• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.12
• /
• pp.2008-2020
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary corn resistant starch (RS) on the intestinal morphology and barrier functions of broilers. Methods: A total of 320 one-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments: one normal corn-soybean (NC) diet, one corn-soybean-based diet supplementation with 20% corn starch (CS), and 3 corn-soybean-based diets supplementation with 4%, 8%, and 12% corn resistant starch (RS) (identified as 4% RS, 8% RS, and 12% RS, respectively). Each group had eight replicates with eight broilers per replicate. After 21 days feeding, one bird with a body weight (BW) close to the average BW of their replicate was selected and slaughtered. The samples of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum digesta, and blood were collected. Results: Birds fed 4% RS, 8% RS and 12% RS diets showed lower feed intake, BW gain, jejunal villus height (VH), duodenal crypt depth (CD), jejunal VH/CD ratio, duodenal goblet cell density as well as mucin1 mRNA expressions compared to the NC group, but showed higher concentrations of cecal acetic acid and butyric acid, percentage of jejunal proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and delta like canonical Notch ligand 4 (Dll4), and hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 mRNA expressions. However, there were no differences on the plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactic acid concentration among all groups. Conclusion: These findings suggested that RS could suppress intestinal morphology and barrier functions by activating Notch pathway and inhibiting the development of goblet cells, resulting in decreased mucins and tight junction mRNA expression.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.207-215
• /
• 2009

Numerous factors can affect the activities of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) hormonal axis, resulting in alteration of reproductive capacity or status such as onset of puberty and menopause. Soon after the finding of leptin, a multifunctional hormone secreted from adipocytes, a close relationship between reproduction and body energy balance have been manifested. Ghrelin, another multifunctional hormone from gastrointestinal tract, is an endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), and is thought to be a counterpart of leptin in the regulation of energy homeostasis. As expected, ghrelin can also modulate the reproductive capacity through the modulation of activities of HPG axis. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the discovery, gene structures, tissue distribution and roles of ghrelin and GHSRs in mammalian reproduction in particular modulation of reproductive hormone secretion in HPG axis. Like POMC gene expression in pituitary gland, preproghrelin gene can generate a complex repertoire of transcripts which further undergo alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications. Concerning the roles of preproghrelin gene products in the control of body physiology except energy homeostasis, limited knowledge is available so far. Several lines of evidence, however, show the interplay of ghrelin between metabolism and reproduction. In rat and human, the distribution of ghrelin receptor GHSRs (GHSR1a and GHSR1b) has been confirmed not only in the hypothalamus and pituitary which were originally postulated as target of ghrelin but also in the testis and ovary. Expression of the preproghrelin gene in the brain and gonads was also verified, suggesting the local role (s) of ghrelin in HPG axis. Ghrelin might play a negative modulator in the secretions of hypothalamic GnRH, pituitary gonadotropins and gonadal steroids though the action on pituitary is still questionable. Recent studies suggest the involvement of ghrelin in regulation of puberty onset and possibly of menopause entry. It is now evident that ghrelin is a crucial hormomal component in 'brain-gut' axis, and is a strong candidate links between metabolism and reproduction. Opposite to that for leptin, ghrelin signaling is likely representing the 'hunger' state of body energy balance and is necessary to avoid the energy investment into reproduction which has not a top priority in maintaining homeostasis. Further researches are needed to gain a deep insight into the more precise action mechanism and role of ghrelin in reproduction, and to guarantee the successful biomedical applications.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.211-220
• /
• 2020

