• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 1992

Paragonimus westermani is a common fluke in Uorea. The present study aimed to observe the cell mediated immune response in experimental paragonimiasis of mice. The mouse (BALB/c) was orally inoculated with 40 metacercariae of P. westermani from Cambaroides similis. During the infection (1, 2, 4, 6 weeks) of mouse, blastogenic response of splenic Iymphocytes to P. westermani adult antigen, metacercaria antigen, and PHA were observed. Sera from infected and noninfected mice added to normal mouse splenic Lymphocytes with or without PHA. The blastogenic response of splenic Lymphocytes to PHA was reduced after 1 week of infection. However after 6 weeks of infection, the response was restored to the control level. The blastogenic response of splenic Iymphocytes to P. westermani adult or metacercaria antigen increased significantly on 1 week after infection, and maintained up to 6 weeks after infection. The response of non-infected mice was suppressed by addition of the infected mouse serum. The present results suggested that cellular immunity was involved in P. westermani infected mice and that P. westermani anti.serum inhibited proliferation of T Iymphocytes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.884-890
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• 2008

Genistein, an isoflavone in soybean products, is a potential chemopreventive agent against various types of cancer. There are several studies documenting molecular alterations leading to cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induction of apoptosis; however, its mechanism of action and its molecular targets on the prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production and telomere length regulation in human cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of genistein on the levels of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and telomere regulatory components of several human cancer cell lines (T24, human bladder carcinoma cells; U937, human leukemic cells; AGS, human stomach adenocarcinoma cells and SK-MEL-2, human skin melanoma cells). Genistein treatment resulted in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. It was found that genistein treatment markedly decreased the levels of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression without significant changes in the expression of COX-1, which was correlated with a decrease in $PGE_2$ synthesis. Genistein treatment also partly inhibited the levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as well as human telomerase RNA (hTR) and telomerase-associated protein (TEP)-1, and the activity of telomerase. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of genistein.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.783-787
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• 2011

The effects of thaumatin isolated from katemfe fruit of Thaumatococcus daiellii Benth on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation was investigated in vitro. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with various concentrations of thaumatin ranging in 0-5 ${\mu}M$. Thaumatin reduced fat accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. 3T3-L1 cell proliferation was 97.0 and 88.3% at 1 and 3 ${\mu}M$ after 8 days of thaumatin treatment, respectively. Thaumatin showed a potent inhibitory effect on stained lipid droplets at a concentration of 3 ${\mu}M$. Thaumatin reduced triglyceride accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, compared with positive control cells. This study provides basic information on the anti-obesity activity of thaumatin.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2015

Background Wound healing is an interaction of a complex signaling cascade of cellular events, including inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. $K^+$ channels modulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Here, we investigated whether $K^+$ channel-activated MAPK signaling directs collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in wound healing. Methods The human skin fibroblast HS27 cell line was used to examine cell viability and collagen synthesis after potassium chloride (KCl) treatment by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and western blotting. To investigate whether $K^+$ ion channels function upstream of MAPK signaling, thus affecting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, we examined alteration of MAPK expression after treatment with KCl (channel inhibitor), NS1619 (channel activator), or kinase inhibitors. To research the effect of KCl on angiogenesis, angiogenesis-related proteins such as thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), anti-angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pro-angiogenic factor were assayed by western blot. Results The viability of HS27 cells was not affected by 25 mM KCl. Collagen synthesis increased dependent on time and concentration of KCl exposure. The phosphorylations of MAPK proteins such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 increased about 2.5-3 fold in the KCl treatment cells and were inhibited by treatment of NS1619. TSP1 expression increased by 100%, bFGF expression decreased by 40%, and there is no significant differences in the VEGF level by KCl treatment, TSP1 was inhibited by NS1619 or kinase inhibitors. Conclusions Our results suggest that KCl may function as a therapeutic agent for wound healing in the skin through MAPK signaling mediated by the $K^+$ ion channel.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.3 s.70
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• pp.323-331
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• 2005

