• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.171-176
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• 2006

Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) plays a key role in thyroid hormone production by efficiently accumulating iodide from the circulating blood into the thyocytes, and this is done against an electrochemical gradient. Thyroid transcription factor-l (TTF-l) is a homeodomain-containing protein expressed in embryonic diencephalons, thyroid, and lung and has been found to bind to thyroid specific promoters and to activate their transcriptional activity. TTF-l may be one of the factors capable of activating NIS gene expression in the thyroid gland, thus it accounts for the lower levels of NIS gene expression that are seen in the extrathyroidal tissues. However, a high frequency of TTF-l expression has been observed, especially in primary lung adenocarcinoma. The present study was undertaken in order to elucidate the relationship between the expression of NIS and TTF-l in primary lung adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies for NIS and TTF-l were performed in 64 primary lung adenocarcinomas. Immunoreactivities for NIS and TTF-l were found in 49 (76.6%) and 45 (70.3%) out of 64 cases, respectively. Forty-one (83.7%) of the 49 cases with positive NIS immunoreactivity showed positive TTF-l expression, whereas 11 (73.3%) of the 15 cases with negative NIS immunoreactivity showed negative TTF-l expression (P<0.05). So the NIS expression was significantly associated with the TTF-l expression. These findings suggest that TTF-l may be one of the factors capable of activating NIS gene expression in primary lung adenocarcinoma. Further studies are needed to define the relation between NIS and TTF-l for examining the mechanisms of tissue-specific NIS expression.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.28-45
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• 2004

Objectives : The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Injinchunggan-tang on $TNF-{\alpha}$ signal transmission system. Materials and Methods : We analyzed the following with quantitative RT-PCR method; the effect of Injinchunggan-tang on secretion of $TNF-\alpha$ mRNA/protein and stability, the effect on gene revelation that consists of signal transmission system (TRAIL, NIK, A20, TRADD, RAIDD, RIP TNFR-I, TNFR-II, TRAF1, TRAF2, FADD), the one on activation of p38, Erk1/2 MAPK and the rate of nuclear $NF-{\kappa}B/cytosolic\;NF-{\kappa}B$ in HepG2 cell. We also analyzed the inhibitory effect of Injinchunggan-tang on the apoptosis of HepG2 cell that $TNF-{\alpha}$ induces and the $NF-{\kappa}B$ restraint effected by transfection of $I{\kappa}B{\Delta}N$ through tryphan blue exclusion assay. Results : Injinchunggan-tang prohibits revelation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA in HepG2 cell and the creation of protein. However, it has no effect on the stability of $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA. While it did not have any effect on the generation of TRAIL, NIK, A20, TRADD, RAIDD and RIP genes, Injinchunggan-tang reduces the revelation of TNFR-I, TNFR-II, TRAF1, TRAF2 and FADD genes. It has been confirmed that Injinchunggan-tang restraints the revelation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA that is promoted by ethanol, acetaldehyde, lipopolysaccharide, in proportion to the treatment density and time. It activated $NF-{\kappa}B$ of HepG2 cell and promoted activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ that is occurred by $TNF-{\alpha}$. It has been observed that the restraint effect against the $TNF-{\alpha}$ inducing apoptosis is lost when it is intercepted the function of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in HepG2 cell. Conclusion: It has been confirmed that Injinchunggan-tang has restraining effect against the revelation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and mRNA that is constituent element of TNF-a signal transmission system. It also has been revealed that it restraints the activation of p38, Erk1/2 by $TNF-{\alpha}$. Through this prohibiting effect, it is inferred that it restraints signal transmission among various cells that are related to inflammation reaction. Meanwhile, Injinchunggan-tang protects liver cell from apoptosis that is caused by $TNF-{\alpha}$, by maintaining the activating function for $NF-{\kappa}B$.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3223-3228
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• 2012

HMGN5 is a typical member of the HMGN (high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein) family which may function as a nucleosomal binding and transcriptional activating protein. Overexpression of HMGN5 has been observed in several human tumors but its role in tumorigenesis has not been fully clarified. To investigate its significance for human lung cancer progression, we successfully constructed a shRNA expression lentiviral vector in which sense and antisense sequences targeting the human HMGN5 were linked with a 9-nucleotide loop. Inhibitory effects of siRNA on endogenous HMGN5 gene expression and protein synthesis were demonstrated via real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. We found HMGN5 silencing to significantly inhibit A549 and H1299 cell proliferation assessed by MTT, BrdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that specific knockdown of HMGN5 slowed down the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and decreased the populations of A549 and H1299 cells at the S and G2/M phases. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGN5 is directly involved in regulation cell proliferation in A549 and H1299 cells by influencing signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression. Thus, our finding suggests that targeting HMGN5 may be an effective strategy for human lung cancer treatment.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.27-35
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• 2022

