• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1872-1881
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• 2010

Extracts of soybeans fermented by Bacillus subtilis have a wide variety of functions, such as enhancing the body's immune function, fibrinolysis activity, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, estrogen function and anti-infection effects. Recently, it was reported that the extracts of fermented beans exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties by suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and induction of apoptosis, respectively. However, the mechanisms of their cytotoxicity in human gastric cancer cells are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethyl alcohol extracts from fermented soybean (FS) and yellow agabean (FYA) on cell growth and apoptosis in AGS human gastric cancer cells. A treatment of FS and FYA inhibited the growth of AGS cells in a concentration-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis. FS- and FYA-induced apoptosis were associated with down-regulation of XIAP and cIAP-2, and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax expression. Moreover, a treatment of FS and FYA not only triggered an increase in the levels of death receptor (DR)4, DR5, Fas and FasL, but also induced the activation of casepase-3, -8 and -9. These findings illustrate that FS and FYA may have a therapeutic potential in human gastric AGS cells and as a functional food.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.873-878
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• 2017

We previously reported that NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-knockout (KO) mice exhibited spontaneous inflammation in the gut. We also found that NQO1-KO mice showed highly increased inflammatory responses compared with NQO1-WT control mice when subjected to DSS-induced experimental colitis. In a Clostridium difficile toxin-induced mouse enteritis model, NQO1-KO mice were also sensitive compared with NQO1-WT mice. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that NQO1 is functionally associated with immune regulation. Here, we assessed whether NQO1 defects can alter macrophage activation. We found that peritoneal macrophages isolated from NQO1-KO mice produced more IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ than those isolated from NQO1-WT mice. Moreover, the dicumarol-induced inhibition of NQO1 significantly increased IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production in peritoneal macrophages isolated from NQO1-WT mice, as well as in the cultured mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7. These results indicate that NQO1 may negatively regulate the activation of macrophages. Knockout or chemical inhibition of NQO1 markedly reduced the expression of $I{\kappa}B$ (inhibitor of $NF{\kappa}B$) in both mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells. Finally, RAW264.7 cells treated with dicumarol exhibited morphological changes reflecting macrophage activation. Our results suggest that NQO1 may suppress the $NF{\kappa}B$ pathways in macrophages, thereby suppressing the activation of these cells. Thus, immunosuppressive activity may be among the many possible functions of NQO1.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.129-137
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• 2018

Acute vascular rejection has been known as a main barrier occurring in a xenograted tissue of alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase knock-out (GalT KO) pig into a non-human primate (NHP). Adenosine which is a final metabolite following sequential hydrolysis of nucleotide by ecto-nucleotidases such as CD39 and CD73, act as a regulator of coagulation, and inflammation. Thus xenotransplantation of CD39 and CD73 expressing pig under the GalT KO background could lead to enhanced survival of recipient NHP. We constructed a human CD39 and CD73 expression cassette designed for endothelial cell-specific expression using porcine Icam2 promoter (pIcam2-hCD39/hCD73). We performed isolation of endothelial cells (pAEC) from aorta of 4 week-old GalT KO and membrane cofactor protein expressing pig ($GalT^{-MCP/-MCP}$). We were able to verify that isolated cells were endothelial-like cells using immunofluorescence staining analysis with von Willebrand factor antibody, which is well known as an endothelial maker, and tubal formation assay. To find optimal condition for efficient transfection into pAEC, we performed transfection with GFP expression vector using four programs of nucleofection, M-003, U-023, W-023 and Y-022. We were able find that the program W-023 was optimal for pAEC with regard to viability and transfection efficiency by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy analyses. Finally, we were able to obtain $GalT^{-MCP/-MCP}/CD39/CD73$ pAEC expressing CD39 and CD73 at levels of 33.3% and 26.8%, respectively. We suggested that pACE isolated from $GalT^{-MCP/-MCP}$ pig might be provided as a basic resource to understand biochemical and molecular mechanisms of the rejections and as an alternative donor cells to generate $GalT^{-MCP/-MCP}/CD39/CD73$ pig expressing CD39 and CD73 at endothelial cells.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.161-167
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• 2015

