• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.334-347
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• 2008

Background and Objective : Haeyeol-tang, composed of Houttuyniae Herba, Lonicerae Flos, Taraxaci Herba, and Scrophulariae Radix, is widely used for alleviating the symptom of various kinds of inflammatory pulmonary disease, including asthma and COPD. We want to know whether Haeyeol-tang has an anti-inflammatory effect by analyzing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Materials and Methods : We differentiated the THP-1 cells into macrophage-like cells by treatment with PMA. Inflammation was induced by treatment with LPS and PMA. We found the safe concentration of Haeyeol-tang by using MTS assay and used PD98059 as a negative control for comparison of anti-inflammatory effect of Haeyeol-tang. Results : The RT-PCR analysis results show that the cell survival rate is over 100% within 1 ng/mL to 1 ug/mL of Haeyeol-tang and begins to decrease under 100% at 10 ug/mL. The gene expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $TGF-{\beta}$ levels were down-regulated when Haeyeol-tang was treated at concentrations between 1 ng/mL an 1 ug/mL on monocyte-derived macrophages. Interestingly, 1 ug/mL Haeyeol-tang-treated samples showed that the transcriptional activities of IL-8, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-10 and $TGF-{\beta}$ were more down-regulated than those of PD098059 $(TNF-{\alpha}$ inhibitor). At protein level, the ELISA analysis results showed that there were more remarkable (p<0.001) decreases in expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ on both the 1 ug/mL Haeyeol-tang-treated group and the PD98059-treated group than the LPS-treated group. Conclusion : We conclude that Haeyeol-tang has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at mRNA and protein levels. These results may provide us a promising way to care for general inflammatory diseases as well as inflammatory pulmonary disease, including asthma and COPD, with further clinical study.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.14 no.6 s.67
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• pp.967-974
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• 2004

The osteoblastic cell activity is important for born formation, thus, this study was performed to investigation of that the effect of edible sources, Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM), on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic like cell. The effects of RCM extract on cell proliferation were measured by MIT assay. At 1, $10\;{\mu}g/mL$ of RCM extract treated, that were elevated of cell proliferation to 103 and $142\%$ via control, respectively. And the cell differentiation were measured as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 3, 9, 18, and 27 days. As the results, the $10\;{\mu}g/mL$ was increased ALP activity more than 2.6 times compared with control, 1.4 times via positive control at 27th day (p<0.05). The optical concentration of RC extract was rechecked by ALP staining and Alizarin Red staining for investigation of the induction of ALP activity, nodule formation by mineralization. mRNA expression analysis showed that the RCM $(10\;{\mu}g/mL)$ increased in SOX9 as well as ALP in MC3T3-E1 cells. These results suggest that RC extract was stimulates the MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.183-191
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• 2010

The crude ethanol extracts and their solvent-partitioned fractions derived from the leaf and twig of Viburnum dilatatum Thunb. were investigated for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging efficacy. The results showed that the butanol-soluble fraction ($SC_{50}\;=\;110.30\;{\mu}g/mL$) exhibited higher anti-oxidant activity than the crude ethanol extract ($SC_{50}\;=\;117.03\;{\mu}g/mL$) in the DPPH assay model. Then, the effects of the same extract samples on the production of nitric oxide were examined in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Although the hexane and methylene chloride-soluble fraction showed a weak anti-oxidant activity, they exhibited potent inhibitory activity of NO production above 50 % at a concentration of $10\;{\mu}g/mL$. The hexane-soluble fraction also showed the inhibitory effect on mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such an TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7. These results suggest that the solvent extracts of Viburnum dilatatum Thunb. could be used as an anti-irritation ingredient.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.447-453
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• 2001

