• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.824-835
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• 2019

In recent decades, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have extensively been investigated as a potential cancer drug. Oncolytic viruses have primarily the unique advantage in the fact that they can only infect and destroy cancer cells. Secondary, oncolytic viruses induce the activation of specific adaptive immunity which targets tumor-associated antigens that were hidden during the initial cancer progression. In 2015, one genetically modified oncolytic virus, talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), was approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of melanoma. Currently, various oncolytic viruses are being investigated in clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with preexistent cancer therapies like immunotherapy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy relies on the balance between the induced anti-tumor immunity and the anti-viral response. Despite the revolutionary outcome, the development of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer faces a number of obstacles such as delivery method, neutralizing antibodies and induction of antiviral immunity due to the complexity, variability and reactivity of tumors. Intratumoral administration has been successful reducing considerably solid tumors with no notable side effects unfortunately some tumors are not accessible (brain) and require a systemic administration of the oncolytic viruses. In order to overcome these hurdles, various strategies to enhance the efficacy of oncolytic viruses have been developed which include the insertion of transgenes or combination with immune-modulatory substances.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.391-397
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• 2022

This study aimed to verify the antidiabetic effects of the unripe black raspberry extract (UBRE) in obese diabetic mice. For the experiment, animal model mice were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic control, three experimental groups (treated with 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg single dose of UBRE), and a positive control (200 mg/kg metformin). The groups treated with 300 mg/kg UBRE and metformin had significantly reduced blood glucose and triglyceride levels in the diabetic mice compared to those in the vehicle control group. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed that UBRE increased the Langerhans area, cell number, and insulin concentration in the pancreatic islets of db/db mice. Therefore, UBRE exerts significant antidiabetic effects by decreasing the blood glucose and lipid levels, suggesting that it can be consumed as a functional diet for diabetic patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.12
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• pp.1337-1347
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• 2009

Purpose:Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a simple sulfur-containing amino acid. It is abundantly present in tissues such as brain, retina, heart, and skeletal muscles. Current studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of taurine, but limited data are available for such effects during neonatal period. The aim of this study was to determine whether taurine could reduce hypoxic-ischemic (HI) cerebral injury via anti-apoptosis mechanism. Methods:Embryonic cortical neurons isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at 18 days gestation were cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into hypoxia group, taurine-treated group before hypoxic insult, and taurine-treated group after HI insult. In the in vivo model, left carotid artery ligation was performed in 7-day-old SD rat pups. The pups were exposed to hypoxia, administered an injection of 30 mg/kg of taurine, and killed at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after the hypoxic insult. We compared the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 among the 3 groups by using real- time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting. Results:The cells in the taurine-treated group before hypoxic insult, although similar in appearance to those in the normoxia group, were lesser in number. In the taurine-treated group, Bcl-2 expression increased, whereas Bax and caspase-3 expressions reduced. Conclusion:Taurine exerts neuroprotective effects onperinatal HI brain injury due to its anti-apoptotic effect. The neuroprotective effect was maximal at 1-2 weeks after the hypoxic injury.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.250-256
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• 2003

Background : Anthracofibrosis, a descriptive term for multiple black pigmentation with fibrosis on bronchoscopic examination, has a close relationship with active tuberculosis (TB). However, TB activity is determined in the later stage by the TB culture results in some cases of anthracofibrosis. Therefore, it is necessary to identify early markers of TB activity in anthracofibrosis. There have been several reports investigating the serum levels of IL-2 $sR{\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TBGL antibody for the evaluation of TB activity. In the present study, we tried to measure the above mentioned serologic markers for the evaluation of TB activity in patients with anthracofibrosis. Methods : Anthracofibrosis was defined when there was deep pigmentation (in more than two lobar bronchi) and fibrotic stenosis of the bronchi on bronchoscopic examination. The serum of patients with anthracofibrosis was collected and stored under refrigeration before the start of anti-TB medication. The serum of healthy volunteers (N=16), patients with active TB prior to (N=22), and after (N=13), 6 month-medication was also collected and stored. Serum IL-2 $sR{\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$ were measured with ELISA kit (R&D system, USA) and serum TBGL antibody was measured with TBGL EIA kit (Kyowa Inc, Japan). Results : Serum levels of IL-2 $sR{\alpha}$ in healthy volunteers, active TB patients before and after medication, and patients with anthracofibrosis were $640{\pm}174$, $1,611{\pm}2,423$, $953{\pm}562$, and $863{\pm}401$ pg/ml, respectively. The Serum IFN-${\gamma}$ levels were 0, $8.16{\pm}17.34$, $0.70{\pm}2.53$, and $2.33{\pm}6.67$ pg/ml, and TBGL antibody levels were $0.83{\pm}0.80$, $5.91{\pm}6.71$, $6.86{\pm}6.85$, and $3.22{\pm}2.59$ U/ml, respectively. The serum level of TBGL antibody was lower than of other groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference of serum IL-2 $sR{\alpha}$ and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels among the four groups. Conclusion : The serum levels of IL-2 $sR{\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TBGL antibody were not useful in the evaluation of TB activity in patients with anthracofibrosis. More useful ways need to be developed for the differentiation of active TB in patients with anthracofibrosis.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.115-123
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• 2000

