• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2019

The study is to investigate effects of andrographolide on experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Lewis rats were immunized on day 0 with porcine cardiac myosin to establish EAM. The EAM rats were treated with either andrographolide (25, 50, 100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 21 days. An antigen-specific splenocytes proliferation assay was performed by using the cells from control rats immunized with cardiac myosin. Survival rates, myocardial pathology and myocardial functional parameters (left ventricle end-diastolic pressure, ${\pm}dP/dt$ and left ventricular internal dimension) of EAM rats received andrographolide were significantly improved. Andrographolide treatment caused an decrease in the infiltration of $CD3^+$ and $CD14^+$ positive cells in myocardial tissue. Moreover, andrographolide treatment caused a reduction in the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-17 (IL-17) and myosin-antibody, and an increase in the level of IL-10 in EAM rats. Oral administration of andrographolide resulted in the decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt without any change of PI3K and Akt. Further results indicate andrographolide significantly inhibited myosin-induced proliferation in splenocytes, and this effect was inhibited by co-treatment of SC79 (Akt activator). Our data indicate andrographolide inhibits development of EAM, and this beneficial effect may be due to powerful anti-inflammatory activity and inhibitory effect on PI3K/Akt pathway.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2021

Purpose: Due to the difficulty of the hygienic care and sanitary management of abutment teeth and subpontic areas associated with fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), intrabony defects occur and accelerate due to the accumulation of plaque and calculus. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of regenerative periodontal surgery for intrabony defects associated with FDPs. Methods: The study inclusion criteria were met by 60 patients who underwent regenerative treatment between 2016 and 2018, involving a total of 82 intrabony defects associated with FDPs. Periodontal osseous lesions were classified as 1-, 2-, and 3-wall intrabony defects and were treated with an enamel matrix derivative in combination with bone graft material. The changes in clinical (pocket probing depth [PPD] and clinical attachment level [CAL]) and radiographic (defect depth and width) outcomes were measured at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results: Six months after regenerative treatment, a significant reduction was observed in the PPD of 1-wall (P<0.001), 2-wall (P<0.001), and 3-wall (P<0.001) defects, as well as a significant reduction in the CAL of 2-wall (P<0.001) and 3-wall (P<0.001) intrabony defects. However, there was a significant increase in the CAL of 1-wall intrabony defects (P=0.003). Radiographically, a significant reduction in the depth of the 3-wall (P<0.001) defects and a significant reduction in the width of 2-wall (P=0.008) and 3-wall (P<0.001) defects were observed. The depth decreased in 1-wall defects; however, this change was not statistically significant (P=0.066). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the current study, regenerative treatment of 2- and 3-wall intrabony defects associated with FDPs improved clinical and radiological outcomes. Additional prospective studies are necessary to confirm our findings and to assess long-term outcomes.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.153-158
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• 2008

Tissue-specific and temporal regulation of milk protein gene expression is advantageous when creating transgenic animal that produces foreign protein into milk. Gene expression, i.e. protein production, is regulated not only by promoter strength but also mRNA stability. Especially, poly A tail length by polyadenylation affects in vivo and in vitro mRNA stability and translation efficiency of the target gene. In the present study, nucleotide sequence of 3'-UTR was analyzed to evaluate the effects of mRNA stability on the target gene expression. Based on the poly A signal of 3' -untranslated region (UTR), nucleotide sequences of putative cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs) and downstream elements (DSEs: U-rich, G-rich, GU-rich) were analyzed and used to construct 15 luciferase reporter vectors. Each vector was transfected to HC11 and porcine mammary gland cell (PMGC) and measured for dual luciferase expression levels after 48 hours of incubation. Luciferase expression was significantly higher in construct #6 (with CPE 2, 3 and DSE 1 of exon 9) and #11 (with CPE 2, 3 and DSE 1, 2 and 3 of exon 9) than construct #1 in the PMGC. These results suggest that expression of target genes in PMGC may be effectively expressed by using the construct #6 and #11 on production of transgenic pig.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.350-355
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• 2002

