• BMB Reports
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.297-303
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• 2010

In order to demonstrate the potential therapeutic effect of two flavonoids, Baicalein and Wogonin, on suppression of pathological myocardial fibrosis in hypertension, we investigated their in vitro effects on collagen expression in primary cultured cardiac fibroblasts isolated from neonatal normotensive (WKY) and hypertensive (SHR) rats. Our results showed that over-expression of collagen mRNA and protein induced in cardiac fibroblasts by angiotensin (AngII) could be attenuated significantly by both flavonoids at an optimal dosage ($30\;{\mu}M$; P < 0.01). Results of immunoblots showed that expression of 12-LO level, p-ERK/ ERK ratio and MMP-9 in AngII-stimulated SHR cardiac fibroblasts were significantly down-regulated by both flavonoids. Our results show that both Baicalein and Wogonin can suppress collagen deposition in AngII-stimulated SHR and WKY cardiac fibroblasts.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.418-423
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• 2000

Oka strain VR-795 (Varicella Zoster Virus, VZV) of American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) has been used for chickenpox vaccine production. In order to use this strain for vaccine production, the strain must be identified and its stability must be confirmed. The identification of the Oka strain has been confirmed using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequence analysis of glycoprotein-II (gp-II). The amino acid sequences of Oka deduced from the DNA sequence of gp-II have changed at three amino acids against Ellen and at one amino acid against Webster. To prove the stability of the Oka strain during the passage, RFLP and DNA sequence analyses were also used with 11, 15 and 23 times of virus passage. We found that the Oka strain was stable at passages of up to 23 times, based on the RFLP and DNA sequence analyses. The confirmed Oka strain was renamed as BR-Oka for the purposes of chickenpox vaccine production.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.550-558
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• 2023

Hair loss is a common condition that can have a negative impact on an individual's quality of life. The severe side effects and the low efficacy of current hair loss medications create unmet needs in the field of hair loss treatment. Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 (HAPLN1), one of the components of the extracellular matrix, has been shown to play a role in maintaining its integrity. HAPLN1 was examined for its ability to impact hair growth with less side effects than existing hair loss treatments. HAPLN1 was predominantly expressed in the anagen phase in three stages of the hair growth cycle in mice and promotes the proliferation of human hair matrix cells. Also, recombinant human HAPLN1 (rhHAPLN1) was shown to selectively increase the levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor II in human hair matrix cells. Furthermore, we observed concomitant activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway following treatment with rhHAPLN1. Our results indicate that rhHAPLN1 elicits its cell proliferation effect via the TGF-β2-induced ERK1/2 pathway. The prompt entering of the hair follicles into the anagen phase was observed in the rhHAPLN1-treated group, compared to the vehicle-treated group. Insights into the mechanism underlying such hair growth effects of HAPLN1 will provide a novel potential strategy for treating hair loss with much lower side effects than the current treatments.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.291-301
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• 1999

The differentiation and ultrastructural characteristics of type II pneumocyte was investigated using 7 cases of human fetal lungs from 9 to 20 weeks of gestation by transmission electron micropscopy. The result obtained were as follows. 1. From the pattern of epithelium, type II pneumocyte was not discernable, but with the gradual development of gestation, the epithelium of the future pulmonary alveoli was transformed from pseudostratified columnar into simple cuboidal epithelium after 15 weeks of geatation. 2. The multilamellar body very specific to type II pneumocyte was observed at first at 9 weeks of gestation. Besides, another characteristics of the cell were also observed such as cytoplasmic inclusion body, granular inclusionbody,multivesicularinclusionbodyanddensebody. 3. The number and size of multilamellar body increased, but those of other inclision bodies decreased at 19 and 20 weeks of gestation. In summary, type II pneumocytes (or precursor cells) with multilamellar body and another characteristic inclusion bodies were observed in the human fetal lungs from 9 weeks of gestation. And so, it is suggested that the differentiation of type II pneumocyte starts at or before 9 weeks of gestation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.595-600
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• 2019

Cardiac fibrosis is a common feature in chronic hypertension patients with advanced heart failure, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is known to promote Angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated cardiac fibrosis. Previous studies have suggested a potential role for the transcription factor, ETS-1, in Ang II-mediated cardiac remodeling, however the mechanism are not well defined. In this study, we found that mice with endothelial Ets-1 deletion showed reduced cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy following Ang II infusion. The reduced cardiac fibrosis was accompanied by decreased expression of fibrotic matrix genes, reduced EndMT with decreased Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1 expression, as well as reduced cardiac hypertrophy and expression of hypertrophy-associated genes was observed. In vitro studies using cultured H5V cells further confirmed that ETS-1 knockdown inhibited $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced EndMT. This study revealed that deletion of endothelial Ets-1 attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis via inhibition of EndMT, indicating an important ETS-1 function in mediating EndMT. Inhibition of ETS-1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of heart failure secondary to chronic hypertension.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.727-731
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• 2010

