• Molecules and Cells
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.358-363
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• 2007

Swine endothelial cells are commonly used as an in vitro model for studying features of the blood-brain barrier and some hemorrhagic diseases. However, primary cultures of swine cells have finite lifespans. To establish immortalized swine umbilical vein endothelial cells (SUVECs) using human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the plasmid pCI-neo-hTERT was transfected into SUVECs by lipofection. Clones were selected for G418 resistance, and positive clones were amplified. One of the clones was cultured for up to 50 passages. Factor VIII-related antigen and CD34 were detected. The immortalized cells shared the properties of normal cells, such as contact inhibition, serum requirement and anchorage dependence. Karyotype analysis revealed that the immortalized cells were in the diploid range. In addition, both in vivo and in vitro assays of tumorigenicity showed no neoplastic transformation. Furthermore, NO, $PGI_2$, and ET-1 concentrations in the transfected cells were normal. These results suggest that the SUVECs immortalized by hTERT retain their original characteristics.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.103-109
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• 2006

Objective : Activated endothelial cells mediate the cascade of reactions in response to hypoxia for adaptation to the stress. It has been suggested that hypoxia, by itself, without reperfusion, can activate the endothelial cells and initiate complex responses. In this study, we investigated whether hypoxia-induced endothelial products alter the endothelial permeability and have a direct cytotoxic effect on nerve cells. Methods : Hypoxic condition of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells[HUVEC] was induced by $CoCl_2$ treatment in culture medium. Cell growth was evaluated by 3,4,5-dimethyl thiazole-3,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay Hypoxia-induced products [$IL-1{\beta},\;TGF-{\beta}1,\;IFN-{\gamma},\;TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-l and VEGF] were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endothelial permeability was evaluated by Western blotting. Results : Prolonged hypoxia caused endothelial cells to secrete IL -6, IL -8, MCP-1 and VEGF. However, the levels of IL -1, IL -10, $TNF-{\alpha},\;TGF-{\beta},\;IFN-{\gamma}$ and nitric oxide remained unchanged over 48 h hypoxia. Hypoxic exposure to endothelial cells induced the time-dependent down regulation of the expression of cadherin and catenin protein. The conditioned medium taken from hypoxic HUVECs had the cytotoxic effect selectively on neuroblastoma cells, but not on astroglioma cells. Conclusion : These results suggest the possibility that endothelial cell derived cytokines or other secreted products with the increased endothelial permeability might directly contribute to nerve cell injury followed by hypoxia.

• 한국진공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국진공학회 2013년도 제45회 하계 정기학술대회 초록집
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• pp.274.2-274.2
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• 2013

We described a simple and efficient fabrication method for generating microfluidic channels with a circular-cross sectional geometry by exploiting the reflow phenomenon of a thick positive photoresist. Initial rectangular shaped positive photoresist micropatterns on a silicon wafer, which were fabricated by a conventional photolithography process, were converted into a half-circular shape by tuning the temperature to around $105^{\circ}C$. Through optimization of the reflow conditions, we could obtain a perfect circular micropattern of the positive photoresist, and control the diameter in a range from 100 to 400 ${\mu}m$. The resultant convex half-circular photoresist was used as a template for fabricating a concave polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a replica molding process, and a circular PDMS microchannel was produced by bonding two half-circular PDMS layers. A variety of channel dimensions and patterns can be easily prepared, including straight, S-curve, X-, Y-, and T-shapes to mimic an in vivo vascular network. To inform an endothelial cell layer, we cultured primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inside circular PDMS microchannels, and demonstrated successful cell adhesion, proliferation, and alignment along the channel.

• BMB Reports
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• 제43권9호
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• pp.604-608
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• 2010

Tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) mediates proinflammatory responses in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and it upregulates the expression of secretory group IIA phospholipase $A_2$ ($sPLA_2$-IIA). $sPLA_2$-IIA plays a pivotal role in inflammation, and antithrombin (AT) possesses properties that are beneficial to endothelial cells. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AT on the expression of $sPLA_2$-IIA in TNF-$\alpha$-stimulated HUVECs. TNF-$\alpha$ potently upregulated the expression of $sPLA_2$-IIA, and prior treatment of cells with AT inhibited the expression of $sPLA_2$-IIA in HUVECs. Also, antibodies or siRNA for syndecan-4 blocked the protective effect of AT. Furthermore, PI3-kinase and the AKT pathway are significantly involved in the AT-mediated inhibition of the expression of $sPLA_2$-IIA. These results show that AT effectively suppresses the upregulated $sPLA_2$-IIA expression, which might contribute to the cytoprotective effects of AT in the treatment of severe inflammatory diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.56-66
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• 2003

