• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.107-113
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• 2011

Background: Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM complex downregulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$ and -6) and $HIF1{\alpha}$ mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권7호
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• pp.809-816
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• 2019

p-Coumaric acid (p-CA)는 항산화 및 항염 활성을 가진 식물계에서 가장 풍부한 식물화학물질이다. 그러나 위암세주포에서 p-CA의 항암 활성과 전사체 발현에 대한 연구는 아직까지 수행된 바 없다. 본 연구에서는 SNU-16 위암세포에서 p-CA에 의한 세포 증식 억제 및 전사체 프로파일에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. p-CA는 세포사멸 단백질 발현을 조절하여 SNU-16 세포에서의 세포사멸을 유도하였다. RNA-seq 분석을 사용하여 p-CA처리에 의해 SNU-16 세포에서 차별적으로 발현된 유전자(DEGs)를 동정하였다. DEGs들의 gene ontology (GO) 술어로 유전자 산물을 검색한 결과, 주로 염증반응, 세포사멸 과정, 세포주기 및 면역 반응에 관여하는 생물학적 과정에 관여하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한, KEGG 경로분석 결과, p-CA는 주로 PI3K-Akt 와 암 신호전달 경로에 변화를 유발하였다. 본 연구결과는 p-CA가 세포증식과 암 신호 전달 경로에 관여하는 유전자 발현을 조절함으로써 위암 예방 효과를 나타낼 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.255-265
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1, a bioactive component isolated from the Panax ginseng, acts as a remedy to prevent myocardial injury. However, it is obscure whether the cardioprotective functions of Rb1 are related to the regulation of endogenous metabolites, and its potential molecular mechanism still needs further clarification, especially from a comprehensive metabolomics profiling perspective. Methods: The mice model of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cardiomyocytes injury were applied to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rb1. Meanwhile, the comprehensive metabolomics profiling was conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and a tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Rb1 treatment profoundly reduced the infarct size and attenuated myocardial injury. The metabolic network map of 65 differential endogenous metabolites was constructed and provided a new inspiration for the treatment of AMI by Rb1, which was mainly associated with mitophagy. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Rb1 was found to improve mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial function and promote mitophagy. Interestingly, the mitophagy inhibitor partly attenuated the cardioprotective effect of Rb1. Additionally, Rb1 markedly facilitated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), and AMPK inhibition partially weakened the role of Rb1 in promoting mitophagy. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rb1 protects acute myocardial ischemia injury through promoting mitophagy via AMPKα phosphorylation, which might lay the foundation for the further application of Rb1 in cardiovascular diseases.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.57-65
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• 2022

본 연구는 MM의 화학적 조성 및 용해도 특성을 분석하고 칼슘강화 요구르트의 제조의 적용가능성을 분석하고자 실시되었다. MM의 화학적 성분을 분석한 결과 MM은 83% 무기질로 구성되어 있으며, 유당이 7.5%, 단백질은 3.3% 정도였으며, 지방은 1% 미만으로 존재하였다. 무기질을 구성하는 주 성분인 칼슘과 인은 약 46% 및 36%로 1.28:1의 비율로 존재하였다. MM은 pH가 감소할수록 용해도가 증가하였으며, pH 4와 5에서의 용해도는 각각 98%, 53%로 나타났다. MM을 첨가하여 제조한 칼슘 강화 요구르트는 200 mg/100 mL 수준까지 산생성속도, 생균수에서 유의적 차이를 나타내지는 않았지만 점도는 칼슘의 첨가수준이 증가함에 따라 유의적으로 증가하였다. 칼슘강화 요구르트의 미세구조 관찰 결과 겔의 공극이 감소하고 단백질 네트워크가 치밀해지는 변화가 확인되었으나 기호도 특성을 분석한 관능검사 결과에서는 칼슘무첨가 대조구와 비교하여 유의적인 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 그러므로, MM은 요구르트는 품질 특성의 변화 없이 칼슘강화 기능성 유제품을 제조하는데 활용될 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.14.1-14.17
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• 2021

Scrub typhus develops after the individual is bitten by a trombiculid mite infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi. Since it has been reported that pneumonia is frequently observed in patients with scrub typhus, we investigated whether intranasal (i.n.) vaccination with the outer membrane protein of O. tsutsugamushi (OMPOT) would induce a protective immunity against O. tsutsugamushi infection. It was particular interest that when mice were infected with O. tsutsugamushi, the bacteria disseminated into the lungs, causing pneumonia. The i.n. vaccination with OMPOT induced IgG responses in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The anti-O. tsutsugamushi IgA Abs in BAL fluid after the vaccination showed a high correlation of the protection against O. tsutsugamushi. The vaccination induced strong Ag-specific Th1 and Th17 responses in the both spleen and lungs. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that i.n. vaccination with OMPOT elicited protective immunity against scrub typhus in mouse with O. tsutsugamushi infection causing subsequent pneumonia.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.28-38
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• 2024

