• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.58-63
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Telomeres are located at the chromosomal ends and progressively shortened during each cell cycle. Telomerase, which is regulated by hTERT and c-MYC, maintains telomeric DNA sequences. Especially, telomerase is active in cancer and stem cells to maintain telomere length for replicative immortality. Recently we reported that walnut phenolic extract (WPE) can reduce cell viability in a colon cancer stem cell (CSC) model. We, therefore, investigated the effect of WPE on telomere maintenance in the same model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: $CD133^+CD44^+$ cells from HCT116, a human colon cancer cell line, were sorted by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and treated with WPE at the concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and $40{\mu}g/mL$ for 6 days. Telomere lengths were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using telomere specific primers and DNA extracted from the cells, which was further adjusted with single-copy gene and reference DNA ($ddC_t$). Telomerase activity was also measured by qRT-PCR after incubating the PCR mixture with cell protein extracts, which was adjusted with reference DNA ($dC_t$). Transcriptions of hTERT and c-MYC were determined using conventional RT-PCR. RESULTS: Telomere length of WPE-treated cells was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner ($5.16{\pm}0.13$ at $0{\mu}g/mL$, $4.79{\pm}0.12$ at $10{\mu}g/mL$, $3.24{\pm}0.08$ at $20{\mu}g/mL$ and $3.99{\pm}0.09$ at $40{\mu}g/mL$; P = 0.0276). Telomerase activities concurrently decreased with telomere length ($1.47{\pm}0.04$, $1.09{\pm}0.01$, $0.76{\pm}0.08$, and $0.88{\pm}0.06$; P = 0.0067). There was a positive correlation between telomere length and telomerase activity (r = 0.9090; P < 0.0001). Transcriptions of both hTERT and c-MYC were also significantly decreased in the same manner. CONCLUSION: In the present cell culture model, WPE reduced telomere maintenance, which may provide a mechanistic link to the effect of walnuts on the viability of colon CSCs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제82권3호
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• pp.227-233
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• 2019

Background: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a transmembrane protein, binds to the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor, and anti-PD-1 therapy enables immune responses against tumors. This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics of PD-L1 expression using immunohistochemistry among Korean patients with lung cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with pathologically proven lung cancer from a single institution. PD-L1 expression determined by Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) was detected using 22C3 pharmDx (Agilent Technologies) and SP263 (Ventana Medical Systems) assays. Results: From July 2016 to July 2017, 267 patients were enrolled. The main histologic type was adenocarcinoma (69.3%). Most participants were smokers (67.4%) and had clinical stage IV disease (60.7%). In total, 116 (42%) and 58 (21%) patients had TPS ${\geq}1%$ and ${\geq}50%$, respectively. The patients were significantly older in TPS ${\geq}1%$ group than in TPS <1% group ($64.83{\pm}9.38years$ vs. $61.73{\pm}10.78years$, p=0.014), not in TPS ${\geq}50%$ cutoff value ($64.69{\pm}9.39$ vs. $62.36{\pm}10.51$, p=0.178). Regarding histologic grade, higher proportions of poorly differentiated tumor were observed in the TPS ${\geq}1%$ (40.8% vs. 25.8%, p=0.020) and TPS ${\geq}50%$ groups (53.2% vs. 27.2%, p=0.004). Among 34 patients examined with 22C3 and SP263 assays, 27 had positive results in both assays, with a cutoff of TPS ${\geq}1%$ (r=0.826; 95% confidence interval, 0.736-0.916). Conclusion: PD-L1 expression, defined as TPS ${\geq}1%$, was related to older age and poorly differentiated histology. There was a similar distribution of PD-L1 expression in both 22C3 and SP263 results.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권10호
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• pp.1152-1158
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• 2019

