• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.28-41
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• 2024

Objective: Chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) can lead to serious disorders of the male reproductive system, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the onset of these dysfunctions. Thus, we evaluated the impact of caffeine, a potent antioxidant, on cellular and tissue disorders in mice with chronic SHT. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Apart from the non-treated control group, all were exposed to heat stress. Two groups, termed "preventive" and "curative," were orally administered caffeine. The preventive mice began receiving caffeine immediately prior to heat exposure, while for the curative group, a caffeine regimen was initiated 15 consecutive days following cessation of heat exposure. Each treated group was subdivided based on pairing with a positive control (Pre/ curative [Cur]+PC) or a vehicle (Pre/Cur+vehicle). Upon conclusion of the study, we assessed sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, antioxidant and oxidant levels, and molecular markers. Results: Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, biochemical factors (excluding malondialdehyde [MDA]), and c-kit gene expression were significantly elevated in the preventive and curative groups, especially the former, relative to the other groups. Conversely, expression levels of the heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) genes, MDA levels, and apoptotic cell density were markedly lower in both caffeine-treated groups relative to the other groups, with more pronounced differences observed in the preventive group. Conclusion: Overall, caffeine attenuated cellular and molecular abnormalities induced by heat stress in the testis, particularly in the mice treated under the preventive condition.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.1243-1255
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of enzyme (Viscozyme)-treated garlic extract (EG) in an animal model of acute enteritis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The experiment included four subgroups: normal, control, EG200 (treated with 200 mg/kg EG), and EG400 (treated with 400 mg/kg EG). Drug administration lasted 3 days, followed by the induction of acute enteritis in all groups (except normal) through the intraperitoneal administration of 20 mg/kg of LPS 1 h after the last oral dose. Autopsy was conducted 24 h later to collect serum and colon tissue. Serum was analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and C-reactive protein (CRP), while Western blotting was performed on the colon tissue. Results: After analyzing the ROS and CRP levels in serum, the EG treatment group exhibited a significant decrease compared with the control group. The EG treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB) pathway compared with the control group. EG administration significantly regulated apoptosis-related factors, including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X, cysteine aspartyl-specific protease-3, and cytochrome C. Conclusions: EG treatment in mice with LPS-induced acute colitis reduced the ROS and CRP levels, suppressed the MAPKs/NF-κB pathway in the colon, and effectively alleviated acute enteritis by modulating apoptosis-related factors. Based on these findings, EG emerges as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of acute colitis, showing its potential therapeutic efficacy in this experimental model.

• Journal of Web Engineering
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• 제14권14호
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• pp.2853-2869
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• 2022

Allergy is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated process, and its incidence and prevalence have increased worldwide in recent years. Therapeutic agents for allergic diseases are continuously being developed, but side effects follow when used for a long-term use. Therefore, treatments based on natural products that are safe for the body are urgently required. Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) pod (SBP) has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases, but there is still no scientific basis for its anti-allergic effect. Accordingly, this study investigates the anti-allergic effect and its mechanism of SBP in vitro and in vivo. SBP reduced the nitric oxide production and decreased mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory mediates (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), and inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a major signaling molecule in the inflammatory response. Additionally, SBP extract treatment inhibited phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) signaling activity to further inhibit degranulation and allergy mediator generation and control the balance of Th1/Th2 cells, which can induce an allergic reaction when disrupted. Furthermore, the SBP extract exhibited anti-allergic effects in anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced RBL-2H3 cells and ovalbumin-treated mice. These findings have potential clinical implications for the treatment as well as prevention of allergic diseases.

• International Journal of Molecular Medicine
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.2171-2180
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• 2019

Pistacia weinmannifolia (Anacardiaceae) has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of influenza, dysentery and enteritis in China. It was recently observed that P. weinmannifolia root extract (PWRE) exerts anti-inflammatory effects both in in vitro and in vivo models. Based on the results from previous studies, the present study investigated the protective effect of PWRE on airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. Treatment with PWRE significantly decreased the number of eosinophils and the levels of Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, in the bronchialveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of OVA-exposed mice. PWRE decreased the high serum levels of total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E. PWRE also effectively inhibited the influx of inflammatory cells into the lung, as well as airway mucus hypersecretion. In addition, the increased level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was significantly decreased with the PWRE treatment in the BALF of OVA-exposed mice and in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. These protective effects of PWRE on OVA-induced pulmonary inflammation were accompanied by the downregulation of mitogen associated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB activation. Thus, the results from the present study indicate that PWRE could be valuable adjuvant for the treatment of asthma.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제62권3호
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• pp.281-293
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• 2024

