• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.282-287
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• 2014

We show that silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), inhibits cytokine mixture (CM: TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, and IL-$1{\beta}$)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in the pancreatic beta cell line MIN6N8a. Immunostaining and Western blot analysis showed that silymarin inhibits iNOS gene expression. RT-PCR showed that silymarin inhibits iNOS gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. We also showed that silymarin inhibits extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. A MEK1 inhibitor abrogated CM-induced nitrite production, similar to silymarin. Treatment of MIN6N8a cells with silymarin also inhibited CM-stimulated activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, which is important for iNOS transcription. Collectively, we demonstrate that silymarin inhibits NO production in pancreatic beta cells, and silymarin may represent a useful anti-diabetic agent.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.267-274
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• 2019

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of the families of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PAMPs stimulate TLRs to initiate specific immunoactivity. The activation of TLRs signaling leads to the expression of pro-inflammatory gene products such as cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). To evaluate the therapeutic potential of dehydrocostus lactone (DHL), which is a natural sesquiterpene lactone derived from various medicinal plants, iNOS expression induced by LPS (TLR4 agonist), MALP-2 (TLR2 and TLR6 agonist), or Poly[I:C] (TLR3 agonist) were examined. DHL suppressed the iNOS expression induced by LPS, MALP-2, or Poly[I:C]. DHL also inhibited nitrite production induced by LPS, MALP-2, or Poly[I:C]. These results suggest that DHL can modulate TLRs signaling pathways resulting in anti-inflammatory effect.

• 약학회지
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.311-318
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• 2003

Eurya emarginata (Thunb.) Makino (Theaceae) is distributed in coastal areas of island. The leaves of Eurya are used in the traditional medicine of the coastal areas of jeju island with the aim of diuresis or to treat ulcers. Nevertheless, there are few reports on the biological activity and constituents of E. emarginata. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological activity of the solvent extracts of E. emarginata on the several inflammatory markers (TNF-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, NO, iNOS and COX-2). Also we examined the antioxidizing effect of the solvent extracts by determination of DPPH radical-scavenging activity. Among the solvent fractions, EtOAc and BuOH extracts showed potent radical scavenging activity (RC$_{50}$=10.9 and 12.7 respectively). The subtractions of EF 5-4-6-3-2 and BF 1 potentially inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$) at the concentration of 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mι. Also the fractions inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$) and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 at the concentration of 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mι. And then, the inhibition of iNOS was correlated with the decrease of nitrite level. These results suggest that E. emarginata may have anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2.2.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.181-185
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• 2014

본 연구에서는 eNOS 유전자에 대한 한국인 특이적 SNP를 확인하고자 하였다. eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase)는 내피세포에서 발현되는 산화질소(nitric oxide, NO)를 합성하는 유전자로 관동맥 연축 및 혈압에 영향을 미친다. 이 유전자는 발현이 항상 일정한 constitutivegene으로 7번 염색체에 위치한다. 최근 연구 보고에 따르면 exon 7에 해당하는 894번째 염기 변이[G894T (Glu298Asp)]의 다형성이 심근경색 및 관상동맥 경련의 발병원에 기여하는 유전적 요소일 가능성으로 제시되었다. SNP가 모든 환자에게서 직접적으로 질환의 원인은 아닐지라도 일부 환자에게서는 상당한 연관성이 있다고 보여지고, 인종 간에도 차이가 있기 때문에 인종별로 이를 정확히 분석하는 것이 유전자 진단에 핵심이 될 것으로 생각된다. eNOS 유전자에서 다형성 부분에 해당하는 sense primer와 antisense primer를 고안, 제작하였으며, ARMS 기법에 기초한 방법으로 allele 특이적인 산물이 생성될 수 있게 하였다. eNOS의 G894T는 wild type (W/W)이 95명, heterozygote type (W/S)이 9명 확인되었다. SNP homozygote type (S/S)은 나타나지 않았다. 환자에서는 W/W 19명, W/S 1명으로 역시 S/S은 나타나지 않았다. 본 연구를 통해 eNOS에 대한 한국인 특이적 다형성의 확인과 진단이 보다 신속 정확하게 이루어질 수 있는 기반이 마련될 것으로 기대된다.

