• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.343-357
• /
• 1992

Tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$(TNF), a polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by activated macrophages, was originally identified on the basis of its ability to cause hemorrhagic necrosis and tumor regression in vivo. Subsequently, TNF has been shown to be an important component of the host responses to infection and cancer and may mediate the wasting syndrome known as cachexia. These systemic actions of TNF are reflected in its diverse effects on target cells in vitro. TNF initiates its diverse cellular actions by binding to specific cell surface receptors. Although TNF receptors have been identified on most of animal cells, regulation of these receptors and the mechanisms which transduce TNF receptor binding into cellular responses are not well understood. Therefore, in the present study, the mechanisms how TNF receptors are being regulated and how TNF receptor binding is being transduced into cellular responses were investigated in rat liver plasma membranes (PM) and ME-180 human cervical carcinoma cell lines. $^{125}I$-TNF bound to high ($K_d=1.51{\pm}0.35nM$)affinity receptors in rat liver PM. Solubilization of PM with 1% Triton X-100 increased both high affinity (from $0.33{\pm}0.04\;to\;1.67{\pm}0.05$ pmoles/mg protein) and low affinity (from $1.92{\pm}0.16\;to\;7.57{\pm}0.50$ pmoles/mg protein) TNF binding without affecting the affinities for TNF, suggesting the presence of a large latent pool of TNF receptors. Affinity labeling of receptors whether from PM or solubilized PM resulted in cross-linking of $^{125}I$-TNF into $M_r$ 130 kDa, 90 kDa and 66kDa complexes. Thus, the properties of the latent TNF receptors were similar to those initially accessible to TNF. To determine if exposure of latent receptors is regulated by TNF, $^{125}I$-TNF binding to control and TNF-pretreated membranes were assayed. Specific binding was increased by pretreatment with TNF (P<0.05), demonstrating that hepatic PM contains latent TNF receptors whose exposure is promoted by TNF. Homologous up-regulation of TNF receptors may, in part, be responsible for sustained hepatic responsiveness during chronic exposure to TNF. As a next step, the post-receptor events induced by TNF were examined. Although the signal transduction pathways for TNF have not been delineated clearly, the actions of many other hormones are mediated by the reversible phosphorylation of specific enzymes or target proteins. The present study demonstrated that TNF induces phosphorylation of 28 kDa protein (p28). Two dimensional soidum dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE) resolved the 28kDa phosphoprotein into two isoforms having pIs of 6.2 and 6.1. The pIs and relative molecular weight of p28 were consistent with those of a previously characterized mRNA cap binding protein. mRNA cap binding proteins are a class of translation initiation factors that recognize the 7-methylguanosine cap structure found on the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNAs. In vitro, these proteins are defined by their specific elution from affinity columns composed of 7-methylguanosine 5'-triphosphate($m^7$GTP)-Sepharose. Affinity purification of mRNA cap binding proteins from control and TNF treated ME-180 cells proved that TNF rapidly stimulates phosphorylation of an mRNA cap binding protein. Phosphorylation occurred in several cell types that are important in vitro models of TNF action. The mRNA cap binding protein phosphorylated in response to TNF treatment was purifice, sequenced, and identified as the proto-oncogene product eukaryotic initiation factor-4E(eIF-4E). These data show that phosphorylation of a key component of the cellular translational machinery is a common early event in the diverse cellular actions of TNF.

• Neonatal Medicine
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.21-33
• /
• 2010

Purpose : The increased survival of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit recently has resulted in an increased frequency of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), especially with atypical forms. However, there have been few studies compairing classic and atypical BPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between these two types of BPD. Methods : Infants with a gestational age less than 32 weeks born at the Seoul National University Hospital and Bundang Seoul National University Hospital from May 2004 to April 2007 were included. The data were categorized in 2 groups, classic and atypical BPD. We determined the incidence of BPD, and compared perinatal factors and postnatal managements between two groups. Results : Among 260 study subjects, 141 (54.2%) infants had BPD. Classic BPD infants were 64 and atypical BPD infants were 77. Comparison of differences between 2 groups, classic BPD infants were associated with respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, intrauterine growth restriction, more high-frequency ventilator (HFV) use, low 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores. Atypical BPD infants were associated with antenatal steroid use, maternal premature rupture of membrane and chorioamnionitis (CAM). In multivariate analysis, more HFV use was associated with classic BPD. Antenatal steroid use, clinical CAM and histological CAM were associated with atypical BPD. Conclusion : The results of this study showed that antenatal factors (antenatal steroid use, clinical CAM, histological CAM) were associated with atypical BPD and postnatal factors (HFV used more) were associated with classic BPD. Further studies are needed for prevention and treatment of BPD.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.299-308
• /
• 2007

