Antenatal Depressive Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES@#Maternal depression has a detrimental effect on baby growth. Recent reports suggest that depressive symptoms are more likely to occur during pregnancy than in the postpartum period. In Korea, there are relatively few studies of depression during pregnancy compared to those related to postpartum depression. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with antenatal depression.@*METHODS@#The study included 143 pregnant women who had completed the Korean version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (K-EPDS), the Korea-Marital Satisfaction Inventory's global distress scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-2. Based on the K-EPDS scores, we divided the participants into two groups. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with antenatal depression.@*RESULTS@#Thirty (21%) of the subjects were evaluated as being depressed, pregnant women. Pregnant women with high self-esteem and marital satisfaction were less likely to have depression. Similarly, those who are younger and those with an abortion history were more likely to have depression. Past psychiatric history and family history were not significantly different between the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Dissatisfaction with marriage, low self-esteem, younger age, and abortion history were closely related to the presence of antenatal depression. The results of this study can be used as baseline data for the development of family-based education programs and early antenatal depression policies.

The Influence of Spiritual Well-Being, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support on Post-Traumatic Growth among Breast Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of spiritual well-being, self-esteem, and perceived social support on post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors in Korea. METHODS: Data were collected from March 2 to October 31, 2016 using self-reporting questionnaires from 126 breast cancer survivors who had visited out-patient clinics for follow-up in B city. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: Post-traumatic growth was significantly correlated with spiritual well-being (r=.52, p < .001), self-esteem (r=.54, p < .001), and perceived social support (r=.47, p < .001). In a stepwise multiple regression, spiritual well-being (β=.26, p < .001), self-esteem (β=.23, p < .001), perceived social support (β=.21, p < .001), and presence of spouse (β=.20, p < .001) were associated with posttraumatic growth. These factors attributed to 37.0% of the total variance in post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study, it is necessary to develop and implement effective nursing strategies that can improve spiritual well-being, and to develop a holistic nursing intervention that takes into account self-esteem, perceived social support, and spousal help, when applicable, in order to promote post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors in Korea.

Clinical Study of Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli in Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A 9-year Retrospective, Single Center Experience

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 212 inpatients aged 18 years or younger with UTIs treated at the Pediatric Department of Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital between January 2008 and December 2016. For comparison, patients were divided into three groups according to age as follows: group 1, ≤1 month; group 2, >1 month to ≤12 months; and group 3, ≥13 months. The antibiotic resistance rates from January 2008 to December 2012 (study period 1) and from January 2013 to December 2016 (study period 2) were analyzed statistically by group. RESULTS: As the patient age increased, the antibiotic resistance rate to ampicillin (P=0.013), levofloxacin (P=0.050), piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) (P<0.001), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (P=0.002) increased. The frequency of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli showed a significant difference from 5 cases (4.6%) in study period 1 and 16 cases (15.8%) in study period 2 (P=0.007). The antibiotic resistance rate of E. coli was compared between the two time periods and we found that the antibiotic resistance rate to cefotaxime was significantly increased from 5.4% to 16.8% (P=0.008) and that to TZP was significantly decreased from 40.5% to 7.9% (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Over the past 9 years, the resistance rate to cefotaxime has increased but the resistance rate to TZP has decreased. Thus, it is important to continue to investigate the antibiotic resistance rates of bacteria in the community.

Clinical Study of Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli in Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A 9-year Retrospective, Single Center Experience

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 212 inpatients aged 18 years or younger with UTIs treated at the Pediatric Department of Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital between January 2008 and December 2016. For comparison, patients were divided into three groups according to age as follows: group 1, ≤1 month; group 2, >1 month to ≤12 months; and group 3, ≥13 months. The antibiotic resistance rates from January 2008 to December 2012 (study period 1) and from January 2013 to December 2016 (study period 2) were analyzed statistically by group. RESULTS: As the patient age increased, the antibiotic resistance rate to ampicillin (P=0.013), levofloxacin (P=0.050), piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) (P<0.001), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (P=0.002) increased. The frequency of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli showed a significant difference from 5 cases (4.6%) in study period 1 and 16 cases (15.8%) in study period 2 (P=0.007). The antibiotic resistance rate of E. coli was compared between the two time periods and we found that the antibiotic resistance rate to cefotaxime was significantly increased from 5.4% to 16.8% (P=0.008) and that to TZP was significantly decreased from 40.5% to 7.9% (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Over the past 9 years, the resistance rate to cefotaxime has increased but the resistance rate to TZP has decreased. Thus, it is important to continue to investigate the antibiotic resistance rates of bacteria in the community.

