• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.435-443
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• 1997

We employed the whole-cell patch clamp technique to investigate the effects of arachidonic acid (AA) on barium inward current through the L-type calcium channels ($I_{Ba}$) and on osmotic stretch-induced increase of $I_{Ba}$ in guinea-pig antral gastric myocytes. Under isosmotic condition, AA inhibited $I_{Ba}$ in a dose-dependent manner to $91.1{\pm}1.4,\;72.0{\pm}3.2,\;46.0{\pm}1.8,\;and\;20.3{\pm}2.3%$ at 1, 5, 10, 30 mM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of AA was not affected by 10 ${\mu}M$ indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Other unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and oleic acid (OA) were also found to suppress $I_{Ba}$ but stearic acid (SA), a saturated fatty acid, had no inhibitory effect on $I_{Ba}$. The potency sequence of these inhibitory effects was AA ($79.7{\pm}2.3%$) ＞ LA ($43.1{\pm}2.7%$) ＞ OA ($14.2{\pm}1.1%$) at 30 ${\mu}M$. On superfusing the myocyte with hyposmotic solution (214 mOsm) the amplitude of $I_{Ba}$ at 0 mV increased ($38.0{\pm}5.5%$); this increase was completely blocked by pretreatment with 30 mM AA, but not significantly inhibited by lower concentrations of AA (1, 5 and 10 ${\mu}M$) (P＞0.05). Unsaturated fatty acids shifted the steady-state inactivation curves of $I_{Ba}$ to the left; the extent of shift caused by AA was greater than that caused by LA. The activation curve was not affected by AA or LA. The results suggest that AA and other unsaturated fatty acids directly modulate L-type calcium channels and AA might modulate the hyposmotic stretch- induced increase of L-type calcium channel current in guinea-pig gastric smooth muscle.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.160-169
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• 2008

Bakcground: To treat anastomosis site stenosis and occlusion of the artificial vessels used in vascular surgery, tissue-engineered artificial vessels using autologous cells have been constructed. We developed artificial vessels using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells and performed an in vivo evaluation. Material and Method: We manufactured a vascular scaffold using biodegradable PLCL (poly lactide-co-${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) and PGA (poly glycolic acid) fibers. Then we seeded autologous bone marrow cells onto the scaffold. After implantation of the artificial vessel into the abdominal aorta, we performed an angiography 3 weeks after surgery. After the dogs were euthanized we retrieved the artificial vessels and performed histological analysis. Result: Among the six dogs, 2 dogs died of massive bleeding due to a crack in the vascular scaffold 10 days after the operation. The remaining four dogs lived for 3 weeks after the operation. In these dogs. the angiography revealed no stenosis or occlusion at 3 weeks after the operation. Gross examination revealed small thrombi on the inner surface of the vessels and the histological analysis showed three layers of vessel structure similar to the native vessel. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated regeneration of the endothelial and smooth muscle cell layers. Conclusion: A tissue engineered vascular graft was manufactured using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells that had a structure similar to that of the native artery. Further research is needed to determine how to accommodate the aortic pressure.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2009

The myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) gene encodes both smooth muscle and nonmuscle cell isoforms. Recently, polymorphisms in MYLK have been reported to be associated with several diseases. To examine the genetic effects of polymorphisms on the risk of asthma and related phenotypes, we scrutinized MYLK by re-sequencing/genotyping and statistical analysis in Korean population (n = 1,015). Seventeen common polymorphisms located in or near exons, having pairwise $r^2$ values less than 0.25, were genotyped. Our statistical analysis did not replicate the associations with the risk of asthma and log-transformed total IgE levels observed among African descendant populations. However, two SNPs in intron 16 (+89872C> G and +92263T> C), which were in tight LD (|D'| = 0.99), revealed significant association with log-transformed blood eosinophil level even after correction multiple testing ($P=0.002/P^{corr}=0.01$ and $P=0.002/P^{corr}=0.01$, respectively). The log-transformed blood eosinophil levels were higher in individuals bearing the minor alleles for +89872C> G and +92263T> C than in those bearing other allele. In additional subgroup analysis, the genetic effects of both SNPs were much more apparent among asthmatic patients and atopic asthma patients. Among atopic asthma patients, the log-transformed blood eosinophil levels were proportionally increased by gene-dose dependent manner of in both +89872C> G and +92263T> C(P = 0.0002 and P = 0.00007, respectively). These findings suggest that MYLK polymorphisms might be among the genetic factors underlying differential increases of blood eosinophil levels among asthmatic patients. Further biological and/or functional studies are needed to confirm our results.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.293-303
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• 1990

