• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.356-364
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• 2024

Lymph nodes (LNs) are crucial sites where immune responses are initiated to combat invading pathogens in the body. LNs are organized into distinctive compartments by stromal cells. Stromal cell subsets constitute special niches supporting the trafficking, activation, differentiation, and crosstalk of immune cells in LNs. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) are a type of stromal cell that form the three-dimensional structure networks of the T cell-rich zones in LNs, providing guidance paths for immigrating T lymphocytes. FRCs imprint immune responses by supporting LN architecture, recruiting immune cells, coordinating immune cell crosstalk, and presenting antigens. During inflammation, FRCs exert both spatial and molecular regulation on immune cells through their topological and secretory responses, thereby steering immune responses. Here, we propose a model in which FRCs regulate immune responses through a three-part scheme: setting up, supporting, or suppressing immune responses. FRCs engage in bidirectional interactions that enhance T cell biological efficiency. In addition, FRCs have profound effects on the innate immune response through phagocytosis. Thus, FRCs in LNs act as gatekeepers of immune responses. Overall, this study aims to highlight the emerging roles of FRCs in controlling both innate and adaptive immunity. This collaborative feedback loop mediated by FRCs may help maintain tissue function during inflammatory responses.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.219-227
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• 2024

Objectives: The pulp is the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. The condition in which the pulp becomes inflamed due to caries or periodontitis is called pulpitis. Pulpitis is a difficult-to-treat disease and causes peripheral nerve tissue changes and severe pain; however, the relationship between neuronal activity and voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) during pulpitis has not been well studied. In this study, we found that experimentally induced pulpitis activates Nav1.7 expression in the periphery, leading to neuronal overexpression in the TG. Thus, we sought to identify ways to regulate this process. Methods: Acute pulpitis was induced in rat maxillary molars by treating the pulp with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Three days later, in vivo optical imaging was used to record and compare neural activities in the TG. Western blotting was used to identify molecular changes in terms of the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Fos, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) in the brain stem. Results: The results confirmed the neurological changes in the TGs of the pulpitis model, and histological and molecular biological evidence confirmed that increased Nav1.7 expression induced by pulpitis leads to pain. Furthermore, selective inhibition of Nav1.7 resulted in changes in neural activity, suggesting that pulpitis induces increased Nav1.7 expression, and that effective control of Nav1.7 could potentially reduce pain. Conclusions: The inhibition of overexpressed Nav1.7 channels may modulate nociceptive signal processing in the brain and effectively control pain associated with pulpitis.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.589-605
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• 2023

Soy isoflavones are attracting attention from postmenopausal women because of their beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms. This study was investigated whether a combination of soy isoflavone genistein and swimming exercise (Gen+SE) would have a beneficial synergistic effect on obesity and improvement of liver function compared to the genistein only (Gen) and swimming exercise only (SE) in ovariectomized mice. Ovariectomized mice were randomly divided into control group (Con), Gen, SE, and Gen+SE, and were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. As a result of examining the body weight, weight of white adipose tissue, lipid accumulation of liver, and serum ALT and AST levels, both Gen and SE decreased compared to Con, and Gen+SE decreased more than compared to Gen and SE. The expression of inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 genes in liver decreased in both Gen and SE compared to Con, and were further decreased in Gen+SE compared to Gen and SE. But The expression of adiponectin showed opposite results. The expression of fatty acid oxidation related genes in liver increased in both Gen and SE compared to Con, and were more effectively than increased in Gen+SE compared to Gen and SE. Therefore this study suggests that the interaction between soy isoflavone and swimming exercise is very effective controlling obesity and recovering decreased liver function, and this is caused by promoting fatty acid oxidation in the liver in ovariectomized mice.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.100033.1-100033.13
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• 2024