Background: Although pulmonary resection is the standard approach for the management of pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcoma, most of them are unresectable and chemotherapy remains the only option. The effectiveness of the cytotoxic drugs may be limited by the toxicities that occur before the therapeutic dose is reached. The regional administration of doxorubicin using pulmonary arterial perfusion in a rodent model can produce 10 to 25 times higher concentrations in the lung than systemic administration with minimal systemic toxicities. However, it is unclear whether a high concentration of doxorubicin has beneficial effects for killing cancer cells. Material and Method: We studied this to evaluate the dose-dependent cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of doxorubicin on methylcholanthrene-induced rat fibrosarcoma(MCA) cells. This study examined the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-related gene expressions(Fas, FasL, Bax, caspase 1, caspase 2, caspase 8, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bcl-xS) in MCA cells after 24 hours exposure to various concentrations of doxorubicin such as 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 $\mu$M. Result: Dose-dependent cytotoxicity was observed after 24 hours exposure to doxorubicin. However, peak apoptosis after 24 hours exposure was observed at 5 $\mu$M of doxorubicin. Above 5 $\mu$M, apoptotic activity was decreased with dose-increment. All mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes after 24 hours exposure were up-regulated above the control level at 1 $\mu$M of doxorubicin and then decreased by doxorubicin dose-increment except caspase 8, which showed higher levels than the control level at 5 $\mu$M. Apoptosis-related protein levels were highest at 1 $\mu$M of doxorubicin and then decreased by doxorubicin dose-increment. However, Bax and Bcl-xL proteins steadily showed higher levels than the control throughout the different concentrations of doxorubicin. Conclusion: These results suggest that apoptosis is the main cytotoxic mechanism in low concentrations of doxorubicin in MCA cells and apoptosis-related genes, such as Bax, caspase 8, and Bcl-xL, are involved. At high concentrations, doxorubicin still can kill MCA cells, even when apoptosis is inhibited, and have its propriety for achieving much cytotoxicity against MCA cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.420-429
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• 2018

Skin ageing is associated with compromised performance of its fundamental barrier functions, with undesirable changes in appearance. Since this may introduce a detrimental impact on the quality of life, significant effort to discover effective ingredients against ageing is being invested. Recently, collagen hydrolysates containing tripeptides such as GlyPro-Hyp (GPH) have been developed with anticipation of improved effects compared to that of existing collagen hydrolysate-products. To evaluate the cutaneous hydration effect of collagen tripeptides (CTP), meaningful biomarkers in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and NC/Nga Tnd mice were analyzed in this study. Increased levels of ceramide kinase, hyaluronic acid, collagen 1A, and hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS2), and decreased levels of hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL1) and CD44 in HDF cells were demonstrated. Furthermore, significant reduction of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), scratching behavior, HYAL1, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 and increased water content and HAS2 were verified by in vivo tests. These results strongly suggest the potential of CTP as a skin hydration agent.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2016

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is a protein mainly secreted by a liver. The PCSK9 plays an important role in low density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism acting as a repressor of LDL receptor through transportation of the LDLR to the lysosome for degradation. Thus, the PCSK9 inhibitor suppresses PCSK9-regulated degradation of the LDL receptor as a LDL-lowering medicine. However, little is known about the role of PCSK9 in the reproductive system. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated Pcsk9 expression in male reproductive tracts including penises, prostates and testes using rats in response to their diets between a normal diet and a high-fat diet with cholesterol. Based on our previous study, the high-fat diet elevates concentration of total cholesterol and LDL in serum whereas it reduces the concentration of plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, it dramatically affects to morphological changes of the male reproductive organs. Consistent with these results, the expression of Pcsk9 was substantially decreased in the penile tissues (P < 0.001) from rats fed a high fat diet as compared to a normal diet. Moreover, it slightly reduced in the prostate and testes (P < 0.05) of rats in response to a high fat diet. Localization of Pcsk9 was predominantly detected in urethral epithelium of penises, cylinder-shaped cells of prostate glands, and spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatid of testes of rats. Collectively, results of current study provide invaluable insights into the Pcsk9 gene with respect to its tissue- and cell-specific expression by a high fat diet with cholesterol.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.299-306
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• 1999

Purpose : The human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a multisystem disease characterized by extreme radiosensitivity. The recent identification of the gene mutated in AT, ATM, and the demonstration that it encodes a homologous domain of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), the catalytic subunit of an enzyme involved in transmitting signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, provide support for a role of this gene in signal transduction. Although ionizing radiation was known to induce c-fos transcription, nothing is known about how ATM or PKCI mediated signal transduction pathway modulates the c-fos gene transcription and gene expression. Here we have studied the effect of PKCI on radiation sensitivity and c-fos transcription in normal and AT cells. Materials and Methods: Normal (LM217) and AT (AT5BIVA) cells were transfected with PKCI expression plasmid and the overexpression and integration of PKCI was evaluated by northern blotting and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. 5 Gy of radiation was exposed to LM and AT cells transfected with PKCI expression plasmid and cells were harvested 48 hours after radiation and investigated apoptosis with TUNEL method. The c-fos transcription activity was studied by performing CAT assay of reporter gene after transfection of c-fos CAT plasmid into AT and LM cells. Results: Our results demonstrate for the first time a role of PKCI on the radiation sensitivity and c-fos expression in LM and AT cells. PKCI increased radiation induced apoptosis in LM cells but reduced apoptosis in AT cells. The basal c-fos transcription activity is 70 times lower in AT cells than that in LM cells. The c-fos transcription activity was repressed by overexpression of PKCI in LM cells but not in AT cells. After induction of c-fos by Ras protein, overexpression of PKCI repressed c-fos transcription in LM cells but not in AT cells Conclusion: Overexpression of PKCI increased radiation sensitivity and repressed c-fos transcription in LM cells but not in AT cells. The results may be a. reason of increased radiation sensitivity of AT cells. PKCI may be involved in an ionizing radiation induced signal transduction pathway responsible for radiation sensitivity and c-fos transcription. The data also provided evidence for novel transcriptional difference between LM and AT cells.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.488-498
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• 2003