The contractile action of barium $(Ba^{2+})$ was investigated in the arterial strip of rabbit renal artery. The helical strip of isolated renal artery was immersed in the Tris-buffered Tyrode's solution equilibrated with 100% $O_2$ at $37^{\circ}C$ and its isometric tension was measured. $Ba^{2+}-induced$ contraction of arterial strip was dose-dependent and its maximal tension corresponded to $92.1{\pm}4.5%$ of tension by $K^+(100\;mM)$. $Ba^{2+}-induced$ contraction did not show the tachyphylactic phenomenon in the normal Tyrode's solution. $Ba^{2+}$ induced the tonic contraction in the $Ca^{2+}-free$ tyrode's solution and that was increased by the extracellula addition of $Ca^{2+}$. During the repeated exposure of the same dose of $Ba^{2+}\;(10\;mM)$ in the $Ca^{2+}-free$ Tyrode's solution, $Ba^{2+}-induced$ contraction was progressively decreased. Even though the intracellular NE-and caffeine-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$ was depleted, $Ba^{2+}$ induced the tonic contraction. After the pretreatment of lanthnum or verapamil, $Ba^{2+}$ did not induce contraction. $Ba^{2+}-induced$contraction was suppressed by extracellular $K^+$ in the normal Tyrode's solution and that was dependent on $K^+$ concentration. Suppressive effect of $K^+\;(14\;mM)$ on the $Ba^{2+}-induced$ contraction was also dependent on the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration. From the above resuts, it is suggested that $Ba^{2+}$ activate indirectly the contractile process by promoting the mobilization of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and the influx of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$. It is also suggested that action of $Ba^{2+}$ on the $Ca^{2+}-activated$ $K^+$ channel can result in the depolarization of cell membrane in the rabbit renal artery.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.477-484
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• 2019

Several types of scavenger receptors, including the Collectin-Placenta 1 (CL-P1) receptorthat is present in mammals, are molecules that are expressed on the surfaces of endothelial cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cells. These molecules are cell surface glycoproteins that can be conjugated to oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Among these molecules, the effect of quercetin on CL-P1 activation has been confirmed. Quercetin is known as an antioxidant that stops oxidation because it acts to remove free radicals that are responsible for the oxidation reaction. In this study, fragments from the transcription start site of the mouse CL-P1 gene promoter to the -500th base were cloned using DNA polymerase. These fragments were then introduced into macrophage like RAW264.7 cells and fibroblast-like NIH3T3 cells to study the effect of quercetin on the CL-P1 gene expression. As a result, we found that bases ranging from -250 to -350 in the anterior part where gene expression starts are important for producing CL-P1 protein. Among them, the DNA mutation experiments we performed confirmed that the E2F binding sites are critical for producing the CL-P1 protein? In addition, when quercetin was added to the RAW264.7 culture medium, which was a culture of adherent cells, observedthe phenomenon of the cells falling off from the surface of the culture container.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.26.1-26.14
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• 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer type that is associated with multiple gene mutations in somatic cells. Genetically engineered mouse is hardly applicable for developing a pancreatic cancer model, and the xenograft model poses a limitation in the reflection of early stage pancreatic cancer. Thus, in vivo somatic cell gene engineering with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats is drawing increasing attention for generating an animal model of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we selected Kras, Trp53, Ink4a, Smad4, and Brca2 as target genes, and applied Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 (CjCas9) and Streptococcus pyogens Cas9 (SpCas9) for developing pancreatic cancer using adeno associated virus (AAV) transduction. After confirming multifocal and diffuse transduction of AAV2, we generated SpCas9 overexpression mice, which exhibited high double-strand DNA breakage (DSB) in target genes and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions with two AAV transductions; however, wild-type (WT) mice with three AAV transductions did not develop PanIN. Furthermore, small-sized Cjcas9 was applied to WT mice with two AAV system, which, in addition, developed high extensive DSB and PanIN lesions. Histological changes and expression of cancer markers such as Ki67, cytokeratin, Mucin5a, alpha smooth muscle actin in duct and islet cells were observed. In addition, the study revealed several findings such as 1) multiple DSB potential of AAV-CjCas9, 2) peri-ductal lymphocyte infiltration, 3) multi-focal cancer marker expression, and 4) requirement of > 12 months for initiation of PanIN in AAV mediated targeting. In this study, we present a useful tool for in vivo cancer modeling that would be applicable for other disease models as well.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.47-65
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• 2023