목 적 : 제대정맥은 모체의 혈액을 태아로 운반하여 산소와 영양물질을 공급하는 유일한 통로이다. 이러한 제대 혈류의 장애가 있을 시 자궁내 성장제한, 임신성 고혈압 등을 초래할 수 있다. 제대-태반 혈관의 내피세포 손상을 유발하는 원인 중 amiloride 유도체들을 중심으로 내피세포에 미치는 amiloride 유도체들의 작용을 밝히고, 세포 내 이온농도 변화와 apoptosis 간의 관계를 규명하고자 하였다. 방 법 : 인간 제대정맥 내피세포는 Clonetics로부터 구입하였으며, 내피세포 성장에 필요한 여러 성장인자가 포함된 배지에서 배양하였다. MTT 방법과 flow cytometry 방법을 이용하여 세포독성 효과 및 apoptosis를 확인하였다. 세포 내 이온농도 변화를 측정하기 위해서는 각각의 목적에 적합한 형광염료들을 세포 내에 부하시켜 놓은 뒤, 형광 현미경과 연결된 영상분석장치를 이용하여 관찰하였다. 결 과 : 1) Amiloride 유도체들은 농도 의존적으로 HUVEC의 사멸을 나타내었으며, 각각의 정도는 HMA($IC_{50}$; $11.2{\mu}M$), MIA($13.6{\mu}M$)>EIPA($30.8{\mu}M$)>>amiloride($106{\mu}M$) 순이었다. 2) 세포주기 분석결과 apoptosis의 특징적인 sub $G_0/G_1$ ploidy peak를 나타냈으며, 이러한 작용은 caspase 억제제에 의해 감소되었다. 3) Annexin-V와 propidium iodide 이중 염색 결과 apoptosis로 진행된 세포의 비율(73.0%)을 대조군(11.3%)에 비해 현저히 증가시켰다. 4) HMA에 의한 apoptosis 효과는 세포외액의 pH를 높이거나, $NH_4Cl$을 투여하여 세포내액의 pH를 높일 경우 크게 증가하였다. 5) HMA는 농도 의존적으로 세포내 주요 이온인 $K^+$ 및 $Cl^-$의 세포내 농도를 감소시켰으며, 이러한 효과 역시 세포외액의 pH를 높일수록 현저하게 증가하였다. 결 론 : 이상의 결과들로 미루어 볼 때, HUVEC에서 amiloride 유도체들에 의한 apoptosis 과정에 세포내 주요 이온 농도 감소가 일부 관여하고 있을 것이라 생각된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.95-102
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• 2019

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is mediated by disturbance of $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis. The store-operated calcium (SOC) channel is the primary $Ca^{2+}$ channel in non-excitable cells, but its participation in agent-induced ER stress is not clear. In this study, the effects of tunicamycin on $Ca^{2+}$ influx in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were observed with the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM. The effect of tunicamycin on the expression of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins BiP and CHOP was assayed by western blotting with or without inhibition of Orai1. Tunicamycin induced endothelial dysfunction by activating ER stress. Orai1 expression and the influx of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in HUVECs were both upregulated during ER stress. The SOC channel inhibitor SKF96365 reversed tunicamycin-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by inhibiting ER stress. Regulation of tunicamycin-induced ER stress by Orai1 indicates that modification of Orai1 activity may have therapeutic value for conditions with ER stress-induced endothelial dysfunction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.181-187
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• 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in various cells, including vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and regulate ion channel functions. $K_{Ca}3.1$ plays an important role in endothelial functions. However, the effects of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals on the expression of this ion channel in the endothelium remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of ROS donors on $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression and the $K^+$ current in primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The hydrogen peroxide donor, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), upregulated $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression, while the superoxide donors, xanthine/xanthine oxidase mixture (X/XO) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), downregulated its expression, in a concentration-dependent manner. These ROS donor effects were prevented by antioxidants or superoxide dismustase. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) was upregulated by TBHP and downregulated by X/XO. In addition, repressor element-1-silencing transcription factor (REST) was downregulated by TBHP, and upregulated by X/XO. Furthermore, $K_{Ca}3.1$ current, which was activated by clamping cells with 1 ${\mu}M$ $Ca^{2+}$ and applying the $K_{Ca}3.1$ activator 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, was further augmented by TBHP, and inhibited by X/XO. These effects were prevented by antioxidants. The results suggest that hydrogen peroxide increases $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression by upregulating pERK and downregulating REST, and augments the $K^+$ current. On the other hand, superoxide reduces $K_{Ca}3.1$ expression by downregulating pERK and upregulating REST, and inhibits the $K^+$ current. ROS thereby play a key role in both physiological and pathological processes in endothelial cells by regulating $K_{Ca}3.1$ and endothelial function.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.161-166
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• 2011

