• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.310-316
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• 2001

To find out the effect of low temperature on the regulation of tomato chloroplast genes, the optimization of the system in chloroplast protein synthesis and the identification of the changes in chloroplast protein synthesis induced by chilling were studied. Incorporation reaction occurred rapidly at the first 30 minutes and was constantly maintained after 60 minutes. A broad optimal temperature on protein synthesis was found around 20 to $30^{\circ}C$. No difference was shown in the chloroplast protein synthesis under high light intensity (1600 ${\mu}E/m^2/s$) as well as under low light intensity (400 ${\mu}E/m^2/s$) even darkness. $K^+$, $Mg^{++}$ and ATP at an optimal concentration act as an activator, while DTT, chloramphenicol, cycloheximide, $Ca^{++}$ and inorganic phosphate act as an inhibitor in the chloroplast protein synthesis. Synthesis of 15, 55 and 60 kd chloroplast encoded stromal proteins and 18, 24, 33 and 55 kd chloroplast encoded thylakoid membrane proteins were reduced by chilling, while 17 kd chloroplast encoded stromal protein and 16 kd chloroplast encoded thylakoid membrane protein was induced by chilling. It was expected that the 55 kd stromal protein would be the large subunit of rubisco and the 33 kd thylakoid membrane protein would be the D1 protein which was drastically reduced by chilling.

• BMB Reports
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.58-62
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• 1996

The structural changes in the electron donor side of the PSII reaction center have been monitored since heat treatment ($45^{\circ}C$ for 5 min) of thylakoids is known to decrease the oxygen evolving activity. In heat-treated spinach chloroplast thylakoids, the inhibitory effect of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) on the electron transport activity of the PSII reaction center from diphenyl carbazide to dichlorophenolindophenol became reduced approximately 3.8 times and [$^{14}C$]-labeled DCMU binding on the D1 polypeptide decreased to 25~30% that of intact thylakoid membranes, implying that the conformational changes of the DCMU binding pocket, residing on the D1 polypeptide, occur by heat treatment. The accessibility of trypsin to the $NH_2$-terminus of the cytochrome b-559 ${\alpha}$-subunit, assayed with Western blot using an antibody generated against the synthetic peptide (Arg-68 to Arg-80) of the COOH-terminal domain, was also increased, indicating that heat-treatment caused changes in the structural environments near the stromal side of the cytochrome b-559 ${\alpha}$-subunit, allowing trypsin more easily to cleave the $NH_2$-terminal domain. Therefore, the structural changes in the electron donor side of the PSII reaction center complexes could be one of the reasons why the oxygen evolving activity of the heat-treated thylakoid membranes decreased.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.87-91
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• 2003

Currently gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors are divided into three major categories: myogenic tumors(leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma), neurogenic tumors (schwannomas) and neoplasms that belong to neither group, which are known by GIST(gastrointestinal stromal tumors). The stromal tumors are hetrogenous, so that they may show myogenic or neurogenic differentiation or both, or no differentiation at all in some patients. The best defining feature for GIST is their expression of KIT-protein(CD117). Leiomyomas are the most common mesenchymal tumor in esophagus. Esophageal GISTS are very rare in comparision to those of the stomach and intestine. Recently we experieneced one case of the esophageal GIST, so that we describe an esophageal GIST on immunohistochemical analysis. A 70 years old woman complained of dysphagia and nausea for 3 days. FGS showed a huge elevated lesion in lower esophagus 33cm distal to incisor, which was covered with normal mucosa. CT and UGI showed the intramural tumor of lower third of the esophagus. The distal esophagectomy and esophago-gastrostomy were performed. The tumor was located in lower third of esophagus and measured as $6{\times}3.7$cm in size. Immunohistochemically, it showed weakly positive CD117 and diffusely positive S-100. SMA, desmin, NES and chromogranin showed negative immune-reaction. The patient was followed for 15 month after operation. There was no recurrence.

