• 대한본초학회지
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.7-13
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• 2012

Objectives : Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been associated with pathogenic processes including carcinogenesis through direct effect on DNA directly and by acting as a tumor promoter. Therefore, it has been regarded that ROS may be a major target for cancer prevention. The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall (PL), a traditional Chinese herb, has been a component of effective prescriptions for treatment of liver disease. Also, there are some reports about the antioxidant activities of the extracts from PL. However, little has been known about the effects of PL against oxidative damage. This work aimed to elucidate the anti-oxidant effects of Paeonia lactiflora pall (PL) in the non-cellular system and cellular system. Methods : Antioxidant activities of PL were evaluated by hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and $Fe^{2+}$ chelating assay. Anti-oxidative effect of PL was evaluated by ${\varphi}X$-174 RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay in non-cellular system. In addition, DNA migration assay, expression level of phospho-H2AX, MTT assay and lipid peroxidation assay were performed for evaluate the anti-oxidative effect of PL in cellular system. Results : PL had a dose-dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging and $Fe^{2+}$ chelating capacity. In addition, PL inhibited oxidative DNA and cell damage induced by hydroxyl radical in non-cellular system and cellular system. Conclusion : Taken together, P. lactiflora pall may be possible for the application to a potential drug for treating the oxidative diseases such as cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권10호
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• pp.1245-1252
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• 2022

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from somatic cells using Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM). Small molecules can enhance reprogramming. Licochalcone D (LCD), a flavonoid compound present mainly in the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata, acts on known signaling pathways involved in transcriptional activity and signal transduction, including the PGC1-α and MAPK families. In this study, we demonstrated that LCD improved reprogramming efficiency. LCD-treated iPSCs (LCD-iPSCs) expressed pluripotency-related genes Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and Prdm14. Moreover, LCD-iPSCs differentiated into all three germ layers in vitro and formed chimeras. The mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) is critical for somatic cell reprogramming. We found that the expression levels of mesenchymal genes (Snail2 and Twist) decreased and those of epithelial genes (DSP, Cldn3, Crb3, and Ocln) dramatically increased in OR-MEF (OG2^+/+/ROSA26^+/+) cells treated with LCD for 3 days, indicating that MET effectively occurred in LCD-treated OR-MEF cells. Thus, LCD enhanced the generation of iPSCs from somatic cells by promoting MET at the early stages of reprogramming.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.675-682
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• 2022

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) was reported to play an anti-inflammatory role, however, previous studies largely focused on the effects of KRG on priming step, the inflammation-preparing step, and the anti-inflammatory effect of KRG on triggering, the inflammation-activating step has been poorly understood. This study demonstrated anti-inflammatory role of KRG in caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome activation in macrophages during triggering of inflammatory responses. Methods: Caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome-activated J774A.1 macrophages were established by priming with Pam3CSK4 and triggering with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability and pyroptosis were examined by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Nitric oxide (NO)-inhibitory effect of KRG was assessed using a NO production assay. Expression and proteolytic cleavage of proteins were examined by Western blotting analysis. In vivo anti-inflammatory action of KRG was evaluated with the LPS-injected sepsis model in mice. Results: KRG reduced LPS-stimulated NO production in J774A.1 cells and suppressed pyroptosis and IL-1β secretion in caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome-activated J774A.1 cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that KRG suppressed the direct interaction between LPS and caspase-11 and inhibited proteolytic processing of both caspase-11 and gasdermin D in caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome-activated J774A.1 cells. Furthermore, KRG significantly ameliorated LPS-mediated lethal septic shock in mice. Conclusion: The results demonstrate a novel mechanism of KRG-mediated anti-inflammatory action that operates through targeting the caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome at triggering step of macrophage-mediated inflammatory response.

• 공연문화연구
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• 제43호
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• pp.263-292
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• 2021

