• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.7
• /
• pp.758-763
• /
• 2016

Fatty acid transporters are key mediators of skeletal muscle lipid metabolism. Several protein groups have been implicated in cellular long-chain fatty acid uptake or oxidation, including fatty acid transporter proteins (FATPs), the plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein (FABPpm), and the fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36). FAT/CD36 is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and known to be regulated by various factors such as exercise and hormones. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a well-known regulator of skeletal muscle cells. However, it has not been studied whether there is any interaction between IGF-I and FAT/CD36 in skeletal muscle cells. In this study, the effects of IGF-I treatment on FAT/CD36 induction were examined. Differentiated C2C12 cells were treated with 20 ng/ml of IGF-I at different time points. Treatment of C2C12 cells with IGF-I resulted in increased FAT/CD36 mRNA and protein expression. After 24 and 48 hr of IGF-I treatment, FAT/CD36 mRNA increased 89% and 24% respectively. The increase of both proteins returned to the control level after 72 hr of IGF-I treatment, suggesting that the FAT/CD36 gene is regulated pretranslationally by IGF-I in skeletal muscle cells. These results suggest that IGF-I can regulate the expression of FAT/CD36 in skeletal muscle cells. In conclusion, IGF-I induces a rapid transcriptional modification of the FAT/CD36 gene in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and has modulating effects on fatty acid uptake proteins as well as oxidative proteins.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2019

Fucoidan is a physiologically functional ingredient extracted from seaweed brown algae, which is a sulfated polysaccharide containing fucose as a main molecule backbone. Fucoidan has a variety of immune-modulating or -stimulating effects, including promoting antigen uptake and enhancing anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-tumor effects. In addition, recent studies have suggested the possibility of use of fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant in the field of human vaccine. Use of fucoidan as supplementary feeds have already been studied, but the development of fucoidan as an adjuvant of fish vaccine is still premature. However, the intracellular uptake of fucoidan differs depending on the molecular weight of fucoidan, and there is a limit to the study on specific immune response including the production of antibodies to fish caused by an artificial infection of pathogen. Although the safety of fucoidan has been demonstrated in animal cells, there is a need to confirm the safety of fucoidan in fish. Therefore, active research in this field is needed to use fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant. This study discussed the effects of fucoidan on immune stimulation, humoraland cellular- immunity including humans and animals. The prospect of fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant in fisheries also reviewed.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.385-391
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The periosteum is a well-known source of osteogenic precursor cells for tissue-engineered bone formation. However, cultured endothelial or endothelial-like cells derived from periosteum have not yet been investigated. This study focused on endothelial-like cell culture from the periosteum. Methods: Periosteal tissues were harvested from the mandible during surgical extraction of lower impacted third molars. The tissues were treated with 0.075% type I collagenase in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 1 hr at $37^{\circ}C$ to release cellular fractions. The collagenase was inactivated with an equal volume of DMEM/10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and the infranatant was centrifuged for 10 min at 2,400 rpm. The cellular pellet was filtered through a $100{\mu}m$ nylon cell strainer, and the filtered cells were centrifuged for 10 min at 2,400 rpm. The resuspended cells were plated into T25 flasks and cultured in endothelial cell basal medium (EBM)-2. Results: Among the hematopoietic markers, CD146 was more highly expressed than CD31 and CD34. The periosteal-derived cells also expressed CD90 and CD166, mesenchymal stem cell markers. Considering that the expression of CD146 was constant and that the expression of CD90 was lower at passage 5, respectively, the CD146 positive cells in passage 5 were isolated using the magnetic cell sorting (MACS) system. These CD146 sorted, periosteal-derived cells formed tube-like structures on Matrigel. The uptake of acetylated, low-density lipoprotein, labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI-Ac-LDL) was also examined in these cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that the CD146-sorted positive cells can be referred to as periosteal-derived CD146 positive endothelial-like cells. In particular, when a co-culture system with endothelial and osteoblastic cells in a three-dimensional scaffold is used, the use of periosteum as a single cell source would be strongly beneficial for bone tissue engineering.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.165-172
• /
• 2015

Quercetin and its glycoside, rutin, are flavonoids, which are well known as natural antioxidants. In this study, cationic liposomes loaded with flavonoids (quercetin or rutin) were investigated for their effects on cell and skin permeability, and protective effects against UVA. The particle size of the empty cationic liposomes was in the range of 100~130 nm, and the zeta potential was + 33.05 mV. The entrapment efficiency of 0.5R/CL was higher than that of 0.5 Q/CL. The cellular uptake of the cationic liposomes was five-fold higher than that of liposomes. The skin permeability of quercetin and rutin was investigated using Franz diffusion cells. Compared to the initial loading dose, the amount of quercetin or rutin delivered to the skin by cationic liposomes was higher than that delivered by conventional liposomes or phosphate-buffered saline. From the protective effect of cationic liposomes against UVA ($25J/cm^2$), we found that the cell viability in cationic liposomes containing flavonoids was higher than that of using UVA irradiation only. These results indicate that cationic liposomes provide enhanced delivery of flavonoids (quercetin and rutin) into the skin and may be used for antiaging and antioxidant cosmetics.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.16
• /
• pp.6633-6638
• /
• 2014

