• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.123-131
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• 2016

Osteoporosis is a bone pathology leading to increased fracture risk and challenging the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an anthraquinone glycoside, aloin, on osteogenic induction of MC3T3-E1 cells. Aloin increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, an early differentiation marker of osteoblasts. Aloin also increased the ALP activity in adult human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC), indicating that the action of aloin was not cell-type specific. Alizarin red S staining revealed a significant amount of calcium deposition in cells treated with aloin. Aloin enhanced the expression of osteoblast differentiation genes, Bmp-2, Runx2 and collagen 1a, in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that noggin and inhibitors of p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK signals attenuated aloin-promoted expressions of Bmp-2 and Runx2 proteins. siRNA mediated blocking of Wnt-5a signaling pathway also annulled the influence of aloin, indicating Wnt-5a dependent activity. Inhibition of the different signal pathways abrogated the influence of aloin on ALP activity, confirming that aloin induced MC3T3-E1 cells into osteoblasts through MAPK mediated Wnt and Bmp signaling pathway.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.975-979
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• 2006

The extracts of Oenanthe javanica were evaluated for their effects on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is mediated by the translocation of the p65 subunit into the nucleus. Fractions of ethyl acetate and chloroform from 80% ethanol extracts of O. javanica exhibited inhibitory effects on the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages; however, the aqueous- and hexane-fractions showed no significant effect. The ethyl acetate- and chloroform-fractions also reduced the COX-2 enzyme levels after 24-hr treatment. RT-PCR showed that the mRNA levels of COX-2 decreased following treatment with these fractions, suggesting that COX-2 expression is transcriptionally regulated by these extracts. We examined the effects of the chloroform- and ethyl acetate-fractions on the cytosolic activation of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$, p65 subunit) and on the degradation of inhibitor-${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ ($I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) in order to determine the mechanism of COX-2 regulation. The LPS-stimulated activation of the p65 subunit was significantly blocked upon the addition of $50\;{\mu}g/mL$ of these fractions, and the cytosolic $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation process was simultaneously inhibited. These findings suggest that the inhibition of COX-2 expression by the ethyl acetate-and chloroform-fractions may result from the inhibition of p65 translocation by blocking the degradation of $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$; this may be the mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory effects of O. javanica.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.303-307
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• 2006

Effect of Oenanthe javanica ethanol extract (OJE) on nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$)-mediated inflammatory reaction in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells was investigated. The OJE dose-dependently inhibited secretions of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and prostaglandins $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and blocked LPS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2. To clarify mechanistic basis for its inhibitions of NF-${\kappa}B$ and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activations, effects of OJE on activations of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 genes by luciferase reporter activity were examined. The LPS-stimulated activations of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 were significantly blocked by 400 and $600\;{\mu$}g/mL of OJE, implicating that OJE might regulate gene expression through more than one signaling pathway. Cytosolic degradation of I-${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ was inhibited by OJE dose-dependently, indicating that the nuclear translocation of p65 was inhibited by OJE. These findings suggest that the inhibition of LPS-stimulated COX-2 expression by OJE is due to its inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation by blocking I-${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation, which may be mechanistic basis of anti-inflammatory effects of OJE.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2014

The green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtti is well-known specie in the terms of $H_2$ production by photo fermentation and has been studying for a long time. Although the $H_2$ production yield is promising; there are some bottlenecks to enhance the yield and efficiency to focus on a well-designed, sustainable production and also scaling up for further studies. D1 protein of photosystem II (PSII) plays an important role in photosystem damage repair and related to $H_2$ production. Because Chlamydomonas is the model algae and the genetic basis is well-studied; metabolic engineering tools are intended to use for enhanced production. Mutations are focused on D1 protein which aims long-lasting hydrogen production by blocking the PSII repair system thus $O_2$ sensitive hydrogenases catalysis hydrogen production for a longer period of time under anaerobic and sulfur deprived conditions. Chlamydomonas CC124 as control strain and D1 mutant strains(D240, D239-40 and D240-41)are cultured photomixotrophically at $80{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$, by two sides. Cells are grown in TAP medium as aerobic stage for culture growth; in logarithmic phase cells are transferred from aerobic to an anaerobic and sulfur deprived TAP- S medium and 12 mg/L initial chlorophyll content for $H_2$ production which is monitored by the water columns and later detected by Gas Chromatography. Total produced hydrogen was $82{\pm}10$, $180{\pm}20$, $196{\pm}20$, $290{\pm}30mL$ for CC124, D240, D239-40, D240-41, respectively. $H_2$ production rates for mutant strains was $1.3{\pm}0.5mL/L.h$ meanwhile CC124 showed 2-3 fold lower rate as $0.57{\pm}0.2mL/L.h$. Hydrogen production period was $5{\pm}2days$ for CC124 and mutants showed a longer production time for $9{\pm}2days$. It is seen from the results that $H_2$ productions for mutant strains have a significant effect in terms of productivity, yield and production time.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3751-3755
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• 2012