Background : Activation of the transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$ has been shown to protect cells from tumor necrosis factor-alpha, chemotherapy, and radiation-induced apoptosis. NF-${\kappa}B$-dependent cIAP expression is a major antiapoptotic mechanism for that. NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and cIAP expression in A549 lung cancer cells which is relatively resistant to radiation-induced cell death were investigated for the mechanism of radioresistance. Materials and methods : We used A549 lung cancer cells and Clinac 1800C linear accelerator for radiation. Cell viability test was done by MTT assay. NF-${\kappa}B$ activation was tested by luciferase reporter gene assay, Western blot for $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation, and electromobility shift assay. For blocking ${\kappa}B$, MG132 and transfection of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$-superrepressor plasmid construct were used. cIAP expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and cIAP2 promoter activity was performed using luciferase assay system. Results : MTT assay showed that cytotoxicity even 48 hr after radiation in A549 cells were less than 20%. Luciferas assay demonstrated weak NF-${\kappa}B$ activation of $1.6{\pm}0.2$ fold compared to PMA-induced $3.4{\pm}0.9$ fold. Radiation-induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation was observed in Western blot and NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding was confirmed by EMSA. However, blocking NF-${\kappa}B$ using MG132 and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$-superrepressor transfection did not show any sensitizing effect for radiation-induced cell death. The result of RT-PCR for cIAP1 & 2 expression was negative induction while TNF-${\alpha}$ showed strong expression for cIAP1 & 2. The cIAP2 promoter activity also did not show any change compared to positive control with TNF-${\alpha}$. Conclusion : We conclude that activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ does not determine the intrinsic radiosensitivity of cancer cells, at least for the cell lines tested in this study.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.643-653
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• 2003

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) / FGF receptor (FGFR) mediated signaling is required for skeletogenesis in cluding intramembranous and endochondral ossifications Runx2 ($Cbfa1/Pebp2{\alpha}A/AML3$) is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Murine calvaria and mandible are concurrently undergoing both intramembranous bone and cartilage formations in the early developmental stage. However the mechanism by which these cartilage formations are regulated remains unclear. To elucidate the effect of FGF signaling on development of cranial sutural cartilage and Meckel's cartilage and to understand the role of Runx2 in these process, we have done both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Alcian blue staining showed that cartilage formation in sagittal suture begins from embryonic stage 16 (E16), Meckel's cartilage formation in mandible from E12. We analyzed by in situ hybridization the characteristics of cartilage cells that type II collagen, not type X collagen, was expressed in sagittal sutural cartilage and Meckel's cartilage. In addition, Runx2 was not expressed in Meckel's cartilage as well as sagittal sutural cartilage, except specific expression pattern only surrounding both cartilages. FGF signaling pathway was further examined in vitro. Beads soaked in FGF2 placed on the sagittal suture and mandible inhibited both sutural and Meckel's cartilage formations. We next examined whether Runx2 gene lies in FGF siganling pathway during regulation of cartilage formation. Beads soaked in FGF2 on sagittal suture induced Runx2 gene expression. These results suggest that FGF signaling inhibits formations of sagittal sutural and Meckel's cartilages, also propose that FGF siganling is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of chondroblasts through regulating the transcription factor Runx2.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.247-268
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• 1996

