• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.365-372
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• 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to many health problems like diabetic nephropathy (DN). One of the key factors for chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is T2DM. Extensive work is being done to delineate the pathogenesis of DN and to extend possible remedies. This review is intended to understand the nature of DN risk factors, progression, effects of glycemic levels, and stages of DN. We also explored the novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for DN such as gene therapy and stem cell treatments.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.137-143
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• 2023

Inflammation plays an important role in immune system's response to tissue injury and biological stimuli. However, excessive inflammation can cause tissue damage. Therefore, the development of naturally derived anti-inflammatory agents have received broad attention. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Rubi Fructus (RF) extract on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory response. To determine the regulatory mechanism of RF in inflammatory reaction, we evaluated the effects of RF on secretion of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and caspase-1 in activated human mast cells-1 (HMC-1). The results showed that RF attenuated IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, RF significantly attenuated caspase-1and NF-κB activation in activated HMC-1. Conclusively, the present results provide evidence that RF may be a promising agent for anti-inflammatory therapy.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.149-156
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• 2005

Di (n-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is thought to mimic estrogens in their action, and are called endocrine disrupting chemicals. DEHP is used in numerous consumer products, especially those made of flexible polyvinyl chloride and have been reported to be weakly estrogenic. In this study, DEHP were tested for estrogenic properties in vitro models and with microarray analysis. First, the E-screen assay was used to measure the proliferation of DEHP in MCF-7 cells, a human breast cancer cell line. DEHP induced an increase in MCF-7 cell proliferation at concentration of $10^{-4}M$. Second, we carried out a microarray analysis of MCF-7 cells treated with DEHP using human c-DNA microarray including 401 endocrine system related genes. Of the genes analyzed, 60 genes were identified showing significant changes in gene expression resulting from DEHP. Especially, 4 genes were repressed and 4 genes were induced by DEHP compared to $17{\beta}-estradiol$. Among these genes, trefoil factor 3 (intestinal), breast cancer 1, early onset and CYP1B1 are involved in estrogen metabolism and regulation. Therefore it suggests that these genes may be associated with estrogenic effect of the DEHP on transcriptional level. The rationale is that, as gene expression is a sensitive endpoint, alterations of these genes may act as useful biomarkers to define more precisely the nature and level of exposure to kinds of phthalates.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.02a
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• pp.217-217
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• 2012

Solution-processed tungsten oxide thin film with thickness of about 30 nm is prepared from ammonium tungstate. This layer is introduced into the interface between the poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) layer and the ITO electrode to be used as an electron blocking layer. The annealed tungsten oxide thin films at $150^{\circ}C$ and $300^{\circ}C$ show amorphous phase, while the $400^{\circ}C$ -annealed tungsten oxide film shows crystalline phase. At $150^{\circ}C$ annealing temperature, the conversion efficiency is significantly improved from 0.71% to 1.42% as the condition is changed from vacuum to air atmosphere, which is related to oxidation state of tungsten in amorphous phase. For the air annealing condition, the conversion efficiency is further increased from 1.42% to 2.01% as the temperature is increased from $150^{\circ}C$ to $300^{\circ}C$, which is mainly due to the removal of the chemisorbed water. However, a slight deterioration in photovoltaic performance is observed when the temperature is increased to $400^{\circ}C$, which is ascribed to poor electron blocking ability due to the formation of crystalline phase. It is concluded that $W^{6+}$ oxidation state and amorphous nature in tungsten oxide interlayer is essential for blocking electron effectively from the active layer to the ITO electrode.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.903-909
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• 2014

Plants are an invaluable source of potential new anti-cancer drugs. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae) is one of these plants with medical value, which is a bamboo grass widely distributed in Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, Korea. Here, we investigated the apoptotic effects of S. quelpaertensis leaf extracts in six human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, HepG-2, Hela, HCT116 and A375). MTT assay signified the antiproliferative nature of S. quelpaertensis extracts against all tested cancer cells: S. quelpaertensis displayed slight cytotoxicity against A549, MCF-7 and HepG-2 cells, whereas it was exclusively cytotoxic to Hela, HCT116 and A375 cells. Apoptotic cells were evaluated using PI staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak). PI staining indicated increasing accumulation of Hela, HCT116 and A375 cells at sub-G1 phase. Further events like generation of nitric oxide ($NO^{\bullet}$) were accompanied in the S. quelpaertensis Nakai-induced apoptosis. Augmented $NO^{\bullet}$ generation resulted in the DNA fragmentation of Hela, HCT116 and A375 cells by treatment with S. quelpaertensis leaf extracts. These results suggest that S. quelpaertensis may be a potential natural resource for treating cancer cell. To identify the exact mechanisms of molecular mechanism of S. quelpaertensis induced apoptosis awaits further investigation.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2001.03a
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• pp.12-12
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• 2001

To get insight into the nature of foreign mitochondria and syngamy during mammalian fertilization we compared fertilization processes in porcine oocytes following microinjection of porcine or mouse spermatozoa. Pronuclear movement, sperm mitochondria, and DNA synthesis were imaged with propidium iodide, mitotracker, and BrdU under confocal laser scanning microscope. Intracytoplasmic injection of either porcine or mouse spermatzoon activated porcine oocytes without additional parthengenetic stimulation. Foreign mitochondria in either mouse or porcine sperm midpiece were introduced into porcine oocytes following sperm injection, but rapidly disappeared from the actively developing porcine oocytes. BrdU experiment showed new DNA synthesis in porcine oocytes following injection of mouse spermatozoon or sperm head. At 24 h after injection of mouse isolated sperm head or a spermatozoon, mitoic metaphase was seen in oocyte, but they did not go to normal cell division (Table). These results suggest that pronuclear formation, foreign mitochondria disruption, DNA synthesis and syngamy formation during fertilization are not species specific processes.(Table Omitted).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.21.1-21.6
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• 2021

