• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제47권2호
• /
• pp.108-113
• /
• 2020

Objective: Endometrial fibrosis, the primary pathological feature of intrauterine adhesion, may lead to disruption of endometrial tissue structure, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. At present, no ideal therapeutic strategy exists for this fibrotic disease. Eupatilin, a major pharmacologically active flavone from Artemisia, has been previously reported to act as a potent inducer of dedifferentiation of fibrotic tissue in the liver and lung. However, the effects of eupatilin on endometrial fibrosis have not yet been investigated. In this study, we present the first report on the impact of eupatilin treatment on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced endometrial fibrosis. Methods: The efficacy of eupatilin on TGF-β-induced endometrial fibrosis was assessed by examining changes in morphology and the expression levels of fibrosis markers using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Eupatilin treatment significantly reduced the fibrotic activity of TGF-β-induced endometrial fibrosis in Ishikawa cells, which displayed more circular shapes and formed more colonies. Additionally, the effects of eupatilin on fibrotic markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were evaluated in TGF-β-induced endometrial fibrosis. The expression of these markers was highly upregulated by TGF-β pretreatment and recovered to the levels of control cells in response to eupatilin treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that suppression of TGF-β-induced signaling by eupatilin might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of endometrial fibrosis.

• 약학회지
• /
• 제54권2호
• /
• pp.91-96
• /
• 2010

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation. It has been reported that berberine inhibits experimental colitis through inhibition of IL-8, and that inhibitory effect of berberine on inflammatory cytokine expression is mediated through peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-$\gamma$. In this study, we examined the effects and action mechanism of berberine on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$-induced monocyte adhesion to HT29 human colonic epithelial cells, which is commonly used as an in vitro model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Berberine significantly inhibited the TNF-$\alpha$-induced monocyte adhesion to HT29, which is similar to the effect of PDTC, a nuclear factor (NF)-$\kappa$B inhibitor. However, ciglitazone and GW, the ligands of PPAR-$\gamma$, did not suppress the TNF-$\alpha$-induced monocyte adhesion to HT29 cells. In addition, TNF-$\alpha$-induced chemokine expression and NF-$\kappa$B transcriptional activity were significantly inhibited by berberine in a concentration-dependent manner. The results suggest that inhibitory effect of berberine on colitis is mediated through suppression of NF-$\kappa$B and NF-$\kappa$B-dependent chemokine expression.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제40권7호
• /
• pp.503-514
• /
• 2017

Nicotinamide (NAM) plays essential roles in physiology through facilitating $NAD^+$ redox homeostasis. Importantly, at high doses, it protects cells under oxidative stresses, and has shown therapeutic effectiveness in a variety of disease conditions. In our previous studies, NAM lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and extended cellular life span in primary human cells. In the treated cells, levels of $NAD^+/NADH$ and SIRT1 activity increased, while mitochondrial content decreased through autophagy activation. The remaining mitochondria were marked with low superoxide levels and high membrane potentials (${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$); we posited that the treatment of NAM induced an activation of mitophagy that is selective for depolarized mitochondria, which produce high levels of ROS. However, evidence for the selective mitophagy that is mediated by SIRT1 has never been provided. This study sought to explain the mechanisms by which NAM lowers ROS levels and increases ${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$. Our results showed that NAM and SIRT1 activation exert quite different effects on mitochondrial physiology. Furthermore, the changes in ROS and ${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$ were not found to be mediated through autophagy or SIRT activation. Rather, NAM suppressed superoxide generation via a direct reduction of electron transport, and increased ${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$ via suppression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation. Our results dissected the effects of cellular $NAD^+$ redox modulation, and emphasized the importance of the $NAD^+/NADH$ ratio in the mitochondria as well as the cytosol in maintaining mitochondrial quality.

