• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.373-379
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• 2015

Pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the final step of glycolysis, is known to be associated with the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells, and considered an important cancer therapeutic target. Herein, we report a novel PKM2 activator, PA-12, which was identified via the molecular docking-based virtual screening. We demonstrate that PA-12 stimulates the pyruvate kinase activity of recombinant PKM2 in vitro, with a half-maximal activity concentration of $4.92{\mu}M$, and effectively suppresses both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of lung cancer cells in non-essential amino acid-depleted medium. In addition, PA-12 blocked the nuclear translocalization of PKM2 in lung cancer cells, resulting in the inhibition of hypoxia response element (HRE)-mediated reporter activity as well as hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) target gene expression, eventually leading to the suppression of cell viability under hypoxia. We also verified that the effects of PA-12 were dependent on PKM2 expression in cancer cells, demonstrating the specificity of PA-12 for PKM2 protein. Taken together, our data suggest that PA-12 is a novel and potent PKM2 activator that has therapeutic implications for lung cancer.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.169-177
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• 2015

Background: Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), one of the most abundant ingredients of Panax ginseng, protects the heart via multiple mechanisms including the inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ influx.We intended to explore the effects of GSRd on L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current ($I_{Ca,L}$) and define the mechanism of the suppression of $I_{Ca,L}$ by GSRd. Methods: Perforated-patch recording and whole-cell voltage clamp techniques were applied in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Results: (1) GSRd reduced $I_{Ca,L}$ peak amplitude in a concentration-dependent manner [half-maximal inhibitory concentration $(IC_{50})=32.4{\pm}7.1{\mu}mol/L$] and up-shifted the current-voltage (I-V) curve. (2) GSRd ($30{\mu}mol/L$) significantly changed the steady-state activation curve of $I_{Ca,L}$ ($V_{0.5}:-19.12{\pm}0.68$ vs. $-6.26{\pm}0.38mV$; n = 5, p < 0.05) and slowed down the recovery of $I_{Ca,L}$ from inactivation [the time content (${\zeta}$) from 91 ms to 136 ms, n = 5, p < 0.01]. (3) A more significant inhibitive effect of GSRd ($100{\mu}mol/L$) was identified in perforated-patch recording when compared with whole-cell recording [$65.7{\pm}3.2%$ (n = 10) vs. $31.4{\pm}5.2%$ (n = 5), p < 0.01]. (4) Pertussis toxin ($G_i$ protein inhibitor) completely abolished the $I_{Ca,L}$ inhibition induced by GSRd. There was a significant difference in inhibition potency between the two cyclic adenosine monophosphate elevating agents (isoprenaline and forskolin) prestimulation [$55{\pm}7.8%$ (n = 5) vs. $17.2{\pm}3.5%$ (n = 5), p < 0.01]. (5) 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor) and N-acetyl-$\small{L}$-cysteine (a nitric oxide scavenger) partly recovered the $I_{Ca,L}$ inhibition induced by GSRd. (6) Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (a protein kinase C activator) and GF109203X (a protein kinase C inhibitor) did not contribute to the inhibition of GSRd. Conclusion: These findings suggest that GSRd could inhibit $I_{Ca,L}$ through pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein ($G_i$) and a nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent mechanism.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.7-15
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• 2004

