• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.25-33
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• 2023

Objective This study aimed to confirm the effect of Sabaek-san extract on the recovery of skin damage in atopic dermatitis-induced mice. Methods In this study, we used 4-week-old NC/Nga mice that were assigned to four groups: control (Ctrl), lipid barrier elimination (LBEG), dexamethasone (Dx) administration after lipid barrier elimination (DxAG), and Sabaek-san extract administration after lipid barrier elimination (SBAG). Ten rats were assigned to each treatment group. After drug administration for 3 days following lipid barrier elimination, ceramide kinase, caspase 14, sodium hydrogen antiporter (NHE), cathelicidin, claudin, and Toll-like receptor (TLR2) were observed to confirm restoration of skin moisturizer production, antimicrobial barriers, and tight junctions in the skin barrier. Results Ceramide kinase and caspase 14 positive reactions were significantly higher in the SBAG group than in the LBEG or DxAG groups. NHE and cathelicidin showed a higher positive reaction in the SBAG group than in the LBEG and DxAG groups. Claudins and TLR2 showed a higher positive reaction in the SBAG group than in the LBEG or DxAG groups. Conclusion It was confirmed that Sabaek-san extract may have the potential to restore damaged skin barrier in atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.284-294
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• 2018

Purpose: Epithelial barrier dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of periodontitis and oral lichen planus. Estrogens have been shown to enhance the physical barrier function of intestinal and esophageal epithelia, and we aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol (E2) on the regulation of physical barrier and tight junction (TJ) proteins in human oral epithelial cell monolayers. Methods: HOK-16B cell monolayers cultured on transwells were treated with E2, an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (ICI 182,780), tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF{\alpha}$), or dexamethasone (Dexa), and the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) was then measured. Cell proliferation was measured by the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. The levels of TJ proteins and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ were examined by confocal microscopy. Results: E2 treatment increased the TER and the levels of junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting cell proliferation during barrier formation. Treatment of the tight-junctioned cell monolayers with $TNF{\alpha}$ induced decreases in the TER and the levels of ZO-1 and nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. These $TNF{\alpha}-induced$ changes were inhibited by E2, and this effect was completely reversed by co-treatment with ICI 182,780. Furthermore, E2 and Dexa presented an additive effect on the epithelial barrier function. Conclusions: E2 reinforces the physical barrier of oral epithelial cells through the nuclear ER-dependent upregulation of TJ proteins. The protective effect of E2 on the $TNF{\alpha}-induced$ impairment of the epithelial barrier and its additive effect with Dexa suggest its potential use to treat oral inflammatory diseases involving epithelial barrier dysfunction.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.267-272
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• 2015

'Tight junctions (TJ)' have recently been identified in the granular cell layer of the human epidermis, where they contribute to the normal adhesion between keratinocytes and to the physiologic barrier function of the epidermis. Among the TJ proteins in the epidermis, occludin is an important transmembrane protein, which is considered as a major component. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether regional variation exists in the expression of the tight junction protein occludin in normal human epidermis. Indirect immunofluorescence staining for occludin was performed with specimens taken from different areas of normal skin (4 from each of 7 different anatomical sites, including the scalp, face, posterior neck, upper arm, abdomen, lower back, and inner thigh). The degrees of the expression-intensity in each specimen were estimated with the reciprocals of positive end-point titer of occludin in an indirect immunofluorescence study. The highest degree expression-intensity of the TJ protein occludin among the different areas of normal epidermis was observed on the face and abdomen with a titer of 600 (p=0.001). The lowest intensity of expression of occludin was seen in the epidermis from the upper arm. Skin specimens from the scalp, neck, back, and leg demonstrated intermediate degrees of the expression in intensity. The expression of occludin in the skin samples obtained from different locations of the body showed a statistically significant variation. This suggests that there is a certain degree of regional variation in the expression-intensity of TJ protein 'occludin' in the human epidermis.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.181-191
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• 2006

