1.Aspirin-induced acetylation of APE1/Ref-1 enhances RAGE binding and promotes apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells
Hao JIN ; Yu Ran LEE ; Sungmin KIM ; Eun-Ok LEE ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Heon Jong YOO ; Cuk-Seong KIM ; Byeong Hwa JEON
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):293-305
The role of acetylated apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) in ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the combined effect of recombinant human APE1/Ref-1 (rhAPE1/Ref-1) and aspirin (ASA) on two ovarian cancer cells, PEO-14, and CAOV3.The viability and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells treated with rhAPE1/Ref-1 or ASA were assessed. Our results demonstrated that ASA induced rhAPE1/Ref-1 acetylation and widespread hyperacetylation in PEO-14 cells. Additionally, co-treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA substantially reduced cell viability and induced PEO-14 cell apoptosis, not CAOV3, in a dose-dependent manner. ASA increased the expression and membrane localization of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGEs). Acetylated APE1/Ref-1 showed enhanced binding to RAGEs. In contrast, RAGE knockdown reduced cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage caused by rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA combination treatment, highlighting the importance of the APE1/Ref-1-RAGE interaction in triggering apoptosis. Moreover, combination treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA effectively induced apoptosis in 3D spheroid cultures of PEO-14 cells, a model that better mimics the tumor microenvironment. These results demonstrate that acetylated APE1/Ref-1 and its interaction with RAGE is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Thus, the combination of ASA and APE1/Ref-1 may offer a promising new strategy for inducing cancer cell death.
2.Aspirin-induced acetylation of APE1/Ref-1 enhances RAGE binding and promotes apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells
Hao JIN ; Yu Ran LEE ; Sungmin KIM ; Eun-Ok LEE ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Heon Jong YOO ; Cuk-Seong KIM ; Byeong Hwa JEON
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):293-305
The role of acetylated apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) in ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the combined effect of recombinant human APE1/Ref-1 (rhAPE1/Ref-1) and aspirin (ASA) on two ovarian cancer cells, PEO-14, and CAOV3.The viability and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells treated with rhAPE1/Ref-1 or ASA were assessed. Our results demonstrated that ASA induced rhAPE1/Ref-1 acetylation and widespread hyperacetylation in PEO-14 cells. Additionally, co-treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA substantially reduced cell viability and induced PEO-14 cell apoptosis, not CAOV3, in a dose-dependent manner. ASA increased the expression and membrane localization of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGEs). Acetylated APE1/Ref-1 showed enhanced binding to RAGEs. In contrast, RAGE knockdown reduced cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage caused by rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA combination treatment, highlighting the importance of the APE1/Ref-1-RAGE interaction in triggering apoptosis. Moreover, combination treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA effectively induced apoptosis in 3D spheroid cultures of PEO-14 cells, a model that better mimics the tumor microenvironment. These results demonstrate that acetylated APE1/Ref-1 and its interaction with RAGE is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Thus, the combination of ASA and APE1/Ref-1 may offer a promising new strategy for inducing cancer cell death.
3.Aspirin-induced acetylation of APE1/Ref-1 enhances RAGE binding and promotes apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells
Hao JIN ; Yu Ran LEE ; Sungmin KIM ; Eun-Ok LEE ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Heon Jong YOO ; Cuk-Seong KIM ; Byeong Hwa JEON
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):293-305
The role of acetylated apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) in ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the combined effect of recombinant human APE1/Ref-1 (rhAPE1/Ref-1) and aspirin (ASA) on two ovarian cancer cells, PEO-14, and CAOV3.The viability and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells treated with rhAPE1/Ref-1 or ASA were assessed. Our results demonstrated that ASA induced rhAPE1/Ref-1 acetylation and widespread hyperacetylation in PEO-14 cells. Additionally, co-treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA substantially reduced cell viability and induced PEO-14 cell apoptosis, not CAOV3, in a dose-dependent manner. ASA increased the expression and membrane localization of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGEs). Acetylated APE1/Ref-1 showed enhanced binding to RAGEs. In contrast, RAGE knockdown reduced cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage caused by rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA combination treatment, highlighting the importance of the APE1/Ref-1-RAGE interaction in triggering apoptosis. Moreover, combination treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA effectively induced apoptosis in 3D spheroid cultures of PEO-14 cells, a model that better mimics the tumor microenvironment. These results demonstrate that acetylated APE1/Ref-1 and its interaction with RAGE is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Thus, the combination of ASA and APE1/Ref-1 may offer a promising new strategy for inducing cancer cell death.
