• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.569-573
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• 2020

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella infections and humans usually contract this disease from close contact with infected animals or their products, usually via the ingestion of cheese or crude milk. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in susceptibility/resistance and the immunopathogenesis of Brucella infection. These cytokines are crucial factors in the initiation and progression of protective immunity against Brucella infection but the role of MIF has not been well studied in the human response to intracellular microbes. This study was designed to investigate the effect of MIF expression on Brucella susceptibility. A total of 85 positive rose Bengal tests and 24 samples from healthy individuals were collected for this study and subjected to polymerase chain reaction assays (PCR) of the bcsp31 diagnostic gene. MIF concentrations were evaluated using Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results showed that 46 (54%) of the rose Bengal test samples were positive and 39 (46%) were negative for bcsp31 (p ≤ 0.05) and used as the gold standard for all of the comparisons in this study. The ELISA results indicate that the mean concentration of MIF was significantly higher in patients with positive rose Bengal tests when compared to the control groups and that its concentration increases with increasing age in both the patient and control groups (p ≤ 0.05).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권8호
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• pp.982-988
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• 2022

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) has been used as preventive and therapeutic material for hyperpigmentation disorders. Previously, we isolated noble compounds including dehydroglyasperin C (DGC), dehydroglyasperin D (DGD) and isoangustone A (IAA) from licorice hexane/ethanol extracts. However, their anti-melanogenic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. The present study compared effects of DGC, DGD and IAA on pigmentation in melan-a melanocytes and human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn). DGD exerted the most excellent anti-melanogenic effect, followed by DGC and IAA at non-cytotoxic concentrations. In addition, DGD significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro cell-free system and cell system. Western blot result showed that DGD decreased expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) in melan-a cells and HEMn cells. DGD induced phosphorylation of MITF, ERK and Akt signal pathway promoting MITF degradation system. However, DGD did not influence p38 and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)/CREB signal pathway in melan-a cells. These result indicated that DGD inhibited melanogenesis not only direct regulation of tyrosinase but also modulating intracellular signaling related with MITF level. Collectively, these results suggested a protective role for DGD against melanogenesis.

• 한국보육지원학회지
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• 제18권5호
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• pp.1-17
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of childcare teachers' active motivation for choosing a profession on the quality of their interaction with infants and toddlers, and to investigate the moderating effect of their emotional dysregulation. Methods: The subjects of this study were childcare teachers working with infants and toddlers. A mobile survey was conducted and a total of 282 sets of results have been collected. Moderating effects have been explored with the use of PROCESS Macro (version 3.5) Model 1. Results: The main findings showed that childcare teachers' emotional dysregulation played a moderating role in the effect of childcare teachers' active motivation on the quality of interaction with infants and toddlers. Conclusion/Implications: The results of this study imply that the ability of childcare teachers working with infants and toddlers to regulate their emotions can simultaneously play a role as a protective factor as well as a risk factor for the quality of interaction. Also, it was revealed that is necessary to give pre-service teachers an opportunity to deliberate on their motivations for a childcare teacher position.

• 운동영양학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.19-24
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• 2020

[Purpose] Although physical activity is required to prevent or ameliorate osteoporosis, medicine prescription should precede it, since it may be limited in severe osteoporosis patients. Furthermore, osteoporosis has a great effect on physical activity disorders that accompany fractures and pain, and therefore, research on treatment or prevention to decrease the number of patients is required. The purpose of this study was to discover candidate substances from natural products with an effective pharmacological action and to prepare basic data to help patients. [Methods] To prepare the osteoporosis model, ovariectomy (OVX) was performed using surgical methods. The prepared prescription [Shinkiwhan (SKH), a Korean medicine] was administered orally at a dose of 210 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After completion of the animal experiment, the bone mineral density (BMD) was analyzed using double-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The analysis of the effect of drugs on bones was performed using histological analysis and immunostaining. [Results] SKH increased the BMD in the OVX rats. Furthermore, SKH significantly increased the expression of osteoprotegerin and downregulated receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinases in the bones of the OVX model. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest a protective effect of SKH against BMD loss in the OVX model.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Respiratory face masks are protective facepieces that are designed to filter inhaled air. They are easy-to-use devices that can protect the wearer against various hazardous particles in the air. Respiratory face masks also prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria-containing droplets that are released from the coughing or sneezing of the infected people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various types of face masks have circulated on the market. Their ability to filter sub-micron particles, which are the sizes of harmful particulate matter and airborne viruses, needs to be investigated. Their breathability, the easiness of breath through the mask, also needs to be considered. In this study, wwe evaluated the performance of filters used for different types of face masks certified by different standards including Korean (KF94, KF80, KF-AD), USA (N95), and Chinese (KN95) standards. We also tested the filters of nanofiber masks and surgical masks for which there are no standards for filtration test. The N95 mask filters showed the highest quality factor for capturing virus-sized particles. The other types of mask filters have acceptable performance except for nanofiber mask filters whose performance is very low.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.23-31
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• 2022

