• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.178-186
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• 2014

Differential transcription of the clusterin (CLU) gene yields two CLU isoforms, a nuclear form (nCLU) and a secretory form (sCLU), which play crucial roles in prostate tumorigenesis. Pro-apoptotic nCLU and anti-apoptotic sCLU have opposite effects and are differentially expressed in normal and cancer cells; however, their regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level are not yet known. Here, we examined the transcriptional regulation of nCLU in response to hypoxia. We identified three putative hypoxia response elements (HREs) in the human CLU promoter between positions -806 and +51 bp. Using a luciferase reporter, electrophoretic gel mobility shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we further showed that hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) bound directly to these sites and activated transcription. Exposure to the hypoxia-mimetic compound $CoCl_2$, incubation under 1% $O_2$ conditions, or overexpression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ enhanced nCLU expression and induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer PC3M cells. However, LNCaP prostate cancer cells were resistant to hypoxia-induced cell death. Methylation-specific PCR analysis revealed that the CLU promoter in PC3M cells was not methylated; in contrast, the CLU promoter in LNCap cells was methylated. Co-treatment of LNCaP cells with $CoCl_2$ and a demethylating agent promoted apoptotic cell death through the induction of nCLU. We conclude that nCLU expression is regulated by direct binding of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ to HRE sites and is epigenetically controlled by methylation of its promoter region.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권18호
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• pp.8579-8587
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• 2016

Background: The molecular mechanisms linking breast cancer progression and inflammation still remain obscure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of angiopoeitin like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and its regulatory factor, hypoxia inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$), with the inflammatory markers nuclear factor kappa B/p65 (NF-${\kappa}B$/P65) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-$1{\beta}$) in order to evaluate their role in inflammation associated breast cancer progression. Materials and Methods: Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) mRNA expressions were evaluated using quantitative real time PCR and its protein expression by immunohistochemistry. DNA binding activity of NF-${\kappa}B$/P65 was evaluated by transcription factor binding immunoassay. Serum levels of ANGPTL4, HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ were immunoassayed. Tumor clinico-pathological features were investigated. Results: ANGPTL4 mRNA expressions and serum levels were significantly higher in high grade breast carcinoma ($1.47{\pm}0.31$ and $184.98{\pm}18.18$, respectively) compared to low grade carcinoma ($1.21{\pm}0.32$ and $171.76{\pm}7.58$, respectively) and controls ($0.70{\pm}0.02$ and $65.34{\pm}6.41$, respectively), (p<0.05). Also, ANGPTL4 high/moderate protein expression was positively correlated with tumor clinico-pathological features. In addition, serum levels of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ as well as NF-${\kappa}B$/P65 DNA binding activity were significantly higher in high grade breast carcinoma ($148.54{\pm}14.20$, $0.79{\pm}0.03$ and $247.13{\pm}44.35$ respectively) than their values in low grade carcinoma ( $139.14{\pm}5.83$, $0.34{\pm}0.02$ and $184.23{\pm}37.75$, respectively) and controls ($33.95{\pm}3.11$, $0.11{\pm}0.02$ and $7.83{\pm}0.92$, respectively), (p<0.001). Conclusion: ANGPTL4 high serum levels and tissue expressions in advanced grade breast cancer, in addition to its positive correlation with tumor clinico-pathological features and HIF-$1{\alpha}$ could highlight its role as one of the signaling factors involved in breast cancer progression. Moreover, novel correlations were found between ANGPTL4 and the inflammatory markers, IL-$1{\beta}$ and NF-${\kappa}B$/p65, in breast cancer, which may emphasize the utility of these markers as potential tools for understanding interactions for axes of carcinogenesis and inflammation contributed for cancer progression. It is thus hoped that the findings reported here would assist in the development of new breast cancer management strategies that would promote patients' quality of life and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. However, large-scale studies are needed to verify these results.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.537-543
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• 2009

