Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Kyung Un Choi

20 Articles

Type and Incidence of Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Korea: 2001-2007.: Kyung Un Choi, Hae Youn Kang, Heasoo Koo, Mi Seon Kwon, Dong Hoon Kim, Mi Jung Kim, Su Jin Kim, Young Sill Kim, Chul Hwan Kim, Yong Koo Park, Hye Rim Park, Seung Sam Paik, Jin Young Yoo, Anhi Lee, Jae Hyuk Lee, Hyekyung Lee, Kyu Yun Jang, Young Chae Chu, Joon Hyuk Choi; Korean J Pathol. 2011;45(6):557-563.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/KoreanJPathol.2011.45.6.557

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BACKGROUND
The Korean Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists conducted a nationwide retrospective analysis of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) to provide the clinicopathologic characteristics of STS within the population of the Republic of Korea.
METHODS
The cases of STS were collected during a 7-year period (2001-2007) from 19 institutes in Korea. All cases were classified according to the histologic criteria proposed by the World Health Organization. Clinicopathologic data were reviewed.
RESULTS
Data from 722 patients (median age, 50 years) were collected. Data showed a slight male predominance. The most frequent types of STS in decreasing order were liposarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, leiomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma. STS occurred throughout the body, although approximately half (47.8%) were located in the extremities. The majority of STS was histologically classified as high grade with a large tumor size (>5 cm). The overall survival rate for the patients was 76.3% (median follow-up time, 26 months; range, 1 to 89 months). Histologic grade, tumor size, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumor site, and resection status were prognostic. Significant independent adverse prognostic factors were large tumor size (>5 cm) and tumor site other than extremities.
CONCLUSIONS
We reported the distribution and characteristics of STS in the Republic of Korea.

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Distribution and survival of primary sarcoma in Korea: A single center analysis of 2017 cases
Sung Jun Jo, Kyeong Sik Kim, Kyo Won Lee, Jae Berm Park, Yoon-La Choi, Jeong Il Yu, Su Jin Lee, Dong Il Choi, Sung Joo Kim
Korean Journal of Clinical Oncology.2018; 14(1): 30. CrossRef

Molecular Biological Characteristics of Differentiated Early Gastric Cancer on the Basis of Mucin Expression.: Nari Shin, Hye Yeon Kim, Woo Kyung Kim, Min Gyung Park, Kyung Bin Kim, Dong Hoon Shin, Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeon Kim, Chang Hun Lee, Gi Young Huh, Mee Young Sol, Do Youn Park; Korean J Pathol. 2011;45(1):69-78.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/KoreanJPathol.2011.45.1.69

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Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
It is clear that the biologic characteristics of gastric cancer are different on the basis of mucin phenotypes. However, there are unabated controversies on the exact biologic differences of mucin expression in gastric cancer.
METHODS
We analyzed various protein expressions and microsatellite instability (MSI) status based on mucin expression in 130 differentiated early gastric adenocarcinoma cases. Furthermore, we evaluated the genomic alternation in 10 selected differentiated early gastric adenocarcinoma cases using array based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).
RESULTS
Intestinal mucin predominant subtype showed significantly elevated p53 protein and caudal-related homeobox 2 expression, and delocalization of beta catenin expressions compared to the gastric mucin predominant subtype. On MSI status, the gastric mucin predominant subtype more frequently showed unstable status than the intestinal mucin predominant subtype. CGH study showed more frequent chromosomal gain and loss in the intestinal mucin predominant subtype than the gastric mucin predominant subtype, albeit without statistical significance. Interestingly, there were significant differences in chromosomal alternation between four mucin phenotypes.
CONCLUSIONS
Study results suggest possible different points of biologic behaviors in early differentiated gastric adenocarcinomas by mucin expression type.

