• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.67-67
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• 2003

Tributyltin chloride (TBTCI) is an organotin compounds that have been widely used as antifouling agents and bioaccumulated in the food chain. TBTCI has been known to induce imposex in female gastropods. There are several reports that TBTCI increased testosterone level and inhibited the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme. In this studies, we investigated the effects of TBTCI on steroidogenesis in testes, We dosed to 4-week-old Spragus-Dawleys (SD) male rats with TSTCI (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20mg/kg/day) daily by gavage for 14 days. TBTCI significantly decreased the weights of seminal vesicle, prostate, cowper's gland and LABC at 10 and 20mg/kg/day but significantly Increased the weights of liver at 10 and 20mg/kg/day and adrenals at 20mg/kg/day. mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and P450 aromatase were decreased and mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 17$\alpha$-hydroxylase/$C_{17-20}$ lyase (P450c17) were increased by TBTCI. TBTCI significantly increased serum testosterone level in dose-dependent manner. From above results, we found that TBTCI altered mRNA levels of enzymes related steroidogenesis, weights of organs and serum testosterone levels. This suggests that change of hormone levels may be due to alteration of mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzyme in testes, but further studies are necessary to investigate hormone levels in testis organ in order to find a relation of enzyme related to steroidogenesis with hormone levels. This work was supported by the Korea FDA Grant KFDA-03131-EDS-010.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.285-287
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• 1999

Changes in the expression level of splenocyte $IFN-{\gamma}$mRNA of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats infected with Paragonimus westermani were analyzed by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by southern blot. The template RNA was extracted from the splenocytes of rats infected with 20 metacercariae of P. westermani. The products of competitive RT-PCR were subjected to southern blot and enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL), and analyzed with a densitometer. In comparison with that of uninfected control rat splenocytes (value of 1), the levels of mRNA expression of $IFN-{\gamma}$had changed to 0.747 at 1 week post infection (PI), 0.00175 at 2 week PI, 0.0217 at 3 week PI, 0.194 at 4 week PI and then to 0.537 at 5 week PI. The level at 7 week PI had returned to 1.25, comparable with that of uninfected rats. These results show that, when infected with p. westermani, the levels of $IFN-{\gamma}$ mRNA of SD rat splenocytes were remarkably reduced by more than 500 times at 2 week PI and restored to normal level at 7 week PI.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in adipose tissue causes an inflammatory response and leads to metabolic diseases. However, the association between vitamin D and adipose ER stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) alleviates ER stress in adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with different concentrations (i.e., 10-100 nM) of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ after or during differentiation (i.e., on day 0-7, 3-7, or 7). They were then incubated with thapsigargin (TG, 500 nM) for an additional 24 h to induce ER stress. Next, we measured the mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in unfold protein response (UPR) and adipogenesis using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and quantified the secreted protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the mRNA levels of UPR pathway genes were measured in adipocytes transfected with siRNA-targeting Vdr. RESULTS: Treatment with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ during various stages of adipocyte differentiation significantly inhibited ER stress induced by TG. In fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment suppressed mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 and decreased the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, downregulation of the mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 following 1,25(OH)₂D₃ administration was not observed in Vdr-knockdown adipocytes. In addition, exposure of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ inhibited transcription of Ddit3, sXbp1, Atf4, Bip, and Atf6 and reduced the p-alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)/eIF2α and p-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/PERK protein ratios. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment before adipocyte differentiation reduced adipogenesis and the mRNA levels of adipogenic genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ prevents TG-induced ER stress and inflammatory responses in mature adipocytes by downregulating UPR signaling via binding with Vdr. In addition, the inhibition of adipogenesis by vitamin D may contribute to the reduction of ER stress in adipocytes.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.293-300
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• 1998

