• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.115-119
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• 1996

Myoepithelioma is composed exclusively of myoepithelial cells. Myoepithelial cells are ectodermally derived contractile cells that can be routinely identified in many normal tissues having secretory function such as major and minor salivary glands, lacrimal gland and sweat gland. Tumors composed exclusively of myoepithelial cells, so-called myoepitheliomas, are rare-less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. Grossly, these tumors are well demarcated. The external surface is smooth and may be bosselated. The cut surface is white and homogenous. Microscopically, these tumors are surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. They are composed of benign-appearing spindle- shaped and/or polygonal cells. Mitoses are rare. Frequently these tumors contain myxomatous stroma which is susceptible to alcial blue stain. Clinically, myoepitheliomas present as slow-glowing, painless masses and can not distinguished from pleomorphic adenomas. Treatment is the same as for pleomorphic adenoma, and the surgical excision should include a margin of normal tissue. Although the majority of myoepitheliomas have behaved in a beingn manner, pleomorphism and mitotic activity have been associated with local aggressiveness.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.307-311
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• 2001

The activation of NF-$\kappa$B induced by kojic Acid, an inhibitor of tyrosinase for biosynthesis of melanin in melanocytes, was investigated in human transfectant HaCaT and SCC-13 cells. These two keratinocyte cell lines transfected with pNF-$\kappa$B-SEAP-NPT plasmid were used to determine the activation of NF-$\kappa$B. Transfectant cells release the secretory alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) as a transcription reporter in response to the NF-$\kappa$B activity and contain the neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT) gene for the dominant selective marker of geneticin resistance. NF-$\kappa$B activation was measured in the SEAP reporter gene assay using a fluorescence detection method. Kojic Acid showed the inhibition of cellular NF-$\kappa$B activity in both human keratinocyte transfectants. It could also downregulate the ultraviolet ray (UVR)-induced activation of NF-$\kappa$B expression in transfectant HaCaT cells. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of kojic Acid in transfectant HaCaT cells was found to be more potent than known antioxidants, e.g., vitamin C and N~acetyl-L-cysteine. These results indicate that kojic Acid is a potential inhibitor of NF-$\kappa$B activation in human keratinocytes, and suggest the hypothesis that NF-$\kappa$B activation may be involved in kojic Acid induced anti-melanogenic effect.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.53-61
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• 2016

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular Apicomplexan parasite and a causative agent of toxoplasmosis in human. It causes encephalitis, uveitis, chorioretinitis, and congenital infection. T. gondii invades the host cell by forming a moving junction (MJ) complex. This complex formation is initiated by intermolecular interactions between the two secretory parasitic proteins-namely, apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2) and is critically essential for the host invasion process. By this study, we propose two potential leads, NSC95522 and NSC179676 that can efficiently target the AMA1 hydrophobic cleft, which is a hotspot for targeting MJ complex formation. The proposed leads are the result of an exhaustive conformational search-based virtual screen with multilevel precision scoring of the docking affinities. These two compounds surpassed all the precision levels of docking and also the stringent post docking and cumulative molecular dynamics evaluations. Moreover, the backbone flexibility of hotspot residues in the hydrophobic cleft, which has been previously reported to be essential for accommodative binding of RON2 to AMA1, was also highly perturbed by these compounds. Furthermore, binding free energy calculations of these two compounds also revealed a significant affinity to AMA1. Machine learning approaches also predicted these two compounds to possess more relevant activities. Hence, these two leads, NSC95522 and NSC179676, may prove to be potential inhibitors targeting AMA1-RON2 complex formation towards combating toxoplasmosis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.101-116
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• 2006

Vaginal trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common sexually transmitted disease. More than 170 million people worldwide are annually infected by this protozoan. In the Republic of Korea, 10.4% of women complaining of vaginal symptoms and signs were found to be infected with T. vagina/is. However, despite its high prevalence, the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis infection has not been clearly characterized although neutrophil infiltration is considered to be primarily responsible for the cytologic changes associated with this infection. We hypothesized that trichomonads in the vagina sometime after an acute infection secrete proteins like excretory-secretory product that have a chemotactic effect on neutrophils, and that these neutrophils are further stimulated by T. vaginalis to produce chemokines like IL-8 and $GRO-\alpha$, which further promote neutrophil recruitment and chemotaxis. Thus, neutrophil accumulation is believed to maintain or aggravate inflammation. However, enhanced neutrophil apoptosis induced by live T. vaginalis could contribute to resolution of inflammation. Macrophages may constitute an important component of host defense against T. vaginalis infection. For example, mouse macrophages alone and those activated by lymphokines or nitric oxide are known to be involved in the extracellular killing of T. vaginalis. In the host, T. vaginalis uses a capping phenomenon to cleave host immunoglobulins with proteinases and thus escape from host immune responses. Recently, we developed a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using primers based on a repetitive sequence cloned from T. vaginalis (TV-E650), and found that the method enables the detection of T. vaginalis at concentrations as low as 1 cell per PCR mixture.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권8호
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• pp.1115-1122
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• 2021

