Retinoic acid enhances lactoferrin-induced IgA responses by increasing betaglycan expression

Lee, Jeong-Min,Jang, Young-Saeng,Jin, Bo-Ra,Kim, Sun-Jin,Kim, Hyeon-Jin,Kwon, Bo-Eun,Ko, Hyun-Jeong,Yoon, Sung-il,Lee, Geun-Shik,Kim, Woan-Sub,Seo, Goo-Young,Kim, Pyeung-Hyeun CHINESE SOCIETY OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY Vol.13 No.6

<P>Lactoferrin (LF) and retinoic acid (RA) are enriched in colostrum, milk, and mucosal tissues. We recently showed that LF-induced IgA class switching through binding to betaglycan (transforming growth factor-beta receptor III, T beta RIII) and activation of canonical TGF-beta signaling. We investigated the combined effect of LF and RA on the overall IgA response. An increase in IgA production by LF was further augmented by RA. This combination effect was also evident in Ig germ-line alpha (GL alpha) transcription and GLa promoter activity, indicating that LF in cooperation with RA increased IgA isotype switching. We subsequently found that RA enhanced T beta RIII expression and that this increase contributed to LF-stimulated IgA production. In addition to the IgA response, LF and RA in combination also enhanced the expression of the gut-homing molecules C-C chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) and alpha 4 beta 7 on B cells. Finally, peroral administration of LF and RA enhanced the frequency of CCR9(+)IgA(+) plasma cells in the lamina propria. Taken together, these results suggest that LF in cooperation with RA can contribute to the establishment of gut IgA responses.</P>

Identification and characterization of arginase II as a chondrocyte phenotype-specific gene

Ko, Ah-Ra*,Huh, Yun-Hyun*,Lee, Hyun-Chae,Song, Woo-Keun,Lee, Young-Sup,Chun, Jang-Soo Taylor Francis 2006 IUBMB life Vol.58 No.10

<P>We have previously shown that activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1 and -2 (ERK1/2) causes chondrocyte dedifferentiation, which contributes to the destruction of arthritic cartilage. In the present study, we identified genes involved in the ERK1/2 regulation of chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Several genes were identified by subtractive hybridization, and, of these, arginase II was selected for further functional characterization. Similar to the pattern of type II collagen expression, which is a hallmark of chondrocyte differentiation, arginase II expression was increased during chondrogenesis of mesenchymal cells. The high expression level of arginase II was decreased during dedifferentiation of chondrocytes, whereas its expression was restored during redifferentiation of the dedifferentiated chondrocytes. Inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling in chondrocytes enhanced type II collagen expression with a concomitant increase in expression and activity of arginase II. However, ectopic expression of arginase II or inhibition of its activity did not affect chondrocyte differentiation. The results collectively indicate that expression of arginase II is specific to the chondrocyte phenotype, although the expression of arginase II alone is not sufficient for articular chondrocytes to maintain a differentiated phenotype.</P><P>iubmb<I>Life</I>, 58: 597–605, 2006</P>

Template-free synthesis and characterization of mesoporous tungsten nitride nanoplates

Ko, A-Ra,Han, Sang-Beom,Lee, Young-Woo,Park, Kyung-Won Royal Society of Chemistry 2011 Physical chemistry chemical physics Vol.13 No.28

<P>We report well-defined mesoporous β-W<SUB>2</SUB>N nanoplates prepared by using layered WO<SUB>3</SUB>·H<SUB>2</SUB>O without templates. The tungsten nitride nanoplates exhibit typical mesoporous structures with size-controlled monomodal pore distributions.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>The mesoporous tungsten nitrides with tunable pore sizes are prepared by template-free synthesis using layered tungsten oxides as a function of reaction time. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c1cp20711c'> </P>

Development of New Strategies for Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Ko, Ah-Ra Association for Research of MPS and Rare Diseases 2016 Journal of mucopolysaccharidosis and rare disease Vol.2 No.1

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a well-established means of treating lysosomal storage disease (LSD). However, classical IV infusion based ERT method produces less than ideal results, especially, CNS defects and quality of life in patients. To improve these main problems of parental IV formulation for LSDs, we investigate modified ERT method and evaluated the efficacy in animal model.

