• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

Objective: The DNA integrity of spermatozoa that attach to fallopian tube (FT) cells is higher than spermatozoa that do not attach. FT epithelial cells can distinguish normal and abnormal sperm chromatin. This study investigated the effects of sperm with a high-DNA fragmentation index (DFI) from men with unexplained repeated implantation failure (RIF) on the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in human FT cells in vitro. Methods: Ten men with a RIF history and high-DFI and 10 healthy donors with low-DFI comprised the high-DFI (>30%) and control (<30%) groups, respectively. After fresh semen preparation, sperm were co-cultured with a human FT epithelial cell line (OE-E6/E7) for 24 hours. RNA was extracted from the cell line and the human innate and adaptive immune responses were tested using an RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array. Results: The PCR array data showed significantly higher TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-6, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, interferon α (IFN-α), IFN-β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), CXCL8, GM-CSF, G-CSF, CD14, ELK1, IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK4, IRF1, IRF3, LY96, MAP2K3, MAP2K4, MAP3K7, MAP4K4, MAPK8, MAPK8IP3, MYD88, NFKB1, NFKB2, REL, TIRAP, and TRAF6 expression in the high-DFI group than in the control group. These factors are all involved in the TLR-MyD88 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The MyD88-dependent pathway through TLR-1, TLR-2, and TLR-6 activation may be one of the main inflammatory pathways activated by high-DFI sperm from men with RIF. Following activation of this pathway, epithelial cells produce inflammatory cytokines, resulting in neutrophil infiltration, activation, phagocytosis, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and apoptosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.55-61
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• 2014

Panax ginseng is a medicinal herb that is used worldwide. Its medicinal effects are primarily attributable to ginsenosides located in the root, leaf, seed, and flower. The flower buds of Panax ginseng (FBPG) are rich in various bioactive ginsenosides, which exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of 18 ginsenosides isolated from steamed FBPG on the transcriptional activity of NF-${\kappa}B$ and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$)-stimulated target genes in liver-derived cell lines. Noticeably, the ginsenosides $Rk_3$ and $Rs_4$ exerted the strongest activity, inhibiting NF-${\kappa}B$ in a dose-dependent manner. SF and $Rg_6$ also showed moderately inhibitory effects. Furthermore, these four compounds inhibited the TNF-${\alpha}$-induced expression of IL8, CXCL1, iNOS, and ICAM1 genes. Consequently, ginsenosides purified from steamed FBPG have therapeutic potential in TNF-${\alpha}$-mediated diseases such as chronic hepatic inflammation.

• 한국어병학회지
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.123-132
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• 2024

Viral diseases cause enormous economic losses to the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) aquaculture industry in Korea. This study aimed to identify immune-related genes expressed in the kidney of olive flounder injected with Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)). Thirty fish were divided into two groups by intraperitoneal injection of 100µl of diethylpyrocarbonate-treated water or poly I:C per fish. Kidney tissues at day 3 and 30 after the injection were used for RNA-seq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Poly I:C group upregulated il8, cfh, tnfaip2b, c3b.2, ly6d and cd38 genes at 3 days post-injection. Additionally, cd22, ccl34a.3, c9, cxcl19, ccl27a, ccl7, and cfh genes were upregulated at 30 days post-injection. Differential expression gene analysis showed that poly I:C has both short and long-term immune effects in olive flounder. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of the short and long-term immune effects of poly I:C.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제54권2호
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• pp.123-132
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• 2016

Trichomonas vaginalis causes the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Trichomonads have been detected in prostatic tissues from prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Chronic prostatic inflammation is known as a risk factor for prostate enlargement, benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms, and acute urinary retention. Our aim was to investigate whether T. vaginalis could induce inflammatory responses in cells of a benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell line (BPH-1). When BPH-1 cells were infected with T. vaginalis, the protein and mRNA of inflammatory cytokines, such as CXCL8, CCL2, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6, were increased. The activities of TLR4, ROS, MAPK, JAK2/STAT3, and NF-${\kappa}B$ were also increased, whereas inhibitors of ROS, MAPK, PI3K, NF-${\kappa}B$, and anti-TLR4 antibody decreased the production of the 4 cytokines although the extent of inhibition differed. However, a JAK2 inhibitor inhibited only IL-6 production. Culture supernatants of the BPH-1 cells that had been incubated with live T. vaginalis (trichomonad-conditioned medium, TCM) contained the 4 cytokines and induced the migration of human monocytes (THP-1 cells) and mast cells (HMC-1 cells). TCM conditioned by BPH-1 cells pretreated with NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitor showed decreased levels of cytokines and induced less migration. Therefore, it is suggested that these cytokines are involved in migration of inflammatory cells. These results suggest that T. vaginalis infection of BPH patients may cause inflammation, which may induce lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.567-581
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• 2019