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Mucin Expression in Gastric Cancer: Reappraisal of Its Clinicopathologic and Prognostic Significance
Dae Hwan Kim, Nari Shin, Gwang Ha Kim, Geum Am Song, Tae-Yong Jeon, Dong-Heon Kim, Gregory Y. Lauwers, Do Youn Park
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.2013; 137(8): 1047. CrossRef
Microsatellite Instability Status in Gastric Cancer: A Reappraisal of Its Clinical Significance and Relationship with Mucin Phenotypes
Joo-Yeun Kim, Na Ri Shin, Ahrong Kim, Hyun-Jeong Lee, Won-young Park, Jee-Yeon Kim, Chang-Hun Lee, Gi-Young Huh, Do Youn Park
Korean Journal of Pathology.2013; 47(1): 28. CrossRef

Expression of p63 and its Isoform, deltaNp63, in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.: Ick Doo Kim, Dong Hoon Shin, Kyung Un Choi, Do Youn Park, Gi Yeong Huh, Mee Young Sol, Min Ki Lee, Young Dae Kim, Chang Hun Lee; Korean J Pathol. 2009;43(4):321-328.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/KoreanJPathol.2009.43.4.321

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Several studies have been conducted on the role of the p63 gene family in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the role of these genes in the development and progression of NSCLC remains controversial. This study was designed to examine the expression and clinicopathologic significance of the p63 family in NSCLC.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 92 cases of NSCLC (47 squamous cell carcinomas [SqCCs] and 45 adenocarcinomas [ACs]) using tissue microarray blocks. The results were analyzed and correlated with clinicopathologic data. RESULTS: The expression of delta Np63 (Delta Np63) was elevated in SqCC (39/47), but not in AC (2/45; p<0.01). Both p63 and Delta Np63 had high expression in 39 SqCCs; p63 and Delta Np63 also had a similar geomorphologic distribution in most positive tumors. The expression of Delta Np63 was correlated with histologic type, gender, pT stage, p53 expression, and p63 expression. pT and pN stages were independent factors in survival (p<0.05, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The major p63 isoform in NSCLC, Delta Np63, had a strong correlation with p53 and p63, and was exclusively expressed in SqCC. However, our findings suggest that Delta Np63 was not an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.

Array-comparative Genomic Hybridization Analysis of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma.: Jeung Il Kim, Kyung Un Choi, Hyun Jeong Kang, Dong Hoon Shin, In Sook Lee, Tae Yong Moon, Won Taek Kim; Korean J Pathol. 2009;43(3):231-237.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/KoreanJPathol.2009.43.3.231

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Alveolar soft part sarcomas (ASPSs) are rare, histologically distinctive soft tissue sarcomas of unknown origin. Although ASPSs are characterized by a specific alteration, der(17)t(X;17)(p11;q25), the entire spectrum of genetic events underlying the pathogenesis of ASPS is unclear. Using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), we examined the DNA copy number changes in ASPS.
METHODS
Array-CGH, composed of 4,030 clones, was performed in two samples of fresh frozen tumor tissues from a 29-year-old male and a 16-year-old female.
RESULTS
We identified 16 commonly altered chromosomal regions involving 25 genes. Eleven altered regions were located on chromosome Xp (Xp22.33, Xp22.11, Xp11.3, Xp11.3-Xp11.23, Xp22.2, Xp22.12, Xp22.31, Xp22.32, Xp21.1, Xp21.3, and Xp11.4). Additional regions with an increased copy number were observed at 1q25.1, 7q35, 12p12.1, and 17p11.2. Loss was found in only one region of chromosome 22q11.23. Several genes located within the amplified region of Xp included GYG2, ARSD, ARSE, ARSH, UBE1, USP11, PCTK1, ARAF, SYN1, TIMP1, XK, PDK3, PCYT1B, PHEX, ARX, RPS6KA3, TMSB4X, TMEM27, BMX, and KAL1.
CONCLUSIONS
This was the first application report of genome-wide copy number changes by BAC array-CGH in ASPSs. Our study showed unique genomic regions and new candidate genes that suggest a neural origin and are associated with tumor pathogenesis in ASPSs.