It has been known for a long time that gonadotropins and steroid hormones play a pivotal role in a series of reproductive biological phenomena including the maturation of ovarian follicles and oocytes, ovulation and implantation, maintenance of pregnancy and fetal growth & development, parturition and mammary development and lactation. Recent investigations, however, have elucidated that in addition to these classic hormones, multiple growth factors also are involved in these phenomena. Most growth factors in reproductive organs mediate the actions of gonadotropins and steroid hormones or synergize with them in an autocrine/paracrine manner. The insulin-like growth factor(IGF) system, which is one of the most actively investigated areas lately in the reproductive organs, has been found to have important roles in a wide gamut of reproductive phenomena. In the present communication, published literature pertaining to the intrauterine IGF system will be reviewed preceded by general information of the IGF system. The IGF family comprises of IGF-I & IGF-II ligands, two types of IGF receptors and six classes of IGF-binding proteins(IGFBPs) that are known to date. IGF-I and IGF-II peptides, which are structurally homologous to proinsulin, possess the insulin-like activity including the stimulatory effect of glucose and amino acid transport. Besides, IGFs as mitogens stimulate cell division, and also play a role in cellular differentiation and functions in a variety of cell lines. IGFs are expressed mainly in the liver and messenchymal cells, and act on almost all types of tissues in an autocrine/paracrine as well as endocrine mode. There are two types of IGF receptors. Type I IGF receptors, which are tyrosine kinase receptors having high-affinity for IGF-I and IGF-II, mediate almost all the IGF actions that are described above. Type II IGF receptors or IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptors have two distinct binding sites; the IGF-II binding site exhibits a high affinity only for IGF-II. The principal role of the type II IGF receptor is to destroy IGF-II by targeting the ligand to the lysosome. IGFs in biological fluids are mostly bound to IGFBP. IGFBPs, in general, are IGF storage/carrier proteins or modulators of IGF actions; however, as for distinct roles for individual IGFBPs, only limited information is available. IGFBPs inhibit IGF actions under most in vitro situations, seemingly because affinities of IGFBPs for IGFs are greater than those of IGF receptors. How IGF is released from IGFBP to reach IGF receptors is not known; however, various IGFBP protease activities that are present in blood and interstitial fluids are believed to play an important role in the process of IGF release from the IGFBP. According to latest reports, there is evidence that under certain in vitro circumstances, IGFBP-1, -3, -5 have their own biological activities independent of the IGF. This may add another dimension of complexity of the already complicated IGF system. Messenger ribonucleic acids and proteins of the IGF family members are expressed in the uterine tissue and conceptus of the primates, rodents and farm animals to play important roles in growth and development of the uterus and fetus. Expression of the uterine IGF system is regulated by gonadal hormones and local regulatory substances with temporal and spatial specificities. Locally expressed IGFs and IGFBPs act on the uterine tissue in an autocrine/paracrine manner, or are secreted into the uterine lumen to participate in conceptus growth and development. Conceptus also expresses the IGF system beginning from the peri-implantation period. When an IGF family member is expressed in the conceptus, however, is determined by the presence or absence of maternally inherited mRNAs, genetic programming of the conceptus itself and an interaction with the maternal tissue. The site of IGF action also follows temporal (physiological status) and spatial specificities. These facts that expression of the IGF system is temporally and spatially regulated support indirectly a hypothesis that IGFs play a role in conceptus growth and development. Uterine and conceptus-derived IGFs stimulate cell division and differentiation, glucose and amino acid transport, general protein synthesis and the biosynthesis of mammotropic hormones including placental lactogen and prolactin, and also play a role in steroidogenesis. The suggested role for IGFs in conceptus growth and development has been proven by the result of IGF-I, IGF-II or IGF receptor gene disruption(targeting) of murine embryos by the homologous recombination technique. Mice carrying a null mutation for IGF-I and/or IGF-II or type I IGF receptor undergo delayed prenatal and postnatal growth and development with 30-60% normal weights at birth. Moreover, mice lacking the type I IGF receptor or IGF-I plus IGF-II die soon after birth. Intrauterine IGFBPs generally are believed to sequester IGF ligands within the uterus or to play a role of negative regulators of IGF actions by inhibiting IGF binding to cognate receptors. However, when it is taken into account that IGFBP-1 is expressed and secreted in primate uteri in amounts assessedly far exceeding those of local IGFs and that IGFBP-1 is one of the major secretory proteins of the primate decidua, the possibility that this IGFBP may have its own biological activity independent of IGF cannot be excluded. Evidently, elucidating the exact role of each IGFBP is an essential step into understanding the whole IGF system. As such, further research in this area is awaited with a lot of anticipation and attention.