• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.220-229
• /
• 2019

Background: The therapeutic potential of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture (BVP) on acute ischemic cerebral infraction was determined in mice in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Analysis of acute ischemic cerebral infraction was performed using 7 week old male ICR mice (n = 20) and microglial BV-2 cells. Bee venom ($5{\mu}g/kg$) was injected into the caudal vein of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) mice (1 hour after reperfusion, 3 hours after MCAo probe insertion), and also used to treat LPS-stimulated microglial BV-2 cells (1, 2, $5{\mu}g/mL$). Markers of inflammation were monitored. Results: NO declined statistically significantly in BVP treated MCAo mice compared to the untreated MCAo group (p < 0.05). Compared to the MCAo group, the BVP-treated MCAo group showed a decreased production volume of malondialdehyde, but an increased glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. Compared to the untreated MCAo group, the BVP treated MCAo group showed a statistically significant decline in TNF and $IL-1{\beta}$ levels (p < 0.05). BVP inhibited the levels of p65, p50, $p-I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$, and levels of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK2, p-P38 declined. Conclusion: BVP is effective at dampening the inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro and may supplement rt-PA treatment.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.459-464
• /
• 2002

Fusogenic liposomes that incorporate Sendai virus envelope proteins, so-called Sendai virosomes, have been developed for in vitro and in vivo genetic modification of animal cells. In this study, several different virosomes of varying lipid compositions were formulated and their in vitro gene-transfer efficiencies compared. The virosomes were prepared by quantitative reconstitution of the Sendai envelope, fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) proteins into liposomal vesicles. Virosomes that contained luciferase reporter genes were tested in 293 transformed human kidney cells. F/HN-virosomes that were prepared with an artificial Sendai viral envelope (ASVE-virosomes) or phosphatidylserine (PS-virosomes) exhibited an 8- or 6-fold higher gene-transfer efficiency than cationic liposomes that were made with 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP). F/HN-virosomes that were prepared with phosphatidic acid (PA-virosomes) instead of PS were less efficient in gene transfer than either ASVE- or PS-virosomes. In addition, the genetransfer capability of ASVE- and PS-virosomes was maximal at a $Ca^{2+}$ concentration of 510 mM. These results suggest that the incorporated lipid components significantly affect the in vitro gene transfer that is mediated by Sendai F/HN-virosomes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.399-405
• /
• 2001

Urushiol, a natural pro-electrophilic quinone compound, has potential structural characteristics as antitumor chemotherapeutic agents. However, urushiol's use as an antitumor drug has some problems, because it is hardly miscible with an aqueous solution. Purified urushiol is highly viscous and soluble only in strong solvents. for this study, we prepared an urushiol-ethanol micro-emulsion with a unimodal size distribution by high-speed homogenization. This generated effective delivery of urushiol to its action wites, so that we could investigate its cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Using a colony-forming assay, we were able to show that urushiol selectively inhibited the growth of the ovarian cancer cells PA-1 and 2774 at a concentration of $10^{-6}$, whereas it had only a negligible effect on normal CHO cells at the same concentration. The data suggest that urushiol may have potential as an effective antitumor agent in the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, we addressed the question of whether the specific cytotoxic effect of urushiol is linked to apoptosis, by DNA fragmentation and DAPI staining assays. The inhibitory effects of urushiol on the growth of ovarian cancer cells was found to be associated with DNA fragmentation and the fragmented nuclei formation, both of which represent markers for the induction of apoptosis. Therefore, the results suggested that urushiol affected its profound cytotoxicity by triggering apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.8 no.5
• /
• pp.521-525
• /
• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Artemisinin (AT), an active compound in Arternisia annua, is well known as an anti-malaria drug. It is also known to have several effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer activities. To date, the effect of AT on vascular disorders has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of AT on the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). MATERIALS/METHODS: Aortic smooth muscle cells were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC migration was measured by the scratch wound healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay. Cell viability was determined by using an EZ-Cytox Cell Viability Assay Kit. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC was measured through $H_2DCF$-DA staining. We also determined the expression levels of signal proteins relevant to ROS, including measures of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 measured by western blot analysis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: AT ($10{\mu}M$ and $30{\mu}M$) significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC in a dose-dependent manner. The production of ROS, normally induced by PDGF-BB, is reduced by treatment with AT at both concentrations. PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC treated with AT ($10{\mu}M$ and $30{\mu}M$) have reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibited MMP9 expression compared to untreated PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest, based on these results, that AT may exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect on PDGF-BB stimulated VSMCs by inhibiting their proliferation and migration through down-regulation of ERK1/2 and MMP9 phosphorylation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.176-184
• /
• 2019