4.Aspirin-induced acetylation of APE1/Ref-1 enhances RAGE binding and promotes apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells
Hao JIN ; Yu Ran LEE ; Sungmin KIM ; Eun-Ok LEE ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Heon Jong YOO ; Cuk-Seong KIM ; Byeong Hwa JEON
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):293-305
The role of acetylated apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) in ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the combined effect of recombinant human APE1/Ref-1 (rhAPE1/Ref-1) and aspirin (ASA) on two ovarian cancer cells, PEO-14, and CAOV3.The viability and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells treated with rhAPE1/Ref-1 or ASA were assessed. Our results demonstrated that ASA induced rhAPE1/Ref-1 acetylation and widespread hyperacetylation in PEO-14 cells. Additionally, co-treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA substantially reduced cell viability and induced PEO-14 cell apoptosis, not CAOV3, in a dose-dependent manner. ASA increased the expression and membrane localization of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGEs). Acetylated APE1/Ref-1 showed enhanced binding to RAGEs. In contrast, RAGE knockdown reduced cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage caused by rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA combination treatment, highlighting the importance of the APE1/Ref-1-RAGE interaction in triggering apoptosis. Moreover, combination treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA effectively induced apoptosis in 3D spheroid cultures of PEO-14 cells, a model that better mimics the tumor microenvironment. These results demonstrate that acetylated APE1/Ref-1 and its interaction with RAGE is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Thus, the combination of ASA and APE1/Ref-1 may offer a promising new strategy for inducing cancer cell death.
5.Aspirin-induced acetylation of APE1/Ref-1 enhances RAGE binding and promotes apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells
Hao JIN ; Yu Ran LEE ; Sungmin KIM ; Eun-Ok LEE ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Heon Jong YOO ; Cuk-Seong KIM ; Byeong Hwa JEON
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):293-305
The role of acetylated apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) in ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the combined effect of recombinant human APE1/Ref-1 (rhAPE1/Ref-1) and aspirin (ASA) on two ovarian cancer cells, PEO-14, and CAOV3.The viability and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells treated with rhAPE1/Ref-1 or ASA were assessed. Our results demonstrated that ASA induced rhAPE1/Ref-1 acetylation and widespread hyperacetylation in PEO-14 cells. Additionally, co-treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA substantially reduced cell viability and induced PEO-14 cell apoptosis, not CAOV3, in a dose-dependent manner. ASA increased the expression and membrane localization of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGEs). Acetylated APE1/Ref-1 showed enhanced binding to RAGEs. In contrast, RAGE knockdown reduced cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage caused by rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA combination treatment, highlighting the importance of the APE1/Ref-1-RAGE interaction in triggering apoptosis. Moreover, combination treatment with rhAPE1/Ref-1 and ASA effectively induced apoptosis in 3D spheroid cultures of PEO-14 cells, a model that better mimics the tumor microenvironment. These results demonstrate that acetylated APE1/Ref-1 and its interaction with RAGE is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Thus, the combination of ASA and APE1/Ref-1 may offer a promising new strategy for inducing cancer cell death.
6.Alterations in Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 Deficient Mice
Eun-Ok LEE ; Hao JIN ; Sungmin KIM ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Yu Ran LEE ; Soo Yeon AN ; Shuyu PIAO ; Kwon Ho LEE ; Byeong Hwa JEON
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(6):932-945
Background:
The role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) in adipose tissue remains poorly understood. This study investigates adipose tissue dysfunction in heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 deficiency (APE1/Ref-1+/-) mice, focusing on changes in adipocyte physiology, oxidative stress, adipokine regulation, and adipose tissue distribution.
