• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.296-303
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• 2022

Background: A previous study reported that hyperlipidemia increases the incidence of tears in the rotator cuff tendon and affects healing after repair. The aim of our study was to compare the gene and protein expression of torn rotator cuff tendons in patients both with and without hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Thirty patients who provided rotator cuff tendon samples were classified into either a non-hypercholesterolemia group (n=19, serum total cholesterol [TC] <200 mg/dL) and hypercholesterolemia group (n=11, serum TC ≥240 mg/dL) based on their concentrations of serum TC. The expression of various genes of interest, including COL1A1, IGF1, IL-6, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13, TNMD, and TP53, was analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, Western blot analysis was performed on the proteins encoded by interleukin (IL)-6 and TP53 that showed significantly different expression levels in real-time qRT-PCR. Results: Except for IGF1, the gene expression levels of IL-6, MMP2, MMP9, and TP53 were significantly higher in the hypercholesterolemic group than in the non-hypercholesterolemia group. Western blot analysis confirmed significantly higher protein levels of IL-6 and TP53 in the hypercholesterolemic group (p<0.05). Conclusions: We observed an increase in inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients with rotator cuff tears. Increased levels of IL-6 and TP53 were observed at both the mRNA and protein levels. We suggest that the overexpression of IL-6 and TP53 may be a specific feature in rotator cuff disease patients with hypercholesterolemia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.441-449
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• 2018

Objective : Notch receptors are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that regulate cell fate, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dysregulated Notch pathway signaling has been observed in glioblastomas, as well as in other human malignancies. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for cell growth and differentiation in the nervous system. Recent reports suggest that NGF stimulates glioblastoma proliferation. However, the relationship between NGF and Notch1 in glioblastomas remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated expression of Notch1 in a glioblastoma cell line (U87-MG), and examined the relationship between NGF and Notch1 signaling. Methods : We evaluated expression of Notch1 in human glioblastomas and normal brain tissues by immunohistochemical staining. The effect of NGF on glioblastoma cell line (U87-MG) was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To evaluate the relationship between NGF and Notch1 signaling, Notch1 and Hes1 expression were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. To confirm the effects of NGF on Notch1 signaling, Notch1 and Hes1 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used. Results : In immunohistochemistry, Notch1 expression was higher in glioblastoma than in normal brain tissue. MTT assay showed that NGF stimulates U87-MG cells in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that Notch1 and Hes1 expression were increased by NGF in a dose-dependent manner. After transfection with Notch1 and Hes1 siRNAs, there was no significant difference between controls and 100 nM $NGF-{\beta}$, which means that U87-MG cell proliferation was suppressed by Notch1 and Hes1 siRNAs. Conclusion : These results indicate that NGF stimulates glioblastoma cell proliferation via Notch1 signaling through Hes 1.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Non-small cell lung cancer is mostly recognized among other types of lung cancer with a poor prognosis by cause of chemotherapeutic resistance and increased metastasis. Luteolin has been found to decrease cell metastasis. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. The objective of this study was to examine the effect (and its mechanism) of luteolin on the migration and invasion of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell viability was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Wound healing and transwell assays were evaluated to assess migration and invasion, respectively. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were further performed to investigate the role of luteolin and its mechanisms of action. RESULTS: Administration with up to 40 μM luteolin showed no cytotoxic activity on lung cancer A549 cells or non-cancer MRC-5 cells. Additionally, luteolin at 20-40 μM significantly suppressed A549 cells' migration, invasion, and the formation of filopodia in a concentration-dependent manner at 24 h. This is similar with western blot analysis, which revealed diminished the phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK), phosphorylated non-receptor tyrosine kinase (pSrc), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42), and Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data indicate that luteolin plays a role in controlling lung cancer cells' migration and invasion via Src/FAK and its downstream Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA pathways. Luteolin might be considered a promising candidate for suppressing invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.197-202
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• 2001