Considering the recent increase in the number of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in South Korea, we aimed to clarify the molecular characteristics of CRC unique to the Korean population. To gain insights into the complexities of CRC and promote the exchange of critical data, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to reveal the molecular mechanisms that drive the development and progression of CRC; this analysis is critical for developing effective treatment strategies. We performed RNA-sequencing analysis of CRC and adjacent normal tissue samples from 214 Korean participants (comprising a total of 381 including 169 normal and 212 tumor samples) to investigate differential gene expression between the groups. We identified 19,575 genes expressed in CRC and normal tissues, with 3,830 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups. Functional annotation analysis revealed that the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to the cell cycle, DNA replication, and IL-17, whereas the downregulated DEGs were enriched in metabolic pathways. We also analyzed the relationship between clinical information and subtypes using the Consensus Molecular Subtype (CMS) classification. Furthermore, we compared groups clustered within our dataset to CMS groups and performed additional analysis of the methylation data between DEGs and CMS groups to provide comprehensive biological insights from various perspectives. Our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC in Korean patients and serves as a platform for identifying potential target genes for this disease. The raw data and processed results have been deposited in a public repository for further analysis and exploration.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.641-654
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• 1996

In infectious disease, invasion of host tissue by bacteria or their products frequently induces a wide variety of inflammatory and immunopathologic reaction. Evidence indicates that cytokines are involved in the initiation and progression of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis. Interleukin-6, which is a multifunctional cytokine, has important roles in acute and chronic inflammation and may also be implicated in bone resorption. Periodontal diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of the periodontium with alveolar bone resoption. A principal driving force behind this response appears to lie in the immune system's response to bacteria. Many of the cell components which have been shown to function as virulence factors in gram-negative bacteria are associated with the bacterial surface. Of these, lipopolysaccharide has been characterized as one that mediates a number of biological activities which can lead to the destruction of host tissue. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug is used for reduce inflammation, and most of NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandine $E_2$ production, but it is shown that $PGE_2$ production is stimulated by IL-1 in recent study. So, the influence of other cytokines except $PGE_2$ on periodontium can not be avoided. Therefore, new antiinflammatory drug is needed. Rhizoma coptidis is used in oriental medicine for anti-inflammation and antiseptics. In this present study, we examined the IL-6 release in periodontal ligament cells treated with the lipopolysaccharide, and also the effect of rhizoma coptidis on cellular activity and IL-6 production of periodontal ligament cells. To evaluate the effect of rhizoma coptidis on cellular activity, the cells were seeded at a cell density of $1{\times}10^4$ cells/well in 24-well culture plates. After one day incubation, 1-6, 10-9 and 10-12 g/ml of rhizoma coptidis and 5, $10{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS were added to the each well and incubated for 1 and 2 days, respectively. Then, MTT assay were carried out. To evaluate the effect of rhizoma coptidis on IL-6 production, the cells were seeded at a cell density of $1.5{\times}10^4$ cells/well in 24-well culture plates. After one day incubation, 10-9 g/ml of rhizoma coptidis and 5, $10{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS were added to the each well and incubated for 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Then, amounts of IL-6 production is measured by IL-6 ELISA kit used. The results were as follows : 1. Rhizoma coptidisrbelow to ($10^{-6}g/ml$) significantly increaed cellular activity of periodontal ligament cells than control. 2. Rhizoma coptidist ($10^{-9}g/ml$) significantly increased cellular activity of LPS($5{\mu}g/ml$)-treated periodontal ligament cells than control. 3. LPS(5 and $10{\mu}g/ml$) significantly increased IL-6 production of periodontal ligament cells than control. 4. Rhizoma coptidis($10^{-9}g/ml$) decreased IL-6 production of LPS ($5{\mu}g/ml$)-treated periodontal.ligarnent cells than LPS only tested group. These findings suggest that stimulation of the IL-6 release of periodontal ligament cells by LPS may have a role in the progression of inflammation and alveolar bone resoption in periodontal disease, and that inhibition of the IL-6 release of cells and stimulation of cellular activity by rhizoma coptidis may help the periodontal regeneration.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.919-923
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• 1998

