• Animal Bioscience
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• 제34권10호
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• pp.1590-1599
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigates the expression patterns of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and intracellular mediators in horse muscle cells after exercise, and the relationship between TLRS expression in stressed horse muscle cells and immune cell migration toward them. Methods: The expression patterns of the TLRs (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR8) and downstream signaling pathway-related genes (myeloid differentiation primary response 88 [MYD88]; activating transcription factor 3 [ATF3]) are examined in horse tissues, and horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and muscles in response to exercise, using the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of chemokine receptor genes, i.e., C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), are studied in PBMCs and PMNs. A horse muscle cell line is developed by transfecting SV-T antigen into fetal muscle cells, followed by examination of muscle-specific genes. Horse muscle cells are treated with stressors, i.e., cortisol, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and heat, to mimic stress conditions in vitro, and the expression of TLR4 and TLR8 are examined in stressed muscle cells, in addition to migration activity of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells. Results: The qPCR revealed that TLR4 message was expressed in cerebrum, cerebellum, thymus, lung, liver, kidney, and muscle, whereas TLR8 expressed in thymus, lung, and kidney, while TLR2 expressed in thymus, lung, and kidney. Expressions of TLRs, i.e., TLR4 and TLR8, and mediators, i.e., MYD88 and ATF3, were upregulated in muscle, PBMCs and PMNs in response to exercise. Expressions of CXCR2 and CCR5 were also upregulated in PBMCs and PMNs after exercise. In the muscle cell line, TLR4 and TLR8 expressions were upregulated when cells were treated with stressors such as cortisol, H₂O₂, and heat. Migration of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells was increased by exercise and oxidative stresses, and combinations of these. Treatment with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an antioxidant on stressed muscle cells, reduced migration of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells. Conclusion: In this study, we have successfully cultured horse skeletal muscle cells, isolated horse PBMCs, and established an in vitro system for studying stress-related gene expressions and function. Expression of TLR4, TLR8, CXCR2, and CCR5 in horse muscle cells was higher in response to stressors such as cortisol, H₂O₂, and heat, or combinations of these. In addition, migration of PBMCs toward muscle cells was increased when muscle cells were under stress, but inhibition of reactive oxygen species by MSM modulated migratory activity of PBMCs to stressed muscle cells. Further study is necessary to investigate the biological function(s) of the TLR gene family in horse muscle cells.

• Journal of Breast Cancer
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.371-381
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• 2018

Purpose: Immune suppression is common in patients with advanced breast cancer but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been sufficiently studied. In this study, we aimed to identify B7 family members that were able to predict the immune status of patients, and which may serve as potential targets for the treatment of breast cancer. We also aimed to identify microRNAs that may regulate the expression of B7 family members. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas data from 1,092 patients with breast cancer, including gene expression, microRNA expression and survival data, were used for statistical and survival analyses. Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure messenger RNA and protein expression, respectively. Luciferase assay was used to investigate direct microRNA target. Results: Bioinformatic analysis predicted that microRNA (miR)-93, miR-195, miR-497, and miR-340 are potential regulators of the immune evasion of breast cancer cells, and that they exert this function by targeting CD274, PDCD1LG2, and NCR3LG1. We chose CD274 for further investigations. We found that miR-195, miR-497, and CD274 expression levels were inversely correlated in MDA-MB-231 cells, and miR-195 and miR-497 expressions mimic inhibited CD274 expression in vitro. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that miR-195 and miR-497 directly target CD274 3' untranslated region. Conclusion: Our data indicated that the level of B7 family members can predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients, and miR-195/miR-497 regulate CD274 expression in triple negative breast cancer. This regulation may further influence tumor progression and the immune tolerance mechanism in breast cancer and may be able to predict the effect of immunotherapy on patients.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.656-668
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• 2018