Purpose: Protein overloading in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress, which exacerbates various disease conditions. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound, is known to have several health benefits. The effect of emodin against palmitic acid (PA) - induced ER stress in HepG2 cells was investigated. Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with varying concentrations of palmitic acid to determine the working concentration that induced ER stress. ER stress associated genes such as ATF4, XBP1s, CHOP and GRP78 were checked using RT- PCR. In addition, the expression levels of unfolded protein response (UPR) associated proteins such as $IRE1{\alpha}$, $eIF2{\alpha}$ and CHOP were checked using immunoblotting to confirm the induction of ER stress. The effect of emodin on ER stress was analyzed by treating HepG2 cells with $750{\mu}M$ palmitic acid and varying concentrations of emodin, then analyzing the expression of UPR associated genes. Results: It was evident from the mRNA and protein expression results that palmitic acid significantly increased the expression of UPR associated genes and thereby induced ER stress. Subsequent treatment with emodin reduced the mRNA expression of ATF4, GRP78, and XBP1s. Furthermore, the protein levels of $p-IRE1{\alpha}$, $p-eIF2{\alpha}$ and CHOP were also reduced by the treatment of emodin. Analysis of sirtuin mRNA expression showed that emodin increased the levels of SIRT4 and SIRT7, indicating a possible role in decreasing the expression of UPR-related genes. Conclusion: Altogether, the results suggest that emodin could exert a protective effect against fatty acid-induced ER stress and could be an agent for the management of various ER stress related diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.69-76
• /
• 2011

Gill morphology and ultrastructure of the spiny top shell, Batillus cornutus were described using light and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The spiny top shell, Batillus cornutus has bipectinate gill. The epithelial layer of gill filament was simple and composed of columnar epithelium, ciliated cell, mitochondria-rich cell and secretory cell. Microvilli were well-developed on the free surface of columnar epithelial cell. The epithelial cells are connected to the neighboring cells with intercelluar junctions at the apico-lateral surface. The cilia and microvilli were commonly observed on the free surface of ciliated cell. Tubular mitochondria appeared in the apical cytoplasm, and connected ciliary rootlet. Mitochondria-rich cells contained a oval-shaped nucleus in the basal area. And majority of cytoplasm was occupied by well-developed mitochondria. Result of AB-PAS (pH 2.5) and AF-AB reaction showed that secretory cells contained mainly acidic carboxylated mucosubstances. Secretory cells are unicellular glands and can be divided into four types (A, B, C and D) depending on the cell shape and ultrastructure of secretory granules.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.211-226
• /
• 1985

