• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.353-360
• /
• 2005

Surface treatment play an important role in nucleating calcium phosphate deposition on surgical Ti implant. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine whether the precipitation of apatite on cp-Ti and Ti alloys are affected by surface modification in HCl and $H_2O_2$ solution. Specimens were then chemically treated with a solution containing 0.1 M HCl and 8.8M $H_2O_2$ at $80^{\circ}C$ for 30 mins, and subsequently heat-treated at $400^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour. All specimens were immersed in the HBSS with pH 7.4 at $36.5^{\circ}C$ for 15 days, and the surface was examined with XRD, SEM, EDX ana XPS. Also, pure Ti, Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy specimens with and without surface treatment were implanted in the abdominal connective tissue of mice for 4 weeks. All specimens chemically treated with HCl and $H_2O_2$ solution have the ability to form a apatite layer in the HBSS which has inorganic ion composition similar to human blood plasma. The average thickness of the fibrous capsule surrounding the specimens implanted in the connective tissue was $38.57\;{\mu}m,\;62.27\;{\mu}m\;and\;45.64\;{\mu}m$ in the cp-Ti, Ti-6Al-4V ana Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy specimens with the chemical treatment respectively, and $52.20\;{\mu}m,\;75.62\;{\mu}m\;and\;66.56\;{\mu}m$ in the commercial specimens of cp-Ti, Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb without any treatment respectively. The results of this evaluation indicate that the chemically treated cp-Ti, Ti-6Al-4V ana Ti-6Al-7Nb alloys have better bioactivity and biocompatibility compared to the other metals tested.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.134-143
• /
• 2017

Background: The prevalence of allergic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and allergic rhinitis worldwide has increased and complete recovery is difficult. Korean Red Ginseng, which is the heat-processed root of Panax ginseng Meyer, is widely and frequently used as a traditional medicine in East Asia. In this study, we investigated whether Korean Red Ginseng water extract (RGE) regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines via the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) pathway in allergic inflammation. Methods: Compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like skin lesion mice models were used to investigate the antiallergic effects of RGE. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and human mast cells (HMC-1) were also used to clarify the effects of RGE on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Results: Anaphylactic shock and DNFB-induced AD-like skin lesions were attenuated by RGE administration through reduction of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in mouse models. RGE also reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines including $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-8, and expression of chemokines such as IL-8, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in HaCaT cells. Additionally, RGE decreased the release of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-8 as well as expressions of chemokines including macro-phage inflammatory protein $(MIP)-1{\alpha}$, $MIP-1{\beta}$, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and IL-8 in HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that these inhibitory effects occurred through blockage of the MAPK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway. Conclusion: RGE may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as AD-like dermatitis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.185-192
• /
• 1999

The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of laser assisted hatching (AH) on mouse embryos. Non-contact $1.48{\mu}m$ diode laser system used to create a precise hole on zona pellucida. 2-cell embryos were collected from the mice (ICR) that had the coitus vaginal plug confirmed at 48 hours after hCG injection. Collected 2-cell embryos were cultured in the HTF medium supplemented with 0.4% BSA. For experiments, embryos at 8-cell stage were used after 18-22 hours in culture. After assisted hatching, the embryos were further cultured in HTF medium containing 0.1% PVP (anti-hatching system) for 3 days. For evaluate efficiency of laser on mouse embryo hatching, the effect of AH methods (acidic tyrode, pronase and laser), the number of artificial holes (1, 2 and 3 hole) and the irradiation time of laser (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ms) were examined. Hatching rates of laser AH group (95.2%) was significantly higher than that of control group (50.8%), but there was no differences among the laser (95.2%), acidic tyrode (100%) and pronase (98.5%) groups. Hatching rates of the number of zona pellucida opening by laser, there were no differences among the 1 hole (87.5%),2 hole (92.1%) and 3 hole (85.9%) groups. Developmental and hatching rates of embryos according to laser irradiation time were similar in the treatment groups. Therefore, these results suggest that laser AH using non-contact $1.48{\mu}m$ diode laser is a simple and accurate and effective procedure for AH. Based on these results, laser AH could be use safely for human ART program.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.305-311
• /
• 2019

Background: Gintonin is a ginseng-derived exogenous ligand of the G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor. We previously reported that gintonin stimulates gliotransmitter release in primary cortical astrocytes. Astrocytes play key roles in the functions of neurovascular systems. Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to influence the normal growth and maintenance of cranial blood vessels and the nervous system, there is little information about the effect of gintonin on VEGF regulation in primary astrocytes, under normal and hypoxic conditions. Methods: Using primary cortical astrocytes of mice, the effects of gintonin on the release, expression, and distribution of VEGF were examined. We further investigated whether the gintonin-mediated VEGF release protects astrocytes from hypoxia. Results: Gintonin administration stimulated the release and expression of VEGF from astrocytes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The gintonin-mediated increase in the release of VEGF was inhibited by the LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, Ki16425; phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122; inositol 1,4,5- triphosphate receptor antagonist, 2-APB; and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, BAPTA. Hypoxia further stimulated astrocytic VEGF release. Gintonin treatment stimulated additional VEGF release and restored cell viability that had decreased due to hypoxia, via the VEGF receptor pathway. Altogether, the regulation of VEGF release and expression and astrocytic protection mediated by gintonin under hypoxia are achieved via the LPA receptor-VEGF signaling pathways. Conclusion: The present study shows that the gintonin-mediated regulation of VEGF in cortical astrocytes might be neuroprotective against hypoxic insults and could explain the molecular basis of the beneficial effects of ginseng on the central nervous system.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.9-20
• /
• 1999