• 지역사회간호학회지
• /
• 제12권3호
• /
• pp.705-715
• /
• 2001

This study examined 19 papers published from 1977 to 2000 based on the objective frame evaluation. This purpose of this study was to examine the trend of Hwabyung research and to serve as a guide for the future 'Hwabyung' study. The results of studies were as follow. In the design of research, clinical studies are definitely dominant. As for the fields of research, the concept of Hwabyung was studied more frequently than the others. As for the authorship. psychiatrists prevailed but nursing professionals are on the increase. Research subject in clinical and survey study, patient was definitely dominant and the place of study was almost always a hospital (75%), data collection was higher on interview (58.3%). Hwabyung was considered unique culture bounded syndrome related to Korean culture. Frequent etiologic factor of Hwabyung were a husband's extra-marital affair, conflicts between houses wives and mothers-in-laws, and financial loss and suffering. From the incidence of Hwabyung, a greater number of patients with Hwabyung were middle aged women in the low economic and educational classes, and these were connected with the culture and the family system. The symptoms of Hwabyung included psychological and physical symptom, neurological disorder and disease behavior. Defense mechanisms and coping strategies for Hwabyung were somatization, suppression, orality, withdrawal, isolation, regression, help-seeking, complaining, and wreaking anger. Treatment of Hwabyung were medication, effort by herself, communication with families, consultation with psychologist, acupuncture, negative therapy, moxa, and Qi-kong. Psychiatric therapy, behavior therapy, nursing intervention on multi-interdisciplinary approach and psychiatric nursing approach were recommended for the nursing care of a Hwabyung patient.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• 제17권2호
• /
• pp.348-358
• /
• 2007

Metallothionein, a cysteine-rich stress response protein that is naturally induced by a variety of immunologic stressors, has been shown to suppress autoimmune disorders through mechanisms not yet fully defined. In the present study, we examined the underlying mechanisms by which metallothionein might mediate such regulation of autoimmunity. $Na\ddot{i}ve\;CD4^+$ T cells from metallothionein-deficient mice differentiated to produce significantly less IL-10, $TGF-{\gamma}$, and repressor of GATA, but more $IFN-{\gamma}$ and T-bet, when compared with those from wild-type mice. The levels of IL-4 and GATA-3 production were not different between the two groups of mice. Conversely, treatment with exogenous metallothionein during the priming phase drove $na\ddot{i}ve$ wild-type $CD4^+\;T$ cells to differentiate into cells producing more IL-10 and $TGF-{\beta}$, but less $IFN-{\gamma}$ than untreated cells. Metallothionein-primed cells were hyporesponsive to restimulation, and suppressive to T cell proliferation in an IL-10-dependent manner. Lymphocytes from metallothionein-deficient mice displayed significantly elevated levels of AP-1 and JNK activities in response to stimulation compared with those from wild-type controls. Importantly, transgenic mice overexpressing metallothionein exhibited significantly reduced susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis and enhanced IL-10 level in the serum, relative to their nontransgenic littermates. Taken together, these data suggest that metallothionein is able to promote the generation of IL-10-and $TGF-{\beta}$-producing type 1 regulatory T-like cells by downregulating JNK-dependent AP-1 activity. Thus, metallothionein may play an important role in the regulation of Th1-dependent autoimmune arthritis, and may represent both a potential target for therapeutic manipulation and a critical element in the diagnostic assessment of disease potential.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• 제12권2호
• /
• pp.101-109
• /
• 2018

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C on inflammation, tumor development, and dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammation-associated early colon cancer mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with AOM [10 mg/kg body weight (b.w)] and given two 7-d cycles of 2% DSS drinking water with a 14 d inter-cycle interval. Vitamin C (60 mg/kg b.w. and 120 mg/kg b.w.) was supplemented by gavage for 5 weeks starting 2 d after the AOM injection. RESULTS: The vitamin C treatment suppressed inflammatory morbidity, as reflected by disease activity index (DAI) in recovery phase and inhibited shortening of the colon, and reduced histological damage. In addition, vitamin C supplementation suppressed mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, including cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-2, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, Interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, and IL-6, and reduced expression of the proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, compared to observations of AOM/DSS animals. Although the microbial composition did not differ significantly between the groups, administration of vitamin C improved the level of inflammation-related Lactococcus and JQ084893 to control levels. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C treatment provided moderate suppression of inflammation, proliferation, and certain inflammation-related dysbiosis in a murine model of colitis associated-early colon cancer. These findings support that vitamin C supplementation can benefit colonic health. Long-term clinical studies with various doses of vitamin C are warranted.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• 제26권4호
• /
• pp.353-359
• /
• 2010

