• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제30권10호
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• pp.1471-1477
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• 2017

Objective: Since athletic performance is a most importance trait in horses, most research focused on physiological and physical studies of horse athletic abilities. In contrast, the molecular analysis as well as the regulatory pathway studies remain insufficient for evaluation and prediction of horse athletic abilities. In our previous study, we identified AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) gene which was expressed as alternative spliced isoforms in skeletal muscle during exercise. In the present study, we validated two AXL alternative splicing transcripts (named as AXLa for long form and AXLb for short form) in equine skeletal muscle to gain insight(s) into the role of each alternative transcript during exercise. Methods: We validated two isoforms of AXL transcripts in horse tissues by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then cloned the transcripts to confirm the alternative locus and its sequences. Additionally, we examined the expression patterns of AXLa and AXLb transcripts in horse tissues by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Both of AXLa and AXLb transcripts were expressed in horse skeletal muscle and the expression levels were significantly increased after exercise. The sequencing analysis showed that there was an alternative splicing event at exon 11 between AXLa and AXLb transcripts. 3-dimentional (3D) prediction of the alternative protein structures revealed that the structural distance of the connective region between fibronectin type 3 (FN3) and immunoglobin (Ig) domain was different between two alternative isoforms. Conclusion: It is assumed that the expression patterns of AXLa and AXLb transcripts would be involved in regulation of exercise-induced stress in horse muscle possibly through an $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. Further study is necessary to uncover biological function(s) and significance of the alternative splicing isoforms in race horse skeletal muscle.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제10권6호
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• pp.219-229
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• 2010

Background: N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a member of the NDRG gene family. Our previous report indicated a possible role for NDRG2 in regulating the cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10), which is an important immunosuppressive cytokine. Several pathways, including p38-MAPK, NF-${\kappa}B$, and JAK/STAT, are used for IL-10 production, and the JAK/STAT pathway can be inhibited in a negative feedback loop by the inducible protein, SOCS3. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NDRG2 gene expression on IL-10 signaling pathway that is modulated via SOCS3 and STAT3. Methods: We generated NDRG2-overexpressing U937 cell line (U937-NDRG2) and treated the cells with PMA to investigate the role of NDRG2 in IL-10 production. U937 cells were also transfected with SOCS3- or NDRG2-specific siRNAs to examine whether the knockdown of SOCS3 or NDRG2 influenced IL-10 expression. Lastly, STAT3 and SOCS3 induction was measured to identify the signaling pathway that was associated with IL-10 production. Results: RT-PCR and ELISA assays showed that IL-10 was increased in U937-mock cells upon stimulation with PMA, but IL-10 was inhibited by overexpression NDRG2. After PMA treatment, STAT3 phosphorylation was decreased in a time-dependent manner in U937-mock cells, whereas it was maintained in U937-NDRG2 cells. SOCS3 was markedly reduced in U937-NDRG2 cells compared with U937-mock cells. IL-10 production after PMA stimulation was reduced in U937 cells when SOCS3 was inhibited, but this effect was less severe when NDRG2 was inhibited. Conclusion: NDRG2 expression modulates SOCS3 and STAT3 activity, eventually leading to the inhibition of IL-10 production.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제18권12호
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• pp.1975-1983
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• 2008

The neuropeptide ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) has anti-inflammatory property by down regulating the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines. Because ${\alpha}$-MSH elicits the anti-inflammatory effect in various inflammatory disease models, we examined the therapeutic effect of oral administration of recombinant Lactobacillus casei, which secretes ${\alpha}$-MSH (L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH), on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in Balb/c mice. Thus, we constructed the ${\alpha}$-MSH-secreting Lactobacillus casei by the basic plasmid, pLUAT-ss, which was composed of a PldhUTLS promoter and ${\alpha}$-amylase signal sequence from Streptococcus bovis strain. Acute colitis was induced by oral administration of 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. To investigate the effect of L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH on the colitis, L. casei or L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH was orally administered for 7 days and their effects on body weight, mortality rate, cytokine production, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were observed. Administration of L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH reduced the symptom of acute colitis as assessed by body weight loss (DSS alone: $14.45{\pm}0.2\;g$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $18.2{\pm}0.12\;g$), colitis score (DSS alone: $3.6{\pm}0.4$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $1.4{\pm}0.6$), MPO activity (DSS alone: $42.7{\pm}4.5\;U/g$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $10.25{\pm}0.5\;U/g$), survival rate, and histological damage compared with the DSS alone mice. L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH-administered entire colon showed reduced in vitro production of proinflammatory cytokines and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. The ${\alpha}$-MSH-secreting recombinant L. casei showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in the murine model of acute colitis and suggests a potential therapeutic role for this agent in clinical inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.224-231
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• 2008

