• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.454-464
• /
• 2018

Crosstalk between G-protein signaling and glutamatergic transmission within the brain reward circuits is critical for long-term emotional effects (depression and anxiety), cravings, and negative withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction. A previous study showed that Regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (RGS4) may be implicated in opiate action in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, the mechanism of the NAc-specific RGS4 actions that induce the behavioral responses to opiates remains largely unknown. The present study used a short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knock-down of RGS4 in the NAc of the mouse brain to investigate the relationship between the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors and RGS4 in the NAc during morphine reward. Additionally, the shRNA-mediated RGS4 knock-down was implemented in NAc/striatal primary-cultured neurons to investigate the role that striatal neurons have in the morphine-induced activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors. The results of this study show that the NAc-specific knock-down of RGS4 significantly increased the behaviors associated with morphine and did so by phosphorylation of the GluR1 (Ser831) and NR2A (Tyr1325) glutamate receptors in the NAc. Furthermore, the knock-down of RGS4 enhanced the phosphorylation of the GluR1 and NR2A glutamate receptors in the primary NAc/striatal neurons during spontaneous morphine withdrawal. These findings show a novel molecular mechanism of RGS4 in glutamatergic transmission that underlies the negative symptoms associated with morphine administration.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.145-157
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study was to determine the possible effects of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) through cell survival genes of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway when applying an hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC)-based nanocontrolled release system to human gingival fibroblasts in oral soft tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: An HGC-based nano-controlled release system was produced, followed by the loading of TCA and EGF. The group was divided into control (CON), TCA-loaded nano-controlled release system (EXP1), and the TCA- and EGF- individually loaded nano-controlled release system (EXP2). A total for 29 genes related to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were analyzed after 48h of culture in human gingival fibroblasts. Real-time PCR, 1- way ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were performed. Results: Cell survival genes were significantly upregulated in EXP1 and EXP2. From multiple regression analysis, ITGB1 was determined to be the most influential factor for AKT1 expression. Conclusion: The application of TCA and EGF through the HGC-based nano-controlled release system can up-regulate the cell survival pathway.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.145-157
• /
• 2004

The aim of the present study was to examine in detail, both at light and electron microscopical levels, the morphological variations in ameloblast of the fetal rat incisor enamel organ. Rats were started on distilled water at the beginning of pregnancy. The pups were sacrificed 11 days after delivery and animals were perfused intravascularly with glutaraldehyde and the incisors were removed. To examine on the ultrastructure of the ameloblast, the study employed primary light microscopy but electron microscopy was used to clarify some of the light microscopic finding. Longitudinal sections through the incisors of the rat show a continuous layer of ameloblasts on the labial surface of the tooth. This layer contains the entire sequence of developmental stages in enamel production. The ameloblast layer was divided into three main zones: 1) Presecretory zone, region of ameloblasts facing pulp. 2) Secretory zone, region of inner and outer enamel secretion. 3) Maturation zone, region of reduced ameloblasts. In particularly, the present study has shown that two distinctively different types of ameloblasts appear in the enamel organ during enamel maturation in the rat incisor. These two types have been designated ruffle-ended ameloblasts (rAB) and smooth-ended ameloblasts (sAB). The fluoride produces marked alteration in the fine structure of ameloblast from teeth of young rats, such as large confluent distensions of the endoplasmic reticulum and swelling of isolated mitochondria. This experimental data suggested that exposure prolonged of animal to high level of fluoride appears to induce a few dramatic changes in the normal appositional growth and initial mineralization of enamel created during amelogenesis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.405-411
• /
• 2012

