• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.616-630
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tryptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level. MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/or 72 h with IPA or its precursors - indole, tryptophan, and propionate - at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tryptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure. Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preserve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.494-503
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• 2024

Background: With the prevalence of dietary supplements, the use of combinations of herbs and drugs is gradually increasing, together with the risk of drug interactions. In our clinical work, we unexpectedly found that the combination of Panax notoginseng and warfarin, which are herbs that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, showed antagonistic effects instead. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drug interaction between Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) and warfarin, the main active ingredient of Panax notoginseng, and to explore the interaction mechanism. Methods: The effects and mechanisms of PNS on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin were explored mainly in Sprague-Dawley rats and HepG2 cells. Elisa was used to detect the concentrations of coagulation factors, HPLC-MS to detect the blood concentrations of warfarin in rats, immunoblotting was employed to examine protein levels, qRT-PCR to detect mRNA levels, cellular immunofluorescence to detect the localization of NR1I3, and dual luciferase to verify the binding of miR-214-3p and NR1I3. Results: PNS significantly accelerated warfarin metabolism and reduced its efficacy, accompanied by increased expression of NR1I3 and CYP2C9. Interference with NR1I3 rescued the accelerated metabolism of warfarin induce by PNS co-administration. In addition, we demonstrated that PNS significantly reduced miR-214-3p expression, whereas miR-214-3p overexpression reduced NR1I3 and CYP2C9 expression, resulting in a weakened antagonistic effect of PNS on warfarin. Additionally, we found that miR-214-3p bound directly to NR1I3 3'-UTR and significantly downregulated NR1I3 expression. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that PNS accelerates warfarin metabolism and reduces its pharmacodynamics by downregulating miR-214-3p, leading to increased expression of its target gene NR1I3, these findings provide new insights for clinical drug applications to avoid adverse effects.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2003

All diets were based on feeds of fattening period pigs(LY x D, ca. 90 kg) with six treatments, which were the control, containing 5% beef tallow(C), 3% beef tallows and 2% perilla seeds oil(T1), 250 ppm vit. E(${\alpha}$-tocopheryl acetate) in T1(T2), 3% beef tallow and 2% squid viscera oil(T3), 250 ppm vit. E in T3(T4), and 3% beef tallow and 2% CLA(T5), respectively. Produced porks and their carcass characteristics were as follows. The daily gain of pigs was higher in T2 and 73 than any other treatments(p<0.05). Its T2 and T3 was 3.71 and 3.80 respectively, however, there was no significance in feed intake. The highest back fat thickness was shown in control group on market weight, while there was no significant difference on their initial weight. Loin-eye muscle area did not show any significant difference on initial weight and on market weight, however, its T5 was about twice as large as T2's. Content of triglyceride in blood was high in control group as compared to others; especially, the values for T3, T4 and T5 were significantly low(p <0.05). There was no significant difference in total cholesterol contents, and the ratio of HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol was higher in vit. E treated samples than untreated sample. Atherogenic index was high in sample with T3 and low in sample with T2. The perilla seed oil, squid fish oil, and vit. E decreased atherogenic index. Dressing percentage, back fat thickness, and grade did not show any significant difference(p >0.05); however, T2, C and T3, T1 and T5 showed 4.67, 4.29, 4.00 respectively, in grades.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.760-765
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• 1998

Background: Glucose uptake has been found to be increased in cancer cells, and FDG-PET imaging is used for diagnosis of cancer using this phenomenon. However, the exact mechanism of increased glucose uptake in cancer cells has not been clarified. Recent studies demonstrated the presence of glucose transporter(GLUT) mRNA expression in gastrointestinal cancer and head and neck cancer, and suggested that GLUT may be associated with glucose uptake in cancer cells. In lung cancer cells, glucose metabolism is also known to be increased. We evaluated GLUT mRNA expression in human lung cancer cell lines in order to find out the mechanism of increased glucose uptake in lung cancer. Method: Total RNA was isolated from 15 human lung cancer cell lines and immortalized bronchial epithelial cell line(BEAS-2B). After electrophoresis of $20{\mu}g$ total RNA, Northern blot analysis was done using GLUT1 cDNA and GLUT3 cDNA as probes. Results: Thirteen of 14 human lung cancer cell lines expressed GLUT1 mRNA and 10 of 14 human lung cancer cell lines expressed GLUT3 mRNA. Eight human lung cancer cell lines expressed both GLUT mRNAs. BEAS-2B expressed GLUT1 mRNA and did not express detectable GLUT3 mRNA. Conclusion: The increase of glucose metabolism in lung cancer may be associated with GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.450-461
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• 2001

