251
|
Kim CS, Jung JH, Wakita T, Yoon SK, Jang SK. Monitoring the antiviral effect of alpha interferon on individual cells. J Virol 2007; 81:8814-20. [PMID: 17537862 PMCID: PMC1951346 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02824-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An infectious hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA clone (JFH1) was generated recently. However, quantitative analysis of HCV infection and observation of infected cells have proved to be difficult because the yield of HCV in cell cultures is fairly low. We generated infectious HCV clones containing the convenient reporters green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Renilla luciferase in the NS5a-coding sequence. The new viruses responded to antiviral agents in a dose-dependent manner. Responses of individual cells containing HCV to alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) were monitored using GFP-tagged HCV and time-lapse confocal microscopy. Marked variations in the response to IFN-alpha were observed among HCV-containing cells.
Collapse
|
252
|
Kim E, Rhee SD, Bae Y, Okumoto M, Yoon JB, Song CW, Yoon SK. Genomic organization of the region spanning D14Mit262 and D14Mit86 on mouse chromosome 14 and exclusion of Adam28 and Adamdec1 as the cataract-causing gene, lr2. Cytogenet Genome Res 2007; 116:12-7. [PMID: 17268172 DOI: 10.1159/000097412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2006] [Accepted: 06/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice with recessive cataract, CXSD, show the first clinical symptoms of cataract at five weeks, with complete penetrance. We previously localized the cataract-causing lens rupture 2 gene (lr2) to mouse chromosome 14. In the process of positional cloning of the lr2 gene, we determined the genomic organization of the critical region, defined by D14Mit262 and D14Mit86, and compared it to recently published map information. In addition, mutational analysis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by direct sequencing as well as quantitative realtime PCR (RQ-PCR) was performed to investigate Adam28 and Adamdec1 as lr2 candidate genes in this study. There was no mutation cosegregating with the phenotype of CXSD mice, which excluded these genes as the lr2 gene. Identification of more transcripts from this region and their mutation analyses are required to isolate the lr2 gene.
Collapse
|
253
|
Jang JW, Lee YC, Kim MS, Lee SY, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. A 13-year longitudinal study of the impact of double mutations in the core promoter region of hepatitis B virus on HBeAg seroconversion and disease progression in patients with genotype C chronic active hepatitis. J Viral Hepat 2007; 14:169-75. [PMID: 17305882 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2006.00788.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenic role of core promoter (CP) mutations (T1762/A1764) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion or disease progression remains unclear. We investigated the clinical relevance of these mutants over a long-term follow-up period of up to 15 years. In this longitudinal cohort study, 29 HBeAg-positive patients with biopsy-proved chronic active hepatitis without cirrhosis were regularly monitored for >10 years. The viral isolates were characterized, using the frozen liver tissue obtained on the day of biopsy. Long-term outcomes were compared between patients with and without CP mutations of HBV at baseline. HBV genotyping showed that 100% of study subjects were infected with genotype C HBV. During a median follow-up period of 12.5 years, patients without double CP mutations of HBV at baseline showed a tendency towards achieving an earlier HBeAg seroconversion than those with (6.9 vs 9.4 years, P = 0.062) double CP mutations. Double CP mutations at baseline were also significantly associated with the eventual development of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (P = 0.013), whereas the absence of double CP mutations predicted inactive carrier status at the last follow-up (P = 0.027). At 10 years, liver-related tests were also significantly better in patients without double CP mutations of HBV than in those with these mutations, as reflected by higher platelet counts and albumin levels (P = 0.036 and P = 0.044, respectively). Double T1762/A1764 mutations are significantly related to liver deterioration in HBeAg-positive genotype C active hepatitis patients. A longer period of immune clearance coupled with delayed HBeAg seroconversion appears to contribute to disease progression in patients harbouring these mutations in the CP region of HBV.
Collapse
|
254
|
Baek JY, Hur W, Wang JS, Bae SH, Yoon SK. Selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, suppresses cellular proliferation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines via cell cycle arrest. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:1175-81. [PMID: 17451196 PMCID: PMC4146990 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i8.1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the growth inhibitory mechanism of NS-398, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, in two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7).
METHODS: HepG2 and Huh7 cells were treated with NS-398. Its effects on cell viability, cell proliferation, cell cycles, and gene expression were respectively evaluated by water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay, 4’-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, flow cytometer analysis, and Western blotting, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as positive control.
