• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Applied Microbiology Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.155-157
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• 2001

Bifidobacterium spp. is nonpathogenic, gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, which inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. In breast-fed infants, bifidobacteria comprise morethan 90％ of the gut bacterial population. Bifidobacteria spp. are used in commericial fermented dairy products and have been suggested to exert health promoting effects on the host by maintaining intestinal microflora balances, improving lactose tolerance, reducing serum cholesterol levels, increasing synthesis of vitamins, and aiding the immune enchancement and anticarcinogenic activity for the host. These beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium are strain-related. Therefore continued efforts to improve strain characteristics are warranted. in these respect, development of vector system for Bifidobacterium is very important not only for the strain improvement but also because Bifidobacterium is most promising in serving as a delivery system for the useful gene products, such as vaccine or anticarcinogenic polypeptides, into human intestinal tract. For developing vector system, we have characterized several bifidobacterial plasmids at genetic level and developed several shuttle vectors between E. coli and Bifidobacterium using them. Also, we have cloned and sequenced several metabolic genes and food grade selection marker. Also we have obtained bifidobacterial surface protein, which will be used as the mediator for surface display of foreign genes. Recently we have succeeded in expressing amylase and GFP in Bifidobacterium using our own expression vector system. Now we are in a very exciting stage for the molecular breeding and safe delivery system using probiotic Bifidobacterium strains.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.3851-3864
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• 2014

Cytokine research is currently at the forefront in cancer research. Deciphering the functions of these multiple small molecules, discovered within the cell and in intercellular spaces, with their abundance and pleotrophism, was initially a great challenge. Advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have made it possible to unravel the pathophysiological functions of these polypeptides/proteins which are called interleukins, chemokines, monokines, lymphokines and growth factors. With more than 5 million women contracting cervical cancer every year this cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity the world over, particularly in the developing countries. In more than 95% of cases it is associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is persistent, particularly in those with a defective immune system. Although preventable, the mere magnitude of prevalence of HPV in the world population makes it a dominating current health hazard. The discovery of cytokine dysregulation in cervical cancer has spurted investigation into the possibility of using them as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cases at high risk of developing cancer. Their critical role in carcinogenesis and progression of cervical cancer is now being revealed to a great extent. From diagnostics to prognosis, and now with a possible role in therapeutics and prevention of cervical cancer, the cytokines are being evaluated in all anticancer approaches. This review endeavours to capture the essence of the astonishing journey of cytokine research in cervical neoplasia.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.84-99
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• 2019

Dietary fiber is defined as soluble and insoluble polysaccharide consisted in the plant cell wall-associated fibers naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables, and cereal products, and of isolated fibers that are added to processed foods which are also artificially modified. There are so many difference types of dietary fibers as arabinoxylan, polydextrose chicory, oligosccharide. inulin, pectin, bran, cellulose, ${\beta}$-glucan, resistant starch and some seaweed polymers as alginate. Most of them provide many biological benefits in the intestine, as lower risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and some of the gastrointestinal disease like as colon cancer. And also lowering cholesterol levels, improves glycemic and insulin sensitivity to non-diabetic and diabetic persons including immune system. Beside of many benefits, average consumers in developed and under developing countries take far less amounts of dietary fiber that international organization recommended. Adequate intake of dietary fiber is 14g/1,000kcal base using the energy guide line of 2,000kcal/day for women and 26,000 kcal/day for men, dietary intake is 28g/day of adult women and 36g/day for adult men. The mechanisms behind the reported effects of dietary fiber on metabolic health are not fully well established. It is suggested that changes in intestinal viscosity resulting mucus increasing, macro-nutrients absorption, rate of passage of large intestinal, production of short chain fatty acids by fermentation. Production of gut hormones and changes of microbiota in intestine. It is necessary to do more research in this field in the future and combined interdisciplinary works together.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.690-695
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• 2008

The age-specific anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence rates in South Korea have changed markedly since the last 2030 years with an improvement in the socio-economic, housing, and environmental-sanitation conditions. These changes are characterized by very low anti-HAV seropositive rates among individuals less than 30 years of age; however, nowadays, most adolescents and young adults at an increased risk of developing symptomatic HAV infections. The Korea Center for Disease Control Sentinel Surveillance System has recently revealed an increase in the incidence of hepatitis A infection since 2001 and has revealed a potential endemic nature of the hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A vaccines that were introduced in 1997 in Korea have made the current anti-HAV IgG positive rates in children (less than 10 years of age) approximately 50% of the rates observed in Seoul in 2006. However, in the same year, a few children were diagnosed as having anti-HAV IgG antibodies in Busan. This suggests the presence of some difference in the vaccination policy among doctors practicing in Seoul and Busan. Thus, the current recommendation of vaccinating 12-year-old child with HAV vaccination should be emphasized and a new strategy should be developed for the vaccination program to cater to the adolescents and young adults who are not immune, as well as for persons who are at a high risk for hepatitis A viral infection such as military personnel and hospital and day care center employees. Further, urgent hepatitis A vaccinations are also needed in patients with chronic liver diseases.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.113-113
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• 2003

A number of studies have demonstrated recently nonthermal interactions of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields with cellular systems, such as the cells of the immune system. Particular concern came from epidemiological findings, which correlated environmental exposure of human body to weak electromagnetic fields with an elevated risk for developing certain type of leukemias and cancers. Several home/environmental sources generating extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, such as 50 - 60 Hz high-voltage transmission lines, video display terminals, electric blankets, clinical nuclear magnetic resonance imaging procedures, etc., may interact with the human body. In this study we examined the effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the phagocytosis of the murine peritoneal macrophages (C57BL/6). The cells were exposed in vitro for 24 h at 37$^{\circ}C$ to 400 G SMF. The phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was determined with a luminometer. Exposure to the SMF decreased phagocytic activity of murine peritoneal macrophages. In order to provide a more exact mechanism of the phenomenon, we analyzed peritoneal macrophages for alteration in their proteomes. The expression levels of these 5 proteins were increased in the SMF. In total 5 proteins which were differentially expressed in the SMF compared with control group were identified. The expression levels of these 5 proteins were increased in the SMF.