Background : The underlying pathogenesis of radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RTLF) has not been very well defined. However, the role of TGF-$\beta$ in the generation of RTLF has been a major focus because there is an increase in the expression of both the TGF-${\beta}m$-RNA and its protein preceding RTLF lesions. The down stream signal after a TGF-$\beta$ stimulated lung fibrosis includes the activation of many mediators such as Smad and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) through TAK1. It is we hypothesized that JNK activation may play a pivotal role in RTLF pathogenesis through increased transcription of the fibrogenic cytokines. The present study evaluates JNK activity in alveolar macrophages after irradiation and the relationship between JNK activity and the amount of collagen in the lung tissues. Methods : C57BL/6 mice(20-25 gr, males) received chlorotetracycline(2g/L) in their drinking water 1 week prior to irradiation and continuously there after. The mice were irradiated once with 1400 cGy of $60CO{\gamma}$-ray over the whole chest. The cellular composition of the whole lung bronchoalveoalr lavage fluids(BALF), elastin expression in the lung tissues, the level of hydroxyproline in lung tissues, and an in vitro JNK assay was measured before irradiation and one, four, and eight weeks after irradiation (RT). Results : The volumes of BALF retrieved from instilled 4 mL of saline with 2% heparin were 3.7-3.8 mL for each group. The cell numbers were similar before($4.1{\times}10^4{\pm}0.5{\times}10^4/mL$) and 1 week($3.1{\times}10^4{\pm}0.5{\times}10^4/mL$) after RT. At four and eight weeks after RT, the cell number reached to $14.0{\times}10^4{\pm}1.5{\times}10^4mL$ and $10.0{\times}10^4{\pm}1.3{\times}10^4/mL$, respectively. There we no changes in the lymphocytes and neutrophils population observed in the BALF after RT. The H-E stain of the lung tissues did not show any structural and fibrotic change in the lung tissues at 4 and 8 weeks after RT. In addition, the amount of elastin and collagen were not different on Verhoeff staining of the lung tissues before RT to eight weeks after RT. The hydroxyproine content was measured with the left lung dissected from the left main bronchus. The lung were homogenized and hydrolyzed with 6 N Hel for 12 hours at $110^{\circ}C$ then measured as previously described. The content of hydroxyproline, standardized with a lung protein concentration, reached a peak 4 weeks after RT, and thereafter showed a plateau. AnIn vitro JNK assay using c-$Jun_{1-79}$-GST sepharose beads were performed with the alveolar macrophages obtained from the BAL. JNK activity was not detected prior to RT, However, the JNK activity increased from one week after RT and reached a peak four weeks after RT. Conclusion : JNK may be involved in the pathogenesis because the JNK activity showed similar pattern observed with the hydroxyproine content. However, it is necessary to clarify that the JNK increases the transcription of fibrogenic cyiokines through the transcription factor.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.257-267
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• 2017

