• BMB Reports
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• 제53권11호
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• pp.594-599
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• 2020

Lin28a has diverse functions including regulation of cancer, reprogramming and regeneration, but whether it promotes injury or is a protective reaction to renal injury is unknown. We studied how Lin28a acts in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction, in a mouse model. We further defined the role of Lin28a in transforming growth factor (TGF)-signaling pathways in renal fibrosis through in vitro study using human tubular epithelium-like HK-2 cells. In the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model, obstruction markedly decreased the expression of Lin28a, increased the expression of renal fibrotic markers such as type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin. In TGF-β-stimulated HK-2 cells, the expression of Lin28a was reduced and the expression of renal fibrotic markers such as type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin was increased. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Lin28a inhibited the expression of TGF-β-stimulated type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin. Lin28a inhibited TGF-β-stimulated SMAD3 activity, via inhibition of SMAD3 phosphorylation, but not the MAPK pathway ERK, JNK or p38. Lin28a attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy, making its mechanism a possible therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.216-221
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• 2013

Aromadendrin, a flavonol, has been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which aromadendrin exerts its biological activity has not been extensively demonstrated. The objective of this study is to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of aromadedrin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Aromadendrin significantly suppressed LPS-induced excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and $PGE_2$. In accordance, aromadendrin attenuated LPS-induced overexpression iNOS and COX-2. In addition, aromadendrin significantly suppressed LPS-induced degradation of $I{\kappa}B$, which sequesters NF-${\kappa}B$ in cytoplasm, consequently inhibiting the nuclear translocation of pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$. To elucidate the underlying signaling mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of aromadendrin, MAPK signaling pathway was examined. Aromadendrin significantly attenuated LPS-induced activation of JNK, but not ERK and p38, in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, the present study clearly demonstrates that aromadendrin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of nuclear translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and phosphorylation of JNK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.608-614
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• 2017

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1 belongs to protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides and has diverse pharmacological activities. In this report, we investigated whether Rg1 could upregulate muscular stem cell differentiation and muscle growth. Methods: C2C12 myoblasts, MyoD-transfected 10T1/2 embryonic fibroblasts, and HEK293T cells were treated with Rg1 and differentiated for 2 d, subjected to immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, or immunoprecipitation. Results: Rg1 activated promyogenic kinases, p38MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Akt signaling, that in turn promote the heterodimerization with MyoD and E proteins, resulting in enhancing myogenic differentiation. Through the activation of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, Rg1 induced myotube growth and prevented dexamethasone-induced myotube atrophy. Furthermore, Rg1 increased MyoD-dependent myogenic conversion of fibroblast. Conclusion: Rg1 upregulates promyogenic kinases, especially Akt, resulting in improvement of myoblast differentiation and myotube growth.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.423-434
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• 2014

Objectives: Activated microglia cells play an important role in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS) which are involved in neurodegenerative diseases. We attempted to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Cheongnoimyungshin-hwan (CNMSH) in microglia cells. Methods: We examined the effect of CNMSH on the inflammatory responses in BV2 microglia cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explored the mechanism underlying the action of CNMSH. Results: BV2 cells treated with LPS showed an up-regulation of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $PGE_2(PGE_2)$ and interleukin $1{\beta}(IL-1{\beta})$ release, whereas CNMSH suppressed this up-regulation. CNMSH inhibited the induction of COX-2, iNOS and $IL-1{\beta}$ proteins in LPS-treated BV2 cells and blocked the LPS-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B(NF-{\kappa}B$). Furthermore, CNMSH attenuated the LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), as well as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, but did not inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun amino terminal kinase. Conclusions: These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of CNMSH on the LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in BV2 cells is associated with the suppression of the $NF-{\kappa}B$ and PI3KAkt signaling pathways.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제64권3호
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• pp.277-284
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• 2021

The emergence and rapid spread of the potentially fatal coronavirus disease 2019, caused due to infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, has led to worldwide interest in developing functional bioactive ingredients that act as immunomodulatory agents. In this study, we aimed to characterize Carica papaya extract and explore its potential as an immunomodulator by performing in vitro cell screening. Papaya leaf water extract (PLW) was found to significantly increase the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by upregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 activity, respectively. Additionally, PLW increased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1β in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, PLW activated the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not that of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results indicate that PLW increased the production of NO, PGE₂, and pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the JNK and ERK pathways in macrophages, thus demonstrating immunomodulatory properties. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint analysis indicated the presence of rutin, narirutin, and ρ-coumaric acid in PLW (6.30, 119.76, and 47.25 ppm, respectively). Treating cells with these compounds at non-toxic concentrations had no effect on NO production. Taken together, these results suggest that PLW may have potential as an immunity-enhancing supplement.