Previous studies have shown that the heterocycles including thiazoles are efficacious in inducing phase phase II metabolizing enzyme as well as certain cytochrome P450s and that the inductin of these matabolizing enzymes by the heterocyclic agents is highly associated with their hepatotoxicity. In the present study, the effects of benzylisothiazole (BIT), which has a isothiazole moiety, on the expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), major glutathione S-transerases and cytochrome P450s were studied in the rat liver in association with its hepatotoxicity. Treatment of rats with BIT(1.17 mmol/kg, 1~3d) resulted in substantial increases in the mEH. rGSTA2, rGSTA2, rGSTM1 and rGSTM2 mRNA levels, whereas rGSTA3 and rGSTA5 mRNA levels were increased to much lesser extents. A time-course study showed that the mRNA levels of mEH and rGSTs were greater at 24hr after treatment than those after 3 days of consecutive treatment. Relative changes in mEH and rGST mRNA levels were consistent with those in the proteins, as assessed by Western immunoblot analysis. Hepatic cytochrom P450 levels were monitored after BIT treatment under the assumption that metabolic activation of BIT may affect expression of the enzymes in conjunction with hepatotoxicity. Immunoblot analysis revealed that cytochrome P450 2B1/2 were 3-to 4-fold induced in rats teatd with BIT(1.17 mmol/kg/day.3days), whereas P450 1A2, 2C11 and 3A1/2 levels were decreased to 20~30% of those in unteatd rats. P450 2E1 was only slightly decreased by BIT. Thus, the levels of several cytochrome P450s were suppressed by BIT treatment. Rats treated with BIT at the dose of 1.17mmol/kg for 3 days exhibited extensive multifocal nodular necrosis with moderate to extensive diffuse liver cell degeneration. No notable toxicity was observed in the kidney. These results showed that BIT induces mEH and rGSTs in the liver with increases in the mRNA levels, whereas the agent significantly decreased major cytochrome P450s. The changes in the detoxifying enzymes might be associated with the necrotic liver after consecutive treatment.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.618-625
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• 2009

The objective of this work was to study the direct effects of daidzein on steroidogenesis in cultured mouse Leydig cells. Adult mouse Leydig cells were purified by Percoll gradient centrifugation, and the cell purity was determined using a $3{\beta}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($3{\beta}$-HSD) staining method. The purified Leydig cells were exposed to different concentrations ($10^{-7}$ M to $10^{-4}$ M) of daidzein for 24 h under basal and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated conditions. The cell viability and testosterone production were determined, and the related mechanisms of daidzein action were also evaluated using the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 and measuring the mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and $3{\beta}$-HSD-1 involved in testosterone biosynthesis. The results revealed that daidzein did not influence cell viability. Daidzein increased both basal and hCG-stimulated testosterone production in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was statistically significant at concentrations of $10^{-5}$ M and $10^{-4}$ M daidzein (p<0.05). ICI 182,780 had no influence on daidzein action. RTPCR results revealed that $10^{-5}$ M and $10^{-4}$ M daidzein did not exert any obvious influence on the mRNA level of P450scc in Leydig cells. However, in the presence of hCG, these concentrations of daidzein significantly increased the StAR and $3{\beta}$-HSD-1 mRNA levels (p<0.05), but in the absence of hCG, only $10^{-5}$ M and $10^{-4}$ M daidzein up-regulated the StAR and $3{\beta}$-HSD-1 mRNA expression (p<0.05), respectively. These results suggest that daidzein has direct effect on Leydig cells. Daidzein-induced increase of testosterone production is probably not mediated by the estrogen receptor but correlates with the increased mRNA levels of StAR and $3{\beta}$-HSD-1.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2010

The present study investigated the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA as a stress response during salinity changes (35, 10, and 0 psu) and water temperature changes (from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$, $1^{\circ}C$/day) in black porgy. We cloned the full-length GR cDNA from the kidney and examined its expression in the gill, kidney, and intestine by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) during salinity and water temperature changes. During salinity changes, the levels of GR mRNA in the gill, kidney, and intestine were highest at 0 psu, and the levels of plasma cortisol and glucose were elevated, but triiodothyronine ($T_3$) decreased. Also, during water temperature changes, the levels of GR mRNA in the gill, kidney, and intestine increased at $30^{\circ}C$. Plasma parameters also increased with an increase in water temperature. Therefore, this upregulation of GR mRNA was a good indicator of stress, such as those resulting from changes in salinity and water temperature.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.115-115
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• 2002

