• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.185-194
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• 1999

Background: NF-$\kappa$B is a characteristic transcriptional factor whose functional activity is determined by post-translational modification of protein and subsequent change of subcellular localization. The involvement of the NF-$\kappa$B family of the transcription factors in the control of such vital cellular functions as immune response, acute phase reaction, replication of certain viruses and development and differentiation of cells has been clearly documented in many previous studies. Several recent observations have suggested that the NF-$\kappa$B might also be involved in the carcinogenesis of some hematological and solid tumors. Investigating the possibility that members of the NF-$\kappa$B family participate in the molecular control of malignant cell transformation could provide invaluable information on both molecular pathogenesis and cancer-related gene therapy. Method: To determine the expression patterns and functional roles of NF-$\kappa$B family transcription factors in human lung cancer cell lines NCI-H792, NCI-H709, NCI-H226 and NCI-H157 were analysed by western blot, using their respective antibodies. The nuclear and the cytoplasmic fraction of protein extract of these cell lines were subsequently obtained and NF-$\kappa$B expression in each fraction was again determined by western blot analysis. The type of NF-$\kappa$B complex present in the cells was determined by immunoprecipitation. To detect the binding ability of cell-line nuclear extracts to the KB consensus oligonucleotide, electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA) was performed. Results: In the cultured human lung cancer cell lines tested, transcription factors of the NF-$\kappa$B family, namely the p50 and p65 subunit were expressed and localized in the nuclear fraction of the cellular extract by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that in the cell, the p50 and p65 subunits made NF-$\kappa$B complex. Finally it was shown by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay(EMSA) that nuclear extracts of lung cancer cell lines are able to bind to NF-$\kappa$B consensus DNA sequences. Conclusion: These data suggest that in human lung cancer cell lines the NF-$\kappa$B p50/p65 complex might be activated. and strengthen the hypothesis that NF-$\kappa$B family transcription factors might be involved in the carcinogenesis of human lung cancer.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 1998

To study the oxygen tolerance mechanism of bifidobacteria, we have studied the growth of cells, the activities of the enzymes which were related with oxygen, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase(SOD), NADH oxidase, and NADH peroxidase, and cellular fatty acid compositions of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and B. longum under anaerobic and aerated (microaerobic and aerobic) conditions. B. longum grew relatively well under the microaerobic conditions, whereas the growth of B. adolescentis was inhibited under the same aerated conditions. B. adolescentis had extremely low level of NADH oxidative enzymes while B. longum had the relatively high level of NADH oxidative enzymes, whose activities were dramatically increased from 3.7 to 11.4 times by microaerobic condition but not in B. adolescentis. The activity of SOD was unexpectedly high in B. adolescentis compared with in B. longum under anaerobic and aerated conditions. The activities of catalase were not detected in all samples tested in this study. We also found that normal $C_{l6:0}$ and $C_{18:1}$ were the major fatty acids in B. adolescentis and B. longum under anaerobic and aerated conditions. 2.2-14.1% $C_{l9:0}$ cyclo fatty acid was detected only in B. longum and the fatty acid was increased by the addition of the aeration. The $C_{l9:0}$ cyclic fatty acid was identified as a cis 9, 10-methylene octadecanoic acid, which was different from lactobacillic acid in the cyclized site. 6.6%-24.6% of dimethyl acetals (DMA) which came from plasmalogen were observed in the B. adolescentis and B. longum grown under anaerobic condition, and the components were notably decreased in the cells grown under the aerated conditions. It is believed that NADH oxidative enzymes play an important role to detoxify oxygen metabolites of Bifidobacteriurn spp. under anaerobic and microaerobic conditions. Independently from oxidative enzymes, it seems that oxygen stress may induce the change of the level of cellular fatty acids showing an increase of $C_{l9:0}$ cyclo in B. longum and a decrease of $C_{l8:1}$ of plasmalogen in B. longum and B. adolescentis to adapt in environment.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2008

