• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.44.2-44.2
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• 2013

The local environmental effects on the active galactic nucleus(AGN) activity has been studied by many authors, but there is still controversy. We performed statistical analysis for nearby(0.01 < z < 0.05) volume limited(Mr < -19) sample via visual inspection based on Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release7. We visually inspect around 50,000 galaxy images to find peculiar objects which show not only ongoing merging features and tidal features, but also post merging features like shell or ring structures. We found that the frequency of AGN host galaxies is at least 2 times higher among peculiar galaxies than non-peculiar galaxies, and this trend is still visible when galaxy properties such as color or stellar mass are fixed. Furthermore, L[OIII] of peculiar galaxies is found to be more increased than those of normal galaxies. The majority of the most luminous AGN hosts show peculiar feature, which indicates that the luminous AGN galaxies may be the result of the local environmental effects. In addition, the enhancement of L[OIII] in peculiar galaxies is more significant for bluer galaxies, which implies that AGN activity is enhanced effectively when gas is available. In order to ensure our results, we also checked it for a smaller subsample with 2 magnitude deeper monochromatic images provided by SDSS Stripe82 database, and found consistent results. Overall, the results of this study tell us that the local environment of galaxies affects the frequency as well as the strength of AGN activity.

• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 2017

Recently, we demonstrated that superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) is a strong candidate for biomedicine. Anti-oxidant function of SOD3 was accomplished without cell penetration, and it inhibited the inflammatory responses via non-enzymatic functions. SOD3 has the heparin binding domain associating cell surface. Interestingly, we found that $Zn^{2+}$ promotes transduction effects of recombinant human SOD3 (rhSOD3) by increasing uptake via the heparin binding domain (HBD). We demonstrated an uptake of rhSOD3 from media to cell lysate via HBD, resulting in an accumulation of rhSOD3 in the nucleus, which was promoted by the presence of $Zn^{2+}$. This resulted in increased inhibitory effects of rhSOD3 on NF-{\kappa}B and STAT3 signals in the presence of $Zn^{2+}$, which shows elevated association of rhSOD3 into the cells. These results suggest that an optimized procedure can help to enhance the inflammatory efficacy of rhSOD3, as a novel biomedicine.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 2017

Objectives : Bufalin is one of the bioactive component of 'Sum Su (蟾酥)', which is obtained from the skin and parotid venom gland of toad. Bufalin has been known to possess the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in various cancer cells. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has concerned, because it can selectively induce apoptotic cell death in many types of malignant cells, while it is relatively non-toxic to normal cells. Here, we investigated whether bufalin can trigger TRAIL-induced apoptotic cell death in EJ human bladder cancer cells. Methods : Effects on the cell viability and apoptotic activity were quantified using MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. To investigate the morphological change of nucleus, DAPI staining was performed. Protein expressions were measured by immunoblotting. Results : A combined treatment with bufalin (10 nM) and TRAIL (50 ng/ml) significantly promoted TRAIL-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis in EJ cells. The apoptotic effects were associated with the up-regulation of death receptor proteins, and the down-regulation of cFLIP and XIAP. Moreover, our data showed that bufalin and TRAIL combination activated caspases and subsequently increased degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Conclusions : Taken altogether, the nontoxic doses of bufalin sensitized TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in EJ cells. Therefore, bufalin might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the safe treatment of TRAIL-resistant bladder cancers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10495-10500
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• 2015

Background: To evaluate the effects of bufalin in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells in vitro and assess the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Human A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were treated with various concentrations of bufalin. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay, apoptotic cell percentage was calculated by flow cytometry and morphological change was observed by inverted phase contrast microscopy/transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the membrane potential of mitochondria was detected by JC-1 fluorescence microscopy assay, and the related protein expression of cytochrome C and caspase-3 was analyzed by Western blotting. Results: Bufalin could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells via induction of apoptosis, with the evidence of characteristic morphological changes in the nucleus and mitochondria. Furthermore, bufalin decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential with up-regulation of cytochrome C in the cytosol, and activation of caspase-3. Conclusions: Bufalin inhibits the proliferation of A549 cells and triggers mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, pointing to therapeutic application for NSCLC.

• BMB Reports
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.583-589
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• 2002

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 is a cytoplasmic-transcription factor that is phosphorylated by Janus kinases (Jak) in response to interferon $\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$). The phosphorylated STAT1 translocates to the nucleus, where it turns on specific sets of IFN-$\gamma$-inducible genes, such as the interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1. We show here that gamma irradiation reduces the IFN-$\gamma$ mRNA expression. The inhibition of the STAT1 phosphorylation and the IRF-1 expression by gamma irradiation was also observed. In contrast, the mRNA levels of IL-5 and transcription factor GATA-3 were slightly induced by gamma irradiation when compared to the non-irradiated sample. Furthermore, we detected the inhibition of cell-mediated immunity by gamma irradiation in the allogenic-mixed lymphocytes' reaction (MLR). These results postulate that gamma irradiation induces the polarized-Th2 response and interferes with STAT1 signals, thereby causing the immunosuppression of the Th1 response.