Background: Most of pulmonary regurgitation with or without stenosis appears to be well tolerated early after the repair of pulmonary outflow tract. However, it may result in symptomatic right ventricular dilatation, dysfunction and arrhythmias over a long period of time. We studied the early outcome of pulmonary valve replacement with tissue valves for patients with the above clinical features. Material and Method: Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement from September 1999 to February 2002 were reviewed(9 males and 7 females). The initial diagnoses included tetralogy of Fallot(n=11), and other congenital heart anomalies with pulmonary outflow obstruction(n=5). Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Pericardial Bioprostheses and Hancock porcine valves were used. The posterior two thirds of the bioprosthetic rim was placed on the native pulmonary valve annulus and the anterior one third was covered with a bovine pericardial patch. Preoperative pulmonary regurgitation was greater than moderate degree in 13 patients. Three patients had severe pulmonary stenosis. Tricuspid regurgitation was present in 12 patients. Result: Follow-up was complete with a mean duration of 15.8 $\pm$ 8.5months. There was no operative mortality. Cardiothoracic ratio was decreased from 66.0 $\pm$ 6.5% to 57.6 $\pm$ 4.5%(n=16, p=0.001). All patients remained in NYHA class I at the most recent follow-up (n=16, p=0.016). Pulmonary regurgitation was mild or absent in all patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was less than trivial in all patients. Conclusion: In this study we demonstrated that early pulmonary valve replacement for the residual pulmonary regurgitation with or without right ventricular dysfunction was a reasonal option. This technique led to reduce the heart size, decrease pulmonary regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation as well as to improve the patients'functional status. However, a long term outcome should be cautiously investigated.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.1 s.270
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

Backgound: It has been shown that the endothelium of cardiac valves and adjacent great vessels have a reduced immune reaction compared to other vessels. We investigated the clinical feasibility of using immunologically untreated xenogenic valves, in a pig-to-goat pulmonary valve conduit implantation model. Material and Method: Porcine pulmonary valve conduits were prepared without specific immunologic treatment and implanted into the right ventricular outflow tract of goats while undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Two goats each were assigned to the following observation time intervals: one day, one week, three months, six months and twelve months. Echo-cardiographic examinations were performed prior to sacrifice of the goat to evaluate pulmonary valve function. After the xenograft specimens were retrieved, histological changes were evaluated microscopically. Result: Ten of the twelve animals survived the predetermined observation time intervals. Aneurysmal dilatations, of the anterior wall of the implanted pulmonary artery, were observed at each of three and twelve month-survival animals. A variable degree of pulmonary valve regurgitation was observed on echocardiography. However, valve stenosis, thrombotic occlusion and vegetation were not seen. Microscopically, the nuclei of the donor tissue disappeared as a result of pyknosis and karyolysis; however the three components of the implanted xenografts (the pulmonary artery, the valve and the infundibulum) were gradually replaced by host cells over time, while maintaining their structural integrity. Conclusion: Immunologically untreated xenogenic pulmonary valve conduits were replaced by host cells with few observed clinical problems in a pig to goat pulmonary valve implantation model. Therefore, they might be an alternative bioprosthesis option.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.91-103
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• 1972