The activity of CAR can be regulated not only by ligand binding but also by phosphorylation of regulatory factors involved in extracellular signaling pathways, cross-talk interactions with transcription factors, and the recruitment, degradation, and expression of coactivators and corepressors. This regulation of CAR activity can in turn have effects on the control of diverse physiological homeostasis, including xenobiotic and energy metabolism, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis. CAR is phosphorylated by the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which causes formation of a complex with Hsp-90 and CCRP, leading to its cytoplasmic retention, whereas phenobarbital inhibits ERK1/2, which causes dephosphorylation of the downstream signaling molecules, leading to the recruitment to CAR of the activated RACK-1/PP2A components for the dephosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and the transcriptional activation of CAR. Activated CAR cross-talks with FoxO1 to induce inhibition of its transcriptional activity and with PGC-1α to induce protein degradation by ubiquitination, resulting in the transcriptional suppression of PEPCK and G6Pase involved in gluconeogenesis. Regulation by CAR of lipid synthesis and oxidation is achieved by its functional cross-talks, respectively, with PPARγ through the degradation of PGC-1α to inhibit expression of the lipogenic genes and with PPARα through either the suppression of CPT-1 expression or the interaction with PGC-1α each to induce tissue-specific inhibition or stimulation of β-oxidation. Whereas CAR stimulates cellular proliferation by suppressing p21 expression through the inhibition of FoxO1 transcriptional activity and inducing cyclin D1 expression, it suppresses apoptosis by inhibiting the activities of MKK7 and JNK-1 through the expression of GADD45B. In conclusion, CAR is involved in the maintenance of homeostasis by regulating not only xenobiotic metabolism but also energy metabolism, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis through diverse cross-talk interactions with extracellular signaling pathways and intracellular regulatory factors.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.337-343
• /
• 2009

Purpose: ((R)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-1-[$^{11}$C]methyl-N(1-propyl)-3-isoquinoline carboxamide ((R)-PK11195) is a specific ligand for the peripheral type benzodiazepine receptor and a marker of activated microglia, used to measure inflammation in neurologic disorders. We report here that a direct and simple radiosynthesis of [$^{11}$C](R)-PK11195 in mild condition using NaH suspension in DMF and one-step loop method. Materials and Methods: (R)-N-Desmethyl-PK11195 (1 mg) in DMSO (0.1 mL) and NaH suspension in DMF (0.1 mL) were injected into a semi-prep HPLC loop. [$^{11}$C]methyl iodide was passed through HPLC loop at room temperature. Purification was performed using semi-preparative HPLC. Aliquots eluted at 11.3 min were collected and analyzed by analytical HPLC and mass spectrometer. Results: The labeling efficiency of [$^{11}$C](R)-PK11195 was 71.8$\pm$8.5%. The specific activity was 11.8:$\pm$6.4 GBq/$\mu$mol and radiochemical purity was higher than 99.2%. The mass spectrum of the product eluted at 11.3 min showed m/z peaks at 353.1 (M+1), indicating the mass and structure of (R)-PK11195. Conclusion: By the one-step loop method with the [$^{11}$C]CH3l automated synthesis module, [$^{11}C$](R)-PK11195 could be easily prepared in high radiochemical yield using NaH suspension in DMF.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.563-570
• /
• 2004

The insulin-like growth factor(IGF) system, consisting of IGFs-I and -II ligands and their receptors and six IGF-binding proteins(IGFBPs), plays an important role in survival, proliferation and differentiation of a variety of cell types. Lithium is a known modulator of survival and proliferation of many cell types in vitro. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between LiCI-induced changes in cell survival and growth and the expression of the IGF system components in C6 rat glioma cell line which, besides IGF-I and its receptor, is known to express IGFBP-3 as its major IGF carrier. When C6 cells were cultured for 24h in the absence or presence of 2mM or 5mM LiCl in a 10% serwn-containing medium, the viability and the number of cells were not affected by added lithium. In 72-h culture, however, C6 cells clearly exhibited a dose-dependent response to added LiCl. The cells cultured for 72h in the presence of 0, 2mM and 5mM LiCl exhibited a typical mitotic, a growth-arrested and an apoptotic appearances, respectively. Moreover, the apoptotic cells were accompanied by reduced expression of IGF-I, IGF-I receptor and IGFBP-3 as examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Interestingly, blockade of IGFBP-3 mRNA translation by addition of 101${\mu}M$ IGFBP-3 anti-sense oligodeoxyribonucleotide in serum-free, 24-h culture resulted in a decrease in the number of cells as well as relative abundance of the target mRNA. In summary, results suggest that the cytotoxic effect of lithium in C6 cell is likely to be mediated, in part, by suppression by this agent of the expression of the IGF system components. In this regard, IGFBP-3 may play at least a 'permissive' role in normal proliferation of this cell.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.96-105
• /
• 2005

