• Molecules and Cells
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2007

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in innate immune system and tumor surveillance. NK cells are derived from $CD34^+$hematopoietic stem cells and undergo differentiation via precursor NK cells in bone marrow (BM) through sequential acquisition of functional surface receptors. During differentiation of NK cells, many factors are involved including cytokines, membrane factors and transcription factors as well as microenvironment of BM. NK cells express their own repertoire of receptors including activating and inhibitory receptors that bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class I-related molecules. The balance between activating and inhibitory receptors determines the function of NK cells to kill targets. Binding of NK cell inhibitory receptors to their MHC class I-ligand renders the target cells to be protected from NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, NK cells are able to discriminate self from non-self through MHC class I-binding inhibitory receptor. Using intrinsic properties of NK cells, NK cells are emerging to apply as therapeutic agents against many types of cancers. Recently, NK cell alloactivity has also been exploited in killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor mismatched haploidentical stem cell transplantation to reduce the rate of relapse and graft versus host disease. In this review, we discuss the basic mechanisms of NK cell differentiation, diversity of NK cell receptors, and clinical applications of NK cells for anti-cancer immunotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 1999

The present work was carried out to examine the effect of costunolide on the growth of several cells and characteristics of U-937 human leukemia-derived cell line. Costunolide produced a potent antitumor activity in vitro dependent on concentration against several tumor cells such as P-388, L-1210 leukemia and SNU-5 stomach cancer cells. However, it showed less cytotoxicity on normal cells such as Maccaccus rheus monkey kidney cells (MA-104) up to 200 ${\mu}M$ concentration. An effect of cell differentiation by costunolide was assessed by its ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), and to induce phagocytosis of latex particles. In order to establish whether costunolide induces U-937 cells to differentiate toward macrophage or granulocyte, esterase activities was measured. Based on these results, we found that costunolide having cytotoxicity on U-937 human leukemia cells was explained through differentiation inducing activity.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.98-102
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• 1990

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare embryonic malignant tumor of the liver. Most morphological studies on HB have limited to the histological characteristics and only 3 cases of HB have been described in the cytology literature. We present 2 cases of HB occurring in children aged 1 year and 3 years, respectively. The distinctive cytologic features of fine needle aspiration of HB were clusters of tumor cells showing acinar and trabecular pattern, smaller tumor cells with a high nuclear-cytopalsmic ratio and hyperchromatic nuclei having prominent nucleoli, and the presence of extramedullary hematopoiesis and osteoid material. These features were also found in the cell block and the biopsy specimen, and appeared very useful in the differentiation of HB from hepatocellular carcinoma.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.sup1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2008

Primary brain tumor accounts for 1.4% of entire cancer. For males between the ages of 15 and 34 years, central nervous system tumors account for the leading cause of cancer death. $^{18}F-FDG$ PET has been reported that it can provide important diagnostic information relating to tumor grading and differentiation from non- tumorous condition. In addition, the degree of FDG metabolism carries prognostic significance. By mapping the metabolic pattern of heterogeneous tumors, $^{18}F-FDG$ PET can aid in targeting for stereotactic biopsy by selecting the subregions within the tumor that are most hypermetabolic and potentially have the highest grade. According to clinical research data, FOG PET is expected to be a helpful diagnostic tool in the management of brain tumors.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2018

An ampulla of Vater neuroendocrine tumor (AOV-NET) is a rare subset of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Very few studies have been undertaken regarding MRI findings of an AOV-NET. We report on a case of a 59-year-old woman diagnosed with an AOV-NET with liver and lymph node metastasis, with an emphasis on the MRI findings. This case shows rare and precious typical MRI findings of an AOV-NET. The MRI visualized the AOV-NET very well and is helpful for the differentiation of an AOV-NET from other tumors in the ampullary area as well as with treatment planning.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2006

The literature provides strong precedent for both pro-tumorigenic and tumor suppressor roles for the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in the setting of oncogenesis. Clearly, JNKs are activated by numerous oncogenes and growth factors and the literature documents a role for these MAP kinases in cell proliferation and transformation. By contrast, JNKs mediate signals from diverse stimuli that result in cell death or differentiation and a role for JNKs as tumor suppressors has emerged. This enigmatic nature of the JNKs in the setting of oncogenesis is considered herein. Further illumination of the complex and context-dependent functions of the JNKs in cancer cells is of obvious importance for the rational use of small molecule JNK inhibitors as therapeutics.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.127-128
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• 2015

