• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 2002

Background: Clinical observations and laboratory studies have supported an immune basis for most acquired aplastic anemias, with the majority of patients responding to immunosuppressive therapy. Fas, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily is a critical downregulator of cellular immune responses. Proinflammatory cytokines like interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) and TNF-${\alpha}$ can induce Fas expression and render hematopoietic progenitor cells susceptible to Fas-induced growth suppression and apoptosis. Methods: In order to investigate the involvement of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia (AA), we measured the expression of Fas antigen and caspase-3 on bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (MNCs) of AA in the presence or absence of IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, or macrophage inflammatory protein 1-${\alpha}$ (MIP-$1{\alpha}$). Results: We confirmed that AA BM MNCs were more apoptotic and highly expressed Fas antigen than normal donors. Stimulation by IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, or MIP-$1{\alpha}$ increased Fas antigen and caspase-3 expression in AA BM MNCs than BM MNCs of normal donors. Anti-Fas monoclonal antibody enhanced IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, or MIP$1{\alpha}$ mediated caspase-3 expression in BM MNCs of normal donors. Among these three cytokines, IFN-${\gamma}$ enhanced apoptosis most strongly via Fas-caspase-3 pathway. Conclusion: These results suggest that Fas signal pathway may play a role in the pathophysiology of aplastic anemia and negative hematopoietic regulators like IFN-${\gamma}$ can induce apoptosis of bone marrow progenitors in part by Fas induction.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.88-94
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• 2009

The process of atherosclerosis begins through secretion of inflammatory cytokine or adhesion of leukocyte from damage in blood vessels and transmigration. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of delphinidin chloride (DC) in the initial process of atherosclerosis on the expression of ICAM-1 (Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (Vascular Adhesion Molecule-1) related to adhesion of leukocyte at the HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell line. As a result, cell growth inhibition rate at 50 ${\mu}M$ was respectively 4, 3 and 5% without cell toxicity. As a result of morphological observation monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion assay and optical microscope carried out to measure attachment of mononuclear cells to endothelial cells induced by Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-$\alpha$) at concentrations without cell toxicity, DC concentration-dependently suppressed attachment. When effects on the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, cell adhesion molecules induced from endothelial cells by TNF-$\alpha$, were comparatively analyzed using western blot analysis and RT-PCR methods, protein of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and expression at the level of mRNA were concentration-dependently reduced. Taken together, the results of this studies provide evidence that DC possess an anti-metastatic activity.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.391-398
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• 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive resource for refractory patients because of their anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory capability and multi-lineage differentiation potential. The transplantation of MSCs has led to positive results in preclinical and clinical application to various diseases, including autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and ischemic stroke. On the other hand, studies have shown that paracrine factors, not direct cell replacement for damaged cells or tissue, are the main contributors in MSC-based therapy. More recently, evidence has indicated that MSC-derived exosomes play crucial roles in regulating the paracrine factors that can mediate tissue regeneration via transferring nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to the local microenvironment and cell-to-cell communication. The use of these exosomes is likely to be beneficial for the therapeutic application of MSCs because their use can avoid harmful effects, such as tumor formation involved in cell transplantation. Therefore, therapeutic applications using MSC-derived exosomes might be safe and efficient strategies for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This review summarizes the recent advances and provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of MSC-derived exosomes as a therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.144-148
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• 2021

This study aimed to analyze the content and composition of a biological amine, cadaverine, isolated from the venom of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). This biological amine―which has diverse functionality, such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects―has not been previously reported in bee venom. An assay completed in 13 minutes was developed for the cadaverine present in the bee venom using an ultra-performance liquid chromatograph and a Halo C18 column with acetonitrile and water as the mobile phase. The specificity, accuracy, and precision of the assay were verified, and the assay was validated. The linearity for cadaverine in the bee venom was R2=0.99 or above, indicating a moderate level. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were both 0.3 ㎍/ml, and the rate of recovery was 97.6%-99.1%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the intra-day precision and inter-day precision for cadaverine was 0.25%-0.44% and 0.25%-1.25%, respectively, with an RSD that fell within 5% indicating excellent precision. Through this novel assay, it was found that the mean content of cadaverine was 1.10±0.05 mg/g. Our results indicated that the linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and rate of recovery of the cadaverine assay were of a satisfactory level, and the cadaverine content of the bee venom was ably determined. This study provides basic data on cadaverine in bee venom, which will prove useful in further studies on the bioactivity of this component.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the healing effect of Cordyceps Militaris (CM) on collagen II-induced arthritis rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (normal, control, positive control, CM with low/medium/high dosage each). Type II collagen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (with 1:1 v/v) was injected subcutaneously, and the mixture was injected in a same manner one week after the first injection to boost arthritis. Arthritis index, paw thickness and von Frey test were conducted to observe physical changes. hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe knee cartilage. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-𝛼) in spleen were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs on multiple joints and can lead to temporary shape change of bones or organ failure in severe cases. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of CM extract on rheumatoid arthritis by measuring paw thickness, arthritis index, conducting von Frey test and H&E staining, and evaluating the level of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, TNF-𝛼. As a result, paw thickness, arthritis index significantly decreased in low concentration group, hind leg became less sensitive in all expermental groups. Also, histological analysis showed that the damage of knee cartilage was prevented in all experimental groups. The level of mRNA of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 in spleen was analyzed to decide the effectiveness of CM extract. IL-1𝛽 did not show significant change, but IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 showed significant decrease in at least one of the experimental groups. Conclusions CM showed protective effect on knee tissue destruction and improved the physical conditions of the leg involving arthritis. Also, it showed that CM has anti-inflammatory effect on specific cytokines inducing rheumatoid arthritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of CM for the treatment rheumatoid arthritis, and set the foundation for the further studies.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.198-205
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• 2022

