• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.29-36
• /
• 2009

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been used clinically as an immunosuppressive drug to prevent organ transplant rejection and in basic research as a mitochondrial permeability blocker. It has been reported that CsA has a protective role in severed neurons and a neurotrophic effect in neuronal cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the stimulation of neuronal cell proliferation by CsA have not yet been elucidated. In our current study, we investigated CsA responsive proteins in PC12 cells using a systematic proteomic approach. The viability of these cells following CsA treatment increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Proteins in the CsA-treated PC12 cells were profiled by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of flight (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization quadupole time-of-flight mass spectrometries (EIQ-TOFMS). This differential expression analysis showed significant changes for 10 proteins (6 up-regulated and 4 down-regulated) upon CsA treatment that were related to cell proliferation, metabolism and the stress response. These proteomics data further our understanding of the proliferation mechanisms of PC12 cells exposed to CsA and demonstrate that our methodology has potential to further elucidate the mechanisms and pathways involved.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
• /
• 2015.10a
• /
• pp.522-525
• /
• 2015

In this paper, we propose a walking aid system that guides route to visually impaired people in order to recognize uncertain obstacles based on tactile stimulation. The proposed system is composed of the touch-based obstacle detection module, the obstacle height detection module, and the route guidance algorithms. The touch-based obstacle detection module detects each obstacle, which is located at left, right, and front of a visually impaired person by stimulating his thumb with the rotational force of the servomotor. The obstacle height detection module integrates detected data by the linear arrangement of ultrasonic sensors to identify the height of an obstacle about 3 of-phase(i.e., high, medium, low). The proposed route guidance algorithm guides an optimized path to the visually impaired person by updating his current position information based on the signal of the built-in GPS receiver in smartphone. In addition, the route guidance algorithm delivers information with speech to a visually impaired person through Bluetooth commuination in the developed route guidance app. The proposed system can create a path to avoid the obstacles by recognizing the placed situation of the obstacles with exploring the uncertain path.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.41 no.11
• /
• pp.814-819
• /
• 2008

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) induces a variety of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The IL-32 transcript was reported originally in activated T cells; subsequently, it was demonstrated to be abundantly expressed in epithelial and endothelial cells upon stimulation with inflammatory cytokines. IL-32 is regulated robustly by other major proinflammatory cytokines, thereby suggesting that IL-32 is crucial to inflammation and immune responses. Recently, an IL-32$\alpha$-affinity column was employed in order to isolate an IL-32 binding protein, neutrophil proteinase 3 (PR3). Proteinase 3 processes a variety of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-8, and IL-32, thereby enhancing their biological activities. In the current study, we designed four PR3-cleaved IL-32 separate domains, identified by potential PR3 cleavage sites in the IL-32$\alpha$ and $\gamma$ polypeptides. The separate domains of the IL-32 isoforms $\alpha$ and $\gamma$ were more active than the intrinsic $\alpha$ and $\gamma$ isoforms. Interestingly, the N-terminal IL-32 isoform $\gamma$ separate domain evidenced the highest levels of biological activity among the IL-32 separate domains.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.1-22
• /
• 1998

During the last few years, nitric oxide(NO) as a potent macrophage-derived effector molecule against a variety of bacteria, parasites, and tumors has received increasing attention. More recent studies suggest that NO also has antiviral effects in both murine and human cells. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Yongdamsagantang(YST) on the production of NO. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with YST after the treatment of recombinant $interferon-{\gammer}(rlFN-{\gammer})$ resulted in the increased NO synthesis. YST had no effect on NO synthesis by itself. When YST was used in combination with $rIFN-{\gammer}$, there was a marked cooperative induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal effect of YST on NO synthesis was shown 6 hour after treatment with $rIFN-{\gammer}$. This increase in NO synthesis was reflected as increased amount of inducible NO synthase(iNOS) protein. NO production was inhibited by $N^G-monomethyl-L-arginine$. The increased production of NO from $rIFN-{\gammer}$ plus YST-stimulated cells was decreased by the treatment with staurosporin. In addition, synergy between $rIFN-{\gammer}$ and YST was mainly dependent on YST-induced tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$ secretion. These results suggest that the capacity of YST to increase NO production from $rIFN-{\alpha}-primed$ mouse peritoneal macrophages is the result of YST-induced $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.30 no.9
• /
• pp.1395-1403
• /
• 2020

There is an increasing interest in using inactivated probiotics to modulate the host immune system and protect against pathogens. As the immunomodulatory function of heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis KCTC 12777BP (LBB) and its mechanism is unclear, we investigated the effect of LBB on immune response based on the hypothesis that LBB might exert stimulatory effects on immunity. In the current study, we demonstrate that administration of LBB can exert immune-stimulatory effects and promote clearance of foreign matters through enhancing phagocytosis. Treatment with LBB induced the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide in macrophages. Importantly, LBB directly increased the phagocytic activity of macrophages against bacterial particles. LBB was able to promote the production of TNF-α in bone marrow-derived macrophages and splenocytes and also increase the proliferation rate of splenocytes, suggesting that the immune-stimulating activity of LBB can be observed in primary immune cells. Investigation into the molecular mechanism responsible revealed that LBB upregulates TAK1 activity and its downstream ERK, p38, and JNK signaling pathways. To further confirm the immunomodulatory capability of LBB in vivo, we orally administered LBB to mice and assessed the effect on primary splenocytes. Splenocytes isolated from LBB-treated mice exhibited higher TNF-α expression and proliferative capacity. These results show that heat-killed L. brevis, a wildly consumed probiotic, may provide protection against pathogens through enhancing host immunity.

