• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.68-76
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• 2024

Background: Although the survival outcomes of childhood cancer patients have improved, childhood cancer survivors suffer from various degrees of immune dysfunction or delayed immune reconstitution. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on T cell recovery in childhood cancer patients who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) from the perspective of inflammatory and senescent phenotypes. Methods: This was a single-arm exploratory trial. The KRG group (n = 15) received KRG powder from month 1 to month 12 post-ASCT. We compared the results of the KRG group with those of the control group (n = 23). The proportions of T cell populations, senescent phenotypes, and cytokine production profiles were analyzed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-ASCT using peripheral blood samples. Results: All patients in the KRG group completed the treatment without any safety issues and showed a comparable T cell repopulation pattern to that in the control group. In particular, KRG administration influenced the repopulation of CD4⁺ T cells via T cell expansion and differentiation into effector memory cell re-expressing CD45RA (EMRA) cells. Although the KRG group showed an increase in the number of CD4⁺ EMRA cells, the expression of senescent and exhausted markers in these cells decreased, and the capacity for senescence-related cytokine production in the senescent CD28^- subset was ameliorated. Conclusions: These findings suggest that KRG promotes the repopulation of CD4⁺ EMRA T cells and regulates phenotypical and functional senescent changes after ASCT in pediatric patients with cancer.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제67권2호
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• pp.177-185
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• 2024

Objective : Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major cause of disability in patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Systemic inflammatory markers, such as peripheral leukocyte count and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) score, have been considered predictors of DCI in previous studies. This study aims to investigate which systemic biomarkers are significant predictors of DCI. Methods : We conducted a retrospective, observational, single-center study of 170 patients with SAH admitted between May 2018 and March 2022. We analyzed the patients' clinical and laboratory parameters within 1 hour and 3-4 and 5-7 days after admission. The DCI and non-DCI groups were compared. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate logistic analysis (p<0.05) were entered into a multivariate regression model. Results : Hunt-Hess grade "4-5" at admission, modified Fisher scale grade "3-4" at admission, hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infection showed statistical significance (p<0.05) on a univariate logistic regression. Lymphocyte and monocyte count at admission, SII scores and C-reactive protein levels on days 3-4, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts on days 5-7 exhibited statistical significance on the univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that monocyte count at admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.65; p=0.036) and SII score at days 3-4 (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02-2.47; p=0.049) were independent predictors of DCI. Conclusion : Monocyte count at admission and SII score 3-4 days after rupture are independent predictors of clinical deterioration caused by DCI after aSAH. Peripheral monocytosis may be the primer for the innate immune reaction, and the SII score at days 3-4 can promptly represent the propagated systemic immune reaction toward DCI.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.163-169
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• 2024

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic endometritis, diagnosed using CD138 immunohistochemistry, among infertile women and to assess the association between chronic endometritis and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Methods: In total, 266 patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility between 2019 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Of these, 136 patients with RIF and 130 non-RIF patients were included in the study. CD138 immunohistochemistry test results, blood biomarkers (including natural killer cells, white blood cells, and the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio), and data on pregnancy outcomes were obtained. If the CD138 test yielded a positive result, the patients received antibiotic treatment. Results: The overall proportion of CD138-positive patients was 32.7% (87/266). The CD138 positivity rate was not related to the number of cycles with implantation failure. In the RIF patient group, no significant associations were found between CD138 positivity and peripheral blood markers. The clinical pregnancy rates were similar between infertile women treated with antibiotics for chronic endometritis and those without chronic endometritis. Conclusion: To improve the pregnancy rate in infertile patients, it may be helpful to combine CD138 testing with other laboratory tests and administer antibiotic treatment if the result is positive.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.171-178
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• 2006

