• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.51-58
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• 2008

Cardiac fibroblasts constitute one of the largest cell populations in the heart, and contribute to structural, biochemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the myocardium. Nonetheless, their cardiac functions, especially electrophysiological properties, have often been disregarded in studies. $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+\;(K_{Ca})$ channels can control $Ca^{2+}$ influx as well as a number of $Ca^{2+}$-dependent physiological processes. We, therefore, attempted to identify and characterize $K_{Ca}$ channels in rat Cardiac fibroblasts. First, we showed that the cells cultured from the rat ventricle were cardiac fibroblasts by immunostaining for discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR-2), a specific fibroblast marker. Secondly, we detected the expression of various $K_{Ca}$ channels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and found all three family members of $K_{Ca}$ channels, including large conductance $K_{Ca}$ (BK-${\alpha}1-\;and\;-{\beta}1{\sim}4$subunits), intermediate conductance $K_{Ca}$ (IK), and small conductance $K_{Ca}$ (SK$1{\sim}4$ subunits) channels. Thirdly, we recorded BK, IK, and SK channels by whole cell mode patch clamp technique using their specific blockers. Finally, we performed cell proliferation assay to evaluate the effects of the channels on cell proliferation, and found that the inhibition of IK channel increased the cell proliferation. These results showed the existence of BK, IK, and SK channels in rat ventricular fibroblasts and involvement of IK channel in cell proliferation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.438-444
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• 2010

Dnd (dead end) gene encodes an RNA binding protein and is specifically expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) as a vertebrate-specific component of the germ plasma throughout embryogenesis. By utilizing a technique of specific nucleic acids associated with proteins (SNAAP), 13 potential target mRNAs of zebrafish Dnd (ZDnd) protein were identified from 8-cell embryo, and 8 target mRNAs have been confirmed using an RT-PCR analysis. Of the target mRNAs, the present study is focused on the regulation of geminin, which is an inhibitor of DNA replication. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), we demonstrated that ZDND protein bound the 67-nucleotide region from 864 to 931 in the 3'UTR of geminin mRNA, a sequence containing 60.29% of uridine. Results from a dual-luciferase assay in HEK293 cells showed that ZDND increases the translation of geminin. Taken together, the identification of target mRNA for ZDnd will be helpful to further explore the biological function of Dnd in zebrafish germ-line development as well as in cancer cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.325-330
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• 2008

In order to understand the molecular mechanism of heterosis of reproduction traits in chickens, we used the quantitative real-time reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (Quantitative real-time RT-PCR) technique to investigate the differential expression of estrogen receptor (ESR) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes in 32-week-old ovaries of inbred chickens and their hybrid offspring in $4{\times}4$ diallel crosses, which involved White Plymouth Rock (E), CAU Brown (D), Silkies (C) and White Leghorn (A). We found that there were significant differences in mRNA expression of ESR and FSHR genes not only between hybrids and their parental lines (p<0.01), but also among different crosses (p<0.01). Furthermore, positive correlations between differential expression of both ESR and FHSR in hybrids and heterosis percentages of 32-week-old and 42-week-old egg number traits were significant at p<0.05. Our results suggested that differential expression of ESR and FSHR genes in the ovaries of inbred chickens and their hybrids could play roles in the formation of heterosis of egg number traits to some extent.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.524-529
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• 2006

For the repairing of bone defect, autogenous or allogenic bone grafting remains the standard. However, these methods have numerous disadvantages including limited amount, donor site morbidity and spread of diseases. Tissue engineering technique by culturing stem cells may allow for a smart solution for this problem. Adipose tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells that can be differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat or muscle by exposing them to specific growth conditions. In this study, the authors procured the stem cell from buccal fat pad and differentiate them into osteoblast and are to examine the bone induction capacity. Buccal fat-derived cells (BFDC) were obtained from human buccal fat pad and cultured. BFDC were analyzed for presence of stem cell by immunofluorescent staining against CD-34, CD-105 and STRO-1. After BFDC were differentiated in osteogenic medium for three passages, their ability to differentiate into osteogenic pathway were checked by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining and RT-PCR for osteocalcin (OC) gene expression. Immunofluorescent and biochemical assays demonstrated that BFDC might be a distinguished stem cells and mineralization was accompanied by increased activity or expression of ALP and OC. And calcium phosphate deposition was also detected in their extracelluar matrix. The current study supports the presence of stem cells within the buccal fat pad and the potential implications for human bone tissue engineering for maxillofacial reconstruction.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.109-115
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• 1999

