• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2005

Objective: Currently available therapies for human malignant gliomas have limited efficacy. Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, and Quil-A are nonspecific, potent immune stimulants. T. gondii is shown to have antitumor activity in some types of cancers. Therefore, this study is undertaken to evaluate the antitumor effect of Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA), alone or in combination with Quil-A, on human glioma U373MG and U87MG cells. Methods: The in vitro effects of TLA alone or in combination with Quil-A on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of glioma cells were tested using MTT, Matrigel invasion, and DNA fragmentation assays, and the in vivo effects on the growth of gliomas were evaluated in athymic nude mice transplanted with glioma cells. Results: Treatment with TLA resulted in the suppressed proliferation and invasion of both U373MG and U87MG cells, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, at high concentration, TLA induced glioma cell apoptosis. When TLA was administered in the mouse glioma model, malignant glioma growth was decreased. The combined treatment of TLA with Quil-A significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of cultured cells as well as tumor mass of implanted mice. Conclusion: TLA inhibits the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo, and these antitumor effects of TLA are significantly enhanced by the addition of Quil-A.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.278-286
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• 1999

To predict the behavior of the intravascular micro active endoscope in the real human vascular system, a human mock circulation system was developed. The intravascular micro active endoscope which consists of micro active bending catheter and micro drug infusion catheter was driven in the velocity, Re number and temperature controlled flow. The three SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) zigzag type spring in the micro active bending catheter was heated by the electric current generated by PWM controller, and the shape memory effect made the actuator bend to any direction. The micro drug infusion catheter was driven through the inner hole of the micro active bending catheter. A mock circulation system is shaped from Ascending Arota to Femoral artery according to a human data (the data contains many vascular sizes and hydrographs of many control points). We developed a vascular model with glass and silicone tubes, and set the flow system with circulation parts, flow settling parts, and lots of valves. The heater and heat-controller was added to the How system to centre! the temperature of the How at 36.5$^{\circ}C$. The result showed that the developed intravascular micro active endoscope could be induced to any point in the vascular model.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.159-166
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• 2005

We observed the efficacy of natural herbs and mixture in treating atopic dermatitis using anti-human IgE treated Human HMC-I cell and NCNga mice model. First, we selected three herbs, Cynonchum witfordii, Diospyros kaki, Ilite which were used to treat skin disease in Traditional Korea Medicine. Using Human HMC-I cell treated with anti-human IgE, we investigate in vitro whether each herb effects on IL-4, IL-13, $TNF-{\alpha}$ expression and $TNF-{\alpha}$, Histamine secretion value. Finally, we conducted study whether the mixture of the selected herbs is more effective than each herb which consist the mixture and control group. The results show that the mixture is better in improving atopic dermatitis condition.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.3
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• pp.172-179
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• 2011

Background: Statins can regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit MMP production or activation in a variety of types of cells. This study evaluated whether statins would inhibit MMP release from human lung fibroblasts, which play a major role in remodeling processes. Methods: This study, using an in-vitro model (three-dimensional collagen gel contraction system), evaluated the effect of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, TNF-a and interleukin-$1{\beta}$, IL-1b) on the MMP release and MMP activation from human lung fibroblasts. Collagen degradation induced by cytokines and neutrophil elastase (NE) was evaluated by quantifying hydroxyproline. Results: In three-dimensional collagen gel cultures (3D cultures) where cytokines (TNF-a and IL-1b) can induce the production of MMPs by fibroblasts, it was found that simvastatin inhibited MMP release. In 3D cultures, cytokines together with NE induced collagen degradation and can lead to activation of the MMP, which was inhibited by simvastatin. Conclusion: Simvastatin may play a role in regulating human lung fibroblast functions in repair and remodeling processes by inhibiting MMP release and the conversion from the latent to the active form of MMP.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.364-367
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• 2011

Background: Prostaglandins (PGs) play pathogenic and protective roles in inflammatory diseases. The novel concept of PGs as immune modulators is being documented by several investigators. By establishing an in vitro experimental model containing human follicular dendritic cell-like cells, HK cells, we reported that HK cells produce prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and prostaglandin $I_2$ ($PGI_2$) and that these PGs regulate biological functions of T and B cells. Methods: To investigate the respective contribution of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 to $PGE_2$ and $PGI_2$ production in HK cells, we performed siRNA technology to knock down COX enzymes and examined the effect on PG production. Results: Both $PGE_2$ and $PGI_2$ productions were almost completely inhibited by the depletion of COX-2. In contrast, COX-1 knockdown did not significantly affect PG production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conclusion: The current results suggest that mPGES-1 and PGIS are coupled with COX-2 but not with COX-1 in human follicular dendritic cell (FDC) and may help understand the potential effects of selective COX inhibitors on the humoral immunity.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.29 no.6 s.237
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• pp.913-920
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• 2005

Compared to previous in-vitro test, FE model showed reliable motion patterns. A finite element model of a 50th percentile male neck was developed to study the mechanics of whiplash injury while the rear impacts. The model was consisted of the whole cervical vertebrae including part of occipital, intervertebral discs. which were modeled using linear viscoelastic materials and posterior elements. The sliding interfaces were defined to simulate contact phenomena in facet joints and in odontoid process. All ligaments and atlanto-occipital membrane were modeled as nonlinear bar elements. Only muscle elements were not considered. Motion of each cervical vertebra was obtained from the dynamic simulation with a MADYMO model for 15 km/h $40\%$ rear end offset impacts. Soft tissue neck injury(STNI) was investigated with a developed FE model. In FE model analysis, the high stress was appeared at C3/C4 disc in offset impact. Further research is still needed in order to improve the developed neck FE model for many different crash patterns.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2795-2798
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• 2012