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a bioinformatics software and to test it in serum samples of papillary thyroid cancer using mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Materials and Methods: Development of 'Protein analysis' software performing decision tree analysis was done by customizing C4.5. Sixty-one serum samples from 27 papillary thyroid cancer, 17 autoimmune thyroiditis, 17 controls were applied to 2 types of protein chips, CM10 (weak cation exchange) and IMAC3 (metal binding - Cu). Mass spectrometry was performed to reveal the protein expression profiles. Decision trees were generated using 'Protein analysis' software, and automatically detected biomarker candidates. Validation analysis was performed for CM10 chip by random sampling. Results: Decision tree software, which can perform training and validation from profiling data, was developed. For CM10 and IMAC3 chips, 23 of 113 and 8 of 41 protein peaks were significantly different among 3 groups (p<0.05), respectively. Decision tree correctly classified 3 groups with an error rate of 3.3% for CM10 and 2.0% for IMAC3, and 4 and 7 biomarker candidates were detected respectively. In 2 group comparisons, all cancer samples were correctly discriminated from non-cancer samples (error rate = 0%) for CM10 by single node and for IMAC3 by multiple nodes. Validation results from 5 test sets revealed SELDI-TOF-MS and decision tree correctly differentiated cancers from non-cancers (54/55, 98%), while predictability was moderate in 3 group classification (36/55, 65%). Conclusion: Our in-house software was able to successfully build decision trees and detect biomarker candidates, therefore it could be useful for biomarker discovery and clinical follow up of papillary thyroid cancer.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.173-178
• /
• 2007

The occurrence of acute respiratory infections caused by the influenza virus are particularly high during the winter season in Busan, Korea. In 2004 and 2005, a study of the rate of occurrences of the influenza virus was conducted. The results reveal that in 2004, of the 1,869 people with an acute respiratory infection that 154 (8.2%) people were infected by the influenza virus. In 2005, of the 1,579 people infected with an acute respiratory infection that 19 people (1.2%) were infected with the influenza virus. The study shows a decrease in the numbers of an influenza virus infection from 2004 to 2005. Data was collected by inspecting throat swabs and nasal discharge from those with an acute respiratory infection. Further inspection of the throat swab and nasal discharge from the infected individuals during 2004 and 2005 study show the occurrence of the different types of influenza virus in the population: 6 cases (3.5%) of influenza type A/H1N1, 129 cases (74.5%) of A/H3N2, and 38 cases (22.0%) of type B. The study conducted in 2004 and 2005 reveal that children between the ages of two and five were more likely to be infected than any other age group. In the study, about 62.2% of the infected individuals were between two and five years old. The detection rates between males and females are similar. However, it is notable that females are slightly more likely to develop an acute respiratory infection caused by the influence virus compared to their male counterparts.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.285-296
• /
• 1995

Anatomical studies of sink tissues are required for better understanding the biological plant growth system and energy metabolism. Kinematics of root growth zones of two genotypes of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) receiving 50 or 200 ppm N were determined. Longitudinal anatomy and cell dynamics of root growth zones were studied and calculated. The root growth zone is organized similarly to the leaf growth zone which has cell division, elongation, and maturation zones, but the root growth zone is only about 3.0 mm long compared to 25 to 30 mm for the leaf growth zone. The root cap extends about 0.4 to 0.5 mm from the apical initial, while the cell elongation zone for both cortical and metaxylem cells extends about 3.3 mm from the apical initial for both genotypes and N levels. Root cap cells elongate from an initial length of about 5$\mu{m}$ long to a final length of about 40$\mu{m}$ before being sloughed. Initial lengths of cortical and metaxylem cells were about 8.5 $\mu{m}$ and 13.0 $\mu{m}$, respectively. Elongation of cortex and metaxylem cell showed sigmoidal curves with final lengths of about 120 $\mu{m}$ for cortex cells and 650 $\mu{m}$ for metaxylem cells. Initial size and final size for both types were not affected by N level, but cell fluxes and cell elongation rates of cortical and metaxylem cells were about double in low N. Cell production rates were about 5 to 6 times higher in cortical cells than in metaxylem cells. Differences in N caused a larger change in cell production rate, duration of cell elongation, and relative cell elongation rate than did the genotypes. These data indicate that N application affects root growth longitudinally by changing cell production rate and elongation rate.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.323-343
• /
• 2018

