• 대한한방소아과학회지
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.31-46
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• 2014

Objectives Forsythiae Fructus treatment has been used for inflammatory and allergic diseases in Korean Medicine. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action and the cellular targets are not understood well. The pathogenesis of allergic diseases are associated with Th2 cytokines such as IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$, IL-13, IL-5, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6, which are secreted by the mast cells. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Forsythiae Fructus extracts (FF) on Th2 cytokines expression and signal transduction in MC/9 mast cells. Methods In the study, MC/9 mast cells were stimulated with DNP-IgE for 24 hours and then treated separately with CsA $10{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and varying doses of FF for one hour. MC/9 mast cells stimulated with DNP-IgE was the control group, a treatment with CsA was the positive control group and a treatment with varying doses FF was the experimental groups. The mRNA levels of IL-13, IL-5, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 were analyzed with Real-time PCR. The levels of IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$ were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA). NFAT, AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 were examined by Western blot analysis. Results 1. FF were observed to suppress the mRNA expression of IL-13, IL-5, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 in comparison to DNP-IgE control group. 2. FF also has inhibited the IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$ production significantly in comparison to DNP-IgE control group. 3. Western blot analysis of transduction factors involving Th2 cytokines expression has revealed a prominent decrease of the mast cell specific transduction factors including NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Jun, and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 but c-Fos. Conclusions In conclusion, the anti-allergenic activities of FF may be strongly related to the regulation of transcription factors NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Jun, and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 causing inhibition of Th2 cytokines in mast cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.595-603
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• 2016

(E)-3-Phenyl-1-(2-pyrrolyl)-2-propenone (PPP) is a pyrrole derivative of chalcone, in which the B-ring of chalcone linked to ${\beta}$-carbon is replaced by pyrrole group. While pyrrole has been studied for possible Src inhibition activity, chalcone, especially the substituents on the B-ring, has shown pharmaceutical, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties via inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activity. Our study is aimed to investigate whether this novel synthetic compound retains or enhances the pharmaceutically beneficial activities from the both structures. For this purpose, inflammatory responses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells were analyzed. Nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) mRNA expression, and the intracellular inflammatory signaling cascade were measured. Interestingly, PPP strongly inhibited NO release in a dose-dependent manner. To further investigate this anti-inflammatory activity, we identified molecular pathways by immunoblot analyses of nuclear fractions and whole cell lysates prepared from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with or without PPP pretreatment. The nuclear levels of p50, c-Jun, and c-Fos were significantly inhibited when cells were exposed to PPP. Moreover, according to the luciferase reporter gene assay after cotransfection with either TRIF or MyD88 in HEK293 cells, NF-${\kappa}B$-mediated luciferase activity dose-dependently diminished. Additionally, it was confirmed that PPP dampens the upstream signaling cascade of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 activation. Thus, PPP inhibited Syk, Src, and TAK1 activities induced by LPS or induced by overexpression of these genes. Therefore, our results suggest that PPP displays anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of Syk, Src, and TAK1 activity, which may be developed as a novel anti-inflammatory drug.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.397-408
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• 2011

연구목적: 이 연구에서는 mineral trioxide aggregate 제재인 white ProRoot MTA (wMTA)와 수산화칼슘 제재인 Dycal을 인간치수세포에 적용한 후 치수세포의 분화와 증식, 석회화, 신생혈관형성(angiogenesis) 그리고 염증에 관여하는 유전자들의 발현 변화를 비교하였다. 연구 재료 및 방법: 실험군은 wMTA와 Dycal을 테플론 튜브(내경 10 mm, 길이 1 mm)에 담아 4시간 경화시킨 후 일차세포배양한 인간치수세포에 적용하였고, 대조군은 빈 튜브만을 적용하였다. 3시간, 6시간, 9시간, 24시간 후 total RNA를 추출하고 oligonucleotide microarray 방법을 통하여 유전자 발현 양상을 분석하였다. 위의 결과를 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응(reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction)으로 재확인하였다. 결과: wMTA를 적용한 실험군에서 24,546개의 유전자 중 43개 유전자의 발현이 2배 이상 증가하였으며(예. BMP2, FOSB, THBS1, EDN1, IL11, COL10A1, TUFT1, HMOX1) 25개 유전자의 발현이 50% 이하로 감소하였다(예. SMAD6, TIMP2, DCN, SOCS2, CEBPD, KIAA1199). Dycal을 적용한 실험군에서 239개 유전자의 발현이 2배 이상 증가하였으며(예. BMP2, BMP6, SMAD6, IL11, FOS, VEGFA, PlGF, HMOX1, SOCS2, CEBPD, KIAA1199) 358개 유전자의 발현이 50% 이하로 감소하였다(예. EDN1, FGF). 결론: wMTA를 적용한 치수세포에서는 분화와 증식 그리고 석회화에 관여하는 유전자들의 변화가 관찰되었다. Dycal을 적용한 치수세포에서는 분화와 증식 그리고 신생혈관형성에 관여하는 유전자들의 변화가 관찰되었다. 또 Dycal이 염증에 관여하는 유전자들을 더 많이 발현시키는 양상을 보였다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.119-134
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effects of filiform acupuncture and laser acupuncture at the points of $TE_3{\cdot}GB_{41}$ in neuropathic pain induced rats. Methods : Neuropathic pain in rats was induced by partial resection of the tibial and sural nerves. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, each of the experimental groups(AT, LAT, AT + LAT and LAT + AT) was injected at the $TE_3{\cdot}GB_{41}$ twice per week for three weeks. Results : 1. All of the experimental groups(AT, LAT, AT + LAT and LAT + AT) showed a significant decrease in the plantar withdrawal response of allodynia and the thermal allodynia as compared with the control group. During the early phase, the AT and AT + LAT groups have been marked as more significant than the LAT + AT and LAT groups. 2. The expression of c-Fos significantly decreased in the LAT and LAT + AT groups as compared with the control group. 3. The LAT + AT group showed a significant decrease in Bax as compared with the control group. In each experimental groups(AT, LAT, AT + LAT and LAT + AT), Bcl-2 increased and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decreased as compared with the control group. 4. The LAT, AT + LAT and LAT + AT groups showed a significant increase in mGluR5 as compared with the control group. Conclusions : These results represented that the filiform acupuncture and laser acupuncture at the $TE_3{\cdot}GB_{41}$ exerted anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects on the model of neuropathic pain, thereby suggesting that they should be available for decreasing mechanical allodynia.

