• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.411-416
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• 2023

Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful neurotoxic psychostimulant affecting dopamine transporter (DAT) activity and leading to continuous excess extracellular dopamine levels. Despite recent advances in the knowledge on neurobiological mechanisms underlying METH abuse, there are few effective pharmacotherapies to prevent METH abuse leading to brain damage and neuropsychiatric deficits. α-Pinene (APN) is one of the major monoterpenes derived from pine essential oils and has diverse biological properties including anti-nociceptive, anti-anxiolytic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of APN in a METH abuse mice model. METH (1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was injected into C57BL/6 mice for four alternative days, and a conditioned place preference (CPP) test was performed. The METH-administered group exhibited increased sensitivity to place preference and significantly decreased levels of dopamine-related markers such as dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) and tyrosine hydroxylase in the striatum of the mice. Moreover, METH caused apoptotic cell death by induction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Conversely, APN treatment (3 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced METH-mediated place preference and restored the levels of D2R and tyrosine hydroxylase in the striatum. APN increased the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 to pro-apoptotic Bax ratio and decreased the expression of inflammatory protein Iba-1. METH-induced lipid peroxidation was effectively mitigated by APN by up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes such as manganese-superoxide dismutase and glutamylcysteine synthase via activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2. These results suggest that APN may have protective potential and be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for METH-induced drug addiction and neuronal damage.

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.712-720
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• 2023

Osteoporosis is a growing global health concern primarily associated with decreased estrogen in postmenopausal women. Recently, some strains of probiotics were examined for potential anti-osteoporotic effects. This study intended to evaluate the impacts of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MGE 3038 strain (MGE 3038) in ovariectomized rats. For this purpose, twelve weeks old female Wistar rats (n=21; 250-300 g) were divided into 3 groups; ovariectomy (OVX) group, OVX/MGE 3038 group and Sham group (control). In these groups; two went through respective OVX and one had daily MGE 3038 administration through oral gavage. Prior to 16 weeks after OVX, we collected blood samples and extracted the tibiae. We scanned the extracted tibiae by in-vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and evaluated pathology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. The serum levels of C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin (OC), and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) were examined. The OVX/MGE 3038 group showed increases in bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and a decrease in trabecular spacing than the OVX group. However, OVX/MGE 3038 group and control group were measurably comparable in Tb.Th. Micro-CT, H&E, and Masson's trichrome findings exhibited increased preservation and maintenance of trabecular bone structure in the OVX/MGE 3038 group in comparison to the OVX group. In serum, the levels of CTX, OC and RANKL were significantly different between the OVX and OVX/MGE 3038 groups. Taken together, L. plantarum MGE 3038 could be helpful for the treatment of osteoporosis.

• ALGAE
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.81-92
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• 2023

Obesity-induced inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Gracilaria chorda (GC) on lipid accumulation and obesity-induced inflammatory changes or glucose homeostasis in cell models (3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Samples of GC were extracted using solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) and subcritical water (SW) at different temperatures (90, 150, and 210℃). The total phenolic content of GCSW extract at 210℃ (GCSW210) showed the highest content compared to others, and GCSW210 highly inhibited lipid accumulation and significantly reduced gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, GCSW210 effectively downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, signal transducers and activators of transcription and nuclear factor-κB. In co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages, GCSW210 significantly reduced nitric oxide production and interleukin-6 levels, and improved glucose uptake with dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that GCSW210 improves glucose metabolism by attenuating obesity-induced inflammation in adipocytes, which may be used as a possible treatment option for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.85-95
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• 2024

Objectives : We proposed the hypothesis that administering Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract (TSE) could alleviate menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis resulting from estrogen deficiency. Methods : Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were administered TSE at doses of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks, followed by measurement of serum lipid profile and serum bone markers using ELISA kits. Additionally, analysis of related genes in the femur and uterus was performed using Western blot and real-time PCR. Additionally, micro-CT analysis was performed to investigate the protective effect of TSE against bone loss due to oophorectomy. Results : The administration of TSE led to significant reductions in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the serum of OVX rats. Furthermore, TSE increased estradiol levels in the serum and notably improved the levels of biochemical markers associated with bone metabolism. Additionally, TSE exerted significant regulatory effects on the mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-genes closely associated with bone metabolism in the femur. TSE also demonstrated pronounced effects on uterine tissue, with improvements observed in gene expression related to estrogen receptors. Conclusion : Our findings confirm the efficacy of TSE in ameliorating menopause symptoms by modulating elements associated with both bone and lipid metabolism in the serum, uterine tissue, and femur of OVX rats. The present findings suggest that TSE may offer potential therapeutic effects for symptoms related to menopause and osteoporosis in females.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.26-47
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• 2024

