• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.385-392
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• 2004

Gonadal development, gametogenesis, reproductive cycle, gonad index, and flesh weight rate of the murex shell (Ocenebra japonica) collected from the rocky intertidal zone of Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Korea were investigated by means of histological method from January to December 2002. O. japonica had separate sexes, and was oviparous. The gonad was widely situated on the surface of the digestive gland located in the rear of the spiral flesh part in the shell. The male penis was located near the two tentacles. The ovary was composed of a number of oogenic follicles, and the testis was composed of several spermatogenic tubules. The size of ripe oocyte was approximately $140{\mu}m$ in diameter. The gonad index (GI) began to increase in March $(33.24{\pm}2.33)$ and reached the maximum in June $(47.77{\pm}1.90)$ Thereafter, the values decreased from July $(45.12{\pm}3.60)$ to October $(19.32{\pm}2.91)$. The flesh weight rate (FWR) began to increase in January $(25.93{\pm}1.32)$ and reached the maxium in May $(31.78{\pm}1.09)$ Thereafter, the values decreased from June $(31.50{\pm}0.66)$ to October $(24.09{\pm}1.60)$. The reproductive cycle could be classified into five successive stages: early active (October to April), late active (January to June), ripe (May to September), spawning (July to September) and recovery (September to February). The reproductive cycle was closely related to the seawater temperature.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.10-21
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• 2001

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the protective effect of Stephania tetrandra(ST) against ischemic brain damage after a middle cerebral artery(MCA) occlusion. The effect was evaluated using histological tests, neurobehavioral tests, and biochemical tests. Methods : Rats(Sprague-Dawley) were divided into four groups : sham operated group, MCA occluded group, post MCA occlusion Stephania tetrandra administrated (7.6mg/l00g) group, and normal group. The MCA was occluded by intraluminal method. Stephania tetrandra was administrated orally twice at 1 and 4 hours after MCA occlusion. The neurobehavioral test was performed at 3, 6, 9 and 24 hours after MCA occlusion by posture reflex test and swimming behavioral test. All groups were sacrificed then. The brain tissues were stained with 2% triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC) or 1 % cresyl violet solution, to examine infarct size, volume and cell number. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ level was measured from sera using Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay(ELISA). The mRNA expression level of inflammatory cytokines and related receptor type I and II, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-10 6hours after MCA occlusion were also studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RTPCR). Results : The results showed that : Stephania tetrandra (1) reduced infarct size and total infarct volume by 52.2% compared to the control group; (2) attenuated significantly in neuronal death, which was shown by a decrease in cell number(P<0.01) and size(P<0.01) in the boundary area of the infarction; (3) significantly reduced serum $TNF-{\alpha}$ level, and increased the mRNA level of IL-10 in the cortex region(P<0.01). However, there was no significant effect on motor deficit in swimming behavioral test. Conclusions : In conclusion, Stephania tetrandra has protective effects against ischemic brain damage at the early stage of ischemia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.70-78
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was aimed at examining the effects of the application of EA (electroacupuncture) at GV20 and LI4 in the early cerebral ischemia on the size of cerebral infarction, COX-2 and IL-6. Methods : For this experiment, 21, six-week-old male S-D (Sprague - Dawley) rats weighting 160g to 200g were selected and randomly classified into 3 groups, seven rats in each group. Brain ischemia was simulated using a modified Koizumi method which was performed on each rat. In the GV20 group, the GV20 of the SD rats was stimulated for thirty minutes with acupunctural electrode low frequency stimulator five hours after inducement of ischemia. For the LI4 group, the LI4 was stimulated as above, while for the Ischemia group, no stimulation was applied. Twenty-four hours after the experiment, stained cerebral tissues were examined and an immuno-histological test was done to examine inflammatory reaction Results : Out of the three groups, the LI4 group showed the smallest size of cerebral infarction and the Ischemia group showed the highest COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) expression value in the cortex of the cerebrum. In addition, the LI4 group showed the lowest COX-2 expression value in unknown putamen out of the three groups. Conclusions : We infer that EA, applied at LI4 and GV20 in early ischemia, is effective in delaying the expression of IL-6 (interleukin-6) and COX-2, the inflammatory agents manifested from stroke. In addition, application at LI4, rather than GV20, can lower the expression value of the inflammatory agents. Further, EA can be an effective way to block early inflammatory reaction in stroke.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2002

