• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.157-163
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• 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which encompasses alcoholic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the economic and health impacts of ALD are clear, few advances have been made in its prevention or treatment. We recently demonstrated that the insect-derived antimicrobial peptide CopA3 exerts anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities in various cell systems, including neuronal cells and colonic epithelial cells. Here, we tested whether CopA3 inhibits ethanol-induced liver injury in mice. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol only or ethanol plus CopA3 for 24 h and then liver injury and inflammatory responses were measured. Ethanol enhanced the production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-10. It also induced hepatocyte apoptosis and ballooning degeneration in hepatocytes. Notably, all these effects were eliminated or significantly reduced by CopA3 treatment. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CopA3 ameliorates ethanol-induced liver cell damage and inflammation, suggesting the therapeutic potential of CopA3 for treating ethanol-induced liver injury.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.233-240
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• 2017

본 연구는 소포체스트레스(endoplasmic reticulum stress)에 의해 유발되는 지방간(hepatic steatosis)에 대한 오미자추출물(Schisandra chinensis)의 주요성분인 gomisin A의 지방간 보호 효능에 대하여 연구하였다. 이를 위해 HepG2 세포에 소포체스트레스 유도물질인 tunicamycin 또는 palmitate을 처리하여 세포에서의 지방간 모델을 만들어 실험을 진행 하였으며, 소포체스트레스 표지자(marker)인 GRP78, CHOP, XBP-1의 발현을 측정하였다. Tunicamycin 처리한 세포에서는 GRP78, CHOP, XBP-1의 발현이 증가되었으나, gomisin A를 처리 한 세포에서는 이들의 발현 증가가 억제됨을 확인하였다. 이는 palmitate를 처리한 HepG2 세포에서도 palmitate에 의해 증가하는 소포체스트레스 표지자들이 gomisin A을 처리한 세포에서 발현이 감소함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과에 의해, gomisin A는 소포체스트레스를 억제함을 알 수 있었다. 다음으로 gomisin A가 in vivo에서 소포체스트레스 및 지방간에 대한 보호효과가 있는지 확인하기 위해, tunicamycin과 고지방(high fat diet)으로 식이 한 쥐에서 소포체스트레스와 지방간의 보호효능에 대해 실험을 진행하였다. Tunicamycin과 고지방식이을 한 쥐의 간에서 중성지방이 증가하였으나, gomisin A를 처리한 쥐의 간에서 중성지방의 수준이 유의적으로 감소함을 확인하였다. 소포체스트레스 표지자들 역시 tunicamycin이나 고지방식이을 한 쥐에서 증가되나 gomisin A를 처리한 쥐에서 감소됨을 확인하였다. Gomisin A의 염증 반응에서의 조절기능을 확인하기 위하여 $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 그리고 MCP1과 같은 염증관련 유전자들의 발현을 분석한 결과, tunicamycin이나 고지방식이을 한 쥐에서 염증유전자들의 발현이 증가하였으나 gomisin A를 처리한 쥐에서는 유의적으로 감소하였다. 종합적으로 본 연구 결과에 의하면, gomsin A는 소포체스트레스를 억제하여 지방간의 생성을 저해함을 알 수 있었다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권9호
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• pp.796-805
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• 2021

