• Molecules and Cells
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.186-194
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• 2017

A brain-enriched secreting signal peptide, NELL2, has been suggested to play multiple roles in the development, survival, and activity of neurons in mammal. We investigated here a possible involvement of central NELL2 in regulating feeding behavior and metabolism. In situ hybridization and an immunohistochemical approach were used to determine expression of NELL2 as well as its colocalization with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the rat hypothalamus. To investigate the effect of NELL2 on feeding behavior, 2 nmole of antisense NELL2 oligodeoxynucleotide was administered into the lateral ventricle of adult male rat brains for 6 consecutive days, and changes in daily body weight, food, and water intake were monitored. Metabolic state-dependent NELL2 expression in the hypothalamus was tested in vivo using a fasting model. NELL2 was noticeably expressed in the hypothalamic nuclei controlling feeding behavior. Furthermore, all arcuatic POMC and NPY positive neurons produced NELL2. The NELL2 gene expression in the hypothalamus was up-regulated by fasting. However, NELL2 did not affect POMC and NPY gene expression in the hypothalamus. A blockade of NELL2 production in the hypothalamus led to a reduction in daily food intake, followed by a loss in body weight without a change in daily water intake in normal diet condition. NELL2 did not affect short-term hunger dependent appetite behavior. Our data suggests that hypothalamic NELL2 is associated with appetite behavior, and thus central NELL2 could be a new therapeutic target for obesity.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.255-260
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• 2021

Background: Korea National Health Checkup Programs are aimed at the prevention and early detection of cardiovascular disease in adults. To establish a countermeasure for this tendency, The current Korea National Health Checkup Programs have been providing Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) since 2009, thereby focusing on individual lifestyle correction. However, from 2018, the dyslipidemia screening exam cycle has been changed from 2 to 4 years. Methods: In this study, we try to investigate whether policy decisions are valid based on domestic reports that have influenced policy decisions. First, considering the epidemiology of the domestic cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, the change of the 4-year cycle is appropriate or not. Second, whether the research method that applies came to make policy decisions appropriate or not. Third, our study also investigates whether the direction of policy decision was suitable for the second comprehensive national examination plan. Results: The data that are used in the previous study were that of 10 years ago and there also was a problem in selecting the data, especially the use of one of the research methods to calculate the signal to noise ratio that was aimed at improving health had some problems. This is a research method that does not match with the aim itself. Conclusion: Changing the screening cycle for dyslipidemia does not match the recent trend of general screening to effectively prevent cardiovascular disease in improving individual lifestyles in the national health checkup plan. Studying the relationship with metabolic syndrome, which can be an intermediate stage of cardiovascular disease, could be a policy direction that is more suitable for the national health examination comprehensive plan.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권9호
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• pp.1197-1205
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• 2023

Osteoporosis, Greek for "porous bone," is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone strength, microarchitectural changes in the bone tissues, and an increased risk of fracture. An imbalance of bone resorption and bone formation may lead to chronic metabolic diseases such as osteoporosis. Wolfiporia extensa, known as "Bokryung" in Korea, is a fungus belonging to the family Polyporaceae and has been used as a therapeutic food against various diseases. Medicinal mushrooms, mycelium and fungi, possess approximately 130 medicinal functions, including antitumor, immunomodulating, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, and are therefore used to improve human health. In this study, we used osteoclast and osteoblast cell cultures treated with Wolfiporia extensa mycelium water extract (WEMWE) and investigated the effect of the fungus on bone homeostasis. Subsequently, we assessed its capacity to modulate both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation by performing osteogenic and anti-osteoclastogenic activity assays. We observed that WEMWE increased BMP-2-stimulated osteogenesis by inducing Smad-Runx2 signal pathway axis. In addition, we found that WEMWE decreased RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by blocking c-Fos/NFATc1 via the inhibition of ERK and JNK phosphorylation. Our results show that WEMWE can prevent and treat bone metabolic diseases, including osteoporosis, by a biphasic activity that sustains bone homeostasis. Therefore, we suggest that WEMWE can be used as a preventive and therapeutic drug.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.100-106
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• 2008

