• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.255-262
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• 2022

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus and plays an important role in the regulation of mammalian birth and lactation. It has been shown that oxytocin has important cardiovascular protective effects. Here we investigated the effects of oxytocin on vascular reactivity and underlying the mechanisms in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and in rat aorta ex vivo. Oxytocin increased phospho-eNOS (Ser 1177) and phospho-Akt (Ser 473) expression in HUVECs in vitro and the aorta of rat ex vivo. Wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), inhibited oxytocin-induced Akt and eNOS phosphorylation. In the rat aortic rings, oxytocin induced a biphasic vascular reactivity: oxytocin at low dose (10^-9-10^-8 M) initiated a vasorelaxation followed by a vasoconstriction at high dose (10^-7 M). L-NAME (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), endothelium removal or wortmannin abolished oxytocin-induced vasorelaxation, and slightly enhanced oxytocin-induced vasoconstriction. Atosiban, an oxytocin/vasopressin 1a receptor inhibitor, totally blocked oxytocin-induced relaxation and vasoconstriction. PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) partially inhibited oxytocin-induced vasoconstriction. Oxytocin also increased aortic phospho-ERK1/2 expression, which was reduced by either atosiban or PD98059, suggesting that oxytocin-induced vasoconstriction was partially mediated by oxytocin/V1aR activation of ERK1/2. The present study demonstrates that oxytocin can activate different signaling pathways to cause vasorelaxation or vasoconstriction. Oxytocin stimulation of PI3K/eNOS-derived nitric oxide may participate in maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis, and different vascular reactivities to low or high dose of oxytocin suggest that oxytocin may have different regulatory effects on vascular tone under physiological or pathophysiological conditions.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.21-28
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of Cyperi Rhizoma extracts (CRE) using in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods : We evaluated the neuroprotective effect of CRE against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) toxicity using tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry (IHC) in primary rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. In addition, the effect of CRE was evaluated in mice PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). For evaluations, C57bl/6 mice were orally treated with CRE 50 mg/kg for 5 days and were injected intraperitoneally with MPTP (20 mg/kg) at 2 h intervals on the last day. To identify the CRE affects on MPTP-induced neuronal loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and striatum of mice, the behavioral tests and IHC analysis were carried out. Also, we conducted nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) assay in dopaminergic neurons and IHC using glial markers in SNpc of mice to assess the anti-inflammation effects. Results : In primary mesencephalic culture system, CRE protected dopaminergic cells against $10{\mu}M$ MPP+-induced toxicity at 0.2 and $1.0{\mu}g/mL$. In the behavior tests, CRE treated group showed improved motor deteriorations than those in the MPTP only treated group. CRE significantly protected striatal dopaminergic damage from MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Moreover, CRE inhibited productions of NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ in dopaminergic culture system and activation of astrocyte and microglia in SNpc of the mice. Conclusion : We concluded that CRE shows anti-parkinsonian effect by protecting dopaminergic neurons against MPP+/MPTP toxicities through anti-inflammatory actions.

• 한국수소및신에너지학회논문집
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.587-593
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• 2023

This research project focused on the production of hydrogen through ammonia decomposition reactions while investigating how the reactivity of this process varies when employing different catalysts. Several metal oxide supports (Al₂O₃, La₂O₃, CeO₂) were utilized as catalysts, with active metals from both the transition metal group (Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cu) and the noble metal group (Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt) impregnated onto these supports. Furthermore, the study examined how the reactivity evolves with changes in reaction temperature when employing the prepared catalysts. Additionally, the research delved into the distinctive activation energies associated with each of the catalysts. In this research, In the noble metal catalyst system, the order of high activity for ammonia decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen is Ru > Rh > Pt ≈ Pd. In the transition metal catalyst system, the order of high activity is Co > Ni > Fe > Cr > Cu.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.105-113
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• 2006

목 적: 본 연구를 통해 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 의해 유도된 인간자궁내막의 탈락막화 과정에서 ERK와 $PPAR{\gamma}$의 역할을 규명하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 자궁내막 기질세포는 DMEM/F12 (10% FBS, 1 nM E2 and 100 nM P4) 조건에서 배양하였다. 연구 목적에 따라 $TGF-{\beta}1$ (5 ng/ml), Rosiglitazone (50 nM)와 PD98059 ($20{\mu}M$)를 배양액에 첨가하였다. Trypan-Blue와 hematocytometer를 이용하여 현미경하에서 세포의 개수를 측정하였다. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)와 western blotting 방법을 사용하여 단백질의 발현 정도를 관찰하였다. 결과 및 결론: 배양액에 $TGF-{\beta}1$을 첨가하여 세포의 증식 정도를 측정한 결과 $TGF-{\beta}1$이 세포의 증식을 억제하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 또한 배양된 세포로부터 PGE2 및 prolactin의 발현을 유도하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 이러한 $TGF-{\beta}1$의 작용은 Smad 및 ERK의 활성화를 통하여 일어남을 알 수 있었다. $PPAR{\gamma}$의 기질인 rosiglitazone을 배양액에 첨가한 결과 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 의한 세포 증식의 억제가 역전되는 것을 알 수 있었다. 뿐만 아니라, 세포 내 ERK의 활성 역시 억제 시켰으며 이 결과 PGE2와 prolactin의 발현이 억제 되는 것을 관찰할 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구를 통해 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 의한 자궁내막 기질세포의 탈락막화는 Smad와 ERK의 활성화를 통하여 이루어지며 이러한 과정은 $PPAR{\gamma}$에 의해 억제됨을 알 수 있었다.