We previously reported that leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) contained in Trichomonas vaginalis-derived secretory products (TvSP) play an essential role in interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells) via LTB₄ receptor (BLT)-mediated Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Dynamin, a GTPase, has been known to be involved in endocytosis of receptors for signaling of production of cytokine or chemokines. In the present study, we investigated the role of dynamin-mediated BLT1 endocytosis in TvSP-induced IL-8 production. When HMC-1 cells were transfected with BLT1 or BLT2 siRNA, TvSP-induced IL-8 production was significantly inhibited compared with that in cells transfected with control siRNA. In addition, pretreatment of HMC-1 cells with a dynamin inhibitor (Dynasore) reduced IL-8 production induced by TvSP or LTB₄. TvSP- or LTB₄-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB was also attenuated by pretreatment with Dynasore. After exposing HMC-1 cells to TvSP or LTB₄, BLT1 was translocated from the intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane within 30 min. At 60 min after stimulation with TvSP or LTB₄, BLT1 remigrated from the cell surface to intracellular areas. Pretreatment of HMC-1 cells with dynamin-2 siRNA blocked internalization of BLT1 induced by TvSP or LTB₄. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that dynamin-2 strongly interacted with BLT1 60 min after stimulation with TvSP or LTB₄. These results suggest that T. vaginalis-secreted LTB₄ induces IL-8 production in HMC-1 cells via dynamin 2-mediated endocytosis of BLT1 and phosphorylation of NF-κB.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권3호
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• pp.247-259
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• 2024

Objective: Bis-[4-chlorophenyl]-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), one of the most widely used synthetic pesticides, is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with the potential to interfere with the human reproductive system. The effects of DDT and one of its metabolites, p,p'-DDT, on human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and health outcomes remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether p,p'-DDT induces an imbalance in cell proliferation and apoptosis in human ESCs via oxidative stress. Methods: We assessed apoptosis in ESCs by quantifying the expression of markers associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Additionally, we measured levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activity, and estrogen receptors (ERs). We also examined changes in signaling involving nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Results: Following treatment with 1,000 pg/mL of p,p'-DDT, we observed an increase in Bax expression, a decrease in Bcl-2 expression, and increases in the expression of caspases 3, 6, and 8. We also noted a rise in the generation of ROS and a reduction in glutathione peroxidase expression after treatment with p,p'-DDT. Additionally, p,p'-DDT treatment led to changes in ER expression and increases in the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (phospho-AKT), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (phospho-ERK). Conclusion: p,p'-DDT was found to induce apoptosis in human ESCs through oxidative stress and an ER-mediated pathway. The activation of the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways could represent potential mechanisms by which p,p'-DDT prompts apoptosis in human ESCs and may be linked to endometrial pathologies.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.68.1-68.13
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• 2024

Importance: A relatively new therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis (OA), polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), shows potential in treating human OA due to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, studies on PDRN for canine OA are limited, and no study has investigated their use with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) conventionally used for OA treatment. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of PDRN and explore its combined effect with adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AdMSCs) in treating canine OA. Methods: To study the impact of PDRN, canine chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and AdMSCs were exposed to various PDRN concentrations, and viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8. The OA model was created by treating chondrocytes and synoviocytes with lipopolysaccharide, followed by treatment under three different conditions: PDRN alone, AdMSCs alone, and a combination of PDRN and AdMSCs. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms were investigated by quantitatively assessing pro-inflammatory cytokines, collagen degradation markers, adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A), and nuclear factor-kappa B. Results: PDRN alone and combined with AdMSCs significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and collagen degradation markers in an OA model. PDRN promoted AdMSC proliferation and upregulated ADORA2A expression. AdMSCs exhibited comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects through paracrine effects, and both substances reduced inflammatory gene expression through different mechanisms, potentially enhancing therapeutic effects. Conclusions and Relevance: The results indicate that PDRN is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory material that can be used independently or as an adjuvant for AdMSCs. Although additional research is necessary, this study is significant because it provides a foundation for future research at the cellular level.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.128-136
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• 2003