Objectives We evaluated the wound healing effects of Dangguijakyak-san (DJ) using C57BL/6 mice that were generated open wound. Methods The study was conducted with seven C57BL/6 mice assigned to each group, divided into the normal group, control group, vitamin E group, DJ low-dose group, DJ high-dose group. We measured total polyphenol, flavonoid contents, the size of the wound, liver function, pro-inflammatory cytokine activity in serum, inflammation-related proteins, adhesion molecules and chemokine proteins, collagen-related proteins in skin tissue and histopathological changes by H&E and Masson's staining. Results DJ treatment significantly reduced the area of the wound compared to the control group. Also, inflammatory cytokines were reduced and the expression of anti-inflammatory-related factors (interleukin-4 [IL-4] and IL-10) was significantly increased in the DJ treatment group. We identified that DJ treatment inhibits both pathways of inflammation, the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB pathway. Moreover, the protein expressions of Sirt1 (sirtuin 1), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) were decreased by DJ administration. Also, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I alpha 1, collagen-related proteins, that help skin recovery was significantly increased in the DJ treatment group. Histopathologically, a relatively thin epithelial layer could be observed in the DJ administration group, as well as an increase in fibroblasts and collagen fibers. Conclusions These data suggest that DJ treatment is effective in wound healing, suppressing inflammatory proteins, increasing skin repair factors and improving histopathological changes caused by wounds.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.30-50
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• 2023

