• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제14권6호
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• pp.1286-1294
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• 2004

In a previous study by the current authors, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was determined to be epidemiologically sex-dependent, and the incidence and multiplicity of HCC found to decrease in estradiol-3 benzoate (EB)-treated F344 rats. Therefore, to ascertain the anticancer mechanism of EB, a commercially available cDNA microarray, with a total of 14,815 cDNA rat gene clones, was used to determine the differentially expressed genes in nontreated livers, EB-treated livers, and diethynitrosolamine (DEN)-induced HCC. In the sequenced experiment, a total of 85 genes were differentially expressed at either two or more times the rate of the normal expression, where 33 genes were downregulated by EB, and 52 genes upregulated. Candidate genes were selected according to significant changes observed in the mRNA expression in the EB-treated livers compared with the nontreated livers, then these genes were filtered according to their different expression patterns in the DEN-induced tumors compared to the estrogen-treated livers. To confirm the microarray data, a real-time PCR analysis was performed for ten selected genes: the H-ras revertant protein 107 (H­rev107), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (lOFBP), parathyroid hormone receptor (PI'HR), SH3 domain binding protein (SH3BP), metallothionein, src-suppressed C-kinase substrate (SSeCK) gene, phosphodiesterase I, CD44, epithelial membrane protein 3 (EMP3), and estrogen receptor a (ERa). The SSeCK and phosphodiesterase I genes were both upregulated in the DEN-induced hepatocarcinomas, yet their possible carcinogenic functions remain unknown. Meanwhile, the other genes were downregulated, including the genes related to growth regulation (IOFBP, H-revI07, ER$\alpha$), adipogenesis inhibition (PTHR), and tumor suppression (metallothionein).

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.667-672
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• 2015

저성장 어린이들을 대상으로 하는 성장호르몬 치료는 다양한 부작용과 투여과정의 스트레스로 인한 환자 순응도 감소, 고가의 치료 비용 등의 단점을 가지고 있다. 이러한 이유로 부작용 발생의 위험성이 작고 낮은 비용으로 어린이의 성장에 도움을 줄 수 있는 천연물 유래 기능성 소재 개발에 대한 관심이 증가하고 있다. 그러나 성적으로 미성숙 상태인 어린이를 대상으로 한다는 점, 에스트로겐에 의한 뼈 성장과 성조숙증 발병기전 연관성, 천연물에 존재하는 다양한 식물성 에스트로겐의 영향으로 안전성에 대한 우려가 존재하는 것이 사실이다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 앞선 연구를 통하여 뼈 성장 촉진 효과가 확인된 시험물질의 안전성을 확인하기 위하여 난소를 절제한 실험동물에 시험물질을 4주간 투여한 후 시험물질이 식물성 에스트로겐으로 작용하여 성조숙증과 성장호르몬 이상을 일으킬 가능성을 확인하고자 하였다. 실험 결과 난소 절제로 인한 체중증가, 혈중 지질 농도의 증가, 자궁 벽 두께의 감소 등이 나타남을 확인하였으며 시험물질의 4주 투여가 이러한 변화에 영향을 끼치지 않음을 확인할 수 있었다. 또한 혈중 에스트로겐 농도, 혈중 성장호르몬 농도를 분석한 결과 시험물질 투여가 아무런 영향을 주지 않음을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 백수오와 한속단 동량 혼합물이 생체 내에서 식물성 에스트로겐으로 작용하지 않는다는 것을 의미하며 반복투여에 의한 성장호르몬 이상을 일으키지 않는 것으로 판단된다.

• 한국영양학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국영양학회 1995년도 추계학술대회 초록
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• pp.11-34
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• 1995