A few enzymeimmunoassay (EfA) for testosterone (T) have been reported but was not suitable for all biological samples. The present study was designed to develop a rapid, ultrasensitive EIA and to apply this technique for study the physiological changes of T in biological samples. Saliva samples were collected at 06:00～09:00 hour during one menstrual cycle from 18 normally menstruating women and on 09:00～10:00 hour from 20 normal men. The present study shows an established EIA for testosterone, using horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which was covalently bonded to testosterone-3-carboxymethyloxime (T-3-CMO). One batch of T-antisera was also covalently linked to microcrystalline cellulose particles by a mixed anhydride method in order to facilitate separation of bound and free steroids. The established EIA was validated in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, precisions etc., comparing with conventional radioimmunoassay. The sensitivity of the established EIA was less than 25 pg/tube. The correlation coefficients between the expected T-values and observed T-values measured by EIA or RIA were r=0.985 and r=0.941 respectively. The cross reactivity of antiserum in EIA was a little higher than that of RIA, especially by 5 ${\alpha}$-DHT. The intra- and inter-assay precisions of the present EIA were similar to those of RIA. The present study also demonstrates that the normal T-values in saliva of Korean male ＆ female samples are 265.65${\pm}$15.80 pmol／l and 109.74${\pm}$ 12.01 pmol／l, respectively. The present EIA seems to be established and suitable for use in the endocrinological studies. The advantages of this EIA system also might make the present T-EIA an ideal procedure for use in a routine assay of ordinary laboratory with a conventional spectrophotometer.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.267-272
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• 2015

'Tight junctions (TJ)' have recently been identified in the granular cell layer of the human epidermis, where they contribute to the normal adhesion between keratinocytes and to the physiologic barrier function of the epidermis. Among the TJ proteins in the epidermis, occludin is an important transmembrane protein, which is considered as a major component. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether regional variation exists in the expression of the tight junction protein occludin in normal human epidermis. Indirect immunofluorescence staining for occludin was performed with specimens taken from different areas of normal skin (4 from each of 7 different anatomical sites, including the scalp, face, posterior neck, upper arm, abdomen, lower back, and inner thigh). The degrees of the expression-intensity in each specimen were estimated with the reciprocals of positive end-point titer of occludin in an indirect immunofluorescence study. The highest degree expression-intensity of the TJ protein occludin among the different areas of normal epidermis was observed on the face and abdomen with a titer of 600 (p=0.001). The lowest intensity of expression of occludin was seen in the epidermis from the upper arm. Skin specimens from the scalp, neck, back, and leg demonstrated intermediate degrees of the expression in intensity. The expression of occludin in the skin samples obtained from different locations of the body showed a statistically significant variation. This suggests that there is a certain degree of regional variation in the expression-intensity of TJ protein 'occludin' in the human epidermis.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 1996

The C-reactive protein(CRP) from ascitic and pleural fluid was purified using calcium dependent affinity chromatography of CNBr activated Sepharose-4B covalently coupled to p-diazonium phenylphosphorylcholine(DPPC) and hydroxylapitite chromatography. Polyclonal antibody was prepared from rabbit by immunizing the purified CRP. Specific immunoglobulin G was isolated using affinity chromatography and coupled to microparticles. A sensitive microparticle-based immunoassay was developed to measure CRP within 3 mins. The detection range was between 0.5mg/dl) and 20mg/dl in serum, showing strong response in the range of 0.7~2.9 mg/dl, weak response in 5.0~13.2 mg/dl and zone phenomenon over 28mg/dl. The average value of CRP in 74 samples was 3.8mg/dl and most of the values were lower than 10mg/dl .The CRP values of serum samples were determined by our microparticle-based immunoassay, and were compared with those obtained using the other commercial products(B Co., France and I Co., Japan). Good correlations were shown between the values obtained by our developed microparticle-based immunoassay system and those by other commercial products. All performance characteristics evaluated make our developed microparticles-based immunoassay suitable for a simple, rapid, and reliable screening of CRP in serum.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.333-339
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• 2005

To increase IgY in egg yolks, hens were fed a feed supplemented with kelp meal $4\%$ cinnamon $0.3\%$ and mint $2\%$ respectively, and immunized 5 times with Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans) at 2 week intervals. Groups fed experimental feeds without immunization showed higher laying rate than the control group, without supplementary feed and immunization. After the immunization, the laying rates had been decreasing due to the stress of immunization. The laying rate was recovered after the termination of immunization. Egg weight was not affected by the immunization but diets. Feed intake was dependent on the laying rate. Total IgY concentration in eggs laid from hens fed feeds containing supplementary feeds was higher than that of control. Especially, total IgY was increased up to $7.9\%$ in eggs laid from hens fed feeds supplemented with $4\%$ of kelp meal. Anti-S. mutans IgY was detected at 4 weeks after first immunization. Activity of anti-S. mutans IgY was sustained at 5 week after the final immunization. As the average concentration of specific IgY during the experimental period showed that eggs from hens fed the feed containing $4\%$ of kelp meal increased the specific IgY by $8.5\%$ kelp meal supplement improved specific IgY production by immunization.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 1980

