• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.255-261
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the probiotic properties and antioxidant capacity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Vietnamese feces and the Korean traditional food kimchi. Six isolated strains were identified as Lactobacillus sp. by 16S rRNA sequencing. All strains showed good resistance to low pH (1.5, 2.0, and 3.0) and 0.3% oxgall bile acids. Culture filtrates from the six strains showed various antioxidant effects, including DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and metal chelating ($Fe^{2+}$) activities. Two of the six Lactobacillus strains showed potential probiotic activity. Heat resistance and adhesion assays were conducted by mixing the selected strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus V4, Lactobacillus plantarum V7, and Lactobacillus paracasei DK121 isolated from kimchi. The results showed that the heat resistance of these strains was similar to that of a commercial strain, L. plantarum LP. In addition, a mucin attachment assay using the mixture of selected strains (V4, V7, and DK121) showed high binding activity to the mucous layer. In conclusion, a mixture of V4, V7, and DK121 shows promising probiotic activity and may be useful for the development of health-related products.

• Gut and Liver
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.682-693
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as ulcerative colitis. This dysfunction is caused by increased permeability and the loss of tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether estradiol treatment reduces colonic permeability, tight junction disruption, and inflammation in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colon cancer mouse model. Methods: The effects of $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2) were evaluated in ICR male mice 4 weeks after AOM/DSS treatment. Histological damage was scored by hematoxylin and eosin staining and the levels of the colonic mucosal cytokine myeloperoxidase (MPO) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the effects of E2 on intestinal permeability, tight junctions, and inflammation, we performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression levels of mucin 2 (MUC2) and mucin 4 (MUC4) were measured as target genes for intestinal permeability, whereas zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin (OCLN), and claudin 4 (CLDN4) served as target genes for the tight junctions. Results: The colitis-mediated induced damage score and MPO activity were reduced by E2 treatment (p<0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier-related molecules (i.e., MUC2, ZO-1, OCLN, and CLDN4) were decreased by AOM/DSS-treatment; furthermore, this inhibition was rescued by E2 supplementation. The mRNA and protein expression of inflammation-related genes (i.e., KLF4, NF-${\kappa}B$, iNOS, and COX-2) was increased by AOM/DSS-treatment and ameliorated by E2. Conclusions: E2 acts through the estrogen receptor ${\beta}$ signaling pathway to elicit anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal barrier by inducing the expression of MUC2 and tight junction molecules and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.59-64
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• 2018

The airway epithelium is the first place, where a defense mechanism is initiated against environmental stimuli. Mucociliary transport (MCT), which is the defense mechanism of the airway and the role of airway epithelium as mechanical barriers are essential in innate immunity. To maintain normal physiologic function, normal oxygenation is critical for the production of energy for optimal cellular functions. Several pathologic conditions are associated with a decrease in oxygen tension in airway epithelium and chronic sinusitis is one of the airway diseases, which is associated with the hypoxic condition, a potent inflammatory stimulant. We have observed the overexpression of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), an essential factor for oxygen homeostasis, in the epithelium of sinus mucosa in sinusitis patients. In a series of previous reports, we have found hypoxia-induced mucus hyperproduction, especially by MUC5AC hyperproduction, disruption of epithelial barrier function by the production of VEGF, and down-regulation of junctional proteins such as ZO-1 and E-cadherin. Furthermore, hypoxia-induced inflammation by HMGB1 translocation into the cytoplasm results in the release of IL-8 through a ROS-dependent mechanism in upper airway epithelium. In this mini-review, we briefly introduce and summarize current progress in the pathogenesis of sinusitis related to hypoxia. The investigation of hypoxia-related pathophysiology in airway epithelium will suggest new insights on airway inflammatory diseases, such as rhinosinusitis for clinical application and drug development.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

Cancer stem cells, which are known to drive tumor formation and maintenance, are a major obstacle in the effective treatment of various types of cancer. Trans-membrane glycoprotein mucin 1 antigen and cell surface glycogen CD44 antigen are well-known surface markers of breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells, respectively. To effectively treat cancer cells and cancer stem cells, we developed a new drug-encapsulating liposome conjugated with dual-DNA aptamers specific to the surface markers of breast cancer cells and their cancer stem cells. These two aptamer (Apt)-targeted liposomes, which were prepared to encapsulate doxorubicin (Dox), were named "Dual-Apt-Dox". Dual-Apt-Dox is significantly more cytotoxic to both cancer stem cells and cancer cells compared to liposomes lacking the aptamers. Furthermore, we demonstrated the inhibitory efficacy of Dual-Apt-Dox against the experimental lung metastasis of breast cancer stem cells and cancer cells in athymic nude mice. We also showed the potent antitumor effects of dual-aptamer-conjugated liposome systems by targeting cancer cells as well as cancer stem cells. Thus, our data indicate that dual-aptamer-conjugated liposome systems can prove to be effective drug delivery vehicles for breast cancer therapy.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.469-474
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• 2016

