• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1285-1288
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to characterize and investigate the immune activity of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) from Bifidobacterium longum. Bacterial CpG motifs have attracted considerable interests because of their immunomodulatory activities. Genomic DNA from B. longum was prepared and amplified for 4 different 180-188-mer double-stranded ODNs (BLODN1-BLODN4). When immune cells (RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and JAWS II dendritic cells) with these ODNs were treated, BLODN4 induced the highest immune activity. To assess the effectiveness of the CpG sequences within BLODN4, single-stranded 40-mer ODNs containing CpG sequences (sBLODN4-1, sBLODN4-2) were synthesized. sBLODN4-1 induced higher level of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-12p40 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ by macrophage and IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$ by dendritic cells than did sBLODN4-2. The results suggest that CpG ODNs-enriched components of B. longum might be useful as an immunomodulatory functional food ingredient.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.123-123
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• 2019

Xanthone is a kind of polyphenolic compounds that contain a distinctive chemical structure with a tricyclic aromatic ring found in a few higher plant families e.g. gentian root. This compound had a variety of biological activity, for instance antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, the effect of xanthone on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation and its associated mechanism have not been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-allergic inflammatory effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of xanthone in PMACI-stimulated human mast cells-1 (HMC-1). In this result, xanthone treatment decreased the production of histamine, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-${\alpha}$), IL-6, and IL-8 and expressions of TSLP in PMACI-stimulated HMC-cells. In addition, xanthone significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ signal pathway in activated mast cells. Furthermore, xanthone inhibited the activation of caspase-1, an IL-$1{\beta}$ converting enzyme, in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells. These findings provide evidence that xanthone could be a potential therapeutic agent for allergy-related inflammatory disorders.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.300-306
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• 2021

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes photoaging, which represents skin damage, disrupts skin barrier function, and promotes wrinkle formation. We investigated that the polysaccharide extract of an edible basidiomycetous white jelly mushroom, Tremella fuciformis, (TF-Glucan^®) exhibited statistically photoprotective activity by inhibiting matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and increasing collagen synthesis, and an anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines at the concentrations of less than 1000 ㎍/ml, which is not cytotoxic (p < 0.05). Additionally, TF-Glucan^® increased the expression of involucrin and filaggrin to prevent the disruption of UVB-induced barrier function (p < 0.05). TF-Glucan^® was assessed as a safe material by the human primary skin irritation (1, 3, 5%), human repeated insult patch test (no sensitization at 5%), 3T3 NRU phototoxicity assay (no phototoxicity, PIF < 2, MPE < 0.1), eye irritation test test by BCOP (no category, IVIS ≤ 3) and local lymph node assay (negative at 10, 25, 50%) for identifying potential skin sensitizing. These results suggest that TF-Glucan^® may be useful as an anti-photoaging ingredient for developing cosmeceuticals.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.533-540
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• 2023

Sweroside is a natural monoterpene derived from Swertia pseudochinensis Hara. Recently, studies have shown that sweroside exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects. However, its role and mechanisms in high glucose (HG)-induced renal injury remain unclear. Herein, we established a renal injury model in vitro by inducing human renal tubular epithelial cell (HK-2 cells) injury by HG. Then, the effects of sweroside on HK-2 cell activity, inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed. As a result, sweroside treatment ameliorated the viability, inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and VCAM-1), reduced the generation of ROS, and inhibited EMT in HK-2 cells. Moreover, the protein expression of SIRT1 was increased and the acetylation of p65 NF-kB was decreased in HK-2 cells with sweroside treatment. More importantly, EX527, an inhibitor of SIRT1, that inactivated SIRT1, abolished the improvement effects of sweroside on HK-2 cells. Our findings suggested that sweroside may mitigate HG-caused injury in HK-2 cells by promoting SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of p65 NF-kB.

• International Journal of Molecular Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.2516-2522
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• 2019

Particulate matter (PM), a widespread airborne contaminant, is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Recent studies have demonstrated that PM induces oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, and may cause certain skin diseases. Afzelin is a flavonoid isolated from Thesium chinense Turcz, which has anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antibacterial properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate if afzelin affected inflammatory responses in human keratinocytes exposed to PM. HaCaT cells were treated with PM (25 ㎍/cm2) in the presence or absence of afzelin (200 µM). Here, standard reference material 1649b was used as PM. Cell viability was assessed using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using the dichloro-dihydro-​fluorescein diacetate assay. Gene and protein expression were investigated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Levels of secreted inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. The results suggested that afzelin inhibited PM-induced proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and protein secretion in HaCaT cells. In addition, afzelin suppressed PM-induced intracellular ROS generation, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and transcription factor activator protein-1 component c-Fos and c-Jun activation. The results indicated that afzelin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in PM-exposed HaCaT. Afzelin may have potential for preventing PM-induced inflammatory skin diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.148-156
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• 2013

The $PrP^C$ is expressed in many types of immune cells including monocytes and macrophages, however, its function in immune regulation remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined a role for $PrP^C$ in regulation of monocyte function. Specifically, the effect of a soluble form of $PrP^C$ was studied in human monocytes. A recombinant fusion protein of soluble human $PrP^C$ fused with the Fc portion of human IgG1 (designated as soluble $PrP^C$-Fc) bound to the cell surface of monocytes, induced differentiation to macrophage-like cells, and enhanced adherence and phagocytic activity. In addition, soluble $PrP^C$-Fc stimulated monocytes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6. Both ERK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways were activated in soluble $PrP^C$-treated monocytes, and inhibitors of either pathway abrogated monocyte adherence and cytokine production. Taken together, we conclude that soluble $PrP^C$-Fc enhanced adherence, phagocytosis, and cytokine production of monocytes via activation of the ERK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1904-1915
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• 2019

