• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.46-53
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• 2015

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in many chemotherapeutic protocols and play an important role in the normal regulation of bone remodeling. However, the prolonged use of GCs results in osteoporosis, which is partially due to apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this study, effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on GC-treated murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and a GC-induced osteoporosis mouse model were investigated. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to dexamethasone (Dex) with or without KRG and cell viability was measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Realtime polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the apoptotic gene expression; osteogenic gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were also measured. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins. A GC-induced osteoporosis animal model was used for in vivo study. Results and conclusion: The MTT assay revealed that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) prevents loss of cell viability caused by Dex-induced apoptosis in MC3T3E1 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction data showed that groups treated with both Dex and KRG exhibited lower mRNA levels of caspase-3 and -9, whereas the mRNA levels of Bcl2, IAPs, and XIAP increased. Moreover, groups treated with both Dex and KRG demonstrated increased mRNA levels of ALP, RUNX2, and bone morphogenic proteins as well as increased ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells, compared to cells treated with Dex only. In addition, KRG increased protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Moreover, microcomputed tomography analysis of the femurs showed that GC implantation caused trabecular bone loss. However, a significant reduction of bone loss was observed in the KRG-treated group. These results suggest that the molecular mechanism of KRG in the GC-induced apoptosis may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay osteoporosis.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.41-45
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• 1999

A tentative composition and some properties of biosurfactants, type I and type II, from Pseudomonas sp. SW1 are described. Biosurfactant type I and II are soluble in water, dichloromethane, chloroform, and a mixture of chloroform and methanol, respectively. The UV absorption spectrum of biosurfactants showed three characteristic peaks in the range of 212, 250 and 365nm, respectively. As a result of IR spectroscopy, GC/MS analysis and biochemical analysis, biosurfactant type I was a polymeric biosurfactant containing carbohydrate, lipid and protein. The carbohydrate was characterized as rhamnose. The lipid part consists of $C_{14}-C_{23}$ fatty acid when analyzed by GC/MS. The biosurfactant type II was a rhamnolipid consisting of carbohydrate and lipid.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.215-220
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• 2014

Objective: To determine the expression of E-cadherin, ${\beta}$-catenin, and transcription factor 4 (TCF4) proteins in gastric diseases with relation to Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: A total of 309 patients including 60 with superficial gastritis (SG), 57 with atrophic gastritis (AG) and 192 with gastric cancer (GC), were enrolled. The expression of E-cadherin, ${\beta}$-catenin, TCF4 proteins in the gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry and H. pylori infection by immunohistochemistry and PCR. Results: The expression rates of E-cadherin were significantly higher in SG and AG than in GC (P<0.01), while those of ${\beta}$-catenin in the nucleus were significantly lower in SG and AG than in GC (P<0.05). In GC cases, the expression rates of E-cadherin, ${\beta}$-catenin and TCF4 were significantly higher in the intestinal type than in the diffuse type (P<0.05). In GC patients, the expression rate of E-cadherin was significantly higher in the presence of H. pylori than in the absence of infection (P=0.011). Moreover, the expression level of TCF4 and ${\beta}$-catenin protein was significantly higher in the nucleus and cytoplasm in H. pylori positive than in H. pylori negative GC patients, especially in those with the intestinal type (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The expression of E-cadherin and ${\beta}$-catenin progressively decreases during the process of GC tumorigenesis, while overexpression of TCF4 occurs. H. pylori infection is associated with a significant increase in the expression of E-cadherin and ${\beta}$-catenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus in GC patients, especially those with the intestinal type.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.132-139
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• 2019

Objective: Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) mediates various biological processes in humans. The goal of this study was to investigate whether VDBP gene polymorphisms could predispose Korean women to endometriosis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled women with endometriosis (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 16). Total serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured using an Elecsys vitamin D total kit. Levels of bioavailable and free 25(OH)D were calculated. Concentrations of VDBP were measured using a vitamin D BP Quantikine ELISA kit. DNA was extracted using a DNeasy blood & tissue kit. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs4588 and rs7041) in GC, the gene that codes for VDBP, were analyzed using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay kit. The functional variant of VDBP was determined based on the results of the two SNPs. Results: Gravidity and parity were significantly lower in the endometriosis patients than in the control group, but serum CA-125 levels and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly higher. Total serum 25(OH)D levels in the endometriosis patients were significantly lower than in the control group. However, serum bioavailable 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, and VDBP levels did not differ significantly between the endometriosis and control groups. The genotypes and allele frequencies of GC were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Korean women with endometriosis had lower total serum 25(OH)D concentrations than controls. Neither serum VDBP concentrations nor polymorphisms in the gene coding for VDBP were associated with endometriosis. Further studies are needed to investigate the pathophysiology and clinical implications of 25(OH)D and VDBP in endometriosis.