In this study, the antioxidative effects, inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and elastase and components of Fagopyrum esculetum extracts were investigated. Fagopyrum esculetum used for this study is hulls and dehulled seeds. The free radical(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, DPPH) scavenging activities($FSC_{50}$) and reactive oxygen species(ROS) scavenging activities($OSC_{50}$) of extract/fractions from Fagopyrum esculetum were measured. The aglycone($3.5{\pm}0.0{\mu}g/mL$) and ethyl acetate fractions($0.2{\pm}0.1{\mu}g/mL$) of hulls showed the most effective scavenging activities. The protective effects on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most prominent cellular protective effect(${\tau}_{50},\;771.7{\pm}9.9 min$ at 10 ${\mu}g/mL$). The inhibitory effect of aglycone fraction of hull and dehulled seeds on tyrosinase were examined ($53.6{\pm}0.5{\mu}g/mL,\;35.6{\pm}0.4{\mu}g/mL$, respectively). And The inhibitory effect of aglycone fraction of hull and dehulled seeds on elastase were investigated($3.7{\pm}0.4{\mu}g/mL\;and\;6.0{\pm}0.7{\mu}g/mL$ respectively). But 50% ethanol extract rarely exhibited the inhibitory activity on tyrosinase and elastase. (+)-Catechin and (-)-epicatechin were contained in ethyl acetate fraction of dehulled seeds. And ethyl acetate fraction of hull contains flavonoids of hyperin, quercetin, rutin and so on. These results indicate that extract/fractions of Fagopyrum esculentum can function as antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging $^1O_2$ and other ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Fagopyrum esculentum extract could be used as a new cosmeceutical for whitening and anti-wrinkle products.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.69-73
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• 2005

The flavonoid, quercetin, is a low molecular weight substance found in apple, tomato and other fruit. Besides its antioxidative effect, quercetin, like other flavonoids, has a wide range of neuropharmacological actions including analgesia, and motility, sleep, anticonvulsant, sedative and anxiolytic effects. In the present study, we investigated its effect on mouse 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 ($5-HT_{3A}$) receptor channel activity, which is involved in pain transmission, analgesia, vomiting, and mood disorders. The $5-HT_{3A}$ receptor was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the current was measured with the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. In oocytes injected with $5-HT_{3A}$ receptor cRNA, quercetin inhibited the 5-HT-induced inward peak current ($I_{5-HT}$) with an $IC_{50}$ of $64.7{\pm}2.2{\mu}M$. Inhibition was competitive and voltage-independent. Point mutations of pre-transmembrane domain 1 (pre-TM1) such as R222T and R222A, but not R222D, R222E and R222K, abolished inhibition, indicating that quercetin interacts with the pre-TM1 of the $5-HT_{3A}$ receptor.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.528-534
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• 2010

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been well-known as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments since ancient times, and it is well documented that enhanced garlic consumption leads to a decrease in incidences of cancer. Tight junctions (TJs) are critical structures for the maintenance of cellular polarity, acting as paracellular permeability barriers and playing an essential role in regulating the diffusion of fluid, electrolytes and macromolecules through the paracellular pathway. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated as possible mediators of invasiveness and metastasis in some cancers. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of water extract of aged black garlic (ABG) on the correlation between tightening of TJs and anti-invasive activity in human gastric carcinoma AGS cells. The inhibitory effects of ABG on cell motility and invasiveness were found to be associated with increased tightness of TJs, which was demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance. Additionally, the activities of MMP-2 and -9 in AGS cells were inhibited by treatment with ABG, and this was also correlated with a decrease in the expression of their mRNA and proteins. Furthermore, RT-PCR and immunoblotting results indicated that ABG repressed the levels of the claudin proteins, major components of TJs that play a key role in the control and selectivity of paracellular transport. In conclusion, these results suggest that ABG treatment may inhibit tumor metastasis and invasion, and therefore may act as a dietary source to decrease the risk of developing cancer.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.81-87
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• 2012

Purpose: The characteristics of oxidized titanium (Ti) surfaces varied according to treatment conditions such as duration time and temperature. Thermal oxidation can change Ti surface characteristics, which affect many cellular responses such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the surface characteristics and cell response of thermally treated Ti surfaces. Methods: The samples were divided into 4 groups. Control: machined smooth titanium (Ti-S) was untreated. Group I: Ti-S was treated in a furnace at $300^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes. Group II: Ti-S was treated at $500^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes. Group III: Ti-S was treated at $750^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes. A scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and X-ray diffraction were used to assess surface characteristics and chemical composition. The water contact angle and surface energy were measured to assess physical properties. Results: The titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) thickness increased as the treatment temperature increased. Additional peaks belonging to rutile $TiO_2$ were only found in group III. The contact angle in group III was significantly lower than any of the other groups. The surface energy significantly increased as the treatment temperature increased, especially in group III. In the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, after 24 hours of incubation, the assessment of cell viability showed that the optical density of the control had a higher tendency than any other group, but there was no significant difference. However, the alkaline phosphatase activity increased as the temperature increased, especially in group III. Conclusions: Consequently, the surface characteristics and biocompatibility increased as the temperature increased. This indicates that surface modification by thermal treatment could be another useful method for medical and dental implants.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.1118-1125
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• 2013