본 연구는 십자화과 채소의 섭취로 체내유용 물질인 인돌이 전립선암 세포 PC3 cell의 항전이 효과 기전에 미치는 영향에 대하여 알아보았다. 인돌은 전립선암 세포중식을 농도 의존적으로 억제하였으며 인돌에 의한 세포 사멸의 영향과 관계없이 MMP-2, -9의 활성과 전사수준 및 단백질 발현을 억제하였다. 역으로 MMP활성 억제 물질인 TIMP-1,-2의 발현이 인돌 첨가에 의해 증가하였다. $NF{-\kappa}B$의 upstream에 존재하는 MAPK signaling 유전자인 ERK1/2, p38, JNK 발현이 인돌처리로 인산화를 억제하였다. 그리고 전립선암 세포 PC3 침윤성이 인돌 처리 시 유의적으로 감소하였다. 결론적으로 인돌은 PC3 인체 전립선암 세포의 전이 과정을 MAPK phthway를 통한 MMP 활성과 발현 억제, TIMP 발현 증가로 암 세포 전이 억제를 하는 것 으로 나타나 암 전이 억제 식품으로 가능성을 제시한다.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.224-241
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of Sargassum (Sargassum pallidum (TURN.) C. AG.; SP) on the experimental colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in mice. Methods : ICR mice were divided into 7 groups (NOR, CON, $SS50\times5$, $SP20\times3$, $SP50\times3$, $SP20\times5$, $SP50\times5$). TNBS processing was intrarectally applied to all experimental groups on the 3rd experiment day, except the normal group (NOR). For investigating the prophylactic effect, SP at doses of 20 mg/kg ($SP20\times5$) and 50 mg/kg ($SP50\times5$) were orally administered for 5 days. The SP at doses of 20 mg/kg ($SP20\times3$) and 50 mg/kg ($SP50\times3$) were orally administered for 3 days after the colitis induction in order to check the effect of treatment. As a positive control group, sulfasalazine 50 mg/kg ($SS50\times5$) was administrated. Macroscopic findings of epithelial tissue on mice were measured by colon length and macroscopic score. Histologic findings were also checked by crypt cell, epithelial cell, inflammatory cell and edema of submucosa. We measured the ability of SP to inhibit lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity. We also measured levels of the inflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)-$1\beta$ and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), its transcription factor activation, phospho-NF-${\kappa}B$ (pp65), in the colon by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot analysis. We measured activation of fecal bacterial enzyme, $\beta$-glucuronidase and degradation activation of fecal glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and hyaluronic acid. Results : Oral administration of SP on mice inhibited TNBS-induced colon shortening and myeloperoxidase activity in the colon of mice as well as IL-$1\beta$ and COX-2 expression. SP also inhibited TNBS-induced lipid peroxidation and pp65 activation in the colon of mice. SP inhibited $\beta$-glucuronidase activation and fecal hyaluronic acid degradation activation as well. Conclusions : SP could be a possible herbal candidate and preventive prebiotic agent for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Further experiments to differentiate effects of SP on IBD, such as other solutions and extracting times, might be promising.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제39권12호
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• pp.855-861
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• 2016

Ginsenosides, which are the active materials of ginseng, have biological functions that include anti-osteoporotic effects. Aqueous ginseng extract inhibits osteoclast differentiation induced by receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL). Aqueous ginseng extract produces chromatography peaks characteristic of ginsenosides. Among these peaks, ginsenoside Re is a major component. However, the preventive effects of ginsenoside Re against osteoclast differentiation are not known. We studied the effect of ginsenoside Re on osteoclast differentiation, RANKL-induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, and formation of multinucleated osteoclasts in vitro. Ginsenoside Re hampered osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. In an in vivo zebrafish model, aqueous ginseng extract and ginsenoside Re had anti-osteoclastogenesis effects. These findings suggest that both aqueous ginseng extract and ginsenoside Re prevent bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Ginsenoside Re could be important for promoting bone health.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.146-156
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• 2018

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound that has recently emerged with anti-aging properties and suppresses inflammation and oxidation. However, its mechanisms of action on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the potential of spermidine for reducing pro-inflammatory and oxidative effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and zebrafish was explored. Our data indicate that spermidine significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and cytokines including tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages without any significant cytotoxicity. The protective effects of spermidine accompanied by a marked suppression in their regulatory gene expression at the transcription levels. Spermidine also attenuated the nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 subunit and reduced LPS-induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, spermidine prevented the LPS-induced NO production and ROS accumulation in zebrafish larvae and was found to be associated with a diminished recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Although more work is needed to fully understand the critical role of spermidine on the inhibition of inflammation-associated migration of immune cells, our findings clearly demonstrate that spermidine may be a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of inflammatory and oxidative disorders.