Zinc is one of the essential trace elements in the living organism for growth and health. The first identified metalloenzyme, carbonic anhydrase, is a zinc compound and several others have been described since. Among zinc deficiency syndromes in animals porcine parakeratosis has been successfully treated with zinc supplements, and in man a syndrome of anemia, hypogonadism, hepatosplenomegaly, and dwarfism, prevalent in parts of Iran and Egypt, has been ascribed to lack of zinc in the diet. Dietary zinc excess in the rat is manifested by a hypochromic, microcytic anemia, poor growth, reduction in liver catalase and cytochrome oxidase. The present study is an attempt to delineate the changes of tissue contents of trace elements, especially of iron, copper and zinc in liver and kidneys of the rats. Weanling albino rats, weighing 60 to 80gm. were used in this experiments. The rats were housed in cages with aluminum floors and received feed and distilled water ad libitum. Animals were divided into three groups, control, low zinc diet and high zinc diet groups. The high zinc diet group was subdivided into 0.5% Zn and 0.7%Zn groups. The supplementary copper or iron was added to the high dietary zinc groups. The animals were sacrificed and the tissues were washed several times with deionized water. The wet digested samples were analyzed by Hitachi Model 207 atomic absorption spectro-photometer for the determination of iron, copper and zinc in the liver and kidney. Hemoglobin level in the blood was measured by cyanmethemoglobin method. The results of this study are as follows: 1) All rats fed high zinc diets and low zinc diets gained less weight than control. Weight gain was not improved by the supplementary copper or iron and both. 2) Hemoglobin concentration was decreased significantly in the rats fed high zinc diets and less in the low zinc diet. Supplementary copper and iron to the higher zinc diet appeared to give some improvement of anemia. 3) The iron contents of the liver and kidneys were significantly decreased in the high zinc groups and the reduction was more significantly in the rats receiving higher zinc diet (0.7%). The supplementary copper caused a further depression of liver iron. On the other hand, the iron, added to the high zinc diet lessoned the severity of the decrease in liver iron and caused kidney iron to be maintained almost at the level found in the rats fed by zinc and supplementary copper diet. 4) High zinc diets did not change copper content of the liver and kidney. Supplementary copper elevated the concentration in the liver and kidney and added iron had no effect on the accumulation of copper in the liver and kidneys. 5) The high zinc diets caused marked increases of zinc content in the liver and kidney. Supplementary iron to the high zinc diet caused increases of zinc contents of liver and kidneys.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.482-491
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• 2004

Background: The xenogenic or allogenic valves after in Vitro repopulation with autologous cells or in vivo repo-pulation after acellularization treatment to remove the antigenicity could used as an alternative to synthetic polymer scaffold. In the present study, we evaluated the process of repopulation by recipient cell to the acellu-larized xenograft treated with NaCl-SDS solution and grafted in the right ventricular outflow tract. Material and Method: Porcine pulmonary valved conduit were treated with. NaCl-SDS solution to make the grafts acellularized and implanted in the right ventricular outflow tract of the goats under cardiopulmonary bypass. After evaluating the functions of pulmonary valves by echocardiography, goats were sacrificed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after implantation, respectively. After retrieving the implanted valved conduits, histopathologic examination with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson' trichrome staining and immunohistochemical staining was performed. Result: Among the six goats, which had been implanted with acellularized pulmonary valved conduits, five survived the expected time period. Echocardiographic examinations for pulmonary valves revealed good function except mild regurgitation and stenosis. Microscopic analysis of the leaflets showed progressive cellular in-growth, composed of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and endothelial cells, into the acellularized leaflets over time. Severe inflammatory respon-se was detected in early phase, though it gradually decreased afterwards. The extracellular matrices were regenerated by repopulated cells on the recellularized portion of the acellularized leaflet. Conclusion: The acellularized xenogenic pulmonary valved conuits were repopulated with fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and endothelial cells of the recipient and extracellullar matrices were regenerated by repopulted cells 12 months after the implantation. The functional integrity of pulmonary valves was well preserved. This study showed that the acellularized porcine xenogenic valved conduits could be used as an ideal valve prosthesis with long term durability.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.219-229
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• 2020