Growth hormone (GH) plays a key role in regulating postnatal growth and can stimulate growth of animals by acting directly on specific receptors on the plasma membrane of tissues or indirectly through stimulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I synthesis and secretion by the liver and other tissues. IGF-I and IGF-Ⅱ are polypeptides with structural similarity with proinsulin that stimulate cell proliferation by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. The initial event in the metabolic action of IGFs on target cells appears to be their binding to specific receptors on the plasma membrane. Current evidence indicates that the mitogenic actions of both IGFs are mediated primarily by binding to the type I IGF receptors, and that IGF action is also mediated by interactions with IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Six distinct IGFBPs have been identified that are characterized by cell-specific interaction, transcriptional and post-translational regulation by many different effectors, and the ability to either potentiate or inhibit IGF actions. Nutritional deficiencies can have their devastating consequence during growth. Although IGF-I is the major mediator of GH's action on somatic growth, nutritional status of an organism is a critical regulator of IGF-I and IGFBPs. Various nutrient deficiencies result in decreased serum IGF-I levels and altered IGFBP levels, but the blood levels of GH are generally unchanged or elevated in malnutrition. Effects of protein, energy, vitamin C and D, and zinc on serum IGF and IGFBP levels and tissue mRNA levels were reviewed in the text. Multiple factors are involved in the regulation of intestinal epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Among these factors the nutritional status of individuals is the most important. The intestinal epithelium is an important site for mitogenic action of the IGFs in vivo, with exogenous IGF-I stimulating mucosal hyperplasia. Therefore, the IGF system appears to provide and important mechanism linking nutrition and the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. In order to study the detailed mechanisms by which intestinal mucosa is regulated, we have utilized IEC-6 cells, an intestinal epithelial cell line and Caco-2 cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. Like intestinal crypt cells analyzed in vivo or freshly isolated intestinal epithelial cells, IEC-6 cells and Caco-2 cells possess abundant quatities of both type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ IGF receptors. Exogenous IGFs stimulate, whereas addition of IGFBP-2 inhibits IEC-6 cell proliferation. To investigate whether endogenously secreted IGFBP-2 inhibit proliferation, IEC-6 cells were transfected with a full-length rat IGFBP-2 cDNA anti-sense expression construct. IEC-6 cells transfected with anti-sense IGFBP-2 protein in medium. These cells grew at a rate faster than the control cells indicating that endogenous IGFBP-2 inhibits proliferation of IEC-6 cells, probably by sequestering IGFs. IEC-6 cells express many characteristics of enterocyte, but do not undergo differentiation. On the other hand, Caco-2 cells undergo a spontaneous enterocyte differentiation. On the other hand, Caco-2 cells undergo a spontaneous enterocyte differentiation after reaching confluency. We have demonstrated that Caco-2 cells produce IGF-Ⅱ, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and an as yet unidentified 31,000 Mr IGFBP, and that both mRNA and peptide secretion of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 increased, but IGFBP-4 mRNA and protein secretion decreased after the cells reached confluency. These changes occurred in parallel to and were coincident with differentiation of the cells, as measured by expression of sucrase-isomaltase. In addition, Caco-2 cell clones forced to overexpress IGFBP-4 by transfection with a rat IGFBP-4 cDNA construct exhibited a significantly slower growth rate under serum-free conditions and had increased expression of sucrase-isomaltase compared with vector control cells. These results indicate that IGFBP-4 inhibits proliferation and stimulates differentiation of Caco-2 cells, probably by inhibiting the mitogenic actions of IGFs.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.157-165
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• 2004

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chromium (VI) on the placental function and reproduction in rats. For the study, the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) gene expression, placental trophoblast cell differentiation and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats were checked by the presence of a copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which was defined as day 0 of the pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into the three groups. The control group was given tap water (chromium level < 0.001 ppm) and the remaining groups were given 250 or 750 ppm of chromium (VI) [as potassium dichromate], from day 7 to 19 of the pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed at days 11 and 20 of pregnancy. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hormonal concentration was analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the differentiation of placental trophoblast cells were observed by histochemical studies. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, pregnancy period, and litter size, were surveyed at day 20 of pregnancy and after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) family of genes were dose dependently reduced by chromium exposure. The mRNA levels of Pit-1a and b isotype genes that induce the expression of the PRL-GH family of genes were also reduced by chromium exposure. The PRL-GH hormonal concentration in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were decreased by chromium exposure. In the middle stage of pregnancy (day 11), a high dose of chromium suppressed the differentiation of spongiotrophoblast cells that secret the PRLGH hormones. In the last stage of pregnancy (day 20), a high dose of chromium induced apoptosis of placental cells. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, litter size, were reduced, but the pregnancy period was extended in the group exposed to chromium compared with the controls. Conclusion : Chromium (VI) disrupts the ordered functions of the placenta, which leads to reproductive disorders in rats.

