• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.154-161
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• 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disorder that causes progressive paralysis. L-Citrulline is a nonessential neutral amino acid produced by L-arginine via nitric oxide synthase (NOS). According to previous studies, the pathogenesis of ALS entails glutamate toxicity, oxidative stress, protein misfolding, and neurofilament disruption. In addition, L-citrulline prevents neuronal cell death in brain ischemia; therefore, we investigated the change in the transport of L-citrulline under various pathological conditions in a cell line model of ALS. We examined the uptake of [¹⁴C]L-citrulline in wild-type (hSOD1wt/WT) and mutant NSC-34/ SOD1^G93A (MT) cell lines. The cell viability was determined via MTT assay. A transport study was performed to determine the uptake of [¹⁴C]L-citrulline. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to determine the expression levels of rat large neutral amino acid transported 1 (rLAT1) in ALS cell lines. Nitric oxide (NO) assay was performed using Griess reagent. L-Citrulline had a restorative effect on glutamate induced cell death, and increased [¹⁴C]L-citrulline uptake and mRNA levels of the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT1) in the glutamate-treated ALS disease model (MT). NO levels increased significantly when MT cells were pretreated with glutamate for 24 h and restored by co-treatment with L-citrulline. Co-treatment of MT cells with L-arginine, an NO donor, increased NO levels. NSC-34 cells exposed to high glucose conditions showed a significant increase in [¹⁴C]L-citrulline uptake and LAT1 mRNA expression levels, which were restored to normal levels upon co-treatment with unlabeled L-citrulline. In contrast, exposure of the MT cell line to tumor necrosis factor alpha, lipopolysaccharides, and hypertonic condition decreased the uptake significantly which was restored to the normal level by co-treating with unlabeled L-citrulline. L-Citrulline can restore NO levels and cellular uptake in ALS-affected cells with glutamate cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory cytokines, or other pathological states, suggesting that L-citrulline supplementation in ALS may play a key role in providing neuroprotection.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.1-18
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in adipose tissue causes an inflammatory response and leads to metabolic diseases. However, the association between vitamin D and adipose ER stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) alleviates ER stress in adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with different concentrations (i.e., 10-100 nM) of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ after or during differentiation (i.e., on day 0-7, 3-7, or 7). They were then incubated with thapsigargin (TG, 500 nM) for an additional 24 h to induce ER stress. Next, we measured the mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in unfold protein response (UPR) and adipogenesis using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and quantified the secreted protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the mRNA levels of UPR pathway genes were measured in adipocytes transfected with siRNA-targeting Vdr. RESULTS: Treatment with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ during various stages of adipocyte differentiation significantly inhibited ER stress induced by TG. In fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment suppressed mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 and decreased the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, downregulation of the mRNA levels of Ddit3, sXbp1, and Atf4 following 1,25(OH)₂D₃ administration was not observed in Vdr-knockdown adipocytes. In addition, exposure of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ inhibited transcription of Ddit3, sXbp1, Atf4, Bip, and Atf6 and reduced the p-alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)/eIF2α and p-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/PERK protein ratios. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment before adipocyte differentiation reduced adipogenesis and the mRNA levels of adipogenic genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ prevents TG-induced ER stress and inflammatory responses in mature adipocytes by downregulating UPR signaling via binding with Vdr. In addition, the inhibition of adipogenesis by vitamin D may contribute to the reduction of ER stress in adipocytes.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제53권5호
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• pp.347-361
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• 2023

