• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.1345-1354
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• 2016

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common and tissue-specific autoimmune disease of hair follicle resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Hair follicles is a unique organ because it has its own immune system and hormonal milieu and has a different immune state at each hair cycle stage. The collapses of anagen-dependent hair follicle immune privilege arise autoimmune attack, inducing ectopic MHC class I expression in the hair follicle epithelium and autoantigen presentation to autoreactive CD8+T cells, which results in AA. Clinical and experimental studies have pointed that psychological stress may also influence the hair follicle immune/hormone systems and contribute to the induction of AA. The key pathogenesis of AA is associated with immune privilege guardians (including ACTH, ${\alpha}-MSH$, and $TGF-{\beta}$), natural killer group 2D-positive (NKG2D+) cells (including NK and CD8+T cells), and stress hormones (including CRH and substance P). Effective treatments for AA are still demanded. One of the future targets of treatment will be the modification of hair follicle immune privilege including stress. Recent studies have reported that JAK inhibitors and immunomodulators used in other autoimmune disease, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, Tregs, platelet-rich plasma therapy, statins, and prostaglandin anaolgues are effective for AA. Here the article reviews the recent understanding in the pathogenesis associated with perifollicular endocrine/immunology and new treatments of AA.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.1659-1664
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• 2001

Several studies have been done regarding carcass traits and growth in pigs. Recently, these have progressed to examine increases in economic traits, including meat quality and meat quantity, by using candidate genes. One of them is the pituitary-specific protein PIT-1, a member of the POU (Pit-Oct-Unc) family of transcription factors playing an important regulatory role in developmental processes. In addition, muscle development is known to be regulated in part by growth factors and cytokines locally produced. Therefore, studies were performed to analyze PIT-1 genotypes and serum cytokines (IGF-I, IGF-II, TGF-${\beta}1$, EGF, cortisol, DHEA-S, IL-2, and IL-6) in castrated male pigs for their possible involvement in the development of carcass traits. The genotypes of PIT-1 gene were analyzed by PCR-RFLP with MspI restriction enzyme. But, only CD and DD genotypes, not CC genotype, have been detected. Based on PIT-1 genotyping, a significant difference in EGF expression beween CD type (78.8 ng/ml) and DD type (46.0 ng/ml) was detected (p<0.05), whereas other cytokines did not show any statistical significance depending on PIT-1 genotypes. Collectively, these results suggest the possibility that EGF could affect the formation of carcass traits.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.158-164
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• 2013

The most frequently encountered problems at fixture-implantation sites are lack of adequate bone and proximity to anatomic structures. It is generally accepted that growth factors play an essential role in the healing process and tissue formation, and they have become the focus of grafting materials research. The granules in platelets contain high concentrations of various growth factors. In particular, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that allows the production of fibrin membranes enriched with platelets and growth factors from an anticoagulant-free blood harvest. This study investigated the in vitro effects of PRF on osteoblasts, in terms of the key cellular functions, and especially the effects on two growth factors, the homodimer of platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (BPDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$, which are associated with wound healing and regeneration (i.e., proliferation and differentiation). The following parameters were investigated: PDGF-BB and TGF-${\beta}1$ levels in PRF, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, type 1 collagen synthesis, and the expressions of osteoblast differentiation markers (ALP and runt-related transcription factor 2) and bone matrix proteins (type 1 collagen). The release of autologous growth factors from PRF was maintained for a reasonable period of time, and exerted positive effects on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The use of PRF thus appears to be a promising method for enhancing bone healing and remodeling.

