• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.58-64
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• 2003

Ondansetron is a potent, highly selective 5-hydroxytryptamin $e_3$(5-H $T_3$) receptor-antagonist, for the management of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiography, and the treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two ondansetron tablets, Zofran (Glaxo Smithcline Korea Ltd.) and Onfran (Korea United Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Eighteen normal male volunteers, 24.39$\pm$1.69 year in age and 69.00$\pm$6.74kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized 2${\times}$2 cross-over study was employed. After one tablet containing 8mg of ondansetron was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of ondansetron in plasma were determined using HPLC with UV detector. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as AVC, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters. The results showed that the differences in AUC, $C_{max}$ and T max between two tablets were 5.83％, 5.75％ and －5.71％, respectively when calculated against the Zofran, tablet. The powers (1-$\beta$) for AUC, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were above 90％, above 90％ and below 60％, respectively. Minimum detectable differences($\Delta$) at alpha=0.1 and 1-$\beta$=0.8 were less than 20％ (e.g., 12.74％ and 11.78％ for AUC and $C_{max}$ respectively). But minimum detectable differences($\Delta$) at alpha=0.1 and 1-$\beta$=0.8 for $T_{max}$ were more than 20％ (e.g., 34.22％). The 90％ confidence intervals were within $\pm$20％ (e.g., -2.73∼14.39 and -2.16∼13.67 for AUC and $C_{max}$ respectively). But 90％ confidence intervals for $T_{max}$ were not within $\pm$20％ (e.g., -28.71∼17.28). Another ANOVA test was conducted for logarithmically transformed AUC and $C_{max}$. These results showed that there are no significant difference in AUC and $C_{max}$ between the two formulations: The differences between the formulations in these log transformed parameters were all for less than 20％ (e.g., 5.83％ and 5.75％ for AUC and $C_{max}$ respectively). The 90％ confidence intervals for the log transformed data were the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g., log 0.99∼log 1.15 and log 0.98∼log 1.15 for AUC and $C_{max}$ respectively). The major parameters, AUC and $C_{max}$, met the criteria of KFDA for bioequivalence although $T_{max}$ did not meet the criteria of KFDA for bioequivalence, indicating that Onfran tablet is bioequivalent to Zofrm1 tablet.t is bioequivalent to Zofrm1 tablet.m1 tablet.m1 tablet.m1 tablet.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.121-127
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• 2004

Cytochrome P4501B1(CYP1B1) is known to be inducible by xenobiotic compounds such as policyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAH) and dioxins such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD). And these induction of CYP1B1 is also regulated by many categories of chemicals. In order to investigate the effects of several chemicals on CYP1B1 gene expression in Hepa-I and MCF-7 cells, 5' flanking DNA of human CYP1B1 was cloned into pGL3 basic vector containing luciferase gene, and then transfected into these cells. After treatment of chemicals, the luciferase activity was measured. CYP1B1 enzyme metabolize PAHs and estradiol. CYP1B1 metabolize estradiol to 4-hydrozyestradiol that is considered as carcinogenic metabolite. Luciferase activity was induced about 20 folds over that control by 1 nM TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachloto-p-dioxin). Recent industrialized society, human has been widely been exposed to widespread environmental contaminants such as PAHs(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) that are originated from the imcomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. PAHs are known to be ligands of the AhR(aryl hydrocarbon receptor). Induction of cytochrome P4501B1(CYP1B1) in cell culture is widely used as a biomarker for PAHs. Therefore we have studied the effect of PAHs in the human breast cancer cells MCF-7 to evaluate bioactivity of PAHs. We have used the United State of America EPA selected 13 different PAHs, PAHs mixtures and extracts from environmental samples to evaluate the bioassay system. We examined effects of PAHs on the CYP1B1-luciferase reporter gene and CYP1B1 mRNA level. Benzo(k)fluoranthene and dibenzo(a, h)anthracene showed strong response to CYP1B1 promoter activity stimulation, and also CYP1B1 mRNAs increase in MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Acenaphthene, anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, fluorene, fluoranthene, anphthanlene, pyrene, phenanthrene and carbazole were weak responders in MCF-7 cells. RT-PCR analysis indicated that PAHs significantly up-regulate the level of CYP1B1 mRNA.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the memory enhancing effect of Poria cocos Wolf (Hoelen cum radix) against scopolamine-induced amnesia in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. To induce amnesia, scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg) was intraperitonically injected into SD rats 30 min before starting behavior tests. We have conducted Morris water-maze and Y-maze tests to monitor learning and memory functions. Poria cocos effectively reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment in SD rats which was represented by an improvement of mean escape latency in water-maze test and spontaneous alterations in Y-maze test. To elucidate possible molecule mechanism, we have measured mRNA as well as protein expression of acetylcholine esterase (AchE), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Poria cocos increased mRNA levels of ChAT and mAchR in rat hippocampus compared with those in the scopolamine-injected amnesic group. In addition, protein expression of ChAT and BDNF was also elevated by Poria cocos intake. Furthermore, as an upstrem regulator, the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. In this immunohistochemical analysis, the phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB) was reduced by scopolamine injection, which was restored back to control levels by administration of Poria cocos. These results suggest that Poria cocos may improve memory and cognitive deficit in amnesia and have therapeutic potentials through up-regulation of ChAT, mAchR, and BDNF, which seemed to be mediated by activation of CREB.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.234-241
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• 2023

