• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.733-737
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• 2018

박과 작물에 함유되어 있는 tetracyclic triterpene 성분 중 하나인 쿠쿠르비타신(cucurbitacin)-I는 대장암, 유방암, 간암세포에서의 항종양 활성이 밝혀져 있으나 난소암에서의 쿠쿠르비타신-I의 역할은 보고된 바 없다. CD44는 세포막에 존재하는 당단백질로 생체 내 리간드인 glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid를 통해 세포 외부 매트릭스와 다른 세포와의 접촉을 매개한다. 최근 연구에 의해 CD44의 발현이 난소암세포의 증식 및 세포 부착과 침윤을 증가시키는 주요 원인이라는 것이 보고되었다. 이러한 결과는 CD44의 발현을 억제함으로써 난소암의 진행을 조절할 수 있음을 시사하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 쿠쿠르비타신-I가 난소암세포의 CD44의 발현을 억제할 수 있는 지의 여부를 조사하였다. 인간의 난소암 세포인 SKOV-3를 이용한 MTS assay를 수행한 결과, 쿠쿠르비타신-I는 100 nM이상의 농도에서 세포독성을 나타내었다. 세포독성을 나타내지 않는 농도의 쿠쿠르비타신-I를 SKOV-3 세포에 처리하여 Western blot 분석과 qRT-PCR을 수행한 결과, 쿠쿠르비타신-I에 의해 CD44의 단백질과 mRNA의 발현이 유의적으로 감소되는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 쿠쿠르비타신-I에 의한 CD44의 발현 억제가 $NF-{\kappa}B$와 AP-1의 인산화 감소에 기인하고 있음을 밝혔다. 이러한 결과는 쿠쿠르비타신-I가 CD44 발현을 억제하는 기능을 가지며, 이는 난소암 치료에 도움을 줄 수 있는 제재로서 쿠쿠르비타신-I의 가능성을 제시하는 것이다.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.265-270
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• 2011

Procymidone is a fungicide with anti-androgenic properties widely used to protect fruits from fungal infection, which induces an excessive reactive oxygen species production in male reproductive organs. In this study, to clarify whether procymidone affect the cellular antioxidant system of prostate at onset of puberty, gene expression patterns of the representative antioxidant enzymes such as cytoplasmic glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), phospholipid hydroperoxide GPx (PHGPx), selenoprotein P (SePP), cytoplasmic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and manganese SOD (SOD2) were investigated in the rat ventral prostates exposed to procymidone using real-time RT-PCR analyses. Seven-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats castrated at 6 weeks old were treated with procymidone (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg per day) orally for 7 consecutive days after testosterone propionate (0.4 mg/kg per day) administration by subcutaneous injection. As compared to normal control animals, GPx1 mRNA expression in prostates significantly increased by the administration with TP and/or procymidone. However, PHGPx and SOD1 mRNA levels significanatly decreased by over 25 mg/kg of procymidone treatment and SePP and SOD2 mRNA levels was significanatly reduced by over 50 mg/kg of procymidone treatment. These findings indicate that procymidone may affect the antioxidant system of prostatic cells in up-regulation mode of GPx1, but in down-regulation modes of PHGPx, SePP, SOD1, and SOD2, suggesting that procymidone may affect differently the cellular antioxidant system of prostate according to the exposure doses.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.280-285
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• 2010

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chitosan have been used as matrix materials to support the dermal part of skin equivalent which is used for both pharmacological and toxicological evaluations of drugs potentially used for dermatological diseases. However, their biological roles of GAGs and chitosan in the skin equivalent are still unknown. In the present study, we evaluated whether GAGs and chitosan directly affect keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) and their transit-amplifying cells (TA cells). Among supporting matrix materials, chitosan significantly increased the number of ${\alpha}6$ $integrin^{high}/CD71^{high}$ human keratinocyte TA cells by 48.5%. In quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis, chitosan significantly increased CD71 and CD200 gene transcription whereas not ${\alpha}6$ integrin. In addition, the level of the gene transcription of both keratin 1 (K1) and K10 in the chitosan-treated human keratinocytes was significantly lower than those of control, suggesting that chitosan inhibit keratinocyte differentiation. We also found that N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) and $\beta$-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine (D-glc), two components of chitosan, have no effect on the expression of CD71, K1, and K10, suggesting that each monomer component of chitosan is not enough to regulate the number of epidermal keratinocyte lineage. Conclusively, chitosan increases keratinocyte TA cell population which may contribute to the cellular mass expansion of the epidermal part of a skin equivalent system.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제32권5호
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• pp.426-429
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• 2006

