• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.642-650
• /
• 1996

Apo E polymorphism (e2, e3, e4) was among the first reported genetic polymorphism that explained part of the normal variation in plasma cholesterol concentrations. Both alleles E2 and E4 are significantly more frequent in patients with mixed forms of hyperlipidemia and contribute on the observed differences in CHD risk among different populations. Effects of apo E polymorphism on the distribution of plasma lipid profiles were studied in 105 normolipidemic healthy women. The relative frequencies of common alleles for gene locus of apo E in this study were that E3 allele was 0.848, E4 allels was 0.087, and E2 allele was 0.067. SBP and DBP were slightly more elevated in E2 allele than those in E3 and E4. The pulsation was also significantly (p<0.016) increased by E2 allele with excess body fat % in E2 allele. There were no differences in total-, total HDL-, VLDL+LDL-, VLDL- and LDL cholesterol among the apo E alleles. However, apo E2 allele subject had lower level of total HDL and HDL2 cholesterol (P<0.047) and significantly higher lev디 of HDL3 cholesterol (P<0.05) than those in apo E3 and E4 allele subject. The conclusion is that first, it seems that apo E4-mediated alteration through LDL B/E receptors or E receptors in cholesterol metabolism results in lower plasma TG or remanate particles and in higher levels of VLDL+LDL or LDL. Second, apo E2 allele shows reciprocal effects of E4 on the plasma lipid metabolism, respecitvely. Third, apo E2 allele was more atherogenic than apo E4 because the higher levels of HDL3/HDL2 ratio and atherogenic index[(TC-HDL)/HDL]were criticized.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.225-235
• /
• 1993

Pituitary LH release has been known to be regulated by the hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and the gonadal steroid hormones. In addition, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are actively involved in the control of LH secretion. The alteration in LH release might reflect changes in biosynthesis and/or posttranslational processing of LH. However, little is known about the mechanism by which biosynthesis of LH subunits is regulated, especially at the level of transcription. In order to investigate if ovarian steroid hormones regulate the LH subunit gene expression, ${\alpha}\;and\;LH{\beta}$ steady state mRNA levels were determined in anterior pituitaries of ovariectomized rats. Serum LH concentrations and pituitary LH concentrations were increased markedly with time after ovariectomy. ${\alpha}\;and\;LH{\beta}$ subunit mRNA levels after ovariectomy were increased in a parallel manner with serum LH concentrations and pituitary LH contents, the rise in $LH{\beta}$ subunit mRNA levels being more prominent than the rise in ${\alpha}\;subunit$ mRNA. ${\alpha}\;and\;LH{\beta}$ subunit mRNA levels in ovariectomized rats were negatively regulated by the continuous treatment of ovarian steriod hormones for $1{\sim}4\;days$ and $LH{\beta}\;subunit$ mRNA seemed to be more sensitive to negative feedback of estradiol than progesterone. Treatment of estrogen antagonist, LY117018 or progesterone antagonist, RU486 significantly restroed LH subunit mRNA levels as well as LH release which were suppressed by estradiol or progesterone treatment. These results suggest that ovarian steroids negatively regulate the LH synthesis at the pretranslational level by modulating the steady state levels of ${\alpha}\;and\;LH{\beta}\;subunit$ mRNA and $LH{\beta}\;subunit$ mRNA seemed to be more sensitive to negative feedback action of estradiol than progesterone.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.59 no.6
• /
• pp.631-637
• /
• 2005

Background : Transcriptional factors of the CREB(cAMP Response Element Binding Protein) are involved in the regulation of gene expression in response to a variety of signaling pathways. Proteins produced by the CREB genes play key roles in many physiological processes, including memory and long-term potentiation. The retinoic acid receptor (RAR) axis mediates epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation in many tissues including the lung. Material and method : The RAR and CREB expression levels were examined in 60 adenocarcinomas and 60 squamous cell carcinomas of the lung using immunohistochemical staining. Results : 1) RAR protein expression was found in 58.3%(35/60) of adenocarcinomas and 36.7%(22/60) of squamous cell carcinomas(P<0.05). 2) RAR protein expression was found in 80%(16/20) of well differentiated adenocarcinomas, 60%(12/20) of moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas, and 35%(7/20) of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (P<0.01). 3) RAR protein expression was found in 45%(9/20) of well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, 35%(7/20) of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, and 30%(6/20) of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (P>0.05). 4) CREB expression was found in 61.7%(37/60) of adenocarcinomas and 40%(24/60) of squamous cell carcinomas( P<0.05). 5) CREB expression was found in 85%(17/20) of well differentiated adenocarcinomas, 60%(12/20) of moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas, and 40%(8/20) of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (P<0.01). 6) CREB expression was found in 45%(9/20) of well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, 35%(7/20) of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, and 35%(8/20) of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas(P>0.05). 7) RAR and CREB expression was found in 68.5% of lung cancers, and there was a significant correlation between them(P<0.05). Conclusion : RAR and CREB expression can be used to indirectly determine the malignant potentiality of a cell.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.178-186
• /
• 2014