RESULTS: NS-398 showed dose- and time-dependent growth-inhibitory effects on the two cell lines. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions in HepG2 and Huh7 cells, particularly in Huh7 cells were inhibited in a time- and dose-independent manner. NS-398 caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase with cell accumulation in the sub-G1 phase in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. No evidence of apoptosis was observed in two cell lines.
CONCLUSION: NS-398 reduces cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines, and COX-2 inhibitors may have potent chemoprevention effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
|
255
|
You CR, Jang JW, Kang SH, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Choi IB, Lee DH, Chun HJ, Choi BG. Efficacy of Transarterial Chemolipiodolization with or without 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Huge HCC with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2007; 13:378-86. [PMID: 17898554 DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2007.13.3.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The treatment efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is poor. This study examined the efficacy and toxicity of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in combination with transarterial chemolipiodolization (TACL) for a huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). METHODS From March 2001 to November 2004, 49 patients with advanced HCC with PVTT (size>8 cm, modified UICC stage IVa) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Twenty two patients underwent more than 2 cycles of TACL (adriamycin 50 mg/m(2), cisplatin 60 mg/m(2), 5-fluorouracil 200 mg/m(2) every 4-6 weeks) without 3D-CRT, while 27 patients underwent consecutive TACL with 3D-CRT (40-45 Gy for 4-5 weeks) that was started one week after the 1st TACL. The response was assessed by a computed tomography (CT) and the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level at 1-2 month intervals. RESULTS The objective response rates in the TACL group and TACL with 3D-CRT group were 18% and 48% at 3 months (P=0.051), and 10.5% and 42% at 6 months (P=0.024) respectively. The median survival time was 13 months and 13.5 months in TACL and TACL with 3D-CRT groups, respectively (P=0.502). The treatment response was better in the TACL with 3D-CRT group but there was no significant difference in survival between the two groups. Most toxicities in the two groups were mild, not exceeding grade 1 according to the WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS For patients with a huge HCC with PVTT, TACL with 3D-CRT achieved some meaningful clinical benefit. Prospective controlled trials will be needed to confirm the real benefit of TACL combined with 3D-CRT.
Collapse
|
256
|
Bae Y, Park C, Han J, Hong YJ, Song HH, Shin ES, Lee JE, Han BG, Jang Y, Shin DJ, Yoon SK. Interaction between GNB3 C825T and ACE I/D polymorphisms in essential hypertension in Koreans. J Hum Hypertens 2006; 21:159-66. [PMID: 17066084 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1002110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Essential hypertension (EH) is considered a typical polygenic disease, so the evaluation of gene-gene interactions rather than the determination of single gene effects is crucial to understanding any genetic influences. The G-protein beta3-subunit (GNB3) 825T allele, associated with enhanced G-protein signalling, is a strong candidate for interactions with polymorphisms, such as insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene. We investigated whether there is an association between GNB3 C825T and ACE I/D polymorphisms for the development of EH. We carried out a case-control study of 688 hypertensive and 924 normotensive subjects recruited from South Korea. The GNB3 C825T and ACE I/D genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods, respectively. The distributions of alleles and genotypes for the GNB3 C825T and ACE I/D polymorphisms were not found to be significantly associated with hypertensive status in either males or females. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the GNB3 825T allele carriers were positively associated with EH in males (odds ratio (OR) for TT/CT, 1.459; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.048-2.033, P=0.0255). In analysis of gene-gene interaction, we found that there was a significant interaction between the GNB3 825T and ACE D alleles (P<0.05). OR for EH was significantly higher in 825T allele carriers with ACE D allele (OR, 1.490; 95% CI, 1.117-1.987, P=0.0067). A significant interaction between the GNB3 825T and the ACE D alleles may contribute to the predisposing effect for the development of EH in Koreans.
