• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.297-303
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• 2019

Corticosteroids are commonly used for pain control in rotator cuff tear. Deregulated $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation is a hallmark of chronic inflammatory diseases and has been responsible for the pathogenesis of rotator cuff tear. The Dexamethasone(DEXA) is a synthetic corticosteroid. The purpose of this study was to examine the exact effect of dexamethasone on $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling in rotator cuff tear. We measured $NF-{\kappa}B$ expression in four groups: control, $TNF-{\alpha}$-treated, DEXA-treated, and combined treatment with $TNF-{\alpha}$ and DEXA. Tenocytes were isolated from patients with rotator cuff tears and pre-incubated with $TNF-{\alpha}$ (10 ng/ml), DEXA ($1{\mu}M$), or both of them for 10 min, 1 h, and 2 h. Expression of p65, p50, and p52 in the nuclei and cytosol was analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence imaging using confocal microscopy. We also evaluated nucleus/cytosol (N/C) ratios of p65, p50, and p52. In our study, the combined treatment with DEXA and $TNF-{\alpha}$ showed increased N/C ratios of p65, p50, and p52 compared with those in the $TNF-{\alpha}$ group at all time points. Additionally, in the DEXA group, N/C ratios of p65, p50, and p52 gradually increased from 10 min to 2 h. In conclusion, DEXA promoted the nuclear localization of p65, p50, and p52, but was not effective in inhibiting the inflammatory response of $TNF-{\alpha}$-stimulated rotator cuff tear.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.125-134
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• 2019

Background: Excessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats. Methods: Male rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60-70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-${\alpha}$), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats. Conclusion: KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권7호
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• pp.774-778
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• 2019

성숙 콩[Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 종자에는 단백질, 지방, 탄수화물의 3대 영양소와 아이소플라본 등 다양한 기능성 성분이 함유되어 있다. 그러나, Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor (KTI) 단백질, 렉틴 단백질, 난소화성 올리고당인 stachyose 성분이 함유되어져 있어 품질과 기능성을 저하시키고 있다. 본 연구는 콩 및 콩 제품의 품질과 기능성을 저하시키는 KTI 및 렉틴 단백질과 stachyose의 성분 함량과 관련된 유전자들이 모두 열성으로 작용하는 콩 계통(triple recessive genotype)을 선발하기 위하여 진행되었다. 3개의 모본(개척2호, PI200508, 14G20)을 이용한 육종집단으로부터 성숙 종자에서KTI 및 렉틴 단백질이 없으면서 stachyose의 함량이 일반콩보다 현저히 적은 triple recessive 유전자형(titilelers2rs2) 개체를 선발하였다. 선발된 계통의 초장은 51 cm 정도였으며 백립중은 31.0 g으로 대립이었으며 종피색 및 제색은 노란색이었다. Stachyose의 함량(g/kg)은 일반콩(13.5 g/kg)보다 훨씬 낮았다(3.8 g/kg). 본 연구를 통하여 선발된 계통은 KTI 단백질과 렉틴 단백질이 동시에 없으며 stachyose의 함량이 낮은 다양한 콩 품종 육성을 위한 중간모본으로 이용될 수 있을 것으로 사료되었다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권11호
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• pp.1316-1320
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• 2018

