• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.395-401
• /
• 2021

Extended inflammation and cytokine production pathogenically contribute to a number of inflammatory disorders. Formosanin C (FC) is the major diosgenin saponin found in herb Paris formosana Hayata (Liliaceae), which has been shown to exert anti-cancer and immunomodulatory functions. In this study, we aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory activity of FC and the underlying molecular mechanism. RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pretreated with FC prior to being stimulated with LPS. Thereafter, the macrophages were subjected to analysis of the expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, as well as two relevant enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The analysis revealed that FC administration blunted LPS-induced production of NO and PGE in a dose-dependent manner, while the expression of iNOS and COX-2 at both mRNA and protein levels was inhibited in LPS-stimulated macrophages pre-treated with FC. Moreover, LPS stimulation upregulated mRNA expression and medium release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, whereas this effect was blocked upon FC pre-administration. Mechanistic studies showed that inhibitory effects of FC on LPS-induced inflammation were associated with a downregulation of IκB kinase, IκB, and p65/NF-κB pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that FC possesses an inflammation-suppressing activity, thus being a potential agent for the treatment of inflammation-associated disorders.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.509-526
• /
• 2000

It is known that injuries to the dentin have a corresponding inflammatory effect on the pulp and these inflammatory effects frequently result in pulpal pathoses due to progressive degradation of pulpal connective tissue. It was supposed that the tissue degradation in different inflammatory process was controlled by proteinase activity and antiproteinase activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the pulp and periapical pathoses in terms of the activities of proteinase and proteinase inhibitor, 37 pulpal tissues were divided by clinical diagnostic criteria into normal pulp, acute inflamed pulp, and chronic inflamed pulp, and then those groups were subdivided by histopathological findings into 5 pulpal pathoses groups, i.e. normal pulp (P1, n=8), chronic pulpitis with fibrotic change (P2, n=2), chronic pulpitis with dystrophic calcification (P3, n=11), chronic pulpitis with pulp abscess (P4, n=7), acute pulpitis with necrotic change (P5, n=4), 26 periapical tissues were also divided by ordinary histopathological findings into 3 periapical pathoses group, i.e., granuloma (A1, n=17), cyst (A2, n=2) and abscess (A3, n=7). The activities of proteinases (cathepsin G, MMP-3) and proteinase inhibitors (${\alpha}1$-AT, TIMP-1 and, SLPI) were evaluated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods. The results were as follows. 1. Generally, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining of proteinases and proteinase inhibitors increased in P2 and P5 groups compared to P1 group. 2. The immunohistochemical stain of proteinases and proteinase inhibitors was intensely detected in P2 group, showing low inflammatory reaction and low tissue degradation, but it was reduced in P3 and P4 groups, showing severe tissue degradation. 3. The distribution of proteinases and proteinase inhibitors in pulpal pathoses was consistently presented by immunohistochemical staining, while the expression of proteinase and/or proteinase inhibitors mRNAs in pulpal pathoses was occasionally detected by RT-PCR methods. 4. RT-PCR of proteinase and proteinase inhibitors was usually positive in P2, showing rare tissue degradation, but it was almost negative in P3 and P4, showing severe tissue degradation. 5. We presume that the reason why the level of proteinase and proteinase inhibitors was so sparse in RT-PCR method is due to the abrupt decrease of mRNA synthesis or degradation of synthesized mRNA of proteinase and/or proteinase inhibitors depend on the inflammatory reaction and/or on the degradation of pulp tissues(P3, P4). 6. Pulpal pathoses groups showed significant lower RT-PCR detection of proteinases and proteinase inhibitors than the periapical pathoses group(p<0.05), and there is no significant difference among the periapical pathoses groups(p>0.05).