Rotavirus (RV), as the main cause of diarrhea in children under 5 years, contributes to various childhood diseases. Valeriana jatamansi Jones is a traditional Chinese herb and possesses antiviral effects. In this study we investigated the potential mechanisms of V. jatamansi Jones in RV-induced diarrhea. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell proliferation and the diarrhea mice model was constructed using SA11 infection. Mice were administered V. jatamansi Jones and ribavirin. Diarrhea score was used to evaluate the treatment effect. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the level of cytokines. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR were used to determine protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was applied to detect the pathological change of the small intestine. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was conducted to determine the apoptosis rate. The results showed V. jatamansi Jones promoted MA104 proliferation. V. jatamansi Jones downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in protein level, which was consistent with the immunohistochemistry results. Moreover, V. jatamansi Jones combined with ribavirin regulated interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon γ, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-10, and suppressed secretory immunoglobulin A secretion to remove viruses and inhibit dehydration. V. jatamansi Jones + ribavirin facilitated the apoptosis of small intestine cells. In conclusion, V. jatamansi Jones may inhibit RV-induced diarrhea through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and could therefore be a potential therapy for diarrhea.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.147-160
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high concentration of uremic toxins in their blood and often experience muscle atrophy. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin produced by tryptophan metabolism. Although an elevated IS level may induce muscle dysfunction, the effect of IS on physiological concentration has not been elucidated. Additionally, the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on muscle hypertrophy have been reported in healthy models; however, it is unclear whether UA ameliorates muscle dysfunction associated with chronic diseases, such as CKD. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether UA can improve the IS-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis. MATERIALS/METHODS: C2C12 cells were incubated with or without IS (0.1 mM) and UA (1 or 2 μM) to elucidate the physiological effect of UA on CKD-related mitochondrial dysfunction and its related mechanisms using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: IS suppressed the expression of differentiation marker genes without decreasing cell viability. IS decreased the mitochondrial DNA copy number and ATP levels by downregulating the genes pertaining to mitochondrial biogenesis (Ppargc1a, Nrf1, Tfam, Sirt1, and Mef2c), fusion (Mfn1 and Mfn2), oxidative phosphorylation (Cycs and Atp5b), and fatty acid oxidation (Pdk4, Acadm, Cpt1b, and Cd36). Furthermore, IS increased the intracellular mRNA and secretory protein levels of interleukin (IL)-6. Finally, UA ameliorated the IS-induced impairment in C2C12 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that UA improves the IS-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis by affecting differentiation, ATP levels, and IL-6 secretion in C2C12 cells. Therefore, UA could be a novel therapeutic agent for CKD-induced muscle dysfunction.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.78.1-78.15
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• 2020

Background: Enteritis is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in piglets infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), but the immunopathogenesis has not been reported. Objectives: This study examined the effect of a PCV2 infection on the intestinal mucosal immune function through morphological observations and immune-related molecular detection. Methods: Morphological changes within the ileum of piglets during a PCV2 infection were observed. The expression of the related-molecules was analyzed using a gene chip. The immunocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. The secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) content was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The PCV2 infection caused ileal villus damage, intestinal epithelial cells exfoliation, and an increase in lymphocytes in the lamina propria at 21 days post-infection. Differentially expressed genes occurred in the defense response, inflammatory response, and the complement and coagulation cascade reactions. Most of them were downregulated significantly at the induction site and upregulated at the effector site. The genes associated with SIgA production were downregulated significantly at the induction site. In contrast, the expression of the Toll-like receptor-related genes was upregulated significantly at the effector site. The frequencies of dendritic cells, B cells, and CD8⁺T cells were upregulated at the 2 sites. The SIgA content decreased significantly in the ileal mucosa. Conclusions: PCV2 infections can cause damage to the ileum that is associated with changes in immune-related gene expression, immune-related cell subsets, and SIgA production. These findings elucidated the molecular changes in the ileum after a PCV2 infection from the perspective of intestinal mucosal immunity, which provides insights into a further study for PCV2-induced enteritis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제31권6호
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• pp.629-639
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• 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cardiovascular system disorders. Cellular senescence is a key mechanism associated with dysfunction of aged vascular endothelium. Hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) has been known to non-covalently link hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycans (PGs), and forms and stabilizes HAPLN1-containing aggregates as a major component of extracellular matrix. Our previous study showed that serum levels of HAPLN1 decrease with aging. Here, we found that the HAPLN1 gene expression was reduced in senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, a recombinant human HAPLN1 (rhHAPLN1) decreased the activity of senescence-associated β-gal and inhibited the production of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including IL-1β, CCL2, and IL-6. rhHAPLN1 also downregulated IL-17A levels, which is known to play a key role in vascular endothelial senescence. In addition, rhHAPLN1 protected senescent HUVECs from oxidative stress by reducing cellular reactive oxygen species levels, thus promoting the function and survival of HUVECs and leading to cellular proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. We also found that rhHAPLN1 not only increases the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels, but also reduces the cellular senescence markers levels, such as p53, p21, and p16. Taken together, our data indicate that rhHAPLN1 delays or inhibits the endothelial senescence induced by various aging factors, such as replicative, IL-17A, and oxidative stress-induced senescence, thus suggesting that rhHAPLN1 may be a promising therapeutic for CVD and atherosclerosis.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.21-28
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• 2008

