• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.12
• /
• pp.1778-1783
• /
• 2011

Hematopoietic cytokines regulate production of blood cells by stimulating proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow cells. Among these hematopoietic cytokines, called hematopoitic growth factors, glranulocyte-colony stimulating Factor (G-CSF), which regulates growth of neutrophils, is one of important therapeutic factors because cancer patients suffer with neutropenia which is severe reduction of neutrophils after chemotherapy. Two groups of recombinant G-CSF have approved and used for therapeutic purposes and many researches are still on-going to produce recombinant G-CSF by different techniques. We engineered human G-CSF with Bombyx specific endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal sequence, therefore, secretion of human G-CSF protein was improved in Bombyx mori-origined cell line, Bm5. The Bombyx ER signal sequence and human G-CSF matured protein region chimera was further remodeled at the N-terminus of matured G-CSF protein to understand roles of N-terminus on outer cellular secretion and/or production. Three different mutants were generated deleting three amino acids in non alpha-helical region in N-terminus in order to scan important amino acids for G-CSF secretion. One of 3 different N-terminal deletion mutants showed dramatically reduction of secreted amount of G-CSF indicating its important role on secretion. The data suggest that remodeling in non alpha-helical region of N-terminus is also important for recombinant G-CSF production.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.424-430
• /
• 2009

IL-10 is an important anti-inflammatory cytokine that can inhibit the production of many pro-inflammatory cytokines. Both human and animal studies have shown that pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in pneumonia and other inflammatory lung diseases. In the present study, IL-10 knockout(KO) and wild-type mice were infected with Corynebacterium kutscheri to determine whether the severity of pathogenesis and whether protective immunity could be altered in the absence of IL-10. The survival rate was significantly lower in IL-10 KO mice than wild-type mice. The number of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood were found to be higher in IL-10 KO mice than wild-type mice. IL-10 KO mice showed greater neutrophil infiltration, excessive inflammation, and weight-loss compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, upregulation of IFN-$\gamma$ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and upregulation of MIP-$1{\alpha}$ and IP-10 mRNA in the lungs of IL-10 KO mice compared with wild-type mice after C. kutscheri infection were observed. These results suggest that IL-10 plays an important role in the anti-inflammatory properties against C. kutscheri infection, and that lack of IL-10 leads to a more severe pulmonary inflammatory response. This increased susceptibility to C. kutscheri pneumonia is at least in part caused by IL-10 deficiency and severe recruitment of neutrophils.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.7-11
• /
• 2004

Leukotactin-1 (Lkn-1), a human CC chemokine, has been demonstrated to induce chemotaxis of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and Iym phocytes and has been shown to suppress colony formation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) in vitro and in vivo. The temporal suppression of HSPC by chemokines could potentially be applicable for various indications, such as the protection of HSPC from the several anti-proliferating chemotherapeutics in cancer treatments. In order to evaluate the protective effects on myeloid progenitor cells, the recombinant Lkn-1 was produced by Pichia pastoris and tested with cyclophosphamide, cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. The pretreatment of Lkn-1 increased the number of HSPC in bone marrow as well as the potency of resulting progenitor cells after the treatment of cyclophosphamide. Af-ter the first cycle of cyclophosphamide treatment these protections of HSPC correlated with the increased number of white blood cells and neutrophils in the peripheral blood. In lethal conditions created by the repeated administration of cyclophosphamide, the treatment of Lkn-1 enhanced the survival of mice, suggesting the potential use of Lkn-1 as the protective agent for HSPC from various cytotoxic insults.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.27 no.7
• /
• pp.752-759
• /
• 1994

It is accepted that colostral macrophages have protective effects on gastrointestinal tract of the neonates. Macrophages act as a major defensive cells in colostrum and serve as a main source of colostral prostaglandins which are known to exert cytoprotection for gastrointestinal tract of neonates against infectious agents and drugs such as aspirin. This study was conducted to evaluate the total cell numbers and differential counts for macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in colostrum of Korean mothers. To compare the level of PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1$\alpha$, and TXB2 between colostrum and serum of postpartum mothers, radioimmunoassay adopting eicosanoids-antibody complex method was applied instead of charcoal method. The results were as follows : 1) Total defensive cell count was 7.6$\pm$2,37$\times$106 cells/ml, differential counts of macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes were 57.49$\pm$4.14%, 37.98$\pm$4.43% and 4.29$\pm$0.73% respectively. 2) The order of prostaglandin level in colostrum which are known to enhance development and cytoprotection of gastrointestinal tract, was 6-keto-PGF1$\alpha$, TXB2 and PGE2. Colostral PGE2 level was 584.6$\pm$72.3 pg/ml, higher than that of serum(p<0.01). 6-keto-PGF1$\alpha$, the most abundant prostaglandin in colostrum was higher than in serum level, too (p<0.01). Serum TXB2 level of postpartum mothers(n=42) was higher nine times than that of colostrum(p<0.01), which seems to cause vasoconstriction of uterus in postpartum period. 3) In preterm mothers, serum level of TXB2 level in both groups.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.787-799
• /
• 1994

