• 대한본초학회지
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.21-28
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• 2020

Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of Sprout of Coix lacryma-jobi var. mayuen Stapf water extract (SC) on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mice. Methods : The antioxidant activity of SC was measured through total polyphenol and total flavonoid content in vitro. The experiment was conducted with seven-week-old male Balb/c mice. After 1 week adaptation, acute colitis was induced by oral administration of 5% DSS dissolved in drinking water, for 7 days. And normal mice received drinking water without DSS throughout the entire experimental period. For each experiment, the mice were divided into 4 groups and 24 colitis mice were arbitrarily allocated into 3 groups (n = 8/group); Normal group, Control group, SC 100 mg/kg treated group (SCL), SC 200 mg/kg treated group (SCH). Serum and colon tissues were collected after one weeks of drug administration. Results : ROS levels, ONOO^- levels, AST, and ALT in serum were decreased in SC treated groups compared to the control group. Western blotting measurements of Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, GPx-1/2, IL-4, IL-10, and Bcl2 showed that the SC treated groups was increased compared to the Control group. Also, western blot measurements of NF-κBp65, p-IκBα, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, and Caspase-3 showed that the SC treated groups was reduced compared to the Control group. Conclusion : Taken together, these results suggest that SC treatment can attenuate the DSS-induced colitis though inhibiting NF-κB pathway and enhancing Nrf2 pathway. Therefore, SC was the potential to be used as a natural therapeutic drug.

• BMB Reports
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• 제48권7호
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• pp.395-400
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• 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disability caused by a decrease of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although the etiology of PD is not clear, oxidative stress is believed to lead to PD. Catalase is antioxidant enzyme which plays an active role in cells as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Thus, we investigated whether PEP-1-Catalase protects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) induced SH-SY5Y neuronal cell death and in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-trtrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced PD animal model. PEP-1-Catalase transduced into SH-SY5Y cells significantly protecting them against MPP⁺-induced death by decreasing ROS and regulating cellular survival signals including Akt, Bax, Bcl-2, and p38. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that transduced PEP-1-Catalase markedly protected against neuronal cell death in the SN in the PD animal model. Our results indicate that PEP-1-Catalase may have potential as a therapeutic agent for PD and other oxidative stress related diseases. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(7): 395-400]

• BMB Reports
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.136-141
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• 2009

Familial Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) is a progressive neurodegenetative disorder induced by mutations of the SOD1 gene. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is well-defined as a stress-inducible protein, however the its role in ALS protection has not yet been established. To investigate the role HSP27 may have in SOD1 mutant-mediated apoptosis, human SOD1 or HSP27 genes were fused with a PEP-1 peptide in a bacterial expression vector to produce a genetic in-frame fusion protein, which was then transduced into cells. We found the purified PEP-1-HSP27 fusion proteins can be transduced efficiently into neuronal cells and protect against cell death by enhancing mutant SOD1 activity. Moreover, transduced PEP-1-HSP27 efficiently prevents protein aggregation produced by oxidative stress. These results suggest that transduced HSP27 fusion protein may be explored as a potential therapeutic agent for FALS patients.

• 한국미생물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국미생물학회 2007년도 International Meeting of the Microbiological Society of Korea
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• pp.120-122
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• 2007

