• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.57-77
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was to investigate the suppression effects of Sopunghwalhyeol-tang(Shufenghuoxie-tang) on the monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injection of monosodium iodoacetate(0.5 mg) into the both knee joints of rats. Arthritic rats were divided into control(n=8) and treated(n=8) group. Control group was taken distilled water for 20 days. Treated group was taken extracts of Sopunghwalhyeol-tang(Shufenghuoxie-tang) by oraly for same duration. Normal group(n=8) was injected with normal saline and was taken distilled water for 20 days. Macroscopic examination and histopathological study on articular cartilage of knee joint were operated at 20 days after injection. Proteoglycan(PG) content of articular cartilages of knee joint was represented by safranine O staining, was measured at 20 days after injection. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$, $interleukin-1{\beta}(IL-1{\beta})$, in synovial fluid were measured with enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) kit at 20 days after injection. Immunohistochemical staining of cyclo-oxygenase-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in knee joints were observed at 20 days after injection. Results : 1. Lymphocytes in peripheral blood the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 2. PG content in articular cartilage of the treated group was significantly increased compared with the control group. 3. Histopathologically, osteoarthritic scores of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 4. $TNF-{\alpha}$ content in synovial fluid of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 5. COX-2 revelation index in chondrocytes and synovial membrane of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 6. Matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) revelation index in chondrocytes and synovial membrane of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, we concluded that Sopunghwalhyeol-tang(Shufenghuoxie-tang) has inhibiting effects on the $TNF-{\alpha}$, COX-2 and MMP-3 secretion of chondrocytes and synovial membrane in Monosodium Iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis model of rats.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.1371-1377
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• 2012

Fibrosis in kidney by internal and external factors causes progressive loss of renal function. Renal fibrosis is the inevitable consequence of an excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix. TGF-${\beta}$ plays an important role in the process of renal fibrosis and stimulates the synthesis of profibrotic factors, including collagens, fibronectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). We examined the effect of Moringa oleifera Lam (moringa) extracts in a rat kidney fibrosis model. We found that moringa root extract suppresses protein expression/mRNA levels of Type I collagen, fibronectin, and PAI-1 induced by TGF-${\beta}$ in renal fibroblasts. Moringa root extract selectively inhibited phosphorylation of TGF-${\beta}$-induced $T{\beta}RII$ and the downstream signaling pathway (e.g., Smad4), and phospho-ERK, but not JNK, p38, or PI3K/AKT. These results suggest that moringa root extract can act against TGF-${\beta}$-induced renal fibrosis in rat kidney fibroblast cells by a mechanism related to its antifibrotic activity, which regulates expression of fibronectin, Type I collagen, and PAI-1 through $T{\beta}RII$-Smad2/3-Smad4 and ERK. Therefore, moringa root extract is an effective substance for fibrosis therapy and provides a new therapeutic strategy for diseases associated with elevated profibrotic factor synthesis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.222-229
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• 2017

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were previously considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and Interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) was found to be a pro-inflammatory factor in chondrocytes, but the mechanism underlying ADSCs and $IL-1{\beta}$ is unclear. In this study, we investigate whether P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) signalling, regulated by microRNA 373 (miR-373), was involved in the ADSCs and $IL-1{\beta}$ mediated inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA). Chondrocytes were collected from 20 OA patients and 20 control participants, and ADSCs were collected from patients who had undergone abdominal surgery. The typical surface molecules of ASDCs were detected by flow cytometry. The level of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by Griess reagent. Concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP-3) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of IL-6, MMP-3, miR-373 and P2X7R were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of P2X7R. The typical potential characters of ADSCs were verified. In chondrocytes or OA tissues, the miR-373 expression level was decreased, but the P2X7R expression was increased. $IL-1{\beta}$ stimulation increased the level of inflammatory factors in OA chondrocytes, and ADSCs co-cultured with $IL-1{\beta}$-stimulated chondrocytes decreased the inflammation. OA chondrocytes transfected with the miR-373 inhibitor increased the inflammation level. The miR-373 mimic suppressed the inflammation by targeting P2X7R and regulated its expression, while its effect was reversed by overexpression of P2X7R. $IL-1{\beta}$ induced inflammation in OA chondrocytes, while ADSCs seemed to inhibit the expression of P2X7R that was regulated by miR-373 and involved in the anti-inflammatory process in OA.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.184-188
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• 2006