Objectives : To investigate the active compounds and therapeutic mechanisms of Atractylodes Lancea(Thunb.) D.C. and Magnolia Officinalis Rehder et Wilson in the treatment of dermatitis accompanied by pruritus, as well as their potential to complement or replace standard drugs. Methods : We conducted the network pharmacological analysis. We selected effective ingredients among the active compounds of research target herbs. Then we explore pathway/terms of the common target proteins among research target herbs, fexofenadine and disease. Results : We selected 9 active compounds are selected from Atractylodes lancea and identified 231 target proteins. Among them, 74 proteins are associated with inflammatory skin diseases that cause pruritus. These proteins are involved in various pathways including, 'Nitric-oxide synthase regulator activity', 'Hydroperoxy icosatetraenoate dehydratase activity, Aromatase activity', 'RNA-directed DNA polymerase activity', 'Arachidonic acid metabolism', 'Peptide hormone processing', 'Chemokine binding' and 'Sterol biosynthetic process'. Additionally, coregenes are involved in 'IL-17 signaling pathway'. Similarly, we selected 2 active compounds from Magnolia officinalis and identified 133 target proteins. Among them, 33 proteins are related to inflammatory skin diseases that cause pruritus. These proteins are primarily involved in 'Vascular associated smooth muscle cell proliferation' and 'Arachidonic acid metabolism'. There is no significant difference between the pathways in which coregenes are involved. Conclusions : It is expected that Atractylodes Lancea will be able to show direct or indirect anti-pruritus and anti-inflammatory effects on skin inflammation accompanied pruritus through suppressing inflammation and protecting skin barrier. Meanwhile, it is expected that Magnolia Officinalis will only be able to show indirect anti-inflammation effects. Therefore, Atractylodes Lancea and fexofenadine are believed to complement each other, whereas Magnolia Officialinalis is expected to provide supplementary support on skin disease.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.52-65
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the origins of myofibroblasts in renal interstitial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) alleviating EMT has been proved, but the concrete mechanism is unclear. To explore the mechanism, serum-free MSCs conditioned medium (SF-MSCs-CM) was used to treat rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) which ameliorated EMT. Methods and Results: Galectin-3 knockdown (Gal-3 KD) and overexpression (Gal-3 OE) lentiviral vectors were established and transfected into NRK-52E. NRK-52E fibrosis model was induced by TGF-β1 and treated with the SF-MSCs-CM for 24 h after modelling. Fibrosis and autophagy related indexes were detected by western blot and immunocytochemistry. In model group, the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), Galectin-3, Snail, Kim-1, and the ratios of P-Akt/Akt, P-GSK3β/GSK3β, P-PI3K/PI3K, P-mTOR/mTOR, TIMP1/MMP9, and LC3B-II/I were obviously increased, and E-Cadherin (E-cad) and P62 decreased significantly compared with control group. SF-MSCs-CM showed an opposite trend after treatment compared with model group. Whether in Gal-3 KD or Gal-3 OE NRK-52E cells, SF-MSCs-CM also showed similar trends. However, the effects of anti-fibrosis and enhanced autophagy in Gal-3 KD cells were more obvious than those in Gal-3 OE cells. Conclusions: SF-MSCs-CM probably alleviated the EMT via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/GSK3β/Snail pathway. Meanwhile, Gal-3 KD possibly enhanced autophagy via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/mTOR pathway, which synergistically ameliorated renal fibrosis. Targeting galectin-3 may be a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.887-893
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• 2003

External stimuli increases intracellular (IC) $Ca^{2+}$, which increases extracellular (EC) $K^{+}$. To verify $K^{+}$ effects on the vascular contraction, we performed an experiment using mouse aortic endothelial cell. Meterial and Method: We examined the mouse aortic contractility changes as we measured the IC $Ca^{2+}$ change and ionic current by using the voltage clamp technique under different conditions such as: increasing EC $K^{+}$, removing endothelial cell, giving L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) which suppress nitric oxide formation, Ouabain which control N $a^{+}$ - $K^{+}$ pump and N $i^{2+}$ which repress N $a^{+}$-C $a^{2+}$ exchanger Result: When we increased EC $K^{+}$ from 6 to 12 mM, there was no change in aortic contractility. Aorta contracted with more than 12 mM of EC $K^{+}$. Ace-tylcholine (ACh) induced relaxation was inhibited with EC $K^{+}$ from 6 to 12 mM, but was not found after de-endothelialization or L-NAME treatment. ATP or ACh increased IC $Ca^{2+}$ in cultured endothelium. After maximal increase of IC $Ca^{2+}$, increasing EC $K^{+}$ from 6 to 12 mM made IC $Ca^{2+}$ decrease and re-decreasing EC $K^{+}$ to 6 mM made IC $Ca^{2+}$ increase. Ouabain and N $i^{2+}$ masked the inhibitory effect of endothelium dependent relaxation by increased EC $K^{+}$. Conclusion: These data indicate that increase in EC $K^{+}$ relaxes vascular smooth muscle and reduces $Ca^{2+}$ in the endothelial cells which inhibit endothelium dependent relaxation. This inhibitory mechanism may be due to the activation of N $a^{+}$- $K^{+}$ pump and N $a^{+}$-C $a^{2+}$ exchanger. $a^{+}$-C $a^{2+}$ exchanger.r.