m}Tc$ in human cell lines. Methods: We used gene discovery array (GDA) and representational difference analysis (RDA) methods. $^{99m}Tc$-pertechnetate was added to $2{\times}106/mL$ NC-37 cells (human lymphoblastic cells) to make concentrations ranging from 148 MBq/mL to 148 Bq/mL by serial 10 fold dilutions. After 44 hours, 2 Gy gamma irradiation was given to them using a Cs-137 cell irradiator. Results: As compared to the control (Con) group to which no $^{99m}Tc$ was added, those cells to which 148 and 14.8 KBq of $^{99m}Tc$ were added showed significantly lower damage to chromosomes, which was evaluated by metaphase analysis. Cells with 148 KBq $^{99m}Tc$ (T148 group) showed most significant protection. Activated genes in the T148 group as compared to Con group were evaluated by GDA and GDA methods. GDA revealed genes of casein kinase 2 (CK2) beta chain, immunoglobulins (lg), human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B, and two novel genes. Twenty RAR related clones were selected by RDA method. The size of those genes was from 234 to 603 base pairs. Conclusions: RAR was induced by low dose irradiation from $^{99m}Tc$ in NC-37 cell lines. Genes related to the response included CK2, lg, HLA-B in human lymphoblastic cell lines.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.54-63
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• 2010

Baicalin, a flavonoid, was shown to have diverse effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and others. Recently, we found that the baicalin inhibits adipogenesis through the modulations of anti-adipogenic and pro-adipogenic factors of the adipogenesis pathway. In the present study, we further characterized the molecular mechanism of the anti-adipogenic effect of baicalin using microarray technology. Microarray analyses were conducted to analyze the gene expression profiles during the differentiation time course (0 day, 2 day, 4 day and 7 day) in 3T3-L1 cells with or without baicalin treatment. We identified a total of 3972 genes of which expressions were changed more than 2 fold. These 3972 genes were further analyzed using hierarchical clustering analysis, resulting in 20 clusters. Four clusters among 20 showed clearly up-regulated expression patterns (cluster 8 and cluster 10) or clearly down-regulated expression patterns (cluster 12 and cluster 14) by baicalin treatment for over-all differentiation period. The cluster 8 and cluster 10 included many genes which enhance cell proliferation or inhibit adipogenesis. On the other hand, the cluster 12 and cluster 14 included many genes which are related with proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression or adipogenesis induction. In conclusion, these data provide detailed information on the molecular mechanism of baicalin-induced inhibition of adipogenesis.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.76-81
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• 2014

Purpose: Diversity and the lachrymal duct deformities and the passage inside the nasal cavity except for anterior image such as epiphora happens during the test were able to express more precisely during the dacryoscintigraphy. Also, we thought about the necessity of a method to classify the passage into the naso-lachrymal duct from epiphora. Therefore, we are to find the validity of the method to obtain both oblique views except for anterior views. Materials and Methods: The targets of this research are 78 patients with epiphora due to the blockage at the lachrymal duct from January 2013 to August 2013. Average age was $56.96{\pm}13.36$. By using a micropipette, we dropped 1-2 drops of $^{99m}TcO4^-$ of 3.7 MBq (0.1 mCi) with $10{\mu}L$ of each drop into the inferior conjunctival fold, then we performed dynamic check for 20 minutes with 20 frames of each minute. In case of we checked the passage from both eyes to nasal cavity immediately after the dynamic check, we obtained oblique view immediately. If we didn't see the passage in either side of the orbit, we obtained oblique views of the orbit after checking the frontal film in 40 minutes. The instrument we used was Pin-hole Collimator with Gamma Camera(Siemens Orbiter, Hoffman Estates, IL, USA). Results: Among the 78 patients with dacryoscintigraphy, 35 patients were confirmed with passage into the nasal cavity from the anterior view. Among those 35 patients, 15 patients were confirmed with passage into the nasal cavity on both eyes, and it was able to observe better passage patterns through oblique view with a result of 8 on both eyes, 2 on left eye, and 1 on right eye. 20 patients had passage in left eye or right eye, among those patients 10 patients showed clear passage compared to the anterior view. 13 patients had possible passage, and 30 patients had no proof of motion of the tracer. To sum up, 21 patients (60%) among 35 patients showed clear pattern of passage with additional oblique views compared to anterior view. People responded obtaining oblique views though 5 points scale about the utility of passage identification helps make diagnoses the passage, passage delayed, and blockage of naso-lachrymal duct by showing the well-seen portions from anterior view. Also, when classifying passage to naso-lachrymal duct and flow to the skin, oblique views has higher chance of classification in case of epiphora (anterior:$4.14{\pm}0.3$, oblique:$4.55{\pm}0.4$). Conclusion: It is considered that if you obtain oblique views of the bilateral orbits in addition to anterior view during the dacryoscintigraphy, the ability of diagnose for reading will become higher because you will be able to see the areas that you could not observe from the anterior view so that you can see if it emitted after the naso-lachrymal duct and the flow of epiphora on the skin.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.745-752
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• 2005