본 연구는 in vivo 보다 더욱 정확하게 뇌 대사물질을 정량 분석하고자 고자장 NMR 장비 (500MHz; 11.74T)를 이용하여 동물의 뇌를 in vitro 환경에서 조사 및 분석하였다. 일반적으로 in vivo 실험은 생체 내부의 혈류나 조직의 비균질성으로 인한 자기공명분광법의 shimming에 악영향을 미치기 때문에 부정확한 결과를 산출할 수 있다. 그러나, in vitro 실험은 이에 비하여 균질한 샘플을 사용하고 보다 고자장에서 실험환경을 조성할 수 있기 때문에 더욱 정확한 대사물질의 정보를 얻을 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 개 (canine)의 소뇌 (cerebellum)조직으로부터 대사물질을 추출하고 고자장 핵자기공명분광법으로 대사물질의 절대농도를 획득 하고자 하였다. 생체 대사물질의 절대농도를 획득하기 위하여 대표적인 대사물질(i.e., NAA, Cr, Cho, Ins, Lac, GABA, Glu, Gln, Tau Ala)의 팬톰을 제작하여 그 스펙트럼을 확보하였고, 개의 소뇌 부위를 적출하여 methanol-chloroform water extraction (M/C water extraction) 방법으로 대사물질만을 추출한 후 자기공명분광법을 수행하였다. 필터링 (filtering)의 효과를 평가하기 위하여 샘플 제작 시 추출물을 필터링한 그룹과 필터링하지 않은 그룹으로 분류하여 실험을 수행하였다. 팬텀 물질과 추출물은 90% D2O 수용액으로 만든 후 5mm NMR 튜브에 담아 실험하였다. 실험 결과 조직 추출물을 필터링하는 것이 신호대잡음비(signal to noise ratio: SNR, S/N)를 향상시키는 데 기여하는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 개의 소뇌 대사물질의 절대농도는 사람보다는 쥐 (rat)의 뇌 대사물질 절대농도와 더 비슷한 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구 결과를 토대로 고자장 핵자기공명분광법을 이용한 in vitro 실험은 뇌조직 내 대사물질의 절대농도를 측정하고 기본적인 지표를 확보하는데 매우 정확하고 정량적인 방법이 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.33-40
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• 2010

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a heavily glycosylated glycoprotein composed of non-covalently linked $\alpha$- and $\beta$-subunits. To study the function and signal transduction of tethered recombinant-eCG (rec-eCG), a single chain eCG molecule was constructed, and the rec-eCG protein was prepared. In this study, we constructed 5 mutants (${\Delta}1$, ${\Delta}2$, ${\Delta}3$, ${\Delta}4$, and ${\Delta}5$) of rec-eCG using data about known glycoprotein hormones to analyze the role of specific follicle stimulating homone (FSH)-like activity. Three amino acids of certain specific sites were replaced with alanine. The expression vectors were transfected into CHO cells and subjected to G418 selection for 2~3 weeks. The media were collected and the quantity of secreted tethered rec-eCGs was quantified by ELISA. The LH- and FSH-like activities were assayed in terms of cAMP production by rat LH/CG and rat FSH receptors. Then, the metabolic clearance rate analyzed by the injection of rec-eCG (5 IU) into the tail vein was analyzed. The mutant eCGs (${\Delta}l$, ${\Delta}4$, and ${\Delta}5$) were transcripted, but not translated into proteins. Rec-eCG A2 was secreted in much lower amounts than the wild type. Only the rec-eCG ${\Delta}3$ ($\beta$-subunit: $Gln^{94}-Ile^{95}-Lys^{96}{\rightarrow}Ala^{94}-Ala^{95}-Ala^{96}$) was efficiently secreted. Although activity is low, its LH-like activity was similar to that of tethered $eCG{\beta\alpha}$. However, the FSH-like activity of rec-$eCG{\beta\alpha\Delta}3$ was completely flat. The result of the analysis of the metabolic clearance rate shoed the persistence of the mutant in the blood until 4 hours after the injection. After then, it almost disappeared at 8 hours. Taken together, these data suggest that 94~96 amino acid sequences in eCG $\beta$-subunit appear to be of utmost importance for signal transduction of the FSH receptor.

