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Biomedical subjects

Jong Eun Yeon

Publications and source records attributed to Jong Eun Yeon.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha may have an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Although the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains poorly understood, metabolic syndrome associated with insulin resistance is the most reproducible factor in the development of NAFLD. Fat accumulation in hepatocytes results from an imbalance in the input, output and oxidation of fatty acid. Peroxisomes contain a battery of fatty acid oxidizing enzymes, the first of which, acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX), initiates the beta-oxidation spiral. One of the mammalian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), PPAR-alpha, regulates the transcriptional expression of the enzymes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation. The aim of the present study was to define the role of PPAR-alpha and AOX in the development of NAFLD using the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rat model. METHODS: Liver tissue from OLETF (n = 12) and control (n = 10) rats 12, 28, and 40 weeks old were processed for histopathological and western blot analysis. The messenger RNA of PPAR-alpha and AOX were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: At 40 weeks old, the histological analysis of the OLETF rat liver had steatosis (approximately 66%) and mild inflammation, which were comparable to those in NAFLD. Histological changes were unremarkable in 12 week and 28 week rats. In 12 week OLETF rats, the mRNA of AOX was 63% of the control. Expression of PPAR-alpha mRNA was also reduced to 3% that of the control. Along with the changes of mRNA, the protein expression of PPAR-alpha was also significantly reduced to 17% that of the control. In 28 week and 40 week animals, PPAR-alpha protein expression gradually increased to 75% and 78% that of the control. Expression of PPAR-alpha mRNA was also increased by up to 26% and 110% of the control. AOX, regulated by PPAR-alpha, also increased to 149% and 120% of the control. CONCLUSION: Reduced expression of PPAR-alpha and AOX was observed even before definite steatosis had developed. The alteration of peroxisomal fatty acid metabolism may have an important role in the development of NAFLD.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗

[Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome presenting as a single mass in the liver].

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is characterized by persistent blood eosinophilia of 1,500/mm(3) or more in the absence of known causes and multiorgan dysfunction by eosinophil-related tissue damage. In Korea, some cases of hypereosinophilic syndrome with hepatic involvement have been described with prolonged benign clinical courses. Most of them were diffuse or multifocal lesions in imaging studies, and any case presenting as a large single mass lesion has not been described. Herein we report a case of hypereosinophilic syndrome with hepatic involvement in a 48-year-old woman who presented with a giant single mass. By abdominal CT scan, a lobulated well-margined heterogenous mass lesion was detected in the left lateral segment of the liver. Liver biopsy revealed severe eosinophilic infiltration and centrilobular necrosis of hepatocytes. The lesion completely disappeared after steroid administration for eleven months.

Eosinophils↗

Ethanol impairs insulin-stimulated neuronal survival in the developing brain: role of PTEN phosphatase.

Gestational exposure to ethanol causes fetal alcohol syndrome, which is associated with cerebellar hypoplasia. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated ethanol-impaired neuronal survival with reduced signaling through the insulin receptor (IRbeta). We examined insulin signaling in an experimental rat model of chronic gestational exposure to ethanol in which the pups exhibited striking cerebellar hypoplasia with increased apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses detected reduced levels of tyrosyl-phosphorylated IRbeta, tyrosyl-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and p85-associated IRS-1 but no alterations in IRbeta, IRS-1, or p85 protein expression in cerebellar tissue from ethanol-exposed pups. In addition, ethanol exposure significantly reduced the levels of total phosphoinositol 3-kinase, Akt kinase, phospho-BAD (inactive), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and increased the levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity, activated BAD, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN) protein, and PTEN phosphatase activity in cerebellar tissue. Cerebellar neurons isolated from ethanol-exposed pups had reduced levels of insulin-stimulated phosphoinositol 3-kinase and Akt kinase activities and reduced insulin inhibition of PTEN and glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity. The results demonstrate that cerebellar hypoplasia produced by chronic gestational exposure to ethanol is associated with impaired survival signaling through insulin-regulated pathways, including failure to suppress PTEN function.

Alcoholism↗

Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates from patients with chronic HBV infection in Korea.

Although there is a report of high rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in South Korea, only a few entire genome sequences of HBV isolates from Korea have been reported. To obtain the complete nucleotide sequence of the Korean HBV, viral DNA was extracted from sera of Korean patients with chronic HBV infection who have not been exposed to any antiviral treatment. Complete genomic sequences were determined on three Korean HBV isolates. The entire genomic length of Korean HBV isolates, designated as KUHB84, KUHB81, and KUHB95, was 3,215 base pairs. No deletions and insertions were observed. Core promoter mutations (T1762/A1764) were detected in two isolates, KUHB84 and KUHB95. Phylogenetic analysis based on the entire genomic sequences showed that the Korean HBV isolates were genotype C and related closely to the Japanese HBV.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Potential role of PTEN phosphatase in ethanol-impaired survival signaling in the liver.

