• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.123-132
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• 2013

Obesity is consistently increasing in prevalence and can trigger insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Many lines of evidence have shown that macrophages play a major role in inflammation associated with obesity. This study was conducted to determine metformin, a widely prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, would regulate inflammation through down-regulation of scavenger receptors in macrophages from obesity-induced type 2 diabetes. RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with LPS to induce inflammation, and C57BL/6N mice were fed a high-fat diet to generate obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mice. Metformin reduced the production of NO, $PGE_2$ and pro-inflammatory cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$) through down-regulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, the protein expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, were enhanced or maintained by metformin. Also, metformin suppressed secretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and reduced the protein and mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in obese mice as well as in macrophages. The expression of scavenger receptors, CD36 and SR-A, were attenuated by metformin in macrophages and obese mice. These results suggest that metformin may attenuate inflammatory responses by suppressing the production of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and the expressions of scavenger receptors.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1996.04a
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• pp.207-207
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• 1996

Through molecular cloning, five muscarinic receptors have been identified. The muscarinic receptors can be generally grouped according to their coupling to either stimulation of phospholipase C (m1, m3, and m5) or the inhibition of adenylate cyclase (m2 and m4). Each m1, m3, and m5 receptors has the additional potential to couple to the activation of phospholipase A$_2$, C, and D, tyrosine kinase, and the mobilization of Ca$\^$2+/. However, the differences in coupling efficiencies to different second messenger systems between these receptors have not been studied well. Ectopic expression of each of these receptors in mammalian cells has provided the opportunity to evaluate the signal transduction of each in some detail. In this work we compared the coupling efficiencies of the m1, m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors expressed in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to the Ca$\^$2+/ mobilization and the stimulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Because G protein/PLC/PI turnover/[(Ca$\^$2+/])i/NOS pathway was supposed as a main pathway for the production of nitric oxide via muscarinic receptors, we studied on ml, m3 and m5 receptors. Stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity in detector neuroblastoma cells was used as an index of generation nitric oxide (NO) in CHO cells. The agonist carbachol increased the cGMP formation and the intracellular [Ca$\^$2+/] in concentration dependent manner in three types of receptors and the increased cGMP formation was significantly attenuated by scavenger of NO or inhibitor of NOS. m5 receptors was most efficiently coupled to stimulation of nNOS, And, the coupling efficiencies to the stimulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in three types of receptors were parallel with them to the Ca$\^$2+/ mobilization.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.147-150
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• 2005

Macrophage scavenger receptors (MSRs) induce microglial interaction with ${\beta}$-amyloid fibrils (fA${\beta}$) that are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although microglia are know n to have a dual effect on formation of plaque and clearance of fA${\beta}$ in the AD brain, receptor-mediated phagocytosis is a very important tool for preventing amyloid plaque via activated microglia in the early stage of AD. In the study, we examined whether ginsonoside Rg3 enhances the microglial Phagocytosis of A${\beta}$1-42 through Phagocytosis assay, gene expression (RT-PCR) and protein assay (western blots) for the cell responsiveness presented between Rg3-treated and non-treated groups. Fluro-labeled Ac-LDL and E.coli particles were used as control proteins for phagocytosis. In previous studies, this was a particularly interesting property of Rg3 in the stimulation and phagocytosis of macrophages in the periphery. We report here that ginsenoside Rg3 increased the expression of type-A MSR (MSR-A) in microglia and thus accelerated the phagocytosis with an effective degradation of engulfed fA${\beta}$. This result suggests that Rg3 may play an important role in removing fA${\beta}$ by enhancing the receptor-mediated phagocytosis. In addition, Rg3 could be a potential candidate for balancing the rate of production of fA${\beta}$ in AD brain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.43-55
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• 2013

I investigated whether snake venom toxin(SVT) from Vipera lebetina turanica enhances the apoptosis ability of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL) in cancer cells. TRAIL inhibited HCT116 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with cell growth inhibition, the expression of TRAIL receptors; DR4 and DR5 was significantly increased as well as apoptosis related proteins such as cleaved caspase-3, 8, 9 and Bax. However, the expression of survival proteins(eg, cFLIP, survivin, XIAP and Bcl2) was suppressed by the combination treatment of SVT and TRAIL. Pretreatment with the reactive oxygen species(ROS) scavenger N-acetylcysteine reduced the SVT and TRAIL-induced upregulation of DR4 and DR5 expression and expression of the apoptosis related protein such as caspase-3 and-9 as well as cell growth inhibitory effects. The collective results suggest that SVT facilitates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells through up-regulation of the TRAIL receptors; DR4 and DR5 via ROS pathway signals.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.87-98
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• 2014

Objectives : We investigated whether snake venom toxin(SVT) from Vipera lebetina turanica sensitizes HT29 human epithelial colorectal cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL) induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Methods : Cell viability assay was used to assess the inhibitory effect of TRAIL on cell growth of HT29 human colorectal cancer cells. And 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay(TUNEL) staining assay were used to evaluate cell-apoptosis. Western blot analysis were conducted to observe apoptosis related proteins and death receptor. To assess whether the synergized inhibitory effect of SVT and TRAIL on reactive oxygen species(ROS) generation was reversed by strong anti-oxidative agent. Results : SVT with TRAIL inhibited HT29 cell growth different from TRAIL alone. Consistent with cell growth inhibition, the expression of TRAIL receptors; Expression of death receptor(DR)4 and DR5 was significantly increased and intrinsic pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3, -9 was subsequently increased together with increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and extrinsic pro-apototic caspase-8 was also activated. In addition, the expression of anti-apoptotic survival proteins, a marker of TRAIL resistance(eg, cFLIP, survivin, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein(XIAP) and Bcl-2) was suppressed by the combination treatment of SVT and TRAIL. Pretreatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine abolished the SVT and TRAIL-induced upregulation of DR4 and DR5 expression and expression of the intrinsic pro-apoptotic caspase-3 and-9. Conclusion : The collective results suggest that SVT facilitates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in $HT_{29}$ human epithelial colorectal cancer cells through up-regulation of the TRAIL receptors; DR4 and DR5 and consecutive induction of bilateral apoptosis via regulating apoptosis related proteins.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.145-150
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• 2010