Aim: Tea polyphenols are known to play roles in critical steps of human lung carcinoma cell metastasis. For understanding the mechanisms whereby they inhibit tumor metastasis, the present study was conducted to investigate their effects on the adhesion of highly metastatic lung carcinoma cell lines (PG cells) to endothelial cells (EC cells) and adhesion molecule expression in vitro. Methods: The expression of CD44 or CD54 in the PG cells was detected by flow cytometry and adhesion of PG cells to EC cells was assessed by confocal microscopy double fluorescence staining. Results: The results showed that tea polyphenols: (1) inhibited the expression of CD44 and CD54, two important adhesion molecules in the PG cells in a dose-dependent manner; (2) significantly blocked the adhesion of PG cells to EC cells not only in a state of rest but also when active; and (3) influenced CD44 and CD54 expression during the adhesion process of PG cells to EC cells. Conclusions: The data indicated that the blocking role of tea polyphenols in the adhesion of PG cells to EC cells is related to CD44 and CD54. The mechanism of tea polyphenol prevention of human lung carcinoma metastasis might be through inhibiting adhesion molecule expression to block cancer cell adhesion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7857-7861
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• 2014

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-tumor immunity. Interleukin (IL)-18 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that induces potent NK cell-dependent anti-tumor responses when administrated with other cytokines. In this study, we explored the effects of combining IL-18 and IL-2 on NK cytotoxicity as well as expression levels of the NK cell receptor NKG2D in vitro. Freshly isolated PBMCs were incubated for 48 h with IL-18 and IL-2, then CD107a expression on $CD3^-CD56^+$ NK cells was determined by three-colour flow cytometry to evaluate the cytotoxicity of NK cells against human erythroleukemia K562 cells and human colon carcinoma HT29 cells. Flow cytometric analysis was also employed to determine NKG2D expression on NK cells. The combined use of IL-18 and IL-2 significantly increased CD107a expression on NK cells compared with using IL-18 or IL-2 alone, suggesting that the combination of these two cytokines exerted synergistic enhancement of NK cytotoxicity. IL-18 also enhanced NKG2D expression on NK cells when administered with IL-2. In addition, blockade of NKG2D signaling with NKG2D-blocking antibody attenuated the up-regulatory effect of combining IL-18 and IL-2 on NK cytolysis. Our data revealed that IL-18 synergized with IL-2 to dramatically enhance the cytolytic activity of human NK cells in a NKG2D-dependent manner. The results appear encouraging for the use of combined IL-18 and IL-2 in tumor immunotherapy.

• Fashion, Industry and Education
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2016

In the present study, the materials, sizes, and designs of blind eye patch products of skin-adhesive type and glass-attachment type currently available in the market will be analyzed and ergonomically appropriate blind eye patches will be developed. Although these skin-adhesive type eye patches were easy to use, they had shortcomings such as skin troubles due to the adhesive used on the weak and sensitive skin of children and the fact that eyebrows are pulled out and the skin is irritated when the eye patches are detached after being attached. The non-adhesive type eye patches were blind patches to be worn by putting into glasses. These products were made using diverse materials such as neoprene, non-woven fabrics, and felt and showed differences in tactile impressions and irritation to the skin depending on material characteristics. In addition, most products were efficient in blocking light with three-dimensional oval designs comprising darts. In the present study, blind eye patches were designed to reduce skin troubles by using sweat-absorbing and quick-drying functional materials with soft tactile impressions. In addition, to increase the effect to block light and the degree of tight contact with the skin when the blind eye patches are worn compared to existing eye patch designs, the sides of the wings of the blind eye patches were widened, glass frame fixing plates were added, and the darts were made to be curved thereby making an ergonomic design reflecting the shape of the face. The non-adhesive type blind eye patches developed in the present study are considered to enhance the wearing sensation with the use of the material without skin irritation but with cushioning feelings and the ergonomic design reflecting the contour of the face.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2010