• 공업화학
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• 제32권6호
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• pp.647-652
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• 2021

본 연구에서는 에탄올과 노말헥산을 이용하여 당목향 뿌리 추출물을 제조하고, 인체 모유두세포의 세포증식 및 모발성장 관련 신호전달에 미치는 영향을 평가하였다. 당목향 뿌리 추출물의 세포증식 효과는 MTT assay를 실시하였으며, ERK, Akt, Wnt/𝛽-catenin 신호 경로, 5𝛼-reductase의 발현을 western blot 분석을 통해 측정하였다. 당목향 뿌리 추출물은 인체 모유두세포의 증식을 유의하게 증가시켰고, 세포증식에 관여하는 ERK와 Akt의 인산화를 촉진하였으며, 당목향 뿌리 추출물에 의해 증가된 ERK, Akt 인산화 촉진과 세포증식은 MEK/ERK 억제제 PD98059와 PI3K/Akt 억제제 LY294002에 의해 유의하게 감소되었다. 또한 당목향 뿌리 추출물은 GSK-3𝛽 (Ser9)의 인산화를 통한 𝛽-catenin(Ser552, 675)의 인산화를 촉진함으로써 핵 내의 𝛽-catenin 축적을 유도하였고, 5𝛼-reductase type I, II의 활성을 억제하였다. 종합적으로 당목향 뿌리 추출물은 모유두세포의 ERK, Akt 경로의 활성화를 통해 세포의 증식을 유도하며, 𝛽-catenin 신호 경로 활성화 및 5𝛼-reductase 활성 억제를 통해 탈모 예방 및 모발 성장 효과를 나타냄으로써 헤어케어제품의 소재로 응용가능성이 있음을 시사한다.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.27-33
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of extract of Thuja orientalis leaves (TOFE) against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity by inhibition of inflammation in in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods : We evaluated the effect of TOFE against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ($MPP^+$) toxicity using nitric oxide (NO) assay, inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 western blot, tyrosine hydroxylase and microglia activation immunohistochemistry (IHC) in BV2 cell, primary rat mesencephalic neurons, or C57BL/6 mice. We also evaluated the effect of TOFE in mice PD model induced by MPTP. C57BL/6 mice were treated with TOFE 50 mg/kg for 5 days and were injected intraperitoneally with four administrations of MPTP on the last day. We conducted behavioral tests and IHC analysis to see how TOFE affect MPTP-induced neuronal loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and striatum (ST) of mice. To assess the anti-inflammation effects, we carried out glial fibrillary acidic protein and macrophage-1 antigen integrin alpha M in IHC in SNpc and ST of mice. Results : In an in vitro system, TOFE decreasesd NO generations in BV2 cells. TOFE protected dopaminergic cells against LPS or $MPP^+$-induced toxicity in primary mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. In vivo system, TOFE at 50 mg/kg treated group showed improved motor deteriorations than the MPTP only treated group and TOFE significantly protected striatal dopaminergic damage from MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Moreover, TOFE inhibited activation of astrocyte and microglia in SNpc and ST of the mice. Conclusions : We concluded that TOFE showed anti-parkinsonian effect by protection of dopaminergic neurons against MPTP toxicity through anti-inflammatory actions.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.76-83
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• 2009

Rehmannia Radix Preparata (RRP) used to nourish Eum and enrich blood for consumptive fever, aching, and limpness of the loins and knees, and to replenish essence for tinnitus, premature greying of beard and hair. In the present study, we studied about the protective effect of RRP on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human vascular endothelial cells. ECV304 cells were preincubated with RRP (100, 200, 300 and $400{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) for 12hr and then treated with $600{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2$ for 12hr. The protective effects of RRP on $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis in ECV304 cells was determined by using MTT assay, FDA-PI staining, flow cytometric analysis, caspase-3 activity assay, ROS assay and western blot. The results of this experiment showed that RRP inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis and ROS production in ECV304 cells. Moreover, RRP increased ERK activation that decreased in $H_2O_2$-treated ECV304 cells, and inhibited p38 and JNK activation. Furthermore, RRP increased expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in $H_2O_2$-treated ECV304 cells. Also, HO-1 protein expression induced by RRP was reduced by the addition of ERK inhibitor (PD98059) in $H_2O_2$-treated ECV304 cells. These results suggest that protective effect of RRP on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in ECV304 cells may be associated with increase of ERK activation and HO-1 protein, and reduction of p38 and JNK activation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제19권11호
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• pp.1355-1363
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• 2009

