• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.32-41
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• 2012

Objectives: Rehmannia glutinosa pharmacopuncture solution (RGPS) was investigated to determine both its anti-allergic inflammatory effects on mast cells and its detailed mechanism of actions. Methods: We investigated whether RGPS suppress cytokines, enzymes, $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$-mediated signaling in RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with anti-DNP IgE/DNP-HSA. The suppressive effects of RGPS on the levels of cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and GM-CSF were measured using emzyme-linked immunospecific assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of cytokines, enzymes (HDC2, COX-1, COX-2 and 5LO) and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunits were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The activation of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$-mediated signaling was examined using Western blot analyses. Results: RGPS suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and GM-CSF) in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells significantly (p < 0.05). RGPS also suppressed mRNA expression of inflammatory enzymes (HDC2, COX-1, COX-2, 5LO). In addition, mRNA expression levels of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\alpha}$, $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\beta}$and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\gamma}$ were lowered by treatment with RGPS. Finally, RGPS prevented phosphrylation of Lyn, Syk, LAT, Gab2, PLC ${\gamma}1/2$, PI3K, Akt, cPLA2 and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$. Conclusions: RGPS effectively suppresses mast cell activations such as degranulation and inflammatory response via down-regulation of the $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$-mediated signaling pathways in IgE/Ag-stimulated mast cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.378-383
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• 2016

The glasswort is an edible halophyte demonstrating various physiological effects including anti-inflammatory activity. In the present study, the effects of glasswort extracts on inflammatory events and interactions of THP-1 monocytes with intestinal epithelial cells were investigated. Five solvent fractions, including the ethylether fraction (Fr.E), were prepared from a 70% methanol extract of glasswort. THP-1 monocytes underwent differentiation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment and were then activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. None of the glasswort fractions tested alone induced COX-2 in differentiated THP-1 cells. Fr.E, however, enhanced LPS-induced COX-2 expression in differentiated THP-1 cells. Culture media of THP-1 cells treated with each fraction stimulated the growth of normal intestinal INT-407 cells more prominently than that of HT-29 colon cancer cells. COX-2 expression in HT-29 cells was inhibited when the cells were exposed to the THP-1 culture medium treated with Fr.E. Thus, glasswort could modulate the interaction between immune cells and intestinal cells.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.250-256
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• 2003

Lactic acid bacteria with amylolytic and acid producing activities can ferment starch directly to lactic acid thereby producing a monomer for the production of biodegradable poly lactic acid (PLA). In this study, the strain producing L-lactic acid from soluble starch was isolated from Nuruk. The isolated strain was identified as Enterococcus sp. through its morphological, cultural, biochemical characteristics as well as the 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and named Enterococcus sp. JA-27. Enterococcus sp. JA-27 produced exclusively L-lactic acid from soluble starch as a carbon source. The optimal conditions for the maximum production of L-lactic acid from Enterococcus sp. JA-27 were 30 C, pH 8, 1.5 % soluble starch as a substrate and 3.5 % tryptone as a nitrogen source, 0.1 % $K_2$$HPO_4$, 0.04 % $MgSO_4$. $7H_2$O, 0.014 % $MnSO_4$$.$4$H_2O$, 0.004% $FeSO_4$$.$$7H_2$O. Batch and fed batch culture were carried out and the former was more effective. L-Lactic acid production in the optimum medium was significantly increased in a 7 L jar fermenter, where the maximum L-lactic acid concentration was 3 g/L. For the purification of lactic acid in fermented broth, two stage ionexchange column chromatographies were employed and finally identified by HPLC.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.751-763
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• 2005

