Yonsei medical journal
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Yonsei medical journal · Jul 2010
ReviewTranscriptional regulation of T helper 17 cell differentiation.
The third lineage of T helper subsets, Th17, has recently been identified as an IL- 17-producing CD4+ Th cell, and its functions and regulatory mechanisms have been extensively characterized in immune responses. Functional studies have provided evidence that Th17 cells are important for the modulation of autoimmune responses, such as chronic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis. ⋯ In addition, Th17 cells are controlled by several transcription factors such as RORgammat, IRF4, BATF, FoxP3, T-bet, PPARgamma, E-FABP, and SOCSs. This review focuses on the functions and regulatory mechanisms of several transcription factors in the control of Th17 cell differentiation.
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Yonsei medical journal · Jul 2010
ReviewGlioma pathogenesis-related protein 1: tumor-suppressor activities and therapeutic potential.
After glioma pathogenesis-related protein 1 (GLIPR1/Glipr1) was identified, the expression of GLIPR1 was shown to be down-regulated in human prostate cancer, owing in part to methylation in the regulatory region of this gene in prostate cancer cells. Additional studies showed that GLIPR1/Glipr1 expression is induced by DNA-damaging agents independent of p53. Functional analysis of GLIPR1 using in vitro and in vivo gene-transfer approaches revealed both growth suppression and proapoptotic activities for mouse Glipr1 and human GLIPR1 in multiple cancer cell lines. ⋯ Glipr1-related antitumor immunostimulatory activities were confirmed and extended in subsequent studies. Administration of a novel Glipr1 genemodified tumor cell vaccine had significant antitumor activity in a mouse model of recurrent prostate cancer. In conclusion, restoration of GLIPR1 function in prostate cancer cells through GLIPR1 gene-based or GLIPR protein-based delivery methods may provide a safe and effective approach for targeted therapy for a range of malignancies.
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Yonsei medical journal · Jan 2010
ReviewThe role of monoclonal antibody in combination with first-line chemotherapy in Asian patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
The strategies of incorporating monoclonal antibodies (MoABs) have now proved efficacy in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These include targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Bevacizumab is a MoAB targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important mediator of new blood vessel formation. ⋯ Binding cetuximab to EGFR blocks signal transduction and promotes receptor internalization and degradation. In this review, we present current data of bevacizumab and cetuximab for the first line treatment of advanced NSCLC. We also refer to their potential for Asian patients with advanced NSCLC in the first-line setting.
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Yonsei medical journal · Dec 2009
ReviewStenting versus bypass surgery for the treatment of left main coronary artery disease.
Based on data comparing coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) with medical therapy, the current guidelines recommend CABG as the treatment of choice for patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be selectively performed in patients who are candidates for revascularization but who are ineligible for CABG. ⋯ Data from several extensive registries and a large clinical trial may have prompted many interventional cardiologists to choose PCI with stenting as an alternative treatment option for such patients. In addition, these data may inform future guidelines and support the need for well-designed, adequately powered, prospective, randomized trials comparing the two revascularization strategies.
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Yonsei medical journal · Oct 2009
ReviewChallenge and hope in radiotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most critical global health issues. With frequent association of viral liver disease, HCC is highly complex, harboring both cancer and chronic liver disease. The tumor stage and underlying liver function are both major determinants of the treatment selection as well as prognosis in HCC patients, thus allowing no more than a 20% chance for potentially curative therapies. ⋯ Also, many issues such as the optimal dose-fractionation, intra- or extrahepatic metastasis after radiotherapy, and radiation-induced hepatic dysfunction remain to be solved. In this review, current status of radiotherapy for HCC will be discussed with regard to technical consideration and combination strategy. The limitation and future perspectives will also be discussed.