• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.228-236
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• 2006

Objectives : Macrophage has an important innate defense role in the immune system. When we are infected with pathogens, macrophage ingests them through phagocytosis or endocytosis, and then secretes many cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6 and $TGF{\alpha}$, which are regulators of immune responses. The aim of this study is to determine how Samjunghwan effects the expression of cytokine and other immune-related genes in macrophages. Methods : Cells were treated directly with Samjunghwan and/or LPS at regular intervals. Total RNA of cells was isolated using TRIzol reagent, and the changes in cytokine gene expressions were investigated using RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. Results : $IL-1{\alpha},\;IL-1{\beta}$ and COX-2 genes were inducibly expressed specifically by Samjunghwan in macrophage. Especially, $IL-1{\beta}$ gene was induced most strongly by treatment with Samjunghwan. Over time, treatment with Samjunghwan showed that the expression levels of $IL-1{\alpha}\;and\;$IL-1{\beta}$ genes increased from 1 to 4h, and then decreased from 4 to ISh. However, the expression level of COX-2 gene increased continuously up to 11h. $IL-1{\alpha},\;IL-1{\beta}$ and COX-2 genes were expressed synergistically by a simultaneous treatment of both Samjunghwan and LPS in macrophages. Secretion levels of translated $IL-1{\beta}$ increased continuously up to 11h. Conclusions : Though this study is only a start in the investigation of the efficasy of Samjunghwan, these results suggest that Samjunghwan has positive effects on immune responses.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate anti-arthritis activity using a KV pharmacopuncture. KV pharmacopuncture was inserted at BL40 for 4 weeks to SD-Rat, where arthritis was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) at 60 mg/ml. MMP-9, CTX II, LTB4, calcitonin and glycosaminoglycan level in serum were measured by ELISA. The cartilage of patella volume was examined and 3-D high-resolution reconstructions of the cartilage of patella were obtained using a Micro-CT system. Also, The histopathological change of knee was observed by H&E and safranin-O staining. Production of MMP-9, CTX II and LTB4 level in serum was decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. The other way, production of calcitonin and glycosaminoglycan level in serum was increased, respectively, in comparison with control. The cartilage of patella volume increased significantly. In addition, the KV group showed a increase in the cartilage volume and proteoglycan. These results may be used a remedy for new korea medicine to ease the symptoms mentioned above.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.207-212
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• 2010

Purpose: The object of this study is to develop a novel BMP-2 delivery system for continuous osteogenic differentiation and to induce osteogenesis of stem cells using a bi-phase alginate carrier in vitro. Methods: Alginate nanoparticle loaded BMP-2 was prepared by the reverse emulsification-diffusion technique. Physical properties and release profiles of alginate carriers were measured by Instron and ELISA kit, respectively. Cell viability and alkaline phosphate activity of hBMSCs differentiation was also evaluated by MTS and Metra BAP assays, respectively. Results: Optimal concentration for bi-phase alginate carrier was determined as 2 wt% by evaluating mechanical and biological properties, and differentiation of BMSCs for bone regeneration. The 2% bi-phase alginate carrier had the lowest initial and final release ratio. In addition, the 2% bi-phase alginate carrier had a little higher ALP activity than the homogeneous carrier. An improved controlled release profile was obtained by combining alginate hydrogel with lyophilized particles. Conclusion: Bi-phase alginate carrier has many advantages such as biocompatibility and controlled release capability. It is expected to be effective as a scaffold and carrier in bone tissue engineering.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.611-625
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• 2000

For the improvement of quality control of laboratory mouse, we investigated the environmental condition, histopathological findings and serological test using ELISA to mouse hepatitis virus(MHV), Mycoplasma pulmonis(MP), Clostridium piliforme(TZ) and Sendai virus (HVJ) of ICR, C57BL/6, CBA and C3H/He mice that were supplied from conventional laboratory animal facility. 1. The ammonia concentration of facility was below the recommended concentration, 15ppm, by the KNIH, and the room temperature($21{\sim}23^{\circ}C$) and relative humidity(40~60%) was optimum range recommend by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, respectively. 2. The incidence rate of inapparent disease was 86.6% and the major findings in the liver were vacuolar degeneration with nucleic pleomorphism. The lung was shown the thickening of alveolar wall and interstitial pneumonia with congestion. The kidney and spleen were observed the mild congestion and extramedullary hematopoiesis, respectively. 3. The positive reaction rates against MHV and MP in serological test was 97.9% and 37.5%, respectively but HVJ and TZ were negative. These results suggest that laboratory mice could be infected with MHV and MP under conventional environments. Therefore we recommend to select thoroughly inapparent infected mice and to convert conventional system into SPF facility as soon as possible.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.241-251
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• 2005

Objectives: This experimental study was designed to investig:ue the effects of Oryungsan-gagampang on leptin and leptin receptor levels and differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocyte. Methods: After 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated with various concentrations of Oryungsan-gagampang and Reductil(r) for 7 days, leptin and leptin receptor levels in 3T3-Ll adipocytes were measured by ELISA. To elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory effects of Oryungsan-gagampang on obesity, the 3T3-L1 adipocytes after oil red 0 staining were taken by digital photo system. Results: 1. Oryungsan-gagampang $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ significantly increased leptin levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in comparison with the control group (p<0.05), and Oryungsan-gagampang 0.1 10, $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ significantly increased leptin receptor levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). 2. Oryungsan-gagampang inhibited of differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusions: Oryungsan-gagampang showed significant effects on inhibiting differentiation of 3T3-Ll adipocytes, and increasing leptin levels and leptin receptor levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Therefore, Oryungsan-gagampang could be used to treat obesity, but further studies are required.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.157-162
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• 2003