A Multiinstitutional Consensus Study on the Pathologic Diagnosis of Endometrial Hyperplasia and Carcinoma.: Kwang Sun Suh, Insun Kim, Moon Hyang Park, Geung Hwan Ahn, Jin Hee Sohn, In Ae Park, Hye Kyoung Yoon, Kyu Rae Kim, Hee Jung An, Dong Won Kim, Mi Jin Kim, Hee Jae Joo, Eun Kyung Kim, Young Hee Choi, Chong Woo Yoo, Kyung Un Choi, Sang Yeop Yi, Hye Sun Kim, Sung Ran Hong, Hee Jeong Lee, Sun Lee; Korean J Pathol. 2008;42(2):87-93.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine the reproducibility of both the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) or adenocarcinoma, and the histologic grading (HG) of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EC).
METHODS
Ninety-three cases of EH or adenocarcinomas were reviewed independently by 21 pathologists of the Gynecologic Pathology Study Group. A consensus diagnosis was defined as agreement among more than two thirds of the 21 pathologists.
RESULTS
There was no agreement on the diagnosis in 13 cases (14.0%). According to the consensus review, six of the 11 EH cases (54.5%) were diagnosed as EH, 48 of the 57 EC cases (84.2%) were EC, and 5 of the 6 serous carcinomas (SC) (83.3%) were SC. There was no consensus for the 6 atypical EH (AEH) cases. On the HG of EC, there was no agreement in 2 cases (3.5%). According to the consensus review, 30 of the 33 G1 cases (90.9%) were G1, 11 of the 18 G2 cases (61.1%) were G2, and 4 of the 4 G3 cases (100.0%) were G3.
CONCLUSIONS
The consensus study showed high agreement for both EC and SC, but there was no consensus for AEH. The reproducibility for the HG of G2 was poor. We suggest that simplification of the classification of EH and a two-tiered grading system for EC will be necessary.

Analysis of Microsatellite Instability in Ovarian Epithelial Cancer.: Mee Young Sol, Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeon Kim, Hyun Jeong Kang, Dong Hoon Shin, Ik Doo Kim, Hyo Seon Choi, Soon Jung Seo; Korean J Pathol. 2007;41(6):380-386.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence and role of microsatellite instability (MSI) in sporadic ovarian epithelial cancers (OEC). We investigated the MSI status and mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression in OEC.
METHODS
MSI was examined by fluorescence- based polymerase chain reaction using five NCI panel markers (BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346 and D17S250) in 46 cases of OEC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for hMLH1 and hMSH2 was performed.
RESULTS
Seven cases (15.2%) exhibited high-frequency MSI (MSIH), one exhibited low-frequency MSI (MSI-L), and the remaining 38 demonstrated microsatellite stability (MSS). MSI-H in OEC was not associated with histologic grade, FIGO stage, tumor size, mitoses or histologic type. Loss of expression of either hMLH1 or hMSH2 was observed in 4 of the 7 (59.3%) MSI-H cases, whereas 4 of the 39 (10.3%) MSI-L or MSS tumors revealed loss of expression of MMR proteins. The sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry for hMLH1 and hMSH2 were 57.1% and 89.7%.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that a genetic defect in the MMR system might play a role in the carcinogenesis of a minor subset of sporadic OEC however, immunohistochemical testing for hMLH1 and hMSH2 cannot accurately determine microsatellite instability status in OEC.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Palpable Lymph Nodes: A Single Institutional Experience of 1,346 Cases.: Dong Hoon Shin, Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeon Kim, Hyun Jeong Kang, Ick Doo Kim, Mee Young Sol; Korean J Cytopathol. 2007;18(2):126-132.

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Abstract PDF: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the assessment of palpable enlarged lymph nodes. The authors reviewed the results of 1,346 FNACs of palpable enlarged lymph nodes performed at Pusan National University Hospital from 1998 to 2004. Of the 1,346 cases, 1,265 (94.0%) were satisfactory and 81 (6.0%) unsatisfactory. Cytologic diagnoses were judged in 488 cases, based on subsequent histologic diagnoses, clinical follow up, or both. Global results for all malignancies (lymphoid and non-lymphoid neoplasms) based on cases with final diagnoses, showed a sensitivity of 87.4% and a specificity of 98.7%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 93.2%, and the false negative rate reduced from 12.6% to 7.3% when lymphomatous cases were excluded. The annual data for this period showed that the number of diagnostic lymph node biopsies and the rate of inadequately sampled material markedly decreased. Gene rearrangement studies for IgH and TCR gamma were helful in 30 cases. FNAC is a useful initial diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of palpable enlarged lymph nodes. However, the technique should be assisted by the appropriate ancillary studies and by proper interpretation by a cytopathologist.

