• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2006

Cryopreserved fibroblast implants represent a major advancement for healing of chronic wounds. Bone marrow stromal cells, which include the mesenchymal stem cells, have a low immunity-assisted rejection and are capable of expanding profoundly in a culture media. Therefore, they have several advantages over fibroblasts in clinical use. The ultimate goal of this study was to compare the wound healing accelerating growth factor secretion of the bone marrow stromal cells with that of the fibroblasts and this pilot study particularly focuses on the growth factor secretion to accelerate wound healing. Bone marrow stromal cells and fibroblasts were isolated from the same patients and grown in culture. At 1, 3, and 5 days post-incubating, secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-${\beta}$) were compared. In TGF-${\beta}$ secretion fibroblasts showed 12~21% superior results than bone marrow stromal cells. In contrast, bFGF levels in the bone marrow stromal cells were 47~89% greater than that in fibroblasts. The VEGF levels of the bone marrow stromal cells was 7~12 fold greater than that of the fibroblasts. Our results suggest that the bone marrow stromal cells have great potential for wound healing accelerating growth factor secretion.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.117-123
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• 2007

Background: This study was designed to investigate the role of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with regards to differentiation of somatic stem cells originating from the human umbilical cord blood (UCB) into hepatic lineage cells in vitro culture system. Methods: Mononuclear cells from UCB were cultured with and without HGF based on the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, FGF-2, and stem cell factor. The cultured cells were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining analysis with albumin (ALB), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) MoAb. ALB and CK-18 mRNA were also evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In order to observe changes in proliferating capacity with respect to the cultured period, CFSE with affinity to proliferating cells were tagged and later underwent flow cytometry. Results: In the HGF-treated group, cultured cells had a large oval shaped appearance with adherent, but easily detachable characteristics. In the HGF-non treated group, these cells were spindle-shaped with strong adherent characteristics. Expressions of ALB and CK-19 were evident in HGF-treated group compared to non-expression of those in to HGF-non treated group. Dual immunostaining analysis of the ALB producing cells showed presence of PCNA in their nuclei, and ALB and CK-18 mRNA were detected on the 21st day of cultured cells in the HGF-treated group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HGF has a pivotal role in differentiating somatic stem cells of human UCB into hepatic lineage cells in vitro.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.487-495
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• 1998

Gorwth factors such as TGF-beta, PDGF and FGF are thought to play important roles in wound healing. However, thier biological activity and signal transduction during wound repair remain poorly understood. Growth factors are often ligands for receptor tyrosine kinase and receptor serine/threonine kinases. With recent advances in signal transduction by receptor kinases, we are beginning to understand the underlying mechanism of how growth factors may regulate cutaneous wound repair. In this paper, we will describe the pharmacological effects of growth factors on wound healing, and dscuss the potential underlying signaing mechanisms. thus, we hope to provide the basis for designing more specific therapeutics for wound healing in the near future.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.224-228
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• 2006

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a member of the glypican family, which encodes cell-surface heparan-sulfate proteoglycans, and is frequently upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have recently reported that blocking endogenous GPC3 expression promotes the growth of HCC cell lines, suggesting that GPC3 plays a negative role in HCC cell proliferation. Here, we report that forced expression of GPC3 reduced the growth of HCC cells. We also found that FGF2-mediated cell proliferation was inhibited by GPC3. In addition, we observed that the adhesion of HCC cells to collagen type I and fibronectin was decreased by GPC3, whereas cellular migration and invasiveness were stimulated. Collectively, these results suggest that progression of hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with upregulation of GPC3.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.95-99
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• 1998

Three experiments were conducted with follicular oocytes, to compare some somatic cells, growth factors and media for in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. In the first experiment, the type of somatic cells had no effects on in vitro maturation of bovine follicular ooctyes. In the second experiment, oocytes were matured in TCM199 su, pp.emented with growth factors on IVM of bovine follicular oocytes, then all were co-cultured with cumulus cells. The proportion of used oocytes that developed to expanding blastocysts was 22.2%, 20.2%, 17.7%, 22.2%, 24.4% and 20.2% after maturation in TCM199 su, pp.emented with control, insulin, IGF-I, IGF-Ⅱ, FGF and EGF, respectively. In the third experiment, oocytes were matured in BO, Ham's F10 and TCM199, then all were fertilized in BO, and embryos cultured in BO, Ham's F10 and TCM199, respectively. Cleavage rates in BO were 90%, had higher than in Ham's F10(80%) or in TCM199(64%). But production of expanding blastocysts in TCM199(21%) or Ham's F10(20.6%), had higher than in BO(4.6%).