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.9
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• pp.488-496
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• 2016

Estrogens are the key hormones regulating the development and function of reproductive organs in all vertebrates. Recent evidence indicates that estrogens play important roles in the immune system, cancer development, and other critical biological processes related to human well-being. Obviously, the gonads (ovary and testis) are the primary sites of estrogen synthesis, but estrogens synthesized in extra- gonadal sites play an equally important role in controlling biological activities. Understanding non-gonadal sites of estrogen synthesis and function is crucial and will lead to therapeutic interventions targeting estrogen signaling in disease prevention and treatment. Developing a rationale targeting strategy remains challenging because knowledge of extra-gonadal biosynthesis of estrogens, and the mechanism by which estrogen activity is exerted, is very limited. In this review, we will summarize recent discoveries of extra-gonadal sites of estrogen biosynthesis and their local functions and discuss the significance of the most recent novel discovery of intestinal estrogen biosynthesis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2023

The rapid development of mRNA vaccines has contributed to the management of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, suggesting that this technology may be used to manage future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Because the antigens targeted by mRNA vaccines can be easily altered by simply changing the sequence present in the coding region of mRNA structures, it is more appropriate to develop vaccines, especially during rapidly developing outbreaks of infectious diseases. In addition to allowing rapid development, mRNA vaccines have great potential in inducing successful antigen-specific immunity by expressing target antigens in cells and simultaneously triggering immune responses. Indeed, the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown significant efficacy in preventing infections. The ability of mRNAs to produce target proteins that are defective in specific diseases has enabled the development of options to treat intractable diseases. Clinical applications of mRNA vaccines/therapeutics require strategies to safely deliver the RNA molecules into targeted cells. The present review summarizes current knowledge about mRNA vaccines/ therapeutics, their clinical applications, and their delivery strategies.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.45.1-45.13
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• 2021

Many mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis have been identified, but only a limited number are present for axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Collagen Ab-induced arthritis (CAIA) is one of the most widely used mouse models of arthritis, and it is complement-dependent. We found that mice developing CAIA also developed spinal lesions similar to those found in AxSpA. To induce CAIA, mice were injected intraperitoneally at day 0 with anti-collagen Abs, followed by LPS injection at day 3. CAIA mice demonstrated a significant kyphosis through the spine, as well as hypertrophic cartilage and osseous damage of the intravertebral joints. Immunohistochemical staining of the kyphotic area revealed increased complement C3 deposition and macrophage infiltration, with localization to the intravertebral joint margins. Near Infrared (NIR) in vivo imaging showed that anti-collagen Abs conjugated with IRDye^® 800CW not only localized to cartilage surface in the joints but also to the spine in arthritic mice. We report here a novel preclinical mouse model in which, associated with the induction of CAIA, mice also exhibited salient features of AxSpA; this new experimental model of AxSpA may allow investigators to shed light on the local causal mechanisms of AxSpA bone and soft tissue changes as well as treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.482-499
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• 2017

Allergic diseases have increased over the past several decade worldwide including developing countries. Allergic inflammatory responses are caused by Th (T helper)2 immune responses, triggered by allergen ingestion by antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). Intestinal microorganisms control the metabolism and physiological functions of the host, contribute to early immune system maturation during the early life, and homeostasis and epithelial integrity during life. Bifidobacteria have strain-specific immunostimulatory properties in the Th1/Th2 balance, inhibit TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) and IgE expression, and promote Flg (Filaggrin) and FoxP3 (Treg) expression to alleviate allergies. In addition, unmethylated CpG motif ODN (oligodeoxynucleotides) is recognized by TLR (toll-like receptors)9 of B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to induce innate and adaptive immune responses, while the butyrate produced by Clostridium butyricum activates the GPR (G-protein coupled receptors)109a signaling pathway to induce the expression of anti-inflammatory gene of pDCs, and directly stimulates the proliferation of thymically derived regulatory T (tTreg) cells through the activation of GPR43 or inhibits the activity of HADC (histone deacetylase) to differentiate naive $CD4^+$ T cells into pTreg cells through the histone H3 acetylation of Foxp3 gene intronic enhancer.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.109-116
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• 2007

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for cervical cancer, a common cancer in women. Since HPV infection and cancer development are controlled by the host immune system, immunotherapy against HPV can be helpful in preventing or treating HPV-associated cervical cancer. Two oncoproteins of HPV16, E6 and E7, are promising targets for immunotherapy against cervical cancer, because they are constitutively expressed in cervical cancer. Methods: Since cellular vaccines using B cells as well as dendritic cells offer an efficient approach to cancer immunotherapy, we opted to use B cells. We evaluated the immunogenicity and anti-tumor effects of a B cell vaccine transduced with HPV16 E6/E7-expressing adenovirus. Results: Vaccination with HPV16 E6/E7-transduced B cells induced E6/E7-specific $CD8^+$ T cell-dependent immune responses and generated anti-tumor effects against E6/E7-expressing TC-1 tumor. The anti-tumor effect induced by this B cell vaccine was similar to that elicited by DC vaccine, showing that B cells can be used as an alternative to dendritic cells for cellular vaccines. Conclusion: Thisstudy has shown the feasibility of using B cells as immunogenic APCs and the potential for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against HPV-associated cervical cancer using a B cell vaccine transduced with adenovirus expressing HPV16 E6/E7.