At present, many countries around the world are legalizing cannabis and its products, and research on various treatments using cannabis is being actively conducted. However, the cannabis plant contains other compounds whose biological effects have not yet been established. We investigated the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on hair growth in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs). 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were performed to determine the antioxidant activity of CBD. The HDPCs viability of CBD was examined via water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay. The expression of hair-loss-related markers in HDPCs by CBD treatment was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting. The DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity assay showed that CBD had superior antioxidant activities. In HDPCs, CBD increased cellular proliferation at concentrations without cytotoxicity. It also increased the expressions of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). These results correlated with a decrease in the expression of inhibition-related factors, such as androgen receptor (AR) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-B1). Moreover, CBD resulted in a significant increase in the phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Therefore, it is suggested that CBD may be a potential remedy for the treatment of alopecia.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2000

Members of the glycoprotein family, which includes CG, LH, FSH and TSH, comprise two noncovalently linked $\alpha$- and $\beta$-subunits. Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), known as PMSG, has a number of interesting and unique characteristics since it appears to be a single molecule that possesses both LH- and FSH-like activities in other species than the horse. This dual activity of eCG in heterologous species is of fundamental interest to the study of the structure-function relationships of gonadotropins and their receptors. CG and LH $\beta$ genes are different in primates. In horse, however, a single gene encodes both eCG and eLH $\beta$ -subunits. The subunit mRNA levels seem to be independently regulated and their imbalance may account for differences in the quantities of $\alpha$ - and $\beta$-subunits in the placenta and pituitary. The dual activities of eCG could be separated by removal of the N-linked oligosaccharide on the $\alpha$-subunit Asn 56 or CTP-associated O-linked oligosaccharides. The tethered-eCG was efficiently secreted and showed similar LH-like activity to the dimeric eCG. Interestingly, the FSH-like activity of the tethered-eCG was increased markedly in comparison with the native and wild type eCG. These results also suggest that this molecular can implay particular models of FSH-like activity not LH-like activity in the eCG/indicate that the constructs of tethered molecule will be useful in the study of mutants that affect subunit association and/or secretion. A single-chain analog can also be constructed to include additional hormone-specific bioactive generating potentially efficacious compounds that have only FSH-like activity. The LH/CG receptor (LH/CGR), a membrane glycoprotein that is present on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian theca, granulosa, luteal, and interstitial cells, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gonadal development and function in males as well as in nonpregnant and pregnant females. The LH/CGR is a member of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and its structure is predicted to of a large extracellular domain connected to a bundle of seven membrane-spanning a-helices. The LH/CGR phosphorylation can be induced with a phorbol ester, but not with a calcium ionophore. The truncated form of LHR also was down-regulated normally in response to hCG stimulation. In contrast, the cell lines expressing LHR-t631 or LHR-628, the two phosphorylation-negative receptor mutant, showed a delay in the early phase of hCG-induced desensitization, a complete loss of PMA-induced desensitization, and an increase in the rate of hCG-induced receptor down-regulation. These results clearly show that residues 632~653 in the C-terminal tail of the LHR are involved in PMA-induced desensitization, hCG-induced desensitization, and hCG-induced down-regulation. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty. Cells expressing LHR-D556Y bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal increase in cAMP accumulation. This mutation enhances the internalization of the free and agoinst-occupied receptors ~2- and ~17- fold, respectively. We conclude that the state of activation of the LHR can modulate its basal and/or agonist-stimulated internalization. Since the internalization of hCG is involved in the termination of hCG actions, we suggest that the lack of responsiveness detected in cells expressing LHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. This statement is supported by the finding that hCG responsiveness is restored when the cells are lysed and signal transduction is measured in a subcellular fraction (membranes) that cannot internalize the bound hormone.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.494-502
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Reducing the number of adipocytes by inducing apoptosis of mature adipocytes as well as suppressing differentiation of preadipocytes plays an important role in preventing obesity. This study examines the anti-adipogenic and pro-apoptotic effect of red pepper seed water extract (RPS) prepared at $4^{\circ}C$ (RPS4) in 3T3-L1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Effect of RPS4 or its fractions on lipid accumulation was determined in 3T3-L1 cells using oil red O (ORO) staining. The expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and adipogenic associated proteins [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-${\gamma}$ ($PPAR-{\gamma}$), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins ${\alpha}$ (C/EBP ${\alpha}$), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)] were measured in 3T3-L1 cells treated with RPS4. Apoptosis and the expression of Akt and Bcl-2 family proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad), Bcl-2 like protein 4 (Bax), Bal-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak)] were measured in mature 3T3-L1 cells treated with RPS4. RESULTS: Treatment of RPS4 ($0-75{\mu}g/mL$) or its fractions ($0-50{\mu}g/mL$) for 24 h did not have an apparent cytotoxicity on pre and mature 3T3-L1 cells. RPS4 significantly suppressed differentiation and cellular lipid accumulation by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and reducing the expression of $PPAR-{\gamma}$, C/EBP ${\alpha}$, SREBP-1c, FAS, and ACC. In addition, all fractions except ethyl acetate fraction significantly suppressed cellular lipid accumulation. RPS4 induced the apoptosis of mature adipocytes by hypophosphorylating Akt, increasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bak, Bax, and Bad, and reducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and p-Bad. CONCLUSIONS: These finding suggest that RPS4 can reduce the numbers as well as the size of adipocytes and might useful for preventing and treating obesity.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.31-42
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• 1988

