• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.284-292
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• 2012

To date, chemical control remains the most common way to reduce beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) populations. However, this insect has become more tolerant or resistant to many chemical insecticides and the insect larvae usually hide inside hollow, tube-like leaves of host plant so they were difficult to kill by spraying insecticides. The use of viral and bacterial insecticide to solve these problems has not been successful because of their novel feeding habit. To overcome these problems, in this study, the biological characteristics and virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus isolated from the cadaver of larvae beet armyworm were investigated. Isolated entomopathogenic fungus was identified as Nomeraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson by morphological examinations and genetic identification using sequences of the ITS, ${\beta}$-tubulin gene and EF1-${\alpha}$ regions. This fungus was named as N. rileyi SDSe. Virulence tests against 3rd larvae of beet armyworm were conducted with various conidial suspensions from $1{\times}10^4$ to $10^8$ conidia/ml of N. rileyi SDSe in laboratory conditions. Mortality rate of beet armyworm showed from 20 to 54% and the virulence increased with increasing conidial concentrations. Although N. rileyi SDSe showed low mortality rate against beet armyworm, it is expected that N. rileyi SDSe will be used effectively in the integrated pest management programs against the beet armyworm.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1802-1807
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• 2009

Platycodin D, a major component of Platycodi radix, is known to have various activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-tumor activities and others. Recently, it was reported that platycodin D inhibits fat accumulation and adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether various adipogenic regulators are modulated by platycodin D treatment during the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. mRNA levels of terminal markers of adipogenesis such as ADIPOQ (adiponectin) and GLUT (glucose transporter) 4, which were quantified by real time PCR, were decreased by platycodin D treatment. mRNA expression of PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) $\gamma$ and C/EBP (CCAAT/enhaner binding protein) $\alpha$, which are central transcription factors of adipogenesis, were also decreased by platycodin D treatment. To elucidate the detailed molecular mechanism of platycodin D-induced inhibition of adipogenesis, we analyzed mRNA expression of upstream regulators of PPAR$\gamma$ and C/EPB$\alpha$. mRNA levels of the pro-adipogenic regulators, KROX20 and KLF (Kruppel-like factor) 15 were markedly down-regulated by platycodin D treatment. On the other hand, mRNA expression of CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein), an anti-adipogenic regulator, was significantly up-regulated by platycodin D treatment. mRNA levels of other pro-adipogenic regulators, C/EBP$\beta$ and C/EPB$\delta$, were not affected by platycodin D treatment, and another anti-adipogenic regulator, C/EBP$\gamma$ was also not affected by platycodin D treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that platycodin D-induced inhibition of adipogenesis is mediated by gene interactions including the down-regulation of pro-adipogenic regulators, KROX20 and KLF15, and the up-regulation of an anti-adipogenic regulator, CHOP.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.250-265
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• 2008

Distraction osteogenesis is a well-established clinical treatment for limb length discrepancy and skeletal deformities. Appropriate mechanical tension-stress is believed not to break the callus but rather to stimulate osteogenesis. In contrast to fracture healing, the mode of bone formation in distraction osteogenesis is primarily intramembranous ossification. Although the biomechanical, histological, and ultrastructural changes associated with distraction osteogenesis have been widely described, the basic biology of the process is still not well known. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms in distraction osteogenesis remain largely unclear. Recent studies have implicated the growth factor cascade is likely to play an important role in distraction. And current reserch suggested that mechanical tension-stress modulates cell shape and phenotype, and stimulates the expression of the mRNA for bone matrix proteins. The purpose of this study is to examine the pattern of expression of growth factors($TGF-{\beta}1$, IGF-I, bFGF) and extracellular matrix proteins(osteoclacin, osteonectin) related to osteogenesis by osteodistraction of the mandible in rabbits. 24 rabbits is used for this experiment. Experimental group are gradual distraction(0.7mm, twice/day), acute distraction(1.4mm, twice/day) and control group is only osteotomized. After 5 days latency, osteotomic site is distracted for each 7 days and 3.5 days. Consolidation period is 28 days. The animal is sacrificed at the 3th, 7th, 14th, 28th. The distracted bone is examined by immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR analysis. The results obtained from this study were as follow : No significant difference was found on clinical examination according to distraction rate, but gradual distraction was shown to improve regenerate bone formation on radiographic and histologic examination. Growth factors and extracelluar matrix proteins expression increased in distraction group than control group. From these results, it could be stated that graudal distraction is shown to improve and accelerate bone formation and mechanical stress like distraction has considerable effects on osteogenesis related factors. And rabbit is the most appropriate animal model for further reseach on the molecular mechanisms that mediate osteodistraction. It is believed that understanding the biomolecular mechanisms that mediate distraction osteogenesis may guide the development of targeted strategies designed to improve distraction osteogenesis and accelerate bone healing.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.403-409
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• 2018

