• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.2335-2340
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• 2014

Paclitaxel is hydrophobic in nature and is recognized as a highly toxic anticancer drug, showing adverse effects in normal body sites. In this study, we developed a polymeric nano drug carrier for safe delivery of the paclitaxel to the cancer that releases the drug in a sustained manner and reduces side effects. N-isopropylacrylamide/vinyl pyrrolidone (NIPAAm/VP) nanoparticles were synthesized by radical polymerization. Physicochemical characterization of the polymeric nanoparticles was conducted using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, which confirmedpolymerization of formulated nanoparticles. Drug release was assessed using a spectrophotometer and cell viability assays were carried out on the MCF-7 breast cancer and B16F0 skin cancer cell lines. NIPAAm/VP nanoparticles demonstrated a size distribution in the 65-108 nm range and surface charge measured -15.4 mV. SEM showed the nanoparticles to be spherical in shape with a slow drug release of ~70% in PBS at $38^{\circ}C$ over 96 h. Drug loaded nanoparticles were associated with increased viability of MCF-7 and B16F0 cells in comparison to free paclitaxel. Nano loaded paclitaxel shows high therapeutic efficiency by sustained release action for the longer period of time, i increasing its efficacy and biocompatibility for human cancer therapy. Therefore, paclitaxel loaded (NIPAAm/VP) nanoparticles may provide opportunities to expand delivery of the drug for clinical selection.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.620-631
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• 2015

A total of 59 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from corn stover silage. According to phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences and recA gene polymerase chain reaction amplification, these LAB isolates were identified as five species: Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum subsp. plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Enterococcus mundtii, Weissella cibaria and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, respectively. Those strains were also screened for antimicrobial activity using a dual-culture agar plate assay. Based on excluding the effects of organic acids and hydrogen peroxide, two L. plantarum subsp. plantarum strains ZZU 203 and 204, which strongly inhibited Salmonella enterica ATCC $43971^T$, Micrococcus luteus ATCC $4698^T$ and Escherichia coli ATCC $11775^T$ were selected for further research on sensitivity of the antimicrobial substance to heat, pH and protease. Cell-free culture supernatants of the two strains exhibited strong heat stability (60 min at $100^{\circ}C$), but the antimicrobial activity was eliminated after treatment at $121^{\circ}C$ for 15 min. The antimicrobial substance remained active under acidic condition (pH 2.0 to 6.0), but became inactive under neutral and alkaline condition (pH 7.0 to 9.0). In addition, the antimicrobial activities of these two strains decreased remarkably after digestion by protease K. These results preliminarily suggest that the desirable antimicrobial activity of strains ZZU 203 and 204 is the result of the production of a bacteriocin-like substance, and these two strains with antimicrobial activity could be used as silage additives to inhibit proliferation of unwanted microorganism during ensiling and preserve nutrients of silage. The nature of the antimicrobial substances is being investigated in our laboratory.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2973-2978
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• 2013

Maesil (Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc.), a member of the genus Rosaceae, has been reported to have antioxidative effects, as well as anticancer influence in many cancer lines. Thus, this present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of fermented Maesil with probiotics against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis via its antioxidative potential. Mice were fed a diet containing fermented Maesil, containing either 1% (1% FM fed group) or 2% (2% FM fed group) along with probiotics following DMBA and TPA exposure. Continuous ingestion of the experimental feed markedly inhibited skin carcinogenesis, as evidenced by a marked decrease in papilloma numbers and epidermal hyperplasia as well as cellular proliferation and the percentage of proliferating-cell nuclear antigen positive cells. Also, the FM fed group showed an increase of total antioxidant capacity as well as an increased level of phase II detoxifying enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, concurrent with a decreased lipid peroxidation activity level. Taken together, these results suggest that fermented Maesil has the ability to suppress the development of DMBA-TPA induced skin carcinogenesis, via the reduction of lipid peroxidation, enhancing total antioxidant capacity and phase II detoxifying enzyme.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.188-197
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• 2010

Background: Lichen-derived glucans have been known to stimulate the functions of immune cells. However, immunostimulatory activity of glucan obtained from edible lichen, Umbilicaria esculenta, has not been reported. Thus we evaluated the phenotype and functional maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) following treatment of extracted glucan (PUE). Methods: The phenotypic and functional maturation of PUE-treated DCs was assessed by flow cytometric analysis and cytokine production, respectively. PUE-treated DCs was also used for mixed leukocyte reaction to evaluate T cell-priming capacity. Finally we detected the activation of MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ by immunoblot. Results: Phenotypic maturation of DCs was shown by the elevated expressions of CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II molecules. Functional activation of DCs was proved by increased cytokine production of IL-12, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\alpha}/{\beta}$, decreased endocytosis, and enhanced proliferation of allogenic T cells. Polymyxin B, specific inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), did not affect PUE activity, which suggested that PUE was free of LPS contamination. As a mechanism of action, PUE increased phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs, and enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p50/p65 in DCs. Conclusion: These results indicate that PUE induced DC maturation via MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathways.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.10
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• pp.742-749
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• 2016