Background: Heat-processed ginseng, sun ginseng (SG), has been reported to have improved therapeutic properties compared with raw forms, such as increased antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity effects of SG through the suppression of cell differentiation and proliferation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and the lipid accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods: To investigate the effect of SG on adipocyte differentiation, levels of stained intracellular lipid droplets were quantified by measuring the oil red O signal in the lipid extracts of cells on differentiation Day 7. To study the effect of SG on fat accumulation in C. elegans, L4 stage worms were cultured on an Escherichia coli OP50 diet supplemented with $10{\mu}g/mL$ of SG, followed by Nile red staining. To determine the effect of SG on gene expression of lipid and glucose metabolism-regulation molecules, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of genes were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, the phosphorylation of Akt was examined by Western blotting. Results: SG suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells stimulated by a mixture of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI), and inhibited the proliferation of adipocytes during differentiation. Treatment of C. elegans with SG showed reductions in lipid accumulation by Nile red staining, thus directly demonstrating an antiobesity effect for SG. Furthermore, SG treatment down-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor subtype ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha ($C/EBP{\alpha}$) and decreased the mRNA level of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c in MDI-treated adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-regulating factors, such as amplifying mouse fatty acid-binding protein 2, leptin, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid transporter protein 1, fatty acid synthase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, were increased, whereas that of the lipolytic enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 was decreased. Our data demonstrate that SG inversely regulated the expression of these genes in differentiated adipocytes. SG induced increases in the mRNA expression of glycolytic enzymes such as glucokinase and pyruvate kinase, and a decrease in the mRNA level of the glycogenic enzyme phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase. In addition, mRNA levels of the glucose transporters GLUT1, GLUT4, and insulin receptor substrate-1 were elevated by MDI stimulation, whereas SG dose-dependently inhibited the expression of these genes in differentiated adipocytes. SG also inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) at an early phase of MDI stimulation. Intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels were markedly decreased by MDI stimulation and recovered by SG treatment of adipocytes. Conclusion: Our results suggest that SG effectively inhibits adipocyte proliferation and differentiation through the downregulation of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$, by suppressing Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation and enhancing NO production. These results provide strong evidence to support the development of SG for antiobesity treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.7
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• pp.501-510
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• 2002

Background: The various pathogeneses of acute respiratory distress syndrome have been suggested but not established yet. In the present study, the role of group II phospholipase $A_2$($PLA_2$) in the pathogenesis of gut ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) induced acute lung injury (ALI), especially in the pulmonary oxidative stress with infiltration of neutrophils was investigated. Material and Method: To induce ALI, reperfusion of mesentery was done for 120 min after clamping of superior mesenteric artery for 60 min in Sprague-Dawley rats that weighed about 300g. To exmaine the role of group II $PLA_2$ in ALI, especially endothelial injury associated with the action of neutrophils, lung myeloperoxidase activity, lung leak index, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein were measured, and pulmonary $PLA_2$ activity changes in gut I/R were also measured. The role of group II $PLA_2$in the neutrophilic generation of free radicals was assessed by inhibiting group II $PLA_2$ with rutin, manoalide and scalaradial. Furthermore, to verify the oxidative stress in the lung, histologic and free radical detecting cytochemical electron microscopy were done. Result: After reperfusion, ALI was developed with accumulation of neutrophils in the lung, which was confirmed by the increase of myeloperoxidase activity, lung leak index and bronchoalveolar lavage protein (p<0.001). The pulmonary and intestinal group II $PLA_2$ activities significantly increased after gut I/R which were reversed by rutin(p<0.001). In vitro, cytochrome-c reduction assay denoted the inhibitory effects of rutin, scalaradial and manoalide on the production of free radicals from isolated human neutrophils. Histologically, neutrophilic accumulation and pericapillary edema in the lung after gut I/R was detected by light microscopy which was suppressed by rutin. In $CeCl_3$ cytochemical electron microscopy, the increased production of hydrogen peroxide in the lung after gut I/R was confirmed and also the production of hydrogen peroxide was decreased by rutin. Conclusion: On the basis of these experimental results, the inhibition of group II $PLA_2$ seemed to mitigate gut I/R-induced ALI by suppressing the production of free radicals from the infiltrated neutrophils. Collectively, group II $PLA_2$ seems to play a crucial role in gut I/R-induced ALI by neutrophilic oxidative stress.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2011

This study was undertaken to reveal the relationship between genetic variations and the basic coat color classification system in Jeju horses. Genetic variations of the melanocortinreceptor 1 (MC1R) and agouti signaling protein (ASIP) genes were investigated using pyrosequencing technique. A nucleotide substitution mutation for MC1R g.901C>T and an ASIP 11-bp deletion mutation were screened. Black horses had MC1R $E^+$/- ($E^+/E^+$ or $E^+/E^e$) and ASIP $A^a/A^a$ genotypes. In contrast, chestnut horse genotypes were MC1R $E^e/E^e$ and ASIP -/-. Thus, black and bay horses have at least one dominant MC1R allele, $E^+$, whereas chestnut horses have homozygous recessive alleles $E^e/E^e$. This suggests that the MC1R genotypes determine chestnut or black/bay coat color, regardless of the genotype distribution of ASIP. In addition, the horses with MC1R $E^+$/- and a dominant ASIP $A^A$/- allele showed bay coat color, but not black, suggesting that the ASIP $A^A$ allele represses black coat color development in the hairs of the body, but not in the mane and all four legs. Pedigree analysis showed a consistent relationship between the genotype distribution of the MC1R and ASIP genes and basic coat color patterns, even in the $F_1$ progeny. The results of this study revealed the relationship between the coat color phenotype and genetic background and suggested that useful information may be provided for molecular breeding of Jeju horses.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.588-595
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• 2010

