• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.7
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• pp.388-392
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• 2014

Berberine, a type of isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs, has been reported to have various pharmacological activities. Studies have demonstrated that berberine has beneficial effects on vascular remodeling and alleviates restenosis after vascular injury. However, its mechanism of action on vascular smooth muscle cell migration is not fully understood. We therefore investigated the effect of berberine on human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) migration. Boyden chamber assay was performed to show that berberine inhibited HASMC migration dose-dependently. Real-time PCR and Western blotting analyses showed that levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) were reduced by berberine at both the mRNA and protein levels. Western blotting assay further confirmed that activities of c-Fos, c-Jun, and NF-${\kappa}B$ were significantly attenuated. These results suggest that berberine effectively inhibited HASMC migration, possibly by down-regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, and u-PA; and interrupting AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ mediated signaling pathways.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.32-42
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• 1998

(Backgrounds) This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of red ginseng ex rant as adjuvant therapeutic agent improving immune function in immune compromizing gas-trointestinal carcinoma patient. (Material and Methods) We were treated 72 patients with two groups after we were undertaken the curative resection for gastrointestinal carcinoma; 1) only chemotherapy and immunotherapy (control group) 2) chemotherapy and immunotherapy with 4500 mg (15 tablets) red ginseng for 6 months (study group). For investigating the immunologic alternations alongside the numerical changes in peripheral blood Iymphocyte and their subsets in the gastrolntestinal carcinoma patients, Iymphocyte surface markers were determined by monoclonal antibodies on the preoperative day, postoperative 1 months, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months in 40 controls and 32 red ginseng groups In gastrointestinal carcinoma patients which was recruited at Korea diversity Hospital from March, 1995 to January, 1997. The patient was measured and compared in both groups with the body weight, total protein and albumin, blood hematocrit and hemoglobin, total leukocyte, lymphocyte and lymphocyte subsets count in peripheral blood through planed schedules. (Couclusion) This data suggests that red ginseng may be useful as a adjuvant therapeutic agent for improving the immune function after curative operation for immune compromizing gastrointestinal carcinoma patients. Key words : Ginseng, Immunity, Gastrointestlnal carcinoma patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.328-334
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• 2023

An aging population and changes in dietary habits have increased the incidence of diabetes, resulting in complications such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs can lead to serious disabilities, substantial reductions in patient quality of life, and high financial costs for society. By understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of DFUs, their occurrence can be prevented and managed more effectively. The pathophysiology of DFUs involves metabolic dysfunction, diabetic immunopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and angiopathy. The processes by which hyperglycemia causes peripheral nerve damage are related to adenosine triphosphate deficiency, the polyol pathway, oxidative stress, protein kinase C activity, and proinflammatory processes. In the context of hyperglycemia, the suppression of endothelial nitric oxide production leads to microcirculation atherosclerosis, heightened inflammation, and abnormal intimal growth. Diabetic neuropathy involves sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathies. The interaction between these neuropathies forms a callus that leads to subcutaneous hemorrhage and skin ulcers. Hyperglycemia causes peripheral vascular changes that result in endothelial cell dysfunction and decreased vasodilator secretion, leading to ischemia. The interplay among these four preceding pathophysiological factors fosters the development and progression of infections in individuals with diabetes. Charcot neuroarthropathy is a chronic and progressive degenerative arthropathy characterized by heightened blood flow, increased calcium dissolution, and repeated minor trauma to insensate joints. Directly and comprehensively addressing the pathogenesis of DFUs could pave the way for the development of innovative treatment approaches with the potential to avoid the most serious complications, including major amputations.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2024

The development of in vitro models is essential in modern science due to the need for experiments using human material and the reduction in the number of laboratory animals. The complexity of the interactions that occur in living organisms requires improvements in the monolayer cultures. In the work presented here, neuroepithelial stem (NES) cells were differentiated into peripheral-like neurons (PLN) and the phenotype of the cells was confirmed at the genetic and protein levels. Then RNA-seq method was used to investigate how stimulation with pro-inflammatory factors such as LPS and IFN𝛾 affects the expression of genes involved in the immune response in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS). HFLS were then cultured on semi-permeable membrane inserts, and after 24 hours of pro-inflammatory stimulation, the levels of cytokines secretion into the medium were checked. Inserts with stimulated HFLS were introduced into the PLN culture, and by measuring secreted ATP, an increase in cell activity was found in the system. The method used mimics the condition that occurs in the joint during inflammation, as observed in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, the system used can be easily modified to simulate the interaction of peripheral neurons with other cell types.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.14-26
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• 1998

