• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.993-1005
• /
• 2021

Objective: Zearalenone (ZEA) has estrogen-like effects. Our previous study has shown that ZEA (0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg) could induce abnormal uterine proliferation through transforming growth factor signaling pathway. To further study the other regulatory networks of uterine hypertrophy caused by ZEA, the potential mechanism of ZEA on porcine endometrial epithelial cells (PECs) was explored by the Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencing system. Methods: The PECs were treated with ZEA at 0 (ZEA0), 5 (ZEA5), 20 (ZEA20), and 80 (ZEA80) µmol/L for 24 h. The collected cells were subjected to cell cycle, RNA-seq, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis. Results: The proportion of cells in the S and G2 phases decreased (p<0.05), but the proportion of cells in the G1 phase increased (p<0.05) in the ZEA80 treatment. Data analysis revealed that the expression of Wnt pathway-related genes, estrogen-related genes, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway-related genes increased (p<0.05), but the expression of genetic stability genes decreased (p<0.05) with increasing ZEA concentrations. The relative mRNA and protein expression of WNT1, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) were increased (p<0.05) with ZEA increasing, while the relative mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) was decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, our immunofluorescence results indicate that β-catenin accumulated around the nucleus from the cell membrane and cytoplasm with increasing ZEA concentrations. Conclusion: In summary, ZEA can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by up-regulating WNT1 and β-catenin expression, to promote the proliferation and development of PECs. At the same time, the up-regulation of GSK-3β and down-regulation of CCND1, as well as the mRNA expression of other pathway related genes indicated that other potential effects of ZEA on the uterine development need further study.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.35 no.7
• /
• pp.2081-2085
• /
• 2014

Second-order rate constants ($k_N$) have been measured spectrophotometrically for the reactions of phenyl 2- pyridyl carbonate (6) with a series of cyclic secondary amines in MeCN at $25.0{\pm}0.1^{\circ}C$. The Br${\o}$nsted-type plot for the reaction of 6 is linear with ${\beta}_{nuc}$ = 0.54, which is typical for reactions reported previously to proceed through a concerted mechanism. Substrate 6 is over $10^3$ times more reactive than 2-pyridyl benzoate (5), although the reactions of 6 and 5 proceed through the same mechanism. A combination of steric hindrance, inductive effect and resonance contribution is responsible for the kinetic results. The reactions of 6 and 5 proceed through a cyclic transition state (TS) in which H-bonding interactions increase the nucleofugality of the leaving group (i.e., 2-pyridiniumoxide). The enhanced nucleofugality forces the reactions of 6 and 5 to proceed through a concerted mechanism. In contrast, the corresponding reaction of 4-nitrophenyl 2-pyridyl carbonate (7) proceeds through a stepwise mechanism with quantitative liberation of 4-nitrophenoxide ion as the leaving group, indicating that replacement of the 4-nitrophenoxy group in 7 by the PhO group in 6 changes the reaction mechanism (i.e., from a stepwise mechanism to a concerted pathway) as well as the leaving group (i.e., from 4-nitrophenoxide to 2-pyridiniumoxide). The strong electron-withdrawing ability of the 4-nitrophenoxy group in 7 inhibits formation of a H-bonded cyclic TS. The presence or absence of a H-bonded cyclic TS governs the reaction mechanism (i.e., a concerted or stepwise mechanism) as well as the leaving group (i.e., 2-pyridiniumoxide or 4-nitrophenoxide).

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.1115-1119
• /
• 2013

A kinetic study is reported for nucleophilic substitution reactions of benzyl 2-pyridyl thionocarbonate (5b) and t-butyl 2-pyridyl thionocarbonate (6b) with a series of alicyclic secondary amines in $H_2O$ at $25.0^{\circ}C$. General-base catalysis, which has often been reported to occur for aminolysis of esters possessing a C=S electrophilic center, is absent for the reactions of 5b and 6b. The Br${\o}$nsted-type plots for the reactions of 5b and 6b are linear with ${\beta}_{nuc}$ = 0.29 and 0.43, respectively, indicating that the reactions of 5b proceed through a stepwise mechanism with formation of a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate ($T^{\pm}$) being the rate-determining step while those of 6b proceed through a concerted mechanism. The reactivity of 5b and 6b is similar to that of their oxygen analogues (i.e., benzyl 2-pyridyl carbonate 5a and t-butyl 2-pyridyl carbonate 6a, respectively), indicating that the effect of modification of the electrophilic center from C=O to C=S (i.e., from 5a to 5b and from 6a to 6b) on reactivity is insignificant. In contrast, 6b is much less reactive than 5b, indicating that the replacement of the $PhCH_2$ in 5b by the t-Bu in 6b results in a significant decrease in reactivity as well as a change in the reaction mechanism (i.e., from a stepwise mechanism to a concerted pathway). It has been concluded that the contrasting reactivity and reaction mechanism for the reactions of 5b and 6b are not due to the electronic effects of $PhCH_2$ and t-Bu but are caused by the large steric hindrance exerted by the bulky t-Bu in 6b.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.327-332
• /
• 1996

The rates of solvolylsis of methyl chloroformate, phenyl chloroformate and 1-adamantyl derivatives in binary solvent mixtures have been measured by conductometric method at various temperatures and pressures. The activation parameters were estimated from the rate constants. The activation volume (${\Delta}V_o^{\neq}$) and the activation entropy (${\Delta}S^{\neq}$) are both negative, but the activation enthalpy (${\Delta}H^{\neq}$) is positive. This behavior is discussed in terms of electrostriction of solvation. The reactivities of these reactions were also estimated from the correlation of the activation volumes with the activation entropies. From these results, it could be estimated that the solvolyses of 1-adamantyl fluoroformate (in aqueous TFE) and 1-adamantyl tosylate have pathway involving unimolecular reaction, while the reaction of methyl chloroformate, phenyl chloroformate and 1-adamantyl fluoroformate (in aqueous alcohol) proceed through a bimolecular reaction.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.265-268
• /
• 1992

