• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.188-202
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Brain aging is a major risk factor for severe neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, L-histidine and L-carnosine are known to exhibit neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to examine the potential for L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination to mediate anti-brain aging effects in neuronal cells subjected to D-galactose-induced aging. MATERIALS/METHODS: The neuroprotective potential of L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination was examined in a retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiated SH-SY5Y cell line exposed to D-galactose (200 mM) for 48 h. Neuronal cell proliferation, differentiation, and expression of anti-oxidant enzymes and apoptosis markers were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: Treatment with L-histidine (1 mM), L-carnosine (10 mM), or both for 48 h efficiently improved the proliferation, neurogenesis, and senescence of D-galactose-treated SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, protein expression levels of both neuronal markers (β tubulin-III and neurofilament heavy protein) and anti-oxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase-1 and superoxide dismutase-1 were up-regulated. Conversely, protein expression levels of amyloid β (1-42) and cleaved caspase-3 were down-regulated. Levels of mRNA for the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were also down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination mediate anti-aging effects in a neuronal cell line subjected to D-galactose-induced aging. These results suggest the potential benefits of L-histidine and L-carnosine as anti-brain aging agents and they support further research of these amino acid molecules.

• 대한화장품학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.97-102
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• 2005

수분 보유력이 우수한 hyaluronan (HA)은 피부 보습에 관여하는 여러 물질들 중 하나로 피부의 extracellular matrix를 구성하는 주요 성분 중 하나이다. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)의 구성 성분의 하나로 과거에는 진피에서 유래하는 것으로 알려져 왔으나 최근 연구들을 통해 표피에서 합성되는 것이 확인되었다. Polyphenolic compound의 일종인 kaempferol과 quercetin은 채소류 같은 식물성 음식에 많이 존재하는 것으로 알려져 있으며, kaempferol은 인체 표피세포에서 glutathione 합성을 증가시키고 quercetin은 lipoxygenase inhibitor로 PPAR (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor) - mediated 표피세포 분화를 억제하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서 우리는 표피 세포주에서 이들 flavonoids -kaempferol, quercetin -의 HA 합성에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 물질 처리에 따른 HA 합성 효소인 hyaluronan synthase 1, 2, 3 (HAS1, 2, 3) 유전자 발현의 변화를 semi-quantitative RT-PCR을 통해 살펴보았다. 이들 flavonoid들에 의해 24 h 후 HAS2, 3 mRNA 발현이 증가되는 것을 발견하였다. 또한 HA 합성량의 변화를 알아보기 위해 ELISA를 수행하였다. 24 h 물질 처리 후 배지를 수거하여 HA 합성량을 살펴본 결과 이들 물질에 의해 합성이 유의하게 증가함을 알 수 있었다. 비록 합성 촉진에서의 효과가 retinoic acid에는 못 미치지만 kaempferol과 quercetin은 표피 세포주에서 농도 의존적으로 HA 합성을 증가시켰다. 위의 결과를 통해 flavonoid류인 kaempferol과 quercetin이 피부에서 HA 생산을 촉진시킴을 알 수 있었고 이를 통해 피부 보습과 잔주름 개선에 효과를 볼 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.99-105
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• 2005