Background: Base on types of tumor, the types of expressed tumor is diverse and the difference in its expression rate is even more various. Due to such reasons an animal model is absolutely needed for a clinical research of lung cancer. The author attempted oncogenesis by cultivating a cell line of non-small cell carcinoma and then injecting it inside thoracic cavities of nude mice. The author conducted quantitative analyses of HER2/neu tumor gene - an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) related to lung cancer, and TGF-${\beta}_1$, which acts as a resistance to cell growth inhibition and malignant degeneration. In order to investigate achievability of the oncogenesis, histological changes and the expression of cancer gene in case of orthotopic lung cancer is necessary. Material and Method: Among 20 immunity-free male BALB/c, five nude mice were selected as the control group and rest as the experimental group. Their weights ranged from 20 to 25 gm (Orient, Japan). After injection of lung cancer line (SW900 G IV) into the pleural cavity of nude mice, They were raised at aseptic room for 8 weeks. HER2/neu was quantitatively analyzed by separating serum from gathered blood via chemiluminiscent immunoassay (CLIA), and immunosandwitch method was applied to quantitatively analyze TGF-${\beta}_1$. SPSS statistical program (SPSS Version 10.0, USA) was implemented for statistical analysis. Student T test was done, and cases in which p-value is less than 0.05 were considered significant. Result: Even after lung cancer was formed in the normal control group or after intentionally injected lung cancer cell line, no amplification of HER2/neu gene showed reaction. However, the exact quantity of TGF-${\beta}_1$ was $28,490{\pm}8,549pg/mL$, and the quantity in the group injected with lung cancer cell was $42,362{\pm}14,449pg/mL$, meaning 1.48 times highly Significant (p<0.483). It proved that HER2/neu gene TGF-${\beta}_1$ had no meaningful interconnection. Conclusion: TGF-${\beta}_1$ gene expressed approximately 1.48 times amplification in comparison to the control group. The amplification of TGF-${\beta}_1$ meant somatic recuperation inhibition mechanism due to carcinogenesis in nude mice was definitely working. It may be implemented as a quantitative analysis that allows early detection of lung cancer in human body.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.7 s.264
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• pp.505-510
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• 2006

Background: Small animal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model would be a valuable tool for investigating path-ophysiological and therapeutic strategies on bypass. The main advantages of a small animal model include the reduced cost and time, and the fact that it does not require a full scale operating environment. However the rat CPB models have a number of technical limitations. Effective maintenance and control of core temperature by a heat exchanger is among them. The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of rectal temperature maintenance using a heat exchanger of cardioplegia system in cardiopulmonary bypass model for rats. Material and Method: The miniature circuit consisted of a reservoir, heat exchanger, membrane oxygenator, roller pump, and static priming volume was 40 cc, Ten male Sprague-Dawley rats (mean weight 530 gram) were divided into two groups, and heat exchanger (HE) group was subjected to CPB with HE from a cardioplegia system, and control group was subjected to CPB with warm water circulating around the reservoir. Partial CPB was conducted at a flow rate of 40 mg/kg/min for 20 min after venous cannulation (via the internal juglar vein) and arterial cannulation (via the femoral artery). Rectal temperature were measured after anesthetic induction, a ter cannulation, 5, 10, 15, 20 min after CPB. Arterial blood gas with hematocrit was also analysed, 5 and 15 min after CPB. Result: Rectal temperature change differed between the two groups (p<0.01). The temperatures of HE group were well maintained during CPB, whereas control group was under progressive hypothermia, Rectal temperature 20 min after CPB was $36.16{\pm}0.32^{\circ}C$ in the HE group and $34.22{\pm}0.36^{\circ}C$ in the control group. Conclusion: We confirmed the effect of rectal temperature maintenance using a heat exchanger of cardioplegia system in cardiopulmonary bypass model for rats. This model would be a valuable tool for further use in hypothermic CPB experiment in rats.