• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제16권10호
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• pp.1605-1612
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• 2006

Interleukin (IL)-18, a member of the family of IL-l cytokine, is one of the principal inducers of $interferon-{\gamma}(IFN-{\gamma})$ in T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of IL-18 on the expression of chemokine IP-10 (CXCL-10) mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages. IL-18 had very weak direct effect or synergistic effect with IL-12 on the expression of IP-10 mRNA in C57BL/6 mouse peritoneal macrophages. However, IL-18 pretreatment was found to playa cooperative role in the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IP-10 mRNA. For the expression of LPS-induced IP-10 mRNA, the synergistic effect was detected after 16 h of IL-18 pretreatment prior to LPS stimulation. The expression level of CD14 in cells stimulated with LPS was not changed by IL-18 pretreatment, and the level of $IFN-{\gamma}$ production during IL-18 pretreatment plus LPS stimulation was barely discernible ($0.36{\pm}0.31pg/ml$). Namely, the synergistic effect of IL-18 pretreatment was not related to a change of LPS receptor, CD14 expression, and the production of $IFN-{\gamma}$ by the interaction between IL-18 and LPS. The synergistic effect of IL-18 pretreatment on the expression of LPS-induced IP-10 was related to not NF-kB but AP-1 activation, and associated with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, one of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. These results provide useful information that may elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effect of IL-18 on the expression of IP-10 mRNA.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.201-208
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• 2022

Neuroinflammation is defined as a neurological inflammation within the brain and the spinal cord. In neuroinflammation, microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system, which act as the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has an anti-inflammatory effect in many neurological conditions. Additionally, the microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) mimic has been proven to be effective in macrophages in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of both miR-30a-5p and Dex in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. This study showed that miR-30a-5p and Dex decreased nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) translocation in LPS-induced BV2 cells. MiR-30a-5p and Dex alleviated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), LPS-induced phosphorylation c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. Also, the expression of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, and ASC was inhibited. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were attenuated by Dex and miR-30a-5p. Our results indicate that a combination of Dex and miR-30a-5p, attenuates NF-κB activation, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and inflammatory mediators involved in LPS-induced inflammation and inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-activated BV2 cells.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권9호
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• pp.447-452
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• 2022

Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1) is an essential transcription factor for neuronal differentiation, maturation, and survival, and is associated with inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced glial cells; however, the concrete mechanisms are still ambiguous. Therefore, we investigated whether NeuroD1-targeting miRNAs affect inflammation and neuronal apoptosis, as well as the underlying mechanism. First, we confirmed that miR-30a-5p and miR-153-3p, which target NeuroD1, reduced NeuroD1 expression in microglia and astrocytes. In LPS-induced microglia, miR-30a-5p and miR-153-3p suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38, and the expression of cyclooxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) via the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, miR-30a-5p and miR-153-3p inhibited the expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-1β, which are involved in the innate immune response. In LPS-induced astrocytes, miR-30a-5p and miR-153-3p reduced ERK phosphorylation and iNOS expression via the STAT-3 pathway. Notably, miR-30a-5p exerted greater anti-inflammatory effects than miR-153-3p. Together, these results indicate that miR-30a-5p and miR-153-3p inhibit MAPK/NF-κB pathway in microglia as well as ERK/STAT-3 pathway in astrocytes to reduce LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis. This study highlights the importance of NeuroD1 in microglia and astrocytes neuroinflammation and suggests that it can be regulated by miR-30a-5p and miR-153-3p.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.273-280
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• 2021