Canine T-zone lymphoma (TZL) is a mature T-cell lymphoma in dogs. The diagnosis and sub-classification are impossible without biopsy or immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. An 11-year-old, spayed, female Golden Retriever presented with lymph node enlargement. Clinical examination was consistent with canine multicentric lymphoma. However, immunophenotyping revealed positive for CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD21, TCRαβ, and MHCII but negative for CD34, CD45, CD79a, and TCRγδ. Histopathology revealed lymphocytes expanding to the cortex-preserving architecture and thinning of the nodal capsule, and CD3 positive but PAX-5 negative. Owing to the indolent nature of TZL, careful monitoring approach without clinical intervention was utilized.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6039-6046
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• 2015

Aims: To investigate effect of metallic nanoparticles, silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as antitumor treatment in vitro against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and their associated mechanisms. This could provide new class of engineered nanoparticles with desired physicochemical properties and may present newer approaches for therapeutic modalities to breast cancer in women. Materials and Methods: A human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used as a model of cells. Metallic nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxic effects of metallic nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells were followed by colorimetric SRB cell viability assays, microscopy, and cellular uptake. Nature of cell death was further investigated by DNA analysis and flow cytometry. Results: Treatment of MCF-7 with different concentrations of 5-10nm diameter of AgNPs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of $6.28{\mu}M$, whereas treatment of MCF-7 with different concentrations of 13-15nm diameter of AuNPs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of $14.48{\mu}M$. Treatment of cells with a IC50 concentration of AgNPs generated progressive accumulation of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and prevented entry into the M phase. The treatment of cells with IC50 concentrations of AuNPs similarly generated progressive accumulation of cells in sub-G1 and S phase, and inhibited the entrance of cells into the M phase of the cell cycle. DNA fragmentation, as demonstrated by electrophoresis, indicated induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: Our engineered silver nanoparticles effectively inhibit the proliferation of human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 in vitro at high concentration ($1000{\mu}M$) through apoptotic mechanisms, and may be a beneficial agent against human carcinoma but further detailed study is still needed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.919-929
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• 2017

This study investigated the biological activities and chemical characteristics of Monascus-fermented Angelica gigas Nakai (A. gigas) with a view to the development of health foods. We also investigated the effect of the cultivation region of three A. gigas cultivars, namely Sancheong, Pyeongchang, and Jecheon. After fermentation, the content of decursin and decursinol angelate was increased compared to non-fermentation; the highest content of decursin and decursinol angelate was found in non-fermentation Pyeongchang A. gigas (PA) at 615.504, 326.742 ppm and fermented Pyeongchang A. gigas (FPA) at 792.610, 429.500 ppm, respectively. The highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and minerals was found in the FPA group, in which DPPH (${\alpha},{\alpha}^{\prime}-diphenyl-{\beta}-picrylhydrazyl$) radical scavenging activity and Fe/Cu reducing power were stronger in fermented than in non-fermented A. gigas. The FPA group in particular showed the highest activity. We measured nitric oxide (NO) production from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. The inhibition of activity of NO production and cancer cell (MCF-7 and Hep3B) viability was significantly decreased in the FPA group. The results suggest that FPA may be highly useful as a health food. Overall, the study provides basic data for understanding the biological activities and chemical characteristics of A. gigas fermented by Monascus purpureus for the development of health foods.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2006

The baculovirus expression system is a powerful method for producing large amounts of the human erythrocyte-type glucose transport protein, heterologously. Characterization of the expressed protein is expected to show its ability to transport sugars directly. To achieve this, it is a prerequisite to know the properties of the endogenous sugar transport system in Spodoptera frugiperda Clone 21 (Sf21) cells, which are commonly employed as a host permissive cell line to support the baculovirus replication. The Sf21 cells can grow well on TC-100 medium that contains 0.1% D-glucose as the major carbon source, strongly suggesting the presence of endogenous glucose transport system. However, unlike the human glucose transport protein that has a broad substrate and inhibitor specificity, very little is known about the nature of the endogenous sugar transport system in Sf21 cells. In order to characterize further the inhibitor recognition properties of the Sf21 cell transporter, the ability of phloretin, cytochalasin B and D-fructose to inhibit 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2dGlc) transport was examined by measuring inhibition constants $(K_i)$. The $K_i's$ for reversible inhibitors were determined from plots of uptake versus inhibitor concentration. The 2dGlc transport in the Sf21 cells was very potently inhibited by phloretin, the aglucone of phlorizin with a $K_i$ similar to the value of about $2{\mu}M$ reported for inhibition of glucose transport in human erythrocytes. However, the Sf21 cell transport system was found to differ from the human transport protein in being much less sensitive to inhibition by cytochalasin B (apparent $K_i$ approximately $10\;{\mu}M$). In contrast, It is reported that the inhibitor binds the human erythrocyte counterpart with a $K_d$ of approximately $0.12\;{\mu}M$. Interestingly, the Sf21 glucose transport system also appeared to have high affinity for D-fructose with a $K_i$ of approximately 5mM, contrasting the reported $K_m$ of the human erythrocyte transport protein for the ketose of 1.5M.