• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.590-600
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• 2024

Angelica keiskei, a perennial herb from Apiaceae family, has been reported to improve diabetes, inhibit thrombosis, alleviate dyslipidemia, and prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. In this study, the protective effects of A. keiskei extract (AKE) against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated through cell viability analysis, antioxidant enzyme analysis, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. The results demonstrated that pretreatment of Angelica keiskei with AKE significantly inhibited the expression of key adhesion molecules such as E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induced by TNF-α. AKE also showed a substantial reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating potential antioxidant capabilities. This study further explained that AKE interfered with the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by inhibiting phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB, thereby preventing nuclear translocation. Additionally, AKE selectively inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, revealing a specific action mechanism. These findings collectively suggest that AKE possesses multi-faceted protective properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions and early atherosclerosis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.21.1-21.16
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• 2024

IL-1, a pleiotropic cytokine with profound effects on various cell types, particularly immune cells, plays a pivotal role in immune responses. The proinflammatory nature of IL-1 necessitates stringent control mechanisms of IL-1-mediated signaling at multiple levels, encompassing transcriptional and translational regulation, precursor processing, as well as the involvement of a receptor accessory protein, a decoy receptor, and a receptor antagonist. In T-cell immunity, IL-1 signaling is crucial during both the priming and effector phases of immune reactions. The fine-tuning of IL-1 signaling hinges upon two distinct receptor types; the functional IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) 1 and the decoy IL-1R2, accompanied by ancillary molecules such as the IL-1R accessory protein (IL-1R3) and IL-1R antagonist. IL-1R1 signaling by IL-1β is critical for the differentiation, expansion, and survival of Th17 cells, essential for defense against extracellular bacteria or fungi, yet implicated in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. Recent investigations emphasize the physiological importance of IL-1R2 expression, particularly in its capacity to modulate IL-1-dependent responses within Tregs. The precise regulation of IL-1R signaling is indispensable for orchestrating appropriate immune responses, as unchecked IL-1 signaling has been implicated in inflammatory disorders, including Th17-mediated autoimmunity. This review provides a thorough exploration of the IL-1R signaling complex and its pivotal roles in immune regulation. Additionally, it highlights recent advancements elucidating the mechanisms governing the expression of IL-1R1 and IL-1R2, underscoring their contributions to fine-tuning IL-1 signaling. Finally, the review briefly touches upon therapeutic strategies targeting IL-1R signaling, with potential clinical applications.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.307-313
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• 1999

Purpose : To investigate the Presence of adaptive response by low dose radiation in murine tumors in relation to radiation induced apoptosis as well as related mechanism. Materials and Methods : Syngeneic murine tumors, OCa-I and HCa-l, were given 0.05 Gy pretreatment followed by therapeutic dose of 25 Gy radiation. Induction of apoptosis was analyzed for each treatment group. Regulating molecules of apoptosis, p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-X, were also analyzed by Western blotting. Results : In 0.05 Gy pretreatment group of OCa-I, 25 Gy-induced apoptosis per 1000 cells was 229, which was estimated at $30\%$ lower level than the expected (p<0.05). In contrast, this reduction in radiation induced apoptosis was not seen in HCa-l. In the expression of apoptosis regulating molecules, p53 increased in both tumors in response to radiation. Bcl-2 and Bax did not show significant change in both tumors however, the expression of Bcl-2 surpassed that of Bax in 0.05 Gy pretreatment group of OCa-l. Bcl-X was not expressed in OCa-l. In HCa-l, Bcl-X showed increased expression even with 0.05 Gy. Conclusion : Adaptive response by low dose radiation Is shown in one murine tumor, OCa-l, in relation to radiation induced apoptosis. Apoptosis regulating molecules including Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-X, appear to related. This study shows an evidence that adaptive response is present, but not a generalized phenomenon in vivo.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.468-473
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• 2008