목 적: 인간 배아줄기세포는 재생 의학이나 조직공학에 있어서 큰 잠재적인 능력을 가지고 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이들은 다양한 growth factors 처리나 유전자 발현을 변화시켜 특정 세포로 유도 분화 및 분리가 가능하지만 그 효율성은 아직까지 낮은 상태이다. 본 연구에서는 인간 배아줄기세포로부터 비특이적으로 분화된 세포들을 특정 세포 표면 항체를 이용한 magnetic cell sorting (MACS) 방법으로 분리, 배양하여 그들의 특성을 살펴보았다. 연구방법: 미분화 배아줄기세포주(Miz-hESC4)를 물리적인 방법으로 계대 배양하였으며, 부유 배양법으로 배아체 형성을 유도하였다. 배아체의 자발적인 분화를 위해 DMEM에 10% FBS를 첨가하여 2주 동안 배양하였다. 이렇게 분화된 세포들을 CD34, human epithelial antigen (HEA), human fibroblast (HFB)에 대한 항체를 이용한 MACS system으로 각각의 항체에 대한 양성 또는 음성 세포를 분리하였다. 이러한 MACS 분리 세포를 4주 동안 배양하면서 형태적인 변화를 관찰하고 특이 유전자의 발현 양상을 분석하였다. 결 과: 분리 배양한 CD34 양성 세포들은 배양 초기에는 둥근 형태를 나타내다가 배양 후기에는 작은 다각형의 형태로 관찰되었으며, HEA 양성 세포들은 큰 다각형의 형태를 나타내었고, HFB 양성 세포들은 전형적인 방추체 형태로 관찰되었다. 특이 유전자에 대한 RT-PCR 결과에서, CD34 양성 세포들과 HFB양성 세포들에서는 내배엽과 중배엽 관련 유전자의 발현하는 것을 확인할 수 있었고, HEA 양성 세포들에서는 외배엽 관련 유전자인 NESTIN과 NF68KD의 발현을 관찰할 수 있었다. 배양기간이 경과함에 따라 CD34 양성 세포의 특이 유전자 발현 양상이 변화되었다. 결 론: 이상의 결과는 비특이적으로 분화된 인간 배아줄기세포로부터 특이 세포를 MACS 방법을 이용하여 성공적으로 분리할 수 있음을 보여주었다. 따라서, MACS 방법과 특이 세포에 대한 항체는 인간 배아줄기세포의 유도 분화와 특이 세포의 분리에 매우 유용할 것으로 생각된다.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.180-193
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• 2014

알러지성 접촉피부염은 T세포와 대식세포가 관여하는 세포매개성 면역반응으로 항원에 노출된 뒤 수 일 후에 증상이 발현되는 지연형 반응으로 특이 T세포의 활성을 통해 다양한 cytokine이 분비되어 항원 유입부위로 염증세포의 유주로 염증이 발생한다. 본 연구에서는 DNCB로 유발한 알러지성 접촉피부염에 대한 아로마 오일 합제의 항염효과를 평가하였다. 아로마 오일 합제는 8일간 적용하였고 실험기간 동안 2일 간격으로 피부 생물리학적 지표를 측정한 후 피부생검을 통해 피부조직을 평가하였다. DNCB 적용 후 피부 생물리학적 지표인 표피경유수분손실, 피부 수화도, 피부 두께 그리고 홍반지수가 증가하였다 (p < 0.05). 피부조직 평가에서 염증세포 침윤과 부종성 변화에 의한 상피두께 증가 및 진피 결합조직의 감소가 특징적으로 나타났다. 또한 진피내 pro-inflammatory cytokine인 TNF-${\alpha}$와 IFN-${\gamma}$ 면역반응세포수 및 표피내 apoptotic change의 지표인 caspase-3와 PARP 면역반응세포의 수가 유의적으로 증가 하였다 (p<0.01). 그러나 아로마 오일 합제 적용후에는 피부 생물리학적 지표 (p<0.05) 및 피부조직의 병리적 변화는 (p<0.01) 기저상태로 회복되었다. 따라서 본 연구를 통해 개에서 DNCB에 의한 알레르기성 접촉피부염 유발 및 아로마 오일 합제의 우수한 항염증 효과를 확인하였고 아로마 오일 합제는 향후 피부염에 대한 치료제로 사용할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.56-60
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• 2005

