• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.375-380
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• 2014

This study examined the incidence rates of cancer cases (averages for 2006-2010) and relationships with environmental radioactivity levels. Soil and water samples were collected from provincial and district centers of Van city and the outdoor gamma doses were determined using a portable gamma scintillation detector. Gross alpha and beta, (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K activities were measured in both tap water and soil samples. Although high rates of stomach and esophagus cancers have been reported previously in Van the underlying reasons have not hitherto been defined. Incidences of cancers were highest in the Gurpmar (326.0) and Ozalp (377.1) counties (p<0.001). As to the results of the gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity measurements in the drinking water, these two counties also had high beta radionuclide levels: Gurpmar ($140mBq/dm^3$) and Ozalp ($206mBq/dm^3$). Even if within the normal range, a relation between the higher rate of the incidence of stomach and esophagus cancers with that of the higher rate of beta radionuclide activity was clear. On Spearman correlation analysis, the relation between higher beta radionuclide levels and cancer incidence was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01). According to the results of the analysis, Van residents receive an average 1.86 mSv/y annual dose from outdoor gamma radiation, ingestion of radionuclides in the drinking water, and indoor $^{222}Rn$ activity. Moreover, gross alpha and beta activities were found to be extremely high in all of the lakes around the city of Van, Turkey. Further investigations with long-term detailed environmental radiation measurements are needed regarding the relationship between cancer cases and environmental radioactivity in the city of Van.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.16
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• pp.6619-6625
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• 2014

Background: Numerous studies have explored the influence of XPD Lys751Gln and/or Asp312Asn polymorphisms on skin cancer susceptibility. However, the results remain inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, we conducted a comprehensive search to identify all available published studies and performed a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Electronic literature searches of the PubMed, CBM and CNKI databases were performed up to March 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess the strength of associations. Results: Seventeen case-control studies were included with a total sample size of 6, 113 cases and 11, 074 controls for the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism, and 10 studies (3, 840cases and 7, 637 controls) for the XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism were pooled for analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism and skin cancer risk in any genetic model. On stratified analysis by tumor type, XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism was not associated with increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, but was significantly related with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma (Gln/Gln vs Lys/Lys: OR=1.15, 95%CI=1.02-1.29, p=0.023; dominant model: OR=1.09, 95%CI=1.01-1.18, p=0.036). For the XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism, no significant association with skin cancer risk was observed in overall or subgroup analyses. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism may contribute to the risk of cutaneous melanoma from currently available evidence. Further investigations are needed to obtain more insight into possible roles of these two polymorphisms in skin carcinogenesis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 2002

Purpose : We review our experience with pyeloplasty for unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction of moderate to severe hydronephrosis observed by prenatal ultrasonography to assess the appropriate timing of operation for recovery of renal function and obstruction. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the records of the total 28 patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 1995 and 2001 at Asan Medical Center. We compared pre and postoperative differentials in renal function and diuretic renogram as measured by technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyl-triglycerine scan and the degree of hydronephrosis by renal ultrasonography. Results : In all 28 patients postoperative follow-up renal ultrasonography revealed significant improvement in hydronephrosis. In 10 poorly functioning hydronephrotic kidneys in which relative renal function function was less than 35%, renal function was improved postoperatively in 3 cases, but not improved in 7 cases. In all 28 patients postoperative follow-up diuretic renogram revealed significant improvement. Conclusion : We believe that the early pyeloplasty should be considered when ultrasonography and diuretic renography suggest obstruction because renal function does not improve significantly after pyeloplasty over preoperative value.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.219-225
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• 2004

