• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.479-497
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions. Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans. MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C). Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT's effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION: CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1016-1023
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• 2018

Regenerative orthopedics needs significant devices to transplant human stem cells into damaged tissue and encourage automatic growth into replacements suitable for the human skeleton. Soft biomaterials have similarities in mechanical, structural and architectural properties to natural extracellular matrix (ECM), but often lack essential ECM molecules and signals. Here we engineer mineralized polysaccharide beads to transform MSCs into osteogenic cells and osteoid tissue for transplantation. Bone morphogenic proteins (BMP-2) and indispensable ECM proteins both directed differentiation inside alginate beads. Laminin and collagen IV basement membrane matrix proteins fixed and organized MSCs onto the alginate matrix, and BMP-2 drove differentiation, osteoid tissue self-assembly, and small-scale mineralization. Augmentation of alginate is necessary, and we showed that a few rationally selected small proteins from the basement membrane (BM) compartment of the ECM were sufficient to up-regulate cell expression of Runx-2 and osteocalcin for osteoid formation, resulting in Alizarin red-positive mineral nodules. More significantly, nested BMP-2 and BM beads added to a non-union skull defect, self-generated osteoid expressing osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) in a chain along the defect, at only four weeks, establishing a framework for complete regeneration expected in 6 and 12 weeks. Alginate beads are beneficial surgical devices for transplanting therapeutic cells in programmed (by the ECM components and alginate-chitosan properties) reaction environments ideal for promoting bone tissue.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2022

Halophytes are plants that live in harsh environments in coastal regions and are known for their diverse chemical compositions. Limonium tetragonum, a halophyte endemic to Korean shores, is known for its bioactive compounds and is utilized in folk medicine. In this study L. tetragonum extract (LHE) was used to determine and evaluate its anti-osteoporotic properties. Pre-adipocyte and pre-osteoblasts were induced to differentiate along with LHE treatment, and their differentiation was evaluated using differentiation markers. LHE treatment decreased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during adipogenesis. Results indicated that the LHE treatment also decreased the levels of key adipogenic transcription factors: PPARγ, SREBP1c, and C/EBPα. Enhancing osteoblastogenesis by LHE treatment was confirmed in osteoblastogenesis-induced MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. Cells treated with LHE resulted in increased calcification and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity compared with osteoblasts without LHE treatment. Pro-osteogenic and anti-adipogenic effects were also confirmed in D1 murine mesenchymal stromal cells which are capable of differentiation into both adipocytes and osteoblasts. LHE hindered adipogenesis and enhanced osteoblastogenesis in D1 MSCs in a similar fashion. In conclusion, L. tetragonum is believed to possess the potential to be utilized as a nutraceutical ingredient against osteoporotic conditions.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.663-668
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• 2015

hBMSCs are multipotent cells that are useful for tissue regeneration to treat degenerative diseases and others for their differentiation ability into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, adipocytes, hepatocytes and neuronal cells. In this study, biodegradable elastic hydrogels consisting of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic poly(${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were evaluated for tissue engineering because of its biocompatibility and the ability to control the release of bioactive peptides. The primary cultured cells from human bone marrow are confirmed as hBMSC by immunohistochemical analysis. Mesenchymal stem cell markers (collagen type I, fibronectin, CD54, $integrin1{\beta}$, and Hu protein) were shown to be positive, while hematopoietic stem cell markers (CD14 and CD45) were shown to be negative. Three different hydrogel scaffolds with different block compositions (PEG:PCL=6:14 and 14:6 by weight) were fabricated using the salt leaching method. The hBMSCs were expanded, seeded on the scaffolds, and cultured up to 8 days under static conditions in Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Media (IMDM). The growth of MSCs cultured on the hydrogel with PEG/PCL= 6/14 was faster than that of the others. In addition, the morphology of MSCs seemed to be normal and no cytotoxicity was found. The coating of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) containing scaffold with Matrigel slowed down the release of VEGF in vitro and promoted the angiogenesis when transplanted into BALB/c nude mice. These results suggest that hBMSCs can be supported by a biode gradable hydrogel scaffold for effective cell growth, and enhance the angiogenesis by Matrigel coating.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2014

