• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.1034-1043
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• 2023

Objective: Two serine protease inhibitors, peptidase inhibitor 3 (PI3) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), play important roles in protease inhibition and antimicrobial activity, but their expression, regulation, and function at the maternal-fetal interface in pigs are not fully understood. Therefore, we determined the expression and regulation of PI3 and SLPI in the endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and at the maternal-fetal interface in pigs. Methods: Endometrial tissues during the estrous cycle and pregnancy, conceptus tissues during early pregnancy, and chorioallantoic tissues during mid to late pregnancy were obtained, and the expression of PI3 and SLPI was analyzed. The effects of the steroid hormones estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) on the expression of PI3 and SLPI were determined in endometrial explant cultures. Results: PI3 and SLPI were expressed in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy, with higher levels during mid to late pregnancy than during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Early-stage conceptuses and chorioallantoic tissues during mid to late pregnancy also expressed PI3 and SLPI. PI3 protein and SLPI mRNA were primarily localized to endometrial epithelia. In endometrial explant cultures, the expression of PI3 was induced by increasing doses of P4, and the expression of SLPI was induced by increasing doses of E2 and P4. Conclusion: These results suggest that the PI3 and SLPI expressed in the endometrium and conceptus tissues play an important role in antimicrobial activity for fetal protection against potential pathogens and in blocking protease actions to allow epitheliochorial placenta formation.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.795-810
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Myocarditis is a potentially fatal disease, but curative treatments have not yet been established. Myocardial inflammation is an important pathogenesis of this disease, and immunosuppressants such as methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin have been used for treatment; however, the effectiveness needs to be improved. Thalidomide and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) 4 inhibitors were recently investigated regarding their immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to test whether thalidomide or a DPP4 inhibitor (evogliptin) can improve the effectiveness of myocarditis treatment using a rat model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Methods: Rats with or without myocarditis were administered thalidomide at 100 mg/kg/day and DPP4 inhibitor at 10 mg/kg/day orally. Measurement of echocardiography, serum inflammatory cytokines, myocardial histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical staining for leukocytes, macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and cytoskeleton were performed after 3 weeks, and the fibrosis area was measured after 3 and 6 weeks. Results: Thalidomide and DPP4 inhibitor did not reduce the severity of myocarditis compared with the EAM without treatment rats by comparing the echocardiographic data, myocardial CD4⁺, macrophages, neutrophil infiltrations, and the heart weight/body weight ratio in 3 weeks. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were not lower in the thalidomide and DPP4 inhibitor-treated group than in the untreated group in 3 weeks. In 6 weeks, thalidomide and DPP4 inhibitors did not reduce the fibrosis area compared to untreated groups. Conclusions: Although thalidomide and the DPP4 inhibitor had an immunomodulatory effect and are used against inflammatory diseases, they did not ameliorate myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in this rat model of EAM.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.136-143
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• 2012

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Diabetes is often initially managed by increasing exercise and dietary modification. As the condition progresses, medications may be needed such as oral sulfonylurea or others. Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP- 4) Inhibitor is new drug which can control blood glucose by increasing the active levels of incretin hormone in the body. However, researches have been carried out for mostly Caucasian and Japanese, not for Koreans at all. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitor (Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin) in patients with T2DM in Koreans. This study was carried out retrospectively with reviewing of medical records from the 141 patients who received sitagliptin or vildagliptin over 24 week periods from January 2009, to December 2009. Information including demographics, concomitant medication, disease duration, and exercise was evaluated. $HbA_{1c}$, random blood glucose, post prandial 2 hour glucose, blood pressure, AST, ALT, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels were also collected at baseline and endpoint (at 24 weeks). In each post-treatment group, $HbA_{1c}$, random blood glucose and post prandial 2 hour glucose levels were decreased significantly from baseline in the sitagliptin group (-0.82%, -28.76 mg/dl, -46.65 mg/dl) and vildagliptin group(-1.22%, -27.96 mg/dl, -67.2 mg/dl). Greater $HbA_{1c}$ mean reductions from baseline to 24 weeks were seen in patients with higher baseline values (>7.0%), with shorter disease durations (${\leq}1$ year) compared with those with lower baseline values (<7.0%), with longer disease durations (>1 year) in both sitagliptin and vildagliptin groups. The incidences of hypoglycemia, headache and upper respiratory infection were 0%, 8.7%, 5.8% in sitagliptin group and 2.8%, 8.3%, 6.9% in vildagliptin group. In conclusion, our results showed DPP-4 inhibitor provided similar efficacy compared with sulfonylurea after 24 weeks of treatment and were safer than sulfonylurea in hypoglycemia for Korean T2DM. Also vildagliptin was associated with significant improvement in $HbA_{1c}$ reduction in Korean patient with subgroup (body mass index<25 $kg/m^2$, metformin dose${\geq}$1000 mg, p<0.05) compared to sitagliptin. Therefore, even though DPP-4 inhibitor use for Korean needs to be studied more consistently in the future, DPP-4 inhibitor is a safe and effective drug for Korean T2DM based on our result.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 1997

