Publications by authors named "So Min Lee"
Skin identity is controlled by intrinsic features of the epidermis and dermis and their interactions. Modifying skin identity has clinical potential, such as the conversion of residual limb and stump (nonvolar) skin of amputees to pressure-responsive palmoplantar (volar) skin to enhance prosthesis use and minimize skin breakdown. Greater keratin 9 () expression, higher epidermal thickness, keratinocyte cytoplasmic size, collagen length, and elastin are markers of volar skin and likely contribute to volar skin resiliency.
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- * The study found that Nrf2, a protein that responds to ROS, is linked to suppressed anti-tumor responses in CTLs; Nrf2 knockout mice showed better tumor control when T cells were depleted.
- * Nrf2-deficient CTLs displayed enhanced survival and function in the TME, suggesting that targeting Nrf2 could improve T-cell immunotherapy effectiveness against solid tumors.
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- This study explores how androgen deprivation therapies (ADT) induce a temporary state of senescence in prostate cancer (PCa) cells, which can eventually lead to castration resistance and tumor regrowth even without androgens.
- The use of ABT-263 (navitoclax), a senolytic agent, resulted in increased apoptosis of these senescent PCa cells, thereby prolonging the suppression of tumor growth and improving survival in a mouse model of PCa.
- Although the combination treatment showed a temporary effect on tumor growth, the findings indicate that this dual approach may help delay or reduce the emergence of castration-resistant PCa, suggesting potential for future therapies. *
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- - Atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms worsen with obesity, but the exact reasons were unclear until this study investigated how obesity influences AD in mouse models.
- - Mice on a high-fat diet with AD showed more severe symptoms compared to control groups, with significant changes detected in the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA), a fatty acid tied to inflammation.
- - The study found an imbalance in the skin's phospholipid metabolism in the high-fat AD mice, indicating increased activation of inflammatory pathways, which could explain the connection between obesity and intensified AD symptoms.
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- A study was conducted on 94 patients to assess factors related to bleeding complications and discomfort from ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.
- Out of the patients, only 7 (7%) experienced bleeding complications, which were easily managed with manual compression and did not require further treatment.
- Key findings indicated that factors like lesion location and needle type significantly affected the occurrence of complications, but overall patient satisfaction remained high across both groups.
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- * The study reviewed 338 cases to identify new TMC1 variants and used structural modeling to understand their effects on the protein's function and interaction with membranes.
- * Two novel variants (p.Phe419Ser and p.Trp482Arg) were linked to DFNA36, showing that they negatively impact the protein's stability and interactions in the lipid bilayer, leading to moderate, progressive hearing loss in affected individuals.
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- - The study explored how water extract from leaves and stems (DMLS) protects against memory loss caused by scopolamine (SCO) in mice, showing that DMLS has significant neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells.
- - Animal tests revealed that DMLS improved memory performance in various tasks, reversing memory deficits associated with SCO, while also affecting acetylcholinesterase activity, which is important for memory function.
- - The research highlighted that DMLS can reduce oxidative stress markers, indicating its potential as a treatment for memory impairments by protecting brain cells against neurotoxicity and improving overall cognitive function.
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- Cytokines of the common γ chain (γc) are essential for T cell development and immune responses but their regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood.
- This study examines how γc expression in T cells is regulated during T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation through various molecular techniques.
- Findings reveal that the transcription factors NFAT1 and NFκB work together to increase γc expression, impacting cytokine signaling and T cell homeostasis in response to IL-7.
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- - When organisms face heat stress, they turn on stress response genes while shutting down regular gene expression to avoid toxic buildup, but the specifics of how this repression works remain unclear.
- - The study highlights a transcription factor called CLAMP, which is critical for repressing regular genes during heat stress, contrasting with another factor that activates stress response genes, showing that different factors play distinct roles in gene regulation.
- - The research also reveals that heat stress leads to changes in 3D chromatin structures, where CLAMP's presence or absence impacts whether genes are repressed or activated, indicating a complex regulatory mechanism during heat stress.
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- - The study utilized 3D simulation software and CT scans to evaluate the placement of multiple screws in the C2 vertebra, focusing on the combination of pedicle and laminar screws.
- - Researchers found that in 85% of cases, up to four screws could be securely placed, while 11% of cases allowed for three screws, highlighting successful insertion without interference.
- - The findings suggest that achieving multiple screw fixation in the C2 vertebra is feasible in 96% of patients, indicating a promising approach for spinal stabilization in complex cases.
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- The study aimed to investigate the phenotypes and genotypes of patients with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) and branchio-otic (BO) syndrome and evaluate outcomes of middle ear surgeries, proposing factors that could predict surgical success.
- In a retrospective cohort involving 18 patients from 12 Korean families, genetic confirmations were found in 66.7% of cases, with six EYA1 gene variants identified as either pathogenic or likely pathogenic.
- Results indicated that personalized middle ear surgery significantly improved audiological outcomes, especially in patients without enlarged vestibular aqueducts (EVAs), suggesting that the presence of EVA could negatively impact surgical success.
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- Gyejibongnyeong-hwan (GBH) is a traditional Chinese medicine aimed at treating metabolic diseases characterized by blood stasis, and its effects on dyslipidemia were investigated.
- In a study using mice fed a Western diet, GBH significantly reduced total cholesterol, lipid accumulation, and inflammatory markers compared to control groups, with effects comparable to the medication simvastatin.
- The research found that GBH improved cholesterol metabolism by enhancing the expression of specific genes related to cholesterol excretion and disrupted the FXR signaling pathway, suggesting a beneficial modulation of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis.
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- The study investigates the WFS1 gene, linked to hearing loss and other health issues, in families with DFNA6/14/38 using exome sequencing, identifying two pathogenic variants.