Hepatic diseases are divided into two types: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic liver injury finally induces fatty liver and damages liver function. Many studies have demonstrated that Ecklonia stolonifera has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. We conducted a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to examine the efficacy of E. stolonifera extracts (ESE) on biochemical markers of hepatic function. Sixty-five subjects with mild or moderate liver injuries were randomly allocated to receive either 420 mg/d of ESE or a placebo for 12 weeks. Fifty-five participants completed the trial. No significant adverse events were observed among the subjects during the study. The primary end points were changes in plasma levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT). The secondary end points were changes in lipid profile levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Compared with the baseline, AST and ALT levels decreased significantly in the ESE group compared to those in the placebo group (P<0.001). In addition, γ-GT levels in the ESE group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P=0.016). There were no differences in the TC, TG, HDL, and LDL levels between groups. In conclusion, ESE consumption for 12 weeks improved liver parameters in subjects with liver injury. Regular consumption of ESE could maintain liver health in individuals at risk of hepatic damage.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.287-294
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• 2023

Healthy adipose tissue is critical for preventing obesity by maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Adipose tissue plays an important role in energy homeostasis through glucose and lipid metabolism. Depending on nutritional status, adipose tissue expands to store lipids or can be consumed by lipolysis. The role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ is emerging, and many studies have reported that there are various adipose tissue hormones that communicate with other organs and tissues through metabolic signaling. For example, leptin, a representative peptide hormone secreted from adipose tissues (adipokine), circulates and targets the central nervous system of the brain for appetite regression. Furthermore, adipocytes secrete inflammatory cytokines to target immune cells in adipose tissues. Not surprisingly, adipocytes can secrete fatty acid-derived hormones (lipokine) that bind to their specific receptors for paracrine and endocrine action. To understand organ crosstalk by adipose tissue hor- mones, specific metabolic signaling in adipocytes and other communicating cells should be defined. The dysfunction of metabolic signaling in adipocytes occurs in unhealthy adipose tissue in overweight and obese conditions. Therapy targeting novel adipose metabolic signaling could potentially lead to the development of an effective anti-obesity drug. This review summarizes the latest updates on adipose tissue hormone and metabolic signaling in terms of obesity and metabolic diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.593-604
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• 2023

The ocean accounts for over 70% of the Earth's surface and is a space of largely unexplored unknowns and opportunities. Korea is a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, emphasizing the importance of marine research. The ocean has an extremely complex environment with immense biological diversity. In terms of microbiology, the marine environment has varying factors like extreme temperature, pressure, solar radiation, salt concentration, and pH, providing ecologically unique habitats. Due to this variety, marine organisms have very different phylogenetic classifications compared with terrestrial organisms. Although various microorganisms inhabit the ocean, studies on the diversity, isolation, and cultivation of marine microorganisms and the secondary metabolites they produce are still insufficient. Research on bioactive substances from marine microorganisms, which were rarely studied until the 1990s, has accelerated in terms of natural products from marine Actinomycetes since the 2000s. Since then, industries for bioplastic and biofuel production, carbon dioxide capture, probiotics, and pharmaceutical discovery and development of antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory drugs using bacteria, archaea, and algae have significantly grown. In this review, we introduce current research findings and the latest trends in life science and biotechnology using marine microorganisms. Through this article, we hope to create consumer awareness of the importance of basic and applied research in various natural product-related discovery fields other than conventional pharmaceutical drug discovery. The article aims to suggest pathways that may boost research on the optimization and application of future marine-derived materials.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.72-79
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• 2023

