• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.68-76
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• 2019

Background: In colorectal cancer (CRC), 40-60% of patients develop metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal and intricate process that increases the metastatic potential of CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) on colorectal metastasis through inhibition of EMT and the metastatic abilities of CRC cells. Methods: To investigate the effect of RGE on the metastatic phenotypes of CRC cells, CT26 and HT29 cells were evaluated by using an adhesion assay, a wound-healing assay, an invasion assay, zymography, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Western-blot analysis was conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of RGE, which showed an inhibitory effect on the transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$)-induced EMT in HT29 cells. Additionally, the antimetastatic effect of RGE was evaluated in a mouse model of lung metastasis injected with CT26 cells. Results: RGE decreased the adhesion and migration ability of the CT26 cells and TGF-${\beta}1$-treated HT29 cells. The invasion ability was also reduced by RGE treatment through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and activity. Moreover, RGE suppressed the TGF-${\beta}1$-induced EMT via TGF-${\beta}1$/Smad-signaling-mediated Snail/E-cadherin expression in HT29 cells and lung tissue in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that RGE inhibited colorectal lung metastasis through a reduction in metastatic phenotypes, such as migration, invasion, and the EMT of CRC cells.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제29권9호
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• pp.1349-1360
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• 2019

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, regarded as a major cause of extrinsic aging or photoaging characterized by wrinkle formation and skin dehydration, exerts adverse effects on skin by causing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Agastache rugosa Kuntze, known as Korean mint, possesses a wide spectrum of biological properties including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-atherosclerosis. Previous studies have reported that A. rugosa protected human keratinocytes against UVB irradiation by restoring the anti-oxidant defense system. However, the anti-photoaging effect of A. rugosa extract (ARE) in animal models has not yet been evaluated. ARE was orally administered to hairless mice at doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg/day along with UVB exposure for 12 weeks. ARE histologically improved UVB-induced wrinkle formation, epidermal thickening, erythema, and hyperpigmentation. In addition, ARE recovered skin moisture by improving skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Along with this, ARE increased hyaluronic acid levels by upregulating HA synthase genes. ARE markedly increased the density of collagen and the amounts of hydroxypoline via two pathways. First, ARE significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases responsible for collagen degradation by inactivating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein 1 pathway. Second, ARE stimulated the transforming growth factor beta/Smad signaling, consequently raising the mRNA levels of collagen-related genes. In addition, ARE not only increased the mRNA expression of anti-oxidant enzymes but also decreased inflammatory cytokines by blocking the protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B. Collectively, our findings suggest that A. rugosa may be a potential preventive and therapeutic agent for photoaging.

• BMB Reports
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• 제54권2호
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• pp.142-147
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• 2021

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG phosphorothioate (PS CpG-ODN) are known to decrease IgE synthesis in Th2 allergy responses. Nonetheless, the therapeutic role of PS CpG-ODN is limited due to cytotoxicity. Therefore, we developed a phosphodiester (PO) form of CpG-ODN (46O) with reduced toxicity but effective against allergies. In this study, we first compared the toxicity of 46O with CpG-ODNs containing a PS backbone (1826S). We also investigated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of 46O injected intravenously in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). To elucidate the mechanism of 46O underlying the inhibition of IgE production, IgE- and TGF-β-associated molecules were evaluated in CD40/IL-4- or LPS/IL-4-stimulated B cells. Our data showed that the treatment with 46O was associated with a lower hematological toxicity compared with 1826S. In addition, injection with 46O reduced erythema, epidermal thickness, and suppressed IgE and IL-4 synthesis in mice with OVA-induced AD. Additionally, 46O induced TGF-β production in LPS/IL-4-stimulated B cells via inhibition of Smad7, which suppressed IgE synthesis via interaction between Id2 and E2A. These findings suggest that enhanced TGF-β signaling is an effective treatment for IgE-mediated allergic conditions, and 46O may be safe and effective for treating allergic diseases such as AD and asthma.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.543-551
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• 2021