Collapse
|
257
|
Hur W, Cho ML, Yoon SK, Kim SY, Ju JH, Jhun JY, Heo SB, Moon YM, Min SY, Park SH, Kim HY. Adenoviral delivery of IL-1 receptor antagonist abrogates disease activity during the development of autoimmune arthritis in IL-1 receptor antagonist-deficient mice. Immunol Lett 2006; 106:154-62. [PMID: 16793145 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2006.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2006] [Revised: 05/08/2006] [Accepted: 05/14/2006] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Currently available treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited in terms of their long-term effects and their abilities to control disease progression. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a natural inhibitor of the biologic actions of IL-1, which is known to promote inflammation and degeneration of the joint. In this study, we investigated whether human IL-1Ra gene transfer is effective at treating an established experimental arthritis model. A recombinant adenovirus carrying the gene that encode human hIL-1Ra and GFP (Ad.hIL-1Ra/GFP) was administered by intra-articular injection into the ankle joints of the mice with established the IL-1Ra-deficient Balb/cA mice (IL-1Ra(-/-)), which develop spontaneously chronic inflammatory arthropathy. The effects of two injections of Ad.hIL-1Ra/GFP or control virus with no inserted target gene (Ad.GFP) were compared with the effects of PBS injection with respect to the clinical characteristics of arthritis, as determined by articular index scores, histopathological and immunological assays. We further divided the outcomes of Ad.hIL-1Ra/GFP gene therapy in IL-1Ra(-/-) mice according arthritis stage; early stage and chronic stage corresponding to 8 and 15 weeks of age, respectively. Intra-articular injections of Ad.hIL-1Ra/GFP reduced arthritis severity and footpad swelling compared with control groups treated with Ad.GFP or PBS in early stage IL-1Ra(-/-) mice. Moreover, the histopathology of the ankle joints of IL-1Ra(-/-) mice treated with Ad.hIL-1Ra/GFP showed a significant decrease in synovial proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration, and preserved proteoglycan levels in the joints of early stage IL-1Ra(-/-) mice compared with the control mice. Moreover, Ad.hIL-1Ra/GFP treated mice showed reduced levels of inflammatory T helper type 1 (Th1) driven IgG2a antibodies to collagen type II but increased levels Th2 driven IgG1 antibody. These results suggest that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of IL-1Ra may be a promising therapeutic option in the early stage of autoimmune arthritis.
Collapse
|
258
|
Cheong JY, Cho SW, Hwang IL, Yoon SK, Lee JH, Park CS, Lee JE, Hahm KB, Kim JH. Association between chronic hepatitis B virus infection and interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene promoter polymorphisms. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 21:1163-9. [PMID: 16824070 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reasons for the viral persistence of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) are unknown, but are probably related to host immune factors. Cytokines play a significant role in immune defense. The present study was undertaken to investigate the association between HBV infection and polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin(IL)-10 gene promoter. METHODS A total of 412 Korean patients with HBV infection (72 inactive carriers, 261 with chronic hepatitis, 79 with liver cirrhosis) and 204 healthy individuals who recovered from HBV infection, were studied. The polymorphisms in IL-10 gene promoter (-1082, -819, -592), and TNF-alpha gene promoter (-308, -238) were assessed by single base primer extension assay. RESULTS The frequency of C/C genotype at position -592 of IL-10 gene promoter was higher in the HBV clearance group than that in the persistence group in univariate analysis (12.7% vs 7.5%, P = 0.036). The IL-10 gene promoter -592 C/C genotype was related to clearance of HBV infection in logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.003). Genotype frequencies of TNF-alpha gene promoter at position -308 and -238 were not different between the clearance and the persistence group in univariate analysis, but in multivariate analysis after adjusting for age and sex, -308G/-238G homozygotes were associated with HBV persistence (P = 0.005). Genotype distributions of both gene promoters in inactive carriers were similar to those in patients with chronic progressive liver disease. CONCLUSIONS The carriers of the -592A allele in the IL-10 promoter and -308G/-238G haplotype homozygotes in the TNF-alpha promoter region have higher risk of persistent HBV infection.