Naringenin, a naturally occurring citrus flavonone, is a potentially valuable candidate for cancer chemotherapy. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for its anticancer activity are largely unknown. In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for naringenin-induced apoptosis in human leukemic U937 cells. We found that naringenin markedly inhibited the growth of U937 cells by decreasing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of caspases. A pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, significantly inhibited naringenin-induced U937 cell apoptosis, indicating that caspases are key regulators of apoptosis in response to naringenin in U937 cells. Although the levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and proapoptotic Bax proteins remained unchanged in naringenin-treated U937 cells, Bcl-2 overexpression attenuated naringenin-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, combined treatment with naringenin and HA14-1, a small-molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor, effectively increased the apoptosis through enhancement of XIAP down-regulation, Bid cleavage, and caspase activation, suggesting that the synergistic effect was at least partially mediated through the death receptor-mediated apoptosis pathway.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.163-176
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• 1997

This study was undertaken to determine whether Juglandis Semen extraction(JS) has a protective effect against the lung cell injury caused by oxidant, t-butythydroperoxide(t-BHP) and $H_2O_2$ in rabbit lung slices. JS significantly prevented an increase in water content induced by t-BHP. Similarly, JS significantly prevented the lipid peroxidation induced by t-BHP. Cellular concentration of glutathione, and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were significantly not altered by 5% JS. However, JS at 5% concentration significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in oxidant-treated and control tissues. JS decreased directly the production of superoxide or hydroxyl radical. These results indicate that JS prevents the cell injury and lipid peroxidation induced by oxidants in the lung. Such an antioxidant effect is attributed to enhancement of major endogenous antioxidant defence systems such as glutathione peroxidase and direct inhibition of oxygen free radical production.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.447-455
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• 2012

Akt plays an important role in a variety of cellular physiologies such as growth, proliferation, and differentiation. In skeletal muscle, Akt has been implicated in regulating regeneration, hypertrophy, and atrophy. In this study, the role of Akt has been examined during skeletal muscle differentiation. Culturing C2C12 myoblasts under low serum (1% horse serum) and high density converted cell morphology from a round shape to an elongated and multi-nucleated shape. Morphological changes were initiated from day 2 of differentiation. In addition, the expression of both myogenin G and myogenin D was elevated from day 2 of differentiation. Skeletal muscle differentiation was abolished by silencing Akt1 or Akt2, but was significantly enhanced by the over-expression of either Akt1 or Akt2. The activation of Akt was observed from day 2 of differentiation and disappeared after day 7. The expression of kruppel-like factor 4 was observed from day 6 of differentiation. Moreover, this expression was blocked in cells silencing either Akt1 or Akt2. In addition, the promoter activity of kruppel-like factor 4 was significantly reduced in cells silencing Akt1 or Akt2. These results suggest that Akt regulates skeletal muscle differentiation through the regulation of kruppel-like factor 4 expression.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.175-181
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• 2002

Background: S100A6 is a calcium-binding protein overexpressed in several tumor cell lines including melanoma with high metastatic activity and involved in various cellular processes such as cell division and differentiation. To detect S100A6 protein in patient' samples (ex, blood or tissue), it is essential to produce a monoclonal antibody specific to the protein. Methods: First, cDNA coding for ORF region of human S100A6 gene was amplified and cloned into the expression vector for GST fusion protein. We have produced recombinant S100A6 protein and subsequently, monoclonal antibodies to the protein. The specificity of anti-S100A6 monoclonal antibody was confirmed using recombinant S100A recombinant proteins of other S100A family (GST-S100A1, GST-S100A2 and GST-S100A4) and the cell lysates of several human cell lines. Also, to identify the specific recognition site of the monoclonal antibody, we have performed the immunoblot analysis with serially deleted S100A6 recombinant proteins. Results: GST-S100A6 recombinant protein was induced and purified. And then S100A6 protein excluding GST protein was obtained and monoclonal antibody to the protein was produced. Monoclonal antibody (K02C12-1; patent number, 330311) has no cross-reaction to several other S100 family proteins. It appears that anti-S100A6 monoclonal antibody reacts with the region containing the amino acid sequence from 46 to 61 of S100A6 protein. Conclusion: These data suggest that anti-S100A6 monoclonal antibody produced can be very useful in development of diagnostic system for S100A6 protein.