간 소포체(ER) 스트레스는 비알콜성지방간과 인슐린 저항성의 발달에 기여하고, unfolded protein response(UPR)의 구성요소는 지질 대사를 조절한다. 최근 연구에 따르면 ER 스트레스와 비정상적인 세포 지질 대사 사이의 연관성이 보고되었으며, 이 과정에서 지질 대사의 중심 조절자인 sterol regulatory element binding proteins(SREBPs)의 관련성이 확인되었다. 그러나 ER 스트레스 동안 지질 대사를 조절하는 SREBP의 정확한 역할과 비알콜성지방간에 대한 기여는 아직 밝혀지지 않았다. 본 연구에서 SREBP-1c 결핍은 UPR, 염증 및 지방산 산화 조절을 통해 ER 스트레스에 의해 유도된 비알콜성지방간으로부터 생쥐를 보호한다는 것을 보여준다. SREBP-1c는 inositol requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α) 발현을 직접적으로 조절하고 ER 스트레스에 의해 유도된 tumor necrosis factor-α의 활성화를 매개하여 peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC1α)의 감소와 그에 따른 지방산 산화의 장애를 유발한다. 그러나, SREBP-1c의 유전적 결핍은 이러한 현상을 보호하여 간 염증과 지방 축적을 완화시킨다. SREBP-1c 결핍이 ER 스트레스에 의해 유도된 염증 신호를 방지하는 메커니즘은 아직 밝혀지지 않았지만, SREBP-1c가 결핍된 Kupffer 세포에서 IRE1α 신호의 변화가 염증 신호에 관여할 수 있을 것으로 생각된다. 본 연구결과는 SREBP-1c가 ER 스트레스에 의해 유도된 비알콜성지방간에서 UPR 및 염증의 조절에 중요한 역할을 함을 시사한다.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.109-120
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of KHchunggan-tang aqueous extract on the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) induced by palmitate. Materials and Methods: To generate a cellular model of NAFLD, we used HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, treated with 0.5 mM palmitate. By this cellular model, effects of KHchunggan-tang aqueous extract were evaluated. Intracellular lipid accumulation, free radical formation, and apoptosis were detected by Nile red staining, 2',7'-dichloroflourescin diacetate(H2DCF-DA), and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI)/propidium iodide(PI) staining, respectively. Some proteins related with NAFLD were determined by western blot. Results: Typical pathological features of NAFLD occurred in the cellular model. Palmitate increased the levels of intracellular lipid vacuoles, decreased cell viability, and increased apoptosis. Palmitate increased free radical formation and lipid peroxidation, too. However, KHchunggan-tang aqueous extract reduced palmitate-induced pathologic features, i.e. steatosis, free radical formation, and apoptosis. In addition, KHchunggan-tang aqueous extract suppressed palmitate-activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) signaling, and SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, significantly reversed the palmitate-induced pathologic changes as KHchunggan-tang aqueous extract. It means that the signaling pathway other than JNK can be involved in the KHchunggan-tang mediated cellular protection of palmitate-treated Hep G2 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that KHchunggan-tang aqueous extract has hepatoprotective effects on NAFLD with combined properties in cellular steatosis, ROS production, and cytoprotection, and thus may have valuable clinical applications for treatment of this chronic liver disease.

• BMB Reports
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• 제45권7호
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• pp.396-401
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• 2012

Overnutrition is one of the major causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is characterized by an accumulation of lipids (triglycerides) in hepatocytes and is often accompanied by high plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFA). In this study, we compared the energy metabolism in acute steatotic and non-steatotic primary mouse hepatocytes. Acute steatosis was induced by pre-incubation with high concentrations of oleate and palmitate. Labeling experiments were conducted using [$U-^{13}C_5$,$U-^{15}N_2$] glutamine. Metabolite concentrations and mass isotopomer distributions of intracellular metabolites were measured and applied for metabolic flux estimation using transient $^{13}C$ metabolic flux analysis. FFAs were efficiently taken up and almost completely incorporated into triglycerides (TAGs). In spite of high FFA uptake rates and the high synthesis rate of TAGs, central energy metabolism was not significantly changed in acute steatotic cells. Fatty acid ${\beta}$-oxidation does not significantly contribute to the detoxification of FFAs under the applied conditions.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제24권5호
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• pp.470-482
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• 2021

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between sonographic measurements of fatty liver and body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-Z score), abdominal wall fat thickness (AWFT), and serum biochemical parameters in childhood obesity. Methods: Anthropometric, laboratory, and ultrasonography data were obtained from 174 children with BMI-Z score >1. After the qualitative grading of hepatosteatosis (grades 0-3), the quantitative liver-kidney echogenicity ratio (LKER) was calculated using a software tool. Groups according to sex, age (AG-I to AG-III), BMI-Z score (BMG-I to BMG-III), and hepatosteatosis degree (HS-I and HS-II) were formed. The differences and distributions of the variables were statistically analyzed and compared among the groups. Results: Serum transaminase and glucose levels showed a positive correlation with LKER, whereas the HDL level showed a negative correlation. BMI-Z score and AWFT showed a positive correlation with fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR value. LKER was significantly higher in girls than in boys (p=0.008). In the AG-I group (age 3-8.9 years), the BMI-Z score was significantly higher, whereas AWFT was significantly lower than in the other age groups (p<0.001). The cutoff point of LKER for predicting grade 2 or higher steatosis (HS-II group) was determined to be 1.83. Cardiovascular disease risk was significantly higher in the HS-II group (p=0.035). Conclusion: As a valuable quantitative measurement tool, LKER can be used for the sonographic screening of fatty liver. AWFT, on the basis of its correlation with fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR value, may be a useful sonographic parameter in the management of childhood obesity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제12권6호
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• pp.503-511
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. MATERIAL/METHODS: The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver. RESULTS: The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and $ABTS^+$ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.65-70
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• 2014