목 적 : Hyper IgM syndrome(HIGM)은 크게 세 부류로 나누는데, CD40L 분자의 돌연변이로 초래되며 X-linked로 유전되는 형태를 HIGM1이라고 하고, 상염색체성 열성 형태로 유전되면서 CD40L는 정상적으로 표현되는 형태로 activation-induced cytidine deaminase(AID) 유전자에 이상 때문에 오는 경우를 HIGM2로 분류하고 있다. 다른 한 부류는 X-linked HIGM 증후군의 매우 드문 한 형태로서 발한 저하성 외배엽 이형성증이 동반된 경우로, 이 질환은 전사인자인 nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$의 활성화에 관여하는 nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ essential modulator를 coding하는 유전자의 돌연변이 때문에 오는 것으로 알려져 있다. 연구자들은 HIGM2와 유사하지만 AID 유전자에 변이는 없는 새로운 형태의 HIGM 환자의 말초 B세포를 이용하여 병인을 조사하고자 본 연구를 시도하였다. 방 법 : 환자의 말초혈액 단핵구를 분리하고, EBV로 immortalization을 시켜 Cycle TEST PLUS DNA Reagent kit를 이용하여 cell cycle을 분석하였다. 환자의 말초혈액 T 세포에서 CD40L의 표현을 immunostaining으로 알아보고, RNA를 추출하여 RT-PCR을 하고 direct sequencing을 통하여 CD40L 유전자의 돌연변이 부위를 찾아보았다. 아울러 AID 유전자의 돌연변이를 찾기 위하여 같은 방법으로 sequencing하고 조사하였다. 환자의 림프절을 병리학적인 검사를 시행하고 CD3, CD23, CD40, Fas-L, bcl-2, BAX의 표현을 알아보기 위하여 immunostaining을 실시하였다. 결 과: 림프절의 광학적 소견은 반응성 여포증식의 소견을 보였으며, 여포와 단구양 증식은 B-세포 표시인자인 L26에 양성을 보였고, 대부분의 형질세포는 IgM에 양성을 보였다. 여포는 CD40, Fas, BAX에 양성반응을 보이고, bcl-2와 Fas-L에 음성반응을 보였다. 말초혈액 B 림프구를 이용하여 cell cycle을 분석한 결과 정상(17.9%)에 비하여 G2/mitosis phase(M3 in figure)가 현저하게 감소(8.5%)되어 있는 양상을 보여주고 있으며, IL-4로 자극한 경우에는 정상인에서 보여주는 양상으로 회복되는 양상을 볼 수 있었다. 단핵수에서 CD40L의 표현은 정상이었고 CD40L 유전자에도 돌연변이는 발견할 수 없었으며, HuAID 유전자에도 돌연변이를 발견할 수 없었다. 결 론 : 환자의 말초혈액 B림프구를 통한 연구 결과, 기존에 보고 되어진 HIGM2 형태와 임상적으로는 비슷하지만, 정상적인 AID유전자를 보이고, G2/mitosis phase가 정상에 비하여 감소된, 새로운 형태의 HIGM이라고 여겨진다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권9호
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• pp.818-826
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• 2021

5-ALA-p는 천연 아미노산인 5-ALA를 암모니아수로 용출하고 인산과 아세톤을 첨가하여 광역학 요법에 적합한 특성을 갖도록 개발된 물질이다. 그러나 항산화 및 항염증에 대한 잠재적인 기전을 포함한 약리학적 효능은 아직 명확하지 않다. 본 연구에서는 LPS로 자극된 RAW 264.7 세포에서 산화적 및 염증성 반응에 대한 5-ALA-p의 효과를 평가하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 의하면, 5-ALA-p는 LPS에 의한 RAW 264.7 세포의 과도한 식균 활성을 유의하게 억제하였고 산화적 스트레스를 약화시켰다. 5-ALA-p는 또한 LPS에 의해 감소된 미토콘드리아 생물 발생을 개선하였으며, 이는 5-ALA-p가 LPS로 인한 미토콘드리아 손상을 복원시켰음을 시사한다. 아울러 5-ALA-p는 NO와 TNF-α, IL-1β 및 IL-6과 같은 염증성 사이토카인의 생성을 현저히 억제하였으며, 이는 iNOS 및 각 사이토카인의 발현 감소와 연관성이 있었다. 나아가 5-ALA-p는 NF-κB의 핵 전이를 감소시키고 MAPKs의 인산화를 억제하여 5-ALA-p의 항염증 효과가 이들 신호전달 경로의 활성 억제와 매개되었음을 보여주었다. 이러한 결과들은 5-ALA-p가 산화적 및 염증성 스트레스를 줄이는 잠재적인 후보 약물로 적용될 수 있음을 의미한다.

• 한국어류학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.61-69
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• 2011

멸종위기 어류 미호종개(Cobitis choii)로부터 중금속해독 단백질(metallothionein) 유전자를 분리, 클로닝하고 중금속 및 고온 스트레스에 대한 전사 발현 특정을 분석하였다. 미호종개 metallothionein는 gDNA, mRNA 및 아미노산 서열 모두에서 경골 어류 MT들의 구조적 특징을 잘 보전하고 있었으며, 생물정보분석을 통해 미호종개 MT 유전자 5'-upstream 영역은 중금속 조절, 면역 반응 및 온도 반응에 관여하는 다양한 전사 조절인자들의 부착 위치들을 포함하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 카드뮴(Cd), 구리(Cu), 니켈(Ni), 망간(Mn) 및 아연(Zn)을 이용한 침지 노출 실험(0.5 및 $1.0\;{\mu}M$; 24시간)에서 미호종개 MT mRNA 발현은 구리 및 카드뮴 처리군에서 가장 많이 유도되었고($1.0\;{\mu}M$ Cu 처리군에서 최대 10배), 망간 처리군에서는 비교적 적은 양의 MT 발현이 유도된 반면(2배), 아연 및 니켈 노출 군에서는 유의적인 MT 발현의 증감이 관찰되지 않았다. 또한 미호종개 MT 전사 발현은 고온 자극 ($25^{\circ}C$로부터 $31^{\circ}C$까지 증가)에도 민감하게 반응하는 것으로 나타나, $31^{\circ}C$ 도달시점에서 $25^{\circ}C$ 초기 MT mRNA 발현 수준보다 9배 높은 mRNA 발현이 관찰되었다. 본 연구 결과는 MT 기반의 유전자 발현 분석을 이용함으로써, 향후 멸종위기 어류 미호종개의 스트레스 반응 연구에 유용한 기초 자료를 제공할 수 있다고 기대된다.