• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.311-318
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• 2006

Ultrastructure of germ cells, the cyst epithelial cells and interstitial cells during spermatogenesis of the stone flounder, Kareius bicoloratus (Pleuronectidae) sampled on the west coast of Korea were investigated by electron microscopic observations. In the primary spermatocyte, the synaptonemal complexes appear in the zygotene stage of the prophase during maturation division. In the growing testis, especially, the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) appear near the primary, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Well-developed interstitial cells (steroid hormone secreting cells) which are located in the interlobular space in growing testis have three morphological characteristics of a vesicular nucleus, mitochondria with tubular cristae and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. During spermatogenesis, the primary and secondary spermatocytes attach to the cyst epithelial cell (Sertoli cell) having an elongated ovoid or triangular nucleus and several mitochondria in the cytoplasm. In the growing testis, lipid droplets, the mitochondrial rosettes and glycogen particles appear in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cells near the secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Particularly, the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, little lipid droplets and the large amount of glycogen particles are present in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cell in the late growing testis. In the late stage of spermiogenesis, the proximal centriole is joined to the nuclear envelope, the distal centriole forms the basal body of the flagellum and gives rise to the axial filament of the flagellum. No acrosome of the sperm is formed as seen in other teleost fish. The head of the spermatozoon is approximately $3{\mu}m$ in length and its tail is about $30{\mu}m$ in length. The axoneme of the tail flagellum of the spermatozoon consists of nine outer doublet microtubules at the periphery and two centrial singlet microtubules at the center. The spermatozoon of this species has two axonemal lateral fins. Especially, the cyst epithelial cells which located near groups of gametes in the various stages, show three functions: nutrition, phagocytosis and steroidogenesis. Especially, the nuclei of cyst epithelial cells in the recovery stage of the testicular developmental stages appear to be irregular in shape after spermiation. Of three functions of the cyst epithelial cell, several characteristics of phagocytosis are showed in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cells in the recovery stage of the testicular developmental stages. At this stage, therefore, it is assumed that the cyst epithelial cells are involved in degeneration and resorption of undischarged germ cells after spermiation.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.103-107
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• 2017

Angelica koreana is an important medicinal plant for some locals in East Asia including Korea. A few reports have shown the efficacy of its phytochemical constituents. We have isolated and purified one compound falcarindiol (FAL) from the methanolic extract of A. koreana roots. At concentrations from to $1{\mu}M$ to $25{\mu}M$, the FAL isolated from the roots of A. koreana exerted no significant cytotoxicity and down-regulated LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 in colon epithelial cells, while up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, the FAL decreased the expression of LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein by Western blot analysis. Colon epithelial cells play pivotal roles in regulating the colon immune system and thus FAL is expected to be candidate agent as therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by modulating LPS-induced inflammation in colon epithelial cells.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.437-444
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• 2007

Vinyl acetate has been widely used for the manufacture of polyvinyl alcohol emulsion, which is primary ingredient of adhesive, paints, textile, paperboard coatings, etc. Since these products are plentiful and frequently used around us, workers and consumers are at health risk. International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC) classified vinyl acetate as group 2B(possibly carcinogenic to humans). Among the organs targeted, the oral cavity is the most vulnerable organ affected by the carcinogenic effects of vinyl acetate. Since the origin of most of oral cancer is derived from the epithelial cells, it is important to understand the carcinogenic potential of vinyl acetate in human epithelial cells. Thus, the present study has attempted to utilize the immortalized human epithelial cell model to assess the carcinogenic potency of this chemical and to understand the underlying mechanisms.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2000

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is an uncommon, low grade malignant epithelial neoplasm and metastasis is exceedingly rare. This article highlights the fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) of a case of metastatic epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the scalp. A 51-year-old female presented with the left parietotemporal scalp mass two months after the lett parotidectomy for epithelial-myoeplthelial carcinoma. FNAC from the scalp mass showed a biphasic population of ductal epithelial and myoeplthelial origin. These epithelial aggregates were numerous and formed a distinct three dimensional architecture in the background of numerous naked nuclei. The three dimensional architectures were predominantly composed of tightly cohesive eosinophilic ductular epithelial cells which tended to aggregate, overlap, and form tubules. Clear myoepithelial cells in three dimensional tissue fragment were inapparent and a few were attached to the periphery of the fragments. A few myoepithelial cells with clear abundant vaculoated cytoplasm were found In the foamy background. The cytological diagnosis was metastatic epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. The histologic findings of the scalp mass were those of typical epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. Cytologic distinction of epithelial-myoepithleial carcinoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and adenoid. Cytologic carcinoma may be very difficult but careful attention to clinical features and cellualr details can classify these neoplasms correctly.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.77-82
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• 2008

