• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.224-227
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• 2011

A sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary is an extremely rare benign tumor; it usually is found during the second and third decades of life. Patients present with pelvic pain or a palpable abdominal mass. Hormonal effects such as masculinization are uncommon. Here, an 11-year old premenarchal girl presented with deepening of the voice. In addition, clitoromegaly and hirsutism with a male suprapubic hair pattern were observed. The laboratory findings showed that the testosterone level was elevated to 3.67 ng/ml, andostenedione to above 10 ng/ml, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate to 346 ${\mu}g$/dl and 17-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP) to 11.28 ng/ml. The chromosome evaluation revealed a 46,XX female karyotype. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test was performed. The 17-OHP to cortisol ratio in 30 minutes was 0.045, which suggested a heterozygote for the 21-hydroxylase deficiency. However, the CYP21A2 gene encoding steroid 21-hydroxylase showed normal. The pelvic ultrasound showed a heterogeneous mass consisting of predominantly solid tissue in the pelvic cavity. The pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed an $8.9{\times}6.2{\times}6.6$ cm mass of the left ovary. A left oophrectomy was performed and microscopic examination confirmed a sclerosing stromal tumor. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor was positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin, but negative for S-100 protein and cytokeratin. Following surgery, the hormone levels returned to the normal range and the hirsutism resolved.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.140-146
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• 2015

Purpose: To determine the effects of 630 nm light emitting diode (LED) on full-thickness wound healing. Methods: Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into LED (n=6) and control group (n=6). Two $19.63mm^2$ wounds were created on the mid dorsum. LED group received a 630 nm LED irradiation with $3.67mW/cm^2$ for 30 minutes ($6.60J/cm^2$) for 7 days, while control group received sham LED irradiation. Epithelial gap, collagen density, ${\alpha}$-SMA fibroblast and PCNA keratinocyte were measured on histochemical and immunohistochemical staining using image analysis system. An independent t-test was conducted to compare the difference between groups. Results: The wound closure rate, collagen density, ${\alpha}$-SMA fibroblast number, epithelial gap and PCNA keratinocyte number have shown no significant difference between LED and control group at day 3 after the treatment. At day 7 after the treatment, the wound closure rate in LED group was increased when compared with control group (p<0.05). The collagen density (p<0.05) and ${\alpha}$-SMA immunoreactive fibroblast number (p<0.001) were increased when compared with control group at day 7. The epithelial gap in LED group was significantly shorten than control group at day 7 (p<0.01). The PCNA positive cell number in LED group was higher than control group at day 7 (p<0.01). Conclusion: 630 nm LED with $3.67mW/cm^2$, $6.60J/cm^2$ accelerate collagen deposition by stimulating fibroblasts, and enhance wound contraction by differentiating myofibroblasts in the dermis, and accelerate keratinocyte proliferation by facilitating DNA synthesis in the epidermis. It may promote the healing process in proliferation stage of wound healing.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.261-265
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• 2007

Hydroxyproline (HYP) is a post-translational product of proline hydroxylation catalyzed by an enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H) which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of all collagens. Considering the role of collagen and its significance in many clinically important diseases such as liver fibrosis, a great deal of attention has been directed toward the development of an assay at cell-based system. The reason is that cell-based assay system is more efficient than enzyme-based in vitro system and takes much less time than in vivo system. Several assay procedures developed for P4H are laborious, time-consuming and not feasible for the massive-screening. Here, we report the cell-based assay method of prolyl 4-hydroxylase in immortalized rat hepatic stellate HSC-T6 cells. To optimize the cell culture condition to assay for HYP content, various concentrations of reagents were treated for different times in HSC-T6 cells. Our data showed that the treatment with ascorbate in a hypoxic condition for 24 h resulted in the maximal increase of HYP by 1.8 fold. Alternatively, cobalt chloride ($5\;{\mu}M$) and ascorbate ($50\;{\mu}M$) in normoxic states exhibited similar effect on the production of HYP as in a hypoxic condition. Therefore, cobalt chloride can be substituted for a hypoxic condition when an anaerobic chamber is not available. Rosiglitazone and HOE077, known as inhibitors of collagen, synthesis decreased P4H enzyme activity by 32.3% and 15%, respectively, which coincided with previous reports from liver tissues. The level of the smooth muscle ${\alpha}$-actin, a marker of activated stellate cells, was significantly increased under hypoxia, suggesting that our experimental condition could work for screening the anti-fibrotic compounds. The assay procedure took only 3 days after treatment with agents, while assays from the primary stellate cells or liver tissues have taken several weeks. Considering the time and expenses, this assay method could be useful to screen the compounds for the inhibitor of prolyl 4-hydroxylase.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3307-3312
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• 2015