• 한국수자원학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국수자원학회 2007년도 학술발표회 논문집
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• pp.2024-2028
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• 2007

우리나라의 물관련 이슈는 수자원뿐만 아니라 사회, 경제 환경 등의 범위까지 확대되어 복합적이며, 기존 방법론과 기술만으로는 해결에 어려움이 있다. 따라서 새로운 기술적/방법론적 도구 개발의 필요성에 따라 통합수자원관리가 하나의 방법으로 받아들여지고 있다. 통합수자원관리는 지속가능한 수자원관리를 목표로하며, 물과 이와 관련 다양한 요소를 고려하는 통합적인 방법론이다. 그러므로 의사결정에 있어 전체론적인 접근이 필요하며, 세부적인 요소와 요소간의 연관관계를 파악하는 것이 중요하다. 이를 위하여 본 연구에서는 통합수자원관리의 기반 도구 중의 하나인 통합수자원관리 모델링 환경인 WaterRing 시범시스템을 개발하였다. WaterRing은 모델연계에 있어 필수적인 표준성, 사용편의성 및 모델공유를 제공하며, 모델코드 자체보다 모델의 개발에 많은 노력을 기울일 수 있도록 설계되었다. 따라서 수자원분야 및 다양한 분야의 모델을 연계할 수 있다. 모델의 연계를 위하여 기본모델단위를 설정하고 각각의 기본모델단위의 결합을 통하여 보다 큰 시스템으로 구성할 수 있도록 하였다. 기본모델단위는 입력/상태/출력의 세 가지 기본요소와 내부수행 루틴으로 구성되어 있다. 기본모델단위 사이의 결합을 정의하기 위하여 BPM(Business Process Management)(Arkin, 2002)와 STELLA의 모델 결합방식을 활용하였다. 기본모델단위는 독립적인 수행단위로 표준적인 입력과 출력을 수행한다. 따라서 입력과 출력의 속성이 같은 기본모델단위는 결합할 수 있다. 본 연구에서 시범적으로 개발된 수자원통합모델링환경 WaterRing은 통합수자원관리의 실현에 있어 평가, 계획에 이용될 수 있다. 그러므로 향후 시스템의 개발이 완료되면 우리나라의 통합수자원관리의 실현을 위한 기반도구로서 많은 역할이 기대된다. 홍수기에 측정된 성과를 바탕으로 고수위대의 수위-유량관계 곡선식을 개발하여야 할 것으로 판단된다. 본 연구를 통해 일부 확인된 바와 같이, 일반적인 자연하천이 아닌 감조하천의 경우는, 각각의 수위대별 유량 값의 변화가 발생하는 바 기간별 혹은 간조와 만조부를 포함하여 유량측정을 하여야 할 것으로 판단된다. 청폐화담탕(淸肺化痰湯)은 LPS로 유도된 macrophage에서 NO와 염증Cytokine 생성량을 억제하였고 murine macrophage에서 NF-${\kappa}$B 활성을 억제함으로써 iNOS와 염증Cytokine 유전자 발현을 하향조절 하였다. 이러한 청폐화담탕(淸肺化痰湯)의 항염작용으로 천식, 기관지염, 폐렴, 결핵, 산후감모 등의 호흡기 질환에 응용할 수 있으리라 사료된다.im}$5개월), 9.44${\pm}$1.05 6${\sim}$ll개월)으로 개월에 관계없이 전반적으로 유사한 비율을 나타내었다. 분획물(첨가농도 15.6 ${\mu}$g/ml)은 60%의 저해효과를 나타내면서 농도 의존적으로 그 저해효과가 컸으며 250 ${\mu}$g/ml 농도에서는 80%의 저해효과를 관찰 할 수가 있었다. 에틸아세테이트분회물의 경우 디글로로메탄 분회물에 비해 다소 낮은 저해효과를 나타내었지만 250 ${\mu}$g/ml 농도에서 약 60%의 세포독성 효과를 나타내었다. 디클로로메탄 분획물과 에틸아세테이트 분획물에 의한 면역 활성 증진 효과를 검토한 결과, 디글로로메탄 분획물은 첨가농도 1 ${\mu}$g/ml에서 94%로 Yac-1표적세포를 사멸시켰으며 에틸아세테이트 분획물도 동일 농도에서 96%의 억제효과를 나타내었다. CTLL세포를 이용

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.305-310
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• 2005

It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may act as a mediator of cytokine-induced effects on bone turn-over. NO is also recognized as an important factor in bone remodeling, i.e., participating in osteoblast apoptosis in an arthritic joint. The components of Agastache rugosa are known to have many pharmacological activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Agastache rugosa leaf extract (ELAR) on NO production and the iNOS expression in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated by a mixture of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-$alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$. A preincubation with ELAR significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the expression of iNOS protein in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated with the cytokine mixture. Consequently, the NO production was also significantly reduced by ELAR with an IC$_{50}$ of 0.75 mg/mL. The inhibitory mechanism of iNOS induction by ELAR prevented the activation and translocation of NF-$\kappa$B (p65) to the nucleus from the cytosol fraction. Furthermore, ELAR concentration-dependently reduced the cellular toxicity induced by sodium nitroprusside, an NO-donor. These results suggest that ELAR may be beneficial in NO-mediated inflammatory conditions such as osteoporosis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.107-113
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• 2011

Background: Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM complex downregulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$ and -6) and $HIF1{\alpha}$ mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.