• BMB Reports
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.52-56
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• 2010

Silk fibroin, produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori, has been widely studied as a scaffold in tissue engineering. Although it has been shown to be slowly biodegradable, cellular responses to degraded silk fibroin fragments are largely unknown. In this study, silk fibroin was added to MG-63 cell cultures, and changes in gene expression in the MG-63 cells were screened by DNA microarray analysis. Genes showing a significant (2-fold) change were selected and their expression changes confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. DNA microarray results showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type-I alpha-1, fibronectin, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ expressions significantly increased. The effect of degraded silk fibroin on osteoblastogenic gene expression was confirmed by observing up-regulation of ALP activity in MG-63 cells. The finding that small fragments of silk fibroin are able to increase the expression of osteoblastogenic genes suggests that controlled degradation of silk fibroin might accelerate new bone formation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.140-150
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• 2005

Maxillary sinus lifting procedure and bone grafting are used to reconstruct atrophic maxillae. These procedure are usually followed by the placement of endosseous dental implants. Different materials and techniques can be used for sinus bone grafting. Platelets are known to contain various growth factors involved in the repair of the vasculature and tissues, and it is known that the specialized platelet secretory granules, the alpha granules, contain platelet derived growth factor(PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-beta), insuline like growth factor-I(IGF-I), epidermoid growth factor(EGF), and others. This study was to evaluate the effect of PRP on bone formation in a sinus bone grafting. Twelve rabbits were included in this randomized, blinded, prospective pilot study. In experimental group, sinus bone grafting with autobone and platelet rich plasma. In control group, sinus bone grafting with only autobone. Rabbits were sacrificed at 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th weeks postoperatively. Clinical and radiographic tests, histological analysis were conducted to compare both sides. In clinical examination, there in no significant difference between experimental group and control group. But, in radiographic examination, a distinct incresed in the radiopaque of the PRP experimental group at 2nd and 4th weeks. The histologic examination revealed that more new bone formation and osteoblast activity were seen in experimental group at 2nd and 4th weeks. In conclusion, PRPs action in sinus bone grafting had a capacity of increased new bone formation in a early bone healing stage.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.635-643
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• 2012

As an appraisal for the application of a new starter culture, more than 200 lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from raw milk and healthy human feces. The strains showing excellent growth and acid production ability in 10% skim milk media were selected and identified as Lactobacillus casei based on the results of their API carbohydrate fermentation patterns, as well as 16S rDNA sequence analysis. To assess the effect of L. casei strains on irritable bowel disease (IBD), the inhibitory effect of the selected strains against the nitric oxide (NO) production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was measured. Among the tested L. casei strains, L. casei MCL was observed to have the greatest NO inhibitory activity. Additionally, L. casei MCL was found to inhibit mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$), as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) involved in pathophysiologic processes such as inflammation. The mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-$1{\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) of L. casei MCL, was confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR. In conclusion, L. casei MCL showed decreases in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.58-70
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• 2015

This study was conducted to examine the effect of egg shell membrane hydrolysates (ESMH) on wrinkle, UV, and moisture protection for cosmetic use. ESMH were fragmented as whole ESMH (before fractioning), Fraction I (> 10 kDa), Fraction II (3-10 kDa), and Fraction III (< 3 kDa). In order to test whether fractionated ESMH can be used for functional cosmetic materials, we examined not only the level of hyaluronic acid and collagen production, but also the MMP-1 activity using a HaCaT and CCD-986Sk cell line. Our study treated each sample of fractionated ESMH with different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/mL). In our in vivo research, we used hairless mice that had been exposed to UV-B to induce wrinkles for 7 wk, then applied Fraction I to the treatment group for 5 wk and then tested skin thickness, minimum erythema dose and moisture content. In addition, Fraction I was high in collagen and HA biosynthesis and it was better than TGF-${\beta}$ in improving of the skin. When TNF-${\alpha}$ caused MMP-1 activity in the CCD-986Sk cells, the whole ESMH and Fraction I proved to be effective in hindering the induction of collagenase depending on the concentration, and also showed outstanding effects in the suppression of skin aging. We found that the treatment group mice's UV-B radiation-induced skin damage was largely mitigated compared to that of the non-treatment group mice. Thus, we have concluded that EMSH helps to mitigate UV-B radiation-induced wrinkles, collagen, HA, MMP-1 activity and can be used for functional cosmetic materials.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.886-894
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• 2015