Keratinocyte overgrowth after UVB exposure is believed to contribute to skin photoageing and cancer development. However, little is known about the transcription factors that epigenetically regulate keratinocyte response to UVB. Recently, $HIF-1{\alpha}$ was found to play a role in epidermal homeostasis by controlling the keratinocyte cell cycle, and thus, we hypothesized that $HIF-1{\alpha}$ is involved in UVB-induced keratinocyte growth. In cultured keratinocytes, $HIF-1{\alpha}$ was found to be down-regulated shortly after UVB exposure and to be involved in UVB-induced proliferation. In mice repeatedly treated with UVB, the epidermis became hyperplasic and keratinocytes lacked $HIF-1{\alpha}$ in nuclei. Based on these results, we suggest that the deregulation of $HIF-1{\alpha}$ is associated with UVB-induced hyperplasia of the epidermis. This work provides insight of the molecular mechanism underlying UV-induced photoageing and skin cancer development.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.830-843
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• 2019

Objective: To examine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging for detecting renal changes after iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) development in a diabetic rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two rabbits were randomized into 2 groups: diabetic rabbits with the contrast agent (DCA) and healthy rabbits with the contrast agent (NCA). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent IVIM and BOLD imaging at 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days after an iohexol injection while 5 rabbits were selected to undergo blood and histological examinations at these specific time points. Iohexol was administrated at a dose of 2.5 g I/kg of body weight. Further, the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2^*), average pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D^*), perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Results: The D and f values of the renal cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) were significantly decreased compared to baseline values in the 2 groups 1 day after the iohexol injection (p < 0.05). A marked reduction in the D^* values for both the CO and OM was also observed after 1 hour in each group (p < 0.05). In the OM, a persistent elevation of the R2^* was detected for 4 days in the DCA group (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were prominent, and the pathological features of CI-AKI aggravated in the DCA group until day 4. The D, f, and R2^* values significantly correlated with the histological damage scores, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α expression scores, and serum creatinine levels. Conclusion: A combination of IVIM and BOLD imaging may serve as a noninvasive method for detecting and monitoring CI-AKI in the early stages in the diabetic kidney.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.66-71
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• 2016

델피니딘은 양전하를 뛰는 diphenylpropane의 polyphenolic ring 구조를 가진 주요한 안토시아닌 색소 중에 하나이다. 최근 연구에서 델피니딘은 항산화, 항염증 뿐만 아니라 항암 효능을 가진다고 보고되었다. 본 연구에서는 전립샘 암에서 종양의 성장과 신생혈관생성에 관련된 중요한 인자인 VEGF 발현에 대한 델피니딘의 억제 효과를 조사하였다. RT-PCR을 통해 델피니딘을 처리한 PC3M 전립샘 암세포 세포에서 EGF로 유도한 VEGF mRNA 발현 수준이 감소됨을 확인하였다. 또한 델피니딘은 VEGF의 전사인자인 HIF-$1{\alpha}$와 STAT3가 세포 핵으로 전위되는 것을 효과적으로 억제하였다. 한편 luciferase assay을 통해 HRE-promoter 활성을 확인해 본 결과, 델피니딘이 HIF-$1{\alpha}$의 전사 활성을 억제시켜 VEGF 발현을 감소시키는 것을 알 수 있었다. 그리고 델피니딘은 EGFR의 발현에는 영향을 미치지 않고, Akt, p70S6K, 4EBP1의 인산화를 특이적으로 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로 델피니딘이 HIF-$1{\alpha}$와 STAT3, VEGF 발현을 억제를 통하여 암세포 증식억제와 신생혈관형성을 억제하는 역할을 새롭게 확인하였다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제66권3호
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• pp.178-185
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• 2009