겹삼잎국화는 한국에서 복통, 위염에 민간요법으로 사용되는 약초로 알려져있다. 하지만, 겹삼잎국화를 민간요법으로 사용되고 있으나 이 약초에 대한 연구는 거의 수행되어지지 않았다. 본 연구에서는 겹삼잎국화의 의학적 효과를 증명하기 위해 항비만 관련 연구를 수행하였다. 70% 에탄올을 이용한 겹삼잎국화 추출물의 항 비만 효과에 대한 연구를 위해 3T3-L1 지방전구세포를 사용하였으며, 지방전구세포가 지방세포로 성숙하는 것을 방지하고 이에 관련된 단백질 인자의 발현을 확인하기 위해 Oil Red O 염색법과 웨스턴 블롯, PCR을 통한 mRNA 분석이 수행되었다. DM (인슐린 칵테일)을 처리하여 지방전구세포의 성숙을 유도한 후, 겹삼잎국화 에탄올 추출물을 처리한 결과, $100{\mu}g/ml$ 농도에서 지방세포 분화 억제 효과와 세포 내 트리글리세리드(TG)의 수준이 현저하게 감소한 것을 확인하였다. 또한, 지방전구세포의 성숙에 관여하는 여러가지 단백질 등의 인자 발현율 또한 확인하였다. 겹삼잎국화 에탄올 추출물로 인해 $PPAR{\gamma}$, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, LPL, FAS와 같은 지방 세포의 성숙을 유도하는 인자가 조절되었으며, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) 등과 같은 단백질의 발현도 억제하여 분자적 기전 또한 규명하였다. 결론적으로, 겹삼잎국화 에탄올 추출물은 지방전구세포의 활성에 영향을 끼치지 않으며 지방세포로의 성숙을 유도하는 인자 및 단백질의 발현을 선택적으로 조절하여 항 비만 효과를 갖는 것으로 확인되었다.

• 실내환경 및 냄새 학회지
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.355-361
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• 2018

Mold grows more easily when humidity is higher in indoor spaces, and as such is found more often on wetted areas in housing such as walls, toilets, kitchens, and poorly managed spaces. However, there have been few studies that have specifically assessed the level of mold in the indoor spaces of water-damaged housing in the Republic of Korea. We investigated the levels of airborne mold according to the characteristics of water damage types and explored the correlation between the distribution of mold genera and the characteristics of households. Samplings were performed from January 2016 to June 2018 in 97 housing units with water leakage or condensation, or a history of flooding, and in 61 general housing units in the metropolitan and Busan area, respectively. Airborne mold was collected on MEA (Malt extract agar) at flow rate of 100 L/min for 1 min. After collection, the samples were incubated at $25^{\circ}C$ for 120 hours. The cultured samples were counted and corrected using a positive hole conversion table. The samples were then analyzed by single colony culture, DNA extraction, gene amplification, and sequencing. By type of housing, concentrations of airborne mold were highest in flooded housing, followed by water-leaked or highly condensed housings, and then general housing. In more than 50% of water-damaged housing, the level of airborne mold exceeded the guideline of Korea's Ministry of Environment ($500CFU/m^3$). Of particular concern was the fact that the I/O ratio of water-damaged housing was greater than 1, which could indicate that mold damage may occur indoors. The distribution patterns of the fungal species were as follows: Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp. (14%), Aspergillus spp. (13%) and Alternaria spp. (3%), but significant differences of their levels in indoor spaces were not found. Our findings indicate that high levels of mold damage were found in housing with water damage, and Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium brevicompactum were more dominant in housing with high water activity. Comprehensive management of flooded or water-damaged housing is necessary to reduce fungal exposure.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권1호
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• pp.100-109
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• 2021

Objective : Diffuse astrocytic tumour (DAT) is a diffuse infiltrative astrocytoma tumour accompanied by molecular parameters such as the presence or absence of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutations. Ki-67 is a marker for DAT proliferation, while programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) indicates an immune evasion mechanism. This study aimed to analyze the correlation among mutant IDH1 R132H, Ki-67, and PD-L1 immunoexpression in the DAT. Methods : A cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 paraffin blocks of DAT cases. Paraffin block samples consist of grade II (n=14), grade III (n=8), and grade IV (n=8). In this study, the immunohistochemistry-staining of mutant IDH1 R132H, Ki-67, and PD-L1 were carried out to determine the frequency of DAT with IDH1 mutations. Results : Our study shown the frequency of IDH1 mutations in grade II 50.0% (7/14), grade III 37.5% (3/8), and grade IV 12.5% (1/8). Our study also showed a difference in Ki-67 and PD-L1 expression between each the degree of DAT histopathology (p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). There was an association between both mutant IDH1 R132H, and Ki-67 with PD-L1 expression in DAT (p=0.0087 and p=0.0049, respectively). Conclusion : DAT with the mutant IDH1 is frequently observed in grade II and small number of grade III. The expression of wild type IDH1, Ki-67, and PD-L1 were found to be higher in high grade DAT (grade III and grade IV). There is a correlation between each of mutant IDH1 status and Ki-67 with PD-L1 expression in DAT.

• Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.281-287
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• 2018

Objectives. Regenerative treatment using stem cells may serve as treatment option for empty nose syndrome (ENS), which is caused by the lack of turbinate tissue and deranged nervous system in the nasal cavity. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in the treatment of ENS. Methods. In this prospective observational clinical study, we enrolled 10 ENS patients who volunteered to undergo treatment of ENS through the injection of autologous SVF. Data, including demographic data, pre- and postoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-25 (SNOT-25) scores, overall patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications, were prospectively collected. Nasal secretion was assessed using the polyurethane foam absorption method, and the levels of biological markers were analyzed in both ENS group and control group using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SVF extracted from abdominal fat was diluted and injected into both inferior turbinates. Results. Among the 10 initial patients, one was excluded from the study. Subjective satisfaction was rated as "much improved" in two and "no change" in seven. Among the improved patients, the mean preinjection SNOT-25 score was 55.0 and the score at 6 months after injection was 19.5. However, the average SNOT-25 score of nine participants at 6 months after injection (mean${\pm}$standard deviation, $62.4{\pm}35.8$) did not differ significantly from the baseline SNOT-25 score ($70.1{\pm}24.7$, P>0.05, respectively). Among the various inflammatory markers assessed, the levels of interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-8, and calcitonin gene-related peptide were significantly higher in ENS patients. Compared with preinjection secretion level, the nasal secretions from SVF-treated patients showed decreased expressions of $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-8 after injection. Conclusion. Although SVF treatment appears to decrease the inflammatory cytokine levels in the nasal mucosa, a single SVF injection was not effective in terms of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction. Further trials are needed to identify a more practical and useful regenerative treatment modality for patients with ENS.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.34-43
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• 2021

CRISPR/Cas9에 의한 유전자 교정 기술은 유용 형질을 갖는 작물 및 임목의 육성에 있어 널리 사용되고 있는 핵심 기술이다. 유전자 교정 임목 육성에는 아그로박테리움에 의한 형질전환 방법이 높은 효율로 시행된 연구가 많았고 따라서 형질전환에 사용된 플라스미드 서열이 식물 유전체 안에 존재한다는 문제가 남아 있었다. 본 연구에서는 CRISPR/Cas9을 사용하여 유전자 교정 임목을 육성하는 데 기존에 알려진 벡터 도입 기술이 아닌, 단일 가닥 가이드 RNA (sgRNA)와 Cas9 단백질을 혼합하여 만든 리보핵산단백질을 현사시나무 원형질체에 도입하는 방법을 기술하였다. 염 스트레스 내성 관련 인자 PagSAP1 유전자를 표적으로 하는 3종류의 sgRNA를 디자인하고, 각 sgRNA와 Cas9 단백질을 혼합하여 만든 리보핵산단백질을 원형질체에 도입하였다. 표적화 딥시퀀싱을 통해 리보핵산단백질 형성 시 sgRNA와 Cas9 단백질을 혼합하고 일정 시간 배양하여 안정화되는 시간이 필요한 것을 확인하였다. 또한 sgRNA3의 리보핵산단백질이 sgRNA1, sgRNA2의 리보핵산단백질보다 높은 교정 효율을 보이는 것을 확인하였다. 본 실험을 통해 리보핵산단백질을 이용한 유전자 교정 기술이 임목에도 적용될 수 있음이 확인되었고, 이는 외래 유전자 없이 유전자 교정 임목을 육성하는 데 활용할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.81-87
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• 2021

