• BMB Reports
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.395-402
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• 2002

Caveolae are small, flask-shaped, non-clathrin coated invaginations of the plasma membrane of many mammalian cells. Caveolae have a coat that includes caveolin. They have been implicated in numerous cellular processes, including potocytosis. Since the human folate receptor (hFR) and other glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-tailed proteins have been co-localized to caveolae, we studied the caveolin role in the hFR function by transfecting hFR and/or caveolin cDNA into Fischer rat thyroid epithelial (FRT) cells that normally do not express detectable levels of either protein. We isolated and characterized stable clones as follows: they express (1) high levels of caveolin alone, (2) hFR and caveolin, or (3) hFR alone. We discovered that hFR is correctly processed, sorted, and anchored by a GPI tail to the plasma membrane in FRT cells. No difference in the total folic acid binding or cell surface folic acid binding activity were found between the FRT cells that were transfected with hFR, or cells that were transfected with hFR and caveolin. The hFR that was expressed on the cell surface of clones that were transfected with hFR was also sensitive to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) release, and incorporated radiolabeled ethanolamine that supports the attachment of a GPI-tail on hFR. We conclude that the processing, sorting, and function of hFR is independent on the caveolin expression in FRT cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.277-281
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• 2001

Chromium is an essential nutrient and participates in glucose and lipid metabolism in human beings and animals. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of chromium picolinate (Cr-pic) on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in type I and ll diabetic rats. The experimental groups were type I diabetic (streptozotocin-induced: 40 mg/kg, i.p.) and type II diabetic (Goto-Kakizaki rats) models. Each group was subdivided into control. low-dose and high-dose of Cr-pic treated groups. The Cr-pic was orally administered with Cr-pic (100 mg/kg for low dose group and 200 mg/kg for high dose group) for 4 weeks. And then we performed intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and insulin sensitivity test (ITT). The glucose tolerance test was carried out by inection of glucose (2 g/kg, i.p.). The peripheral insulin sensitivity test was con- ducted by injection of insulin (5 units/kg, s.c.) and glucose. We performed determining of blood glucose concentration at 0, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min using automated glucose analyzer. The plasma insulin concentration was determined by rat insulin EIA kit. Administration of Cr-pic improved weight gain in all group s with higher significant in the low-dose group. There was no significance between the control and the Cr-pic treated groups in the area under the blood glucose curve and serum insulin concentration plots of IPGTT and peripheral ITT in type I diabetic rats. But Cr-pic treated groups showed significantly lower levels of the area under the blood glucose currie during IPGTT and ITT and the high-dose group showed less effects compared with the low-dose group in the type II diabetic rats. The plasma insulin concentration of both diabetic groups was not influenced by Cr-pic supplementation. We can conclude that chromium picolinate may improve the endogenous and exogenous insulin action and peripheral insulin sensitivity in type II diabetic rats.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 1992

To clarify the exocytotic features in adrenal medullary aminergic cells, the authors observed rat adrenal medulla prepared by the TAGO method with transmission electron microscope. Rat adrenal medulla contains two types of aminergic cells, adrenergic and noradrenergic, as described. They were present as a group. In a single group both adrenergic and noradrenergic cells were present, but the same kind of cells showed the tendency forming small groups. Adrenergic cells were characterized with the granules having relatively electroluscent cores. These granules were relatively uniform in size, and the cores filled the granules with only thin halos. Noradrenergic cells were characterized with the granules of various size and forms. Most of the cores of these granules were generally more electron-dense than those of the adrenergic cells and only partly filled the granules without forming the halos. But, some granules were very similar in the shape and electron density as those of the adrenergic cells. Even empty-looking granules were present. Exocytotic figures with the classical omega figures were observed in both types of aminergic cells, but they were more frequent in adrenergic cells. These figures were mainly present along the plasma membranes toward the capillary. The excreted materials could be identified in the cleft of the omega figures. Apocrine-like secretory patterns but without cytoplasmic rims were identified in noradrenergic cells. Some vesicles, possibly formed from the cytoplsmic tubular systems were released. Some irregular lamellar structures of varying sizes were also observed. They looked like membranous structures sneaking through the plasma membranes. We could not, however, found any evidences of their involvement in exocytotic processes. These were present toward the capillaries and found only in the adrenergic cells. The authors conclude that the secretory processes in adrenal chromaffin cells may include not only the classical exocytotic processes but also the unusual direct secretions of granules or parts of cellular organelles. The membranous lamellar structures may indicate the remnants of excreted granules or functionally inactive excess membranes of the organelles removed from the cytoplasm.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.215-220
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• 2004