The genetic defects in human gametes and embryos can cause adverse effects on overall reproductive events. Biopsy of embryos for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers a new possibility of having children free of the genetic disease. In addition, advanced embryo culture method may enhance the effectiveness of embryo biopsy for the practical application of PGD. This experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of coculture on the development in vitro of biopsied mouse embryos as a preclinical model for PGD of human embryos. Embryos were obtained after in vitro fertilization (IVF) from F1 hybrid mice (C57BLfemale/CBAmale). Using micromanipulation, 1, 2, 3 or 4 blastomeres of 8-cell stage embryos were aspirated through a hole made in the zona pellucida by zona drilling (ZD) with acidic Tyrode's solution (ATS). After biopsy of blastomeres, embryos were cultured in vitro for 110 hours in Ham's F-10 supplemented with 0.4% BSA or cocultured on the monolayer of Vero cells in the same medium. The frequence of blastocyst formation were recorded, and the embryos beyond blastocyst stage were stained with 10% Giemsa to count the total number of nuclei in each embryo. There was no significant difference in the blastocyst formation between the zona intact control group and the zona drilling (ZD) only, or biopsied groups. The hatching rate of all the treatment groups except 4/8 group was significantly higher than that of control group. In all the treatment groups, there was a significant reduction in the mean cell number of embryos beyond blastocyst stage ($50.2{\pm}14.0$ in control group vs. $41.2{\pm}7.9$ in ZD, $39.3{\pm}8.8$ in 7/8, $29.7{\pm}6.4$ in 6/8, $25.1{\pm}5.7$ in 5/8, and $22.1{\pm}4.3$ in 4/8 groups, p<0.05). When the same treatments were followed by coculture with Vero cells, a similar pattern was seen in the blastocyst formation and the hatching rate. However, in all the treatment groups, there was a significant increase in the mean cell number of embryos beyond blastocyst stage with coculture, compared with the parallel groups without coculture. In the cleavage rate of biopsied blastomeres cultured for 110 hours after IVF, there was no significant difference between coculture and non-coculture groups (87.2% vs. 78.7%). However, the mean cell number of embryos developed from the biopsied blastomeres was significantly higher in coculture group ($11.5{\pm}4.7\;vs.\;5.9{\pm}1.9$, p<0.05). In conclusion, biopsy of mouse embryos after ZD with ATS is a safe and highly efficient method for PGD, and coculture with Vero cells showed a positive effect on the development in vitro of biopsied mouse embryos and blastomeres as a preclinical model for PGD of human embryos.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.309-320
• /
• 2007

The purpose of the present study was to determine if monocarboxylate transporter(MCT) isoforms and Basigin(Bsg) are expressed in the efferent ductules(ED) and if MCT1 expression is under estrogen receptor(ER)α-regulation in the ED of male reproductive tract. The presence of MCT isoforms and Bsg mRNAs was detected by real-time polymerization chain reaction(PCR), and ERα-mediated regulation of MCT1 expression in the ED was indirectly determined by immuno- histochemistry. Current study found differential expression of MCT isoforms(MCT1, 2, 3, 4, and 8) and Bsg mRNAs in rat ED according to postnatal ages. In addition, comparison of MCT1 expression in the ED between wild type and ERα knockout mice at different postnatal ages showed basolateral localization of MCT1 in ciliated cells of the ED and, in part, ERα- mediated regulation of MCT1 expression. It is suggested that MCTs would play a role in regulation of function of the ED.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.871-877
• /
• 2008