Lung cancer despite advancement in the medical field continues to be a major threat to human lives and accounts for a high proportion of fatalities caused by cancers globally. The current study investigated vanillin oxime, a derivative of vanillin, against lung cancer cells for development of treatment and explored the mechanism. Cell viability changes by vanillin oxime were measured using MTT assay. Vanillin oxime-mediated apoptosis was detected in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells at 48 h of exposure by flow cytometry. The CEBP homologous protein (CHOP) and death receptor 5 (DR5) levels were analysed by RT-PCR and protein levels by Western blotting. Vanillin oxime in concentration-dependent way suppressed A549 and NCI-H2170 cell viabilities. On exposure to 12.5 and 15 μM concentrations of vanillin oxime elevated Bax, caspase-3, and -9 levels in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells were observed. Vanillin oxime exposure suppressed levels of Bcl-2, survivin, Bcl-xL, cFLIP, and IAPs proteins in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells. It stimulated significant elevation in DR4 and DR5 levels in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells. In A549 and NCI-H2170 cells vanillin oxime exposure caused significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in CHOP and DR5 mRNA expression. Vanillin oxime exposure of A549 and NCI-H2170 cells led to significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in levels of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Thus, vanillin oxime inhibits pulmonary cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis through tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mediated pathway. Therefore, vanillin oxime may be studied further to develop a treatment for lung cancer.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.435-449
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cheonggukjang is a traditional fermented soybean paste with significant health-promoting effects. On the other hand, there have been insufficient studies on the safety and efficacy of Cheonggukjang, which is produced using traditional methods containing toxins and biogenic amines (BAs). This study compared the laxative effect of Cheonggukjang, containing high or low levels of toxins and BAs (HTBC or LTBC) in a loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: To induce constipation, Lop (5 mg/kg) was administered orally to ICR mice twice a day for 4 days, and the dose was increased to 8 mg/kg after a 3-day rest period. Cheonggukjang (500 mg/kg, HTBC, or LTBC respectively) was administered for four weeks before the Lop treatment. RESULTS: The number of stools, fecal weight, water contents, gastrointestinal transit, and histological alterations were recovered significantly in the HTBC or LTBC groups. HTBC and LTBC administration did not induce significant changes in body weight, dietary intake, and behavior. The opioid-receptor downstream signaling pathway in colon tissues was also evaluated. The c-Kit, stem cell kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinases subfamilies, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38, were all downregulated in the HTBC or LTBC-administered mice colon compared to the Lop group. CONCLUSION: These results show that Cheonggukjang, containing high levels of toxins and BAs, have a similar laxative effect in a mouse model of Lop-induced constipation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.246-254
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• 2023

Background: Here, we aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of a new compound from Panax ginseng on the migration of human ovarian cancer cells and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: A new compound, ginsenglactone A (1), was isolated from ginseng roots, together with seven known compounds (2-8). Spectroscopic data were used to elucidate the chemical structure of 1. The tubular structure formation in HUVECs was assessed by Mayer's hematoxylin staining. The migration of A2780 cells was evaluated using the scratch wound healing assay. Results: HUVECs treated with 1 had the statistically significant decrease in tubular structure formation compared to the HUVECs treated with compounds 2-8. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with inhibitors for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) (LY294002) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (U0126). Treatment with 1 decreased the expression of phosphorylation of ERK, PI3K, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In addition, the ability of A2780 cells to cover the scratched area were also decreased. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with U0126. Lastly, treatment with 1 decreased the phosphorylation of ERK, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-2. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenglactone A is a potential inhibitor of HUVEC tubular structure formation and A2780 cellular migration, which may be helpful for understanding its anticancer mechanism.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제27권10호
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• pp.1820-1826
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• 2017

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a cell wall component of gram-positive bacteria, is recognized by Toll-like receptor 2, expressed on certain mammalian cell surfaces, initiating signaling cascades that include nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-${\kappa}B$) and mitogen-activated protein kinase. There are many structural and functional varieties of LTA, which vary according to the different species of gram-positive bacteria that produce them. In this study, we examined whether LTA isolated from Staphylococcus aureus (aLTA) affects the expression of junction proteins in keratinocytes. In HaCaT cells, tight junction-related gene expression was not affected by aLTA, whereas adherens junction-related gene expression was modified. High doses of aLTA induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2, which in turn induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HaCaT cells. When cells were given a low dose of aLTA, however, NF-${\kappa}B$ was activated and the total cell population increased. Taken together, our study suggests that LTA from S. aureus infections in the skin may contribute both to the outbreak of EMT-mediated carcinogenesis and to the genesis of wound healing in a dose-dependent manner.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권7호
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• pp.616-623
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• 2015