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D levels and the rate of tooth movement, external apical root resorption, bone biomarker expression, and bone remodeling. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched from inception until 14th March 2023 to identify studies investigating the correlation between orthodontic tooth movement and vitamin D in animals and humans. The quality assessment was made in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: Overall, 519 records were identified, and 19 were selected for the qualitative synthesis. Eleven studies investigated the effect of local administration (injections in the periodontal ligament, to the gingiva distal to the teeth, or submucosae palatal area) and systemic administration (oral supplementation) of vitamin D on tooth movement, external apical root movement, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and bone remodeling factors. The remaining eight studies investigated the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and salivary vitamin D levels on bone turnover markers and tooth movement. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review support that vitamin D3 local injections might increase the rate of tooth movement via the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kB/osteoprotegerin axis. However, the non-uniform study designs and the different protocols and outcome methods make it challenging to draw reliable conclusions.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
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• 제44권8호
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• pp.1128-1136
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• 2015

본 연구에서는 참도박 에탄올 추출물(GEHEE)의 항염증 효과를 알아보기 위해 lipopolysaccharide에 의해 활성화된 대식세포로부터 분비되는 염증매개인자들의 발현량과 마우스 모델을 이용한 귀 부종 및 조직학적 관찰 실험을 진행하였다. 그 결과 염증을 유발하는 대표적 물질인 NO 및 사이토카인[interleukin(IL)-6, $IL-1{\beta}$ 및 tumor necrosis factor $receptor-{\alpha}$]의 분비량이 GEHEE 농도 의존적으로 유의적 감소를 보였다. 또한 전사인자인 nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$의 활성과 인산화효소인 mitogen-activated protein kinases(p38, JNK 및 ERK)의 발현량이 억제됨을 확인함에 따라 염증작용 기전에서 이들의 활성 억제가 NO 및 사이토카인 분비량 조절에 영향을 미침을 확인하였다. 동물모델을 이용한 실험에서는 croton oil로 부종을 유발한 마우스 귀 조직에 GEHEE를 처리하였을 때 항염증제인 prednisolone 처리구와 유사한 수준으로 경피 및 진피의 두께가 감소한 것을 확인하였으며, 조직 내 침윤되는 mast cell의 수도 현저히 억제됨을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구 결과는 참도박 에탄올 추출물의 항염증 효능을 가진 기능성 소재로의 이용 가능성을 제시한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.106-112
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• 2020

아미노아실-트랜스퍼 리보핵산 합성효소-상호작용 다기능 단백질 2(AIMP2)는 여러 tRNA 합성효소들과의 결합체를 이루게 하는 기능을 하며, DNA 손상에 대한 반응으로 세포사멸 활성을 나타낼 수 있다. DNA에 손상이 발생하면 AIMP2는 MDM2 공격으로부터 p53을 보호하기 위해 MDM2에 결합한다. TGF-β 신호에서 AIMP2는 세포 핵으로 들어가 FUSE 결합 단백질(FBP)과 결합하여 c-myc을 억제한다. TNF 수용체 관련 인자 2(TRAF2)는 c-Jun N-말단 키나아제(JNK), NF-κB 및 p38 미토겐 활성화 단백질 키나아제(MAPKs)의 신호에서 실행되는 두 수용체, TNF 수용체 1과 2 사이의 중요한 중재자이다. TARF2는 TNF-α 신호에서 JNK와 NF-κB의 활성화에 필요하며, 세포사멸 신호를 막는 중재자 역할을 수행한다. 또한 TNF-α 신호에서 AIMP2는 세포사멸을 향상시킨다. 이 신호에서, AIMP2는 TRAF2를 분해하는 것으로 잘 알려진 E3 유비키틴 효소인 c-IAP1과의 결합을 향상시킨다. AIMP2, TRAF2 및 c-IAP1을 포함한 복합체의 형성은 proteasome을 매개로 하여 TRAF2의 분해를 초래한다. 이러한 연구 결과는 AIMP2가 TNF-α 신호에서 직접적인 상호작용을 통해 TRAF2를 하향 조절시켜 세포사멸을 유도할 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.141-145
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• 2001