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of $\beta-lapachone$, a quinone obtained from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) in South America, on the cell growth of human hepatoma (HepG2) and bladder (T24) carcinoma cells. Exposure of cancer cells to $\beta-lapachone$ resulted in growth inhibition, morphological changes and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, which could be proved by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analyses revealed that $\beta-lapachone$ did not affect the levels of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21 (WAFl/CIPl) expression. However, the transcriptional factor Sp-l and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein levels were significantly down-regulated by $\beta-lapachone$ in both cell lines. Moreover, $\beta-lapachone$ treatment caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the expression of telomere regulatory gene products such as human telomere reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and telomerase-associated protein-l (TEP-l). Taken together, these findings suggest that $\beta-lapachone$-induced inhibition of human hepatoma and bladder carcinoma cell proliferation is associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death via modulation of several major growth regulatory gene products, and provide important new insights into the additional mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of $\beta-lapachone$.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.914-921
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• 2010

In this study, we carried out a series of experiments to know whether melatonin, an anti-oxidative and immunosuppressive agent, played an important role in endothelial cells. It was revealed that melatonin had little or no effect on endothelial proliferation, cell death or migration. Additionally, melatonin had no effect on adhesion of THP-1 leukocytes to bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and THP-1 homotypic cell aggregation. In contrast, it was shown that melatonin diminished the basal level of nitric oxide by PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), leading to enhanced detachment of BAEC from the extracellular matrix. Collectively, melatonin in high doses decreases the NO production via regulations of PP2A and eNOS activities, inducing detachment of endothelial cells, a possible initial step for thrombosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.737-742
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the fatty acid composition of raw and dried abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and to determine the effect of abalone extracts on cytotoxic activity and anti-oxidant properties. Dried abalone was extracted with acetone/methylene chloride (A+M) and methanol (MeOH), and the extracts were fractionated using n-hexane, 85% aq. methanol (MeOH), butanol (BuOH), and water. Cytotoxic activity against HT-29 cancer cell lines was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Antioxidant activity was measured using a fluorescence sensitive dye, 2'-7' dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA). The fatty acid composition of dried abalone was higher (22:6n-3) than that of raw abalone, and it had a lower percentage of 20:4n-6 than raw abalone. Analysis of cell viability showed that the crude extract treatments and fractions were cytotoxic, suppressing the growth of HT-29 cancer cell lines (p<0.05). The A+M extract showed a higher cytotoxic effect on the growth of HT-29 cells compared to the MeOH extract. Among the fractions, the 85% aq. MeOH fraction showed the strongest cytotoxicity against the growth of HT-29 cells. The highest activity in terms of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) was likewise obtained with the use of 85% aq. MeOH. Our results suggest that the 85% aq. MeOH fraction has a potent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human cancer cells.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.284-294
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• 2006