The mucosal route of administration(nasal, buccal, conjunctival and vaginal) has recently been considered as an alternative to parenteral delivery for many peptide drugs because enzymatic degradation of these agents may be partly avoided. The objective of these study was to establish the optimal mucosal administration dosage form of $LHRH/[D-Ala^6]LHRH$, based on presystemic metabolism. We reported previously the peptidase inhibition effect of medium chain fatty acid salts(sodium caprylate, soadium caprate and sodium laurate), EDTA and STDHF on the proteolysis of $LHRH/[D-Ala^6]LHRH$ in rabbit mucosal homgenates. We also reported that EDTA, STDHF and sodium laurate markedly increased the potency of $LHRH/[D-Ala^6]LHRH$ solution applied vaginally. In the present study, by administration of polycarbophil hydrogel containing LHRH the ovulation inducing activity was 3.3 times greater than solution. These results indicate not only peptidase inhibitor but also polycarbophil hydrogel significantly improved the absorption of this drug. The results of this study would provide the feasibility as a rational dosage form for improving bioavailability and self administration of this hydrogel by the vaginal application.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.74-79
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• 2015

Objective: Treatment with sulfonylureas in combination with metformin improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but is associated with hypoglycemia and weight gain. This retrospective study aims to compare the effectiveness of dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and sulfonylureas as an add-on therapy to metformin in patients with T2DM. Methods: Data from medical records of 355 T2DM patients received therapy either DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitor group) or sulfonylurea (SU group) in combination with metformin from 1 March 2009 to 30 September 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Of total 355 patients, 231 patients were in DPP-4 inhibitor group and 124 patients were in SU group. Baseline Hemoglobin $A_{1c}$ ($HbA_{1c}$) level in SU group was higher than DPP-4 inhibitor group with a statistically significant difference (8.6% vs. 7.8%). Comparative analysis between DPP-4 inhibitor group and SU group was performed for $HbA_{1c}$ values, amounts of $HbA_{1c}$ changes, and rates of $HbA_{1c}$ changes from baseline at 6-month intervals and incidence rates of major cardiocerebral events. Results: SU group showed larger $HbA_{1c}$ changes in both amounts and rates compared to DPP-4 inhibitor group, although statistical significance was not found in all study periods. Proportions of patients with stable $HbA_{1c}$ <6.5% or 7% were significantly higher in DPP-4 inhibitor group than SU group (<6.5%: 30.4% vs. 13.4%, <7%: 72.3% vs. 41.2%). Time to achieve stable $HbA_{1c}$ <6.5% was not significantly different, but time to achieve stable $HbA_{1c}$ <7% was shorter in DPP4 inhibitor group than SU group with a significant difference. The incidence rate of cardiocerebral events in group of patients with or without previous events was 1.7%, not significantly lower than that in DPP-4 inhibitor group (4.0%). For newly encountered cardiocerebral events during the treatment, incidence rates of two groups did not differ significantly. Conclusion: DPP-4 inhibitors were as effective as sulfonylureas in achieving the $HbA_{1c}$ goal of less than 6.5% or 7% and cardiocerebral event rates did not differ between the two drugs.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.237-243
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• 2005

The protease purified from Bacillus cereus JH108 has the function of leucine specific endopeptidase. When measured by hydrolysis of synthetic substrate (N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-p-nitroanilide), the enzyme activity exhibited optimal activity at pH 9.0, $60^{\circ}C$. The endopeptidase activity was stimulated by $Ca^{++},\;Co^{++},\;Mn^{++},\;Mg^{++},\;and\;Ni^{++}$, and was inhibited by metal chelating agents such as EDTA, 1,10-phenanthroline, and EGTA. Addition of serine protease inhibitor, PMSF, resulted in the elimination of the activity. The endopeptidase activity was fully recovered from the inhibition of EDTA by the addition of 1 mM $Ca^{++}$, and was partially restored by $Co^{++}\;and\;Mn^{++}$, indicating that the enzyme was stabilized and activated by divalent cations and has a serine residue at the active site. Addition of $Ca^{++}$ increased the pH and heat stability of endopeptidase activity. These results show that endopeptidase requires calcium ions for activity and/or stability. A Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis indicated that the $K_m$ value of endopeptidase is 0.315 mM and $V_{max}$ is 0.222 ) is $0.222\;{\mu}mol$ of N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-p-nitroanilide per min. Bestatin was shown to act as a competitive inhibitor to the endopeptidase activity.