To elucidate morphologic lesion of porcine exudative epidermitis which is occurred sporadically in Korea, Staphylococcus hyicus subsp. hyicus isolated from the naturally affected pigs was inoculated to suckling pigs. The infected piglets were observed grossly and histopathologically. Although affected piglets were taking acute, subacute, or chronic course, some piglets suffered from chronic disease showed poor prognosis and marked growth depression. Affected peglets had erythematous skin on the face, ear, and abdomen and these localized lesions appear as brownish spots of exudative epidermitis and fromed crust in the early stage. But, after this stage, the skin were covered by viscous greasy exudate and formed blackish brown crust and appeared fissures and hypertrophy. Grossly, there has been hemorrhage with the removal of crust-like materials of epidermis and edematous subcutis. The superficial lymph nodes were edematous and swollen or congested and hemorrhagic. Some piglets had swollen ureters, cysts in the renal cortex, or polyarthritis. A few cases had mild edematous swelling of kidney, intestinal catarrh and congestion of brain. Microscopically, skin lesions had detachment of keralinized layer and parakeratosis of epidermis, hydropic degeneration of epidermal cell, and retrogressive degeneration of hair root sheath. Dermis had edema, and infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells. As the disease was proceeded, there was marked perivasculitis with lots of mononuclear inflammatory cells. More chronic lesions formed granuloma-like bodies(nodules) due to more mononuclear, perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation of fibroblast. Lots of plasma cells and eosinophils were also present in dermis. Epidermis was hyperplastic by proliferation of basal cells stratum germinativum and epidermal pegs often extended into the dermis. In secondary infection, lots of neutrophils could be seen in epidermis and derms. Kidney had neutrophilic infiltration, necrotic and cystic glomeruli, and dilation of renal tubules and ureters. Purulent arthritis was sometimes observed in joints. Three days old mice administrated Staphylococcus hyicus subsp hyicus subcutaneously before had focal congestion and hemorrhage, necrosis, and subcutaneous edema of the skin. This observation was also seen in the study of mice administrated exfoliatin toxin of Staphylococcus which evoked human staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.152-159
• /
• 2015

Der p 2, which is a major allergen of house dust mite, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease. There is controversy regarding whether Der p 2 binds to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and its inflammatory effect has not yet been elucidated. In the current study, we examined the interaction of Der p 2 with TLR4 and the effect of Der p 2 on cytokine release in THP-1 cells and lymphocytes. Among house dust mite extracts, recombinant TLR4 protein interacted with Der p 2. The overall structure of Der p 2 is characteristic of the immunoglobulin superfamily and contains ten ${\beta}-strands$, forming a ${\beta}-cup$ fold with two anti-parallel ${\beta}-sheets$, and a short 310 helix. The two sheets can be separated, further allowing the formation of a large internal pocket, which is narrow and suitable for binding large flat molecules such as lipid-like molecules. Der p 2 caused increased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1, which are neutrophil survival factors, in human monocytic THP-1 cells in a time-dependent manner. Der p 2 also induces the release of cytokines in normal and allergic lymphocytes. Supernatant after treatment with Der p 2 inhibited neutrophil apoptosis. In coculture of lymphocytes with neutrophils, Der p 2 inhibited spontaneous apoptosis of allergic neutrophils. In summary, Der p 2 binds to TLR4 and induces an inflammatory response such as cytokine secretion in immune cells. These findings may enable elucidation of allergy pathogenesis by specific allergen of house dust mite.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.287-293
• /
• 2005

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of serum concentrations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) of patients with ovarian cysts for differential diagnosis of endometrioama. Method: From Jan. 2003 to Dec. 2004, preoperative serum MIF levels were assessed in 28 women with endometrioma, 32 with benign epithelial tumor, 23 with functional and simple cysts, 22 with benign mature cystic teratoma, and 25 women without ovarian tumor as control. MIF levels were determined using an ELISA (Quantikine Human MIF immunoassay, R&D Systems, Inc., USA). Results: Mean MIF levels were higher in all groups with benign tumors than control (all p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between benign tumor groups (p=0.95). There was no significant correlation between MIF levels and tumor volume, body mass index (BMI) (p=0.635, 0.674 respectively) Serum MIF level had significant correlation with count of WBC and neutrophils (p=0.008, 0.024 respectively), but had no correlation with count of lymhocytes and monocytes (p=0.688, 0.294 respectively). Conclusions: This study showed a marked increase in MIF concentrations in the peripheral blood of patients with endometrioma, but there was no significant difference with other benign tumors. Serum MIF level had significant correlation with count of WBC and neutrophils. These suggest serum MIF level has no usefulness for differential diagnosis of endometrioma from other benign ovarian cysts.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.57 no.5
• /
• pp.256-261
• /
• 2024