In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin on $H_2O_2$-mediated apoptotic cell death, using cultured mouse neural progenitor cells (mNPCs), were investigated. To cause apoptotic cell death, mNPCs were pretreated with astaxanthin for 8 h and followed by treatment of 0.3 mM $H_2O_2$. Pretreatment of mNPCs with astaxanthin significantly inhibited $H_2O_2$-mediated apoptosis and induced cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In Western blot analysis, astaxanthin-pretreated cells showed the activation of p-Akt, p-MEK, p-ERK, and Bcl-2, and the reduction of p-P38, p-SAPK/JNK, Bax, p-GSK3b, cytochrome c, caspase-3, and PARP. Because $H_2O_2$ triggers caspases activation, this study examined whether astaxanthin can inhibit caspases activation in $H_2O_2$-treated mNPCs. After $H_2O_2$ treatment, caspases activities were prominently increased, but astaxanthin pretreatment significantly inhibited $H_2O_2$-mediated caspases activation. Astaxanthin pretreatment also significantly recovered the ATP production ability of $H_2O_2$-treated cells. These findings indicate that astaxanthin inhibits $H_2O_2$-mediated apoptotic features in mNPCs. Inhibition assays with SB203580 ($10\;{\mu}M$, a specific inhibitor of p38) and PD98059 ($10\;{\mu}M$, a specific inhibitor of MEK) clearly showed that astaxanthin can inhibit $H_2O_2$-mediated apoptotic death via modulation of p38 and MEK signaling pathways.

• 대한건축학회논문집:계획계
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• 제34권9호
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• pp.55-66
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• 2018

This study aims to propose color affective model of indoor space by evaluating subjects' physiological responses according to the types of behavioral and affective system. 99 subjects(44 females, 55 males) in their 20s, who had no disorders in visual perception, participated in the experiment. To categorize the subjects based on behavioral and affective system, BAS/BIS scale and Affective scale were used. Color stimuli were composed of five basic colors and three tones: vivid, pale and dull tone of R, Y, G, B, P. For physiological experiment, right and left prefrontal alpha activity was measured to analyze prefrontal EEG asymmetry. Participants were exposed to fifteen color stimuli for 20 seconds each other under the positive and negative emotional condition in a research room with the natural light blocked. The results and conclusion of this study are as follows. Along with factors of behavioral and affective system, cluster analysis was carried out and four types were classified. Type A had high BAS sensitivity, especially high 'drive' trait, and showed high levels of 'anxiety' and 'anger'. Type B had low BAS sensitivity, especially low 'fun seeking' and low 'drive' trait, and showed low levels of 'anxiety' as well as low levels of 'happiness'. Type C had low BIS sensitivity and showed high levels of 'happiness' and low levels of 'sadness'. Type D had high BIS sensitivity and showed high levels of 'lethargy' and 'sadness'. As a result of EEG signal analysis of color stimuli, Type B, Type C, and Type D showed significant differences in prefrontal alpha asymmetry under the negative emotional stimuli. Type B showed more left prefrontal activation in the spaces with pale R and dull G. Type C showed more left prefrontal activation in the spaces with vivid Y and B, pale R, and dull R, G, P. Type D showed more left prefrontal activation in the spaces with vivid Y and P, pale R, Y, P, and dull R, Y, G, B, P. The group of high BAS sensitivity was not influenced by color stimuli under the emotional conditions, whereas the group of high BIS sensitivity was affected by color stimuli under the negative emotional conditions. They showed left prefrontal activation when they were exposed the spaces with vivid, pale, dull tones of Y and P wall.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.463-468
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• 2010

T-cell activation depends on signals received by the T-cell receptor and CD28 co-stimulatory receptor. Since B7.1 and B7.2 molecules expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells provide co-stimulatory signals through CD28 to T-cells, an inhibitor of CD28-B7.1/B7.2 binding has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for suppression of excessive T-cell activity. Although anti-B7.1/B7.2 antibodies are known to block B7.1 and B7.2 molecules, their effects on intracellular events in antigen presenting cells remain unclear. In this study, anti-B7.1/B7.2 antibodies decreased secretion of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-12 in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells and peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, anti-B7.1/B7.2 antibodies inhibited $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ phosphorylation and down-regulated expression of co-stimulatory molecules including B7.1, B7.2, and PD-L1 in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. These findings suggest that CTLA4-Ig and anti-B7.1/B7.2 antibodies may be candidates to treat chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune responses caused by excessive activation of both T-cells and macrophages.