• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.210-216
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• 2007

There is increasing evidence that stromal reaction in cancer has an important diagnostic and prognostic significance. The aim of our study is to analyze the relation between the increase in mast cell number and the expression CD34 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA) in the stroma of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We investigated a total of 29 CIN (1,2,3) and 21 SCC (microinvasive and invasive) specimens and compared the distribution of $CD34^+$ stromal cells, ${\alpha}-SMA^+$ cells, transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ $(TGF-{\beta}1)^+$ cells, and the density of mast cells using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD34, ${\alpha}$-SMA, TGF-${\beta}1$, and c-Kit (CD117) respectively. Computerized image analysis was to evaluate the positive area (%) and density of the respective immunoreactive cells. In CIN $CD34^+$ cells were abundant in the stroma but no ${\alpha}-SMA^+$ cells were identified except the wall of blood vessels. $CD34^+$ cells were progressively decreased along the continuum from CIN 2 to microinvasive SCC and not observed in the stroma of invasive SCC. Whereas ${\alpha}-SMA^+$ cells were only observed in the stroma of microinvasive and invasive SCC. We found more intense TGF-${\beta}1$ expression in the increased mast cells in the stroma of invasive SCCs than that in the stroma of CIN. These results indicate that disappearance of $CD34^+$ stromal cells and appearance of ${\alpha}-SMA^+$ cells are associated with the stromal change of CIN to SCC and the transformation of $CD34^+$ stromal cells into ${\alpha}-SMA^+$ cells is mediated by TGF-${\beta}1$ secretions in the stromal mast cell of SCC.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.140-153
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• 2003

Background : The cell-mediated immune reaction to tuberculosis infection involves a complex network of cytokines. The extent of inflammation, tissue damage and severity of the disease suggested to be determined by the balance between extent and duration of the proinflammatory cytokine response versus those of the suppressive cytokines. The systemic cytokine response in pathogenesis of tuberculosis can be assessed by measuring serum cytokine levels. Method : Serum interleukin-1 beta(IL-$1{\beta}$), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-${\alpha}$), interferon-gamma(IFN-${\gamma}$) and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-${\beta}$) levels were measured in 83 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 10 patients with endobronchial tuberculosis before treatment and 20 healthy subjects by using a sandwich ELISA. In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, they were divided into mild, moderate and far advanced group according to the severity by ATS guidelines. To compare with those of pretreatment levels, we measured serum IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TGF-${\beta}$ levels in 45 of 83 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 and 6 months of treatment. Results : 1) In sera of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis(n=83), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6(p<0.05), TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ were elevated and TGF-${\beta}$ was decreased comparing to control. IL-2, Il-12(p40), IL-4 and IL-10 were similar between the patients with tuberculosis and control. 2) In endobronchial tuberculosis, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ were elevated and TGF-${\beta}$ was decreased comparing to control. IL-12(p40) seemed to be elevated comparing to pulmonary tuberculosis. 3) Far advanced tuberculosis showed markedly elevated IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ level(p<0.05). 4) The significant correlations were noted between IL-1, IL-6 AND TNF-${\alpha}$ and between IL-12, Il-2 and IL-4(p<0.01). 5) After 2 and 6 months of standard treatment, the level of IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ was significantly decreased(p<0.05). Conclusion : These results showed that an altered balance between cytokines is likely to be involved in the extent of inflammation, tissue damage and severity of the disease tuberculosis. But, it should be considered diversities of cytokine response according to type of tuberculosis and immunity in clinical application and interpreting future studies.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.486-491
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• 2012

Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and maintenance. The MSTN prodomain inhibits MSTN biological activity. The rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis is an excellent primary live feed for fish larvae in aquaculture; however, it is not known whether the rotifer expresses MSTN and the MSTN prodomain along with its activity. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of recombinant MSTN prodomains. Individual cultures of the rotifer B. rotundiformis were carried out to determine the effect of recombinant MSTN prodomains (pMALc2x-poMSTNpro and pMALc2x-sMSTNpro) on the pre-reproductive phase, reproductive phase, post-reproductive phase, offspring, lifespan, fecundity, and male ratio. In addition, a population culture of the rotifer was performed to confirm the effects of pMALc2x-poMSTNpro and pMALc2x-sMSTNpro on population growth. The results showed that the rotifer treated with pMALc2x-pMSTNpro had a reduced pre-reproductive phase at higher concentrations (1, 2, and 4 ${\mu}g/ml$) compared to the non-treated control group. Moreover, the pMALc2xsMSTNpro treated rotifer effectively decreased the pre-reproductive phase at a lower concentration (0.25 ${\mu}g/ml$) compared to the pMALc2x-pMSTNpro treated and control group. Interestingly, pMALc2x-poMSTNpro and pMALc2x-sMSTNpro significantly increased the population of $B.$ $rotundiformis$.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.339-345
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• 2012

This experiment was carried out in order to separate bovine colostral whey protein from Imsil province and to test the effect of immunological activity on RAW 264.7 cells. The colostral whey protein contained TGF-${\beta}$ 7, 475 pg/g in total. We first tested the effect of the colostral whey protein on the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells and it demonstrated cytotoxicity at concentrations greater than 20 mg/mL. Therefore, the immunological activities of colostral whey protein were investigated in maximum concentration of 10 mg/mL on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results indicated that colostral whey protein inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner. The colostral whey protein also suppressed the productions of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition to the immunological activity, colostral whey protein led to the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, colostral whey protein containing TGF-${\beta}$ inhibited the production of NO, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 via expression of HO-1.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.432-441
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• 2024

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory reactions and fibrosis. Myofibroblasts are considered therapeutic targets for preventing and reversing the pathogenesis of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Although the mechanisms that differentiate into myofibroblasts are diverse, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is known to be a key mediator of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. This study investigated the effects of extracellular vesicles derived from human adipose stem cells (ASC-EVs) in an in vivo systemic sclerosis model and in vitro TGF-β1-induced dermal fibroblasts. The therapeutic effects of ASC-EVs on the in vivo systemic sclerosis model were evaluated based on dermal thickness and the number of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-expressing cells using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Administration of ASC-EVs decreased both the dermal thickness and α-SMA expressing cell number as well as the mRNA levels of fibrotic genes, such as Acta2, Ccn2, Col1a1 and Comp. Additionally, we discovered that ASC-EVs can decrease the expression of α-SMA and CTGF and suppress the TGF-β pathway by inhibiting the activation of SMAD2 in dermal fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. Finally, TGF-β1-induced dermal fibroblasts underwent selective death through ASC-EVs treatment. These results indicate that ASC-EVs could provide a therapeutic approach for preventing and reversing systemic sclerosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3625-3630
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• 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to promote mesothelial carcinogenesis that is closely associated with asbestos fibers and inflammation. Epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) is an important process involved in the progression of tumors, providing cancer cells with aggressiveness. The present study was performed to determine if EMT is induced by $H_2O_2$ in human malignant mesothelioma (HMM) cells. Cultured HMM cells were treated with $H_2O_2$, followed by measuring expression levels of EMT-related genes and proteins. Immunohistochemically, TWIST1 expression was confined to sarcomatous cells in HMM tissues, but not in epithelioid cells. Treatment of HMM cells with $H_2O_2$ promoted EMT, as indicated by increased expression levels of vimentin, SLUG and TWIST1, and decreased E-cadherin expression. Expression of stemness genes such as OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG was also significantly increased by treatment of HMM cells with $H_2O_2$. Alteration of these genes was mediated via activation of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-${\beta}1$). Considering that treatment with $H_2O_2$ results in excess ROS, the present study suggests that oxidative stress may play a critical role in HMM carcinogenesis by promoting EMT processes and enhancing the expression of stemness genes.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2010