• KSBB Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.83-87
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• 2004

This research was designed to investigate the effects of Estromon including FGF271 (Female Growth Factor 271) which was developed as a phytoestrogen for post- and pre-menopausal syndrome (PMS). The oral administration of two capsules of Estromon twice a day for 3 months significantly improved PMS (Post-/Premenopausal Syndrome) about 5 times more than placebo group (OR=5.04, 95% C.1. 1.40-18.14). In the group of 24 patients having taken Estromon, the concentration of alkaline phosphatase asn the bone marker decreased by -9.3${\pm}$9.5 IU/L after 3 months with a statistic significance. Since the concentration of osteocalcin as the other bone marker also decreased in more patients in Estromon group than in placebo group, the bone density might be expected to be improved in long-term treatment. Serum human growth hormone level increased in 17 out of 24 patients. Triglycerides decreased by -8.0${\pm}$40 (mg%) after 1 month and by -4.4${\pm}$36 (mg%) after 3 months in Estomon group while triglycerides increased in both cases in placebo group (p.0.01). Therefore, PMS patients might benefit from Estromon as a phytoestrogen supplement without any serious side effects.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.292-297
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• 2006

One of the steps in angiogenesis is the degradation of the underlying basement membrane via proteases. Endothelial cells release proteinases to degrade the extracellular matrix for their sprouting in vivo. In this study, we examined the effect of water extracts of Phellinus linteusis(Phellinus extracts) and combination of Phellinus extracts and fibroblast growth factor(FGF-2) on cultured porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells(PPAECs). Phellinus extracts induced sprouting of PPAECs, which was inhibited by MMPs and plasmin inhibitors, and induced the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) and plasmin. At high concentration of Phellinus extracts($200{\sim}400{\mu}g/mL$), the active MMP-2 secretion was induced. It is therefore, suggested that Phellinus extracts induces the sprouting of cultured endothelial cells by means of increased active MMP-2 and plasmin secretion. Also, combination with Phellinus extracts and FGF-2 produced an enhanced effect on sprouting and secretion of active MMP-2, and MMP-3 and plasmin from PPAECs.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.292-300
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• 2019

Immunometabolism, defined as the interaction of metabolic pathways with the immune system, influences the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Metformin and carbon monoxide (CO) are two pharmacological agents known to ameliorate metabolic disorders. There are notable similarities and differences in the reported effects of metformin and CO on immunometabolism. Metformin, an anti-diabetes drug, has positive effects on metabolism and can exert anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and AMPK-independent mechanisms. CO, an endogenous product of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), can exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects at low concentration. CO can confer cytoprotection in metabolic disorders and cancer via selective activation of the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) pathway. Both metformin and CO can induce mitochondrial stress to produce a mild elevation of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) by distinct mechanisms. Metformin inhibits complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), while CO inhibits ETC complex IV. Both metformin and CO can differentially induce several protein factors, including fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and sestrin2 (SESN2), which maintain metabolic homeostasis; nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of the antioxidant response; and REDD1, which exhibits an anticancer effect. However, metformin and CO regulate these effects via different pathways. Metformin stimulates p53- and AMPK-dependent pathways whereas CO can selectively trigger the PERK-dependent signaling pathway. Although further studies are needed to identify the mechanistic differences between metformin and CO, pharmacological application of these agents may represent useful strategies to ameliorate metabolic diseases associated with altered immunometabolism.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.458-465
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• 2008

The purpose of this study is to characterize canine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM) for use in research on the applications of stem cells in canine models of development, physiology, and disease. BM was harvested antemortem by aspiration from the greater tubercle of the humerus of 30 normal beagle dogs. Canine BM-derived MSCs were isolated according to methods developed for other species and were characterized based on their morphology, growth traits, cell-surface antigen profiles, differentiation repertoire, immunocytochemistry results, and neurotrophic factor expression in vitro. The canine MSCs exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology with a polygonal or spindle-shaped appearance and long processes; further, their cell-surface antigen profiles were similar to those of their counterparts in other species such as rodents and humans. The canine MSCs could differentiate into osteocytes and neurons on incubation with appropriate induction media. RT-PCR analysis revealed that these cells expressed NGF, bFGF, SDF-1, and VEGF. This study demonstrated that isolating canine MSCs from BM, stem-cell technology can be applied to a large variety of organ dysfunctions caused by degenerative diseases and injuries in dogs. Furthermore, our results indicated that canine MSCs constitutively secrete endogenous factors that enhance neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Therefore, these cells are potentially useful for treating dogs affected with various neurodegenerative diseases and spinal-cord injuries.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.96-105
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• 2023

Probiotic supplements have promising therapeutic effects on chronic diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-obesity effects of two potential probiotics, Bifidobacterium bifidum DS0908 (DS0908) and Bifidobacterium longum DS0950 (DS0950). Treatment with DS0908 and DS0950 postbiotics significantly induced the expression of the brown adipocyte-specific markers UCP1, PPARγ, PGC1α, PRDM16 and beige adipocyte-specific markers CD137, FGF21, P2RX5, and COX2 in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, both potential probiotics and postbiotics noticeably reduced body weight and epididymal fat accumulation without affecting food intake. DS0908 and DS0950 also improved insulin sensitivity and glucose use in mice with HFD-induced obesity. In addition, DS0908 and DS0950 improved the plasma lipid profile, proved by reduced triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, DS0908 and DS0950 improved mitochondrial respiratory function, confirmed by the high expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins, during thermogenesis induction in the visceral and epididymal fat in mice with HFD-induced obesity. Notably, the physiological and metabolic changes were more significant after treatment with potential probiotic culture-supernatants than those with the bacterial pellet. Finally, gene knockdown and co-treatment with inhibitor-mediated mechanistic analyses showed that both DS0908 and DS0950 exerted anti-obesity-related effects via the PKA/p38 MAPK signaling activation in C3H10T1/2 MSCs. Our observations suggest that DS0908 and DS0950 could potentially alleviate obesity as dietary supplements.