Objective: Considering the physiological and clinical importance of leptin receptor (LEPR) in regulating obesity and the fact that porcine LEPR expression is not known to be controlled by lncRNAs and miRNAs, we aim to characterize this gene as a potential target of SSC-miR-323 and the lncRNA TCONS_00010987. Methods: Bioinformatics analyses revealed that lncRNA TCONS_00010987 and LEPR have SSC-miR-323-binding sites and that LEPR might be a target of lncRNA TCONS_00010987 based on cis prediction. Wild-type and mutant TCONS_00010987-target sequence fragments and wild-type and mutant LEPR 3'-UTR fragments were generated and cloned into pmiRRB-REPORT^TM-Control vectors to construct respective recombinant plasmids. HEK293T cells were co-transfected with the SSC-miR-323 mimics or a negative control with constructs harboring the corresponding binding sites and relative luciferase activities were determined. Tissue expression patterns of lncRNA TCONS_00010987, SSC-miR-323, and LEPR in Anqing six-end-white (AQ, the obese breed) and Large White (LW, the lean breed) pigs were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; backfat expression of LEPR protein was detected by western blotting. Results: Target gene fragments were successfully cloned, and the four recombinant vectors were constructed. Compared to the negative control, SSC-miR-323 mimics significantly inhibited luciferase activity from the wild-type TCONS_00010987-target sequence and wild-type LEPR-3'-UTR (p<0.01 for both) but not from the mutant TCONS_00010987-target sequence and mutant LEPR-3'-UTR (p>0.05 for both). Backfat expression levels of TCONS_00010987 and LEPR in AQ pigs were significantly higher than those in LW pigs (p<0.01), whereas levels of SSC-miR-323 in AQ pigs were significantly lower than those in LW pigs (p<0.05). LEPR protein levels in the backfat tissues of AQ pigs were markedly higher than those in LW pigs (p<0.01). Conclusion: LEPR is a potential target of SSC-miR-323, and TCONS_00010987 might act as a sponge for SSC-miR-323 to regulate LEPR expression.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.163-186
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• 2000

We have previously screened 150 medicinal plants on the inhibition of elastase and found a significant inhibitory effects of the extracts of Areca catechu L. on the aging and inflammation against the skin tissues. To isolate and identify the compounds having biological activity, we was further purified by each of the solvent fractions, silica gel column chromatography, preparative TLC and reversed-Phase HPLC. Peak in HPLC, which coincided with the inhibitory activity against elastase, was identified as Phenolic substance using various colorimetric methods, UV, and IR. $IC_{50}$/ values of phenolic substance purified from Areca catechu were 26.9 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ for porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and 60.8 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ for human neutrophil elastase (HNE). This Phenolic substance showed more potent activity than those of reference compounds, oleanolic acid (76.5 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ for PPE, 219.2 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ for HNE) and ursolic acid (31.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ for PPE, 118.6 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ for HNE). According to the Lineweaver-Burk Plots, the inhibition against both PPE and HNE by this phenolic substance was competitive with substrate. Phenolic substance from Areca catechu exhibited high free radical scavenging effect ($SC_{50}$/ : 6 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$) and inhibited effectively hyaluronidase activity ($IC_{50}$/: 210 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$). These results suggest that the Phenolic substance Purified from Areca catechu showed anti-aging effect by protecting connective tissue proteins.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.145-152
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• 1990

We recently reported a development of an experimental system which can identify the release of a superoxide-dependent vasorelaxant factor from endothelial cells using a two-bath system. In the present work, we further exploited the above system and observed whether the superoxide-dependent relaxing factor(s), released from the porcine coronary artery (PCA) endothelium, was similar in relaxation to those obtained from cat thoracic aortic endothelium and cultured endothelial cells of bovine aorta. However, there was observed a novel difference among the former one and the latter two relaxing factors; the release of relaxing factor from PCA endothelium can be inhibited either by catalase or by superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas the latter two can be inhibited only by SOD. It was further attempted to characterize the synthetic mechanisms of the relaxing factors: (1) They were readily inhibited by various lipoxygenase inhibitors (gossypol, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, AA 861, and eicosatetraynoic acid). (2) They were not inhibited by cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) and by cytochrome P-450 monooxygenease inhibitors (proadifen and cimetidine). Thus, it is likely that these relaxing factors, although obtained from different species, show common functional roles of arteriolar relaxation. It is suggested that they are related to pathophysiological involvement of various tissue ischemia-reperfusion injuries.