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.37-45
• /
• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the clinical features and determinants of macrolide-unresponsive Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MUMP) and to assess the differences in the time to fever resolution between doxycycline (DXC), tosufloxacin (TFX) and corticosteroid (CST) as second-line treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients under the age of 18 who were admitted to Nowon Eulji University Hospital between July 2018 and February 2020, diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia. Macrolide resistance was confirmed by detecting point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. MUMP was clinically defined by persistent fever (≥38.0℃) lasting for 72 hours or more after the initiation of macrolide treatment. In cases of MUMP, patients were treated with an addition of CST, or the initial macrolide was replaced either DXC or TFX. Results: Out of 157 cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, 83 cases (52.9%) did not respond to macrolides. Patients with MUMP exhibited significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (3.2±3.0 vs. 2.4±2.2 mg/dL, P=0.047), more frequent lobar/segmental infiltrations or pleural effusions (56.6% vs. 27.0%, P<0.001; 6.0% vs. 0.0%, P=0.032), and a higher prevalence of 23S rRNA gene mutations (96.4% vs. 64.6%, P<0.001) when compared to those with macrolide-susceptible M. pneumoniae pneumonia. In terms of second-line treatment, 15 patients (18.1%) responded to CST, 30 (36.1%) to DXC, and 38 (45.8%) to TFX. The time to defervescence (TTD) after initiation second-line treatment was significantly shorter in the CST group compared to the DXC (10.3±12.7 vs. 19.4±17.2 hours, P=0.003) and TFX groups (10.3±12.7 vs. 25.0±20.1 hours, P=0.043), with no significant difference observed between the DXC and TFX groups (19.4±17.2 vs. 25.0±20.1 hours, P=0.262). Conclusions: High CRP levels, the presence of positive 23S rRNA gene mutation, lobar or segmental lung infiltration, and pleural effusion observed in chest X-ray findings were significant factors associated with macrolide unresponsiveness. In this study, CST demonstrated a shorter TTD compared to DXC or TFX. Further, larger-scale prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal second-line treatment for MUMP.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.185-200
• /
• 2005

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immune-regulatory effect of AHCR-HA(ASARI HERBA CUM RADICE Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BLl3) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental groups, except the Normal group and the AHCR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA The mice in the AHCR-HA group and the OVA-AHCR-HA group were treated with AHCR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-Prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). AHCR-HA saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week. Result : 1. The populations of granulocytes, CD3e-/CCR3+ cells, CD69+/CD3e+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD23+/B220+ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by AHCR-HA. 2. The lung weight, total cells in lung, total leukocytes in BALF, eosinophils in BALF, collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 3.The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 4. The numbers of Gr-1+/CD11b+, CCR3+, CD3e+, CD19+, CD3e+/CD69+cells in the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 5. The mRAN expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 6. The AHCR-HA group didn't show any considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that AHCR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.107-125
• /
• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of NR-HA(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BL13) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental sloops, except the Normal group and the NR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the NR-HA group and the OVA-NR-HA group were treated with NR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). NR-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week Results : in vitro 1. The populations of granulocytes, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$cells, $CD69^+/CD3e^+$ cells, $CD4^+\;cells\;and\;CD23^+/B220^+$ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by NR-HAS(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture solution). 2. The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 3. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-NR-HA group decreas ed significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 4. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. 5. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 6. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+,\;CCR3^+,\;CD3e^+, \;CD19^+,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 8. The NR-HA group did not show my considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that NR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.83-89
• /
• 2015

The sexual maturation occurred by the changes of steroid hormones was known to sex-dependently and/or age-dependently regulate the lipid metabolism in various animal species. Our current study demonstrates that lipid and its functional fatty acids can be changed depending on the status of sexual maturation. Of the functional fatty acids, ${\gamma}$-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6) is an important factor for maintaining human health. The purpose of our study was to investigate the level of GLA in mice with different stages of sexual maturation. To this end, the longissimus muscle (LM) of immature (3-week-old) and mature (7-week-old) female mice was analysed for the fatty acid composition by gas chromatography. Furthermore, both gene and protein level of ${\Delta}6$ desaturase (FADS2) which is involved in GLA metabolism by real time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Mature females showed greater (P<0.05) serum $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2) level and LM GLA contents than immature group. The mRNA and protein levels of FADS2, which converts precursor linoleic acid into GLA, were higher (P<0.05) in mature female mice than in immature mice. In conclusion, these results show that sexual maturation of female mice induces GLA and FADS2 contents in LM.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.836-843
• /
• 2004

Nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi), a Gram-negative obligate human pathogen, causes pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and otitis media, and the respiratory epithelium is the first line of defense that copes with the pathogen. In an effort to identify transcriptional responses of human respiratory epithelial cells to infection with NTHi, we examined its differential gene expression using high density cDNA microarrays. BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to NTHi for 3 hand 24 h, and the alteration of mRNA expression was analyzed using microarrays consisting of 8,170 human cDNA clones. The results indicated that approximately 2.6% of the genes present on the microarrays increased in expression over 2-fold and 3.8% of the genes decreased during the 24-h infection period. Upregulated genes included cytokines (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor 2, granulocyte chemotactic protein 2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8), transcription factors (Kruppel-like factor 7, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein $\beta$, E2F-1, NF-$\kappa$B, cell surface molecules (CD74, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, HLA class I), as well as those involved in signal transduction and cellular transport. Selected genes were further confirmed by reverse-transcription-PCR. These data expand our knowledge of host cellular responses during NTHi infection and should provide a molecular basis for the study of host-NTHi interaction.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.285-294
• /
• 2014

