• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.53-57
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• 2003

The glutamate receptors (GluRs) are key receptors for modulatory synaptic events in the central nervous system. It has been reported that glutamate increases the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) and induces cytotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated whether the glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase was associated with the activation of ionotropic (iGluR) and metabotropic GluRs (mGluR) in substantia gelatinosa neurons, using spinal cord slice of juvenile rats (10${\sim}21 day). $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ was measured using conventional imaging techniques, which was combined with whole-cell patch clamp recording by incorporating fura-2 in the patch pipette. At physiological concentration of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$, the inward current and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase were induced by membrane depolarization and application of glutamate. Dose-response relationship with glutamate was observed in both $Ca^{2+}$ signal and inward current. The glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase at holding potential of -70 mV was blocked by CNQX, an AMPA receptor blocker, but not by AP-5, a NMDA receptor blocker. The glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase in $Ca^{2+}$ free condition was not affected by iGluR blockers. A selective mGluR (group I) agonist, RS-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase at holding potential of -70 mV in SG neurons. These findings suggest that the glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase is associated with AMPA-sensitive iGluR and group I mGluR in SG neurons of rats.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.143-153
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• 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of trunk-forearm supported sitting on trunk flexion angle, trunk extensor fatigue and seat contact pressure. Background: The relationship between sitting posture and musculoskeletal disorders of the trunk extensor fatigue and seat contact pressure has been documented. The trunk-forearm support type ergonomic chair was devised from the fact that trunk-forearm support has been reported to reduce trunk extensor activity and discomfort. Method: Using three different sitting postures, upright ($P_1$), trunk-forearm supported ($P_2$) and normal sitting ($P_3$), six healthy subjects participated in the study. Motion capture system was used to collect head and trunk flexion angle, and surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to collect myoelectric signal of upper trapezius, lower trapezius, erector spinae, multifidus, and pressure mat system was used to measure seat contact pressure. Results: When trunk and forearm were supported by the ergonomic chair, higher head flexion angle showed upright > trunk-forearm supported > normal in order, and muscle fatigue showed less than upright and normal sitting. Mean seat contact pressure decreased 19% than upright sitting. But muscle fatigue was not affected by each condition. Conclusion: Trunk-forearm supported sitting of the ergonomic chair showed positive effect in respect of trunk and head flexion angle, trunk extensor fatigue, seat contact pressure. To acquire comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the ergonomic chair, further studies such as anatomical effects from measurement of external applied loading effect to the body from interface pressure analysis are required. Application: The results of the publishing trend analysis might help physiological effects of trunk-forearm support type chair.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2017

Vaccinium angustifolium, commonly known as the lowbush blueberry, is a rich source of flavonoids, with which various human physiological activities have been associated. The present study focuses on the investigation of the effect of the methanolic extract of V. angustifolium root extract (VAE) on high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor ($Fc{\varepsilon}RI$) ${\alpha}$ chain antibody (CRA-1)-induced allergic reaction in human basophilic KU812F cells. The total phenolic content of VAE was found to be $170{\pm}1.9mg$ gallic acid equivalents/g. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the cell surface expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner upon culture with VAE. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the mRNA level of the $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}$ chain was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner as a result of VAE treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 were concentration-dependently inhibited by VAE. We determined that VAE inhibited anti-CRA-1-induced histamine release, in addition to the elevation of intracellular calcium concentration ([$Ca^{2+}$]i), in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that VAE may exert an anti-allergic effect via the inhibition of calcium influx and histamine release, which occurs as a result of the down-regulation of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression through inhibition of ERK 1/2 activation.

• BMB Reports
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• 제39권5호
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• pp.469-478
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• 2006

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a major regulator for angiogenesis, binds and activates two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (KDR/Flk-1). These receptors regulate physiological as well as pathological angiogenesis. VEGFR2 has strong tyrosine kinase activity, and transduces the major signals for angiogenesis. However, unlike other representative tyrosine kinase receptors which use the Ras pathway, VEGFR2 mostly uses the Phospholipase-$C{\gamma}$-Protein kinase-C pathway to activate MAP-kinase and DNA synthesis. VEGFR2 is a direct signal transducer for pathological angiogenesis including cancer and diabetic retinopathy, thus, VEGFR2 itself and the signaling appear to be critical targets for the suppression of these diseases. VEGFR1 plays dual role, a negative role in angiogenesis in the embryo most likely by trapping VEGF-A, and a positive role in adulthood in a tyrosine kinase-dependent manner. VEGFR1 is expressed not only in endothelial cells but also in macrophage-lineage cells, and promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and inflammation. Furthermore, a soluble form of VEGFR1 was found to be present at abnormally high levels in the serum of preeclampsia patients, and induces proteinurea and renal dysfunction. Therefore, VEGFR1 is also an important target in the treatment of human diseases. Recently, the VEGFR2-specific ligand VEGF-E (Orf-VEGF) was extensively characterized. Interestingly, the activation of VEGFR2 via VEGF-E in vivo results in a strong angiogenic response in mice with minor side effects such as inflammation compared with VEGF-A, suggesting VEGF-E to be a novel material for pro-angiogenic therapy.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.368-373
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of water extract from Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb. (EAS) on the RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate of anti-inflammatory of EAS, we examined the cytokine productions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and also inhibitory mechanisms using Western blot. EAS reduced LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) in RAW 264.7 cells. EAS inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) but not of inhibitory kappa B a (Ik-Ba) degradation in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, EAS down-regulated LPS-induced NO and cytokines production, which could provide a clinical basis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.35-42
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• 2008