The pelvic ganglia provide autonomic innervations to the various urogenital organs, such as the urinary bladder, prostate, and penis. It is well established that both sympathetic and parasympathetic synaptic transmissions in autonomic ganglia are mediated mainly by acetylcholine (ACh). Until now, however, the properties of ACh-induced currents and its receptors in pelvic ganglia have not clearly been elucidated. In the present study, biophysical characteristics and molecular nature of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were studied in sympathetic and parasympathetic major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons. MPG neurons isolated from male rat were enzymatically dissociated, and ionic currents were recorded by using the whole cell variant patch clamp technique. Total RNA from MPG neuron was prepared, and RT-PCR analysis was performed with specific primers for subunits of nAChRs. ACh dose-dependently elicited fast inward currents in both sympathetic and parasympathetic MPG neurons $(EC_{50};\;41.4\;{\mu}M\;and\;64.0\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. ACh-induced currents showed a strong inward rectification with a reversal potential near 0 mV in current-voltage relationship. Pharmacologically, mecamylamine as a selective antagonist for ${\alpha}3{\beta}4$ nAChR potently inhibited the ACh-induced currents in sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons $(IC_{50};\;0.53\;{\mu}M\;and\;0.22\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. Conversely, ${\alpha}-bungarotoxin$, ${\alpha}-methyllycaconitine$, and $dihydro-{\beta}-erythroidine$, which are known as potent and sensitive blockers for ${\alpha}7$ or ${\alpha}4{\beta}2$ nAChRs, below micromolar concentrations showed negligible effect. RT-PCR analysis revealed that ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits were predominantly expressed in MPG neurons. We suggest that MPG neurons have nAChRs containing ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits, and that their activation induces fast inward currents, possibly mediating the excitatory synaptic transmission in pelvic autonomic ganglia.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.505-512
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• 2012

Many aging male suffer various andropause symptoms including loss of physical and mental activities. This study evaluated the putative alleviative effects of CRS-10 dandelion and rooibos extract complex (CRS-10) on the symptoms of andropause. The survival rate of TM3 Leydig cells (TM3 cells) treated with CRS-10 was measured based on typical physiological stress. After daily intake of CRS-10 for 4 weeks, the level of testosterone, physical activity and both the number and activity of sperm in older rats (18 weeks) were measured. Furthermore, thirty males were surveyed with AMS (Aging Males' Symptoms) questionnaire after intake of 400 mg of CRS-10. Overall, CRS-10 protected TM3 cells from serum restriction and oxidative stress via activation of ERK and Akt pathways. The level of testosterone and activation of spermatogenesis in rats were significantly enhanced. In addition, physical locomotion was markedly improved. Daily intake of 400 mg of CRS-10 improved the quality of life among agingmale respondents, according to a clinical survey using the AMS. The results indicate the potential of CRS-10 as a safe and efficacious natural substance for reducing or alleviating andropause symptoms.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.283-295
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• 1993

Pt-complexes is currently one of the most compounds used in the treatment of solid tumors. However, its used is limited by severe side effects such as renal toxicity. Our platinum-based drug discovery program is aimed at developing drugs capable of diminishing toxicity and improving antitumor activity. We synthesized new Pt (II) complex analogues containing 1, 2-diaminocyclohexane (dach) as carrier ligand and 1, 3-bis (diphenylphosphino) propane (DPPP)/1,2-bis (diphenylphosphino) ethane (DPPE) as a leaving group. Furthermore, nitrate was added to improve the solubility. A new series of (KHPC-001) [Pt (trans-1-dach)(DPPP)] $2NO_3$ and (KHPC-002) [Pt (trans-1-dach)(DPPE)] $2NO_3$ were synthesized and characterized by their elemental analysis and by various spectroscopic techniques [infrared (IR), $^{13}carbon$ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)]. KHPC-001 and KHPC-002 demonstrated acceptable antitumor activity aganist P-388, L-1210 lymphocytic leukemia cells and significant activity as compared with that of cisplatin. The toxicity of KHPC-001 and KHPC-002 was found quite less than that of cisplatin using MTT, $[^3H]$ thymidine uptake and glucose consumption tests in rabbit proximal tubule cells and human kidney cortical cells.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.189-195
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• 1988

This study aimed to investigate the autonomic innervations of human vas deferens and the effect of diazepam, a benzodiazepine sedative antianxiety drug, on the smooth muscle contractility of vas deferens. The specimens were obtained from healthy volunteers undergoing elective vasectomy with local anesthesia. The muscle preparation did not show any spontaneous contraction, but showed a good contraction induced by norepinephrine exerting the strongest response at $33^{\circ}C$. Phentolamine inhibited the norepinephrine-induced contraction concentration-dependently. Isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist evoked a considerable extent of contraction, and this contractile activity was antagonized by propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Acetylcholine induced a dashing contraction of the human vas deferens, and atropine, a muscarinic receptor blocking agent abolished the acetylcholine-induced contraction. Diazepam inhibited the norepinephrine-induced contraction in a concentration dependent manner. These results suggest that the smooth muscle of human vas deferens has cholinergic muscarinic and beta adrenergic receptors as well as the predominant alpha adrepergic receptor. Diazepam inhibits the motility, especially norepinephrine-induced contraction of human vas deferens.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.359-365
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• 2013

