• BMB Reports
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• 제46권7호
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• pp.338-345
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• 2013

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting the 3'-untranslated region of multiple target genes. Pathogenesis results from defects in several gene sets; therefore, disease progression could be prevented using miRNAs targeting multiple genes. Moreover, recent studies suggest that miRNAs reflect the stage of the specific disease, such as carcinogenesis. Cystic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, polycystic liver disease, pancreatic cystic disease, and ovarian cystic disease, have common processes of cyst formation in the specific organ. Specifically, epithelial cells initiate abnormal cell proliferation and apoptosis as a result of alterations to key genes. Cysts are caused by fluid accumulation in the lumen. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cyst formation and progression remain unclear. This review aims to introduce the key miRNAs related to cyst formation, and we suggest that miRNAs could be useful biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in several cystic diseases.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.139-142
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• 2016

The coexistence of Wilson disease with Alport syndrome has not previously been reported. The diagnosis of Wilson disease and its ongoing monitoring is challenging when associated with an underlying renal disease such as Alport syndrome. Proteinuria can lead to low ceruloplasmin since it is among serum proteins inappropriately filtered by the damaged glomerulus, and can also lead to increased urinary loss of heavy metals such as zinc and copper. Elevated transaminases may be attributed to dyslipidemia or drug induced hepatotoxicity. The accurate diagnosis of Wilson disease is essential for targeted therapy and improved prognosis. We describe a patient with a diagnosis of Alport syndrome who has had chronic elevation of transaminases eventually diagnosed with Wilson disease based on liver histology and genetics.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제81권3호
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• pp.241-246
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• 2018

Background: The "Tuberculosis Relief Belt Supporting Project (Tuberculosis Patient Management Project for Poverty Groups)" is a national program for socioeconomically vulnerable tuberculosis (TB) patients. We sought to evaluate the clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of poverty-stricken TB patients, and determined the need for relief. Methods: We examined in-patients with TB, who were supported by this project at the National Medical Center from 2014 to 2015. We retrospectively investigated the patients' socioeconomic status, clinical characteristics, and project expenditures. Results: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. Among 55 patients with known income status, 24 (43.6%) had no income. Most patients (80%) lived alone. A total of 48 patients (82.8%) had more than one underlying disease. More than half of the enrolled patients (30 patients, 51.7%) had smear-positive TB. Cavitary disease was found in 38 patients (65.5%). Among the 38 patients with known resistance status, 19 (50%) had drug-resistant TB. In terms of disease severity, 96.6% of the cases had moderate-to-severe disease. A total of 14 patients (26.4%) died during treatment. Nursing expenses were supported for 12 patients (20.7%), with patient transportation costs reimbursed for 35 patients (60%). In terms of treatment expenses for 31 people (53.4%), 93.5% of them were supported by uninsured benefits. Conclusion: Underlying disease, infectivity, drug resistance, severity, and death occurred frequently in socioeconomically vulnerable patients with TB. Many uninsured treatment costs were not supported by the current government TB programs, and the "Tuberculosis Relief Belt Supporting Project" compensated for these limitations.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제53권7호
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• pp.735-740
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• 2010

Renal fibrosis, characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, is the final manifestation of chronic kidney disease. Renal fibrosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation and deposition of extracellular matrix components. This pathologic result usually originates from both underlying complicated cellular activities such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, and cellular apoptosis and the activation of signaling molecules such as transforming growth factor beta and angiotensin II. However, because the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis is extremely complicated and our knowledge regarding this condition is still limited, further studies are needed.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.384-391
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• 2021

The recent appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people around the world and caused a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It has been suggested that uncontrolled, exaggerated inflammation contributes to the adverse outcomes of COVID-19. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the innate immune response elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the hyperinflammation that contributes to disease severity and death. We also discuss the immunological determinants behind COVID-19 severity and propose a rationale for the underlying mechanisms.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.46-58
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• 1999