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.402-409
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• 2006

Although microorganisms are, in fact, the most diverse and abundant type of organism on Earth, the ecological functions of microbial populations remains poorly understood. A variety of bacteria including marine Vibrios encounter numerous ecological challenges, such as UV light, predation, competition, and seasonal variations in seawater including pH, salinity, nutrient levels, temperature and so forth. In order to survive and proliferate under variable conditions, they have to develop elaborate means of communication to meet the challenges to which they are exposed. In bacteria, a range of biological functions have recently been found to be regulated by a population density-dependent cell-cell signaling mechanism known as quorum-sensing (QS). In other words, bacterial cells sense population density by monitoring the presence of self-produced extracellular autoinducers (AI). N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-dependent quorum-sensing was first discovered in two luminescent marine bacteria, Vibrio fischeri and Vibrio harveyi. The LuxI/R system of V. fischeriis the paradigm of Gram-negative quorum-sensing systems. At high population density, the accumulated signalstrigger the expression of target genes and thereby initiate a new set of biological activities. Several QS systems have been identified so far. Among them, an AHL-dependent QS system has been found to control biofilm formation in several bacterial species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Burkholderia cepacia, and Serratia liquefaciens. Bacterial biofilm is a structured community of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix that adheres to an inert or living surface. Extracellular signal molecules have been implicated in biofilm formation. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain NT1(traR, tra::lacZ749) and Chromobacterium violaceum strain CV026 are used as biosensors to detect AHL signals. Quorum sensing in lactic acid bacteria involves peptides that are directly sensed by membrane-located histidine kinases, after which the signal is transmitted to an intracellular regulator. In the nisin autoregulation process in Lactococcus lactis, the NisK protein acts as the sensor for nisin, and NisR protein as the response regulator activatingthe transcription of target genes. For control over growth and survival in bacterial communities, various strategies need to be developed by which receptors of the signal molecules are interfered with or the synthesis and release of the molecules is controlled. However, much is still unknown about the metabolic processes involved in such signal transduction and whether or not various foods and food ingredients may affect communication between spoilage or pathogenic bacteria. In five to ten years, we will be able to discover new signal molecules, some of which may have applications in food preservation to inhibit the growth of pathogens on foods.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권9호
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• pp.1233-1237
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• 2000

Objectives : In order to evaluate the metabolic changes associated with pericontusional edematous area in mild head injury, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H-MRS) was performed in mild head injury patients (initial GCS score 13-15) with focal brain contusion. Methods : Seven head injury patients with initial GCS 13-15(3 males and 4 females : age range 15-65 years, mean age 33 years) have underwent 1H-MRS evaluations. The patients were examined within 7 days after injury(n=7) and 2 months after injury(n=5). The region of interest(ROI) was selected in the edematous area adjacent to traumatic brain contusion upon T2-weighted MR images and a corresponding region of the contralateral hemisphere (ROC, region of contralateral corresponding hemisphere) was examined as well. The metabolic ratios of NAA/Cr and lactate/Cr were compared between ROIs, ROCs and control values. Results : In initial NAA/Cr ratios, the values of ROIs were significantly lower than those of the controls(p=0.009), but there was no difference either between ROIs and ROCs(p=0.410) or between ROCs of patients and the control (p=0.199). In lactate/Cr ratios, the ROIs in all seven patients and the ROCs in two showed increased lactate signals. The lactate/Cr ratios of the ROIs were significantly elevated as compared to those of the ROCs(p=0.02) and the control(p=0.015). In two months follow-up, lactate signals were absent or significantly reduced(p=0.015). In no patients, clinical or radiological deterioration has been observed. Conclusion : Our 1H-MRS results demonstrate that there are significant ischemic changes in pericontusional edematous areas as indicated by elevated lactate signals in the patients with mild head injury. But there were no consistent neural loss or dysfunction in these area. There findings suggest that pericontusional edematous areas can be vulnerable to secondary brain insults even in the patients with mild head injury.

