• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.187-194
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• 1995

정상 흰쥐의 출생 후 연령과 면역억제된 흰쥐의 감염강도에 따른 혈청 내 폐포자충(Pneumocystis carinii)에 대한 항체 형성을 관찰하고자 이 연구를 수행하였다. 폐포자충을 발현시키고 순수분리하여 수용성 항원을 만들고 이를 이용하여 전기영동과 면역이적법(Immunoblot)과 효소면역법(ELISA)을 시행하여 항체반응을 관찰하였다. SDS-PAGE에 의하여 분리된 항원의 단백 질 분획은 20-200 kDa의 범위에서 20개 이상이 관찰되었다. 이들 분획 중에서 인체 양성표준 혈청에 116 kDa 분획이 강하게, 45-55 kDa 및 100 kDa 분획이 약하게 반응하였고, 흰쥐 양성표준 혈청과는 40-45 kDa 분회과 강하게 그리고 50-55 kDa, 116, 200 kDa 분획과 약하게 반응하였다. 연령 별로 이 네 분획과의 반응을 보면 출생 5일-6주까지 양성률 50-100%이고 8주에는 0% 가 되었고, 10주 이후에는 증가하여 40주에 100%가 되었다. 폐포자충의 감염량이 증가하여 감염 강도가 IV인 흰쥐에서는 면역이적으로 측정할만큼 항체를 가진 개체가 없었다. 이러한 정상과 면역 억제된 흰쥐의 혈청반응 유형은 효소면역법에서도 확인할 수 있었다. 네 항원 분획 중 40-45 kDa에 대한 혈청반응이 각 군에서 낮게 관찰되었으나 그 생물학적 의의는 아직 평가하기 어렵다. 이 결과는 흰쥐가 출생하면 모체에서 유래한 혈청 내 항폐포자충 항체를 8주가 경과하면서 모두 소실하고 그 이후에 10주부터 40주에 이르기까지 자연감염에 의해 항체를 서서히 형성하는 것을 의미한다. 면역 억제에 의하여 흰쥐가 항체를 효과적으로 생산하지 못하게 되면 혈청 내 항체량에 반비례하여 폐포자충의 감염량이 늘어난다. 이는 항체에 의해 매개되는 체액면역이 폐포자충의 감염과 직접 관련이 있다는 증거가 된다.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.682-688
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• 1997

본 논문에서는 당뇨에 의한 CYP2El의 유도와 이에 따른 지질과 산화의 증가에 비타민 C가 미치는 영향을 간 소포체와 미토콘드리아에서 알아보고자 하였다. Cy-tochrome P450의 함량은 간 소포체와 미토콘드리아 모두에서 정상과 당뇨간에 차이를 보이지 않았고, 비타민 C의 공급은 영향이 없었다. Superoxide anion에 의한 지질과 산화에 가장 큰 영향을 끼친다는 CYP2El에 대하여 immunoblotting으로 그 함량을 알아본 결과, 간 소포체 CYP2El이 당뇨에서 증가하고 비타민 C의 보강은 50mg/d의 공급으로도 현저한 감소를 보여 간 소포체 P450의 함량과는 다른 결과를 나타냈다. 간 미토콘드리아의 경우 소포체와 동량(20$\mu\textrm{g}$)의 단백질을 loading하였는데 CYP2El의 발현을 볼 수 없었다. 간 소포체와 미토콘드리아 NDMA demethylase의 활성이 정상군과 당뇨군에서 유의적인 차이를 보이지 않았으나, 250mg/d의 비타민 C 공급시 간 소포체에서는 유의적으로, 간 미토콘드리아에서는 유의적이지는 않으나 감소하였다. NDMA demethylase의 활성은 CYP1El의 함량을 반영한다고 알려져 있는데 본 연구에서는 동일한 pattern으로 진행되지는 않은 듯하다. NADPH-cyto-chrome c reductase의 활성은 NDMA demethylase의 활성과 양의 상관관계를 보였다. 따라서, 비타민 C의 공 급은 당뇨에 의한 CYP2El의 유도를 감소시키고 NDMA demethylase, NADPH-cyto-chrome c reductase와 같은 약물대사계 효소의 활성을 감소시켜 지질과 산화를 낮출 것으로 사료된다 그러나, 비타민 C의 공급량에 따라 조금씩 다른 결과를 보여 당뇨에 있어 가장 좋은 효과를 보일 수 있는 최적의 비타민 C 보강량을 결정하는 연구가 요구된다. 당뇨군에서 지질과 산화의 지표인 thiobar-bituric acid reactive substances(TBARS)의 함량이 간 소포체에서 유의적으로 증가하였고, 비타민 C의 공급랑에 의존하여 TBARS의 함량이 감소하였다. TBARS의 함량은 NDMA demethylase의 활성과 양의 상관관계를 보여 CYP2E1이 당뇨의 지질과 산화에 영향을 끼친다고 생각된다. 이러한 비타민 C의 항산화 효과는 비타민 C 자체의 항산화 능력, 비타민 E와 glutathione 같은 다른 항산화제의 절약 효과, CYP2El의 유도 저하를 통하는 것으로 생각되며 그중 어떤 것에 가장 큰 영향을 받는 지는 아직 알려지지 않았고 더욱 많은 연구가 요구된다.

• Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.204-209
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• 2018

Purpose: Growth hormone transduction defect (GHTD) is characterized by severe short stature, impaired STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) phosphorylation and overexpression of the cytokine inducible SH2 containing protein (CIS) and p21/CIP1/WAF1. To investigate the role of p21/CIP1/WAF1 in the negative regulation of the growth hormone (GH)/GH receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)/EGF Receptor pathways in GHTD. Methods: Fibroblast cultures were developed from gingival biopsies of 1 GHTD patient and 1 control. The protein expression and the cellular localization of p21/CIP1/WAF1 was studied by Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, respectively: at the basal state and after induction with $200-{\mu}g/L$ human GH (hGH) (GH200), either with or without siRNA CIS (siCIS); at the basal state and after inductions with $200-{\mu}g/L$ hGH (GH200), $1,000-{\mu}g/L$ hGH (GH1000) or 50-ng/mL EGF. Results: After GH200/siCIS, the protein expression and nuclear localization of p21 were reduced in the patient. After successful induction of GH signaling (control, GH200; patient, GH1000), the protein expression and nuclear localization of p21 were reduced. After induction with EGF, p21 translocated to the cytoplasm in the control, whereas in the GHTD patient it remained located in the nucleus. Conclusion: In the GHTD fibroblasts, when CIS is reduced, either after siCIS or after a higher dose of hGH (GH1000), p21's antiproliferative effect (nuclear localization) is also reduced and GH signaling is activated. There also appears to be a positive relationship between the 2 inhibitors of GH signaling, CIS and p21. Finally, in GHTD, p21 seems to participate in the regulation of both the GH and EGF/EGFR pathways, depending upon its cellular location.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.141-148
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• 2019

This study examined the effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I expression in the liver and muscle on the growth of Paralichthys olivaceus fed diets low in fish meal. A feeding experiment was conducted at Jeju National University, Jeju Island, Korea. Groups of P. olivaceus (total initial weight: 200 g) were maintained for 20 weeks on one of five experimental diets containing different proportions of fish meal. Diets containing 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% fish meal were labeled FM0, FM20, FM30, FM40, and FM50, respectively. Fish growth was observed every 4 weeks during the feeding experiment, and plasma and liver and muscle tissues were sampled. Plasma IGF-I levels were analyzed using an ELISA kit. The mechanism of IGF-I receptor signaling was examined using immunoblotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The greatest total weight increase was observed in the FM30 group. In parallel, plasma levels of IGF-I and IGF-binding protein were highest in the FM30 group, and mRNA and protein expression were also significantly higher in this group. The first step in the IGF-I signaling pathway, tyrosine-phosphorylation checking, occurred smoothly until 20 weeks. These results suggest that a dietary ratio of 30% fish meal best promotes growth in this species. The IGF-I signaling pathway in the liver and muscle is associated with growth in P. olivaceus.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.71-80
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• 2021