연구배경: 암세포는 빠른 증식 속도로 인하여 상대적인 저산소증에 노출되면서 비정상적인 종양 혈관을 형성하여 치명적인 병인을 형성한다. EGCG는 녹차의 추출물로 간세포암주 및 전립선암주에서 HIF-1$\alpha$의 발현을 억제하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 그러나 EGCG의 비혈관 증식성 효과에 대해서는 아직 정확히 규명되어 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 EGCG가 비소세포폐암주에서 HIF-1$\alpha$ 및 VEGF의 발현에 대한 억제 가능성을 확인하여 보고자 하였다. 방 법: 비소세포폐암주인 A549를 RPMI배지에서 계대 배양하였다. 저산소 유사 상태는 Modular Incubator Chamber (MIC-101)을 이용하였고 5% 이산화탄소와 95% 질소 혼합 가스를 5분 동안 공급하여 저산소 상태를 만들었으며 세포 배양액을 채취하여 혈액가스분석기(Blood Gas Analyzer ABL725)로 세포 배양 상태를 측정하였다. 세포의 증식 상태는 MTT 방법을 실시하였다. EGCG는 0, 12.5, 25, 50,100 ${\mu}mol/L$로 농도 변화를 주어 실험을 시행하였으며 16시간 동안 저산소 상태를 만든 뒤 HIF-1$\alpha$, VEGF, $\beta$-actin mRNA에 대해 Real time PCR을 시행하였다. 결 과: 48시간과 72시간에서 저산소 상태에 놓인 A549 세포의 증식능력은 대조군에 비하여 억제되었다. EGCG 는 저산소화에 의해 유도된 HIF-1$\alpha$의 mRNA의 전사를 유의하게 억제하였다. 그러나 이러한 억제 효과는 VRGF mRNA 발현에는 미치지 못하였다. 결 론: EGCG는 HIF-1$\alpha$의 발현을 억제함으로써 비소세포암주에서의 예방적 항암요법이나 항암 치료요법 시의 주요 작용 목표로 사용될 수 있을 것으로 보인다.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.59-67
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• 2015

Background Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) induces angiogenesis and collagen synthesis to promote tissue healing. Although acetic acid soaks normalize alkali wound conditions to raise tissue oxygen saturation and deconstruct the biofilms of chronic wounds, frequent dressing changes are required. Methods Combined use of NPWT and acetic acid irrigation was assessed in the treatment of chronic wounds, instilling acetic acid solution (1%) beneath polyurethane membranes twice daily for three weeks under continuous pressure (125 mm Hg). Clinical photographs, pH levels, cultures, and debrided fragments of wounds were obtained pre- and posttreatment. Tissue immunostaining (CD31, Ki-67, and CD45) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR]; procollagen; hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha [HIF-1-alpha]; matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1,-3,-9; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]) were also performed. Results Wound sizes tended to diminish with the combined therapy, accompanied by drops in wound pH (weakly acidic or neutral) and less evidence of infection. CD31 and Ki-67 immunostaining increased (P<0.05) post-treatment, as did the levels of VEGFR, procollagen, and MMP-1 (P<0.05), whereas the VEGF, HIF-1-alpha, and MMP-9/TIMP levels declined (P<0.05). Conclusions By combining acetic acid irrigation with negative-pressure dressings, both the pH and the size of chronic wounds can be reduced and infections be controlled. This approach may enhance angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in wounds, restoring the extracellular matrix.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.108-113
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• 2020

Objective: Endometrial fibrosis, the primary pathological feature of intrauterine adhesion, may lead to disruption of endometrial tissue structure, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. At present, no ideal therapeutic strategy exists for this fibrotic disease. Eupatilin, a major pharmacologically active flavone from Artemisia, has been previously reported to act as a potent inducer of dedifferentiation of fibrotic tissue in the liver and lung. However, the effects of eupatilin on endometrial fibrosis have not yet been investigated. In this study, we present the first report on the impact of eupatilin treatment on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced endometrial fibrosis. Methods: The efficacy of eupatilin on TGF-β-induced endometrial fibrosis was assessed by examining changes in morphology and the expression levels of fibrosis markers using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Eupatilin treatment significantly reduced the fibrotic activity of TGF-β-induced endometrial fibrosis in Ishikawa cells, which displayed more circular shapes and formed more colonies. Additionally, the effects of eupatilin on fibrotic markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were evaluated in TGF-β-induced endometrial fibrosis. The expression of these markers was highly upregulated by TGF-β pretreatment and recovered to the levels of control cells in response to eupatilin treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that suppression of TGF-β-induced signaling by eupatilin might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of endometrial fibrosis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.16-22
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• 2011