This study defines the mineralogical, micro-textural and geochemical characteristics for the carbonate rocks and discusses the fluids that have affected the depositional environment of the Lower Makgol Formation in Seokgaejae section. Based on analysis of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Electron Probe Micro Analyzer-Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EPMA-WDS) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), carbonate miorofacies in the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation are distinguished and classified into four types. Type 1 dolomite (xenotopic interlocking texture) and Type 2 dolomite (idiotopic interlocking texture) have relatively high Mg/Ca ratio, flat REE pattern, low Fe and Mn. Extensively interlocking textures in these dolomites indicate constant supply of Mg ion from hypersaline brine. Type 3 and Type 4 dolomite (scattered and loosely-aggregated texture) have relatively moderate Mg/Ca ratio, MREE enriched pattern, low to high Fe and Mn. These partial dolomitization indicate limited supply of Mg ion under the influx of meteoric water with seawater. Also, the evidence of Fe-bearing minerals, recrystallization and relatively high Fe and Mn in Type 4 indicates the influence of secondary diagenetic fluids under suboxic conditions. Integrating geochemical data with mineralogical and micro-textural evidence, the discrepancy between the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation indicates different sedimentary environment. It suggest that hypersaline brine have an influence on the basal member, while mixing meteoric water with seawater have an effect on the lower member of the Makgol Formation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.180-189
• /
• 2018

Agricultural landscapes in Korea comprise a large cultivation area of rice paddies, other crops, and forests which surround the cropland and the farmers' residential village. The forests in this agricultural landscape play important roles as ecological corridors and refuges for plants and animals in this agroecosystem. The present study investigated the spatial and temporal diversity patterns among these components of the agroecosystem to provide baseline data that describes how fauna change in the studies system. Insect sampling was conducted at four sites in two regions, Chungcheong (Ockcheon and Geumsan) and Jeonnam (Younggwang and Haenam), from March to August of 2014, using an UV light trap for moths and five pitfall traps for beetles. Beetles comprised 225 species and 2,457 individuals in 35 families, while moths consisted of 141 species and 403 individuals in 17 families. Beetles showed higher diversity in Chungcheong than Jeonnam, while moths showed no difference in diversity between regions. Forests showed the highest number of species and individuals, followed by orchards and rice paddies. The food preference of beetles showed that forests contained a higher proportion of herbivores, while orchards and rice paddies had a higher proportion of carnivores. Temporal changes in moths in the two regions were synchronous, while those of beetles were nonsynchronous. Moths increased from spring to summer across all habitats, especially in rice paddies during summer. Beetles also increased from spring to summer in orchards and rice paddies, although the beetles in the forests increased in the middle of summer. A detailed and long-term study is needed to reveal the causes of different diversity patterns of taxa among the different habitats within the agroecosystems.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.165-176
• /
• 2005

