• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.37-44
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Tetracycline and its chemically modified non-antibacterial analogues can inhibit certain host-derived tissue destructive collagenases such as matrix metalloproteinases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and microbiologic effects of the subantimicrobial dose of doxycycline(SDD) in conjunction with scaling and root planing. Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis who were going to receive scaling and root planing were randomly allocated to receive either a doxycycline hyclate for 3 months or nothing. Clinical probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival recession, and bleeding on probing were measured by one periodontist. After a periodontal examination, microbial samples were collected using sterile paper points. The effect of SDD in conjunction with scaling and root planing on alterations of the periodontal pathogens (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis) were also assessed using l6S rRNA polymerase chain reaction. Results: During the treatment period, clinical parameters for both treatment group and control group were improved. After 3 months, reductions in probing depth and gains in clinical attachment level were significantly greater for the SDD group than control group. Microbial analysis showed that there was no alteration of the periodontal pathogens and no difference between the groups. Conclusion: This study suggested that the subantimicrobial dose of doxycycline as an adjunct therapy with scaling and root planing might be effective and safe in the management of chronic periodontitis.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.54 no.1
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2010

Gardenia jasminoides is one of the most widely used herbal preparations for the treatment of liver disorders. This study evaluated the potential beneficial effect of G. jasminoides in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury. The mice were treated intraperitoneally with $CCl_4$ (10 ${\mu}l$/kg). They received G. jasminoides (30, 100, 300 mg/kg) 48 h, 24 h and 2 h before and 6 h after administering $CCl_4$. The serum activities of aminotransferase and the hepatic level of malondialdehyde were significantly higher 24 h after the $CCl_4$ treatment, while the concentration of reduced glutathione was lower. These changes were attenuated by G. jasminoides. $CCl_4$ increased the level of circulating tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) markedly, which was reduced by G. jasminoides. The levels of hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression were markedly higher after the $CCl_4$ treatment. G. jasminoides diminished these alterations. $CCl_4$ increased the level of TNF-$\alpha$, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expressions, and these increases were attenuated by G. jasminoides. These results suggest that G. jasminoides alleviates $CCl_4$-induced liver injury, and this protection is likely due to the reduced oxidative stress and the downregulation of proinflammatory mediators.

• Journal of Photoscience
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.33-39
• /
• 2005

Plants possess the ability to dissipate the excitation energy for the protection of photosynthetic apparatus from absorbed excess light. Heat dissipation is regulated by xanthophyll cycle in thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. We investigated the mechanistic aspects of xanthophyll cycle-dependent photoprotection against low-temperature photoinhibition in plants. Using barley and rice as chilling-resistant species and sensitive ones, respectively, chilling-induced chlorophyll fluorescence quenching, composition of xanthophyll cycle pigments and mRNA expression of the zeaxanthin epoxidase were examined. Chilled barley plants exhibited little changes in chlorophyll fluorescence quenching either of photochemical or non-photochemical nature and in the photosynthetic electron transport, indicating low reduction state of PS II primary electron acceptor. In contrast to the barley, chilled rice showed a marked decline in those parameters mentioned above, indicating the increased reduction state of PS II primary electron acceptor. In addition, barley plants were shown to have a higher capacity to elevate the pool size of xanthophyll cycle pigments in response to cold stress compared to rice plants. Such species-dependent regulation of xanthophyll cycle activity was correlated with the gene expression level of cold-induced zeaxanthin epoxidase. Chilled rice plants depressed the gene expression of zeaxanthin epoxidase, whereas barley increased its expression in response to cold stress. We suggest that chilling-induced alterations in the pool size of xanthophyll cycle pigments related to its capacity would play an important role in regulating plant's sensitivity to chilling stress.

• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.11
• /
• pp.7.1-7.12
• /
• 2018