• BMB Reports
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• 제46권12호
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• pp.594-599
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• 2013

The anti-inflammatory activity of eriodictyol and its mode of action were investigated. Eriodictyol suppressed tumor necrosis factor (mTNF)-${\alpha}$, inducible nitric oxide synthase (miNOS), interleukin (mIL)-6, macrophage inflammatory protein (mMIP)-1, and mMIP-2 cytokine release in LPS-stimulated macrophages. We found that the anti-inflammatory cascade of eriodictyol is mediated through the Toll-like Receptor (TLR)4/CD14, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun-N terminal kinase (JNK), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 pathway. Fluorescence quenching and saturation-transfer difference (STD) NMR experiments showed that eriodictyol exhibits good binding affinity to JNK, $8.79{\times}10^5M^{-1}$. Based on a docking study, we propose a model of eriodictyol and JNK binding, in which eriodictyol forms 3 hydrogen bonds with the side chains of Lys55, Met111, and Asp169 in JNK, and in which the hydroxyl groups of the B ring play key roles in binding interactions with JNK. Therefore, eriodictyol may be a potent anti-inflammatory inhibitor of JNK.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.227-237
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• 2003

목적: 만성 골수성 백혈병 세포인 K562 세포주는 방사선 및 다양한 항암제에 대한 apoptosis에 저항성을 가진다. 지난 연구에서 K562 세포는 방사선에 대하여 내성반응을 보이며, 세포내 PTK의 작용을 억제하고자 방사선 조사와 함께 투여한 herbimycin A (HMA)에 의하여 방사선에 대한 apoptosis와 같은 감수성반응이 유도되는 반면, genistein에 의하여 방사선에 대한 apoptosis 반응이 저해됨을 확인하였다. 본 연구에서는 타이로신 인산화효소 억제에 의한 K562 세포의 방사선 반응변화를 조절하는 신호전달경로를 조사하였다. 대상 및 방법: K562 세포를 지수증식기의 세포들만 선택하여 실험에 이용하였다. 방사선조사는 6 MeV 선형가속기(Clinac 1800C, Varian)를 이 용하여 $200\~300$ cGy/min 선량률로 $0.5\~12 $ Gy를 균일하게 조사하였다. HMA와 genistein은 각각 $0.25/muM,\;25\muM$을 방사선 조사 후 즉시 투여하였다. 실험에서 신호전달 경로로 abl kinase, MAPK family, NF-kB, c-fos, c-myc, thymidine kinase1 (TK1) 등에서의 단백질 또는 유전자 발현 및 활성을 조사하였다. 또한 약제 투여에 따른 유전자 발현차이(differential gene expression)를 조사하였다. 결과: Abl kinase의 발현 및 활성 변화를 조사하였으나 PTK 저해제에 의한 방사선 유도 세포사의 변화와의 연관성을 찾을 수 없었다. 세포 생존 및 사멸의 신호전달체계에서 주요 조절과정인 MAPK family의 관여 여부 확인에서 방사선으로 인한 SAPK/JNK의 활성화의 유도가 관찰되었으나, PTK 저해제에 따른 변화는 없었으며, 또한 MAPK/ERK와 p38 MAPK 활성은 모든 조건에서 변함 없이 일정하였다. 전사인자 활성화에 대한 조사에서 방사선 조사와 함께 genistein을 투여한 경우에 NF-kB활성이 증가하였다. 유전자 발현 차이의 조사에서 genistein 투여에 의한 TK 1 유전자 발현 및 단백질 활성이 증가하였다. 결론: PTK 억제에 의한 K562 세포의 방사선에 대한 반응 변화는 bcrabl kinase 활성과는 무관하게 진행되며, MAPK family 경로 외의 다른 경로를 통한 전사인자 활성화 과정이 연관되어 있음을 확인하였다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.51-55
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• 2022