The effect of Panaxadiol(PD), which is an active component of Korean Ginseng Saponins, on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the rabbit adrenal gland and its mode of action were investigated in the present study. $PD(400{\mu}g)$ increased significantly the secretion of CA from the isolated perfused rabbit adrenal gland. PD-induced secretion of CA was reduced markedly by treatment of atropine, CA secretion induced by Ach or PD was potentiated significantly by physostigmine-treatment. Chlorisondamine did inhibit CA secretion of PD or Ach. Perfusion of $PD(400{\mu}g)$ for 30 min enhanced the secretory activity of CA by Ach. Ouabain weakened the secretory response induced by PD but rather enhanced the response by Ach. Adenosine-treatment resulted in marked enhancement of CA secretion by PD or Ach, Pefusion with $Ca^{2+}-free$ Krebs containing EGTA (5 mM) for about 30 min totally blocked secretory effect induced by Ach and also weakened that by PD. From the above experimental results, it is suggested that PD causes secretion of catecholamines from the rabbit adrenal gland by a calcium-dependent exocytotic mechanism. The secretory effect of PD is due to the stimulation of cholinergic muscarinic and nicotinic receptors present in the adrenal gland and partly to a direct action on the chromaffin cell itself.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.1308-1316
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• 2008

Propionibacterium acnes is known to playa pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. CBT-SL5 is one of the antimicrobial peptides from Enterococcus faecalis SL5, and it has shown antimicrobial activity against P. acnes. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of CBT-SL5 on the inflammation induced by P. acnes in cultured human keratinocyes. Cultured human keratinocytes derived from neonatal foreskin were treated with heat-killed P. acnes to induce inflammation, and then various concentrations of CBT-SL5 were added to the P. acnes-treated keratinocytes. The mRNA expression and protein secretion of interleukin (IL)-8, an inflammation marker, was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also analyzed the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-$\kappaB$) p65 translocation by performing immunofluorescent staining. P. acnes treatment up regulated the IL-8 mRNA expression in the keratinocytes, and this was brought about through both toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4. At the concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ng/ml, CBT-SL5 significantly down regulated the P. acnes-induced IL-8 mRNA expression and protein production (p<0.05). At 6 hand 12 h of the treatment, CBT-SL5 significantly suppressed the P. acnes-induced IL-8 mRNA expression. Secretion of IL-8 protein was significantly reduced at 24 h. The functional inhibitory activity of CBT-SL5 was shown by CBT-SL5 suppressing the P. acnes-induced NF-$\kappaB$ translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. These results demonstrated that CBT-SL5 suppressed the P. acnes-induced IL-8 expression in keratinocytes. Therefore, CBT-SL5 may be a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for acne.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.203-216
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• 1988