Invasine Ductal Carcinoma with Osteoclast-Like Giant Cell in a Young Woman.: Hyun Jeong Kang, Jee Yeon Kim, Kyung Un Choi, Hee Suk Kwak, Mee Young Sol; Korean J Cytopathol. 2007;18(1):69-73.

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Abstract PDF: Mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is an unusual neoplasm characterized by giant cells, mononuclear stromal cells, and hemorrhage accompanying a low grade carcinoma. We present the cytological findings in a case of invasive ductal carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells that was initially confused with a fibroadenoma, due to its well-demarcated and soft mass and the young age of the patient. A 28-year-old female presented with a 4.5 cm, well demarcated, soft and nontender mass in the right breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed a combination of low grade malignant epithelial cell clusters and osteoclast-like giant cells. The atypical epithelial cells were present in cohesive sheets and clusters. Osteoclast-like giant cells and bland-looking mononuclear cells were scattered. An histological examination revealed the presence of an invasive ductal carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells. We report here the cytological findings of this rare carcinoma in a very young woman. The minimal atypia of the epithelial cells and its soft consistency may lead to a false negative diagnosis in a young woman. The recognition that osteoclastlike giant cells are rarely present in a low grade carcinoma, but not in benign lesion, can assist the physician in making a correct diagnosis.

Assessment of Apoptosis by M30 Immunoreactivity and the Relationship with the MSI status and the Clinicopathological Characteristics of Colorectal Carcinomas.: Hyun Jeong Kang, Mee Young Sol, Do Youn Park, Soo Han Lee, Dong Hun Shin, Jee Yeon Kim, Kyung Un Choi, Hwal Woong Kim, Chang Hun Lee, Gi Young Huh; Korean J Pathol. 2006;40(5):319-325.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
The monoclonal antibody M30 recognizes a neoepitope of cytokeratin 18 that's produced during the process of apoptosis, and it is reactive in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. The detailed nature of apoptosis in colorectal cancer is unclear, especially in regard to the MSI status and the clinicopathologic factors. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the apoptosis assessed by M30 immunoreactivity in colorectal cancer and its relationship with the MSI status and the various clinicopathologic factors of colorectal cancers.
METHODS
101 colorectal cancers were classified according to levels of MSI as 12 MSI-H, 4 MSI-L and 85 MSS. Apoptosis was quantified by immunohistochemistry with using M30 CytoDEATH anti-body.
RESULTS
The apoptotic index assessed by M30 was significantly increased in the MSI-H and MSI-L colorectal cancer compared to that in the MSS colorectal cancer. Right sided colon cancer showed a significant higher apoptotic index than did the left sided colon cancer. There was also a tendency for decreased apoptosis in metastatic colorectal cancers (Duke's stage D). There was somewhat of an increase of apoptosis in colorectal cancers with mucinous carcinoma and medullary carcinoma, and also in the colorectal cancers with an increased TIL count, but this was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
M30 immunoreactivity is a valuable method to detect apoptosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and it might explain that MSI-H colorectal cancer shows better clinical behavior than MSS colorectal cancer in regard to the increased apoptosis.

Alteration of G1/S Cell Cycle Regulatory Proteins in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors.: Jee Yeon Kim, Hwal Woong Kim, Kyung Un Choi, Chang Hun Lee, Mee Young Sol, Hyun Jeong Kang, Dong Hoon Shin; Korean J Pathol. 2006;40(4):274-281.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Disturbances of the cell cycle regulatory proteins are key events underlying the development and/or progression of human malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of G1/S cell cycle regulatory proteins in ovarian epithelial tumor.
METHODS
We simultaneously evaluated the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, CDK2, p16, Rb, E2F1, p53 and the Ki67 labelling index (LI) by immunohistochemical methods in 148 cases of ovarian epithelial tumor of the benign (n=47), borderline (n=29), and malignant type (n=72).
RESULTS
The expression of cyclin E, CDK2, p16, Rb, E2F1, p53 and the Ki67 LI gradually increased from the benign type, through the borderline type, to the malignant tumors. Between the borderline and malignant tumors, the increased expression of cyclin E, E2F1, and p53, and the decreased expression of Rb were significantly associated with malignancy. The reduced Rb expression and the increased E2F1 expression were correlated with the FIGO stage and the histologic grade in the malignant ovarian epithelial tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclin E, E2F1, and p53 overexpressions and the loss of Rb are the important components during carcinogenesis of ovarian epithelial tumors. Our results suggest that in- creased expression of E2F1 should be considered as a new parameter for the prognosis of patients with malignant ovarian epithelial tumors.

