Biomedical subjects

J G Kim

Publications and source records attributed to J G Kim.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Molecular cloning and sequencing of rat Cdc42 GTPase cDNA.

Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTP-ase and plays an important role in intracellular signaling pathways regulating cell morphology, motility and stimulation of DNA synthesis. We have isolated cDNA encoding Cdc42 from a rat brain cDNA library using PCR-cloning strategy. The sequence of isolated gene revealed an open reading frame of 576 nucleotides with the potential to encode a protein of 191 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 21 kD. The resulting sequence was incorporated into the GenBank with accession number, AF205635. Sequence analysis revealed that overall cDNA sequence identity is 96% with human G25K and 52% with rat Chp, a homologue of the GTPase human Cdc42Hs, and having one nucleotide difference from the mouse Cdc42. However, putative protein sequence was identical to the mouse and human brain Cdc42Hs. On expression of the cDNA in COS-7 cells, a protein molecular weight of 21 kD was detected in immunoblotting using anti-human Cdc42 antibodies. Therefore, these results suggest that the cDNA we are reporting is most likely the rat homologue of the GTPase human Cdc42.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Secondary structural and phylogenetic implications of nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tricholoma matsutake.

The sequence of large subunit (LSU) and 5.8S rRNA genes has been determined for Tricholoma matsutake. A secondary structure model was predicted for both LSU and 5.8S rRNAs, showing most of the structural features consistent with those of the consensus secondary structure model proposed for the eukaryotic cytoplasmic LSU rRNAs. With a reconstructed eukaryotic phylogeny based on full-length LSU rDNA sequences, T. matsutake was placed on the same branch with Cryptococcus neoformans as its closest neighbor. We proposed that T. matsutake be considered as one of the representative members of the division Basidiomycota. Here we report for the first time the complete LSU rRNA gene sequence in T. matsutake, a member of Homobasidiomycetes.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Association of the vitamin D receptor start codon polymorphism (FokI) with bone mineral density in postmenopausal Korean women.

We undertook this study in order to examine the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and a polymorphism at the first of two potential translation initiation codons in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. This polymorphism was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the restriction endonuclease FokI. The f allele indicates the presence of the FokI site, and the F allele its absence. The FokI genotype was determined in 174 postmenopausal Korean women, aged 43-71 years. The distribution of FokI genotypes in Koreans was found not to differ significantly from those found in Caucasians and Japanese, although it does differ significantly from that found in the black American population. We observed a significant association between the FokI polymorphism and lumbar BMD; P = 0.048, analysis of covariance [ANCOVA], but no association with femoral neck BMD (P = 0.505, ANCOVA). Those with the ff genotype had a 13.3% lower BMD in the lumbar spine than the FF subjects. In addition, a significantly higher prevalence of the ff genotype was observed in osteoporotic compared with osteopenic or normal women (P = 0.036, chi2 test). These data suggest that the ff genotype of the VDR gene correlates with decreased BMD in the lumbar spine in postmenopausal Korean women.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Microsatellite instability in gastric intestinal metaplasia in patients with and without gastric cancer.