Resistant starch (RS) is metabolized by gut microbiota and involved in the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are related to a variety of physiological and health effects. Therefore, the availability of RS as a prebiotic is a topic of interest, and research on gut bacteria that can decompose RS is also important. The objectives in this study were 1) to isolate a human gut bacterium having strong degradation activity on non-gelatinized RS, 2) to characterize its RS-degrading characteristics, and 3) to investigate its probiotic effects, including a growth stimulation effect on other gut bacteria and an immunomodulatory effect. Bifidobacterium adolescentis P2P3 showing very strong RS granule utilization activity was isolated. It can attach to RS granules and form them into clusters. It also utilizes high-amylose corn starch granules up to 63.3%, and efficiently decomposes other various types of commercial RS without gelatinization. In a coculture experiment, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ATCC 29148, isolated from human feces, was able to grow using carbon sources generated from RS granules by B. adolescentis P2P3. In addition, B. adolescentis P2P3 demonstrated the ability to stimulate secretion of Th1 type cytokines from mouse macrophages in vitro that was not shown in other B. adolescentis. These results suggested that B. adolescentis P2P3 is a useful probiotic candidate, having immunomodulatory activity as well as the ability to feed other gut bacteria using RS as a prebiotic.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.593-599
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• 2012

Background This study aimed to investigate the possibility of isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human thigh adipose tissue and the ability of human thigh adipose stem cells (HTASCs) to differentiate into hepatocytes. Methods The adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from thigh adipose tissue. Growth factors, cytokines, and hormones were added to the collagen coated dishes to induce the undifferentiated HTASCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. To confirm the experimental results, the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers on undifferentiated and differentiated HTASCs was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical staining. Differentiation efficiency was evaluated using functional tests such as periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining and detection of the albumin secretion level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The majority of the undifferentiated HTASCs were changed into a more polygonal shape showing tight interactions between the cells. The differentiated HTASCs up-regulated mRNA of hepatocyte markers. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that they were intensely stained with anti-albumin antibody compared with undifferentiated HTASCs. PAS staining showed that HTASCs submitted to the hepatocyte differentiation protocol were able to more specifically store glycogen than undifferentiated HTASCs, displaying a purple color in the cytoplasm of the differentiated HTASCs. ELISA analyses showed that differentiated HTASCs could secrete albumin, which is one of the hepatocyte markers. Conclusions MSCs were islolated from human thigh adipose tissue differentiate to heapatocytes. The source of ADSCs is not only abundant abdominal adipose tissue, but also thigh adipose tissue for cell therapy in liver regeneration and tissue regeneration.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.370-377
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• 2017

Background Composite grafts are frequently used for facial reconstruction. However, the unpredictability of the results and difficulties with large defects are disadvantages. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) express several cytokines, and increase the survival of random flaps and fat grafts owing to their angiogenic potential. Methods This study investigated composite graft survival after ADSC injection. Circular chondrocutaneous composite tissues, 2 cm in diameter, from 15 New Zealand white rabbits were used. Thirty ears were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the experimental groups (1 and 2), ADSCs were subcutaneously injected 7 days and immediately before the operation, respectively. Similarly, phosphate-buffered saline was injected in the control group just before surgery in the same manner as in group 2. In all groups, chondrocutaneous composite tissue was elevated, rotated 90 degrees, and repaired in its original position. Skin flow was assessed using laser Doppler 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after surgery. At 1 and 12 days after surgery, the viable area was assessed using digital photography; the rabbits were euthanized, and immunohistochemical staining for CD31 was performed to assess neovascularization. Results The survival of composite grafts increased significantly with the injection of ADSCs (P<0.05). ADSC injection significantly improved neovascularization based on anti-CD31 immunohistochemical analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression (P<0.05) in both group 1 and group 2 compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences in graft survival, anti-CD31 neovascularization, or microcirculation were found between groups 1 and 2. Conclusions Treatment with ADSCs improved the composite graft survival, as confirmed by the survival area and histological evaluation. The differences according to the injection timing were not significant.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.267-272
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• 2011

Human NK cells, identified 30 years ago based on their ability to spontaneously kill tumor cells, constitute a subset of lymphocytes, which play an important role in the first line of immune defense and the effective function of these cells are enhanced by cytokines. Lung carcinoma has been one of the most commonly diagonosed cancer as well as the leading cause of cancer death in male. Here we provide the evidence that human natural killer cells has inhibitory effects on tumor growth of human lung cancer cell NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung cancer). Enriched NK cell population was obtained by 2 weeks cultivation in interleukin-2(IL-2)-containing medium. The resulting population comprised 26% CD3$^+$ cells, 9% CD3$^+$CD4$^+$ cells, 16% CD3$^+$CD8$^+$ cells, 76% CD56$^+$ cells, 6% CD3$^+$CD56$^+$ cells and 70% CD3$^-$CD56$^+$ cells. Activated NK cells at doese of 2.5, 5, and 10 million cells per mouse inhibited 2%, 12% and 45% of NCI-H460-induced tumor growth in nude mouse xenograft assays, repectively. This result suggests that NK cell-based immunotherapy may be used as an adoptive immunotherapy for lung cancer patients.