• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.159-168
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• 2004

Background : In recent years, numerous human tumor specific antigens such as melanoma antigen gene(MAGE) that is recognized by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been identified. MAGE is expressed in many human malignancies in various organs, such as lung, breast, stomach, esophagus and leukemia. Therefore MAGE has been studied widely for tumor diagnosis and immunotherapy. But, so far there were no clinical studies evaluating the role of MAGE in pleural effusion. We investigated the expression of MAGE in the patients with exudative pleural effusion for it's diagnostic utility and the results were compared with those of cytologic examinations. Methods : Diagnostic thoracentesis was performed in 44 consecutive patients with exudative pleural effusion during 6 months. We examined the expression of MAGE and cytology with the obtained pleural effusion. Expression of MAGE was interpreted by means of a commercial kit using RT-PCR method. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups such as malignant and benign and we analyzed its' sensitivity and specificity. Results : There were no significant differences between two groups in age, sex, white blood cell counts in pleural fluid, pleural fluid/serum protein ratio and pleural fluid/serum LDH ratio. The sensitivity and specificity of MAGE were 72.2% and 96.2% respectively and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MAGE were also 92.9% and 83.3% respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of cytologic examinations were 66.7% and 81.3% respectively. There were no significant differences between sensitivities of MAGE and cytologic examinations but false positive result of MAGE was found in 1 case of tuberculous pleurisy. Conclusion : MAGE is a sensitive and specific marker for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant effusion in patients with exudative pleural effusion. And MAGE would provide the equal sensitivity compared with that of cytologic examination in patients with malignant pleural effusion if 5mL of the pleural fluid is examined.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.9
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• pp.1378-1386
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• 2013

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammatory dermatitis with immunological disturbances. In spite of the continuous increase in the incidence of AD, it is regrettable that till date there is no effective treatment to treat the same. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the possible anti-atopic effects of Castanea crenata inner shell extracts fermented by Lactobacillus bifermentans (FCS) in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) induced AD in NC/Nga mice. Based on the results of HPLC analysis, we found that FCS contains anti-inflammatory factors such as gallic acid (10.18 mg/g) and ellagic acid (2.14 mg/g). The groups that we have used in this study included 0.1%, 1%, 5% fermented Castanea crenata inner shell extracts (FCS 0.1, FCS 1, FCS 5), 1,3-butylene glycol treated control (AD), and normal mice. After topical FCS treatment, we observed that the clinical severity score for AD was lower in both the FCS 1 and FCS 5 groups than the AD group. We also proved beyond doubt that there was improvement of melanin, erythema and skin moisture indices in the FCS 5 group. Spleen index and gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ were significantly decreased in the FCS 5 group compared to the AD group (P<0.05). Further, we also found that the level of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the FCS-treated group was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of our study suggest that FCS can be effectively used as a cosmeceutical ingredient for both the prevention and improvement of AD.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.389-396
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• 2001

Purpose : To detect differentially expressed genes in the patients with uterine cervical cancer during the radiation therapy. Materials and Methods : In patients with biopsy proven uterine cervical cancer, we took tumor tissue just before radiation therapy and at 40 minutes after external irradiation of 1.8 Gy. Total RNAs isolated from non-irradiated and irradiated tumor tissue samples were analyzed using the differential-display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR). Complementary DNA (cDNA) fragments corresponding to differentially expressed messenger RNAs(mRNAs) were eluted, and cloned. The differential expression of the corresponding mRNAs was confirmed by reverse northern blot. Differentially expressed cDNA bands were sequenced. Nucleotide sequence data were analyzed in the Gene Bank and EMBL databases via the BLAST network sewer to identify homologies to known genes or cDNA fragments. Expression pattern of down-regulated clone was examined using RT-PCR in S patients undergoing radiotherapy. Results : We identified 18 differentially expressed bands by DDRT-PCR, which were eluted and cloned. There were 10 up-regulated clones and 1 down-regulated clone in reverse northern blot. One cDNA fragment had homology to chemokine receptor CXCR4, four were identified as Human ESTs in the EMBL database in EST clones. Down-regulated CxCa-11 was also down regulated in all patients. Conclusion : Using the DDRT-PCR, we have identified 10 up-regulated and 1 down-regulated clone(s) in the patients with uterine cervical cancer during the radiation therapy. The clinical relevance and the functions of these genes will be further investigated.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.898-904
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• 2021