• 한국가축번식학회지
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.307-322
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• 1996

The corpus luteum (CL) is formed by the action of a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) on the pre-ovulatory follicle. Luteal cells derived from granulosa and theca interna cells continue to secrete progesterone for about two weeks. LH in domestic animals is essential for the normal secretion of progesterone at all stages of the luteal phase. For this process in the rodents, 20$\alpha$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20$\alpha$-HSD) is indispensable. 20$\alpha$-HSD is an enzyme to be a biologically inactive steroid. This enzyme plays a critical role in the regulation of the rat luteal function and reported to be present in steroid-producing tissues such as the testis and adrenal gland. We have purified 20$\alpha$-HSD and found two distinct 20$\alpha$-HSD molecules (HSD-1 and HSD-2). Their molecular weights are both estimated to be 33kd.The amino acid compositions of HSD-1 and HSD-2 are mostly similar, but there is a slight difference in the content of lysine. We demonstrated that 1) CL of previous generations contribute more to whole ovarian 20$\alpha$-HSD activity, 2) newly formed corpora lutea contain only 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activity, and 3) old CL express activities of each HSD isozyme as shown in the luteal tissue of cycling rats on the day of diestrus where only degenerating old CL exist. The increase in 20$\alpha$-HSD activity identified seems to be related to the increase in the numbers of 20$\alpha$-HSD-positive cells. Interestingly, 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activities were strongly found in the follicle fluids and theca interna cells by immunohistochemical study. Thus, the activity of 20$\alpha$-HSD may be related to a survival mechanism of those luteal cells and follicles remaining in the ovaries. Luteal cells arise from two sources. The small luteal cells are all of theca cell origin, while the large luteal cells are mainly of granulosa cell origin. CL of Korean Native Cattle, as those of other animal species, contains two morphologycally and functionally distinct luteal cell populations, such as small and large luteal cells as well as nonluteal cells. In all reproductive states except in the late luteal phase, the bovine CL also contained more small luteal cells than large luteal cells. Luteal tissue secretes a variety of growth factors (proteins) and the pattern of secretion changes during all stages of the luteal phase. These growth factors could be important in regulating the function of the bovine corpus luteum and may act in a potential endocrine autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, further work has to be done to elucidate the role of growth factors in the ovary, especially in the corpus luterum. Interest should be focussed on interaction of these growth factors in the regulation of luteal cell and the localization of cytokine synthesis in differnet luteal cells.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.237-244
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• 2011

Ski protein is implicated in proliferation/differentiation in a variety of cells. We had previously reported that Ski protein is present in granulosa cells of atretic follicles, but not in preovulatory follicles, suggesting that Ski has a role in apoptosis of granulosa cells. The alternative fate of granulosa cells other than apoptosis is to differentiate to luteal cells, however, it is unknown whether Ski is expressed and has a role in granulosa cells undergoing luteinization. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine whether the initiation of luteinization with luteinizing hormone (LH) directly regulates expression of Ski in the luteinized granulosa and luteal cells after ovulation by in vitro models. RT-PCR and real time PCR analysis respectively revealed that LH had no effect on c-Ski mRNA expression in the cultured granulosa cells regardless of LH treatment. Though Ski protein is absent in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicle, its mRNA (c-Ski) was expressed and the level was unchanged even after LH surge. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Ski protein expression is induced in granulosa cells upon luteinization, and suggested that its expression is regulated post-transcriptionally. Moreover, expression of mRNA of Arkadia, an E3 ubiquitin ligases, in luteinizing granulosa cells in vivo was assessed by realtime-PCR. The levels of Arkadia mRNA expression were unchanged during follicular growth and postovulatory luteinization. These findings suggest that Ski protein level may be regulated during luteinization at translational and/or post-translational level but not by Arkadia.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제18권5호
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• pp.723-727
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• 2005

Ghrelin is a novel growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide, which has been purified and identified in rat stomach. In the present study, the full-length sequence of bovine ghrelin cDNA was cloned by RT-PCR. The bovine ghrelin cDNA sequence derived in the present study included a 348 bp open reading frame and a 137 bp 3'UTR. The putative amino acid sequence of bovine prepro-ghrelin consisted of 116 amino acids, which contained the 27-amino acid ghrelin. The sequence analysis of the bovine ghrelin gene revealed that an intron existed between Gln$^{13}$ and Arg$^{14}$ of ghrelin. This exon-intron boundary matched the GT-AG rule of the splicing mechanism. Compared with rats, which have two tandem CAG sequences in the 3'end of intron, bovine ghrelin genome has only one CAG sequence. Therefore, although rats can produce 28 amino acid-ghrelin and 27 amino acid-des-Gln$^{14}$-ghrelin by alternative splicing, ruminant species, including bovines, might be able to produce only one type of ghrelin peptide, des-Gln$^{14}$-ghrelin. The influence of aging on plasma ghrelin concentration was also examined. Plasma ghrelin concentration increased after birth to approximately 600 days of age, and then remained constant.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.623-627
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• 2005