Background: Calcific degeneration is unavoidable in either homo- or heterografts implanted in the human body. We have developed a calcification-resistant cardiovascular tissue patch using a novel technique of anticalcification. Materials and methods: Fresh bovine pericardium was harvested at the slaughter house and transfered to the laboratory in Hank's solution. After trimming and fixing the pericardium, it was embedded in 4$^{\circ}C$ 0.65% glutaraldehyde for a week and then washed by phosphate-buffered saline(PBS) of pH 7.4. This prepared pericardium was then stored in 2.5% sulphonated polyethyleneoxide(PEO-SO3) solution for 2 days at room temperature and reversed by 4$^{\circ}C$ NaBH4 solution for 16 hours. To evaluate the calcification-resistance of surface modified bovine pericardium with PEO-SO3, either glutaraldehyde- treated(GA group, n=4) or PEO-SO3-treated pericardial patch(PEO-SO3 group, n=4) was implanted into adult mongrel dog to reconstruct the main pulmonary artery and the descending aorta using a partial clamp technique. After 1 month follow-up, the implanted patches were retrieved to evaluate the pathologic findings and the content of calcium and phosphorous. Results: The PEO-SO3 group showed substantially less retraction and significantly less calcium deposition than the GA group in both aortic(7.10$\pm$1.05 vs. 13.81$\pm$2.33 mg/g of dried tissue) and pulmonary positions(1.55$\pm$0.29 vs. 6.72$\pm$0.70 mg/g)(p<0.01). Phosphorous contents were also less in the PEO-SO3 group than the GA group significantly, 8.11$\pm$1.07 mg/g vs. 19.33$\pm$4.31 mg/g in the aortic and 2.58$\pm$0.40 vs. 12.60$\pm$3.40 mg/g in thepulmonary position(p<0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that PEO-SO3 modified bovine pericardium is highly calcification-resistant but further study is needed to evaluate the long-term biological safety and compatibility of the prosthesis.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 1996

I. Project Title A Study of Brachytherapy for intraocular tumor II. Objective and Importance of the project The eye enucleation or external-beam radiation therapy that has been commonly used for the treatment of intraocular tumor have demerits of visual loss and in deficiency of effective tumor dose. Recently, brachytherapy using the plaques containing radioisotope-now treatment method that decrease the demerits of the above mentioned treatment methods and increase the treatment effect-is introduced and performed in the countries, Our purpose of this research is to design suitable shape of plaque for the ophthalmic brachytherapy, and to measure absorbed doses of Ir-192 ophthalmic plaque and thereby calculate the exact radiation dose of tumor and it's adjacent normal tissue. III. Scope and Contents of the project In order to brachytherapy for intraocular tumor, 1. to determine the eye model and selected suitable radioisotope 2. to design the suitable shape of plaque 3. to measure transmission factor and dose distribution for custom made plaques 4. to compare with the these data and results of computer dose calculation models IV. Results and Proposal for Applications The result were as followed. 1. Eye model was determined as a 25mm diameter sphere, Ir-192 was considered the most appropriate as radioisotope for brachytherapy, because of the size, half, energy and availability. 2. Considering the biological response with human tissue and protection of exposed dose, we made the plaques with gold, of which size were 15mm, 17mm and 20mm in diameter, and 1.5mm in thickness. 3. Transmission factor of plaques are all 0.71 with TLD and film dosimetry at the surface of plaques and 0.45, 0.49 at 1.5mm distance of surface, respectively. 4. As compared the measured data for the plaque with Ir-192 seeds to results of computer dose calculation model by Gary Luxton et al. and CAP-PLAN (Radiation Treatment Planning System), absorbed doses are within ${\pm}10\%$ and distance deviations are within 0.4mm Maximum error is $-11.3\%$ and 0.8mm, respectively. As a result of it, we can treat the intraocular tumor more effectively by using custom made gold plaque and Ir-192 seeds.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1992 no.05
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• pp.27-47
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• 1992