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3) were added to AFP to make what is commonly known as the Triple test. The Triple test combines results from these three tests and has been a standard screening procedure for several years. Recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of adding inhibin-A to Down's syndrome risk assessment. The Quad test adds dimeric Inhibin-A (DIA) to the three other markers and uses the same computer program to calculate risk factors. Testing was performed between 14 and 21 weeks of gestation. Sample size were 648 samples and period of study was from 1, July, 2004 to 30, September, 2004. Used analytical methods for AFP, hCG and uE3 were radioimmunoassay (RIA) and dimeric inhibin A was enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Adding dimeric inhibin-A as a fourth marker to the standard triple test increases the detection rate from 62 % to 75 % with a false-positive rate of 5%. The DIA based Quad test has been shown to be the most effective second trimester screening test for Down's syndrome suitable for routine use. Increased DIA values are observed during normal pregnancy where a bimodal pattern response is seen. Values increase during the first trimester, decline after 14 weeks, and re-ascend between 17-25 weeks. Values for DIA may be additionally elevated during a Down's syndrome pregnancy. Dimeric inhibin A is a glycoprotein hormone made by the ovary and placenta. DIA levels are twice as high in Down's syndrome pregnancies. AFP, hCG, and uE3 levels vary with gestational age, and incorrect gestational dating will influence results. DIA levels do not vary substantially with gestational age, resulting in greater screening accuracy. Although the Quad test is an improvement over the Triple test, it is important to underscore the fact that a positive test on both should be done. Most women who initially screen positive will be found to be carrying normal babies when amniocentesis and definitive diagnostic chromosome analysis are done.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.430-436
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• 2010

The objective of the present studies was to develop and validate a system for isolation, purification and extended culture of pigment-producing cells in alpaca skin (melanocytes) responsible for coat color and to determine the effect of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone treatment on mRNA expression for the melanocortin 1 receptor, a key gene involved in coat color regulation in other species. Skin punch biopsies were harvested from the dorsal region of 1-3 yr old alpacas and three different enzyme digestion methods were evaluated for effects on yield of viable cells and attachment in vitro. Greatest cell yields and attachment were obtained following dispersion with dispase II relative to trypsin and trypsin-EDTA treatment. Culture of cells in medium supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor, bovine pituitary extract, hydrocortisone, insulin, 12-O-tetradecanolphorbol-13-acetate and cholera toxin yielded highly pure populations of melanocytes by passage 3 as confirmed by detection of tyrosinase activity and immunocytochemical localization of melanocyte markers including tyrosinase, S-100 and micropthalmia-associated transcription factor. Abundance of mRNA for tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanocyte pigment production, was maintained through 10 passages showing preservation of melanocyte phenotypic characteristics with extended culture. To determine hormonal responsiveness of cultured melanocytes and investigate regulation of melanocortin 1 receptor expression, cultured melanocytes were treated with increasing concentrations of ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Treatment with ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone increased melanocortin receptor 1 mRNA in a dose dependent fashion. The results demonstrated culture of pure populations of alpaca melanocytes to 10 passages and illustrate the potential utility of such cells for studies of intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of genes controlling pigmentation and coat color in fiber-producing species.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.371-377
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• 2016

탈회방법은 골수조직의 병리학적 진단을 위해서 항상 시행되는 과정이다. HCl 탈회용액과 같이 주로 사용하고 있는 산성용액은 탈회과정 동안에 조직내의 항원성에 손상을 입힌다. 특히, 골수조직 내의 RNA나 DNA에 심하게 손상을 준다. 따라서 조직의 항원성을 보존하기 위한 표준화된 탈회방법이 필요하다. 본 연구는 일반적으로 가장 많이 사용되는 HCl 기반의 상품화된 탈회용액과 직접 제조한 EDTA 탈회용액이 골수조직의 탈회과정에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 분석하였다. 환자로부터 채취된 73예의 골수생검조직을 HCl 탈회와 EDTA 탈회의 두 그룹으로 나누어 탈회과정을 진행하였다. 골수생검조직의 탈회과정 후 결과의 차이는 hematoxylin & eosin 염색과 reticulum 염색, Ki-67, CD20, CD138의 항체를 이용한 면역조직화학염색, DNA 추출 및 분석, in situ hybridization, IGH gene rearrangement 와 같은 분자병리검사를 시행하여 분석하였다. 일반적인 염색과 특수염색에서는 두 탈회용액간의 차이는 없었다. 또한 세포증식 표지자와 같은 세포막 혹은 세포질에서 발현되는 항체는 탈회용액간의 차이 없이 잘 염색되었다. 반면 HCl 탈회 용액에 처리한 후 핵 내 단백질인 Ki-67의 염색상은 현저히 불량한 것으로 관찰되었다. HCl 탈회용액과 비교하여 EDTA 탈회용액에서의 골수생검조직 내의 DNA와 RNA가 잘 보존되었음을 다양한 분자병리검사를 통해 확인할 수 있었다. 특히 HCl 탈회용액에 처리한 28예와 EDTA 탈회용액에 처리한 12예의 DNA의 순도와 농도을 비교한 결과 통계학적으로 유의한 수준으로 차이가 있음을 확인하였다. 이로써 EDTA 탈회용액이 조직 내의 항원성을 잘 유지시키며, 면역조직화학염색과 분자병리검사에 적합한 방법임을 확인 할 수 있었다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.707-717
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• 2018