Locusta migratoria is a widespread locust species in many parts of the world and is considered an alternative source for the production of protein for value-added ingredients. We previously identified putative antimicrobial peptides derived from L. migratoria through an in silico analysis of its transcriptome. However, its anti-inflammatory effect has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of the antimicrobial peptide locustacin (KTHILSFFPSFLPLFLKK-NH₂) derived from L. migratoria on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Locustacin (50, 100, and 200 ㎍/ml) significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated macrophages without any cytotoxicity. Locustacin also inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, in contrast to the presence of LPS alone. Locustacin decreased the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, and their gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, locustacin (100 and/or 200 ㎍/ml) inhibited phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal regulated kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Locustacin also suppressed the degradation of inhibitory kappa B alpha, which was considered to be an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Collectively, these results demonstrate that locustacin can exert anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, activation of NF-κB, and downstream inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1095-1106
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• 2023

This study investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Aster glehni (AG) extract in RAW 264.7 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were higher in the ethanol extracts than in the hot water extracts. As a result of measuring the moisture contents (%) and extraction yields (%) of AG and drying A. glehni for processing (DAG), 70% ethanol, which has the highest percentage of extraction yield, was selected as the final solvent. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed higher antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of DAG than AG. The cytotoxicity assay of the AG or DAG ethanol extracts was treated at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL), and cell viability rates were higher than 80% at all concentrations. The LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 was significantly reduced at all concentrations of AG and DAG groups. As a result of measuring the gene expression of iNOS, which induces NO production, the AG or DAG group decreased by 33% and 32%, compared with the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group. Under inflammatory stress conditions, the survival rate of C. elegans treated with AG or DAG ethanol extract with LPS showed concentration-dependent improvement in survival rate compared with the PBS group. Considering these results, AG could potentially be developed as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional food material.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.668-675
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• 2001

Background : Non-smalll lung cancer(NSCLC) develops as a result of the accumulation of multiple genetic abnormalities. Loss of heterozygosity(LOH) is one of the most frequent genetic alterations that is found in NSCLC, and the chromosomal regions that display a high rate of LOH are thought to harbor tumor suppressor genes(TSGs). This study was done to determine the frequency of LOH in 21q with the aim of identifying potential TSG loci. Method : Thirty-nine surgically resected NSCLCs were analysed. Patients peripheral lymphocytes were used as the source of the normal DNA. Five microsatellite Inarkers of 21q were used to study LOH : 21q21.1(D21S1432, and D21S1994); 21q21.2-21.3(D21S1442) ; 21q22.1(21S1445) ; and 21q22.2-22.3(D21S266). The fractional allelic loss(FAL) in a tumor was calculated as the ratio of the number of markers showing LOH to the number of informative markers. Result : LOH for at least one locus was detected in 21 of 39 tumors(53.8%). Among the 21 tumors with LOH, 5(21.8%) showed LOH at almost all informative loci. Although statistically not significant, LOH was found more frequently in squamous cell carcinomas(15 of 23, 65.2%) than in adenocarcinomas(6 of 16, 37.5%). In the squamous cell carcinomas the frequency of LOH was higher in stage II-III (80.0%) than in stage I (53.8%). The FAL value in squamous cell carcinomas($0.431{\pm}0.375$) was significantly higher than that found in adenocarcinomas($0.l92{\pm}0.276$). Conclusion : These results suggest that LOH on 21q may be involved in the development of NSCLC, and that TSG(s) that contribute to the pathogenesis of NSCLC may exist on 21q.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.503-510
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• 2010

Most allergens have protease activities, suggesting that proteases may be a key link between Th2-type immune reactions in allergic responses. Protease activated receptor (PAR) 2 is activated via the proteolytic cleavage of its N-terminal domain by proteinases. To know the role of PAR2 in Aspergillus protease allergen activated Th2 immune responses in airway epithelial cells, we investigated and compared immune cell recruitment and level of chemokines and cytokines between PAR2 knock out (KO) mice and wild type (WT) mice. There were evident immune cell infiltrations into the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of WT mice, but the infiltrations in PAR2 KO mice were significantly lowered than those of WT mice. The IL-25, TSLP, and eotaxin gene expressions were profoundly increased after Aspergillus protease, but their expression was significantly lowered in PAR2 KO mice in this study. Compared to PAR2 KO mice, OVA specific IgE concentrations in serum of WT mice were quite increased; moreover, the IgE level of PAR2 KO mice was lower than in WT mice. The IL-25 expression by Aspergillus protease stimulation was significantly reduced by p38 specific inhibitor treatment. In this study, we determined that Th2 response was initiated with IL-25 and TSLP mRNA up-regulation in lung epithelial cells via PAR2 after Aspergillus protease allergen treatment.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.137-145
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• 2012

