• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.65-70
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• 2015

It is well known that proteins present in the primary urine are reabsorbed in the renal proximal tubules, and that this reabsorption is mediated via the megalin-cubilin complex and the neonatal $Fc{\gamma}$ receptor. However, the reabsorption is also thought to be influenced by an electrostatic interaction between protein molecules and the microvilli of the renal proximal tubules. By analyzing the charge diversity of urinary IgG, we showed that this reabsorption process occurs in a cationic charge-preferential manner. The charge-selective molecular sieving function of the glomerular capillary walls has long been a target of research since Brenner et al. demonstrated the existence of this function by a differential clearance study by using the anionic dextran sulfate polymer. However, conclusive evidence was not obtained when the study was performed using differential clearance of serum proteins. We noted that immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG have similar molecular sizes but distinct molecular isoelectric points. Therefore, we studied the differential clearance of these serum proteins (clearance IgA/clearance IgG) in podocyte diseases and glomerulonephritis. In addition, we studied this differential clearance in patients with Dent disease rather than in normal subjects because the glomerular sieving function is considered to be normal in subjects with Dent disease. Our results clearly showed that the charge-selective barrier is operational in Dent disease, impaired in podocyte disease, and lacking in glomerulonephritis.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제16권1호통권29호
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• pp.281-294
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• 1995

The effect of Sam Hwa San on the Na-K-ATPase activity was evaluated in microsomal fraction prepared from rabbit cerebral cortex to determine whether Sam Hwa San affects Na-K-ATPase activity of nervous system. Sam Hwa San markedly inhibited the Na-K-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner with an estimated $I_{50}$ of 0.12%. Optimal pH for the Na-K-ATPase activity was at 7.5 in the presence or absence of Sam Hwa San. The degree of inhibition by the drug more increased at acidic and alkalic pHs than neutral pH. Kinetic studies of substrate and cationic activation of the enzyme indicate classic noncompetitive inhibition fashion for ATP, Na and K, showing significant reduction in Vmax without a change in Km. Dithiothreitol, a sulfhydryl reducing reagent, partially protects the inhibition of Na-K-ATPase activity by Sam Hwa San. Combination of Sam Hwa San and ouabain showed higher inhibition than cumulative inhibition. These results suggest that Sam Hwa San inhibits Na-K-ATPase activity in central nervous system by reacting with, at least a part, sulfhydryl group and ouabain binding site of the enzyme protein, but with different binding site from those of ATP, Na and K.

• BMB Reports
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.507-516
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• 2005

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been isolated and characterized from tissues and organisms representing virtually every kingdom and phylum. Their amino acid composition, amphipathicity, cationic charge, and size allow them to attach to and insert into membrane bilayers to form pores by 'barrel-stave', 'carpet' or 'toroidal-pore' mechanisms. Although these models are helpful for defining mechanisms of AMP activity, their relevance to resolving how peptides damage and kill microorganisms still needs to be clarified. Moreover, many AMPs employ sophisticated and dynamic mechanisms of action to carry out their likely roles in antimicrobial host defense. Recently, it has been speculated that transmembrane pore formation is not the only mechanism of microbial killing by AMPs. In fact, several observations suggest that translocated AMPs can alter cytoplasmic membrane septum formation, reduce cell-wall, nucleic acid, and protein synthesis, and inhibit enzymatic activity. In this review, we present the structures of several AMPs as well as models of how AMPs induce pore formation. AMPs have received special attention as a possible alternative way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. It may be possible to design synthetic AMPs with enhanced activity for microbial cells, especially those with antibiotic resistance, as well as synergistic effects with conventional antibiotic agents that lack cytotoxic or hemolytic activity.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.165-169
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• 2003

This study describes the characterization of 80 kDa pretense showing gelationlytic property among three pretenses in the excretory/secretory proteins (ESP) from Toxoplasma gondii. The pretense activity was detected in the ESP but not in the somatic extract of RH tachyzoites. This pretense was active only in the presence of calcium ion but not other divalent cationic ions such as $Cu^{2+},{\;}Zn^{2+},{\;}Mg^{2+},{\;}and{\;}$Mn^{2+}$, implying that $Ca^{2+}$ is critical factor for the activation of the protease. The 80 kDa pretense was optimally active at pH 7.5. Its gelatinolytic activity was maximal at $37^{\circ}C$, and significant level of enzyme activity of the pretense remained after heat treatment at $56^{\circ}C$ for 30 min or $100^{\circ}C$ for 10 min, This thermostable enzyme was strongly inhibited by metal chelators, i.e., EDTA, EGTA, and 11 10-phenanthroline. Thus, the 80 kDa pretense in the ESP secreted by T. gondii was classified as a calcium dependent neutral metalloprotease.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권7호
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• pp.3061-3063
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• 2016

Exploiting the immune system to abolish cancer growth via vaccination is a promising strategy but that is limited by many clinical issues. For DNA vaccines, viral vectors as a delivery system mediate a strong immune response due to their protein structure, which could afflect the cellular uptake of the genetic vector or even induce cytotoxic immune responses against transfected cells. Recently, synthetic DNA delivery systems have been developed and recommended as much easier and simple approaches for DNA delivery compared with viral vectors. These are based on the attraction of the positively charged cationic transfection reagents to negatively charged DNA molecules, which augments the cellular DNA uptake. In fact, there are three major cellular barriers which hinder successful DNA delivery systems: low uptake across the plasma membrane; inadequate release of DNA molecules with limited stability; and lack of nuclear targeting. Recently, a polysaccharide polymer produced by microalgae has been synthesized in a form of polymeric fiber material poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (p-GlcNAc). Due its unique properties, the F2 gel matrix was suggested as an effective delivery system for immune and gene vaccinations.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.32-37
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• 2006