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induces cell proliferation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (hAoSMCs), which may be involved in atherogenesis and intimal hyperplasia. Recent studies have demonstrated that $Cl^-$ channels are related to vessel cell proliferation induced by a variety of stimuli. In this study, we investigated a potential role of $Cl^-$ channels in the signaling pathway of LDL effects on hAoSMC proliferation with a focus on the activation of Erk1/2-PI3K/Akt and the subsequent upregulation of Egr-1. $Cl^-$ channel blockers, DIDS, but neither NPPB nor Furosemide, completely abolished the LDL-induced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Moreover, DIDS, but not NPPB, significantly decreased LDL-stimulated $Cl^-$ concentration, as judged by flow cytometry analysis using MQAE as a $Cl^-$-detection dye. DIDS pretreatment completely abolished the activation of Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt in a dose-dependent manner that is the hallmark of LDL activation, as judged by Western blot and proliferation assays. Moreover, pretreatment with DIDS ($Cl^-$ channel blockers) but not LY294002 (PI3K inhibitors) completely abolished the LDL-induced upregulation of Egr-1 to the same extent as PD98059 (MEK inhibitors to inhibit Erk), as judged by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. This is the first report, to our knowledge, that DIDS-sensitive $Cl^-$-channels play a key role in the LDL-induced cell proliferation of hAoSMCs via the activation of Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt and the upregulation of Egr-1.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2007

Background: Stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 is a potent chemoattractant for activated T cells into the inflamed Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. To determine the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on the production of SDF-1 in the inflamed RA synovium. Methods: The expression of SDF-1 and MIF in RA and Osteoarthritis (OA) synovium was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The SDF-1 was quantified by RT-PCR and ELISA after RA fibroblast like synoviocyte (FLS) were treated with MIF in the presence and absence of inhibitors of intracellular signal molecules. The synovial fluid (SF) and serum levels of MIF and SDF-1 in RA, OA and healthy control were measured by ELISA. Results: Expression of SDF-1 and MIF in synovium was higher in RA patients than in OA patients. The production of SDF-1 was enhanced in RA FLS by MIF stimulation. Such effect of MIF was blocked by the inhibitors of NF-${\kappa}B$. Concentrations of SDF-1 in the serum and SF were higher in RA patients than in OA patients and healthy control. SDF-1 and MIF was overexpressed in RA FLS, and MIF could up-regulate the production of SDF-1 in RA FLS via NF-${\kappa}B$-mediated pathways. Conclusion: These results suggest that an inhibition of interaction between MIF from T cells and SDF-1 of FLS may provide a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of RA.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.254-261
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• 2017

Glioblastomas (GBM) are very difficult to treat and their aggressiveness is one of the main reasons for this as well as for the frequent recurrences. MicroRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate their target genes through interaction between their seed sequence and 3'UTR of the target mRNAs. We previously reported that miR-296-3p is regulated by neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and enhances the invasiveness of GBM cells via SOCS2/STAT3. In this study, we investigated whether miR-296-5p, which originates from the same precursor miRNA as miR-296-3p, can increase the invasiveness of GBM cells. It was observed that miR-296-5p potentiated the invasion of various GBM cells including LN229, T98G, and U87MG. Through bioinformatics approaches, two genes were identified as miR-296-5p targets: caspase-8 (CASP8) and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR). From results obtained from Ago2 immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, we found that miR-296-5p downregulates CASP8 and NGFR through direct interaction between seed sequence of the miRNA and 3'UTR of the target mRNA. Knockdown of CASP8 or NGFR also increased the invasive ability of GBM cells, indicating that CASP8 and NGFR are involved in potentiation of invasiveness by miR-296-5p. Consistent with our findings, CASP8 was downregulated in brain metastatic lung cancer cells, which have a high level of miR-296-5p, compared to parental cells, suggesting that miR-296-5p may be generally associated with the acquisition of invasiveness. Collectively, our results implicate miR-296-5p as a potential cause of invasiveness in cancer and suggest it as a promising therapeutic target for GBM.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.253-260
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• 2007

Objectives : Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is characterized by breakdown of blood vessels within the brain parenchyma. Fundamental therapeutic strategies for ICH, particularly those aimed at neuroprotection, have to be established. So in this experiment, the effects of Woowhangchongshim-won, a traditional prescription formula for treating Cerebral Apoplexy in Asian countries, were investigated. Methods : After intraperitoneal injection of chloralhydrate, rats were placed in a stereotaxic frame. ICH was induced by injection of 1 U collagenase type IV and drug was administered orally for 10 days. The molecular profile of cerebral hemorrhage in rat brain tissue was measured using micro array technique to identify up- or down- regulated genes in brain tissue. These genes induced by brain damage were mainly concerned with general metabolic process such as primary metabolic process, cellular metabolic process, macromolecule metabolic process, and biosynthetic process. Results : The number of genes increased in control and not-changed in experiment was 374, and decreased in control and not-changed in experiment was 527. We are concerned with genes that can be recovered by treatment with medicine, it is especially interesting to above types of genes. Conclusions : Upon medicine treatment to the rat having cerebral hemorrhage, expressions of some genes were restored to normal level. Further analysis using protein interaction database identified some key molecules that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future.

• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.10
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• pp.647-652
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• 2011

The protein transduction domains have been reported to have potential to deliver the exogenous molecules, including proteins, to living cells. However, poor transduction of proteins limits therapeutic application. In this study, we examined whether imipramine could stimulate the transduction efficiency of PEP-1 fused proteins into astrocytes. PEP-1-catalase (PEP-1-CAT) was transduced into astrocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, reducing cellular toxicity induced by $H_2O_2$. Additionally, the group of PEP-1-CAT + imipramine showed enhancement of transduction efficiency and therefore increased cellular viability than that of PEP-1-CAT alone. In the gerbil ischemia models, PEP-1-CAT displayed significant neuroprotection in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Interestingly, PEP-1-CAT + imipramine prevented neuronal cell death and lipid peroxidation more markedly than PEP-1-CAT alone. Therefore, our results suggest that imipramine can be used as a drug to enhance the transduction of PEP-1 fusion proteins to cells or animals and their efficacies against various disorders.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.16-26
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• 2007

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease catalyzing the proteolytic conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, which is involved in thrombolysis. During last two decades, the role of tPA in brain physiology and pathology has been extensively investigated. tPA is expressed in brain regions such as cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum, and major neural cell types such as neuron, astrocyte, microglia and endothelial cells express tPA in basal status. After strong neural stimulation such as seizure, tPA behaves as an immediate early gene increasing the expression level within an hour. Neural activity and/or postsynaptic stimulation increased the release of tPA from axonal terminal and presumably from dendritic compartment. Neuronal tPA regulates plastic changes in neuronal function and structure mediating key neurologic processes such as visual cortex plasticity, seizure spreading, cerebellar motor learning, long term potentiation and addictive or withdrawal behavior after morphine discontinuance. In addition to these physiological roles, tPA mediates excitotoxicity leading to the neurodegeneration in several pathological conditions including ischemic stroke. Increasing amount of evidence also suggest the role of tPA in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis even though beneficial effects was also reported in case of Alzheimer's disease based on the observation of tPA-induced degradation of $A{\beta}$ aggregates. Target proteins of tPA action include extracellular matrix protein laminin, proteoglycans and NMDA receptor. In addition, several receptors (or binding partners) for tPA has been reported such as low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and annexin II, even though intracellular signaling mechanism underlying tPA action is not clear yet. Interestingly, the action of tPA comprises both proteolytic and non-proteolytic mechanism. In case of microglial activation, tPA showed non-proteolytic cytokine-like function. The search for exact target proteins and receptor molecules for tPA along with the identification of the mechanism regulating tPA expression and release in the nervous system will enable us to better understand several key neurological processes like teaming and memory as well as to obtain therapeutic tools against neurodegenerative diseases.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.38-48
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• 2011

Purpose: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the most common glomerulopathy causing pediatric renal failure. Since specific treatment targeting the etiology and pathophysiology of primary FSGS is yet elusive, the authors explored the pathophysiology of FSGS by transcriptome analysis of the disease using an animal model. Methods: FGS/kist strain, a mouse model of primary FSGS, and RFM/kist strain, as control and the parent strain of FGS/kist, were used. Kidney tissues were harvested and isolated renal cortex was used to extract mRNA, which was run on AB 1700 mouse microarray chip after reverse transcription to get the transcriptome profile. Results: Sixty two genes were differentially expressed in FGS/kist kidney tissue compared to the control. Those genes were related to cell cycle/cell death, immune reaction, and lipid metabolism/vasculopathy, and the key molecules of their networks were TNF, IL-6/4, IFN${\gamma}$, TP53, and PPAR${\gamma}$. Conclusion: This study confirmed that renal cell death, immune system activation with subsequent fibrosis, and lipid metabolism-related early vasculopathy were involved in the pathophysiology of FSGS. In addition, the relevance of methodology used in this study, namely transcriptome profiling, and Korean animal model of FGS/kist was validated. Further study would reveal novel pathophysiology of FSGS for new therapeutic targets.