In an attempt to develop new anti-diabetic agents, a series of aryloxypropanolamine derivatives was synthesized to serve as ${\beta}_3$ adrenoceptor agonists. Among these derivatives, 1-{1-methyl-3-[4-(2-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]propylamino}-3-phenoxy-2-propanol (KR60886) possessed a high affinity for the ${\beta}_3$ adrenoceptor (Ki = 28 nM) and moderate affinities for ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_2$ adrenoceptors (Ki = 95 nM and 100 nM, respectively). In addition, KR60886 stimulated cAMP production with an EC$_{50}$ of 0.4 ${\mu}M$, confirming its agonistic activity for the ${\beta}_3$ adrenoceptor. In vivo activities of KR60886 were examined by using a fat-fed/streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rat model and the ob/ob mouse model. Oral administration of KR60886 (10 mg/kg) for 3 days (b.i.d.) to fat-fed/STZ-treated rats significantly lowered plasma glucose levels and reduced plasma free fatty acid concentrations. Similarly, KR60886 treatment (10 mg/kg/day for 7 d) resulted in a reduction of plasma glucose concentrations in ob/ob mice. The present study suggests that KR60886 is a potent ${\beta}_3$ receptor agonist with in vivo anti-diabetic properties.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.389-394
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• 1998

Cyclosporine (CsA) is a major immunosuppressive drug used widely to prevent organ allograft rejection. fits potential organotoxicity by prolonged use is known to cause both direct tissue damage and indirect pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs. This study was performed to determine the effect of nicardipine (NCP) on the pharmacokinetic parameters of CsA in Sprague-Dawley rats. Each rat was administered with CsA in saline-treated group or in NCP-treated group which was pretreated with NCP (5 mg/kg/12 hours, i.p.) for 6 days. The plasma CsA concentration were analyzed by reversed HPLC: UV system at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after bolus injection of CsA (10 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic parameters (mean$\pm$ SD, n=7) such as initial plasma concentration (C(0)), mean residence time (MRT), steady-state volume of distribution (Vdss), terminal half-life (t$\frac{1}{2}$($\beta$)) and plasma clearance (CLp) of CsA in each groups (saline-group vs NCP-group) were determined as follows: C(0) (5.66$\pm$ 1.98 vs 17.98$\pm$2.36, p<0.01); Vdss (2.68$\pm$ 1.6 vs 0.94 $\pm$ 0.25, p<0.01); CLp (0.53 $\pm$0.18 vs 0.21 $\pm$0.06, p<0.01). Therefore, Our results indicate that nicardipine significantly affects the pharmacokinetic parameters of cyclosporme, especially C(0), Vdss, and CLp in NCP-treated group. We suggest that the significant pharmacokinetic interaction between cyclosporine and nicardipine should be considered and cyclosporine level should be closely monitored and dosage reduction made as necessary in clinical situation that was coadministered with CsA and NCP.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.883-889
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• 2008

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been identified as an important component of atherosclerosis. In this study, the effects of supplementation with cholesterol (0.5%), olive oil (5%) and vitamin E (0.05%) on erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol, HDL-LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol, brain and liver MDA and GSH concentrations of rats were investigated. A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley male rats aged 6 months, and of equal body weight were used and fed a standard ration ad libitum. Animals were housed in the University of Selcuk, Veterinary Faculty Experimental Animals Unit. The experiment lasted 60 days and there were five experimental groups as follows: 1. Control, 2. Cholesterol (0.5%), 3. Olive oil (5%), 4. Cholesterol plus vitamin E (0.05%), 5. Olive oil plus vitamin E (0.05%). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture and erythrocyte GSH, plasma MDA, cholesterol, HDL-LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol and also GSH and MDA concentrations in brain and liver tissue of rats were spectrophotometrically determined. Supplementation of olive oil and cholesterol into rat diets (groups 2 and 3) caused significant differences in lipid parameters; HDL cholesterol concentrations were increased in the olive oil group and LDL cholesterol was lower than in the cholesterol fed group. Moreover, these decreases in LDL and triacylglycerol concentrations were more significant with vitamin E supplementation. The high plasma MDA concentrations showed that lipid peroxidation occurred in the olive oil group and the highest brain MDA concentrations were determined also in the olive oil group. These findings suggest that vitamin E addition may decrease the sensitivities of several oils to oxidation and that monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil may decrease the incidence of atherosclerosis by regulating blood lipid profiles.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.126-129
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• 2006