Recent findings from The Cancer Genome Atlas project have provided a comprehensive map of genomic alterations that occur in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including unexpected mutations in apolipoprotein B (APOB). We aimed to determine the clinical significance of this non-oncogenetic mutation in HCC. An Apob gene signature was derived from genes that differed between control mice and mice treated with siRNA specific for Apob (1.5-fold difference; P < 0.005). Human gene expression data were collected from four independent HCC cohorts (n = 941). A prediction model was constructed using Bayesian compound covariate prediction, and the robustness of the APOB gene signature was validated in HCC cohorts. The correlation of the APOB signature with previously validated gene signatures was performed, and network analysis was conducted using ingenuity pathway analysis. APOB inactivation was associated with poor prognosis when the APOB gene signature was applied in all human HCC cohorts. Poor prognosis with APOB inactivation was consistently observed through cross-validation with previously reported gene signatures (NCIP A, HS, high-recurrence SNUR, and high RS subtypes). Knowledge-based gene network analysis using genes that differed between low-APOB and high-APOB groups in all four cohorts revealed that low-APOB activity was associated with upregulation of oncogenic and metastatic regulators, such as HGF, MTIF, ERBB2, FOXM1, and CD44, and inhibition of tumor suppressors, such as TP53 and PTEN. In conclusion, APOB inactivation is associated with poor outcome in patients with HCC, and APOB may play a role in regulating multiple genes involved in HCC development.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.643-655
• /
• 2018

Background/Aims Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease characterized by intestinal dysmotility, the mechanism of which remains elusive. We aim to determine whether the high-affinity choline transporter 1 (CHT1), a determinant of cholinergic signaling capacity, modulates intestinal motility associated with stress-induced IBS. Methods A rat IBS model was established using chronic water avoidance stress (WAS). Colonic pathological alterations were evaluated histologically and intestinal motility was assessed by intestinal transit time and fecal water content (FWC). Visceral sensitivity was determined by visceromotor response to colorectal distension. RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunostaining were performed to identify colonic CHT1 expression. Contractility of colonic muscle strips was measured using isometric transducers. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure acetylcholine (ACh). We examined the effects of MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer, on colonic motility. Results After 10 days of WAS, intestinal transit time was decreased and fecal water content increased. Visceromotor response magnitude in WAS rats in response to colorectal distension was significantly enhanced. Protein and mRNA CHT1 levels in the colon were markedly elevated after WAS. The density of CHT1-positive intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal and myenteric plexus neurons in WAS rats was higher than in controls. Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate partly reversed CHT1 upregulation and alleviated colonic hypermotility in WAS rats. Pharmacological enhancement of CHT1 activity by MKC-231 enhanced colonic motility in control rats via upregulation of CHT1 and elevation of ACh production. Conclusion Upregulation of CHT1 in intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal and myenteric plexus neurons is implicated in chronic stress-induced colonic hypermotility by modulation of ACh synthesis via nuclear factor-kappa B signaling.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.2-9
• /
• 2019

Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) maintain distinct capacities with respect to self-renewal, differentiation ability and immunomodulatory function, they have been highly considered as the therapeutic agents for cell-based clinical application. Of particular, differentiation condition alters characteristics of MSCs, including cellular morphology, expression of gene/protein and cell surface molecule, immunological property and apoptosis. However, the previous results for differentiation-related apoptosis in MSCs have still remained controversial due to varied outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to disclose periodical alterations of pro- and anti-apoptosis in MSCs under differentiation inductions. The human dental pulp-derived MSCs (DP-MSCs) were differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts during early (1 week), middle (2 weeks) and late (3 weeks) stages, and were investigated on their apoptosis-related changes by Annexin V assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting. The ratio of apoptotic cell population was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated during the early to middle stages of differentiations but recovered up to the similar level of undifferentiated state at the late stage of differentiation. In the expression of mRNA and protein, whereas expressions of pro-apoptosis-related makers (BAX and BAK) were not altered in any kind and duration of differentiation inductions, anti-apoptosis marker (BCL2) was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated even at the early stage of differentiations. The recovery of apoptotic cell population at the late stage of differentiation is expected to be associated with the response by elevation of anti-apoptotic molecules. The present study may contribute on understanding for cellular mechanism in differentiation of MSCs and provide background data in clinical application of MSCs in the animal biotechnology to develop effective and safe therapeutic strategy.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.54 no.10
• /
• pp.497-504
• /
• 2021