The role and significance of microsatellite instability (MSI) in gastric carcinogenesis remain unknown. This study determined the chronology of MSI in gastric carcinogenesis by examining intestinal metaplasia (IM) from patients with and without gastric cancer. DNA was obtained from gastric specimens of 75 patients with gastric IM (30 cancer, 26 peptic ulcer, and 19 chronic gastritis patients) and was amplified with a set of eight microsatellite markers. Eight (26. 7%) tumors and seven (9.3%) IM samples (three from cancer-free patients) displayed high-level MSI (three or more loci altered). Low-level MSI (one or two loci altered) was detected in 50% of the tumors, in 40% of IM samples coexisting with cancer, and in 38% of IM tissues of cancer-free individuals. Among the 30 cancer patients, microsatellites were more frequently altered in IM coexisting with tumors that showed MSI (P = 0.003). In addition, patients with low-level MSI in the tumor tissues were more likely to have active Helicobacter pylori infection than those with stable tumors (P = 0.02). In conclusion, this study indicates that MSI occurs not only in gastric IM of patients with gastric carcinoma, but also in IM of cancer-free individuals. These data suggest that the progressive accumulation of MSI in areas of IM may contribute to gastric cancer development, representing an important molecular event in the multistep gastric carcinogenesis cascade.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), and IGFBP-3 protease activity in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) components in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis. DESIGN: Patients with endometriosis were compared with control patients. SETTING: Seoul National University Hospital, Korea. PATIENT(S): Forty-three patients with endometriosis and 20 patients without endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Peritoneal fluid specimens were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Insulin-like growth factors, IGF binding protein (IGFBP) profiles and IGFBP-3 protease activity. RESULT(S): The IGF-I levels in peritoneal fluid were significantly higher in patients with endometriosis than in control patients, while the IGFBP-3 levels and the relative proportion of IGFBP-2 in peritoneal fluid were significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in control patients. However, IGF-II levels, IGFBP-4 profiles, and IGFBP-3 protease activity did not differ significantly between the two groups. No correlation between these IGF components in peritoneal fluid and the stage of endometriosis was noted. CONCLUSION(S): The profiles of IGF components in peritoneal fluid of patients with pelvic endometriosis may play an important role in the growth of ectopic endometrium and endometriosis-induced infertility.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Implications in the maintenance of pregnancy: I. Presence of immunoreactive glycodelin in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: We previously reported an antipeptide antibody to human glycodelin that recognizes glycodelin in amniotic fluid and epithelial glands of the endometrium. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of glycodelin in human umbilical cord. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: Healthy women undergoing normal delivery at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. PATIENT(S): Healthy women undergoing normal delivery. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Umbilical cord vein was isolated from the cord and used for immunohistochemical studies. Human umbilical cords and placentae were collected after full-term delivery. Cords were washed and fixed with formal sucrose. Decidua tissues and blood vessels from placentae were dissected out and fixed. Cryostat sections were immunostained with anti-glycodelin peptide antibody and anti-von Willebrand factor antibody. RESULT(S): Endothelial cells of human umbilical cord vein and artery were strongly immunostained with antiglycodelin antibody. Endothelial cells of the vein were more strongly stained than those of the artery. These cells were confirmed as endothelial cells by positive immunostaining with anti-von Willebrand factor. The epithelial cells outlining the cord were stained with antiglycodelin antibody but not with anti-von Willebrand factor antibody. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first study showing that immunoreactive glycodelin is present in endothelial cells of the umbilical cord. Glycodelin in the umbilical cord may have immunosuppressive or other, unknown functions affecting the physiology or pathophysiology of pregnancy. Whether umbilical vein endothelial cells synthesize glycodelin or serve as reservoir for glycodelin is currently under investigation.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2000

Implications in the management of pregnancy: II. Low levels of gene expression but enhanced uptake and accumulation of umbilical cord glycodelin.

OBJECTIVE: We recently reported the presence of glycodelin in the endothelial cells of human umbilical cord. The objective of the current study is to determine whether human umbilical cord endothelial cells synthesize glycodelin. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: Healthy women undergoing normal delivery at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. PATIENT(S): Healthy women undergoing normal delivery. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Human umbilical cord was collected after full-term delivery and total RNA from endothelial cells was isolated. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed by using primers from glycodelin sequence. Human umbilical cord endothelial cells at passage 3 were incubated with glycodelin-derived peptide or glycodelin-rich amniotic fluid. Immunocytochemical analysis was performed by using purified chicken anti-glycodelin peptide antibody to detect the accumulation of glycodelin in cells. RESULT(S): Little or no glycodelin message was detectable in the endothelial cells from human umbilical cord vein by RT-PCR and Southern blot analysis. However, these cells readily took up glycodelin protein and glycodelin-derived synthetic peptide from the medium. CONCLUSION(S): The presence and accumulation of glycodelin in the umbilical cord might indicate their potential role in the survival of fetal tissue in the maternal environment.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed2000

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in sediment, soil, fish, shellfish and crab samples from Tokyo Bay area, Japan.