a- and c-raf protein kinase in the brain of rat, the protein pattern of cerebellum during postnatal development of rat by polyacryamide gel electrophoresis, and the existence of c-raf protein kinase by using Western blotting method. The results were as follows: The cytoplasm of Purkinje cells was, in general, strongly labeled with the antibodies of a- and c-raf protein kinases in the cortex regions such as Pyramis cerebelli, Unula, Nodulus, Paraflocculus, and Flocculus. C-raf protein kinase appeared stronger immunoreactivity than a-raf protein kinase. In peripheral of cytoplasm of Nucleus emboliformis, A-raf Protein kinase was labeled markedly. During postnatal development, the protein of 38,000 dalton increased gradually in the cytosolic fraction of cerebellum, and the protein of 260,600 dalton appeared in the membrane fraction of cerebellum. By immunoblotting method, the protein band of 74,000 dalton was detected in crude and cytosolic fractions, but it was not exhibited in membrane fraction, In this fact, it was identified that a - and c-raf proteins were distributed throughout neuronal cells, especially in the Purkinje cells, in normal cerebellum cortex of rat. Also, this phenomenon was assumed that raf protein kinase in cytoplasm of neuronal cell had to do with a certain functional mechanism and signal transduction of neurotransmitter as Protein kinase C.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2004

Iron (Fe) is an essential metal in biological processes, which maintains a homeostasis in the human body. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) has been known as an iron transporting membrane protein, which is involved in the uptake Fe at the apical portion of intestinal epithelium, and may transport Fe across the membrane of acidified endosome in peripheral tissues. In this study, we studied the tissue distribution of DMT1 in the Fe supplemented (FeS) diet fed rats, and the regulation of DMT1 expression by depleting body Fe. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups, and fed FeS (120 mg Fe/kg) diet or Fe deficient (FeD, 2∼6 mg Fe/kg) diet for 4 weeks. The evaluation of body Fe status was monitored by measuring sFe, UIBC and tissue Fe concentration. Additionally, DMT1 mRNA levels were analyzed in the peripheral tissues by using the quantitative real time RT-PCR method. In the FeS diet fed rats, the tissue Fe was maintained at a relatively high level, and DMT1 was eventually expressed in all tissues studied. DMT1 was highly expressed in the testis, kidney and spleen, while a moderate levels of DMT1 expression was detected in the brain, liver and heart. In the digestive system, the highest level of DMT1 was found in the duodenum. Feeding the FeD diet caused a reduced body weight gain and depletion of body Fe with finding of decreased sFe, increased UIBC and decreased tissue Fe concentration. The depletion of body Fe upregulated DMT1 expression in the peripheral tissue. The expression of DMT1 was very sensitive to the body Fe depletion in the small intestine, especially in the duodenum, showing dramatically higher levels in the FeD rats than those of the FeS group. In the FeD diet fed animals, the expression of DMT1 was low significantly in other tissues compared with the duodenum. The expression of DMT1, however, was 60∼120% higher in the testis, kidney and spleen, and 30∼50% higher in the lung, liver and heart, compared to the FeS diet fed rats. In summary, DMT1 expression was ubiquitous in mammalian tissue, and the level of expression was the organ-dependent. The expression of DMT1 in peripheral tissues was upregulated by depletion of body Fe. Duodenum was the most sensitive tissue among organs studied during Fe depletion, and expressed the greatest level of DMT1, while other tissues were less higher than in duodenum. This study supports that DMT1 plays a role in maintaining the body Fe level through intestinal uptake as well as homeostasis of Fe in the peripheral tissue.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.295-307
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• 2006