The papillary patterned lesion of thyroid may be challenging with many diagnostic pitfalls. Tumor stroma plays an important part in the determination of the tumor phenotype. CD34 is thought to be involved in the modulation of cell adhesion and signal transduction as CD34(+) fibrocytes are potent antigen-presenting cells. Smooth muscle actin (SMA) positivity could be diagnostic for fibroblast activation during tumorigenesis. We aimed to examine the expression of CD34 and alphaSMA in the stroma of papillary thyroid hyperplasia, papillary thyroid carcinoma and papillary tumors of uncertain malignant potential in order to elucidate their possible differential distribution and roles. A total number of 54 cases with papillary thyroid lesions were studied by routine H&E staining, CD34 and ASMA immunostaining. ASMA was not expressed in benign papillary hyperplastic lesions while it was expressed in papillary carcinoma, indicating that tumors have modulated stroma. Although the stroma was not well developed in papillary lesions with equivocal features of uncertain potentiality, CD34 was notable in such cases with higher incidence in malignant cases. So ASMA as well as CD34 could predict neoplastic behavior, pointing to the importance of the stromal role. Differences between groups suggest that the presence of CD34 + stromal cells is an early event in carcinogensis and is associated with neoplasia, however ASMA+ cells are more likely to be associated with malignant behavior and metastatic potential adding additional tools to the light microscopic picture helping in diagnosis of problematic cases with H&E.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.57-61
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• 2018

Canine peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are spindle cell tumors that arise from Schwann cells, perineural cells, fibroblasts or all of them. Based on the morphology and biologic behavior, PNSTs are divided into benign PNST (BPNST) and malignant PNST (MPNST) forms. The aim of this study is to diagnose the two cases of neoplastic tissue samples with features of PNSTs by the histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The study was performed using two specimens from small animal clinic. The first case, A was a mass, 3~4 cm in diameter, extruded from vaginal mucosa of 10-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog. And the second case, B was a subcutaneous mass, 1.5 cm in diameter, which is originated from right hind leg of 9-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog. Two cases were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histopathological examination. And also immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed by the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) method with antibodies specific for the following proteins: S-100 protein, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In results, Antoni B schwannoma pattern characterized by pleomorphic, round and fusiform polygonal cells was seen in A. In B, Antoni A pattern, densely packed spindle cells arranged in interlacing bundles was seen in addition to Antoni B pattern. In IHC, cytoplasms of neoplastic cells were diffusely labeled for S-100 expression in A and B. For SMA, both A and B show negative expression. And for EGFR, A shows negative expression but B shows partially positive expression in areas of Antoni B schwannoma pattern. The histopathologic features of two cases coupled with the S-100 immunoreactivity led to a diagnosis of PNST. For SMA, both A and B show negative expression. The diagnosis of A will be a BPNST with the negative result and B will be a MPNST with the positive result for EGFR.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.229-238
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• 2012

Cyclooxygenase(COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid. Over-expression of COX-2 has been reported to be associated with progressive hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatic C infection and rat liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$). Recently, it is well known that mast cell products can stimulate the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and key players in liver fibrosis. But little is known regarding their role in $CCl_4$-induced liver fibrosis in rat. Our aim was to investigate the relation between COX-2 expression and mast cells during liver fibrosis after $CCl_4$ treatment. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (non-treated 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8-week after $CCl_4$-treatment). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA), collagen-1 and COX-2 in liver tissue from $CCl_4$-treated rats. The density of collagen and mast cells were determined using a computerized image analysis system in liver sections stained with picrosirius red and toluidine blue, respectively. The expression levels of ${\alpha}$-SMA, collagen-1 and COX-2 mRNA were significantly higher at 2 wk in $CCl_4$-treated groups than non-treated group. The number of mast cells in liver tissues increased gradually from 2 wk to 6 wk depending on the fibrosis severity but decreased abruptly at 8 wk. The significant increase of collagen-1 and ${\alpha}$-SMA mRNA expression in $CCl_4$-treated rats was continued until 6 wk while the COX-2 mRNA was significantly decreased at 8 wk. These results suggest that increased mast cells are closely associated with COX-2 over-expression during hepatic fibrogenesis of $CCl_4$-treated rats.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2007

