• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.4-10
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• 2015

Etifoxine (etafenoxine, $Stresam^{(R)}$) is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic with an anticonvulsant effect. It was developed in the 1960s for anxiety disorders and is currently being studied for its ability to promote peripheral nerve healing and to treat chemotherapy-induced pain. In addition to being mediated by $GABA_A{\alpha}2$ receptors like benzodiazepines, etifoxine appears to produce anxiolytic effects directly by binding to ${\beta}2$ or ${\beta}3$ subunits of the $GABA_A$ receptor complex. It also modulates $GABA_A$ receptors indirectly via stimulation of neurosteroid production after etifoxine binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) of the outer mitochondrial membrane in the central and peripheral nervous systems, previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). Therefore, the effects of etifoxine are not completely reversed by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil. Etifoxine is used for various emotional and bodily reactions followed by anxiety. It is contraindicated in situations such as shock, severely impaired liver or kidney function, and severe respiratory failure. The average dosage is 150 mg per day for no more than 12 weeks. The most common adverse effect is drowsiness at the initial stage. It does not usually cause any withdrawal syndromes. In conclusion, etifoxine shows less adverse effects of anterograde amnesia, sedation, impaired psychomotor performance, and withdrawal syndromes than those of benzodiazepines. It potentiates $GABA_A$ receptor-function by a direct allosteric effect and by an indirect mechanism involving the activation of TSPO. It seems promising that non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics including etifoxine will replenish shortcomings of benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors according to animated studies related to TSPO.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.413-422
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• 2022

Background: The neocortex, including the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), contains many neurons expressing nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In addition, increasing evidence shows that the nitric oxide (NO) and opioid systems interact in the brain. However, there have been no studies on the interaction of the opioid and NO systems in the mPFC. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of administrating L-arginine (L-Arg, a precursor of NO) and N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, an inhibitor of NOS) into the mPFC for neuropathic pain in rats. Also, we used selective opioid receptor antagonists to clarify the possible participation of the opioid mechanism. Methods: Complete transection of the peroneal and tibial branches of the sciatic nerve was applied to induce neuropathic pain, and seven days later, the mPFC was cannulated bilaterally. The paw withdrawal threshold fifty percent (50% PWT) was recorded on the 14th day. Results: Microinjection of L-Arg (2.87, 11.5 and 45.92 nmol per 0.25 µL) increased 50% PWT. L-NAME (17.15 nmol per 0.25 µL) and naloxonazine (an antagonist of mu opioid receptors, 1.54 nmol per 0.25 µL) inhibited anti-allodynia induced by L-Arg (45.92 nmol per 0.25 µL). Naltrindole (a delta opioid receptor antagonist, 2.45 nmol per 0.25 µL) and nor-binaltorphimine (a kappa opioid receptor antagonist, 1.36 nmol per 0.25 µL) were unable to prevent L-Arg (45.92 nmol per 0.25 µL)-induced antiallodynia. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the NO system in the mPFC regulates neuropathic pain. Mu opioid receptors of this area might participate in pain relief caused by L-Arg.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.304-310
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• 1999