In the context of aging, the susceptibility to infectious diseases increases, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality. This phenomenon, termed immunosenescence, is characterized by dysregulation in the aging immune system, including abnormal alterations in lymphocyte composition, elevated basal inflammation, and the accumulation of senescent T cells. Such changes contribute to increased autoimmune diseases, enhanced infection severity, and reduced responsiveness to vaccines. Utilizing aging animal models becomes imperative for a comprehensive understanding of immunosenescence, given the complexity of aging as a physiological process in living organisms. Our investigation focuses on Cisd2, a causative gene for Wolfram syndrome, to elucidate on immunosenescence. Cisd2 knockout (KO) mice, serving as a model for premature aging, exhibit a shortened lifespan with early onset of aging-related features, such as decreased bone density, hair loss, depigmentation, and optic nerve degeneration. Intriguingly, we found that the Cisd2 KO mice present a higher number of neutrophils in the blood; however, isolated neutrophils from these mice display functional defects. Through mass spectrometry analysis, we identified an interaction between Cisd2 and Calnexin, a protein known for its role in protein quality control. Beyond this function, Calnexin also regulates calcium homeostasis through interaction with sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA). Our study proposes that Cisd2 modulates calcium homeostasis via its interaction with Calnexin and SERCA, consequently influencing neutrophil functions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.85-85
• /
• 2003

Human lactoferrin (hLF) is an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein that is expressed in high concentration in milk and in lesser amount in the secondary or specific granules of neutrophils and in plasma, LF is classically considered to be related to the binding, transport, and storage of iron. The transgenic mice carrying the human hLF gene in conjunction with the bovine $\beta$-casein promoter produced the human hLF in their milk during lactation. To screen transgenic mice, PCR was carried out using chromosomal DNA extracted from tail or toe tissues. In this study, stability of germ line transmission and expression of hLF were monitored up to generation Fl7 of a transgenic line. When female mouse of generation F9 was crossbred with normal male, generation F9 to Fl7 mice showed similar transmission rates ($66.0 \pm 12.57%, 42.0 \pm 14.98%, 72.2 \pm 25.45%, 50.0 \pm 16.70%, 65.7 \pm 6.45%, 48.6 \pm 14.65%, 54 1 \pm 18 11%, 57.8 \pm 16.16% and 48.6 \pm 20.66$, respectively), implying that the hLF gene can be transmitted stably up to long term generation in the transgenic mice For ELISA analysis, hLF expression levels were determined with an hLF ELISA kit in accordance with the supplier's protocol. Expression levels of human hLF from milk of generation F9 to Fl3 mice were $ 3.2 \pm 0.69 mg/ml, 3.1 \pm 0.81 mg/ml, 4.6 \pm 1.38 mg/ml, 3.1 \pm 0.42 mg/ml, and 4.5 \pm 1,48 mg/ml$, respectively. These expression levels were lower than that of founder (6.6 mg/$m\ell$) mouse. We concluded that transgenic mice faithfully passed the transgene on their progeny and successively secreted target proteins into their milk through several generations.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.51 no.3
• /
• pp.211-223
• /
• 2001

Background : Rhinovirus infection of the airways results in increased permeability of the airway vascular endothelium with the influx of plasma proteins, including lipids such as LDL. In vitro studies on the effect of oxLDL on leukocytes has shown many pro inflammatory effects on multiple leukocytes. We hypothesized that oxLDL is one mechanism for recruiting granulocytes to the airways during a RV infection. Therefore, chemotaxis and transendothelial migration, in response to nLDL, was determined for these granulocytes. Methods : nLDL was oxidized with 5mM Cu2S04 for 20-24 hours. 3-5 105 cells were loaded into the Transwell filter while the chemotatic agonists were placed in the lower well for chemotaxis. Confluent monolayers on HPMEC were grown on Transwell filters for transendothelial migration. The filters were washed and eosinophils and neutrophils loaded on to the filter with the chemotatic agonist was were placed in the lower well. The wells were incubated for 3 hours. The number of migrating cells was counted on a hemocytometer. Results : OxLDL, but not nLDL, is chemotatic for eosinophils and neutrophils. The level of granulocytes chemotaxis was dependent on both the concentration of LDL and its degree of oxidation. OxLDL stimulates eosinophil and neutrophils migration across HPMEC monolayers (+/-IL-$1{\beta}$ preactivation) in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion : Increased vascular permeability during a RV infection may lead to the influx and oxidation of LDL. The resulting oxLDL. is one possible mechanism for the recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils to the airway interstitial matrix. Once in the airways, granulocytes can further interact with oxLDL to promote airway inflammation.