• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.19-32
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atherosclerosis is associated with increased inflammation in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Vitamin D has been reported to modulate the inflammatory responses of stromal vascular cells (SVCs) and adipocytes in adipose tissue, but the role of vitamin D in atherosclerosis biology is unclear. This study examined the effects of in vitro 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25[OH]₂D₃) treatment on the inflammatory responses of SVCs and adipocytes from atherosclerotic mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J (B6) mice were divided randomly into 2 groups and fed a 10% kcal fat control diet (control group, CON) or 41% kcal fat, 0.21% cholesterol (high fat + cholesterol, HFC) diet (obese group, OB), and B6.129S7-Ldlr^tm1Her/J (Ldlr^-/-) mice were fed a HFC diet (obese with atherosclerosis group, OBA) for 16 weeks. SVCs and adipocytes isolated from VAT were pre-incubated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ for 24 h and stimulated with lipopolysaccarides for the next 24 h. Proinflammatory cytokine production by adipocytes and SVCs, the immune cell population in SVCs, and the expression of the genes involved in the inflammatory signaling pathway in SVCs were determined. RESULTS: The numbers of total macrophages and SVCs per mouse were higher in OB and OBA groups than the CON group. The in vitro 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment significantly reduced macrophages/SVCs (%) in the OBA group. Consistent with this change, the production of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) by SVCs from the OBA group was decreased by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment. The 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment significantly reduced the toll-like receptor 4 and dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (also known as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1) mRNA levels in SVCs and MCP-1 production by adipocytes from all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that vitamin D can attribute to the inhibition of the inflammatory response in VAT from atherosclerotic mice by reducing proinflammatory cytokine production.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.151-158
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• 2007

The possibility of inadvertent introduction of therapeutic gene expressing viral vectors has raised safety concerns about germ-line infection. Particularly, for indications such as prostate cancer and ovarian cancer, the proximity of the point of viral administration to organs of the reproductive system raises concerns regarding inadvertent germ-line transmission of genes carried by the virus vector. To evaluate the safety of in vivo adenovirus mediated gene transfer, we explored the biodistribution, persistance and potential germ-line transmission of p53-expressing adenovirus (Ad-CMV-p53). Both male and female Balb/c mice were injected with $1{\times}10^9$ PFU of Ad-CMV-p53. The PCR analysis showed that there were detectable vector sequences in liver, kidney, spleen, seminal vesicle, epididymis, prostate, ovary, and uterus. The RT-PCR analysis for detecting inserted gene, p53 showed that Ad-CMV-p53 viral RNA were present in spleen, prostate and ovary. Direct injected male and female mice of adenovirus vector into testis and ovary were mated and their of offspring were evaluated for germ-line transmission of the adenoviral vector. The PCR and RT-PCR analysis showed no evidence of germline transmission, although vector sequences were detected in DNA extracted from gonadal tissues. Real-time PCR result confirmed a significant decrease of adenovirus in gonad tissues 1 week after injection. We have also analysed the cell specific localization of viral DNA in gonad tissues by using in-situ PCR. Positive signals were detected in interstitial tissue but not in seminiferous tubule in sperm. In the case of ovary, adenovirus signal were localized to the stromal tissue, but no follicular signals were observed. Together, these data provide strong evidence that the risk of the Inadvertent germ-line transmission of vector sequences following intraperitoneal or direct injection into genito-urinary system of adenovirus is extremely low.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.56-77
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate effects of Boyanghwano-Tang on the development of experimentally-induced endometriosis in rats. Methods: Endometriosis was induced in rats by autotransplanting uterine tissue to the peritoneum and divided them into three groups: (1) sham-operated group(n=8), (2) surgically induced endometriosis and untreated control group (n=8), (3) surgically induced endometriosis and Boyanghwano-Tang treated group. Boyanghwano-Tang was orally administrated for 15 days after operation. Then we measured the body weight, the volume of endometriotic implants, the weight of uterus and ovary, and investigated the concentration of cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6) in peritoneal fluids. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry for COX-2 and VEGF, and histochemistry for mast cell in transplanted uterine tissue were performed. Results: - The volume($mm^3$) of endometriotic implants in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group ($122.3{\pm}45.0$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($222.1{\pm}109.1$). - The concentration(pg/$m{\ell}$) of MCP-1 in peritoneal fluids in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group($1026.3{\pm}196.5$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($1412.5{\pm}345.7$). - The concentration(pg/$m{\ell}$) of TNF-$\alpha$ in peritoneal fluids in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group($936.5{\pm}94.3$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($1126.2{\pm}139.9$). - The concentration(pg/$m{\ell}$) of IL-$1{\beta}$ in peritoneal fluids in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group($78.5{\pm}13.3$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($105.3{\pm}17.6$). - The concentration(pg/$m{\ell}$) of IL-6 in peritoneal fluids in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group($107.4{\pm}15.8$) was decreased compared with control group($122.8{\pm}19.3$). - Histopathologically, proliferation of endometriotic epithelia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and angiogenesis in transplanted uterine tissue of Boyanghwano-Tang treated group were weakly observed than those of control group. - The percentage of positive epithelial layers for COX-2 in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group($51.5{\pm}14.1$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($75.1{\pm}16.3$). - The VEGF expression of endometriotic epithelia, neovascular endothelia and stromal cells in transplanted uterine tissue of Boyanghwano-Tang treated group were weakly observed than those of control group. - The number of mast cells in adjacent tissue of transplanted uterine tissue in Boyanghwano-Tang treated group($75.9{\pm}13.1$) was decreased compared with control group($91.0{\pm}28.3$). Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we concluded that Boyanghwano-Tang have inhibiting effects on the development of transplanted uterine tissue. And these effects may be related with decreased production of MCP-1, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and decreased expression of COX-2 and VEGF by administration of Boyanghwano-Tang.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2010