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the most important etiologic agent of aggressive periodontitis and can interact with endothelial cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are chemokines, playing important roles in periodontal pathogenesis. In our current study, the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans on the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. A. actinomycetemcomitans strongly induced the gene expression and protein release of both MCP-1 and IL-8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dead A. actinomycetemcomitans cells were as effective as live bacteria in this induction. Treatment of HUVEC with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of endocytosis, did not affect the mRNA up-regulation of MCP-1 and IL-8 by A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, substantially inhibited the MCP-1 and IL-8 production by A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas pharmacological inhibition of each of three members of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family had little effect. Furthermore, gel shift assays showed that A. actinomycetemcomitans induces a biphasic activation (early at 1-2 h and late at 8-16 h) of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and an early brief activation (0.5-2 h) of activator protein-1 (AP-1). Activation of canonical NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway ($I{\kappa}B$ kinase activation and $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation) was also demonstrated in these experiments. Although lipopolysaccharide from A. actinomycetemcomitans also induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, this activation profile over time differed from that of live A. actinomycetemcomitans. These results suggest that the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 is potently increased by A. actinomycetemcomitans in endothelial cells, and that the viability of A. actinomycetemcomitans and bacterial internalization are not required for this effect, whereas the activation of protein tyrosine kinase(s), NF-${\kappa}B$, and AP-1 appears to play important roles. The secretion of high levels of MCP-1 and IL-8 resulting from interactions of A. actinomycetemcomitans with endothelial cells may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.316-322
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• 2014

Xylanase have been used to convert the polymetric xylan into fermentable sugars from the production of ethanol and xylitol from plant biomass. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify xylanolytic bacterium from herbivore feces and was to used the xylanase for enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass. Xylanolytic strains were isolated from 59 different feces of herbivores from Seoul Grand Park located in Gwacheon Gyeonggi-do. The xylanolytic strains were selected by congo red staining and DNS method. Total 67 strains isolated from the herbivores feces were tested for xylanase activity. Among the strains, H10-1, which has the highest xylanase activity, was isolated from feces of Ceratotherium simum. The H10-1 strain was identified as Bacillus pumilus based on its morphological/biochemical characteristics and partial 16S rDNA gene sequences. Culture conditions of B. pumilus H10-1 such as initial medium pH, incubation temperature and incubation time were optimized for maximum xylanase production. And also xylanase produced by B. pumilus H10-1 was applied for the saccharification of Miscanthus sacchariflorus cv. 'Geodae 1', which was pretreated with 1.5M NaOH. The optimized culture conditions of B. pumilus H10-1 were pH 9, $30^{\circ}C$ incubation temperature, and 7 day incubation time, respectively. This xylanase activity under the optimized conditions was $20.4{\pm}3.3IU$. The crude xylanase produced by B. pumilus H10-1 was used for the saccharification of xylan derived from pretreated 'Geodae 1'. The saccharification conditions were $50^{\circ}C$, 200 rpm, and 5 days. Saccharification efficiency of pretreated 'Geodae 1' by B. pumilus H10-1 was 8.2%.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2017

Transmembrane protein 39A (TMEM39A) belongs to the TMEM39 family. TMEM39A gene is a susceptibility locus for multiple sclerosis. In addition, TMEM39A seems to be implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, any possible involvement of TMEM39A in cancer remains largely unknown. In the present report, we provide evidence that TMEM39A may play a role in brain tumors. Western blotting using an anti-TMEM39A antibody indicated that TMEM39A was overexpressed in glioblastoma cell lines, including U87-MG and U251-MG. Deep-sequencing transcriptomic profiling of U87-MG and U251-MG cells revealed that TMEM39A transcripts were upregulated in such cells compared with those of the cerebral cortex. Confocal microscopic analysis of U251-MG cells stained with anti-TMEM39A antibody showed that TMEM39A was located in dot-like structures lying close to the nucleus. TMEM39A probably located to mitochondria or to endosomes. Immunohistochemical analysis of glioma tissue specimens indicated that TMEM39A was markedly upregulated in such samples. Bioinformatic analysis of the Rembrandt knowledge base also supported upregulation of TMEM39A mRNA levels in glioma patients. Together, the results afford strong evidence that TMEM39A is upregulated in glioma cell lines and glioma tissue specimens. Therefore, TMEM39A may serve as a novel diagnostic marker of, and a therapeutic target for, gliomas and other cancers.