In this study, we have purified and characterized the membrane bound nitrate reductase obtained from the denitrifying bacteria, Ochrobactrum anthropi SY509, which was isolated from soil samples. O. anthropi SY509 can grow in minimal medium using nitrate as a nitrogen source. We achieved an overall purification rate of 15-fold from the protein extracted from the membrane fraction, with a recovery of approximately 12% of activity. The enzyme exhibited its highest level of activity at pH 5.5, and the activity was increased up to $70^{\circ}C$. Periplasmic and cytochromic proteins, including nitrite and nitrous oxide reductase, were excluded during centrifugation and were verified using enzyme essay. Reduced methyl viologen was determined to be the most efficient electron donor among a variety of anionic and cationic dyestuffs, which could be also used as an electron donor with dimethyl dithionite. The effects of purification and storage conditions on the stability of enzyme were also investigated. The activity of the membranebound nitrate reductase was stably maintained for over 2 weeks in solution. To maintain the stability of enzyme, the cell was disrupted using sonication at low temperatures, and enzyme was extracted by hot water without any surfactant. The purified enzyme was stored in solution with no salt to prevent any significant losses in activity levels.

• 자연과학논문집
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.35-41
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• 1996

MCAT1 의 기질과 결합하는 장소를 조사하기 위해 세포막내에 존재하는 부분의 극성 아미노산을 반대 극성의 아미노산으로 치환시킨 돌연변이체를 만들어 arginine 통과능력, gp70 결합능, efflux, Xenopus oocyte 를 이용한 단백질 발현 능력등을 조사하였다. 다섯 개의 돌연변이체중 D403K 이 가장 흥미로운 성질을 나타냈는데, 그것은 정상적인 gp70 결합능력과 낮은 arginine 통과능력을 나타냈다는 것으로 정상적인 단백질이 세포막에서 발현되고 있으나 arginine 통과능력이 감소했다는 사실을 나타내는 것이다. K211E 를 제외한 모든 돌연변이체가 감소된 arginine efflux 와 감소된 Vmax 값을 나타내었다. 이들 결과로부터 MCAT1 의 403 번째 아미노산인 glutamic acid 가 세포막내에서 기질과 상호작용하는 장소라는 가능성을 시사하였다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.507-512
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• 1996

The NADPH oxidase of phagocytes catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to $O_{2}^{-}$ at the expense of NADPH The enzyme is dormant in resting neutrophils and hecomes activated on stimulation. During activation. $p47^{phox}$ (phagocyte oxidase factor), a cytosolic oxidase subunit, becomes extensively phosphorylated on a number of serines located between S303-S379. Although the biochemical role of phosphorylation is speculative, it has been suggested that phosphorylation could neutralize the strongly cationic C-terminal which may result in the change of conformation of $p47^{phox}$ and subsequent translocation of this protein and other cytosolic components to the membrane. In order to mimic the effect of phosphorylation in terms of neutralizing the positive charges, recombinant $p47^{phox}$ was treated with phenylglyoxal, which removes positive charges of arginine residues. Modification of recombinant $p47^{phox}$ resulted in the activation of oxidase in a cell-free translocation system as well as a conformational change in recombinant $p47^{phox}$ which may be responsible for the activation of the enzyme.

• 혜화의학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

This study analyzed the contents of the research papers of Complementary Medicine concerning the inhalation drug for asthma published in Pubmed during lately 10 years. As a result, the following conclusion was drawn. 1. There were 5 papers concerning 2 review articles, 2 experimental studies and 1 clinical study. 2. Interventions of research papers are glutathione, microorganism fermentation extract (EM-X), ginkgolide and compound Chinese herbal monomer recipe (ligustrazin, baicalin, ginkgolide). 3. There is no controlled study for effect of inhaled glutathione, on the contrary it induced bronchial constriction in sulfites sensitive asthmatics. 4. Inhalation of EM-X reduced airway hyper-reactivity and level of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in OVA challenged asthmatic mice. 5. Ginkgolide nebulized inhalation reduced symptomatic scorings and eosinophil cationic protein, improved FEV1 and PEF. 6. Compound Chinese herbal monomer (CHM) recipe reduced blood eosinophil count, eosinophil count and total cell cound in BALF, depressed airway hyper-responsiveness and airway inflammation.

• 대한기관식도과학회지
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.85-90
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• 1998

The role of the ECP(Eosinophilic cationic protein) is still unknown in the allergic rhinitis. In bronchial asthma, ECP can induce the exposure of the neuropeptidergic nerve to environments destroying the bronchial mucosa, aggravating the bronchial hypersensitivity and delay the mucociliary clearance. In the clinical aspect, we can (md that patients with perennial allergic rhinitis sometimes have sinusitis. The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether mucosal damage by ECP can play a role to develop the sinusitis by delaying the mucociliary clearance, and relationship between long symptom duration of allergic rhinitis and mucociliary clearance. In 32 perennial allergic rhinitis patients, we elucidated there is correlation among ECP presence, mucociliary clearance, sinusitis, and symptom durations. The obtained results were as follows : 1. ECP appeared in all mucosa of each specimen. 2. Mean mucociliary clearance time is 6 mins. 12 sec. in allergic patients with sinusitis, 6 mins. 36 sec in allergic patients without sinusitis. 3. n out of 32 cases have mucosal destruction. 4. Symptom duration is not correlated with the development of sinusitis. This study suggests that ECP may destroy the mucosa in allergic rhinitis and the mucociliary clearance of allergic rhinitis is not related to sinusitis and symptom dotation. Therefore development of sinusitis in allergic rhinitis seems not to be caused by delaying of mucociliary clearance due to mucosal destruction, but by some other factors.