Differential transcription of the clusterin (CLU) gene yields two CLU isoforms, a nuclear form (nCLU) and a secretory form (sCLU), which play crucial roles in prostate tumorigenesis. Pro-apoptotic nCLU and anti-apoptotic sCLU have opposite effects and are differentially expressed in normal and cancer cells; however, their regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level are not yet known. Here, we examined the transcriptional regulation of nCLU in response to hypoxia. We identified three putative hypoxia response elements (HREs) in the human CLU promoter between positions -806 and +51 bp. Using a luciferase reporter, electrophoretic gel mobility shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we further showed that hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) bound directly to these sites and activated transcription. Exposure to the hypoxia-mimetic compound $CoCl_2$, incubation under 1% $O_2$ conditions, or overexpression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ enhanced nCLU expression and induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer PC3M cells. However, LNCaP prostate cancer cells were resistant to hypoxia-induced cell death. Methylation-specific PCR analysis revealed that the CLU promoter in PC3M cells was not methylated; in contrast, the CLU promoter in LNCap cells was methylated. Co-treatment of LNCaP cells with $CoCl_2$ and a demethylating agent promoted apoptotic cell death through the induction of nCLU. We conclude that nCLU expression is regulated by direct binding of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ to HRE sites and is epigenetically controlled by methylation of its promoter region.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.45 no.9
• /
• pp.1106-1113
• /
• 2002

Purpose : Nuclear ($factor-{\kappa}BNF-{\kappa}B$) is now recognized as playing a potential role in programmed cell death and the adaptive response to various stress. Cellular hypoxia is a primary manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases. It seems that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin like growth factor-I(IGF-I) have a function as a protective molecule in the heart against several stress including hypoxia. In this study, the role of $NF-{\kappa}B$ to the cellular response and regulation of protective molecules against the acute hypoxia in the heart was studied. Methods : To cause acute hypoxic stress to the heart, Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxic chamer($N_2$ 92% and $O_2$ 8%). After the hypoxic exposure, nuclear proteins, total proteins and mRNA were isolated from heart. Translocation of the transcription factors $NF-{\kappa}B$, NF-ATc, AP-1 and NKX-2.5 were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA). The expression of IGF-I and VEGF were studied before and after the hypoxic stress by competitive-PCR, Northern hybridization and Western hybridization. To confirm the role of the $NF-{\kappa}B$ in the heart, the rats also were pretreated with diethyl-dithiocarbamic acid(DDTC) into peritoneal cavity to block $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation into nucleus. Results : The expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, AP-1 and NF-ATc were increased by the hypoxic stress. Increased expression of the VEGF and IGF-I were also observed by the hypoxic stress. However, the blocking of the $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation reduced those expressions of VEGF and IGF-I. Conclusion : These results suggest that $NF-{\kappa}B$ has a protective role against the acute hypoxia through several gene expression, especially VEGF and IGF-I in heart muscle.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.187-195
• /
• 1997

Purpose : To analyze the involvement of apoptosis regulatory genes p53, $p21^{wart/cip1}$ bax and bcl-2 in induction of apoptosis by radiation in murine tumors. Materials and methods : The radiation-sensitive ovarian carcinoma OCa-1, and the radiation-resistant hepatocarcinorna HCa-I were used. Tumors, 8 mm in diameter, were irradiated with 25 Gy and at various times after irradiation, ranging from 1 to 48 h, were analyzed histologically for apoptosis and by western blot for alterations in the expression of these genes. The p53 status of the tumors were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism assay. Results : Both tumors were positive for wild-type p53. Radiation inducesd apoptosis in OCa-1 but not in HCa-1. Apoptosis developed rapidly, peaked at 2 h after irradiation and returned to almost the background level at 48 h In OCa-1 radiation upregulated the expression of p53, $p21^{wart/cip1}$. and the bcl-2/bax ratio was decreased. In HCa-1 radiation increased the expression of both p53 and $p21^{wart/cip1}$, although the increase of the latter was small The bcl-2/bax ratio was greatly increased. In general the observed changes occurred within a few hours after irradiation, and either preceded or coincided with development of apoptosis Conclusions : The development of apoptosis required upregulation of both p53 and $p21^{wart/cip1}$ as well as a decrease in bcl-2/bax ratio. In contrast, an increase in bcl-2/bax ratio Prevented apoptosis in the presence of upregulated p53 and $p21^{wart/cip1}$ . These findings indentified the involvement of multiple oncogenes in apoptosis regulation in vivo and demonstrate the complexity that may be associated with the use of a single oncogene assessment for Predicting the outcome of cancer therapy with cytotoxic agents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.721-728
• /
• 2008