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been identified as an important cause of posttransfusion hepatitis, but vertical transmission of chronic infected HCV RNA positive mothers has been documented in some cases. The reports of the risk of perinatal infection have been widely varied in the literature. The authors experienced one case of vertical transmission of HCV in an infant of a mother who had hepatitis C during pregnancy. At admission, HCV RNA (+), Ig G anti HCV (+) and Ig M anti HCV (+) were found in the mother. Also at admission, HCV RNA (+), Ig G anti HCV (+), Ig M anti HCV (+), elevation of liver aminotransferase level and hepatosplenomegaly on ultrasonography were found in the baby on day 31. HCV RNA (-), Ig M anti HCV (-) and normal of liver aminotransferase level were noted on day 250 in the serum of the infant. We used reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to find a very small amount of HCV RNA in the serum. All the findings suggest vertical transmission of HCV RNA from mother to infant during 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.255-260
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• 2002

The effects of intracellular and extracellular pH on the inwardly rectifying $K^+$ (IRK) channel of the bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were examined using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The IRK current, efficiently blocked by $Ba^{2+}\;(200{\mu}M),$ is the most prominent membrane current in BAECs, which mainly determines the resting membrane potential. The expression of Kir2.1 was observed in BAECs using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Intracellular alkalinization, elicited by the extracellular substitution of NaCl with $NH_4Cl$ (30 mM), significantly augmented the amplitude of IRK current. On the contrary, the amplitude of IRK current was attenuated by the Na-acetate (30 mM)-induced intracellular acidification. The changes in extracellular pH also closely modulated the amplitude of IRK current, which was decreased to $40.2{\pm}1.3%$ of control upon switching the extracellular pH to 4.0 from 7.4. The extracellular pH value for half-maximal inhibition (pK) of IRK current was 5.11. These results demonstrate that the activity of IRK channel in BAECs, probably Kir2.1, was suppressed by proton at both sides of plasma membrane.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.199-218
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• 2005

Purpose of Study: Peripheral nerve regeneration depends on neurotrophism of distal nerve stump, recovery potential of neuron, supporting cell like Schwann cell and neurotrophic factors such as BDNF. Peripheral nerve regeneration can be enhanced by the conduit which connects the both sides of transected nerve. The conduit maintains the effects of neurotrophism and BDNF produced by Schwann cells which can be made by gene therapy. In this study, we tried to enhance the peripheral nerve regeneration by using calcium phosphate coated porous conduit and BDNF-Adenovirus infected Schwann cells in sciatic nerve of rats. Materials and Methods: Microporous filter which permits the tissue fluid essential for nerve regeneration and does not permit infiltration of fibroblasts, was made into 2mm diameter and 17mm length conduit. Then it was coated with calcium phosphate to improve the Schwann cell adhesion and survival. The coated filter was evaluated by SEM examination and MTT assay. For effective allogenic Schwann cell culture, dorsal root ganglia of 1-day old rat were extracted and treated with enzyme and antimitotic Ara-C. Human BDNF cDNA was obtained from cDNA library and amplified using PCR. BDNF gene was inserted into adenovirus shuttle vector pAACCMVpARS in which E1 was deleted. We infected the BDNF-Ad into 293 human mammary kidney cell-line and obtained the virus plaque 2 days later. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the secretion of BDNF in infected Schwann cells. To determine the most optimal m.o.i of BDNF-Ad, we infected the Schwann cells with LacZ adenovirus in 1, 20, 50, 75, 100, 250 m.o.i for 2 hours and stained with ${\beta}$-galactosidase. Rats(n=24) weighing around 300g were used. Total 14mm sciatic nerve defect was made and connected with calcium phosphate coated conduits. Schwann cells$(1{\times}10^6)$ or BDNF-Ad infected Schwann cells$(1{\times}10^6)$ were injected in conduit and only media(MEM) was injected in control group. Twelve weeks after surgery, degree of nerve regeneration was evaluated with gait analysis, electrophysiologic measurements and histomorphometric analysis. Results: 1. Microporous Millipore filter was effective conduit which permitted the adhesion of Schwann cells and inhibited the adhesion of fibroblast. We could enhance the Schwann cell adhesion and survival by coating Millipore filter with calcium phosphate. 2. Schwann cell culture technique using repeated treatment of Ara-C and GDNF was established. The mean number of Schwann cells obtained 1 and 2 weeks after the culture were $1.54{\pm}4.0{\times}10^6$ and $9.66{\pm}9.6{\times}10^6$. 3. The mRNA of BDNF in BDNF-Ad infected Schwann cells was detected using RT-PCR. In Schwann cell $0.69\;{\mu}g/{\mu}l$ of DNA was detected and in BDNF-Adenovirus transfected Schwann cell $0.795\;{\mu}g/{\mu}l$ of DNA was detected. The most effective infection concentration was determined by LacZ Adenovirus and 75 m.o.i was found the most optimal. Conclusion: BDNF-Ad transfected Schwann cells successfully regenerated the 14mm nerve gap which was connected with calcium phosphate coated Millipore filter. The BDNF-Ad group showed better results compared with Schwann cells only group and control group in aspect to sciatic function index, electrophysiologic measurements and histomorphometric analysis.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.288-296
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• 2007