These commensal intestinal bacteria can enhance the immune system and aid in nutrient absorption but can also act as opportunistic pathogens. Among these intestinal bacteria, the anaerobic Bacteroides fragilis are divided into enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF) which secrete the B. fragilis toxin (BFT) and non-enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (NTBF) which do not secrete BFT. ETBF can cause diarrhea and colitis in both humans and livestock but can also be found in asymptomatic individuals. ETBF is predominantly found in patients with inflammatory diarrheal diseases and traveller's diarrhea. Several clinical studies have also reported an increased prevalence of ETBF in human patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis and colorectal cancer. In small animal models (C57BL/6 wild-type mice, germ-free mice, multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice, rabbits and Mongolian gerbils), ETBF have been found to initiate and/or aggravate IBD, colitis and colorectal cancer. BFT induces E-cadherin cleavage in intestinal epithelial cells resulting in loss of epithelial cell integrity. Subsequent activation of the ${\beta}$-catenin pathway leads to increased cellular proliferation. In addition, ETBF causes acute and chronic colitis in wild-type mice as well as enhances tumorigenesis in Min mice via activation of the Stat3/Th17 pathway. Currently, ETBF can be detected using a BFT toxin bioassay and by PCR. Advances in molecular biological techniques such as real-time PCR have allowed both researchers as well as clinicians to rapidly detect ETBF in clinical samples. The emergence of more sensitive techniques will likely advance molecular insight into the role of ETBF in colitis and cancer.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.227-232
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• 2017

Although water is an essential component of the human body and is involved in many physiological processes, the effect of a steady and sufficient water intake on blood components has not well elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the changes in hematological parameters, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) after water intake in 13 healthy adults. They were divided into two groups: The control group (N=4), which consumed water ad libitum, and the experimental group (N=9), which consumed 2 L of water per day. Two weeks later, blood cell counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin content had increased in the experimental group, although not significantly (p>0.05); however, there was a significant increase in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p<0.05; and p<0.01, respectively), and a significant decrease in the mean platelet volume (MPV) (p<0.05). Of the immunologic parameters, a non-significant decrease in the concentration of hs-CRP, an indicator of cardiovascular disease risk, was observed (p>0.05). However, there was a dramatic and significant increase in the concentration of IgG (p<0.05). In conclusion, a steady and sufficient water intake may contribute to alleviate anemia by increasing hemoglobin. Additionally, it may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing platelet activation and concentration of hs-CRP. Furthermore, a steady intake of water may improve immune function by increasing the concentration of the components of humoral immunity.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1033-1042
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• 2014

To elucidate the novel biological function of Korean traditional vinegars, crude polysaccharides were isolated from vinegars manufactured at home and abroad, and their chemical properties and immuno-stimulating activities were examined. Three kinds of polysaccharides from Korean brown rice vinegar (KBV-0), Japanese brown rice vinegar (JBV-0) and Korean persimmon vinegar (KPV-0) showed higher immuno-stimulating activity. Component sugar analysis indicated that KBV-0 and JBV-0 mainly consisted of mannan, whereas KPV-0 existed as pectic materials. Three polysaccharides did not show any cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cell, whereas RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with KBV-0, JBV-0 and KPV-0 showed enhanced production of various cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in dose-dependent manners. However, the activity of KPV-0 was more potent than that of KBV-0 and JBV-0. Also, only KPV-0 augmented FcR II expression related with phagocytosis of macrophages. The results suggest among the tested vinegars, that the Korean persimmon vinegar has the most potent immune-stimulating activity, and it could possibly serve as industrial applications as functional materials.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2016.11a
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• pp.199-199
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• 2016

Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) and Ti alloys (typically Ti-6Al-4V) display excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Although the chemical composition and topography are considered important, the mechanical properties of the material and the loading conditions in the host have, conventionally. Ti and its alloys are not bioactive. Therefore, they do not chemically bond to the bone, whereas they physically bond with bone tissue. The electrochemical deposition process provides an effective surface for biocompatibility because large surface area can be served to cell proliferation. Electrochemical deposition method is an attractive technique for the deposition of hydroxyapatite (HAp). However, the adhesions of these coatings to the Ti surface needs to be improved for clinical used. Plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) enables control in the chemical com position, porous structure, and thickness of the $TiO_2$ layer on Ti surface. In addition, previous studies h ave concluded that the presence of $Ca^{+2}$ and ${PO_4}^{3-}$ ion coating on porous $TiO_2$ surface induced adhesion strength between HAp and Ti surface during electrochemical deposition. Silicon (Si) in particular has been found to be essential for normal bone and cartilage growth and development. Zinc (Zn) plays very important roles in bone formation and immune system regulation, and is also the most abundant trace element in bone. The objective of this work was to study electrochemical characteristcs of Zn and Si coating on Ti-6Al-4V by PEO treatment. The coating process involves two steps: 1) formation of porous $TiO_2$ on Ti-6Al-4V at high potential. A pulsed DC power supply was employed. 2) Electrochemical tests were carried out using potentiodynamic and AC impedance methoeds. The morphology, the chemical composition, and the micro-structure an alysis of the sample were examined using FE-SEM, EDS, and XRD. The enhancements of the HAp forming ability arise from $Si/Zn-TiO_2$ surface, which has formed the reduction of the Si/Zn ions. The promising results successfully demonstrate the immense potential of $Si/Zn-TiO_2$ coatings in dental and biomaterials applications.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.202-208
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• 1999