Concentrations of tetra- to octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in samples collected in or near Tokyo Bay, Japan, with a densely inhabited catchment area, were congener-specifically determined and discussed. Analyzed in this study were samples of surface sediment covering the whole bay area, reference soil representing atmospheric impact, and fish, shellfish and crab commonly consumed as food. The range of concentrations were comparable to or higher than those in other parts of Japan. The origins of these compounds in the catchment area of the bay were investigated in terms of homolog and isomeric compositions in the sediment samples. Biota-sediment accumulation factors for benthic species declined as the degree of chlorination increased.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Molecular epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori: separation of H. pylori from East Asian and non-Asian countries.

The predominant H. pylori strain circulating among geographic locations differs with regard to the genomic structure. This study determined whether structural subtypes of the cagA 3' repeat region could be used to identify the population of origin of H. pylori isolates. We examined 600 cagA-positive H. pylori (Colombia, 100; USA, 100; France, 100; Canada, 20; Italy, 20; Korea, 100; Japan, 100; Hong Kong, 20; Taiwan, 20; Vietnam, 20). The cagA 3' region was amplified by PCR using primers specific to Japanese and Western 3' cagA gene sequences. PCR using Japanese cagA primers resulted in PCR products in 99-6 % of strains from East Asia but no non-Asian strains. Conversely, PCR using Western cagA primers resulted in amplicons in 100% of non-Asian strains, and only one from East Asia. cagA genotyping is useful for molecular epidemiological studies as strains can be completely separated by differences in the cagA 3' region.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Veno-occlusive disease of the liver after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia.

There are few reports about the occurrence of hepatic VOD after BMT for severe aplastic anemia (SAA). We prospectively studied 17 patients with SAA after allogeneic BMT for the occurrence and severity of VOD. Plasma levels of protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, vWF, t-PA and PAI-1 were determined before preparative chemotherapy, on the day of marrow infusion, and on days 7, 14 and 21. VOD occurred in seven patients (41.2%) at a median of day 1 (range, day -2 to 15). Five had mild, and two moderate VOD. Platelet transfusion requirements were higher in the patients with VOD. The plasma levels of natural anticoagulants such as protein C, free protein S and antithrombin III decreased significantly on day 0 from the baseline levels. Plasma levels of t-PA, PAI-1 and vWF increased significantly in the early post-transplant period compared to the baseline levels. The mean plasma levels of t-PA on day 7 (P = 0.016) and PAI-1 on days 0 and 7 (P = 0.016, 0.032) were higher in the patients with VOD. In summary, we observed hypercoagulability and a high incidence of VOD after allogeneic BMT for SAA. Levels of t-PA and PAI-1 were significantly higher in the patients with VOD after BMT.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Molecular identification of main cellular lineages as a tool for the classification of gastric cancer.

Gastric carcinomas (GC) are heterogeneous tumors comprising variable amounts of cells of different lineage phenotype, including gastric mucous cells (surface--SMC or gland--GMC) and intestinal cells (IC). The evaluation of tumor behavior has classically depended on strictly morphological classifications of tumors. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is frequently detected in GC, but whether MSI affects all gastric cellular lineages or exclusively occurs in unique cellular lineages in GC is not known. The aims of this study were to test a combination of anti-mucin antibodies to classify gastric cancer into predominant cell lineage phenotype and to determine whether MSI in GC is associated with particular cellular tumor phenotypes. Fifty-five GC were immunophenotyped with antibodies specific for SMC, GMC, or IC. DNA was extracted from tumor and non-neoplastic gastric tissues and amplified with 5 microsatellite markers. A mixed cellular pattern was the most frequent phenotype of GC (61%) and was seen in both glandular (63%) and diffuse (58%)-type tumors. No significant difference in the rate of MSI was found in tumors with predominant gastric, intestinal or mixed phenotype. However, tumors with null or low-level expression of cellular lineage differentiation markers displayed MSI more frequently than tumors with high-level expression (40% v 20%). In conclusion, different gastric carcinoma cell lineage patterns can be easily identified with the 3 immunohistochemical markers used in this study. The 3 main cellular lineage components of gastric cancer can be similarly affected by microsatellite instability, consistent with the notion that MSI is an early event in gastric carcinogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effects of phenethylisothiocyanate on the expression of glutathione S-transferases and hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen.

