• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2009

Thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal protein (tPMP) is a small cationic peptide that exerts potent in vitro microbicidal activity against a broad spectrum of human pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus rattus BHT. Earlier evidence has suggested that tPMP targets and disrupts the bacterial membrane. However, it is not yet clear whether membrane disruption itself is sufficient to kill the bacteria or whether subsequent, presumably intracellular, events are also involved in this process. In this study, we investigated the microbicidal activity of rabbit tPMP toward S. rattus BHT cells in the presence or absence of a pretreatment with antibiotics that differ in their mechanisms of action. The streptocidal effects of tPMP on control cells (no antibiotic pretreatment) were rapid and concentration-dependent. Pretreatment of S. rattus BHT cells with either penicillin or amoxicillin (inhibitors of bacterial cell wall synthesis) significantly enhanced the anti-S. rattus BHT effects of tPMP compared with the effects against the respective control cells over most tPMP concentration ranges tested. On the other hand, pretreatment of S. rattus BHT cells with tetracycline or doxycycline (30S ribosomal subunit inhibitors) significantly decreased the streptocidal effects of tPMP over a wide peptide concentration range. Furthermore, pretreatment with rifampin (an inhibitor of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase) essentially blocked the killing of S. rattus BHT by tPMP at most concentrations compared with the respective control cells. These results suggest that tPMP exerts anti-S. rattus BHT activity through mechanisms involving both the cell membrane and intracellular targets.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.1
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• pp.8-17
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• 2015

Background: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) not only functions as an intracellular energy sensor and regulator, but is also a general sensor of oxidative stress. Furthermore, there is recent evidence that it participates in limiting acute inflammatory reactions, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Thus, it may oppose the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: To investigate the role of AMPK in cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and emphysema we first compared cigarette smoking and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]-induced lung inflammation and emphysema in $AMPK{\alpha}1$-deficient ($AMPK{\alpha}1$-HT) mice and wild-type mice of the same genetic background. We then investigated the role of AMPK in the induction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in A549 cells. Results: Cigarette smoking and poly(I:C)-induced lung inflammation and emphysema were elevated in $AMPK{\alpha}1$-HT compared to wild-type mice. CSE increased AMPK activation in a CSE concentration- and time-dependent manner. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-${\beta}$-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an AMPK activator, decreased CSE-induced IL-8 production while Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, increased it, as did pretreatment with an $AMPK{\alpha}1$-specific small interfering RNA. Conclusion: $AMPK{\alpha}1$-deficient mice have increased susceptibility to lung inflammation and emphysema when exposed to cigarette smoke, and AMPK appears to reduce lung inflammation and emphysema by lowering IL-8 production.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.195-202
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• 2014

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder related to insulin resistance, obesity, and inflammation. Genetic and environmental factors also contribute to the development of MetS, and through genome-wide association studies (GWASs), important susceptibility loci have been identified. However, GWASs focus more on individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), explaining only a small portion of genetic heritability. To overcome this limitation, pathway analyses are being applied to GWAS datasets. The aim of this study is to elucidate the biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of MetS through pathway analysis. Cohort data from the Korea Associated Resource (KARE) was used for analysis, which include 8,842 individuals (age, $52.2{\pm}8.9years$ ; body mass index, $24.6{\pm}3.2kg/m^2$). A total of 312,121 autosomal SNPs were obtained after quality control. Pathway analysis was conducted using Meta-analysis Gene-Set Enrichment of Variant Associations (MAGENTA) to discover the biological pathways associated with MetS. In the discovery phase, SNPs from chromosome 12, including rs11066280, rs2074356, and rs12229654, were associated with MetS (p < $5{\times}10^{-6}$), and rs11066280 satisfied the Bonferroni-corrected cutoff (unadjusted p < $1.38{\times}10^{-7}$, Bonferroni-adjusted p < 0.05). Through pathway analysis, biological pathways, including electron carrier activity, signaling by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase cascade, PDGF binding, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, and DNA repair, were associated with MetS. Through pathway analysis of MetS, pathways related with PDGF, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and PPAR signaling, as well as nucleic acid binding, protein secretion, and DNA repair, were identified. Further studies will be needed to clarify the genetic pathogenesis leading to MetS.

