• 생명과학회지
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• 제13권6호
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• pp.871-878
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• 2003

한천, 키틴, 셀룰로오스, 자일란, 만난과 같은 복합다당류들에 대한 분해능을 나타내는 효소들을 생산하는 해양미생물을 홍조류인 Porphyra dentata로부터 분리하였다. 분리균 BK1은 그람음성, 호기성 간균으로 DNA의 G+C함량은 51.6 mol%를 나타내었다. 주요 isoprenoid quinine 구성 성분은 ubiquinone-8로 확인되었고, 주요 세포 지방산은 C16:0, C16:1 w6c, C18:1 w7c로 밝혀졌다. 16S rRNA서열의 비교분석 결과는 분리균 BK1이 Pseudomonas 속의 일원인 것으로 확인되었다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 분리균 BKl은 Pseudomonas sp. BKl으로 명명하였다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제23권12호
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• pp.1486-1494
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• 2013

Octopus vulgaris의 장관으로부터 단백질 가수분해력과 활성을 측정함으로서 높은 단백질분해효소 생성능을 가진 균을 분리하여 동정하였다. 균이 생성한 단백질분해효소는 황산암모늄침전, cellulose CM-52 양이온 교환 크로마토그래피, DEAE-Sephadex A50 음이온 교환 크로마토그래피의 3단계를 통해 정제하였다. 장관으로부터 분리한 균중 가장 높은 단백질분해효소 생성능을 가진 균은 Bacillus sp. QDV-3로 나타났으며 이균을 분리한 후 표현형 분석, 생화학적 특성, 16S rRNA 유전자염기서열분석을 통해 Bacteria역, Firmicutes문, Bacilli강, Bacillales목, Bacillaceae과, Bacillus속으로 Bacillus flexus와 99.2%의 유사성을 보이는 것으로 확인하였다. 균이 생성한 단백질 분해효소를 QDV-E로 지정하였으며 61.6 kDa의 분자량을 나타내었다. 이 효소는 pH 9.0~9.5에서 활성을 나타내었고 최적온도는 $40^{\circ}C$였으며 $50^{\circ}C$에서는 60분간 96% 이상의 활성을 보유하였다. Phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)에 의하여 활성이 억제 되었으므로 세린 알칼리성 단백 분해 효소인 것으로 결론지었다. 금속이온인 $Mn^{2+}$ 와 $Mg^{2+}$에 의하여 효소활성 상승효과를 보였으며 $Ba^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$, 그리고 $Cu^{2+}$에 의하여 활성이 억제되었다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권10호
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• pp.886-894
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• 2015

Macrophages are divided into two subpopulations: classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). BCG (Bacilli Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$) activates disabled $na{\ddot{i}}ve$ macrophages to M1 macrophages, which act as inflammatory, microbicidal and tumoricidal cells through cell-cell contact and/or the release of soluble factors. Various transcription factors and signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of macrophage activation and polarization. We discovered that BCG-activated macrophages (BAM) expressed a new molecule, and we named it Novel Macrophage Activated Associated Protein 1 (NMAAP1). 1 The current study found that the overexpression of NMAAP1 in macrophages results in M1 polarization with increased expression levels of M1 genes, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 12 (IL-12), Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), and decreased expression of some M2 genes, such as Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), but not other M2 genes, including arginase-1 (Arg-1), Interleukin (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-${\beta}$) and found in inflammatory zone 1 (Fizz1). Moreover, NMAAP1 overexpression in the RAW264.7 cell line increased cytotoxicity against MCA207 tumor cells, which depends on increased inflammatory cytokines rather than cell-cell contact. NMAAP1 also substantially enhanced the phagocytic ability of macrophages, which implies that NMAAP1 promoted macrophage adhesive and clearance activities. Our results indicate that NMAAP1 is an essential molecule that modulates macrophages phenotype and plays an important role in macrophage tumoricidal functions.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제70권4호
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• pp.347-351
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• 2011