• International Journal of Molecular Medicine
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.2252-2258
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• 2019

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in allergic disorders, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. Ursolic acid (UA) has various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. However, the effect of UA on TSLP regulation has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to analyze how UA regulates the production of TSLP in the human mast cell line HMC-1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blotting, caspase-1 assay and fluorescent measurements of intracellular calcium levels were conducted to analyze the regulatory effects of UA. The results revealed that UA inhibited TSLP production and mRNA expression. In addition, UA reduced the activation of nuclear factor-κB and degradation of IκBα. Caspase-1 activity was increased by exposure to phorbol myristate acetate plus calcium ionophore, whereas it was reduced by UA. Finally, UA treatment prevented an increase in intracellular calcium levels. These results indicated that UA may be a useful agent for the treatment and/or prevention of atopic and inflammatory diseases, and its effects are likely mediated by TSLP downregulation.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.21 no.6 s.101
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• pp.439-443
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• 2006

Biocompatibility and tissue regenerating capacity are essential characteristics in the design of collagenous biomaterials for tissue engineering. Attachment of glycosaminoglycans to collagen may add to these characteristics by creating an appropriate micro-environment. In this study, porous type I collagen matrices were crosslinked using dehydrothermal treatment and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide, in the presence and absence of chondroitin sulfate (CS). The scaffold like discs in 3 mm diameter were inserted into the intralamellar stromal pockets of rabbit cornea. In 8 weeks of follow up, clinical evaluation including corneal neovascularization, opacity and transparency of the graft scaffold was performed, and the inflammatory reaction and migration of corneal fibroblast were evaluated histologically. No inflammation, neovascularization and opacity in any of the implant were observed. CS increased the corneal fibroblast invasion and the transparency. It is concluded that the type I collagen sponge showed a biocompatibility in corneal stromal layer and addition of CS slightly improved the quality of the bioartificial corneal stromal layer. These results could be useful for the development of corneal substitutes.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.639-652
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• 2006

Objective : The etiology of chronic prostatitis is likely multifactorial, resulting from either a cascade of events after an initiating factor or from a variety of etiologic mechanisms. There is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and the clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Forsythiae Frucus has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of prostatitis and urinary tract inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of Forsythiae Frucus on inflammatory cytokines and cyto-pathological alternation in the rat model of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}$-estradiol treatment. Methods : Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}$-estradiol after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis. which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Forsythiae Frucus as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathologlcal parameters including the epithelial score and epithelio-stromal ratio for glandular damage. and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$. eotaxin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2(cox-2). Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation. the rats treated with Forsythiae Frucus showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in the Forsythiae Frucus group over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelia-stromal ratio was lower in the Forsythiae Frucus group when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytosine genes. Forsythiae Frucus inhibited the expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-$\alpha$, iNOS, cox-2 genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Forsythiae Frucus may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. From theses results. we suggest that Forsythiae Frucus could be a useful remedy agents for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.61-61
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• 2003

Aquaporins (AQPs)는 다양한 상피세포와 내피세포에 존재하며 다량의 물 수송을 촉진하는 막성단백질로 현재 11개의 AQP가 (AQP0-10) 발견되었으나, 아직 생리적, 기능적 분석은 불충분한 상태이다. 생쥐의 자궁내막은 발정주기 동안 호르몬의 자극에 따라 부풀어오르거나 수축하는 변화를 보이며 에스트로젠과 몇몇 혈관에 작용하는 매개체에 의해 자궁 혈관의 투수성이 증가한다는 보고는 있으나, 자궁액의 수송 메커니즘에 대해서는 뚜렷하게 밝혀진 바가 없다. 발정기의 생쥐 자궁은 자궁내막세포의 증식과 함께 수화되는 특징을 보이며 자궁내강으로 물이 수송되어 luminal fluid의 점성이 낮아지는 현상이 나타나는데, 이 때 AQP가 water channel로서 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 보고 본 실험에서는 면역조직화학법(immunohistochemistry)과 역전사중합효소연쇄반응(Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction)을 통해 발정기 자궁의 수화와 AQP 발현의 상관성에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 면역조직화학법의 결과 발정주기의 다른 시기에 비해 발정기(estrus phase)에 자궁상피세포에 AQP4, 5, 8 protein이 다량 존재하는 것으로 밝혀졌고, 근육층(myometrium)에서의 발현은 발정주기 동안 차이가 없었다. Whole uterus로 RT-PCR을 수행한 결과 AQP4, 5, 8 mRNA는 luteal phase에 비해 follicular phase에 더 많이 발현하는 것으로 확인되었다. 또한 LCM(Laser Capture Microdissection) system을 이용하여 luminal epithelium과 stromal cell을 분리하여 RT-PCR을 수행한 결과 AQP4, 5, 8 mRNA는 stromal cell 보다는 luminal epithelium에 더 많이 발현하며, 이 역시 follicular phase에 발현량이 증가함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 생쥐 자궁에서 AQP4, 5, 8은 발정주기 내막에 발현이 증가하며 이는 자궁내강 안으로 수분을 수송하는데 주요한 기작으로 사료되며 estrogen에 의한 조절 가능성을 암시한다.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.9
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• 2012