The fibroblast in the periodontal ligaments received various stress. Among them, compression and tension are quite important and they are related to the remodeling of tooth and alveolar bone. We studied the change of expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the fibroblasts of the periodontal ligaments by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. In results, the relative activity of IL-6 mRNA in 2 hours after was 1.54${\pm}$0.08 and 1.00${\pm}$0.05 in control and test, respectively (P<0.05). Its 12 hours after was 1.23${\pm}$0.06 and 2.78${\pm}$0.14 in control and test, respectively (P<0.05). The relative activity of IL-8 mRNA in 2 hours after was 1.00${\pm}$0.05 and 0.24${\pm}$0.01 in control and test, respectively (P<0.05). Its 12 hours after was 1.23${\pm}$0.06 and 0.63${\pm}$0.03 in control and test, respectively (P<0.05). The concentration of IL-6 was 1.02${\pm}$0.16 ng/ml, 0.90${\pm}$0.14 ng/ml, and 1.32${\pm}$0.12 ng/ml (P<0.05) in control, 2, and 12 hours after, respectively. The concentration of IL-8 was 2.26${\pm}$0.17 ng/ml, 1.70${\pm}$0.26 ng/ml (P<0.05), and 0.84${\pm}$0.47 ng/ml (P<0.05) in control, 2, and 12 hours after, respectively. In conclusion, the expression of IL-6 was significantly increased after the application of the static compressive force, but IL-8 was significantly decreased. Considering their known function, their expression is quite important in tooth and bone resorption.

• BMB Reports
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2006

To prove whether error catastrophe /lethal mutagenesis is the primary antiviral mechanism of action of ribavirin against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Ribavirin passage experiments were performed and supernatants of $Rp_1$ to $Rp_5$ were harvested. Morphological alterations as well as the levels of viral RNAs, proteins, and infectious particles in the BHK-21 cells infected using the supernatants of $Rp_1$ to $Rp_5$ and control were measured by microscope, real-time RT-PCR, western-blotting and plaque assays, respectively. The mutation frequency was measured by sequencing the complete P1- and 3D-encoding region of FMDV after a single round of virus infection from ribavirin-treated or untreated FMDV-infected cells. Ribavirin treatment for FMDV caused dramatically inhibition of multiplication in cell cultures. The levels of viral RNAs, proteins, and infectious particles in the BHK-21 cells infected were more greatly reduced along with the passage from $Rp_1$ to $Rp_5$, moreover, nucleocapsid protein could not be detected and no recovery of infectious virus in the supernatant or detection of intracellular viral RNA was observed at the $Rp_5$-infected cells. A high mutation rate, giving rise to an 8-and 11-fold increase in mutagenesis and resulting in some amino acid substitutions, was found in viral RNA synthesized at a single round of virus infection in the presence of ribavirin of $1000\;{\mu}M$ and caused a 99.7% loss in viral infectivity in contrast with parallel untreated control virus. These results suggest that the antiviral molecular mechanism of ribavirin is based on the lethal mutagenesis/error catastrophe, that is, the ribavirin is not merely an antiviral reagent but also an effective mutagen.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제22권8호
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• pp.1170-1176
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• 2012

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ${\alpha}$-cyperone on S. aureus. We used a hemolysin test to examine the hemolytic activity in supernatants of S. aureus cultured with increasing concentrations of ${\alpha}$-cyperone. In addition, we evaluated the production of ${\alpha}$-hemolysin (Hla) by Western blotting. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to test the expression of hla (the gene encoding Hla) and agr (accessory gene regulator). Furthermore, we investigated the protective effect of ${\alpha}$-cyperone on Hla-induced injury of A549 lung cells by live/dead and cytotoxicity assays. We showed that in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of ${\alpha}$-cyperone, Hla production was markedly inhibited. Moreover, ${\alpha}$-cyperone protected lung cells from Hla-induced injury. These findings indicate that ${\alpha}$-cyperone is a promising inhibitor of Hla production by S. aureus and protects lung cells from this bacterium. Thus, ${\alpha}$-cyperone may provide the basis for a new strategy to combat S. aureus pneumonia.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.163-166
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• 2016

Objectives: Quercetin is a flavonoid and an important dietary constituent of fruits and vegetables. In recent years, several pharmacological activities of quercetin, such as its neuroprotective activity and, more specifically, its anti-convulsant effects in animal models of epilepsy, have been reported. This study evaluated the role of quercetin pretreatment on gene expression of ${\gamma}$-amino butyric acid type A ($GABA_A$) receptor beta subunits in kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures in mice. Methods: The animals were divided into four groups: one saline group, one group in which seizures were induced by using KA (10 mg/kg) without quercetin pretreatment and two groups pretreated with quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg) prior to seizures being induced by using KA. Next, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of the $GABA_A$ receptor ${\beta}$ subunits in the hippocampus of each animal were assessed at 2 hours and 7 days after KA administration. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to detect mRNA content in hippocampal tissues. Results: Pretreatments with quercetin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg prevented significant increases in the mRNA levels of the ${\beta}_1$ and the ${\beta}_3$ subunits of the $GABA_A$ receptor at 2 hours after KA injection. Pretreatment with quercetin (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_3$ gene expression in the hippocampus at 7 days after KA injection. But, this inhibitory effect of quercetin at 50 mg/kg on the mRNA levels of the ${\beta}_3$ subunit of the $GABA_A$ receptor was not observed at 7 days after KA administration. Conclusion: These results suggest that quercetin (100 mg/kg) modulates the expression of the $GABA_A$ receptor ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_3$ subunits in the KA model of epilepsy, most likely to prevent compensatory responses. This may be related to the narrow therapeutic dose range for the anticonvulsant activities of quercetin.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.117-121
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• 2008