Tumor metastasis involves circulating and tumor-initiating capacities of metastatic cancer cells. Hepatic TM4SF5 promotes EMT for malignant growth and migration. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biomarkers remain unexplored for metastatic potential throughout metastasis. Here, novel TM4SF5/CD44 interaction-mediated self-renewal and circulating tumor cell (CTC) capacities were mechanistically explored. TM4SF5-dependent sphere growth was correlated with $CD133^+$, $CD24^-$, ALDH activity, and a physical association between CD44 and TM4SF5. The TM4SF5/CD44 interaction activated c-Src/STAT3/ Twist1/ B mi1 signaling for spheroid formation, while disturbing the interaction, expression, or activity of any component in this signaling pathway inhibited spheroid formation. In serial xenografts of less than 5,000 cells/injection, TM4SF5-positive tumors exhibited locally-increased CD44 expression, suggesting tumor cell differentiation. TM4SF5-positive cells were identified circulating in blood 4 to 6 weeks after orthotopic liver-injection. Anti-TM4SF reagents blocked their metastasis to distal intestinal organs. Altogether, our results provide evidence that TM4SF5 promotes self-renewal and CTC properties supported by $CD133^+/TM4SF5^+/CD44^+^{(TM4SF5-bound)}/ALDH^+/CD24^-$ markers during HCC metastasis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.679-682
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• 2015

Background: Studies indicate the immediate early response gene 3 (IER3) is involved in many biological processes. Recently, it was discovered that IER3 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Thus it may be a valuable biomarker in tumor. This study was designed to investigate the expression status of IER3 in primary hepatocarcinoma (PHC) and correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression levels of IER3 in 62 pathologically diagnosed human PHC specimens. Results: A statistically significant association was disclosed between the expression of IER3 and P53 mutant protein (short for P53), Ki-67, EGFR and the biggest diameter, differentiation grade of tumor. Conclusions: This work is the first to shed light on the potential clinical usefulness of IER3, as an efficient tumor biomarker in PHC.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.136-142
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• 2004

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma(MFH) is the malignant part of mesenchymal cell-originated tumor, which is supposed that the tumor is presented various histologic features consisted of fibrosarcomatic and histiocytic portions. When the tumor is arisen in the head and neck region, the most affected sites are the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, and secondly the maxillary alveolar bone is occasionally influenced. Therefore, MFH can readily involve the adjacent alveolar bone. The treatment of MFH in the head and neck is various, that is, the involved sites and the differentiation of tumor must be considered when the tumor is treated. The treatment protocols are subjected to general ones of soft tissue sarcoma, and simple or combination therapy is used in the surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. So, we report a clinical case of chemotherapy involving intraarterial chemotherapy, and surgery of malignant fibrous histiocytoma(MFH) in the maxilla, with review of the literature.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2002

In review of "invigorating spleen and supplementing qi" of clinical and experimental studies on malignant tumor, we obtained the conclusions as follows 1. Asthenic splenic qi is an important factor in mutation, occurrence and development of tumor. 2. The anti-tumor mechanism of "invigorating spleen and supplementing qi" is improvement of immune suveillance, controling cell proliferating period and enhancing body metabolism. 3. "Invigorating spleen and supplementing qi" is often used with "nourishing kidney" or "expelling pathogen" for treating cnacer. 4. In experimental studies, "invigorating spleen and supplementing qi" has effects on inhibiting occurrence and development of tumor, protecting mutation, inhibiting recurrence and metastasis, immune activity, enhancing metabolism, promoting bone marrow hemopoietic cell proliferation, increasing anti-tumor effect and protecting normal cells. 5. In clinical studies, "invigorating spleen and supplementing qi" has effects on prolonging the survival period of cancer patients, improving clinical symptoms and quality of life of cancer patients, degrading the side effects of western therapie(operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy). 6. "Invigorating spleen and supplementing qi" is an extensive discipline of syndrome differentiation used to inhibit occurence, development, recurrence and metastasis.