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Byoung Doo Rhee

Publications and source records attributed to Byoung Doo Rhee.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

An efficient GLP-1 expression system using two-step transcription amplification.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an insulinotropic protein. It was reported that the continuous infusion of GLP-1 normalized the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes animal model. However, the short half-life of GLP-1 has limited its application in clinical settings and prompted us to develop a GLP-1 gene therapy system. Our previous results showed that the delivery of pbeta-GLP-1 using polyethylenimine (PEI) reduced the blood glucose level effectively. However, the glucose level was not completely normalized. In the present study, the more efficient GLP-1 expression system was developed using two-step transcription amplification (TSTA). To evaluate the TSTA system, pbeta-Gal4-p65 and pUAS-Luc were constructed. The pUAS-Luc/pbeta-Gal4-p65 system showed the highest transfection efficiency at a 2:1 pUAS-Luc/pbeta-Gal4-p65 weight ratio. In addition, the transgene expression by the TSTA system was at least 4 times higher than pbeta-Luc. To apply the TSTA system to the GLP-1 expression plasmid, pUAS-GLP-1 was constructed. The pUAS-GLP-1/pbeta-Gal4-p65 system showed higher mRNA level than pbeta-GLP-1. In addition, the level of GLP-1 by the pUAS-GLP-1/pbeta-Gal4-p65 system was more than 4 times higher than pbeta-GLP-1. Therefore, the TSTA GLP-1 expression system may be useful to develop gene therapy system for type 2 diabetes.

Cell Line↗

High incidence of tacrolimus-associated posttransplantation diabetes in the Korean renal allograft recipients according to American Diabetes Association criteria.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) has been reported to vary according to different study populations or different definitions. In this study, using American Diabetes Association criteria, the incidence and clinical characteristics of PTDM in Korean renal allograft recipients undergoing tacrolimus-based immunosuppression were examined. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients taking tacrolimus as primary immunosuppressant were recruited and tested with a serial 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months after renal transplantation. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of PTDM was 52.4% at 1 month and 57.1% at 3 and 6 months. The baseline characteristics of the PTDM group were old age (especially >40 years), a high BMI, a high fasting glucose level, a high plasma insulin level, and increased insulin resistance. Among these parameters, old age was the only independent risk factor. The insulin secretory capacity in the PTDM group was maximally suppressed 3 months after transplantation. Thereafter, it was gradually restored along with dose reduction of tacrolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Routine screening for PTDM is necessary in patients over 40 years of age who are undergoing a relatively higher dose tacrolimus therapy during the early course of postrenal transplantation.

Adult↗

Expression of CD44 and cyclin D1 in fine needle aspiration cytology of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression pattern of CD44 and cyclin D1 immunostaining in fine needle aspiration specimens of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and nonpapillary lesions. STUDY DESIGN: The study was performed on 80 fine needle aspiration cytologic smears of thyroid lesion retrospectively using monoclonal antibodies and on histologic material from a proportion of cases. RESULTS: Most papillary carcinomas expressed intense cell membrane or diffuse cytoplasmic staining for CD44 (97.8%). Focal immunoreactivity was observed in follicular neoplasms (28.5%) and nodular goiter (4.7%). There was no difference in CD44 immunostaining between follicular carcinoma and adenoma. Cyclin D1 was expressed in the nuclei of most papillary carcinomas (79.2%). Focal nuclear immunoreactivity was noted in nodular goiters (23.5%) and follicular neoplasms (10%). In resected specimens, all papillary carcinomas (19 cases) showed intense membranous or granular CD44 immunoreactivity. Focal cyclin D1 expression was noted in 52.6%. There was no difference in CD44 and cyclin D1 expression between the group of papillary carcinomas with regional lymph node metastasis as compared to those without metastasis. Positive staining for both CD44 and cyclin D1 would strongly favor papillary carcinoma, although further studies on cytologic material are necessary to verify this diagnostic approach. CONCLUSION: Most papillary carcinomas express CD44 and cyclin D1, whereas it is less common in follicular neoplasms and nodular goiter. This may be helpful in diagnostically difficult cases.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