Publications (70)147.93 Total impact
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Article: Multicenter comparison of PEG-IFN alpha2a or alpha2b plus ribavirin for treatment-naive HCV patient in Korean population.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Two recent Italian studies suggested that Pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2a achieves a higher sustained virological response (SVR) rate than PEG-IFN alfa-2b. We intended to compare the efficacy and safety of PEG-IFN alfa-2a with those of PEG-IFN alfa-2b in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: This retrospective, multi-center trial was conducted on 661 treatment-naive chronic HCV patients. Patients received PEG-IFN alfa-2a (180mug/week; n=402) or PEG-IFN alfa-2b (1.5mug/kg/week; n=259) with ribavirin (800--1200 mg/day) for 24 or 48 weeks according to HCV genotypes. RESULTS: Early virologic response and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates were not significantly different between two PEG-IFN groups both in patients with HCV genotype 1 (all P-values>0.05) and 2/3 (all P-values>0.05). SVR rates were not different between two groups in each categorized baseline characteristics: age (years) (<=50 and >50), HCV viral load (IU/mL) (<=7x105 and >7x105), and hepatic fibrosis (F0-2 and F3-4) (all P-values >0.05). In additional analysis for 480 patients who sufficiently complied with treatment doses and duration (80/80/80 rule) and propensity-score matched analysis, SVR rates were not different between two groups both in patients with HCV genotype 1 and 2/3 (all P-values >0.05). Adverse event rates were similar between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the Western data, efficacy and safety of PEG-IFN alfa-2a were similar to those of PEG-IFN alfa-2b in chronically HCV-infected Korean patients regardless of age, HCV viral load, and hepatic fibrosis.BMC Gastroenterology 04/2013; 13(1):74. · 2.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Promoter polymorphisms of pri-miR-34b/c are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have focused on the association between miR-34 family members, which are direct p53 targets, and carcinogenesis of many cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess whether polymorphisms in the single-nucleotide polymorphism miR-34b/c T>C (rs4938723) and TP53 Arg72Pro (rs1042522) increase the risk of HCC and influence outcome in patients with HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 157 HCC patients and 201 cancer-free control subjects from the Korean population. MicroRNA polymorphisms were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: We found that the miR-34b/c TC+CC frequency was significantly higher in HCC patients than in controls (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.580; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.029-2.426). The miR-34b/c CC-TP53 Arg/Arg combination significantly increased the risk of HCC (AOR: 13.644; 95% CI: 1.451-128.301). The SNPs miR-34b/c T>C and TP53 Arg72Pro(G>C) had no influence on survival of HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that loss of the T allele in miR-34b/c T>C, and the miR-34b/c CC-TP53 Arg/Arg combination increases the risk of HCC in the Korean population.Gene 04/2013; · 2.34 Impact Factor -
Article: Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in hemodialysis patients.
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ABSTRACT: Background/Aims: The prevalence of occult HBV infection depends on the prevalence of HBV infection in the general population. Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for HBV infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Total of 98 patients undergoing hemodialysis in CHA Bundang Medical Center (Seongnam, Korea) were included. Liver function tests and analysis of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HCV were performed. HBV DNA testing was conducted by using two specific quantitative methods. Results: HBsAg was detected in 4 of 98 patients (4.1%), and they were excluded. Among 94 patients with HBsAg negative and anti-HCV negative, one (1.1%) patient with the TaqMan PCR test and 3 (3.2%) patients with the COBAS Amplicor HBV test were positive for HBV DNA. One patient was positive in both methods. Two patients were positive for both anti-HBs and anti-HBc and one patient was negative for both anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Conclusions: The present study showed the prevalence of occult HBV infection in HBsAg negative and anti-HCV negative patients on hemodialysis at our center was 3.2%. Because there is possibility of HBV transmission in HBsAg negative patients on hemodialysis, more attention should be given to prevent HBV transmission. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2013;61:209-214).The Korean journal of gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe chi 04/2013; 61(4):209-14. -
Article: Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Hepatic Regeneration in Ccl4 -Injured Rat Liver Model Via Increased Autophagic Mechanism.