Although several methods have been developed and applied to control swine respiratory diseases, the disease induces severe economic impact to swine industry worldwide. As one of the new trials, application of egg yolk antibody(IgY) was attempted for the purposes and immune response in sera and egg yolk was analysed with ELISA in previous study. In this study, immunological specificity of the IgY was analysed by Western blot analysis. In the analysis of causative agents of atrophic rhinits, B bronchiseptica and P multocida 4D, proteins of 33, 40, 43, 67 and 141 kDa were specifically reacted with IgY Also, 40 and 110 kDa proteins were identified as the major immunogens in P multocida 3A. In A pleuropneumoniae serotypes 2 and 5, 40 kDa and 47 kDa proteins were found to be the major reactive ones. These results suggested that egg yolk antibodies from immunized hens was specific with antigens injected into hens and partially purified antigens, outer membrane proteins and dermonecrotic toxin, were more effective than bacterin for the production of specific antibody.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2019

Background: The imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts can lead to pathological conditions such as osteoporosis. It has been reported that opioid adversely affect the skeletal system, but it is inconsistent. Remifentanil is currently used as an adjuvant analgesic drug in general anesthesia and sedation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of remifentanil on the osteoblast differentiation and mechanism involved in this effect. Methods: The C2C12 cells (mouse pluripotent mesenchymal cell line) were used as preosteoblast. Osteoblastic differentiation potency was determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. C2C12 cell migration by remifentanil was evaluated using Boyden chamber migration assay. The expression of Runx2 and osterix was evaluated by RT-PCT and western blot analysis to investigate the mechanism involved in remifentanil-mediated osteoblast differentiation. Results: ALP staining showed that remifentanil increased significantly osteoblast differentiation. In Boyden chamber migration assay, C2C12 cell migration was increased by remifentanil. RT-PCR and western blot analysis showed that the expression of Runx2 and osterix was upregulated by remifentanil. Conclusions: We demonstrated that remifentanil increased osteoblast differentiation in vitro by upregulation of Runx2 and osterix expression. Therefore, remifentanil has the potential for assisting with bone formation and bone healing.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.131-141
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• 2024

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders and it shows up to 20% prevalence in reproductive-aged women populations, but no cures are available to date. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of Changbudodam-tang (CBD) on cell death signaling pathways, inflammation, and oxidative stress observed in Bone-Marrow derived human mesenchymal stem cell (BM-hMSC) by means of PCOS therapeutics in the future. Methods: BM-hMSCs were applied with cell deaths and injuries. Apoptosis and pyroptosis signals were quenched with their related signaling pathways using quantitative PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence image analysis. Results: Our data clearly displayed hydrogen peroxide- and nigericin-treated cell death signaling pathways via regulations of mitochondrial integrity and interleukin (IL)-1β at the cellular levels (p < 0.01 or 0.001). We further observed that pre-treatment with CBD showed protective effects against oxidative stress by enhancement of antioxidant components at the cellular level, with respect to both protein and mRNA expression levels (p < 0.05, 0.01 or 0.001). The mechanisms of CBD were examined by Western blot analysis, and it showed anti-cell death, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects via normalizations of the Jun N-terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7/c-Jun signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study confirmed the pharmacological properties of CBD by regulation of cellular oxidation and the inflammation-provoked cell death condition of BM-hMSCs, which is mediated by the MKK7/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.822-829
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• 2020

Nutraceutical treatments can reduce inflammation and prevent the development of inflammatory diseases. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Smilax guianensis Vitman extract (SGE) were examined. SGE suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated nitrite production in RAW 264.7 cells. SGE also prevented the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) but not cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Western blot analysis showed that SGE attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK), inhibitor of kappa B (IκB), and p65. Additionally, SGE inhibited LPS-induced IκB degradation in RAW 264.7 cells. Western blot analysis of the cytosolic and nuclear fractions, as well as immunofluorescence assay results, revealed that SGE suppressed LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, SGE reduced LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression and IL-1β and IL-6 protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Collectively, these results indicate that SGE suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway and thereby inhibits the production of NO, IL-1β, and IL-6.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2002