We investigated the morphological changes and TUNEL reaction of apoptotic cells in the liver of D-galactosamine (20 mg/mouse) and lipopolysaccharide (5 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mouse)-treated 30 mice (BALB/c), and in additioa also of apoptotic cells in kidney and spleen. The livers and other some organs of mice at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hrs after treatment were collected and were fixed with 10% neutral formalin and paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin or terminal deoxynucleotidly transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Morphological changes in apoptotic hepatocytes were chondensation of nuclei and density of cytoplasms, then the margination and pyknosis of chromatin, the formation of half-moon- or horse-shoe- or ship-like shapes of condensed chromatin mass, lastly formation of apoptotic bodies, disappearance of nuclear envelopes, decrease of stainability, then lysis and disappearance of apoptotic bodies. TUNEL positive reactions of hepatocytes were appeared first moderate in uncondensed hepatocytes, severe in condensed hepatocytes, moderate in chromatin-marginated hepatocytes. These reactions also were appeared moderate in hepatocytes with half-moon- or horse-shoe- or ship-like pyknotic chromatin mass or apoptotic bodies, and mild or negative in hepatocytes with lysed apoptotic bodies or with disappeared nuclear envelopes. Consequently these results suggested that TUNEL positive reactions of hepatocytes appeared at more early stages than appearance of chromatin condensation and disappeared at more early stage than disappearance of histological findings of apoptosis. We also confirmed that the differentiation of apoptotic cells from normal healthy cells of Kupffer cells and vascular endothelial cells in liver, reticular cells and lymphocytes in spleen and epithelial cells of tubules and ducts in kidney was impossible in H-E preparations but was possible in TUNEL preparations.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 2004

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytological examination is an appropriate method for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules. In major types of lung cancer, Its diagnostic accuracy is quite high. However, it is sometimes difficult, using this technique, to differentiate between some unusual phenotypes including adenosquamous carcinoma, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), neuroendocrine tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and sclerosing hemangioma. Here, we present a case involving extremely well differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma, mimicking benign lesions, such as pulmonary scar and adenomatoid malformation with squamous metaplasia. The patient was a 68-year-old man presenting with a solitary pulmonary nodule$(1.6\times1.6cm)$, which was incidentally found at the periphery of the right lower lobe. FNA revealed some clusters of glandular cells with minimal atypia, in addition to squamous cells at a nearly full maturational state. Histological examination verified the cytological diagnosis on a lobectomy specimen. The tumor exhibited a well differentiated adenocarcinoma component, mimicking the bronchioles in scarred lung tissue. and a well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma component, mimucking the squamous cell nests of adenoacanthoma, in the other organs. In the present case, the possibility of adenosquamous carcinoma should have been considered if squamous cells were seen in the FNA from the peripheral pulmonary nodule, even though they appeared to be benign.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.5-32
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was performed to analyse single dose toxicity of pure melittin(Sweet Bee Venom-Sweet BV) extracted from the bee venom by utilizing protein isolation method of gel filtration. Methods: All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech, a non-clinical studies authorized institution, under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Six weeks old female Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen for the pilot study and determined 30㎎/㎏ which is 4285 times higher than the clinical application dosage as the high dosage, followed by 15 and 7.5㎎/㎏ as mid and lose dosage, respectively. Equal amount of excipient to the Sweet BV experiment groups was administered as the control group. Results: 1. No mortality was witnessed in all of the experiment groups. 2. Hyperemia and movement disorder were observed around the area of administration in all groups, and higher occurrence in the higher dosage groups. Hyperemia and movement disorder diminished with elapsed time. 3. For the weight measurement, male groups showed larger reduction in weight in accordance with higher dosage. Female groups didn't s how significant changes. 4. To verify abnormalities of organs and tissues, cerebellum, cerebrum, liver, lung, kidney, and spinal nerves were removed and conducted histological observation with H-E staining. No abnormalities were detected in any of organs and tissues. 5. One female rat in the 30㎎/㎏ group had amputated toe near the administered area and histopathological finding was hemorrhage with inflammation. This is presumed as a secondary infection after the administration of Sweet BV. Conclusion: Above findings suggest Sweet BV is relatively s safe treatment medium. Further studies on the subject should be conducted to yield more concrete evidences.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2681-2685
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• 2012

