1.Organoid Technology as a Promising Frontier in Organ Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine
Aeri SHIN ; Min Kyu YUM ; Woong SUN
International Journal of Stem Cells 2026;19(1):1-19
The advent of medical advances has resulted in the development of an array of treatments aimed at restoring damaged organs in humans. However, when chemical treatments, such as drug therapies, are constrained, organ transplantation may ultimately emerge as the sole viable solution. Nevertheless, despite the continually increasing demand for organ donations, the actual number of donated organs remains insufficient to meet this demand. Recently, a variety of organoids have been generated using stem cells and have been demonstrated to exhibit functionality comparable to that of native organs. This indicates that organoids may be a viable option for use in organ transplantation. However, while numerous recent publications have documented the regenerative effects of diverse organoid types when implanted into damaged regions, significant technical and ethical considerations must be addressed before organoids can be utilized as a replacement for human organs. This review presents an overview of experimental endeavors in regenerative therapies through organoid transplantation, while also addressing the challenges that must be overcome to enhance the feasibility of organoid use as a surrogate organ. As organoid technology continues to advance, organoids may eventually become a widely utilized surrogate source for organ replacement in clinical settings.
2.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
3.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
4.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
5.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
6.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
7.Metformin Down-regulates TNF-alpha Secretion via Suppression of Scavenger Receptors in Macrophages.
Bobae HYUN ; Seulmee SHIN ; Aeri LEE ; Sungwon LEE ; Youngcheon SONG ; Nam Joo HA ; Kyung Hea CHO ; Kyungjae KIM
Immune Network 2013;13(4):123-132
Obesity is consistently increasing in prevalence and can trigger insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Many lines of evidence have shown that macrophages play a major role in inflammation associated with obesity. This study was conducted to determine metformin, a widely prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, would regulate inflammation through down-regulation of scavenger receptors in macrophages from obesity-induced type 2 diabetes. RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with LPS to induce inflammation, and C57BL/6N mice were fed a high-fat diet to generate obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mice. Metformin reduced the production of NO, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) through down-regulation of NF-kappaB translocation in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, the protein expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, were enhanced or maintained by metformin. Also, metformin suppressed secretion of TNF-alpha and reduced the protein and mRNA expression of TNF-alpha in obese mice as well as in macrophages. The expression of scavenger receptors, CD36 and SR-A, were attenuated by metformin in macrophages and obese mice. These results suggest that metformin may attenuate inflammatory responses by suppressing the production of TNF-alpha and the expressions of scavenger receptors.
Animals
;
Cytokines
;
Diet, High-Fat
;
Dinoprostone
;
Down-Regulation
;
Hand
;
Inflammation
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Interleukin-10
;
Interleukin-4
;
Interleukin-6
;
Macrophages
;
Macrophages, Peritoneal
;
Metformin
;
Mice
;
Mice, Obese
;
NF-kappa B
;
Obesity
;
Prevalence
;
Receptors, Scavenger
;
RNA, Messenger
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
8.Metformin Suppresses MHC-Restricted Antigen Presentation by Inhibiting Co-Stimulatory Factors and MHC Molecules in APCs.
Seulmee SHIN ; Bobae HYUN ; Aeri LEE ; Hyunseok KONG ; Shinha HAN ; Chong Kil LEE ; Nam Joo HA ; Kyungjae KIM
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2013;21(1):35-41
Metformin is widely used for T2D therapy but its cellular mechanism of action is undefined. Recent studies on the mechanism of metformin in T2D have demonstrated involvement of the immune system. Current immunotherapies focus on the potential of immunomodulatory strategies for the treatment of T2D. In this study, we examined the effects of metformin on the antigen-presenting function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Metformin decreased both MHC class I and class II-restricted presentation of OVA and suppressed the expression of both MHC molecules and co-stimulatory factors such as CD54, CD80, and CD86 in DCs, but did not affect the phagocytic activity toward exogenous OVA. The class II-restricted OVA presentation-regulating activity of metformin was also confirmed using mice that had been injected with metformin followed by soluble OVA. These results provide an understanding of the mechanisms of the T cell response-regulating activity of metformin through the inhibition of MHC-restricted antigen presentation in relation to its actions on APCs.