The Pharmacological potential, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities of Portulaca oleracea (PO) and Petroselinum sativum (PS) extracts are well known. However, the preventive properties against hepatocellular carcinoma cells have not been explored so far. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to study the anticancer activity of seed extracts of PO and PS on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). The HepG2 cells were exposed with $5-500{\mu}g/ml$ of PO and PS for 24 h. After the exposure, cell viability by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, and cellular morphology by phase contrast inverted microscope were studied. The results showed that PO and PS extracts significantly reduced the cell viability of HepG2 in a concentration dependent manner. The cell viability was recorded to be 67%, 31%, 21%, and 17% at 50, 100, 250, and $500{\mu}g/ml$ of PO, respectively by MTT assay and 91%, 62%, 27%, and 18% at 50, 100, 250, and $500{\mu}g/ml$ of PO, respectively by NRU assay. PS exposed HepG2 cells with $100{\mu}g/ml$ and higher concentrations were also found to be cytotoxic. The decrease in the cell viability at 100, 250, and $500{\mu}g/ml$ of PS was recorded as 70%, 33%, and 15% by MTT assay and 63%, 29%, and 17%, respectively by NRU assay. Results also showed that PO and PS exposed cells reduced the normal morphology and adhesion capacity of HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells exposed with $50{\mu}g/ml$ and higher concentrations of PO and PS lost their typical morphology, become smaller in size, and appeared in rounded bodies. Our results demonstrated preliminary screening of anticancer activity of Portulaca oleracea and Petroselinum sativum extracts against HepG2 cells, which can be further used for the development of a potential therapeutic anticancer agent.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.60-65
• /
• 2005

The human solute carrier, SLC41Al, is a $Mg^{2}+$ transporter that is regulated by extracellular magnesium. Although intracellular magnesium plays a fundamental role in cellular metabolism, little is known about how $Mg^{2}+$ is taken up and controlled by cells. Magnesium plays a fundamental role in cellular metabolism so that its control within the body is critical. Magnesium homeostasis is principally a balance between intestinal absorption of dietary magnesium and renal excretion of urinary magnesium. The kidney, mainly the distal convoluted tubule, controls magnesium reabsorption. Although renal reabsorption is under the influence of many hormones, selective regulation of magnesium transport is due to intrinsic control involving transcriptional processes and synthesis of transport proteins. Using microarray analysis, identification of the genetic elements involved with this transcriptional control has been begun. SLC41A1(GenBank Accession No. AJ514402), comprises 10 putative transmembrane domains, two of which are highly homologous to the integral membrane part of the prokaryote transports $Mg^{2}+$ and other divalent cations $Sr^2+,\;Zn^2+,\;Cu^2+,\;Fe^2+,\;Co^2+,\;Ba^2+,\;and\;Cd^2+,\;but\;not\;Ca^2+,\;Mn^2+,\;and\;Ni^2+.$ Transport of $Mg^{2}+$ by SLC41Al is rheogenic, voltage dependent, and not coupled to Na or Cl. Expressed SLC41Al transports a range of other divalent cations: $Mg^{2+},\;Sr^{2+},\;Zn^{2+},\;Cu^{2+},\;Fe^{2+},\;Co^{2+},\;Ba^{2+},\;and\;Cd^{2+}$. The divalent cations $Ca^{2+},\;Mn^{2+},\;and\;Ni^{2+}$and the trivalent ion $Gd^{3+}$ did not induce currents nor did they inhibit $Mg^{2+}$ transport. The nonselective cation $La^{3+}$ abolishes $Mg^{2+}$ uptake. Computer analysis of the SLC41Al protein structure reveals that it belongs to MgtE protein family & suggested that the human solute carrier, SLC41Al, might be a eukaryotic $Mg^{2+}$ transporter closely related $(60-70\%)$ protein encoded by SLC41A2 is a $Mg^{2}+$ transporter that might be involved in magnesium homeostasis in epithelial cells also transports a range of other divalent cations: $Ba^2,\;Ni^2,\;CO^2,\;Fe^2,\;or\;Mn^2,\;but\;not\;Ca^2,\;Zn^2,\;or\;Cu^{2+}$ that may have related functional properties.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.298-303
• /
• 2009

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major flavonoid in green tea has multiple health benefits including chemoprevention, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects. In connection with these effects, EGCG can be a candidate to help the treatment of metabolic diseases. Metformin is a widely used anti-diabetic drug regulating cellular energy homeostasis via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Therefore, the combination of metformin with EGCG may have additive or synergistic effects on treatment of type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, there is no report for the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interaction of EGCG with metformin. Here, we evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between metformin and EGCG in rats. Pharmacokinetics parameters of metformin were measured after oral administration of metformin in rats pre-treated with EGCG (10 mg/kg) or saline for 7 days. The results showed that there is no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between saline control and EGCG-treated group. In addition, the hepatic AMPK activation by metformin in EGCG-treated rats was also similar to the control. The lack of additive effects of EGCG on AMPK activation or intracellular uptake of metformin was also evaluated in cells in the presence or absence of EGCG. Treatment of HepG2 cells with EGCG inhibited the metformin-induced AMPK activation. Combined results suggested that EGCG has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of metformin but may contribute to metformin action.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.437-444
• /
• 2016