NFI-C null mice demonstrated aberrant odontoblast differentiation and thus abnormal dentin formation while other tissues/organs in the body, including ameloblasts, appear to be unaffected and normal. However little is known about the mechanism of NFI-C function in odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. Odontoblasts are tall, highly polarized cells that are responsible for formation and maintenance of the predentin and dentin. An indication of their polarity is the acquisition of specialized intercellular junctions. As preodontoblasts differentiate into odontoblasts, they are Joined and attached at the apical end by well developed terminal webs of cytoskeletal actins, and associated tight as well as adherent njunctions. In this study, in order to investigate if disruption of the NFI-C gene interferes with formation of a specific or other structural proteins of the intercellular junctions, we examined morphological characteristic of the aberrant odontoblast in NFI-C null mice using light and electron microscope. In addition, we determined the expression of major structural proteins of intercellular junctions, ZO-1 and occludin, during the differentiation of odontoblasts using immunohitochemistry. The results were as follows : 1. In light microscopy, abnormal odontoblasts of incisors of the NFI-C null mice were round in shape, lost their polarity, and trapped in osteodentin-like mineralized tissue. Mutant molars have relatively normal crowns, but short and abnormal differentiating adontoblasts in root formation area. 2. Electron microscopy of abnormal odontoblasts revealed the dissociation of the round osteoblast-like cells, the loss of their cellular polarity, and the absence of an intercellular junctional complex known as the tight junctions. 3. A mutant incisor showed labeling for ZO-1 at the proximal and distal ends of secreting ameloblasts, while staining for ZO-1 was not observed in the abnormal odontoblasts. 4. A normal incisor showed immunoreactivity for occludin in the differentiating odontoblasts. However, staining for occludin was not observed in the abnormal odontoblasts of mutant incisor. These results suggest that NFI-C gene causes dissociation of odontoblast and thus abberant odontoblast differentiation and abnormal dentin formation by interfering with the formation of intercellular junctions.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.403-412
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• 2016

The tight junction, one of Intercellular junctions, performs a variety of biological functions by bonding adjacent cells, including the barrier function to control the movement of the electrolyte and water. Recent studies have revealed that unusual expression of tight junction-related genes have been shown to be related in cancer development and progression. Recently, there are many reports that control of tight junction proteins expression is closely related to the skin moisture. In this study, we are focusing on the regulating mechanism of tight junction-associated genes by the steviol and its derivatives. Steviol, used as a sweetner, is known to chemical compound isolated from stevia plant. The MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt) assay was carried out in HaCaT cells (human keratinocyte cell line) in order to determine the cytotoxicity. As a result, while steviol showing cytotoxicity from $250{\mu}M$, steviol derivatives are not cytotoxic more than $250{\mu}M$ concentration. We have observed a change in the tight junction protein via quantitative real-time PCR. Claudin 8 among tight junction proteins is only significantly reduced up to 30% in the presence of steviol. In addition, cell migration was inhibited by steviol, not by stevioside and rebaudioside. Finally, we could observe that steviol, not stevioside and rebaudioside, is able to increase the skin barrier permeability through the transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) measurements. These results suggest that the steviol and its derivatives are specifically acts on the tight junction related gene expression, but steviol derivatives are more suitable as a cosmetic material.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.528-534
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• 2010

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been well-known as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments since ancient times, and it is well documented that enhanced garlic consumption leads to a decrease in incidences of cancer. Tight junctions (TJs) are critical structures for the maintenance of cellular polarity, acting as paracellular permeability barriers and playing an essential role in regulating the diffusion of fluid, electrolytes and macromolecules through the paracellular pathway. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated as possible mediators of invasiveness and metastasis in some cancers. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of water extract of aged black garlic (ABG) on the correlation between tightening of TJs and anti-invasive activity in human gastric carcinoma AGS cells. The inhibitory effects of ABG on cell motility and invasiveness were found to be associated with increased tightness of TJs, which was demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance. Additionally, the activities of MMP-2 and -9 in AGS cells were inhibited by treatment with ABG, and this was also correlated with a decrease in the expression of their mRNA and proteins. Furthermore, RT-PCR and immunoblotting results indicated that ABG repressed the levels of the claudin proteins, major components of TJs that play a key role in the control and selectivity of paracellular transport. In conclusion, these results suggest that ABG treatment may inhibit tumor metastasis and invasion, and therefore may act as a dietary source to decrease the risk of developing cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.9 s.89
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• pp.1298-1302
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• 2007

