• Molecules and Cells
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.390-396
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• 2008

Calreticulin (CRT) is one of the major $Ca^{2+}$ binding chaperone proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and an unusual luminal ER protein. Postnatally elevated expression of CRT leads to impaired development of the cardiac conductive system and may be responsible for the pathology of complete heart block. In this study, the molecular mechanisms that affect $Ca^{2+}$-dependent signal cascades were investigated using CRT-overexpressing cardiomyocytes. In particular, we asked whether calreticulin plays a critical role in the activation of $Ca^{2+}$-dependent apoptosis. In the cells overexpressing CRT, the intracellular calcium concentration was significantly increased and the activity of PKC and level of SECAR2a mRNA were reduced. Phosphorylation of Akt and ERKs decreased compared to control. In addition the activity of the anti-apoptotic factor, Bcl-2, was decreased and the activities of pro-apoptotic factor, Bax, p53 and caspase 8 were increased, leading to a dramatic augmentation of caspase 3 activity. Our results suggest that enhanced CRT expression in mature cardiomyocytes disrupts intracellular calcium regulation, leading to calcium-dependent apoptosis.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.460-465
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• 2007

This study was carried out in order to investigate the potential of using plant oils derived from Leptospermum petersonii Bailey and Syzygium aromaticum L. Merr. Et Perry as natural antifungal agents. The antifungal effects of essential oils at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 mg/ml on the dermatophytes Microsporum canis (KCTC 6591), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (KCTC 6077), Trichophyton rubrum (KCCM 60443), Epidermophyton floccosum (KCCM 11667), and Microsporum gypseum were evaluated using the agar diffusion method. The major constituents of the active fraction against the dermatophytes were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The antifungal activities of S. aromaticum oil (clove oil) against the dermatophytes tested were highest at a concentration of 0.2mg/ml, with an effectiveness of more than 60%. Hyphal growth was completely inhibited in T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and M. gypseum by treatment with clove oil at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Eugenol was the most effective antifungal constituent of clove oil against the dermatophytes T. mentagrophytes and M. canis. Morphological changes in the hyphae of T. mentagrophytes, such as damage to the cell wall and cell membrane and the expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum, after treatment with 0.11 mg/ml eugenol were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml, L. petersonii oil (LPO) was more than 90% effective against all of the dermatophytes tested, with the exception of T. rubrum. Geranial was determined to be the most active antifungal constituent of L. petersonii oil. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that clove and tea tree oils exhibited significant antifungal activities against the dermatophytes tested in this study.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.149-156
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• 2011

Golgi SNAP receptor complex 1 (GS28) has been implicated in vesicular transport between intra-Golgi networks and between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi. Additional role(s) of GS28 within cells have not been well characterized. We observed decreased expression of GS28 in rat ischemic hippocampus. In this study, we examined the role of GS28 and its molecular mechanisms in neuronal (SK-N-SH) cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$). GS28 siRNA-transfected cells treated with $H_2O_2$ showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity under glutathione (GSH)-depleted conditions after pretreatment with buthionine sulfoximine, which corresponded to an increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Pretreatment of GS28 siRNA-transfected cells with p38 chemical inhibitor significantly inhibited cytotoxicity; we also observed that p38 was activated in the cells by immunoblot analysis. We confirmed the role of p38 MAPK in cotransfected cells with GS28 siRNA and p38 siRNA in the cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and immunoblot. Involvement of apoptotic or autophagic processes in the cells was not shown in the cell viability, flow cytometry, and immunoblot analyses. However, pretreatment of the cells with necrostatin-1 completely inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced cytotoxicity, ROS generation, and p38 activation, indicating that the cell death is necroptotic. Collectively these data imply that $H_2O_2$ induces necroptotic cell death in the GS28 siRNA-transfected cells and that the necroptotic signals are mediated by sequential activations in RIP1/p38/ROS. Taken together, these results indicate that GS28 has a protective role in $H_2O_2$-induced necroptosis via inhibition of p38 MAPK in GSH-depleted neuronal cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.7
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• pp.993-999
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• 2015

