• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.424-430
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• 2010

In coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy reported until now, conventional microscope objectives are used, so that they are limited for introduction into a living body. Gradient-index (GRIN) rod lenses might be a solution for miniaturized microscope objectives for in-vivo CARS microscopy. However, due to the inherent large amount of chromatic aberration, GRIN rod lenses cannot be utilized for this purpose. CARS imaging catheter, composed of miniaturized microscope objective and fiber bundle, can be introduced into a living body for minimally invasive diagnosis. In order to design the catheter, we have to first investigate design requirements. And then, the optical design is processed with design strategies and intensive computing power to achieve the design requirements. We report the miniaturized objective lens system with diffraction-limited performance and completely corrected chromatic aberrations for an in-vivo CARS imaging catheter.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Life Science Conference
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• 2007.10a
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• pp.42.1-42.1
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• 2007

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• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.531-535
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• 2015

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique ability of highly aggressive tumor cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenesis, which was associated with invasion and metastasis. The grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) had attracted much attention as a potential bioactive anti-carcinogenic agent. However, GSPs regulation of VM and its possible mechanisms in a triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBCs) remain not clear. Therefore, we examined the effect of GSPs on VM information in HCC1937 cell model. In this study, we identified the VM structure via the three-dimensional (3D) matrix in vitro. Cell viability was measured using the CCK8 assay. The effects of GSPs on human triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBCs) HCC1937 in terms of related proteins of VM information were determined using western blot analysis. In vitro, the tubular networks were found in highly invasive HCC1937 cells but not in the non-invasive MCF-7 cells when plated on matrigel. The number of vascular channels was significantly reduced when cells were exposed in GSPs ($100{\mu}g$/ml) and GSPs ($200{\mu}g/mL$) groups (all p<0.001). Furthermore, we found that treatment with GSPs promoted transition of the mesenchymal state to the epithelial state in HCC1937 cells as well as reducing the expression of Twist1 protein, a master EMT regulator.GSPs has the ability to inhibit VM information by the suppression of Twist1 protein that could be related to the reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) process. It is firstly concluded that GSPs may be an p otential anti-VM botanical agent for human TNBCs.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.44
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• pp.276.1-276.10
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• 2018

Background: The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) established a healthcare claim database for all Korean citizens. This study aimed to analyze the NHIS data and investigate the patterns of breast cancer treatments. Methods: We constructed a retrospective female breast cancer cohort by analyzing annual incident cases. The annual number of newly diagnosed female breast cancer was compared between the NHIS data and Korea National Cancer Incidence Database (KNCIDB). The annual treatment patterns including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, endocrine therapy and targeted therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 148,322 women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer during 2006-2014 was identified. The numbers of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer cases were similar between the NHIS data and KNCIDB, which demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.995; P < 0.001). The age distribution of the breast cancer cases in the NHIS data and KNCIDB also showed a strong correlation (r = 1.000; P < 0.001). About 85% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients underwent operations. Although the proportions of chemotherapy use have not changed during 2006-2014, the total number of chemotherapy prescriptions sharply increased during this period. The proportions of radiotherapy and anti-hormonal therapy increased. Among the anti-hormonal agents, tamoxifen was the most frequently prescribed medication, and letrozole was the most preferred endocrine treatment in patients aged ${\geq}50$ years. Conclusion: Along with the increased breast cancer incidence in Korea, the frequencies of breast cancer treatments have increased. The NHIS data can be a feasible data source for future research.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.249-257
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• 2018

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with the invasion and metastasis of malignant tumors composed of cancer cells in an increased state of expression. This study evaluates the inhibitory effect of Carex pumila on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells using gelatin zymography, MMPs enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay. C. pumila was extracted twice with dichloromethane ($CH_2Cl_2$) and methanol (MeOH). Treatment with $CH_2Cl_2$ extract and MeOH extract in PMA-stimulated HT-1080 cells effectively reduced the production of MMP-2 and 9. Also, the combined crude extracts ($CH_2Cl_2$ and MeOH) significantly inhibited the enzymatic activities and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in mRNA and protein levels. The combined crude extracts were partitioned between $CH_2Cl_2$ and water. The organic layer was further fractionated with n-hexane, 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq.MeOH) and the aqueous layer was separated into n-butanol and water, successively. Of the fractions, 85% aq.MeOH fraction showed the highest inhibitory activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in gelatin zymography and MMP ELISA kit. Furthermore, 85% aq.MeOH fraction most significantly suppressed cell migration. In RT-PCR and Western blot assay, n-butanol and 85% aq.MeOH fractions exerted the greatest inhibition on mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively. As a result, C. pumila can be used as a good anti-invasive agent source.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1686-1693
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• 2004