Nocardiopsis species produce bioactive compounds, such as antimicrobial and anti-cancer agents and toxins. However, no reports have described their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects during nasal polyp (NP) formation. In this study, we investigated whether marine-derived bacterial Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced NP-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs). Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels were analyzed. Extract from Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 significantly inhibited the upregulation of NO and PGE₂ in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated; smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (Col-1), and fibronectin also phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2 and 3 in TGF-β1-stimulated NPDFs. The Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 extract suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt and the DNA-binding activity of activator protein 1 (AP-1). The expression of pro-fibrotic components such as α-SMA, Col-1, fibronectin, and SMAD2/3 was inhibited in TGF-β1-exposed NPDFs. These findings suggest that Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 has the potential to treat inflammatory disorders, such as NP formation.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제63권6호
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• pp.1397-1410
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• 2021

The present study was designed to determine the influence of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on adipogenesis-related gene regulation in bovine intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) adipose cells during differentiation. Bovine IM and SC adipocytes were isolated from three 19-mo-old, crossbred steers. Adipogenic differentiation was induced upon cultured IM and SC preadipocytes with various doses (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 µM) of ATRA. After 96 h of incubation, cells were harvested and used to measure the gene expression of CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), and Smad transcription factor 3 (Smad3) relative to the quantity of ribosomal protein subunit 9 (RPS 9). Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist also tested to identify the effect of ATRA on PPARγ -RAR related gene expression in IM cells. The addition of ATRA to bovine IM decreased (p < 0.05) expression of PPARγ. The expression of PPARγ was also tended to be downregulated (p < 0.1) in high levels (10 µM) of ATRA treatment in SC cells. The treatment of RAR antagonist increased the expression of PPARγ in IM cells. Expression of C/EBPβ decreased (p < 0.05) in SC, but no change was observed in IM (p > 0.05). Increasing levels of ATRA may block adipogenic differentiation via transcriptional regulation of PPARγ. The efficacy of ATRA treatment in adipose cells may vary depending on the location.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.75-82
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• 2019

Objectives : In this study, various biological effects of Curcuma longa L. have been studied, however, beneficial effect of Curcuma longa L. in skin health remain still unclear. In this study, Curcuma longa L. water extract (CLE) was prepared. Inhibitory effect of CLE on melanin accumulation of B16F10 cells and expression levels of skin fibril-related proteins of human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were evaluated. Methods : The cytotoxic effect of CLE in B16F10 cells and HSF were examined by MTT assay. Inhibitory effect of CLE on the ${\alpha}-MSH-$ and IBMX-induced melanin accumulation and tyrosinase activity were evaluated in B16F10 cells. The expression levels of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2), Smad2, procollagen $1{\alpha}2$, collagen $1{\alpha}2$, and fibronectin in CLE-treated HSF were analyzed by western blotting. Results : The CLE treatment (concentrations 10 to $400{\mu}g/ml$) for 72 h did not affect to the B16F10 viability. However, 200 and $400{\mu}g/ml$ of CLE treatment for 24 h showed cytotoxic effect in HSF. Therefore, the concentrations 10, 50, and $100{\mu}g/ml$ of CLE were chosen in this study. The CLE treatment for 72 h dose dependently and significantly suppressed melanin accumulation and tyrosinase activity of B16F10 cells. In addition, the CLE treatment up-regulated expression levels of skin fibril-related proteins such as CCN2, Smad2, procollagen $1{\alpha}2$, collagen $1{\alpha}2$, and fibronectin. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that the CLE could be used as a natural material for skin health.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.397-408
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• 2011

