• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.406-411
• /
• 2014

The initial step of atrioventricular (AV) valve development involves the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the endocardial cushion and the endocardialmesenchymal transition. While the appropriately regulated expression of the major ECM components, Versican and Hyaluronan, that form the endocardial cushion is important for heart valve development, the underlying mechanism that regulates ECM gene expression remains unclear. We found that zebrafish crip2 expression is restricted to a subset of cells in the AV canal (AVC) endocardium at 55 hours post-fertilization (hpf). Knockdown of crip2 induced a heart-looping defect in zebrafish embryos, although the development of cardiac chambers appeared to be normal. In the AVC of Crip2-deficient embryos, the expression of both versican a and hyaluronan synthase 2 (has2) was highly upregulated, but the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (bmp4) and T-box 2b (tbx2b) in the myocardium and of notch1b in the endocardium in the AVC did not change. Taken together, these results indicate that crip2 plays an important role in AV valve development by downregulating the expression of ECM components in the endocardial cushion.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.48-53
• /
• 2002

Although direct skeletal muscle invasion by carcinoma is well recognized, distant metastasis to skeletal muscle is uncommon. Furthermore, multifocal skeletal muscle metastasis is a very exceptional event. Some factors such as variable intra-muscular blood flow, mechanical factors including turbulent blood flow and muscle contraction, intra-muscular acidic condition, lactic acid, protease inhibitors in the extra-cellular matrix were proposed as causes of the rarity of distant metastasis to skeletal muscle. We report here a case of a 67 year old male who had multifocal skeletal muscle metastasis from the transitional cell carcinoma of left kidney.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.634-640
• /
• 2018

In this paper, we propose an automatic extraction algorithm of region of interest(ROI) based on medical x-ray images. The proposed algorithm uses segmentation, feature extraction, and reference image matching to detect lesion sites in the input image. The extracted region is searched for matching lesion images in the reference DB, and the matched results are automatically extracted using the Kalman filter based fitness feedback. The proposed algorithm is extracts the contour of the left hand image for extract growth plate based on the left x-ray input image. It creates a candidate region using multi scale Hessian-matrix based sessionization. As a result, the proposed algorithm was able to split rapidly in 0.02 seconds during the ROI segmentation phase, also when extracting ROI based on segmented image 0.53, the reinforcement phase was able to perform very accurate image segmentation in 0.49 seconds.

• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
• /
• v.20 no.1 s.26
• /
• pp.28-38
• /
• 2006

Since the radioactivity of U was discovered by Becquerel in 1896, a number of radiometric dating techniques based on radioactive decay have been developed with the help of precise and accurate instruments. Among them, radiocarbon dating was introduced as the most effective method in archeology in Korea. However, though the radiocarbon methods have contributed greatly to the development of archeology in Korea, it is limited to organics in a matrix of soil and sediment, including organic carbon, charcoal, bone and so on. If there are no organics in some paleolitic sites, other methods are required for dating. Therefore, we introduced OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) dating method in this paper. The method is mainly based on quartz grains or other particles. The aim of this paper is to discuss about sampling method and the limitation of its application in archeology.

• Polymer(Korea)
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.141-147
• /
• 2007

Dental properties of polymer composite loaded with hybrid filler of barium silicate (BaSi) and hydroxyapatite, which is a principal component of human bone material, were investigated. A visible light system was utilized to activate the acrylic resin matrix of the composite. Based on the experimental results, it was found that mechanical strength of the composite was consistently increased with an increase of BaSi content in the hybrid filler. And those value rose above the dental specification enough to apply for dental materials. However, abrasion resistance was slightly decreased with increasing BaSi content in the filler. Depth of cure value was 6 to 9 mm applicable for dental restoration irrelevant to hybrid filler composition. On the other hand, there was no strict trend between filler composition and polymerization shrinkage as well as degree of conversion.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 2013.08a
• /
• pp.275-275
• /
• 2013