- Structural analysis revealed how these variants disrupt WFS1 functions, affecting protein stability and interaction crucial for hearing.
- Cochlear implantation outcomes were analyzed, suggesting a relationship between genotype and phenotype in patients with WFS1-related conditions.
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- Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells produce excess mucin, leading to severe breathing issues, and this study investigates the effects of saponins, particularly ginsenoside Rg5, on inflammation and mucin overproduction.
- The study utilized NCI-H292 cells, treating them with various saponins and inducing mucin production with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, measuring mucin levels and gene expression to assess the impact of Rg5.
- Results showed that Rg5 significantly reduced mucin secretion and inflammation by modulating specific cellular pathways and promoting lipid droplet formation to clear reactive oxygen species, indicating its potential as a treatment for respiratory disorders linked to mucosa cell hyperactivation.
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- - The study aimed to assess the protective effects and fate of human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ES-MSCs) in rats exposed to noise-induced hearing loss.
- - Rats were divided into four groups, with the ES-MSC+noise group showing improved hearing thresholds and better preservation of cochlear cells compared to the noise-only group.
- - Molecular analysis indicated that fewer cell death-related proteins and human DNA were detectable in the cochlea of rats treated with ES-MSCs, suggesting a potential otoprotective role of these stem cells.
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- Sensorineural hearing loss is a common inherited disorder, with this study focusing on non-syndromic deafness caused by transcription factor gene variants, which account for 2.6% of cases among 1280 probands tested.
- Researchers identified 33 pathogenic variants, including nine new variants, clustered in four specific transcription factor genes, indicating a limited range of genes linked to this type of hearing loss.
- The study uncovers significant variability in audiological and radiological features associated with these four TF genes, leading to refined clinical profiles that could enhance personalized treatment strategies for individuals with genetic hearing loss.
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- Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency-6 (COQ10D6) is a genetic disorder that leads to significant health issues, including steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), primarily affecting children.
- A study of 12 children from 11 unrelated Korean families identified several genetic variants linked to COQ10D6 and highlighted the progressive nature of SNHL, demonstrating that a prior diagnosis of SRNS typically precedes hearing loss.
- CoQ10 replacement therapy showed a 42.9% response rate in preventing further hearing deterioration or improving hearing, with positive outcomes suggesting a strong link between specific genotypes and audiological benefits, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies in
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- Pinus koraiensis leaf (PKL) extract shows promise in combating fatigue, in addition to its known antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.
- In tests conducted on mice, PKL treatment resulted in decreased stress-related biochemical markers and improved mental fatigue indicators, suggesting a reduction in physical and mental exhaustion.
- The study indicates that PKL might enhance exercise performance due to its antioxidant effects and ability to regulate glycogen levels and stress responses, making it a potential nutraceutical for fatigue relief.
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- The study investigates changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression in the inferior colliculus (IC) of rats with single-sided deafness (SSD) compared to control rats after cochlear surgery.
- Researchers found lower levels of miR-15b-5p, miR-202-5p, and miR-212-3p in the IC of SSD rats, indicating potential neural plasticity adaptations due to hearing loss.
- Additionally, the target genes of these miRNAs were identified and associated with different cellular processes, suggesting a complex response in the neural pathways related to hearing and auditory processing.
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- * Two months post-exposure, the noise-exposed rats showed increased expression levels of certain proteins (arc and brevican) and elevated auditory brainstem response thresholds, indicating impaired hearing.
- * Specific miRNAs (miR-758-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-212-3p, miR-199a-5p, and miR-134-3p) were found to be downregulated in noise-exposed rats, and their modulation might play a role in the increased
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- Sunbanghwalmyung-eum (SBH) is a traditional herbal medicine with properties like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and this study explored its anti-obesity impact on mice following a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.
- Mice treated with SBH showed reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation, improved blood lipid levels, and a decrease in inflammatory markers compared to those treated only with water.
- SBH demonstrated effects on obesity that were comparable or even superior to the standard treatment with simvastatin, suggesting its potential as a herbal remedy for managing obesity.
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- Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is an anti-aging compound shown to benefit various functions in mice, but its effects on skin pigmentation were previously unknown.
- In a study, NMN was tested on both young and aged melanocytes, revealing that while it had no impact on young cells, it significantly decreased melanin production in aged melanocytes and human skin models.
- The research concluded that NMN reduces melanin production in older cells by downregulating specific signaling pathways, indicating NMN's potential as a treatment for age-related hyperpigmentation.
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- Statins, like pravastatin (PV), have a debated role in protecting against hearing loss caused by aminoglycoside drugs, specifically kanamycin (KM).
- In the study, adult rats were treated with KM, and some received PV, allowing researchers to measure changes in hearing using auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds.
- Results showed that while KM increased ABR thresholds (indicating hearing loss), the combination of PV and KM resulted in improved thresholds and better preservation of cochlear cells, suggesting PV's protective role against KM-induced hearing loss through regulating cellular processes like autophagy and apoptosis.
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- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection causes inflammation in mice, leading to changes in gene expression within the cochlea, potentially increasing susceptibility to hearing loss from drugs like aminoglycosides.
- A study identified 505 genes that were significantly altered in response to different doses of LPS, with particular focus on genes related to inflammation and immune response.
- The research highlights the complex interactions of proteins and molecular pathways affected by LPS, contributing to our understanding of how systemic inflammation can impact hearing health.
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- * In various experimental models, HSF extract showed positive effects on anxiety reduction, REM sleep improvement, and sleep maintenance, indicating its potential benefits for sleep health.
- * The study highlights that HSF extract and saponarin enhance certain brain receptor expressions related to sleep regulation, suggesting their promise as a new treatment option for sleep disorders in humans.