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of a porous zirconia scaffold coated with bioactive materials and compare the in vitro cellular behavior of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells to titanium and zirconia disks and porous zirconia scaffolds. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Titanium and zirconia disks were prepared. A porous zirconia scaffold was fabricated with an open cell polyurethane disk foam template. The porous zirconia scaffolds were coated with ${\beta}$-TCP, HA and a compound of ${\beta}$-TCP and HA (BCP). The characteristics of the specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX), and x-ray diffractometry (XRD). The dissolution tests were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP). The osteogenic effect of MC3T3-E1 cells was assessed via cell counting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS. The EDX profiles showed the substrate of zirconia, which was surrounded by the Ca-P layer. In the dissolution test, dissolved $Ca^{2+}$ ions were observed in the following decreasing order; ${\beta}$-TCP > BCP > HA (P<.05). In the cellular experiments, the cell proliferation on titanium disks appeared significantly lower in comparison to the other groups after 5 days (P<.05). The zirconia scaffolds had greater values than the zirconia disks (P<.05). The mRNA level of osteocalcin was highest on the non-coated zirconia scaffolds after 7 days. CONCLUSION. Zirconia had greater osteoblast cell activity than titanium. The interconnecting pores of the zirconia scaffolds showed enhanced proliferation and cell differentiation. The activity of osteoblast was more affected by microstructure than by coating materials.

• Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 1999.07a
• /
• pp.63-67
• /
• 1999

We have isolated more than a dozen cDNA clones corresponding to genes that were expressed in Arabidopsis leaves when they were kept in the dark. The nucleotide sequence analysis showed that some of the clones encoded proteins with significant homology to $\beta$-glucosidase (din2), branched-chain $\alpha$-keto acid dehydrogenase subunit E1$\beta$(din3), and another subunit E2 (din4), yeast RAD23 (din5), asparagine synthetase (din6), pre-mRNA splicing factor SRp35 (din7), phosphomannose isomerase (din9), seed imbibition protein (din10), and 2-oxoacid-dependent oxidase (din11). Accumulation of transcripts from din3,4,6 and 10 occurred rapidly after the plants were transferred to darkness. Transcripts from din2,9, and 11 could be detected only after 24 h of dark treatment. Inhibition of photo-synthesis by DCMU strongly induced the accumulation of transcripts from those genes, and application of sucrose to detached leaves suppressed the accumulation both in the dark and by DCMU. These observations indicate that expression of the genes is caused by sugar starvation resulted from the cessation of photosynthesis. We further showed that din2-encoded protein also accumulated in senescing leaves. Given these results, possible roles of din genes in leaves in the dark and senescing leaves are discussed.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.7-16
• /
• 2013

Objectives : Brassica campestris var narinosa (BCN), Canavalia gladiata DC semen (CGD) and their combinational prescription (BCN+CGD) have been use to demonstrate to regulate hematopoiesis. In the current study, we investigated whether Brassica campestris var narinosa, Canavalia gladiata DC semen and their combinational prescription is related to hemato-potentiating function using Sca-$1^+$ hematopoietic stem cells (Sca-$1^+HSCs$) as a testing system. Methods : Sca-$1^+HSCs$ isolated from femur in C57bl/6 mice with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Then, Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression, ELISA and haematopoiesis-related gene (EPO, TPO, IL-3, SCF, c-kit, GM-CSF), the phosphorylation of JAK2, GATA-1 and STAT-5a/b were observed by western blot, and the numbers of $CD117^+/Sca-1^+$ cell and the number of granulocyte erythrocyte monocyte macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GEMM) and erythroid burst forming units (BFU-E), semisolid clonogenic assay was performed. Result : When Sca-$1^+HSCs$ were treated with Brassica campestris var narinosa, Canavalia gladiata DC semen and their combinational prescription with rIL-3/rSCF, the expression of haematopoiesis-related (EPO, TPO, IL-3, SCF, c-kit, and GM-CSF) were significantly increased at the levels of mRNA as well as production in Sca-$1^+HSCs$. Additionally, CGS enhanced phosphorylation of JAK2, GATA-1, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-5a/b (STAT-5a/b) in Sca-$1^+HSCs$. Furthermore, their combinational prescription (BCN+CGD) significantly enhanced the growth rate of granulocyte erythrocyte monocyte macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GEMM) and erythroid burst forming units (BFU-E) in vitro. Conclusion : These result suggest that Brassica campestris var narinosa (BCN) and Canavalia gladiata DC have hematopoietic enhancement via hematopoietic cytokine-mediated JAK2/GATA-1/STAT-5a/b pathway, and their combinational prescription (BCN+CGD) has superior hematopoietic enhancement to those of individual extracts.