• 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.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.705-715
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• 2021

Objective : Through our previous clinical trials, the demonstrated therapeutic effects of MSC in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) were found to be not sufficient. Therefore, the need to develop stem cell agent with enhanced efficacy is increased. We transplanted enhanced Wnt3-asecreting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) into injured spines at 6 weeks after SCI to improve axonal regeneration in a rat model of chronic SCI. We hypothesized that enhanced Wnt3a protein expression could augment neuro-regeneration after SCI. Methods : Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were injured using an Infinite Horizon (IH) impactor at the T9-10 vertebrae and separated into five groups : 1) phosphate-buffered saline injection (injury only group, n=7); 2) hMSC transplantation (MSC, n=7); 3) hMSC transfected with pLenti vector (without Wnt3a gene) transplantation (pLenti-MSC, n=7); 4) hMSC transfected with Wnt3a gene transplantation (Wnt3a-MSC, n=7); and 5) hMSC transfected with enhanced Wnt3a gene (1.7 fold Wnt3a mRNA expression) transplantation (1.7 Wnt3a-MSC, n=8). Six weeks after SCI, each 5×10⁵ cells/15 µL at 2 points were injected using stereotactic and microsyringe pump. To evaluate functional recovery from SCI, rats underwent Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test on the first, second, and third days post-injury and then weekly for 14 weeks. Axonal regeneration was assessed using growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and neurofilament (NF) immunostaining. Results : Fourteen weeks after injury (8 weeks after transplantation), BBB score of the 1.7 Wnt3a-MSC group (15.0±0.28) was significantly higher than that of the injury only (10.0±0.48), MSC (12.57±0.48), pLenti-MSC (12.42±0.48), and Wnt3a-MSC (13.71±0.61) groups (p<0.05). Immunostaining revealed increased expression of axonal regeneration markers GAP43, MAP2, and NF in the Wnt3a-MSC and 1.7 Wnt3a-MSC groups. Conclusion : Our results showed that enhanced gene expression of Wnt3a in hMSC can potentiate axonal regeneration and improve functional recovery in a rat model of chronic SCI.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2020

Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Corni Fructus 30% ethanol extract (CFE) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : The subjects were divided into 4 groups ; Normal group (N, n=10), MIA-induced osteoarthritis control group (Con, n=10), indomethacin 5 mg/kg treated group (INDO, n=10), CFE 200 mg/kg treated group (CFE, n=10). Blood and articulation tissues were collected after two weeks of drug administration. Oxidative stress was analyzed with reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite (ONOO-). And the Nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1/2 (GPx-1/2), Nuclear Factor Kappa B p65 (NF-κBp65), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were investigated by western blot. Results : The administration of CFE showed a significant reduction of changes in relative hind paw weight distribution. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxy nitrite (ONOO-) levels of articulation tissues were significantly decreased in CFE compared to the control group. Western blot measurements of Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, GPx-1/2 showed that the CFE group was increased compared to the Con group. And western blot measurements of NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β showed that the CFE group was reduced compared to the Con group. Also CFE group decreased MMP-1 and increased TIMP-1. Conclusion : Based on the above results, it can be seen that osteoarthritis is improved when Corni Fructus 30% ethanol extract treated.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.63-74
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• 2022

Objective : Gastritis refers to an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. Alcohol is one of the main aggression factors, causing bleeding and inflammation in the gastric mucosa and it is known to not only increase lipid peroxide levels, but also deplete key antioxidant factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus water extract (URW) in alcohol-induced gastritis. Methods : The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of URW were confirmed through an in vitro experiment. Also, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity were confirmed. For in vivo experiments, mice were divided into 4 groups (n=8). Also, 1 hr after oral administration of each drug, 50% ethanol was orally administered to induce gastritis. Results : As a result of in vitro experiments, URW showed excellent antioxidant activity. In alcohol-induced gastritis, URW alleviated the damage to the gastric mucosa caused by alcohol. Also, URW decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and gastric tissues, and significantly decreased the expression of NADPH oxidases in gastric tissues. In addition, it significantly modulated the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-𝜅B p65 (NF-𝜅B) pathways as well as significantly increased the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins. Conclusions : These results suggest that URW not only reduces oxidative stress through excellent antioxidant activity but also relieves gastric mucosal inflammation as a regulator of Nrf2 and NF-𝜅B pathways.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.389-397
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• 2001

Cocaine-amphetamine regulated transcript (CART), a satiety factor regulated by leptin, is associated with food intake and motor behavior. In knock out studies, Leu34Phe mutation of human CART gene resulted in obese phenotype but mice carrying a targeted deletion of the CART gene exhibited no dramatic increase of body weight on normal fat diet. To establish a new transgenic mouse model for determining the function of CART on feeding behavior in vivo, we constructed the fusion gene, CART gene under the control of neurofilament light chain promoter, which regulates gene expression at the stage of neuronal differentiation. Transgenic mice were generated by microinjection method and screened by PCR and Southern blot analyses. In these transgenic mice, overexpression of CART was detected by in situ hybridization in spinal cords and brains at 13.5 days post-coitum embryos. At six weeks of age, RT-PCR analysis showed that exogenous CART mRNA was expressed strongly in brains and spinal cords, but not much in other tissues. Our results suggest that these transgenic mice provide a new model to investigate the function of CART gene in neuronal network associated with feeding behavior.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.429-444
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• 1998