연구배경: 결핵에 대한 면역 반응은 T-림프구와 단핵 식세포를 주축으로 하는 세포성 면역 반응이 주률 이루는데 여기에 IFN-$\gamma$와 TNF-$\alpha$등의 cytokine 이 관여하고 있다. IFN-$\gamma$는 주로 T-림프구에서 분비되어 활성화된 단핵구에서의 TNF-$\alpha$생성을 증가시키는 기전을 통해 결핵균 증식을 억제하고 치유에 이르는 과정을 매개하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 효과적인 화학요법에도 불구하고 난치성 결핵으로 이행하는 기전에 IFN-$\gamma$가 관여하는지 규명하고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 대상 및 방법: 정상 대조군과 최근 결핵으로 진단받아 치료를 시작한 환자, 난치성 결핵 환자에서 혈액을 채취하여 단핵구를 분리하고 아무런 자극을 하지 않은 경우, 12시간 LPS($l{\mu}g/ml$)만으로 자극을 한 경우, IFN-$\gamma$($2{\mu}g/ml$)로 2시간 전처치한 후 12 시간 LPS 자극한 경우로 니누어 TNF-$\alpha$의 농도를 측정, IFN-$\gamma$ 활성화 효과에 변화가 있는지를 살펴보았고 IFN-$\gamma$ 수용체 항제를 이용, IFN-$\gamma$ 활성화 효과의 변화가 IFN-$\gamma$ 수용체의 숫적 변화와 관련이 있는지를 확인하였다. 결과: IFN-$\gamma$ 활성화 효과를 알아보기 위해 LPS 만으로 지극한 경우와 IFN-$\gamma$ 전처치 후 LPS로 자극한 경우에 생성된 TNF-$\alpha$의 비를 구하여 보았을 때 정상 대조군 $13.5{\pm}7.6$, 최근 결핵환자로 진단받은 군 $10.8{\pm}6.4$, 난치성 결핵 환자군 $6.7{\pm}3.9$의 결과를 보였다. 난치성 결핵환자군의 경우 정상대조군에 비해 IFN-$\gamma$의 활성화 효과가 통계적으로 유의하게 감소되어 있음을 알 수 있었다 (p=0.002). IFN-$\gamma$ 수용체수의 감소는 대상 환자 중 난치성 결핵 환자 1명에서 관찰되었다. 결론: 난치성 결핵으로의 이행에 있어 단핵구에서의 IFN-$\gamma$ 활성화 효과의 감소가 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 생각되며 IFN-$\gamma$ 활성화 효과의 감소는 일부 환자의 경우, IFN-$\gamma$ 수용체의 감소와 관련되어 생기는 것으로 판단된다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제43권7호
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• pp.491-498
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• 2010

Chemerin is a novel adipokine which is abundant in adipose tissue to promote adipocyte differentiation and with significant relativity to BMI and insulin sensitivity. We report here the molecular characterization of porcine chemerin and its receptors ChemR23 and GPR1, as well as their transcriptional regulation during lipogenesis. Chemerin was mainly expressed in liver, intestine, kidney and adipose tissue, consistent with the expression pattern of GPR1, but not ChemR23, which was predominantly present in spleen and temperately in adipose tissue. We further investigated the lipogenesis-related transcriptional activation of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and KLF15 on chemerin and its receptors. The data showed that KLF15, but not $PPAR{\gamma}$, can up-regulate the mRNA level of chemerin, ChemR23 and GPR1, which was consistent with the results of luciferase assay that confirmed the effect of KLF15 on ChemR23 promoter. Taken together, our data provide basic molecular information for the further investigation on the function of chemerin in lipogenesis.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.85-92
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• 2006

본 논문은 포유동물 난소에서의 신속한 프로게스테론(P4) 선호 전달경로에 관해 현재 통용되는 지식을 요약하였다. P4는 안드로겐과 에스트로겐 합성 과정에서의 중요한 중간 산물이면서 그 자체로도 배란, 난포폐쇄(atresia), 황체형성과정(luteinization)에서 결정적인 역할을 하며, 모든 포유동물의 초기 임신 유지에 필수적이다. 이와 같은 생리적인 중요성에도 불구하고 포유동물 난소에서의 정확한 P4 작용기작은 아직까지도 완전히 알려져 있지 않다. 이러한 관점에서 볼 때, 비유전자 수준이면서 전사와 무관한 P4의 세포내 작용을 매개하는 수용체의 실체에 관해 오래 동안 계속된 의문과 논란은 과학적인 흥미를 유발하는 생식생리학의 주요 관심사이다. 포유류 난소에서 P4는 1) 잘 알려진 유전자 수준의 경로(genomic pathway)인 호르몬이 소위 고전적인 세포 내의 수용체에 결합하고, 이어 리간드-호르몬 복합체가 전사조절물질로 작용하여 표적 유전자 발현을 조절하거나, 2) 유전자에 직접 작용하지 않기 때문에 비유전자 수준이라 불리우는 경로(non-genomic pathway)로 작용한다. P4의 비유전자 수준 작용의 주요한 특징은 (i) 신속하고, (ii) 전사억제제에 반응하지 않고, (iii) 세포막과 연관된 물질들에 의해 신호가 전달된다. 아마도 난소에서 P4의 비유전자 수준 작용은 (a) 세포막 또는 그 근처에 위치한 고전적인 P4 수용체(PGR), (b) 세포막 프로게스틴 수용체(membrane progestin receptors; MPR $\alpha$, MPR $\beta$ and MPR $\gamma$) 패밀리, (c) progesterone receptor membrane component I(PGRMC1), 그리고 (d) serpine I mRNA binding protein(SERBP1)의 세포막 복합체에 의해 매개되는 것으로 추정된다. 포유류 난소에서의 P4 작용에 대한 완전한 이해를 위해서는 향후 많은 연구가 필요할 것이다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.218-224
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• 2015