Ekong-san(EKS) was expected to have inhibitory effects on angiogenesis, considering the fact that its constituents such as Ginseng Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix and Citri Pericarpium were reported to inhibit angiogenesis. Moreover, recently several metabolites transformed by the human intestinal microflora were reported to enhance effectiveness compared to their crude drugs. Based on these data, this study was designed to confirm whether the EKS metabolites (EKS-M) can significantly exert the anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activites. Hence, with EKS and EKS-M, viability assay, proliferation assay, in vitro tube formation assay, gelatin zymogram assay, in vitro invasion assay were carried out. EKS showed less toxicity in ECV304 and HT1080 cells than EKS-M. EKS-M inhibited the proliferation of HT1080 cells by 30% at 200㎍/㎖ and 42% at 400 ㎍/㎖ respectively. Also, EKS-M degraded the tube network at 200㎍/㎖. EKS and EKS-M inhibited the expression of MMP-9 at 200 and 400㎍/㎖ in HT1080 cells. EKS reduced the invasive activity of HT1080 cells through matrigel coated transfilter atthe concentration of 200㎍/㎖ more effectively than EKS-M. These data suggest that EKS and EKS-M has anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activities.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.785-791
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• 2014

Crude extracts or phytochemicals obtained from some plants have potential anti-cancer properties. Teucrium persicum is an Iranian endemic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family which has traditionally been used to relieve abdominal pains. However, the anti-cancer properties of this species of the Teucrium genus have not been investigated previously. In this study, we have used a highly invasive prostate cancer cell line, PC-3, which is an appropriate cell system to study anti-tumor properties of plants. A methanolic extract obtained from T persicum potently inhibited viability of PC-3 cells. The viability of SW480 colon and T47D breast cancer cells was also significantly decreased in the presence of the T persicum extract. Flow cytometry suggested that the reduction of cell viability was due to induction of apoptosis. In addition, the results of wound healing and gelatin zymography experiments supported anti-cell invasion activity of T persicum. Interestingly, sublethal concentrations of T persicum extract induced an epithelial-like morphology in a subpopulation of cells with an increase in E-Cadherin and ${\beta}$-Catenin protein levels at the cell membrane. These results strongly suggest that T persicum is a plant with very potent anti-tumor activity.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.832-839
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• 2003

Activated macrophages express inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and produce excessive amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$), which play key roles in the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., are important Chinese crude drugs used in many traditional prescriptions. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) is a major bioactive constituent of both crude drugs. PGG has been shown to possess potent anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. on the COX-2 and iNOS activity in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, COX-1 in HEL cells. To investigate the structure-activity relationships of gallate and gallic acid for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activity, we also examined (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, and gallacetophenone. The results of the present study indicated that PGG, EGCG, and gallacetophenone treatment except gallic acid significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in LPS-activated macrophages. All of the four compounds significantly inhibited COX-2 activity in LPS-activated macrophages. Among the four compounds examined, PGG revealed the most potent in both iNOS ($IC_{50}$ = 18 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$) and COX-2 inhibitory activity (PGE$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 8 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$ and PGD$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 12 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$), respectively. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and structure-activity relationship by which PGG exerts its inhibitory actions, our results suggest that PGG might be a candidate for developing anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.336-341
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• 2014

Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays important roles in blood coagulation and inflammation. EPCR activity is markedly changed by ectodomain cleavage and release as the soluble EPCR. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ converting enzyme (TACE). Oroxylin A (OroA), a major component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is known to exhibit anti-angiogenic, antiinflammation, and anti-invasive activities. However, little is known about the effects of OroA on EPCR shedding. Data showed that OroA induced potent inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced EPCR shedding through suppression of TACE expression and activity. In addition, treatment with OroA resulted in reduced PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of p38, extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results demonstrate the potential of OroA as an anti-sEPCR shedding reagent against PMA and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3343-3352
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• 2014

Chemoprevention is an attempt to use nontoxic natural and synthetic substances or their mixtures to intervene the relatively early stages of carcinogenesis, before invasive characteristics are manifested. The consumption of fruits is well known to reduce the risk of human cancers. Although most fruits are available only on a seasonal basis, recent advances in food processing technologies have made it possible to extend the shelf life of fruits and fruit-products. Fruits can be preserved by applying different drying processes to reduce the moisture content. Different varieties of dried fruits are now sold in supermarkets, thereby making them readily accessible to consumers. Since oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play important roles in cancer development, dried fruits with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties hold promise for cancer chemoprevention. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive activities of dried fruits are largely attributed to their polyphenols and vitamins. Dried fruits contain adequate amounts of bioactive principles, such as anthocyanins, acetogenins, catechins, coumarins, phenolic acids, terpenes, xanthones, and others. Since numerous health beneficial phytochemicals in fruits are conserved even after processing, regular intake of dried fruits can help prevent cancer. This review addresses the chemopreventive potential of representative dried fruits and their active constituents.