Statement of problem. To improve a direct implant fixation to the bone, various strategies have been developed focusing on the surface of materials. The surface quality of the implant depends on the chemical, physical, mechanical and topographical properties of the surface. The different properties will interact with each other and a change in thickness of the oxide layer may also result in a change in surface energy, the surface topography and surface, chemical composition. However, there is limited the comprehensive study with regard to changed surface and biologic behavior of osteoblast by anodization. Purpose of study. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of an oxide layer formed and to evaluate the cellular biologic behaviors on titanium by anodic oxidation (anodization) by cellular proliferation, differentiation, ECM formation and gene expression. And the phospholipase activity was measured on the anodized surface as preliminary study to understand how surface properties of Ti implant are transduced into downstream cellular events. Methods and Materials. The surface of a commercially pure titanium(Grade 2) was modified by anodic oxidation. The group 1 samples had a machined surface and other three experimental specimens were anodized under a constant voltage of 270 V(Group 2), 350 V(Group 3), and 450 V(Group 4). The specimen characteristics were inspected using the following five categories; the surface morphology, the surface roughness, the thickness of oxide layer, the crystallinity, and the chemical composition of the oxide layer. Cell numbers were taken as a marker for cell proliferation. While the expression of alkaline phosphatase and Runx2 (Cbfa1) was used as early differentiation marker for osteoblast. The type I collagen production was determined, which constitutes the main structural protein of the extracellular matrix. Phospholipase $A_2$ and D activity were detected. Results. (1) The anodized titanium had a porous oxide layer, and there was increase in both the size and number of pores with increasing anodizing voltage. (2) With increasing voltage, the surface roughness and thickness of the oxide film increased significantly (p<0.01), the $TiO_2$phase changed from anatase to rutile. During the anodic oxidization, Ca and P ions were more incorporated into the oxide layer. (3) The in vitro cell responses of the specimen were also dependant on the oxidation conditions. With increasing voltage, the ALP activity, type I collagen production, and Cbfa 1 gene expression increased significantly (p<0.01), while the cell proliferation decreased. (4) In preliminary study on the relation of surface property and phospholipase, PLD activity was increased but $PLA_2$ activity did not changed according to applied voltage. Conclusion. The anodized titanium shows improved surface characteristics than the machined titanium. The surface properties acquired by anodization appear to give rise more mature osteoblast characteristics and might result in increased bone growth, and contribute to the achievement of a tight fixation. The precise mechanism of surface property signaling is not known, may be related to phospholipase D.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.425-434
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• 1997

Many reports represent that angiotensin II (ANG II) caused a dose dependent biphasic effects on fluid transport in the proximal tubule. However, respective roles of different signaling pathways in mediating these effects remain unsettled. The aim of the present study was to examine signaling pathways at high doses of ANG II on the $Na^+$ uptake of primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubule cells(PTCs) in hormonally defined serum-free medium. High concentrations of ANG II $(>10^{-9}\;M)$ inhibited $Na^+$ uptake and increased $[Ca^{2+}]_i\;level$ in the PTCs. However, low concentrations of $(<10^{-11}\;ANG\;II)$ stimulated $Na^+$ uptake and did not affect $[Ca^{2+}]_i\;level$. 8-(N, N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,3,5- trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), ethylene glycol-bis$({/beta}-amino\;ethyl ether)-N,N,N'$, N'-tetra acetic acid (EGTA), and nifedifine partially blocked the inhibitory effects of ANG II on $Na^+$ uptake. When ANG II and bradykinin (BK) were treated together, $Na^+$ uptake was further reduced $(88.47{\pm}1.98%\;of\;that\;of\;ANG\;II,\;81.85{\pm}1.84%\;of\;that\;of\;BK)$. In addition, W-7 and KN-62 blocked the ANG II-induced inhibition of $Na^+$ uptake. Arachidonic acid reduced $Na^+$ uptake in a dose-dependent manner. When ANG II and arachidonic acid were treated together, inhibitory effects on $Na^+$ uptake significantly exhibited greater reduction than that of each group, respectively. When PTCs were treated by mepacrine $(10^{-6}\;M)$ and AACOCF3 $(10^{-5}\;M)$ for 1 hr before the addition of $(<10^{-9}\;ANG\;II)$, the inhibitory effect of ANG II was reversed. In addition, econazole $(>10^{-6}\;M)$ blocked ANG II-induced inhibition of $Na^+$ uptake. In conclusion, the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ (calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase) and phospholipase $A_2\;(PLA_2)$ metabolites are involved in the inhibitory effects of ANG II on $Na^+$ uptake in the PTCs.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.213-219
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• 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non-coding regulatory RNAs that play important roles in normal hematopoiesis, including erythropoiesis. Although studies have identified several miRNAs that regulate erythroid commitment and differentiation, we do not understand the mechanism by which the crucial erythroid transcription factors, GATA-1and NF-E2 directly regulate and control differentiation via miRNA pathways. In this study, we identified miR-199b-5p as a key regulator of human erythropoiesis, and its expression was up-regulated during the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. Furthermore, the increase of miR-199b-5p in erythroid cells occurred in a GATA-1- and NF-E2-dependent manner during erythrocyte maturation. Both GATA-1 and NF-E2 bound upstream of the miR-199b gene locus and activated its transcription. Forced expression of miRNA-199b-5p in K562 cells affected erythroid cell proliferation and maturation. Moreover, we identified c-Kit as a direct target of miR-199b-5p in erythroid cells. Taken together, our results establish a functional link among the erythroid transcription factors GATA-1/NF-E2, miR-199b-5p and c-Kit, and provide new insights into the coupling of transcription and post-transcription regulation in erythroid differentiation.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.327-336
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was conducted to create a 3D printable snack dish model for the elderly with low food or fluid intake along with barriers towards eating. Methods: The decision was made by the hybrid-brainstorming method for creating the 3D model. Experts were assigned based on their professional areas such as clinical nutrition, food hygiene and chemical safety for the creation process. After serial feedback processes, the grape shape was suggested as the final model. After various concept sketching and making clay models, 3D-printing technology was applied to produce a prototype. Results: 3D design modeling process was conducted by SolidWorks program. After considering Dietary reference intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) and other survey data, appropriate supplementary water serving volume was decided as 285 mL which meets 30% of Adequate intake. To consider printing output conditions, this model has six grapes in one bunch with a safety lid. The FDM printer and PLA filaments were used for food hygiene and safety. To stimulate cognitive functions and interests of eating, numbers one to six was engraved on the lid of the final 3D model. Conclusions: The newly-developed 3D model was designed to increase intakes of nutrients and water in the elderly with dementia during snack time. Since dementia patients often forget to eat, engraving numbers on the grapes was conducted to stimulate cognitive function related to the swallowing and chewing process. We suggest that investigations on the types of foods or fluids are needed in the developed 3D model snack dish for future studies.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.257-267
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• 2023