Photo-mutagenic compounds have been known to alter skin cancer rates by acting as initiators or by affecting subsequent steps in carcinogenesis. The objectives of this study are to investigate the utility of photo-chromosomal aberration (photo-CA) assay for detecting photo-clastogens, and to evaluate its ability to predict rodent photocarcinogenicity. Photo-CA assay was performed with five test substances that demonstrated positive results in photo-carcinogenicity tests: 8-Methoxypsoralen (photoactive substance that forms DNA adducts in the presence of ultraviolet A irradiation), chlorpromazine (an aliphatic phenothiazine an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent), lomefloxacin (an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones), anthracene (a tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon a basic substance for production of anthraquinone, dyes, pigments, insecticides, wood preservatives and coating materials) and Retinoic acid (a retinoid compound closely related to vitamin A). For the best discrimination between the test substance-mediated genotoxicity and the undesirable genotoxicity caused by direct DNA absorption, a UV dose-response of the cells in the absence of the test substances was firstly analyzed. All 5 test substances showed a positive outcome in photo-CA assay, indicating that the photo-CA test is very sensitive to the photo-genotoxic effect of UV irradiation. With this limited data-set, an investigation into the predictive value of this photo-CA test for determining the photo-carcinogenicity showed that photo-CA assay has the high ability of a test to predict carcinogenicity. Therefore, the photo-CA test using mammalian cells seems to be a sensitive method to evaluate the photo-carcinogenic potential of new compounds.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.73-82
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• 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is recognized by the innate immune system through Toll like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid inducible gene I. These pathways lead to the activation of type I interferons and resistance to infection. In contrast to TLRs, very few studies have examined the role of NOD-like receptors in viral recognition and induction of adaptive immune responses to RSV. Caspase-1 plays an essential role in the immune response via the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18. However, the role of caspase-1 in RSV infection in vivo is unknown. We demonstrate that RSV infection induces IL-$1{\beta}$ secretion and that caspase-1 deficiency in bone marrow derived dendritic cells leads to defective IL-$1{\beta}$ production, while normal RSV viral clearance and T cell responses are observed in caspase-1 deficient mice following respiratory infection with RSV. The frequencies of IFN-${\gamma}$ producing or RSV specific T cells in lungs from caspase-1 deficient mice are not impaired. In addition, we demonstrate that caspase-1 deficient neonatal or young mice also exhibit normal immune responses. Furthermore, we find that IL-1R deficient mice infected with RSV exhibit normal Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) immune responses. Collectively, these results demonstrate that in contrast to TLR pathways, caspase-1 might not play a central role in the induction of Th1 and CTL immune responses to RSV.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.62-66
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• 2019

Harlequin ichthyosis (HI, OMIM #242500) is one of the most severe skin diseases among the autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses, with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in newborns. Clinically, it is characterized by a typical appearance of generalized, thick, yellowish, hyperkeratotic plates with deep erythematous fissures on the skin. Herein, we present the case of a newborn girl with HI that was genetically confirmed by targeted gene panel analysis. The premature baby was encased in an opaque white membrane with erosion covering the skin of the entire body except the lips, with her hands and feet restricted by the membrane. Humidification, emollient, and retinoic acid treatment were started; the thick ichthyosis gradually peeled off and the underlying skin was only covered with thin scales. Targeted gene panel analysis using next-generation sequencing and validation with Sanger sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed compound heterozygous mutations of the ABCA12 gene (p.N1380S and a partial gene deletion encompassing exon 9). The parents were carriers for each of the identified mutations. Early recognition of the genetic etiology of congenital ichthyosis can, thus, facilitate genetic counseling for patients and their families.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.635-640
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• 2009

Testis-derived germline stem (GS) cells can undergo reprogramming to acquire multipotency when cultured under appropriate culture conditions. These multipotent GS (mGS) cells have been known to differ from GS cells in their DNA methylation pattern. In this study, we examined the DNA methylation status of the H19 imprinting control region (ICR) in multipotent adult germline stem (maGS) cells to elucidate how epigenetic imprints are altered by culture conditions. DNA methylation was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing PCR of established maGS cells cultured in the presence of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) alone or both GDNF and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The results showed that the H19 ICR in maGS cells of both groups was hypermethylated and had an androgenetic pattern similar to that of GS cells. In line with these data, the relative abundance of the Igf2 mRNA transcript was two-fold higher and that of H19 was three fold lower than in control embryonic stem cells. The androgenetic DNA methylation pattern of the H19 ICR was maintained even after 54 passages. Furthermore, differentiating maGS cells from retinoic acid-treated embryoid bodies maintained the androgenetic imprinting pattern of the H19 ICR. Taken together these data suggest that our maGS cells are epigenetically stable for the H19 gene during in vitro modifications. Further studies on the epigenetic regulation and chromatin structure of maGS cells are therefore necessary before their full potential can be utilized in regenerative medicine.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.127-137
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of Sohaphyang-won (SH) on the alteration in gene expression in a hypoxia model using cultured rat cortical cells. Methods : E18 rat cortical cells were grown in neurobasal medium containing B27 supplement. On 12 DIV, SH was added ($20\mu\textrm{g}/ml$) to the culture media for 24 hrs. On 14 DIV, cells were given a hypoxic insult (2% O2/5% CO2, $37^{\circ}C$, 3 hrs), returned to normoxia and cultured for another 24 hrs. Total RNA was prepared from SH-untreated (control) and -treated cultures and alteration in gene expression was analyzed by microarray using rat 5K-TwinChips. Results : Effects on some of the genes whose functions are implicated in neural viability are as follows: 1) For most of the genes altered in expression, the global M values were between -05 to +0.5, Among these, 1517 genes were increased in their expression by more than global M +0.1, while 1480 genes were decreased by more than global M -0.1. 2) The expression of apoptosis-related genes such as Bad (global M =0.35), tumor protein p53 (T53) (global M =0.28) were increased, while v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (Akt1) was decreased. 3) The expression of hemoglobin alpha 1 (probably neuroglobin) was increased by about 3.2-fold (global M =1.7). 4) The expression of antioxidation-related catalase gene was increased (global M =0.26). 5) The expression of PKCzeta (prkcz), an upstream kinase of MAPK, was increased (global M =0.29). 6) The expression of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR), which may regulate transcription in hypoxic stress, was increased (global M =10.27). Conclusions : In summary, the microarray data suggest that SH doesn't increase the expression of oxygen capture-, anti-oxidation- and 'response to stress' -related genes but decreases some anti-apoptosis genes which would help protect the hypoxic cells from apoptosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.701-704
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• 2009