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone produced by the liver, of which secretion is closely related to iron status in the body. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism(s) by which this peptide regulates body iron homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hepcidin treatment within the physiological concentration range on the expressions of two different iron transporter proteins-ferroportin (FPN) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). Differentiated Caco-2 intestinal cells and macrophage J774 cells were treated with either synthetic hepcidin or hepcidin-rich fraction separated from human urine at the concentration of 10 nM and 100 nM for 24 hours. Results show that hepcidin treatment in differentiated Caco-2 cells or in J774 cells did not change the level of either FPN mRNA or DMT1 mRNA. On the other hand, hepcidin treatment at the dose of 100 nM significantly decreased the FPN protein levels and DMT1 protein levels in differentiated Caco-2 cells. Similarly, urinary hepcidin treatment (10 nM & 100 nM) also significantly decreased the levels of FPN and DMT1 proteins in J774 macrophage cells. These results showed that hepcidin might play an important role in the regulation of iron homeostasis by lowering the protein levels of iron transporter FPN and DMT1 both in enterocytes and in macrophage cells.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.9
• /
• pp.991-998
• /
• 2016

NF-κB acts as a critical transcription factor for the survival of cells via the induction of antiapoptotic genes. Constitutive activation of NF-κB in many types of solid tumors suggests that the inhibition of NF-κB might prevent or inhibit tumorigenesis. Although a number of studies demonstrated that Hsp70 regulated NF-κB activity, the exact mechanism is not clear. This study investigated the functional relationship of Hsp70 and IKKγ in the regulation of NF-κB activation using expression plasmids of components of the IKK complex. Wild-type and deletion mutants of IKKγ were expressed together with Hsp70, and the combined regulatory effect of Hsp70 and IKKγ on NF-κB activation was assayed. Hsp70 suppressed the activation of NF-κB in a reporter plasmid assay. Hsp70 also suppressed the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. The suppressive effect of Hsp70 on NF-κB activation was synergistically elevated by IKKγ. The N-terminal IKKβ binding site, C-terminal leucine zipper, and zinc finger domains of IKKγ were not necessary for the suppressive effect. Furthermore, Hsp70 and IKKγ synergistically suppressed the induction of COX-2 expression by lipopolysaccharides in RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that overexpression of Hsp70 and IKKγ may be a strategic method for inhibition of NF-κB and related diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.625-634
• /
• 2011

Green tea seed coat (GTSC) was extracted with 100% ethanol for 4 hr and then fractionated with petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EtOAC) and butanol (BuOH). The EtOAC fraction showed the highest level in total phenol contents and the lowest level in nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and its mechanisms of GTSC EtOAC fraction in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell. GTSC EtOAC fraction contained EGC ($1146.48{\pm}11.01\;{\mu}g/g$), tannic acid ($966.99{\pm}32.24\;{\mu}g/g$), EC ($70.88{\pm}4.39\;{\mu}g/g$), gallic acid ($947.61{\pm}1.03\;{\mu}g/g$), caffeic acid ($37.69{\pm}1.46\;{\mu}g/g$), ECG ($35.46{\pm}3.19\;{\mu}g/g$), and EGCG ($15.53{\pm}0.09\;{\mu}g/g$) when analyzed by HPLC. NO production was significantly (p<0.05) suppressed in a dose-dependent manner with an $IC_{50}$ of $80.11\;{\mu}g$/mL. Also prostaglandin $E_2$ level was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, iNOS protein expression was suppressed in dose-dependent manner but COX-2 gene expression was not affected. Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione (GSH) levels were enhanced more than the LPS-control. Expressions of antioxidative enzymes including catalase, GSH-reductase and Mn-SOD were elevated compared to LPS-control. Nuclear p65 level was decreased in the GTSC EtOAC fraction in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that GTSC EtOAC fraction inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory responses through elevated GSH levels, antioxidative enzymes expressions and suppression of iNOS expression via NF-${\kappa}B$ down-regulation.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.264-275
• /
• 2014

This study evaluated the improving efficacy of Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract on skin photoaging induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were respectively $134.98{\pm}1.70$ and $16.20{\pm}0.05$ mg/g, respectively. The superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and electron-donating ability of the extract were shown to be dependent on concentration, and the antioxidant ability was shown to be more effective in superoxide anion radical scavenging activity than in electron-donating ability under the same concentration conditions. In the in vivo test conducted using hairless mouse with skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation, the skin erythema of the groups treated with the extract (AS) reduced to 28% of the control, and the skin moisture content increased to 131%.. The extract treatment of the UV-damaged skin improved the morphological and histopathological state of the skin. Furthermore, the SOD, GST and CAT activities in the skin tissue of the AS group increased, and the XO activity and TBARS generation decreased. With regard to the genes related to the photoaging skin, the expression of PAK, p38, c-Fos, c-Jun, TNF-${\alpha}$ and MMP-3 in the skin of the AS group were found to have decreased. It was therefore concluded that Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract can reduce wrinkle formation in the skin due to the regulation of the gene expression caused by the exposure to UVB light.