The ultrastructure of the digestive organ of Korean Planaria (Dugesia japonica) is studied by light microscope and transmission electron microscope. 1. Pharynx The epithelium surrounding pharyngeal lumen has a number of microvilli on the free surface. The epithelial cells contain PAS-positive granules which are 0.4 to 0.6 $\\mum$ in size. They also contain hundreds of vesicles and vacuoles. The pharyngeal epithelium of the external surface surrounded by pharyngeal cavity possesses a number of cilia and microvilli on the free surface. A number of muscle bundles are found in the pharyngeal tissue. The parietal epithelium surrounding pharyngeal cavity have microvilli and electron-dense secretory granules. 2. Caeca The cells which constitute the cecal epithelium are divided into four kinds of cells. 1) Phagocytic cell : These cells are characterized by presence of a number of lysosomes. These cells have highly developed mitochondria, polyribosomes and granular endoplasmic reticulum of which cisternae are distended. 2) Granular club cell : These cells contain round granules 5 $\\mum$ in diameter which show strong PAS-positivity and weak eosinophilia. The cells have highly developed granular endoplasmic reticulum. 3) Storage cell : These cells include thousands of glycogen granules in the cytoplasm. These cells also have second kind of round granules which are 1.4 to 3 $\\mum$ in size and exhibit PAS-positive reaction. 4) Immature storage cell : These cells have a large nucleus and contain a small number of granules which have PAS-positive granules and a few lipid droplets. Several chromatoid bodies are found in the cytoplasm around the nucleus.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.216-221
• /
• 1998

We examined the anti-invasive activity of ginsenosides Rhl, Rha on the highly metastatic HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. In vitro invasion assay showed ginsenoside Rhr reduced tumor cell invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane in a transwell chamber more than ginsenoside Rh1. Significant down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) by ginsenosides Rh, and Rh2 was detected by Northern blot analysis. However, the expression of MMP-2 was not affected by Rh, and Rhr. The expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) was increased by Rhl after 0.5, 1 or 3 day-treatment but reduced after 6 day-treatment. However, the expression of TIMP-2 was not changed by treatment with Rh2. Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) and urokinase-type plasmlnogen activator (uPA) were not changed by treatment with Rh1 and Rh2 for 3 and 6 days. Quantitative gelatin-based zymography confirmed a markedly reduced expression of MMP-9 but MMP-2 after treatments with ginsenosides Rhl and Rha. These results suggest that down-regulation of MMP-9 contributes to the anti-invasive activity of ginsenosides Rhl and Rhr in the HT1080 cells.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.305-314
• /
• 2005

5 Haptophyta 2 Chrysophyta and 1 Prasinophyta species of scale-bearing nanoflagellates were collected in coastal water of Korea and identified by examination of their scales with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (JSM-6700F). These included Chrysochromulina ahrengoti, C. simplex, C. spinifera, Prymnesium parvum, P. patelliferum, Mamiella gilva, Paraphysomonas imperforata and Pa. vestita. The surface of cells covered with unmineralised scales (5 Haptophyte and 1 Prasinophyta species) or silica scales (2 Chrysophyta species). Scale-covered flagella are found in the 1 Prasinophyta species. One of the main structural characteristics of Haptophyte is the haptonema, a filiform organelle which occurs together with the two flagella. It may be long and coiling upon irritation as in Chrysochromulina, or short and noncoiling as in Prymnesium.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.33-36
• /
• 2024

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is a commonly occurring benign tumor originating in the salivary glands. The incidence is mostly in the parotid glands (85%) followed by minor salivary glands (10%). Pleomorphic adenoma from minor salivary glands of the lips is a rare neoplasm. Here, we present a case of a patient with PA in the upper lip, reporting a common neoplasm in a rare site. A 82-year-old male with a slowly progressing swelling that occurred 20years ago on the upper white lip. This tumor is not associated with pain and tenderness. The mass was about 1.5x1.5cm sized, circumscribed, sessile and firm on the external upper lip without oral side bulging (Fig. 1). The tumor was removed completely with a elliptical incision under local anesthesia. The encapsulated mass was measured 0.9x0.9x0.6cm. On histology, a well-circumscribed growth was seen comprising epithelial and stromal components. The epithelial component formed glandular structures lined by round-to oval cells having small nuclei, pink cytoplasm and myoepithelial basal cell layer while the stroma had a fibromyxoid appearance(Fig. 2). Postoperatively wound was well healed without recurrence after 6months. Pleomorphic adenoma of the upper lip is a rare neoplasm, especially not intraoral growth. For aesthetic good result, the mass was removed without hesitation. It is required a high index of suspicion and a long-term follow-up because it could recur and rarely be transformed into malignancy.