The spontaneous axon regeneration of damaged neurons is limited after spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation was proposed as a potential approach for enhancing nerve regeneration that avoids the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cell transplantation. As SCI is a complex pathological entity, the treatment of SCI requires a multipronged approach. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the functional recovery and therapeutic potential of human MSCs (hMSCs) and polymer in a spinal cord hemisection injury model. Rats were subjected to hemisection injuries and then divided into three groups. Two groups of rats underwent partial thoracic hemisection injury followed by implantation of either polymer only or polymer with hMSCs. Another hemisection-only group was used as a control. Behavioral, electrophysiological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on all rats. The functional recovery was significantly improved in the polymer with hMSC-transplanted group as compared with control at five weeks after transplantation. The results of electrophysiologic study demonstrated that the latency of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) in the polymer with hMSC-transplanted group was significantly shorter than in the hemisection-only control group. In the results of immunohistochemical study, ${\beta}$-gal-positive cells were observed in the injured and adjacent sites after hMSC transplantation. Surviving hMSCs differentiated into various cell types such as neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These data suggest that hMSC transplantation with polymer may play an important role in functional recovery and axonal regeneration after SCI, and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.22-35
• /
• 1992

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of herbal organic extracts on the pain response provoked by noxious stimuli on dental nerve and the peripheral nerve conduction. Cats (2-2.5Kg regardless of sex) that were chosen as experimental animals were classified into control group, Asiasari radix application group and Zingiberis rhizoma application group. They were anesthetized with ${\alpha}$-chloralose, then anterior belly of digastric muscle of both sides were exposed and wire electrodes were inserted for recording of Electromyogram (EMG). Cavities were prepared on canines until pulp of the teeth were exposed. And after the drugs solubilized for 2% and 4% concentration (W/V) in vehicle were applied, their effects were compared through the recording of EMG immediately after drug application, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes and 5 days after, respectively. And after both inferior alveolar nerves were exposed, 4% organic extracts of Zingiberis rhizoma and Asiasari radix were applied for 30 minutes then the change of jaw opening reflex provoked by noxious stimuli on pulpal nerves were observed immediately after washing out, at 30, 60 and 90 minutes after drug had been washed out. After saphenous nerve of both sides were exposed, one side of nerve was used for vehicle application and the other side was used for drug application for 30 minutes. Then conduction of action potential of A-${\delta}$ and C-fiders of saphenous nerves, which have changed with time, was recorded. With analysis of these records, the following results were obtained: 1. Organic extract of Zingiberis rhizoma (2% or 4% concentration) greatly suppressed EMG of digastric muscle provoked by noxious stimuli on pulpal nerve at five days after application, the suppressive: effect was greater than that of organic extract of Asiasari radix. 2. Organic extract of Asiasari radix (2% or 4% concentration) suppressed jaw opening reflex provoked by noxious stimuli on pulpal nerve, at 5 days after drug application. 3. Organic extract of Zingiberis rhizoma and Asiasari radix (immediately after 30 minutes application) suppressed neural conduction of A-${\delta}$ and C-fibers, the suppressive effect was greater on A-${\delta}$ fibers than on C-fibers. 4. Jaw opening reflex provoked by noxious stimuli on pulpal nerve in inferior alveolar nerve was greatly suppressed 30 minutes after drug application, this effect was greater by Zingiberis rhizoma than by Asiasari radix.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.295-299
• /
• 2007