Chronic ethanol consumption can cause sustained hepatocellular injury and inhibit the subsequent regenerative response. These effects of ethanol may be mediated by impaired hepatocyte survival mechanisms. The present study examines the effects of ethanol on survival signaling in the intact liver. Adult Long Evans rats were maintained on ethanol-containing or isocaloric control liquid diets for 8 weeks, after which the livers were harvested to measure mRNA levels, protein expression, and kinase or phosphatase activity related to survival or proapoptosis mechanisms. Chronic ethanol exposure resulted in increased hepatocellular labeling for activated caspase 3 and nuclear DNA damage as demonstrated using the TUNEL assay. These effects of ethanol were associated with reduced levels of tyrosyl phosphorylated (PY) IRS-1 and PI3 kinase, Akt kinase, and Erk MAPK activities and increased levels of phosphatase tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) mRNA, protein, and phosphatase activity in liver tissue. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ethanol increases PTEN expression and function in hepatocytes. However, analysis of signaling cascade pertinent to PTEN function revealed increased levels of nuclear p53 and Fas receptor mRNA but without corresponding increases in GSK-3 activity or activated BAD. Although fork-head transcription factor levels were increased in ethanol-exposed livers, virtually all of the fork-head protein detected by Western blot analysis was localized within the cytosolic fraction. In conclusion, chronic ethanol exposure impairs survival mechanisms in the liver because of inhibition of signaling through PI3 kinase and Akt and increased levels of PTEN. However, uncoupling of the signaling cascade downstream of PTEN that mediates apoptosis may account for the relatively modest degrees of ongoing cell loss observed in livers of chronic ethanol-fed rats.

Animals↗

[Expression of MUC3, MUC5AC, MUC6 and epidermal growth factor receptor in gallbladder epithelium according to gallstone composition].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gallbladder (GB) mucin is one of the key factors in the gallstone formation. However, there is little information about the diversity of mucin secretion according to the stone composition. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) functions in proliferation including mucin secreting goblet cell hyperplasia. We compared the expressions of MUC3, MUC5AC, MUC6 and EGFR in the GB epithelium with cholesterol gallstones (GB-chol) group and pigment gallstones (GB-pig group). METHODS: GBs from elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the gallstone disease were studied. Stone composition was analyzed by the spectrophotometer. Immunohistochemical stain was performed using each monoclonal antibody. The percentage of stained proportion was scored by the NIH image program and the results were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Total 20 patients were enrolled (10 patients with cholesterol gallstones, 10 patients with pigment gallstones). The percentages of stained proportion for MUC3, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were 42 +/- 27%, 31 +/- 15%, and 17 +/- 9%, respectively in GB-chol group and 32 +/- 22%, 33 +/- 23%, and 15 +/- 10%, respectively in GB-pig group (p>0.05). The expression of EGFR was 50% (5/10) in the GB-chol group and 80% (8/10) in the GB-pig group respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the expressions of MUC3, MUC5AC, and MUC6 between the two groups. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of EGFR in the gallstone formation.

Bile Pigments↗

Simultaneous duodenal and colon masses as late presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

We report a case of pathologically proven simultaneous duodenal and colonic metastases about four years after nephrectomy for mixed clear and granular cell type renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A 76-year-old female patient who had undergone a left radical nephrectomy 4 years previously for RCC presented with a 1-month history of dyspepsia and pain in the right upper abdomen. An abdominopelvic CT scan showed circumferential wall thickening with high enhancement at the second portion of the duodenum and additional enhancement of an irregular protruding mass into the lumen of the ascending colon. A gastroscopy showed a large and ulcerative protruding mass nearly obstructing the second portion of the duodenum. A colonoscopy revealed a polypoid, nodular and purplish mass in the ascending colon. Microscopy of the biopsy specimen showed the features identical to those of the RCC which was resected 4 years earlier in this patient. We believe this to be the first case illustrating a metastatic renal cell carcinoma as simultaneous duodenal and colon masses.

Aged↗

Endoscopically observed lower esophageal capillary patterns.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that there are four zones of distinct venous patterns around the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ); i.e. truncal, perforating, palisade (PZ) and gastric zones. Using the distal end of PZ as a marker for GEJ, this study was done to assess the length and patterns of PZ in Koreans, and to assess the prevalence of endoscopic Barrett's esophagus (E-BE) and hiatal hernia (E-HH). METHODS: 847 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopy were included. During endoscopy, PZ, squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) and pinchcock action (PCA) were identified. Patterns were classified according to the relationships of the distal end of PZ with SCJ and PCA; A: all three at the same level, B: SCJ proximal to the other two which are at the same level, C: PCA distal to the other two which are at the same level, D: SCJ proximal to the distal end of PZ which is proximal to PCA. Cases with patterns B and D were thought to have E-BE, and those with patterns C and D to have E-HH. RESULTS: Patterns A, B, C and D were 79.2%, 12.1%, 3.8% and 4.9%, respectively. Length of PZ was 3.0 +/- 0.1 cm. E-BE and E-HH were found in 17.0% and 8.7%, respectively. Both E-BE and E-HH were more frequently found in males and in cases with reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION: E-BE and E-HH are not so infrequent in Koreans as previously thought, if we use the distal end of PZ as an endoscopic marker of GEJ.

