• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.192-202
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• 2009

Background: Little information is available the role of Nitric Oxide (NO) in host defenses during human tuberculosis (TB) infection. We investigated the modulating factor(s) affecting NO synthase (iNOS) induction in human macrophages. Methods: Both iNOS mRNA and protein that regulate the growth of mycobacteria were determined using reverase transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The upstream signaling pathways were further investigated using iNOS specific inhibitors. Results: Here we show that combined treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) and Interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ synergistically enhanced NO synthesis and iNOS expression induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or by its purified protein derivatives in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Both the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ and MEK1-ERK1/2 pathways were indispensable in the induction of iNOS expression, as shown in toll like receptor 2 stimulation. Further, the combined treatment with 1,25-D3 and IFN-${\gamma}$ was more potent than either agent alone in the inhibition of intracellular MTB growth. Notably, this enhanced effect was not explained by increased expression of cathelicidin, a known antimycobacterial effector of 1,25-D3. Conclusion: These data support a key role of NO in host defenses against TB and identify novel modulating factors for iNOS induction in human macrophages.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 1996

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of gene expression of calbindin-$D_{28k}$ (CaBP-D28K) in the chicken. By employing slot blot and RIA analyses, levels of CABP-D28K mRNA and CaBP-D28K protein in the intestine, kidney, cerebellum and liver were measured 6 and 12 h after i.m. injection of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ [1, 25 $(OH)_2D_3$; 250 ng/chick] and 3, 5, 3'-triiodothyronine ($T_3$; 500 ng/chick) in one-day-old chicks. The abundant messages of CaBP-D28K mRNA were detected in the intestine, kidney and cerebellum while there was little message in the liver. After 1, 25 $(OH)_2D_3$ treatment (6 + 12 hours), levels of CaBP-D28K mRNA increased in the intestine, but there was no change in the mRNA levels in the kidney and cerebellum. Although $T_3$ alone had no effect on CaBP-D28K mRNA levels, simultaneous administration of $T_3$ enhanced the 1, 25 $(OH)_2D_3$ effect of levels of CaBP-D28K mRNA in the intestine both 6 and 12 h post-treatment, and in the kidney 12 h post-treatment. At a protein level, co-treatment with 1, 25 $(OH)_2D_3$ and $T_3$ elicited a significant increase in CaBP-D28K expression in the intestine 12 h post-treatment, as compared to treatment with only 1, 25 $(OH)_2D_3$, whereas no differences were observed in the CaBP-D28K protein levels in the kidney and cerebellum. These results suggest that thyroid hormones may play a synergistic role with 1, 25 $(OH)_2D_3$ for CaBP-D28K gene expression in the intestine and kidney in chicks.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.620-627
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• 2008

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A biochemical approach for surface modification has offered an alternative for physicochemical and morphological methods to obtain desirable bone-implant interfaces. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate cell responses to poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/$1{\alpha}$,25-(OH)$_2D_3$ coating with reference to cellular proliferation and differentiation in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 96 titanium discs were fabricated and divided into four groups. Group 1 was anodized under 300 V as control. Group 2, 3 and 4 were anodized then coated with 3 ml PLGA/$1{\alpha}$,25-(OH)$_2D_3$ solutions. Amount of the solutions were 2 ul, 20 ul and 200ul respectively. The osteoblast-like Human Osteogenic Sarcoma (HOS) cells were seeded and cultured for 1, 3 and 7 days. MTSbased cell proliferation assay and ALPase activity test were carried out. RESULTS: PLGA nanoparticles were observed as fine, smooth and round and HOS cells attached to the anodized surfaces through strand-like and sheet-like filopodia. After 3 days of culture, the dendritic filopodia were exaggerated and sheet-like cytoplasmic projections covered the coated titanium surfaces. After 3 days of culture, all of the groups showed increased cellular proliferation and the lowest proliferation rate was measured on group 2. Higher amount of incorporated $1{\alpha}$,25-(OH)$_2D_3$ (Group 3 and 4) improved cellular proliferation but the differences were not significant statistically (P > .05). But they increased the rate of ALP activities than the control group at day 3 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles incorporated with vitamin D metabolite positively affected proliferation and differentiation of cells on the anodized titanium surface.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.51-54
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• 2011