Distraction osteogenesis(DO) is a technique of lengthning bone including soft tissue by gradual separation of surgically divided bone surfaces. Distraction osteogenesis combination with a compression stimulation(DO-CO) was a new technique by authors to enhance new bone quality and to shorten the consolidation period. The purpose of this study was to compare DO with DO combined with compression force in efficiency by evaluating the expression of TGF-${\beta}1$, osteonectin and BMP-4 on bone regenerate in rabbit mandible. Fourty two rabbits were used for this experiment. On the control group, the distraction was carried out at the rate of 1 mm per day to obtain the amount of 8 mm distraction for 8 days. On the experimental group, the distraction was carried out at the rate of 1 mm per day for 10 days, 3 days-latency period, and then the compression was carried out as counter direction 1 mm per day for 2 days. After 0 day, 5 days, 13 days, 20 days, 27 days, 34 days and 41 days, three rabbits on each group were sacrificed and the distracted portion of mandible were cut and treated for RT-PCR observation. The level of expression of TGF-${\beta}1$ and osteonectin were shown more and longer expression in the experimental group than in the control group. The expression of BMP-4 was maintained with high level during the entire experimental period in both groups. These findings suggested that DO with compression stimulation could be a favorable technique for obtaining a good new bone quality.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8553-8557
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• 2016

Background: Accurate dose assessment and correct identification of irradiated from non-irradiated people are goals of biological dosimetry in radiation accidents. Objectives: Changes in the FDXR and the RAD51 gene expression (GE) levels were here analyzed in response to total body exposure (TBE) to a 6 MV x-ray beam in rats. We determined the accuracy for absolute quantification of GE to predict the dose at 24 hours. Materials and Methods: For this in vivo experimental study, using simple randomized sampling, peripheral blood samples were collected from a total of 20 Wistar rats at 24 hours following exposure of total body to 6 MV X-ray beam energy with doses (0.2, 0.5, 2 and 4 Gy) for TBE in Linac Varian 2100C/D (Varian, USA) in Golestan Hospital, in Ahvaz, Iran. Also, 9 rats was irradiated with a 6MV X-ray beam at doses of 1, 2, 3 Gy in 6MV energy as a validation group. A sham group was also included. After RNA extraction and DNA synthesis, GE changes were measured by the QRT-PCR technique and an absolute quantification strategy by taqman methodology in peripheral blood from rats. ROC analysis was used to distinguish irradiated from non-irradiated samples (qualitative dose assessment) at a dose of 2 Gy. Results: The best fits for mean of responses were polynomial equations with a R2 of 0.98 and 0.90 (for FDXR and RAD51 dose response curves, respectively). Dose response of the FDXR gene produced a better mean dose estimation of irradiated "validation" samples compared to the RAD51 gene at doses of 1, 2 and 3 Gy. FDXR gene expression separated the irradiated rats from controls with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 87.5%, 83.5% and 81.3%, respectively, 24 hours after dose of 2 Gy. These values were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the 75%, 75% and 75%, respectively, obtained using gene expression of RAD51 analysis at a dose of 2 Gy. Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggest that absolute quantification by gel purified quantitative RT-PCR can be used to measure the mRNA copies for GE biodosimetry studies at comparable accuracy to similar methods. In the case of TBE with 6MV energy, FDXR gene expression analysis is more precise than that with RAD51 for quantitative and qualitative dose assessment.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.299-306
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• 2009

In nitrogen-limited conditions, rhizobia lead to formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of leguminous plants. The process of nodulation is autoregulated by pre-existing nodules in the same root system. The altered profile of sap proteins by inoculation with B. japonicum may indicate presence of a signal responsible for autoregulation transferred through stem. The 20 kDa protein enhanced by innoculation significantly decreased in intensity from 2.5 to 7 days after inoculation (DAI). However 6 kDa protein did increase during such a transition period. Western blot analysis showed that both 20 kDa and 6 kDa were cross-reacted with the SKTI antiserum. This suggests that SKTI may be involved in soybean nodulation by specific induction and degradation in stem sap during early stage of nodulation. RNAi technique and Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation were applied to investigate the function of SKTI in nodulation. We have found that the number of rhizobium-induced nodule was much less in SKTIi-silenced hairy roots than the non-silenced. Indeed the quantitative RT-PCR showed that the expression level of SKTI gene was reduced over 40% in the transgenic hairy roots compared to the non-transgenic. It appears that the observed early induction of SKTI and degradation into small peptide in a specific time manner may be involved in autoregulation of nodulation in soybean and the specific mechanism of such regulation remains to be investigated.