• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.19-25
• /
• 2015

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of neovascularization. Hypoxia inducible nitric oxide (NO) enhanced the expression of VEGF and thymosin beta-4 ($T{\beta}4$), actin sequestering protein. Here, we investigated whether NO-mediated VEGF expression could be regulated by $T{\beta}4$ expression in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Hypoxia inducible NO production and VEGF expression were reduced by small interference (si) RNA of $T{\beta}4$. Hypoxia response element (HRE)-luciferase activity and VEGF expression were increased by the treatment with N-(${\beta}$-D-Glucopyranosyl)-N2-acetyl-S-nitroso-D, L-penicillaminamide (SNAP-1), to generate NO, which was inhibited by the inhibition of $T{\beta}4$ expression with $T{\beta}4$-siRNA. In hypoxic condition, HRE-luciferase activity and VEGF expression were inhibited by the treatment with $N^G$-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is accompanied with a decrease in $T{\beta}4$ expression. VEGF expression inhibited by L-NMMA treatment was restored by the transfection with pCMV-$T{\beta}4$ plasmids for $T{\beta}4$ overexpression. Taken together, these results suggest that $T{\beta}4$ could be a regulator for the expression of VEGF via the maintenance of NOS activity.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.65-73
• /
• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to prove the effect of Gamikyejakjimo-tang (ji$\bar{a}$w$\grave{e}$igu$\grave{i}$sh$\acute{a}$ozh$\bar{i}$m-t$\bar{a}$ng, GK) on rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : We checked viability and measured production of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-${\alpha}$ in RAW 264.7 cell after treat by GK. Then we measured rheumatoid arthritis index score of DBA/1 mice with rheumatoid arthritis induced by CIA after GK oral administration, checked IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-${\alpha}$ and hs-CRP tests in serum. Also we were observed mRNA expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in spleen by RT-PCR. Results : GK showed cell viability of 100% or higher in all concentration in RAW 264.7 cells. GK inhibited LPS-induced productions of rheumatoid arthritis mediators cytokine in RAW 264.7cells. GK treated group showed improvement from rheumatoid arthritis at decreased the index score. Also, GK treated group decreased level in serum of IL-1b, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-a and hs-CRP tests by 31%, 35%, 20%, 57% and 58% respectively. Finally, GK treated group showed decrease expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in spleen by 46%, 51%, 25% and 42% respectively. Conclusions : In this study, in-vitro and in-vivo results observed rheumatoid arthritis factors cytokine of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-${\alpha}$ decrease in RAW 264.7 cells, serum, mRNA expression. Also, GK showed decrease of inflammation figure in hs-CRP tests depending on effect of rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, these results can used as a effective drug of GK for rheumatoid arthritis.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.179-185
• /
• 2009

In our previous report, we showed that $PPAR{\gamma}$ does not influence adipogenesis in females with functioning ovaries, indicating that $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity on adipogenesis is associated with sex-related factors. Among the sex-related factors, estrogen has been recognized as a major factor in inhibiting adiposgenesis in females. Thus, we hypothensized that $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E) inhibits 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis by preventing $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity. E decreased triglyceirde accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells compared with control group. E also decreased the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$ mRNA as well as $PPAR{\gamma}$ dependent adipocyte-specific genes, such as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$. In addition, E not only decreased luciferase reporter activity by $PPAR{\gamma}$, but also transfection of estrogen receptor $\alpha$ ($ER{\alpha}$) or $ER{\beta}$ led to decreases in $PPAR{\gamma}$ reporter gene activation. Moreover, E-activated ERs significantly decreased the luciferase reporter gene activation induced by $PPAR{\gamma}$ transfection, suggesting that estrogen-activated ERs inhibit $PPAR{\gamma}$-dependent transactivation. Accordingly, our results demonstrate that E inhibits the action of $PPAR{\gamma}$ on adipogenesis through E activated ER, providing evidence that lack of estrogen may potentiate $PPAR{\gamma}$ action on adipogenesis.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.87-101
• /
• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of JUJSTK on atopic dermatitis in an in-vitro experiment using an NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, which has histological and clinical similarities to the humans in terms of health condition. Methods : We evaluated IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-$\alpha$ mRNA, TGF-$\beta$ mRNA, CD4+/IFN-$\gamma$+ and IL-17+CD4+Th17 cells of NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse by real-time PCR and intracellular staining in vitro. Results : JUJSTK medicines supressed the activities of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$, TGF-$\beta$ mRNA and IL-17+CD4+Th17 cells and it incresed the activities of IL-10 mRNA in B cells. The level of CD4+/IFN-$\gamma$+ in T cells were increased by JUSSTK. Conclusions : JUJSTK on atopic dermatitis might be incredibly effective to the atopic dermatitis treatment.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.148-154
• /
• 2017

Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum and its active component, norgalanthamine have been reported to have hair growth-promoting effect via the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. In this study, we investigated the other mechanisms of C. asiaticum extract var. japonicum and norgalanthamine on the hair growth. The C. asiaticum var. japonicum extract inhibited $5{\alpha}$-reductase activity by 16%, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a main cause of androgenetic alopecia, whereas the C. asiaticum var. japonicum extract didn't function as an opener of the $K_{ATP}$ channel. On the other hand, we examined whether norgalanthamine can inhibit transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) signal pathway, which is essential in the regression induction of hair growth. Norgalanthamine inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 on TGF-${\beta}1$-induced canonical pathway in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. These results suggested that the C. asiaticum var. japonicum extract and norgalanthamine had the potential to influence hair growth through the inhibition of $5{\alpha}$-reductase activity and TGF-${\beta}1$-induced canonical pathway.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.40 no.6
• /
• pp.393-400
• /
• 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by lack of insulin and high glucose levels. T2DM can cause bone loss and fracture, thus leading to diabetic osteoporosis. Promoting osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts may effectively treat diabetic osteoporosis. We previously reported that Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), a $NAD^+$-dependent deacetylase, promotes osteogenic differentiation through downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ${\gamma}$. We also found that miR-132 regulates osteogenic differentiation by downregulating Sirt1 in a $PPAR{\beta}/{\delta}$-dependent manner. The ligand-activated transcription factor, $PPAR{\alpha}$, is another isotype of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family that helps maintain bone homeostasis and promot bone formation. Whether the regulatory role of $PPAR{\alpha}$ in osteogenic differentiation is mediated via Sirt1 remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to determine this role and the underlying mechanism by using high glucose (HG) and free fatty acids (FFA) to mimic T2DM in MC3T3-E1 cells. The results showed that HG-FFA significantly inhibited expression of $PPAR{\alpha}$, Sirt1 and osteogenic differentiation, but these effects were markedly reversed by $PPAR{\alpha}$ overexpression. Moreover, siSirt1 attenuated the positive effects of $PPAR{\alpha}$ on osteogenic differentiation, suggesting that $PPAR{\alpha}$ promotes osteogenic differentiation in a Sirt1-dependent manner. Luciferase activity assay confirmed interactions between $PPAR{\alpha}$ and Sirt1. These findings indicate that $PPAR{\alpha}$ promotes osteogenic differentiation via the Sirt1-dependent signaling pathway.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.239-252
• /
• 2007

Objectives: In the present study, we examined the differentiation potential of human adipose-(HAD) and human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal like stem cells (HUC) into cardiomyocytes. Methods: Cells were initially exposed to 5-azacytidine for 24h cells and then were cultivated in the presence or absence of activin A, TGF-$\beta$1, or Wnt inhibitor with various combinations of BMP and FGF. Assessment of cardiomyogenic differentiation was made upon the expression of cardiomyocyte-specific genes using RT-PCR. Results: HAD that cultivated in control medium for 4 weeks after 5-azacytidine expose showed new expression of TnT gene and increased expression of Cmlc1 and kv4.3 genes. However, HAD cultivated in the presence of combinations of BMP-4/FGF-4 (B4/F4) and BMP-4/FGF-8 (B4/F8) showed new expression of $\beta$-MHC gene and more increased expression of Cmlc1, TnT, TnI, Kv4.3 genes. Significantly enhanced expression of Cmlc1, TnT, and Kv4.3 genes were also observed compared to that cultivated in the control medium. Treatment of HUC with either 5-azacytidine or combinations of BMP and FGF did not affect the expression profile of these genes. However, when activin A or TGF-$\beta$1 was present in addition to the BMP-2/FGF-8 (B2/F8) after 5-azacytidine exposure, HUC exhibited new expression of $\beta$-MHC gene and increased expression of $\alpha$-CA, TnT and Kv4.3 genes. When Wnt inhibitor was present in addition to BMP and FGF, HUC showed new expression of Cmlc1 gene and increased expression of $\alpha$-CA, TnT, TnI and Kv4.3 genes. Conclusions: Based on these observations, it is suggested that HAD and HUC could differentiate into cardiomyocytes which might be used as therapeutic cells for the heart diseases.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.192-197
• /
• 2009