• ALGAE
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.81-92
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• 2023

Obesity-induced inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Gracilaria chorda (GC) on lipid accumulation and obesity-induced inflammatory changes or glucose homeostasis in cell models (3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Samples of GC were extracted using solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) and subcritical water (SW) at different temperatures (90, 150, and 210℃). The total phenolic content of GCSW extract at 210℃ (GCSW210) showed the highest content compared to others, and GCSW210 highly inhibited lipid accumulation and significantly reduced gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, GCSW210 effectively downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, signal transducers and activators of transcription and nuclear factor-κB. In co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages, GCSW210 significantly reduced nitric oxide production and interleukin-6 levels, and improved glucose uptake with dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that GCSW210 improves glucose metabolism by attenuating obesity-induced inflammation in adipocytes, which may be used as a possible treatment option for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권10호
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• pp.4215-4218
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• 2015

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. It is the first cause of cancer deaths in both sexes In Iranian population. Circulating insulin-like growth factor-one (IGF-1) levels have been associated for gastric cancer. IGF-1 protein has central roles involved in the regulation of epithelial cell growth, proliferation, transformation, apoptosis and metastasis. Single nucleotide polymorphism in IGF-1 regulatory elements may lead to alter in IGF-1expression level and GC susceptibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of IGF-1 gene polymorphism (rs5742612) on risk of GC and clinicopathological features for the first time in Iranian population. In total, 241 subjects including 100 patients with GC and 141 healthy controls were recruited in our study. Genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay with DNA from peripheral blood. The polymorphism was statistically analyzed to investigate the relationship with the risk of GC and clinicopathological properties. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was no significant association between rs5742612 and the risk of GC. In addition, no significant association between genotypes and clinicopathological features was observed (p value>0.05). The frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 97%, 3%, and 0%, respectively, among the cases, and 97.9%, 2.1%, and 0%, respectively, among the controls. CC genotype was more frequent in cases and controls. The frequencies of C and T alleles were 98.9% and 1.1% in controls and 98.5% and 1.5% in patient respectively. Our results provide the first evidence that this variant is rare in Iranian population and it may not be a powerful genetic predisposing biomarker for prediction GC clinicopathological features in an Iranian population.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.261-276
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• 1993

The purpose of this study was to evaluate for the cytotoxicity of glass-ionomer cement liners(GC liningcement, Ketac-bond, Vitrebond and Fuji lining LC) on the fibroblasts cultured from human pulp. The fibroblasts were cultured in DMEM-10% FBS medium. The measurement of pH, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity test and $^{51}Chromium$ release test were performed. Viable cell count and $^{14}C$-leucine incorporation rate were evaluated following culture time of 2, 4 and 6 days. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The pH in all cements was to be neutralized as time elapsed, and Fuji lining LC was the lowest pH value among them. 2. SDH activity was more inhibited in GC lining cement and Vitrebond than Ketac-bond and Fuji lining LC with the setting process, and GC lining cement and Ketac-bond were reduced after 5 minute's setting and then elevated as time elapsed. 3. In SDH activity test following exposure time, the activity in Vitrebond, GC lining cement and Fuji lining LC was inhibited with increased exposure time, but it was fairly constant in Ketac-bond. 4. Overall the liquid component was more inhibited than the powder component of glass-ionomer cement in SDH activity test. 5. In $^{51}Cr$-release test, Fuji lining LC was the most released of all the cements tested and followed by : Vitrebond, Ketac-bond, GC lining cement. 6. In viable cell count, the number of cells increased as the culture day proceeded in Ketac-bond, but they decreased in GC lining cement. Fuji lining LC was only observed after 2 days culture and there was not observed the whole culture days in Vitrebond. 7. In $^{14}C$-leucine incorporation rate test, protein synthesis was decreased with the number of culture days in GC lining cement, Vitrebond and Fuji lining LC, but it was followed that of control in Ketacbond.