녹차(GT) 추출물의 효과를 인간 유방암 유래 세포인 MCF-7 세포를 사용하여 조사 하였다. GT추출물의 세포 독성 효과를 MTT 방법을 사용하여 관찰한 결과, MCF-7 세포는 현저한 세포 독성 효과를 보였고, 이 독성 효과는 GT추출물 농도 의존적으로 증가하였다. p53과 관련 단백질인 p21/cip1과 CDK2의 연관성을 조사하기 위해 GT추출물 처리 후 웨스턴 분석법을 통해 이들 단백질의 발현을 조사하였다. GT추출물 처리 후, MCF-7 세포에서 p53 단백질의 양은 농도에 따라 현저하게 증가 하였다. p21/cip1 단백질의 발현은 낮은 농도의 GT추출물에서 증가되며, 고농도에서도 감소하지 않았다. 그러나 CDK2의 단백질의 양은 높은 농도의 GT추출물에서 CDK2 발현의 급격한 감소가 관찰되었다. 이 결과는 GT추출물의 처리는 MCF-7 세포에서 p53와 p21/cip1를 증가시켜, 그 결과로 활성화 된 p21/cip1는 CDK2의 발현을 억제 함을 나타내고 있다. GT추출물이 MCF-7 세포의 세포주기에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 확인하기 위하여 FACS 분석으로 관찰한 결과, MCF-7 세포에서 세포주기의 G1 단계가 점차 증가하는 결과를 보였다. 이 결과는 GT추출물의 유방암 세포에서의 항암 효과는 세포주기의 G1 단계에서 MCF-7 세포를 정지시키는 p53에 의해 조절된다는 사실을 명확하게 보여 주고 있다.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제50권6호
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• pp.653-659
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 선별된 유색미 2품종에 대한 자외선 조사에 따른 노화 억제 메커니즘을 확인하고자 산화방지 활성을 분석하였으며, JE와 SRE 모두 $500{\mu}g/mL$ 농도에서 88.5%와 88.9% 이상의 높은 DPPH 라디칼 억제능을 보였으며, ABTS 억제활성 실험에서는 $100{\mu}g/mL$ 이상의 농도에서 93.5%와 95.7% 이상의 ABTS 라디칼 억제능을 나타내었다. collagenase 억제 활성 실험 결과, JE와 SRE 모두 $1,000{\mu}g/mL$의 농도에서 각각 73.2%, 74.4% 이상의 효소 억제능을 나타내었다. 또한 MMPs의 단백질과 mRNA의 발현억제를 확인한 결과, MMP-1과 -3의 단백질 발현은 농도의존적으로 억제되었음을 확인할 수 있었고, 특히 MMP-1은 JE와 SRE의 $50{\mu}g/mL$의 농도에서 각각 약 29.8%와 33.2%의 억제효과를 나타내었고, $100{\mu}g/mL$의 농도에서는 각각 78.3%와 70.8%의 우수한 억제효과를 나타내었다. 또한 MMP-1과 -3의 mRNA의 발현은 농도의존적으로 감소시켰으며 특히 JE $100{\mu}g/mL$의 농도를 처치한 경우에 mRNA 발현이 매우 유의하게 감소(약 50.7%와 37.9%)되었음을 확인하였다. SRE는 MMP-3 mRNA의 발현이 농도의존적으로 억제되었고 $100{\mu}g/mL$의 농도에서 약 39.7%가 억제되었으며, MMP-1 mRNA의 발현은 $100{\mu}g/mL$의 농도에서 약 66.4%가 억제되었음을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구에서 선별된 유색미 2종인 조생흑찰과 신토흑미의 에탄올 추출물이 산화방지 및 항노화 효능을 확인함에 따라 기능성 식품 화장품 분야에서 주름개선 및 항노화 소재로서의 가능성을 확인하였다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.361-369
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• 2019

1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) has been used as an industrial solvent and a chemical intermediate, as well as in soil fumigants. Human exposure may occur during its production and industrial use. The target organs of 1,2-DCP are the eyes, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and skin. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. In this study, 1,2-DCP was dissolved in corn oil at 0, 2.73, 5.75, and 8.75 mL/kg. The skin of mice treated with 1,2-DCP was investigated using western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. 1,2-DCP was applied to the dorsal skin and both ears of C57BL/6J mice. The thickness of ears and the epidermis increased significantly following treatment, and the appearance of blood vessels was observed in the dorsal skin. Additionally, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is tightly associated with neovascularization, increased significantly. The levels of protein kinase-B (PKB), phosphorylated PKB, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated mTOR, all of which are key components of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/PKB/mTOR signaling pathway, were also enhanced. Taken together, 1,2-DCP induced angiogenesis in dermatitis through the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway in the skin.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.270-286
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• 2019

Purpose: Despite the well-known anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in periodontal health, its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the effect of vitamin D on strengthening E-cadherin junctions (ECJs) was explored in human gingival keratinocytes (HGKs). ECJs are the major type of intercellular junction within the junctional epithelium, where loose intercellular junctions develop and microbial invasion primarily occurs. Methods: HOK-16B cells, an immortalized normal human gingival cell line, were used for the study. To mimic the inflammatory environment, cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the culture medium were assessed by an MMP antibody microarray and gelatin zymography. The expression of various molecules was investigated using western blotting. The extent of ECJ development was evaluated by comparing the average relative extent of the ECJs around the periphery of each cell after immunocytochemical E-cadherin staining. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression was examined via immunohistochemical analysis. Results: $TNF-{\alpha}$ downregulated the development of the ECJs of the HGKs. Dissociation of the ECJs by $TNF-{\alpha}$ was accompanied by the upregulation of MMP-9 production and suppressed by a specific MMP-9 inhibitor, Bay 11-7082. Exogenous MMP-9 decreased the development of ECJs. Vitamin D reduced the production of MMP-9 and attenuated the breakdown of ECJs in the HGKs treated with $TNF-{\alpha}$. In addition, vitamin D downregulated $TNF-{\alpha}$-induced nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) signaling in the HGKs. VDR was expressed in the gingival epithelium, including the junctional epithelium. Conclusions: These results suggest that vitamin D may avert $TNF-{\alpha}$-induced downregulation of the development of ECJs in HGKs by decreasing the production of MMP-9, which was upregulated by $TNF-{\alpha}$. Vitamin D may reinforce ECJs by downregulating $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling, which is upregulated by $TNF-{\alpha}$. Strengthening the epithelial barrier may be a way for vitamin D to protect the periodontium from bacterial invasion.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.325-333
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• 2021