Objective: This study is conducted to evaluate the effects of anti-HER-2${\times}$anti-CD3 bi-specific antibodies(BsAb) on HER-2/neuover-expressing human colorectal carcinoma cells. Methods: Growth was assessed by MTT assays after exposure of HCT-116 cells to Herceptin, anti-CD3 and BsAb antibodies. Immunocytochemistry was applied to test the HER-2 level of HCT-116. In a nude mouse model, HER-2${\times}$CD3 BsAb was combined with effector cells (peripheral blood lymph cells from normal human being) for observations on in Vivo growth of tumors. Results: Compared with the control group, using effector cells combined with anti-CD3 McAb, Herceptin or HER2${\times}$CD3 BsAb, tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo was significantly inhibited (P<0.05), most remarkably in the HER2${\times}$CD3 BsAb case. The growth of xenografts with HER2${\times}$CD3 BsAb combined with effector cells was also significantly inhibited when compared with the anti-CD3 McAb or Herceptin groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: HER-2/neu might be a useful target for immunotherapy in colorectal carcinoma, anti-HER2${\times}$anti-CD3 BsAb exerting clear anti-tumor effects.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.71-81
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• 2005

Objective : Dear antler (Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe) used for traditional immunosuppressive and immuno-activating action. The effect of deer antler herbal-acupuncture(DAH) solution, prepared by water extract method, on cathepsin activities in bone tissues (cartilage and synovial) cells from mouse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model was studied. The cysteine endoprotease cathepsin mediates degradation of the MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) in human and mouse antigen-presenting cells. The studies described here examine the functional significance of cathepsin inhibition on autoantigen presentation and organ-specific autoimmune diseases in a murine model for RA. Methods : An animal model for RA in BALB/c mice thymectomized 3 days after birth (3d-Tx) was constructed All 3d-Tx BALB/c mice developed autoimmune lesions in the bone tissue cells, starting at 3 weeks of age, and the disease mediated by CD4+ T cells was chronic and progressive. Significant inhibitory effects of DAH solution on cathepsin S and L were observed in each organ in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed that cathepsin S and L activity in each organ were clearly inhibited by DAB solution. When we examined the inhibitory effects of DAH solution against autoantigen-specific T cell responses in vitro, in regional lymph node cells, but not in spleens, from model mice, a significant inhibitory effect of DAB solution was observed in a dose-dependent manner. DAH solution do not block T cell proliferation to Con A, indicated that the dose of DAB solution 10 to $20\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ was sufficient to inactivate the autoantigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. In vivo therapeutic effects of DAB solution were examined in a murine model for RA, autoantigen-specific (C-II-specific) T cell response were significantly inhibited in LNCs from DAH solution-treated mice. Results : Iinhibition of cathepsin S and L in vivo alters autoantigen presentation and development of organ-specific autoimmunity in RA model. Conclusion : These data identify selective inhibition of cysteine protease cathepsin S and L as a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune disease process such RA. Thus, DAH solution will served as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agents for treatment of human RA.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.297-304
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• 2021

In this study, we prepared a pigmented skin model, KeraSkin-M^TM for the in vitro evaluation of whitening agents. For the purpose of complementing the existing mono-layer cell culture testing method, KeraSkin-M^TM was produced through the co-culture of human skin-derived keratinocytes and melanocytes. The efficacy of four well-known whitening agents (arbutin, ascorbic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide) was evaluated in KeraSkin-M^TM in order to assess its usefulness in assessing whitening efficacy. As a result, it was possible to observe additional details such as the distribution of melanin granules and melanin capping in each skin layer through KeraSkin-M^TM, which was previously difficult to assess in the traditional 2D cell culture system. In addition, quantification through image analysis of KeraSkin-M^TM allowed for a statistical analysis of the whitening effects. These results suggest that the KeraSkin-M^TM can be used as a new evaluation method of evaluating whitening efficacy, as well as complement the traditional total melanin content and tyrosinase inhibition assays.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.117-122
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• 2012

Aim: To elucidate the effects of hyperthermic $CO_2$ pneumoperitoneum on human gastric AGS cells. Methods: Based on a newly devised in vitro study model, we evaluated the anti-cancer effects of HT-$CO_2$ ($42-44^{\circ}C$ for 2-4h) on human gastric cancer cells, and also the corresponding mechanisms. Results: HT-$CO_2$ ($42-44^{\circ}C$ for 2-4h) severely inhibited cell proliferation as assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, while inducing apoptosis in a temperature- and time-dependent manner demonstrated by annexin-V/PI flow cytometry and morphological analysis (Hoechst/PI fluorescence). In addition, it was found that HT-$CO_2$ ($42-44^{\circ}C$ for 2-4h) promoted the up-regulation of Bax by western blotting. Significantly, it could also suppress gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis by in vitro invasion and motility assay. Conclusion: In conclusion, HT-$CO_2$ had an efficacious cytotoxic effect on gastric cancer cells through Bax-induced mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. Our studies indicate that it may serve as a potential therapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis of gastric cancer. Further investigations in vivo using animal models are now urgently needed.