• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.182-195
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• 2001

Background : Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) is a devastating illness for which there is little effective treatment. The key cytokines currently implicated in the fibrotic process are the transforming growth factor-${\beta}_1$(TGF-${\beta}_1$), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$(TNF-$\alpha$), endothelin-1(ET-1) and interferon-$\gamma$(IFN-$\gamma$). The rat model for paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis was chosen to investigate the role of ET-1 in this disease. Both ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression in lung lesions were examined using immunohistochemical staining. After $Bosentan^{(R)}$ administration, an orally active ET-$l_A$ and ET-$1_B$ receptor antagonist, the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression were analyzed. Method : Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, the control group, the fibrosis group, and the fibrosis-$Bosentan^{(R)}$-treated group. The animals were sacrificed periodically at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 days after administering saline or paraquat. The effects between groups were compared with the results of light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining for ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining, which were graded by a computerized image analyzer. The degree of immunohistochemical staining was categorized by a semi-quantitative analysis method. Results : The lung collagen content had increased in the paraquat instillated animals by day 3, and continued to increase up to day 14. A daily treatment by gavage with $Bosentan^{(R)}$ (100mg/kg) did not prevent the increase in collagen deposition on the lung that was induced by paraquat instillation. There were increased immunohistochemical stains of ET-1 on the exudate, macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and pneumocytes in the paraquat instillated group. Furthermore, TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression was higher on the exudate, macrophages, some inflammatory cells, pneumocytes( type I, and II), vascular endothelium and the respiratory epithelial cells around the fibrotic area. After Bosentan treatment, there were no definite changes in ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression. Conclusion : Fibrosis of the Paraquat instillated group was more advanced when compared with the control group. In addition, there was increased ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression around the fibrotic area. ET-1 is associated with lung fibrosis but there was little effect of the ET-1 receptor blocker($Bosentan^{(R)}$) on antifibrosis.Background : Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) is a devastating illness for which there is little effective treatment. The key cytokines currently implicated in the fibrotic process are the transforming growth factor-${\beta}_1$(TGF-${\beta}_1$), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$(TNF-$\alpha$), endothelin-1(ET-1) and interferon-$\gamma$(IFN-$\gamma$). The rat model for paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis was chosen to investigate the role of ET-1 in this disease. Both ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression in lung lesions were examined using immunohistochemical staining. After $Bosentan^{(R)}$ administration, an orally active ET-$1_A$ and ET-$1_B$ receptor antagonist, the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression were analyzed. Method : Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, the control group, the fibrosis group, and the fibrosis-$Bosentan^{(R)}$-treated group. The animals were sacrificed periodically at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 days after administering saline or paraquat. The effects between groups were compared with the results of light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining for ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining, which were graded by a computerized image analyzer. The degree of immunohistochemical staining was categorized by a semi-quantitative analysis method. Results : The lung collagen content had increased in the paraquat instillated animals by day 3, and continued to increase up to day 14. A daily treatment by gavage with $Bosentan^{(R)}$ (100mg/kg) did not prevent the increase in collagen deposition on the lung that was induced by paraquat instillation. There were increased immunohistochemical stains of ET-1 on the exudate, macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and pneumocytes in the paraquat instillated group. Furthermore, TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression was higher on the exudate, macrophages, some inflammatory cells, pneumocytes( type I, and II), vascular endothelium and the respiratory epithelial cells around the fibrotic area. After Bosentan treatment, there were no definite changes in ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression. Conclusion : Fibrosis of the Paraquat instillated group was more advanced when compared with the control group. In addition, there was increased ET-1 and TGF-${\beta}_1$ expression around the fibrotic area. ET-1 is associated with lung fibrosis but there was little effect of the ET-1 receptor blocker($Bosentan^{(R)}$) on antifibrosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.1 s.246
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• pp.38-43
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• 2005

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is a class of proteolytic enzymes that digest collagen type IV and other components of the basement membrane. It plays a key role in the local invasion and the formation of distant metastases by various malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of MMP-2 and its significance as a prognostic marker in resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Material and Method: In this study we obtained fresh-frozen samples of tumor and non-tumor tissues from 34 patients with stage I NSCLC who underwent resection without preoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy. After the extraction of total protein from tissue samples, MMP-2 activities were assessed by gelatin-substrate-zymography. The activities were divided into the higher or lower groups. Result: The MMP-2 activities were higher in tumor tissues than in non-tumor tissues. The MMP-2 activity of non-tumor tissues in recurrent group was higher than in non-recurrent group (p<0.01). Also the patients with higher MMP-2 activity of non-tumor tissues showed poor 5 year survival (p<0.01). Conclusion: This result indicates that the higher level of MMP-2 activity in the non-tumor tissue is associated with the recurrence and survival after the resection of stage I NSCLC. Therefore, MMP-2 activity in the non-tumor tissue could be used as a potential prognostic marker for the resected stage I-NSCLC.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.169-177
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• 2016

There is a growing interest in the application of primary hepatocytes for treatment of liver diseases in humans and for drug development. Several studies have focused on long-term survival and di-differentiation blocking of primary hepatocytes in an in vitro culture system. Therefore, the present study also aimed to optimize an in vitro culture system using primary rat hepatocytes. Primary rat hepatocytes from 6-week-old male Crl:CD rats were isolated using a modified two-step collagenase perfusion. Healthy $3.5{\times}10^6$ primary rat hepatocytes were seeded into a 2 dimensional (2D) culture in a 25T culture flask coated with collagen type I or into a 3D culture in a 125-ml spinner flask for 7 days. Production of plasma protein (ALB and TF), apoptosis (BAX and BCL2), and CYP (CYP3A1) related genes were compared between the 2D and 3D culture systems. The 3D culture system had an advantage over the 2D system because of the relatively high expression of ALB and low expression of BAX in the 3D system. However, the level of CYP3A1 did not improve in the 3D culture with and without the presence of a dexamethasone inducer. Therefore, 3D culture has an advantage for albumin production and primary rat hepatocyte survivability, but a low expression of CYP3A1 indicated that primary rat hepatocytes require a high-density culture for stress reduction by continuous flow.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.389-402
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• 2002