Purpose : Adolescent obesity is known to be associated with complications such as hypertension, coronary artery disease and insulin resistance. We measured the common carotid artery by ultrasound as a predictor of atherosclerosis, and investigated the relationship between carotid artery parameters and serum cytokines in obese adolescents. Methods : Twenty-nine obese adolescents(16-17 years old, obesity index>130 percent) and twentyseven normal controls were included. Obesity index and body mass index were calculated from their height and weight. Skin fold thickness was measured at the triceps, and fat mass and fat distribution by bioelectrical impedence analysis. Blood pressure was measured at resting state and serum lipid, insulin, and homocysteine levels after a 12-hour fasting period. Intimal wall thickness, systolic and diastolic diameters of the common carotid artery were measured by ultrasound, and compliance and distensibility calculated by equation. Results : Systolic and diastolic diameters of the carotid artery significantly correlated with arm circumference, body mass index, fat distribution and fat mass. The higher systolic blood pressure was, the larger systolic and diastolic diameter. The higher diastolic blood pressure was, the larger carotid intimal thickness. Insulin levels had positive correlations with systolic, diastolic diameters and serum homocysteine level with intimal thickness. Conclusion : The carotid artery diameter significantly increased with the degree of obesity and blood pressure. The carotid intimal wall thickness significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure. Measurement of carotid artery thickness, insulin and homocysteine levels might be useful to predict the development of coronary artery disease.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2010

Purpose: Simulation using computed tomography (CT) is now widely available for radiation treatment planning for breast cancer. It is an important tool to help define the tumor target and normal tissue based on anatomical features of an individual patient. In Korea, most patients have small sized breasts and the purpose of this study was to review the margin of treatment field between conventional two-dimensional (2D) planning and CT based three-dimensional (3D) planning in patients with small breasts. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients with early breast cancer undergoing breast conservation therapy were selected. All patients underwent 3D CT based planning with a conventional breast tangential field design. In 2D planning, the treatment field margins were determined by palpation of the breast parenchyma (In general, the superior: base of the clavicle, medial: midline, lateral: mid - axillary line, and inferior margin: 2 m below the inframammary fold). In 3D planning, the clinical target volume (CTV) ought to comprise all glandular breast tissue, and the PTV was obtained by adding a 3D margin of 1 cm around the CTV except in the skin direction. The difference in the treatment field margin and equivalent field size between 2D and 3D planning were evaluated. The association between radiation field margins and factors such as body mass index, menopause status, and bra size was determined. Lung volume and heart volume were examined on the basis of the prescribed breast radiation dose and 3D dose distribution. Results: The margins of the treatment field were smaller in the 3D planning except for two patients. The superior margin was especially variable (average, 2.5 cm; range, -2.5 to 4.5 cm; SD, 1.85). The margin of these targets did not vary equally across BMI class, menopause status, or bra size. The average irradiated lung volume was significantly lower for 3D planning. The average irradiated heart volume did not decrease significantly. Conclusion: The use of 3D CT based planning reduced the radiation field in early breast cancer patients with small breasts in relation to conventional planning. Though a coherent definition of the breast is needed, CT-based planning generated the better plan in terms of reducing the irradiation volume of normal tissue. Moreover it was possible that 3D CT based planning showed better CTV coverage including postoperative change.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.127-137
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• 2015