Methods:
APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured in APE1/Ref-1+/- mice, compared to their wild-type (APE1/Ref-1+/+) controls. Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to observe adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration of WAT. Adipokine expression was measured, and micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify abdominal fat volumes.
Results:
APE1/Ref-1+/- mice exhibited significant reductions in APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in WAT and liver tissue. These mice also showed elevated ROS levels, suggesting a regulatory role for APE1/Ref-1 in oxidative stress in WAT and liver. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed hypertrophic adipocytes and macrophage infiltration in WAT, while Oil Red O staining demonstrated enhanced ectopic fat deposition in the liver of APE1/Ref-1+/- mice. These mice also displayed altered adipokine expression, with decreased adiponectin and increased leptin levels in the WAT, along with corresponding alterations in plasma levels. Despite no significant changes in overall body weight, microMRI assessments demonstrated a significant increase in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat volumes in APE1/Ref-1+/- mice.
Conclusion
APE1/Ref-1 is crucial in adipokine regulation and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its involvement in adipose tissue dysfunction, highlighting its potential impact on abdominal fat distribution and its implications for obesity and oxidative stress-related conditions.
7.Alterations in Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 Deficient Mice
Eun-Ok LEE ; Hao JIN ; Sungmin KIM ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Yu Ran LEE ; Soo Yeon AN ; Shuyu PIAO ; Kwon Ho LEE ; Byeong Hwa JEON
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(6):932-945
Background:
The role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) in adipose tissue remains poorly understood. This study investigates adipose tissue dysfunction in heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 deficiency (APE1/Ref-1+/-) mice, focusing on changes in adipocyte physiology, oxidative stress, adipokine regulation, and adipose tissue distribution.
Methods:
APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured in APE1/Ref-1+/- mice, compared to their wild-type (APE1/Ref-1+/+) controls. Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to observe adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration of WAT. Adipokine expression was measured, and micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify abdominal fat volumes.
Results:
APE1/Ref-1+/- mice exhibited significant reductions in APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in WAT and liver tissue. These mice also showed elevated ROS levels, suggesting a regulatory role for APE1/Ref-1 in oxidative stress in WAT and liver. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed hypertrophic adipocytes and macrophage infiltration in WAT, while Oil Red O staining demonstrated enhanced ectopic fat deposition in the liver of APE1/Ref-1+/- mice. These mice also displayed altered adipokine expression, with decreased adiponectin and increased leptin levels in the WAT, along with corresponding alterations in plasma levels. Despite no significant changes in overall body weight, microMRI assessments demonstrated a significant increase in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat volumes in APE1/Ref-1+/- mice.
Conclusion
APE1/Ref-1 is crucial in adipokine regulation and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its involvement in adipose tissue dysfunction, highlighting its potential impact on abdominal fat distribution and its implications for obesity and oxidative stress-related conditions.
8.Incidence and Features of Lymphoid Proliferation and Lymphomas after Solid Organ or Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a National Database Cohort
Seung Min HAHN ; Myeongjee LEE ; JongHoon HYUN ; Sungmin LIM ; Ji-Man KANG ; Jong Gyun AHN ; Dong Jin JOO ; Inkyung JUNG ; Kyong IHN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2024;56(1):305-313
Purpose:
Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) after hematopoietic stem transplantation (HCT) or solid organ transplantation (SOT) result in poorer outcomes, including death. There are limited large cohort data on the incidence and natural course of PTLD in Asians.
Materials and Methods:
We investigated PTLD using Korean national health insurance claims data of 47,518 patients who underwent HCT or SOT in 2008-2020. Patient demographics, time and type of PTLD diagnosis, type of PTLD treatment, and death data were collected. We used Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models to calculate the cumulative incidence and risk factors for PTLD.