For screening of autoregulator receptor gene from Streptomyces longwoodensis, PCR was performed with primers of receptor gene designed on the basis of amino acid sequences of autoregulator receptor proteins with known function. PCR products were subcloned into the BamHIsite of pUC19 and transformed into the E. coli $DH5{\alpha}$. The isolated plasmid from transformant contained the fragment of 100 bp, which was detected on $2\%$ gel after BamHI treatment. The insert, 100 bp PCR product, was confirmed as the expected internal segment of gene encoding autoregulator receptor protein by sequencing. Southern and colony hybridizations with the 100 bp fragment as a probe allowed to select a genomic clone of S. longwoodensis, pSLT harboring a 4.4 kb SphI fragment. Nucleotide sequencing analyses revealed a 651 bp open reading frame(ORF) were isolated protein showing moderate homology ($35{\sim}46\%$) with the ${\Gamma}$-butyrolactone autoregulator receptors from Streptomyces sp., and this ORF was named sltR The sltR/pET-17b plasmid was constructed to overexpress the recombinant SltR protein (rSltR) in E. coli BL21 (DE3)/pLysS, and the rSltR protein was purified to homogeneity by DEAE-Sephacel column chromatography, and DEAE-5PW chromatography (HPLC). The molecular mass of the purified rSltR protein was 55 kDa by HPLC gel-filtration chromatography and 28 kDa by SDS-PAGE, indicating that the rSltR protein is present as a dimer. A binding assay with tritium-labeled autoregulators revealed that the rSltR has clear binding activity with a A-factor type autoregulator as the most effective ligand.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.321-334
• /
• 1995

Basic studies for the effective extraction of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(APDC) complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) into a solvent have been performed. The maximum distribution ratio was appeared (log D=1.3543) at pH 2.0 and the partition coefficient was 2.489 in the extraction of $4{\times}10^{-5}M$ APDC itself into chloroform. From the UV/visible spectra of metal-chelates in aqueous and organic solutions, the pH to form stable 1:2 metal-ligand complexes were Co(II):5.0, Ni(II):8.0 and Cu(II):8.0, respectively and only 1 minute was enough to be partitioned into the chloroform. Besides, the partition and extraction equilibria of the complexes were investigated by back-extracting $10.0{\mu}g/ml$ metal-chelates from the solvent into an aqueous solution beacuse of their slight solubilities in the aqueous solution. The distribution coefficients and extractabilities were as follows : at pH 6.5~8.5 of the aqueous solution, log D=2.834 : E(%)=99.9% for $Co(PDC)_2$, at pH 11, log D=5.699 E%=100 for $Ni( PDC)_2$, and at pH 6.0, log D=2.025 : E(%)=99.1% for $Cu(PDC)_2$. And the extraction and formation constants were log $K_{ex}=9.671$ : log ${\beta}_2=6.938$ for $Co(PDC)_2$, log $K_{ex}=9.646$ : log ${\beta}_2=7.071$ for $Ni( PDC)_2$, and log $K_{ex}=9.074$ : log ${\beta}_2=7.049$ for $Cu(PDC)_2$, respectively. From these results, an optimum extraction procedure can be constructed for the separative concentration of trace metallic ions, and the quantitative determination of them in advanced materials and environmental samples will be expected without any influence of sample matrixes.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.77-90
• /
• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this review Is to provide an update on novel radiation treatments for head and neck cancer Recent Findings: Despite the remarkable advances In chemotherapy and radiotherapy techniques, the management of advanced head and neck cancer remains challenging. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Is an appealing target for novel therapies In head and neck cancer because not only EGFR activation stimulates many important signaling pathways associated with cancer development and progression, and importantly, resistance to radiation. Furthermore, EGFR overexpression Is known to be portended for a worse outcome in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Two categories of compounds designed to abrogate EGFR signaling, such as monoclonal antibodies (Cetuxlmab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ZD1839 and 051-774) have been assessed and have been most extensively studied In preclinical models and clinical trials. Additional TKIs In clinical trials include a reversible agent, Cl-1033, which blocks activation of all erbB receptors. Encouraging preclinical data for head and neck cancers resulted In rapid translation Into the clinic. Results from Initial clinical trials show rather surprisingly that only minority of patients benefited from EGFR inhibition as monotherapy or In combination with chemotherapy. In this review, we begin with a brief summary of erbB- mediated signal transduction. Subsequently, we present data on prognostic-predictive value of erbB receptor expression in HNC followed by preclinlcal and clinical data on the role of EGFR antagonists alone or in combination with radiation In the treatment of HNC. Finally, we discuss the emerging thoughts on resistance to EGFR biockade and efforts In the development of multiple-targeted therapy for combination with chemotherapy or radiation. Current challenges for investigators are to determine (1 ) who will benefit from targeted agents and which agents are most appropriate to combine with radiation and/or chemotherapy, (2) how to sequence these agents with radiation and/or cytotoxlc compounds, (3) reliable markers for patient selection and verification of effective blockade of signaling in vivo, and (4) mechanisms behind intrinsic or acquired resistance to targeted agents to facilitate rational development of multi-targeted therapy, Other molecuiar-targeted approaches In head and neck cancer were briefly described, Including angloenesis Inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, and gene therapy Summary: Novel targeted theraples are highly appealing in advanced head and neck cancer, and the most premising strategy to use them Is a matter of intense Investigation.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.44 no.5
• /
• pp.403-409
• /
• 2000