Barrett Esophagus↗

[A study of polymorphism in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1 (UGT-1A1) promoter gene in Korean patients with Gilbert's syndrome].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic glucuronidating activity, essential for efficient biliary excretion of bilirubin, is reduced to about 30 percent of normal in patients with Gilbert's syndrome. Patients with Gilbert's syndrome have an additional TA insertion in the A(TA)TAA of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1 (UGT-1A1) promoter gene. This results in reduced frequency and accuracy of transcription initiation and enzyme activity. The frequency and location of the mutation vary according to races. This study was done to determine the UGT-1A1 promoter gene mutation in Korean cases of Gilbert's syndrome. METHODS: Promoter regions of the gene for bilirubin UGT-1A1 in twelve patients with Gilbert's syndrome and twenty healthy subjects (controls) were sequenced. RESULTS: 1) Among twelve Gilbert's syndrome five patients were homozygous for A(TA)6/6TAA, two were homozygous for A(TA)7/7TAA, and the other five were heterozygous for A(TA)6/7TAA. The prevalence of A(TA)TAA mutation was 58.3 percent. 2) Among twenty healthy subjects seventeen were homozygous for A(TA)6/6TAA, one was homozygous for A(TA)7/7TAA, and two were heterozygous for A(TA)6/7TAA. The prevalence of A(TA)TAA mutation was 15 percent. 3) The prevalence of A(TA)TAA mutation in Gilbert's syndrome patients was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of A(TA)TAA mutation in Korean patients with Gilbert's syndrome is significantly higher than in the controls, the mutations of the promoter region of UGT-1A1 gene appear not to be the main or sole cause in Gilbert's syndrome in Korea since the prevalence of A(TA)TAA mutation is not so high. Further studies to determine the relationship between other UGT-1A1 gene mutation and Gilbert's syndrome in Korea are needed.

Adult↗

[Clinical outcome in cases of viral breakthrough during lamivudine therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term lamivudine therapy can induce the emergence of lamivudine resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants. Clinically emergence of the mutant is expressed by the reappearance of disappeared HBV DNA in serum. Continued lamivudine treatment has been usually recommended in cases of viral breakthrough. However, the clinical outcome in patients with viral breakthrough is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B patients after viral breakthrough during lamivudine therapy. METHODS: A total of 74 patients with chronic hepatitis B who showed viral breakthrough after at least 6 months of lamivudine treatment were included in this study. They had positive HBeAg and HBV DNA before treatment. The median follow-up duration after breakthrough was 13 months. RESULTS: After viral breakthrough, only 8 patients (11%) maintained normal ALT levels and 66 patients (89%) showed elevation of ALT. 30 patients (41%) showed acute exacerbation of hepatitis (ALT increase over five-times upper normal limit). These acute exacerbations occurred within three months after breakthrough in 19 patients (63%). In the cases of acute exacerbation, 6 patients showed decompensated progression such as elevation of serum total bilirubin. One of them died of hepatic failure. A predictive factor for acute exacerbation was not found. HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 8 patients after viral breakthrough but their clinical course was highly variable. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic hepatitis B patients who had viral breakthrough during lamivudine therapy should be followed carefully and regularly in mind of potential clinical deterioration. New strategies are needed to manage the cases of acute exacerbation after viral breakthrough.

Adult↗

[Viral breakthrough in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients receiving lamivudine therapy].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term efficacy and the rate of viral breakthrough in patients with HBeAg- negative chronic hepatitis B receiving lamivudine therapy is uncertain. This study was conducted to determine the rate of viral breakthrough according to the HBeAg status and the relation of viral breakthrough with YMDD mutants. METHODS: Two hundred and five patients with HBeAg-positive and 49 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, who had received lamivudine for at least 9 months, were included. The mean durations of the lamivudine treatment were 176 months and 155 months in HBeAg-positive and negative patients, respectively. Analysis of HBV genome for YMDD mutations was performed by restriction-fragment-length polymorphism assay and direct sequencing. RESULTS: While the cumulative rates of viral breakthrough at 12th and 24th months of the lamivudine therapy were 0% and 7% in the HBeAg-negative group, they were 12% and 39% in the HBeAg-positive group. The cumulative rate of viral breakthrough in the HBeAg-negative group was significantly lower than in the HBeAg-positive group (p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, the only significant factor related to viral breakthrough was the HBeAg status (p<0.05). The YMDD mutants were detected in all patients with viral breakthrough irrespective of HBeAg status. However, in patients without viral breakthrough, the rate of YMDD mutants was significantly higher in the HBeAg-negative group than in the HBeAg-positive group (13.3% vs 5.1%; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lamivudine is expected to be more persistently effective in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B because of a lower viral breakthrough rate than in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B in spite of the emergence of YMDD mutants.

Adult↗