Statement of problem. Proliferation of Candida albicans is primarily within the plaque on the fitting surface of the denture rather than on the inflamed mucosa. Consequently, the treatment of the denture is equally important as treatment of the tissue. Cleansing and disinfection should be efficiently carried-out as the organisms can penetrate into the voids of the acrylic resin and grow in them, from which they can continue to infect and reinfect bearing tissues. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of photocatalytic reaction to eliminate Candida albicans from acrylic resin denture base, and to investigate the anti-fungal effect with various UVA illumination time. Materials and Methods. The specimens were cured by the conventional method following the manufacturer's instruction using thermal polymerized denture base resin (Vertex RS: Dentimex, Netherlands). $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT), which is able to be coated at normal temperature, was made from the Ti-alkoxide progenitor. The XRD patterns, TEM images and nitrogen absorption ability of the $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT) were compared with the commercial $TiO_2$ photocatalyst P-25. The experimental specimens were coated with the mixture of the $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT) and binder material (silane) using dip-coater, and uncoated resin plates were used as the control group. Crystallinity of $TiO_2$ of the specimen was tested by the XRD. Size, shape and chemical compositions were also analyzed using the FE-SEM/ EDS. The angle and methylene blue degradation efsciency were measured for evaluating the photocatalytic activity of the $TiO_2$ film. Finally, the antifungal activity of the specimen was tested. Candida albicans KCTC 7629(1 ml, initial concentration $10^5$ cells/ ml) were applied to the experiment and control group specimens and subsequently two UVA light source with 10W, 353 nm peak emission were illuminated to the specimens from 15cm above. The extracted $2{\mu}l$ of sample was plated on nutrient agar plate ($Bacto^{TM}$ Brain Heart Infusion; BD, USA) with 10 minute intervals for 120 minute, respectively. It was incubated for 24 hours at $37^{\circ}C$ and the colony forming units (CFUs) were then counted. Results. Compared the characteristics of LT photocatalyst with commercial P-25 photocatalyst, LT were shown higher activity than P-25. The LT coated experimental specimen surface had anatase crystal form, less than 20 nm of particle size and wide specific surface area. To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of specimens, methylene blue degradation reaction were used and about 5% of degradation rate were measured after 2 hours. The average contact angle was less than $20^{\circ}$ indicating that the LT photocatalyst had hydrophilicity. In the antifungal activity test for Candida albicans, 0% survival rate were measured within 30 minute after irradiation of UVA light. Conclusion. From the results reported above, it is concluded that the UVA-LT photocatalytic reaction have an antifungal effect on the denture surface Candida albicans, and so that could be applicable to the clinical use as a cleaning method.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.83-88
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• 2005

Leflunomide is a new disease modifying anti rheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis. Its mechanism of action differs from other DMARDs in that it inhibits the de novo pyrimidine synthesis by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and therefore prevents the proliferation of activated lymphocytes. As it has been prescribed worldwide, there is a great deal of much concerns regarding its potential adverse effects. Because leflunomide has an active metabolite with a long elimination half-life of approximately 2 weeks, serious adverse reactions may occur even after the leflunomide treatment has been stopped. The profile of serious reactions includes liver dysfunction, hematological disorders, severe skin reactions and respiratory dysfunction. Respiratory dysfunctions with leflunomide therapy are very rare and its incidence is lower than that of methotrexate therapy. However, there are reports in Japan showing that 5 patients died of interstitial pneumonitis and another 11 patients developed serious lung complications associated with leflunomide. This suggests the possibility of fatal respiratory toxicity of leflunomide. There are no reports of interstitial pneumonitis associated with leflunomide in Korea. We report a case of a 62-year old woman who developed interstitial pneumonitis, which might have been induced by leflunomide during the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.920-929
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• 2017

Objective: The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a central humoral immune organ belonging specifically to avians. Recent studies had suggested that miRNAs were active regulators involved in the immune processes. This study was to investigate the possible differences of the BF at miRNA level between two genetically disparate duck breeds. Methods: Using Illumina next-generation sequencing, the miRNAs libraries of ducks were established. Results: The results showed that there were 66 differentially expressed miRNAs and 28 novel miRNAs in bursa. A set of abundant miRNAs (i.e., let-7, miR-146a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-17~92) which are involved in immunity and disease were detected and the predicted target genes of the novel miRNAs were associated with duck high anti-adversity ability. By gene ontology analysis and enriching KEGG pathway, the targets of differential expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in immunity and disease, supporting that there were differences in the BF immune functions between the two duck breeds. In addition, the metabolic pathway had the maximum enriched target genes and some enriched pathways that were related to cell cycle, protein synthesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis. It indicted that the difference of metabolism may be one of the reasons leading the immune difference between the BF of two duck breeds. Conclusion: This data lists the main differences in the BF at miRNAs level between two genetically disparate duck breeds and lays a foundation to carry out molecular assisted breeding of poultry in the future.