제2형 당뇨병(T2DM)과 그 유병률은 전세계적으로 증가하고 있다. T2DM은 인슐린 저항성이 높아지고 인슐린 분비가 감소해 발생하는 당뇨병의 가장 흔한 유형 중 하나다. 과산화물 증식활성수용체 감마 공활성제 1 알파(PPARGC1A)는 미토콘드리아 생물 발생의 마스터 조절기와 간에서 포도당신합성에 관여한다. 본 연구에서는 T2DM이 있는 한국인 중년층의 PPARGC1A 유전자의 유전적 다형성을 분석하였다. 그 결과, PPARGC1A 유전자 중 15개의 SNP가 T2DM과 통계적으로 유의한 연관성을 보였으며, 그 중 PPARGC1A 유전자의 rs10212638은 T2DM (P=0.015, OR=1.29, CI=1.05~1.59)과 통계적으로 가장 큰 유의한 상관관계를 보였다. PPARGC1A의 마이너 유전자형(minor allele) G는 T2DM의 위험을 증가시켰다. 본 연구는 T2DM와 PPARGC1A의 유전적 다형성 사이에 유의한 연관성을 보여주고 있다. 이러한 결과는PPARGC1A의 SNP가 T2DM의 병의 원인이 되는 유전적 연관성이 있음을 시사한다.

• 대한유전성대사질환학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.28-36
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• 2022

목적: 혈장 아미노산(PAA) 및 소변 유기산(UOA) 분석에서 비정상적인 대사 산물의 검출은 리 증후군과 같은 임상 미토콘드리아 질환을 진단하는 데 사용되었다. 본 연구에서는 PAA 및 UOA 분석의 진단적 가치와 유효성을 검토하였다. 방법: 이 논문은 2003년에서 2018년 사이에 단일 3차 진료 센터에서 진단된 리 증후군 환자에 대상으로 후향적 연구로 진행되었다. 전체 미토콘드리아 시퀀싱 및 핵 DNA 관련 미토콘드리아 유전자 패널 분석을 통해 미토콘드리아 DNA (mtDNA) 돌연변이 관련 리 증후군에 대해 19명의 환자가 양성이었고 57명의 환자는 음성인 것으로 밝혀졌다. 그 이후에 PAA 및 UOA 분석 결과를 비교하였다. 결과: 두 그룹 간의 PAA 및 UOA 분석 결과를 비교한 결과, mtDNA 돌연변이 양성 Leigh 증후군과 mtDNA 돌연변이 음성 Leigh 증후군 그룹 간에 비정상적인 대사 산물은 뚜렷한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 결론: PAA 및 UOA 분석은 리 증후군을 진단하거나 mtDNA 돌연변이 관련 리 증후군을 선별하기 위한 부적절한 검사 방법이다. 그러나 UOA 분석은 여전히 리 증후군에 대한 적합한 선별 검사일 수 있다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권12호
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• pp.609-614
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• 2022

Mutation of the gene for adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), as seen in Apc^Min/+ mice, leads to intestinal adenomas and carcinomas via stabilization of β-catenin. Transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5) is involved in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and cancer. However, the functional linkage between TM4SF5 and APC or β-catenin has not been investigated for pathological outcomes. After interbreeding Apc^Min/+ with TM4SF5-overexpressing transgenic (Tg^TM4SF5) mice, we explored pathological outcomes in the intestines and livers of the offspring. The intestines of 26-week-old dual-transgenic mice (Apc^Min/+:Tg^TM4SF5) had intramucosal adenocarcinomas beyond the single-crypt adenomas in Apc^Min/+ mice. Additional TM4SF5 overexpression increased the stabilization of β-catenin via reduced glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation on Ser9. Additionally, the livers of the dualtransgenic mice showed distinct sinusoidal dilatation and features of hepatic portal hypertension associated with fibrosis, more than did the relatively normal livers in Apc^Min/+ mice. Interestingly, TM4SF5 overexpression in the liver was positively linked to increased GSK3β phosphorylation (opposite to that seen in the colon), β-catenin level, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression, indicating fibrotic phenotypes. Consistent with these results, 78-week-old Tg^TM4SF5 mice similarly had sinusoidal dilatation, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis. Altogether, systemic overexpression of TM4SF5 aggravates pathological abnormalities in both the colon and the liver.