To delineate the mechanisms of vasoconstriction and vasodilation in cerebral arteries the effects of some vasoconstrictors and calcium antagonists on the basilar artery (BA) and arterial circle of Willis (WC) were examined and also the role of endothelium in the action of these drugs was investigated in pigs, cats and rabbits. In pig cerebral arteries, dose-dependent contractile responses were elicited by KCI, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and angiotensin, but norepinephrine (NE), phenylephrine (PE) and epinephrine (EP) elicited dose-dependent contractions only under pretreatment with propranolol 10-6 M. The magnitudes of maximal contractile effects of these drugs were different from each other, and 5-H~ was the largest and angiotensin the smallest. Some calcium antagonists dose-dependently inhibited KCI (35 mM)-induced contraction and the order of potency in inhibiting the contraction was nifedipine > > diltiazem > flunarizine > oxybutynin > isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) > glyceryl trinitrate. 5-HT (10-6 M)-induced contraction was dosedependently inhibited by nifedipine but slightly inhibited by diltiazem and ISDN. In rings with intact endothelium, KCI (35 mM)-induced contraction was not affected by acetylcholine (ACh) but $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ (lO-SM)-induced contraction was dose-dependently relaxed by ACh and adenosine. This endothelium-dependent relaxation was not affected by nifedipine (l0-6M)-pretreatment but markedly inhibited by methylene blue (50,uM)-pretreatment. In the porcine arterial rings without endothelium, ACh had no effect or even contracted the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}-induced$ contraction. However, the dosedependent relaxing effect of ACh appeared when the deendothelized porcine ring and rabbit thoracic aorta with intact endotheli urn were simultaneously suspended into a bath and this relaxing effect was also inhibited by methylene blue-pretreatment. In cat cerebral arteries, 5-HT and NE elicited dose-dependent contractile responses and ACh also produced dose-dependent contraction regardless of the existence of endothelium. ACh-induced contraction was most prominent. 5-HT (IO-SM)induced contraction was not relaxed but contracted additionally by ACh even in the intact endothelial ring. In rabbit cerebral arteries, 5-HT and NE elicited dose-dependent contractile responses and 5-HT-induced contraction was more prominent. In the intact endothelial preparations, 5-HT (lO-s M)-induced contraction was markedly relaxed by the addition of ACh( IO-SM) and this endothelium-dependent relaxing effect was inhibited by atropine (l0-7M)-pretreatment but notaffected by diltiazem (l0-6M)-pretreatment. These results suggest that ACh elicits endotheliumdependent relaxing effect mediated by muscarinic receptors in cerebral arteries of pig and rabbit, and that ACh acts as vasoconstrictor in cat cerebral artery.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3595-3600
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• 2016

Background: To investigate the association between preoperative pathological Ki-67 labeling index and serum tumor marker cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) with clinic-pathological parameters and treatment outcomes in early breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study at 4 cancer centers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt was performed. Data were collected for female patients diagnosed with unilateral early breast cancer between March 2010 and October 2013. Cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by surgery and radiotherapy were included. NACT included 6-8 cycles of anthracycline and taxane based regimens. Trastuzumab and hormonal treatments were added according to HER2 and hormone receptor status. Baseline serum CA15.3 and pathological Ki67 levels were evaluated and correlated with disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 280 pts was included. The median age was 49 years (38-66 y) and median overall survival was 35 (20-38) months (mo). Estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and HER 2 receptors were positive in 233 (83.2%), 198 (70%) and 65 cases (23.2%), respectively. High preoperative Ki67 and CA15.3 were noted in 177 (63.2%) and 131 (46.8%). A total of 45 (16%) patients had distal or local recurrence and 24 (8.6%) died of their disease. Most of the relapsed cases had high preoperative Ki-67 (n=41, 91%) and CA15.3 (n=28, 62%) values. All of the patients who died had a high Ki-67 but CA15.3 was high in 9 (37%) only. Mean DFS/OS in patients with high preoperative Ki-67 was 32 months /32 months as compared to 37 months/35 months in those with normal Ki-67 (p<0.001). Correlation of preoperative CA15.3 and survival was statistically not significant. Conclusions:Preoperative Ki-67 can be a predictive and prognostic marker. Higher levels are associated with poor DFS and OS in patients with early BC.