• BMB Reports
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.323-328
• /
• 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinccontaining collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5'-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.12
• /
• pp.13.1-13.12
• /
• 2018

We aimed to explore whether changes in circulating levels of miRNAs according to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or prediabetes status could be used as biomarkers to evaluate the risk of developing the disease. The study included 462 patients without T2DM at baseline from the CORDIOPREV trial. After a median follow-up of 60 months, 107 of the subjects developed T2DM, 30 developed prediabetes, 223 maintained prediabetes and 78 remained disease-free. Plasma levels of four miRNAs related to insulin signaling and beta-cell function were measured by RT-PCR. We analyzed the relationship between miRNAs levels and insulin signaling and release indexes at baseline and after the follow-up period. The risk of developing disease based on tertiles (T1-T2-T3) of baseline miRNAs levels was evaluated by COX analysis. Thus, we observed higher miR-150 and miR-30a-5p and lower miR-15a and miR-375 baseline levels in subjects with T2DM than in disease-free subjects. Patients with high miR-150 and miR-30a-5p baseline levels had lower disposition index (p = 0.047 and p = 0.007, respectively). The higher risk of disease was associated with high levels (T3) of miR-150 and miR-30a-5p ($HR_{T3-T1}=4.218$ and $HR_{T3-T1}=2.527$, respectively) and low levels (T1) of miR-15a and miR-375 ($HR_{T1-T3}=3.269$ and $HR_{T1-T3}=1.604$, respectively). In conclusion, our study showed that deregulated plasma levels of miR-150, miR-30a-5p, miR-15a, and miR-375 were observed years before the onset of T2DM and pre-DM and could be used to evaluate the risk of developing the disease, which may improve prediction and prevention among individuals at high risk for T2DM.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.271-277
• /
• 2019

Background: Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. has long been used as a traditional medicinal plant in Korea. This study was carried out to investigate the emergence conditions during the seedling periods in R. glutinosa. Methods and Results: The rhizomes of R. glutinosa variety (Jihwang 1) were harvested in the 22, March, 2018. The rhizomes were sown on in 50-cell plug trays. The emergence rates of seedlings at $15^{\circ}C$, $20^{\circ}C$, $25-40^{\circ}C$, and $45^{\circ}C$ treatment seedling were 1.3%, 96%, 100% and 0%, respectively. Rhizome rot was occurred at the temperature of $15^{\circ}C$ and $45^{\circ}C$. The emergence rates of seedlings in high moisture (HM), moderate moisture (MM) and low moisture (LM) treatments at $35^{\circ}C$ were 99.3%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. Drought damage was recorded in plant with the LM treatment. Seedling quality surveys were carried out at 10-days intervals from 10 to 60 days after sowing (DAS). Leaf length and leaf width were increasing until 50 DAS and the number of leaves was increasing until 60 DAS. Root length was increasing until 40 DAS, and then, flowering occurred from 30 to 60 DAS. Lastly, at 40 DAS, leaf aging and root enlargement was observed. Conclusions: We concluded that the emergence of seedlings was possible in the range of 20 to $40^{\circ}C$. Considering drying and rotting damage, we concluded that the moderate level of moisture is most appropriate for seedling emergence. In addition, we concluded that optimal seedling periods are between 30 and 40 DAS.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.17-23
• /
• 2013

Objectives : The objective of the paper was to study cutting method of Gardeniae frutus, that tends to show symptom of separations in a packing, in accordance with the comparison experiment of quantification and antioxidant effect proceed with the intact Gardeniae fructus(Gf), seed of Gardeniae fructus (Gs) and the pericarp of Gardeniae fructus (Gp) separately. Methods : The Gf, Gs, and Gp were extracted using 80% MeOH, followed by quantizing geniposide contained in each group. A MTT assay was conducted and ROS generation and NO production were measured for comparing its antioxidant effect. Results : As a result of quantizing geniposide contained in the Gf, Gp, and Gs, respectively, the geniposide content was shown to be the highest in the Gs. MTT assay showed that no cytotoxicity was observed in the groups treated with Gf, Gp, and Gs, respectively, at a dose of 500 ${\mu}g/ml$. The ROS generation was shown to have more significantly decreased in the group pretreated with Gf 500 ${\mu}g/ml$ than in the group treated with LPS. The NO level was shown to have more significantly decreased in the group pretreated with Gp 500 ${\mu}g/ml$ than in the group treated with LPS. Conclusion : As the geniposide content and antioxidant effect of Gf varies according to its each part, it is recommended that Gf should be distributed as an intact form other than segregation in packing.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.57-66
• /
• 2008

