• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.130-137
• /
• 2002

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most important viruses in many field crops in Korea. In this study, 31 PVY isolates were isolated from infected potato (Solanum tuberosum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), pea (Pisum sativum), and weeds (Veronica persica, Lamium amplexicause and Capsella bursa-pastoris) showing different mosaic symptoms in Jeonbuk, Chungnam, Gangwon, and Gyeongbuk areas in Korea. The 640 nucleotide region containing the C-terminal portion of coat protein (CP) gene and 3'non-translated region (NTR) was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using PVY-specific oligonucleotide primers. Sequence analyses of the amplified DNA fragments showed that the C-terminal portion of CP gene was not significantly different from that of previously reported PVY strains from potato (PVY-OK and -T) and tobacco (PVY-VN) in Korea. Homologies of the deduced CP amino acid sequences were 93.3-99.0% to corresponding regions of the other PVY strains including PV $Y^{N}$, PV $Y^{o}$ , PV $Y^{OK}$ , PV $Y^{T}$ , and PV $Y^{VN}$ . In contrast the sequences located at the 3'-NTR showed more diverse sequence homologies (76.4-99.7%). These results indicate that the C-terminal portion of the CP gene was relatively conserved while sequences at the 3'NTR were more diverse and variable over the host species and the regions where they were isolated.e isolated.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.201-207
• /
• 2017

Angelica decursiva has been utilised as remedy for controlling the airway inflammatory diseases in folk medicine. We investigated whether nodakenin, columbianadin, and umbelliferone isolated from the roots of Angelica decursiva inhibit the gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin from human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with nodakenin, columbianadin or umbelliferone for 30 min and then stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) for 24 h. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression was measured by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Production of MUC5AC mucin protein was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were as follows: (1) Nodakenin did not affect the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by EGF, PMA or $TNF-{\alpha}$. Columbianadin inhibited the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by EGF or PMA. However, umbelliferone inhibited the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by EGF, PMA or $TNF-{\alpha}$; (2) Nodakenin also did not affect the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by EGF, PMA or $TNF-{\alpha}$. Columbianadin inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by PMA. However, umbelliferone inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by EGF, PMA or $TNF-{\alpha}$. These results suggest that, among the three compounds investigated, umbelliferone only inhibits the gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin stimulated by various inducers, by directly acting on airway epithelial cells, and the results might explain the traditional use of Angelica decursiva as remedy for diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.229-238
• /
• 2012

Cyclooxygenase(COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid. Over-expression of COX-2 has been reported to be associated with progressive hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatic C infection and rat liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$). Recently, it is well known that mast cell products can stimulate the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and key players in liver fibrosis. But little is known regarding their role in $CCl_4$-induced liver fibrosis in rat. Our aim was to investigate the relation between COX-2 expression and mast cells during liver fibrosis after $CCl_4$ treatment. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (non-treated 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8-week after $CCl_4$-treatment). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA), collagen-1 and COX-2 in liver tissue from $CCl_4$-treated rats. The density of collagen and mast cells were determined using a computerized image analysis system in liver sections stained with picrosirius red and toluidine blue, respectively. The expression levels of ${\alpha}$-SMA, collagen-1 and COX-2 mRNA were significantly higher at 2 wk in $CCl_4$-treated groups than non-treated group. The number of mast cells in liver tissues increased gradually from 2 wk to 6 wk depending on the fibrosis severity but decreased abruptly at 8 wk. The significant increase of collagen-1 and ${\alpha}$-SMA mRNA expression in $CCl_4$-treated rats was continued until 6 wk while the COX-2 mRNA was significantly decreased at 8 wk. These results suggest that increased mast cells are closely associated with COX-2 over-expression during hepatic fibrogenesis of $CCl_4$-treated rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.785-791
• /
• 2005

Corydalis Tuber has traditionally been used for the treatment of water retention in the body. Administration of the aqueous extract of Corydalis Tuber has been known to be effective for the control of pain and treatment of arthritis. It was reported that Corydalis Tuber possesses anti-inflammatory activity and modulates the intestinal immune system. The effect of Corydalis Tuber against LPS-stimulated expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in cells of the murine RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), $PGE_2$ immunoassay, and NO detection. The aqueous extract of Corydalis Tuber was shown to suppress $PGE_2$ production by inhibition on the LPS-stimulated enhancement of COX-2 enzyme activity, $IL-1{\beta}$, and iNOS expression in the RAW 264.7 macrophages. Present results suggest that Corydalis Tuber exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects probably by suppressing of COX-2, iNOS, and $IL-1{\beta}$ expressions, resulting in inhibition of $PGE_2$ synthesis. Corydalis Tuber has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects probably by suppressing of COX-2, iNOS, and $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA expressions, resulting in inhibition of $PGE_2$ and NO synthesis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.239-245
• /
• 2014

We investigated whether luteolin affects the gene expression, secretion and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in primary cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes, as well as production of MMP-3 in the rat knee to evaluate the potential chondroprotective effects of luteolin. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer and IL-$1{\beta}$-induced gene expression levels of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), ADAMTS-5 and type II collagen were measured by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Effects of luteolin on interleukin- $1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$)-induced secretion and enzyme activity of MMP-3 in rabbit articular chondrocytes were investigated by western blot analysis and casein zymography, respectively. The effect of luteolin on MMP-3 protein production was also examined in vivo. The results were as follows: (1) luteolin inhibited the gene expression levels of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5. However, it increased the gene expression level of collagen in rabbit articular chondrocytes; (2) luteolin inhibited the secretion and activity of MMP-3; (3) luteolin inhibited in vivo production of MMP-3 protein. These results suggest that luteolin can regulate the gene expression, secretion and activity of MMP-3, by directly acting on articular chondrocytes.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.25-30
• /
• 2002