Nitric oxide (NO) system has been implicated in a wide range of physiological functions in the nervous system. However, the role of NO in regulating the neural activity in the gustatory zone of nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) has not been established. The present study was aimed to investigate the role of NO in the gustatory NTS neurons. Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing about 50 g, were used. Whole cell patch recording and immunohistochemistry were done to determine the electrophysiological characteristics of the rostral gustatory nucleus of the tractus solitaries and distribution of NO synthases (NOS). Neuronal NOS (nNOS) immunoreactivity was strongly detected along the solitary tract extending from rostral to caudal medulla. Resting membrane potentials of NTS neurons were $-49.2{\pm}2\;mV$ and action potential amplitudes were $68.5{\pm}2\;mV$ with a mean duration measured at half amplitude of $1.7{\pm}0.3\;ms$. Input resistance, determined from the response to a 150 ms, -100 pA hyperpolarizing current pulse, was $385{\pm}15\;M{\Omega}$, Superfusion of SNAP or SNP, NO donors, produced either hyperpolarization (68%), depolarization (5%), or no effect (27%). The hyperpolarization was mostly accompanied by a decrease in input resistance. The hyperpolarization caused by SNAP or SNP increased the time to initiate the first action potential, and decreased the number of action potentials elicited by current injection. SNP or SNAP also markedly decreased the number of firing neural discharges of the spontaneous NTS neural activity under zero current. Superfusion of L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor, slightly depolarized the membrane potential and increased the firing rate of NTS neurons induced by current injection. ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ameliorated the SNAP-induced changes in membrane potential, input resistance and firing rates. 8-Br-cGMP, a non-degradable cell-permeable cGMP, hyperpolarized the membrane potential and decreased the number of action potentials. It is suggested that NO in the gustatory NTS has an inhibitory role on the neural activity of NTS through activating soluble guanylate cyclase.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.167-167
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• 1969

Two groups of esophagus graft were done in canine esophagus in 34 adult mongrel dogs. For the first group segmental replacement graft was done with fresh autologous pericardium tube, and for the second, patch graft was done utilizing fresh autologous pericardium, fresh homologous pericardium,and dacron piece. All eight dogs in the first segmental replacement graft group died 2 to 5 days after operation with severe empyema caused by anastomosis disruption. Among 26 patch graft dogs 2 died during operation and 7 died 13 to 18 days after operation. For the 17 long-term patch grafted survivors esophagography and postoperative weight check were done. Postoperative stool was collected and examined for dacron patch excretion. One, two, three, and four months postoperative long-term survivors were sacrificed to obtain specimens in each group respectively and the following observations were made.I. Survival; Autologous pericardium patch group showed no mortality but in homologous pericardium and dacron patch group only two thirds were long-term survivors. II. Postoperative swallowing; There was no case which demonstrated postoperative dysphagia. About half of the cases showed postoperative weight increase and in only 3 cases weight decrease followed operation. III. Dacron patch was excreted in the stool 8 to 23 days after operation. Animals which excreted dacron patch up to 9 days after operation all died of empyema due to anastomosis disruption.IV. Postoperative esophagogram; All esophagograms in each group showed no leakage of barium, no passage disturbances and no remarkable stenotic signs.V. Morphological findings; [A] Macroscopical findings; In one month group specimens of each group dense adhesion with surrounding structures was noted and luminal surface was smooth with contraction of the patched area. In two month groups anastomosis sutures were still exposed but patched area showed lesser abnormality. In three to four months groups sutures were covered completely and patched area showed only very slight signs of contraction. [B] Microscopic findings; In one month group luminal surface of the replaced tissue [transplanted tissue] showed almost complete epithelial covering that is composed of several layers of squamous cells with no evidence of keratinization. Basement membrane was also well distinct throughout. Slight to minimal inflammatory cells comprising of large mononuclears, lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed in the subepithelial fibrous stroma consisted entirely of loose fibrous tissue containing many newly formed capillaries and fibroblastic proliferation. Scattered suture granulomas were found, few of which became acutely inflamed. In two months group repairing process progressed with lesser degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and young capillary proliferation. Fibrous tissue was more matured showing even focal collagenization.Suture granuloma persisted but with lesser reactive changes. Epithelial covering was that of a mature non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. In three and four months groups the replaced area showed essentially similar histological findings. However, subepithelial stroma still consisted entirely of connective tissue without evidence of smooth muscle regeneration. In this group, inflammatory cell infiltration was minimal or negligible. Among these patch materials autologous pericardium group showed the most satisfactory repairing process.The above mentioned results may signify the feasibility of autogenous pericardium patch graft in clinical esophageal surgery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.168-186
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• 1969