A hallmark of cancers is 'leaky' tight junctions (Tjs). TJs mediated paracellular permeability is elevated and TJs maintained cell polarity is frequently lost. Concomitantly, TJs-associated proteins including members of the claudin family of proteins are dysregulated. Recent findings indicate that these TJs changes can contribute to cancer progression. In this study, we examined the effects of ${\beta}-lapachone$, a quinone compound obtained from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae), on the Tjs-associated regulators in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B. ${\beta}-lapachone$ treatment downregulated the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-lR) proteins in both HepG2 and Hep3B cells. But the levels of claudin-3 and -4 proteins were increased in ${\beta}-lapachone$-treated HepG2 and Hep3B cells. And also the zonnula occludens-l (la-I) and p-catenin protein levels by ${\beta}-lapachone$ were increased in a time-dependent manner. However, claudin-3 and -4 mRNA levels were uninhibited by ${\beta}-lapachone$ in HepG2 and Hep3B. The present results suggest that the upregulation of claudin-3 and -4 protein levels by ${\beta}-lapachone$ occurs by a post-transcriptional mechanism and points to a novel mechanism by ${\beta}-lapachone$.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.231-239
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• 2004

Cerebral microvessel endothelial cells that form blood-brain barrier (BBB) have tight junction for maintaining brain homeostasis. Occludin, one of tight junction protein, is crucial for BBB function. $H_2O_2$ induced occludin changes and effects in bovine brain BBB endothelial cells were examined in this study. The decrease of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) by $H_2O_2$ was due to disruption of occludin localization. Cytotoxicity test revealed that $H_2O_2$ did not cause cell death below 1 mM $H_2O_2$ within 4 hr. $H_2O_2$ caused intermittent disruption and loss of occludin at tight junctions and occludin disappeared with dose dependent manner from tight junction in confocal laser microscopy. But Western blot revealed that the total amounts of occludin increased by $H_2O_2$ administration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the ultrastructure of tight junction was not changed by $H_2O_2$. These data suggest that functional disruption of BBB by $H_2O_2$ was due to the localized loss of occludin in tight junction, but the expression of occludin increased in order to compensate the disrupted function in BBB.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.63-63
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• 2003

In an effort to uncover the spermatogenic impairment by the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the expression of tight junctions (TJs) genes important for the formation of the blood testis barrier (BTB) were examined following the 3,3',4,4',5-pentachloro biphenyl (PCB126) treatment in cultured neonatal testis in mice. At 4 days (D4) after 10 and 100 nM PCB126 treatment the expression of claudin-11 was significantly increased when compared with vehicle control. In contrast no difference in occludin and claudin-1 expression was found among the experimental group. On D8, 100 nM PCB126 significantly increased the expression of claudin-11 but not occludin and claudin-1. 1 uM PCB126 treatment significantly decreased expressions of occludin and ciaudin -1, suggesting the general toxic effect on the Sertoli cell. Because PCB126 does not alter the proliferative activity of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells in neonatal testis, it is likely that increase in the expression of claudin-11 by low dose of PCB126 may attribute to the alteration of the Sertoli cells differentiation in testis. It also emphasized that PCB126 might have differentially affected the transcription of TJ genes in Sertoli cells. In conclusion, this result suggests that the structure of TJ may be targeted by PCB126 in neonatal testis in mice and that co-PCB is potentially harmful to spermatogenesis by alteration of the development of BTB.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.881-887
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• 2012

This study was designed to examine influence of bacteria and herbal applications of Lonicerae Flos on the permeability of intestinal epithelial cells. The HCT-116 human intestinal cell was used as an in vivo model of "leaky gut". Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) was used to induce an increase in the permeability of epithelial cell tight junctions. Probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Salomonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were used to evaluate bacterial influence on the intestinal epithelial cells. Herbal extract Lonicerae Flos was also assessed to find out what kind of effects it has when used alone or fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum. The permeability of intestinal cell lines was assessed using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) assessments. This data provides evidence for the probiotic benefits of intestinal permeability. The data also provides promising evidence of herbal effects on reducing intestinal permeability, especially when fermented with probiotics.