• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.269-275
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• 2018

$Na^+/H^+$ exchangers (NHEs) have been shown to be involved in regulating cell volume and maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Pooled evidences have suggested that loss of $Na^+/H^+$ exchanger isoform 8 (NHE8) impairs intestinal mucosa. Whether NHE8 participates in the pathology of infectious colitis is still unknown. Our previous study demonstrated that somatostatin (SST) could stimulate the expression of intestinal NHE8 so as to facilitate $Na^+$ absorption under normal condition. This study further explored whether NHE8 participates in the pathological processes of infectious colitis and the effects of SST on intestinal NHE8 expression in the setting of infectious colitis. Our data showed that NHE8 expression was reduced in Citrobacter rodentium (CR) infected mice. Up-regulation of NHE8 improved diarrhea symptom and mucosal damage induced by CR. In vitro, a similar observation was also seen in Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) infected Caco-2 cells. Seglitide, a SST receptor (SSTR) 2 agonist, partly reversed the inhibiting action of EPEC on NHE8 expression, but SSTR5 agonist (L-817,818) had no effect on the expression of NHE8. Moreover, SST blocked the phosphorylation of p38 in EPEC-infected Caco-2 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that enhancement of intestinal NHE8 expression by SST could ameliorate the symptoms of mice with infectious colitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.125-132
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• 2009

Calbindin-$D_{9k}$ (CaBP-9k), a cytosolic calcium-binding protein, is expressed in a variety of tissues, i.e., the duodenum, uterus, placenta, kidney and pituitary gland. Duodenal CaBP-9k is involved in intestinal calcium absorption, and is regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the hormonal form of vitamin D, and glucocorticoids (GCs). Uterine CaBP-9k has been implicated in the regulation of myometrial action(s) through modulation of intracellular calcium, and steroid hormones appear to be the main regulators in its uterine and placental regulation. Because phenotypes of CaBP-9k-null mice appear to be normal, other calcium-transporter genes may compensate for its gene deletion and physiological function in knockout mice. Previous studies indicate that CaBP-9k may be controlled in a tissue-specific fashion. In this review, we summarize the current information on calcium homeostasis related to CaBP-9k gene regulation by GCs, vitamin D and its receptors, and its molecular regulatory mechanism. In addition, we present related data from our current research.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.6.1-6.24
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• 2023

Intestinal microorganisms interact with various immune cells and are involved in gut homeostasis and immune regulation. Although many studies have discussed the roles of the microorganisms themselves, interest in the effector function of their metabolites is increasing. The metabolic processes of these molecules provide important clues to the existence and function of gut microbes. The interrelationship between metabolites and T lymphocytes in particular plays a significant role in adaptive immune functions. Our current review focuses on 3 groups of metabolites: short-chain fatty acids, bile acids metabolites, and polyamines. We collated the findings of several studies on the transformation and production of these metabolites by gut microbes and explained their immunological roles. Specifically, we summarized the reports on changes in mucosal immune homeostasis represented by the Tregs and Th17 cells balance. The relationship between specific metabolites and diseases was also analyzed through latest studies. Thus, this review highlights microbial metabolites as the hidden treasure having potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets through a comprehensive understanding of the gut-immune interaction.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.627-637
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• 2023

Background: Damage to the healthy intestinal epithelial layer and regulation of the intestinal immune system, closely interrelated, are considered pivotal parts of the curative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Plant-based diets and phytochemicals can support the immune microenvironment in the intestinal epithelial barrier for a balanced immune system by improving the intestinal microecological balance and may have therapeutic potential in colitis. However, there have been only a few reports on the therapeutic potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) and the underlying mechanism in colitis. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of PENs from Panax ginseng, ginseng-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs), in a mouse model of IBD, with a focus on the intestinal immune microenvironment. Method: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of GENs on acute colitis, we treated GENs in Caco2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and analyzed the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we further examined bacterial DNA from feces and determined the alteration of gut microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice after administration of GENs through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Result: GENs with low toxicity showed a long-lasting intestinal retention effect for 48 h, which could lead to effective suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 production through inhibition of NF-κB in DSS-induced colitis. As a result, it showed longer colon length and suppressed thickening of the colon wall in the mice treated with GENs. Due to the amelioration of the progression of DSS-induced colitis with GENs treatment, the prolonged survival rate was observed for 17 days compared to 9 days in the PBS-treated group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota was decreased, which means GENs have therapeutic effectiveness against IBD. Ingesting GENs would be expected to slow colitis progression, strengthen the gut microbiota, and maintain gut homeostasis by preventing bacterial dysbiosis. Conclusion: GENs have a therapeutic effect on colitis through modulation of the intestinal microbiota and immune microenvironment. GENs not only ameliorate the inflammation in the damaged intestine by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines but also help balance the microbiota on the intestinal barrier and thereby improve the digestive system.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.457-464
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• 2005

The irradiation of radioactive ${\gamma}-ray$ induces apoptosis of radiosensitive organs for homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the repair mechanisms for homeostasis in the small intestine after cell damage by $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}-ray$ irradiation. The apoptosis was most frequently observed in the crypt cells of the small intestine after four and six hours by radioactive ${\gamma}-ray$ irradiation, and the frequency of apoptosis was proportional to the amount of irradiation. Also, the number of apoptotic cells was coincident with expression pattern of p53. Interestingly, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) which is engaged in DNA replication and repair was expressed in apoptotic cells of small intestinal crypts. Also, it was observed that cell-cycle regulator p21 which is known to induce cell-cycle arrest is co-expressed in the same apoptotic cells of irradiated small intestinal crypt cells. These findings suggest that the co-expression of PCNA and p21 proteins, which may lead to resistance to DNA damage through cell-cycle arrest is closely associated with repair of damaged gastrointestinal cells after ${\gamma}-ray$ irradiation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.353-364
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• 2021