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)는 세포의 기저막 분해에 관여하는 효소로 과발현된 MMPs는 암세포 침윤과 전이에 직접적인 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 항산화, 항염증, 항균활성 있는 것으로 보고되어 있는 염주괴불주머니 추출물을 이용하여 PMA로 유도된 인간 섬유육종세포 HT-1080 세포에서 MMP-2, MMP-9의 발현 조절에 미치는 영향을 확인하였다. 그 결과 염주괴불주머니 추출물은 TIMP-1 및 TIMP-2를 증가시키면서 MMP-2 및 MMP-9의 mRNA 및 단백질 발현 수준을 모두 감소시키는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 p38, JNK, ERK의 인산화를 억제하였으며, 이를 통해 염주괴불주머니 추출물은 MAPKs 신호 전달 경로 조절에 영향을 줌으로써 MMPs 발현을 감소시키는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 이러한 연구의 결과는 염주괴불주머니를 이용한 암 전이 억제 소재 개발을 위한 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제10권6호
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• pp.219-229
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• 2010

Background: N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a member of the NDRG gene family. Our previous report indicated a possible role for NDRG2 in regulating the cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10), which is an important immunosuppressive cytokine. Several pathways, including p38-MAPK, NF-${\kappa}B$, and JAK/STAT, are used for IL-10 production, and the JAK/STAT pathway can be inhibited in a negative feedback loop by the inducible protein, SOCS3. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NDRG2 gene expression on IL-10 signaling pathway that is modulated via SOCS3 and STAT3. Methods: We generated NDRG2-overexpressing U937 cell line (U937-NDRG2) and treated the cells with PMA to investigate the role of NDRG2 in IL-10 production. U937 cells were also transfected with SOCS3- or NDRG2-specific siRNAs to examine whether the knockdown of SOCS3 or NDRG2 influenced IL-10 expression. Lastly, STAT3 and SOCS3 induction was measured to identify the signaling pathway that was associated with IL-10 production. Results: RT-PCR and ELISA assays showed that IL-10 was increased in U937-mock cells upon stimulation with PMA, but IL-10 was inhibited by overexpression NDRG2. After PMA treatment, STAT3 phosphorylation was decreased in a time-dependent manner in U937-mock cells, whereas it was maintained in U937-NDRG2 cells. SOCS3 was markedly reduced in U937-NDRG2 cells compared with U937-mock cells. IL-10 production after PMA stimulation was reduced in U937 cells when SOCS3 was inhibited, but this effect was less severe when NDRG2 was inhibited. Conclusion: NDRG2 expression modulates SOCS3 and STAT3 activity, eventually leading to the inhibition of IL-10 production.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권5호
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• pp.464-474
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• 2021

대사성질환, 암, 손상, 및 패혈증 등에 의해 유도되는 염증은 산화스트레스를 통해 세포의 미토콘드리아의 기능을 감퇴시켜 신경증과 근육위축증 등을 야기한다. 본 연구에서는 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)에 의해 유도된 미토콘 드리아의 기능감퇴와 근육위측증에 대한 butyrate의 억제효과를 확인하고자 하였다. LPS의 처리는 C2C12세포에서 MAPK의 활성을 통해 미토콘드리아 분열을 촉진하는 DRP1 (Ser616) 인산화와 Atrogin-1의 발현을 증가시켰다. 그러나 butyrate를 처리한 C2C12세포에서는 LPS 처리에 의한 염증 효과가 유의적으로 감소하며, 미토콘드리아 분열을 억제하는 DRP1 (Ser637)의 인산화와 mitofugin2 (Mfn2)의 발현을 증가를 유도하는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 butyrate를 처리한 세포에서 대사성질환을 유발하는 pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4)의 발현을 억제함이 관찰되었다. 이는 butyrate가 포도당 대사에서 염증에 의해 유도되는 Warburg 효과를 억제하여 산화스트레스를 개선함으로써, JNK의 활성을 억제하는 것으로 확인되었다. 이러한 결과들은 butyrate가 항산화효과를 통해 패혈증과 대사성질환과 같은 염증에 의해 유도되는 미토콘드리아의 기능 감퇴와 이에 따른 근육위축증을 개선할 수 있는 후보물질로 활용될 가능성이 있을 것으로 기대된다.