• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.37-37
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• 2003

본 연구실에서는 체세포복제 수정란 이식우의 분만전후 태아와 모체 및 태반과의 내분비적인 관계를 검토하기 위해 복제수정란 이식우의 분만 전후에 있어서, 혈중progesterone 과 TGF-$\beta$$_1$ 수준을 분석한 결과 정상우의 분만직전과 달리 혈중progesterone 및 TGF-$\beta$$_1$ 농도는 감소되지 않고 높은 수준을 그대로 유지되어 복제수정란이식우의 경우 정상적인 분만 signal이 나타나지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 체세포 복제소 수정란 이식우에 있어서 태반조직의 특성을 정상우의 동일한 시기의 태반과 비교 검토하였으며 분만시기에 있어서 태반의 역할을 검토하였다. 태반은 복제란 이식우 및 정상우 임신우를 술을 실시하여 태반을 채취하여 실험에 공시하였다. 정상우의 임신기간중 혈중 progesterone 농도는 임신초기와 중기에 다소 증가되어 유지되다가 임신말기에는 급격한 progesterone의 감소현상과 더불어 분만이 유기되는 것으로 나타났으나 복제우의 경우 분만예정일 직전까지 progesterone의 급격한 감소는 일어나지 않고 높은 농도로 유지되는 현상을 보였다. 이때 제왕절제 수술중 제대근방에 있는 태반궁부를 적출하여 중량을 측정한 결과 정상우의 궁부에 비해 유의적으로 무거웠으며, 이것은 태아의 중량과 정의 상관관계가 있음이 확인되었으며 태아 및 궁부의 중량이 무거울수록 분만 전후의 태아사망율이 높은 것으로 나타났다 이때의 궁부를 조직학적으로 검토한 결과, 복제우의 태반궁부는 정상우의 궁부에 비해 cytotrophoblast 및 syncytiotrophoblast가 적었으며 치밀하지 못한 형태를 확인할 수 있었다. 이때의 태반조직를 이용하여 세포질을 추출하여 단백질양상을 검토한 결과, 정상태반에 비해 복제태반은분자량 90kd, 65kd 및 18kd의 특이단백질이 존재하고 있음을 확인할 수 있었으며 이들 단백질을 HPLC system에 의해 분리한 결과 fraction 2와 3에서 특이한 단백질을 분리하였다. 이와 같이, 복제우의 태반에는 정상적인 임신과 분만을 비롯하여 복제송아지의 생존에 중요한 인자가 관여하고 있을 확인할 수 있었다.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.9-18
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was performed to determine the transdermal effects of ethanol extract from medicinal herbal mixture (SHJ) on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice and melanogenesis in melanoma cells. Methods : Mice were divided into 3 experimental groups including vehicle (CON), SHJ extract and 5% minoxidil (MNXD, positive control)-treated group. SHJ was applied topically on the hair-shaved skin of C57BL/6 mice everyday for 15 days. The thickness and density of hair with a folliscope and morphometry of hair follicle with a H&E staining were monitored at last day. Also then, hair growth-associated gene expressions were measured by immunoblot assay. Results : The MNXD or SHJ-treated group promoted on hair growth compared to that of vehicle-treated group (CON). Hair density and thickness of MNXD or SHJ treated-group increased compared to that of vehicle application on the 15 days, respectively. Induction of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also accelerated by application of SHJ extract compared to those of CON group. But expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$ decreased in SHJ treated-group compared to that of CON group. Furthermore, SHJ extract showed to increase melanin contents in a dose-dependent manner. Tyrosinase activity significantly increased in SHJ-treated group compared with CON group in dose-dependant manner. Conclusions : These results suggest that SHJ can be used as a component of cosmeceuticals for hair care via promoting growth and melanogenesis of hair.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.1698-1704
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• 2024

Therapeutic advancements in treatments for cancer, a leading cause of mortality worldwide, have lagged behind the increasing incidence of this disease. There is a growing interest in multifaceted approaches for cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, but due to their low efficacy and severe side effects, there is a need for the development of new cancer therapies. Recently, the human microbiome, which is comprised of various microorganisms, has emerged as an important research field due to its potential impact on cancer treatment. Among these microorganisms, Bifidobacterium infantis has been shown to significantly improve the efficacy of various anticancer drugs. However, research on the role of B. infantis in cancer treatment remains insufficient. Thus, in this study, we explored the anticancer effect of treatment with B. infantis DS1685 supernatant (BI sup) in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Treatment with BI sup induced SMAD4 expression to suppress cell growth in colon and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, a decrease in tumor cohesion was observed through the disruption of the regulation of EMT-related genes by BI sup in 3D spheroid models. Based on these findings, we anticipate that BI sup could play an adjunctive role in cancer therapy, and future cotreatment of BI sup with various anticancer drugs may lead to synergistic effects in cancer treatment.