Objective: Tibetan chickens, which have unique adaptations to extreme high-altitude environments, exhibit phenotypic and physiological characteristics that are distinct from those of lowland chickens. However, the mechanisms underlying hypoxic adaptation in the liver of chickens remain unknown. Methods: RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in hypoxia adaptation in highland chickens (native Tibetan chicken [HT]) and lowland chickens (Langshan chicken [LS], Beijing You chicken [BJ], Qingyuan Partridge chicken [QY], and Chahua chicken [CH]). Results: A total of 352 co-DEGs were specifically screened between HT and four native lowland chicken breeds. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses indicated that these co-DEGs were widely involved in lipid metabolism processes, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. To further determine the relationship from the 352 co-DEGs, protein-protein interaction network was carried out and identified eight genes (ACSL1, CPT1A, ACOX1, PPARC1A, SCD, ACSBG2, ACACA, and FASN) as the potential regulating genes that are responsible for the altitude difference between the HT and other four lowland chicken breeds. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating hypoxia adaptation via lipid metabolism in Tibetan chickens and other highland animals.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.162-169
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• 2018

세포기질에 존재하는 많은 종류의 단백질들은 N-말단에 존재하는 짧은 펩타이드들에 의해서 trans-golgi network(TGN)의 세포질쪽 막에 타기팅될때 중요한 역할을 수행한다고 보고되고 있다. 본 연구실에서도 이전에 바다달팽이인 군소에서 클로닝된 phosphodiesterase 4의 long-form의 경우 N-말단에 존재하는 20개의 아미노산 서열만으로도 충분히 HEK293T세포의 TGN의 세포질막에 타기팅 되게 하며, 이 펩타이드가 sulfatide와 PI4P에 결합성이 있다는 사실을 in vitro에서 확인하였다. 그래서, 본 연구에서는 sulfatide결합성과 TGN막 타기팅과의 연관성을 연구하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 우선 이전 문헌을 통해 sulfatide결합 펩타이드를 찾았고, 이를 GFP단백질과 융합하여 재조합 단백질(mHSBP-EGFP)을 만들어 세포내 타기팅을 실험해 보았다. 이러한 연구를 수행한 결과, mHSBP-EGFP가 HEK293T세포에서 TGN에 타기팅 되고, sulfatide결합이 망가진 돌연변이는 타기팅이 사라짐을 확인하였다. 또한, mHSBP-EGFP가 TGN에 타기팅 되는 것은 억제제인 antimycin A와 PAO와 adenosine에 의해 억제됨을 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 사실을 통해, PAO와 adenosine에 민감한 인산화효소들, 그중에 PI4KII의 활성이 mHSBP-EGFP를 TGN으로 위치하게 하는데 중요한 역할을 수행한다고 추론할 수 있다.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.75-94
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• 2022

Objectives : To identify the active ingredient of Poncirus Trifoliata Immaturus and to explore the mechanism expected to potentially act on dermatitis accompanied by pruritus. Methods : We conducted the network pharmacological analysis. We selected effective ingredients among the active compounds of Poinciri Fructus Immaturus. We found the target protein of the selected active ingredient, disease(dermatitis accompanied by pruritus) and fexofenadine. Then we established the network between the proteins which Poinciri Fructus Immaturus and fexofenadine intersected with disease respectively, and the coregene was also extracted. After that, the active pathways in the human body involving the groups and coregenes were searched. Results : Total of 7 active ingredients were selected, and 202 target proteins were collected. There were 756 proteins related to inflammatory skin disease accompanied by pruritus, and 75 proteins were related to fexofenadine. 42 proteins crossed by Poinciri Fructus Immaturus with a disease, and 31 proteins crossed by fexofenadine with a disease. 12 proteins were found as a coregene from the proteins that cross Poinciri Fructus Immaturus and disease. Coregenes are involved in 'Nitric-oxide synthase regulator activity', 'Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway'. 2 groups that extracted are invloved in 'Fc receptor signaling pathway', 'Central carbon metabolism in cancer', 'Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex, class IB', and 'omega-hydroxylase P450 pathway'. Conclusion : It is expected that Poinciri Fructus Immaturus will be able to show direct or indirect anti-pruritus and anti-inflammatory effects on skin inflammation accompanied by pruritus in the future. And it is also expected to have a synergy effect with fexofenadine on skin disease.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.40.1-40.15
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• 2020

The protein encoded by the Gene Associated with Retinoid-Interferon-Induced Mortality-19 (GRIM-19) is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is homologous to the NADH dehydrogenase 1-alpha subcomplex subunit 13 of the electron transport chain. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that damages the brain and spinal cord. Although both the cause and mechanism of MS progression remain unclear, it is accepted that an immune disorder is involved. We explored whether GRIM-19 ameliorated MS by increasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells; we used a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to this end. Six-to-eight-week-old male C57BL/6, IFNγ-knockout (KO), and GRIM-19 transgenic mice were used; EAE was induced in all strains. A GRIM-19 overexpression vector (GRIM19 OVN) was electrophoretically injected intravenously. The levels of Th1 and Th17 cells were measured via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical analysis. IL-17A and IFNγ expression levels were assessed via ELISA and quantitative PCR. IL-17A expression decreased and IFNγ expression increased in EAE mice that received injections of the GRIM-19 OVN. GRIM19 transgenic mice expressed more IFNγ than did wild-type mice; this inhibited EAE development. However, the effect of GRIM-19 overexpression on the EAE of IFNγ-KO mice did not differ from that of the empty vector. GRIM-19 expression was therapeutic for EAE mice, elevating the IFNγ level. GRIM-19 regulated the Th17/Treg cell balance.