• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.4 s.71
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• pp.600-606
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• 2005

Neurofilament (NF) proteins constitute the major intermediate filament type in adult neurons. They are made up by the copolymerization of the neurofilament light (NF-L, 61 kDa), medium (NF-M, 90kDa), and heavy (NF-H, 115 kDa) proteins. Although neurofilaments play a crucial .ole in neuronal growth, organization, shape, and plasticity, their expression pattern and cellular distribution in the developing neurons remain unknown. In this study, we have produced a rabbit polyclonal antibody specific to NF-M and investigated expression of NF-M in cultured cortical neurons. Immunostaining of 12 and 24 h cultures revealed strong expression of NF-M in axonal growth cone and in the region of a soma toward the axon. Doublestaining of 4 and 14 DIV corical neurons with NF-M and PSD95 antibodies revealed that both axon and dendrites were stained intensely with NF-M antibody, and that NF-M immunostaining along dendrites is often punctate and colocalize with PSD95 puncta, indicating that the puncta represent postsynaptic spines. Presence of NF-M in the postsynaptic spine was also indicated by immunoblot analysis of the postsynaptic density fraction. Taken together, our results show intensive targeting of NF-M into axons in the early axonal development, and into spines in mature neurons, indicating its important functions in axon and spine development.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2005.05a
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• pp.85-90
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• 2005

Diesel exhaust Particles (DEPs) are known to induce allergic responses in airway epithelial cells, such as the production of various cytokines via nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$). However. the intracellular signal transduction pathways underlying this phenomenon have not been fully examined. This study showed that DEP induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity via transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and $NF-{\kappa}B$-inducing kinase (NIK) in L2 rat lung epithelial cells. DEP induced the $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent reporter activity approximately two-to three-fold in L2 cells. However, this effect was abolished by the expression of the dominant negative forms of TAK1 or NIK. Furthermore, it was shown that DEP induced TAK1 phosphorylation in the L2 cells. These results suggest that TAK1 and NIK are important mediators of DEP-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.128-134
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• 2016

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a cell surface molecule to initiate a variety of cellular responses through interacting with other cell adhesion molecules in a homophilic or heterophilic manner. Although its expression was found to be upregulated in some tumor cells, including cholangiocarcinomas, and ovarian cancers, and many studies have investigated the role of L1CAM in these cancers, its role in inflammatory responses has been poorly understood. In this study, we explored the role of L1CAM in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. L1CAM significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO), but induced cell proliferation in RAW264.7 cells. L1CAM expression was detectable, but its expression was markedly decreased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS was dramatically suppressed by L1CAM in RAW264.7 cells. L1CAM inhibited the transcriptional activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 while its cytoplasmic domain deletion form, $L1{\Delta}CD$ did not suppressed their activities in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, L1CAM suppressed nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 as well as c-Jun, c-Fos and p-ATF2 which are transcription factors of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1, respectively. In conclusion, L1CAM suppressed inflammatory responses in macrophages through inhibiting NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 pathways.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2001

A cell-based assay system for monitoring NF-$textsc{k}$B activity was developed to determine the influence of activated NF-$textsc{k}$B in human HaCaT cells. The pNF-$textsc{k}$B-SEAP-NPT plasmid that permits expression of the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reported gene in response to the NF-$textsc{k}$B activity and contains neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT) gene for the geneticin resistance in host cells was constructed and transfected into human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. Human HaCaT transfectant cells secreted the SEAP enzyme into the culture medium in a time-dependent manner until 72h. NF-$textsc{k}$B activities were measured in the SEAP reporter gene assay using a fluorescent detection method. The treatment of HaCaT cell transfectants with known antioxidants [e.g., N-acetyl-L-cysteine and vitamin C] showed inhibition of NF-$textsc{k}$B activity in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. The phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) known as a stimulator of NF-$textsc{k}$B expression demonstrated that it increased NF-$textsc{k}$B activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This assay system could be used to determine the quantitative measurement of NF-$textsc{k}$B activity in the human skin and allow the screening of anti-inflammatory agents from various synthetic chemicals and natural products for dermatological purpose. Abbrevitions used: NF-$textsc{k}$B, nuclear factor kappa B; I-$textsc{k}$B, Inhibitory kappa B; SEAP, secreted alkaline phosphatase; NPT, neomycin phosphotransferease; PCR, polymerase chain reaction: dNTP, deoxynucleoside triphosphates; DMEM, dulbecco’s modified eagle medium; FBS, fetal bovine serum; PBs, phosphate-buffered saline; MUP, 4-methylumbellifery phosphate; NAC, N-acetyl-L-cysteine; DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide; PMA, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.490-496
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• 2020

Consumption of anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals may help treat or prevent inflammation-related illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This study evaluated the effect of Croton hirtus L'Hér extract (CHE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling cascades. CHE significantly suppressed LPS-induced NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 macrophages, although cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression was not affected. CHE also suppressed LPS-induced IκB kinase (IKK), IκB, and p65 phosphorylation in RAW264.7 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays of cytosol and nuclear p65 and the catalytic subunit of NF-κB showed that CHE suppressed LPS-induced p65 translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. CHE also suppressed LPS-induced Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that CHE prevents NO-mediated inflammation by suppressing NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.183-193
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• 2020