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ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for cell therapy in regenerative medicine, including liver disease. Even though ongoing research is dedicated to the goal of bringing MSCs to clinical applications, further understanding of the complex underlying mechanisms is required. Autophagy, a type II programmed cell death, controls cellular recycling through the lysosomal system in damaged cells or tissues. However, it is still unknown whether MSCs can trigger autophagy to enhance regeneration and/or to provide a therapeutic effect as cellular survival promoters. We therefore investigated autophagy's activation in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-injured rat liver following transplantation with chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CP-MSCs) isolated from placenta. The expression markers for apoptosis, autophagy, and cell survival and liver regeneration were analyzed. Whereas caspase 3/7 activities were reduced (p < .05), the expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and factors for autophagy, survival and regeneration were significantly increased by CP-MSCs transplantation. Decreased necrotic cells (p < .05) and increased autophagic signals (p < .005) were observed in CCl4 -treated primary rat hepatocytes during in vitro co-culture with CP-MSCs. Furthermore, the upregulation of HIF-1α promotes the regeneration of damaged hepatic cells through an autophagic mechanism marked by increased levels of LC3 II. These results suggest that the administration of CP-MSCs promotes repair by systemically concomitant mechanisms involving HIF-1α and autophagy. These findings provide further understanding of the mechanisms involved in these processes and will help develop new cell-based therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine in liver disease.Stem Cells 04/2013; · 7.78 Impact Factor -
Article: Treatment of lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B infection: a multicenter retrospective study.
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ABSTRACT: Abstract Objectives. To compare the efficacy of rescue therapies in lamivudine (LAM)-resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections including: (1) adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) monotherapy, (2) ADV plus LAM combination therapy and (3) entecavir (ETV) 1.0 mg monotherapy. Materials and methods. The authors designed a multicenter-retrospective study. Eight institutions participated in the study from Korea. Results. A total of 343 LAM-resistant CHB patients were enrolled. The proportion of patients with undetectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels at month 24 after the initiation of rescue therapy was higher in the ADV plus LAM combination therapy group (39/64, 60.9%) than in the ADV monotherapy (50/126, 39.7%) and ETV 1.0 mg monotherapy (19/48, 39.6%) groups (p = 0.014). Mean serum HBV DNA levels at 24 months were 2.07 ± 1.21 log(10) IU/ml in the ADV plus LAM combination therapy group, 2.74 ± 1.74 log(10) IU/ml in the ADV monotherapy group and 3.08 ± 1.97 log(10) IU/ml in the ETV 1.0 mg monotherapy group (p = 0.014). In multivariate analysis, a finding of undetectable serum HBV DNA level at 6 months and ADV plus LAM combination therapy (vs. ADV) was an independent factor for predicting undetectable serum HBV DNA at month 24 (odds ratio, 1.003; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.006; p = 0.026). Conclusions. ADV plus LAM combination therapy is more effective in reducing viral load than switching to ADV or ETV 1.0 mg in patients with LAM-resistant CHB.Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology 11/2012; · 2.08 Impact Factor -
Article: Association of VEGF and KDR single nucleotide polymorphisms with colorectal cancer susceptibility in Koreans.
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ABSTRACT: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) play crucial roles in angiogenesis, which contributes to the development and progression of solid tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of VEGF (-2578C > A, -1154G > A, -634G > C, and 936C > T) and KDR (-604T > C and 1192G > A) polymorphisms with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 882 participants (390 CRC patients and 492 controls) were enrolled in the study. The genotyping of VEGF and KDR polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. We found that the CT and TT genotype of the 936C > T was associated with an increased risk of CRC compared with the CC genotype as the dominant model for the T allele. In addition, we also found a increased CRC risk with TC + CC genotype of KDR -604T > C compared with TT genotype in CRC patients and control subjects. Similarly, KDR 1192G > A also showed significant association between 1192G > A variants and risk of CRC. In the haplotype analyses, haplotype -2578A/-1154A/-634G/936T of VEGF polymorphisms and haplotype -604C/1192G and -604C/1192A of KDR polymorphisms were associated with an increased susceptibility of CRC. Our results suggest that the VEGF 936C > T, KDR -604T > C, and KDR 1192G > A polymorphisms may be contribute to CRC risk in the Korean population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Molecular Carcinogenesis 11/2012; · 3.16 Impact Factor -
Article: A practical scoring system for predicting cirrhosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.