Chemical investigation of the aerial parts of Artemisia iwayomogi has afforded five glycoside compounds. Their chemical structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods to be turpinionoside A (1), (Z)-3-hexenyl O-${\alpha}$-arabinopyranosyl-(1${\rightarrow}$6)-O-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (2), (Z)-5'-hydroxyjasmone 5'-O-${\beta}$-Dglucopyranoside (3), (-)-syringaresinol-4-O-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (4), and methyl 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate (5). All of them were isolated for the first time from Artemisia species. The effect of compounds 1 - 5 on the function of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was examined by checking the cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization. Turpinionoside A (1) significantly increased the function of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Cell viability, ALP activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization were increased up to 117.2% (2 ${\mu}M$), 110.7% (0.4 ${\mu}M$), 156.0% (0.4 ${\mu}M$), and 143.0 % (2 ${\mu}M$), respectively.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.43 no.11
• /
• pp.738-743
• /
• 2010

The c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway participates in many physiological functions. In the current study we reported the cloning and characterization of five novel JNK2 transcript variants, which were designated as $JNK2\alpha3$, $JNK2\alpha4$, $JNK2\beta3$, $JNK2\gamma1$ and $JNK2\gamma2$, respectively. Among them, $JNK2\alpha4$ and $JNK2\gamma2$ are potential non-coding RNA because they contain pre-mature stop codons. Both $JNK2\alpha3$ and $JNK2\beta3$ contain an intact kinase domain, and both encode a protein product of 46 kDa, the same as those of $JNK2\alpha1$ and $JNK2\beta1$. $JNK2\gamma1$ contains a disrupted kinase domain and it showed a disable function. When over-expressed in mammalian cells, $JNK2\alpha3$ showed higher activity on AP-1 than that of $JNK2\beta3$ and $JNK2\gamma1$. Furthermore, $JNK2\alpha3$ and $JNK2\beta3$ showed different levels of substrate phosphorylation, although they both could promote the proliferation of 293T cells. Our results further demonstrate that JNK2 isoforms preferentially target different substrates and may regulate the expression of various target genes.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.333-350
• /
• 1999

The modulation of leukocyte cell surface adhesion molecules may influence the development of cellular events that determine the course of the inflammatory process. Direct interaction between activated T cells and monocytes resulted in a large production of $IL-1{\beta}$ by monocytes. In this reactions, adhesion molecules play an important part, yet the role of them in Tmonocytes interaction remain unclear. This study was undertaken in an effort to elucidate, 1) the influence of 1.25(OH)$_2D_3-induced$ differentiation on the monocyte responsiveness to direct contact with T lymphocytes, and 2) the role of adhesion molecules on the T-monocyte direct interaction. Initially, I observed that direct contact of monocyte cell line THP-1 with stimulated fixed T cell line HuT78 markedly induces IL-1${\beta}$ production by THP-1. $IL-1{\beta}$ production was higher when THP-1 had been previously exposed to 1.25(OH)$_2D_3$ as compared to control, with ${\alpha}$- 1.25(OH)$_2D_3$ dose-dependent and exposure time-dependent manner. It was shown that 1.25(OH)$_2D_3$ also increased the expression of ${\beta}_2$ integrin adhesion receptor Mac-1(CD11b/CD18) dose- and timedependently, but did not increase the expression of human leukocyte antigen- D(HLA-D) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1). The $IL-1{\beta}$ producing activity of THP-1 cells correlated well with the ability to induce the Mac-1 expression on THP-1 surface. Monoclonal antibody raised against relevant cell surface glycoproteins on THP-1 were tested for their ability to block the response of THP-1 to T cells. Antibody to Mac-1 only partially blocked $IL-1{\beta}$ production by THP-1, whereas antibodies to ICAM-1 and HLA-D did not. These data indicate that regulation of Mac-1 expression on THP-1 cells can alter the responsiveness of these cells to contact by activated T cells, however other unknown structures on the THP-1 cells may be involved in this process also.