Objective: This study was performed to clarify the role of HomeoboxA (HOXA) and its related signaling molecules in the decidualization of primary cultured endometrial cells. Methods: Human endometrial tissues were obtained by curettage of hysterectomy specimens from patients with conditions other than endometrial diseases. Tissues were minced and digested with Trypsin-EDTA for 20 min, $37^{\circ}C$. Cells were cultured with DMEM/F12 medium in $37^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ incubator for 24 hrs. Cells were treated with HOXA10 siRNA and added transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$ (10 ng/mL) for 48 hrs to induces decidualization in vitro. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was accomplished to observe the expression of HOXA10, prolactin, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor (PPAR)-$\gamma$, and wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt). Results: HOXA10 expression was increased (1.8 fold vs. non-treated control) in TGF-${\beta}1$ treated cells. Decidualization marker, prolactin, was significantly increased in TGF-${\beta}1$ treated cells compared with HOXA10 siRNA treated cells. Endometrial cell differentiation marker, COX-2 was down-regulated by HOXA10 siRNA even if cells were treated with TGF-${\beta}1$. Wnt4 was down-regulated by treated with HOXA10 siRNA, this expression patters was not changed by TGF-${\beta}1$. Expression of PPAR-$\gamma$ was down regulated by TGF-${\beta}1$ in regardless of HOXA10 siRNA treatment. Conclusion: TGF-${\beta}1$ which is induced by progesterone in endometrial epithelial cells may induces stromal cell decidualization via HOXA10 and Wnt signaling cascade.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.34-59
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the inhibiting effects of Gungguijohyeoleum on the development of experimentally-induced endometriosis in rats. Methods: Endometriosis was induced in rats by autotransplanting uterine tissue to the peritoneum and we divided them into three groups: (1) sham-operated group(n=8), (2) surgically induced endometriosis and untreated control group(n=8), (3) surgically induced endometriosis and Gungguijohyeoleum treated group(n=8), Gungguijohyeoleum was orally administrated for 15 days after operation. Then we measured the body weight, the volumes of endometriotic implants, the weight of uterus and ovary, and investigated the concentrations of cytokines(MCP-1, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6) in peritoneal fluids. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry for COX-2 and VEGF, and histochemistry for mast cell in transplanted uterine tissue were performed. Results: - The volume ($mm^3$) of endometriotic implants in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group ($76.4{\pm}24.5$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($222.1{\pm}109.1$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of MCP-1 in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group ($1060.8{\pm}280.8$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($1412.5{\pm}345.7$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group ($827.5{\pm}219.9$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($1126.2{\pm}139.9$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of $IL-1{\beta}$ in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($83.4{\pm}9.0$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($105.3{\pm}17.6$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of IL-6 in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($108.9{\pm}15.7$) was decreased compared with control group($122.8{\pm}19.3$). - Histopathologically, proliferation of endometriotic epithelia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and angiogenesis in transplanted uterine tissue of Gungguijohyeoleum treated group were weakly observed than those of control group. - The percentage(%) of positive epithelial layers for COX-2 in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($56.8{\pm}12.8$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($75.1{\pm}16.3$). -The VEGF expression of endometriotic epithelia, neovascular endothelia and stromal cells in transplanted uterine tissue of Gungguijohyeoleum treated group was weakly observed than that of control group. - The numbers of mast cells in transplanted uterine tissue in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($35.4{\pm}18.4$) were significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group ($91.0{\pm}28.3$). Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we concluded that Gungguijohyeoleum has inhibiting effects on the development of transplanted uterine tissue. And these effects may be related with decreased production of MCP-1, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, COX-2, VEGF and mast cells by administration of Gungguijohyeoleum.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.12
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• pp.906-918
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• 2019

