• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.199-203
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• 2006

Background: Eckol purified from Ecklonia cava, a brown alga has been known to have cytoprotective effects on some cell lines against oxidants and ionizing radiation. However, there is no study about the effects of eckol on immune cells. Methods: Bone marrow (BM)-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were used to demonstrate the immunomodulatory effects of eckol on DCs, such as viability, the expression of surface markers, allogeneic stimulating capacity using MTI, flow cytometric, $^3H$-thymidine incorporation assay. Results: Eckol did protect DCs against cytokine withdrawal-induced apoptosis in a concentration dependent manner based on MTT assay. And also, it increased the expression of MHC class II and CD86 (B7.2) molecules, maturation markers, on the surface of viable DCs gated in FACS analysis. Furthermore, eckol-treated DCs stimulated the proliferation of allogeneic $CD4^+$ T lymphocytes compared to imDCs in $^3H$-thymidine incorporation assay. $CD4^+$ T lymphocytes activated with eckol-treated DCs produced the larger amount of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 than those cells with imDCs. Conclusion: Taken together, we demonstrate in this study that eckol, a pure compound of Ecklonia cava, may modulate the immune responses through the phenotypic and functional changes of DCs.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.95-100
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• 2007

Background: A red seaweed, Callophyllis japonica has been traditionally eaten in the oriental area. In a recent study, it has been demonstrated that the ethanol extract of C. japonica have antioxidant activity. However, there are few studies about the effects of C. japonica on the function of immune cells. We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of C. japonica on the function of dendritic cells, the potent antigen-presenting cells. Methods: Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were used and the viability was measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and trypan blue exclusion test. Cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined by using ELISA and Griess reagent, respectively. The expression levels of DC surface markers were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Results: C. japonica ethanol extract did not significantly affect the DCs viability and the IL-12 production from DCs, irrespective of the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, it did not significantly change the expression of DC surface markers. However, C. japonica ethanol extract significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO production and also increased the proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes activated by DCs. Conclusion: Our data suggests that C. japonica ethanol extract enhances the proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes activated by DCs which is associated with inhibition of NO production from DCs induced by LPS.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2006.05a
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• pp.185-186
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• 2006

Image Guided Surgery(IGS) system has been developed to provide exquisite and objective information to surgeons for surgical operation process. It is necessary that registration technique is important to match between 3D image model reconstructed from image modalities and the object operated by surgeon. Majority techniques of registration in IGS system have been used by recognizing fiducial markers placed on the object. However, this method has been criticized due to its invasive protocol inserting fiducial markers in patient's bone. Therefore, shape-based registration technique using geometric characteristics of the object has been invested to improve the limitation of IGS system. During Total Knee Replacement(TKR) operation, it is challenge to register with high accuracy by using shape-based registration because the area to acquire sample data from knee is limited. We have developed region-based 3D registration technique based on anatomical landmarks on the object and this registration algorithm was evaluated in femur model. It was found that region-based algorithm can improve the accuracy in 3D registration. We expect that this technique can efficiently improve the IGS system.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.551-556
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• 2023

Ginsenosides, among the most active components of ginseng, exhibit several therapeutic effects against cancer, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-osteoporotic activity of ginsenoside Rg2, a major ginsenoside, has not been clearly elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation. Results indicate that ginsenoside Rg2 inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) without cytotoxicity. Pretreatment with ginsenoside Rg2 significantly reduced the RANKL-induced gene expression of c-fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (Nfatc1), as well as osteoclast-specific markers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP, Acp5) and osteoclast-associated receptor (Oscar). Moreover, RANKL-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was decreased by ginsenoside Rg2 in BMM. Therefore, we suggest that ginsenoside Rg2 suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through the regulation of MAPK signaling-mediated osteoclast markers and could be developed as a therapeutic drug for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.11-21
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• 2012