Objective of this study was to select ectomycorrhizal fungi for black spruce(Picea mariana) inoculation to overcome the growth inhibitory effects of Kalmia angustifolia. Nineteen isolates representing 11 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi were tested for their abilities to grow and form mycorrhizae with black spruce seedlings in the presence of water leachate of leaves of Kalmia. Mycelium growth of 9 isolates were inhibited by the leaf leachate. Colony diameter and biomass of the other 10 isolates were either increased or unaffected under the same conditions. Acidic pH of the culture medium(pH 3 and 4) inhibited some of the fungi, but a combination of acidic pH and the leaf leachate was more inhibitory. Thirteen isolates were able to form ectomycorrhizae with black spruce in presence of 25% leaf leachate in pure culture. Four isolates, Paxillus involutus(NF4), Cenococcum geophilum(GB12), Laccaria laccata(GB23), and E-strain(GB45) formed mycorrhizae more successfully than the others in presence of up to 50% Kalmia leaf leachate. Black spruce seedlings pre-inoculated with these fungi were grown with Kalmia leaf leachate and live Kalmia plants during a four month greenhouse experiment. Abundant mycorrhizae(77-91% of root tips) were developed on seedlings pre-inoculated with P. involutus, L. laccata and E-strain but relatively poor mycorrhization(32% of root tips) resulted with C. geophidum. Over 90% of the short root mycorrhizae were attributed to the inoculated fungi although indigenous mycorrhizae also occurred on most seedlings. Persistence of the mycorrhizae was not affected by living Kalmia plants. Over 80% of the mycorrhizae on seedlings inoculated with P. involutus, L. laccata and E-strain and 53% of the mycorrhizae on seedlings inoculated with C. geophilum were attributable to the inoculant fungi. Control seedlings formed about 45% ectomycorrhizal short roots with indigenous fungi. The L. laccata and C. geophilum inoculated seedlings exhibited enhanced mycorrhizae formation in presence of Kalmia leaf leachate. Mycorrhizae formation with inoculant fungi was 4-15% lower at pH 4 than at pH 5, with the greatest inhibition occurring for L. laccata. Seedlings inoculated with P. involutus had the greatest shoot and root growth followed by L. laccata and E-strain inoculated seedlings. The P. involutus and L. laccata inoculated seedlings were significantly taller with more shoot dry biomass than the uninoculated(control) seedlings. E-strain inoculated seedlings had significantly higher shoot dry biomass and significantly lower number of first order lateral roots compared to the control but other growth parameters such as height, root dry weight and number of short root tips were not significantly different from the control. Seedlings inoculated with C. geophilum were not significantly different from the uninoculated seedlings in any of the growth parameters except for the number of first artier lateral roots which was significantly less than the control seedlings.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.333-340
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• 2020

Macrophages are the cells of the first-line defense system, which protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria. However, Gram-negative bacteria have always been the major challenge for macrophages due to the presence of lipopolysaccharides on their outer cell membrane. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of phloretin, a flavonoid commonly found in apple, on the protection of macrophages from Escherichia coli infection. RAW 264.7 cells infected with standard E. coli, or virulent E. coli K1 strain were treated with phloretin in a dose-dependent manner to examine its efficacy in protection of macrophages. Our results revealed that phloretin treatment reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and generation of reactive oxygen species along with reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines induced by the E. coli and E. coli K1 strains in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, treatment of phloretin downregulated the expression of E. coli-induced major inflammatory markers i.e. cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, the TLR4-mediated NF-κB pathway was activated in E. coli-infected macrophages but was potentially downregulated by phloretin at the transcriptional and translational levels. Collectively, our data suggest that phloretin treatment protects macrophages from infection of virulent E. coli K1 strain by downregulating the TLR4-mediated signaling pathway and inhibiting NO and cytokine production, eventually protecting macrophages from E. coli-induced inflammation.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.17 no.6 s.109
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• pp.597-604
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• 2006

An ultrawideband(UWB) $3.1{\sim}5.15$ GHz low-noise amplifier employing a novel input matching circuit and feedback topology are presented. The proposed UWB amplifier is Implemented in $0.18{\mu}m$ RF CMOS technology. Measurements show a NF of $3.4{\sim}3.9$ dB, a power gain of $12.8{\sim}14$ dB, better than -9.4 of input matching and, an input IP3 of -1 dBm, while comsuming only 14.5 mW of power.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.9 no.9
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• pp.1027-1034
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• 2014

We present the Low Power Broadband Low noise amplifier(LNA) that can be applied a whole bandwidth from 3G to 4G LTE. This multi input LNA was designed to steadily amplify through a multi input method regardless the size of the input signal and operate on a wide range of frequency band from a standard 3G CDMA band 1.2GHz to LTE band 2.5GHz. The designed LNA consumes an average of 6mA on a 1.2V power supply and this was affirmed using computer simulation tests. The amplification which was corresponded to the lowest input signal is at a maximum of 20dB and was able to obtain the minimum value of the gain of -10dB. The Noise figure is less than 3dB at a High-gain mode and is less than 15dB at a Low-gain mode.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1399-1403
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• 2006

A total of 80 cows, including 40 top mastitis resistant and 40 top mastitis susceptible animals as Group I and Group II, were selected from a population of 520 cows based on clinical mastitis occurrence. PCR-SSCP analysis on four fragments within the 5'region and two fragments of Exons 4,15 of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) revealed that four fragments-P1,P4,E4,E15-had polymorphisms which totally included six base mutations, and only two of them had significant differences in allele frequencies between resistant and susceptible groups, P1 (53.7% vs. 70.0%, p<0.05) and P4 (55.0% vs. 68.8%, p<0.05). Further study on these two promising markers combined with the milk performance traits of cows demonstrated that their selection would result in higher fat percentage (p<0.05), lower Somatic Cell Score (SCS) (p<0.05) and Clinical Mastitis Residuals (CMR) (p<0.01) indicating higher mastitis resistance and lower milk yield (p<0.05). The putative transcription factor binding sites in the 5'region were also studied by using MatInspector 7.2.2 software, and two signal pathways regulating the expression of bLF including the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway and nuclear hormone receptor pathway were predicted.