Animals
;
Antigen Presentation*
;
Antigen-Presenting Cells
;
Immune System
;
Immunotherapy
;
Metformin*
;
Mice
;
Ovum
9.Neuronal Differentiation of a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line (FS-1) Derived from Newborn Foreskin Fibroblasts.
Jihye KWON ; Nayeon LEE ; Iksoo JEON ; Hey Jin LEE ; Jeong Tae DO ; Dong Ryul LEE ; Seung Hun OH ; Dong Ah SHIN ; Aeri KIM ; Jihwan SONG
International Journal of Stem Cells 2012;5(2):140-145
Isolation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from fully differentiated somatic cells has revolutionized existing concepts of cell differentiation and stem cells. Importantly, iPSCs generated from somatic cells of patients can be used to model different types of human diseases. They may also serve as autologous cell sources that can be used in transplantation therapy. In this study, we investigated the neuronal properties of an iPSC line that is derived from human neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (FS-1). We initially examined the morphology and marker expression of FS-1 cells at undifferentiated stage. We then spontaneously differentiated FS-1 cells in suspension culture and examined the expression of markers representing three germ layers. We finally differentiated FS-1 cells into neuronal lineages by co-culturing them with PA6 stromal cells, and found that, under the conditions we used, they have a tendency to differentiate into more forebrain-type neurons, suggesting that FS-1 iPSC-derived neural cells will be useful to be used in cell therapy of stroke or Huntington's disease, among others. Taken together, FS-1 cells derived from human neonatal fibroblasts exhibit very similar properties with human ES cells, and can provide useful sources for cell therapy and various other applications.
Cell Differentiation
;
Fibroblasts
;
Foreskin
;
Germ Layers
;
Humans
;
Huntington Disease
;
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Neurons
;
Pluripotent Stem Cells
;
Stem Cells
;
Stroke
;
Stromal Cells
;
Tissue Therapy
;
Transplants
10.Multiplication of Chromosome 17 Centromere Is Associated with Prognosis in Patients with Invasive Breast Cancers Exhibiting Normal HER2 and TOP2A Status.
Aeri KIM ; Hyung Chan SHIN ; Young Kyung BAE ; Min Kyoung KIM ; Su Hwan KANG ; Soo Jung LEE ; Eun Hee LEE
Journal of Breast Cancer 2012;15(1):24-33
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) multiplication (increased copy number of CEP17) related to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) status in patients with invasive breast cancer. METHODS: We constructed tissue microarrays using 594 invasive breast cancer samples and performed single-color silver-enhanced in situ hybridization (SISH) assay for HER2, TOP2A, and CEP17 to assess for copy number aberrations. The association of CEP17 multiplication with patient survival was analyzed according to HER2 and TOP2A status. RESULTS: Among 567 informative cases, HER2 amplification was noted in 22.8%, TOP2A amplification in 8.3% and TOP2A deletion in 11.1%. CEP17 multiplication was identified in 33.2% and was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (p=0.02) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.02). CEP17 multiplication correlated with patient survival in patients with normal TOP2A or non-amplified HER2 status, but the prognostic significance was lost in those with altered TOP2A or amplified HER2. On multivariate analyses, CEP17 multiplication was an independent prognostic factor for poorer OS (p=0.02) and DFS (p=0.01) in patients with normal TOP2A and non-amplified HER2. CONCLUSION: CEP17 multiplication was identified as a promising prognostic marker in patients with invasive breast cancer exhibiting either non-amplified HER2 or normal TOP2A status.
Antigens, Neoplasm
;
Breast
;
Breast Neoplasms
;
Centromere
;
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
;
Coat Protein Complex I
;
Disease-Free Survival
;
DNA Topoisomerases, Type II
;
DNA-Binding Proteins
;
Genes, erbB-2
;
Humans
;
In Situ Hybridization
;
Multivariate Analysis
;
Prognosis
;
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
;
Receptor, erbB-2

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