• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권12호
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• pp.1120-1127
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• 2021

우울증은 높은 유병률과 자살률 증가로 인해 사회적 기능에 부정적인 영향을 미치며, 경제적 부담 또한 높은 질환이다. 우울증은 신경염증, 시냅스 기능장애, 인지 결손과 같은 뇌에서 다양한 현상과 관련이 있다. 임상에서 사용되는 항우울제들은 치료효과가 낮아 빠른 효능을 보이는 항우울제 개발이 시급하다. 현재까지 우울증과 관련된 다양한 유전자, 단백질, 그리고 신호전달계에 대한 많은 연구가 수행되었지만, 우울증의 발생기전은 명확하게 밝혀지지 않았다. Sirtuin 1은 nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotid- (NAD⁺-) dependent histone deacetylases로써 세포 분화, 세포 사멸, 발생, 자가소화작용, 암 대사에 관여하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 최근의 유전연구들은 Sirtuin 1이 우울증의 잠재적 타겟 유전자라고 제안하고 있다. 또한 전임상 연구에서는 Sirtuin 1의 신호전달기전이 우울행동에 영향을 미친다고 보고 하였다. 본 종설에서는 우울증과 Sirtuin 1에 대한 최신 지식을 제시하였다. 소교세포의 활성, 일주기 생체 리듬, 신경세포 생성, 및 인지기능의 조절에 관여하는 Sirtuin 1이 우울증에 미치는 다양한 영향을 설명하였다. 아울러 Sirtuin 1이 우울증 핵심 기전중의 하나인 신경가소성의 손상에 미치는 영향과 그 기전에 대해서 논의하였다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.64-72
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• 2023

심장 발생과정에 관여하는 주요 전사인자들의 기능에 대한 규명 등의 발전에도 불구하고 줄기 세포에서 매우 효율적인 심근 세포로의 분화를 촉진하는 새로운 생체 활성 분자를 찾는 것이 여전히 필요하다. 마우스배아줄기세포(mESC) 유래 심근세포의 Illumina 발현 마이크로어레이 데이터를 분석하였다. 미분화 mESCs와 비교하여 mESC 유래 심근세포에서 4배 이상 유전자 발현이 증가한 276개 유전자가 스크리닝되었다. Secreted phosphoprotein 2 (Spp2)는 후보물질 중 하나이며 bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)에 대한 슈도수용체로서 BMP2 신호 전달을 억제하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 그러나 심근 형성과의 연관성은 알려진 바 없다. 우리는 mESC 세포주인 TC-1/Kh2와 E14를 이용하여 기능성 심근세포로 분화하는 동안 Spp2 발현이 증가함을 검증하였다. 흥미롭게도, Spp2 분비는 배아체(embryoid body, EBs) 형성 후 3일차에 일시적으로 증가했는데, 이는 Spp2의 분비가 ESCs의 심근세포로의 분화에 관여함을 시사한다. Spp2의 기능을 분석하기 위해, 우리는 BMP2를 처리하면 분화 경로를 근모세포에서 골모세포로 전환되는 특성을 가진 C2C12 마우스 근모세포 세포주를 사용하여 실험을 수행하였다. mESCs의 분화와 유사하게, Spp2의 전사는 C2C12 근모세포가 근관으로 분화됨에 따라 증가하였다. 특히, 분화 초기 단계에서 Spp2의 세포외 분비가 극적으로 증가하였다. 또한, Spp2-Flag 재조합 단백질로 처리하면 C2C12 근모세포의 근관으로의 분화가 촉진되었다. 종합하면, ESCs를 심근 세포로 분화시키는 새로운 생체 활성 단백질로 Spp2를 제안한다. 이것은 심근형성의 분자 경로를 이해하고 허혈성 심장질환에 대한 줄기세포 요법의 실험적 또는 임상적 발전을 촉진하는 역할을 할 것으로 기대한다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권3호
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• pp.282-291
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• 2023