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ABSTRACT: Background/Aims: The purpose of the current study was to develop a simple model for predicting cirrhosis in chronic viral hepatitis patients and to evaluate the usefulness of decision tree algorithms. Methodology: Serum markers of fibrosis were compared with the stage of fibrosis in liver biopsy specimens prospectively obtained from 526 subjects with chronic HBV and HCV infections (estimation set, 367; validation set, 159). Results: Univariate analysis revealed that age, bilirubin, platelet count, APRI, ALP, hyaluronic acid (HA), α2-macroglobulin, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) were significantly different between patients with (F4) and without cirrhosis (F0123). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified platelet count, HA and PIIINP as independent predictors of cirrhosis. We categorized the individual variable into the most appropriate cut-off value by calculating the likelihood ratio for predicting cirrhosis and constructed a score system expressed by the following simple formula: PHP index = platelet score + HA score + PIIINP score. For predicting cirrhosis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.824 and 0.759 in the estimation and validation set, respectively. Using a cut-off score of 4, the presence of cirrhosis was predicted with high accuracy. The diagnostic performance of the PHP index was similar to decision tree algorithms (AUROC=0.819) for predicting liver cirrhosis, but more useful in clinical situations. Conclusions: Compared to a decision tree model, a simple score system using a categorized value based on a combination of platelet count, HA and PIIINP identified patients with liver cirrhosis with a higher clinical usability.Hepato-gastroenterology 11/2012; 59(120):2592-7. · 0.66 Impact Factor -
Article: Rifaximin Plus Levofloxacin-Based Rescue Regimen for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
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ABSTRACT: This study assessed the efficacy of a rifaximin plus levofloxacin-based rescue regimen in patients that had failed both triple and quadruple standard regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. We treated patients for H. pylori between August 2009 and April 2011. The triple regimen consisted of combined treatment with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and pantoprazole for 1 week. For failed cases, a quadruple regimen of tetracycline, metronidazole, bismuth dicitrate, and lansoprazole for 1 week was administered. The rescue regimen for persistently refractory cases was rifaximin 200 mg t.i.d., levofloxacin 500 mg q.d., and lansoprazole 15 mg b.i.d. for 1 week. In total, 482 patients were enrolled in this study. The eradication rates associated with the first and second regimens were 58% and 60%, respectively. Forty-seven out of 58 patients who failed with the second-line regimen received rifaximin plus levofloxacin-based third-line therapy. The eradication rate for the third regimen was 65%. The cumulative eradication rates were 58%, 85%, and 96% for each regimen, respectively. A rifaximin plus levofloxacin-based regimen could be an alternative rescue therapy in patients with resistance to both triple and quadruple regimens for the eradication of H. pylori.Gut and liver 10/2012; 6(4):452-6. · 0.83 Impact Factor -
Article: Comparison of in vitro hepatogenic differentiation potential between various placenta-derived stem cells and other adult stem cells as an alternative source of functional hepatocytes.
