• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.46-53
• /
• 2016

Purpose: Enterovirus (EV) infection in children can manifest various diseases from asymptomatic infection to nonspecific febrile illness, hand-foot-mouth disease, and aseptic meningitis. This study was aimed to investigate epidemiology and clinical significance of various genotypes of EV infections in pediatric inpatient. Methods: We collected the stool samples from the admitted pediatric patients in Inha University Hospital from March 2014 to March 2015. EV detection and genotype identification were performed by real-time RT-PCR and semi-nested RT-PCR. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by neighbor joining method. Results: A total of 400 samples were collected during study period and 112 patients (28%) were diagnosed with EV infections. The mean age of EV positive patients was 2.66 years (0.1-14) and sex ratio was 1.73:1. Genetic sequences of EVs were identified; coxsackievirus B5 (17, 15.2%), coxsackievirus A16 (13, 11.6%), enterovirus 71 (10, 8.9%), and coxsackievirus A2 (9, 8.0%). Nonspecific febrile illness (96, 86%) was the most common clinical manifestation and the duration of fever was 0-11 days (mean 3.1 days). Rash (44, 39%) and meningitis (43, 38%) were followed. Patients who were attending daycare center or had siblings accounted for 82.1%. Phylogenetic relationship tree revealed 6 distinct genogroups among 56 types of EVs. Conclusions: This study is the report of epidemiology, serotype distribution and clinical manifestations of children with EV infection in Incheon. This data will be helpful for further study about the epidemiology of EV infection in Korea.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.138-145
• /
• 2011

Purpose : To test whether the expression of ${\beta}$-catenin, a component of podocyte as a filtration molecule, would be altered by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) in the cultured podocyte in vitro. Methods : We cultured rat glomerular epithelial cells (GEpC) with various concentrations of PAN and examined the distribution of ${\beta}$-catenin by confocal microscope and measured the change of ${\beta}$-catenin expression by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results :We found that ${\beta}$-catenin relocalized from peripheral cytoplasm to inner cytoplasm, therefore, intercellular separations were seen in confluently cultured cells by high concentrations of PAN in immunofluorescence views. In Western blotting of GEpC, PAN ($50{\mu}g/mL$) decreased ${\beta}$-catenin expression by 34.9% at 24 hrs and 34.3% at 48 hrs, compared to those in without PAN condition (P<0.05). In RT-PCR, high concentrations ($50{\mu}g/mL$) of PAN also decreased ${\beta}$-catenin mRNA expression similar to protein suppression by 25.4% at 24 hrs and 51.8% at 48 hrs (P<0.05). Conclusion : Exposure of podocytes to PAN in vitro relocates ${\beta}$-catenin internally and reduces ${\beta}$-catenin mRNA and protein expression, which could explain the development of proteinuria in experimental PAN-induced nephropathy.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.165-172
• /
• 2006

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) involves tissue protection against the destructive action of neutrophil elastase at the site of inflammation. Several studies on new functions of SLPI have demonstrated that SLPI may play a primary role in innate immunity than protease inhibitor, To identify the function of SLPI by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in the embryonic fibroblast (NIH3T3) cells. we studied the expression of SLPI compared to other growth factors involving the LPS treatment. To address this, we performed the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blots for the detection of mRNA and protein expression of the SLPI and some growth factors such as VEGF. bFGF, and PDGF-BB after LPS stimulation. NIH3T3 cells were exposed 100 ng/mL Escherichia coli LPS for 30min, 60min, 90min, 24h, and 48h, respectively. The result of RT-PCR showed that SLPI and VEGF mRNA was expressed strongly in NIH3T3 without related to LPS stimulation. mRNA of bFGF was weakly expressed such as the expression of the control. PDGF mRNA expression gradually increased follows at time course. However, SLPI protein level was increased in lysates and culture medium by LPS stimulation. Phase contrast microscopic and scanning electron microscopic observation showed that the increased cell number and cytoplasmic enlargement of the NIH3T3 cells. Therefore, it suggests that the LPS upregulates SLPI expression in NIH3T3 cells. Moreover, secreted SLPI may stimulate cell proliferation and migration.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.93-102
• /
• 2007

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) was known as one of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced products of macrophage. Macrophages play an important role in the development of inflammatory responses by secreting an array of cytokines and chemokines in a tissue microenvironment. To identify the function and relationship between potent growth factors and SLPI after LPS stimulation, we conducted reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blots for the detection of mRNA and protein expression of SLPI and growth factors such as VEGF, PDGF, bFGF after 100 ng LPS stimulation on the RAW264.7 cells. The result of RT-PCR was showed SLPI mRNA expression was increased from 60 min to 48h in RAW 264.7 cells after incubation with LPS. VEGF and PDGF mRNA was expressed highly at initial stage by LPS stimulation. The mRNA of bFGF and type I collagen was very weakly expressed after LPS stimulation. SLPI protein level was increased likely the mRNA levels in RAW 267.7 cells. Additionally, phase contrast and scanning electron microscopic observation demonstrated that the LPS induce the change of morphology of the RAW264.7 cells. From these results, it suggest that expression of SLPI by LPS treatment may associate with VEGF and PDGF expression in RAW264.7 cells.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.739-745
• /
• 2011