Despite the recent progress in public health measures, malaria remains a troublesome disease that needs to be eradicated. It is essential to develop new antimalarial medications that are reliable and secure. This report evaluated the pharmacokinetics and antimalarial activity of 1,2,6,7-tetraoxaspiro[7.11]nonadecane (N-89) using the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei in vivo. After a single oral dose (75 mg /kg) of N-89, its pharmacokinetic parameters were measured, and t_1/2 was 0.97 h, T_max was 0.75 h, and bioavailability was 7.01%. A plasma concentration of 8.1 ng/ml of N-89 was maintained for 8 h but could not be detected at 10 h. The dose inhibiting 50% of parasite growth (ED₅₀) and ED₉₀ values of oral N-89 obtained following a 4-day suppressive test were 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the plasma concentration of N-89, we evaluated the antimalarial activity and cure effects of oral N-89 at a dose of 75 mg/kg 3 times daily for 3 consecutive days in mice harboring more than 0.5% parasitemia. In all the N-89-treated groups, the parasites were eliminated on day 5 post-treatment, and all mice recovered without a parasite recurrence for 30 days. Additionally, administering oral N-89 at a low dose of 50 mg/kg was sufficient to cure mice from day 6 without parasite recurrence. This work was the first to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and antimalarial activity of N-89 as an oral drug. In the future, the following steps should be focused on developing N-89 for malaria treatments; its administration schedule and metabolic pathways should be investigated.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.113-127
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• 2023

Background: Resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) may aid in understanding the link between painmodulating brain regions and the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) in fibromyalgia (FM). This study investigated whether the differences in rs-FC of the primary somatosensory cortex in responders and non-responders to the conditioned pain modulation test (CPM-test) are related to pain, sleep quality, central sensitization, and the impact of FM on quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 33 females with FM. rs-FC was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Change in the numerical pain scale during the CPM-test assessed the DPMS function. Subjects were classified either as non-responders (i.e., DPMS dysfunction, n = 13) or responders (n = 20) to CPM-test. A generalized linear model (GLM) and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to check the accuracy of the rs-FC to differentiate each group. Results: Non-responders showed a decreased rs-FC between the left somatosensory cortex (S1) and the periaqueductal gray (PAG) (P < 0.001). The GLM analysis revealed that the S1-PAG rs-FC in the left-brain hemisphere was positively correlated with a central sensitization symptom and negatively correlated with sleep quality and pain scores. ROC curve analysis showed that left S1-PAG rs-FC offers a sensitivity and specificity of 85% or higher (area under the curve, 0.78, 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.94) to discriminate who does/does not respond to the CPM-test. Conclusions: These results support using the rs-FC patterns in the left S1-PAG as a marker for predicting CPM-test response, which may aid in treatment individualization in FM patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

Objective: The DNA integrity of spermatozoa that attach to fallopian tube (FT) cells is higher than spermatozoa that do not attach. FT epithelial cells can distinguish normal and abnormal sperm chromatin. This study investigated the effects of sperm with a high-DNA fragmentation index (DFI) from men with unexplained repeated implantation failure (RIF) on the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in human FT cells in vitro. Methods: Ten men with a RIF history and high-DFI and 10 healthy donors with low-DFI comprised the high-DFI (>30%) and control (<30%) groups, respectively. After fresh semen preparation, sperm were co-cultured with a human FT epithelial cell line (OE-E6/E7) for 24 hours. RNA was extracted from the cell line and the human innate and adaptive immune responses were tested using an RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array. Results: The PCR array data showed significantly higher TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-6, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, interferon α (IFN-α), IFN-β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), CXCL8, GM-CSF, G-CSF, CD14, ELK1, IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK4, IRF1, IRF3, LY96, MAP2K3, MAP2K4, MAP3K7, MAP4K4, MAPK8, MAPK8IP3, MYD88, NFKB1, NFKB2, REL, TIRAP, and TRAF6 expression in the high-DFI group than in the control group. These factors are all involved in the TLR-MyD88 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The MyD88-dependent pathway through TLR-1, TLR-2, and TLR-6 activation may be one of the main inflammatory pathways activated by high-DFI sperm from men with RIF. Following activation of this pathway, epithelial cells produce inflammatory cytokines, resulting in neutrophil infiltration, activation, phagocytosis, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and apoptosis.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.2.1-2.18
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• 2022