1. The effect of PEITC on the expression of hepatic glutathione S-transferases (GST) and the glutathione (GSH) conjugation has been investigated in the Sprague-Dawley rat, and it has been determined whether hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen (AA) could be inhibited through the induction of GST expression in mouse. 2. The hepatic GST activity and protein levels of alpha class (Ya, Yc) and mu class (Yb1, Yb2) of GST were elevated in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with PEITC (0, 3.16, 10, 31.6, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o., 3 days). The mRNA levels of GST Ya and GST Yb1 were also markedly increased 1 day after treatment with PEITC at dosages ranging from 31.6 to 200 mg/kg. The hepatic GSH content was significantly increased to 200% of control at dose of 200 mg/kg PEITC. 3. Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg PEITC significantly enhanced the biliary excretion of glutathione conjugate of AA 2-fold, whereas treatment with 200 mg/kg did not affect it. 4. In mouse, PEITC (100 and 200 mg/kg, 3 days) decreased the lethality and hepatotoxicity caused by AA. 5. These results indicate that (1) the induction of GST by PEITC is presumably under transcriptional regulation, and (2) PEITC may have a protective function against AA-induced hepatotoxicity by induction effect on GST, in combination of enhancement of hepatic GSH.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed2000

Cell density of the corneal endothelium in human fetus by flat preparation.

PURPOSE: To count the number of the corneal endothelial cells per unit of tissue area in 25 human fetal eyes ranging from 12-40 weeks of gestation with the histologic method. METHODS: The endothelium including Descemet's membrane was stained with hematoxylin-eosin by the flat preparation method. We photographed the endothelium using light microscopy. The number of nuclei was counted on each photograph. A calibrated micrometer was photographed with the light microscopy, and this was used to measure the number of corneal endothelial cells per square millimeter. RESULTS: The prenatal endothelial cell density of the human cornea decreases rapidly from 14,095 cells/mm2 (12 weeks of gestation) to 6,820 cells/mm2 (40 weeks of gestation). CONCLUSION: The estimate of the endothelial cell density at 12 weeks of gestation is twofold higher than the estimate at 40 weeks of gestation.

Cell Count↗

PubMed2000

Multicentre hydrogen bonds in a 2:1 arylsulfonylimidazolone hydrochloride salt.

The title compound, (S)-(+)-4-[5-(2-oxo-4, 5-dihydroimidazol-1-ylsulfonyl)indolin-1 -ylcarbonyl ]anilinium chloride (S)-(+)-1-[1-(4-aminobenzoyl)indoline-5- sulfonyl]-4-phenyl-4, 5-dihydroimidazol-2-one, C(24)H(23)N(4)O(4)S(+).Cl(-). C(24)H(22)N(4)O(4)S, crystallizes in space group C2 from a CH(3)OH/CH(2)Cl(2) solution. In the crystal structure, there are two different conformers with their terminal C(6) aromatic rings mutually oriented at angles of 67.69 (14) and 61.16 (15) degrees. The distances of the terminal N atoms (of the two conformers) from the chloride ion are 3.110 (4) and 3.502 (4) A. There are eight distinct hydrogen bonds, i.e. four N-H...Cl, three N-H...O and one N-H...N, with one N-H group involved in a bifurcated hydrogen bond with two acceptors sharing the H atom. C-H...O contacts assist in the overall hydrogen-bonding process.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2000

25,27-(6-Tosyl-3,9-dioxa-6-azaundecane-1,11-diyldioxy)-26,28-(3,6, 9-trioxaundecane-1,11-diyldioxy)calix[4]arene.

A new calix[4]-crowned azacrown ether, C(51)H(59)NO(11)S, consisting of four phenyl rings in a 1,3-alternate conformation was synthesized from the reaction of 25, 27-bis(5-chloro-3-oxapentyloxy)calix[4]crown-5 and p-toluenesulfonamide in the presence of Cs(2)CO(3). A crown-5 loop was attached on the two facing lower rims of the calix[4]arene and the N-tosyl azacrown group was attached on the other set of lower rims of the calix[4]arene backbone. This molecule seems to offer an inside cavity for the formation of a host-guest complex.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Decreased expression of mac25 mRNA in uterine leiomyomata compared with adjacent myometrium.