Endocannabinoids can affect multiple cellular targets, such as cannabinoid (CB) receptors, transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$($PPAR{\gamma}$). The stimuli to induce adipocyte differentiation in hBM-MSCs increase the gene transcription of the $CB_1$ receptor, TRPV1 and $PPAR{\gamma}$. In this study, the effects of three endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (AEA), N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), on adipogenesis in hBM-MSCs were evaluated. The adipocyte differentiation was promoted by AEA whereas inhibited by NADA. No change was observed by the treatment of non-cytotoxic concentrations of 2-AG. The difference between AEA and NADA in the regulation of adipogenesis is associated with their effects on $PPAR{\gamma}$ transactivation. AEA can directly activate $PPAR{\gamma}$. The effect of AEA on $PPAR{\gamma}$ in hBM-MSCs may prevail over that on the $CB_1$ receptor mediated signal transduction, giving rise to the AEA-induced promotion of adipogenesis. In contrast, NADA had no effect on the $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity in the $PPAR{\gamma}$ transactivation assay. The inhibitory effect of NADA on adipogenesis in hBM-MSCs was reversed not by capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist, but by rimonabant, a $CB_1$ antagonist/inverse agonist. Rimonabant by itself promoted adipogenesis in hBM-MSCs, which may be interpreted as the result of the inverse agonism of the $CB_1$ receptor. This result suggests that the constantly active $CB_1$ receptor may contribute to suppress the adipocyte differentiation of hBM-MSCs. Therefore, the selective $CB_1$ agonists that are unable to affect cellular $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity inhibit adipogenesis in hBM-MSCs.

• 한국응용약물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국응용약물학회 1998년도 Proceedings of UNESCO-internetwork Cooperative Regional Seminar and Workshop on Bioassay Guided Isolation of Bioactive Substances from Natural Products and Microbial Products
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• pp.197-197
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• 1998

Chronic electroconvulsive shock(ECS) was shown to Increase phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate(PIP$_2$) breakdown and the activity of PLC with the accumulation of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate(IP3). The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of ECS on the expression of phospholipase C(PLC) isotypes in rat brain. Two groups of animals were prepared: sham and ECS treated groups. Rats in ECS treated groups received maximal ECS(70mA, 0.5second, 60㎐) by constant current stimulator through ear-clip to induce tonic extension seizures for 12 consecutive days. The expression of PLC isotypes in rat brain was determined by immunohistochemical procedure using sagital section of rat brain. The immunoreactivity of PLC${\beta}$1 was observed in corpus striatum, hippocampus, thalamus and that of PLC${\gamma}$1 in corpus striatum, hippocampus, thalamus, frontal cortex, parietooccipital cortex, limbic forebrain, pons, medulla, superior colliculus, inferior colliculus, rest of midbrain. The amount of PLC was analyzed by Western blot using antibodies against PLC${\beta}$1 and PLC${\gamma}$1. Chronic ECS reduced the immunoreactivity of PLC${\beta}$1 in corpus striatum, hippocampus, thalamus but had little effect on PLC${\gamma}$1. To quantify this change, quantitative Western blot using antibodies against PLC${\beta}$1 and PLC${\gamma}$1 was conducted. The immunoreactivity of PLC${\beta}$1 in ECS treated rat whole brain was decreased by 40 % in cytosolic fraction and 26 % in membrane fraction. This different effect of ECS on PLC isotypes may results from the difference of their activation mechanisms and the different effects of ECS on them. The results from the present study suggest that chronic ECS primalily affects neurotransmitter receptors related IP$_3$ signaling in rat brain.