We have previously demonstrated that phytoestrogens isolated from safflower seeds significantly attenuated bone loss in ovariectomized rats, and directly stimulated proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblastic cells. In an attempt to elucidate underlying cellular mechanisms, in the present study we investigated effects of $17{\beta}-estradiol\;(E_2)$ and phytoestrogens such as matairesinol and acacetin, a type of lignan and flavonoid, respectively, on activation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2, in cultured osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells. Western blot analysis with anti-MAP kinase antibody showed that a wide range concentrations $(10^{-14}\;to\;10^{-6}\;M)\;of\;E_2$ as well as both phytoestrogens induced rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 through phosphorylation within minutes. Maximum activation of MAP kinases by $E_2$ and phytoestrogens were observed at 10 and 15 min, respectively. $E_2-induced$ phosphorylation of ERK1/2 returned to the control level at 30 min, whereas phytoestrogen-induced phosphorylation was maintained at high level until 30 min. PD-98059, a highly selective inhibitor of MAP kinase, prevented phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the cells treated either with $E_2$ or phytoestrogens. To examine a possible involvement of estrogen receptor in the activation process of MAP kinase, Western blot analysis was performed in the presence and absence of the estrogen receptor antagonists, ICI 182,780 and tamoxifen. These antagonists blocked MAP kinase phosphorylation induced not only by $E_2,$ but also by the phytoestrogens. To the best our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that phytoestrogens such as flavonoid and lignan extracted from safflower seeds produce a rapid activation of MAP kinase, at least partially via membrane estrogen receptor of the cultured osteoblastic cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.167-178
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• 2002

Objective : The present study was performed to investigate whether apoptosis occur in human embryos by annexin staining and detect the expression of Fas, Fas-ligand (FasL), Bax, and Bcl-2 in human fragmented embryos derived from IVF-ET by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Materials and Methods: Using annexin staining, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis on normal and fragmented embryos, we were able to detect apoptotsis and apoptotic gene products in fragmented embryos. Result: Phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation, the marker for apoptosis, were detected frequently in fragmented embryos. Bcl-2 and Bax protein were detected in both fragmented and non-fragmented embryos. When fragmented embryos compared to normal embryos, immunofluorescent intensity of Bcl-2 tended to be lower in fragmented embryos. Bax gene expression increased in the fragmented embryos compared to the normal embryos. This result supports a model in which the molar ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax determines whether apoptosis induced or inhibited in human embryo. Fas was highly expressed in human preimplantation embryos but not FasL. It suggests that embryo may undergo apoptosis by binding with FasL produced by follicular or immune cells. Conclusion: The over expression of Bax and Fas will trigger apoptosis to lead embryo fragmentation and change embryo to be nonviable.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.393-398
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• 2015

Aptamers are composed of single-stranded oilgonucleotides that can selectively bind desired molecules. It has been reported that RNA or DNA could act as not only a genetic messenger but also a catalyst in metabolic pathways. RNA aptamers (average sizes 40-50 bp) are smaller than antibodies and have strong binding capacities to target molecules, similar to antigenantibody interactions. Once an aptamer was selected, it can be readily produced in large quantities at low cost. The objectives of this study are to screen and develop aptamers specific to oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Streptococcus mutans. The bacterial cell pellet was fixed with formaldehyde as a target molecule for the screening of aptamers. The SELEX method was used for the screening of aptamers and a modified western blot analysis was used to verify their specificities. Through SELEX, 40 kinds of aptamers were selected and the specificity of the aptamers to the bacterial cells was confirmed by modified western blot analysis. Through the SELEX method, 40 aptamers that specifically bind to oral pathogens were screened and isolated. The aptamers showed possibility as effective candidates for the detection agents of oral infections.