Background/Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were reported to be responsible for intestinal permeability in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) rats in our previous study. However, whether and how miRNAs regulate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D remains largely unknown. Methods We established the IBS-D rat model and evaluated it using the nociceptive visceral hypersensitivity test, myeloperoxidase activity assay, restraint stress-induced defecation, and electromyographic (EMG) activity. The distal colon was subjected to miRNA microarray analysis followed by isolation and culture of colonic epithelial cells (CECs). Bioinformatic analysis and further experiments, including dual luciferase assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were used to detect the expression of miRNAs and how it regulates visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats. Results The IBS-D rat model was successfully established. A total of 24 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the distal colon of IBS-D rats; 9 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Among them, the most significant upregulation was miR-200a, accompanied by downregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and serotonin transporter (SERT). MiR-200a mimic markedly inhibited the expression of CNR1/SERT. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assay confirmed that CNR1/SERT are direct targets of miR-200a. Rescue experiments that overexpressed CNR1/SERT significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-200a on the IBS-D rats CECs. Conclusions This study suggests that miR-200a could induce visceral hyperalgesia by targeting the downregulation of CNR1 and SERT, aggravating or leading to the development and progression of IBS-D. MiR-200a may be a regulator of visceral hypersensitivity, which provides potential targets for the treatment of IBS-D.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.491-499
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• 2019

최근에, 전원 공급 장치에 있어서 파워의 품질에 대한 요구가 높아지고 있다. IEC 61000-3-2 규격은 조명을 위한 AC/DC 전원 공급 장치에 대하여 역률(PF)과 전체 파형 왜곡률(THD)에 대한 규격을 만족하도록 요구하고 있다. 또 출력단의 전류 변화에 의해 발광체 광량이 바뀜에 따라 발생되는 플리커 현상에 대해 유럽권 선진국가는 ripple rate의 기준을 15~30%로 설정해 규제하고 있다. 따라서 국내에서도 기준을 마련하고 규제를 추진 중에 있다. 그래서 본 논문은 PFC 규격을 만족하고, 회로 1차, 2차 간 절연 기능을 가지기 위해 Flyback 컨버터를 적용하며, LED 전류의 저주파 리플을 저감하기 위해 Flyback, Coupled Inductor, LC 병렬 공진 필터, LLC 공진 필터, Cuk을 이용한 각각의 LED 구동회로를 PSIM을 통해 시뮬레이션 함으로써 각각의 방식들을 비교하였으며, 출력측 리플 저감을 위해 1차측에 Coupled Inductor와 2차측에 LC 공진을 적용한 Coupled LC 공진 회로를 제안하였으며, Coupled LC 공진 방식은 출력 커패시터가 78uF으로 작으며, 출력 리플은 전압 2.38V, 전류 0.05A로 기존의 방식보다 22%의 출력 리플 저감을 확인 하였다.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.208-216
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• 2019

연구의 배경은 농촌주택이 도시주택의 공간구성을 모방하면서 원래의 모습을 잃어버리고 있기 때문이다. 이에 본 연구는 농촌주택표준설계도에 크리스토퍼 안렉산더의 패턴언어를 적용하여 농촌주택에 필요한 디자인 구성 요소를 추출하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 연구 범위와 방법은 한국 농어촌공사에서 2009년에서 2014년까지 제작 배포하고 있는 표준설계도에 패턴언어에서 제시하고 있는 디자인 패턴을 적용하여 비교 분석하는 것이다. 연구결과는 1) 표준설계도에서 주택배치는 다양한 농촌의 부지 조건을 무시하고 있었고. 2) 대부분 주택마당은 농촌생활의 다양한 행위를 담을 있는 공간임을 고려하여 적극적으로 계획하지 않았다. 3) 표준설계도는 어린이를 위한 공간이 없었고 부엌은 L.D.K 형식으로 내부공간을 통합하여 융통성 있는 공간으로 사용할 수 있도록 계획하였다. 4) 귀촌 귀농민을 위한 임대 가능한 별채와 사무공간으로 겸용할 수 있는 공간계획은 없었다. 5) 2014년에는 부부만을 위한 표준설계도 계획으로 면적이 좁은 평면계획이 많이 이루어졌다. 이와 같이 표준주택설계도에서 농촌의 환경과 생활 패턴이 무시된 부분도 있었지만, 패턴언어에서 제시하고 있는 다양한 패턴언어를 농촌주택의 표준 디자인 구성요소로 개발하여 귀촌 귀농민을 유입하고 농민들의 생활패턴에 가장 적합한 주택으로 개발할 수 있는 방안모색이 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.270-283
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• 2019