목 적: 신생아 담즙정체증은 소아과 소화기 영역에서 중요한 질환의 하나임에도 불구하고 원인 질환 및 장기추적 고찰에 대한 국내의 보고가 드문 실정이다. 따라서 저자들은 신생아 담즙정체증의 원인 및 추적조사시의 합병증 등의 임상적 고찰과 함께 예후인자를 분석하여 신생아 담즙정체증 환아의 진료에 도움을 주고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법: 1981년부터 1992년까지 12년간 신생아 혹은 초기 영아기에 발생한 담즙정체증으로 서울대학교 어린이병원 소아과에 입원하였던 190명을 대상으로 하였다. 담즙정체증의 원인질환, 추적조사시에 관찰된 합병증 및 사인, 특발성신생아간염과 담도폐쇄증의 초기의 임상적 차이점, 예후 및 예후 인자를 분석하였다. 결 과: 1) 담즙정체증의 원인질환은 190명에서 신생아 간염이 101례(53%), 간외담도계 질환이 84례(44%), 간내담도형성부전증이 5례(3%)이었다. 신생아간염은 특발성신생아간염이 77례(41%), 감염성 신생아 간염이 24례(12%)이었고, 간외담도질환은 담도폐쇄증이 79례(41%), 총수담관낭이 5례(3%)이었다. 2) 추적조사시에 관찰된 주요한 임상적 문제점은 지속적인 고열, 위장관출혈, 간성혼수, 복수 등이었다. 3) 담도폐쇄증 환아에서 지속적인 고열의 원인은 상행성담관염, 혹은 line-related sepsis가 58%이었고, 폐렴이 15%, 요로감염이 8%, 상기도 감염이 7%이었다. 4) 상행성담관염 혹은 line related sepsis의 원인균은 Escherichia coli가 28%로 가장 빈도가 많았고, Coagulase negative staphylococcus가 14%, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiela pneumoniae가 각각 10%, Enterococcus가 6%, Candida albicans가 4%이었다. 5) 주요한 사인은 간성혼수와 위장관출혈이었다. 6) 특발성신생아간염은 71%, 감염성 신생아간염은 75%의 환아에서 회복되었으며, 대부분 생후 12개월 이내, 주로 6개월 이내에 회복되었다. 미숙아, 초기의 간종대가 작은 경우, 초기 알부민치 높은 경우, 콜레스테롤치, ${\gamma}$-GT치, 빌리루빈치 및 AST치가 낮은 경우에서 예후가 양호하였다. 7) 담도폐쇄증 환아의 Kasai수술후의 5년 생존율은 40%이었고 사망의 대부분은 12개월 이내에 관찰되었다. 가장 중요한 예후인자는 수술시기이었고 수술시기가 12주 이전인 49%가 양호한 예후를 보인 반면에, 12주 이후인 경우는 12%이었다. 8) 담즙정체증의 초기 임상소견중 가장 중요한 예후인자는 원인질환이었다. 9) 특발성신생아간염과 담도폐쇄증 사이에서 차이를 보인 임상소견은 성별, 제태연령, 콜레스테롤 치 및 ${\gamma}$-GT치 이었다. 특발성신생아간염은 남아, 미숙아에서 호발하였고, 낮은 콜레스테롤치 및 ${\gamma}$-GT치를 보였다. 결 론: 우리나라에서 신생아 담즙정체증의 흔한 원인으로는 담도폐쇄증과 특발성신생아간염의 빈도가 가장 높았고, 이외에 감염성 신생아 간염, 총수담관낭, Alagille 증후군 등이었으며, 유전성, 대사성질환은 관찰되지 않았다. 신생아 담즙정체증에서 원인질환은 예후를 결정하는 가장 중요한 요인으로 원인질환에 대한 적절한 진단이 요구되며, 또한 상행성 담관염, 폐렴, 패혈증 등의 감염문제, 간성혼수, 위장관 출혈 등은 장기 추적시의 자주 발생하는 심각한 임상적 문제점으로서 이에 대한 적절한 치료대책이 요구된다고 하겠다.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.162-165
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• 1995

To evaluate the impact of open lung biopsy on diagnosis and treatment of diffuse infiltrative lung disease, we conducted a retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent this procedure at the Kyoungpook National University Hospital from 1986 to 1993. There were 19 men and 9 women; average age was 50.9 years. During open lung biopsy, The region of the lobe was radiographically and grossly identified and was examined by a biopsy. The biopsy yielded a specific diagnosis in 27 [96.4 % patients and changes in therapy in 24[85.7% patients. Complications developed in three[10.8% patients, directly related to the biopsy procedure in 2. One patient died[3.6% due to underlying disease. We conclude that open lung biopsy can be accomplished safely in the patient with diffuse infiltrative lung disease and it is an important tool in decision-making process and therapy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.276-282
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• 1988

Surgery is now the usual mode of therapy in patients with severe valvular heart disease. Until recently, clinicians and pathologists attributed nearly all acquired valvular heart diseases to a rheumatic origin, except some obviously resulting from acute infection and syphilis. Although many clinicians and pathologists describe that the origin of aortic valvular disease is a nonrheumatic origin, we recognize the major origin of aortic valvular disease in Korea as a rheumatic origin. We excised 47 cardiac valves from valvular heart diseased patients and performed anatomical and pathological analysis for its origin and underlying pathology. The purpose of this article is to provide an update for the clinicians of evolving issues related to the pathology of valvular heart disease. But myxomatous origin and infective endocarditis valvulitis will not be covered in detail.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.122-128
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• 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, while nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of NAFLD characterized by hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and liver injury, resulting in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given the evidence that ginseng and its major bioactive components, ginsenosides, have potent anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-fibrogenic effects, the pharmacological effect of ginseng and ginsenosides on NAFLD and NASH is noteworthy. Furthermore, numerous studies have successfully demonstrated the protective effect of ginseng on these diseases, as well as the underlying mechanisms in animal disease models and cells, such as hepatocytes and macrophages. This review discusses recent studies that explore the pharmacological roles of ginseng and ginsenosides in NAFLD and NASH and highlights their potential as agents to prevent and treat NAFLD, NASH, and liver diseases caused by hepatic steatosis and inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.299-304
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• 2005

Cardiac hypertrophy contributes an increased risk to major cerebrovascular events. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular dysfunction during cardiac hypertrophy have not yet been characterized. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanism of isoproterenol (ISO)-evoked activation of Ras/Raf/MAPK pathways as well as PKA activity in cerebral artery of rabbits, and we also studied whether the activations of these signaling pathways were altered in cerebral artery, during ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy compared to heart itself. The results show that the mRNA level of c-fos (not c-jun and c-myc) in heart and these genes in cerebral artery were considerably increased during cardiac hypertrophy. These results that the PKA activity and activations of Ras/Raf/ERK cascade as well as c-fos expression in rabbit heart during cardiac hypertrophy were consistent with previous reports. Interestingly, however, we also showed a novel finding that the decreased PKA activity might have differential effects on Ras and Raf expression in cerebral artery during cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, there are differences in molecular mechanisms between heart and cerebral artery during cardiac hypertrophy when stimulated with β2 adrenoreceptor (AR), suggesting a possible mechanism underlying cerebrovascular dysfunction during cardiac hypertrophy.