Collapse
|
259
|
Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Oh HJ, Kim MS, Lee SY, Kim CW, Chang UI, Nam SW, Cha SB, Lee YJ, Chun HJ, Choi BG, Byun JY, Yoon SK. A combination therapy with transarterial chemo-lipiodolization and systemic chemo-infusion for large extensive hepatocellular carcinoma invading portal vein in comparison with conservative management. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2006; 59:9-15. [PMID: 16614848 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-006-0239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 03/01/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invading the portal vein is a medical challenge. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of transarterial and systemic chemo-infusion for large HCC with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) compared with conservative management. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a case-control cohort study of 103 consecutive patients with Child-Pugh class A who had a large (>10 cm) HCC with PVT. The patients were assigned to receive either combined transarterial epirubicin (50 mg/m(2)) plus cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) chemo-lipiodolization and systemic 5-fluorouracil (200 mg/m(2)) chemo-infusion (ECF regimen) at monthly intervals (n=80) or conservative management (n=23). RESULTS The objective tumor response (21.3 vs. 0%, P=0.011) and overall survival (8.7 vs. 3.5 months, P<0.001) were significantly better in the treatment group than in the conservative group. The prognostic factors for survival were tumor type (P=0.007), bilobar involvement (P=0.001), distant metastasis (P=0.009) and objective tumor response (P<0.001) for the treatment group. Survival benefits with the treatment were also maintained in each subgroup after stratification of these variables. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that when the hepatic function is preserved, a therapeutic strategy could be more beneficial than conservative management for such a large extensive HCC. As a therapeutic option, a combination therapy using ECF regimen may provide a significantly better tumor response and survival benefit in patients with large HCC invading the portal vein.
Collapse
|
260
|
Yoon SK. [Clinical significance of outbreak of hepatitis A virus infection in endemic area with hepatitis B and C virus infection]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2006; 47:173-5. [PMID: 16498286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
|
261
|
Jang JW, Yeo CD, Kim JD, Bae SH, Choi JY, Jung ES, Rha SE, Byun JY, Yoon SK. Trousseau's syndrome in association with cholangiocarcinoma: positive tests for coagulation factors and anticardiolipin antibody. J Korean Med Sci 2006; 21:155-9. [PMID: 16479083 PMCID: PMC2733966 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2006.21.1.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thromboembolic events are reported to occur with a high frequency in the setting of malignancy. However, reports on an association between cholangiocarcinoma and pulmonary thromboembolism, thus far, are almost lacking. We present here an unusual case of a 56-yr-old patient presenting cholangiocarcinoma and unexplained pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient had been quite healthy before the diagnosis. Coagulation tests showed elevated levels of fibrinogen, fibrinogen degradation product (FDP), D-dimer, and IgM anticardiolipin antibody (aCL Ab). The thromboemboli were resolved 3 weeks after anticoagulant therapy using low molecular-weight-heparin. Then, follow-up coagulation tests showed a marked decrease to normal in aCL Ab titer as well as the normalization of FDP and D-dimer levels. In this case, we describe pulmonary thromboembolism caused by hypercoagulable state associated with cholangiocarcinoma and speculate that such a thrombotic phenomenon could be regressed by anticoagulant therapy.
Collapse
|
262
|
Jang JW, Choi JY, Bae SH, Yoon SK, Chang UI, Kim CW, Cho SH, Han JY, Lee YS. A randomized controlled study of preemptive lamivudine in patients receiving transarterial chemo-lipiodolization. Hepatology 2006; 43:233-40. [PMID: 16440357 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) during chemotherapy is well documented. However, there are limited data on this complication in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive lamivudine therapy in reducing hepatitis due to HBV reactivation in patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemo-lipiodolization (TACL) and to seek predictors of this event. A total of 73 consecutive HCC patients undergoing TACL using epirubicin 50 mg/m2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 at monthly intervals were prospectively and randomly assigned to receive lamivudine 100 mg daily from the start of TACL (preemptive group) or not (control group). During the study, 11 (29.7%) of 37 patients in the control group and 1 (2.8%) of 36 patients in the preemptive group developed hepatitis due to HBV reactivation (P = .002). In addition, there were significantly more incidences of overall hepatitis (P = .021) and severe grade of hepatitis (P = .035) in the control group. With multivariate Cox regression model, a baseline HBV DNA level of more than 10(4) copies/mL was the only independent predictor of hepatitis due to HBV reactivation during chemo-lipiodolization (P = .046). In conclusion, preemptive lamivudine therapy demonstrated excellent efficacy in reducing hepatitis due to HBV reactivation and hepatic morbidity during TACL. Preemptive therapy should be considered in HCC patients with an HBV DNA level of more than 10(4) copies/mL. Further studies are needed to confirm the value of this approach in patients with low-level viremia.