Innate immune response is initiated by the recognition of unique microbial molecular patterns through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The purpose of this study is to dissect the expression of various PRRs in gingival epithelial cells of differentiated versus undifferentiated states. Differentiation of immortalized human gingival epithelial HOK-16B cells was induced by culture in the presence of high $Ca^{2+}$ at increased cell density. The expression levels of various PRRs in HOK-16B cells were examined by realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) and flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of human beta defensins (HBDs) was examined by real time RT-PCR and the amounts of secreted cytokines were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In undifferentiated HOK-16B cells, NACHT-LRR-PYDcontaining protein (NALP) 2 was expressed most abundantly, and toll like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) 1, and NOD2 were expressed in substantial levels. However, TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, ICE protease-activating factor (IPAF), and NALP6 were hardly expressed. In differentiated cells, the levels of NOD2, NALP2, and TLR4 were different from those in undifferentiated cells at RNA but not at protein levels. Interestingly, differentiated cells expressed the increased levels of HBD-1 and -3 but secreted reduced amount of IL-8. In conclusion, the repertoire of PRRs expressed by gingival epithelial cells is limited, and undifferentiated and differentiated cells express similar levels of PRRs.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 1993

The native connective tissue attachment of the periodontium is known to be a complex consisting of gingival fibroblasts, periodontal ligament cells, gingival epithelial cells, cementum, alveolar bone and extensive extracellular matrix (collagen, glycoprotein and proteoglycans). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of natural extracts on DNA, collagen and protein synthesis and inhibition of cytokine production in the gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival epithelial cells. Healthy gingival tissue was obtained from orthodontic treatment patients, and gingival epithelial cells, gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells were isolated and cultured from the samples. After treated with Ginseng protein, Pluronic F-68, Scutellariae Radix, centella asiatica, PDGF, IGF, DNA synthesis, total protein and collagen synthesis, and cytokine production of gingival epithelial cell, gingival fibroblast and periodontal ligamentcells were measured. MTT method for DNA synthesis, Peterkofsky and Dingerman method for total protein and collagen synthesis, and IL-1 ELISA kit for cytokine production were used. The proliferation of epithelial cells was enhanced in Centella asiatica, Ginseng protein, Pluronic F-68 and Scutellariae Radix. The activities of PDL cells were increased in PDGF, IGF, and Pluronic F-68. Higher collagen synthesis was observed in Scutellariae Radix and total protein synthesis was increased in Scutellariae Radix and PDGF. The inhibitory effects on IL-1, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$ were observed in all exrracts.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.305-311
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• 2015

This study investigated in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity on human lung epithelial A549 cells of different solvent extracts from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tuber. The EtOH extract contained amounts of phenolics (22.20 tannic acid equivalent ㎎/ɡ) and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. Several methods were employed for measure the antioxidant activity: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 206.79 ㎍/㎖), reducing power activity (21.26 ascorbic acid equivalent ㎎/ɡ) and total antioxidant activity (19.05 ascorbic acid equivalent ㎎/ɡ). Meantime, the EtOH extract inhibited the NO production completely with a concentration of 800 ㎍/㎖. Besides, the H₂O extract exhibited more potent effect on human lung epithelial A549 cells. This study suggested that Jerusalem artichoke tuber had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity on human lung epithelial A549 cells.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.57-68
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• 1974