식충식물의 잎은 결핍된 양분을 보충하기 위해 곤충을 유인하여 포획할 수 있는 포충엽으로 변형된다. 식충식물 표피조직에 발달하는 분비모는 특수한 모용으로 곤충포칙에 필요한 성분을 분비하여 먹이를 소화하고 흡수할 수 있도록 발달한다. 본 연구에서는 긴잎끈끈이주걱 (Drosera anglica Huds.) 엽신에 발달하는 여러 유형의 분비모 발달양상을 주사 및 투과전자현미경적인 방법으로 연구하였다. 포충엽 발달초기 엽원기 단계에서는 엽신이 접혀진 상태로 분화하여 상피조직은 노출되지 않으며, 하피조직에는 비분비모 및 모용원기들이 발달한다. 또한, 엽연이 접힌 상태로 어린 잎의 단계를 거치나 엽연에 발달하는 분비모는 기저부위만 노출되고 이들의 두정부위 및 다른 유형의 분비모들은 접힌 내부에 발달하여 보호된다. 병세포가 매우 길게 신장하는 엽연의 분비모에는 곤충 포획 시 가장 신속하게 식충의 기작을 수행하기 위한 세포수준에서의 구조분화도 수반된다. 엽연에는 긴 병세포를 지닌 약 $2.2{\sim}5.1\;mm$의 globose 분비모 (Type I)가 발달한 반면, 엽신의 내부로 갈수록 병세포는 점진적으로 짧아져 중앙 부위에서는 약 $200{\sim}300\;{\mu}m$의 짧은 병세포를 형성한다. 두정부위(head)는 2층의 분비세포, 중간의 장방형의 유세포층, 중앙의 가도관으로 구성된다. 엽연 분비모에 곤충이 접촉되면 이들 분비모는 매우 빠르게 움직이며 엽정 부위를 향축면으로 움직여 엽신이 곤충을 포위하게 하여 두정부위에서 분비된 점액성 물질로 곤충을 소화 흡수시키는 능동적인 식충의 기작을 수행한다. 또한, 엽신의 내부에는 분비물질을 분비하는 압핀형 두정부위와 짤은 병세포(ca. $15{\sim}30\;{\mu}m$)로 이루어진 분비모(Type II가 발달한다. 또 다른 유형은 병세포가 형성되지 않는 약 $25{\sim}40\;{\mu}m$의 6세포성분비모(Type III)로 상피 및 하피, 엽병, Type I 및 Type II 병세포 표면에 이르기까지 분포하며 위 두 유형의 분비모와 함께 활발한 분비활동을 수행한다. Type III 분비모의 경우, 분비물질은 정단의 두 세포에서만 방출되었다. Type I, II, III 두정부위 분비세포 세포벽에는 큐티클 층이 얇게 발달하며, 세포질 내에는 골지체, 소포체, 분비소낭 등의 막성계 세포내소기관 및 전자밀도가 높은 입자 등이 잘 발달하였다.

• Near Infrared Analysis
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.59-66
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• 2001

Nowadays, medical diagnostics is efficiently supported by clinical chemistry and near infrared spectroscopy is becoming a new dimension, which has shown high potential to provide valuable information for diagnosis. The investigation was carried out to study the influence of mammary gland inflammation, called mastitis, on cow´s milk spectra and milk composition measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk were used as a measure of mammary gland inflammation. Naturally occurred variations with milk composition within lactation and in the process of milking were included in the experimental design of this study. Time series of unhomogenized, raw milk spectral data were collected from 3 cow along morning and evening milking, for 5 consecutive months, within their second lactation. In the time of the trial, the investigated cows had periods with mammary gland inflammation. Transmittance spectra of 258 milk samples were obtained by NIRSystem 6500 spectrophotometer in 1100-2400 nm region. Calibration equations for the examined milk components were developed by PLS regression using 3 different sets of samples: samples with low somatic cell count (SCC), samples with high SCC and combined data set. The NIR calibration and prediction of individual cow´s milk fat, protein, and lactose were highly influenced by the presence of mil samples from animals with mammary gland inflammation in the data set. The best accuracy of prediction (i.e. the lower SEP and the higher correlation coefficient) for fat, protein and lactose was obtained for equations, developed when using only “healthy” samples, with low SCC. The standard error of prediction increased and correlation coefficient decreased significantly when equations for low SCC milk were used to predict examined components in “mastitis” samples with high SCC, and vice versa. Combined data set that included samples from healthy and mastitis animals could be used to build up regression models for screening. Further use of separate model for healthy samples improved milk composition measurement. Regression vectors for NIR mild protein measurement obtained for “healthy” and “mastitic” group were compared and revealed differences in 1390-1450 nm, 1500-1740 nm and 1900-2200 nm regions and thus illustrated post-secretory breakdown of milk proteins by hydrolytic enzymes that occurred with mastitis. For the first time it has been found that monitoring the spectral differences in water bands at 1440 nm and 1912 nm could provide valuable information for inflammation diagnosis.