• 영재교육연구
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.391-405
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• 2011

과학의 본성이 과학 교육에서 차지하는 의미에 비하여 실제 과학 영재교육에서는 과학 영재들의 과학의 본성에 대한 인식을 향상시키기 위한 획기적인 수업이 제공되고 있지 않다. 과학영재 담당 교사들에게 과학의 본성에 대한 효율적 수업 구성을 위한 기초 자료를 제공하고자, 본 연구의 과학 영재들의 과학의 본성에 대한 인식을 알아보고 인식 간에 존재하는 상충된 관점을 파악하였다. 연구는 서울의 한 대학부설 영재센터에 재학 중인 중학생 과학영재 73명을 대상으로 VNOS를 활용하였다. 인식조사 결과, 과학영재 학생들은 '과학지식의 잠정성' 영역을 제외한 다섯 개 영역에서 인식의 개선이 요구되었고 과학의 본성영역 간에도 서로 일치하지 않는 관점을 보였다. 과학 영재학생들의 과학의 본성에 대한 인식을 전문가적 관점으로 향상시키고 각 요소 간에 일관적인 관점을 갖도록 이끌기 위하여 두 가지를 제안한다. 첫째는, 실험 자료와 과학적 지식에 대한 인식을 변화시키기 위해 지식을 확인하기 위한 실험에서 지식을 구성해가는 과정을 강조하는 실험으로 바뀔 필요가 있다는 것이다. 둘째는 과학에 대한 안목을 넓히기 위해 과학자 문화와 과학자 공동체에 다양한 방법으로 경험할 기회가 제공되어야 할 것이다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.441-447
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• 2003

Protein kinase C (PKC)가 interleukin-1 beta (IL-1$\beta$)에 의하여 산화질소(NO) 생성과정에 어떤 역할을 하는지를 검토하기 위하여, 혈관평활근세포에서 PKC 활성제인 phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)로 전처리한 후 IL-1$\beta$에 의하여 야기되는 NO생성을 nitrite ($NO_2$)로 정량하고, RT-PCR method를 이용하여 iNOS 발현에 미치는 영향을 검토하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. PMA (20, 200 nM)는 IL-1$\beta$에 의한$NO_2$ 생성을 유의하게 증가시켰다. PMA 200 nM, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate 500 nM로 전처리하여 8, 24시간 노출된 세포에서 IL-1$\beta$에 의한 NO2생성이 현저히 감소되었으나, PKC 비활성제인 4$\alpha$-phorbol-didecanoate 200 nM로 전처리한 경우는 영향을 받지 아니하였다. PMA 농도를 달리하여 24시간 전처리한 경우 IL-1$\beta$에 의한 $NO_2$ 생성의 감소는 PMA의 농도가 20및 200 nM에서 현저하였다. RT-PCR method를 이용하여 iNOS 발현을 검토한바 IL-1$\beta$ 100U/ml에 의한 iNOS발현이 PMA전처리 및 cycloheximide 또는 actinomycin D존재로서 현저히 억제 되었다. 이상의 결과로 미루어 혈관평활근세포에서 PMA 전처리로 야기되는 IL-1$\beta$에 의한 NO 생성의 감소는, PKC 조절저하작용에 의한 iNOS 발현의 억제로 야기되는 것 같다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.192-202
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• 2009

Background: Little information is available the role of Nitric Oxide (NO) in host defenses during human tuberculosis (TB) infection. We investigated the modulating factor(s) affecting NO synthase (iNOS) induction in human macrophages. Methods: Both iNOS mRNA and protein that regulate the growth of mycobacteria were determined using reverase transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The upstream signaling pathways were further investigated using iNOS specific inhibitors. Results: Here we show that combined treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) and Interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ synergistically enhanced NO synthesis and iNOS expression induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or by its purified protein derivatives in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Both the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ and MEK1-ERK1/2 pathways were indispensable in the induction of iNOS expression, as shown in toll like receptor 2 stimulation. Further, the combined treatment with 1,25-D3 and IFN-${\gamma}$ was more potent than either agent alone in the inhibition of intracellular MTB growth. Notably, this enhanced effect was not explained by increased expression of cathelicidin, a known antimycobacterial effector of 1,25-D3. Conclusion: These data support a key role of NO in host defenses against TB and identify novel modulating factors for iNOS induction in human macrophages.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.165-172
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• 2005