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders. Enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis by promoting proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) and oleanolic acid (OA) are small, bioactive compounds found in ginseng that can promote NSC proliferation and neural differentiation in vitro. However, it is currently unknown whether PPD or OA can attenuate cognitive deficits by enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo in a transgenic APP/PS1 AD mouse model. Here, we administered PPD or OA to APP/PS1 mice and monitored the effects on cognition and hippocampal neurogenesis. Methods: We used the Morris water maze, Y maze, and open field tests to compare the cognitive capacities of treated and untreated APP/PS1 mice. We investigated hippocampal neurogenesis using Nissl staining and BrdU/NeuN double labeling. NSC proliferation was quantified by Sox2 labeling of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. We used western blotting to determine the effects of PPD and OA on Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway activation in the hippocampus. Results: Both PPD and OA significantly ameliorated the cognitive impairments observed in untreated APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, PPD and OA significantly promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and NSC proliferation. At the mechanistic level, PPD and OA treatments resulted in Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway activation in the hippocampus. Conclusion: PPD and OA ameliorate cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice by enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis, achieved by stimulating the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. As such, PPD and OA are promising novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.126-133
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• 2021

Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), one of the aglycone derivatives of major ginsenosides, has been shown to have an anticancer activity toward a variety of cancers. This study was initiated with an attempt to evaluate its anti-cancer activity toward human endometrial cancer by cell and xenograft mouse models. Methods: Human endometrial cancer (HEC)-1A cells were incubated with different 20(S)-PPD concentrations. 20(S)-PPD cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using the annexin V binding assay and cell cycle analysis. Cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activated caspase-9 were assessed using western blotting. HEC-1A cell tumor xenografts in athymic mice were generated by inoculating HEC-1A cells into the flank of BALB/c female mice and explored to validate 20(S)-PPD anti-endometrial cancer toxicity. Results: 20(S)-PPD inhibited HEC-1A cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 3.5 μM at 24 h. HEC-1A cells morphologically changed after 20(S)-PPD treatment, bearing resemblance to Taxol-treated cells. Annexin V-positive cell percentages were 0%, 10.8%, and 58.1% in HEC-1A cells when treated with 0, 2.5, and 5 μM of 20(S)-PPD, respectively, for 24 h. 20(S)-PPD subcutaneously injected into the HEC-1A cell xenograft-bearing mice three times a week for 17 days manifested tumor growth inhibition by as much as 18% at a dose of 80 mg/kg, which sharply contrasted to controls that showed an approximately 2.4-fold tumor volume increase. These events paralleled caspase-9 activation and PARP cleavage. Conclusion: 20(S)-PPD inhibits endometrial cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell death via a caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway. Therefore, the 20(S)-PPD-like ginsenosides are endowed with ample structural information that could be utilized to develop other ginsenoside-based anticancer agents.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.96-103
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the effect of Citrous limon extract (CLE) on oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) generation and the tooth bleaching effect of CLE as a substitute for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and determine the feasibility and application of CLE as a safe and effective natural tooth bleaching agent. Methods: The protective effect of CLE on H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity in Raw264.7 macrophages was investigated by the MTT assay. The inhibitory effect of CLE on the generation of H₂O₂-induced NO was confirmed by the NO assay, and the changes in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression were confirmed by western blotting. Stained bovine teeth were treated with/without 15% and/or 35% CLE and H₂O₂, 15% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) for 3 hours, and were irradiated with/without bleaching light (BL) for 15 minutes. The color change of the treated bovine tooth surface was measured using a colorimeter. Results: The viability of Raw264.7 cells treated with each concentration of CLE and 500 μM H₂O₂ significantly increased as CLE increased, and NO generation and iNOS protein expression were significantly reduced in cells treated with 300 ㎍ CLE+/500 μM H₂O₂+ and 300 ㎍ CLE+/500 μM H₂O₂+/150 ㎍ NaHCO₃+. The bleaching effect of 35% CLE+ was higher than that of 15% CLE+ and 15% NaHCO₃+, and the effect was similar to that of 15% H₂O₂+. The 35% CLE+/15% NaHCO₃+ showed the greatest bleaching effect and was higher than that of the groups irradiated with the BL. The greatest bleaching effect was observed with 35% CLE+/15% NaHCO₃+, followed by 35% H₂O₂+/BL+. Conclusion: CLE inhibited oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and NO generation in Raw264.7 cells and, could replace H₂O₂, which causes side effects and risks in teeth breaching treatment. It showed greatest teeth bleaching effect when combined with NaHCO₃. CLE is an effective and safe natural tooth bleaching substitute.