This study was performed to investigate the enrichment of resveratrol content in harvested grapes using the modulation of cell metabolism with ultra-violet (UV) irradiation. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, is produced by stilbene synthase (STSY) from malonyl-CoA and ${\rho}$-coumaroyl-CoA. Its biosynthesis has been reported to be induced by UV and other environmental factors. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that STSY Promoter 1 in grapes was very highly expressed by treatment with UV. Grapes were harvested and treated for post-harvest induction of STSY gene expression with UV, and then their resveratrol content was analyzed. UV treatment for 5 minutes provided the best condition for the induction of STSY gene expression. When harvested Gerbong and MBA grapes were treated with a prototype UV radiator, their resveratrol content was enriched upto 5 times compared with untreated grapes. These results suggest that a post-harvest UV treatment can be applied to enrich resveratrol content in grapes and add value to them.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.45-52
• /
• 2001

Background: Many types of cancer become resistant to current chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic intervention. To overcome this situation application of gene therapy by the introduction of suicide genes followed by their prodrugs may be promising. A viral enzyme, Herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSV-tk), which converts ganciclovir from an inactive prodrug to a cytotoxic agent by phosphorylation, are being actively investigated for use in gene therapy for cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine whether combining prodrug-activating gene therapy and irradiation might result in enhanced antitumor effects. Methods: The HSV-tk gene was cloned into the retroviral vector, pLXSN and established the clones producing retroviruses carrying the HSV-tk gene. The carcinoma cell line, HCT116 and Huh-7 were transduced with high-titer recombinant retroviruses. These cell lines were treated with ganciclovir before or after irradiation for the defining combinational effect of suicide gene therapy and radiotherapy. Results: The titers of cloned PA3 17 amphotropic retroviruses ranged from 4 to 6 X $10^6CFU/ml4$. After selectional periods, the expression of HSV-tk was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The growth of cells expressing HSV-tk was inhibited as increase of GCV dose after 48 hr and the growth inhibitory effect of GCV was much higher after 72 hr. When the cells transduced with HSV-tk gene were exposed to radiation, the growth inhibitory effect of GCV was significantly increased, as compared with non-transduced parental cells. Conclusions: The results suggest that the addition of HSV-tk gene therapy to standard radiation therapy may improve the effectiveness of treatment for solid tumors.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.39-53
• /
• 2010

목적 : 퇴행성 관절염은 염증성 사이토카인인 IL-$1\beta$에 의해 연골관절이 파괴되고 이로 인해 염증성 사이토카인이 더욱 증가하는 질환이다. 퇴행성 관절염을 치료하기 위해서는 연골 파괴를 가속화시키는 catabolic cytokines의 활성을 줄이고, 성장인자인 anabolic factor의 활성을 증가시는 연골 보호 작용이 있어야 한다. 본 연구에서는 독활 승마 처방(OAH19T)이 catabolic/anabolic 대사 조절에 어떤 영향을 미치는지와 그 신호 전달 기전에 대해 연구하였다. 또한 OAH19T를 구성하는 단미재 및 임상에서 사용되는 COX-2 inhibitor인 Celebrex(CEL)와 효능을 비교 실험하였다. 방법 : 배양된 세포에 IL-$1\beta$로 자극한 후 (1) glycosaminoglycan(GAG)의 분해 억제 정도, (2) OAH19T와 CEL에 대하여 MMP-1과 MMP-3의 유전자 발현 및 활성 억제, (3) Aggrecan 및 Aggrecanases의 유전자 발현 및 활성 억제, (4) OAH19T의 growth factor의 조절 능력, (5) MAPK pathway 등을 RT-PCR(reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction), ELISA(Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), western blot, viability 측정을 통해 검증했다. 결과 : 사람 관절 세포에서 (1) 독활 승마 각각의 단미재, 임상에서 사용중인 셀레콕시브(CEL), 조인스보다 실험 약물(OAH19T)이 저농도에서 GAG 분해 억제 효과가 우수하였고, 부탄올로 분획한 OAH19B와는 동등한 효과를 보였다. (2) OAH19T는 IL-$1\beta$에 의하여 활성화된 MMP-1과 MMP-3의 발현을 모두 억제하였으나, CEL은 MMP-1의 발현은 억제하였으나 MMP-3의 발현은 억제하지 못하였다. (3) OAH19T는 IL-$1\beta$에 의하여 손상된 Aggrecan을 회복시켰으며 이는 활성화된 Aggrecanase-1과 Aggrecanase-2를 억제시킴으로써 나타난 결과이다. 그러나 CEL의 경우, 손상된 Aggrecan을 회복시키지 못하였다. (4) 배양된 세포는 IL-$1\beta$에 의하여 TGF-$\beta$II및 TGF-$\beta$ receptor II의 발현이 억제되었으나, OAH19T는 TGF-$\beta$II및 TGF-$\beta$ receptor II의 발현을 회복시켜 OAH19T가 anabolic한 조절능력이 있음을 시사한다. 그러나 CEL의 경우 growth factor에 대한 조절 능력이 없었다. (5) 대사 조절 작용에 대한 기전으로서 MAPK pathway에 대해서 연구한 결과 IL-$1\beta$에 의하여 유도된 pERK, pp38 kinase의 활성은 억제하였고, pJNK의 활성은 변하지 않았다. 또한 OAH19T는 연골 세포에 독성이 없었으며 IL-$1\beta$에 의해 유도된 세포 증식만을 억제시켰다. 이 결과로, OAH19T가 OA chondrocyte의 탈분화 및 세포 고사를 억제하여 연골보호 및 회복 효과가 있음을 알 수 있었다. 결론 : OAH19T는 이를 구성하는 단미재 및 CEL보다 연골보호 효과가 월등하였고, 이러한 연골보호 효과는 catabolic cytokines/growth factors의 균형으로 대사조절을 통해 연골세포의 탈분화 및 세포 고사를 억제하여 연골보호 및 회복 효과가 있음을 알 수 있었다.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.133-140
• /
• 2013