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a series of hollow organs that is responsible for the digestion and absorption of ingested foods and the excretion of waste. Any changes in the GI tract can lead to GI disorders. GI disorders are highly prevalent in the population and account for substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. GI disorders can be functional, or organic with structural changes. Functional GI disorders include functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Organic GI disorders include inflammation of the GI tract due to chronic infection, drugs, trauma, and other causes. Recent studies have highlighted a new explanatory mechanism for GI disorders. It has been suggested that autophagy, an intracellular homeostatic mechanism, also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GI disorders. Autophagy has three primary forms: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. It may affect intestinal homeostasis, host defense against intestinal pathogens, regulation of the gut microbiota, and innate and adaptive immunity. Drugs targeting autophagy could, therefore, have therapeutic potential for treating GI disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of current understanding regarding the evidence for autophagy in GI diseases and updates on potential treatments, including drugs and complementary and alternative medicines.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제66권2호
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• pp.425-437
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• 2024

Exercise plays an important role in regulating energy homeostasis, which affects the diversity of the intestinal microbial community in humans and animals. To the best of the authors' knowledge, few studies have reported the associations between horse gut microbiota along with their predicted metabolic activities and the athletic ability of Jeju horses and Thoroughbreds living in Korea. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the gut microbiota and athletic performance in horses. This study sequenced the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the partial 16S rRNA genes obtained from racehorse fecal samples and compared the fecal microbiota between high- and low-performance Jeju horses and Thoroughbreds. Forty-nine fecal samples were divided into four groups: high-performance Jeju horses (HJ, n = 13), low-performance Jeju horses (LJ, n = 17), high-performance Thoroughbreds (HT, n = 9), and low-performance Thoroughbreds (LT, n = 10). The high-performance horse groups had a higher diversity of the bacterial community than the low-performance horse groups. Two common functional metabolic activities of the hindgut microbiota (i.e., tryptophan and succinate syntheses) were observed between the low-performance horse groups, indicating dysbiosis of gut microbiota and fatigue from exercise. On the other hand, high-performance horse groups showed enriched production of polyamines, butyrate, and vitamin K. The racing performance may be associated with the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Jeju horses and Thoroughbreds in Korea.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.11-19
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 최근에 연구되어 온 장내 세균총이 특히 주요 장질환의 발병에 있어서, 어떠한 역할을 하는지 보고된 여러 문헌들을 중심으로 연구 결과들을 요약 하였다. 예를 들자면, 면역체계를 매개하여 병이 악화되는 여러 질환에서 정상일 때와 달리 바뀐 장내 세균총을 통해 악화된다고 보고된 바 있다. 장내 세균총의 역할에 대해 많이 연구된 장질환 중에서, 많이 연구된 3개의 질환은 과민성 장 증후군, 염증성 장질환, 대장암이다. 그러나, 사람의 장내에 존재하는 세균총은 몸에 이로우며, 비타민 A 합성, 단사슬지방산의 생산, 담즙산 대사과정과 같은 장내 생리적 기능 매개를 통해 장내 항상성을 유지한다고 알려져 있다. 이와 같이, 장내에 존재하는 이로운 세균 군집과 해로운 세균 군집의 균형은 장내 건강에 주요한 영향을 미친다. 장질환을 포함한 여러 질환의 발병 및 진행에서 장내 세균총의 변화가 주요 원인으로 추측되고 있는 실정이다. 현재까지 보고된 많은 연구 결과에도 불구하고, 어떤 장내 세균총 구성이 몸에 가장 이로운 지학계에서도 의견이 분분한 상태이다. 본 논문에서는, 주요 장질환으로 알려진 과민성 장 증후군, 염증성 장질환, 대장암과 장내 세균총과의 관계에 대해 연구한 논문들에 대해 연결 지어 요약하였다. 마지막으로, 장내 세균총을 매개로 악화되는 장질환을 완화하며, 장내 건강을 지키기 위한 수단으로 천연물을 이용한 치료 전략을 제시하고자 한다.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.616-630
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tryptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level. MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/or 72 h with IPA or its precursors - indole, tryptophan, and propionate - at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tryptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure. Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preserve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2018년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.127-127
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• 2018

Probiotics are microorganisms that have beneficial effects on the health of the host. The health promoting effect by probiotics influences suppressing harmful bacteria, prevention of constipation, blood cholesterol reduction and regulation of blood pressure. Prebiotics are used to promote the growth or activity of microorganisms. Synbiotics, which are a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics, synergize in the intestines by complementing each other. Synbiotics not only improves the viability of the probiotics while passing through the gastrointestinal tract, maintain intestinal homeostasis, but also regulate balance of harmful and useful bacterial growth. Glycine max Merr (GMM) has been widely used in Asian countries to treat cancer, obesity, oxidative stress and imbalanced immune diseases. In addition, it has been reported that dietary fiber-rich grains promote bowel movements and prevent constipation. In this study, we investigated the viability of LactobacillIus buchneri (L.buchneri) strains, known as lactic acid bacteria under conditions of gastric fluid and intestinal fluid to determine the suitability of L.buchneri as probiotics. The adhesion ability of L.buchneri to caco-2 cells was also confirmed. The present studies showed that GMM extract promoted the growth and activity of L.buchneri strains as prebiotics. Also, this results suggested that the mixture of L.buchneri and GMM extract can helps maintain intestinal health and healthy body as synbiotics and health functional food material.