For the purpose of investigating the in vitro antidiabetic activity of a medicinal herb and herb mixture extracts prepared through traditional antidiabetic prescription, this study examined ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Tyrosinase, a type I membrane glycoprotein, is synthesized and glycosylated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi. The enzyme is subsequently transported to melanosomes, where it participates in melanogenesis. Previous studies showed that disruption of early ER N-glycan processing by an ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitor suppresses tyrosinase enzymatic activity and melanogenesis. According to the results, most oriental medicinal herbal extracts were stronger than acarbose and N-butyldeoxynojirimycin, known as an ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitor. Interestingly, ethyl acetate layer of enzyme hydrolyzed Cheongsimyeonjaeum had an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis in B16F1 cells, although it did not inhibit tyrosinase activity directly. Together, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition activity could be used to evaluate anti-melanogenesis, although cross-checking with melanin inhibitory assay is recommended.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.331-348
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• 1994

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the shape and ultrastructure of the articular disc of the rat mandibular joint with aging. Mechanical stress applied to the articular disc changes during neonatal, suckling, juvenile, adult and senile stages. Mandibular joints of 6 groups of rats(1-, 7-, 17-, 27-, 55-day and over-1-year groups) were removed en bloc and processed for light and electro microscopic study. The changes in the shape of articular disc were examined by light microscope in each group. Structural and ultrastructural changes in the articular disc were examined by light and electron microscope in each group. The results were as follows : In the 1-day and 7-day groups, the articular disc was long and slender in shape and the articular disc was not fitted with the shape of the mandibular fossa and condyle. However' after that time, the anterior and posterior portions of the articular disc were more bulged and the middle portion was shorter and biconcave. Thus the articular disc was well fitted with the shape of the mandibular fossa and condyle. The cell density decreased with aging. In the l -day and 7-day groups, the Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosome, which are involved in the synthesis of intracellular and extracellular matrix, were developed. In the 17-day, 27-day and 55-day groups, not only the cell organelles involved in the synthesis of the intracellular and extracellular matrix but also the cell organelles involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix(i.e., finger-like cell process, lysosome and mitochondria)were well developed. With advancing age, intracytoplasmic microfilaments were more accumulated and condroid cells increased. In the over-1-year group, the majority of cells of the articular disc were chondroid cells. The majority of cytoplasmic compartment were filled with intracytoplasmic microfilaments and cell organelles were not developed. Therefore, metabolic activities of the cell was markedly reduced and cells contained structures enduring mechanical stress, and cells which were in the process of degeneration were observed occasionally.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.645-650
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• 2004

Calcifying odontogenic cyst(COC) is a rare developmental odontogenic cyst, which shows diverse classification and terminology. Cystic epithelial lining of COC is composed of basal cell layer of columnar cells and overlying layer of stellate reticulum. In the epithelium, ghost cells that might induce adjacent mesenchymal tissue to develop dental organ are shown characteristically. In spite of low rate of recurrence, we have to get a histopathological examination so that odontogenic lesions may recur without fully curettage of lining epithelium. 7-year-old male child came pediatric dentistry in wonkwang university dental hospital in order to check the delayed eruption of left maxillary central incisor. Radiographic examination revealed a well-defined radiopaque mass, overlapping impacted left central and lateral incisor crown. Enucleated mass was tooth-like features and also had epithelium lining. Results of histopathologic procedure, we saw the lots of ghost cell and proliferating hard dental tissues. Also we saw the cystic epithelium cells. It revealed diagnosis of the COC associated complex odontoma. For this reason one should consider of COC when patients present odontoma-like lesion with impacted tooth.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1988.08a
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• pp.1-10
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• 1988

Previously. we reported that the intraperitoneal administration of ginseng crude saponin increased: (I) nuclear RNA polymerase activity. (2) nuclear RNA synthesis. (3) cytoplasmic RNA synthesis. (4) cytoplasmic heavy polyrioosome content. (5) amino acid incorporation in vitro of microsome and polysome isolated rat liver. and (6) the incorporation rate of labeled amino acids into serum protein. In addition, a spectacular increase in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocyte administered crude saponin for four weeks orally was shown through electron microscopy. An increase in polysomal content in membrane-hound ribosome was shown through ultracentrifugation. Recently, successive intraperitoneal. administration .of $ginsenosid-Rb_2$ was given to streptozotocin (STZ) diaoetic rats of hypoproteinemia. The blood urea nitrogen and hepatic urea concentration were decreased significantly. The total protein and alhumin levels in the serum were increased in comparison to control values. In contrast. the $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ treated group of STZ diahetic rats showed a significant increase in liver RNA. total ribosome and membrane-bound ribosomal contents. The administration of $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ increased the incorporation rate of labeled - precursor into total serum protein. Additionally $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ improved the nitrogen balance of diabetic rats. On the bases of these experimental results, ginseng saponin has a metabolic stimulatory or anabolic action on RNA and protein synthesis.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.133-144
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• 1981