P2 receptors are membrane-bound receptors for extracellular nucleotides such as ATP and UTP. P2 receptors have been classified as ligand-gated ion channels or P2X receptors and G protein-coupled P2Y receptors. Recently, purinergic signaling has begun to attract attention as a potential therapeutic target for a variety of diseases especially associated with gastroenterology. This study determined the ATP and UTP-induced receptor signaling mechanism in feline esophageal contraction. Contraction of dispersed feline esophageal smooth muscle cells was measured by scanning micrometry. Phosphorylation of $MLC_{20}$ was determined by western blot analysis. ATP and UTP elicited maximum esophageal contraction at 30 s and $10{\mu}M$ concentration. Contraction of dispersed cells treated with $10{\mu}M$ ATP was inhibited by nifedipine. However, contraction induced by $0.1{\mu}M$ ATP, $0.1{\mu}M$ UTP and $10{\mu}M$ UTP was decreased by U73122, chelerythrine, ML-9, PTX and $GDP{\beta}S$. Contraction induced by $0.1{\mu}M$ ATP and UTP was inhibited by $G{\alpha}i_3$ or $G{\alpha}q$ antibodies and by $PLC{\beta}_1$ or $PLC{\beta}_3$ antibodies. Phosphorylated $MLC_{20}$ was increased by ATP and UTP treatment. In conclusion, esophageal contraction induced by ATP and UTP was preferentially mediated by P2Y receptors coupled to $G{\alpha}i_3$ and $G{\alpha}q$ proteins, which activate $PLC{\beta}_1$ and $PLC{\beta}_3$. Subsequently, increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and activated PKC triggered stimulation of MLC kinase and inhibition of MLC phosphatase. Finally, increased $pMLC_{20}$ generated esophageal contraction.

• BMB Reports
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• 제50권6호
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• pp.308-317
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• 2017

Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor (BMPR2) is one of the transforming growth $factor-{\beta}$ ($TGF-{\beta}$) superfamily receptors, performing diverse roles during embryonic development, vasculogenesis, and osteogenesis. Human BMPR2 consists of 1,038 amino acids, and contains functionally conserved extracellular, transmembrane, kinase, and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) engage the tetrameric complex, composed of BMPR2 and its corresponding type 1 receptors, which initiates SMAD proteins-mediated signal transduction leading to the expression of target genes implicated in the development or differentiation of the embryo, organs and bones. In particular, genetic alterations of BMPR2 gene are associated with several clinical disorders, including representative pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancers, and metabolic diseases, thus demonstrating the physiological importance of BMPR2. In this mini review, we summarize recent findings regarding the molecular basis of BMPR2 functions in BMP signaling, and the versatile roles of BMPR2. In addition, various aspects of experimentally validated pathogenic mutations of BMPR2 and the linked human diseases will also be discussed, which are important in clinical settings for diagnostics and treatment.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.73-79
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• 2009

Cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ is an important regulator of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Recently, the strategy of blocking receptors and channels specific to certain cancer cell types has emerged as a potentially viable future treatment. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of cancer with a high metastasis rate but the receptor-mechanisms involved in $Ca^{2+}$ signaling in these tumors have not yet been elucidated. In our present study, we report that bradykinin induces $Ca^{2+}$ signaling and its modulation in the human oral squamous carcinoma cell line, HSC-3. Bradykinin was found to increase the cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase was inhibited by pretreatment with the phospholipase C-${\beta}$ inhibitor, U73122, and also by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. Pretreatment with extracellular ATP also inhibited the peak bradykinin-induced $Ca^{2+}$ rise. In contrast, the ATP-induced rise in cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ was not affected by pretreatment with bradykinin. Pretreatment of the cells with either forskolin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (activators of adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase C, respectively) prior to bradykinin application accelerated the recovery of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ to baseline levels. These data suggest that bradykinin receptors are functional in $Ca^{2+}$ signaling in HSC-3 cells and may therefore represent a future target in treatment strategies for human oral squamous cell carcinoma.