• International journal of advanced smart convergence
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.101-111
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• 2018

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy of small intestine diagnosed in both childhood and adulthood. CD is caused by gluten, which produces gliadorphin during its digestion. The enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) breaks gliadorphin down nevertheless the last tripeptide remains and eventually inhibits DPP4, thus slowing down its process. Therefore, the idea is to produce an additional DPP4 enzyme which is crucial. Consequently, the functional DPP4 gene was cloned into pCDNA3 intermediate (FLAG+DPP4) vector and finally a recombinant plasmid pSB1C3 (Andersons promoters+FLAG+DPP4) was constructed using synthetic biology. Normally, a DPP4 inhibitor is used as a cure for diabetes. Another important concern was overexpression of DPP4, which might lead to diabetes, accordingly the work was also performed for the regulation of the DPP4 gene expression. In this regard, three types of Anderson promoters (strong, moderate and weak) were utilized to study the control overexpression. This is the first report of idealistic trial for control the exogenous DPP4 gene-expression by molecular biologic tools.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.457-464
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• 2006

Three extracellular proteases (Vpr, peptidase T, and subtilisin) were identified from the culture supernatant of Bacillus subtilis KCTC 3014. All the proteins were partially purified as a mature form by using a DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange column chromatography. Their activities were determined by using zymography and densitometry. The relative molecular masses of Vpr and peptidase T (PepT) were determined to be 68 and 48 kDa by SDS-PAGE and zymography, respectively. However, subtilisin formed a 'binding mode' at the top of the separating gel. After denaturation by boiling at $100^{\circ}C$ for 5 min, its molecular mass was determined to be 29 kDa, whereas its activity was lost. The optimal pH of Vpr, PepT, and subtilisin were 9.0, 6.0-7.0, and 7.0-8.0, respectively. The optimal temperature of Vpr, PepT, and subtilisin was 40, 50, and $40^{\circ}C$, respectively. Inhibitor test revealed that Vpr and subtilisin were serine proteases and that PepT was a metalloprotease. Interestingly, we found that Vpr showed no enzyme activity on a 2DE zymogram gel. Three genes, vpr, pepT, and apr (encoding subtilisin protein), were cloned and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were determined.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.2907-2909
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• 2012

A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin domains (ADAMTS) are a member of peptidase and involved in processing of von Willebrand factor as well as cleavage of aggrecan, versican, brevican and neurocan. Among 19 subfamilies of human ADAMTS, ADAMTS-4 is a zinc-binding metalloprotease and is a famous therapeutic target for arthritis. It has been reported that a flavonoid luteolin shows inhibitory activity against ADMATS-4. In this study, we verified that luteolin is a potent inhibitor of ADAMTS-4 and probed the molecular basis of its action. On the basis of a docking study, we proposed a binding model between luteolin and ADAMTS-4 in which 3',4'-dihydroxyl groups in luteolin formed hydrogen bonding with ADMATS-4 and these interactions are important for its inhibitory activity against ADAMTS-4.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.798-803
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• 2014

Cathepsin D (CtsD), an aspartyl peptidase, is involved in apoptosis, resulting in the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria in cells. Here, we investigated microRNA regulation of CtsD expression in 3T3-L1 cells First, we observed the expression of CtsD in cells in response to doxorubicin (Dox). As expected, the level of CtsD mRNA was increased in 3T3-L1 cells exposed to Dox in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular viability of ectopically expressed CtsD cells was also decreased. Next, we used the miRanda program to search for particular microRNA targeting CtsD. MiR-145 was selected as a putative controller for CtsD because miR-145 had a high mirSVR score. In a reporter assay, the luciferase activity of cells containing the CtsD 3'-UTR region was decreased in cells transfected with miR-145 mimic compared to that of a control. The level of CtsD expression was down-regulated in preadipocytes ectopically expressing miR-145 and up-regulated by an miR-145 inhibitor. Cells also suppressed miR-145 expression when exposed to Dox. The miR-145 inhibitor reduced the cellular viability of 3T3-L1 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that miR-145 regulates CtsD-mediated cell death in adipocytes. These findings may have valuable implications concerning the molecular mechanism of CtsD-mediated cell death in obesity, suggesting that CtaD could be a useful therapeutic tool for the prevention and treatment of obesity by regulating fat cell numbers.