Objective: We inversigated Small Heterodimer Partner (SHP) gene mutation in Korean Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) patients. SHP protein regulates the activity of nuclear receptors which regulate the cellular development and differentiation. Recently, the mutation of SHP gene was found in the obesity and diabetes patients in Japanese group, and suggested that its mutation may involved in pathogenic mechanism of PCOS. Methods: This study was performed in 20 PCOS patients and 20 normal women. The DNAs were extracted from the peripheral bloods, and amplified at each exon (1 and 2) of SHP gene by PCR method. Subsequently, each PCR product was digested with the restriction enzyme indicated below for studying restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). After enzyme digestion, the results of RFLP were compared PCOS patients with control women to find any sequence variation. Results: We examined 9 regions of exon 1 with Msp I, Pvu II, Dde I and 3 regions of exon 2 with Pst I, Dde I. There is no heterozygous or homozygous mutation in patients and control women at these restriction sites. Conclusion: The genetic analysis at our restriction sites in the SHP gene did not show any genetic variation in Korean PCOS patients. Our PCR-RFLP analysis was not covered the entire SHP gene (68 bp/1,006 bp), we need to further analysis of the entire SHP gene.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.320-324
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• 2012

Osteoporosis is an important public health issue in postmenopausal women. It is a major public health concern and is widely believed that osteoporosis results from imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Recently natural products from plants have been extensively studied as therapeutic drugs to treat and prevent various diseases. Hoelen (scientific name, Poria cocos) is a mushroom that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Hoelen exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and has a protective effect on tumor progression. However, the effect of hoelen in osteoclast differentiation remains unknown. Thus, we examined the effect of hoelen in receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Hoelen significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in dose dependent manner without toxicity. Also, we showed that hoelen significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phophatase (TRAP) and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) in BMMs treated with RANKL. In Particular, hoelen greatly inhibited the protein expression of NFATc1. Ectopic expression of NFATc1 partially reverses hoelen-mediated inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that hoelen may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis, reumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.

• 대한핵의학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.133-139
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• 2002

목적: 섬광 근접측정법은 항원 항체 반응 후 결합 분획과 유리분획을 분리하는 과정이 필요없다. 이러한 원리를 검체 내 hCG와 항 ${\alpha}$ hCG 항체간의 항원 항체 반응에 적용하고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 항 ${\alpha}$ hCG 항체를 biotin과 결합시켜 SPA bead에 부착된 streptavidin과 부착 가능하게 만들었다. 이 측정법은 항 ${\alpha}$ hCG 항체가 부착된 SPA beads에 대해 혈청내 hCG와 표지항원인 $[^{125}I]hCG$간의 경쟁 반응을 기본 원리로 이용하였다. Biotin 표지 항 ${\alpha}$ hCG 항체를 $[^{125}I]hCG\;100{\mu}{\ell}$와 표준용액이나 환자 혈청 $200{\mu}{\ell}$이 들어있는 실온에서 20분 방치하였다. 그리고 streptavidin이 붙은 SPA beads $20{\mu}{\ell}$를 바이알에 넣고 10분 더 방치한다. 환자 혈청의 수치를 표준 응답곡선을 통해 계산하였다. 결과: SPA측정법에 사용되는 방사성 핵종의 방사능 양에 따라 반응용액 속에서 SPA bead와 자유 방사성 핵종에 의한 배후 방사능이 측정값에 영향이 없음을 확인하였다. SPA 방법을 응용한 측정에서 적합한 표준 응답곡선을 얻었고, 실제 환자혈청에서의 hCG 농도를 결정할 수 있었다. 결론: 이 실험을 통해 SPA 방법을 이용한 측정법이 임상진단에 유용하게 사용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.