Recent episodes of severe air pollution in eastern Asia have been reported in the scientific literature and news media. Therefore, there is growing concern about the systemic effects of air pollution on human health. Along with the other well-known harmful effects of air pollution, recently, several animal models have provided strong evidence that air pollutants can induce liver toxicity and act to accelerate liver inflammation and steatosis. This review briefly describes examples where exposure to air pollutants was involved in liver toxicity, focusing on how particulate matter (PM) or carbon black (CB) may be translocated from lung to liver and what liver diseases are closely associated with these air pollutants.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.501-510
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• 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children. The global prevalence of pediatric NAFLD from general populations is 7.6%. In obese children, the prevalence is higher in Asia. NAFLD has a strong heritable component based on ethnic difference in the prevalence and clustering within families. Genetic polymorphisms of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2, and glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) are associated with the risk of NAFLD in children. Variants of PNPLA3 and GCKR are more common in Asians. Alterations of the gut microbiome might contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. High fructose intake increases the risk of NAFLD. Liver fibrosis is a poor prognostic factor for disease progression to cirrhosis. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction are more accurate for steatosis quantification than ultrasound. Noninvasive imaging methods to assess liver fibrosis, such as transient elastography, shear-wave elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography are useful in predicting advanced fibrosis, but they need further validation. Longitudinal follow-up studies into adulthood are needed to better understand the natural history of pediatric NAFLD.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.185-192
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• 2007

목 적: 본 연구에서는 소아 비만 환자에서 발생하는 비알코올성 지방간 질환의 발병에 TNF-${\alpha}$, adiponectin, leptin 등의 adipokine들이 미치는 영향을 알아보며, 이들 adipokine과 체지방분포 및 인슐린 저항성과의 연관성을 함께 살펴보고자 하였다. 방 법: 2004년 3월에서 2005년 6월까지 분당서울대병원 소아과에 내원한 비만한 소아 61명을 대상으로 하여 비알코올성 지방간 질환의 상태에 따라 대상 환자들을 지방간 질환이 없는 소아 비만 환자(n=23), 단순 지방간(n=20), 그리고 비알코올성 지방간염(n=18)의 세군으로 나누고, 각 환자에서 혈중 TNF-${\alpha}$, leptin, adiponectin 농도를 측정하고 인슐린 저항성의 지표로서 HOMA-IR을 계산하였으며 복부 전산화단층촬영에서 VSR (visceral-subcutaneous fat ratio)을 산출하였다. 결 과: 총 61명(남 : 여=42 : 19, 평균 연령 11.2${\pm}$1.3세)의 환아를 대상으로 지방간 질환에 따라 세 군으로 나누었을 때, 세 군 간의 성별, 연령별 차이는 없었다(p=0.422, p=0.119). 각 군의 혈중 TNF-${\alpha}$ 농도는 유의한 차이가 없었고(22.13${\pm}$6.37 vs. 21.35${\pm}$6.95 vs. 25.17${\pm}$9.30; p=0.342), leptin 농도에도 유의한 차이가 없었으나 (20.29${\pm}$8.57 vs. 16.42${\pm}$6.85 vs. 20.10${\pm}$7.86; p=0.330), adiponectin은 유의한 차이를 보여 비알코올성 지방간염에서 혈중농도가 의미 있게 감소하였다 (6.08${\pm}$1.38 vs. 5.69${\pm}$0.79 vs. 4.93${\pm}$1.75; p=0.026). 복부 전산화단층 촬영에서 산출한 VSR도 지방간염군에서 유의하게 증가된 소견을 보였다(0.31${\pm}$0.08 vs. 0.32${\pm}$0.11 vs. 0.47${\pm}$0.14; p=0.001). HOMA-IR도 세 군에서 유의한 차이를 보였다(4.77${\pm}$3.67 vs. 6.89${\pm}$7.05 vs. 10.42${\pm}$6.73; p=0.000). 그러나 adiponectin과 HOMA-IR 또는 VSR간에 유의한 상관관계는 보이지 않았다(r=-0.117; p=0.450 & r=-0.106; p=0.499). 결 론: 인슐린 저항성은 비만한 소아에서 간 내 지방 축적과 지방간염으로의 진행과정에 모두 영향을 미칠 것으로 추정되며, 비만한 소아의 지방조직에서 분비되는 adipokine 중에서 adiponectin이 단순지방간에서 지방간염으로의 이행하는 기전에 관여할 것으로 여겨진다.