Altered Expression of DNA Topoisomerase IIalpha, Ki-67, p53 and p27 in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.: Kyeong Min Lee, Mee Young Sol, Hyun Jeong Kang, Dong Hoon Shin, Kyung Un Choi, Hwal Woong Kim, Jee Yeon Kim, Do Youn Park, Chang Hun Lee; Korean J Pathol. 2005;39(5):332-337.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Topoisomerase II (TOPO II) is an enzyme that separates intertwined chromosomes during DNA synthesis by transiently breaking and joining DNA strands. The level of TOP II is one of the determinants of cellular sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. The alpha form of TOPO II has been recently used as a marker of cellular proliferation. High levels of TOPO IIalpha are expressed in aggressive and proliferative tumors.
METHODS
This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between TOPO IIalpha expression and clinicopathological parameters including age, gender, the serum LDH level, the serum beta2-microglobulin level and stage, or expressions, of Ki-67, p53 and p27, in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We analyzed forty-one biopsied tissue specimens from patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
RESULTS
The expression of TOPO IIalpha increased with the clinical stage and it was correlated with Ki-67 and p53 expressions. However, TOPO IIalpha expression did not have any significant correlation with age, gender, the serum LDH level, the serum 2-microglobulin level and the p27 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
TOPO IIalpha expression is a useful marker of cellular proliferation and it may serve as a prognostic factor of a tumor's progression and aggressiveness in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Mixed Liposarcoma: A Case Report.: Jeung Il Kim, Hyun Jeong Kang, Kyung Un Choi; Korean J Pathol. 2005;39(3):200-202.

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Abstract PDF: True mixed liposarcomas are extremely rare tumors. We report here on a case of mixed liposarcoma that was composed of well differentiated and pleomorphic liposarcoma. A 76-year-old man presented to us with a mass in his left upper arm. This lesion had been there for twenty years, it was recently growing rapidly and had doubled in size during the recent 2 months. The MR image showed a mass composed of a fat component and a soft tissue component with necrosis. The old fat component was revealed as well differentiated liposarcoma, and the recent growing soft tissue component was revealed as pleomorphic liposarcoma. The two components showed different immunohistochemical results for MDM2.

Cytologic Features of Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia of the Breast: A Case Report with Review of Literature.: Jin Sook Lee, Jee Yeon Kim, Dong Hoon Shin, Do Youn Park, Kyung Un Choi, Chang Hoon Lee, Mee Young Sol; Korean J Cytopathol. 2005;16(1):25-30.

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Abstract PDF: Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia(PASH) was initially described by Vuitch et al. as a benign breast lesion, consisting of mammary stromal proliferations which simulate vascular lesions, and which might be mistaken for a low-grade angiosarcoma. This condition occasionally presents as a palpable mass in postmenopausal women, but is more frequently encountered as an incidental component in premenopausal women. Clinical, radiological, and fine-needle aspiration(FNA) findings associated with this condition can mimic those observed in conjunction with a phyllodes tumor or a fibroadenoma. The cytological features of PASH are generally nonspecific, and its diagnosis by FNA cytology is fairly difficult. In this study, we report a case of PASH, manifesting as a palpable mass