We report here an unusual case of pericardial tuberculoma that was misdiagnosed as thymic carcinoma on an imaging study. A 48-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of an anterior mediastinal mass. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest displayed cystic masses mimicking thymic carcinoma at the anterior mediastinum. Pericardiotomy and surgical drainage of the cystic masses were done, and pathologic examination of the excised pericardial specimen showed a chronic granulomatous inflammation with necrosis, compatible with tuberculosis. Acid-fast bacilli were also identified in the specimen. After treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs and steroids, the patient showed clinical improvement. Although tuberculous pericarditis usually presents as pericardial effusion or constrictive pericarditis, it can also present as a pericardial mass mimicking thymic carcinoma on CT. Therefore, we suggest that tuberculous pericardial abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass in Korea, with intermediate tuberculosis prevalence.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제73권1호
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• pp.38-47
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• 2012

Background: The prevalence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is steadily decreasing in South Korea. However, PTB is a disease with relatively high mortality and morbidity rates throughout Korea. Although there are many studies and statistics about the risk factors of PTB mortality in many countries, there are only a limited number of domestic papers on this topic. The aim of this study is to determine predictive factors for mortality among in-hospital patients associated with PTB. Methods: From December 2006 to January 2011, we reviewed medical records of 2,122 adult patients diagnosed with tuberculosis at a single tertiary hospital in a suburban area. In this study period, 960 patients were diagnosed with PTB by positive Acid fast bacilli smear and/or mycobacterial culture of the respiratory specimen. We compared the groups of patients deceased and patients discharged alive with PTB. The number of dead patients was 82 (47 males, 35 females). Results: Mortality was significantly associated with increased values of white blood cells (WBC), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), numbers of involved lung field, and length of hospitalization. Also, it was associated with the decreased values of hemoglobin, lymphocyte, sodium, albumin, and cholesterol. Furthermore, admission through the emergency department, initial intensive care unit admission, and drug resistant PTB affected mortality in PTB patients. Independent predictors associated with PTB mortality are BUN, initial intensive care unit care, and admission during treatment of tuberculosis. Conclusion: In our study, mortality of pulmonary tuberculosis was related with parameters associated with nutritional status, disease severity at the time of admission, and drug resistance.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제70권4호
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• pp.342-346
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• 2011

Herein we report the case of a 71-year-old woman who complained of fatigue and enlarged right axillary lymph nodes for 18 months. At her first visit, her chest X-ray showed diffuse nodular opacities in both lung fields. Initial excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes showed granulomatous lesions and acid fast bacilli were seen on Ziehl-Neelsen staining. However, even after 15 months of anti-tuberculosis (TB) medication, her right axillary lymph nodes were enlarged. We re-performed an excisional biopsy of the nodes, which showed Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). A retrograde review of the biopsy before anti-tuberculous medication, revealed HL coexisting with TB. HL and TB cause difficulties in differential diagnosis due to similarities in clinical course, imaging procedures and histopathological analysis of the involved tissue. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of concurrent HL and TB when patients who undergo treatment for TB or chemotherapy for lymphoma complain of persistent systemic symptoms or enlarged lymph nodes.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제69권6호
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• pp.469-473
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• 2010

Nocardia farcinia, an aerobic, gram-positive bacilli actinomycetes of the genus Nocardia, is an uncommon pathogen found in humans. The most common Nocardia infection sites are the lung, central nervous system, and skin. Even though hematogenous dissemination can occur, isolation of the organism from blood cultures is very rare. We report a case of Nocardia infection that was isolated on blood cultures. A 59-year-old male with a medical history that includes a liver transplantation 6-years prior due to hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to chronic hepatitis B, developed pneumonia and was transferred to Severance Hospital. At the time of admission, the patient's initial exam showed hypothermia, tachypnea, and hypotension. His chest radiograph showed severe pneumonia and a large abscess on left upper lobe. Under the presumptive diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia or other opportunistic infection, we started broad spectrum antibiotics. However, he developed Nocardia sepsis, rapidly deteriorated, and subsequently died.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제75권5호
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• pp.199-204
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• 2013