• 한국환경성돌연변이발암원학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.12-19
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• 2006

Cadmium, a human carcinogen, can induce toxicity in various cell lines and organs. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms of cadmium-induced cell toxicity and estrogenic potential in human are not clear. This study was performed to investigate cadmium-induced toxicity on human breast cancer cells: MCF-7 cells, an estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cells, and MDA-MB-231 cells, an ER negative breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells was proved to be more sensitive than the other cell lines (IC50 = $50\;{\mu}M$ at MCF-7 cells and $120{\mu}M$ at MDA-MB-231). The expression of JNK and AP-1 transcription factors such as c-Jun and c-Fos dependent transcription were increased by cadmium treatment. Inhibition of ER activation by ER antagonist (tamoxifen or ICI 182,780) significantly recovered the viablity and inhibited apoptotic cell death. This suggested that cadmium-induced cell death in ER (+) cells was mediated by JNK/AP-1 pathway and this pathway was more stimulated by ER activated by cadmium. Co-treatment of antioxidants such as selenium (Se), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), glutathione (GSH), or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) recovered the cadmium-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells. Cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation was decreased by GSH, NAC, or BHA in MCF-7 cells. The expression of SOD protein was decreased by cadmium ($100{\mu}M$) but recovered by GSH, NAC, BHA, or Se. Our data showed that the cadmium-induced cell toxicity in human breast cancer cells could be protected by the antioxidants (Se, BHA, NAC, GSH, or NAC) and ER antagonist (tamoxifen or ICI 182,780). Therefore, toxicity of cadmium in breast cancer were mediated by oxidative stress and $ER{\alpha}$.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.802-808
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• 2005

사람의 Disabled-2 (Dab2)는 정상세포에서 c-Fos의 발현을 억제하여 세포 성장을 조절하는 암억제 유전자로 추정되어 지고 있다. 많은 암세포에서 Dab2는 유방과 난소의 정상세포에서는 발현이 되지만, 약 $85\%$의 유방과 난소의 종양세포에서는 발현이 줄어들거나, 발현이 억제되는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 bisulfite 반응에 의한 염기서열 분석법과 MSP방법 등을 이용하여 유방암 세포주인 MDA MB-231세포에서 Dab2 유전자의 promoter상에 존재하는 Cpg island의 methylation된 상태를 분석하였다. 그 결과, 사람의 정상 자궁내막세포에서는 Dab2 promoter 부위가 완전하게 methylation되어 있지 않았다. 그러나 MDA MB-231세포에서는 TATA box 근처 의 CpG dinucleotide에서 비정상적으로 methylation되어 있었다. 이런 비정상적인 CpG dinucleotide의 methylation은 MDA MB-231세포를 5-azacytidine으로 처리하였을 때 methylation이 풀리고, Dab2의 발현이 회복되는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 인간 유방암 세포주인 MBA MB-231세포에서 Dab2의 발현억제는 Dab2 유전자의 promoter부위의 CpG island의 비정상적인 methylation과 관련이 있는 것으로 여겨진다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.283-291
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• 2006