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play important roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated the protective effects of paeoniflorin (PF) against neuronal oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice. The brains of LPS-injected control group showed significantly increased neuroinflammation by activating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and increasing inflammatory mediators. However, administration of PF significantly attenuated oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide levels, and reactive oxygen species production in the brain; PF at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg/day downregulated the expression of NF-κB pathway-related proteins and significantly decreased inflammatory mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor, tropomycin receptor kinase B, were significantly increased in PF-treated mice. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase activity and the ration of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X were significantly reduced by PF in the brains of LPS-induced mice, resulting in the inhibition of cholinergic dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis. Thus, we can conclude that administration of PF to mice prevents the development of LPS-induced AD pathology through the inhibition of neuronal oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, suggesting that PF has a therapeutic potential for AD.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.10-16
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• 2024

Oxidative stress caused by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart causes various heart diseases. Oxidative stress is known as a factor that causes diseases in various organs as well as the heart. Diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy caused by oxidative stress in the heart can be treated with medication or surgery. Recently, blood cells concentrate (BCC) is used in various treatment areas such as orthopedics, gynecology, and urology. BCC therapy is applied to treatment by concentrating platelets and white blood cells necessary for regeneration through simple centrifugation using autologous blood. As the platelets are activated, many growth factors are released from alpha granules of the platelets. Growth factors such as TGF-β1, PDGF, VEGF, and EGF derived from platelets are involved in various cell signaling pathway. Due to these growth factors, BCC can contribute to tissue regeneration and can treat various diseases. CD34+ cells contained in BCC may also play an important role in tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated whether BCC has a regenerative effect on heart disease, and if so, what mechanism causes the effect. To observe this, cardiomyocyte cells were treated with H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress. And the effect was confirmed in the presence or absence of BCC. As a result, in the presence of BCC, the oxidative stress of cardiomyocyte cells was reduced and cell damage was also reduced. These results suggest that BCC therapy can be a new treatment alternative for heart disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제45권9호
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• pp.1106-1113
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• 2002

목 적: 전사인자 $NF-{\kappa}B$는 스트레스 등으로부터 세포 자멸사를 조절하여 적응을 유지하는 기본적인 분자로 인식되고 있다. 저산소증 상태는 많은 심장병에서 동반되는 병변으로 성장인자 VEGF와 IGF-I는 저산소증 시에 심장을 보호하는 작용을 할 것으로 추측되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 저산소증과 같은 자극으로부터 심장의 보호 기능이 추정된 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 발현과 함께 VEGF와 IGF-I의 발현 연관성을 검토하여 분자 생물학적인 기전을 이해하고자 하였다. 방 법 : 실험동물로 Sprague Dawley rat을 이용하여, 저산소 자극은 8%의 산소와 92% 질소를 hypoxic chamber로 관류시키며 유도하였다. 심장에 대한 저산소증 자극 후 심근세포로부터 측정 인자들과 관련된 핵 내 단백질, 전단백질 그리고 mRNA를 분리하였다. 핵 내의 전사인자는 EMSA로 측정하였으며, VEGF와 IGF-I의 발현은 competitive-PCR, Western hybridization, Northern hybridization으로 확인하였다. 또한 이러한 성장인자의 발현과 관련된 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 기능을 확인하기 위하여 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 핵 내 이동 억제제인 DDTC를 전 처치로 복강 내 주사하여 그에 따른 VEGF 및 IGF-I의 발현 양상을 비교하였다. 결 과 : 저산소 자극 후에 심근 세포 내에 전사인자 $NF-{\kappa}B$, AP-1, NF-ATc의 활성이 증가되었다. VEGF와 IGF-I의 발현도 저산소증 자극 시 증가되었지만, DDTC 전 처치에 의한 $NF-{\kappa}B$의 핵 내 이동 차단 후 이들 인자의 발현은 의의 있게 감소하였다. 결 론 : 전사인자 $NF-{\kappa}B$는 저산소증 상태에서 그 활성이 증가하고 저산소증 상태와 같은 심장에 대한 이상 자극 시 VEGF와 IGF-I의 발현을 증가시켜 심장을 보호하는 것으로 추정된다.

