• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.893-900
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• 2011

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is one of the widely used biomarkers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It was initially identified in 1935 and is the most abundant phosphatase in the human prostate. PAP is a prostate-specific enzyme that is synthesized in prostate epithelial cells. It belongs to the acid phosphatase group that shows enzymatic activity in acidic conditions. PAP is abundant in prostatic fluid and is thought to have a role in fertilization and oligospermia. It also has a potential role in reducing chronic pain. But one of the most apparent functions of PAP is the dephosphorylation of macromolecules such as HER-2 and PI3P that are involved in the ERK1/2 and MAPK pathways, which in turn leads to inhibition of cell growth and tumorigenesis. Currently, clinical trials using PAP DNA vaccine are underway and FDA-approved immunotherapy using PAP is commercially available. Despite these clinically important aspects, molecular mechanisms underlying PAP regulation are not fully understood. The promoter region of PAP was reported to be regulated by NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1, androgen and androgen receptors. Here, the features of PAP gene and protein structures together with the function, regulation and roles of PAP in prostate cancer are discussed.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.279-289
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• 2006

This study has been carried out to understand the effect of SP3 and GV6 acupuncture on the hyperglycemic rat induced with Streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetes was induced in experimental groups by inraperitoneal injection of STZ (50mg/kg of body weight) twice by 24 h interval and the additional 100mg/kg 3 days after the earlier treatment. Control group was treated with tail-non acupoint, and experimental groups were treated SP3, GV6 and SP3+GV6 after hyperglycemic induction for 6 weeks. The body weight of control was lower than the experimental groups. The blood glucose was decreased significantly in the experimental groups. Glucose tolerance in acupuncture treated groups was improved. Blood cholesterol level and transaminase activites were lower in the experimental groups than in the control. In the SP3 or GV6 treated rats, hepatocyte degeneration were apparently decreased and the organelles were properly arranged. Furthermore, decrease in liver IGF-I mRNA expression was improved by the acupuncture in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In conclusion, our observation indicate that SP3 or GV6 acupoints treatment can exert beneficial effects in diabetes, with preservation of ${\beta}-cell$ function and liver function.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.32 no.4 s.59
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• pp.241-247
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• 2006

This work was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Paulownia coreana Uyeki on abirritant, atopy and acne skin. Paulownia coreana Uyeki has been used as a traditional medicine having anti-febrile, anti-inflammation effect in Korea, Paulownia coreana Uyeki loaves were extracted with 70% EtOH. Its superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production were examined. The extract inhibitied the generation of NO and $PGE_2$ induced by LPS in the macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7). Consistent with the inhibitory effects on No and $PGE_2$ generation, the extract inhibited expression of iNOS and COX-2. In further study, it was found that the extract prevented $IkB-{\alpha}$ degradation, as demonstrated by western blot analysis of $IkB-{\alpha}$ protein level. However, the extract treatment did not affect cell viability at $100{\mu}g/mL$ concentration in both human skin fibroblast and Raw 264.7 cells in vitro. Thus, the present study suggests that Paulownia coreana Uyeki leaves extract have significant anti-inflammatory activity and potential as an anti-irritation material.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.155-164
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• 2005

Objective : Chemokines are important for the recruitment of leukocytes, which is essential in host defense to the sites of infection. The thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is a CC chemokine which potentially plays a role via a paracrine mechanism in the development of allergic respiratory diseases. Methods : The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma Herbal Acupuncture Solution (PHS) on the secretion of TARC of human bronchial epithelial cell. Methods : Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the secretion of TARC. The cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay. Results : PHS significantly inhibited the secretion of TARC with a dose-dependant manner. The effective dosage did not have the cytotoxicity on human bronchial epithelial cell by MTT assay. Conclusion : Results of our study imply that PHS would play an important role in modulation of TARC in Human bronchial epithelial cells.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2007

Background: Asthma is a syndrome that is characterized by a variable degree of airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation. Colchicine is an inexpensive and safe medication with unique anti-inflammatory properties. IL-1Ra (Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) mediates the anti-inflammatory effect in human inflammatory diseases, including asthma. This study examined whether IL-1Ra mediates the anti-inflammatory effect of colchicine in normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), RAW 264.7 cells (murine macrophage cell line), and a mouse lung. Methods: NHBE, RAW 264.7 cells and BALB/c mice were stimulated with colchicine, and the increase in the IL-1Ra level was estimated by ELISA, Western analysis and RT-PCR analysis. Results: Colchicine stimulated NHBE and RAW 264.7 cells to release IL-1Ra into the supernatant in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The major isoform of IL-1Ra in NHBE and RAW 264.7 cells is type I icIL-1Ra, and sIL-1Ra, respectively. IL-1Ra up-regulation was blocked by PD98059, a specific inhibitor in MAPK pathways. Colchicine also stimulated the secretion of IL-1Ra into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of BALB/c mouse. Conclusion: Colchicine stimulates an increase in the IL-1Ra level both in vivo and in vitro, and might have an anti-inflammatory effect.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.131-137
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• 2005