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ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are powerful sources for cell therapy in regenerative medicine. The capability to obtain effective stem cell-derived hepatocytes would improve cell therapy for liver diseases. Recently, various placenta-derived stem cells (PDSCs) depending on the localization of placenta have been suggested as alternative sources of stem cells are similar to bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSCs) and adipose-derived MSC (AD-MSCs). However, comparative studies for the potentials of the hepatogenic differentiation among various MSCs largely lacking. Therefore, we investigated to compare the potentials for hepatogenic differentiation of PDSCs with BM-MSCs, AD-MSCs, and UCB-MSCs. Several MSCs were isolated from human term placenta, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood and characterized isolated MSCs and BM-MSCs was performed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and special stains after mesodermal differentiation. The hepatogenic potential of PDSCs was compared with AD-MSCs, UCB-MSCs, and BM-MSCs using RT-PCR, PAS stain, ICG up-take assays, albumin expression, urea production, and cytokine assays. MSCs isolated from different tissues all presented similar characteristics of MSCs. However, the proliferative potential of PDSCs and the expression of hepatogenic markers in differentiated PDSCs were higher than other MSCs. Interestingly, the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) increased in PDSCs after hepatogenic differentiation. Interestingly, stem cell factor (SCF) expression in chorionic plate-derived MSCs, one of the PDSCs, was significantly higher than in the other PDSCs. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that MSCs isolated from various adult tissues can be induced to undergo hepatogenic differentiation in vitro, and that PDSCs may have the greatest potential for hepatogenic differentiation and proliferation. Therefore, PDSCs could be used as a stem cell source for cell therapy in liver diseases.Differentiation 08/2012; 84(3):223-31. · 2.81 Impact Factor -
Article: Serum markers for predicting significant necroinflammatory activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the serum markers that predict significant inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). DESIGN AND METHODS: Between October 2005 and June 2009, 384 subjects with CHB were enrolled. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the ALT, hyaluronic acid (HA) and procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) as independent predictors of significant inflammation (grade≥3). We constructed a formula for predicting significant inflammation. A significant inflammation (SI) score=1.773×ALT score+1.599×PIIINP score+0.677×HA score-1.962. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the SI score was 0.831. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the SI score were 79.5%, 70.8%, 76.8% and 74.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A simple scoring system including ALT, PIIINP and HA is an accurate non-invasive predictor of significant inflammatory activities in patients with CHB.Clinical biochemistry 08/2012; · 2.02 Impact Factor -
Article: A prospective nationwide study of drug-induced liver injury in Korea.
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ABSTRACT: To address a growing concern about drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a nationwide study was performed to investigate the significance of DILI in Korea. From May 2005 to May 2007, cases of DILI (alanine transferase >3 × upper normal limit or total bilirubin >2 × upper normal limit) from 17 referral university hospitals were prospectively enrolled. Adjudication by the seven review boards was considered for the confirmation of causality and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) scale was used. A total of 371 cases were diagnosed with DILI. The extrapolated incidence of hospitalization at university hospital in Korea was 12/100,000 persons/year. The causes included "herbal medications" (102, 27.5%), "prescription or non-prescription medications" (101, 27.3%), "health foods or dietary supplements" (51, 13.7%), "medicinal herbs or plants" (35, 9.4%), "folk remedies" (32, 8.6%), "combined" (30, 8.2%), "herbal preparations" (12, 3.2%), and others (8, 2.2%). Nine cases were linked to acetaminophen. The frequencies of hepatocellular, mixed, and cholestatic types were 76.3, 14.8, and 8.9%, respectively. A total of 234 cases met the criteria for Hy's law. Five patients died or underwent transplantation. Twenty-five cases (21 herbs and 4 medications) did not meet the time-to-onset criteria of the RUCAM. DILI appears to be a highly relevant health problem in Korea. "Herbal medications" are the principal cause of DILI. A more objective and reproducible causality assessment tool is strongly desired as the RUCAM scale frequently undercounts the cases caused by herbs owing to a lack of previous information and incompatible time criteria.The American Journal of Gastroenterology 06/2012; 107(9):1380-7. · 7.28 Impact Factor -
Article: Association study of microRNA polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma in Korean population.