All living organisms use numerous signal-transduction pathways to sense and respond to their environments and thereby survive and proliferate in a range of biological niches. Molecular dissection of these signalling networks has increased our understanding of these communication processes and provides a platform for therapeutic intervention when these pathways malfunction in disease states, including infection. Owing to the expanding availability of sequenced genomes, a wealth of genetic and molecular tools and the conservation of signalling networks, members of the fungal kingdom serve as excellent model systems for more complex, multicellular organisms. Here, we employed Cryptococcus neoformans as a model system to understand how fungal-signalling circuits operate at the molecular level to sense and respond to a plethora of environmental stresses, including osmoticshock, UV, high temperature, oxidative stress and toxic drugs/metabolites. The stress-activated p38/Hog1 MAPK pathway is structurally conserved in many organisms as diverse as yeast and mammals, but its regulation is uniquely specialized in a majority of clinical Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A and D strains to control differentiation and virulence factor regulation. C. neoformans Hog1 MAPK is controlled by Pbs2 MAPK kinase (MAPKK). The Pbs2-Hog1 MAPK cascade is controlled by the fungal "two-component" system that is composed of a response regulator, Ssk1, and multiple sensor kinases, including two-component.like (Tco) 1 and Tco2. Tco1 and Tco2 play shared and distinct roles in stress responses and drug sensitivity through the Hog1 MAPK system. Furthermore, each sensor kinase mediates unique cellular functions for virulence and morphological differentiation. We also identified and characterized the Ssk2 MAPKKK upstream of the MAPKK Pbs2 and the MAPK Hog1 in C. neoformans. The SSK2 gene was identified as a potential component responsible for differential Hog1 regulation between the serotype D sibling f1 strains B3501 and B3502 through comparative analysis of their meiotic map with the meiotic segregation of Hog1-dependent sensitivity to the fungicide fludioxonil. Ssk2 is the only polymorphic component in the Hog1 MAPK module, including two coding sequence changes between the SSK2 alleles in B3501 and B3502 strains. To further support this finding, the SSK2 allele exchange completely swapped Hog1-related phenotypes between B3501 and B3502 strains. In the serotype A strain H99, disruption of the SSK2 gene dramatically enhanced capsule biosynthesis and mating efficiency, similar to pbs2 and hog1 mutations. Furthermore, ssk2, pbs2, and hog1 mutants are all hypersensitive to a variety of stresses and completely resistant to fludioxonil. Taken together, these findings indicate that Ssk2 is the critical interface protein connecting the two-component system and the Pbs2-Hog1 pathway in C. neoformans.

• KSBB Journal
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.308-312
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• 2012

Argon-plasma jet (Ar-PJ) is generated by ionizing Ar gas, and the resulting Ar-PJ consists of a mixture of neutral particles, positive ions, negative electrons, and various reactive species. Although Ar-PJ has been used in various biomedical applications, little is known about the biological effects on cells located near the plasma-exposed region. Here, we investigated the effects of the Ar-PJ on actin cytoskeleton of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in response to indirect as well as direct exposure to Ar-PJ. This Ar-PJ was generated at 500 mL/min of flow rate and 100 V electric power by our device mainly consisting of electrodes, dielectrics, and a high-voltage power supply. Because actin cytoskeleton is the key cellular machinery involved in cellular movement and is implicated in regulation of cancer metastasis and thus resulting in a highly desirable cancer therapeutic target, we examined the actin filament architectures in Ar-PJ-treated MEFs by staining with an actin-specific phalloidin labeled with fluorescent dye. Interestingly, the Ar-PJ treatment causes destabilization of actin filament architectures in the regions indirectly exposed to Ar-PJ, but no differences in MEFs treated with Ar gas alone and in untreated cell control, indicating that this phenomenon is a specific cellular response against Ar-PJ in the live cells, which are indirectly exposed to Ar-PJ. Collectively, our study raises the possibility that Ar-PJ may have potential as anti-cancer drug effect through direct destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton.

• 한국콘텐츠학회논문지
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.281-292
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• 2011