Styela clava, called non-native tunicate or sea squirt, is habitat which include bays and harbors in Korea and several sites in the sea faced world. We fabricate cellulose membrane nerve conduit (CMNC) from this native sea squirt skin, and evaluate the capacity of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve defect model. After processing the pure cellulose membrane from the sea squirt skin as we already published before, CMNC was designed as a non-tubular sheet with 14 mm length and 4 mm width. Total eleven male Spraque-Dawley rats (12 weeks, weighing 250 to 300g) were divided into sham group (n=2), silicone tube grafted control group (n=3) and experimental group (n=6). Each CMNC grafted nerve was evaluated after 4, 8 and 12 weeks in the experimental group, and after 12 weeks, sciatic function was evaluated with sciatic function index (SFI) and gait analysis, and histomorphology of nerve conduit and the innervated tissues of sciatic nerve were all examined using image analyzer and electromicroscopic methods in the all groups. The regenerated axon and nerve sheath were found only in the inner surface of the CMNC after 4 weeks and became more thicker after 8 and 12 weeks. In the TEM study, CMNC grafted group showed more abundant organized myelinated nerve fibers with thickened extracellular matrix than silicone conduit grafted group after 12 weeks. The sciatic function index (SFI) and ankle stance angle (ASA) in the functional evaluation were $-47.2{\pm}3.9$, $35.5^{\circ}{\pm}4.9^{\circ}$ in CMNC grafted group (n=2) and $-80.4{\pm}7.4$, $29.2^{\circ}{\pm}5.3^{\circ}$ in silicone conduit grafted group (n=3), respectively. And the myelinated axon was 41.59% in CMNC group and 9.51% in silicone conduit group to the sham group. The development of a bioactive CMNC to replace autogenous nerve grafts offers a potential and available approach to improved peripheral nerve regeneration. As we already published before, small peptide fragment derived from the basement membrane matrix proteins of squirt skin, which is a kind of anchoring protein composed of glycocalyx, induced the effective axonal regeneration with rapid growth of Schwann cells beneath the inner surface of CMNC. So the possibilities of clinical application as a peripheral nerve regeneration will be able to be suggested.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.126-129
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• 2017

The identification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is clinically important for diagnosing cancer. We have previously developed a size-based filtration platform followed by epithelial cell adhesion molecule immunofluorescence staining for detecting CTCs. To characterize CTCs independently of cell surface protein expression, we incorporated a chromosomal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to detect abnormal copy numbers of chromosomes in cells collected from peripheral blood samples by the size-based filtration platform. Aneuploid cells were detected in the peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer. Unexpectedly, aneuploid cells were also detected in the control group, which consisted of peripheral blood samples from patients with benign lung diseases, such as empyema necessitatis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. These findings suggest that chromosomal abnormalities are observed not only in tumor cells, but also in benign infectious diseases. Thus, our findings present new considerations and bring into light the possibility of false positives when using FISH for cancer diagnosis.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.597-603
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• 2008

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that induces changes in various inflammatory skin cells. The prevalence of AD is as high as 18% in some regions of the world, and is steadily rising. However, the pathophysiology of AD is poorly understood. To identify the proteins involved in AD pathogenesis, a comparative proteomic analysis of protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from AD patients and healthy donors was conducted. Significant changes were observed in the expressions of fourteen proteins, including the vinculin, PITPNB, and Filamin A proteins. Among the proteins, $\alpha$-SNAP and FLNA decreased significantly, and PITPNB increased significantly in AD patients compared with control subjects; these findings were further confirmed by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The comparative proteome data may provide a valuable clue to further understand AD pathogenesis, and several differentially regulated proteins may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and as target proteins for the development of novel drugs.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.740-751
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• 2022

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mixture of encapsulated essential oils (EOs) addition on nutrient digestion, serum biochemical parameters, peripheral blood alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), and acid phosphatase (ACP-ase) positive lymphocyte ratios and intestinal morphology in laying hens. Methods: A total of 320 laying hens of 48-wk-old were randomly allotted into 4 treatment groups with 10 replicates of 8 birds in each replicate. The birds were fed a basal diet (control) or the diet added with mixture of EOs (which consist of eugenol, nerolidol, piperine, thymol, linalool, and geraniol) at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for period of 84 days. Results: The addition of EOs at 100 or 200 mg/kg increased the dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestion as compared to control. The addition of all doses of EOs did not affect serum gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and P but increased serum asparate aminotransferase (AST) concentration. The addition of 200 mg/kg EOs increased serum creatinine, while 100 mg/kg decreased Ca concentration. The addition of 100 and 200 mg/kg EOs generally improved ANAE and ACP-ase positive peripheral blood lymphocyte ratios and intestinal morphology. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the addition of 100 or 200 mg/kg encapsulated EOs generally increased apparent nutrient digestion and serum AST concentration, improved ANAE and ACP-ase positive peripheral blood lymphocytes and intestinal morphology in laying hens.