Changes in luteinizing hormone (LH), serum testosterone (T), and salivary T levels with age were examined in Korean men. Serum was obtained from 167 Korean men of different ages ($20{\sim}69\;y$), and the serum LH and T levels were measured. Saliva samples were also obtained, and the salivary T level was determined. The LH levels did not change considerably until 40 y of age (20s, $2.5{\pm}1.0$; 30s, $2.7{\pm}1.5$; and 40s, $2.5{\pm}1.8\;mIU/mL$) but increased significantly around 50 y (50s, $3.7{\pm}1.8$ and 60s, $3.1{\pm}1.7\;mIU/mL$). Further, the serum T levels also did not change until 40 y of age (20s, $5.3{\pm}2.6$, 30s, $4.4{\pm}1.4$, 40s, $4.1{\pm}1.5\;ng/mL$) but decreased significantly at 50 y (50s, $3.4{\pm}1.5$; 60s, $2.6{\pm}0.8\;ng/mL$). The salivary T levels also showed small changes until the age of 40 y ($20s{\sim}40s$, $0.11{\pm}0.015\;ng/mL$) but decreased significantly at 50 y ($0.08{\pm}0.03\;ng/mL$). Thus, the relative ratio of salivary T to serum T levels did not change significantly in all the ages examined ($2.4{\pm}0.9%$). Linear regression analysis predicted that the LH levels increased 1.5%/y while the serum and salivary T levels decreased 1%/y and 0.8%/y, respectively. The serum T/LH ratio did not change considerably until the age of 40 y ($20s{\sim}40s$, $2.27{\pm}0.14$) but decreased significantly ($1.2{\pm}1.0$) at 50 y. Age-related changes in the salivary T/LH ratio were very similar to those in the serum T/LH ratio. These results demonstrated that LH and T levels in serum or saliva did not change considerably until 40 y of age; instead, in Korean men, from 50 y of age, the LH level increased, while the T level decreased. This suggests that primary testicular failure that occurred due to aging (approximately 50 y) and caused this phenomenon. The present study also shows that the salivary T level can be an indicator of the free T level in serum although the salivary T level correlates weakly with the total T level in serum (r=0.53). Thus, information regarding salivary T levels may be useful for studying the age-related changes occurring in male testicular physiology.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.4-12
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Due to the presence of various muscles around lips, variety of facial expression can be made and changes from aging process such as wrinkles can develop on the facial skin by the action of multiple muscles. In animals, skin and muscles are developed in the entire body. On contrast, they are well developed only in the face and just one is present in the neck and the palm. Alar band was defined as outer wrinkle formed by zygomaticus minor muscle, which is common in Koreans. This study aimed to investigate clinical prevalence of alar band. Materials & Methods: Subjects were chosen from 780 new patients who visited private clinic in Gyeonggi province for orthodontic treatment. Presence of alar band was examined from the smile extraoral photos. Correlation among skeletal form, lip protrusion, gender, and age were evaluated. Results: Prevalence of alar band was higher in women (27.9%) than in men (18.5%) with statistical significance (p<0.05). With respect to age, prevalence of alar band was 19.4% in age 0-9 y, 16.9% in age 10-19 y, 31.2% in age 20-29 y, 39.5% in age 30-39, 56.5% in age 40-49. Prevalence was gradually increased from patients in their 20s to patients in their 40s and statistical significance was found (p<0.001). Concerning SN_NP, prevalence was 26.2% in normodivergent facial type, 22.0% in hyperdivergent facial type, and 32.2% in hypodivergent facial type. Hypodivergent facial group had higher prevalence but statistical significance was not observed. Statistically significant difference was not found regarding upper lip. However, prevalence of the alar band was 26% in patients with normal lower lip, 14.7% in patients with pretruded lower lip, and 33.3% in retruded lower lip. The prevalence was higher in patients with retruded lower lip with statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusions: 27.8% on previous anatomical study and this study showed 27.8% prevalence of alar band in clinical smile photographs. Clinical photograph study showed that alar band was more prominent in women, older people, and people with retruded lips with statistical significance. This will provide valuable diagnostic information for esthetic consideration.

• Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.121-131
• /
• 2018

Stature is one of the unique biological properties of a person, which can be used for identification of the individual. In this regard, statures are estimated for the unknown victims from crimes and disasters. However, the accuracy of estimates may be compromised by inappropriate methodologies and/or practices of stature estimation. Discussed in this study are the methodological issues related to the current practices of forensic anthropological stature estimation in Korea, followed by suggestions to enhance the accuracy of the stature estimates. Summaries of forensic anthropological examinations for 560 skeletal remains, which were conducted at the National Forensic Service (NFS), were reviewed. Mr. Yoo Byung-eun's case is utilized as an example of the NFS's practices. To estimate Mr. Yoo's stature, Trotter's (1970) femur equation was applied even though the fibula equation of a lower standard error was available. In his case report, the standard error associated with the equation (${\pm}3.8cm$) was interpreted as an 'error range', which gave a hasty impression that the prediction interval is that narrow. Also, stature shrinkage by aging was not considered, so the estimated stature in Mr. Yoo's case report should be regarded as his maximum living stature, rather than his stature-at-death. Lastly, applying Trotter's (1970) White female equations to Korean female remains is likely to underestimate their statures. The anatomical method will enhance the accuracy of stature estimates. However, in cases that the anatomical method is not feasible, the mathematical method based on Korean samples should be considered. Since 1980's, effort has been made to generate stature estimation equations using Korean samples. Applying the equations based on Korean samples to Korean skeletal remains will enhance the accuracy of the stature estimates, which will eventually increase the likelihood of successful identification of the unknowns.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.5-28
• /
• 2001

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate analysis of bone mineral density according to Women with low back pain women. Methods: The data were collected from women who visited Physical Examination Center of a Catholic university hospital located in Daegu. Questionnaires were completed by 50 women during the period from July 20, 2000 to January 12, 2001. The sample was divided into three groups(the normal group of 16 cases and the osteopenia group of 12cases and the osteoporosis group of 22 cases). Bone mineral density(BMD) of lumbar spine was measured using energy absorptiometry. Results: The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine decreased with aging. The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine decreased with the serum Calcium and Phosphorus and Alkaline phosphatase increased. The mean bone mineral density of the lumbar spine of healthy women in age(50~59) was 0.87g/$cm^2$, the lumbar spine of women with low back pain in age(50~59) was 0.77g/$cm^2$. In the multiple regression of risk factors to bone mineral density(BMD) of lumbar spine were correlated with age, marriage existence, exercise time, the loving food of taste, calcium, bone mineral density standard T scores(p<0.05). The experience for LBP increased as weight increased(Odds ratio=999.000). The experience for LBP increased as number of Exercise decreased(Odds ratio=999.000). The experience for LBP increased as menopause existence increased(Odds ratio=999.000). The experience for LBP increased as serum Calcium and Phosphorus increased (Odds ratio=999.000). however all four variables had significant no relationship. The correlation in variables in relation to low back pain and bone mineral density, age showed contra-correlation with low back pain existence, Alkaline phosphatase(p<0.01). Weight showed contra-correlation with body mass index(BMI)(p<0.01). Exercise time showed correlation with number of exercise(p<0.01). The loving food of taste showed contra-correlation with Alkaline phosphatase(p<0.05). Bone mineral density showed correlation with menopause existence(p<0.05). Conclusions: Results from this study indicated that a statistically significant association between bone mineral density of the lumbar spin and age, marriage existence, exercise time, the loving food of taste, calcium, bone mineral density standard T scores. In logistic regression test, there were no related variables. The combination of bone mineral density measurement and assessment of the bone turnover rate by measuring biochemical would be helpful for the treatment of patients with risks of osteoporosis. The more precise study for risk factors to osteoporosis is essential.