본 연구는 PNF 중 스프린터 패턴 적용 시 하지의 근 활성도가 균형 능력에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 다음과 같이 실시하였다. 편마비 환자 24명을 대조군과 실험군으로 나누어 실험군에 주 3회, 6주 동안 PNF의 상 하지 패턴의 결합인 스프린터 패턴(Sprinter pattern)을 실시하였다. 하지 근활성도는 내 외측광근, 내 외측슬괵근, 외측비복근의 활동전위의 실효치 값을 분석하였다. 균형 능력 검사는 FICSIT-4, FSST, MTD-Balance system 이용하여 측정하였다. 운동 적용 방법에 따른 측정 시점에 대한 대조군과 실험군의 유의성 검정은 Two-way repeated measure ANOVA를 실시하였고, 각 측정 항목들 간의 상관관계를 알아보기 위하여 Pearson correlation으로 분석하였다. 그 결과, 스프린터 패턴의 적용은 마비측 하지의 근 활성도를 증가시켜 정적 및 동적 균형능력을 향상시키는데 효과가 있었음을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 마비측 하지의 효율적 근동원을 위한 치료적 중재프로그램으로 적극적인 활용과 함께 다양한 운동 패턴들과 결합시켜 새로운 중재를 개발할 필요가 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.489-500
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to evaluate newly fabricated tricalcium phosphate(TCP)/chitosan microgranuls as bone substitutes. TCP/chitosan microgranules were fabricated by dropping TCP-chitosan suspension into the NaOH/ethanol solution. The size of microgranules could be controllable via airflow rate. PDGF-BB was loaded into the fabricated granules via freeze-drying methods(300 ng/20 mg). To evaluate cell proliferation, cultured osteoblasts cell lines(MC3T3-El) was dropped on the BioOss(R), chitosan microgranules, TCP/chitosan microgranules and cultured for 1, 7 , 14, and 28 days. Scanning electron microscopic observation was done after 7 days of culture and light microscopic examination was done after 28 days of culture. PDGF-BB release from the microgranules was tested. Rabbit calvarial defects(8 mm in diameter) were formed and chitosan, TCP/chitosan, PDGF-TCP/chitosan microgranules, and BioGran(R) were grafted to test the ability of new bone formation. At SEM view, the size of prepared microgranules was 250-1000 um and TCP powders were observed at the surface of TCP/chitosan microgranules. TCP powders gave roughness to the granules and this might help the attachment of osteoblasts. The pores formed between microgranules might be able to allow new bone ingrowth and vascularization. There were no significant differences in cell number among BioOss(R) and two microgranules at 28 day. Light and scanning electron microscopic examination showed that seeded osteoblastic cells were well attached to TCP/chitosan microgranules and proliferated in a multi-layer. PDGF-BB released from TCP/chitosan microgranules was at therapeutic concentration for at least 1 week. In rabbit calvarial defect models, PDGF-TCP/chitosan microgranules grafted sites showed thicker bone trabeculae pattern and faster bone maturation than others. These results suggested that the TCP/chitosan microgranules showed the potential as bone substitutes.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.329-338
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• 2020

Rhinorrhea in allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by the secretion of electrolytes in the nasal discharge. The secretion of Cl^- and HCO₃^- is mainly regulated by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) or via the calcium-activated Cl^- channel anoctamin-1 (ANO1) in nasal gland serous cells. Interleukin-4 (IL-4), which is crucial in the development of allergic inflammation, increases the expression and activity of ANO1 by stimulating histamine receptors. In this study, we investigated ANO1 as a potential therapeutic target for rhinorrhea in AR using an ANO1 inhibitor derived from a natural herb. Ethanolic extracts (30%) of Spirodela polyrhiza (SP_EtOH) and its five major flavonoids constituents were prepared. To elucidate whether the activity of human ANO1 (hANO1) was modulated by SP_EtOH and its chemical constituents, a patch clamp experiment was performed in hANO1-HEK293T cells. Luteolin, one of the major chemical constituents in SP_EtOH, significantly inhibited hANO1 activity in hANO1-HEK293T cells. Further, SP_EtOH and luteolin specifically inhibited the calcium-activated chloride current, but not CFTR current in human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells. Calu-3 cells were cultured to confluency on transwell inserts in the presence of IL-4 to measure the electrolyte transport by Ussing chamber. Luteolin also significantly inhibited the ATP-induced increase in electrolyte transport, which was increased in IL-4 sensitized Calu-3 cells. Our findings indicate that SP_EtOH and luteolin may be suitable candidates for the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis. SP_EtOH^- and luteolin-mediated ANO1 regulation provides a basis for the development of novel approaches for the treatment of allergic rhinitis-induced rhinorrhea.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.133-138
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• 2010