Purpose: Exosomes are membrane vesicles that are present in body fluids and contain proteins, lipids, and microRNA (miRNA). Periodontal tissue examinations assess the degree of periodontal tissue destruction according to the probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing, and X-ray examinations. However, the accurate evaluation of the prognosis of periodontitis is limited. In this study, we collected saliva from patients before and after initial periodontal therapy (IPT) and compared changes in the clinical parameters of periodontitis with changes in the components of salivary exosomes. Methods: Saliva was collected from patients with stage III and IV periodontitis at the first visit and post-IPT. Exosomes were purified from the saliva, and total protein and RNA were extracted. Changes in expression levels of C6, CD81, TSG101, HSP70, and 6 kinds of miRNA were analyzed by western blots and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Patients with increased C6 expression after IPT had significantly higher levels of periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), miR-142, and miR-144 before and after IPT than patients with decreased C6 expression after IPT. Patients with decreased and unchanged CD81 expression after IPT showed significantly higher PD, CAL, and PISA before IPT than after IPT. Patients with decreased and unchanged TSG101 expression after IPT had significantly higher PD before IPT than after IPT. Patients with increased HSP70 expression after IPT had significantly higher PD and PISA before and after IPT than patients with unchanged HSP70 after IPT. The expression levels of miR-142, miR-144, miR-200b, and miR-223 changed with changes in the levels of C6, CD81, TSG101, and HSP70 in the salivary exosomes of periodontitis patients before and after IPT. Conclusions: The expression levels of proteins and miRNAs in salivary exosomes significantly changed after IPT in periodontitis patients, suggesting that the components of exosomes could serve as biomarkers for periodontitis.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.20.1-20.15
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• 2024

Background: Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease that causes illness and death in poultry and humans. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) H5N6 outbreaks commonly occur in Quang Ninh province bordering China. In June 2021, the first HPAI H5N8 outbreak occurred at a Quang Ninh chicken farm. Objectives: This study examined the risk factors associated with HPAI H5N6 and H5N8 outbreaks in Quang Ninh. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted in Quang Ninh from Nov 2021 to Jan 2022. The cases were households with susceptible poultry with two or more clinical signs and tested positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The controls were households in the same village as the cases but did not show clinical symptoms of the disease. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess the risk factors associated with HPAI outbreaks at the household level. Results: There were 38 cases with H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4h viruses (n = 35) and H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (n = 3). Compared to the 112 controls, raising poultry in uncovered or partially covered ponds (odds ratio [OR], 7.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-39.27), poultry traders visiting the farm (OR, 8.66; 95% CI, 2.7-27.69), farms with 50-2,000 birds (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.06-8-51), and farms with ≥ 2,000 birds (OR, 11.35; 95% CI, 3.07-41.94) were significantly associated with HPAI outbreaks. Conclusions: Combining biosecurity measures, such as restricting visitor entry and vaccination in farms with more than 50 birds, can enhance the control and prevention of HPAI in Quang Ninh and its spread across borders.

• 한국식품위생안전성학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.260-265
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• 2024

하수기반역학을 이용한 코로나19 감시 결과, 연구기간(2022년 8월-2023년 8월)동안 울산지역 4곳 하수처리장의 전체 174건 모든 시료에서 코로나바이러스-19가 검출되었다. 확진자 수와 하수 내 코로나바이러스 농도와의 상관분석 결과, 높은 상관성이 나타났으며 특히 하수감시가 임상감시보다 2-3주 앞서 농도가 증가함으로써 조기 인지의 가능성도 볼 수 있었다. 또한 코로나19 변이 분석 결과 역시 유행 시기별 우세종화된 변이와 비교적 유사하여 변이 예측도 가능하였다. 하수감시가 전국적, 전세계적으로 적용되고 있으며 많은 연구가 국가적 사업으로 진행되고 있다. 이에 따라, 하수 분석방법 및 분석기기 발전 등의 지속적 연구 업데이트가 필요하다. 또한 코로나19를 통해 감염병의 선제적 모니터링 및 유행 예측의 가능성을 확인하였으므로 다양한 병원체 및 식품·의약품 등에 확대 적용이 진행 중이다. 따라서 본 연구는 감염병 검출분야에서 더 나아가 하수 내 식품 성분, 활성물질 및 미생물 등의 분석을 통해 지역사회의 식품안전 및 전반적인 위생환경 감시를 위해 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제66권4호
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• pp.663-681
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• 2024