Gene Expression Related to Cognitive Function in Growth Hormone-treated Mice with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Ko, Ah-Ra Association for Research of MPS and Rare Diseases 2016 Journal of mucopolysaccharidosis and rare disease Vol.2 No.2

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder often caused by a deletion of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region inherited from the father or by maternal disomy 15. Growth hormone deficiency with short stature, hypogonadism, cognitive and behavioral problems, analgesia, decreased gastric motility and decreased ability to vomit with hyperphagia are common in PWS leading to severe obesity in early childhood, if not controlled. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of recombinant human GH (rhGH, henceforth designated GH) on the gene expression related to cognitive function in the brain of PWS mouse model (Snord116del). GH restored the mRNA expression level of several genes in the cerebellum. These data suggest the effect of GH on the expression of cognitive function related genes in cerebellum may provide a mechanism for the GH-induced brain function in PWS patients.

The Feasibility of Assessing the Diets of Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the East Sea through Fatty Acid Composition in Blubber and Stable Isotopic Ratio of Skin

Ko, Ah-Ra,Ju, Se-Jong,Choi, Seok-Gwan,Shin, Kyung-Hoon Korean Ocean Research & Development Institute and 2016 OCEAN SCIENCE JOURNAL Vol.51 No.3

To track the diet of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the East Sea (Japan Sea), a conjoint analysis of fatty acids and C and N stable isotopes was performed on blubber and skin from the whale and its potential prey. The total lipid content in the blubber of minke whales ranged from 37.9% to 82.7% of wet mass (mean <TEX>${\pm}SD$</TEX>, <TEX>$63.1{\pm}17.2%$</TEX>), with triacylglycerols being the dominant lipids (96.9%-99.2% of total lipids). The lipid and fatty acid (FA) contents were systematically stratified throughout the depth of the blubber layers; contents of the dominant monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), including <TEX>$18:1{\omega}9$</TEX> and <TEX>$16:1{\omega}7$</TEX>, increased from the innermost layer to the outermost layer, whereas contents of saturated FAs (SFAs) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) were higher in the innermost layer than in the outermost layer. This stratification is related to the different physiological roles of the blubber layers; e.g., thermoregulation, streaming, and buoyancy. A comparison of the FA compositions of the innermost layer of minke whales with those of potential prey indicates that FA compositions in the whales are similar to those of Pacific herring. In addition, stable isotope ratios(<TEX>${\delta}^{13}C$</TEX> and <TEX>${\delta}^{15}N$</TEX>) suggest that minke whale and Pacific herring have the same or similar diets. Therefore, the diets of minke whale from the East Sea (Japan Sea) could be inferred from information on the diet of the Pacific herring, although FA compositions and stable isotope ratios for Pacific herring would not exactly reflect the whale's diet. Although the very limited number of samples was used in this study, our preliminary findings are very promising to help understand the feeding ecology of minke whales in the East Sea (Japan Sea).

A Case of Arteriovenous Malformation of Uterus and Adnexa in a Postmenopausal Woman

( Ra Ko ),( Ji Hyun Kim ),( Soo Kee Min ),( Young Han Park ) 대한산부인과학회 2011 대한산부인과학회 학술대회 Vol.97 No.-

Synergy effect of nanostructure electrodes supported by tungsten carbide and oxide for methanol electrooxidation

Ko, A-Ra,Kim, Jy-Yeon,Oh, Jae-Kyung,Kim, Hyun-Su,Lee, Young-Woo,Han, Sang-Beom,Park, Kyung-Won Royal Society of Chemistry 2010 Physical chemistry chemical physics Vol.12 No.46

<P>We report nanostructure electrodes for methanol electrooxidation by means of the co-sputtering deposition method. The Pt-WC-WO<SUB>3</SUB> three-phase electrode has higher <I>I</I><SUB>f</SUB>/<I>I</I><SUB>b</SUB> and oxidation current density <I>i.e.</I> improved electrocatalytic activity in comparison with those of pure Pt and two-phase electrodes because of both catalysis of tungsten carbide and size-control by tungsten oxide.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>The Pt-WC-WO<SUB>3</SUB> electrode, having a synergy effect with tungsten carbide and oxide, shows an improved electrocatalytic activity in methanol electrooxidation. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c0cp00394h'> </P>