Leukocytes are reportedly the first line of the innate immune defense and essential for the control of common bacterial infections. Therefore, in this work, the antibacterial activity of crocodile leukocyte extract against Propionibacterium acnes was evaluated, and we also characterized the related activity of skin infection. The leukocyte extract showed the minimum inhibitory concentration to be $100{\mu}g/ml$ to P. acnes. SEM imaging demonstrated that the leukocyte extract adversely affected P. acnes cell permeability in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the crocodile leukocyte extract could significantly reduce proinflammatory markers and decrease inflammatory signs in infected mouse ears. The crude leukocyte extract was further purified using FPLC and RP-HPLC. The resulting fraction F5 was indicated as the anti-acne peptide-containing fraction. The molecular mass of the peptide contained in F5 was calculated to be 4,790.5 Da. N-Terminal sequencing revealed the amino acid sequence as GPEPVPAIYQ, which displays similarities to immunoglobulin A and leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein. This is the first reported amino acid sequence of a crocodile leukocyte extract that possesses anti-acne activity. To attempt to use it in a prototype cosmetic, an anti-acne gel containing crude crocodile leukocyte extract was formulated, resulting in seven gel formulations (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, and G7). The formulations G5, G6, and G7 exhibited 2-fold higher anti-acne activity than G1-G4. Investigation of accelerating stability studies of anti-acne gel formulations G5, G6, and G7 demonstrated that a low storage temperature ($4^{\circ}C$) is suitable for maintaining the physical properties and biological activity of the anti-acne gel products.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제40권7호
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• pp.630-638
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• 2007

This study was performed to examine the combined effects of L-carnitine and isoflavone supplementation on weight reduction and body fat distribution in overweight women. Overweight/obese women (body mass index > $23kg/m^2$) who were not diagnosed any type of diseases were included in this study and sixty subjects ($41.1{\pm}1.5$ years, $25.9{\pm}0.3kg/m^2)$ were randomly assigned to a placebo (n=30) or a supplement group (n=30, L-carnitine 300 mg+isoflavone 40 mg/day). We measured anthropometric parameters, abdominal fat distribution by computerizd tomography and blood components before and after the 12 week intervention period. After the 12 weeks of supplementation, subjects in L-carnitine and isoflavone supplement group showed a significant reduction of body weight (p < 0.001), body fat % (p < 0.05), and waist to hip ratio (p < 0.01) whereas placebo group did not show any changes. In a CT-scanned results, total fat area at L4 level was significantly reduced by 8.1% (p < 0.01) with the reduction of visceral fat area (-11.1%, p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat area (-7.0%, p < 0.05) in the supplement group. The supplementation of L-carnitine and isoflavone showed the significant improvement of HDL-C (p < 0.01) and apoB (p < 0.05) concentrations, however, change values in those markers were not significant compared with those of the placebo group. In addition, a significant increase of adiponectin level (p<0.001) was observed in the supplement group after the intervention. The result of present study demonstrated that supplementation of 300 mg L-carnitine and 40 mg isoflavone per day fur 12 weeks can give beneficial effects on weight reduction and visceral fat accumulation. These potential antiobesity supplement can produce more favorable effects when combined with lifestyle modification.