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible heme-degrading enzyme, is expressed by macrophages and endothelial cells in response to various stresses and mediators of inflammation. HO-1 has been recently implicated in regulation of angiogenesis via expression of VEGF. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of HO-1 modulation on the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model and on angiogenesis via up- regulation of VEGF expression in human synovial fibroblast. DBA/1J mice were treated with an inhibitor of HO-1, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP), or with an inducer of HO-1, cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), from day 1 to day 35 after CIA induction. The clinical evolution of disease was monitored visually. At the end of the experiment, histopathologic changes were examined on the joints. VEGF expression in paws were measured by immunohistochemical stain. mRNA expression of HO-1 and VEGF stimulated with various concentration of $TNF-{\alpha}$, CoPP accessed on human synovial fibroblast by RT-PCR. Effects of pretreatment with SnPP on mRNA expression of HO-1 and VEGF in the presence of CoPP and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in synovial fibroblast was accessed by Real-time RT-PCR. Administration of cobalt protoporphyrin IX significantly induced the inflammatory response, with increased arthritis index and expression of VEGF in the paws of the arthritis models. Treatment with SnPP significantly reduced the severity of CIA through inhibition of joint inflammation and cartilage destruction. The expression of VEGF were also significantly reduced by SnPP treatment in the paw. CoPPIX as inducer of HO-1, increased HO-1 and VEGF expression dose dependently in synovial fibroblast. In contrast, inhibition of HO-1 activity by SnPPIX abrogated CoPPIX-induced HO-1 and VEGF production in synovial fibroblast. Stimulation with $TNF-{\alpha}$ increased HO-1 and VEGF expression itself and showed additive effect on HO-1 and VEGF expression when it treated with CoPP. When SnPP was treated with CoPP and $TNF-{\alpha}$, it abrogated the CoPP induced HO-1 and VEGF expression and also abrogated $TNF-{\alpha}$ induced HO-1 and VEGF expression in synovial fibroblast. The effects of HO-1 induction in rheumatoid arthritis results in aggravation of arthritis via up-regulation of VEGF. I concluded that inhibition of the expression or activity of HO-1 could be a therapeutic target of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.8-14
• /
• 2002

Cotinine, one of nicotine metabolites, has been blown to reduce 4-(methylnitro samino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone(NNK)- induced $O^{6}$MeG DNA adducts significantly in A/J mice when administered together with NNK. In order to examine the effects of phyto-extract mixture on the conversion of cotinine from nicotine, cellular and clinical experiments were carried out. When the phyto-extract mixture was added to culture media, human liver cells (FLCFR5) produced cotinine from nicotine 2~3 times compared to the control. The phyto-extract mixture which was microinjected into Xenopus oocyte along with nicotine showed the almost similar production of cotinine compared with the results of hepatic cell culture. In clinical test employing 17 to 20 healthy men, concentrations of urinary cotinine derived from smoking after taking photo-extract mixture increased up to 2 times compared to the control group. These results indicatethat the phyto-extract mixture can increase the metabolic efficiency of nicotine to cotinine, leading to the reduced formation of $O^{6}$MeG DNA adducts.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.269-284
• /
• 2019

This study was to investigate whether cultivated ginseng (CG), cultivated wild simulated ginseng (CWG) and cultivated red ginseng (CRG) extracts influences on the obesity. The saponin contents of 3 kinds of ginsengs were analysed by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. Total saponin contents were determined in CG on the most contents and since red ginseng has the highest PD (protopanaxadiol type) / PT (protopanaxatriol type) ratio, there may be differences between ginseng, wild ginseng, and red ginseng with respect to their pharmacological effects. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet(N), HFD (60% Kcal fat, C), HFD with CG, CWG and CRG extracts (800 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. We observed change of total body weight, degree of hepatic lipid accumulation and immunohistochemical change of GLP-1 and insulin-secreting cells. Also this study attempts to use the physiological analysis method to analyze the changes of blood lipids, insulin and leptin concentration. The change of body weight and size of accumulated lipid droplets in liver lobules decreased in all of the experimental groups than the control(C) group. In the pancreas, the immunohistochemical density of insulin-secreting cells were significantly stronger in the CWG and CRG than C group. The levels of serum insulin and leptin significantly decreased 55.6%, 54.3% respectively in CWG and CRG. The changes of triglyceride, total cholesterol in serum decreased in CRG than the C group. Obesity related CG, CWG and CRG extracts might have contribute to improvement of obesity by regulating the levels of blood lipids and biochemical indicator of fat accumulation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.351-358
• /
• 2016

Background: This study was designed to investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) and compound K (CK) ameliorated insulin resistance by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced inflammation in adipose tissue. Methods: To induce ER stress, epididymal adipose tissue from mice or differentiated 3T3 adipocytes were exposed to high glucose. The effects of Rb1 and CK on reactive oxygen species production, ER stress, TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammation, insulin signaling activation, and glucose uptake were detected by western blot, emzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or fluorometry. Results: Rb1 and CK suppressed ER stress by dephosphorylation of $IRE1{\alpha}$ and PERK, thereby reducing TXNIP-associated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in adipose tissue. As a result, Rb1 and CK inhibited IL-$1{\beta}$ maturation and downstream inflammatory factor IL-6 secretion. Inflammatory molecules induced insulin resistance by upregulating phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 at serine residues and impairing insulin PI3K/Akt signaling, leading to decreased glucose uptake by adipocytes. Rb1 and CK reversed these changes by inhibiting ER stress-induced inflammation and ameliorating insulin resistance, thereby improving the insulin IRS-1/PI3K/Akt-signaling pathway in adipose tissue. Conclusion: Rb1 and CK inhibited inflammation and improved insulin signaling in adipose tissue by suppressing ER stress-associated NLRP3 inflammation activation. These findings offered novel insight into the mechanism by which Rb1 and CK ameliorate insulin resistance in adipose tissue.