• Molecular Medicine Reports
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.3709-3718
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• 2019

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by recurrent pancreatic injury, resulting in inflammation and fibrosis. Currently, there are no drugs for the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis associated with CP. Piperine, a natural alkaloid found in black pepper, has been reported to show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antitumor activities. Although piperine exhibits numerous properties in regards to the regulation of diverse diseases, the effects of piperine on CP have not been established. To investigate the effects of piperine on CP in vivo, we induced CP in mice through the repetitive administration of cerulein (50 ㎍/kg) six times at 1-h intervals, 5 times per week, for a total of 3 weeks. In the pre-treatment groups, piperine (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) or corn oil were administrated orally at 1 h before the first cerulein injection, once a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 3 weeks. In the post-treatment groups, piperine (10 mg/kg) or corn oil was administered orally at 1 or 2 week after the first cerulein injection. Pancreases were collected for histological analysis. In addition, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated to examine the anti-fibrogenic effects and regulatory mechanisms of piperine. Piperine treatment significantly inhibited histological damage in the pancreas, increased the pancreatic acinar cell survival, reduced collagen deposition and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, piperine treatment reduced the expression of fibrotic mediators, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, and fibronectin 1 in the pancreas and PSCs. Moreover, piperine treatment reduced the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the pancreas and PSCs. Furthermore, piperine treatment inhibited TGF-β-induced pSMAD2/3 activation but not pSMAD1/5 in the PSCs. These findings suggest that piperine treatment ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling during CP.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.58-76
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• 2019

Objectives : This study was designed to examine the effects of Daecheonglyong-tang(DCL) on atopic dermatitis induced by DNCB in mice Methods : The Nc/Nga mice were divided into 5 groups, and four groups excluding the normal group were applied by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB), to cause AD and were orally administered with distilled water(negative control), dexamethasone(positive control), and DCL 200 or 400mg/kg once a day for 4 weeks respectively. The visual changes on skin, changes in skin tissue thickness and eosinophil infiltration were observed. IgE, Histamine, Cytokines, immune cells and the amount of gene expression of filaggrin, VEGF, $TGF-{\beta}1$, EGF were measured. Results : Dermatitis score showed a gross improvement on all DCL groups, similar to or better than positive control. All DCL groups showed no significant change in the basophils, while neutrophils and eosinophils decreased. In only DCL 400 mg/kg groups, white blood cells and mononuclear cells were decreased and lymphocytes were increased. In particular, neutrophils had similar or better effects than the positive control. In all DCL groups, IgE, Histamine, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were decreased and IL-2 was increased. In only DCL 400 mg/kg groups, IL-10 decreased and $IFN-{\gamma}$ increased. In particular, $IL-1{\beta}$ and $IFN-{\gamma}$ showed a similar rate of increase and decrease comparing positive control in DCL 400 mg/kg. $TGF-{\beta}$1 was increased in all DCL groups, filaggrin and VEGF were increased in only DCL 400 mg/kg groups. EGF did not make any changes. Epidermis, dermis thickness and eosinophil infiltration were also decreased in all DCL groups. Conclusions : By increasing Th1 cytokine and decreasing Th2 cytokine, DCL extracts appear to be effective in controlling immune response imbalances, anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration and are likely to be available as a treatment for AD.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.288-298
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• 2011

Background: Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) has been used to treat inflammatory diseases including edema and arthritis; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SM action remains unresolved. Methods: The effects of an ethanol extract of SM (ESM) on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and NO, and on anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-10, TGF-${\beta}$, and IL-1Ra have been studied in an attempt to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism in murine macrophages. Results: ESM inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via down-regulation of gene and protein expression whereas it increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, ESM inhibited the expression of the chemokines, RANTES and CX3CL1, as well as of inflammatory mediators such as TLR-4 and $11{\beta}$-HSD1. Conclusion: These results indicated that the regulatory effects of ESM may be mediated though the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we speculate that ESM has therapeutic potential for inflammation-associated disorders.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.84-88
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• 2012

B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is primarily expressed by macrophages and stimulates B cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and Ig production. In this study, we explored the effect of lactoferrin (LF) on BAFF expression by murine macrophages. We determined the level of BAFF expression at the transcriptional and protein levels using RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. LF markedly enhanced BAFF expression in mouse macrophages at both the transcriptional and protein levels. Overexpression of Smad3/4 further increased LF-induced BAFF transcription while DN-Smad3 abolished the LF-induced BAFF expression. These results demonstrate that LF can enhance BAFF expression through Smad3/4 pathway.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.391-405
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• 2003