Objectives : This study investigated cellular-protective effects of Nardotidis seu Sulculii Concha water extract (NSCE) against oxidative stress induced by arachidonic acid (AA)+iron or tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP). Methods : In vitro, MTT assay was assessed for cell viability, and immunoblotting analysis was performed to detect expression of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and autophagy related proteins. In vivo, mice were orally administrated with the aqueous extract of NSCE of 500 mg/kg for 3 days, and then injected with CCl₄ 0.5 mg/kg body weight to induce acute damage. The level of liver damage was measured by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analysis. Results : Treatment with NSCE inhibited cell death induced by AA+iron and tBHP. NSCE induced the phosphorylation of AMPK, and this compound also induced the phosphorylation of LKB1, an upstream kinase of AMPK, and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a primary downstream target of AMPK. NSCE increased the protein levels of autophagic markers (LC3II and beclin-1) and decreased the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and simultaneously increased the phosphorylation of unc-51-like kinase-1 (ULK-1) in time-dependent manner. Conclusions : NSCE has the ability 1) to protect cells against oxidative stress induced by AA+iron or tBHP. NSCE 2) to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and 3) to regulate autophagy, an important regulator in cell survival.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.418-425
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• 2022

Background: Sorafenib is effective in treating hepatoma, but most patients develop resistance to it. STAT3 signaling has been implicated in sorafenib resistance. Artesunate (ART) and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have anti-hepatoma effects and can inhibit STAT3 signaling in cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Rg3 in combination with ART (Rg3-plus-ART) in overcoming sorafenib resistance, and to examine the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. Methods: Sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2-SR) were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. A HepG2-SR hepatoma-bearing BALB/c-nu/nu mouse model was used to assess the in vivo anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. CCK-8 assays and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Immunoblotting was employed to examine protein levels. ROS generation was examined by measuring DCF-DA fluorescence. Results: Rg3-plus-ART synergistically reduced viability of, and evoked apoptosis in HepG2-SR cells, and suppressed HepG2-SR tumor growth in mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that Rg3-plus-ART inhibited activation/phosphorylation of Src and STAT3 in HepG2-SR cultures and tumors. The combination also decreased the STAT3 nuclear level and induced ROS production in HepG2-SR cultures. Furthermore, overactivation of STAT3 or removal of ROS diminished the anti-proliferative effects of Rg3-plus-ART, and removal of ROS diminished Rg3-plus-ART's inhibitory effects on STAT3 activation in HepG2-SR cells. Conclusions: Rg3-plus-ART overcomes sorafenib resistance in experimental models, and inhibition of Src/STAT3 signaling and modulation of ROS/STAT3 signaling contribute to the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a pharmacological basis for developing Rg3-plus-ART into a novel modality for treating sorafenib-resistant hepatoma.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권6호
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• pp.780-789
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• 2022

Background: Incretin impairment, characterized by insufficient secretion of L-cell-derived glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is a defining step of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ginsenoside compound K (CK) can stimulate GLP-1 secretion; however, the potential mechanism underlying this effect has not been established. Methods: CK (40 mg/kg) was administered orally to male db/db mice for 4 weeks. The body weight, oral glucose tolerance, GLP-1 secretion, gut microbiota sequencing, bile acid (BA) profiles, and BA synthesis markers of each subject were then analyzed. Moreover, TGR5 expression was evaluated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, and L-cell lineage markers involved in L-cell abundance were analyzed. Results: CK ameliorated obesity and impaired glucose tolerance in db/db mice by altering the gut microbiota, especially Ruminococcaceae family, and this changed microbe was positively correlated with secondary BA synthesis. Additionally, CK treatment resulted in the up-regulation of CYP7B1 and CYP27A1 and the down-regulation of CYP8B1, thereby shifting BA biosynthesis from the classical pathway to the alternative pathway. CK altered the BA pool by mainly increasing LCA and DCA. Furthermore, CK induced L-cell number expansion leading to enhanced GLP-1 release through TGR5 activation. These increases were supported by the upregulation of genes governing GLP-1 secretion and L-cell differentiation. Conclusions: The results indicate that CK improves glucose homeostasis by increasing L-cell numbers, which enhances GLP-1 release through a mechanism partially mediated by the gut microbiota-BA-TGR5 pathway. Therefore, that therapeutic attempts with CK might be useful for patients with T2DM.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제59권6호
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• pp.615-623
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• 2021