Two groups of esophagus graft were done in canine esophagus in 34 adult mongrel dogs. For the first group segmental replacement graft was done with fresh autologous pericardium tube, and for the second, patch graft was done utilizing fresh autologous pericardium, fresh homologous pericardium,and dacron piece. All eight dogs in the first segmental replacement graft group died 2 to 5 days after operation with severe empyema caused by anastomosis disruption. Among 26 patch graft dogs 2 died during operation and 7 died 13 to 18 days after operation. For the 17 long-term patch grafted survivors esophagography and postoperative weight check were done. Postoperative stool was collected and examined for dacron patch excretion. One, two, three, and four months postoperative long-term survivors were sacrificed to obtain specimens in each group respectively and the following observations were made. I. Survival; Autologous pericardium patch group showed no mortality but in homologous pericardium and dacron patch group only two thirds were long-term survivors. II. Postoperative swallowing; There was no case which demonstrated postoperative dysphagia. About half of the cases showed postoperative weight increase and in only 3 cases weight decrease followed operation. III. Dacron patch was excreted in the stool 8 to 23 days after operation. Animals which excreted dacron patch up to 9 days after operation all died of empyema due to anastomosis disruption. IV. Postoperative esophagogram; All esophagograms in each group showed no leakage of barium, no passage disturbances and no remarkable stenotic signs. V. Morphological findings; [A] Macroscopical findings; In one month group specimens of each group dense adhesion with surrounding structures was noted and luminal surface was smooth with contraction of the patched area. In two month groups anastomosis sutures were still exposed but patched area showed lesser abnormality. In three to four months groups sutures were covered completely and patched area showed only very slight signs of contraction. [B] Microscopic findings; In one month group luminal surface of the replaced tissue [transplanted tissue] showed almost complete epithelial covering that is composed of several layers of squamous cells with no evidence of keratinization. Basement membrane was also well distinct throughout. Slight to minimal inflammatory cells comprising of large mononuclears, lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed in the subepithelial fibrous stroma consisted entirely of loose fibrous tissue containing many newly formed capillaries and fibroblastic proliferation. Scattered suture granulomas were found, few of which became acutely inflamed. In two months group repairing process progressed with lesser degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and young capillary proliferation. Fibrous tissue was more matured showing even focal collagenization. Suture granuloma persisted but with lesser reactive changes. Epithelial covering was that of a mature non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. In three and four months groups the replaced area showed essentially similar histological findings. However, subepithelial stroma still consisted entirely of connective tissue without evidence of smooth muscle regeneration. In this group, inflammatory cell infiltration was minimal or negligible. Among these patch materials autologous pericardium group showed the most satisfactory repairing process. The above mentioned results may signify the feasibility of autogenous pericardium patch graft in clinical esophageal surgery.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.37-51
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• 1974