To evaluate the correlations between the expression of cyclin B1 mRNA and protein after stimulation and oocyte activation and development of nuclear transferred mouse embryos, this study was performed. The oocyte activation was induced by 7% ethanol or 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ Ca-ionophore without (single) or with (combined) 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ cycloheximide (CH). Cyclin B1 mRNA and protein in mouse oocytes was evaluated by PCR and western blot. The activation and blastocyst development in both single (P<0.05) and combined (P<0.01) stimulation was higher than in non-activated group. The cyclin B1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in both single and combined stimulation groups (P<0.05), respectively. Cyclin B1 mRNA expression showed a negative correlation between activation and blastocyst development in both single and combined stimulation groups. And also the expression of cyclin B1 protein showed a negative correlation with between oocyte activation and blastocysts development in both single and combined stimulation groups. In conclusion, it may suggest that single and combined stimulation increases the oocyte activation and blastocyst development of nuclear transferred embryos, because it induces the degradation of cyclin B1 mRNA and protein after activation in enucleated mouse oocytes.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1654-1657
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• 2006

This study was performed to examine whether HC is effective in controlling molecular components known to be involved in RA, FLS were used to determine possible regulatory effects of HC on levels of inflammatory cytokines. Major findings are summarized as follows. TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression levels in FLS cells which had been repressed by 10, 100 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of HC treatment. IL-6 mRNA expression levels in FLS cells which had been repressed by 10, 100 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of HC treatment. IL-1${\beta}$ mRNA expression levels in FLS cells which had been repressed by 10, 100 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of HC treatment. The present data suggest that FLS which has been activated by IL-1 and TNF-${\alpha}$ co-treatment decreased production of inflammatory cytokines then, HC treatment by repressed the production of these molecules.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.227-235
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• 2022

To investigate the aging-related physiological functions of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), we examined mRNA expression changes in aging-related genes due to oxidative stress inhibition by 630-nm red light OLEDs. As a result of irradiating 630-nm OLED with an intensity of 5 mW/cm² for 15 min, the viability of dermal fibroblasts significantly increased by 1.3-fold. In addition, reactive oxygen species generated by H₂O₂ were significantly reduced about 4.9-fold by irradiation with 630-nm OLED. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results showed that 630-nm OLEDs altered aging-related gene mRNA expression levels through antioxidant activity. The mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase1 (MMP1) and MMP9 decreased significantly, by about 2.2- and 2.5-fold, compared to the control group, whereas those of collagen, type I, and alpha 1 increased significantly, by 4.9-fold. The mRNA expression levels of cancer suppression genes p16 and p53 in dermal fibroblasts were also significantly reduced by 630-nm OLED irradiation, by about 1.4- and three-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Overall, it was confirmed that 630-nm OLED irradiation lowered the level of ROS formation induced by H₂O₂ in dermal fibroblasts, and that this antioxidant effect could regulate the mRNA expression levels of aging- and tumor suppression-related genes. This study shows a link between 630-nm OLED irradiation and anti-aging physiological functions such as antioxidant function, and suggests the potential of OLEDs as a useful light source for skin care.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.5467-5472
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• 2013

Objective: To construct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) eukaryotic expression vectors targeting Livin and Survivin genes, and to explore the impact of co-transfection of Livin and Survivin shRNA expression vectors on the biological behavior of HepG2 cells. Methods: shRNA eukaryotic expression vectors pSD11-Livin and pSD11-Survivin were designed and constructed then transfected into HepG2 cells separately or in combination. mRNA and protein expression in transfected cells was assessed by quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay and cell apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Results: The Livin and Survivin shRNA eukaryotic expression vectors were successfully constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells. The relative mRNA expression levels of Livin and Survivin in HepG2 cells co-transfected with pSD11-Livin and pSD11-Survivin were $0.12{\pm}0.02$ and $0.33{\pm}0.13$, respectively, which was significantly lower than levels in cells transfected with either pSD11-Livin or pSD11-Survivin (P<0.05). The relative protein expression levels of Livin and Survivin in the co-transfected cells were also significantly decreased compared to single-transfection (P<0.05). The inhibition rate of cell growth in the co-transfection group was higher than that in the single-transfection groups at 48 h, 60 h, or 72 h after transfection (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate increased to the greatest extent in the co-transfection group relative to any other group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Co-transfection with pSD11-Livin and pSD11-Survivin was more efficient than transfection with either vector alone in reducing the mRNA and protein expression of Livin and Survivin genes in HepG2 cells. Co-transfection also inhibited the proliferation of transfected cells more than the other groups, and induced cellular apoptosis more effectively.