Engineers have developed new instruments that aid in diagnosis and therapy Ultrasonic imaging has provided a nondamaging method of imaging internal organs. A complex transducer emits ultrasonic waves at many angles and reconstructs a map of internal anatomy and also velocities of blood in vessels. Fast computed tomography permits reconstruction of the 3-dimensional anatomy and perfusion of the heart at 20-Hz rates. Positron emission tomography uses certain isotopes that produce positrons that react with electrons to simultaneously emit two gamma rays in opposite directions. It locates the region of origin by using a ring of discrete scintillation detectors, each in electronic coincidence with an opposing detector. In magnetic resonance imaging, the patient is placed in a very strong magnetic field. The precessing of the hydrogen atoms is perturbed by an interrogating field to yield two-dimensional images of soft tissue having exceptional clarity. As an alternative to radiology image processing, film archiving, and retrieval, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are being implemented. Images from computed radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasound are digitized, transmitted, and stored in computers for retrieval at distributed work stations. In electrical impedance tomography, electrodes are placed around the thorax. 50-kHz current is injected between two electrodes and voltages are measured on all other electrodes. A computer processes the data to yield an image of the resistivity of a 2-dimensional slice of the thorax. During fetal monitoring, a corkscrew electrode is screwed into the fetal scalp to measure the fetal electrocardiogram. Correlations with uterine contractions yield information on the status of the fetus during delivery To measure cardiac output by thermodilution, cold saline is injected into the right atrium. A thermistor in the right pulmonary artery yields temperature measurements, from which we can calculate cardiac output. In impedance cardiography, we measure the changes in electrical impedance as the heart ejects blood into the arteries. Motion artifacts are large, so signal averaging is useful during monitoring. An intraarterial blood gas monitoring system permits monitoring in real time. Light is sent down optical fibers inserted into the radial artery, where it is absorbed by dyes, which reemit the light at a different wavelength. The emitted light travels up optical fibers where an external instrument determines O2, CO2, and pH. Therapeutic devices include the electrosurgical unit. A high-frequency electric arc is drawn between the knife and the tissue. The arc cuts and the heat coagulates, thus preventing blood loss. Hyperthermia has demonstrated antitumor effects in patients in whom all conventional modes of therapy have failed. Methods of raising tumor temperature include focused ultrasound, radio-frequency power through needles, or microwaves. When the heart stops pumping, we use the defibrillator to restore normal pumping. A brief, high-current pulse through the heart synchronizes all cardiac fibers to restore normal rhythm. When the cardiac rhythm is too slow, we implant the cardiac pacemaker. An electrode within the heart stimulates the cardiac muscle to contract at the normal rate. When the cardiac valves are narrowed or leak, we implant an artificial valve. Silicone rubber and Teflon are used for biocompatibility. Artificial hearts powered by pneumatic hoses have been implanted in humans. However, the quality of life gradually degrades, and death ensues. When kidney stones develop, lithotripsy is used. A spark creates a pressure wave, which is focused on the stone and fragments it. The pieces pass out normally. When kidneys fail, the blood is cleansed during hemodialysis. Urea passes through a porous membrane to a dialysate bath to lower its concentration in the blood. The blind are able to read by scanning the Optacon with their fingertips. A camera scans letters and converts them to an array of vibrating pins. The deaf are able to hear using a cochlear implant. A microphone detects sound and divides it into frequency bands. 22 electrodes within the cochlea stimulate the acoustic the acoustic nerve to provide sound patterns. For those who have lost muscle function in the limbs, researchers are implanting electrodes to stimulate the muscle. Sensors in the legs and arms feed back signals to a computer that coordinates the stimulators to provide limb motion. For those with high spinal cord injury, a puff and sip switch can control a computer and permit the disabled person operate the computer and communicate with the outside world.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.1-14
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• 2013

Objectives The object of this study was to observe the favorable anti-arthritic effects of Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) on Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritic Wistar rats. Methods Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of FCA, and 300, 150 or 750 mg/kg of Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) were orally administered once a day for 14 days from 14 days after FCA treatments, and 15 mg/kg of dexamethasone was intraperitoneally administered as reference drug in this experiment. All rats were sacrificed at 14 days after continuous oral treatment of Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) or intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone, and changes on the body weight, knee circumferences, gross arthritis score, inflammatory tissue prostaglandin (PG) $E_2$ levels were monitored with cartilage collagen components and glucosaminoglycans compositions - chondroitin sulphate, heparan sulphate and hyaluronic acid in the present study. Results As results of FCA treatment, classic rheumatoid arthritis featuring dramatical decreases on the body weights, cartilage collagen contents and bone glucosaminoglycans-chondroitin sulphate, heparan sulphate and hyaluronic acid contents, with increases on the knee circumferences, gross arthritis scores and inflammatory tissue $PGE_2$ levels. However, these changes from FCA-induced rheumatoid arthritis were clearly reduced by treatment of dexamethasone and both two different dosages of Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) 300 and 150 mg/kg in the present study. Although FCA-induced arthritis were more favorably inhibited by treatment of dexamethasone 15 mg/kg as compared with Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) 300 mg/kg, marked decreases of body weights were detected in dexamethasone 15 mg/kg treated rats, and Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) 300 mg/kg showed similar preserve effects on the cartilage glucosaminoglycan compositions in this study. Conclusions The results obtained in this study suggest that over 300 and 150 mg/kg of Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) showed favorable anti-arthritic effects on the FCA-induced arthritis mediated by suppression of $PGE_2$, a inflammatory mediator. However, detail mechanism studies should be conduced in future with the screening of the biological active compounds in this herb. Although overall anti-inflammatory effects Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) 300 mg/kg were lowered than those of dexamethasone 15 mg/kg treated rats, Samki-eum ($s\bar{a}nq\grave{i}-y\check{i}n$) 300 mg/kg treated rats showed similar preserve effects on the cartilage glucosaminoglycan compositions in this experiment.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.213-231
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• 2000