• Korean Journal of Rural Living Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to find out the dietary attitudes and behaviors, intake frequencies of food groups, health-related opinions and practices, and sociodemographic characteristics of housewives in Wonju-Gun rural area. Interviewers asked 413 housewives about obove informations and then recorded. The results were as followes : Using the factor analysis processing, 17 questions about dietary attitudes and behaviors were categorized into 5 groups such as fidelity of diet, the healthful dietary attitudes, the eating practices concerning about items and amount, eating speed and the extent of coincidence in food preference within a family. The role of the housewives was a major factor affecting the dietary attitudes and behaviors. Those who work as housewives and farmers concurrently had good dietary practices concerning about items and amount, but they were interested about health-directed dietary attitudes at a significantly lower level. Food frequencies of 9 groups, animal protein food, fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products, small fishes such as anchovy, soybean curd and beans, seaweeds, vegetable oil, frying food, soybean paste were significantly associated with subjects' age, role, and education and income level. Whether or not intake of soybean paste was considered. protein food intake was altered, and the difference between two situations increased much more as age was higher. We noticed that intake of soybean paste improved the status of protein nutrition. Our subjects ate calcium sources and dishes using vegetable oil insufficiently. Those who had much interests for good health, revealed to be an active practitioner in the aspects of healthful dietary attitudes, but fidelity of diet, eating practices concerning about items and amount showed significant association with balanced life style.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.11
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• pp.777-784
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• 2014

Epidemiologic studies have shown that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a strong risk factor, whilst high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, strategies to manage dyslipidemia in an effort to prevent or treat CHD have primarily attempted at decreasing LDL-C and raising HDL-C levels. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the exchange of cholesteryl ester for triglycerides between HDL and VLDL and LDL. We have published the first report indicating that a group of Japanese patients who were lacking CETP had extremely high HDL-C levels, low LDL-C levels and a low incidence of CHD. Animal studies, as well as clinical and epidemiologic evidences, have suggested that inhibition of CETP provides an effective strategy to raise HDL-C and reduce LDL-C levels. Four CETP inhibitors have substantially increased HDL-C levels in dyslipidemic patients. This review will discuss the current status and future prospects of CETP inhibitors in the treatment of CHD. At present anacetrapib by Merck and evacetrapib by Eli Lilly are under development. By 100mg of anacetrapib HDL-C increased by 138%, and LDL-C decreased by 40%. Evacetrapib 500 mg also showed dramatic 132% increase of HDL-C, while LDL-C decreased by 40%. If larger, long-term, randomized, clinical end point trials could corroborate other findings in reducing atherosclerosis, CETP inhibitors could have a significant impact in the management of dyslipidemic CHD patients. Inhibition of CETP synthesis by antisense oligonucleotide or small molecules will produce more similar conditions to human CETP deficiency and may be effective in reducing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. We are expecting the final data of prospective clinical trials by CETP inhibitors in 2015.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 1991

This study was conducted to investigate the dietary and nutritional status supplied by group feeding for blue color and white color in Seoul and Kyunggi area. The results are summarized as follows : 1. Blue color and white color of the average food supply per person per day was 1370.0g. Blue color of the total fool supply was consisted of 35.1% grain, 44.1% vegetables. White color of the total fool supply was consisted of 31.8% grain, 44.0% vegetable. The amount of milk product, fruit and fat supply were very small. 2. Blue color and white color of the ratio of main dish and side dish supplied was 69 : 31, 60.0 : 39.7. 3. Main dish all is rice. Side dish ard kinds of soupes and Jigeai Johngol in the two groups. In the kind of side dish white color much more than blue color. Dessert are scarcely supplied in the two groups. 4. The mean daily supplies of energy and 9 nutrients were above the level of the R.D.A. Blue color and white color of the mean daily amount of energy supply was 2653.0㎉ 3022.6㎉. Blue color and white color of the ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and fat supplied was 68.4%, 18.6%, 13.1%, and 62.1%, 20.9%, 17.0%. 5. Blue color and white color of the average feeding cost amounts to 460won, 812won per meal. 6. Blue color; There were high correlations in supply amoung energy, protein, fat. Carbohydrate, calcium, iron, riboflavin, niacin. White color; There were high correlation in supply amoung energy, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vit-C.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2013