This study was aimed to explore if lncRNA MALAT1 would modify chemo-resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by regulating miR-197-3p and p120 catenin (p120-ctn). Within this investigation, we totally recruited 326 lung cancer patients, and purchased 4 NSCLC cell lines of A549, H1299, SPC-A-1 and H460. Moreover, cisplatin, adriamycin, gefitinib and paclitaxel were arranged as chemotherapies, and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated to evaluate the chemo-resistance of the cells. Furthermore, mice models of NSCLC were also established to assess the impacts of MALAT1, miR-197-3p and p120-ctn on tumor growth. Our results indicated that MALAT1 and miR-197-3p were both over-expressed within NSCLC tissues and cells, when compared with normal tissues and cells (P < 0.05). The A549, H460, SPC-A-1 and SPC-A-1 displayed maximum resistances to cisplatin ($IC50=15.70{\mu}g/ml$), adriamycin ($IC50=5.58{\mu}g/ml$), gefitinib ($96.82{\mu}mol/L$) and paclitaxel (141.97 nmol/L). Over-expression of MALAT1 and miR-197-3p, or under-expression of p120-ctn were associated with promoted viability and growth of the cancer cells (P < 0.05), and they could significantly strengthen the chemo-resistance of cancer cells (P < 0.05). MALAT1 Wt or p120-ctn Wt co-transfected with miR-197-3p mimic was observed with significantly reduced luciferase activity within NSCLC cells (P < 0.05). Finally, the NSCLC mice models were observed with larger tumor size and weight under circumstances of over-expressed MALAT1 and miR-197-3p, or under-expressed p120-ctn (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MALAT1 could alter chemo-resistance of NSCLC cells by targeting miR-197-3p and regulating p120-ctn expression, which might assist in improvement of chemo-therapies for NSCLC.

• 대한화장품학회지
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.95-103
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• 2019

입술은 각질층이 매우 얇아 수분증발에 취약하며, 노화 과정에서 주름이 증가하고, 붉은색을 잃으며, 볼륨이 감소하게 된다. 매력적인 입술을 가지기 위해 시행되는 지방이식, 필러 주입을 대체하기 위한 성분에 대한 연구는 아직 보고된 바가 거의 없으며, 최근 새로운 지방세포의 수를 증가시키는 것이 인체 내 지방을 늘릴 수 있는 방법으로 제안되고 있다. 우리는 선행연구에서 지방줄기세포를 지방세포로 분화 유도하는 천연물질로써 요엽후박나무 추출물(Magnolia officinalis bark extract)의 우수한 효능을 확인하였다. 본 연구에서는 요엽후박나무 추출물이 바이오 프린팅으로 제작한 지방 유사 구조체에서 지방(lipid droplet)의 양을 증가시키면서 분화를 촉진시킴을 3D 수준에서 확인하였다. 다음으로 입술 주름에 미치는 영향을 확인하기 위해 주름 사진으로 부터 명암값의 표준편차(SDGV)를 J 이미지 소프트 웨어를 사용하여 측정함으로써 객관적 측정 방법을 확립하였고, 주름 정도에 따른 입술 주름 그레이드를 도출하여 정량화하였다. 결과적으로 요엽후 박나무 추출물 1%를 함유한 제품을 12주간 사용했을 때, 입술 주름을 유의하게 개선시킬 수 있음을 확인하였다. 본 연구 결과는 요엽후박나무 추출물이 지방줄기세포를 지방세포로 분화 유도하는 효능을 가지며, 이러한 효능이 입술 주름을 개선하는데 도움을 줄 수 있다는 점을 시사하고, 따라서 요엽후박나무 추출물은 입술 주름과 볼륨을 개선하는 화장품 후보 소재로 적용 가능하다는 것을 보여준다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.480-494
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• 2019