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ABSTRACT: Recent studies have suggested that common genetic polymorphisms alter the processing of microRNA (miRNA) and may be associated with the development and progression of cancer. The association of miRNA polymorphisms with HCC survival was analyzed in 159 HCC patients and 201 controls by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The risk of HCC was significantly lower for the miR-499A>G, AG+GG in HCC patients (AOR=0.603, 95% CI=0.370-0.984) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients (AOR=0.561, 95% CI 0.331-0.950). In addition, the risk of HCC was significantly lower for the miR-149C>T, CT and CT+CC in HCC patients (CT; AOR=0.542, 95% CI=0.332-0.886, CT+CC; AOR=0.536, 95% CI=0.335-0.858) and HBV-related HCC patients (CT: AOR=0.510, 95% CI 0.305-0.854, CT+CC: AOR=0.496, 95% CI 0.302-0.813). The miR-149C>T polymorphism was also associated with survival rate of HCC patients in OKUDA II stage. miR-149C>T and miR-499A>G were associated with HBV-related HCC. Further studies on larger populations will need to be conducted to confirm these results.Gene 05/2012; 504(1):92-7. · 2.34 Impact Factor -
Article: Association of theXRCC1 gene polymorphisms in patients with stomach cancer
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ABSTRACT: Genetic instability resulting from mutations in repair genes or denaturation in DNA synthesis has been reported to play an important role in the development of cancer. Through studies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), X-ray repair cross-complementing groups 1 (XRCC1), which is an enzyme involved in the process of base repair, has been reported to be linked to the development of cancer. Recently, their roles in other causes of morbidity have also attracted considerable interest. Thus the present case-control study was conducted to determine the possibility of an association betweenXRCC1 polymorphisms and stomach cancer among Korean subjects. The study subjects were composed of 187 patients with stomach cancer, and 206 control subjects with no evidence of any malignancy or premalignant lesions. All the subjects were analyzed for polymorphisms of theXRCC1 gene by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.XRCC1 Arg l94Trp(C>T), Arg280His(G>A) and Arg399Gln(G>A) polymorphism. showed no significant link to the development of stomach cancer. Heterozygous mutations ofXRCC1 Argl94Trp (C>T) and Arg280His(G>A) polyroorphisms, bowever, shewed the tendency to be linked to an increased development of intestinal cancer. The haplotypes ofXRCC1 Arg l94Trp(C>T), Arg280His(G>A) and Arg399Gln(G>A) poIymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of development of stomach cancer among individuals with intestinal and diffuse types. We thus conclude that the haplotypes ofXRCC1 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of development of stomach cancer. Key wordstomach cancer-X-ray repair cross-complementing groups 1- XRCC1 -base excision re pair-BER-polymorphismGenes & genomics 04/2012; 31(6):435-441. · 0.44 Impact Factor -
Article: Comparison of immunomodulatory effects of placenta mesenchymal stem cells with bone marrow and adipose mesenchymal stem cells.
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ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are powerful sources for cell therapy in regenerative medicine because they can be isolated from various tissues, expanded, and induced into multiple-lineages. Of note, their immunomodulatory effects maximize the therapeutic effects of stem cells engrafted on host, making them an especially attractive choice. Recently, several varieties of placenta-derived stem cells (PDSCs) including chorionic plate-derived MSCs (CP-MSCs) have been suggested as alternative sources of stem cells. However, comparative studies of immunomodulatory effects for CP-MSCs among various MSCs are largely lacking. We examined and compared immunomodulatory function of CP-MSCs with that of BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs using co-culture system with activated T-cells derived from human umbilical cord blood (UCB) exposed to anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 which are T-cell activating monoclonal antibodies. All MSCs expressed markers of stem cells and three germ layers by RT-PCR. These cells also exhibited comparable immunomodulatory effects when they were co-cultured with activated T-cells in dose-dependent manner. However, expression of HLA-ABC and HLA-G was highly positive in CP-MSCs compared to other MSCs, and higher levels of cytokines of IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, and GM-CSF were detected in dose-dependent manner in CP-MSCs. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that while CP-MSCs, BM-MSCs, and AD-MSCs all have immunomodulatory effects, CP-MSCs may have additional advantage over the other MSCs in terms of immunomodulation. In conjunction with other previous studies, CP-MSCs are suggested to be a useful stem cell source in cell therapy.International immunopharmacology 04/2012; 13(2):219-24. · 2.21 Impact Factor -
Article: Demonstration of safety and enhanced seroprotection against hepatitis B with investigational HBsAg-1018 ISS vaccine compared to a licensed hepatitis B vaccine.