Analysis of Gene Expression in Renal Cell Carcinomas Using cDNA Microarray: Reduced Expression of Decorin in Renal Cell Carcinomas.: Jin Sook Lee, Kang Suek Suh, Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeun Kim, Do Youn Park; Korean J Pathol. 2003;37(4):232-238.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Identification of the genes expressed differentially in renal cell carcinoma (RCC)but not in the non-cancerous kidney is important for understanding the molecular basis ofrenal cell carcinoma and for defining possible prognostic value and therapeutic intervention.We investigated the changes in gene expression accompanying the development and progression of kidney cancer by cDNA microarrays.
METHODS
To identify molecular alterations in renal cell carcinoma, we measured expression profiles for paired neoplastic and noncancerouskidney samples from an individual by means of a cDNA microarry representing 7, 500genes. Of the differentially expressed genes, we assessed the decorin gene at the proteinlevel using immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
The 60 genes were noted to have more than a fivefold change in expression (either increased or decreased) in RCC compared to the noncancerouskidney. The changed genes are those associated with signal transduction, metabolizingenzymes, the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, cell cycle control, modulation of transcription, the tumor suppressor gene and tumor antigens. Under immunohistochemistry, the expressionof decorin was significantly decreased in the tumor than in the non-cancerous kidney.The expression rate of decorin was not associated with the patient's sex, age, histologic type, Fuhrmann nuclear grade and T stage.
CONCLUSION
The author predicted that these geneexpression profiling experiments will lead to improvements in the basic understanding of renaltumor pathogenesis and will promote the discovery of novel molecular markers for renal tumordiagnosis and therapy.

Overexpression of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 in Colorectal Carcinoma Identified by cDNA Microarray and Immunohistochemical Analysis.: Kyung Un Choi, Do Youn Park, Jee Yeon Kim, Jin Sook Lee, Mee Young Sol; Korean J Pathol. 2003;37(3):166-173.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), a member of six proteins with a high affinity for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), seems to modulate the effects of IGFs on cells and to regulate cell proliferation through the IGF-independent pathway. We assessed the role of IGFBP3 in the colorectal carcinoma detected by cDNA microarray.
METHODS
To identify molecular alterations in the colorectal carcinoma, we analyzed gene expression profiles of the colorectal adenocarcinoma by means of a cDNA microarray representing 7,500 genes. Of the differentially expressed genes, the author assessed the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) gene at the protein level using immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
The expressions of 21 and 16 genes were noted to have more than fivefold increases or decreases in the colonic adenocarcinoma tissue compared with the noncancerous colonic mucosal tissue. The differentially expressed genes include those associated with cell proliferation/apoptosis, signal transduction/transcription, metabolizing enzymes, cytoskeleton, angiogenesis, ion channel, extracellular matrix and others. Of the total 68 cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas observed, 34 cases (50%) showed positive immunohistochemical stainings for IGFBP3.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, it is suggested that IGFBP3 plays a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. And combining an immunohistochemistry with a cDNA microarray can facillitate the rapid characterization of a candidate novel molecular target.

Cytologic Features of Fine Needle Aspirates of Hyalinizing Trabecular Adenoma with Occult Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid.: Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeon Kim, Jin Sook Lee, Do Youn Park, Chang Hoon Lee, Mee Young So, Kang Suek Suh; Korean J Cytopathol. 2003;14(1):7-11.

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Abstract PDF: Hyalinizing trabecular adenoma of the thyroid gland is a rare benign neoplasm predominantly diagnosed in middle-aged women. Carney et al. first described this entity that may mimic paraganglioma, medullary carcinoma and papillary carcinoma in 1987. We describe cytologic and histopathologic features of a case of hyalinizing trabecular adenoma combined with occult papillary carcinoma in the opposite lobe. A 55-year-old woman presented with nontender palpable mass of the right neck for 6 months. The aspirate was cellular and contained small clusters and sheets of epithelial cells with abundant filamentous, vacuolated, and ill-defined cytoplasm. The nuclei were slightly pleomorphic and showed nuclear overlapping, nuclear grooves, and intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions. Histologic examination showed hyalinizing trabecular adenoma in the right lobe and occult papillary carcinoma in the left lobe.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Insular Carcinoma of the Thyroid.: Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeon Kim, Jin Sook Lee, Chang Hun Lee; Korean J Cytopathol. 2003;14(1):17-21.

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Abstract PDF: Insular carcinoma of the thyroid(ICT) is an uncommon thyroglobulin-producing neoplasm, intermediate between well differentiated and anaplastic carcinoma. Only a few publications have addressed the fine needle aspiration cytologic(FNAC) findings from ICT. We experienced a case histologically diagnosed as ICT and with preoperative FNAC in a 52-year-old woman. The FNAC displayed scanty colloid and abundant monomorphic follicular cells presented singly, in small loose aggregates, and in cohesive trabecular or acinar clusters. Intact insulae of tumor cells were also identified. Necrosis and mitosis were rare. Tumor cells showed round and monomorphic nuclei, finely granular chromatin, and inconspicuous nucleoli. When insular structure is identified in thyroid FNAC specimen, ICT should be included in the differential diagnosis. Herein we discuss and review the cytologic criteria for separation of ICT from other thyroid neoplasms.