The ultrastructures of the pigment cells in the Asiatic land salamander (Hynobius leechi) dorsal skin were obtained by means of electron microscope. The results were as follows; 1. The pigment cells of the epidermis consisted of the melanocytes in the germinal layer and of the melanophores distributing to the keratinocyte layer. The traits of these cells in the epidermis were as follows: A. The nuclei of the melanocytes were round or oval in shape and appeared as partly small or large infoldings of the nuclear envelope. B. Rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulums and Golgi complexes were well developed in infranuclear cytoplasm. Many ribosomes were mainly distributed around the perinuclear portion. C. The melanosomes of the melanocytes were observed as a found or an oval shape and strong electron-dense or less electron-dense melanosomes were observed. D. The infoldings of the nuclear envelope in the melanophore were partly found deeper than those of the melanocyte. The cytoplasm of the melanophore filled with melanosomes caused organelles not to be observed in that. 2. The pigment cells in the dermis were composed of the xanthophores just beneath basement membrane and the melanophores in the connective tissue. The traits of these cells in the dermis were as follows: A. The xanthophores contained round or oval vesicles, and these vesicles were divided into 6 types (type I pterinosome, type II pterinosome, type III pterinosomes, type iv pterinosome, type V pterinosome, type VI pterinosome). B. Most of the nuclei of the melanophores in the dermis were elongate in shape, and a portion of the nuclear envelope was deep infolded. C. Becuase the cytoplasm was filled with the melanosomes of the same electron-density, organelles were not observed in the cytoplasm. D. Two processes of the melanophore in the dermis extended in parallel with a xanthophore and the cytoplasm in those processes were filled with the melanosomes.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.107-119
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• 1989

The histochemical characteristics of the cutaneous granular glands and its fine structure of the Korean fire bellied toad, Bombino orientalis Boulenger the only species inhabitated in Korea, were studied with light and electron microscopes. By the granular size and histochemical properties, the granular glands were subdivided into two types. The type I glands have small secretory granules (3.6 $\mu$ m), whereas the type II glands contain relatively larger granules (7.5 $\mu$ m). These two types of glands were simple alveolar gland, and they were commonly composed of inner glandular epithelial cells and outermost myoepithelial cells. By the histochemical reactions, these two secretory granules were not responsed to Alcian blue, but weakly positive reaction was observed in type I granular glands by the PAS reaction. And by the scanning electron microscopic observation, extemal morphology of the opening site of the gland duct was resembled to the stomata of the plant leaves. Especially the epithelial cells of the type I glands had fine reticular surface whereas, type II glands had large vesicular surface. These types of the glands conimonly had larger cavities than those of mucous glands, and forming the multinucleated unicellulr structure (syncytium) at the glandular epithelial layers. Secretory granules of these glands were originated from the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the glandular epithelial cells, and by the maturation level of the granule, morphological diversities appeared.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.20 no.1 s.90
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• pp.21-25
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• 2005

Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, has been suggested as a potential risk factor for Parkinson's disease. Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), a marker for oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress, is known to catalyze heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide and free iron in response to various stimuli. Here we show that paraquat activates HO-1 expression in a time-and dose-dependent manner in substantia nigra(SN) dopaminergic neuronal cells. Activation of Ho-1 by paraquat was regulated primarily at the level of gene transcription. Deletion analysis of the promoter and the 5' distal enhancers, E1 and E2, of the HO-1 gene revealed that the E2 enhancer is a potent inducer of the paraquat-dependent Ho-1 gene expression in dopamninergic neuronal cells. Mutational analysis of the E2 enhacer further demonstrated that the transcription factor activator protein-1(AP-1) plays an important role in mediating paraquat-induced HO-1 gene transcription. Moreover, using specific inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs), we investigated the role of paraquat and MAPKs for HO-1 gene regulation in dopaminergic cells. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) inhibitor SP600125 significantly suppressed the expression of HO-1 by paraquat. All these results demonstrate that induction of HO-1 by paraquat requies the activation of the AP-1 and JNK pathway.