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ABSTRACT: Adults 40 years of age and older have been shown to be hypo-responsive immunologically to the currently available hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines. Three intramuscular doses of a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, 1018 immunostimulatory sequence (1018 ISS) adjuvant, combined with recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) demonstrated faster, superior, and more durable seroprotection than three doses of a licensed comparator HBV vaccine (Engerix-B(®)). This investigational vaccine, HBsAg-1018 ISS, was well tolerated with a safety profile similar to the comparator vaccine. These results suggest that HBsAg-1018 may be more effective in this hypo-responsive population.Vaccine 02/2012; 30(16):2689-96. · 3.77 Impact Factor -
Article: Efficacy and tolerability of peginterferon alpha plus ribavirin in the routine daily treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients in Korea: a multi-center, retrospective observational study.
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ABSTRACT: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of peginterferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients under real life setting in Korea. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 758 CHC patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin between 2000 and 2008 from 14 university hospitals in the Gyeonggi-Incheon area in Korea. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 was detected in 61.2% of patients, while genotype 2 was detected in 35.5%. Baseline HCV RNA level was ≥6×10(5) IU/mL in 51.6% of patients. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 59.6% regardless of genotype; 53.6% in genotype 1 and 71.4% in genotype 2/3. On multivariate analysis, male gender (p=0.011), early virological response (p<0.001), genotype 2/3 (p<0.001), HCV RNA <6×10(5) IU/mL (p=0.005) and adherence to the drug >80% of the planned dose (p<0.001) were associated with SVR. The rate of premature discontinuation was 35.7%. The main reason for withdrawal was intolerance to the drug due to common adverse events or cytopenia (48.2%). Our data suggest that the efficacy of peginterferon and ribavirin therapy in Koreans is better in Koreans than in Caucasians for the treatment of CHC, corroborating previous studies that have shown the superior therapeutic efficacy of this regimen in Asians.Gut and liver 01/2012; 6(1):98-106. · 0.83 Impact Factor -
Article: Hepatitis A virus genotype and its correlation with the clinical outcome of acute hepatitis A in Korea: 2006-2008.
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ABSTRACT: Korea has recently experienced a nationwide outbreak of hepatitis A. This study aimed to investigate hepatitis A virus (HAV) genotypes and to compare clinical features between patients infected with HAV genotype IA and those with genotype IIIA. From September 2006 to August 2008, 595 patients with symptomatic hepatitis A were enrolled prospectively in four hospitals in Korea. Among them, 556 patients participated in this study by providing serum or stool samples for genotypic analysis. HAV RNA was detected in 499 patients (89.7%). Major genotypes included IA (n = 244, 48.9%) and IIIA (n = 244, 48.9%), and the remaining genotype was IB (n = 11, 2.2%). From September 2006 to August 2007, the distribution of genotypes IA and IIIA were 64.6% and 35.6%, respectively, which changed to 42.3% and 54.6%, respectively, from September 2007 to August 2008, indicating change of circulating HAV genotypes in the study period from IA to IIIA. Major patterns of amino acid substitution in the VP3/VP1 junction region were observed at position 512 (P → L) in genotype IA and at 520 (R → K) in genotype IIIA. Patients with genotype IIIA infection showed significantly higher aminotransferase levels, prothrombin time, and leukocyte count, with more severe symptoms than those with genotype IA at the time of admission. These results suggest the occurrence of a change of circulating HAV genotypes in recent community-wide outbreaks of hepatitis A in Korea, and genotype IIIA infection, compared with genotype IA infection, might show more severe clinical manifestations.Journal of Medical Virology 12/2011; 83(12):2073-81. · 2.82 Impact Factor -
Article: Diagnostic value of multiple biomarker panel for prediction of significant fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C.