Our previous study showed that transgenic (TG) pigs harboring human EPO (hEPO) gene have been shown to have reproductive disorders, including low pregnancy rates, irregular estrus cycle and low little size. To investigate these reasons, we assessed estrus behavior (standing response) and plasma $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($E_2$) level, which partly reflect reproductive function, during the estrus cycles after synchronization and superovulation by hormone treatments. Then, we analysed blood composition and expression of hEPO gene in TG pigs. Pigs were injected with PG600. After 10 days, pigs were fed with Regumate porcine for 6 days. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein. Analysis of blood composition and $E_2$ level were measured by Hemavet 950 and $E_2$ ELISA kit, respectively. And, the expression of hEPO gene in reproductive organs was quantitated by real-time RT-PCR. The percentage of estrus behavior in TG was significantly decreased. Hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) number were significantly higher in TG than wild type (WT). On the other hand, high expression of hEPO gene in TG was observed in the mammary gland as well as in the uterus. Moreover, plasma $E_2$ level was significantly higher in TG than WT. These results suggest that nonspecific expression of hEPO gene in the other organs of TG may affect blood composition and plasma $E_2$ level, thereby causing reproductive disorders.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.439-446
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• 2015

Inflammation is a protective response to infection or injury. However, prolonged inflammation can contribute to the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have shown that activated macrophages, inflammatory effector cells, can react to tissue insults in a polarized manner, in which their phenotypes are polarized into two major subtypes, categorized as M1 or M2. Classical M1 activation involves the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, and free radicals, while M2 or alternative activation is an anti-inflammatory phenotype involved in homeostatic processes, such as wound healing, debris scavenging, and the dampening of inflammation via the production of very low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and high levels of anti-inflammatory mediators, including IL-10. As part of our ongoing effort to isolate anti-inflammatory compounds from seaweeds, we investigated the effects of phlorotannins isolated from the brown alga Ecklonia stolonifera on macrophage polarization. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were treated with various concentrations of the extracts, and real-time RT-PCR analyses were performed to examine the expression of polarization markers: IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$ for M1 and arginase-1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-${\gamma}$, found inflammatory zone-1 (Fizz-1), chitinase 3-like 3 (Ym1), and$Kr{\ddot{u}}ppel$-like factor 4 (Klf-4) for M2. The pretreatment of cells with eckol, dieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A), isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of E. stolonifera ethanolic extract, potentiated the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype of the macrophages. These results indicate that phlorotannins derived from E. stolonifera can be used to enrich macrophages with markers of the M2 anti-inflammatory state.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권12호
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• pp.4969-4976
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• 2014

Background: miR-152 is involved in the genesis and development of several malignancies. However, its role in HCC has not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of miR-152 and its effect on the malignant phenotype of HCC cells. Methods: miR-152 expression was detected using real-time quantitative RT-PCR in 89 pairs of HCC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and their adjacent tissues. Functionally, in vitro effects and mechanisms of action of miR-152 on proliferation, viability, caspase activity, apoptosis and motility were explored in HepG2, HepB3 and SNU449 cells, as assessed by spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, fluorescence microscopy, wound-healing and Western blotting, respectively. Results: miR-152 expression in HCC was downregulated remarkably compared to that in adjacent hepatic tissues. miR-152 levels in groups of advanced clinical stage, larger tumor size and positive HBV infection, were significantly lower than in other groups. A miR-152 mimic could suppress cell growth, inhibit cell motility and increase caspase activity and apoptosis in HCC cell lines. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that the miR-152 mimic downregulated Wnt-1, DNMT1, ERK1/2, AKT and TNFRS6B signaling. Intriguingly, inverse correlation of TNFRF6B and miR-152 expression was found in HCC and bioinformatics confirmed that TNFRF6B might be a target of miR-152. Conclusions: Underexpression of miR-152 plays a vital role in hepatocarcinogenesis and lack of miR-152 is related to the progression of HCC through deregulation of cell proliferation, motility and apoptosis. miR-152 may act as a tumor suppressor miRNA by also targeting TNFRSF6B and is therefore a potential candidate biomarker for HCC diagnosis, prognosis and molecular therapy.