Macrophages are divided into two subpopulations: classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). BCG (Bacilli Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$) activates disabled $na{\ddot{i}}ve$ macrophages to M1 macrophages, which act as inflammatory, microbicidal and tumoricidal cells through cell-cell contact and/or the release of soluble factors. Various transcription factors and signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of macrophage activation and polarization. We discovered that BCG-activated macrophages (BAM) expressed a new molecule, and we named it Novel Macrophage Activated Associated Protein 1 (NMAAP1). 1 The current study found that the overexpression of NMAAP1 in macrophages results in M1 polarization with increased expression levels of M1 genes, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 12 (IL-12), Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), and decreased expression of some M2 genes, such as Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), but not other M2 genes, including arginase-1 (Arg-1), Interleukin (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-${\beta}$) and found in inflammatory zone 1 (Fizz1). Moreover, NMAAP1 overexpression in the RAW264.7 cell line increased cytotoxicity against MCA207 tumor cells, which depends on increased inflammatory cytokines rather than cell-cell contact. NMAAP1 also substantially enhanced the phagocytic ability of macrophages, which implies that NMAAP1 promoted macrophage adhesive and clearance activities. Our results indicate that NMAAP1 is an essential molecule that modulates macrophages phenotype and plays an important role in macrophage tumoricidal functions.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.143-156
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• 2006

Major characteristics of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are sustaining of sternness and pluripotency by self-renewal. In this report, transcriptional profiles of the molecules in the developmentally important signaling pathways including Wnt, BMP4, $TGF-\beta$, RTK, Hh, Notch, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were investigated to understand the self-renewal of mouse ESCs (mESCs), J1 line, and compared with the NIH3T3 cell line and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells as controls. In the Wnt signaling pathway, the expression of Wnt3 was seen widely in mESCs, suggesting that the ligand may be an important regulator for self-renewal in mESCs. In the Hh signaling pathway, the expression of Gli and N-myc were observed extensively in mESCs, whereas the expression levels of in a Shh was low, suggesting that intracellular molecules may be essential for the self-renewal of mESCs. IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-IR and IGF-IIR of RTK signaling showed a lower expression in mESCs, these molecules related to embryo development may be restrained in mESCs. The expression levels of the Delta and HESS in Notch signaling were enriched in mESCs. The expression of the molecules related to BMP and JAK-STAT signaling pathways were similar or at a slightly lower level in mESCs compared to those in MEF and NIH3T3 cells. It is suggested that the observed differences in gene expression profiles among the signaling pathways may contribute to the self-renewal and differentiation of mESCs in a signaling-specific manner.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.136-144
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• 2014

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Platycarya strobilacea S. et Z. (PSE) extract on mouse hair growth and to determine the mechanism of action of PSE. PSE was purchased and its antioxidant activities, such as electron donating ability, total polyphenol content, and flavonoid content were tested. Toxicity during topical treatment was determined by the CCK-8 assay, a cell viability test. Fifteen 4-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to receive one of three treatments: dimethyl sulfoxide (negative control), minoxidil (positive control) or PSE. Test materials were topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of each mouse daily for 3 weeks. After 21 days, we observed skin tissue hair follicle morphology and length, mast cell number, and stem cell factor (SCF) expression using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), toluidine blue, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of cytokines involved in hair growth [i.e., insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$] was determined by PCR. PSE was found to have very high antioxidant activity. The cell viability rate of PSE-treated mice was markedly higher than that of mice in the control group. We also observed an increase in hair follicle length, strong SCF staining, and a decrease in mast cell number in the PSE group. In addition, PSE-treated mice had higher IGF-1 and KGF expression and lower TGF-${\beta}1$ expression than mice in the minoxidil-treated group. These results suggest that topical application of PSE promotes hair growth by intensifying SCF, suppressing mast cell production, and increasing hair growth-promoting cytokine expression.