MicroRNA-223-3p (miR-223-3p) is one of the potential microRNAs that have been shown to alleviate inflammatory responses in pre-clinical investigations and is highly encased in exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exosomes). MSC-exosomes are able to function as carriers to deliver microRNAs into cells. Autoimmune hepatitis is one of the challenging liver diseases with no effective treatment other than steroid hormones. Here, we examined whether MSC-exosomes can transfer miR-223-3p to treat autoimmune hepatitis in an experimental model. We found that MSC-exosomes were successfully incorporated with miR-223-3p and delivered miR-223-3p into macrophages. Moreover, there was no toxic effect of exosomes on the macrophages. Furthermore, treatments of either exosomes or exosomes with miR-223-3p successfully attenuated inflammatory responses in the liver of autoimmune hepatitis and inflammatory cytokine release in both the liver and macrophages. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of miR-223-3p level and STAT3 expression in the liver and macrophages. These results suggest that MSC-exosomes can be used to deliver miR-223-3p for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.31-40
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• 2005

Purpose: This study aimed to provide, as a basic material, the experiences of endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of tumorous conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract in children. Methods: The objects were 26 patients diagnosed as having tumorous conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract among 1,283 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination at the Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital, from January 1994 to July 2004 retrospectively. The characteristics of patients, the chief complaints for endoscopic examination, the sorts of tumors diagnosed, the endoscopic findings of tumors, and the treatment of tumors were analysed. Results: 1) Eleven male and fifteen female were included, whose mean age was $6.93{\pm}4.02years$. 2) The chief complaints for endoscopic examination were abdominal pain (80.7%), vomiting or nausea (30.8%), and gastrointestinal beeding (30.7%) in order. 3) Six cases of ectopic pancreas, five cases of sentinel polyp, three cases of papilloma and vallecular cyst, two cases of Brunner's gland hyperplasia and gastric submucosal tumor, one case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, duodenal intramural hematoma, T cell lymphoma, lipoma, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome were diagnosed by endoscopy with or without biopsy. 4) The location of tumors was in the pharynx (19.2%), esophagus (7.7%), gastro-esophageal junction (23.0%), stomach (30.7%) and duodeneum (26.9%). 5) The size of tumors was less than 10 mm in 53.8%, 10~20 mm in 26.9%, more than 20 mm 19.2%. 6) Treatments for tumors included resection by laser, surgical resection, endoscopic polypectomy with a forcep or snare, and observation 7) There was no significant complication. Conclusion: Various and not a few tumors were found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The endoscopy was accurate, effective, and safe means for diagnosis and treatment of those lesions in children.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.290-303
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• 2006

Tooth eruption is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves cells of the tooth organ and the surrounding alveolus. Osteoclast precursors must be recruited into the dental follicle prior to the onset of eruption. This function of dental follicle may be regarded as the ability of bone remodeling characterized by the interaction of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. This is because tooth eruption is a localized event in which many of the genes required for eruption are expressed in the dental follicle. RANKL is a membrane-bound protein that is a member of the TNF ligand family. which is present on bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts, and induces osteoclast formation and activation from precursor cell. The biologic effect of RANKL is inhibited by OPG and, in bone, the relative ratio of RANKL and OPG modulates osteoclastogenesis. To evaluate the roles of RANKL and OPG in tooth eruption and the relations with the expression pattern of Runx2, in situ hybridization was performed with mandibles of mice at postnatal stage 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. mRNA of RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 are expressed in dental follicle and surrounding tissue from P1 to 11. To determine the sites of osteoclastic activity during tooth eruption, mandibles were dissected. Peak osteoclastic activity in alveolar bone along the occlusal and basal regions was observed from P5 to 9, with osteoclasts in these regions being large and strongly TRAP-positive The specific spatio-temporal expression patterns of RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in our study suggest that tooth eruption could be progressed through the interactions of molecular signaling among dental follicle, dental organ and alveolar bone, furthermore it means that dental follicle is quite important in tooth eruption In addition, it indicates that these genes (RANKL, OPG, and Runx2) play critical roles in tooth eruption.