Collapse
|
263
|
Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Kim CW, Han NI, Han JY, Choi SW, Yoon SK, Chung KW, Sun HS. Early virological response predicts outcome during extended lamivudine retreatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B who relapsed after initial HBeAg responses. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 21:384-91. [PMID: 16509863 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2005.04035.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Studies from hepatitis B virus endemic areas have shown less durable lamivudine-induced responses and have raised issues about the management of a post-treatment relapse. METHODS From January 2000 to June 2004, all 51 patients (43 HBeAg-positive and eight HBeAg-negative) were retreated with lamivudine for at least 12 months. All had a post-treatment relapse after HBeAg responses (HBeAg loss/seroconversion) during the first therapy. RESULTS During retreatment, HBeAg seroconversion occurred more frequently in those patients with HBeAg seroconversion than in those with HBeAg loss alone during prior lamivudine therapy (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, prior HBeAg seroconversion and early virological response (EVR) (< or = 2 months of retreatment) independently predicted HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004, respectively). With regard to virological breakthrough, only the time to virological response (> 2 months of retreatment) remained significant (P = 0.048). Among the HBeAg-negative patients, virological breakthrough occurred in only one patient with a late virological response. CONCLUSIONS EVR is a major predictor in determining a favorable response to lamivudine retreatment. Our observations suggest that lamivudine retreatment will provide more therapeutic gains in those patients with a prior HBeAg seroconversion than in those with HBeAg loss alone.
Collapse
|
264
|
Wang JS, Her W, Kim SY, Yoon SK. Induction of Interleukin-8 Expression in Synovial Cell by Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein. Immune Netw 2006. [DOI: 10.4110/in.2006.6.1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
265
|
Yoon SK, Han JY, Pyo CW, Yang JM, Jang JW, Kim CW, Chang UI, Bae SH, Choi JY, Chung KW, Sun HS, Choi HB, Kim TG. Association between human leukocytes antigen alleles and chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the Korean population. Liver Int 2005; 25:1122-7. [PMID: 16343061 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2005.01105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Recent data have shown that the clinical outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be influenced by the host genetic factor. The aim of this study was to investigate whether particular human leukocytes antigen (HLA) molecules are associated with the susceptibility to HCV infection in the Korean population. METHODS One hundred and thirty-seven patients with chronic HCV infection and 206 normal individuals were examined for HLA class I and II molecules. RESULTS In class I antigens, the frequencies of HLA-A3 (relative risk (RR)=3.5, P<0.04), HLA-B35 (RR=2.0, P<0.03), and HLA-B46 (RR=2.5, P<0.02) significantly increased in chronic HCV carriers compared with the controls. The frequencies of DRB1*0803, DQB1*0601 and DQB1*0604 were significantly higher in chronic HCV carriers than in controls (RR=2.5, P<0.005; RR=1.8, P<0.05; RR=1.9, P<0.04, respectively). On the other hand, the frequencies of DRB1*0301, DQA1*0501 and DQB1*0201 were significantly lower in chronic HCV carriers than in normal controls (RR=0.2, P<0.03; RR=0.4, P<0.004; RR=0.5, P<0.02, respectively). The haplotype DRB1*0803-DQB1*0601 significantly increased (RR=2.5, P<0.02) while the DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 significantly decreased (RR=0.2, P<0.03) in chronic HCV carriers compared with normal controls. In stratification analysis to investigate the interrelationships among the associated alleles, DRB1*0803 and DQB1*0601 were associated with HLA-B46, particularly in patients with chronic HCV carriers. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that particular HLA alleles may have an influence on chronic HCV infection as a host genetic factor in the Korean population.
Collapse
|
266
|
Jang JW, Choi JY, Bae SH, Yoon SK, Kim CW, Nam SW, Lee CD, Lee YS, Cha SB, Chung KW. Stopping lamivudine therapy after biochemical breakthrough may be a feasible option in selected HBeAg-positive patients. J Med Virol 2005; 77:367-73. [PMID: 16173025 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major problem during lamivudine treatment for patients with hepatitis B virus infection. Continuing or stopping lamivudine in patients with biochemical breakthrough is an issue that has not been investigated extensively. Particularly, HBeAg seroconversion and its durability achieved in these settings have never been studied so far. In this study, we compared the clinical outcomes including HBeAg seroconversion in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients who either continued or stopped lamivudine treatment after biochemical breakthrough. This was a retrospective cohort study of 73 consecutive patients with biochemical breakthrough followed up for at least 12 months. Of these, 35 (Group I) stopped and the remaining 38 (Group II) continued lamivudine therapy after breakthrough. During 12 months, there was a tendency towards higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion in Group I compared with Group II (P = 0.078). By multivariate analysis, age >or=45 years and acute exacerbation within 6 months of stopping lamivudine were the two independent predictors of HBeAg seroconversion for Group I (P = 0.034 and P = 0.012, respectively). There was no difference in the overall incidence of acute exacerbation and hepatic decompensation between the two groups (P = 0.333 and P = 0.555, respectively). Six patients (17.1%) in Group I developed hepatic decompensation, for which bilirubin >or=1.2 mg/dl was an independent predictor (P = 0.002). The therapeutic gain in continuing lamivudine for biochemical breakthrough is questionable. This study suggests that discontinuation of lamivudine may be an option in older patients with normal bilirubin level.