• 정신신체의학
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.73-79
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• 2022

연구목적 자살은 전세계적인 사회적 문제로 자살로 인한 사회적 부담은 점차 증가하고 있다. 자살의 예방을 위해 다양한 시도들이 진행되고 있다. 자살의 위험성이 생활 습관, 그 중 식단의 변화에 의해 증가할 수 있다. 그래서 본 연구는 자살에 대한 보조적 치료로써 식단에 대해 고찰하였다. 방법 본 종설에서는 학술 검색을 통하여 자살의 생화학적 메커니즘을 확인하고 자살에 대한 위험요인으로서 식단, 보호요인으로서 식단에 대해 정리해 보았다. 결과 본 연구에서는 자살의 생화학적 기전을 확인하고, 자살에 대한 위험요인 식단, 보호요인 식단에 대해 조사하였다 신경계통에서 산화스트레스 반응, 염증반응과 같은 신경독성효과가 자살의 위험을 높일 수 있음을 확인하였다. 이들 이전 연구 결과를 바탕으로, 자살과 식단 사이의 이전 연구들을 고찰 해본 결과, 자살에 대한 위험 요인으로 술, 담배, 커피, 탄산음료, 패스트 푸드 등의 과도한 사용 및 섭취가 있었다. 자살에 대한 보호요인으로 비타민 C, 카로틴 등의 항산화 물질 그리고 해산물이 다량 포함하고 있는 오메가 3 지방산 같은 항염증 제재등이 있었다. 결론 자살의 유일한 치료법은 그 예방이다. 그러한 맥락에서 자살의 예방적 치료들의 적용에 있어 효과, 접근성, 안전이 중요할 수 있다. 이런 관점에서 비교적 안전하고, 대중들이 쉽게 섭취할 수 있는 항산화물질 및 항염증 제재들은 자살의 위험을 낮출 수 있는 효과적 보조적 치료가 될 수 있을 것이다. 뿐만 아니라, 자살의 위험을 높일 수 있는 식단을 줄이기 위한 대중들에 대한 교육이 필요할 수 있다

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.107-115
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• 2018

Background: Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed neuropsychiatric diseases, but the underlying mechanism and medicine are not well-known. Although Panax ginseng has been reported to exert protective effects in various neurological studies, little information is available regarding its antidepressant effects. Methods: Here, we examined the antidepressant effect and underlying mechanism of P. ginseng extract (PGE) in a chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression model in mice. Results: Oral administration of PGE for 14 d decreased immobility (depression-like behaviors) time in forced swim and tail suspended tests after CRS induction, which corresponded with attenuation of the levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone, as well as attenuated c-Fos expression in the amygdala. PGE enhanced messenger RNA expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor but ameliorated microglial activation and neuroinflammation (the level of messenger RNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) in the amygdala of mice after CRS induction. Interestingly, 14-d treatment with celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, and $N_{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, attenuated depression-like behaviors after CRS induction. Additionally, PGE inhibited the upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 pathways. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that PGE exerts antidepressant-like effect of CRS-induced depression by antineuroinflammatory and antioxidant (nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 activation) activities by inhibiting the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis mechanism. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of components of P. ginseng as an alternative treatment of depression, including clinical trial evaluation.