Osteoblast is one of cells related with osseointegration and many research have conducted the adhesion of osteoblast onto the surface of implant. In the osseointegration, biocompatibility of the implant and cell adhesion to the surface are important factors. The researches related to cell adhesion have a direction from micro-scaled surface roughness to nano-scaled surface roughness with advancing nanotechnology. A cell reacts and sense to stimuli from extracellular matrix (ECM) and topography of the ECM [1]. Thus, for better osseointegration, we should provide an environment similar to ECM. In this study, we synthesize TiO2 nanowires using hydrothermal reaction because TiO2 provides inertness to titanium on its surface and enables it used as an implant material for the orthopedic treatment such as fixation of the bone fracture [2]. Ti substrate is immersed into NaOH aqueous solution. The solution are heated at $140{\sim}200^{\circ}C$ for various time (10~720 minutes). After heat treatment, we take out the sample and immerse it into HCl aqueous solution for 1 hour. The acid treated sample is heated again at $500^{\circ}C$ for 3 hours [3]. Then, we culture osteoblast on the TiO2 nanowires. For investigating cell adhesion onto nanostructured surface, we conduct several tests such as MTT assay, ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activity assay, measuring calcium expression, and so on. These preliminary results of the cell culture on the nanowires are foundation for investigating cell-material interaction especially with nanostructure interaction.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.305-311
• /
• 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease, characterized by articular cartilage, osteonecrosis, and osteochondral bone erosion. It is an early, progressive disease that combines joint stiffness and joint pain and reduces cartilage function and condition. Interleukin-1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$) is thought to be important to the pathogenesis of OA and significantly increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play an important role in cartilage degradation in OA. Sparassis crispa (Wulf.) is an edible / medicinal mushroom that has been reported to variety of biological activities. In this study, investigated the Anti-inflammatory effect of Sparassis crispa (Wulf.) ethanol extract (SCE) on $IL-1{\beta}$ stimulated SW1353 chondrocytes. SCE decreased the expression and activity of MMPs by $IL-1{\beta}$ and decreased the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin E2($PGE_2$) in $IL-1{\beta}$ stimulated SW-1353 chondrocytes. In addition, SCE inhibits the expression of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and $NF-{\kappa}B$ (nuclear factor-kappa B) signaling in $IL-1{\beta}$ stimulated SW-1353 cells, and SCE inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Thus, it is suggested that SCE has a potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in osteoarthritis treatments.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.86-113
• /
• 2018

Objectives: We examined the effects of a mixed formula consisting of dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) and the aqueous extracts of Eucommiae cortex (EC) and Achyranthis radix (AR) in rats with surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Two weeks after OA-inducing surgery, a PCP:EC:AR 5:4:1 (g/g) combination or single formula was orally administered. Changes in body weight, knee thickness, maximum knee extension angle, bone mineral density of the knee joints, femoral and tibial articular surfaces, and compressive strength of the femoral and tibial articular cartilage (AC) were assessed, along with the prostaglandin E2 level, 5-lipoxygenase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity, and chondrogenic gene mRNA expression in the femoral and tibial AC with the synovial membrane (SM). In addition, the number of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, cyclooxygenase and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$-immunoreactive cells in the femoral and tibial AC with SM were monitored, and the rate of cell proliferation was determined with a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine uptake assay. Results : The signs of surgically induced OA in rats were significantly inhibited by both PCP, EC and AR combined and single formulas. In particular, the combination formula-treated OA model rats showed dose-dependent, significantly increased inhibitory activity against all tested criteria compared with single formula-treated rats. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that the combination formula synergistically increased the anti-OA effects of its components through anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic activity in rats with surgically induced OA. In addition, 200, 100 and 50 mg/kg combination formula treatments showed dose-dependent inhibitory activity against all of the tested criteria.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.287-294
• /
• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1), one of the major active compounds in Panax ginseng, has already been shown to reduce inflammation in various diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been considered a degenerative disease with degradation of joint articular cartilage. However, recent studies have shown the association of inflammation with OA. In the present study, we investigated whether Rb1 had an antiinflammatory effect on monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA in ovariectomized rats as a model of postmenopausal arthritis. Methods: G-Rb1 at a dosage of 3 and 10 ㎍/kg body weight was administered every 3 days intraarticularly for a period of 4 weeks to observe antiarthritic effects. Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) served as a positive control. Results: The administration of Rb1 significantly ameliorated OA inflammatory symptoms and reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, G-Rb1 administration considerably enhanced the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and collagen 2A and reduced the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-13 genes, indicating a chondroprotective effect of G-Rb1. G-Rb1 also significantly reduced the expression of several inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (interferon gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/CCL-2, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6). Histological analysis demonstrated that G-Rb1 significantly attenuated the pathological changes in MIA-induced OA in ovariectomized rats. Safranin O and toluidine blue staining further demonstrated that G-Rb1 effectively prevented the degradation of cartilage and glycosaminoglycans, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that G-Rb1 exerts cartilage protective effect on MIA-induced ovariectomized OA rats, by inhibiting inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1/CCL-2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2). These results shed a light on possible therapeutic application of G-Rb1 in OA.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.18.1-18.10
• /
• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1), which is involved in vascular remodeling and bone formation, can stimulate odontogenic differentiation and angiogenesis when administered to human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Materials and Methods: The viability of hDPSCs upon exposure to CTHRC1 was assessed with the WST-1 assay. CTHRC1 doses of 5, 10, and 20 ㎍/mL were administered to hDPSCs. Reverse-transcription polymerase reaction was used to detect dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor 2. The formation of mineralization nodules was evaluated using Alizarin red. A scratch wound assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of CTHRC1 on cell migration. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post hoc test. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: CTHRC1 doses of 5, 10, and 20 ㎍/mL had no significant effect on the viability of hDPSCs. Mineralized nodules were formed and odontogenic markers were upregulated, indicating that CTHRC1 promoted odontogenic differentiation. Scratch wound assays demonstrated that CTHRC1 significantly enhanced the migration of hDPSCs. Conclusions: CTHRC1 promoted odontogenic differentiation and mineralization in hDPSCs.