This study was performed to investigate the expression of cathepsin B mRNA and protein in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis and in normal endometrial tissues and to clarify the association between the cathepsin B expression and endometriosis. A total of 40 women with histologically confirmed endometriosis were recruited for study group. For controls, 20 women undergoing operative treatment for uterine myoma, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or benign gynecologic conditions other than endometriosis were recruited. Eutopic endometrial tissues of both groups and ectopic endometrial tissue of study group were collected during the operations. We employed real time reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantify mRNA levels of cathepsin B in these tissues. Then, we performed western blot analysis to measure the protein levels of cathepsin B. The expressions of cathepsin B mRNA and protein were significantly higher in both eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of women with endometriosis than in endometrial tissues of controls. These data suggest that the higher expression of cathepsin B in the endometrial tissues might be associated with the development of endometriosis. In addition, eutopic endometrium itself with higher expression cathepsin B may play a pivotal role in the histogenesis of endometriosis.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.13-18
• /
• 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine whether Hominis Placental pharmacopuncture solution (HPPS) combined with zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) activates RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: We soaked ZnO nanoparticles in the Hominis Placenta pharmacopuncture solution, thereby making a combined form (ZnO NP HPPS). The effect of ZnO NP HPPS on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. The effect of ZnO NP HPPS on NF-${\kappa}B$ was measured by using a luciferase assay. The effect of ZnO NP HPPS on the cytokine expression was assessed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cellular uptake of ZnO NP HPPS was measured by using a flow cytometric analysis, and cellular structural alterations were analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Neither the HPPS nor the ZnO NPs induced intracellular ROS production in RAW 264.7 cells. Neither of the materials activated NF-${\kappa}B$ or it's dependent genes, such as TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1, and MCP-1. However, ZnO NP HPPS, the combined form of ZnO NPs and HPPS, did induce the intracellular ROS production, as well as prominently activating NF-${\kappa}B$ and it's dependent genes. Also, compared to ZnO NPs, it effectively increa-sed the uptake by RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, cellular structural alterations were observed in groups treated with ZnO NP HPPS. Conclusions: Neither ZnO NP nor HPPS activated RAW 264.7 cells, which is likely due to a low cellular uptake. The ZnO NP HPPS, however, significantly activated NF-${\kappa}B$ and up-regulated its dependent genes such as TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1, and MCP-1. ZnO NP HPPS was also more easily taken into the RAW 264.7 cells than either ZnO NP or HPPS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.103-113
• /
• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate effect of suppressing the expression of cyclo-oxygenase-type-2 (COX-2) as a consequence of inhibition macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) activation by $Sambucus$ $williamsii$ $Hance$ (SWH) pharmacopunctureon rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods : In vitro test, synoviocytes extracted from type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse's knee joint were cultivated After that, each well of synoviocytes was mixed with the extract of SWH at the dosage of $0.4mg/m{\ell}$, $0.6mg/m{\ell}$, $0.8mg/m{\ell}$, and $1.0mg/m{\ell}$ respectively, and cultivated for 24 hours after the addition. Reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is used to investigate the expression of MIF, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, COX-2 mRNA. $In$ $vivo$ test, thirty DBA female mice were used, and each ten mice were allocated into three group; normal group, CIA-elicitated group, and group treated with SWH pharmacopuncture on it's the point of $ST_{35}$ after CIA elicitation. It is investigated that change of mice foot thickness, histologic change of sliced synovial joint of mouse, and extent change of MIF, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2 in synovial membrane. Results : $In$ $vitro$ test, the expressions of cytokine(MIF, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2) mRNAs related to RA were dose-dependent decreased. In the SWH pharmacopuncture group, foot thickness and histologic change of sliced synovial joint were decreased comparing with CIA-elicitated group's change. In the SWH pharmacopuncture group, the suppression of MIF, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2 in synovial membrane was clearly shown comparing with CIA-elicitated group's change. Conclusions : It might be suggested that SWH pharmacopuncture mitigate tissue damage originated from rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the expression of COX-2 as a consequence of inhibition MIF activation.