Schizophrenia has many clinical expressions and probably different etiologic factors. Infections, autoimmune mechanism and related neurodevelopmental abnormalities have been suggested as possible etiologic factors of schizophrenia. It has been reported that immunoreactivity to heat shock proteins, which play a protective role against environmental stresses in a cell, might be related to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Therefore, we examined the immunoreactivity to heat shock protein 70kDa and 90kDa(HSP70 and 90) in 91 patients with schizophrenia and 83 normal controls. Ig G antibodies to HSP70 and 90 of sera were quantitated by ELISA. The optical density(OD) was measured by an automated microplate reader at a wavelength of 490nm. The amounts of antibodies to HSPs were expressed as arbitrary units(AU)/ml related to a standard serum. The limit for elevated antibody titers(anti-HSPs positive or negative) was set at two standard deviations added to the mean of the normal controls. Twenty nine(31.9%) of the 91 patients showed anti-HSP70 positive and 19(20.9%) of those showed anti-HSP90 positive. On the other hand, only 1(1.4%) of the normal controls and 4(4.8%) of those showed anti-HSP70 positive and anti-HSP90 positive, respectively. The titers of anti-HSP70 positive were related with BPRS scores, while those of anti-HSP90 positive were not. There were no relationship between antibody titers and clinical variables including age at onset, duration of illness, family history of schizophrenia or number of admission. The titers of anti-HSP70 positive were significantly associated with anti-HSP90 positive. Our results suggest the presence of abnormal immune reactivity involving HSP70 and HSP90 in a subset of patients with schizophrenia.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 1995

Characterization of immune cell subpopulations in the bovine was performed using a direct immunofluorescence technique adaptable for routine and repeated monitoring. This whole blood procedure is faster and requires less volume than conventional density gradient isolation methods. Low inter-and intra-animal variations were seen in hematology parameters and in CD4, CD8 and CD2 lymphocyte subtypes. CD4 values were 30% of lymphocytes in male and 32% in females. Thriteen percent were CD8 in males and 13% in females. CD4: CD8 ratios were approximately two in both sexes. Fiffty three percent were CD2 in males and 54% in females. The mean RBC counts of peripheral blood were 7.20$\times10^6/{mm}^3$ for male cattle and 6.36$\times10^6/{mm}^3$ for females. The mean WBC counts were 8.09$\times10^3/{mm}^3$ for males and 7.09$\times10^3/{mm}^3$ for females. The percent of lymphocytes(63-65%) was higher than the percent of neutrophils(17-18%), the percent of eosinophils(11-15%), te percent of monocytes(4-5%), and percent of basophiles(1%).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.10
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• pp.1404-1410
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• 2011

Biological compounds (caffeic acid, rosemarinic acid, and chlorogenic acid) from mulberry leaf extracts were administered to mice in order to confirm their stability. All male and female mice survived upon a 4,000 mg/g dose in an acute toxicity test, and they also survived after injection of 2,000 mg/kg for 13 weeks repeatedly. Therefore, the level of toxicity was not high. In a comparison of the control and test groups, there were no significant differences upon naked eye inspection, and the weights of stomachs infected by Helicobacter pylori were not significantly different. Regarding the effects on immune cells, NO of macrophages decreased more than that of control when medicine was administered. The spleens of the female mice group proliferated slightly in LPS and Con A within 48 hr, whereas the other test group showed a similar level and the cell toxicity of natural killing cells decreased. Therefore, we concluded that caffeic acid, rosemarinic acid, and chlorogenic acid from mulberry leaf extracts are not harmful for the treatment of infected patients the development as a healthy functional food.