The generation of secretory IgA antibodies(Abs) for specific immune protection of mucosal surfaces depends on stimulation of the mucosal immune system, but this is not effectively achieved by parenteral or even oral administration of most soluble antigens. Thus, to produce a possible vaccine antigen against urinary tract infections, the uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) adhesin was genetically coupled to the ctxa2b gene and cloned into a pMAL-p2E expression vector. The chimeric construction of pMALfimHIctxa2b was then transformed into E. coli K-12 TB1 and its nucleotide sequence was verified. The chimeric protein was then purified by applying the affinity chromatography. The purified chimeric protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting using antibodies to the maltose binding protein (MBP) or the cholera toxin subunit B (CTXB), plus the N-terminal amino acid sequence was analyzed. The orderly-assembled chimeric protein was confirmed by a modified $G_{M1}$-ganglioside ELISA using antibodies to adhesin. The results indicate that the purified chimeric protein was an Adhesin/CTXA2B protein containing UPEC adhesin and the $G_{M1}$-ganglioside binding activity of CTXB. This study also demonstrate that peroral administration of this chimeric immunogen in mice elicited high level of secretory IgA and serum IgG Abs to the UPEC adhesin. The results suggest that the genetically linked CTXA2B acts as a useful mucosal adjuvant, and that the adhesin/CTXA2B chimeric protein might be a potential antigen for oral immunization against UPEC.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2017

Toxoplasma gondii infections occur throughout the world, and efforts are needed to develop various vaccine candidates expressing recombinant protein antigens. In this study, influenza matrix protein (M1) virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of T. gondii rhoptry antigen 4 (ROP4 protein) were generated using baculovirus (rBV) expression system. Recombinant ROP4 protein with influenza M1 were cloned and expressed in rBV. SF9 insect cells were coinfected with recombinant rBVs expressing T. gondii ROP4 and influenza M1. As the results, influenza M1 VLPs showed spherical shapes, and T. gondii ROP4 protein exhibited as spikes on VLP surface under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The M1 VLPs resemble virions in morphology and size. We found that M1 VLPs reacted with antibody from T. gondii-infected mice by western blot and ELISA. This study demonstrated that T. gondii ROP4 protein can be expressed on the surface of influenza M1 VLPs and the M1 VLPs containing T. gondii ROP4 reacted with T. gondii-infected sera, indicating the possibility that M1 VLPs could be used as a coating antigen for diagnostic and/or vaccine candidate against T. gondii infection.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2005

This study was carried out to obtain basic information for gene manipulation in potent edible tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. TI 516). N. tabacum cv. TI 516 is a plant for a possible candidate to use as an edible vaccine, since it contains a low level of nicotine. The effective plant regeneration system through leaf disc culture was achieved using a MS basal medium supplemented with 0.1 mg $1^{-1}$ NAA and 0.5 mg $1^{-1}$ BA. In order to transform the N. tabacum cv. TI 516 with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA 4404 containing the GFP gene was used. Genomic PCR confirmed the integration of the GFP gene into nuclear genome of transgenic plants. Expression of the GFP gene was identified in callus, apical meristem and root tissue of transgenic N. tabacum cv. TI 516 plants using fluorescence microscopy. Western blot analysis revealed the expression of GFP protein in the transgenic edible tobacco plants. The amount of GFP protein detected in the transgenic tobacco plants was approximately 0.16% of the total soluble plant protein (TSP), which was determined by ELISA.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.343-358
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• 2000

Epimedii Herba is an important traditional herb medicine widely used as a tonic. However, the mechanism of action of this drug on the immune system is not well studied. This study was performed to elucidate the effects of the aqueous extract of Epimedii Herba on the production of antibodies in mice. Antibodies in serum were detected in male ICR mice treated with the aqueous extract of Eplmedii Herba (AEEH) at a dosage of 40, 120, and 360mg/kg orally for 2 weeks. Effects of oral administration of AEEH on antibody forming responses were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in serum. The results were as follows; 1. Epimedii Herba slightly decreased body weight gain. 2. Epimedii Herba significantly increased the relative spleen weight. 3. Epimedii Herba significantly increased total serum IgG levels. 4. Epimedii Herba significantly enhanced total serum IgG1 levels. 5. Epimedii Herba significantly increased total serum IgG2a levels. 6. Epimedii Herba markedly increased total serum IgM levels. These findings demonstrate that Epimedii Herba significantly enhances the production of antibodies at therapeutic concentrations, and suggest that administration of Epimedii Herba may prevent the host from immunologic diseases.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.1180-1184
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• 2006

The capsule that surrounds Yersinia pestis cells is composed of a protein-polysacchride complex; the purified protein component is fraction I (F1) antigen. We report the cloning of the cafl gene and its expression in Escherichia coli using the vector pETl02/D-TOPO and the F1-specific monoclonal antibody. The recombinant F1 (rF1) antigen had a molecular size of 17.5 kDa, which was identical to that of the F1 antigen produced by Y. pestis. Recombinant F1 protein was found to react to polyclonal antiserum to Y. pestis Fl. Recombinant F1 was purified by ProBond purification system and induced a protective immune response in BALB/c mice challenged with up to 10$^5$ virulent Y. pestis. Purified rF1 protein was used in an ELISA to evaluate the ability of a method to detect antibodies to Y. pestis in animal sera. These results strongly indicated that the rF1 protein is a suitable species-specific immunodiagnostic antigen and vaccine candidate.