• Applied Microscopy
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2013

Inflammatory cells express the inflammatory cytokines and growth factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Odontoblasts are located at the pulp-dentin interface and extend their cell processes far into the dentin where they are the first cells to encounter microorganisms or their products. Therefore, this study examined the expression of some growth factors related to the signal pathway, such as growth factor receptor binding protein 2 (Grb2)-Ras in odontoblast-like dental pulp cells, after a treatment with LPS. After 60 minutes, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Grb2 and Ras were higher in the LPS-treated cells than in the control cells. The level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA expression was increased significantly to a level similar to that of Grb2 and Ras at 60 minutes. The platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) mRNA level was expressed strongly in the odontoblast like dental pulp cells without an association with LPS stimulation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed many extensions of the cytoplasmic processes and the number of processes increased gradually at 30, 60 and 90 minutes after LPS stimulation. From these results VEGF and bFGF expression might be induced through the Grb2-Ras signal transduction pathway in LPS treated odontoblasts.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.149-165
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Artermisiae Capillaris Herba, Curcumae Rhizoma, Loranthi Ramulus, and Orostachys Herba on expression of angiogenic factors in HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods : The mRNA expression level and protein secretion level of angiogenic factors were measured using quantitative RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA assay respectively in Artermisiae Capillaris Herba, Curcumae Rhizoma, Loranthi Ramulus, Orostachys Herba -treated and untreated HepG2 cells. Results : Curcumae Rhizoma, Loranthi Ramulus, and Orostachys Herba reduced mRNA expression level and protein secretion level of angiogenic factors, but Artermisiae Capillaris Herba increased it, especially VEGF and bFGF in HepG2 cells. Conclusions : The results indicate that Artermisiae Capillaris Herbapromotes expression of angiogenic factors but Curcumae Rhizoma, Loranthi Ramulus, and Orostachys Herba inhibit expression of angiogenic factors in HepG2 cells. The result is expected that Curcumae Rhizoma, Loranthi Ramulus, Orostachys Herba have an inhibitive effect of angiogenesis in HCC.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.138-148
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• 2006

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Injinchunggan-tang(Yinchenqinggan-tang) on expression of angiogenic factors in HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods : The mRNA expression levels and protein secretion levels of angiogenic factors were measured using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and ELISA assay respectively in Injinchunggan-tang-treated and untreated HepG2 cells. Results : Injinchunggan-tang(Yinchenqinggan-tang) reduced mRNA expression levels and protein secretion levels of angiogenic factors, especially VEGF, bFGF and $TGF{\beta}1$ in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Results indicate that Injinchunggan-tang (Yinchenqinggan-tang) inhibits expression of angiogenic factors in HepG2 cells. Further, results suggest that Injinchunggan-tang (Yinchenqinggan-tang) inhibits angiogenic effects in HCC.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.171-180
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• 2003

The development of calvarial bones is tighly co-ordinated with the growth of the brain and needs of harmonious interactions between different tissues within the calvarial sutures. Premature fusion of cranial sutures, known as craniosynostosis, presumably involves disturbance of these interactions. Mutations in the homeobox-containg gene Msx2 cause human craniosynostosis syndrome. Msx genes, which are consist of Msx1, Msx2 and Msx3, are homeobox-containg transcripton factors, and were originally identified as homologue of Drosophila msh(muscle segment homeobox) gene. Msx1 and Msx2 genes, expressed mostly in overlapping patterns at multiple site of tissue interactions during vertebrate development, are associated with epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during organogenesis, targets of BMP and FGF signaling. To elucidate the function of Msx genes in the early morphogenesis of mouse cranial suture, we analyzed the expression of them by in situ hybridization during embryonic(E15-E18) stage, and did vivo experiments in E15.5 mouse using rhBMP-2, rhFGF-2 protein soaked bead. In the sagittal suture, Msx1 was expressed in the mesenchyme of suture and the dura mater, Msx2 was intensely expressed in the sutural mesenchyme and the dura mater. In the coronal suture both of Msx genes were expressed intensely in the sutural mesenchyme and expressed in the periosteum also. Msx1 had a broader expression pattern than Msx2. BMP2 beads induced expression of both Msx1 and Msx2, FGF2 beads induced expression of Msx1, but not Msx2. Taken together, these data suggest that Msx1 and Msx2 genes have important role in regulating the morphogenesis and maintenance of embryonic cranial suture. Both of Msx genes are expressed similarly but because of their upstream signaling, they function dependently or cooperatively according to change of signaling molecule.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.99-104
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• 2012

The present study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the neurotoxicity of acrylamide and the differential gene expression pattern in mice. Both locomotor test and rota-rod test showed that the group treated with higher than 30 mg/kg/day of acrylamide caused impaired motor activity in mice. Based on cDNA microarray analysis of mouse brain, myelin basic protein gene, kinesin family member 5B gene, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 1 and its receptor genes were down-regulated by acrylamide. The genes are known to be essential for neurofilament synthesis, axonal transport, and neuroprotection, respectively. Interestingly, both FGF 1 and its receptor genes were down-regulated. Genes involved in nucleic acid binding such as AU RNA binding protein/enoyl-coA hydratase, translation initiation factor (TIF) 2 alpha kinase 4, activating transcription factor 2, and U2AF 1 related sequence 1 genes were down-regulated. More interesting finding was that genes of both catalytic and regulatory subunit of protein phosphatases which are important for signal transduction pathways were down-regulated. Here, we propose that acrylamide induces neurotoxicity by regulation of genes associated with neurofilament synthesis, axonal transport, neuro-protection, and signal transduction pathways.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.397-402
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• 2009