Pelvic organ prolapse is correlated with osteoporosis: HIRA NPS Data analysis

( Yu Ra Ko ),( Hyun Jin Kim ),( Do Young Kim ),( Sa Ra Lee ),( Sung Hoon Kim ),( Hee Dong Chae ),( Byung Moon Kang ) 대한산부인과학회 2019 대한산부인과학회 학술대회 Vol.105 No.-

Objective: Deficiencies in pelvic collagen are believed to exist in pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Conversely, a predisposition to POP is identified in women with generalized connective tissue disorders. However few data were reported on the relationship between the POP and osteoporosis (OP). Therefore To examine the association between OP and POP in Korean women. Methods: We used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Samples (HIRA-NPS) between 2015 and 2017. The HIRA-NPS, including approximately 1.4 million individuals, is a stratified random sample of 3% of the entire Korean population using 16 age groups and 2 sex groups. Total 4,368,141 individuals were included in HIRA-NPS between 2015 and 2017 and a total of 842,228 individuals aged 50 years and above were included in the final analysis. POP patients were defined by KOICD (KCD-7, N81 or N99.3) and patients who proceeded pelvic reconstructive operation. The OP patients were defined by KOICD (KCD-7, R4113, R3620, R0402) & Patients who prescribed medication(BP, SERM, PTH, Denosumab). 1:10 Age-stratified Matching and Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis and P<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 7,359 women were included in this analysis. The advanced pelvic organ prolapse is correlated with osteoporosis in Korean women aged 50 years and above in 2015-2017(P<.0001). After adjusting the age, advanced pelvic organ prolapse is correlated with osteoporosis in 2015, 2016, 2017 dataset (P = 0.013, 0.0009, 0.0119, respectively). Conclusion: The advanced pelvic organ prolapse is correlated with osteoporosis in Korean women aged 50 years and above. Evaluation of the osteoporosis and education about the bone health can be especially important even in relatively young, aged 50-59 years, POP patients.

Benign Adenomyoepithelioma of the Breast: Imaging Characteristics

So Ra Shin,Eun Young Ko,Boo-Kyung Han,Eun Sook Ko,Ji Soo Choi,Haejung Kim 대한영상의학회 2023 대한영상의학회지 Vol.84 No.2

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the radiological and clinical characteristics of benign adenomyoepitheliomas of the breast. Materials and Methods Over the last 20 years, 120 patients were histologically diagnosed with breast adenomyoepithelioma (AME) at our institution. We excluded 43 patients who were incidentally diagnosed during mastectomy for breast cancer, 28 who underwent percutaneous biopsy without further excision, and 8 who had biopsy-confirmed benign AME and were found to have another pathology after complete excision. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and radiological findings of the remaining 41 patients with histologically diagnosed benign breast AMEs after complete excision. Results All 41 patients underwent US; 38 underwent mammography (MG) and US; and 18 underwent MG, US, and MRI. MG detected 38 cases with a round or oval shape (56%), and mass (89%), were non-circumscribed (62%), hyperdense (53%), and without microcalcifications (95%). Breast US revealed suspicious masses (98%) with a non-circumscribed margin (66%), hypoechogenicity (43%), and intratumoral vascularity (63%). All lesions on breast MRI showed suspicious masses (100%) with ill-defined margins (61%), and 84% showed wash-out kinetics. Benign AMEs showed suspicious features of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4 or 5 in 83%–95% of the MG, US, and MRI. Sixteen of the 41 cases were misdiagnosed on the initial core needle biopsy and two were diagnosed as malignancy. Conclusion Benign breast AME often shows suspicious radiological features mimicking a malignant mass on MG, US, and MRI. Differentiating benign AME from other pathologies might be difficult on core needle biopsy, and complete excision is needed for a correct diagnosis.