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of SGX01 on the lung injuries of COPD mice model. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in two ways: in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, L929 cells were challenged with LPS, and then treated with six concentrations of SGX01 (10, 30, 50, 100, 300, and $500{\mu}g/ml$) and analyzed by ELISA. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were challenged with LPS and cigarette smoking solution (CSS), and then treated with a vehicle only (control group), dexamethasone 3 mg/kg (dexa group), or a SGX01 200 mg/kg (SGX01 group). After sacrifice, the BALF or lung tissue was analyzed with Cytospin, FACS, ELISA, real-time PCR and H&E, and Masson's trichrome staining. Results: SGX01 significantly decreased NO, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-6 on L929 cells challenged with LPS. In the COPD model, SGX01 significantly inhibited the increase of neutrophils, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-17A, CXCL-1, MIP2, CD8+ cells in BALF, and $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA expression in lung tissue. It also decreased the severity of the histological lung injury. Conclusion: This study suggests the usability of SGX01 for COPD patients by controlling lung tissue injury.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
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• 제42권10호
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• pp.1552-1559
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• 2013

본 연구에서는 미숙과와 성숙과의 복분자 섭취에 의한 쥐복강 대식세포의 염증반응을 조사하였다. 8주간 농도별 미숙과와 성숙과 복분자 식이를 섭취시킨 후 복강대식세포를 분리한 다음, LPS로 염증반응을 유도하여 염증매개 cytokines인 TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6의 분비와 PGE2의 분비량을 측정하였으며, cDNA microarray 방법으로 유전자 발현을 측정하였다. 미숙과와 성숙과 복분자 섭취는 TNF-${\alpha}$의 생성을 유의적으로 억제하였으나, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6는 미숙과 복분자 섭취에 의해서만 감소하였으며 $PGE_2$의 분비에는 영향을 주지 않았다. 본 연구결과, 미숙과와 성숙과 복분자 섭취에 의해 8개의 유전자 발현이 감소된 것으로 확인되었는데, 이중 세포의 면역반응과 관련된 5-LOX, iNOS, IL-11의 발현이 유의적으로 감소되었으며, 만성질환 특히 심혈관계 질환을 유발하는 인자인 tPA, thrombospondin 1, ceruloplasmin과 암의 성장 및 전이와 관련된 VEGF A의 발현을 유의적으로 억제하였다. 한편 혐기성 관련 유전자의 발현을 억제하는 HIF3A의 발현을 유의적으로 증가시켰다. 또한 미숙과 복분자의 섭취만이 CCL8, CXCL14, PLA2의 발현을 감소시키는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 복분자의 섭취, 특히 미숙과 복분자의 섭취는 항염증 효과를 보일 뿐 아니라 만성염증성 질환 관련 인자의 발현을 유의적으로 감소시키므로 이와 관련된 기능성 식품 개발에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료되며, 추후 복분자내 항염증 효능을 갖는 생리활성 성분에 대한 연구가 더 진행되어야 할 것으로 판단된다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권9호
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• pp.478-483
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• 2020

Kudoa septempunctata is a myxozoan parasite that causes food poisoning in individuals consuming olive flounder. The present study aimed to investigate the currently insufficiently elucidated early molecular mechanisms of inflammatory responses in the intestine owing to parasite ingestion. After Kudoa spores were isolated from olive flounder, HT29 cells were exposed to spores identified to be alive using SYTO-9 and propidium iodide staining or to antigens of Kudoa spores (KsAg). IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and NFKB1 expression and NF-κB activation were assessed using real-time PCR, cytokine array and western blotting. The immunofluorescence of FITC-conjugated lectins, results of ligand binding assays using Mincle-Fc and IgG-Fc, CLEC4E expressions in response to KsAg stimulation, and Mincle-dependent NF-κB activation were assessed to clarify the early immune-triggering mechanism. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, GM-CSF and TNF-α), chemokines (IL-8, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL1) and NF-κB activation (pNF-κB/NF-κB) in HT29 cells increased following stimulation by KsAg. The immunofluorescence results of spores and lectins (concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin) suggested the importance of Mincle in molecular recognition between Kudoa spores and intestinal cells. Practically, data for Mincle-Fc and KsAg binding affinity, CLEC4E mRNA expression, Mincle immunofluorescence staining and hMincle-dependent NF-κB activation demonstrated the involvement of Mincle in the early immune-triggering mechanism. The present study newly elucidated that the molecular recognition and immune-triggering mechanism of K. septempunctata are associated with Mincle on human intestinal epithelial cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.132-141
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• 2021