Acetaminophen(APAP) is one of the most extensively used analgesics and antipyreics worldwide. In order to investigate preventive effects of white and red ginseng extracts, male ICR mice pretreated with white or red ginseng extracts(50 or 250 mg/kg/day, for 5 days, orally) before treatment with acetaminophen(800mg/kg, i.p, single dose). In an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism of hepatoprotective effect, superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), hydroperoxide, malondialdehyde(MDA) contents were studied. In pretreatment with red ginseng extract(250 mg/kg), the activities of SOD, CAT were generally highest and the hydrogen peroxide content was lowest. The levels of MDA were significantly lower in white and red ginseng extract groups than those in the APAP groups. By treatment with ginseng extract, high content of hydrogen peroxide and increased lipid peroxidatiion level caused by APAP could be lowered. Also, ginseng extracts were found to increase antioxidative enzyme activity. Finally, the results suggest that the antioxidant effects of (white and red) ginseng extracts prevent oxidative damage by direct antioxidant effects involving SOD, CAT and increasing the ability to synthesize endogenous antioxidants. It was concluded that ginseng can protect against APAP intoxication through its antioxidant properties.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.446-451
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• 2009

In this study, cathepsin S (CTSS) inhibitory fraction was isolated from Paecilomyces tenuipes and anti-obesitic effects of the fraction were evaluated in mice, fed a high-fat diet. Hot water extract of P. tenuipes (DHW) was divided into 2 fractions, water eluate fraction (DHP1) and methanol eluate fraction (DHP2) using Diaion HP-20. $IC_{50}$ values for DHW, DHP1 and DHP2 against CTSS were 108.7, 890.3 and 2.3 ${\mu}g$/mL, respectively. To evaluate anti-obesitic effects of the fractions, each fraction was administrated orally to C57BL/6 mice for 4 weeks with a high-fat diet. DHP2 had the highest inhibitory effect on CTSS activity, causing serious reduction in weight gain, a reduction in the amount of adipose tissue and in serum lipids levels. These results suggest that the inhibition of CTSS by compounds derived from P. tenuipes may be effective in preventing and in ameliorating obesity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.265-274
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• 2016

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitous genetic modules that are evolutionally conserved in bacteria and archaea. TA systems composed of an intracellular toxin and its antidote (antitoxin) are currently classified into five types. Commonly, activation of toxins under stress conditions inhibits diverse cellular processes and consequently induces cell death or reversible growth inhibition. These effects of toxins play various physiological roles in such as regulation of gene expression, growth control (stress response), programmed cell arrest, persister cells, programmed cell death, phage protection, stabilization of mobile genetic elements or postsegregational killing of plasmid-free cells. Accordingly, bacterial TA systems are commonly considered as stress-responsive genetic modules. However, molecule screening for activation of toxin in TA system is available as development of antimicrobial agents. In addition, cytotoxic effect induced by toxin is used as effective cloning method with antitoxic effect of antitoxin; consequently cells containing cloning vector inserted a target gene can survive and false-positive transformants are removed. Also, TA system is applicable to efficient single protein production in biotechnology industry because toxins that are site-specific ribonuclease inhibit protein synthesis except for target protein. Furthermore, some TA systems that induce apoptosis in eukaryotic cells such as cancer cells or virus-infected cells would have a wide range of applications in eukaryotes, and it will lead to new ways of treating human disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on bacterial TA systems and their applications.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2012

To investigate the effects of Protaetia. brevitarsis extracts on the protection against liver damage by carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$) in rat, two kinds of experiment were performed, firstly by the primary hepatocyte culture and secondly by the animal feeding. The primary hepatocyte culture with the extracts of P.brevitarsis showed significantly low activities of GPT, bile acid, and bilirubin, indicating an excellent protective effect against liver damage by $CCl_4$. Especially, below molecular weight 1,000 blew the water to have 32.1% recovery degree. In the seconde experiment, serum GPT activity was significantly decreased in water fraction of P. brevitarsis compared to $CCl_4$ treatment by 98.2%. Serum concentration of bile acid and bilirubin were tended to increased by $CCl_4$ treatment, but water fraction of P. brevitarsis and silymarin recovered the level. These consistent results in vitro and in vivo suggest that the extracts of P. brevitarsis may have strong protective effects against liver damage induced by the potential toxicants such as $CCl_4$.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1332-1338
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• 2018

Activated microglia, induced by various pathogens, protect neurons and maintain homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). However, severe activation causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease because of the secretion of various neurotoxic molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG), and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because chronic microglial activation endangers neuronal survival, negative regulators of microglial activation have been identified as potential therapeutic candidates for treatment of many neurological diseases. One potential source of these regulators is Locusta migratoria, a grasshopper of the Acrididae, usually 4-6 cm in size, belonging to the family of large insects in Acrididae. This grasshopper is an edible insect resource that can be consumed by humans as protein source or used for animal feed. The aim of the present study was to examine the inhibitory effects of a L. migratoria ethanol extract (LME) on the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia cells. The extract significantly inhibited the NO, iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokine ($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 and $IL-1{\beta}$) levels in BV-2 microglia cell. Because the inhibition of microglial activation may be an effective solution for treating brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, these results suggest that LME may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of brain disorders induced by neuroinflammation.