Collapse
|
267
|
Yoon SK, Jang JW, Kim CW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Choi SW, Lee YS, Lee CD, Chung KW, Sun HS, Kim BS. Long-term results of lamivudine monotherapy in Korean patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: response and relapse rates, and factors related to durability of HBeAg seroconversion. Intervirology 2005; 48:341-9. [PMID: 16024938 DOI: 10.1159/000086061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2004] [Accepted: 11/22/2004] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the long-term effects of lamivudine in 461 Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B who were treated for more than 12 months. METHODS The annual rates of virological response and breakthrough were examined and the predictive factors for post-treatment relapse in 114 patients who achieved hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss or seroconversion after lamivudine therapy were also analyzed. RESULTS During follow-up, the rates of HBeAg seroconversion after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of treatment were 22.9, 33.2, 47.6, 54.2 and 58.8%, respectively, while those for virological breakthrough at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were 8.2, 41.7, 55.7 and 64.8%, respectively. Ninety-five patients (20.6%) had HBeAg seroconversion and 19 (4.1%) showed HBeAg loss alone with disappearance of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum. Seroconversion was higher with prolonged treatment in patients who had elevated serum alanine aminotransferase. The cumulative relapse rates in the seroconversion group were 52.0 and 55.7% 1 and 2 years after treatment, respectively. Age and the duration of additional treatment were significant predictive factors for post-treatment relapse. Patients aged </=40 who had additional treatment for >12 months after seroconversion had the lowest relapse rate (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that additional treatment for over 12 months after HBeAg seroconversion in younger patients may produce a better long-term outcome.
Collapse
|
268
|
Bae SH, Yoon SK, Jang JW, Kim CW, Nam SW, Choi JY, Kim BS, Park YM, Suzuki S, Sugauchi F, Mizokami M. Hepatitis B virus genotype C prevails among chronic carriers of the virus in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2005; 20:816-20. [PMID: 16224156 PMCID: PMC2779279 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.5.816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causative agents of chronic liver diseases in Korea. HBV has been classified into 8 genotypes by a divergence of >8% in the entire genomic sequence, and have distinct geographic distributions. There are limited data on the relevance between HBV genotypes and clinical outcomes in Korea. To investigate the clinical feature relating to HBV genotype in Korea, a total 120 serum samples with HBsAg (65 from Seoul and 55 from the other city in Korea) were obtained from each 30 chronic HBV carriers with asymptomatic carrier (ASC), chronic hepatitis (CH), liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genotype was determined by either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using monoclonal antibodies against genotype-specific epitopes in the preS2-region or the direct sequencing of small S gene. HBV genotypes were determined in 105 (87.5%) of 120 samples. HBV genotype C was identified in all HBV carriers with ASC, CH, LC, and HCC. Genotypes A, B, D, E, F and G were not detected in any of them. Genotype C HBV prevails predominantly among chronic carriers of the virus in Korea, irrespective of their clinical stages of liver disease and geographic origin.