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of a lipid-coated zinc oxide (ZnO) supplement Shield Zn (SZ) at the sub-pharmacological concentration on intestinal morphology and gene expression in weanling pigs, with an aim to gain insights into the mechanism of actions for SZ. Methods: Forty 22-day-old weanling pigs were fed a nursery diet supplemented with 100 or 2,500 mg Zn/kg with uncoated ZnO (negative control [NC] or positive control [PC], respectively), 100, 200, or 400 mg Zn/kg with SZ for 14 days and their intestinal tissues were taken for histological and molecular biological examinations. The villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) of the intestinal mucosa were measured microscopically following preparation of the tissue specimen; expression of the genes associated with growth and immune function was determined using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: There was no difference in daily gain, gain:feed, and diarrhea score between the SZ group and either of NC and PC. The VH and VH:CD ratio were less for the SZ group vs NC in the jejunum and duodenum, respectively (p<0.05). The jejunal mucosal mRNA levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and interleukin (IL)-10 regressed and tended to regress (p = 0.053) on the SZ concentration with a positive coefficient, respectively, whereas the IL-6 mRNA level regressed on the SZ concentration with a negative coefficient. The mRNA levels of IGF-I, zonula occludens protein-1, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and IL-10 did not differ between the SZ group and either of NC and PC; the occludin and transforming growth $factor-{\beta}1$ mRNA levels were lower for the SZ group than for PC. Conclusion: The present results are interpreted to suggest that dietary ZnO provided by SZ may play a role in intestinal mucosal growth and immune function by modulating the expression of IGF-I, IL-6, and IL-10 genes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.757-763
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• 2010

The qualities of Deodeok Doenjang including physicochemical characteristics and sensory properties were investigated over the following range of Deodeok levels: 5, 10, 15 and 20% (all w/w). The strains used in the manufacturing of Doenjang were Bacillus sp. B-3 and Aspergillus sp. M-9 with the highest enzyme activities like amylase and protease. In case of Deodeok Doenjangs prepared with Bacillus sp. B-3, the amino-type nitrogen of Doenjang containing 10% (w/w) Deodeok was produced more than others during fermentation for 40 days. Amino-type nitrogen produced in Deodeok Doenjang prepared with Aspergillus sp. M-9 was more than one of Deodeok Doenjangs with Bacillus sp. B-3 and a commercial Doenjang. When Deodeok content exceeded 15% (w/w), higher content resulted in lesser amino-type nitrogen production. The results showed that Deodeok had influenced growth of Bacillus sp. and Aspergillus sp. Sensory evaluation showed that Deodeok Doenjangs containing 10% (w/w) Deodeok and 1% (w/w) Bacillus sp. B-3 and containing 20% (w/w) Deodeok and 1% (w/w) Aspergillus sp. M-9 were superior to the other Doenjangs tested.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.151-165
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix (AP) and Acanthopanacis Cortex (AT) extracts in bone-derived adipocyte OP9 cell, osteoclast and osteoblast-like MG63 cells. Methods : MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of AP and AT extracts on OP9, osteoclast and MG63 cells. OP9 cells were treated with AP and AT, and the alterations in fat storage in the cells were determined by the Oil red O. To explain effects of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages, we performed the TRAP staining. The protein level of CAAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha ($C/EBP{\alpha}$) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) as a adipocyte differentiation marker, and adiponectin was examined using western blot in differentiated OP9 cells. Effects of related genes were confirmed by luciferase assay using reporter assay. Results : AP and AT was not toxic on OP9 and MG63 cells, but AT was a little cytotoxic to osteoclast at the dose of $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. They could inhibit differentiation of OP9 cells and osteoclast with results of oil red O staining and TRAP staining. By western blot, AP and AT decreased the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$ which is the key transcription factor in adipogenesis and adiponectin secretion. AT also inhibited the BMP-4 activity in luciferase assay. AP also inhibited BMP-4 and Wnt3a activity, stimulated ER-${\beta}$ activity but inhibited androgen receptor activity. Conclusions : These results show AP and AT can be useful in osteoporosis and obesity via inhibition of osteoclast and adipocyte differentiation.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.201-210
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• 2003