Human sparganosis is a food-borne parasitic disease caused by the plerocercoids of Spirometra species. Clinical diagnosis of sparganosis is crucial for effective treatment, thus it is important to identify sensitive and specific antigens of plerocercoids. The aim of the current study was to identify and characterize the immunogenic proteins of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei plerocercoids that were recognized by patient sera. Crude soluble extract of the plerocercoids were separated using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunoblot and mass spectrometry analysis. Based on immunoblotting patterns and mass spectrometry results, 8 antigenic proteins were identified from the plerocercoid. Among the proteins, cysteine protease protein might be developed as an antigen for diagnosis of sparganosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.337-346
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside Rb2, a major active component of Panax ginseng, has various physiological activities, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the rejuvenation effect of Rb2 in human skin cells have not been elucidated. Methods: We performed a senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining assay to confirm cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The regulatory effects of Rb2 on autophagy were evaluated by analyzing the expression of autophagy marker proteins, such as microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain (LC) 3 and p62, using immunoblotting. Autophagosome and autolysosome formation was monitored using transmission electron microscopy. Autophagic flux was analyzed using tandem-labeled GFP-RFP-LC3, and lysosomal function was assessed with Lysotracker. We performed RNA sequencing to identify potential target genes related to HDF rejuvenation mediated by Rb2. To verify the functions of the target genes, we silenced them using shRNAs. Results: Rb2 decreased β-galactosidase activity and altered the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in senescent HDFs. Rb2 markedly induced the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and LC3 puncta. Moreover, Rb2 increased lysosomal function and red puncta in tandem-labeled GFP-RFP-LC3, which indicate that Rb2 promoted autophagic flux. RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of DNA damage-regulated autophagy modulator 2 (DRAM2) was induced by Rb2. In autophagy signaling, Rb2 activated the AMPK-ULK1 pathway and inactivated mTOR. DRAM2 knockdown inhibited autophagy and Rb2-restored cellular senescence. Conclusion: Rb2 reverses cellular senescence by activating autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway and induction of DRAM2, suggesting that Rb2 might have potential value as an antiaging agent.

• 한방비만학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2023

Objectives: Noni fruit juice (NFJ) is liquor extracted from Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit and has been used as an herbal remedy in many countries. However, the NFJ's anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory effects on adipocytes are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the commercially standardized NFJ effects on lipid accumulation throughout 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods: Cellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were assessed subsequently via the Oil Red O staining and AdipoRed assay. MTS assay was used to examine NFJ cytotoxicity in (differentiating) 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Immunoblotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to measure the expression levels of target protein and mRNA in (differentiating) 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, respectively. Results: NFJ treatment at 150 μL/mL led to a substantial reduction of fat accumulation and TG content during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis with no discernable impact on the cell viability. Of note, while NFJ treatment (150 μL/mL) largely inhibited the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β (PPAR-β) protein expressions, it did not influence PPAR-γ in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Of interest, treatment with IL-1β at 20 ng/mL for 4 hours elicited in firm induction of iNOS mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. However, NFJ treatment at 100 or 200 μL/mL greatly attenuated the IL-1β-induced iNOS mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Conclusions: NFJ has anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory effects on (differentiating) 3T3-L1 preadipocytes which are in part intervened via control of the expression of C/EBP-α, PPAR-β, and iNOS.