The detrimental effects of gene transfection on embryo development and the molecular mechanism behind the differential expression of genes related to early embryo development were assessed in the production of transgenic cow embryos through somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT). Parthenogenetic, IVF, and transgenic NT embryos derived from ${\alpha}_1$-antitrypsin transfected ear fibroblast cells was produced. To investigate the molecular mechanism behind lower developmental competence of transgenic NT embryos, the differential mRNA expression of three genes ($IFN-{\tau}$, Oct4, Fgf4) in the 3 types of embryo (Parthenogenetic, IVF, transgenic NT) was examined. RNA was extracted from ten blastocysts derived from 3 types of embryos and reverse-transcripted for synthesis of the first cDNA. The quantification of 3 gene transcripts ($IFN-{\tau}$, Oct4, and Fgf4) was carried out in three replicate by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Expression level of $IFN-{\tau}$ mRNA was significantly higher in transgenic NT embryos than parthenogenetic and IVF embryos (P<0.05). However, expression level of Oct4 and Fgf4 of transgenic NT embryos was significantly lower than IVF embryos (P<0.05). Altered levels of these three mRNA transcripts may explain some of the embryonic/fetal/neonatal abnormalities observed in offspring from transgenic NT embryos.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.123-129
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate antifungal activity of shiitake mushroom yeast and hyphal type of Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: The extract from shiitake mushroom was collected by drying the supernatant after soaking shiitake mushrooms in water or ethanol. The antifungal activity of the extracts against yeast type of C. albicans was investigated by the susceptibility assay using microplate. C. albicans biofilm was formed on 12-well plate using Ham's F-12 medium in CO₂ incubator and treated with the ethanol extract. Furthermore, C. albicans biofilm was formed on denture base resin disk and treated with or without the ethanol extract in the presence of denture cleanser. Live C. albicans in biofilm was counted by cultured colony forming unit value after inoculated on agar plate. Results: Ethanol extract from shiitake mushroom showed stronger antifungal activity against yeast type of C. albicans compared to its water extract. The ethanol extract significantly reduced count of C. albicans in hyphal biofilm (P < 0.05). Also, the ethanol extract showed synergistically antifungal effect with denture cleanser on candidal biofilm on denture base resin disk (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The ethanol extract of shiitake mushroom may be a candidate for preventing candidal stomatitis as well as denture-related stomatitis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.374-385
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of locally delivered 1% alendronate (ALN) gel used as an adjunct to non-invasive periodontal therapy. Methods: Ligature-induced periodontitis was performed in 96 rats. The ligature was tied in the cervical area of the mandibular left first molar. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) NT, no treatment; 2) SRP, scaling and root planning; 3) SRP/PLA, SRP followed by filling the periodontal pocket with placebo gel (PLA); and 4) SRP/ALN, SRP followed by filling the periodontal pockets with 1% ALN gel. Histomorphometric (percentage of bone in the furcation region [PBF]) and immunohistochemical (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, osteoprotegerin, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) analyses were performed. Data were statistically analyzed, with the threshold of statistical significance set at P≤0.05. Results: The SRP, SRP/PLA, and SRP/ALN groups presented a higher PBF than the NT group (P≤0.01) at 7, 15, and 30 days. The SRP/ALN group presented a higher PBF than the SRP/PLA group in all experimental periods, as well as a higher PBF than the SRP group at 15 and 30 days. No differences were observed in the immunohistochemical analyses (P>0.05 for all). Conclusions: Locally delivered 1% ALN gel used as an adjunct to SRP enhanced bone regeneration in the furcation region in a rat model of experimental periodontitis.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
• /
• v.12 no.7
• /
• pp.125-131
• /
• 2021

Blue light with strong energy is required for light-curing resin treatment, which is being used more frequently in dentistry. To reduce the risk of exposure to scattered light, we tried to use colored lenses. The tips for light curing machine and a commercially available yellow-type blue-light blocking lens and a yellow lens colored with yellow dye, which are expected to be effective in blocking blue light, were placed in a UV-Vis spectrometer device, and transmission and blocking of blue light were tested respectively. As a result, the average blue light blocking rate of the light curing machine tips was 99.49%, and the C lens with the highest color density among commercially available lenses showed a high blue light blocking rate of 99.54%. In the case of lenses tinted with yellow, the yellow tinted C lens with the highest tint concentration showed 87.57% of blue light blocking rate. It is judged that the side effects related to the eyes caused by blue light can be reduced if a yellow-type commercially available or colored lens is worn along with a light curing machine tip during resin treatment.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.81-89
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the solubility and the amount of fluoride release when a resin surface coating agent is applied to RMGIC. Materials and Methods: To measure the fluoride release and solubility, Fuji II $LC^{(R)}$and $Filtek^{TM}$ Z350XT without a surface coating, Fuji II $LC^{(R)}$ with G coat $plus^{TM}$ and Fuji II $LC^{(R)}$ with $Permaseal^{(R)}$ were prepared. And the amount of fluoride release and solubility were measured. Results: There was no significant difference in the daily fluoride release between the surface coating agents. The cumulative fluoride release was significantly different between the groups using RMGIC at 56 days (P < 0.05). In the solubility measurement, RMGIC without surface coating was significantly different only on the 7th day compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Surface coating agents can prevent the degradation of properties by the initial solvent in RMGIC. Therefore, fluoride is preserved inside the restorative material and the effect of surface coating after the addition is reduced, so that the effect on fluoride release and storage is also reduced.