Plasma pH can be altered during pregnancy and at labor. Membrane excitability of smooth muscle including uterine muscle is suppressed by the activation of $K^+$ channels. Because contractility of uterine muscle is regulated by extracellular pH and humoral factors, $K^+$ conductance could be connected to factors regulating uterine contractility during pregnancy. Here, we showed that TASK-2 inhibitors such as quinidine, lidocaine, and extracellular acidosis produced contraction in uterine circular muscle of mouse. Furthermore, contractility was significantly increased in pregnant uterine circular muscle than that of non-pregnant muscle. These patterns were not changed even in the presence of tetraetylammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Finally, TASK-2 inhibitors induced strong myometrial contraction even in the presence of L-methionine, a known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels in myometrium. When compared to non-pregnant myometrium, pregnant myometrium showed increased immunohistochemical expression of TASK-2. Therefore, TASK-2, seems to play a key role during regulation of myometrial contractility in the pregnancy and provides new insight into preventing preterm delivery.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2011

Purpose: The present study compared the difference between intraoperative transrectal ultrasound (iTRUS)-based prostate volume and preplan computed tomography (CT), preplan magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based prostate volume to estimate the number of seeds needed for appropriate dose coverage in permanent brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Between March 2007 and March 2011, among 112 patients who underwent permanent brachytherapy with $^{125}I$, 60 image scans of 56 patients who underwent preplan CT (pCT) or preplan MRI (pMRI) within 2 months before brachytherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-four cases among 30 cases with pCT and 26 cases among 30 cases with pMRI received neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT). In 34 cases, NHT started after acquisition of preplan image. The median duration of NHT after preplan image acquisition was 17 and 21 days for cases with pCT and pMRI, respectively. The prostate volume calculated by different modalities was compared. And retrospective planning with iTRUS image was performed to estimate the number of $^{125}I$ seed required to obtain recommended dose distribution according to prostate volume. Results: The mean difference in prostate volume was 9.05 mL between the pCT and iTRUS and 6.84 mL between the pMRI and iTRUS. The prostate volume was roughly overestimated by 1.36 times with pCT and by 1.33 times with pMRI. For 34 cases which received NHT after image acquisition, the prostate volume was roughly overestimated by 1.45 times with pCT and by 1.37 times with pMRI. A statistically significant difference was found between preplan image-based volume and iTRUS-based volume (p<0.001). The median number of wasted seeds is approximately 13, when the pCT or pMRI volume was accepted without modification to assess the required number of seeds for brachytherapy. Conclusion: pCT-based volume and pMRI-based volume tended to overestimate prostate volume in comparison to iTRUS-based volume. To reduce wasted seeds and cost of the brachytherapy, we should take the volume discrepancy into account when we estimate the number of $^{125}I$ seeds for permanent brachytherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.4597-4601
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• 2015

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173G/C (rs755622) gene polymorphism has been associated with cancer risk. Previous studies have revealed that MIF -173G/C gene polymorphism may increase cancer in the Chinese population, while results of individual published studies remain inconsistent and inconclusive.We performed this meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. Materials and Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Weipu on Dec 31, 2014.Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the association. A total of eight studies including 2,186 cases and 2,285 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Results: The pooled results indicated the significant association between MIF -173G/C polymorphism and the risk of cancer for Chinese population (CC + CG vs GG: OR=1.14, 95%CI=1.02-127, pheterogeneity<0.01; P=0.023; CC vs CG+GG: OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.02-1.23, pheterogeneity<001; P=0.017;CC vs GG: OR=1.18, 95%CI=1.04-1.33, pheterogeneity<001; P=0.008; CG vs GG:OR=1.03, 95%CI=0.91-1.15, pheterogeneity<001; P=0.656; C vs G:OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.14-1.25, pheterogeneity<001; P<001). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with "solid tumors", heterogeneity was very large (OR=0.94,95%CI=0.83-1.06,pheterogeneity=0.044; p=0.297). Within "non-solid tumors", the association became even stronger (OR=6.62, 95 % CI=4.32-10.14, pheterogeneity<0.001; p<0.001). Conclusions: This study suggested that MIF -173G/C gene polymorphism may increase increase cancer in the Chinese population.Furthermore, more larger sample and representative population-based casees and well-matched controls are needed to validate our results.