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to fabricate a prototype robotic simulator for dental education, to test whether it could simulate mandibular movements, and to assess the possibility of the stimulator responding to stimuli during dental practice. Materials and methods. A virtual simulator model was developed based on segmentation of the hard tissues using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. The simulator frame was 3D printed using polylactic acid (PLA) material, and dentiforms and silicone face skin were also inserted. Servo actuators were used to control the movements of the simulator, and the simulator's response to dental stimuli was created by pressure and water level sensors. A water level test was performed to determine the specific threshold of the water level sensor. The mandibular movements and mandibular range of motion of the simulator were tested through computer simulation and the actual model. Results. The prototype robotic simulator consisted of an operational unit, an upper body with an electric device, a head with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and dentiforms. The TMJ of the simulator was capable of driving two degrees of freedom, implementing rotational and translational movements. In the water level test, the specific threshold of the water level sensor was 10.35 ml. The mandibular range of motion of the simulator was 50 mm in both computer simulation and the actual model. Conclusion. Although further advancements are still required to improve its efficiency and stability, the upper-body prototype simulator has the potential to be useful in dental practice education.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9177-9183
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• 2014

Polymorphisms of inflammation-related genes have been found to be associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or some of its subtypes, but only a few relevant data have been reported in China. In this study, the Snapshot method was used to assess genetic variation; a total of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 6 inflammatory factors in 157 NHL cases (64 Uygur ethnic subjects, 93 Han Chinese) and 435 controls (231 Uygur and 204 Han Chinese) were studied from the Xinjiang province of China. Haplotype distribution was estimated using PHASE 2.3 software. Statistical differences in the genotype and haplotype frequencies between case and control groups were also considered and estimated. For the Han population, the geneotype distributions for TNF-${\alpha}rs1800629$, TNF-${\alpha}rs1800630$, IL-6 rs1800795, IL-6 rs1800797, NF-KB1 rs1585215 and TLR-4 rs4986790 showed significant differences between the case and control groups (p<0.05). The TNF-${\alpha}$ gene frequencies of ACG and CCA haplotypes in the cases were higher than in the controls (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.55-3.89, p=0.0002, OR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.10-5.80, p=0.029, respectively), and the same findings were detected for TNF-${\beta}$ gene CA haplotype (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.21-2.90, p=0.0054). However, for the Uygur population, no such significant differences were detected within the gene-type distribution of the 14 SNPs. The TNF-${\alpha}$ gene frequency of the CCA haplotype between the two groups (OR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.11-3.51, p=0.021) revealed a statistically significant difference. Our results showed that polymorphic variations of inflammation-related genes could be important to the NHL etiology of the Han population, and that these may only have limited influence on the Uygur population.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2024

The intracellular parasite Babesia microti is among the most significant species causing human babesiosis and is an emerging threat to human health worldwide. Unravelling the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of babesiosis is crucial in developing new diagnostic and preventive methods. This study assessed how priming with B. microti surface antigen 1 (BHSA 1) and seroreactive antigen 5-1-1 (BHSA 5-1-1) mediate protection against B. microti infection. The results showed that 500 ㎍/ml rBMSA1 and rBMSA5-1-1 partially inhibited the invasion of B. microti in vitro by 42.0±3.0%, and 48.0±2.1%, respectively. Blood smears revealed that peak infection at 7 days post-infection (dpi) was 19.6%, 24.7%, and 46.7% in the rBMSA1, rBmSA5-1-1, compared to the control groups (healthy mice infected with B. microti only), respectively. Routine blood tests showed higher white blood cell, red blood cell counts, and haemoglobin levels in the 2 groups (BMSA1 and BMSA5 5-1-1) than in the infection control group at 0-28 dpi. Moreover, the 2 groups had higher serum interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-17A levels, and lower IL-10 levels than the infection control group throughout the study. These 2 potential vaccine candidate proteins partially inhibit in vitro and in vivo B. microti infection and enhance host immunological response against B. microti infection.