Vitamin D is present in two forms, ergocalciferol (vitamin $D_2$) produced by plants and cholecalciferol (vitamin $D_3$) produced by animal tissues or by the action of ultraviolet light on 7-dehydrocholesterol in human skin. Both forms of vitamin D are biologically inactive pro-hormones that must undergo sequential hydroxylations in the liver and the kidney before they can bind to and activate the vitamin D receptor. The hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 $[1,25(OH)_2D]$, plays an essential role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, bone growth, and cellular differentiation. Renal synthesis of $1,25(OH)_2D$ from its endogenous precursor, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), is the rate-limiting and is catalyzed by the $1{\alpha}$-hydroxylase. Vitamin D dependent rickets type I (VDDR-I), also referred to as vitamin D $1{\alpha}$-hydroxylase deficiency or pseudovitamin D deficiency rickets, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized clinically by hypotonia, muscle weakness, growth failure, hypocalcemic seizures in early infancy, and radiographic findings of rickets. Characteristic laboratory features are hypocalcemia, increased serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and low or undetectable serum concentrations of $1,25(OH)_2D$ despite normal or increased concentrations of 25OHD. Recent advances have showed in the cloning of the human $1{\alpha}$-hydroxylase and revealed mutations in its gene that cause VDDR-I. This review presents the biology of vitamin D, and $1{\alpha}$-hydroxylase mutations with clinical findings.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.230-235
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• 2007

In the early neonatal period, the neonate is challenged by the loss of the placental calcium transport and manifests a quick transition, from an environment in which PTHrP plays an important role to a PTH- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-controlled neonatal milieu. Disturbances in mineral homeostasis are common in the neonatal period, especially in premature infants and infants who are hospitalized in an intensive care unit. In many cases these disturbances are thought to be exaggerated responses to the normal physiological transition from the intrauterine environment to neonatal independence. Some disturbances in calcium and phosphate homeostasis are the result of genetic defects, which in many instances can now be identified at the molecular level. Although fetus develop remarkably normally in the presence of maternal calcium, PTH and vitamin D deficiency, the neonates demonstrate abnormalities that are consequences of the prior abnormal maternal calcium homeostasis. Evaluation and management of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia in neonate requires specific knowledge of perinatal mineral physiology and the unique clinical and biochemical features of newborn mineral metabolism.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.329-336
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• 2005

We examined the effect of PQQ, as a scavenger of superoxide, on osteoclast-like cell formation and on mature osteoclast function. To determine whether PQQ scavenges the superoxide, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) staining, which is a method to detect superoxide, was performed on HD-11 cells which are a chick myelomonocytic cell line having tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3\;[1,25(OH)_2D_3]$. Histochemical study of TRAP was also performed on HD-11 cells. PQQ inhibited the TRAP-positive multinucleated cell formation of chicken bone marrow cells was also examined. The addition of 20 ${\mu}M$ PQQ inhibited the formation of TRAP-positive multinucleated cell. When chicken osteoclasts were cultured on dentin slices, treatment of 20 ${\mu}M$ PQQ resulted in a significant decrease in dentin resorption by osteoclasts in terms of total resorption area and number of resorption pits. The present data suggest that PQQ, possibly as a scavenger of superoxide ion, inhibits the osteoclastic differentiation and bone resorption.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.141-148
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• 1998