Effects of (6)-gingerol, ginger component on adipocyte development and differentiation in 3T3-L1 / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of (6)-gingerol, ginger components proliferation and adipocyte differentiation from early to lately steps. METHODS: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured. Differentiation of confluent cells was induced with dexamethasone, isobutylxanthin and insulin for 2 day and cells were cultured by medium with insulin in presence of various concentrations 0, 25, 50, 100 (micromol/L) of (6)-gingerol for 4 day. Cell viability was measured using the EZ Cytox assay kit. In addition, we examined the expression of mRNA levels associated with each adipocyte differentiation step by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: (6)-Gingerol inhibited adipocyte proliferation in a dose and time dependent manner. Expression of C/EBPbeta, associated with early differentiation step remained unchaged. However, intermmediate, late differentiation step and adipocytokines were effectively changed in dose-dependently manner in cell groups treated with (6)-gingerol. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that treatment with (6)-gingerol inhibited adipocyte proliferation as well as each adipocyte differentiation step. In particular, the (6)-gingerol more effectively inhibited adipocyte differentiation from intermmediate differentiation step.

Association between Promoter Polymorphisms of TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3 and the Risk of Gastric and Diffuse Gastric Cancers in a Korean Population

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. The aims of this study were to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in TFF gene family, TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3 and the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and GC subgroups in a Korean population via a case-control study. The eight polymorphisms in TFF gene family were identified by sequencing and genotyped with 377 GC patients and 396 controls by using TaqMan genotyping assay. The rs184432 TT genotype of TFF1 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of GC (odds ratio, [OR) = 0.45; 95% confidence interval, [CI] = 0.25-0.82; P = 0.009), more protective against diffuse-type GC (OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.05-0.89; P = 0.035) than GC (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14-0.82; P = 0.017) in subjects aged < 60 yr, and correlated with lymph node metastasis negative GC and diffuse-type GC (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.23-0.86; P = 0.016 and OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.05-0.87; P = 0.031, respectively). In addition, a decreased risk of lymph node metastasis negative GC and diffuse-type GC was observed for rs225359 TT genotype of TFF1 (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24-0.88; P = 0.020 and OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05-0.88; P = 0.033, respectively). These findings suggest that the rs184432 and rs225359 polymorphisms in TFF1 have protective effects for GC and contribute to the development of GC in Korean individuals.

Comparing the anti-inflammatory effect of nanoencapsulated lycopene and lycopene on RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: We developed a method to load lycopene into maltodextrin and cyclodextrin in an attempt to overcome the poor bioavailability and improve the anti-inflammatory effect of this polyphenol METHODS: Nanosized lycopenes were encapsulated into biodegradable amphiphillic cyclodextrin and maltodextrin molecules prepared using a high pressure homogenizer at 15,000~25,000 psi. Cell damage was induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. The cells were subjected to various doses of free lycopene (FL) and nanoencapsulated lycopene (NEL). RT-PCR was used to quantify the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA levels, while ELISA was used to determine the protein levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. RESULTS: NEL significantly reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-1beta at the highest dose, while not in cells treated with FL. In addition, NEL treatment caused a significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-alpha protein levels, compared to cells treated with a similar dose of FL. In addition, mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 enzyme in the activated macrophages was more efficiently suppressed by NEL than by FL. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results suggest that lycopene is a potential inflammation reducing agent and nanoencapsulation of lycopene can further improve its anti-inflammatory effect during tissue-damaging inflammatory conditions.

Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Acute and Chronic Skin Lesions of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) has peculiar abilities to colonize the skin in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the colonization rates of SA in acute and chronic skin lesions of AD patients, to find any difference in colonization rates according to age and to find the influences of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil counts to the colonization of SA. METHODS: We evaluated the total IgE level and eosinophil counts, and cultured SA from the skin lesions of 687 AD patients (131 acute and 556 chronic skin lesions) and 247 control urticaria patients (July 2009 to November 2010; Samsung Medical Center Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea). RESULTS: The SA colonization rates were 74%, 38% and 3% in acute, chronic skin lesions and control skin, respectively, and they were increased with age in AD patients. The colonization rate in chronic skin lesions was higher in the high IgE/eosinophilia groups as compared to the normal IgE/eosinophil groups. CONCLUSION: The SA colonization rate was higher in AD patients and especially in acute lesions, and had a tendency to increase with age. As the colonization rates were only higher in the high IgE/eosinophilia groups of chronic skin lesions, we suggested that SA may invade the skin through barrier defects in acute skin lesions, but the colonization in chronic lesions may be orchestrated through many different factors.