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to compare and analyze expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) to establish miRNA signature of Fabry nephropathy related epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: Expression profiles of miRNAs in kidney tissue samples and cell lines from normal and Fabry disease mouse model were examined by miRNA expression microarray analysis followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT-PCR). Results: In the miRNA expression microarray analysis of Fabry mouse kidney tissues compared to wild type mouse, 5 and 3 miRNAs among 1,247 miRNAs examined were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Among them, miR-149-5p was down-regulated about 2-fold in Fabry kidney samples. The down-regulations of miR-149-5p were observed in kidney tissues of under 35 week-old-Fabry mice. However, this down-regulation was not observed in kidney tissues of 42 week-old Fabry mice. In SV40 MES 13 cells, mouse mesangial cells, treated with globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), miR-149-5p was also downregulated. The down-regulation of miR-149-5p induced up-regulation of its target genes related to EMT. Conclusion: The miRNA expression array and qRT-PCR results show that miR-149-5p expression was decreased in kidney tissues of Fabry mice compared to wild type mice under 35 weeks of age. Along with the observation of miR-149-5p expression in Fabry disease cell models, these results indicate that the down-regulated miR-149-5p were related to the biological response of mesangial cells to lyso-Gb3 and also have influence to the transcriptional up-regulation of its target genes. These results suggest miR-149-5p might play important roles in the Fabry nephropathy.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2007

The lacrimal gland are compound tubule-acinar glands. The main lacrimal function is the production of the aqueous layer, the thickest and major constituent of the precorneal tear film. The lacrimal gland also has an important function in the defense system of the ocular surface, forming a part of the conjunctival-associated hymphoid tissue. The ultrastructural characteristics of the lacrimal gland of the rabbit were described. The lacrimal tissues of rabbits were processed through the conventional techniques for transmission electron microscopy. The secretory portions consisted of three cell types: 1. Serous cells with electron dense secretory granules. 2. Seromucous cells containing variable moderately electron dense secretory granules with flocculent material. 3. Mucous rolls containing mucous secretory granules. The serous cells were situated at the basal portion of acini, and they contained electron dense granules of variable densities and sizes. The seromucous cells contained a few protein secretory granules and more mucous secretory granules. The mucous cells contained even fewer protein secretory granules and exclusively mucous secretory granules. The epithelium of the intralobular ducts showed secretory granules, junctional complexes, and large basolateral intercellular spaces with lateral folds. These study might be helpful in determining inter-relationships, similarities and differences among the orbital glands of various physiological or pathological conditions.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.172-182
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• 2016

This study was aimed to determine the changes in vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$ contents compared to fresh materials after parboiling treatment of the main vegetables consumed in Korea. The specificity of accuracy and precision for vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$ analysis method were validated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The recovery rate of standard reference material (SRM) was excellent, and all analysis was under the control line based on the quality control chart for vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$. The Z-score for vitamin $B_6$ in food analysis performance assessment scheme (FAPAS) proficiency test was -1.0, confirming reliability of analytical performance. The vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$ contents in a total of 39 fresh materials and parboiled samples were analyzed. The contents of vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$ ranged from 0.000 to 2.462 and from 0.000 to $0.127mg{\cdot}100g^{-1}$, respectively. The highest contents of vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$ were $2.462mg{\cdot}100g^{-1}$ in fresh fatsia shoots (stem vegetables), and $0.127mg{\cdot}100g^{-1}$ in fresh spinach beet (leafy vegetables), respectively. Moreover, the vitamin $B_5$ and $B_6$ contents for parboiling treatment in most vegetables were reduced or not detected. In particular, the contents of vitamin $B_5$ in parboiled fatsia shoots and vitamin $B_6$ in parboiled yellow potato and spinach beet were decreased 20- and 4-fold compared with fresh material, respectively. These results can be used as important basic data for utilization and processing of various vegetable crops, information for dietary life, management of school meals, and national health for Koreans.