Although the majority of surviving pigs cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) appear to be physiologically normal, there is a general lack of detailed hemato-physiologic studies for the period of early adulthood to substantiate this claim. In the present study, we investigated variation in blood chemistry and endocrinological parameters between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from cloned and normal age-matched female and male miniature pigs. Cloned females and males showed normal ranges for complete blood count assessments. Biochemical assessments showed that ${\gamma}$-GGT, ALT and cholesterol levels of male and female clones were significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively) higher than that of age-matched control miniature pigs. Variations in insulin and IGF-1 were higher in female clones than in male clones and controls. Thus, although female and male cloned miniature pigs may be physiologically similar to normal animals, or at least within normal ranges, a greater degree of physiological and endocrinological variation was found in cloned pigs. The above variation must be taken into account before considering cloned female or male miniature pigs for various biomedical applications.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.96-105
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• 2023

Probiotic supplements have promising therapeutic effects on chronic diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-obesity effects of two potential probiotics, Bifidobacterium bifidum DS0908 (DS0908) and Bifidobacterium longum DS0950 (DS0950). Treatment with DS0908 and DS0950 postbiotics significantly induced the expression of the brown adipocyte-specific markers UCP1, PPARγ, PGC1α, PRDM16 and beige adipocyte-specific markers CD137, FGF21, P2RX5, and COX2 in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, both potential probiotics and postbiotics noticeably reduced body weight and epididymal fat accumulation without affecting food intake. DS0908 and DS0950 also improved insulin sensitivity and glucose use in mice with HFD-induced obesity. In addition, DS0908 and DS0950 improved the plasma lipid profile, proved by reduced triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, DS0908 and DS0950 improved mitochondrial respiratory function, confirmed by the high expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins, during thermogenesis induction in the visceral and epididymal fat in mice with HFD-induced obesity. Notably, the physiological and metabolic changes were more significant after treatment with potential probiotic culture-supernatants than those with the bacterial pellet. Finally, gene knockdown and co-treatment with inhibitor-mediated mechanistic analyses showed that both DS0908 and DS0950 exerted anti-obesity-related effects via the PKA/p38 MAPK signaling activation in C3H10T1/2 MSCs. Our observations suggest that DS0908 and DS0950 could potentially alleviate obesity as dietary supplements.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.545-550
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• 2023

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern, which requires novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or mitigate bone loss. Natural compounds have attracted attention as potential therapeutic agents due to their safety and efficacy. In this study, we investigated the regulatory activities of boeravinone B (BOB), a natural rotenoid isolated from the medicinal plant Boerhavia diffusa, on the differentiation of osteoclasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the two main cell components responsible for bone remodeling. We found that BOB inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function, as determined by TRAP staining and pit formation assay, with no significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, our results showing that BOB ameliorates ovariectomy-induced bone loss demonstrated that BOB is also effective in vivo. BOB exerted its inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis by downregulating the RANKL/RANK signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, resulting in the suppression of osteoclast-specific gene expression. Further experiments revealed that, at least phenomenologically, BOB promotes osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSCs but inhibits their differentiation into adipocytes. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that BOB inhibits osteoclastogenesis and promotes osteoblastogenesis in vitro by regulating various signaling pathways. These findings suggest that BOB has potential value as a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.496-505
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• 2015

