• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.433-445
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• 2012

During the course of evolution, animals encountered the harmful effects of fungi, which are strong pathogens. Therefore, they have developed powerful mechanisms to protect themselves against these fungal invaders. ${\beta}$-Glucans are glucose polymers of a linear ${\beta}$(1,3)-glucan backbone with ${\beta}$(1,6)-linked side chains. The immunostimulatory and antitumor activities of ${\beta}$-glucans have been reported; however, their mechanisms have only begun to be elucidated. Fungal and particulate ${\beta}$-glucans, despite their large size, can be taken up by the M cells of Peyer's patches, and interact with macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) and activate systemic immune responses to overcome the fungal infection. The sampled ${\beta}$-glucans function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells. Dectin-1 receptor systems have been incorporated as the PRRs of ${\beta}$-glucans in the innate immune cells of higher animal systems, which function on the front line against fungal infection, and have been exploited in cancer treatments to enhance systemic immune function. Dectin-1 on macrophages and DCs performs dual functions: internalization of ${\beta}$-glucan-containing particles and transmittance of its signals into the nucleus. This review will depict in detail how the physicochemical nature of ${\beta}$-glucan contributes to its immunostimulating effect in hosts and the potential uses of ${\beta}$-glucan by elucidating the dectin-1 signal transduction pathway. The elucidation of ${\beta}$-glucan and its signaling pathway will undoubtedly open a new research area on its potential therapeutic applications, including as immunostimulants for antifungal and anti-cancer regimens.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.1023-1030
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• 2013

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), uniquely expressed on gram-positive bacteria, is recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on not only antigen-presenting cells but also activated T cells. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that LTA is acting on T cells. However, little is known about the effect of LTA on T-cell regulation. In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of LTA on $CD4^+$ T cells. Effector $CD4^+$ T cells, induced after co-culture with S. aureus-pulsed dendritic cells, produced high levels of interferon-${\gamma}$, CD25, CD69, and TLRs 2 and 4. When effector $CD4^+$ T cells were treated with LTA, the expressions of the membrane-bound form of transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}$ and forkhead box P3 increased. Coincidently, the proliferation of effector $CD4^+$ T cells was declined after LTA treatment. When TGF-${\beta}$ signaling was blocked by the TGF-${\beta}$ receptor 1 kinase inhibitor, LTA failed to suppress the proliferation of effector $CD4^+$ T cells. Therefore, the present results suggest that LTA suppresses the activity of effector $CD4^+$ T cells by enhancing TGF-${\beta}$ production.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.23-37
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• 1991

The understanding the natureof occlusal tooth contacts of natural dentition is important for correct diagnosis and treatment of diseases developed in stomatognatic system. Several investigator have studied the distribution of tooth contacts in maximum intercuspation and have reported contact locations with respect to the tooth position. Many methods have been clinically applied for the occlusal analysis in the intercuspal position. However, there are few quantative methods. This study analyzed the new software version of the T-Scan system to record and analyze occlusal contact balance in the anterior-posterior and right-left directions. Six time moment statistics and five moment statistics were calculated in the midsagittal and the incisal axes of the occlusal plane. In the present study, informed consent was obtained from 100 subjects with natural dentitions. The results were as follows ; 1. The mean of the dental arch length & width were 48.78, 65.32mm in whole population, 49.09mm, 65.50mm in males, 48.78mm, 64.63mm in females, respectively. 2. The mean of TLR & PLR were 0.193mm(left), 0.311mm(left), respectively. Therefore, the distribution of tooth contacts was bilaterally symmetric. 3. The mean of TFB & PFB were 29.168mm, 29.055mm, and that of LFB & RFB were 29.627mm, 29.587mm, respectively, and the qualitative center of occlusal contacts was the firtst molar. 4. The mean of LL & RL were 31.666mm, 31.377mm, respectively, and the quantitative center of occlusal force was the first molar. 5. The mean of LF & RF were 60.237N, 59.276N, respectively and Left-right moment was 72.491Nmm. Therfore, the distribution of occlusal force was bilaterally balanced.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.97-99
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• 2009