Studies on molecular plasticity of Bermann glia (BG) after harmaline-induced Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration in the rat cerebellum. The intimate structural relationship between BG and PC, evidenced by the sheathing of the PC dendrites by veil-like process from the BG has been suggestive of the close functional relationship between these two cell types. However, little is known about metabolic couplings between these cells. This study designed to investigate molecular plasticity of BG in the rat cerebellum in which PCs were chemically ablated by harmaline treatment. Immunohistochemical examination reveals that harmaline induced PC degeneration causes a marked glial reaction in the cerebellum with activated BG and microglia aligned in parasagittal stripes within the vermis. In these strips, activated BG were associated with upregulaion of metallotheionein, while GLAST and was down regulated, as compared with nearby intact area where both BG are in contact with PCs. The data from this study demonstrate that BG can change their phenotypic expression when BG loose their contact with PCs. It is conceivable that activated BG may upregulate structural proteins, metallothionein expression to use for their proliferation and hypertrophy; metallothionein expression to cope with oxidative stress induced by PC degeneration and microglial activation. On the contrary, BG may down regulated expression of GLAST because sustained loss of contact with PCs would eliminate the necessity for the cellular machinery involved glutamate metabolism. In conclusion, BG might respond man to death of PCs by undergoing a change in metabolic state. It seems possible that signaling molecules released from PCs regulates the phenotype expression of BG. Also ultrastructures in the organelles of normal PC and BG are distinguished by mitochondrial appearance, and distributed vesicles at the synaptic area in the cytoplasm.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.430-437
• /
• 2020

This is an approach study on the sensory properties (taste and odor) of 15 types of Korean conventional soups and stews using electronic nose and tongue. The relative sensor intensity for the taste components of the samples using electronic tongue was demonstrated. By SRS (sourness) sensor, sogogi-baechuguk (beef and cabbage soup) had the highest rate of 9.0. The STS (saltiness) sensor showed the highest score of 8.2 for ojingeoguk (squid soup). For the UMS (umami) sensor, which identifies savoriness, the sogogi-baechuguk was the highest at 10.1. The SWS (sweetness) sensors showed relatively little difference, with sigeumchi-doenjangguk (spinach and bean paste soup) at the highest of 7.3. According to the BRS sensor, which tests for bitterness, the siraegi-doenjangguk (dried radish green and bean paste soup) was the highest at 7.8. By principal component analysis (PCA), we observed variances of 56.21% in principal component 1 (PC1) and 25.23% in PC2. For each flavor component, we observed -0.95 and -0.20 for factor loading of PC1 and PC2 for SRS sensors, 0.96 and 0.14 for STS sensors, and -0.94 and 0.22 for PC1 and PC2 for UMS sensors, and PC1 and 0.22 for PC1 and PC2 loading for SWS sensors. The similarity between the samples identified by clustering analysis was largely identified by 4 clusters. A total of 25 kinds of volatile compounds in 15 samples were identified, and the ones showing the highest relative content in all samples were identified as ethanol and 2-methylthiophhene. The main ingredient analysis confirmed variances of 28.54% in PC1 and 20.80% in PC2 as a result of the pattern for volatile compounds in 15 samples. In the cluster analysis, it was found to be largely classified into 3 clusters. The data in this study can be used for a sensory property database of conventional Korean soups and stews using electronic sensors.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.188-197
• /
• 2008

This research was a preliminary case study to determine the levels of total mercury in the tissues of sentinel species (Zacco platypus) and ecological health in relation to habitat characteristics and chemical conditions. We collected fishes in Gap Stream during June$\sim$October 2007 and analyzed the total mercury from five types of tissues such as liver, kidney, gill, vertebrae and muscle of Zaceo platypus using Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80, US EPA Method 7473). Mean concentrations of total [Hg], based on all tissues, was 67.2 and $20.7\;{\mu}g\;kg^{-1}$, in the upstream and downstream site, respectively, indicating 3 times greater level in the upstream. In other words, the levels were higher in the pristine upstream than the downstream influenced by the wastewater disposal plant. Chemical water quality, based on BOD, COD and nutrients (TN, TP) showed that severe degradation occurred in the downstreams than the upstreams. Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) using fish multi-metric model averaged 32, indicating a "good$\sim$fair" condition and varied from 42 (excellent$\sim$good) at S2 to 22 (fair$\sim$poor) at S5 depending on the sites sampled. Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) in the all sites averaged 142, which was judged as "good" habitat health, but showed a high variation (181 in Site 2 vs. 67 in Site 5). Overall data suggest that health conditions, based on IBI and QHEI, was better in the upstream sites but the mercury bioaccumulation levels in the fish tissues were opposite. We believe that measurements of various parameters are required for a diagnosis of integrative ecosystem health.