Abnormal thyroid cell proliferation has a very important role in hypothyroidism. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates proliferation and maintains differentiated function in thyroid follicular cells. A functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL) was used to study the effect of Gamgung-tang (GGT, Glycyrrhizae Radix, black beans, Angelicae Radix and Cnidii Rhizoma) on proliferation and cAMP accumulation of thyrocytes. Proliferation of cell was assessed by DNA synthesis and incorporation of $[^3H]thymidine$ into DNA. The concentration of cAMP was measured simultaneously with growth assessment. Extract of GGT ($0.15{\sim}0.9\;mg/ml$ increased DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. GGT at 0.6 (p<0.05) and 0.9 mg/ml (p<0.01) significantly increased $[^3H]thymidine$ incorporation. A comparable effect was observed with TSH. GGT also enhanced cAMP accumulation. These results indicate that GGT increases the proliferation of thyrocytes and may be considered a promising agent for the treatment of autoimmune thyroid disease.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

Objectives: To find out the effects GGT1, an antiobestic drug widely used clinics, has on the amount of feed intake, the amount of change in the body weight and the food efficiency ratio using the data from the hGHTg obese male rats. Also, to evaluate in terms of antiobestic effects, the difference between GGT1 and reductil (sibutramine), which has been approved by the FDA of the United States. Methods: We measured the change in body weight and the amount of feed intake for 8 weeks by categorizing the hGHTg obese male rats into three groups: the control group, the GGT1 group, and the reductil (RD) group. We also evaluated the antiobestic effect by calculating the food efficiency ratio, which is the increase of bodyweight divided by the amount of feed intake. Results: In case of body weight, moderate slope of the curve in the graph of GGT1 group could mean that the weight is decreasing as time flows. In case of food efficiency ratio, the p-value was 0.745 in a test for determining if an interaction exists between the group and the point of measurement, meaning that it does not exist; also, the p-value in a test for the effect of level of repetition in food efficiency ratio according to the point of measurement equaled 0.002. Conclusion: The drug-treated groups had a greater inhibitory effect in feed intake than the control group. The results showed the food efficiency ratio had a tendency to decrease. The GGT1 group in particular was under a greater effect than the RD group.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.149-156
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• 1999

포유류의 자궁조직은 발정주기를 통하여 역동적으로 변화하고 있으며 이러한 자궁조직의 분화는 시상하부-뇌하수체-생식소를 잇는 축에 의해 조절되는 스테로이드 호르몬에 의해 이루어진다. 그러나 에스트로겐 (E)이 어떤 유전자를 발현하여 자궁 내의 변화를 일으키는지는 아직 자세히 알려지지 않고 있다. 본 연구는 난소를 절제한 성숙한 흰쥐에 E을 처리한 후 자궁조직 내에서 c-fos, c-jun 및 hsp25 mRNA의 발현 변화를 Northern blot analysis방법을 사용하여 연구한 것이다. c-fos및 c-jun 암원유전자의 mRNA발현은 E처리 후 1시간 이전부터 증가하기 시작하며, 3시간 이내에 최고치에 도달한 후 급격히 감소하여 기저수준으로 되돌아갔다. 반면에 hsp25 mRNA수준은 E처리 후 3시간 대에서 최고치를 나타내나 증가된 발현량이 서서히 감소하며 12시간이 지난 후 까지도 정상대조군에 비해 높은 수준으로 유지되었다. 이러한 E의 영향이 선별적인지를 검증하기 위하여 E의 길항제인 tamoxifen을 사전처리하고 E을 추가로 처리하여 c-fos, c-jun및 hsp25 mRNA의 발현이 최고치에 이르렀던 3시간대에 자궁조직을 얻어 각각의 유전자 발현량을 조사한 결과 E에 의해 증가되었던 c-fos, c-jun 및 hsp25 mRNA의 수준이 억제됨을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 E이 자궁조직에 영향을 미치는데 초기의 일시적인 변화를 보이는 암원유전자인 c-fos 및 c-jun이 중요한 역할을 하리라는 것을 시사하며 hsp25의 경우는 좀더 늦은 반응에 관여하거나 c-fos및 c-jun에 의하여 간접적으로 조절을 받을 수도 있음을 보여 주는 것으로 사료된다.