Geldanamycin is a benzoquinone ansamycin antibiotic that binds to cytosol HSP90 (Heat Shock Protein 90) and changes its biological function. HSP90 is involved in the intracellular important roles for the regulation of the cell cycle, cell growth, cell survival, apoptosis, angiogenesis and oncogenesis. To identify genes expressed during geldanamycin treatment against neurons of rats (PC12 cells), DNA microarray method was used. We have isolated 2 gene groups (up-or down-regulated genes) which are geldanamycin differentially expressed in neurons. Granzyme B is the gene most significantly increased among 204 up-regulated genes (more than 2 fold over-expression) and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 is the gene most dramatically decreased among 491 down-regulated genes (more than 2 fold down-expression). The gene increased expression of Cxc110, Cyp11a1, Gadd45a, Gja1, Gpx2, Ifua4, Inpp5e, Sox4, and Stip1 are involved stress-response gene, and Cryab, Dnaja1, Hspa1a, Hspa8, Hspca, Hspcb, Hspd1, Hspd1, and Hsph1 are strongly associated with protein folding. Cell cycle associated genes (Bc13, Brca2, Ccnf, Cdk2, Ddit3, Dusp6, E2f1, Illa, and Junb) and inflammatory response associated genes (Cc12, Cc120, Cxc12, Il23a, Nos2, Nppb, Tgfb1, Tlr2, and Tnt) are down-regulated more than 2 times by geldanamycin treatment. We found that geldanamycin is related to expression of many genes associated with stress response, protein folding, cell cycle, and inflammation by DNA microarray analysis. Further experimental molecular studies will be needed to figure out the exact biological function of various genes described above and the physiological change of neuronal cells by geldanamycin. The resulting data will give the one of the good clues for understanding of geldanamycin under molecular level in the neurons.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.482-489
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• 2007

Kaempferitrin, isolated from Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), was examined to evaluate its modulatory effects on antigen-presenting cell functions of macrophages/monocytes such as phagocytosis of foreign materials, up-regulation of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86), adhesion molecule activation, and antigen processing and presentation. Kaempferitrin strongly blocked up-regulation of CD40, CD80 and CD86, but not pattern recognition receptor (PRR) (e.g., TLR2). It also suppressed functional activation of CD29 (${\beta}1$-integrins), as assessed by cell-cell adhesion assay, required for T cell-antigen-presenting cell (APC) interaction. Furthermore, this compound did not block a simple activation of CD29, as assessed by cell-fibronectin adhesion assay. However, the compound did not diminish phagocytic uptake, an initial step for antigen processing, and ROS generation in RAW264.7 cells. In particular, to understand molecular mechanism of kaempferitrin-mediated inhibition, the regulatory role of LPS-induced signaling events was examined using immunoblotting analysis. Interestingly, this compound dose dependently suppressed the phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, Src, Akt and Syk, demonstrating that it can negatively modulate the activation of these signaling enzymes. Therefore, our data suggested that kaempferitrin may be involved in regulating APC function-relevant immune responses of macrophages and monocytes by regulating intracellular signaling.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2007

Acute septic shock is one of inflammatory diseases mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$. In this study, we examined the pathological difference and mechanism of lipopolysaccharides isolated from E. coli (E-LPS) or S. abortus (S-LPS) on inducing acute septic shock in ICR mouse. All mice were died by intraperitoneal treatment of S-LPS with 0.75 mg/kg, whereas E-LPS treated with even 3 mg/kg only showed 30% of mice lethal, indicating that S-LPS may be more feasible in triggering a strong septic shock condition. The secretion pattern of TNF-${\alpha}$, a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine in septic shock condition, was also distinct between E-LPS- and S-LPS-treated groups. Thus, S-LPS strikingly increased serum level of TNF-${\alpha}$ (6 ng/ml) at 1 h, while E-LPS just displayed at 2 ng/ml level. However the interaction of S-LPS with LPS receptor toll like receptor (TLR)-4, was not stronger than that of E-LPS, according to experiments with macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells. Thus, E-LPS rather than S-LPS strongly enhanced the production of TNF-${\alpha}$. Interestingly, S-LPS more strongly up-regulated splenocyte proliferation, compared to E-LPS group, whereas there was no difference between S- or E-LPS treated groups in proliferation of Balb/c- or C57BL/6-originated splenic lymphocytes. Therefore, our data suggest that S-LPS is a more active endotoxin and that the strong septic shock-inducing effect of S-LPS seems due to the enhancement of early TNF-${\alpha}$ production and S-LPS-sensitive lymphocyte proliferation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.509-522
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• 2024

Decellularized matrix transplantation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for repairing tissue defects, with numerous studies assessing its safety and efficacy in both animal models and clinical settings. The host immune response elicited by decellularized matrix grafts of natural biological origin plays a crucial role in determining the success of tissue repair, influenced by matrix heterogeneity and the inflammatory microenvironment of the wound. However, the specific immunologic mechanisms underlying the interaction between decellularized matrix grafts and the host immune system remain elusive. This article reviews the sources of decellularized matrices, available decellularization techniques, and residual immunogenic components. It focuses on the host immune response following decellularized matrix transplantation, with emphasis on the key mechanisms of Toll-like receptor, T-cell receptor, and TGF-β/SMAD signaling in the stages of post-transplantation immunorecognition, immunomodulation, and tissue repair, respectively. Furthermore, it highlights the innovative roles of TLR10 and miR-29a-3p in improving transplantation outcomes. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the host immune response after decellularized matrix transplantation provides new directions for the repair of tissue defects.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.245-253
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• 2019