• 대한약리학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.153-165
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• 1994

In this study, we tested the influences of several ${\kappa}$ opioid ligands on the $[^3H]diprenorphine$ binding in rat and guinea pig cortex membrane preparations. Using paradigm to block ${\mu}\;and\;{\delta}$ opioid receptors with $DAMGO(1{\mu}M)$ and $DPDPE(1{\mu}M)$, $[^3H]diprenorphine$ labeled ${\kappa}$ sites. Competition analysis in both rat and guinea pig cortex has shown a single population of $[^3H]diprenorphine$ binding site with different Kd values, respectively. There is a significant difference in Ki values of (-) WIN44441 and (+)WIN44441 in both rat and guinea pig cortex. Bremazocine, (-)ethylketocyclazocine, (-)cyclazocine, nor-binaltorphimine effectively inhibited the $[^3H]diprenorphine$ binding with different Ki values in rat and guinea pig cortex. U-69,593, U-50,488H and dynorphine-A (1-8) did not inhibit the $[^3H]diprenorphine$ binding in rat but in guinea pig cortex. Nor-binaltorphimine was a ligand discriminate the ${\kappa}_1$, and ${\kappa}_2$ receptor most effectively. We, also, examined the influence of Na ion and $GTP{\gamma}S$, a nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analog, on the inhibition of $[^3H]diprenorphine$ binding by diprenorphine, (-)ethyl-ketocyclazocine, U-69,593 and bremazocine. By the replacement of NaCl with N-methy-D-glucamine or addition of $GTP{\gamma}S$, Ki values of diprenorpnine were not changed and that of ethylketocyclazocine were changed significantly in both rat and guinea pig cortex. The Ki value of bremazocine was decreased by removal of Na ion, and increased by $GTP{\gamma}S$, however, was not changed by any one of either. These results suggest that there are 2 kinds of subtypes of ${\kappa}$ opioid receptor, ${\kappa}_1$, and ${\kappa}_2$, showing different Ki values for various ${\kappa}$ opioid ligands, also, bremazocine possess the antagonistic property at ${\kappa}_2$ site which is dominant subtype of K receptor in rat cortex.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.398-408
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• 2005

Objective: Graves' disease encompasses hyperthyroidism and diffused goiter associated with auto-antibodies to the thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) receptors. In clinical environment, treatments of Graves' disease have many side effects such as recurrence and hypothyroidism. We've studied the effects of Sipyukmiyukieum on DNA synthesis, cAMP synthesis, and MHC-class II expression of FRTL-5 thyroid cells were studied. Methods: DNA synthesis was investigated by using BrdU staining and cAMP synthesis by ELISA kit, and expression of $interferon-{\gamma}$ activated MHC class II by Flow cytometer. Results: After introduction of Sipyukmiyukieum, significant inhibition of DNA synthesis. cAMP synthesis, and expression of $interferon-{\gamma}$ activated MHC class II of FRTL-5 thyroid cells was observed. Conclusions: Judging from these results, Sipyukmiyukieum has potential as a potent herbal treatment for inhibiting the enlargement of goiter, synthesis of abnormal thyroidal hormones, and autoimmuine responses of Graves' disease.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.359-364
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• 2013

Inordinate stress causes disorders of various systems in humans and activates defense mechanisms to maintain homeostasis in the body. Sleep is a vital, highly organized process regulated by complex systems of neuronal networks and neurotransmitters. Sleep is an essential biological process whose underlying regulating involves numerous anatomical structures and biochemical substances that can be compromised by stress and by the immune system. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, and activation of GABAA receptors is known to favor sleep. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible application of Lactobacillus brevis BJ20 fermentation to improve the functional qualities of sea tangle Saccharina japonica and oyster Crassostrea gigas. Antioxidant activity was determined by assaying levels of radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide. L. brevis BJ20 fermentation of sea tangle and oyster enhanced both antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. These results suggested that L. brevis BJ20 fermented sea tangle and oyster could be used for alleviation of stress and to promote sleep.