In order to control postharvest spoilage of satsuma mandarin fruits, rhizobacteria were isolated from soil samples. The Pantoea agglomerans strain 59-4 (Pa 59-4) which suppresses the decay of mandarin fruit by green and blue mold, was tested for the control efficacy and its mode of action was investigated. Pa 59-4 inhibited infection by green and blue mold on wounded mandarins, which were artificially inoculated with a spore suspension of Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum with control efficacies of 85-90% and 75-80%, respectively. The biocontrol efficacy was increased by raising the concentration of cells to between $10^8$ and $10^9\;cfu/ml$, and pretreatment with the antagonist prevented subsequent infection by green mold. The population of Pa 59-4 was increased more than 10 fold during the 24 hr incubation at $20^{\circ}C$, indicating that colonization of the wound site might prevent the infection by green mold. Despite poor antifungal activity, the Pa 59-4 isolate completely inhibited the germination and growth of P. digitatum spores at $1{\times}10^8\;cfu/ml$. We argue that the control efficacy was mediated by nutrient competition. Overall, the effective rhizobacterium, Pa 59-4, was shown to be a promising biocontrol agent for the postharvest spoilage of mandarin fruits by green and blue mold.

• 식물병연구
• /
• 제14권1호
• /
• pp.32-36
• /
• 2008

Ralstonia solanacearum에 의한 풋마름병은 토마토, 감자 등의 작물에 심각한 피해를 주고 있으나, 효과적인 방제법이 없는 실정이다. 일반 병원균의 생물적 방제를 위해 Pseudomonas속의 세균이 가장 일반적으로 이용되고 있는데, 이번 연구에서는 각종 작물의 재배지 토양에서 형광성 세균을 분리하여 Pseudomonas속 특이적 PCR과 항생물질(2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol) 생산 관련 유전자의 유무를 조사하였다. 분리된 150개의 Pseudomonas속 세균 중 항생물질 관련 유전자가 검출된 균은 2균주뿐이였으며, 그중 토마토 근권토양으로 분리된 P. putida P84 세균이 각종 식물 병원 세균에 대해 가장 높은 실내 항균력을 나타내었다. P84 균주의 탄소원별 증식효과는 glucose 첨가시에 가장 좋았으며, arabionse, inositol, melibiose 첨가시에도 우수한 증식효과를 나타내었다. P84세균을 이용한 토마토 풋마름병의 포트실험 결과에서는 60%의 방제효과를 나타내었다.

• 정보과학회 논문지
• /
• 제42권7호
• /
• pp.910-918
• /
• 2015

본 논문에서는 조영증강 초음파영상의 분석과정에서 육안판별의 한계를 극복하기 위한 파라미터 가시화기법을 소개하고, 이 과정에서 영상의 왜곡과 노이즈를 보정하기 위한 방법론을 제시한다. 초음파영상에서 조영제의 전이형태에 대한 동적패턴은 간질환 진단에서 의미있는 파라미터가 되는데, 전이시간 정보와 조영증강 패턴을 정적인 단일영상으로 표현함으로써 급속도로 진행되는 동영상에서 정확한 정보를 효과적으로 판별할 수 있게 한다. 진단파라미터 데이터의 신뢰도를 저하시키는 요인으로 호흡에 의한 흔들림현상과 마이크로 버블에 의한 노이즈를 들 수 있다. 이에 대한 대안으로 영상의 움직임추적을 위한 다단계 알고리즘과 마르코프 랜덤 필드 모델에 기반한 영상개선기법을 제안한다. 실제 임상데이터를 사용한 실험결과를 통하여, 제안된 방법의 유용성을 실험적으로 고찰한다.

• 미생물학회지
• /
• 제53권4호
• /
• pp.351-353
• /
• 2017

토마토 뿌리에서 분리한 Chryseobacterium sp. T16E-39 균주는 식물생육촉진과 역병, 시들음병에 대한 억제효과가 있었다. 이 균주의 유전체 염기서열은 4,873,888 염기쌍이었으며 G + C 함량은 35.22%이었다. 이 유전체는 4,289개 단백질 유전자, 15개 rRNA 유전자, 71개 tRNA 유전자를 포함하였다. T16E-39 균주의 유전체에서 인산가용화, 식물호르몬 조절, 항산화 활성, 키틴 분해, 제9형 분비시스템에 관여하는 유전자를 확인하였으며, 이들 유전자는 식물의 생육을 촉진하고 병발생을 억제하는 기작과 관련되어 있을 것으로 판단된다.