Co-infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) has severely restricted the healthy development of pig breeding. Exploring disease resistance of non-coding RNAs in pigs co-infected with PRRSV and HPS is therefore critical to complement and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance in Kele piglets and to innovate the use of local pig germplasm resources in China. RNA-seq of lungs from Kele piglets with single-infection of PRRSV or HPS and co-infection of both pathogens was performed. Two hundred and twenty-five differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) and 30 DEmicroRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified and characterized in the PRRSV and HPS co-infection (PRRSV-HPS) group. Compared with the single-infection groups, 146 unique DElncRNAs, 17 unique DEmiRNAs, and 206 target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the PRRSV-HPS group. The expression patterns of 20 DEmiRNAs and DElncRNAs confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were consistent with those determined by high-throughput sequencing. In the PRRSV-HPS group, the target DEGs were enriched in eight immune Gene Ontology terms relating to two unique DEmiRNAs and 16 DElncRNAs, and the unique target DEGs participated the host immune response to pathogens infection by affecting 15 immune-related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathways. Notably, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks of different groups were constructed, and the ssc-miR-671-5p miRNA was validated as a potential regulatory factor to regulate DTX4 and AEBP1 genes to achieve innate antiviral effects and inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by dual-luciferase reporter assays. These results provided insight into further study on the molecular mechanisms of resistance to PRRSV and HPS co-infection in Kele piglets.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.324-333
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: This study was to investigate the role of microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), and its relationship with steroid-associated osteonecrosis. Methods and Results: The online tool GEO2R was used to screen out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE123568 dataset. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of miR-29a-3p, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (OCN) and RUNX family transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the hBMSCs isolated from the patients with steroid-associated osteonecrosis. CCK-8 assay was executed to measure cell viability; western blot assay was utilized to detect FOXO3, ALP, Runx2, OCN and β-catenin expression. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the sub-cellular localization of β-catenin. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to confirm whether miR-29a-3p can combine with FOXO3 3'UTR. MiR-29a-3p was markedly up-regulated in the hBMSCs of patients with steroid-associated osteonecrosis, while FOXO3 mRNA was significantly down-regulated. Transfection of miR-29a-3p mimics significantly inhibited the hBMSCs' proliferation, osteogenic differentiation markers' expressions, including ALP, Runx2, OCN, and repressed the ALP activity, as well as promoted cell apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. FOXO3 was identified as a target gene of miR-29a-3p, and miR-29a-3p can inhibit the expression of FOXO3 and β-catenin, and inhibition of miR-29a-3p promoted translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus. Conclusions: MiR-29a-3p can modulate FOXO3 expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to inhibit viability and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, thereby promoting the development of steroid-associated osteonecrosis.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.309-318
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• 2024

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1), a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor protein, plays a crucial role in innate immune responses. However, the functional expression of NOD1 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from endometriosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the functions of NOD1 in ectopic endometrial lesions. Tissues and MSCs were isolated from both normal endometrium and endometriosis. Immunohistochemistry and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine the expression of NOD1 in the tissues/MSCs. Quantification of various cytokines was performed using RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To confirm the proliferation, invasion/migration, and apoptotic viabilities of the samples, Cell Counting Kit-8, clonogenic formation, transwell assays, and apoptotic experiments were conducted. Higher levels of NOD1 expression were detected in the ectopic-MSCs obtained from endometriosis compared to those from the endometrium. The expression of interleukin-8 was higher in the ectopic-MSCs than in the eutopic-MSCs. Pretreatment with NOD1 agonist significantly enhanced the proliferation and invasion/migration of eutopic-MSCs. Additionally, the NOD1 inhibitor ML-130 significantly reduced the proliferation, clone formation, invasion, and migration abilities of the ectopic-MSCs, having no effect on their apoptosis capacity. Our findings suggest that the expression of NOD1 in ectopic-MSCs may contribute to the progression of ectopic endometrial lesions.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.178-185
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• 2013