Effects of Coix lachryma-jobi var. mayuen stapf. ext. on lipidlowering and serum glucose were investigated in hyperlipidemic rat. Concentration of glucose and triglyceride in plasma showed a tendence to decrease in Coix lachryma-jobi var. mayuen stapf. ext. groups. However the values of 100mg/kg treatment group showed no significant difference in control group. Plasma total cholesterol and LDL-chol. showed a low values than those of control group. However HDL-chol. showed no significant difference in all treatment groups, Concentration of liver total cho. and triglyceride showed a tendence to decrease in Coix lachryma-jobi var. mayuen stapf. ext. groups. Concentration of plasma and liver TBARS showed a low values in Coix lachryma-jobi var. mayuen stapf. ext. groups. The values of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT activity showed a tendence to increase in the Coix lachryma-jobi var. mayuen stapf. ext. groups.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.378-386
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• 2001

A purified histone Hl protein, p961, which plays a role in mediating the condensation of DNA into chromatin, was recently proved as an arthritis-suppressing agent in the mouse CIA model. The pharmacokinetics of p961 was carried out in rats and rabbits. The rat's blood, bile and urine samples were serially collected from the femoral vein, common bile duct, and bladder respectively, after bolus i.v. injection at low (10 mg/kg) and high (30 mg/mg) doses. The rabbit's blood samples were also collected from the marginal ear vein after bolus i.v. injection at a dose 10 mg/kg. p961 and its major metabolite in the physiological samples were analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC using a Yydac C4 protein column and a multistep water-acetonitrile gradient containing 0.24% trifluoroacetic acid. The major pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, $C_{max}$, MRT, $t_{1}$2/, $V_{ss}$ and Cl) were estimated from the time course of plasma p961 and metabolite concentrations using WinNonlin. A two-compartment model was chosen for p961 as the most appropriate pharmacokinetic model. After i.v. injection of p961 at doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, more than 80% of p961 was removed rapidly from the plasma within 15 min. The plasma half-life of p961 in rats and rabbits was found not to exceed 12 min. p961 (22448.9 mol wt) was rapidly cleaved to 21612 mot wt fragment and the breakdown product appeared rapidly in the circulation with no lag phase. p961 and metabolite were not detected in rat urine and bile....

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.177-182
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• 2012

A new composition of standardized Scutellariae Radix extract (HPO12) was developed for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. For the preclinical pharmacokinetic study of HPO12, a rapid, sensitive, and selective LCMS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 4 bioactive compounds, baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, and wogonoside. After extraction with ethylacetate, chromatographic analysis was performed on a Thermo $C_{18}$ column ($150mm{\times}2.1mm$, $3{\mu}m$) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid (A) and 0.1% formic acid in 95% acetonitrile (B) by using gradient elution at a flow rate of $250{\mu}L/min$. Analytes introduced to a mass spectrometer were monitored by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ion mode. Using $25{\mu}L$ of plasma sample, the method was validated over the following concentration ranges: 25-5000 ng/mL for baicalein, 20-40000 ng/mL for baicalin, 1-1000 ng/mL for wogonin, and 5-10000 ng/mL for wogonoside. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of the quality control samples at the 4 concentrations showed $\leq$ 13.7% relative standard deviation (RSD) and 86.6-105.5% accuracy. The method was successfully applied to determine the concentrations of baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, and wogonoside in rat plasma after intraperitoneal and oral administrations of HPO12.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2010

Although most researchers agree that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a good source of autogenous growth factors, its effect on bone regeneration is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether increasing angiogenic factors in the human PRP to enhance new bone formation through rapid angiogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS. In vitro, the human platelets were activated with application of shear stress, $20\;{\mu}g/ml$ collagen, 2 mM $CaCl_2$ and 10U thrombin/$1\;{\times}\;10^9$ platelets. Level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet microparticle (PMP) in the activated platelets were checked. In the animal study, human angiogenic factors-enriched PRP was tested in 28 athymic rat's cranial critical bone defects with $\beta$-TCP. Angiogenesis and osteogenesis were evaluated by laser Doppler perfusion imaging, histology, dual energy X-ray densinometry, and micro-computed tomography. RESULTS. In vitro, this human angiogenic factors-enriched PRP resulted in better cellular proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In vivo, increasing angiogenic potential of the PRP showed significantly higher blood perfusion around the defect and enhanced new bone formation around acellular bone graft material. CONCLUSION. Angiogenic factor-enriched PRP leads to faster and more extensive new bone formation in the critical size bone defect. The results implicate that rapid angiogenesis in the initial healing period by PRP could be supposed as a way to overcome short term effect of the rapid angiogenesis.