Endocrine disruptors have been reported to adversely affect reproduction and embryonic development in wild animals. One of the major abnormalities observed during early embryonic development is cellular fragmentation. In this study, we exposed mouse preimplantation embryos to PCB, BPA and DDT in vivo or in vitro. Embryos exposed to endocrine disrupter showed a variety of morphological abnormalities such as fragmentation, irregular blastomeres and cracked empty zonae pellucidae. To investigate the levels of gene expression related which genes contribute to apoptosis in preimplantation mouse embryos, we carried out the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to assess mRNA levels far apoptotic gene. Bcl-2, bad and bax expression levels were compared between control group and endocrine disrupter treated group. Expression level of bcl-2 gene tended to be lower in the treated group than control while expression levels of bad and bax genes were higher in the treated group. Results of this study may provide a useful tool for rapidly screening developmental toxicants in preimplantation embryos exposed to endocrine disruptors in vivo or in vitro.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.213-219
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Based on data from Chinese and Indian traditional herbal medicines, gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida (sometimes referred to asafetida or asafoetida) has several therapeutic applications. The authors of various studies have claimed that asafetida has cytotoxic, antiulcer, anti-neoplasm, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidative effects. In present study, the anti-aging effect of asafetida on senescent human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated. Methods: Senescence was induced in in vitro cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) through exposure to $H_2O_2$, and the incidence of senescence was recognized by using cytochemical staining for the activity of ${\beta}$-galactosidase. Then, treatment with oleo gum resin of asafetida was started to evaluate its rejuvenating effect. The survival rate of fibroblasts was evaluated by using methyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed to evaluate the expressions of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers. Results: Our experiments show that asafetida in concentrations ranging from $5{\times}10^{-8}$ to $10^{-7}g/mL$ has revitalizing effects on senescent fibroblasts and significantly reduces the ${\beta}$-galactosidase activity in these cells (P < 0.05). Likewise, treatment at these concentrations increases the proliferation rate of normal fibroblasts (P < 0.05). However, at concentrations higher than $5{\times}10^{-7}g/mL$, asafetida is toxic for cells and induces cell death. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that asafetida at low concentrations has a rejuvenating effect on senescent fibroblasts whereas at higher concentrations, it has the opposite effect of facilitating cellular apoptosis and death.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.121-126
• /
• 2012

Aberrations on the short arm of chromosome 8 (8p) are frequently observed in several human cancers. In this study, 20 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) specimens from the tongue were examined in order to evaluate the role of 8p in SCC of the tongue. Microsatellite analysis using 14 markers demonstrated two commonly deleted regions (CDRs) on 8p. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed frequent down-regulation of the FEZ1 gene, mapped to 8p22, and frequent over-expression of the cathepsin B gene, mapped to 8p-21-22. These results suggested that genetic aberrations are involved in the development of SCC of the tongue. However, no significant relationship was observed to be established between the genetic alterations and clinicopathological features. Thus, further investigation is necessary in order to clarify the clinical role of 8p in carcinoma of the tongue.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.29-32
• /
• 2020

As respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) is transmitted either via directly contact with an infected case or via indirectly contaminated fomites or skin, the major preventive measures are strict hand hygiene, early detection of transmitted sources, and rapid isolation of RSV patients. Especially early detection of hidden cases is the most critical control measure when an index case was notified in a postpartum center. The Guideline of Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention defines potential contacts in an epidemiologic survey as admitted newborns, parents of index cases, center's workers, and visitors for 10 days before the first diagnosis day of index case. However, it needs to classify potential contacts in more detail in order to conduct a successful survey. Authors conducted to search related literatures and appraise the evidences. Firstly, potential contacts would be classified into RSV-related symptomatic contacts(SxC) and asymptomatic contacts. And then, mother, caring workers, and visitors of the index cases among asymptomatic contacts would be defined as the asymptomatic close contacts(ASCC). Finally, the rest would be defined as the asymptomatic regular contacts(ASRC). The defined test using reverse transcription-PCR is applied to SxC and ASCC, and decision of isolation or regular activities are made according to the results. The rapid antigen detection test kits are applied to ASRC. These suggestions might be helpful to detect hidden cases earlier and prevent a further infection.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 2016

Objectives : The Skin is composed of multiple layers, including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. It provides a vital barrier structure that protects vertebrates from external environmental antigens, solvents, ultraviolet light, microorganisms, toxins, and weather conditions. Although several biological effects of Mori Follium have been reported, beneficial effects of Mori Follium in skin health remain unclear. In this study, we prepared water extract of Mori Follium (MLE) and evaluated the effects on melanin accumulation and expression levels of skin fibril-related proteins.Methods : The cytotoxicities of MLE in B16F10 melanoma and human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were examined by MTT assay. Inhibitory effect of MLE on the α-MSH- and IBMX-induced melanosis in B16F10 melanoma was examined. The expression levels of fibronectin, collagen 1α2, and CCN2 in MLE-treated HSF were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymer chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting.Results : The MLE treatment for 24 h did not affect to the B16F10 and HSF at concentrations of 1, 10, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 ㎍/ml. The MLE treatment for 72 h significantly and dose dependently suppressed melanin accumulation in B16F10 melanoma. In addition, the MLE treatment up-regulated expression levels of skin fibril-related genes such as fibronectin, collagen 1α2, and CCN2 in HSF. Our western blot analysis revealed MLE-induced up-regulation of skin fibril-related genes required the activation of CCN2 protein.Conclusions : In conclusion, these findings suggest that the MLE could be used in development of cosmetic natural material of maintaining healthy skin.