Ruthenium(III) unsymmetrical Schiff base complexes, $[Ru(CHBPH-TP)Cl_2]$ and $K[Ru(CHBPH-HB)Cl_2]$ were synthesized, where CHBPH-TP and CHBPH-HB are 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzophenonethiophencarba aldehydephenylenediimine and 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzophenonehydroxybenzophe nonephenylenediimine. These Schiff bases were obtained from the reactions of 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzophenone (CHB) and 2-thiophenecarbaldehyde (TP) or hyroxybenzophenone (HB) and 1,2-diaminobenzene. Elemental analysis, conductivity and infrared studies of the complexes suggest an octahedral geometry around ruthenium. Magnetic moments of the complexes indicate a single unpaired electron in alow spin $d^5$ configuration. The complexes are capable of catalyzing the oxidation of styrene with sodium hypochlorite in the presence of phase transfer agent. Oxidative cleavage of C=C bond is the major reaction pathway to form benzaldehyde for styrene oxidation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.147-153
• /
• 2007

Objectives : Sophora flavescens (SF) is widely used in traditional herbal medicine in Korea and is well recognized for its anti-inflammatory effect. However, its effect on Tumornecrosis factor alpha (Tnf) production in BV2 microglial cell is not yet known. Methods : We investigated the effect of SF on the production and expression of Tnf, a well known inflammatory mediator, in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-activated BV2 microglial cells. Results : The LPS-induced Tnf production was markedly reduced by treatment with SF (50 ${\mu}g/ml$). In reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, SF suppressed the LPS activated expression of Tnf mRNA. In addition, Western blot analysis confirmed that SF suppressed the expression of Tnf. Sophora flavescens also inhibited the LPS-induced phosphylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), which mediate the Tnfproduction signaling pathway whereas LPS-induced phosphylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) was not inhibited by SF, which implies that SF suppresses LPS-induced Tnf production via the ERK mediated pathway. Conclusion : Taken together, these findings indicated that SF inhibits LPS-induce Tnf production, and that this inhibitory effect is mediated via the ERK pathway.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.9
• /
• pp.1497-1506
• /
• 2020

Objective: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and piperine (PIP) are both nutritional supplements with potential use in animal diets. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of GABA and/or PIP treatment on the gene expression pattern of a pig kidney epithelial cell line. Methods: LLCPK1 cells were treated with GABA, PIP, or both, and then the gene expression pattern was analyzed using microarray. Gene ontology analysis was done using GeneOntology (Geneontology.org), and validation was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Gene ontology enrichment analysis was used to identify key pathway(s) of genes whose expression levels were regulated by these treatments. Microarray results showed that GABA had a positive effect on the transcription of genes related to regulation of erythrocyte differentiation and that GABA and PIP in combination had a synergistic effect on genes related to immune systems and processes. Furthermore, we found that effects of GABA and/or PIP on these selected genes were controlled by JNK/p38 MAPK pathway. Conclusion: These results can improve our understanding of mechanisms involved in the effect of GABA and/or PIP treatment on pig kidney epithelial cells. They can also help us evaluate their potential as a clinical diagnosis and treatment.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.479-497
• /
• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions. Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans. MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C). Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT's effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION: CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

• Current Photovoltaic Research
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.33-37
• /
• 2019

In this paper, we compared the performance of $Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)_2$ (CIGSSe) thin film solar cell with CdS buffer layer deposited by irradiating 365 nm UV light with 8 W power in Chemcial Bath Deposition (CBD) process. The effects of UV light irradiation on the thin film deposition mechanism during CBD-CdS thin film deposition were investigated through chemical and electro-optical studies. If the UV light is irradiated during the solution process, the hydrolysis of Thiourea is promoted even during the same time, thereby inhibiting the formation of the intermediate products developed in the reaction pathway and decreasing the pH of the solution. As a result, it is suggested that the efficiency of the CdS/CIGSSe solar cell is increased because the ratio of the S element in the CdS thin film increases and the proportion of the O element decreases. This is a very simple and effective approach to control the S/O ratio of the CdS thin film by the CBD process without artificially controlling the process temperature, solution pH or concentration.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
• /
• 2000.05a
• /
• pp.108-111
• /
• 2000

FeS/FeS$_2$ minerals have been known to be potentially useful reductant to the removal of common organic contaminants in groundwater and soil. This research is aimed at improving our understanding of factors affecting the pathways and rates of reductive transformation of Hexachloroethane by catalytical iron minerals in natural system. Hexachloroethane is reduced by FeS/FeS$_2$ minerals under anaerobic condition to tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene with pentachloroethyl radical as the intermediate products. The kinetics of reductive transformations of the Hexachloroethane have been investigated in aqueous solution containing FeS, FeS$_2$. The proposed reduction mechanism for the adsorbed nitrobenzene involves the electron donor-acceptor complex as a precursor to electron transfer. The adsorbed Hexachloroethane undergo a series of electron transfer, proton transfer and dehydration to achieve complete reduction. It can be concluded that the reductive transformation reaction takes place at surface of iron-bearing minerals and is dependent on surface area and pH. Nitrobenzene reduction kinetics is affected by reductant type, surface area, pH, the surface site density, and the surface charge. FeS/FeS$_2$-mediated reductive dechlorination may be an important transformation pathway in natural systems.