Aggregates of disease-causing proteins dysregulate cellular functions, thereby causing neuronal cell loss in diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Although many in vitro or in vivo studies of protein aggregate inhibitors have been performed, a therapeutic strategy to control aggregate toxicity has not been earnestly pursued, partly due to the limitations of available aggregate models. In this study, we established a tetracycline (Tet)-inducible nuclear aggregate (${\beta}23$) expression model to screen potential lead compounds inhibiting ${\beta}23$-induced toxicity. High-throughput screening identified several natural compounds as nuclear ${\beta}23$ inhibitors, including peucedanocoumarin III (PCIII). Interestingly, PCIII accelerates disaggregation and proteasomal clearance of both nuclear and cytosolic ${\beta}23$ aggregates and protects SH-SY5Y cells from toxicity induced by ${\beta}23$ expression. Of translational relevance, PCIII disassembled fibrils and enhanced clearance of cytosolic and nuclear protein aggregates in cellular models of huntingtin and ${\alpha}$-synuclein aggregation. Moreover, cellular toxicity was diminished with PCIII treatment for polyglutamine (PolyQ)-huntingtin expression and ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression in conjunction with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment. Importantly, PCIII not only inhibited ${\alpha}$-synuclein aggregation but also disaggregated preformed ${\alpha}$-synuclein fibrils in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest that a Tet-Off ${\beta}23$ cell model could serve as a robust platform for screening effective lead compounds inhibiting nuclear or cytosolic protein aggregates. Brain-permeable PCIII or its derivatives could be beneficial for eliminating established protein aggregates.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.97-107
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• 2019

Objectives: Small animal maxillofacial models, such as non-segmental critical size defects (CSDs) in the rabbit mandible, need to be standardized for use as preclinical models of bone regeneration to mimic clinical conditions such as maxillofacial trauma. The objective of this study is the establishment of a mechanically competent CSD model in the rabbit mandible to allow standardized evaluation of bone regeneration therapies. Materials and Methods: Three sizes of bony defect were generated in the mandibular body of rabbit hemi-mandibles: $12mm{\times}5mm$, $12mm{\times}8mm$, and $15mm{\times}10mm$. The hemi-mandibles were tested to failure in 3-point flexure. The $12mm{\times}5mm$ defect was then chosen for the defect size created in the mandibles of 26 rabbits with or without cautery of the defect margins and bone regeneration was assessed after 6 and 12 weeks. Regenerated bone density and volume were evaluated using radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histology. Results: Flexural strength of the $12mm{\times}5mm$ defect was similar to its contralateral; whereas the $12mm{\times}8mm$ and $15mm{\times}10mm$ groups carried significantly less load than their respective contralaterals (P<0.05). This demonstrated that the $12mm{\times}5mm$ defect did not significantly compromise mandibular mechanical integrity. Significantly less (P<0.05) bone was regenerated at 6 weeks in cauterized defect margins compared to controls without cautery. After 12 weeks, the bone volume of the group with cautery increased to that of the control without cautery after 6 weeks. Conclusion: An empty defect size of $12mm{\times}5mm$ in the rabbit mandibular model maintains sufficient mechanical stability to not require additional stabilization. However, this defect size allows for bone regeneration across the defect. Cautery of the defect only delays regeneration by 6 weeks suggesting that the performance of bone graft materials in mandibular defects of this size should be considered with caution.

• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.735-750
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: The major challenge of tissue engineering is to develop constructions with suitable properties which would mimic the natural extracellular matrix to induce the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Poly(${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC), chitosan (CS), nano-silica ($n-SiO_2$) and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) are biomaterials successfully applied for the preparation of 3D structures appropriate for tissue engineering. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of n-HA and $n-SiO_2$ incorporated PCEC-CS nanofibers on physical properties and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle and mechanical test were applied to evaluate the physicochemical properties of nanofibers. Cell adhesion and proliferation of hDPSCs and their osteoblastic differentiation on nanofibers were assessed using MTT assay, DAPI staining, alizarin red S staining, and QRT-PCR assay. RESULTS: All the samples demonstrated bead-less morphologies with an average diameter in the range of 190-260 nm. The mechanical test studies showed that scaffolds incorporated with n-HA had a higher tensile strength than ones incorporated with $n-SiO_2$. While the hydrophilicity of $n-SiO_2$ incorporated PCEC-CS nanofibers was higher than that of samples enriched with n-HA. Cell adhesion and proliferation studies showed that n-HA incorporated nanofibers were slightly superior to $n-SiO_2$ incorporated ones. Alizarin red S staining and QRT-PCR analysis confirmed the osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs on PCEC-CS nanofibers incorporated with n-HA and $n-SiO_2$. CONCLUSION: Compared to other groups, PCEC-CS nanofibers incorporated with 15 wt% n-HA were able to support more cell adhesion and differentiation, thus are better candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.