Purpose: Eupatilin is an antioxidative flavone and a phytopharmaceutical derived from Artemisia asiatica. It has been reported to possess anti-tumor activity in some types of cancer including gastric cancer. Eupatilin may modulate the angiogenesis pathway which is part of anti-inflammatory effect demonstrated in gastric mucosal injury models. Here we investigated the anti-tumor effects of eupatilin on gastric cancer cells and elucidated the potential underlying mechanism whereby eupatilin suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. Materials and Methods: The impact of eupatilin on the expression of angiogenesis pathway proteins was assessed using western blots in MKN45 cells. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we tested whether eupatilin affects the recruitment of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) to the human VEGF promoter. To investigate the effect of eupatilin on vasculogenesis, tube formation assays were conducted using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The effect of eupatilin on tumor suppression in mouse xenografts was assessed. Results: Eupatilin significantly reduced VEGF, ARNT and STAT3 expression prominently under hypoxic conditions. The recruitment of STAT3, ARNT and HIF-$1{\alpha}$ to the VEGF promoter was inhibited by eupatilin treatment. HUVECs produced much foreshortened and severely broken tubes with eupatilin treatment. In addition, eupatilin effectively reduced tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Conclusions: Our results indicate that eupatilin inhibits angiogenesis in gastric cancer cells by blocking STAT3 and VEGF expression, suggesting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastric cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.37-46
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• 2004

연구 배경 : 허파혈관주위세포는 허파미세혈관에서 혈액공기 장벽을 이루고 있는 중요한 세포이다. 이 세포는 생리학적으로 혈류와 혈관의 투과성을 조절하는 기능이 있다. 본 연구는 급성폐손상/급성호흡곤란증후군에서 혈관 과투과성 및 개형에 혈관주위세포의 변화가 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 보고 시작하게 되었다. 흰쥐로 부터 일차 배양한 허파혈관주위세포에 저산소 상태를 만들었을 때, 세포의 생존능에 미치는 영향과 저산소증에 의해 유도되는 유전자의 발현을 살펴보았다. 방 법 : 흰쥐로부터 허파혈관주위세포를 일차 배양 및 계대 배양하였다. 광학 현미경 및 세포 면역 화학 염색으로 세포를 확인하였다. 2% $O_2$의 세포 배양기와 $200{\mu}M$ $CoCl_2$를 처리하였다. 세포의 증식은 tryphan blue 염색 후 세포수를 세는 방법을 택하였다. 유전자 발현은 역전사 중합 효소 연쇄반응을 이용하였다. 결 과 : 1. 흰쥐로부터 허파혈관주위세포를 성공적으로 일차 배양 및 계대 배양할 수 있었다. 2. 2% $O_2$나 $CoCl_2$에서 혈관주위세포는 24시간, 36시간, 48시간에 증식이 억제되었다. 3. 허파혈관주위세포에 저산소 상태의 자극을 주면 VEGF와 smad-2의 발현이 현저하게 증가하였다. 4. 허파혈관주위세포의 HIF$1{\alpha}$, COX-2는 저산소상태에서 VEGF, smad-2에 비해 발현의 변화가 현저하지 않았다. 결 론 : 허파혈관주위세포를 일차 배양함으로써 허파꽈리혈관장벽의 연구를 위한 한 모델을 만들었고, 저산소 상태에서 증식의 억제와 유전자 발현의 변화를 살펴봄으로써 허파혈관손상의 기전을 규명하는데 향후 도움이 될 것으로 보인다.