Background: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been traditionally used for a long time, its anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory roles of KRG-derived components, namely, water extract (KRG-WE), saponin fraction (KRG-SF), and nonsaponin fraction (KRG-NSF), were investigated. Methods: To check saponin levels in the test fractions, KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these components were investigated using a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7 cells) and an acute gastritis model in mice. Results: Of the tested fractions, KGR-SF (but not KRG-NSF and KRG-WE) markedly inhibited the viability of RAW264.7 cells, and splenocytes at more than 500 mg/mL significantly suppressed NO production at $100{\mu}g/mL$, diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and interferon-${\beta}$ at $200{\mu}g/mL$, and completely blocked phagocytic uptake by RAW264.7 cells. All three fractions suppressed luciferase activity triggered by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not that triggered by activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Phospho-IRF3 and phospho-TBK1 were simultaneously decreased in KRG-SF. Interestingly, all these fractions, when orally administered, clearly ameliorated the symptoms of gastric ulcer in HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF might have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly because of the suppression of the IRF3 pathway.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.53-66
• /
• 1997

Insulin resistance is a prominent feature of diabetic state and has heterogeneous nature. However, the pathogenetic sequence of events leading to the emergence of the defect in insulin action remains controversial. It is well-known that prolonged hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia are one of the causes of development of insulin resistance, but both hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia stimulate glucose uptake in peripheral tissue. Therefore, it is hypothesized that insulin resistance may be generated by a kind of protective mechanism preventing cellular hypertrophy. In this study, to evaluate whether the acutely increased glucose uptake inhibits further glucose transport stimulated by insulin, insulin sensitivity was measured after preloaded glucose infusion for 2 hours at various conditions in rats. And also, to evaluate the mechanism of decreased insulin sensitivity, insulin receptor binding affinity and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein of plasma membrane of gastrocnemius muscle were assayed after hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies. Experimental animals were divided into five groups according to conditions of preloaded glucose infusion: group I, basal insulin ($14{\pm}1.9{\mu}U/ml$) and basal glucose ($75{\pm}0.7mg/dl$), by normal saline infusion; group II, normal insulin ($33{\pm}3.8{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($207{\pm}6.3mg/dl$), by somatostatin and glucose infusion; group III, hyperinsulinemia ($134{\pm}34.8{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($204{\pm}4.6mg/dl$), by glucose infusion; group IV, supramaximal insulin ($5006{\pm}396.1{\mu}U/ml$) and euglycemia ($l00{\pm}2.2mg/dl$), by insulin and glucose infusion; group V, supramaximal insulin ($4813{\pm}687.9{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($233{\pm}3.1mg/dl$), by insulin and glucose infusion. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique. The amounts of preloaded glucose infusion(gm/kg) were $1.88{\pm}0.151$ in group II, $2.69{\pm}0.239$ in group III, $3.54{\pm}0.198$ in group IV, and $4.32{\pm}0.621$ in group V. Disappearance rates of glucose (Rd, mg/kg/min) at steady state of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies were $16.9{\pm}3.88$ in group I, $13.5{\pm}1.05$ in group II, $11.2{\pm}1.17$ in group III, $13.2{\pm}2.05$ in group IV, and $10.4{\pm}1.01$ in group V. A negative correlation was observed between amount of preloaded glucose and Rd (r=-0.701, p<0.001) when all studies were combined. Insulin receptor binding affinity and content of GLUT4 were not significantly different in all experimental groups. These results suggest that increased glucose uptake may inhibit further glucose transport and lead to decreased insulin sensitivity.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
• /
• v.9 no.6
• /
• pp.506-513
• /
• 2004

Spirulina produces $\gamma$-linolenic acid (GLA), an important pharmaceutical substance, in a relatively low level compared with fungi and plants, prompting more research to improve its GLA yield. In this study, metabolic flux analysis was applied to determine the cellular metabolic flux distributions in the GLA synthetic pathways of two Spiru/ina strains, wild type BP and a high­GLA producing mutant Z19/2. Simplified pathways involving the GLA synthesis of S. platensis formulated comprise of photosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the anaplerotic pathway, the tricarboxylic cycle, the GLA synthesis pathway, and the biomass syn­thesis pathway. A stoichiometric model reflecting these pathways contains 17 intermediates and 22 reactions. Three fluxes - the bicarbonate (C-source) uptake rate, the specific growth rate, and the GLA synthesis rate - were measured and the remaining fluxes were calculated using lin­ear optimization. The calculation showed that the flux through the reaction converting acetyl­CoA into malonyl-CoA in the mutant strain was nearly three times higher than that in the wild­type strain. This finding implies that this reaction is rate controlling. This suggestion was sup­ported by experiments, in which the stimulating factors for this reaction $(NADPH\;and\;MgCl_{2})$ were added into the culture medium, resulting in an increased GLA-synthesis rate in the wild type strain.