Smith-Magenis 증후군(SMS)은 17번 염색체에서 유전물질을 향유한 곳이 일부 떨어져 나가면서 생기는 질환으로, 신체, 발달 및 행동상의 특징적 이상이 나타나는 질환이다. 출생빈도는 출생아 25,000명 중에 한 명 꼴로 출생하는 것으로 알려져 있으나 최근 분자유전학적 진단 기술의 발달로 이 질환의 환자수가 점차 증가되고 있다. 다양한 임상증상과 더불어 수면장애, 경련에 대한 치료뿐만 아니라 적절한 언어, 행동학적 치료가 필요하다. 저자들은 SMS 환아 2예를 진단하고 치료하고 있는 경험이 있어 이를 보고하는 바이다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.206-211
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• 2001

Endostatin, a proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and the growth of several primary tumors. However, the opinions on the activity of endostatin derivatives deleted N- or C- terminal are still controversial. In this regard, we produced mouse endostatin and its derivatives in the prokaryotic system, and studied their anti-tumor activity. The [$^3H$]-thymidine incorporation assay demonstrated that N-terminal deleted mouse endostatin, and a C- and N-terminal deleted mutant, effectively inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The biological activity of endostatin was also shown by its in vivo anti-angiogenic ability on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of a chick embryo. Treatment of $200\;{\mu}g$ of mouse endostatin, or N-terminal deleted mouse endostatin, inhibited capillary formation of CAM 45 to 71%, which is comparative to a 80% effect of positive control, $1\;{\mu}g$ of retinoic acid. An in vivo mouse tumor growth assay showed that N-terminal deleted mouse endostatin, and the N-/C-terminal deleted mutant, significantly repressed the growth of B16F10 melanoma cells in mice as did the full-length mouse endostatin. According to these results, N-and N-/C-terminal deleted mouse endostatins are the potent inhibitors of tumor growth and angiogenesis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.114-121
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• 2014

Refractoriness of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells to chemotherapeutics represents a major clinical barrier. Suicide gene therapy for cancer has been attractive but with limited clinical efficacy. In this study, we investigated the potential application of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) based system to inhibit chemoresistant AML cells. We first generated Ara-C resistant K562 cells and doxorubicin-resistant THP-1 cells. We found that the HSV-TK/GCV anticancer system suppressed drug resistant leukemic cells in culture. Chemoresistant AML cell lines displayed similar sensitivity to HSV-TK/GCV. Moreover, HSV-TK/GCV killing of leukemic cells was augmented to a mild but significant extent by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) with concomitant upregulation of Connexin 43, a major component of gap junctions. Interestingly, HSV-TK/GCV killing was enhanced by expression of vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV-G), a fusogenic membrane protein, which also increased leukemic cell fusion. Co-culture resistant cells expressing HSV-TK and cells stably transduced with VSV-G showed that expression of VSV-G could promote the bystander killing effect of HSV-TK/GCV. Furthermore, combination of HSV-TK/GCV with VSV-G plus ATRA produced more pronounced antileukemia effect. These results suggest that the HSV-TK/GCV system in combination with fusogenic membrane proteins and/or ATRA could provide a strategy to mitigate the chemoresistance of AML.