Delphinidin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines / 한국영양학회지

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, both in the developed and developing countries. Anthocyanins are natural coloring of a multitude of foods, such as berries, grapes or cherries. Glycosides of the aglycons delphinidin represent the most abundant anthocyanins in fruits. Delphinidin has recently been reported to inhibit the growth of human tumor cell line. Also, delphinidin is a powerful antioxidant that reportedly exerts beneficial effects in patients with advanced cancer by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species and increasing glutathion peroxidase activity. This study investigates the effects of delphinidin on protein ErbB2, ErbB3 and Akt expressions associated with cell proliferation and Bcl-2, Bax protein associated with cell apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured with various concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 20 micromol/L) of delphinidin. Delphinidin inhibited breast cancer cell growth in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). ErbB2 and ErbB3 expressions were markdly lower 5 micromol/L delphinidin (p < 0.05). In addition, total Akt and phosphorylated Akt levels were decreased dose-dependently in cells treated with delphinidin (p < 0.05). Futher, Bcl-2 levels were dose-dependently decreased and Bax expression was significantly increased in cells treated with delphinidin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, I have shown that delphinidin inhibits cell growth, proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.

alpha-Lipoic acid reduced weight gain and improved the lipid profile in rats fed with high fat diet

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on body weight and lipid profiles in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). After 4 weeks of feeding, rats on the HFD were divided into three groups by randomized block design; the first group received the high-fat-diet (n = 10), and the second group received the HFD administered with 0.25% alpha-lipoic acid (0.25LA), and the third group received the high-fat diet with 0.5% alpha-lipoic acid (0.5LA). The high fat diet with alpha-lipoic acid supplemented groups had significantly inhibited body weight gain, compared to that in the HFD group (P < 0.05). Organ weights of rats were also significantly reduced in liver, kidney, spleen, and visible fat tissues in rats supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid (P < 0.05). Significant differences in plasma lipid profiles, such as total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, were observed between the HFD and 0.5LA groups. The atherogenic index and the plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio improved significantly with alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Total hepatic cholesterol and total lipid concentration decreased significantly in high fat fed rats supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), whereas liver triglyceride content was not affected. In conclusion, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation had a positive effect on weight gain and plasma and liver lipid profiles in rats.

Molecular Characterization and Morphology of Two Endophytic Peyronellaea Species from Pinus koraiensis in Korea

Species of Phoma and its allies were isolated during a survey on the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with pine trees in Korea. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer and beta-tubulin gene sequences, two Phoma-like species from the needles of Pinus koraiensis were identified as Peyronellaea calorpreferens and P. glomerata. They were also morphologically identified based on the previous descriptions. Here, we report P. calorpreferens and P. glomerata being present in Korea as endophytic fungi in Pinus koraiensis.

Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on cell proliferation and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cells

The role that antioxidants play in the process of carcinogenesis has recently gained considerable attention. alpha-Lipoic acid, a naturally occurring disulfide molecule, is a powerful antioxidant that reportedly exerts beneficial effects in patients with advanced cancer by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species and increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. In this study, we examined changes in the protein and mRNA expression associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cultured in the presence of various concentrations (0, 250, 500, and 1000 micromol/L) of alpha-lipoic acid. The results revealed that alpha-lipoic acid inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in a dose-independent manner (P < 0.05). Additionally, ErbB2 and ErbB3 protein and mRNA expressions were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in response to alpha-lipoic acid (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the protein expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) levels and total Akt, and the mRNA expression of Akt were decreased dose-dependently in cells that were treated with alpha-lipoic acid (P < 0.05). Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expressions were also decreased in cells that were treated with alpha-lipoic acid (P < 0.05). However, Bax protein and mRNA expressions were increased in cells treated with alpha-lipoic acid (P < 0.05). Finally, caspase-3 activity was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner in cells treated with alpha-lipoic acid (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

Effect of Cyanidin on Cell Motility and Invasion in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Anthocyanidins, the aglycones of anthocyanins, are natural colorants belonging to the flavonoid family. Cyanidin is one of the anthocyanidins, used for their antioxidant properties. Furthermore, previous studies have shown anthocyanidin-rich material extracts or aglycone form inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. But, Tumor metastasis is the most important cause of cancer death, and various treatment strategies have targeted on preventing the occurrence of metastasis. This study investigated the effects of cyanidin on metastasis processes, including motility, invasion and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. We cultured MDA-MB-231 cells in presence of various concentrations 0, 5, 10 and 20 micrometer of cyanidin. The cell motility was significantly decreased dosedependently in cells treated with cyanidin (p < 0.05) and cyanidin treatment caused the significant suppression of the invasion (p < 0.05). MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities, and MMP-9 mRNA express were not affected by anthocyanin treatment. In conclusion, cyanidin inhibits cell motility, invasion in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.