PROBLEM: The pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomata is still unclear. Recently it has been suggested that mac25 plays a tumor-suppressive role in various tumors. The aims of this study were to evaluate a possible involvement of mac25 in the growth of leiomyoma and in the mechanism of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) inducing shrinkage of leiomyoma. METHODS OF STUDY: Mac25 mRNA transcript was measured by Northern blot in total RNA extracted from the paired specimens of leiomyoma and adjacent myometrium from untreated patients (n = 25) and from leiomyoma specimens from GnRHa-pretreated patients (n = 10). RESULTS: Mac25 mRNA expression was significantly lower in large leiomyoma (more than 150 cm3 in volume) than in adjacent myometrium and small leiomyoma (less than 120 cm3 in volume) from untreated patients. There was no difference in this expression between the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Leiomyoma from GnRHa-pretreated patients had mac25 gene expression levels similar to myometrium and small leiomyoma from untreated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mac25 may be involved in the growth of uterine leiomyoma and the action of GnRHa may, in part, be mediated by mac25.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

IFN-gamma inhibits the suppressive effects of PGE2 on the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by mouse macrophages.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has become known as a central mediator of responses to endotoxin, rheumatoid diseases, and other forms of inflammation. Current investigations indicate that the production of TNF-alpha is controlled by other mediators, including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In the present study, we investigated the regulatory effects of IFN-gamma and/or PGE2 on LPS-induced TNF-alpha production and mRNA expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages using the enzyme immunoassay and Northern blot analysis, respectively. In response to 10 ng/ml of LPS, TNF-alpha production reached a maximum at approximately 4 hrs, followed by rapid decline. At the molecular level, TNF-alpha mRNA accumulated rapidly after LPS exposure, reaching a peak by 3 hr, and declined more rapidly than did the production of TNF-alpha. Exposure of macrophages to 100 U/ml of IFN-gamma caused an increase in both the TNF-alpha production and mRNA expression induced by LPS. Exogenous PGE2 caused a dose dependent reduction in LPS-induced TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation as well as TNF-alpha production. Macrophages primed with IFN-gamma showed the reduced responsiveness to the suppressive effect of PGE2 on the production of TNF-alpha and the accumulation of TNF-alpha mRNA. These findings indicate that the suppressive effects induced by PGE2 on the accumulation of TNF-alpha mRNA as well as the production of TNF-alpha can be reduced by the pretreatment of macrophages with IFN-gamma. These studies demonstrate the role of IFN-gamma as an immunomodulating compound that may effectively regulate TNF-alpha production by modulation of macrophage responsiveness to PGE2.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

The possible cost effectiveness of peripheral blood stem cell mobilization with cyclophosphamide and the late addition of G-CSF.

The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective protocol for the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in patients with malignancy. Thirty consecutive patients were randomized to mobilize PBSC with the late addition of a standard 250 microg dose of G-CSF (Neutrogen) from day 8 or early addition of the same dose of G-CSF from day 2, following cyclophosphamide (CY) 4 g/m2. The median yield of CD34+ cells from evaluated patients was 7.87 x 10(6)/kg (range, 2.06-27.25), collected in a median of four apheresis (range, 2-9). Target CD34 + cell doses > or = 2.0 x 10(6)/kg were achieved in all patients able to be evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences in CD34+ cell yields or toxicities. Overall engraftment occurred with median days to neutrophils > or = 0.5 x 10(9)/L or platelets > 20 x 10(9)/L of 11 and 17 days, respectively. However, the duration of G-CSF administration was markedly shorter in the late use of G-CSF group than in the early use of G-CSF group, with a median of 9 days compared with 15 days (p<0.001). PBSC harvesting after priming with CY plus delayed use of G-CSF made it a safe and cost-effective procedure.

Adult↗