Objectives : BHH10 is traditional medicine herb used for enhancing body resistance against various diseases. The aim of this study was to identify BHH10 extract induces osteogenic activity in human osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Methods : MC3T3-E1, pre-osteoblast cell line, were treated with BHH10 of various concentrations($0.1{\mu}g/mL$, $1{\mu}g/mL$, $10{\mu}g/mL$). And then, the effect of BHH10 on osteoblast differentiation was examined by alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity, von Kossa staining and RT-PCR for osteoblast differentiation markers such as osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN). Results : BHH10 had dose-dependent effect on the viability of osteoblastic cells, and dose-dependently increased alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity. BHH10 markedly increased mRNA expression for OCN, OPN in MC3T3-E1 cells. Also, BHH10 significantly induced mineralization in the culture of MC3T3-E1 cells. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results propose that BHH10 can play an important role in osteoblastic bone formation, osteogenesis, and may possibly lead to the development of bone-forming drugs.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.12
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• pp.403-407
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• 2017

Purpose: Quadriplegic children with cerebral palsy are more susceptible to osteoporosis because of various risk factors that interfere with bone metabolism. Pamidronate is effective for pediatric osteoporosis, but there are no guidelines for optimal dosage or duration of treatment in quadriplegic children with osteoporosis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose pamidronate treatment in these patients. Methods: Ten quadriplegic patients on antiepileptic drugs (6 male, 4 female patients; mean age, $10.9{\pm}5.76years$), with osteoporosis and gross motor function classification system level V, were treated with pamidronate (0.5-1.0 mg/kg/day, 2 consecutive days) every 3-4 months in a single institution. The patients received oral supplements of calcium and vitamin D before and during treatment. The lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) z score and biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured regularly during treatment. Results: The main underlying disorder was perinatal hypoxic brain damage (40%, 4 of 10). The mean cumulative dose of pamidronate was $4.49{\pm}2.22mg/kg/yr$, and the mean treatment period was $10.8{\pm}3.32months$. The BMD z score of the lumbar spine showed a significant increase from $-4.22{\pm}1.24$ before treatment to $-2.61{\pm}1.69$ during treatment (P=0.008). Alkaline phosphatase decreased during treatment (P=0.037). Significant adverse drug reactions and new fractures were not reported. Conclusion: Low-dose pamidronate treatment for quadriplegic children with cerebral palsy increased lumbar BMD and reduced the incidence of fracture.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.187-194
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• 2014

Objectives: The effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) respectively with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on hard tissue regeneration have been investigated in previous studies. This study aimed to compare the osteogenic effects of MTA/BMP-2 and MTA/EMD treatment in MC3T3-E1 cells. Materials and Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with MTA (ProRoot, Dentsply), BMP-2 (R&D Systems), EMD (Emdogain, Straumann) separately and MTA/BMP-2 or MTA/EMD combination. Mineralization was evaluated by staining the calcium deposits with alkaline phosphatase (ALP, Sigma-Aldrich) and Alizarin red (Sigma-Aldrich). The effects on the osteoblast differentiation were evaluated by the expressions of osteogenic markers, including ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and osteonectin (OSN), as determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR, AccuPower PCR, Bioneer). Results: Mineralization increased in the BMP-2 and MTA/BMP-2 groups and increased to a lesser extent in the MTA/EMD group but appeared to decrease in the MTA-only group based on Alizarin red staining. ALP expression largely decreased in the EMD and MTA/EMD groups based on ALP staining. In the MTA/BMP-2 group, mRNA expression of OPN on day 3 and BSP and OCN on day 7 significantly increased. In the MTA/EMD group, OSN and OCN gene expression significantly increased on day 7, whereas ALP expression decreased on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest the MTA/BMP-2 combination promoted more rapid differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells than did MTA/EMD during the early mineralization period.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.121-127
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• 2007