The cancer chemo-preventive effects of equol have been demonstrated for a wide variety of experimental tumours. In a previous study, we found that equol inhibited proliferation and induced apoptotic death of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. However, the mechanisms underlying equol-mediated apoptosis have not been well understood. In the present study, the dual AO (acridine orange)/EB (ethidium bromide) fluorescent assay, the comet assay, MTS, western blotting and flow cytometric assays were performed to further investigate the pro-apoptotic effect of equol and its associated mechanisms in MGC-803 cells. The results demonstrated that equol induced an apoptotic nuclear morphology revealed by AO/EB staining, the presence of a comet tail, the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP and the depletion of cIAP1, indicating its pro-apoptotic effect. In addition, equol-induced apoptosis involves the mitochondria-dependent cell-death pathway, evidenced by the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the cleavage of caspase-9 and the depletion of Bcl-xL and full-length Bid. Moreover, treating MGC-803 cells with equol induced the sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and inhibiting ERK by U0126, a MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor, significantly attenuated the equol-induced cell apoptosis. These results suggest that equol induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells via the sustained activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, equol may be a novel candidate for the chemoprevention and therapy of gastric cancer.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2020

The plant Dendropanax morbifera Léveille is effective folk medicines for the treatment of several conditions, such as infectious diseases, skin diseases, and other illnesses. Although the inhibitory effects of D. morbifera on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have been shown in our previous study, its effects in vivo remain to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of the extracts from D. morbifera (EDM) on neointimal hyperplasia of rat carotid artery and explore the underlying mechanisms. We observed that the ratio of intima to media thickness (I/M) was significantly decreased in the EDM-treated groups by ~80% compared to that of the control. The expression of Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was decreased by ~70% in the EDM-treated groups compared to that of the control. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 significantly reduced in the neointimal layer of the EDM-treated groups. Moreover, the decreased levels of contractile phenotypic markers of VSMCs, such as α-smooth muscle actin, myocardin, and smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain, were successfully restored by EDM treatment. Furthermore, the levels of synthetic phenotypic markers, cellular retinal binding protein 1 and connexin 43 were also restored to normal levels. These results suggest that EDM inhibits vascular neointimal hyperplasia induced by balloon injury in rats via phenotypic modulation of VSMCs. Therefore, EDM may be a potential drug candidate for the prevention of restenosis.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.467-473
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• 2013

This research presents a preparation method of dental components by metal injection molding process (MIM process) using titanium scrap. About $20{\mu}m$ sized spherical titanium powders for MIM process were successfully prepared by a novel dehydrogenation and spheroidization method using in-situ radio frequency thermal plasma treatment. The effects of MIM process parameters on the mechanical and biological properties of dental components were investigated and the optimum condition was obtained. After sintering at $1250^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour in vacuum, the hardness and the tensile strength of MIMed titanium components were 289 Hv and 584 MPa, respectively. Prepared titanium dental components were not cytotoxic and they showed a good cell proliferation property.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.90-96
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although the antioxidative effects of lycopene are generally known, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of lycopene are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the role and mechanism of lycopene as an inhibitor of inflammation. METHODS/MATERIALS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated SW 480 human colorectal cancer cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, and $30{\mu}M$ lycopene. The MTT assay was performed to determine the effects of lycopene on cell proliferation. Western blotting was performed to observe the expression of inflammation-related proteins, including nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), inhibitor kappa B ($I{\kappa}B$), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 (p38 MAP kinase). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: In cells treated with lycopene and LPS, the mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 were decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The concentrations of $PGE_2$ and NO decreased according to the lycopene concentration (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and JNK were decreased significantly according to lycopene concertation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene restrains $NF-{\kappa}B$ and JNK activation, which causes inflammation, and suppresses the expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS in SW480 human colorectal cancer cells.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.92-96
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• 2006

A benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma(BMPL) is a rare disease that is usually detected years after a hysterectomy or myomectomy. Despite the benign pathological appearance, these tumors can metastasize and become clinically malignant. Recently, we experienced case of BMPL with hemoptysis. A 43-year-old woman, who had undergone a hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma 8 years ago, visited our department complaining of intermittent hemoptysis. A chest CT showed bilateral multiple nodular lesions. Video-associated thoracoscopy was performed. The resected small nodular lesion revealed the proliferation of spindle cells without mitosis or nuclear atypism. The lesions tested positive to the smooth muscle marker (actin) by immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, the multiple nodules were considered as benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma from a uterine leiomyoma. GnRH analogue therapy was initiated. A chest CT showed that the size and number of pulmonary lesions did not change after 3 months, and the patient was symptom free.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.128-134
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• 2016

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a cell surface molecule to initiate a variety of cellular responses through interacting with other cell adhesion molecules in a homophilic or heterophilic manner. Although its expression was found to be upregulated in some tumor cells, including cholangiocarcinomas, and ovarian cancers, and many studies have investigated the role of L1CAM in these cancers, its role in inflammatory responses has been poorly understood. In this study, we explored the role of L1CAM in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. L1CAM significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO), but induced cell proliferation in RAW264.7 cells. L1CAM expression was detectable, but its expression was markedly decreased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS was dramatically suppressed by L1CAM in RAW264.7 cells. L1CAM inhibited the transcriptional activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 while its cytoplasmic domain deletion form, $L1{\Delta}CD$ did not suppressed their activities in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, L1CAM suppressed nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 as well as c-Jun, c-Fos and p-ATF2 which are transcription factors of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1, respectively. In conclusion, L1CAM suppressed inflammatory responses in macrophages through inhibiting NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 pathways.