• 대한유전성대사질환학회지
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.49-53
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• 2012

X 연관 부신백질이영양증(adrenoleukodystrophy, ALD)은 과산화소체베타산화과정(peroxisomal ${\beta}$-oxidation)의 장애로 매우긴사슬지방산(very long chain fatty acids, VLCFA)이 신경계의 백질과 부신피질 및 고환에 축척된다. 이 질환은 과산화소체막단백질(peroxisomal membrane protein)을 형성하는 Xq28에 위치하는 ATP-binding cassette, subfamily D, member 1 (ABCD1) 유전자 돌연변이에 의해 주로 발생한다. X 연관 ALD는 다양한 임상양상을 보이는데 전형적인 소아대뇌형 부신백질이영양증은 10세 이전의 남아에서 대뇌백질에 빠르게 진행하는 탈수초현상을 보인다. 8세 된 남자 환아로 정상발달과정을 보이던 중 초등학교 입학 후에 집중장애와 산만한 모습으로 인해 주의력결핍과다활동장애로 진단받고 치료를 받았었다. 환아는 내원 8개월 전부터 말이 어눌해 지고 걸을 때 오른 발을 끌며 자주 넘어지는 모습을 보여 내원하였고 오른쪽 상, 하지의 근력이 떨어지는 양상이 관찰되었다. 검사상 부신기능저하증 소견을 보였으며 혈청 지방산 분석검사에서는 C26:0, C42:0/C22:0, C26:0/C22:0가 증가하였다. 뇌 자기공명영상에서는 T2와 FLAIR 강조영상에서 양측의 두정후두부의 백질과 소뇌의 백질에서 대칭적으로 고신호강도를 보였다. 환아는 부신백질이영양증로 진단하였고 ABCD1 유전자 분석 검사에서 새로운 c.983delT (p.Met329CysfsX7) 돌연변이가 확인되었다. X 연관 ALD는 유전자형과 표현형에 연관성이 없으며 다양한 임상양상을 보이기 때문에 환자들마다 임상증상을 잘 관찰해야 하며 향후 유전자 기능을 좀 더 파악하고 임상증상에 영향을 주는 다른 요소에 대한 연구가 필요할 것이라 사료된다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.672-684
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• 2014

The exact causes of cell death in Parkinson's disease (PD) remain unknown despite extensive studies on PD.The identification of signaling and metabolic pathways involved in PD might provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying PD. The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ($MPP^+$) induces cellular changes characteristic of PD, and $MPP^+$-based models have been extensively used for PD studies. In this study, pathways that were significantly perturbed in $MPP^+$-treated human neuroblastoma SH-EP cells were identified from genome-wide gene expression data for five time points (1.5, 3, 9, 12, and 24 h) after treatment. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein processing pathway showed significant perturbation at all time points. Perturbation of each of these pathways resulted in the common outcome of upregulation of DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3). Genes involved in ER protein processing pathway included ubiquitin ligase complex genes and ER-associated degradation (ERAD)-related genes. Additionally, overexpression of DDIT3 might induce oxidative stress via glutathione depletion as a result of overexpression of CHAC1. This study suggests that upregulation of DDIT3 caused by perturbation of the MAPK signaling pathway and ER protein processing pathway might play a key role in $MPP^+$-induced neuronal cell death. Moreover, the toxicity signal of $MPP^+$ resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction through inhibition of complex I of the electron transport chain might feed back to the mitochondria via ER stress. This positive feedback could contribute to amplification of the death signal induced by $MPP^+$.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Inonotus obliquus is one of the immune-regulatory substances and is recognized to play the role in the metabolic process of inflammation, allergy and immuntiy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of water extracts of Inonotus obliquus (IOW) on the liver lymphocyte immune function in the Sprague-Dawley male rats treated with carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) to induce liver damage. Rats were fed with each experimental diet and water for 4 weeks. We found that effects of IOW on interferon-gamma (IFN-$\gamma$), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (pSTAT1) and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) were decrease in vivo. Interleukin-4 (IL-4), STAT6, pSTAT6 and T-box expressed in T-cells (T-bet) decreased significantly lower in $CCl_4$+IOW group than the $CCl_4$ group. Our data indicated that cytokine protein production were increased in $CCl_4$ group and $CCl_4$+IOW group. As a result of this study, we assume that IOW fed could regulate the immuno-modulating functions through regulate the cytokine production capacity activated by liver damage.