Background: Co-infections of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and the Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) are severe in Chinese pigs, but the immune response genes against co-infected with 2 pathogens in the lungs have not been reported. Objectives: To understand the effect of PRRSV and/or HPS infection on the genes expression associated with lung immune function. Methods: The expression of the immune-related genes was analyzed using RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected and identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting assays. Results: All experimental pigs showed clinical symptoms and lung lesions. RNA-seq analysis showed that 922 DEGs in co-challenged pigs were more than in the HPS group (709 DEGs) and the PRRSV group (676 DEGs). Eleven DEGs validated by qRT-PCR were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Eleven common Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to infection and immune were found in single-infected and co-challenged pigs, including autophagy, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and antigen processing and presentation, involving different DEGs. A model of immune response to infection with PRRSV and HPS was predicted among the DEGs in the co-challenged pigs. Dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and interleukin-21 (IL21) were detected by IHC and western blot and showed significant differences between the co-challenged pigs and the controls. Conclusions: These findings elucidated the transcriptome changes in the lungs after PRRSV and/or HPS infections, providing ideas for further study to inhibit ROS production and promote pulmonary fibrosis caused by co-challenging with PRRSV and HPS.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제46권6호
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• pp.360-373
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• 2023

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common subtype of thyroid carcinoma. Despite a good prognosis, approximately a quarter of PTC patients are likely to relapse. Previous reports suggest an association between S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) and the prognosis of thyroid cancer. SKP1 is related to apoptosis of PTC cells; however, its role in PTC remains largely elusive. This study aimed to understand the expression and molecular mechanism of SKP2 in PTC. SKP2 expression was upregulated in PTC tissues and closely associated with clinical diagnosis. In vitro and in vivo knockdown of SKP2 expression in PTC cells suppressed cell growth and proliferation and induced apoptosis. SKP2 depletion promoted cell autophagy under glucose deprivation. SKP2 interacted with PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase-1 (PHLPP1), triggering its degradation by ubiquitination. Furthermore, SKP2 activates the AKT-related pathways via PHLPP1, which leads to the cytoplasmic translocation of SKP2, indicating a reciprocal regulation between SKP2 and AKT. In conclusion, the upregulation of SKP2 leads to PTC proliferation and survival, and the regulatory network among SKP2, PHLPP1, and AKT provides novel insight into the molecular basis of SKP2 in tumor progression.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.73-82
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• 2023

Purpose : Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, has widely spread around the world and its essential oil is usually applied in food, perfume, and other industrial purposes. In addition, C. citratus has also been used for the treatment of inflammation, digestive disorders, and diabetes in traditional medicine. In this study, the antioxidative activity of C. citratus ethanol extract (CCEE) was analyzed in RAW 264.7 cells through the induction of one of phase II enzymes, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 by nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf)2, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt. Methods : The antioxidative activity of CCEE against oxidative stress and its underlying molecular mechanisms were analyzed by the cell viability assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation assay, and Western blot analysis in RAW 264.7 cells. Results : The results exhibited that CCEE potently attenuated tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced intracellular ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity. CCEE treatment significantly induced the expression of HO-1 which is known for its antioxidative capacity. In addition, CCEE treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf2, a corresponding transcription factor for the regulation of antioxidative enzymes, which was in accordance with the HO-1 overexpression. MAPK and PI3K/Akt were also evaluated for their important roles in the regulation of cellular redox homeostasis against oxidative damage. As a result, the potent HO-1 expression was mediated by not extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK), p38, but phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) phosphorylation. To confirm the antioxidative activity of CCEE-induced HO-1 expression, oxidative damage was initiated by t-BHP and attenuated by CCEE treatment, which was identified by HO-1 selective inhibitor and inducer. Conclusion : Consequently, CCEE potently induced the HO-1-mediated antioxidative potential through the modulation of Nrf2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that CCEE could be a promising strategy for the mitigation against cellular oxidative damage.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제33권10호
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• pp.776-782
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• 2023