목적: 다양한 바이러스 감염이 혈액학적 합병증, 특히 빈혈, 호중구 감소증 및 혈소판감소증과 같은 혈구 감소증을 일으킨다. 그러나 최근 호흡기 바이러스에 의한 혈액학적 합병증에 대해서는 제한적으로 보고되었다. 따라서 저자들은 호흡기 바이러스 양성 환자들을 대상으로 혈액학적 합병증과 그 임상 경과를 평가하기 위해 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방법: 2011년 10월부터 2012년 3월까지 6개월 동안 원광대학병원 소아청소년과에 입원한 496명의 소아청소년에서 호흡기 바이러스 multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction 결과와 혈액학적 소견을 후향적으로 분석하였다. 결과: 대상 환자 중 379명에서 호흡기 바이러스가 검출 되었다. 가장 흔한 바이러스는 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (55.7%)였으며, influenza A (Flu A) (23.0%) 순이었다. 혈구 감소증은 RSV감염 환자 35.5%에서 보였고, Flu A 25.0%, 기타 바이러스 34%에서 발생하였다. 각각의 바이러스는 혈구 감소증의 빈도와 유사하게 세 가지 혈구 세포를 감소시켰다. 379명 중 83명에서 빈혈이 나타났으며($9.71{\pm}1.09g/dL$); 46명에서 호중구 감소증이 나타났다($803.70{\pm}263.09/mm^3$); 23명에서 일시적인 혈소판 감소증이 나타났다($142,434.78{\pm}86,835.18/mm^3$). 그러나 어떠한 환아도 치료가 필요한 경우는 없었다. RSV와 Flu A군 간의 임상적 특징을 비교하였을 때, 빈혈이 있는 RSV군에서 입원기간이 더 길었다. 호중구 감소에서는 RSV군에서 나이가 더 어렸으며 입원 전 발열 기간이 더 짧았다. 결론: 본 연구에서 호흡기 바이러스 감염, 특히 RSV와 Flu A에서 다양하게 혈구 감소가 나타났으나 이들 합병증은 대부분 치료가 필요하지 않았으며 임상 경과에도 영향을 미치지 않았다.

• 대한화학회지
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• 제54권5호
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• pp.556-566
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• 2010

새로운 동적 분광 광도 측정법은 천연의 물 샘플에서 망간(II)의 측정을 위해 개발되었다. 그 방법은 620 nm에서 활성화제로서 nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)를 사용하면서 $KIO_4$에 의한 갈로시아닌(Gallocyanin)의 산화와 함께 망간(II)의 촉매 효과에 기초했다. 최적조건은 갈로시아닌(Gallocyanin) $4.00{\times}1^{-5}\;M$, $KIO_4$ $1.00{\times}10^{-4}\;M$, NTA $1.00{\times}10^{-4}\;M$, pH = 3.50인 0.1 M HAc/NaAc 완충용액, 5분의 반응시간 그리고 $30^{\circ}C$의 온도에서 얻어졌다. 최적조건 하에서 제안된 방법은 $0.1\;-\;4.0\;ng\;mL^{-1}$의 범위에서 망간(II)의 측정을 허용했고 $0.025\;ng\;mL^{-1}$이하의 검출한계를 가지고 있다. 표준 망간(II) 용액을 측정하는 것에서 회수율은 98.5 - 102% 범위에 있다. 그리고 상대표준편차(RSD)는 0.76 - 1.25%의 범위에 있다. 새롭게 개발된 동적 방법은 약간의 주위의 물과 만족할 만한 결과를 갖는 JAC-0031의 공인된 표준 기준 강물 샘플 둘 다에서 망간(II)의 측정에 성공적으로 응용되었다. 또한, 얼마 안 되는 양이온과 음이온은 망간(II)의 측정을 방해한다. 다른 촉매-동적 방법과 기기적 방법과 비교했을 때, 제안된 동적 방법은 상당히 좋은 선택성과 감도, 낮은 가격, 저렴함, 낮은 검출한계와 신속함을 보인다. 상대적으로 낮은 염분을 갖는 진짜 물 샘플과 병으로 된 마시는 물, 차갑고 뜨거운 용천수, 호수, 강물 샘플 같은 복잡한 모체들에 적용하는 것은 쉽고 성공적으로 적용될 수 있다.