The prevalence of allergic disease has been increasing over the past few decades in the majority of Western industrialized nations. There are some socioeconomic disparities regarding allergic disease status and management. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is Korean medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease. It is known that KMP6 has an improving effect on the spleen and stomach functions in traditional Korean medical theory. Here, we hypothesized that KMP6 could be used to regulate the inflammatory reaction. We show the molecular mechanisms of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on inflammatory reactions. A molecular docking simulation showed that hesperidin, component of KMP6, regulate the enzymatic activity by interaction in the active site of caspase-1. KMP6 control the activity of caspase-1 in activated human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). KMP6 reduced the expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-2 in HMC-1 cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein production and mRNA expression were inhibited by KMP6. In the activated HMC-1 cells, KMP6 suppressed the activation of mitogen-ativated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB. In addition, KMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that KMP6 may attenuate allergic reactions via the regulation of caspase-1/RIP-2 signaling pathway. These studies will help advance the social welfare system.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.327-337
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• 2009

Objective : In benign prostatic hyperplasia, dihydrotestosterone acts as a potent cellular androgen and promotes prostate growth. Inhibiting enzyme 5${\alpha}$-reductase, which is involved in the conversion of testosterone to the active form dihydrotestosterone, reduces excessive prostate growth. Recently Scutellaria baicalensis has been related reports about the effect of baicalein on anti-proliferation of the prostate gland. In this study, we investigated the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on cytopathological alterations and expression of 5${\alpha}$-reductase in the rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rat were treated with testosterone after castration for induction of experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is similar to human benign prostatic hyperplasia in histopathological profiles. Scutellaria baicalensis as an experimental specimen, and finasteride as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological changes, testosterone levels, and the expression of 5${\alpha}$-reductase genes. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Scutellaria baicalensis showed a diminished range of tissue damage. In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) of 5${\alpha}$-reductase genes. Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited the expression of 5${\alpha}$-reductase genes. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Scutellaria baicalensis may protect glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the suppression of 5${\alpha}$-reductase. From theses results, we suggest that Scutellaria baicalensis could be a useful remedy agent for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.131-141
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• 2010

Objective : Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is one of the most common diseased among elderly men. BPH can be treated with alpha-1 adrenergic blocker or $5{\alpha}$-reductase inhibitor(Finasteride) that reduces serum dihydrotestosterone(DHT). Phellodendri Cortex Ex has been broad studied on its chemical components, pharmacological activity, and clinical effects on anti-inflammation, anti-allergy, anti-tumor, immunity, antibacteria and other bioactivities. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Phellodendri Cortex Ex with a BPH induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with testosterone after castration for induction of experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is similar to human benign prostatic hyperplasia in histopathological profiles. Phellodendri Cortex as an experimental specimen, and Finasteride as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological changes, and the expression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase genes. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Phellodendri Cortex Ex showed a diminished range of the tissue damage. In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) of $5{\alpha}$-reductase genes, Phellodendri Cortex inhibited the expression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase genes. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Phellodendri Cortex Ex may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the suppression of $5{\alpha}$-reductase. From these results, we suggest that Phellodendri Cortex Ex could be a useful agent for treating the benign prostatic hyperplasia.