• The Journal of Korea CHUNA Manual Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.55-65
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• 2000

The present study retrospectively investigated clinical outcome at patients with low back pain or sciatica during Chuna treatment (flexion-distraction technique). The study population consisted of 29 patients. Discogenic group consisted of 21 patients who were already diagnosed as HNP of lumbar spine with serial MRIs(magnetic resonance imaging) or CTs(computerized tomography). Simple LBP group consisted of 8 patients with low back pain & sciatica who were non-specific disorder on radiologic examination. All patients were treated with flexion-distraction technique, one of Chuna technique, under analysis of Moire Topography. And the evaluation of clinical outcome was done twice during this study by Moire Topography Analytic Point and Low Back Pain Assesment, Visual Analogue Scale. The results were summarized as follows; Total improvement rate of Moire Topography was $25.8{\pm}17.8%$, and the rate of Low Back Pain Assesment was $56.5{\pm}23.0%$, Visual Analogue Scale of post-treatment was $32.6{\pm}22.5$ Between Improvement rate of Moire Topography and improvement rate of Low Back Pain Assesment, significant correlation was proved(Person's coefficient was 0.381, p<0.05). After all, it is certain improvement of Moire Topography represents symptom's improvement.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.390-395
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• 2017

The present study investigated the sedative effects of Sophora flavescens (SF) and its bioactive compound, matrine through performing locomotor activity test and the electroencephalography (EEG) analysis in the rat. The underlying neural mechanism of their beneficial effects was determined by assessing c-Fos immunoreactivity and serotonin (5-HT) in the brain utilizing immunohistochemical method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that SF and matrine administration had an effect on normalization of caffeine-induced hyperactivity and promoting a shift toward non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. c-Fos-immunoreactivity and 5-HT level in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), a sleep promoting region, were increased in the both SF and matrine-injected groups. In conclusion, SF and its bioactive compound, matrine alleviated caffeine-induced hyperactivity and promoted NREM sleep by activating VLPO neurons and modulating serotonergic transmission. It is suggested that SF might be a useful natural alternatives for hypnotic medicine.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.116-116
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• 2002

Further development of reconstructed embryos may be dependent upon the synchronization of donor nucleus and recipient cytoplasm at cell fusion, To control the synchronization of donor and recipient cells, the enucleated MII arrested oocytes are artificially stimulated prior to embryo reconstruction. Destruction of cyclin B results in the exit of cells from M-phase of cell cycle. This study was designed to investigate the effects of single or combined stimulation affected cyclin B1 mRNA and protein levels in mouse oocytes. The oocyte activation was induced by 7% ethanol or 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ Ca-ionophore without (single) or with (combined) 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ cycloheximide. Competitive quantitative PCR for cyclin Bl mRNA and western blot analysis for cyclin B1 protein was preformed in mouse oocytes. Cyclin B1 mRNA level was significantly reduced in single (P<0.05) and combined (P<0.05) stimulation groups. However, this level did not change in non-activated group and increased in intact group. Cyclin B1 protein level was also significantly reduced in both single (P<0.05) and combined (P<0.05) stimulation groups. In conclusion, single and combined stimulation induces the degradation of cyclin B1 mRNA and protein after activation in enucleated mouse oocytes.

• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.318-322
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• 2017

Brain cytoplasmic 200 RNA (BC200 RNA) is a neuron-specific non-coding RNA, implicated in the inhibition of local synaptodendritic protein synthesis, and is highly expressed in some cancer cells. Although BC200 RNA has been shown to inhibit translation in vitro, the cellular location of this inhibition is unknown. In this study, we used a BC200 RNA-recognizing antibody to identify the cellular locations of BC200 RNA in HeLa cervical carcinoma cells. We observed punctate signals in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and further discovered that BC200 RNA co-localized with the p-body decapping enzyme, DCP1A, and the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein E2 (hnRNP E2). The latter is a known BC200 RNA-binding partner protein and a constituent of p-bodies. This suggests that BC200 RNA is localized to p-bodies via hnRNP E2.

• ALGAE
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.277-288
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• 2011

The marine unicellular red algal genus Rhodella was established in 1970 by L. V. Evans with a single species R. maculata based on nuclear projections into the pyrenoid. Porphyridium violaceum was described by P. Kornmann in 1965 and transferred to Rhodella by W. Wehrmeyer in 1971 based on plastid features and the non-parietal position of the nucleus. Molecular and fine structural evidences have now revealed that Rhodella maculata and R. violacea are one species, so R. violacea has nomenclatural priority and the correct name is Rhodella violacea (Kornmann) Wehrmeyer. The status of families within Rhodellophyceae was examined. The order Dixoniellales and family Dixoniellaceae are emended to include only Dixoniella and Neorhodella. The order Rhodellales and family Rhodellaceae are emended to include Rhodella and Corynoplastis. Glaucosphaera vacuolata Korshikov and the Glaucosphaeraceae Skuja (1954) with an emended description are transferred to the Glaucosphaerales ord. nov.