The purpose of the recovery experiment in clinical chemistry is performed to estimate proportional systematic error. We must know all measurements have some error margin in measuring analytical performance. Proportional systematic error is the type of error whose magnitude increases as the concentration of analyte increases. This error is often caused by a substance in the sample matrix that reacts with the sought for analyte and therefore competes with the analytical reagent. Recovery experiments, therefore, are used rather selectively and do not have a high priority when another analytical method is available for comparison purposes. They may still be useful to help understand the nature of any bias revealed in the comparison of kit experiments. Recovery should be expressed as a percentage because the experimental objective is to estimate proportional systematic error, which is a percentage type of error. Good recovery is 100.0%. The difference between 100 and the observed recovery(in percent) is the proportional systematic error. We calculated the amount of analyte added by multiplying the concentration of the analyte added solution by the dilution factor(mL standard)/(mL standard + mL specimen) and took the difference between the sample with addition and the sample with dilution. When making judgments on method performance, the observed that the errors should be compared to the defined allowable error. The average recovery needs to be converted to proportional error(100%/Recovery) and then compared to an analytical quality requirement expressed in percent. The results of recovery experiments were total protein(101.4%), albumin(97.4%), total bilirubin(104%), alkaline phosphatase(89.1%), aspartate aminotransferase(102.8), alanine aminotransferase(103.2), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase(97.6%), creatine kinase(105.4%), lactate dehydrogenase(95.9%), creatinine(103.1%), blood urea nitrogen(102.9%), uric acid(106.4%), total cholesterol(108.5), triglycerides(89.6%), glucose(93%), amylase(109.8), calcium(102.8), inorganic phosphorus(106.3%). We then compared the observed error to the amount of error allowable for the test. There were no items beyond the CLIA criterion for acceptable performance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.28-34
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• 2006

The ethanol extracts of Puerariae Radix inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC). COX-2 is responsible for the production of large amounts of proinflammatory prostaglandins (PGs) at the inflammatory site. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of ethyl acetate fraction from $70\%$ ethanol extract of Puerariae Radix (EPR), and attempted acetic acid induced writhing to verify the analgesic effect. Inflammation was induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), $inteferon-\gamma$ $(IFN-\gamma)$ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EPR showed strong inhibitory efficacy against cytokine-induced proteoglycan degradation, prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ production, nitric oxide (NO) production, and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in mouse macrophage and rabbit articular chondrocyte. In the writhing test, EPR $(200\~400\;mg/kg)$ exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of writhing. The results indicate that EPR have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and could be a good herbal medicine candidate for treating of osteoarthritis (OA).

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.149-159
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• 2017

There are many studies on the health and protection of Old-growth and Giant Trees, concentrating on empirical judgment and basic protection measures. The problem this study addresses is the relative importance and priority of the health evaluation indicators of Old-growth and Giant Trees. Firstly, this study exports the evaluation indicators of Old-growth and Giant Trees. The evaluation system for the degree of danger of Old-growth and Giant Trees are composed of two layers: 5 fields and 46 indicators. Secondly, using the AHP and PCA method can determine the weight of each field and each index factor. The process of AHP establishes the relative importance judgment matrix of each field and fully proves that the main cause of danger is individual aging. The PCA method suggested that trunk rot status, light conditions, tree surgeries, bacterial diseases, and soil moisture level are the most important factors in each field. These aspects should be given priority in the management and protection of Old-growth and Giant Trees. Weight values obtained in this study seemed to be useful in the evaluation of Old-growth and Giant Trees.