The gene APE0743 encoding the superoxide dismutase (ApSOD) of a hyperthermophilic archaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1 was cloned and overexpressed as a GST fusion protein at a high level in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein was simply purified by the process of glutathione affinity chromatography and thrombin treatment. The ApSOD was a homodimer of 25 kDa subunits and a cambialistic SOD, which was active with either Fe(II) or Mn(II) as a cofactor. The ApSOD was highly stable against high temperature. This thermostable ApSOD is expected to be applicable as a useful biocatalyst for medicine and bioindustrial processes.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.319-328
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• 2020

High fructose intake induces hyperglycemia and hypertension. However, the mechanism by which fructose induces metabolic syndrome is largely unknown. We hypothesized that high fructose intake induces activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), resulting in hypertension and metabolic syndrome. We provided 11-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats with drinking water, with or without 20% fructose, for two weeks. We measured serum renin, angiotensin II (Ang II), and aldosterone (Aldo) using ELISA kits. The expression of RAS genes was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. High fructose intake increased body weight and water retention, regardless of food intake or urine volume. After two weeks, fructose intake induced glucose intolerance and hypertension. High fructose intake increased serum renin, Ang II, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, but not Aldo levels. High fructose intake increased the expression of angiotensinogen in the liver; angiotensin-converting enzyme in the lungs; and renin, angiotensin II type 1a receptor (AT1aR), and angiotensin II type 1b receptor (AT1bR) in the kidneys. However, expression of AT1aR and AT1bR in the adrenal glands did not increase in rats given fructose. Taken together, these results indicate that high fructose intake induces activation of RAS, resulting in hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.712-718
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• 2005

Stepwise reductions of glucose and Orange II concentration were observed from the experiment of both white-rot fungi such as T. versicolor and P. chrysosporium. As a result, typical removal patterns in those dual substrate system were categorized through several distinctive steps: initial lag period, primary and secondary carbon consumption periods. Also, based on the total removal amounts of Orange II, COD and Color during the experimental period, similar removal extent were observed from both species experiments, within the maximal error range of 5%. However, it was refereed that the internal steps of Orange II removal on enzymatic level should be different between two species: Enzyme Lac showed good affinity for Orange II removal in T. versicolor, however in P. chrysosporium enzyme LiP represented more close affinity to the similar experimental condition. Thus, even though the superficial removal amount of calcitrant Orange II at different fungal species was merely similar, removal pathway of enzymatic levels and intermediates produced during the fungal decomposition would be different.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 1997

Background : Endotracheal intubation is one of the methods most securely establishing airway. But accompanying hemodynamic responses are harmful to coronary or cerebral vascular disease patients. These hemodynamic responses are regarded as the results of sympathetic stimulation due to pharyngolaryngeal stimulation, and sympathetic blocking method-stellate ganglion block- may be obtundate these hemodynamic responses. Methods : 75 patients of ASA physical status I-II were selected. There were 40 patients normotensive (Group I), 35 patients hypertensive (Group II) Group I, steliate ganglion block was performed on 20 patients (Group I-S) the remainder had no procedure (Group I-O). Group II, 18 patients received SG3 (Group II-S), 17 patients had no procedure (Group II-O). SGB was performed with 1% lidocaine 8 ml on right stellate genglion after patient's consent. Blood pressure (IIP) and pulse rate(PR) were first measured in the pre-anesthesia room. Follow up BP and PR are checked immediately following SGB and every 5 minutes for subsequent 20 minutes, then after arrival at operatig room, then immediately after intubation and at 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after incubation. Results : All group experienced significantly increased blood pressure and pulse rate upon arrival at the pre-anesthesetic and opeating rooms, as compared to when patients rates in the ward. After intubation and for subsequent 5 minutes, significant changes were measured. Patients then recovered to preblock value. In Group I, no statistical significance was recorded between subgroup I-S and I-O. However in Group II, there were significant differences between sub-group II-S and II-O. In evaluating pulse rate changes, there were no significant differences between Group I-S and I-O; nor II-S and II-O. Conclusion : The proper diagnosis of Stellate Ganglion Block had some measure of protective effect on hemodynamics following endotracheal intubation, especially in hypertensive patients.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.316-321
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• 2014

The aim of study was to investigate the virulence profile of Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteriophages isolated from sewage and livestock stools. Among 23 E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages, 14 strains were isolated from sewage and 9 were from animal stools collected from 10 livestock farms in Korea. For each bacteriophage DNA sample, the presence of stx1, stx2, eae, aafII, ial, elt, estI, estII, astA, afa, and cnf was examined by polymerase chain reaction. The detection rate of eae, stx2, estI, astA, and ial was 100%, 69.6%, 13.0%, 13.0%, 8.7%, respectively. While all E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages isolated from stools carried eae+stx2, stx2+eae, eae+astA, eae, stx2+eae+estI, eae+estI, stx2+eae+ial, and eae+ial were observed in bacteriophages isolated from sewage. As several plasmid-carrying virulence factors (estI, astA, and ial) were found in E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages obtained from sewage and stools, the microbial safety of bacteriophages should be investigated in further study.