This study describes the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3, calcitriol] analog, 1,25(OH)2-16ene-23yne-D3 on proliferatin and differentiatin of the human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937. This paper also describes the effects of 1,25(OH)2-16ene-23yne-D3 on ${\gamma}$-interferon(IFN-${\gamma}$) synthesis by phytohemagglutinin-activated peripheral blood lymphocytes(PBLs). In the present investigation, 1,25(OH2)-16ene-23yne-D3 was compared to the natural metablite of vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2D3. 1,25(OH)2-16ene-23yne-D3 was more potent than 1,25(OH)2D3 for inhibition of proliferation and induction of differentiation of U937 cells, Its effects on inhibition of proliferation was about 30-fold more potent than 1,25(OH)2D3. On induction of differentiation as measured by nonspecific esterase (NSE) activity and morphologic change, this analog morphologically and functionally differentiated U937 cells to monocyte-macrophage phenotype showing a decrease of N/C ration in Giemsa staining and the increase of adherence ability of surface. After 3 days in culture, a more significant supression of IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis analog on supression of IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis was a dose-dependent manner, with peak activity at 10-7M. The strong direct effects of 1,25(OH)2-16ene-23yne-D3 on cell proliferation and cell differentiation, make this compound an interesting candidate for clinical studies for several types of malignancies, and the effects on supression of IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis provide the further evidence for a role of 1,25(OH)2-16ene-23yne-D3 in immunoregulation.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.604-609
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• 2015

The active metabolite of vitamin D such as $1{\alpha}$,25-dihydroxyvitamin ($D_3(1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3)$ is a well-known key regulatory factor in bone metabolism. However, little is known about the potential of vitamin D as an odontogenic inducer in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) in vitro. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin $D_3$ metabolite, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$, on odontoblastic differentiation in HDPCs. HDPCs extracted from maxillary supernumerary incisors and third molars were directly cultured with $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ in the absence of differentiation-inducing factors. Treatment of HDPCs with $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ at a concentration of 10 nM or 100 nM significantly upregulated the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1), the odontogenesis-related genes. Also, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in HDPCs. In addition, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), whereas the ERK inhibitor U0126 ameliorated the upregulation of DSPP and DMP1 and reduced the mineralization enhanced by $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$. These results demonstrated that $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ promoted odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs via modulating ERK activation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2009

Calbindin-$D_{9k}$ (CaBP-9k), a cytosolic calcium-binding protein, is expressed in a variety of tissues, i.e., the duodenum, uterus, placenta, kidney and pituitary gland. Duodenal CaBP-9k is involved in intestinal calcium absorption, and is regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the hormonal form of vitamin D, and glucocorticoids (GCs). Uterine CaBP-9k has been implicated in the regulation of myometrial action(s) through modulation of intracellular calcium, and steroid hormones appear to be the main regulators in its uterine and placental regulation. Because phenotypes of CaBP-9k-null mice appear to be normal, other calcium-transporter genes may compensate for its gene deletion and physiological function in knockout mice. Previous studies indicate that CaBP-9k may be controlled in a tissue-specific fashion. In this review, we summarize the current information on calcium homeostasis related to CaBP-9k gene regulation by GCs, vitamin D and its receptors, and its molecular regulatory mechanism. In addition, we present related data from our current research.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.443-452
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• 1994

This study describes the effects of novel1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D$_3$ analong[1,25(OH)$_2$-16ene-23yne-26, 27-F6-D$_3$] on proliferation of the human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937 in vitro. We also examined the expression of c-myc oncogene in U937 cells was apparently inhibited to 62% and 87% of the control level after 4 days in the presence of 10-8M and 10-7 M of this analog, respectively. This compound morpholgically and functionally differentiated U937 cells to nonocyte-macrophage phenotype showing the increase of adherence ability to surface and a decrease of N/C ratio in Giemsa staining . Especially, nonspecific esterase activity which is a marker of cell differentiation to monocyte-macrophage was positive, and production of the positive stained cells increased in a dose dependent fashion . The expression of c-myc oncogene by 1, 25(OH)$_2$D$_3$ analog(10-7 M) was reduced by 60% at the mRNA level as determined by Northern blotting. The effects of this novel analog on cell proliferation and cell differentiation may open op new therapeutic strategies for human disorders such as psoriassis and may provide a tool to understand the mechanism of action of vitamin D$_3$ seco-steroids in malignancy.