Craniosynostosis, known as a premature fusion of cranial sutures, is a developmental disorder characterized by precocious differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts in the calvarial sutures. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that mutation in the homeobox gene Msx2 causes Boston-type human craniosynostosis. Additionally, the phenotype of Dlx5 homozygote mutant mouse presents craniofacial abnormalities including a delayed ossification of calvarial bone. Furthermore transcription of osteocalcin, a mature osteoblast marker, is reciprocally regulated by the homeodomain proteins Msx2 and Dlx5. These facts suggest important roles of osteocalcin, Msx2 and Dlx5 genes in the calvarial bone growth and suture morphogenesis. To elucidate the function of these molecules in the early morphogenesis of mouse cranial sutures, we have first analyzed by in situ hybridization the expression of osteocalcin, Msx2 and Dlx5 genes in the developing parietal bone and sagittal suture of mouse calvaria during the embryonic (E15-E18) stage. Osteocalcin mRNA was found in the periosteum of parietal bones from E15, and gradually more highly expressed with aging. Msx2 mRNA was intensely expressed in the sutural mesenchyme, osteogenic fronts and mildly expressed in the dura mater during the embryonic stage. Dlx5 mRNA was intensely expressed osteogenic fronts and the periostem of parietal bones. To further examine the upstream signaling molecules of transcription factor Msx2 and Dlx5, we have done in vitro experiments in E15.5 mouse calvarial explants. Interestingly, implantation of BMP2-, BMP4-soaked beads onto the osteogenic fronts after 48 hours organ culture induced etopic expressions of Msx2 and Dlx5 genes. On the other hand, overexpression of $TGF{\beta}1$, GDF-6, -7, FGF-2, -4 and Shh did not induce the expression of Msx2 and Dlx5. Taken together. these data indicate that transcription factor Msx2 and Dlx5 play critical roles in the calvarial bone and suture development, and that BMP siganling is involved in the osteogenesis of calvarial bones and the maintenance of cranial sutures through regulating these two transcriotpn factors. Furthermore, different expression patterns between Msx2 and Dlx5 suggest their specific functions in the osteoblast differentiation.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.360-373
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• 2006

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation applied to the rabbit cranial defects grafted with ${\beta}$-tricalcium phosphate (${\beta}$-TCP) could affect the new bone formation. With 16 New Zealand white rabbits under the same condition, bilateral calvarial bone defects were formed around the sagittal suture line. The defect on the left side was grafted with ${\beta}$-TCP, while on the right side was grafted by harvested autogenous bone. PEMF was applied to 8 rabbits for 8 hours per day. The bony specimen were divided into 3 groups, the group 1 was autogenous bone grafted specimen, the group 2 was ${\beta}$-TCP grafted with PEMF, and the group 3 was ${\beta}$-TCP grafted without PEMF. We investigated the bone regeneration & growth factor expression at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. As a result, BMP 2 was expressed in the group 1 from 2 weeks, the group 2 from 4 weeks, and the group 3 from 6 weeks. BMP 4 was expressed in the group 1 from 2 weeks, in the group 2 and the group 3 from 4 weeks. 4. There was no significant difference in expression pattern of BMP 7, PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-${\beta}$1 during grafted bone regeneration in group 1, 2, and 3. According to our results, PEMF stimulation could be effective on the new bome formation in animal study, and have a feasibility of clinical use.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.408-419
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• 2021

Background: The decreased renal function is known to be associated with biological aging, of which the main pathological features are chronic inflammation and renal interstitial fibrosis. In previous studies, we reported that total saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJs) can availably protect acute myocardial ischemia. We proposed that SPJs might have similar protective effects for aging-associated renal interstitial fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the overall effect of SPJs on renal fibrosis. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) aging rats were given SPJs by gavage beginning from 18 months old, at 10 mg/kg/d and 60 mg/kg/d, up to 24 months old. After the experiment, changes in morphology, function and fibrosis of their kidneys were detected. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and cystatin C (Cys C) were assayed with ELISA kits. The levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), inflammatory factors and changes of oxidative stress parameters were examined. Results: After SPJs treatment, SD rats showed significantly histopathological changes in kidneys accompanied by decreased renal fibrosis and increased renal function; As compared with those in 3-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in 24-month group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the 24-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in the SPJ-H group were significantly decreased. While ECM was reduced and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, the levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling were decreased; the expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was down-regulated with reduced inflammatory factors; meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling was aggrandized. Conclusion: These results suggest that SPJs treatment can improve age-associated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad, NFκB signaling pathways and activating Nrf2-ARE signaling pathways and that SPJs can be a potentially valuable anti-renal fibrosis drug.