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of a novel formulation of low-dose calcium and vitamin $D_3$ blended with Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch and Eleutherococcus senticosus Max (RE+), in postmenopausal women. The controls were given either a placebo or high dose calcium and vitamin $D_3$ (Ca + D). Bone mineral density (BMD) in the L2-3 lumber spines and femur regions was assessed, and serum osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) were used as markers of osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Furthermore, all variables were measured before and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. The osteocalcin level was higher in the RE+ group, and BALP was almost the same in all groups. Serum NTx was significantly decreased in the RE+ group after 12 months (p<0.05). The NTx in the Ca + D and placebo groups showed no significant change. The decrease of femur BMD was further demonstrated in the placebo group, but significantly increased in the RE+ group after 6 and 12 months of treatment (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the percent changes of femur BMD between the placebo and RE+ groups (p<0.01) and Ca+D and RE+ groups (p<0.05). The decrease of spine BMD in the placebo group was inhibited both in the Ca + D and RE+ groups, however, there was significant difference only between the placebo and RE+ groups (p<0.05). These findings suggest that continuous oral therapy of the RE+ formulation reduces rapidly decreasing bone mineral density in postmenopausal women more effectively than high doses of calcium and vitamin $D_3$ alone by inhibiting osteoclastic activity. Therefore, it seems that the RE+ has its own antiosteoporotic effects. We suggest larger clinical studies to determine the most efficacious dosage and benefits of this novel treatment.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.885-894
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• 2000

Deer antler has been widely prescribed in Chinese and Korean pharmacology. Although there have been several reports concerning the effects of deer antler, such as anti-aging action, anti-inflammatory activity, antifungal action and regulatory activity of the level of glucose, the effect on bone has not determined yet. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of deer antler on osteoblast differentiation. Hexane extract(CN-H) and chloroform extract(CN-C) were acquired from deer antler(Cervus nippon) and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were cultured in the presence or absence of each extract. Osteoblast differentiation was estimated with the formation of mineralized nodules and the mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase(ALP), osteocalcin(OC) and bone sialoprotein(BSP) which are markers of osteoblast differentiation. Non-treated group did not show mineralized nodule. CN-C or CN-H-treated group showed minerlaized nodules in 16 days. In northern blot analysis, CN-C or CN-H-treated group showed the elevated expression of ALP, BSP and OC in 16 days. These results suggest the possibility to develop deer antler as a bone regenerative agent in periodontal therapy by showing the stimulating activity of deer antler on differentiation of osteoblast.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.5273-5280
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• 2016

Objective: To evaluate stromal cells of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in bone marrow trephine biopsy (BMTB) specimens, with a focus on fibronectin, tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and L-selectin in Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients, before and after therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 de novo NHL patients, 64 with B-cell lymphomas 80%, (follicular cell lymphoma (FCL) in 32, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) in 12, and diffuse large cell lymphoma in 20) and 16 with T-cell lymphomas (20%) all diagnosed as T-Lymphoblastic lymphomas, were evaluated before and after therapy. For comparison, 25 age and sex matched BM donors, were included as a control group. BMTB material and BM aspirates were taken for morphological assessment of stromal cells, the plasma of these samples being examined for $TNF{\alpha}$ and L-selectin by ELISA, and fibronectin by radial immunodiffusion (RID). Results: BM stromal cells comprising reticular macrophages and fibroblasts were elevated in 53.3% of NHL cases at diagnosis, while BM fibronectin levels were decreased and BM $TNF{\alpha}$ and L-selectin were higher than in controls (p<0.05). In NHL cases, elevated values of BM $TNF{\alpha}$ and BM L-selectin were associated with signs of aggressive disease, including >1 extra nodal sites, detectable B symptoms, high grade, BM and CNS invasion, and a high International prognostic index (IPI) (p<0.05). Conclusion: BMM components, $TNF{\alpha}$, L-selectin and fibronectin, in NHL can be useful in evaluating disease activity, extent and response to treatment and as prognostic markers according to the IPI.