Hepatic fibrosis represents the main complication of most chronic liver disorders and, regardless of its etiology, is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. In this study, we examined that 1-O-Hexyl-2,3,5-Trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ), a potent anti-oxidative agent, could prevent experimental hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in male SD rats. Except for vehicle control group, other groups were induced hepatic fibrosis by intraperitoneal injection with DMN (10 mg/ml/kg) on 3 consecutive days weekly for 4 weeks. During the same 4 weeks, control and DMN groups were given vehicle and HTHQ 50, 100 and 200 groups were orally administered HTHQ (50, 100, 200 mg/kg respectively). In HTHQ 100 and 200 groups, relative liver weight and serum chemistry level improved significantly. HTHQ reduced hydroxyproline (p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05) level in the liver. Histopathological examination of H&E, Masson's trichrome stain showed the reduced fibrotic septa in HTHQ 100 and 200 groups. HTHQ administration showed reduced mRNA level of PDGF (Platelet-derived growth factor), $\alpha$-SMA ($\alpha$-smooth muscle actin) and TGF-$\beta$ (transforming growth factor-$\beta$) than DMN-induced hepetic fibrosis animals in the liver tissue. In this study, we showed that HTHQ improves against DMN-induced liver fibrosis in male SD rats.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.420-424
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• 2011

Allomatrix (Wright Medical Tech, Inc., Arlington, Tenn, USA), is a newly designed, injectable putty with a reliable demineralized bone matrix (DBM), derived from human bone. The compound contains 86% DBM and other bone growth factors such as bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-4, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$. It has excellent osteoinduction abilities. In addition, DBM is known to have osteoconduction capacity as a scaffold due to its collagen matrix. This product contains a powder, which is a mix of DBM and surgical grade calcium sulfate as a carrier. A practitioner can blend the powder with calcium sulfate solution, making a putty-type material which has the advantages of ease of handling, better fixation, and no need for a membrane, because it can function as membrane itself. This study reports the clinical and radiographic results of various guided bone regeneration cases using Allomatrix, demonstrating its strong potential as a graft material.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.374-380
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• 2014

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Lespedeza cuneata extract on macrophages and wound-healing in wound-induced animal experiments were investigated. In an anti-inflammatory test, 0.1 mg/mL of Lespedeza cuneata extract did not affect growth of RAW 264.7 cells, and Lespedeza cuneata extract suppressed nitric oxide (NO) generation from inflammation-induced macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. Wounds on the skin of rats were treated with vehicle containing Lespedeza cuneata extract (SSP), vehicle (SCO), and commercial ointment (CCO). The wound and scar sizes in the SSP group were significantly reduced in comparison to the SCO and CCO groups (P<0.05). The epidermis and dermis of the SSP group also recovered faster than the SCO group based on Masson's trichrome staining. The gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) decreased and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-${\beta}1$) increased in wound tissue from the SSP group compared to that from the SCO group. These results show that Lespedeza cuneata extract accelerates wound-healing through anti-inflammatory activity and induction of collagen regeneration as well as reduces the scar area surrounding wounds. Accordingly, Lespedeza cuneata extract could be useful as a cosmeceutical in the cosmetic industry.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3137-3140
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• 2015

Objective: To explore the immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) and its relationship with invasive fungal infection (IFI) in patients with hematological malignancies. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients with hematological malignancies undergoing Allo-HSCT in Binzhou Medical University Hospital from February, 2010 to October, 2014 were selected. At 1, 2 and 3 months after transplantation, the immune subpopulations and concentration of cytokines were assessed respectively using flow cytometry (FCM) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of IFI after transplantation and its correlation with immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells were investigated. Results: The number of $CD4^+T$ cells and immune subpopulations increased progressively after transplantation as time went on, but the subpopulation cell count 3 months after transplantation was still significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.01). In comparison to the control group, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 after transplantation rose evidently (p<0.01), while that of transforming growth factor-${beta}$ (TGF-${beta}$) was decreased (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference level of interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$) (p>0.05). The incidence of IFI was 19.2% (9/47), and multivariate logistic regression revealed that IFI might be related to Th17 cell count (p<0.05), instead of Th1, Th2 and Treg cell counts as well as IL-6, IL-10, TGF-${beta}$ and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels (p>0.05). Conclusions: After Allo-HSCT, the immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells is delayed and Th17 cell count decreases obviously, which may be related to occurrence of IFI.