The majority of strokes are caused by ischemia and result in brain tissue damage, leading to problems of the central nervous system including hemiparesis, dysfunction of language and consciousness, and dysfunction of perception. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) on necrosis in neuronal cells that have undergone needle electrode electrical stimulation(NEES) prior to induction of ischemia. Ischemia was induced in male SD rats(body weight 300g) by occlusion of the common carotid artery for 5 min, after which the blood was reperfused. After induction of brain ischemia, NEES was applied to Zusanli(ST 36), at 12, 24 and 48 hours. Protein expression was investigated using immuno-reactive cells, which react to PARP antibodies in cerebral nerve cells, and Western blotting. The results were as follows: In the cerebral cortex, the number of PARP reactive cells after 24 hours significantly decreased(p<.05) in the NEES group compared to the GI group. PARP expression after 24 hours significantly decreased(p<.05) in the NEES group compared to the GI group. As a result, NEES showed the greatest effect on necrosis-related PARP immuno-reactive cells 24 hours after ischemia, indicating necrosis inhibition, blocking of neural cell death, and protection of neural cells. Based on the results of this study, NEES can be an effective method of treating dysfunction and improving function of neuronal cells in brain damage caused by ischemia.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SD
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.17-23
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• 2000

In this study, we prepared red organic light-emitting-diode(OLED) with a fluorescent dye(Sq)-doped and inserted between emission and cathode layer 1,3-bis(5-p-t-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)benzene (OXD7) or/and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum ($Alq_3$) layers for increasing electroluminescent(EL) efficiency. This inserting effect has been observed and EL mechanism characteristics have been examined. The hole transfer layer is a N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis-(3-methyl phenyl)-1,1'-diphenyl-4,4'-diamine (TPD), and the host and guest materials of emission layer is $Alq_3$ and bis[1-methyl-3,3'-dimethyl-2-indorindiylmethyl] squaraine (Sq), respectively. For the inserting of $Alq_3$, emission efficiency increased. But we can not obtained highly pure red emission owing to the emission of inserting $Alq_3$ layer. The inserting of OXD7 makes hole block and accumulate. Because of increasing recombination probability of electron and hole, highly pure red color can be held. Simultaneously brightness characteristics and emission efficiency could improve.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.639-646
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• 2004

Metal treated activated carbons are prepared using various metals. Adsorption behaviors, morphologies, as well as antibacterial effects of metal treated samples are compared before and after solvent washing. Adsorption isotherms are used to characterize the porous structure of metal treated activated carbons before and after the solvent washing with acetone or ethyl alcohol. From these data, it is noticed that the changes in physicochemical properties of metal treated activated carbons depend on the solvents employed. Similar results are observed from BET data obtained from nitrogen adsorption isotherms. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies, the changes in shape and size of metal particles are observed after the samples are washed with solvents. These changes result in different blocking effects, which, in turn, affect the adsorption behavior of metal treated activated carbons. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the samples treated with different metals are different each other. High intense sharp peaks attributed to metals are observed from silver treated samples, while the peaks are not observed from copper treated samples. To compare thermodynamic behavior of metal treated activated carbons washed with different type of solvents, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis is carried out. The analysis shows similar endothermic curves for all of the samples. Finally, antibacterial effects of metal treated activated carbon against Escherichia coli are discussed. Comparing the effects among the metals employed, highest effects are obtained from Cd, while lowest effects are obtained from Cu. Antibacterial activity becomes higher with the increase of the amount of metals treated, Optimum concentrations of metals to treat activated carbons, obtained from a shake flask test, are known to be 0.4, 0.1, and 0.6 moles for Ag, Cd, and Cu, respectively.