혈액질환(血液疾患), 특히 용혈성빈혈(溶血性貧血)을 수반(隨伴)한 경우(境遇)에 적혈구(赤血球)의 생성(生成), 파괴과정(破壞過程)을 정확히 파악하는 것은 빈혈(貧血)의 발생기전(發生機轉) 및 병인(病因), 치료(治療), 예후(豫後) 결정(決定)에 매우 중요(重要)하다. 적혈수명측정법(赤血壽命測定法)은 최근(最近) 방사성(放射性)동위원소(同位元素)를 이용(利用)한 방법(方法)이 소개된 이래 널리 시행(施行)되어 왔다. 그러나 그 방법(方法) 및 결과(結果) 해석(解釋)에 표준화(標準化)가 되어 있지 않았던 중 1971년 ICSH (International Committee for Standardization in Hematology)에서 expert panel을 갖고 ICSH 추천 방법(方法)을 발표(發表)하였고, 본지(本誌)에서도 그 내용(內容)을 게재(揭載)한 바 있다. 1980년 ICSH는 전문기관 및 전문가의 협조(協調)를 얻어 다시 expert panal을 갖은 후 1971년에 추진한 적혈구수명측정법(赤血球壽命測定法)의 일부(一部)를 수정(修正)하여 ICSH의 표준방법(標準方法)으로 발표(發表)하였다. 개정(改正)된 표준방법(標準方法)과 1971년 ICSH추친 방법(方法)과의 차이(差異)는 다음과 같다. $^{51}Cr$표지방법중(標識方法中) 참고방법(參考方法)(Reference method)인 ACD법(法)에 수정(修正)을 가하여, ACD solution 구성성분(構成成分)이 차이(差異)가 있으며, 표지(標識)$^{51}Cr$의 양(量)을 체중당(體重當) $1.5{\mu}Ci$에서 $0.5{\mu}Ci$로 제한(制限)시켰다. 투여방법(投與方法)에 대한 언급 특히 투여하는 표지적혈구(標識赤血球)의 용적을 정확하게 측정 하기 위한 방법 4가지를 추가하였고, 검체준비(檢體準備) 과정중(過程中)의 pipet error를 방지(防止)하기위해 일정(一定)한 형태의 pipet을 사용(使用)하며, 1ml의 tuterculin syringe는 사용(使用)하지 않기로 하였다. 또한 결과분석시(結果分析時) 혈구용적(血球容積)의 항정성(恒定性)을 위해 Sodium pertectnetate($^{99m}Tc$)를 이용(利用)해 혈구용적(血球容積)을 반복(反復)해 측정(測定)하도록 하였으며 이때 사용(使用)하는 방사성동위원소(放射性同位元素)는 $^{32}P$ 대신 $^{99m}Tc$로 하였다. 결과해석시(結果解釋時) IgG 항체(抗體) 또는 IgM 항체(抗體)에 따른 차이점(差異點)에 대한 고려가 추가(追加)되었다. ICSH와 국제혈액학회(國際血液學會)에서 수정(修正)된 ICSH 표준방법(標準方法)에 의한 적혈수명측정법(赤血壽命測定法)을 널리 소개(紹介)하여 결과(結果)의 표준화(標準化)를 기하고자 연관잡지(聯관(關)雜誌)에 게재(揭載)할 것을 요청(要請)하였기에 전문(全文)을 본지(本誌)에 소개(紹介)하고자 한다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.919-928
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• 2022

As seen in the COVID-19 pandemic, unexpected emergence of new viruses presents serious concern on public health. Especially, the absence of effective vaccines or antiviral drugs against emerging viruses significantly increases the severity of disease and duration of viral circulation among population. Natural products have served as a major source for safe and effective antiviral drugs. In this study, we examined the virucidal activity of medical herb extracts with a view to discover novel antiviral agents with desired levels of safety and antiviral efficacy. Ethanol extracts of ten selected medical herbs were tested for antioxidant activity and in-vitro cytotoxicity in various animal cell lines. Of note, the herbal extracts showed broad and potent virucidal activities against rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and influenza A virus. The extracts of Sorbus commixta and Glycyrrhiza uralensis showed strong virucidal activities against influenza A virus. We also examined whether the extracts of Sorbus commixta and Glycyrrhiza uralensis can be used as inactivating agents to prepare an inactivated viral vaccine. In a mouse model, influenza A virus inactivated by the extracts elicited high levels of neutralizing antibodies, and the vaccination provided complete protection against lethal challenge. These results suggest that herb-derived natural products can be developed to antiviral drugs as well as inactivating agents for preparation of inactivated viral vaccines.