The survival and growth of epithelial cells depends on adhesion to the extracellular matrix. An adhesion signal may regulate the initiation of differentiation, since epidermal keratinocytes differentiate as they leave the basement membrane. A metabolically dead cornified cell envelope is the end point of epidermal differentiation so that this process may be viewed as a specialized form of programmed cell death. In order to investigate the precise cellular signaling events loading to terminal differentiation of keratinocytes, we have utilized HaCaT cells to monitor the biological consequences of $Ca^{2+}$ stimulation and numerous downstream signaling pathways, including activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase(ERK) pathway and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K). The results presented in this study show that $Ca^{2+}$ function as potent agents for the differentiation of HaCaT keratinocytes, and this differentiation depends or the activation of ERK, Protein kinase B(PKB) and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase(p70S6K). Finally, the results show that the expression of Activator protein 1(AP-1; c-Jun and c-Fos) increased following $Ca^{2+}$-mediated differentiation of HaCaT cells, suggesting that ERK-mediated AP-1 expression is critical for initiating the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.756-766
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• 2005

The signaling mechanism underlying aburatubolactam C-induced FasL upregulation was investigated in human Jurkat T cells. After treatment with aburatubolactam C, the src-family PTKs $p56^{lck}\;and\;p59^{fyn}$, and MAP kinases ERK2 and JNK1, were activated prior to FasL upregulation; Both $p56^{lck}\;and\;p59^{fyn}$ were directly activated 2.4- and 2.2-fold, respectively, in vitro by aburatubolactam C. The aburatubolactam C-induced cellular changes, including the activation of ERK2 and INK1, and FasL upregulation, were completely prevented by the PTK inhibitor genistein. The activation of protein kinase C (PKC$\delta,\;\epsilon\;and\;\mu$ was also induced following aburatubolactam C treatment. Although the activation of $p56^{lck}$ and tyrosine phosphorylation of the cellular proteins were not blocked by the PKC inhibitor GFl09203X, the activation of ERK2 was completely abrogated, along with a detectably enhanced JNK1 activation; FasL upregulation, and apoptosis. However, the FasL upregulation and apoptosis were significantly inhibited by the PKC activator PMA, with a remarkable increase in the ERK2 activation. The cytotoxic effect of aburatubolactam C was reduced in the presence of the anti-Fas neutralizing antibody ZB-4. Although ectopic expression of Bcl-2 failed to completely block the cytotoxicity of aburatubolactam C, it was clearly suppressed. The c-Fos mRNA expression was upregulated in a biphasic manner, where the second phasic expression overlapped with the FasL upregulation. Accordingly, these results demonstrate that aburatubolactam C-induced apoptosis is exerted, at least in part, by FasL upregulation dictated by activation of the PTK ($p56^{lck}\;and\;p59^{fyn}$) /JNKI pathway, which is negatively affected by the concurrent activation of the PKC/ERK2 pathway proximal to PTK activation.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.218-222
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• 2020

Excessive and hyperactive osteoclast activity causes bone diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis. Thus, the regulation of osteoclast differentiation has clinical implications. We recently reported that dehydrocostus lactone (DL) inhibits osteoclast differentiation by regulating a nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here we demonstrated that DL inhibits NFATc1 by regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). DL attenuated IκBα phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation as well as decreased the expression of NF-κB target genes and c-Fos. It also inhibited c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) but not p38 or extracellular signal-regulated kinase. The reporter assay revealed that DL inhibits NF-κB and AP-1 activation. In addition, DL reduced reactive oxygen species either by scavenging them or by activating Nrf2. The DL inhibition of NFATc1 expression and osteoclast differentiation was less effective in Nrf2-deficient cells. Collectively, these results suggest that DL regulates NFATc1 by inhibiting NF-κB and AP-1 via down-regulation of IκB kinase and JNK as well as by activating Nrf2, and thereby attenuates osteoclast differentiation.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.29-34
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• 2014

Bone homeostasis is maintained by balance between bone resorbing-osteoclasts and bone forming-osteoblasts. Excessive osteoclastic bone resorption plays a critical role in bone destruction in pathological bone diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontal disease. Many compounds derived from natural products have pharmacological applications and have therapeutic value for treating or preventing several bone diseases characterized by excessive bone resorption. To discover new compounds that can act as anti-resorptive agents, we screened for natural compounds that regulate osteclast differentiation, and found that water extract of Ziziphus Jujuba Mill (WEZJ) has inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation. In this study, WEZJ clearly inhibits the osteoclast differentiation in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kB (RANKL), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) without cytoxicity by blocking activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1, and c-Fos. In signaling pathway, the phosphorylation of Akt, p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and the expression of osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), tartrate-resistant acid phosphates (TRAP), Integrin av, Integrin b3, Cathepsin K are suppressed, too. These result suggest that WEZJ may have therapeutic value for treating or preventing several bone diseases characterized by excessive bone destruction.