Objectives: This study focused on PTEN and Livin expression and associations with malignancy in human renal clear cell carcinomas (RCCC). Methods: PTEN and Livin expression was assessed in 100 RCCC tissue samples, 50 paracarcinoma cases, and 20 normal renal tissue samples using the immunohistochemical Streptavidin proxidase (SP) method. The relationships between binding and corresponding biological characteristics, such as histological grade, lymph node metastases, and clinical stages were analyzed. Results: Positive PTEN expression in RCCC was significantly lower than in renal tissue adjacent to carcinoma tissue and normal renal tissue (P<0.01). Livin expression in the renal tissue adjacent to the carcinoma and normal renal tissues exhibited only low levels, whereas overall Livin expression in RCCC was statistically significant (P<0.01). In RCCC, PTEN expression rate gradually decreased with an increase in clinical stage, whereas that of Livin increased to statistically significant levels (P<0.01), PTEN and Livin levels being negatively correlated (r=-0.395, P<0.01). Conclusions: PTEN and Livin are important in RCCC development. The two factors combined are expected to provide indices for estimating RCCC malignancy and progression levels, as well as references for RCCC diagnosis and treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1429-1434
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• 2014

Background: Owing to the variability of histopathological features and biological behaviour in gastric carcinoma, a great number of categorisation methods such as classical histopathologic grading, Lauren classification, the TNM staging system and the newly presented Goseki grading method are used by pathologists and other scientists. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether Goseki grade and tumour location have an effects on survival of gastric cancer cases. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were covered in the investigation. The importance of Goseki grading system and tumour location were analysed in addition to the TNM staging and other conventional prognostic parameters. Results: The median survival time in our patients was 35 months (minimum: 5, maximum: 116). According to our findings, there was no relation between survival and tumour size (p=0.192) or classical histological type (p=0.270). In contrast, the Goseki grade and tumour location significantly correlated with survival (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, tumours of the intestinal type had a longer median survival time (60.0 months) than diffuse tumours (24.0 months). Conclusions: In addition to the TNM staging system, tumour location and the Goseki grading system may be used as significant prognostic parameters in patients with gastric cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1197-1203
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• 2014

Background: Adenocarcinoma (ADC) is the most common histological type of lung cancer and its proportion is rising, especially in Asian non-smoking women. Recent studies suggest miR-25 may have diverse effects on the pathogenesis of different types of cancer. However, the role of miR-25 in lung cancer is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential clinical value of miR-25 in non-smoking women with lung ADC. Patients and Methods: Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of miR-25 in 100 lung ADC tumor tissues and matched plasma samples and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze the relationship between values. Associations of miR-25 expression with clinicopathological features were determined using the Student's t-test. To determine prognostic value, overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Expression of miR-25 in tissue was found to be associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.021) and disease stage (P=0.012). Moreover, high miR-25 expression was also associated with poorer overall survival of women with lung ADC (P=0.008). Conclusion: Tissue miR-25 expression may be associated with tumor progression and have prognostic implications in female lung ADC patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.180-185
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• 2006

Objective : Middle cerebral artery occlusion[MCAO] has widely been used to produce ischemic brain lesions. The lesions induced by MCAO tend to be variable in size because of the variance in the collateral blood supply found in the mouse brain. To establish a less invasive and reproducible focal ischemia model in mice, we modified the technique used for rat photo thrombosis model. Methods : Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia by photothrombosis of cortical microvessels. Cerebral infarction was produced by intraperitoneal injection of Rose Bengal, a photosensitive dye and by focal illumination through the skull. Motor impairment was assessed by the accelerating rotarod and staircase tests. The brain was perfusion-fixed for histological determination of infarct volume four weeks after stroke. Results : The lesion was located in the frontal and parietal cortex and the underlying white matter was partly affected. A relatively constant infarct volume was achieved one month after photothrombosis. The presence of the photothrombotic lesion was associated with severe impairment of the motor performance measured by the rotarod and staircase tests. Conclusion : Photothrombotic infarction in mice is highly reproducible in size and location. This procedure can provide a simple method to produce cerebral infarction in a unilateral motor cortex lesion. In addition, it can provide a suitable model for study of potential neuroprotective and therapeutic agents in human stroke.