Objective: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria causes poor uterine receptivity by inducing excessive inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. This study aimed to investigate the detrimental effects of LPS on the attachment and outgrowth of various types of trophoblastic spheroids on endometrial epithelial cells (ECC-1 cells) in an in vitro model of implantation. Methods: Three types of spheroids with JAr, JEG-3, and JAr mixed JEG-3 (JmJ) cells were used to evaluate the effect of LPS on early implantation events. ECC-1 cells were treated with LPS to mimic endometrial infection, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The attachment rates and outgrowth areas were evaluated in the various trophoblastic spheroids and ECC-1 cells treated with LPS. Results: LPS treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (CXCL1, IL-8, and IL-33) and decreased the protein expression of adhesion molecules (ITGβ3 and ITGβ5) in ECC-1 cells. The attachment rates of JAr and JmJ spheroids on ECC-1 cells significantly decreased after treating the ECC-1 cells with 1 and 10 ㎍/mL LPS. In the outgrowth assay, JAr spheroids did not show any outgrowth areas. However, the outgrowth areas of JEG-3 spheroids were similar regardless of LPS treatment. LPS treatment of JmJ spheroids significantly decreased the outgrowth area after 72 hours of coincubation. Conclusion: An in vitro implantation model using novel JmJ spheroids was established, and the inhibitory effects of LPS on ECC-1 endometrial epithelial cells were confirmed in the early implantation process.

• 운동영양학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.26-31
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• 2019

[Purpose] Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that it is possible to prescribe exercise for neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, despite the availability of diverse scientific knowledge, the effects of exercise in this regard are still unclear. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate a substance, such as black chokeberry (Aronia melanocapa L.) that could improve the ability of the treatment and enhance the benefits of exercising in neurodegenerative diseases. [Methods] The cell viability was tested with 2,3-bis[2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolim-5-carboxanilide and the cells were stained with ethidium homodimer-1 solution. The mRNA expression levels were evaluated by microarray. The active compounds of black chokeberry ethanolic extract (BCE) were analyzed by gas chromatography. The chemical shift analysis in the brain was performed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. [Results] BCE treatment decreased hydrogen peroxide-induced L6 cell death and beta amyloid induced primary neuronal cell death. Furthermore, BCE treatment significantly reduced the mRNA levels of the inflammatory factors, such as IL-1α, Cxcl13, IL36rn, Itgb2, Epha2, Slamf8, Itgb6, Kdm6b, Acvr1, Cd6, Adora3, Cd27, Gata3, Tnfrsf25, Cd40lg, Clec10a, and Slc11a1, in the primary neuronal cells. Next, we identified 16 active compounds from BCE, including D-mannitol. In vivo, BCE (administered orally at a dosage of 50 mg/kg) significantly regulated chemical shift in the brain. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that BCE can serve as a candidate for neurodegenerative disease therapy owing to its cyto-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, BCE treatment is expected to prevent damage to the muscles and neurons of the athletes who continue high intensity exercise. In future studies, it would be necessary to elucidate the effects of combined BCE intake and exercise.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.22.1-22.25
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• 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndromecoronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread over the world causing a pandemic which is still ongoing since its emergence in late 2019. A great amount of effort has been devoted to understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 with the hope of developing better therapeutic strategies. Transcriptome analysis using technologies such as RNA sequencing became a commonly used approach in study of host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. Although substantial amount of information can be gathered from transcriptome analysis, different analysis tools used in these studies may lead to conclusions that differ dramatically from each other. Here, we re-analyzed four RNA-sequencing datasets of COVID-19 samples including human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, nasopharyngeal swabs, lung biopsy and hACE2 transgenic mice using the same standardized method. The results showed that common features of COVID-19 include upregulation of chemokines including CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL10, inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and alarmin S100A8/S100A9, which are associated with dysregulated innate immunity marked by abundant neutrophil and mast cell accumulation. Downregulation of chemokine receptor genes that are associated with impaired adaptive immunity such as lymphopenia is another common feather of COVID-19 observed. In addition, a few interferon-stimulated genes but no type I IFN genes were identified to be enriched in COVID-19 samples compared to their respective control in these datasets. These features are in line with results from single-cell RNA sequencing studies in the field. Therefore, our re-analysis of the RNA-seq datasets revealed common features of dysregulated immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and shed light to the pathogenesis of COVID-19.