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ABSTRACT: Whether new biomarkers contribute significantly to the existing, simple noninvasive test (comprising of routine laboratory parameters such as the AST to platelet ratio index (APRI)) for predicting liver fibrosis remains unknown. We measured 7 biomarkers in 91 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC): haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A1, α2-macroglobulin, hyaluronic acid, type III procollagenic peptide, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. The "multibiomarker" score (based on regression coefficients of significant biomarkers) is an independent predictive factor for significant fibrosis [APRI-adjusted odds ratio, 2.41 (95% CI, 1.28 to 4.55)]. However, the incorporation of the multibiomarker score into the APRI resulted in only a small diagnostic improvement [0.83 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.92) vs. 0.79 (0.69 to 0.89); p=0.19]. For assessing significant fibrosis in individual CHC patients, the 7 contemporary biomarkers that we studied add only modestly to the readily available, simple noninvasive index.Clinical biochemistry 12/2011; 44(17-18):1396-9. · 2.02 Impact Factor -
Article: Hepatitis A Virus genotype and its correlation with the clinical outcome of acute hepatitis A in Korea: 2006–2008
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ABSTRACT: Korea has recently experienced a nationwide outbreak of hepatitis A. This study aimed to investigate hepatitis A virus (HAV) genotypes and to compare clinical features between patients infected with HAV genotype IA and those with genotype IIIA. From September 2006 to August 2008, 595 patients with symptomatic hepatitis A were enrolled prospectively in four hospitals in Korea. Among them, 556 patients participated in this study by providing serum or stool samples for genotypic analysis. HAV RNA was detected in 499 patients (89.7%). Major genotypes included IA (n = 244, 48.9%) and IIIA (n = 244, 48.9%), and the remaining genotype was IB (n = 11, 2.2%). From September 2006 to August 2007, the distribution of genotypes IA and IIIA were 64.6% and 35.6%, respectively, which changed to 42.3% and 54.6%, respectively, from September 2007 to August 2008, indicating change of circulating HAV genotypes in the study period from IA to IIIA. Major patterns of amino acid substitution in the VP3/VP1 junction region were observed at position 512 (P → L) in genotype IA and at 520 (R → K) in genotype IIIA. Patients with genotype IIIA infection showed significantly higher aminotransferase levels, prothrombin time, and leukocyte count, with more severe symptoms than those with genotype IA at the time of admission. These results suggest the occurrence of a change of circulating HAV genotypes in recent community-wide outbreaks of hepatitis A in Korea, and genotype IIIA infection, compared with genotype IA infection, might show more severe clinical manifestations. J. Med. Virol. 83:2073–2081, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Journal of Medical Virology 10/2011; 83(12):2073 - 2081. · 2.82 Impact Factor -
Article: Acute hepatitis C in Korea: different modes of infection, high rate of spontaneous recovery, and low rate of seroconversion.
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ABSTRACT: The epidemiology and clinical outcomes of acute hepatitis C are different geographically. This study aimed to investigate the mode of infection, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of acute hepatitis C in Korea. Forty-seven patients with acute hepatitis C were enrolled consecutively in a study conducted in seven medical centers. The patients with the mean age of 45.8 years had mostly mild symptoms. A healthcare-related procedure was the most common exposure history (42.5%): acupuncture (17%), surgery (10.6%), needle-stick injury (8.5%), and other medical procedures (6.4%). There was no case of intravenous drug use. Twenty-one patients (44.7%) recovered spontaneously. Among the 16 patients who received antiviral therapy (34%), all of the 12 evaluable patients had a sustained virologic response, while 10 patients (21.3%) who did not receive antiviral therapy progressed to chronic infection. The overall seroconversion rate of anti-HCV antibody was 61.7%. The patients who recovered spontaneously had significantly lower rate of seroconversion compared with the patients who did not clear spontaneously the infection. In conclusion, acute hepatitis C in Korea was related to various healthcare procedures, including acupuncture, characterized by high rates of spontaneous recovery and low rates of seroconversion, which may be associated with different modes of infection and ethnic differences. The characteristics of acute hepatitis C in Asian countries warrants further study.Journal of Medical Virology 07/2011; 83(7):1195-202. · 2.82 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2005–2013
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CHA University
- • Department of Biomedical Science
- • College of Medicine
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
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2011
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Neural Stem Cell Institute
Rensselaer, NY, USA
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2010–2011
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Inje University Paik Hospital
Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea -
Kangwon National University
- Department of Veterinary Medicine
Syunsen, Gangwon, South Korea
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2007–2010
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Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea -
Kyung Hee University
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
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