Carbon black, a particulate form of pure elemental carbon, is an industrial chemical with the high potential of occupational exposure. Although the relationship between exposure to particulate matters (PM) and cardiovascular diseases is well established, the cardiovascular risk of carbon black has not been characterized clearly. In this study, the cytotoxicity of carbon black to vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells were examined to investigate the potential vascular toxicity of carbon black. Carbon black with distinct particle size, N330 (primary size, 28~36 nm) and N990 (250~350 nm) were treated to A-10, rat aortic smooth muscle cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cell line, ECV304, and cell viability was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay. Treatment of carbon black N990 resulted in the significant reduction of viability in A-10 cells at 100 ${\mu}g$/ml, the highest concentration tested, while N330 failed to cause cell death. Cytotoxicity to ECV304 cells was induced only by N330 at higher concentration, 200 ${\mu}g$/ml, suggesting that ECV304 cells were relatively resistant to carbon black. Treatment of 100 ${\mu}g$/ml N990 led to the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) detected by dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) in A-10 cells. Pretreatment of antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and sulforaphane restored decreased viability of N990-treated A-10 cells, and N-acetylcysteine, but not sulforaphane, attenuated N990-induced ROS generation in A-10 cells. Taken together, present study shows that carbon black is cytotoxic to vascular cells, and the generation of reactive oxygen contributes to the development of cytotoxicity. ROS scavenging antioxidant could be a potential strategy to attenuate the toxicity induced by carbon black exposure.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.287-293
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• 2012

본 연구에서는 HMGB1 의해 증가되는 각종 염증관련물질에 대해 라이코펜이 가지는 저해 역할을 규명하고 하였다. 라이코펜은 HMGB1에 의해 증가되는 MCP-1, IL-8, sPLA2-IIA, PGE2의 발현을 NF-${\kappa}B$ 그리고 TNF-${\alpha}$의 활성를 저해함으로써 감소시켰다. 특히, 1 mM에서 그 효능이 통계적으로 유효하였다. 결론적으로 HMGB1에 의해서 발생하는 각종 혈관염증질환에서 라이코펜은 증가하는 각종 염증관련물질을 저해하였고, 결국 라이코펜이 패혈증을 포함하는 염증질환을 효과적으로 치료할 수 있는 방법에 있어 많은 방향성을 제시할 것으로 기대한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.131-136
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• 2013

Sirtuin family 단백질은 암, 당뇨, 심혈관 질환, 뇌신경계 질환과 같은 노화와 연관된 질병들의 발병에 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 우선적으로 혈관내피세포를 이용하여 Hypoxia에서의 sirtuin family의 발현을 확인한 결과, SIRT2 mRNA가 가장 강하게 발현되는 결과를 얻었다. 혈관신생과정에서의 SIRT2 단백질의 생리학적 역할을 규명하고자, 본 실험실에서는 저산소상태에서의 SIRT2의 생리학적인 의미에 주안점을 두었다. Normoxia에서 SIRT2는 세포질에 존재하고 있으나, hypoxia에 의해서 SIRT2 단백질이 핵 내로 이동이 일어남을 확인하였다. 또한 hypoxia에 의해서 SIRT2와 혈관신생인자인 VEGF의 발현이 증가하며, Normoxia와 hypoxia 두 환경에서 혈관내피세포의 혈관형성능력이 SIRT2 inhibitor인 AK-1에 의해서 억제된 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구결과를 통해서 SIRT2가 혈관신생과정을 조절하는 중요한 역할을 함을 시사하였다.