Objective : In this study, the authors assessed the ability of rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs), in the presence of a growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) and hydroxyapatite, to act as a scaffold for posterolateral spinal fusion in a rat model. Methods : Using a rat posterolateral spine fusion model. the experimental study comprised 3 groups. Group 1 was composed of 6 animals that were implanted with 0.08 gram hydroxyapatite only. Group 2 was composed of 6 animals that were implanted with 0.08 gram hydroxyapatite containing $1{\times}10^6/60{\mu}L$ rat of BMDMSCs. Group 3 was composed of 6 animals that were implanted with 0.08 gram hydroxyapatite containing $1{\times}10^6/60{\mu}L$ of rat BMDMSCs and FGF-4 $1{\mu}G$ to induce the bony differentiation of the BMDMSCs. Rats were assessed using radiographs obtained at 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively. After sacrifice, spines were explanted and assessed by manual palpation, high-resolution microcomputerized tomography, and histological analysis. Results : Radiographic, high-resolution microcomputerized tomographic, and manual palpation revealed spinal fusion in five rats (83%) in Group 2 at 8 weeks. However, in Group 1, three (60%) rats developed fusion at L4-L5 by radiography and two (40%) by manual palpation in radiographic examination. In addition, in Group 3, bone fusion was observed in only 50% of rats by manual palpation and radiographic examination at this time. Conclusion : The present study demonstrates that 0.08 gram of hydroxyapatite with $1{\times}10^6/60{\mu}L$ rat of BMDMSCs induced bone fusion. FGF4, added to differentiate primitive $1{\times}10^6/60{\mu}L$ rat of BMDMSCs did not induce fusion. Based on histologic data, FGF-4 appears to induce fibrotic change rather than differentiation to bone by $1{\times}10^6/60{\mu}L$ rat of BMDMSCs.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.3 no.6
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• pp.539-546
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• 1999

Bone is a complex tissue in which resorption and formation continue throughout life. The bone tissue contains various types of cells, of which the bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts are mainly responsible for bone remodeling. Periodontal disease represents example of abnormal bone remodeling. Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells present only in bone. It is believed that osteoclast progenitors are hematopoietic origin, and they are recruited from hematopoietic tissues such as bone marrow and circulating blood to bone. Cells present in the osteoclast microenvironment include marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and marrow cells. These cells produce cytokines that can affect osteoclast formation. In vitro model systems using bone marrow cultures have demonstrated that $IL-l{\beta},\;IL-3,\;TNF-{\alpha},$ bFGF can stimulate the formation of osteoclasts. In contrast, IL-4 inhibits osteoclast formation. Knowledge of cytokines and bFGF that affect osteoclast formation and their capacity to modulate the bone-resorbing process should provide critical insights into normal calcium homeostasis and disorders of bone turnover such as periodontal disease, osteoporosis and Paget's disease.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.257-263
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Ulmus root-bark dressing in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of induced pressure ulcers in rats. Methods: 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into 2 groups. The rats were anesthetized and pressure ulcers were induced at 140 mmHg for three hours, using a personally-designed pressing apparatus. Ulmus dressing was applied in the experimental group (n=27) and saline gauze dressing in the control group (n=27). Each of the dressings was changed every other day, and after a month, the wounds were examined by microscopy biweekly for 20 weeks. Results: After 4 weeks, the epidermis of the wounds was recovered, but inflammatory infiltration of the dermis was remained. After 6 weeks, inflammatory cells were diminished and the number of capillaries was decreased. Examined by immunofluorescence staining, the FGF positive cells in the experimental group changed negatively after 18 weeks, but the control group still existed even after 20 weeks. VEGF positive cells in the experimental group also changed negatively after 20 weeks, but the control group still existed. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that Ulmus dressing is effective in minimizing scar formation and inflammatory reaction by decreasing FGF and VEGF in the terminal phase of wound healing.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.85-89
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• 2007

Efficient gene delivery to specific tissues, such as inflammatory and cancerous tissues, is currently a major concern in disease treatment. The human transferrin receptor (hTR) has been detected in the synovium and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which raises the possibility that expression of hTR is associated with the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To investigate whether the hTR is a useful target for gene transduction into the FLS of RA patients, recombinant adenoviruses with wildtype fiber (AdLac) and transferrin peptide-tagged fiber (Tf-AdLac) were used. The hTR expression level in FLS was notably increased by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Gene transduction to FLS was significantly higher by the hTR-targeted adenovirus than by the AdLac adenovirus, and treatment of the FLS with bFGF resulted in increased gene transduction by Tf-AdLac. Taken together, these data support Tf-AdLac as a new strategy for gene transduction in the treatment of RA patients.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 2005

Background & Objective : Angiogenesis consists of the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of endothelial cells, and angiogenic factors and matrix protein interactions modulate this process. The aim of this study was to determine whether Puerariae radix could induce angiogenic activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: The angiogenic activity of Puerariae radix were evaluated by using BrdU assay, chemotactic migration assay, tube formation assay, measurement of bFGF in HUVECs, and Matrigel plug assay in mice. Results : Puerariae radix significantly increased HUVECs proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Puerariae radix increased migration and tube-like formation in HUVECs. Interestingly,the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), an angiogenesis-stimulating growth factor, was dose-dependently increased by Puerariae radix. The angiogenic activity of Puerariae radix was confirmed using an in vivo Matrigel angiogenesis model, showing promotion of blood vessel formation. Conclusion : Puerariae radix significantly induces angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that Puerariae radix is a potent angiogenic agent, and a promising drug, for the induction of neovascularization.