Liriopogons (Liriope and Opiopogon) species are used as a main medicinal ingredient in several Asian countries. The Liriopes Radix (tuber, root of Liriope platyphylla) has to be a promising candidate due to their source of phytochemicals. Steroidal saponins and their glycosides, phenolic compounds, secondary metabolites are considered of active constituents in Liriopes Radix. Spicatoside A, a steroidal saponin, could be more efficacious drug candidate in future. In this review, we summarized the available knowledge on phytochemical and pharmacological activities for spicatoside A. It significantly suppressed the level of NF-${\kappa}B$, NO, iNOS, Cox-2, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and MAPKs in LPS-stimulated inflammation. The production of MUC5AC mucin was increased. MMP-13 expression was down-regulated in IL-$1{\beta}$-treated cells and reduced glycosaminoglycan release from IL-$1{\alpha}$-treated cells. The neurite outgrowth activity, PI3K, Akt, ERK1/2, TrkA and CREB phosphorylation and neurotropic factors such as NGF and BDNF were upregulated with increased latency time. It also showed cell growth inhibitory activity on various carcinoma cells. From this, spicatoside A exerts anti-inflammation, anti-asthma, anti-osteoclastogenesis, neurite outgrowth, memory consolidation and anticancer activities. Further studies are needed on spicatoside A in order to understand mechanisms of action to treat various human diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 1990

To evaluate the diagnostic findings of salivary gland tumors, we reexamined aspiration cytology smears of 7 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, 3 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 3 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, performed during April 1986 to March 1990, which were comfirmed by surgical excision and histologic diagnosis. The results obtained are summarized as follows : 1. All cases of pleomorphic adenoma showed branching cellular clusters of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Acellular elements including myxomatous and chondroid components were observed. There were no cellular pleomorphism and nucleoli. Keratinizing squamous epithelial cells and keratin pearls were noted. 2. The smears of adenoid cystic carcinoma showed cell bails or cell cords containing a central hyaline core. Nuclear atypism and the nucleoli were frequently observed. There were no keratinizing squamous epithelial cells. 3. The smears of mucoepidermoid carcinoma showed mainly sheets or clusters of intermediate cells and some mucin-producing cells. Some nuclear pleomorphism was observed. Mucinous material and many inflammatory cells were present in the background.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.120-125
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• 2010

Dysfunction of the virus-specific T cells is a cardinal feature in chronic persistent viral infections such as one caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). In chronic HCV infection, virus-specific dysfunctional CD8 T cells often overexpress various inhibitory receptors. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) was the first among these inhibitory receptors that were identified to be overexpressed in functionally impaired T cells. The roles of other inhibitory receptors such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3) have also been demonstrated in T-cell dysfunctions that occur in chronic HCV patients. Blocking these inhibitory receptors in vitro restores the functions of HCV-specific CD8 T cells and allows enhanced proliferation, cytolytic activity and cytokine production. Therefore, the blockade of the inhibitory receptors is considered as a novel strategy for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.119-132
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• 1989

Gamma irradiation as a new physical treatment was applied to comparative investigates with a conventional ethylene oxide fumigant on the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of selected spices and dry vegetables such as powdered red pepper, black pepper, welsh onion, onion, garlic, carrot, korean cabbage and instant ramyon soup. The microorganisms contaminated in the sample, including total viable count, thermophilic bacteria, aerobic spore and fungi counts between the $10^4\;to\;10^6/g$ range. Coliforms were found only in black pepper and welsh onion powder as the $10^2\;to\;10^3/g$ level. A radiation dose of 7 to 10 KGy were sterilized completely to the contaminated microorganisms, while ehthylene oxide (E.O.) fumigation reduced of them to the $10^3/g$ level. An optimum dose of irradiation was less detrimental than E.O. fumigation to the physicochemical properties of the sample. Sensory evaluation after three months of storage at room temperatures showed that the overall acceptability of irradiated sample was higher than that of the non treated control as well as E.O. fumigated samples. Comparison gamma irradiation with E.O. gas treatment showed that E.O. treatment was less effective than radiation in cotrolling microbial contamination of spices and vegetables.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.451-455
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• 2007

The glandular odontogenic cyst is an uncommon odontogenic cyst as a distinct entity. We reviewed a series of 7 glandular odontogenic cysts of the jaws experienced between 2003 and 2006 at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Chosun university. The study group consisted of 3 females (42.9%) and 4 males (57.1%), with an age range of 31 to 75 years and mean age was 58.6 years. The maxilla was involved in 5 cases (71.4%) and the mandible in 2 cases (28.6%). Three cases involved impacted tooth. Clinically 6 cases showed swelling and tenderness. All the lesion presented well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesion radiographically. Provisional clinical diagnosis was varied, incisional biopsy was done in 1 case. Histopathologically, those were lined by non-keratinized stratified epithelium and thickened epithelial segments (plaques) are seen within the lining epithelium. And epithelial lining contains eosinophilic cuboidal type cells, mucous cells and mucin pools in microcystic areas are identified. All cysts were treated by enucleation. All cases are not recurred during follow up period.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.348-354
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• 2022

Recent studies have shown that probiotics have health-promoting effects, particularly intestinal immune modulation. In this study, we focused on the immunomodulatory properties of Latilactobacillus curvatus BYB3, formerly called Lactobacillus curvatus, isolated from kimchi. In a mouse model of 14-day dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, treatment with L. curvatus BYB3 significantly decreased the disease activity index, colon length, and weight loss. Moreover, histological analyses showed that L. curvatus BYB3 protected the structural integrity of the intestinal epithelial layer and mucin-secreting goblet cells from DSS-induced damage, with only slight infiltration by immune cells. To evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying L. curvatus BYB3-driven inhibition of interleukin 6 production, possible in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of L. curvatus BYB3 were examined in the same mouse model. In addition, significantly lower levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 upregulation were seen in the DSS+BYB3 group (compared to that in the DSS group). These results indicate that L. curvatus BYB3 exhibits health-promoting effects via immune modulation; and therefore, it can be used to treat various inflammatory diseases.