<센과 치히로의 행방불명(千と千尋の神隠し)>은 미야자키 하야오(Hayao Miyazaki, 宮崎駿)의 대표작이자 세계적인 수작이지만, 작품의 본질적 측면에 대한 연구는 충분히 이루어지지 않은 미지의 텍스트이기도 하다. 기존의 연구는 이 작품에 나타나는 음식과 식사의 의미를 간과했고 이로 인해 작품의 중요한 특질을 간과하고 있다. 이에 음식의 기능을 중심으로 해당 텍스트를 분석하고, 식사의 의미를 심도 있게 논의하는 연구가 요구되지 않을 수 없다. <센과 치히로의 행방불명(千と千尋の神隠し)에서 음식은 욕망의 직접적인 표현물이다. 과대하게 섭취하려는 식욕은 욕망의 과다한 팽창을 의미하며, 이러한 팽창은 개인의 문제를 넘어 사회적 문제까지 보여 주는 징후가 된다. 따라서 음식에 대한 절도를 지켜, 내면의 욕망을 다스리는 법을 깨닫는 일은 이 작품이 궁극적으로 지향하는 가치를 시사한다고 하겠다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.25.1-25.13
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• 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii is known for its multidrug antibiotic resistance. New approaches to treating drug-resistant bacterial infections are urgently required. Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) is a murine antimicrobial peptide that exerts diverse immune functions, including both direct bacterial cell killing and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we sought to identify the role of CRAMP in the host immune response to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Wild-type (WT) and CRAMP knockout mice were infected intranasally with the bacteria. CRAMP^-/- mice exhibited increased bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid after A. baumannii infection compared to WT mice. The loss of CRAMP expression resulted in a significant decrease in the recruitment of immune cells, primarily neutrophils. The levels of IL-6 and CXCL1 were lower, whereas the levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in the BAL fluid of CRAMP^-/- mice compared to WT mice 1 day after infection. In an in vitro assay using thioglycollate-induced peritoneal neutrophils, the ability of bacterial phagocytosis and killing was impaired in CRAMP^-/- neutrophils compared to the WT cells. CRAMP was also essential for the production of cytokines and chemokines in response to A. baumannii in neutrophils. In addition, the A. baumannii-induced inhibitor of κB-α degradation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK were impaired in CRAMP^-/- neutrophils, whereas ERK and JNK phosphorylation was upregulated. Our results indicate that CRAMP plays an important role in the host defense against pulmonary infection with A. baumannii by promoting the antibacterial activity of neutrophils and regulating the innate immune responses.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.49.1-49.15
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• 2024

Importance: Endochondral ossification plays an important role in skeletal development. Recent studies have suggested a link between increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and skeletal disorders. Moreover, previous studies have revealed that increasing the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and osteopontin (OPN) while inhibiting NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) can enhance bone growth. This investigation provides further evidence by showing a direct link between NOX4 and MPO, OPN in bone function. Objective: This study investigates NOX4, an enzyme producing hydrogen peroxide, in endochondral ossification and bone remodeling. NOX4's role in osteoblast formation and osteogenic signaling pathways is explored. Methods: Using NOX4-deficient (NOX4^-/-) and ovariectomized (OVX) mice, we identify NOX4's potential mediators in bone maturation. Results: NOX4^-/- mice displayed significant differences in bone mass and structure. Compared to the normal Control and OVX groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed NOX4^-/- mice had the highest trabecular bone volume, while OVX had the lowest. Proteomic analysis revealed significantly elevated MPO and OPN levels in bone marrow-derived cells in NOX4^-/- mice. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased MPO, OPN, and collagen II (COLII) near the epiphyseal plate. Collagen and chondrogenesis analysis supported enhanced bone development in NOX4^-/- mice. Conclusions and Relevance: Our results emphasize NOX4's significance in bone morphology, mesenchymal stem cell proteomics, immunohistochemistry, collagen levels, and chondrogenesis. NOX4 deficiency enhances bone development and endochondral ossification, potentially through increased MPO, OPN, and COLII expression. These findings suggest therapeutic implications for skeletal disorders.

• 한국간담췌외과학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.69-75
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• 2022

Backgrounds/Aims: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease requiring liver transplantation (LT). The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and posttransplant courses of seven LT recipients with PFIC. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center study of patients with PFIC who underwent LT from January 2013 to June 2020. Results: Two and five patients were diagnosed with PFIC type 1 and type 2, respectively. For all seven patients, age of PFIC onset was at birth. Jaundice was present in all cases. Mean pretransplant total and direct bilirubin levels were 16.1 ± 8.1 mg/dL and 12.4 ± 6.2 mg/dL, respectively. Median patient age and body weight at LT were 10 months and 7 kg, respectively. Types of donors were mothers of patients in four and deceased donors in three. All five patients with PFIC type 2 recovered uneventfully. One patient each with PFIC type 1 underwent retransplantation due to graft failure or died due to multi-organ failure. Overall graft and patient survival rates at five years were 66.7% and 83.3%, respectively. Bile salt export pump immunohistochemical staining showed normal canalicular expression in two patients with PFIC type 1, focal loss in two patients with PFIC type 2, and total loss in three patients with PFIC type 2. Conclusions: LT is currently the only effective treatment for PFIC-associated end-stage liver diseases. It is mandatory to perform regular follow-up due to the risk of complications including steatohepatitis, especially for patients with PFIC type 1.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제52권9호
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• pp.680-696
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Circular RNAs were known to play vital role in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI), while the role of CircZNF609 in MIRI remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the function of CircZNF609 in MIRI. Methods: Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established to mimic MIRI in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate gene transcripts. Cellular localization of CircZNF609 and miR-214-3p were visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were applied to detect apoptosis. Lactate dehydrogenase was determined by commercial kit. ROS was detected by DCFH-DA probe. Direct interaction of indicated molecules was determined by RIP and dual luciferase assays. Western blot was used to quantify protein levels. In vivo model was established to further test the function of CircZNF609 in MIRI. Results: CircZNF609 was upregulated in H/R model. Inhibition of CircZNF609 alleviated H/R induced apoptosis, ROS generation, restored cell proliferation in cardiomyocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Mechanically, CircZNF609 directly sponged miR-214-3p to release PTGS2 expression. Functional rescue experiments showed that miR-214-3p/PTGS2 axis was involved in the function of circZNG609 in H/R model. Furthermore, data in mouse model revealed that knockdown of CircZNF609 significantly reduced the area of myocardial infarction and decreased myocardial cell apoptosis. Conclusions: CircZNF609 aggravated the progression of MIRI via targeting miR-214-3p/PTGS2 axis, which suggested CircZNF609 might act as a vital modulator in MIRI.