The present study was undertaken to determine whether $SM22{\alpha}$ participates in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle contractility using $SM22{\alpha}$ knockout mice and, if so, to investigate the mechanisms involved. Aortic ring preparations were mounted and equilibrated in organ baths for 60 min before observing contractile responses to 50 mM KCl, and then exposed to contractile agents such as phenylephrine and phorbol ester. Measurement of isometric contractions using a computerized data acquisition system was combined with molecular or cellular experiments. Interestingly, the aortas from $SM22{\alpha}$-deficient mice ($SM22^{-/-LacZ}$) displayed an almost three-fold increase in the level of $SM22{\beta}$ protein compared to wild-type mice, but no change in the levels of caldesmon, actin, desmin or calponin. $Ca^{2+}$-independent contraction in response to phenylephrine or phorbol ester was significantly decreased in the $SM22{\alpha}$-deficient mice, whereas in the presence of $Ca^{2+}$ neither contraction nor subcellular translocation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in response to phenylephrine or 50 mM KCl was significantly affected. A decrease in phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was observed in the $SM22{\alpha}$-deficient mice and this may be related to the decreased vascular contractility. Taken together, this study provides evidence for a pivotal role of $SM22{\alpha}$ in the regulation of $Ca^{2+}$-independent vascular contractility.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.92-96
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• 2006

A benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma(BMPL) is a rare disease that is usually detected years after a hysterectomy or myomectomy. Despite the benign pathological appearance, these tumors can metastasize and become clinically malignant. Recently, we experienced case of BMPL with hemoptysis. A 43-year-old woman, who had undergone a hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma 8 years ago, visited our department complaining of intermittent hemoptysis. A chest CT showed bilateral multiple nodular lesions. Video-associated thoracoscopy was performed. The resected small nodular lesion revealed the proliferation of spindle cells without mitosis or nuclear atypism. The lesions tested positive to the smooth muscle marker (actin) by immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, the multiple nodules were considered as benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma from a uterine leiomyoma. GnRH analogue therapy was initiated. A chest CT showed that the size and number of pulmonary lesions did not change after 3 months, and the patient was symptom free.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1238-1244
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• 2004

The suppressive effects of Platycodi Radix (Changkil: CK), the root of Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC (Campanulaceae), on the progress of acute carbon tetrachloride $(CCl_4)$-induced hepatic fibrosis were investigated in the rat. CK significantly suppressed $(CCl_4)$-induced hepatic necrosis and inflammation, as determined by the serum enzymatic activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase and serum tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ levels, in dose-dependent manners. In addition, the increased hepatic fibrosis after acute $(CCl_4)$ treatment was suppressed by the administration of CK. CK also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic ${\alpha}$ 1(I) procollagen (type I collagen) mRNA and ${\alpha}$ -smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$ -SMA) expressions in the liver of $(CCl_4)$-intoxicated rats and also suppressed the induction of ${\alpha}$ -SMA and type I collagen in cultured hepatic stellate cells, in dose-dependent manners. These results suggest that the suppressive effects of CK against the progress of acute $(CCl_4)$-induced hepatic fibrosis possibly involve mechanisms related to its ability to block both hepatic inflammation and the activation of hepatic stellate cells.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.501-506
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• 2000

We examined the antifibrotic effect of a methanol extract from Stephania tetrandra (ST) on experimental liver fibrosis. liver fibrosis was induced by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S) in rats. In BDL/S rats, activity levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminse (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), concentration of total bilirubin in serum, and hydroxyproline content of the liver were significantly increased. The ST treatment (either 100 ${m}g/kg/day$ or 200 ${m}g/kg/day$, p.o. for 4 weeks) in BDL/S rats reduced the serum AST, ALT and ALP activity levels significantly (p<0.01). Similarly, when compared to the control group, the concentration of hydroxyproline in the livers of the BDL/S rats treated with 100${m}g$ or 200${m}g$ ST treated rats decreased by 40% and 33% respectively, when compared to the BDL/S control group (p<0.01). The morphological characteristics of fibrotic liver that were observed in the BDL/S control group, improved in the ST treated BDL/S group. In the fibrotic liver of BDL/S rats treated with ST, a marked reduction in the numbers of alpha smooth muscle cell actin positive stellate cells was observed. These results indicate that doses of either 100 or 200 ${m}g/kg/day$ of methanol extract from S. tetrandra, had an antifibrotic effect in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation and scission.