The formation and dissociation rates of $Zn^{2+}$ Complexes with l,4,7,10-tetraaza-13,16-diox-acyclooctadecane-N,N',N",N'"-tetraacetic acid (1), 1,4,7,10-tetraaza-13,16- dioxacyclooctadecane-N,N',N",N'"-tetramethylacetic acid (2), and 1,4,7,10-tetraaza-13,16- dioxacyclooctadecane-N,N',N",N'"-tetrapropionic acid(3) have been measured by stopped-flow and conventional spectrophotometry. Observations were made at 25.0$\pm$0.1 $^{\circ}C$ and at an ionic strength of 0.10 M NaClO$_4$. The formation reactions of $Zn^{2+}$ ion with 1 and 2 took place by the rapid formation of an intermediate complex (ZnH$_3L^+$) in which the $Zn^{2+}$ ion is incompletely coor-dinated. This might then lead to be a final product in the rate-determining step.ln the pH range 4.76-5.76, the diprotonated (H2L2-) form is the kinetically active species despite of its low concentration. The stability con-stants (log$K_{(ZnH$_3$3$L^+$)}$) and specific water-assisted rate constants (koH) of intermediate complexes have been deter-mined from the kinetic data. The dissociation reactions of $Zn^{2+}$ complexes of 1,2, and 3 were investigated with $Cu^{2+}$ ions as a scavenger in acetate buffer. All complexes exhibit acid-independent and acid-catalyzed con-tributions. The effect of buffer and $Cu^{2+}$ concentration on the dissociation rate has also been investigated. The ligand effect on t dissociation rate of $Zn^{2+}$ complexes is discussed in terms of the side-pendant armsand the chelate ring sizes of the ligands.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.30 no.11
• /
• pp.983-989
• /
• 2020

The balance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts is key to bone health. An imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts leads to various bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteopetrosis. However, the bone-resorption inhibitor drugs that are currently used may cause side effects. Natural substances have recently received much attention as therapeutic drugs for the treatment of bone health. This study was designed to determine the effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae ethanol extract (TME) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. To measure the effect of TME on osteoclast differentiation, RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL with or without TME for 5 days. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity was significantly inhibited by treatment of TME without cytotoxicity up to 2 mg/ml. In addition, TME effectively suppressed expression of osteoclast differentiation-related marker genes and proteins such as TRAP, NFATc1, and c-Src. TME also significantly inhibited the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway without affecting ERK and JNK signaling in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Consequently, we conclude that TME suppresses osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenic genes expression through the p38 MAPK signaling pathways. These results suggest that TME and its bioactive components are potential therapeutics for bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.