• 대한골관절종양학회지
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.111-121
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• 2009

배경: 골육종은 소아 및 청소년기에 가장 흔하게 발생하는 악성 골종양 중 하나이다. 최근 수술적 치료와 항암 화학요법을 병행하여 생존률이 증가하였지만, 아직까지도 항암제는 항암제 내성 및 이차성 악성 종양의 발생 등 여러 문제점을 가지고 있다. 일부 종양은 matrix metalloproteinase(MMPs)의 발현이 증가되어 있고, MMP inhibitor에 대한 연구가 진행되고 있다. 반면 bisphosphonate(BPs) 제제는 골흡수를 억제하는 능력이 있으며, 파골세포와 관계된 골 병변에 광범위하게 사용되고 있다. 또 bisphosphonate 제제는 직접적인 항암효과를 가지고 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 대상 및 방법: 골육종 세포주(U2OS)를 ibandronate(0, 0.1, 1, 10M)를 이용하여 48시간 동안 처치하였다. 세포의 생존능은 MTT assay를 이용하여, MMP-2와 MT1-MMP의 mRNA level은 reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction을 이용하여 측정하였으며, MMP-2와 MT1-MMP 단백의 양은 Westernblot을, MMP-2의 활성은 Gelatin zymography를 이용하여 측정하였다. 또, ibandronate 처치 전후의 골육종 세포주의 침습성은 Matrigel invasion assay를 이용하여 측정하였다. 결과: 48시간 ibandronate 처치 후 U2OS 세포주의 침습력은 ibandronate에 대해 용량 의존적으로 감소하였다. 특히 10M 이내의 ibandronate는 세포독성이 나타나지 않았다. 젤라틴 융해능과 MMP-2 및 MT1-MMP의 단백 및 mRNA 정도역시 ibandronate 농도가 증가할수록 감소하였다. 결론: Ibandronate는 골육종 세포주의 MMP-2 및 MT1-MMP의 발현을 억제하였으며, 종양세포의 침습력을 감소시켰다. Bisphosphate의 종양세포 침습 억제 능력은 새로운 전이 억제제의 개발에 도움이 될 것으로 사료된다.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.183-191
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• 2002

목 적 : 본 연구에서는 임상적으로 XLA로 진단받고 현재 치료 중인 한가족 3명 환아의 가계를 대상으로 말초혈액 단핵구의 Btk 단백질 발현과 Btk 유전자 변이를 분석하고자 하였다. 방 법 : 환아 말초혈액 단핵구의 Btk 발현도를 항 Btk 항체를 이용한 유세포계측을 통해 분석하고 PCR-SSCP 및 직접 염기서열 분석에 의해 Btk 유전자 변이를 분석하였다. 결 과 : 유세포 계측 및 PCR-SSCP에 의하여 가계내의 환자 3명 및 보인자 4명을 확인하였으며 환아들의 단핵구의 Btk 발현도를 조사한 결과 2.7% 미만으로 건강인에 비해 매우 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 유전자 변이 분석 결과 Btk 유전자 exon 3에서 점돌연변이($T{\rightarrow}C$)가 발견되어 61번째 아미노산의 치환이 일어난 과오돌연변이를 확인할 수 있었다. 동일한 유전형을 지닌 3명의 환아들은 임상적으로 매우 다양한 표현형을 나타내었다. 특히 환아들의 혈청 IgG level이 낮을수록 임상 양상은 심한 소견을 보였다. 결 론 : 본 연구 결과를 종합해 볼 때 임상적으로 XLA로 진단된 환아와 가족에 대한 항 Btk 항체를 이용한 유세포계측 및 PCR-SSCP 방법은 XLA 환아 및 보인자의 진단에 매우 유용하며 신속하게 적용될 수 있는 기법으로 생각된다. 또한 분자유전학 기법을 이용하여 환아의 유전자 변이를 검색한 결과 Btk의 PH 도메인 내 한개의 과오돌연변이를 검색하여 XLA를 최종 확진할 수 있었다.