EGR1 (early growth response 1) is dysregulated in many cancers and exhibits both tumor suppressor and promoter activities, making it an appealing target for cancer therapy. Here, we used a systematic multi-omics analysis to review the expression of EGR1 and its role in regulating clinical outcomes in breast cancer (BC). EGR1 expression, its promoter methylation, and protein expression pattern were assessed using various publicly available tools. COSMIC-based somatic mutations and cBioPortal-based copy number alterations were analyzed, and the prognostic roles of EGR1 in BC were determined using Prognoscan and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. We also used bc-GenEx-Miner to investigate the EGR1 co-expression profile. EGR1 was more often downregulated in BC tissues than in normal breast tissue, and its knockdown was positively correlated with poor survival. Low EGR1 expression levels were also associated with increased risk of ER+, PR+, and HER2- BCs. High positive correlations were observed among EGR1, DUSP1, FOS, FOSB, CYR61, and JUN mRNA expression in BC tissue. This systematic review suggested that EGR1 expression may serve as a prognostic marker for BC patients and that clinicopathological parameters influence its prognostic utility. In addition to EGR1, DUSP1, FOS, FOSB, CYR61, and JUN can jointly be considered prognostic indicators for BC.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.248-258
• /
• 2022

Objective: This research investigated the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on the implantation rate and embryo attachment in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, a DNA fragment of the HCG gene was cloned into an expression vector, which was transfected into PBMCs. The concentration of the produced HCG was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Embryo attachment was investigated on the co-cultured endometrial cells and PBMCs in vitro. As an in vivo experiment, intrauterine administration of PBMCs was done in plaque-positive female mice. Studied mice were distributed into five groups: control, embryo implantation dysfunction (EID), EID with produced HCG, EID with PBMCs, and EID with HCG-producing PBMCs. Uterine horns were excised to characterize the number of implantation sites and pregnancy rate on day 7.5 post-coitum. During an implantation window, the mRNA expression of genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: DNA fragments were cloned between the BamHI and EcoRI sites in the vector. About 465 pg/mL of HCG was produced in the transfected PBMCs. The attachment rate, pregnancy rate, and the number of implantation sites were substantially higher in the HCG-producing PBMCs group than in the other groups. Significantly elevated expression of the target genes was observed in the EID with HCG-producing PBMCs group. Conclusion: Alterations in gene expression following the intrauterine injection of HCG-producing PBMCs, could be considered a possible cause of increased embryo attachment rate, pregnancy rate, and the number of implantation sites.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.57 no.4
• /
• pp.200-205
• /
• 2024

We conducted a comprehensive series of molecular biological studies aimed at unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying the anti-fibrotic effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) when used in conjunction with fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) for the management of benign biliary strictures (BBS). To decipher the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-fibrotic effects of corticosteroids on gallbladder mucosa, we conducted a comprehensive analysis. This analysis included various methodologies such as immunohisto-chemistry, ELISA, real-time PCR, and transcriptome analysis, enabling us to examine alterations in factors related to fibrosis and inflammation at both the protein and RNA levels. Overall, our findings revealed a dose-dependent decrease in fibrosis-related signaling with higher TA concentrations. The 15 mg of steroid treatment (1X) exhibited anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects after 4 weeks, whereas the 30 mg of steroid treatment (2X) rapidly reduced fibrosis and inflammation within 2 weeks in BBS. Transcriptomic analysis results consistently demonstrated significant downregulation of fibrosis- and inflammation-related pathways and genes in steroid-treated fibroblasts. Use of corticosteroids, specifically TA, together with FCSEMS was effective for the treatment of BBS, ameliorating fibrosis and inflammation. Our molecular biological analysis supports the potential development of steroid-eluted FCSEMS as a therapeutic option for BBS in humans resulting from various surgical procedures.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.30-39
• /
• 2024

The conservation of the endangered Korean fir, Abies koreana, is of critical ecological importance. In our previous study, a yeast-like fungus identified as Aureobasidium pullulans AK10, was isolated and shown to enhance drought tolerance in A. koreana seedlings. In this study, the effectiveness of Au. pullulans AK10 treatment in enhancing drought tolerance in A. koreana was confirmed. Furthermore, using transcriptome analysis, we compared A. koreana seedlings treated with Au. pullulans AK10 to untreated controls under drought conditions to elucidate the molecular responses involved in increased drought tolerance. Our findings revealed a predominance of downregulated genes in the treated seedlings, suggesting a strategic reallocation of resources to enhance stress defense. Further exploration of enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and protein-protein interaction networks revealed significant alterations in functional systems known to fortify drought tolerance, including the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, calcium signaling pathway, pyruvate metabolism, brassinosteroid biosynthesis, and, crucially, flavonoid biosynthesis, renowned for enhancing plant drought resistance. These findings deepen our comprehension of how AK10 biostimulation enhances the resilience of A. koreana to drought stress, marking a substantial advancement in the effort to conserve this endangered tree species through environmentally sustainable treatment.