이 연구의 목적은 다공성의 CPP 내부에 쥐의 장골의 골수에서 유래된 세포를 접종하고 3차 원적으로 배양하여 CPP가 골 형성을 위한 조직공학의 지지체로 적용가능한가를 연구하는 것과 Calcium PolyPhosphate(CPP)의 돌연변이 유발성을 검사하는 것이다. 무수 ($Ca(H_2PO_4)$)를 condensation하여 무결정의 ($Ca(PO_3)$)를 얻고 이를 용융하고 냉각시킨 후 분쇄하여 Calcium polyphosphate(CPP) powder를 얻었다. 다공성의 CPP는 5% $SiO_2$를 첨가하여 sponge 형태로 $450-550{\mu}m$ 소공의 크기를 가지는 것과(CPP-45ppi) $200-300{\mu}m$의 소공의 크기를 가지는 것(CCP-60ppi) 2가지로 제작하였다. 각각의 CPP matrices는 $5mm{\times}5mm{\times}1mm$의 블록 형태로 만들었다. 체중 100g 내외의 백서에서 장골(femur, tibia)을 채취하여 백서의 장골 골수 세포를 분리하여 배양한 후 24well에 CPP block을 넣고 CPP block 당 $10^5$개의 배양한 세포를 접종하였다. 배양 1, 7, 14, 및 21 일째에 각 well에서 trypsin EDTA를 이용하여 2회 반복하여 cell을 분리하였고, 원심분리한 후 hemacytometer로 측정하였다. 또, 45ppi와 60ppi, 그 리 고 Tissue Culture Polystyrene(control group)에 접종, 배양된 세포들의 염기성 인산분해효소활성도를 배양 7, 14, 및 21 일째에 각각 측정하였다. 각 기간별로 배양된 세포-CPP 혼합체내에서 세포의 부착 및 증식과 형성된 조직의 3차원적 형태를 관찰하기 위하여 주사전자현미경하에서의 관찰하였다. CPP의 돌연변이 유발성 검사 (mutagenicity test)를 위해 hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase(HPRT) assay를 하였다. NIH3T3 cell line과 CHO-K1 cell line으로 각각 $1000{\mu}g/m{\ell}$, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$, $10{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ 그리고 $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$의 CPP 농도에서 측정하였다. 통계적 분석을 위해서 모든 측정은 각군당 4개체 이상 시험하였고, 각 측정값은 평균값${\pm}$표준편차로 나타내었다. 각 군간의 통계적 유의성 검정을 위해서 Analysis of variance(ANOVA)를 이용하였고 Tukey의 방법으로 사후분석을 실시하였다. 제작된 CPP matrices 소공들이 서로간에 연결이 잘 되어있는 형태였다. 두 가지로 제조된 CPP(45ppi와 60ppi) 모두에서 세포의 부착이 잘 일어났고, 부착된 세포의 분열도 잘 일어났다. 2 가지의 CPP 모두에서 7, 14, 21일째의 세포 수는 1일째에 비해 유의성 있게 증가하였다(P<0.01). 3차원적 구조인 Calcium PolyPhosphate에서 배양한 세포는 24well dish(tissue culture polystyrene)에서 평면적으로 배양한 대조군의 세포에서 보다 염기성 인산분해효소 (Alkaline Phosphatase)를 유의성 있게 높게 나타냈다. 주사전자현미경에서 세포-CPP 혼합체를 관찰한 결과, CPP block에 세포들이 잘부착되어 있었고, 시간이 지남에 따라 세포가 여러 층을 형성하면서 뭉치는 현상을 보였다. 또, HPRT assay 결과 , Calcium PolyPhosphate는 돌연변이 유발성을 보이지 않았다. 이상의 결과로 볼 때 CPP에는 세포부착이 잘 일어나고, 지지체 상에서 세포의 분열도 활발하게 일어나므로 골조직을 위한 조직공학의 우수한 지지체가 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.