Pathogen-associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) are highly conserved structural motifs that are recognized by Pathogen Recognition receptors (PRRs) to initiate immune responses. Infection by these pathogens and the immune response to PAMPS such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Peptidoglycan (PGN), bacterial oligodeoxynucleotides [CpG oligodeoxynucleotides 2006 (CpG ODN2006) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides 2216 (CpG ODN2216)], and viral RNA Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid (Poly I:C), are associated with infectious and metabolic diseases in animals impacting health and production. It is established that PAMPs mediate the production of cytokines by binding to PRRs such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) on immune cells. Galectins (Gal) are carbohydrate-binding proteins that when expressed play essential roles in the resolution of infectious and metabolic diseases. Thus it is important to determine if the expression of galectin gene (LGALS) and Gal secretion in blood are affected by exposure to LPS and PGN, PolyI:C and bacterial CpG ODNs. LPS increased transcription of LGALS4 and 12 (2.5 and 2.02 folds respectively) and decreased secretion of Gal 4 (p < 0.05). PGN increased transcription of LGALS-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, and -12 (3.0, 2.3, 2.0, 4.1, 3.3, and 2.4 folds respectively) and secretion of Gal-8 and Gal-9 (p < 0.05). Poly I:C tended to increase the transcription of LGALS1, LGALS4, and LGALS8 (1.78, 1.88, and 1.73 folds respectively). Secretion of Gal-1, -3, -8 and nine were significantly increased in treated samples compared to control (p < 0.05). CpG ODN2006 did not cause any significant fold changes in LGALS transcription (FC < 2) but increased secretion of Gal-1, and-3 (p < 0.05) in plasma compared to control. Gal-4 was however reduced in plasma (p < 0.05). CpG ODN2216 increased transcription of LGALS1 and LGALS3 (3.8 and 1.6 folds respectively), but reduced LGALS2, LGALS4, LGALS7, and LGALS12 (-1.9, -2.0, -2.0 and; -2.7 folds respectively). Secretion of Gal-2 and -3 in plasma was increased compared to control (p < 0.05). Gal-4 secretion was reduced in plasma (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that PAMPs differentially modulate galectin transcription and translation of galectins in cow blood.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.370-376
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• 1998

The extraction yield of MeOH extract of green teas, oolong tea and black tea were 3 to 5, 4 to 5, and 5 to 7 fold higher than those of EtOH and EtAC extract, respectively. The amount of total catechins of EtAC extract of the black tea, and of the green teas and oolong tea were three- and two-fold higher than that of EtOH or MeOH extract of the corresponding teas, respectively. The antioxidative activities of EtOH, MeOH and EtAc extract were considerably higher than that of BHT and $dl-{\alpha}-tocopherol$ at 200 ppm level. The antioxidative activities of EtOH and MeOH extract at 200 and 500 ppm level, and of EtAc extract at 200 ppm level varied depending on the type of tea as follows : green tea I > green tea II > green tea III > oo-long tea> black tea. The antioxidative activity increased as the content of EGC increased. But the antioxidative activity of MeOH extract at 1000 ppm level, and of EtAc extract at 500 and 1000 ppm level were not affected by the content of EGC and EGCG.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2024

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Indigo Naturalis (IN) in treating a Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The objective is to comprehensively examine the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of IN on IBD, assessing its potential as an novel treatment for IBD. Analysis of 11 selected papers is conducted to understand the effects of IN, focusing on compounds like indirubin, isatin, indigo, and tryptanthrin. This study evaluates their impact on Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, colon length, mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Additionally, It investigate into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) pathway activation, Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB)/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) inhibition, and modulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88)/NF-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. Immunomodulatory effects on T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg cell) balance and Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3-β) expression are also explored. Furthermore, the study addresses the role of IN in restoring intestinal microbiota diversity, reducing pathogenic bacteria, and increasing beneficial bacteria. The findings reveal that IN, particularly indirubin and indigo, demonstrates significant improvements in DAI score, colon length, mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration in DSS-induced colitis mice. The anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to the activation of the AhR pathway, inhibition of inflammatory pathways, and modulation of immune responses. These results exhibit the potential of IN in IBD treatment. Notably, the restoration of intestinal microbiota diversity and balance further supports its efficacy. IN emerges as a promising and effective treatment for IBD, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects and positive outcomes in preclinical studies. However, potential side effects necessitate further investigation for safe therapeutic development. The study underscores the need for future research to explore a broader range of active ingredients in IN to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.