• Mycobiology
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.297-311
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• 2017

Saprolegniasis is one of the most devastating oomycete diseases in freshwater fish which is caused by species in the genus Saprolegnia including Saprolegnia parasitica. In this study, we isolated the strain of S. parasitica from diseased rainbow trout in Korea. Morphological and molecular based identification confirmed that isolated oomycete belongs to the member of S. parasitica, supported by its typical features including cotton-like mycelium, zoospores and phylogenetic analysis with internal transcribed spacer region. Pathogenicity of isolated S. parasitica was developed in embryo, juvenile, and adult zebrafish as a disease model. Host-pathogen interaction in adult zebrafish was investigated at transcriptional level. Upon infection with S. parasitica, pathogen/antigen recognition and signaling (TLR2, TLR4b, TLR5b, NOD1, and major histocompatibility complex class I), pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin $[IL]-1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8, interferon ${\gamma}$, IL-12, and IL-10), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9 and MMP13), cell surface molecules ($CD8^+$ and $CD4^+$) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase) related genes were differentially modulated at 3- and 12-hr post infection. As an anti-Saprolegnia agent, plant based lawsone was applied to investigate on the susceptibility of S. parasitica showing the minimum inhibitory concentration and percentage inhibition of radial growth as $200{\mu}g/mL$ and 31.8%, respectively. Moreover, natural lawsone changed the membrane permeability of S. parasitica mycelium and caused irreversible damage and disintegration to the cellular membranes of S. parasitica. Transcriptional responses of the genes of S. parasitica mycelium exposed to lawsone were altered, indicating that lawsone could be a potential anti-S. parasitica agent for controlling S. parasitica infection.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.328-336
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• 1998

In metal-carbon system with no mutual solubility between matrix and alloying elements as solid or liquid phases, Cu-C-X nanocomposite metal powders were prepared by high energy ball milling for solid-lubricating bronze bearings. Elemental powder mixtures of Cu-lOwt.%C- 5wt. %Fe and Cu- lOwt. %C- 5wt. %Al were mechanically alloyed with an attritor in an argon atmosphere, and then microstructural evolution of the Cu-C-X nanocomposite metal powders was examined. It has been found that after 10 hours of MA, the approximately 10$\mu\textrm{m}$ sized Cu-C- X nanocomposite metal powders can be produced in both compositions. Morphological characteristics and microstructural evolution of the Cu-C-X powders have shown a similar MA procedure compared to those of metal-metal system. As a result of X - ray diffraction analysis, diffraction peaks of Cu and C were broaden and peak intensities were decreased as a function of MA time. Especially, the gradual disappearance of C peaks in the X- ray spectra is proved to be due to the lower atomic scattering factor of C. The calculated Cu crystallite sizes in Cu- C- X nanocomposite metal powders by Williamson- Hall equation were about lOnm size, on the other hand, the observed ones by TEM were in the range of 10 to 30nm.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.118-123
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive method for the identification and determination of nitrovin in fishery products by using a solid-phase extraction (SPE), as performed with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The samples were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and water, and were then defatted with acetonitrile saturated hexane, after which further clean-up was accomplished with SPE on the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridges. The analytes were subsequently ionized in the positive mode of an electrospray ionization (ESI), and where thereby detected in a process of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The linearity (expressed as correlation coefficients) of the matrix calibration curves was > 0.985. The limit of the quantification for the nitrovin was measured at 0.001 mg/kg. The accuracy (expressed as average recovery) was noted between 72.1 and 122%. The precision (expressed as coefficient variation) was noted from 2.9 to 16.9%. According to the CODEX CAC/GL-71 guideline accuracy, precision, linearity, and limit of detection were determined in three matrices (which were flatfish, eel and shrimp). The proposed method was suitable for analyzing the associated nitrovin residues. This application and result can also be a factor to contribute to the non-detection drugs management in fishery products.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.595-600
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• 2019

Cardiac fibrosis is a common feature in chronic hypertension patients with advanced heart failure, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is known to promote Angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated cardiac fibrosis. Previous studies have suggested a potential role for the transcription factor, ETS-1, in Ang II-mediated cardiac remodeling, however the mechanism are not well defined. In this study, we found that mice with endothelial Ets-1 deletion showed reduced cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy following Ang II infusion. The reduced cardiac fibrosis was accompanied by decreased expression of fibrotic matrix genes, reduced EndMT with decreased Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1 expression, as well as reduced cardiac hypertrophy and expression of hypertrophy-associated genes was observed. In vitro studies using cultured H5V cells further confirmed that ETS-1 knockdown inhibited $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced EndMT. This study revealed that deletion of endothelial Ets-1 attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis via inhibition of EndMT, indicating an important ETS-1 function in mediating EndMT. Inhibition of ETS-1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of heart failure secondary to chronic hypertension.