Expression of Fas/Fas Ligand and Its Relationship with Apoptosis in Chemically Induced Preneoplastic Lesions in Rat Liver.: Hye Jin Lee, Do Youn Park, Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeon Kim, Chang Hun Lee, Mee Young Sol, Kang Suek Suh; Korean J Pathol. 2001;35(5):383-390.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Apoptosis of hepatocytes plays a major role in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis of rats. But sequential change and localization of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in preneoplastic lesions and the relationship with apoptosis are not clearly elucidated.
METHODS
We investigated sequential change and localization of Fas/FasL and its relationship to apoptosis in preneoplastic lesions of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in rats using northern blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end labeling (TUNEL) assay.
RESULTS
We found that mRNA of Fas and Fas ligand increased for up to 42 days and 14 days after partial hepatectomy, respectively, and thereafter decreased with time. Fas protein was localized on the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of preneoplastic lesions, as well as on the cytoplasmic membrane of the adjacent liver parenchyme. Fas negative preneoplastic lesions were evident at 42 days after partial hepatectomy. FasL protein was found only in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of preneoplastic lesions, instead of in the adjacent liver parenchyme. FasL-positive hepatocytes increased with time for up to 14 days after partial hepatectomy and therafter decreased. Also, TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells increased with time and were more numerous in the adjacent liver parenchyme than in the preneoplastic lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
It was suggested that Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis might be one of the major mechanisms for controlling apoptotic cell death in the promotion stage of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis.

Primary Extragastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (EGIST) of the Greater Omentum.: Kyung Un Choi, Jee Yeun Kim, Do Youn Park, Chang Hun Lee, Mee Young Sol, Kang Suek Suh, Jun Woo Lee; Korean J Pathol. 2001;35(4):347-350.

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Abstract PDF: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) were recently defined as spindle cell, epithelioid, or occasionally, pleomorphic mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract that express the CD117 (proto-oncogene c-kit protein, stem cell factor receptor), as detected using immunohistochemistry. And they show a new tendency to include the CD117-positive mesenchymal spindle cell or epithelioid neoplasms primary in the omentum and mesentery, and is so termed extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs). Omental EGISTs are very rare and similar to their gastrointestinal counterpart. We present a case of primary EGIST of the greater omentum in a 58-year-old man. The resected tumor mass measured 20X15X5 cm and weighed 1,150 g. The cut surface displayed a central cystic change and partial mural nodules. Microscopically, most parts of the tumor were composed of round or polygonal cells, with many of them containing perinuclear vacuoles. The mitotic count was less than one per 50 high-power-fields. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for CD117 and vimentin, and focally for smooth muscle actin and CD34. Ultrastructurally, partially smooth muscle differentiation was confirmed in this case.

Expression of Met Protein in Colorectal Carcinoma.: Kyung Un Choi, Jin Sook Lee, Chang Hun Lee, Mee Young Sol, Kang Suk Suh; Korean J Pathol. 2000;34(7):501-508.

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Abstract PDF: Met protein is a transmembrane 190 kD heterodimer with tyrosine kinase activity, encoded by c-Met oncogene. It serves as a high affinity receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF), a cytokine which stimulates cell proliferation, motility, and invasion. In this study, we immunohistochemically evaluated the expression of Met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor in colorectal cancers. Met protein was expressed in 31 of 72 patients (43.1%). The staining pattern was cytoplasmic in nature, present throughout the tumor, and showed variable intensity from case to case. The relationship between the expression rate and intensity, and age and sex of patients, tumor size (p=0.645), tumor site (p=0.902) and tumor differentiation (p=0.844) was not statistically significant. The expression rate and intensity were significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion (p=0.001), lymph node metastasis (p=0.010), depth of invasion (0.019), and stage (p=0.023). Cytoplasmic accumulation of Met protein was not associated with enhanced PCNA index of tumor cells (p=0.052). These results suggest that Met protein may play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.

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