Objectives : 3-Acetyl-11-keto-𝛽-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a major active compound in Boswellia serrata. We investigated the arthritic changes following AKBA administration in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : All rats were randomly divided into five groups: Normal, Control, INDO (indomethacin 2 mg/kg treated), AKBA30 (AKBA 30 mg/kg treated), and AKBA60 (AKBA 60 mg/kg treated); drugs were given 2 weeks before MIA injection. For all groups except the normal group, 50 µL of sterile saline with MIA (80 mg/mL) was injected into the right knee joint 2 weeks after drug administration. The drug administration was continued for 4 weeks from 1 week after osteoarthritis induction. The histomorphological changes of knee joint cartilage were observed by H&E staining. Also, the levels of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), 5-LOX-activating protein (FLAP), and leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) in the knee joint were determined by the ELISA kits. The expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), inflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in knee joint were detected by Western blot. Results : Data show that levels of 5-LOX, FLAP, LTB4, and COMP were downregulated significantly in the AKBA treated groups when compared to those in the Control group. On the other hand, GAG levels were significantly elevated. As a result of Western blot, the AKBA-treated groups significantly inhibited phosphorylation of MAPKs. In addition, significant downregulation of the expression of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs was found in the AKBA-treated groups. Conclusion : Our findings suggest that administration of AKBA could exert better chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects for MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.190-197
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Gallus gallus domesticus (GD) is a natural mutant breed of chicken in Korea with an atypical characterization of melanin in its tissue. This study investigated the effects of melanin extracts of GD on osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast formation. MATERIALS/METHODS: The effects of the melanin extract of GD on human osteoblast MG-63 cell differentiation were examined by evaluating cell viability, osteoblast differentiation, and expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factors such as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), small mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 5 (SMAD5), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin and type 1 collagen (COL-1) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. We investigated the inhibitory effect of melanin on the osteoclasts formation through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and TRAP stains in Raw 264.7 cell. RESULTS: The melanin extract of GD was not cytotoxic to MG-63 cells at concentrations of $50-250{\mu}g/mL$. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone mineralization of melanin extract-treated cells increased in a dose-dependent manner from 50 to $250{\mu}g/mL$ and were 149% and 129% at $250{\mu}g/mL$ concentration, respectively (P < 0.05). The levels of BMP-2, osteocalcin, and COL-1 gene expression were significantly upregulated by 1.72-, 4.44-, and 2.12-fold in melanin-treated cells than in the control cells (P < 0.05). The levels of RUNX2 and SMAD5 proteins were higher in melanin-treated cells than in control vehicle-treated cells. The melanin extract attenuated the formation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced TRAP-positive multinucleated RAW 264.7 cells by 22%, and was 77% cytotoxic to RAW 264.7 macrophages at a concentration of $500{\mu}g/mL$. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the melanin extract promoted osteoblast differentiation by activating BMP/SMADs/RUNX2 signaling and regulating transcription of osteogenic genes such as ALP, type I collagen, and osteocalcin. These results suggest that the effective osteoblastic differentiation induced by melanin extract from GD makes it potentially useful in maintaining bone health.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.73-90
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• 2006

Objectives : The effects of water extract of deer antler herbal-acupunture solution(DHS), prepared from the pilose antler of Cervus korea TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe (Nokyong), a traditional immunosuppressive and immune-activating Korean herbal- acupuncture, on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA:RA model) in mice was studied. Destruction of cartilage and bone are hallmarks of human rheumatoid arthritis, and controlling these erosive processes is the most challenging objective in the treatment of RA. Methods : We investigated the tissue protective effects of deer antler treatment using established murine collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) as a model. Potential synergy of low dosages of anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroids and deer antler was also evaluated. Results : Treatment of established murine CIA with deer antler herbal-acupunture solution(DHS) $(10-50{\mu}g/day)$ suppressed disease activity and protected against cartilage and bone destruction. Although $10-50{\mu}g/day$ DHS had only a moderate effect on the inflammatory component of the disease activity, it strongly reduced cartilage pathology, as determined by histological examination. Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP) levels were significantly reduced, confirming decreased cartilage involvement. Histological analysis showed that bone destruction was prevented. DHS administration increased serum IL-1Ra levels and reduced anticollagen type II antibody levels. Treatment with low-dose $DHS(1{\mu}g/day)$ was ineffective in suppressing disease score, serum COMP or joint destruction. Synergistic suppression of both arthritis oseverity and COMP levels was noted when low-dose DHS was combined with prednisolone(0.05mg/kg/day), however, which in itself was not effective. Conclusion : DHS was shown to have the inhibiting effects against $IL-1{\alpha}-$ and $IL-1{\beta}-stimulated$ bone resorption. These results indicated that the DAS is not only highly stable and applicable to clinical uses in bone resorption, but also it will be served as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agents for treatment of human RA.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.73-84
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• 1992