Adenosine (Ado) is an important mediator of the endogenous defense against ischemia-induced injury in the heart. The action of Ado is mediated by activation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying $K^+$ (GIRK) channels. In turn, GIRK channels are inhibited by reducing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate ($PIP_2$) through Gq protein-coupled receptors (GqPCRs). We previously found that GIRK channels activated by acetylcholine, a muscarinic M2 acetylcholine receptor agonist, are inhibited by GqPCRs in a receptor-specific manner. However, it is not known whether GIRK channels activated by Ado signaling are also regulated by GqPCRs. Presently, this was investigated in mouse atrial myocytes using the patch clamp technique. GIRK channels were activated by $100\;{\mu}M$ Ado. When Ado was repetitively applied at intervals of 5~6 min, the amplitude of second Ado-activated GIRK currents ($I_{K(Ado)}$) was $88.3{\pm}3.7%$ of the first $I_{K(Ado)}$ in the control. Pretreatment of atrial myocytes with phenylephrine, endothelin-1, or bradykinin prior to a second application of Ado reduced the amplitude of the second $I_{K(Ado)}$ to $25.5{\pm}11.6%$, $30.5{\pm}5.6%$, and $96.0{\pm}2.7%$, respectively. The potency of $I_{K(Ado)}$ inhibition by GqPCRs was different with that observed in acetylcholine-activated GIRK currents ($I_{K(ACh)}$) (endothelin-1>phenylephrine>bradykinin). $I_{K(Ado)}$ was almost completely inhibited by $500\;{\mu}M$ of the $PIP_2$ scavenger neomycin, suggesting low $PIP_2$ affinity of $I_{K(Ado)}$. Taken together, these results suggest that the crosstalk between GqPCRs and the Ado-induced signaling pathway is receptor-specific. The differential change in $PIP_2$ affinity of GIRK channels activated by Ado and ACh may underlie, at least in part, their differential responses to GqPCR agonists.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.107-113
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• 2011

Background: Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM complex downregulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$ and -6) and $HIF1{\alpha}$ mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.477-484
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• 2019

Several types of scavenger receptors, including the Collectin-Placenta 1 (CL-P1) receptorthat is present in mammals, are molecules that are expressed on the surfaces of endothelial cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cells. These molecules are cell surface glycoproteins that can be conjugated to oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Among these molecules, the effect of quercetin on CL-P1 activation has been confirmed. Quercetin is known as an antioxidant that stops oxidation because it acts to remove free radicals that are responsible for the oxidation reaction. In this study, fragments from the transcription start site of the mouse CL-P1 gene promoter to the -500th base were cloned using DNA polymerase. These fragments were then introduced into macrophage like RAW264.7 cells and fibroblast-like NIH3T3 cells to study the effect of quercetin on the CL-P1 gene expression. As a result, we found that bases ranging from -250 to -350 in the anterior part where gene expression starts are important for producing CL-P1 protein. Among them, the DNA mutation experiments we performed confirmed that the E2F binding sites are critical for producing the CL-P1 protein? In addition, when quercetin was added to the RAW264.7 culture medium, which was a culture of adherent cells, observedthe phenomenon of the cells falling off from the surface of the culture container.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.10
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• pp.395-401
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• 2016

Since the outbreak of the enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection in Malaysia in 1997, large epidemics of EV71 have occurred in the Asia-Pacific region. Many children and infants have died from serious neurological complications during these epidemics, and EV71 infection has become a serious public health problem in these areas. EV71 infection causes hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children, and usually resolves spontaneously. However, EV71 occasionally involves the central nervous system (CNS), and induces diverse neurological complications such as brainstem encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. Among those complications, brainstem encephalitis is the most critical neurological manifestation because it can cause neurogenic pulmonary hemorrhage/edema leading to death. The characteristic clinical symptoms such as myoclonus and ataxia, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, and brainstem lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, in conjunction with the skin rash of HFMD and the isolation of EV71 from a stool, throat-swab, or CSF sample are typical findings indicating CNS involvement of EV71 infection. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and milrinone are recommended in cases with severe neurological complications from EV71 infection, such as brainstem encephalitis. Despite the recent discovery of receptors for EV71 in human cells, such as the scavenger receptor B2 and P-selection glycoprotein ligand 1, it is not known why EV71 infection predominantly involves the brainstem. Recently, 3 companies in China have completed phase III clinical trials of EV71 vaccines. However, the promotion and approval of these vaccines in various countries are problems yet to be resolved.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.96-103
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• 2012

Obesity-induced disorders contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluated whether the Aloe QDM complex could improve metabolic disorders related to blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of Aloe QDM complex or pioglitazone (PGZ) or metformin (Met) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Dietary Aloe QDM complex lowered body weight, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, and leptin levels, and markedly reduced the impairment of glucose tolerance in obese mice. Also, Aloe QDM complex significantly enhanced plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activity in muscles. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ and scavenger receptors in white adipose tissue (WAT). Dietary Aloe QDM complex reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ but also by enhancing AMPK activity in the WAT and muscles, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The Aloe QDM complex could be used as a nutritional intervention against T2D.