Collapse
|
269
|
Bae SH, Yoon SK, Choi JY, Jang JW, Cho SH, Yang JM, Han NI, Ahn BM, Chung KW, Sun HS. Timing of lamivudine administration according to Child class in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005; 20:1527-32. [PMID: 16174069 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2005.03886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few clinical trials have investigated the use of lamivudine (LAM) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis related to chronic hepatitis B. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of extended LAM treatment and to determine the timing of LAM administration in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS A total of 17 patients were treated with LAM 100 mg/day. The mean duration of follow up was 28 +/- 8.4 months (range: 14-42 months). All patients were evaluated for evidence of clinical, biochemical and serologic replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. There were 12 patients with Child class B and five with Child class C. RESULTS Ten of 17 patients (58.2%) responded to LAM treatment. Of the breakthrough patients, six (86%) had YMDD motif variants. Clinical improvement was observed in nine out of 10 responders (90%), six of the seven breakthrough patients (86%) and five of six patients with YMDD variant DNA. Mean time to achieve a 2-point reduction in Child-Pugh-Turcotte score was 14 months in patients with Child class C, compared with 5.9 months in those with Child class B (P < 0.001). Mean time required to gain a 0.5 g/dL increment in albumin was 14 months in Child class C and 5.8 months in Child class B. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion was achieved in five of 13 HBeAg-positive patients at the last follow up and during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION Long-term administration of LAM for patients with decompensated cirrhosis is effective. Earlier LAM administration in Child class B patients led to improved clinical outcomes.
Collapse
|
270
|
Kwon DH, Kwon HY, Kim HJ, Chang EJ, Kim MB, Yoon SK, Song EY, Yoon DY, Lee YH, Choi IS, Choi YK. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus by an aqueous extract of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Phytother Res 2005; 19:355-8. [PMID: 16041735 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of HBsAg release against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was investigated in an aqueous extract prepared from the aerial parts (stems and leaves) of Agrimonia eupatoria. The inhibitory effect on HBsAg secretion was footed using aqueous extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria at four different temperatures (37 degrees C 45 degrees C, 55 degrees C and 60 degrees C), and the extract prepared at 60 degrees C was found to have the greatest effect. The inhibitory activity of Agrimonia eupatoria extracts on HBsAg secretion varied over the growing season and was the highest at mid-July. This inhibitory activity was also shown with the aqueous extracts of two other species of the genus Agrimonia: A. pilosa and A. coreana pilosella. These results suggest that some plants of the genus Agrimonia contain potential antiviral activity against HBV.
Collapse
|
271
|
Choi JY, Bae SH, Yoon SK, Cho SH, Yang JM, Han JY, Ahn BM, Chung KW, Sun HS, Kim DG. Preconditioning by extracorporeal liver support (MARS) of patients with cirrhosis and severe liver failure evaluated for living donor liver transplantation -- a pilot study. Liver Int 2005; 25:740-5. [PMID: 15998424 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2005.01074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of preconditioning molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) treatment on patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF), who were awaiting living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January and December 2001, 10 consecutive AoCLF patients (with progressive hyperbilirubinemia (>20 mg/dl) and hepatic encephalopathy grade > or =2) were studied. MARS was used in eight of these patients who were evaluated for LDLT during 2001. Three AoCLF patients who received LDLT before clinical use of MARS were used as historical controls. RESULTS Because of a shortage of donors, only five out of 10 patients considered for LDLT could receive transplants. Three patients were treated with MARS for 8 h the day before receiving LDLT, and all three survived. The remaining two patients who received transplants, and who were not pretreated with MARS, died from sepsis and multi-organ failure within 2 weeks. Four of the patients who did not receive transplants because of donor shortage died despite 1 or 3 MARS treatments, however bilirubin levels and grade of encephalopathy were significantly reduced in these patients. CONCLUSIONS Results of this small pilot study suggest that MARS, by reducing the severity of jaundice and encephalopathy, might be effective as a bridging option in AoCLF patients awaiting LDLT.
Collapse
|
272
|
Bae SH, Jang JW, Kim MS, Oh HJ, Choi JY, Han NI, Yoon SK, Han JY, Oh EJ, Kim DG. A case of hemolysis in ABO-unmatched liver transplantation: use of washed group O red blood cells and steroids. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2005; 45:369-73. [PMID: 15908772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. The high success rate and the increasing demand for the transplantation sometimes calls for ABO-compatible but nonidentical blood group orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), which affords the opportunity to the production of antibody to red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia usually occurs 1 to 2 weeks after transplantation. Although mild in most patients, it can be life-threatening. Until now, a few cases showing hemolytic anemia due to donor ABO antibody formation after ABO-nonidentical OLT have been reported. In the reported cases of hemolytic anemia, most ABO-nonidentical OLT cases were O-to-A, but few reports are available on this subject with O-to-B ABO-nonidentical OLT. Herein, we report the experience with hemolysis after ABO-nonidentical OLT in a group O donor into a group B recipient and the successful treatment with transfusion of washed group O red blood cells and 60 mg dose of prednisolone for 3 days.