Background: The number of patients with pulmonary disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term trends in the NTM recovery rate from respiratory specimens over a 10-year period in a tertiary referral hospital in South Korea. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of mycobacterial cultures of respiratory specimens at Samsung Medical Center from January 2001 to December 2011. Results: During the study period, 32,841 respiratory specimens from 10,563 patients were found to be culture-positive for mycobacteria. These included 12,619 (38%) Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 20,222 (62%) NTM isolates. The proportion of NTM among all positive mycobacterial cultures increased from 43% (548/1,283) in 2001 to 70% (3,341/4,800) in 2011 (p<0.001, test for trend). The recovery rate of NTM isolates from acid-fast bacilli smear-positive specimens increased from 9% (38/417) in 2001 to 64% (1,284/1,997) in 2011 (p<0.001, test for trend). The proportion of positive liquid cultures was higher for NTM than for M. tuberculosis (p<0.001). The most frequently isolated NTM were Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (53%) and Mycobacterium abscessus-massiliense complex (25%). Conclusion: The recovery rate of NTM from respiratory specimens in South Korea has increased steadily.

• 대한핵의학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.129-134
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• 2000

목적: 흉부방사선 사진으로 결핵의 진단과 활동성의 판정이 어려운 경우가 많다. 이에 핵의학적 방법으로 결핵의 활동성을 판정하고자 하는 시도들이 있었으며, 핵의학 검사는 결핵의 활동성을 잘 반영하는 것으로 알려져 왔다. 그러나 객담결핵균의 음전을 '활동성'의 소실이라고 표현하는 치료자와 방사능섭취 소실을 '활동성'의 소실이라고 판정하는 핵의학의사 사이에는 용어 사용상의 차이가 있을 수 있다. 객담결핵균의 음전과 방사능섭취의 소실이 서로 일치하는지 여부를 확인하여 보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 세균학적으로 활동성 결핵으로 진단된 15명의 환자들에서 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI를 이용하여 폐스캔을 시행하였다. 3-7개월간의 항결핵약물치료로 객담 결핵균이 음전된 6명의 환자에 대해 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔을 다시 시행하였다. 결핵병소와 정상 폐 부위의 방사능을 측정하여 정상 폐에 대한 결핵병소의 방사능 섭취율을 비교하였다. 결과: 활동성 폐결핵 환자 15명 중 12명(80%)에서 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔 양성을 보였다. 항결핵약물치료로 객담 결핵균이 음전된 후 6명에서 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔을 반복했을 때 6명 모두에서 섭취율이 치료 전에 비해서 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 그러나 5명에서는 정상 폐에 비해서는 여전히 높았다. 결론: $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔은 폐결핵 병변에서 염증반응의 정도를 판정하는데 도움이 된다. 그렇지만 객담 결핵균의 음전으로 정의되는 '활동성'과 1:1로 일치하지는 않았다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제61권1호
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• pp.54-59
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• 2006

연구 배경 : 결핵의 대부분을 차지하는 폐결핵 진단에 객담, 기관지 세척액, 흉수액을 이용한 TB-PCR 검사의 유용성에 대해서는 여러 연구가 있었으나 폐 이외의 결핵 진단을 위한 신선 생검 조직 검체에서의 TB-PCR법 연구는 아직 미흡하다. 이에 저자들은 자동분석법인 COBAS AMPLICOR MTB PCR assay (Roche Molecular System)를 이용하여 신선 생검 조직 검체로 TB-PCR법의 유용성을 알아보았다. 방법 및 대상 : 2004년 10월부터 2005년 12월까지 가톨릭대학교 대전성모병원 병리과와 진단검사의학과에 결핵의진 하에 조직검사와 신선조직을 이용한 항산균 도말검사, 배양검사, TB-PCR 검사가 공히 의뢰된 환자 42예를 대상으로 하였다. 결 과 : 신선 생검 조직 42예를 대상으로 실시한 결과, 임상소견에서 결핵으로 진단된 경우는 18예 이었으며, 그 중 림프절 12예와 폐 조직 2예, 충수 조직 1예, 총 16예(88.9%)에서 PCR 양성을 보였고, 민감도와 특이도, 양성예측도, 음성 예측도는 88.9%, 100%, 100%와 92.3%로 나타났다. 조직학적으로 육아종 소견과 건락성 괴사의 소견 보인 18예(100%)는 모두 결핵으로 진단되었고 그 중 16예(88.9%)에서 PCR 양성을 보였다. 결 론 : 신선 생검 조직 검체를 이용한 TB-PCR 자동분석기의 결과는 임상소견 및 현미경적 소견과 비교 분석 시 민감도와 특이도가 높은 유용한 검사라고 생각되었다.