MRSA is Staphylococcus aureus resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, and is a worldwide infectious disease. Even with the discovery of new antibiotics, resistance develops rapidly, so new alternatives are needed. Jakyakgamcho-tang (JGT) is a combination of Jakyak and Gamcho, and has been mainly used as an antispasmodic and analgesic in oriental medicine. This study was conducted to find out whether there is an effect on MRSA in relation to the anti-inflammatory effect of JGT and the antibacterial effect of Jakyak and Gamcho found in previous studies. In this study, in order to investigate the antibacterial activity of JGT and the combined effect of existing antibiotics, after extracting JGT with 70% EtoH, the disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), drug combination effect (FICI), and time-kill analysis (Time-kill assay), metabolic inhibition, Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis were used to confirm the antibacterial activity mechanism of MRSA of JGT. As a result of the experiment, all of MRSA showed antibacterial activity in JGT's disc diffusion method, and the MIC was 250-1000 ㎍/mL. When existing antibiotics and JGT were combined with drugs, most had synergy or partial synergy. In addition, it was confirmed that the degree of bacterial growth was suppressed over time when simultaneous administration for 24 hours. JGT showed a synergistic effect when administered together with the ATPase-inhibitor DCCD, suggesting that it affected the inhibition of ATPase. As a result of observing the expression of PBP2a, and hla protein in the JGT-treated group and the untreated control group through wstern blot, it was confirmed that the protein expression of the JGT-treated group was significantly suppressed, and the expression levels of mecA, mecR1 and hla genes were also suppressed during JGT treatment. was observed by qRT-PCR. Combining the results of the experiment, it can be seen that JGT has antibacterial activity in MRSA, and when combined with existing antibiotics, the effect was increased compared to treatment with the drug alone. This suggests that JGT can be an alternative to treatment for antibiotic resistance of MRSA.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.83-83
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• 2020

염증은 물리화학적 자극이나 세균 감염과 같은 외부 자극에 대응하기 위한 생체조직의 방어 반응의 하 나이며 조직이나 장기의 손상을 회복시키는 기전으로서 매우 중요한 역할을 하지만 염증반응이 과도해 질 경우 궤양성 대장염, 기관지염, 천식, 대장암 등을 유발하는 원인으로 작용하기 때문에 염증반응을 조 절하는 항염증제 개발은 매우 중요시되고 있다. 국내 염증개선 관련 시장은 현재 약 3조원 규모이며 지속 적인 성장세에 있지만 천연소재의 기능성 중심으로 출시된 제품 중 다수의 제품에서 주로 수입 원료를 사용하고 있어 국내 자생 및 재배하는 천연 소재들의 효능에 대한 검증을 통해 수입 원료 의존도를 낮추 기 위한 연구가 요구되고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 순창에서 재배되는 참두릅 (Aralia elata Seem)과 도라지 (Platycodon grandiflorum)를 이용하여 천연 염증개선 소재화를 목적으로 기능성 증진을 위한 추 출조건 선정과정과 대식세포에 대한 세포독성 및 항염증 효능을 확인하여 천연소재를 이용한 염증개선 소재화를 시도하고자 한다. 본 연구는 전북 순창에서 재배되는 참두릅과 도라지의 추출조건을 선정하기 위해 용매, 온도 및 시간별 추출물의 total polyphenol 함량 평가를 통하여 최적 추출조건 선정을 진행하 였으며, 선정된 추출조건에서 추출된 추출물의 항산화 활성을 측정하기 위하여 DPPH & ABTS radical scavenging activity 및 total flavonoids 함량을 확인하여 항산화 효능을 평가하였다. 또한 대식세포인 Raw 264.7을 사용하여 MTT assay, Nitric oxide (NO) 생성 억제 효능을 확인하여 세포독성 및 항염증 활 성을 평가하였다. 실험결과, Total polyphenol 함량 분석을 통해 최적 추출조건이 선정된 두릅 (주정 40%, 25℃, 3 h), 도라지 (주정 60%, 25℃, 1 h)의 추출물을 이용하여 DPPH & ABTS radical scavenging activity 및 total flavonoids 함량을 분석한 결과, 도라지보다 두릅에서 더 높은 항산화 활성을 나타내었다. 대식세포를 활용한 두릅과 도라지의 세포독성을 측정한 결과, 100 ug/mL 이내의 농도에서 독성활성이 나타내지 않음을 확인되었으며, 항염증 활성을 측정한 결과 100 ug/mL에서 두릅 추출물이 도라지 추출 물보다 약 33% 이상 NO 생성억제 활성이 높게 나타내었다.