PURPOSE. To determine the effect of fibronectin (FN)-conjugated, microgrooved titanium (Ti) on osteoblast differentiation and gene expression in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Photolithography was used to fabricate the microgrooved Ti, and amine functionalization (silanization) was used to immobilize fibronectin on the titanium surfaces. Osteoblast differentiation and osteoblast marker gene expression were analyzed by means of alkaline phosphatase activity assay, extracellular calcium deposition assay, and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS. The conjugation of fibronectin on Ti significantly increased osteoblast differentiation in MSCs compared with non-conjugated Ti substrates. On the extracellular calcium deposition assays of MSCs at 21 days, an approximately two-fold increase in calcium concentration was observed on the etched 60-${\mu}m$-wide/10-${\mu}m$-deep microgrooved surface with fibronectin (E60/10FN) compared with the same surface without fibronectin (E60/10), and a more than four-fold increase in calcium concentration was observed on E60/10FN compared with the non-etched control (NE0) and etched control (E0) surfaces. Through a series of analyses to determine the expression of osteoblast marker genes, a significant increase in all the marker genes except type I collagen ${\alpha}1$ mRNA was seen with E60/10FN more than with any of the other groups, as compared with NE0. CONCLUSION. The FN-conjugated, microgrooved Ti substrate can provide an effective surface to promote osteoblast differentiation and osteoblast marker gene expression in MSCs.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.226-234
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• 2003

Ipriflavone (IP), a non-hormonal isoflavone derivative, has been shown to interfere with bone remodeling by inhibiting bone resorption and stimulating bone formation. IP consistently increased the amount of Ca incorporated into the cell layer by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we developed the novel IP loaded poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds for the possibility of the application of the tissue engineered bone. IP/PLGA scaffo1ds were prepared by solvent casting/salt leaching method and were characterized by porosimeter, scanning electron microscopy, determination of residual salt amount, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffractometer, respectively. IP/PLGA scaffolds were implanted into the back of athymic nude mouse to observe the effect of IP on the osteoinduction compared with control PLGA scaffo1ds. Thin sections were cut from paraffin embedded tissues and histological sections were stained H&E, von Kossa, and immunohistochemical staining for Type I collagen and osteocalcin. It can be observed that the porosity was above 91.7% and the pore size was above 101 $\mu\textrm{m}$. Control scaffo1d and IP/PLGA scaffo1ds of 50% IP were implanted on the back of athymic nude mouse to observe the effect of IP on the induction of cells proliferation for 9 weeks. The evidence of calcification, osteoblast, and osteoid from the undifferentiated stem cells in the subcutaneous sites and other soft connective tissue sites having a preponderance of stem cells has been observed. From these results, it seems that IP plays an important role for bone induction in IP/PLCA scaffolds.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.23-34
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• 2009

Objectives: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) comprise a promising tool for cellular therapy. It is known that long-term in vitro culture of human bone marrow and adipose tissue derived-MSCs lead to a reduction of life span and a change of stem-like characters. The aim of our study was to examine whether stem cell properties of human umbilical cord-derived stem cells (HUC) could be affected by in vitro expansion. Methods: HUC were isolated from human umbilical cord and cultured for 10 passages in vitro. Morphology and population doubling time (PDT) were investigated, and changes of stem cell properties were examined using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry during serial subcultures. Results: Morphology and PDT of HUC began to change slightly from the 7th passage (p7). Expression level of nestin and vimentin mRNAs increased along with the culture period from p4 until p10. In contrast, expression level of SCF mRNA decreased during the same culture period. Expression level of Oct-4 and HNF-4${\alpha}$ mRNAs was not significantly changed throughout the culture period until p10. Expression level of BMP-4, FGF-5, NCAM and HLA-ABC mRNAs appeared to increase as the culture continued, however, the difference was not significant. Immunocytochemical studies showed that HUC at p3, p6 and p9 positively were stained with antibodies against SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 proteins. Interestingly, staining intensity of HUC for ICAM-1 and HLA-ABC gradually increased throughout the culture period. Intensity against thy-1 and fibronectin antibodies increased at p9 while that against TRA-1-60 and VCAM-1 antibodies began to decrease at p6 until p9. Conclusions: These results suggest that HUC change some of their stem cell characteristics during in vitro culture. Development of culture system might be needed for the maintenance of characteristics.