Objective: The role of prostaglandin $E_2$ (PGE2) in the etiopathogenesis of immune and inflammatory diseases has become the subject of recent debate. To determine the role of PGE2 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we tested the effect of exogenous PGE2 on the production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by rheumatoid synoviocytes. Methods: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were prepared from the synovial tissues of RA patients, and cultured in the presence of PGE2. The COX-2 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The PGE2 receptor subtypes in the FLS were analyzed by RT-PCR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to measure the NF-${\kappa}B$ binding activity for COX-2 transcription. The in vivoeffect of PGE2 on the development of arthritis was also tested in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) animals. Results: PGE2 ($10^{-11}$ to $10^{-5}M$) dose-dependently inhibited the expression of COX-2 mRNA and the COX-2 protein stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$, but not COX-1 mRNA. NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, displayed an additive effect on PGE2-induced COX-2 downregulation. The FLS predominantly expressed the PGE2 receptor (EP) 2 and EP4, which mediated the COX-2 suppression by PGE2. Treatment with anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibodies partially reversed the PGE2-induced suppression of COX-2 mRNA, suggesting that IL-10 may be involved in modulating COX-2 by PGE2. Experiments using an inducer and an inhibitor of cyclic AMP (cAMP) suggest that cAMP is the major intracellular signal that mediates the regulatory effect of PGE2 on COX-2 expression. EMSA revealed that PGE2 inhibited the binding of NF-${\kappa}B$ in the COX-2 promoter via a cAMP dependent pathway. In addition, a subcutaneous injection of PGE2 twice daily for 2 weeks significantly reduced the incidence and severity of CIA as well as the production of IgG antibodies to type II collagen. Conclusion: Our data suggest that overproduced PGE2 in the RA joints may function as an autocrine regulator of its own synthesis by inhibiting COX-2 production and may, in part, play an anti-inflammatory role in the arthritic joints.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.630-635
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Naeso-san in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in murine small intestine. First, we isolated ICCs from murine small intestine. After that, we cultured these cells for 1 days. The patch-clamp technique was applied on ICCs that formed network-like structures in culture (1 days). Spontaneous rhythms were routinely recorded from cultured ICCs under current-clamp conditions, and the ICCs within networks displayed more robust electrical rhythms (pacemaker potentials). To understand the relationship between Naeso-san and pacemaker activity in ICCs, we examined the effects of Naeso-san on pacemaker potentials of ICCs. In current clamp mode (I = 0), the addition of Naeso-san (10 mg/ml - 50 mg/ml) decreased the amplitude and frequency of the pacemaker potentials of ICCs in a dose dependent manner. However, these effects were blocked by intracellular $GDP{\beta}S$, a G-protein inhibitor, and glibenclamide, a specific ATP-sensitive K+ channels blocker. Pretreatment with SQ-22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, did not block the Naeso-san induced effects, whereas pretreatment with ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, or L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase blocked the Naeso-san induced effects. Our findings provide insight into unraveling the modulation of Naeso-san in pacemaker potentials of ICCs and developing therapeutic agents against gastrointestinal motility disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2016

Background: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been traditionally used for a long time, its anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory roles of KRG-derived components, namely, water extract (KRG-WE), saponin fraction (KRG-SF), and nonsaponin fraction (KRG-NSF), were investigated. Methods: To check saponin levels in the test fractions, KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these components were investigated using a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7 cells) and an acute gastritis model in mice. Results: Of the tested fractions, KGR-SF (but not KRG-NSF and KRG-WE) markedly inhibited the viability of RAW264.7 cells, and splenocytes at more than 500 mg/mL significantly suppressed NO production at $100{\mu}g/mL$, diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and interferon-${\beta}$ at $200{\mu}g/mL$, and completely blocked phagocytic uptake by RAW264.7 cells. All three fractions suppressed luciferase activity triggered by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not that triggered by activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Phospho-IRF3 and phospho-TBK1 were simultaneously decreased in KRG-SF. Interestingly, all these fractions, when orally administered, clearly ameliorated the symptoms of gastric ulcer in HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF might have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly because of the suppression of the IRF3 pathway.

• Mycobiology
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.297-311
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• 2017

Saprolegniasis is one of the most devastating oomycete diseases in freshwater fish which is caused by species in the genus Saprolegnia including Saprolegnia parasitica. In this study, we isolated the strain of S. parasitica from diseased rainbow trout in Korea. Morphological and molecular based identification confirmed that isolated oomycete belongs to the member of S. parasitica, supported by its typical features including cotton-like mycelium, zoospores and phylogenetic analysis with internal transcribed spacer region. Pathogenicity of isolated S. parasitica was developed in embryo, juvenile, and adult zebrafish as a disease model. Host-pathogen interaction in adult zebrafish was investigated at transcriptional level. Upon infection with S. parasitica, pathogen/antigen recognition and signaling (TLR2, TLR4b, TLR5b, NOD1, and major histocompatibility complex class I), pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin $[IL]-1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8, interferon ${\gamma}$, IL-12, and IL-10), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9 and MMP13), cell surface molecules ($CD8^+$ and $CD4^+$) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase) related genes were differentially modulated at 3- and 12-hr post infection. As an anti-Saprolegnia agent, plant based lawsone was applied to investigate on the susceptibility of S. parasitica showing the minimum inhibitory concentration and percentage inhibition of radial growth as $200{\mu}g/mL$ and 31.8%, respectively. Moreover, natural lawsone changed the membrane permeability of S. parasitica mycelium and caused irreversible damage and disintegration to the cellular membranes of S. parasitica. Transcriptional responses of the genes of S. parasitica mycelium exposed to lawsone were altered, indicating that lawsone could be a potential anti-S. parasitica agent for controlling S. parasitica infection.