We previously observed that Bacillus subtilis spores from sspE mutants presented a lower germination capacity in media containing high salt concentrations (0.9M NaCl). This deficiency was attributed to the absence of SASP-E (gamma-type small-acid-soluble protein), rich in osmocompatible amino acids released by degradation. Herein we observed that, in addition, this mutant spore presented a reduced capacity to use L-alanine as germinant (L-ala pathway), required longer times to germinate in calcium dipicolinate ($Ca^{2+}$-DPA), but germinated well in asparagine, glucose, fructose, and potassium chloride (AGFK pathway). Moreover, mild sonic treatment of mutant spores partially recovered their germination capacity in L-ala. Spore qualities were also altered, since sporulating colonies from the sspE mutant showed a pale brownish color, a higher adherence to agar plates, and lower autofluorescence, properties related to their spore coat content. Furthermore, biochemical analysis showed a reduced partition in hexadecane and a higher content of $Ca^{2+}$-DPA when compared with its isogenic wild-type control. Coat protein preparations showed a different electrophoretic pattern, in particular when detected with antibodies against CotG and CotE. The complementation with a wild-type sspE gene in a plasmid allowed for recovering the wild-type coat phenotype. This is the first report of a direct involvement of SASP-E in the spore coat assembly during the differentiation program of sporulation.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2016

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) is a down-stream target gene of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and performs diverse biological functions. Recently, NQO1 is recognized as an effective gene for the cytotoxic inserts with its diverse biological functions, which is focused on antioxidant properties. The aim of present study was to assess the impact of NQO1 knockdown on cytoprotection-related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity by using small interfering (si) RNA targeted on NQO1 gene. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin on ACHN cells was assessed in a dose- and time-dependent manner after siScramble or siNQO1 treatment. After cisplatin treatment, cells were subjected to cell viability assay, western-blot analysis, and immunofluorescence study. The cell viability was decreased in the siNQO1 cells (50%) than the siScramble cells (70%) after 24 h of cisplatin ($20{\mu}M$) treatment. Moreover, cytoprotection-related protein expressions were markedly suppressed in the siNQO1 cells after cisplatin treatment. The expression of Nrf2 and Klotho were decreased by 20% and 40%, respectively, of that in siScramble cells. Nrf2 and Klotho activation were also decreased in cisplatin treated siNQO1 cells, confirmed by cytoplasm-tonuclear translocation. Our findings demonstrate that the increased cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was accompanied by suppressed Nrf2 activation and Klotho expression in siNQO1 cells.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.125-137
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• 2020

In recent years, toxic organophosphorus compounds (OPs) have been used for civilians, becoming a great threat to the world. Alternative to the current treatment policy unpredictable for any prevention, researches on bioscavenger as an improved treatment have been actively conducted. Bioscavengers refer to proteins and enzymes that prevent intoxication by inactivating or binding toxic OPs before they reaches the target. In particular, extensive efforts have been made to develop catalytic bioscavengers that quickly detoxify OPs even with a small dose of the protein by performing multiple binding and hydrolysis processes with OPs. This review introduces the latest studies and results for developing catalytic bioscavengers using molecular evolution and protein engineering techniques. We will briefly present some of the remaining challenges on developing enzymes into clinically approved drugs.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.186-191
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• 2016

Background and Objectives: With the global demand for dairy protein for consumption growing annually, there has been increasing activity in the research field of dairy protein synthesis and production. From a manipulation perspective, it is more difficult to use live cattle for laboratory studies on the production of milk as well as of dairy protein such as casein, as compared with using laboratory animals like rodents. Therefore, we aimed to develop a mouse model of bovine mammary alveolar ducts for laboratory-scale studies. We studied the formation of the bovine mammary gland ductal structure by transplanting the MAC-T bovine alveolar cell line into mice. Methods and Results: MAC-T cells ($1{\times}10^7$) were suspended in Matrigel and injected into the dorsal tissue of 8-week-old male BALB/C nude mice. Histological analysis of tissue dissected from the MAC-T cell-transplanted mice after 6 weeks showed the typical morphology of the tubuloalveolar female gland, as well as glands made up of branching ducts that were surrounded by smooth muscle with small alveoli budding off the ducts. In addition, the epithelial markers CK14 and CK18 were expressed within the duct-like structure. Prolactin was detected in the duct interior in these CK14+ and CK18+ cells but not in the non-transplanted MAC-T cells. Conclusions: These results showed that duct-like tissue had been successfully formed after 6 weeks of transplantation of the CK14+ and CK18+ MAC-T cells into mice dorsal tissue. This mouse model will be a useful tool for further research on the bovine mammary gland.