Expression of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Calcium-Induced Keratinocyte Differentiation

In a previous search for the differentially expressed genes in keratinocyte differentiation, we identified neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a calcium- induced gene. In this study, we further verified the expression of NGAL in cultured keratinocytes as well as in several skin diseases. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and ELISA clearly showed that NGAL expression was markedly increased in calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation in vitro. However, in our previous report, NGAL expression was not detected in normal skin tissue except for hair follicle by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, indicating the difference of cell status between in vitro and in vitro conditions. Interestingly, NGAL expression was highly increased in psoriasis-like inflammatory disorders (lichen planus and pityriasis rubura pilaris) and skin cancers (keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma), implying that NGAL may be related with the epidermal hyperplasia. Collectively, these results reveal the potential importance of NGAL in the maintenance of skin homeostasis.

Effect of6-Gingerol on Inhibition of Cell Proliferation in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) is one of the most frequently and heavily consumed dietary condiments throughout the world. Besides its extensive use as a spice, the rhizome of ginger has also been used in traditional oriental herbal medicine for the management of symptoms such as common cold, digestive disorders, rheumatism, neurologia, colic, and motion-sickness. The oleoresin from rhizomes of ginger contains[6]-gingerol (1-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl]-5-hydroxy-3-decanone) and its homologs as pungent ingredients that have been found to possess many interesting pharmacological and physiological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antiheatotoxic, and cardiotonic effects. However, the effect of[6]-gingerol on cell proliferation in breast cancer cell are not currently well known. Therefore, in this study, we examined effect of[6]-gingerol on protein and mRNA expression associated with cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. We cultured MDA-MB-231 cells in presence of 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 micrometer of[6]-gingerol.[6]-Gingerol inhibited breast cancer cell growth in a dose-depenent manner as determined by MTT assay. ErbB2 and ErbB3 protein and mRNA expression were decreased dose-dependently in cells treated with[6]-gingerol (p < 0.05). In addition, phosphorylated Akt levels and total Akt levels were markedly decreased in cells treated with 2.5 micrometer[6]-gingerol (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we have shown that[6]- gingerol inhibits cell proliferation through ErbB2 and ErbB3, reduction in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Radiation-induced Genes in Cervix Carcinoma Cells Using Suppression Subtractive Hybridization / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: A number of genes and their products are induced early or late following exposure of cells to ionizing radiation. These radiation-induced genes have various effects on irradiated cells and tissues. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) based on PCR was used to identify the differentially expressed genes by radiation in cervix carcinoma cells. MATERIASL AND METHODS: Total RNA and poly (A)+ mRNA were isolated from irradiated and non-irradiated HeLa cells. Forward- and reverse-subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed using SSH. Eighty-eight clones of each were used to randomly select differentially expressed genes using reverse Northern blotting (dot blot analysis). Northern blotting was used to verify the screened genes. RESULTS: Of the 176 clones, 10 genes in the forward-subtracted library and 9 genes in the reverse-subtracted library were identified as differentially expressed radiation-induced genes by PCR-select differential screening. Three clones from the forward-subtracted library were confirmed by Northern blotting, and showed increased expression in a dose-dependent manner, including a telomerase catalytic subunit and sodium channel-like protein gene, and an ESTs (expressed sequence tags) gene. CONCLUSION: We identified differentially expressed radiation-induced genes with low-abundance genes with SSH, but further characterization of theses genes are necessary to clarify the biological functions of them.

The Differentially Expressed Genes by Radiotherapy in the Patients with Uterine Cervix Cancer / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: To detect differentially expressed genes in the patients with uterine cervical cancer during the radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In patients with biopsy proven uterine cervical cancer, we took a tumor tissue just before radiation therapy and at 40 minutes after external irradiation of 1.8 Gy. Total RNAs isolated from non-irradiated and irradiated tumor tissue samples were analyzed using the differential-display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR). Complementary DNA (cDNA) fragments corresponding to differentially expressed messenger RNAs(mRNAs) were eluted, and cloned. The differential expression of the corresponding mRNAs was confirmed by reverse northern blot. Differentially expressed cDNA bands were sequenced. Nucleotide sequence data were analyzed in the Gene Bank and EMBL databases via the BLAST network server to identify homologies to known genes or cDNA fragments. Expression pattern of down-regulated clone was examined using RT-PCR in 5 patients undergoing radiotherapy. RESULTS: We identified 18 differentially expressed bands by DDRT-PCR, which were eluted and cloned. There were 10 up-regulated clones and 1 down-regulated clone in reverse northern blot. One cDNA fragment had homology to chemokine receptor CXCR4, four were identified as Human ESTs in the EMBL database in EST clones. Down-regulated CxCa-11 was also down regulated in all patients. CONCLUSION: Using the DDRT-PCR, we have identified 10 up-regulated and 1 down-regulated clone(s) in the patients with uterine cervix cancer during the radiation therapy. The clinical relevance and the functions of these genes will be further investigated.