These experiments were performed in order to study histologically and histochemically on the epithelial cells of gall bladder in Carassius carassius, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Natrix tigrina lateralis, Urloncha striata var. domesticus and Bos taurus var. domesticus. The results of the observation were as follows: 1. There were different cell types in the epithelium of gall bladder in each animal and it could not be supported histochemically that the epithelia cells of gall bladder were divided into two cell types of the rod-shaped and barrel-shaped ones. 2. The epithelium of gall bladder in Carassius carassius, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Natrix tigrina lateralis, Urloncha striata var. domesticus and Bos taurus var. domesticus was simple columnar epithelium. 3. The eosinophilities of cytoplasm in the epithelial cells of gall bladder were in uniform stronger in the upper portion of nucleus in Carassius carassius, Bufo bufo gargarizans and Natrix tigrina lateralis than its other portions, and in Urloncha striata var. domesticus and Lepus cuniculus var. domesticus existed uniformly in all portions, but there were many non-eosinophilic cells in Bufo bufo gargarizans and many cells that weakly eosinophilic around nucleus in Bos taurus var. domesticus. 4. The periodic acid Schiff's reactivities in the epithelial cells of gall bladder were different in each other and the epithelial cells in PAS reaction were divided into two cell types of the dark and light ones. There presented the light cells of 6.4%, 4.3% and 3.7% of epithelial cell of gall bladder in Carassius carassius, Bufo bufo gargarizans and Urloncha striata var. domesticus for each other, but were not presented in Natrix tigrina lateralis and Bos taurus var. domesticus. 5. The ninhydrin-Schiff-active proteins were much in the epithelial cells of gall bladder in Bos taurus var. domesticus, Carassius carassius, Urloncha striata var. domesticus and Natrix tigrina lateralis in order and were much in epithelial cells in the upper portion of mucosal folds in Carassius carassius, Urloncha striata var. domesticus and Natrix tigrina lateralis, and the ninhydrin-Schiff-active protein of the epithelium of gall bladder in Bufo bufo gargarizans was uniformly distributed. 6. The epithelial cells of gall bladder in Carassius carassius, Natrix tigrina lateralis, Urloncha striata var. domesticus and Bos taurus var. domesticus had no stain reactivity or weak stain reactivity to neutral fat and all epithelial cells in Bufo bufo gargarizans had strong stain reactivity, though they were different in quantity of epithelial cell portion. 7. The stain reactivities to RNA and DNA were stronger in the epithelial cells of the upper portion of mucosal fold than in those of other portions.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.1278-1285
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• 2008

The intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) layer of the intestinal tract makes direct contact with a number of microbiota communities, including bacteria known to have deleterious health effects. IECs possess innate protective strategies against pathogenic challenge, which primarily involve the formation of a physicochemical barrier. Intestinal tract mucins are principal components of the mucus layer on epithelial surfaces, and perform a protective function against microbial damage. However, little is currently known regarding the interactions between probiotics/pathogens and epithelial cell mucins. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of Lactobacillus on the upregulation of MUC2 mucin and the subsequent inhibition of E. coli O157:H7 attachment to epithelial cells. In the current study, the attachment of E. coli O157:H7 to HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells was inhibited significantly by L. acidophilus A4 and its cell extracts. It is also important to note that the expression of MUC2 mucin was increased as the result of the addition of L. acidophilus A4 cell extracts (10.0 mg/ml), which also induced a significant reduction in the degree to which E. coli O157:H7 attached to epithelial cells. In addition, the mRNA levels of IL-8, IL-1$\beta$, and TNF-$\alpha$ in HT-29 cells were significantly induced by treatment with L. acidophilus A4 extracts. These results indicate that MUC2 mucin and cytokines are important regulatory factors in the immune systems of the gut, and that selected lactobacilli may be able to induce the upregulation of MUC2 mucin and specific cytokines, thereby inhibiting the attachment of E. coli O157:H7.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.269-280
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: The colonic epithelial layer is a complex structure consisting of multiple cell types that regulate various aspects of colonic physiology, yet the mechanisms underlying epithelial cell differentiation during development remain unclear. Organoids have emerged as a promising model for investigating organogenesis, but achieving organ-like cell configurations within colonic organoids is challenging. Here, we investigated the biological significance of peripheral neurons in the formation of colonic organoids. Methods and Results: Colonic organoids were co-cultured with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived peripheral neurons, resulting in the morphological maturation of columnar epithelial cells, as well as the presence of enterochromaffin cells. Substance P released from immature peripheral neurons played a critical role in the development of colonic epithelial cells. These findings highlight the vital role of inter-organ interactions in organoid development and provide insights into colonic epithelial cell differentiation mechanisms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the peripheral nervous system may have a significant role in the development of colonic epithelial cells, which could have important implications for future studies of organogenesis and disease modeling.