The aim of this study was to determine the roles of ET-1 and NO on uterine blood flow in pregnancy. Uterine arteries were isolated from 17 nonpregnant and 12 pregnant women. Nonpregnant group included patients with median age of $48.6{\pm}2.3$ years who underwent hysterectomy, because of myoma. Pregnant group included patients with median age of $31.3{\pm}1.4$ years undergoing cesarean delivery. ET-1 and ET-2 induced concentration-dependent contraction in isolated nonpregnant and pregnant uterine arteries. The contractile response and maximal contraction were increased in pregnant uterine arteries. In nonpregnant uterine arteries, there was no contraction in response to ET-3, whereas pregnancy induced concentration-dependent contraction by ET-3. Tissue nitrite/nitrate level and immunohistochemical staining of eNOS and iNOS were increased in pregnant uterine arteries, compared with nonpregnant uterine arteries. In addition, the expressions of eNOS and iNOS mRNA were significantly increased in pregnancy. Moreover, contractions by ET isopeptides, including ET-1, were enhanced, and immunohistochemical staining of ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA expression was increased in pregnant uterine arteries. These results suggest that NO production by increased NOS activity, especially eNOS activity, is related to placental and uterine blood flow. Furthermore, ET-1 appears to play a pathophysiological role in pregnant complications such as hypertension.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.15-27
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• 2004

Objectives : Acupuncture has been used to prevent and treat the cerebrovascular accident, such as a stroke, and many studies of acupuncture and moxibustion concerning to the stroke have been undertaken in the human and various animals. Also, herbal acupuncture, namely aqua acupuncture has been applied and developed to various diseases including the cerebrovascular accident. FOLIUM ARTEMISIAE ARGYI is the dry leaf of Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant. collected in summer before the plant blooms and used to moxibustion and has been recommended for use as an analgesic and hemostatic. In this study, effects of FOLIUM ARTEMISIAE ARGYI (艾葉)' herbal acupuncture on the $LR_3$, namely Taechung on neuroprotection after the transient forebrain ischemia were investigated in Sprague-Dawely rats. Methods : Expressions of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein in the hippocampus and cortex were observed at 2 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia by immunohistochemistry. Results : Expression of nNOS protein was increased in the hippocampus and cortex at 2 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia. However, pretreatment with FOLIUM ARTEMISIAE ARGYI' herbal acupuncture on $LR_3$ significantly decreased expression of nNOS protein protein compared to ischemia group. These features were observed in the motor cortex and the hippocampus. Conclusions : These results suggest that pretreatment with FOLIUM ARTEMISIAE ARGYI' herbal acupuncture on $LR_3$ inhibits the expression of nNOS protein induced by transient forebrain ischemia and may modulate excitatory toxicity of neuron related to neuronal cell death.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.120-127
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• 2008

Purpose: Many studies on the time course of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression have been performed in the LPS (Lipopolysaccharide)-induced endotoxemic model, but there have been few experimental approaches to continuous peritonitis-induced sepsis model. We conducted this study to establish basic data for future sepsis-related research by investigating the time course of iNOS gene expression and the relationship with the production of inflammatory mediators in the early sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were operated on by sing the CLP method to induce of peritonitis; and then, they were sacrificed and samples of blood and lung tissues were obtained at various times (1,2,3,6,9 and 12 h after CLP). We observed the expression of iNOS mRNA from lung tissues and measured the synthesis of nitric oxide, $IL-1{\beta}$, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from the blood. Results: iNOS mRNA began to be expressed at 3 h and was maintained untill 12 h after CLP. The nitric oxide concentration was increased significantly at 6 h, reached its peak level at 9 h, and maintained a plateau untill 12 h after CLP. $TNF-{\alpha}$ began to be detected at 3 h, increased gradually, and decreased steeply from 9 h after CLP. $IL-1{\beta}$ showed its peak level at 6 h after CLP, and tended to decrease without significance. Conclusion: We observed that the iNOS gene was expressed later in peritonitis-induced sepsis than in LPS-induced sepsis. Nitric oxide and key inflammatory mediators were also expressed later in peritonitis-induced sepsis than in LPS-induced sepsis.