• 한국육종학회지
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.474-481
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• 2009

본 연구에서는 자포니카형인 '낙동'과 통일형인 '삼강' 조합의 DH 집단을 이용하여 식미를 결정하는 특성 중 하나인 호응집성과 미립의 이화학적 특성인 천립중, 장폭비, 아밀로즈 함량, 단백질 함량, 지질 함량 및 전분 함량 간 상관관계를 검정하였다. 또한 호응집성의 QTL을 분석하고, 각 QTL에 속하는 DNA marker와 DH 집단의 호응집성 및 품종별 호응집성 간 관계를 분석하였다. '삼강/낙동' DH 집단의 호응집성 범위는 35~94 mm로 비교적 넓은 범위의 변이를 나타내었고 양친의 범위를 벗어나는 초월분리현상을 나타내었다. '삼강/낙동' DH 집단에서 호응집성은 미립의 이화학적특성 중 아밀로즈 함량과는 연으로 분류된 계통에서만 부의 유의성 있는 상관관계를 나타내었고, 지질 함량과는 중 및 전체 계통에서는 부의 상관관계를 나타내었으나 연으로 분류된 계통과는 정의 상관관계를 나타내었다. 단백질 함량과는 연으로 분류된 계통과는 정의 상관관계, 중과 전체 계통에서는 부의 상관관계를 나타내었으며, 전분 함량에서는 연으로 분류된 계통에서만 호응집성과 부의 상관관계를 나타내었다. 호응집성과 연관된 QTL은 4번(qgc4)과 11번(qgc11) 염색체에서 탐색되었으며 LOD score는 각각 3.1, 2.9를 나타내었고 두 QTL의 설명 가능한 표현형 변이는 23%로 비교적 크게 작용하고 있었다. '삼강/낙동' DH 집단에서 gel의 길이가 긴 상위 10개 계통과 짧은 하위 10개 계통을 대상으로 QTL 연관 DNA marker와 호응집성간의 관계분석에서 S4026과 RM287은 gel의 길이와 연관성이 높은 것으로 나타났다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.448-459
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• 2019

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway is a promising target for gastric cancer (GC) treatment; however the efficacy of PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors in GC has not yet been maximized. Additionally, the effect of autophagy regulation by PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors has not been clearly elucidated in GC treatment. We aimed to show that our newly developed PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, CMG002, when combined with an autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ), potently induces effective cancer cell death in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) cells, where both the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and autophagy pathways play important roles in disease pathogenesis. EBV- and mock-infected AGS and NUGC3 GC cell lines were treated with CMG002 +/- CQ. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway mediators, cellular apoptosis and autophagy markers were confirmed by Western blot assay. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. CMG002 effectively blocked the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by markedly decreasing phosphorylation of AKT and its downstream mediator S6. CMG002 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptotic cell death in AGS and NUGC3 cells, particularly EBV-infected cells compared with mock-infected cells, as confirmed by flow cytometric analyses and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assays. The combination of CMG002 plus CQ synergistically increased apoptotic cell death in EBV-infected GC cell lines when compared with CMG002 alone (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the new PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, CMG002, when used in combination with the autophagy inhibitor, CQ, provides enhanced therapeutic efficacy against EBVaGC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권17호
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• pp.7413-7417
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• 2014

Background: Development of gastric cancer (GC) is a multistep process that requires alterations in the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, occurring over several decades. The p53 tumor suppressor protein is involved in cell-cycle control, apoptosis and DNA repair. One of the most important regulators of p53 is MDM2, which acts as a negative regulator in the p53 pathway. Based on the key role of p53 and MDM2 in tumor suppression, polymorphisms that cause change in their function might affect cancer risk. We therefore elevated associations of the polymorphisms of p53 (R72P) and MDM2 (SNP309) with GC in Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 104 patients with gastric cancer and 100 controls were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh gastric samples. Genotyping of the p53 and MDM2 genes was performed using allele specific PCR (AS-PCR). Results: There was no significant difference between the p53 codon 72 polymorphism distribution in control and patient groups (p=0.54), but the G allele of MDM2 was found to be over-represented in patients (p=0. 01, Odds Ratio=2. 08, 95% Confidence Interval= 1.37-4.34). Conclusions: The p53 R72P seems not to be a potential risk factor for development of GC among Iranian patients, but our data suggest that MDM2 SNP309 might modify the risk related to GC.