Purpose: Alterations in the structure and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are important in cardiovascular disease and maintaining chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension is associated with changes in vascular smooth muscle tone. The spontaneous or myogenic tone of a blood vessel reflects the ability to adapt smooth muscle tone to changes in transmural pressure. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in myogenic tone are not fully understood. Methods: Here, we investigated the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in isometric contraction and enzymatic activity using muscle strips from rats made hypertensive with aldosterone-analogue deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salts. Results: Changes in myogenic tone and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) were different after physiological salt solution (PSS) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The myogenic tone and quiescent phosphorylation induced by the PSS treatment were inhibited by 10 ${\mu}$M PD098059, an extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor, and 10 ${\mu}$M wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, in hypertensive rats. Conclusion: The development of DOCA-induced hypertension is associated with altered isometric contractions and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ via changes in activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K after DOCA-salt treatment. Therefore, ERK1/2 and PI3K activity affect hypertension and may be suitable targets for physical therapy in cardiovascular disease.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.427-435
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• 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate facial temperature changes induced by facial expression and emotional state in order to recognize a persons emotion using facial thermal images. Background: Facial thermal images have two advantages compared to visual images. Firstly, facial temperature measured by thermal camera does not depend on skin color, darkness, and lighting condition. Secondly, facial thermal images are changed not only by facial expression but also emotional state. To our knowledge, there is no study to concurrently investigate these two sources of facial temperature changes. Method: 231 students participated in the experiment. Four kinds of stimuli inducing anger, fear, boredom, and neutral were presented to participants and the facial temperatures were measured by an infrared camera. Each stimulus consisted of baseline and emotion period. Baseline period lasted during 1min and emotion period 1~3min. In the data analysis, the temperature differences between the baseline and emotion state were analyzed. Eyes, mouth, and glabella were selected for facial expression features, and forehead, nose, cheeks were selected for emotional state features. Results: The temperatures of eyes, mouth, glanella, forehead, and nose area were significantly decreased during the emotional experience and the changes were significantly different by the kind of emotion. The result of linear discriminant analysis for emotion recognition showed that the correct classification percentage in four emotions was 62.7% when using both facial expression features and emotional state features. The accuracy was slightly but significantly decreased at 56.7% when using only facial expression features, and the accuracy was 40.2% when using only emotional state features. Conclusion: Facial expression features are essential in emotion recognition, but emotion state features are also important to classify the emotion. Application: The results of this study can be applied to human-computer interaction system in the work places or the automobiles.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.37-47
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• 2011

This study was aimed to investigate the memory enhancing effect of Jeongjihwan against scopolamine-induced amnesia in C57BL/6 mice. To determine the effect of Jeongjihwan on the memory and cognitive function, we have injected scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) into C57BL/6 mice 30 min before beginning of behavior tests. We have conducted Y-maze, Morris water-maze, passive avoidance and fear conditioning tests to compare learning and memory functions. Scopolamine-induced behavior changes of memory impairment were significantly restored by oral administration of Jeongjihwan (100 or 200 mg/kg/day). To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the memory enhancing effect of Jeongjihwan, we have examined the antioxidant defense system and neurotrophic factors. Jeongjihwan treatment attenuated intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species and up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes as assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Jeongjihwan also increased protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared with those in the scopolamine-treated group. Furthermore, as an upstream regulator, the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) via phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot analysis. Jeongjihwan elevated the phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB), which seemed to be mediated partly by extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B/Akt. These findings suggest that Jeongjihwan may have preventive and therapeutic potential in the management of amnesia.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.9-13
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• 2006

Diesel exhausted particles (DEP), a kind of fine particles with aerodynamic diameters less than $2.5{\mu}m$ (PM2.5), is of great concern to human health because they remain in atmosphere for long periods, invade an indoor air environment, and can be breathed most deeply into lung and reached the alveoli because of their small size ($0.1{\sim}0.4\;{\mu}m$ in diameter). Epidemiological and experimental studies suggested that DEP may play an active role in the increased respiratory mortality and morbidity. In addition to their physical characteristics, the chemical components including polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) are regarded as a carcinogen causing pulmonary tumors. PLD plays an important role in cell proliferation with various physiological phenomena and affects other enzymes by activating signal transduction pathway. We investigated the cytotoxic mechanism of DEP on RAW 264.7 cells focusing on the role in activation of PLD. Our results suggested DEP induced PLD activity through a specific signaling pathway involving phospholipase $A_2$, PLC, PKC and $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization.

• BMB Reports
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.53-57
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• 1998

The CMCax gene from Acetobacter xylinum ATCC 23769 was cloned and expressed in E. coli. With this gene, three gene products - mature CMCax, CMCax containing signal peptide(pre-CMCax), and a glutathione-S-transferase(GST)-CMCax fusion enzyme - were expressed. CMCax and pre-CMCax are aggregated to multimeric forms which showed high CMC hydrolysis activity, whereas GST-CMCax was less aggregated and showed lower activity, indicating that oligomerization of CMCax controbutes to the cellulose hydrolysis activity to achieve greater efficiency. The enzyme was identified to be an $\beta$-1,4-endoglucanase, which catalyzes the cleavage of internal $\beta$-1,4-glycosidic bonds of cellulose. The reaction products, cellobiose and cellotriose, from cellopentaose as a substrate, were identified by HPLC. Substrate specificity of cellotetraose by this enzyme was poor, and the reaction products consisted of glucose, cellobiose, and cellotriose in a very low yield. Theses results suggested that cellopentaose might be the oligosaccharide substrate consisting of the lowest number of glucose. The optimum pH of CMCax and pre CMCax was about 4.5, whereas that of GST-CMCas was rather broad at pH 4.5-8. The physiological significance of cellulose-hydrolyzing enzyme, CMCax, having such low $\beta$-1,4-endoglucanase activity and low optimum pH in cellulose-producing A. xylinum is not clearly known yet, but it seems to be closely related to the production of cellulose.