Collapse
|
273
|
Shin JY, Hur W, Wang JS, Jang JW, Kim CW, Bae SH, Jang SK, Yang SH, Sung YC, Kwon OJ, Yoon SK. HCV core protein promotes liver fibrogenesis via up-regulation of CTGF with TGF-β1. Exp Mol Med 2005; 37:138-45. [PMID: 15886528 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2005.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is one of the major complications of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but the mechanisms underlying HCV-related fibrogenesis are still not clear. Although the roles of HCV core protein remain poorly understood, it is supposed to play an important role in the regulation of cellular growth and hepatocarcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the role of HCV core protein on the hepatic fibrogenesis. We established an in vitro co-culture system with primary hepatic stellate cell (HSC) isolated from rats, and a stable HepG2-HCV core cell line which had been transfected with HCV core gene. The expressions of fibrosis-related molecules transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFbetaRII), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were analyzed via histological or molecular methods. In addition, the expression levels of matrix metaloprotinase-2 (MMP-2) and collagen type I (Col I) from the co-cultured media were measured by zymogram and ELISA, respectively. The expressions of alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, Col I, TGFbetaRII and MMP-2 were significantly increased in the co-culture of stable HepG2-HCV core with HSC. Moreover, the significant increases of CTGF and TGF-beta1 in the HCV core-expressing cells were observed by either Northern or Western blot analysis. These results suggest that HCV core protein may contribute to the hepatic fibrogenesis via up-regulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1.
Collapse
|
274
|
Cheong JY, Cho SW, Lim SK, Shin DH, Yoon SK, Lee JE, Hahm KB, Kim JH. Lack of association between hepatitis B virus infection and polymorphism of mannose-binding lectin gene in Korean population. J Korean Med Sci 2005; 20:65-9. [PMID: 15716605 PMCID: PMC2808578 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in immune defense. This study was undertaken to investigate the association between hepatitis B virus infection and polymorphisms of MBL gene. We assessed the single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 54 in exon 1 of MBL in patients with hepatitis B virus infection and HBsAg negative controls in Korean population. A total of 498 enrolled subjects was classified into four groups. Group 1; Clearance, Group 2; Inactive healthy carrier, Group 3; Chronic hepatitis, Group 4; Liver cirrhosis. MBL gene polymorphisms at codon 54 led to three genotypes (G/G, G/A, A/A). When we divided subjects into clearance group (group 1) and persistence group (group 2-4), G/G genotype and A-allele carrier were observed in 55.6% and 44.4% in clearance group, 64.8% and 35.2% in persistence group (p=0.081), respectively. When hepatitis B virus persistent cases were divided into inactive healthy carrier (group 2) and disease progression group (group 3 and 4), MBL gene polymorphisms at codon 54 were not related to disease progression (p=0.166). MBL gene polymorphism at codon 54 was not associated with the clearance of hepatitis B virus infection nor progression of disease in chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Collapse
|
275
|
Yoon SK, Lee KN, Lee JH, Jeong JS, Kwak JY. Pulmonary vascular dilation induced by L-ARGININE: correlation with induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in a rabbit model. Acta Radiol 2005; 46:48-54. [PMID: 15841740 DOI: 10.1080/02841850510012607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether oral administration of L-ARGININE induces pulmonary vascular dilation, and if this pulmonary vascular dilation correlates with induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seven rabbits were fed with L-ARGININE dissolved in tap water. The degree of pulmonary vascular dilation was determined using thin-section computed tomography and the concentration of serum nitrite was measured. They were compared with four control animals. The pulmonary vascular dilation was correlated to serum levels of nitrite. Lung tissues were examined for induction of eNOS by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS An increased degree of pulmonary vascular dilation was found in the L-ARGININE-fed group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum levels of nitrite in the L-ARGININE-fed group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Pulmonary vascular dilation correlated with serum levels of nitrite (r2=0.95, P<0.05). Induction of eNOS was increased in the L-ARGININE-fed group. CONCLUSION The administration of L-ARGININE causes pulmonary vascular dilation, which is most likely mediated via nitric oxide through increased induction of eNOS in a rabbit model.
Collapse
|