Results:
During median follow-up of 5.32 years, PTLD occurred in 294 of 36,945 SOT patients (0.79%) and 235 of 10,573 HCT patients (2.22%). Cumulative incidence of PTLD were 0.49% at 1 year, 1.02% at 5 years, and 1.50% at 10 years post-transplantation. Age < 20 years (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] of 1.67 in age 10-19, SHR 1.51 in age 0-9), HCT (SHR 3.02), heart transplantation (SHR 2.27), and liver transplantation (SHR 1.47) were significant risk factors for PTLD. The presence of PTLD was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio of 2.84). Overall, 5-year survival of PTLD patients was 68.9% (95% confidence interval, 64.9 to 73.2).
Conclusion
We observed a steady increase in PTLD over 10 years after HCT or SOT in this large cohort study. Pediatric age group, HCT, liver transplantation, and heart transplantation were suggested to be risk factors for PTLD, and PTLD was associated with a higher risk of death.
9.Intensive Surveillance for Women With Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in Korea
Sungmin PARK ; Hyeong-Gon MOON ; Jong Won LEE ; Ku Sang KIM ; Zisun KIM ; So-Youn JUNG ; Jihyoun LEE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Sung Ui JUNG ; Jung Whan CHUN ; Jong-Ho CHEUN ; Hyun Jo YOUN
Journal of Breast Cancer 2024;27(4):235-247
Purpose:
This study evaluated the effectiveness of different surveillance intensities on morbidity and mortality in women with breast cancer.
Methods:
This retrospective study included patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery in the Republic of Korea between 2009 and 2011. The patients were divided into two groups based on the intensity of their postsurgical surveillance: intensive surveillance group (ISG) and less-intensive surveillance group. Surveillance intensity was measured based on the frequency and type of follow-up diagnostic tests conducted, including mammography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, and positron emission tomography scans.
Results:
We included 1,356 patients with a median follow-up period of 121.2 months (range, 12.8–168.0 months). The analysis revealed no significant difference in the overall survival (OS) between the two groups within five years of surgery. However, patients with ISG exhibited significantly better breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and distant metastasisfree survival (DMFS) within the same period. Five years after surgery, the differences in survival outcomes between the groups were not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Intensive surveillance did not demonstrate a significant improvement in OS for patients with breast cancer beyond five years postoperatively. However, within the first five years, intensive surveillance was associated with better BCSS and DMFS. These findings suggest that personalized surveillance strategies may benefit specific patient subsets, particularly in the early years after treatment. Further nationwide randomized studies are warranted to refine surveillance guidelines and optimize outcomes in patients with breast cancer.
10.Alterations in Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 Deficient Mice
Eun-Ok LEE ; Hao JIN ; Sungmin KIM ; Hee Kyoung JOO ; Yu Ran LEE ; Soo Yeon AN ; Shuyu PIAO ; Kwon Ho LEE ; Byeong Hwa JEON
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(6):932-945
Background:
The role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) in adipose tissue remains poorly understood. This study investigates adipose tissue dysfunction in heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 deficiency (APE1/Ref-1+/-) mice, focusing on changes in adipocyte physiology, oxidative stress, adipokine regulation, and adipose tissue distribution.
Methods:
APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured in APE1/Ref-1+/- mice, compared to their wild-type (APE1/Ref-1+/+) controls. Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to observe adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration of WAT. Adipokine expression was measured, and micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify abdominal fat volumes.
Results:
APE1/Ref-1+/- mice exhibited significant reductions in APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in WAT and liver tissue. These mice also showed elevated ROS levels, suggesting a regulatory role for APE1/Ref-1 in oxidative stress in WAT and liver. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed hypertrophic adipocytes and macrophage infiltration in WAT, while Oil Red O staining demonstrated enhanced ectopic fat deposition in the liver of APE1/Ref-1+/- mice. These mice also displayed altered adipokine expression, with decreased adiponectin and increased leptin levels in the WAT, along with corresponding alterations in plasma levels. Despite no significant changes in overall body weight, microMRI assessments demonstrated a significant increase in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat volumes in APE1/Ref-1+/- mice.
Conclusion
APE1/Ref-1 is crucial in adipokine regulation and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its involvement in adipose tissue dysfunction, highlighting its potential impact on abdominal fat distribution and its implications for obesity and oxidative stress-related conditions.

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