연구목적: 이 연구에서는 mineral trioxide aggregate 제재인 white ProRoot MTA (wMTA)와 수산화칼슘 제재인 Dycal을 인간치수세포에 적용한 후 치수세포의 분화와 증식, 석회화, 신생혈관형성(angiogenesis) 그리고 염증에 관여하는 유전자들의 발현 변화를 비교하였다. 연구 재료 및 방법: 실험군은 wMTA와 Dycal을 테플론 튜브(내경 10 mm, 길이 1 mm)에 담아 4시간 경화시킨 후 일차세포배양한 인간치수세포에 적용하였고, 대조군은 빈 튜브만을 적용하였다. 3시간, 6시간, 9시간, 24시간 후 total RNA를 추출하고 oligonucleotide microarray 방법을 통하여 유전자 발현 양상을 분석하였다. 위의 결과를 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응(reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction)으로 재확인하였다. 결과: wMTA를 적용한 실험군에서 24,546개의 유전자 중 43개 유전자의 발현이 2배 이상 증가하였으며(예. BMP2, FOSB, THBS1, EDN1, IL11, COL10A1, TUFT1, HMOX1) 25개 유전자의 발현이 50% 이하로 감소하였다(예. SMAD6, TIMP2, DCN, SOCS2, CEBPD, KIAA1199). Dycal을 적용한 실험군에서 239개 유전자의 발현이 2배 이상 증가하였으며(예. BMP2, BMP6, SMAD6, IL11, FOS, VEGFA, PlGF, HMOX1, SOCS2, CEBPD, KIAA1199) 358개 유전자의 발현이 50% 이하로 감소하였다(예. EDN1, FGF). 결론: wMTA를 적용한 치수세포에서는 분화와 증식 그리고 석회화에 관여하는 유전자들의 변화가 관찰되었다. Dycal을 적용한 치수세포에서는 분화와 증식 그리고 신생혈관형성에 관여하는 유전자들의 변화가 관찰되었다. 또 Dycal이 염증에 관여하는 유전자들을 더 많이 발현시키는 양상을 보였다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.37-46
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• 2004

연구 배경 : 허파혈관주위세포는 허파미세혈관에서 혈액공기 장벽을 이루고 있는 중요한 세포이다. 이 세포는 생리학적으로 혈류와 혈관의 투과성을 조절하는 기능이 있다. 본 연구는 급성폐손상/급성호흡곤란증후군에서 혈관 과투과성 및 개형에 혈관주위세포의 변화가 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 보고 시작하게 되었다. 흰쥐로 부터 일차 배양한 허파혈관주위세포에 저산소 상태를 만들었을 때, 세포의 생존능에 미치는 영향과 저산소증에 의해 유도되는 유전자의 발현을 살펴보았다. 방 법 : 흰쥐로부터 허파혈관주위세포를 일차 배양 및 계대 배양하였다. 광학 현미경 및 세포 면역 화학 염색으로 세포를 확인하였다. 2% $O_2$의 세포 배양기와 $200{\mu}M$ $CoCl_2$를 처리하였다. 세포의 증식은 tryphan blue 염색 후 세포수를 세는 방법을 택하였다. 유전자 발현은 역전사 중합 효소 연쇄반응을 이용하였다. 결 과 : 1. 흰쥐로부터 허파혈관주위세포를 성공적으로 일차 배양 및 계대 배양할 수 있었다. 2. 2% $O_2$나 $CoCl_2$에서 혈관주위세포는 24시간, 36시간, 48시간에 증식이 억제되었다. 3. 허파혈관주위세포에 저산소 상태의 자극을 주면 VEGF와 smad-2의 발현이 현저하게 증가하였다. 4. 허파혈관주위세포의 HIF$1{\alpha}$, COX-2는 저산소상태에서 VEGF, smad-2에 비해 발현의 변화가 현저하지 않았다. 결 론 : 허파혈관주위세포를 일차 배양함으로써 허파꽈리혈관장벽의 연구를 위한 한 모델을 만들었고, 저산소 상태에서 증식의 억제와 유전자 발현의 변화를 살펴봄으로써 허파혈관손상의 기전을 규명하는데 향후 도움이 될 것으로 보인다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2005

Transforming growth factor-$\beta$ is a pleiotropic growth factor that has enthralled many investigators for approximately two decades. In addition to many reports that have clarified the basic mechanism of transforming growth factor-$\beta$ signal transduction, numerous laboratories have published on the clinical implication/application of transforming growth factor-$\beta$. To name a few, dysregulation of transforming growth factor-$\beta$ signaling plays a role in carcinogenesis, autoimmunity, angiogenesis, and wound healing. In this report, we will review these clinical implications of transforming growth factor-$\beta$.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권7호
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• pp.3119-3121
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• 2012

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Crizotinib has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. However, understanding of mechanisms of action is still limited. In our studies, we confirmed crizotinib-induced apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells. In order to assess mechanisms, small molecular docking technology was used as a preliminary simulation of signaling pathways. Interesting, our results of experiments were consistent with the results of computer simulation. This indicates that small molecular docking technology should find wide use for its reliability and convenience.