• Archives of design research
• /
• no.16
• /
• pp.27-38
• /
• 1996

Environmental design is the process of creating and suggesting a new culture retlectmg the spirits and scientific know ledges of an age, so il is important for a designer, who deals environment, to perceive the present trend of science, The goal of this study is to suggest a way to recover the vanishing image in current urban environment from the viewpoint of changing world-view, The process of this study is as follows. 1. According to spatial hierarchy, the role of each space and the importance of each space in correlation with human are considered. 2. The method to undersk, nd the space from the viewpoint of new paradigm and the direction of environmental design's access are suggested. 3. The notion that introduction of semi public space In urban environment is consistent with new paradigm is demonstrated and the semi public space's role of stimulation of urban activity is emphasized. The result of this study shows a possibility that semi public space, introduced by understanding of a space on the basis of new paradigm, expands the territory of life and overcomes tile negative environmental problem like disorder, increase of entropy.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.5
• /
• pp.610-616
• /
• 2021

Background: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) acts as a master switch for inflammatory responses. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) which is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae) is known to possess various therapeutic effects. However, a modulatory effect of Rg3 on TSLP expression in the inflammatory responses remains poorly understood. Methods: We investigated antiinflammatory effects of Rg3 on an in vitro model using HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA plus calcium ionophore (PMACI), as well as an in vivo model using PMA-induced mouse ear edema. TSLP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or real-time PCR analysis. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression levels were detected using Western blot analysis. Results: Rg3 treatment restrained the production and mRNA expression levels of TSLP and VEGF in activated HMC-1 cells. Rg3 down-regulated the MDM2 expression level increased by PMACI stimulation. The HIF1α expression level was also reduced by Rg3 in activated HMC-1 cells. In addition, Rg3-administered mice showed the decreased redness and ear thickness in PMA-irritated ear edema. Rg3 inhibited the TSLP and VEGF levels in the serum and ear tissue homogenate. Moreover, the MDM2 and HIF1α expression levels in the ear tissue homogenate were suppressed by Rg3. Conclusion: Taken together, the current study identifies new mechanistic evidence about MDM2/HIF1α pathway in the antiinflammatory effect of Rg3, providing a new effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
• /
• v.21 no.7
• /
• pp.125-132
• /
• 2021

Rapid growth of the higher education role in ensuring the socio-economic and innovative development of the national economy in the context of the development of the information society and the knowledge economy is observed. Achieving positive synergistic effects of the higher education development requires proper funding for university education and research. The existing funding models for national higher education systems in a number of developing countries need modernization in accordance with the modern challenges of economic and innovative development. The purpose of the article is to formulate theoretical - methodological and applied foundations for the development and implementation of the integrated model of the higher education financing under the Quadruple Helix concept. At the center of the developed model are the areas of interaction identified by the authors, namely: Personnel, Science, Management, Innovation, Social area. This made it possible to specify the interests of all stakeholders and orient the activities of higher education institutions to the satisfaction of these interests. Effective implementation of the integrated Model of the higher education financing requires increasing the level of investment attractiveness and practical value of university research; activation of innovative development of enterprises; state stimulation of business participation in university research and education; harmonization of current legislation with EU standards. Implementation of the Model will diversify sources of funding for universities, increase their level of economic security and achieve integrated synergies from the interaction of universities, business, government and the public (as the main stakeholders within the Quadruple Helix concept).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.29 no.7
• /
• pp.1022-1032
• /
• 2019

Probiotics are known to provide the host with immune-modulatory effects and are therefore of remarkable interest for therapeutic and prophylactic applications against various disorders, including inflammatory diseases. Weissella cibaria JW15 (JW15) has been reported to possess probiotic and antioxidant properties. However, the effect of JW15 on inflammatory responses has not yet been reported. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of JW15 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The production of pro-inflammatory factors and the cellular signaling pathways following treatment with heat-killed JW15 was examined in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with heat-killed JW15 decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin $E_2$ production via down-regulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, treatment with heat-killed JW15 suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. The anti-inflammatory properties of treating with heat-killed JW15 were associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway-mediated suppression of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$. These results indicated that JW15 possesses anti-inflammatory potential and provide a molecular basis regarding the development of functional probiotic products.

• International journal of thyroidology
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.109-116
• /
• 2018

It is very important to identify recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and prevent RLN injury during thyroid surgery. The intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) for the prevention of RLN injury is a useful method because it can identify the location and status of RLN and predict postoperative vocal cord function easily. The IONM consists of a stimulating side that applies electrical stimulation to the nerve and a recording side that measures the surface electromyography (EMG) of the vocal cord muscle through electrode endotracheal tube. The nerve stimulator and surgical dissector are separate instruments. So, during IONM for the prevention of the RLN injury in conventional, endoscopic, or robotic thyroid surgery, repeated exchanging between surgical instruments and the nerve stimulator is inconvenient and time consuming. On the recording side, the accuracy of the electrode endotracheal tube which measures the EMG of the vocalis muscle can be affected by contact with between electrode and vocal fold and position change of patient. We would like to introduce recent several researches to overcome the current limitations of IONM.