This Study was carried out to observe the effect of nutritional condition on the change of protein metabolism in the animal body by feeding on imbalanced protein diet. A total 242 growing male albino rats, weighing $115{\sim}120$ gm, were used for the experimental animals. The rats were fed on the standard diet(st), protein flee diet(pf) and imbalanced protein diet(ib) for twelve weeks respectively. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume in blood, and total nitrogen, amino acid nitrogen, urea-nitrogen, creatinine, transaminases(GPT, GOT) in liver and serum, and total nitrogen in small intestine, and total nitrogen, urea-nitrogen In small intestine, and total nitrogen, urea-nitrogen, creatinine, urea-nitrogen/creatinine ratio in urine were measured. The results obtained are as follows; 1. The gained body weight were lower in pf group and ib group than those of st group. The gained body weight fed for 12 weeks, were 80% lower in pf group than those of st group, and the body weight of pf group for $50{\sim}75$ days feeding were $40{\sim}60%$ decreased, compared with the stating weight, and then all of them died. 2. The change of the brain, liver, kidney, spleen and small intestine by feeding on imbalanced diet for 12 weeks were no remarkable difference with the starting weight, but those of protein free diet group were half or more decrease and those were significantly lower in spleen and small intestine especially than the other organ 3. The contents of hemoglobin in pf group for 8 weeks feeding, and the packed cell volume in pf group for 8 weeks feeding and in ib group for 12 weeks feeding were decreased. but those of the other feeding group were almost same value. 4. The total nitrogen in the liver, small intestine and serum of each diet group were no remarkable difference respectively. The contents of amino acid nitrogen in pf group for 2 and 6 weeks feeding were increased. 5. On transaminases: a) The cycle of increase and decrease of GPT activities were come periodically and the interval of cycle were fast in the early stage of feeding and slow there-after. b) The GPT activities were decreased gradually in pf group after feeding and those were increased in ib group for 6 weeks feeding but decreased there-after. The frequency of cycle were more GPT than GOT and specially those of GPT in early stage of feeding were two or three times while GOT was one. c) The interval of increase and decrease in GOT and amino acid nitrogen cycle were similar tendency. 6. The contents of total nitrogen, creatinine and urea-nitrogen of pf group in urine were decreased very sharply from sharting feeding to one week but increased dully from six weeks to eight weeks feeding. The contents of urea-nitrogen of ib group were increased dully by feeding on ten weeks but decreased by feeding on twelve weeks. From the above results, it is concluded that the trend of the metabolic change is maintained equally by homeostatic mechanism using the endogenous protein source during a certain period by imbalanced protein diet feeding. The homeostatic mechanism is come peridically, very fast in early stage of feeing and than slow there-after.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.125-134
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• 2022

본 연구는 노니(Morinda citrifolia)에 함유된 주요 생리활성물질이 RAW 264.7 세포에서 JAK/STAT 신호전달 경로를 통하여 항염증 작용에 관여하는 것을 조사하였다. 건조된 M. citrifolia 열매의 MeOH 추출에 의한 유기용매의 순차 분획에서 얻은 EtOAc 분획물(Mc-EtOAc)에서 가장 높은 항산화 활성을 확인하였고, H₂O₂로 유도된 RAW 264.7 세포의 산화적 스트레스에 대한 세포보호 효과는 처리 농도의존적으로 세포독성을 차단하였다. LPS 처리로 71.6%의 RAW 264.7 세포 생존율에서 240 ㎍/ml의 Mc-EtOAc를 전처리한 군에서 84.5%의 세포 생존율 증가를 보였다. LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 세포의 NO 생성 저해활성은 240 ㎍/ml의 Mc-EtOAc에서 양성 대조군의 절반 수준으로 NO의 생성양을 감소시켰다. Mc-EtOAc 처리로 iNOS의 발현량은 농도의존적으로 유의하게 감소하였고, COX-2의 발현은 LPS 유도로 3배 정도로 증가되었으나, 120, 240 ㎍/ml의 Mc-EtOAc를 전처리시 농도의존적으로 유의하게 감소시켰다. 또한 pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β와 TNF-α의 mRNA 발현도 억제하였다. 이러한 Mc-EtOAc의 항염증 작용이 상위 신호전달 경로인 JAK/STAT 신호전달 경로 통해 일어나지를 조사한 결과, Mc-EtOAc의 전처리로 LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 세포에서 pJAK1과 pSTAT3의 인산화 정도가 유의성 있게 감소하였다. 따라서 RAW 264.7 세포에서 Mc-EtOAc의 항염증 효과는 JAK1/STAT3 신호전달 경로를 통해 염증반응을 억제하는 것으로 사료된다.