인체 자궁암 세포 HeLa에 항암제 cisplatin (CDDP)과 산삼배양근 추출물(ETCMG)을 투여하여 세포 성장률, 형태, 전기영동에 의한 DNA fragmentation, 세포주기 분석을 통하여 apoptosis 유도를 확인하였다. ETCMG 2, 4, 6mg/mL, CDDP $4{\mu}g/mL$의 농도로 24시간 투여한 후 세포의 성장에 미치는 영향을 분석하고, ETCMG를 항암제로서 효과가 입증되어있는 CDDP와 복합투여하여 비교한 결과 apoptosis비율은 대조군에 비하여 ETCMG의 농도가 증가할수록 농도에 비례하여 현저히 증가하였고 (p<0.05), CDDP와 ETCMG를 복합투여한 경우에 ETCMG를 단독으로 투여한 경우 보다 apoptosis비율이 매우 높은것으로 나타났다(p<0.05). 세포의 형태를 도립현미경과 투과전자현미경으로 관찰한 결과, 대조군은 세포의 정상적인 형태를 유지하고 있는 반면에 CDDP와 ETCMG를 각각 처리한 암세포는 세포의 성장이 현저히 억제되었고, 염색질의 응축과 apoptotic body가 관찰되었다. 세포의 성장억제가 apoptosis에 의한 것인지를 확인하고자 DNA를 분리하여 전기영동한 결과, HeLa 세포에서 ETCMG의 농도가 증가할수록 ladder가 뚜렷이 관찰되었고, CDDP를 복합 처리한 것 역시 ETCMG의 농도에 비례하여 ladder가 선명하게 나타났다. Flow cytometry (FC)에 의한 세포주기 분석 결과, ETCMG를 농도별로 처리한 경우에 apoptosis를 나타내는 Sub-$G_1$기의 양이 농도에 비례하여 증가하였고, 항암제인 CDDP와 복합 투여한 경우에 Sub-$G_1$기 DNA양이 눈에 띠게 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 이상의 실험 결과를 종합하면, ETCMG는 인체 자궁암에서 항암효과를 가지고 있으며, 항암제 CDDP의 단독 투여보다는 ETCMG와 함께 사용하는 경우에 암 치료제로서의 상승효과가 있는 것으로 사료된다.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.255-264
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• 1996

목적 : Paclitaxel(Taxol)은 미소관의 집합을 촉진시키고 분해를 방지하여 세포주기 중 유사분열을 정지시킴으로써 방사선조사와 병용할 경우 방사선감작제로서의 가능성이 있다. 정상세포 중 횐쥐의 소장에서 paclitaxel이 방사선의 독성을 증가시키는지 알기 위하여 실험을 시도하였다. 대상 및 방법 : Paclitaxel군은 paclitaxel 10mg/kg을 복강내 1회 주입하였다. 방사선조사군은 8 Gy를 전복부에 단일조사하였다. Paclitaxel과 방사선병용군은 paclitaxel(10mg/kg)을 복강내 주입 후 24시간에 방사선조사군과 동일한 방법으로 조사하였다. 실험완료 후 소장점막에서 유사분열수, apoptosis와 기타 점막의 변화를 시간별로(6시간 -5일) 관찰하였다. 결과 : Paclitaxel은 소장점막의 소낭선세포에서 유사분열을 정지시키며 약간의 apoptosis을 유발하였으며 유사분열정지는 6시간에서 최대치를 보였고 24시간에 정상으로 회복되었다. 방사선조사는 apoptosis를 유발하였으며 6시간에 최대치를 보이고 24시간에 정상으로 회복되었다. Paclitaxel과 방사선병용군에서 유사분열정지는 6시간에서 3일까지 나타났으며 apoptosis는 6시간과 24시간에 약간 보였으며 3일에 정상으로 회복되었다. 병용군에서 apoptosis의 빈도는 정상군보다 높았으나 방사선단독군에 비하여 현저하게 감소되어 방사선보호작용이 있었다.