Recently, as a natural substance has been emphasized interest in research to enhance the immune function. Green lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular vegetable used fresh and it contains various phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds, and has been reported to have various physiological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and anti-mutagenic. However, only a few studies have investigated on the mechanism of action of immune-enhancing activity of lettuce. Therefore, in this study, the immunomodulatory activities and potential mechanism of action of Green lettuce extracts (GLE) were evaluated in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. GLE significantly increased NO levels by RAW264.7 cells, as well as expressions of immunomodulators such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and MCP-1. Although GLE activated ERK1/2, p38, JNK and NF-κB, GLE-mediated expressions of immunomodulators was dependent on p38, JNK and NF-κB. In addition, TLR4 inhibition blocked GLE-mediated expressions of immunomodulators and activation of p38, JNK and NF-κB. Taken together, these results demonstrated that TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathways participated in GLE-induced macrophage activation and GLE could be developed as a potential immunomodulating functional food.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.1415-1421
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an L-arginine supplementation and regular exercise training on NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS, Cav-1, eNOS and Ang II in the aortas of D-galactose (D-gal) induced aging rats. The male Strague-Dawley rats were treated with a D-galactose aging inducing agent; the D-gal injection (50 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally for 12 wk. Experimental groups were divided into five groups: (1) Young control group (Y-Con, n=8), (2) Aging control group (A-Con, n=8), (3) Aging exercise group (A-Ex, n=8), (4) Aging exercise group with L-arginine supplementation group (A-Ex+A, n=8), and (5) Aging with L-arginine supplementation group (A-A, n=8). The exercise consisted of running on a treadmill for 60 min/day at 20 m/min for 6 day/wk, at 0% gradient for 12 wk. The L-arginine supplementation was given orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day for 12 wk. The findings of this study were as follows: 1. NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS, Cav-1 and Ang II proteins in the aortas of D-gal induced rats were significantly increased, however, L-arginine supplementation and regular exercise resulted in a significant inhibition in the expression of NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS, Cav-1 and Ang II proteins. 2. eNOS protein in the aortas of D-gal induced rats was significantly decreased, however, L-arginine supplementation and regular exercise resulted in a significant increase in the expression of eNOS proteins. In conclusion, the findings of the present study reveal that L-arginine supplementation alone or regular exercise alone or in combination with L-arginine supplementation for 12 wk increases anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and iNOS protein expressions within the aortic tissue. In addition, L-arginine supplementation alone or regular exercise alone or in combination with L-arginine supplementation may prevent endothelial function by up-regulation of eNOS protein in the aortas of D-gal induced aging rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.344-350
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• 2012

Previously, we showed that Dangguisoo-san (DGSS), an herbal formula that has been traditionally used for the treatment of blood stagnation, is also applicable for inflammatory lung diseases. Activation of Nrf2, an anti-inflammatory transcription factor, and suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$, a pro-inflammatory transcription factor, were suggested as an underlying mechanism. However, the constituents responsible for these activities remain unidentified. To this end, we prepared the water extracts of the 9 constituents of DGSS and tested for their effect on Nrf2 by using an Nrf2-Luciferase reporter cell line and western blot analysis. Results show that Carthamus tinctorius L.(CT), one of the 9 constituents of DGSS, strongly activated Nrf2. Similarly, when measured the effect of the 9 constituents on NF-${\kappa}B$ by using an NF-${\kappa}B$-Luciferase reporter cell line and western blotting for nuclear p65, indicative of activated NF-${\kappa}B$, most constituents were capable of suppressing NF-${\kappa}B$ in various degrees. However, CT and Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) strongly suppressed NF-${\kappa}B$ activity elicited by LPS. Of note, CT activated Nrf2 and suppressed NF-${\kappa}B$ strongly as well. Our results contributes to corroborating the anti-inflammatory effects of DGSS by identifying CT and CR as two major herbs responsible for activating Nrf2 and suppressing NF-${\kappa}B$. These results suggest that CT and CR represent some of the effects of DGSS in the regulation of inflammation.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.154-158
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• 2015

In this study, the catalytic activity of ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ was investigated for the decomposition of $NF_3$. Reactions for $NF_3$ decomposition were carried out in the range of reaction temperature of $330{\sim}730^{\circ}C$ and GHSV of $3,000{\sim}15,000mL/g-cat{\cdot}h$ in a fixed-bed catalytic reactor system. Thermal decomposition of $NF_3$ was also performed in order to compare with the catalytic decomposition of $NF_3$. The conversion of $NF_3$ by the catalytic decomposition at $400^{\circ}C$ was four times higher than that of the thermal decomposition. It was confirmed that the reaction behavior of $NF_3$ over ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ exhibited two reaction pathways in the presence of steam. Fluorine in $NF_3$ over ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ was chemically absorbed to $AlF_3$ by the gas-solid reaction in the absence of steam. The catalytic decomposition of $NF_3$ occurred by hydrolysis with steam. It was also confirmed by FT-IR analysis that $NF_3$ was completely decomposed to NOx and HF above $500^{\circ}C$.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.214-219
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• 2005

Chunghyuldan (Qingxuedan in Chinese) (CHD) has been used for patients with atherosclerosis and brain ischemia in Korea. To evaluate antiischemic activity of CHD, its antiinflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 cells was investigated. CHD potently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced BV-2 cells with an $IC_{50}$ value of 4.8${\mu}g/ml$. CHD did not only inhibit mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-induced BV-2 cells, but also repressed mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-l$\beta$ and TNF-$\alpha$. CHD also downregulated the activation of NF-kB and AP-l transcription factors induced by LPS. These results suggest that CHD may improve inflammatory brain ischemia by the downregulation the activation of NF-kB and AP-l transcription factors.