• Design & Manufacturing
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.20-26
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• 2023

Lab-on-a-disc is a circular disc shape of cartridge that can be used for blood-based liquid biopsy to diagnose an early stage of cancer. Currently, liquid biopsies are regarded as a time-consuming process, and require sophisticated skills to precisely separate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) floating in the bloodstream for accurate diagnosis. However, by applying the lab-on-a-disc to liquid biopsy, the entire process can be operated automatically. To do so, the lab-on-a-disc should be designed to prevent blood leakage during the centrifugation, transport, and dilution of blood inside the lab-on-a-disc in the process of liquid biopsy. In this study, the main components of lab-on-a-disc for liquid biopsy are fabricated by injection molding for mass production, and ultrasonic welding is employed to ensure the bonding strength between the components. To guarantee accurate ultrasonic welding, the flatness of the components is optimized numerically by using the response surface methodology with four main injection molding processing parameters, including the mold & resin temperatures, the injection speed, and the packing pressure. The 27 times finite element analyses using Moldflow® reveal that the injection time and the packing pressure are the critical factors affecting the flatness of the components with an optimal set of values for all four processing parameters. To further improve the flatness of the lab-on-a-disc components for stable mass production, a quarter-disc shape of lab-on-a-disc with a radius of 75 mm is used instead of a full circular shape of the disc, and this significantly decreases the standard deviation of flatness to 30% due to the reduced overall length of the injection molded components by one-half. Moreover, it is also beneficial to use a quarter disc shape to manage the deviation of flatness under 3 sigma limits.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.21.1-21.12
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• 2021

Objectives: This study compared the cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and tenascin immunolabeling of a new ready-to-use hydraulic sealer (Bio-C Sealer) with MTA-Fillapex and white MTA-Angelus. Materials and Methods: L929 fibroblasts were cultivated and exposed to undiluted and diluted material extracts. Polyethylene tubes with or without (the control) the materials were implanted into the dorsa of rats. At 7 days and 30 days, the rats were euthanized, and the specimens were prepared for analysis; inflammation and immunolabeling were measured, and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05). Results: MTA-Fillapex exhibited greater cytotoxicity than the other materials at all time points (p < 0.05). The undiluted Bio-C Sealer exhibited greater cytocompatibility at 6 and 48 hours than white MTA-Angelus, with higher cell viability than in the control (p < 0.05). White MTA-Angelus displayed higher cell viability than the control at 24 hours, and the one-half dilution displayed similar results at both 6 and 48 hours (p < 0.05). At 7 days and 30 days, the groups exhibited moderate inflammation with thick fibrous capsules and mild inflammation with thin fibrous capsules, respectively (p > 0.05). At 7 days, moderate to strong immunolabeling was observed (p > 0.05). After 30 days, the control and MTA-Fillapex groups exhibited strong immunolabeling, the white MTA-Angelus group exhibited moderate immunolabeling (p > 0.05), and the Bio-C Sealer group exhibited low-to-moderate immunolabeling, differing significantly from the control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Bio-C Sealer and white MTA-Angelus exhibited greater cytocompatibility than MTA-Fillapex; all materials displayed adequate biocompatibility and induced tenascin immunolabeling.

• 한국동물학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.111-131
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• 1972

고추잠자리 複眼의 망막의 미세구조가 전자현미경적으로 연구되었다. 個眼의 綱膜層을 이루고 있는 細胞의 數는 모두 8個이나, 이는 綱膜層에 따라 그 수를 달리한다. 따라서 綱膜細胞의 수에 의해 망막층은 三分되며, 中間層의 基部綱膜細胞는 부근의 두 感桿體를 연결하고 있다. 세 개의 感桿體가 서로 $120^{\circ}$의 각도를 갖고, 융합되어 이루어진 감간체는 횡단면에서 삼각형을 이루고 있으며 絨毛突起는 外心을 둘러싸고 전자밀도가 다른 두 부분으로 나누어진다. 전자밀도가 약한 내부 絨毛突起는 세포질과 서로 通하고 있다. 粗面小胞體는 綱膜세포의 端部에서 空胞와 연결되고 있으며 수많은 미토콘드리아는 세포의 中間部位에 산재되어 있다. 圓錐晶體는 4個의 圓錐세포로서 구성되며 주위에는 많은 색소세포가 존재한다.