It was observed that the hot-water extract of the bark of Kalopanax pictus N. had the highest anti-complementary activity among the 11 kinds of forest materials. Methanol-and ethanol-soluble portions had low anti-complementary activities, but crude polysaccharide. HKP-0 had a high activity of 80%. HKP-0 contained 54.8% of total sugar and 27.9% of protein. The neutral sugars of HKP-0 consisted of mainly arabinose, galactose and glucose. HKP-4 fraction obtained by cetavlon treatment of HKP-0 showed the highest anti-complementary activity of 90%. The activity was not changed by pronase digestion bu decreased greatly by periodate oxidation. HKP-4 consisted of mainly arabinose and glucose with molar ratio of 1.0 : 22.4, HKP-4-I, an unabsorbed fraction from HKP-4 on DEAE Sepharose CL-6B column showed higher yield and activity than those of absorbed fractions. HKP-4-I was homogeneous, and its molecular weight was about 25,000. HKP-4-I contained 84.0% of neutral sugar and consisted of arabinose and glucose with molar ratio of 1.0 : 11.2. The anti-complementary activity of HKP-4-I was not decreased by the treatment of polymyxin B, and the polysaccharide activated both classical and alternative pathway in complement system. Void volume fraction obtained from HKP-4-I hydrolyzed with ${\alpha}$-amylase on Sephadex G-25 column only had a high anti-complementary activity.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.198-209
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• 1999

A thrombus is a mass formed from the constituents of the blood within the vessels or the heart during life. The process of its formation is known as thrombosis, It has been generally accepted that Holotrichia is an useful medicine for thrombosis. The rate of fibrinolysis of Holotrichia extracts increase as incubation times. Especially 52 days, the effect on the extracts has an maximum increased fibrinolytic activity, Heat-and-pH-stability of the extract on fibrinolysis is relative to temperature, At $37^{\circ}C$, it has activating effect between pH 4 and pH 12. At higher temperature, especially $80^{\circ}C$, an excessive increase in temperature has a deactivating effect on the extracts. Optimal pH of the extract on fibrinolysis is between pH 7.0 and pH 8.5, it is effective within a relatively broad pH range. In experiments of various inhibitors of Holotrichia extracts fibrinolytic activity, there are strong inhibitive effect on SBTI and Aprotinin, and a few inhibitive effect on DFP and t-AMCHA, no effect on PSMB and TLCK. Holotrichia extracts mixing with fibrinogen are observed Electron microscopy. it shows partially erosive-shaped fibrinolytic activity. In a SDS-PAGE of the extract having the fibrinolytic activity, three bands are found, protein 1, 2 and 3 having a molecular weight of 30,000, 45,000 and 60,000 Dalton.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.183-188
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• 2012

In this study, we examined the estrogenic activity of bavachin, a component of Psoralea corylifolia that has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia. Bavachin was purified from ethanolic extract of Psoralea corylifolia and characterized its estrogenic activity by ligand binding, reporter gene activation, and endogenous estrogen receptor (ER) target gene regulation. Bavachin showed ER ligand binding activity in competitive displacement of [$^3H$] $E_2$ from recombinant ER. The estrogenic activity of bavachin was characterized in a transient transfection system using $ER{\alpha}$ or $ER{\beta}$ and estrogen-responsive luciferase plasmids in CV-1 cells with an $EC_{50}$ of 320 nM and 680 nM, respectively. Bavachin increased the mRNA levels of estrogen-responsive genes such as pS2 and PR, and decreased the protein level of $ER{\alpha}$ by proteasomal pathway. However, bavachin failed to activate the androgen receptor in CV-1 cells transiently transfected with the corresponding receptor and hormone responsive reporter plasmid. These data indicate that bavachin acts as a weak phytoestrogen by binding and activating the ER.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.390-399
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• 2023

Background: Gintonin (GT), a Panax ginseng-derived lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR) ligand, has positive effects in cultured or animal models for Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and so on. However, the potential therapeutic value of GT in treating epilepsy has not yet been reported. Methods: Effects of GT on epileptic seizure (seizure) in kainic acid [KA, 55mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]-induced model of mice, excitotoxic (hippocampal) cell death in KA [0.2 ㎍, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)]-induced model of mice, and levels of proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells were investigated. Results: An i.p. injection of KA into mice produced typical seizure. However, it was significantly alleviated by oral administration of GT in a dose-dependent manner. An i.c.v. injection of KA produced typical hippocampal cell death, whereas it was significantly ameliorated by administration of GT, which was related to reduced levels of neuroglial (microglia and astrocyte) activation and proinflammatory cytokines/enzymes expression as well as increased level of the Nrf2-antioxidant response via the upregulation of LPAR 1/3 in the hippocampus. However, these positive effects of GT were neutralized by an i.p. injection of Ki16425, an antagonist of LPA1-3. GT also reduced protein expression level of inducible nitric-oxide synthase, a representative proinflammatory enzyme, in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Treatment with conditioned medium clearly reduced cultured HT-22 cell death. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that GT may suppress KA-induced seizures and excitotoxic events in the hippocampus through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities by activating LPA signaling. Thus, GT has a therapeutic potential to treat epilepsy.