Silymarin은 간 보호, 항산화, 항염, 항암 등 다양한 생리 활성을 나타내는 것으로 보고되었고, 본 연구에서는 산화 스트레스에 대한 항산화 잠재력과 그 기전을 세포 생존력 및 활성산소종 생성 분석과 Western blot 분석을 통해 RAW 264.7 세포에서 알아보고자 하였다. Silymarin은 세포 독성 없이 lipopolysaccharide(LPS)에 의해 자극된 세포 내 활성산소종을 농도 의존적으로 소거하였다. 그리고 항산화 효과를 보여주는 것으로 알려진 제2상 효소 중 하나인 heme oxygenase (HO)-1의 발현은 silymarin 처리에 의해 강하게 유도되었다. 또한 silymarin 처리는 항산화 효소의 전사인자인 nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf)-2의 발현을 유의미하게 유도하였고, 이는 HO-1 발현증가와 일치하였다. 세포내 산화와 환원 항상성 조절과 관련된 신호 전달물질인 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)와 phosphoinositde 3-kinase (PI3K)의 인산화 정도 또한 Western blot으로 분석하였고, 그 결과 silymarin 은 p38 MAPK 인산화에 의해 HO-1 발현을 유도하는 것으로 나타났다. 그리고 tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)를 이용하여 세포내 지질 과산화를 유도함으로써 silymarin에 의해 유도된 HO-1의 항산화 효과를 확인하였다. 그 결과 silymarin 처리에 의해 세포사멸이 유의적으로 억제되었고, p38의 선택적 저해제를 처리한 세포군에서는 t-BHP에 의해 유의적인 세포사멸이 발생하였다. 이 결과를 통해 silymarin은 Nrf-2/p38 MAPK 신호 전달 경로를 통해 HO-1의 발현을 유도하고, 이를 통해 항산화 효과를 높이는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.743-754
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• 2023

Background: Myocardial fibrosis post-myocardial infarction (MI) can induce maladaptive cardiac remodeling as well as heart failure. Although 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has been applied to cardiovascular diseases, its efficacy and specific molecular mechanism in myocardial fibrosis are largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to explore whether TGFBR1 signaling was involved in Rg3's anti-fibrotic effect post-MI. Methods: Left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation-induced MI mice and TGF-β1-stimulated primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were adopted. Echocardiography, hematoxlin-eosin and Masson staining, Western-blot and immunohistochemistry, CCK8 and Edu were used to study the effects of Rg3 on myocardial fibrosis and TGFBR1 signaling. The combination mechanism of Rg3 and TGFBR1 was explored by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). Moreover, myocardial Tgfbr1-deficient mice and TGFBR1 adenovirus were adopted to confirm the pharmacological mechanism of Rg3. Results: In vivo experiments, Rg3 ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy and enhanced cardiac function. Rg3-TGFBR1 had the 1.78×10^-7 M equilibrium dissociation constant based on SPRi analysis, and Rg3 inhibited the activation of TGFBR1/Smads signaling dose-dependently. Cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockdown abolished Rg3's protection against myocardial fibrosis post-MI. In addition, Rg3 downregulated the TGF-β1-mediated CFs growth together with collagen production in vitro through TGFBR1 signaling. Moreover, TGFBR1 adenovirus partially blocked the inhibitory effect of Rg3. Conclusion: Rg3 improves myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function through suppressing CFs proliferation along with collagen deposition by inactivation of TGFBR1 pathway.