BMP can induce ectopic bone formation when implanted into sites such as rat muscle and can greatly enhance healing of bony defects when applied exogenously. In addition, BMP stimulated osteoblastic differentiation in vitro in various types of cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein(rhBMP-2) on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts. The cell number and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured in 3 experimental groups of human periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts (control group, rhBMP-2 50ng/ml group, and rhBMP-2 100ng/ml group) at 1 and 2 weeks after culture. At the same time, total RNA of cultured cells were extracted and reverse trascription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was performed to determine the expression of mRNA of bone matrix protein. RhBMP-2 had no effect on the cell proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts. Alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated significantly by rhBMP-2 in both cells. And periodontal ligament cells showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity than gingival fibroblasts. ${\beta}$-actin, type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, BMP-2 mRNA were expressed in all of the samples. Osteopontin, osteocalcin mRNA were expressed in all periodontal ligament cell groups, and rhBMP-2 50ng/ml group, rhBMP-2 100ng/ml group of 2 week culture period of gingival fibroblasts. Bone sialoprotein mRNA was only expressed in rhBMP-2 50ng/ml group and rhBMP-2 100ng/ml group of 2-week culture period. These results suggest that rhBMP-2 stimulates osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts in vitro.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.664-670
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• 2016

Cheonggukjang (CKJ) is a Korean traditional food made of fermented soybeans. In comparison to normal intake of soybeans, Cheonggukjang has high digestibility with bioactive, antioxidant substances, and thrombolytic enzymes. Recent studies have reported anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity activities as well as inhibitory activities against osteoporosis for CKJ. In this study, we identified the effects of CKJ on osteoblast differentiation by increasing the polyglutamic acid (PGA) content of CKJ. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization significantly increased in response to treatment with both natural CKJ (CKJ A) and PGA-increased CKJ (CKJ B). However, CKJ B exhibited higher ALP activity and mineralization than CKJ A. Real-time reverse transcription PCR demonstrated that mRNA expression of osteoblastic-associated genes such as type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin in C2C12 cells was significantly up-regulated by CKJ A or B treatment. These results indicate that treatment with CKJ has an anabolic effect on bone by increasing osteoblastic differentiation and ALP activity. Increasing PGA content in CKJ had a greater effect than CKJ A on up-regulation of osteoblastic gene expression in osteoblast cells.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2012

Objective : To evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation on spinal bone fusion in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods : Sixteen female Sprague Dawley rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy at 12 weeks of age to induce osteoporosis and were randomly assigned to two groups : control group (n=8) and calcium-supplemented group (OVX-Ca, n=8). Autologous spinal bone fusion surgery was performed on both groups 8 weeks later. After fusion surgery, the OVX-Ca group was supplemented with calcium in drinking water for 8 weeks. Blood was obtained 4 and 8 weeks after fusion surgery. Eight weeks after fusion surgery, the rats were euthanized and the L4-5 spine removed. Bone fusion status and fusion volume were evaluated by manual palpation and three-dimensional computed tomography. Results : The mean fusion volume in the L4-5 spine was significantly greater in the OVX-Ca group ($71.80{\pm}8.06mm^3$) than in controls ($35.34{\pm}8.24mm^3$) (p<0.01). The level of osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, was higher in OVX-Ca rats than in controls 4 weeks ($610.08{\pm}10.41$ vs. $551.61{\pm}12.34$ ng/mL) and 8 weeks ($552.05{\pm}19.67$ vs. $502.98{\pm}22.76$ ng/mL) after fusion surgery (p<0.05). The level of C-terminal telopeptide fragment of type I collagen, a bone resorption marker, was significantly lower in OVX-Ca rats than in controls 4 weeks ($77.07{\pm}12.57$ vs. $101.75{\pm}7.20$ ng/mL) and 8 weeks ($69.58{\pm}2.45$ vs. $77.15{\pm}4.10$ ng/mL) after fusion surgery (p<0.05). A mechanical strength test showed that the L4-5 vertebrae in the OVX-Ca group withstood a 50% higher maximal load compared with the controls (p<0.01). Conclusion : Dietary calcium given to OVX rats after lumbar fusion surgery improved fusion volume and mechanical strength in an ovariectomized rat model.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.229-242
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• 2018

The effects of orally administered fermented porcine placenta (FPP) and its major dipeptides, L-Leucyl-Glycine (Leu-Gly) and Glycyl-L-Leucine (Gly-Leu), on UVB-induced wrinkle formation of the skin in hairless mice was studied. Treatment with FPP, Leu-Gly or Gly-Leu increased type I procollagen synthesis and decreased MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1) in human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF-N). Hairless mice were also exposed UVB irradiation three times a week and fermented porcine placenta extract (FPP), Leu-Gly and Gly-Leu was administered once a day for eight weeks. Daily intake of FPP, Leu-Gly and Gly-Leu for eight weeks decreased wrinkles, erythema and thickness of the skin and increased skin hydration and synthesis of collagen relative to a UVB-control. Moreover, FPP, Leu-Gly or Gly-Leu intake decreased the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 mRNA levels and inhibited activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 induced by UVB irradiation in hairless mice skin. These results suggest that major dipeptides of the placenta, Leu-Gly and Gly-Leu have the potential for use as a functional food ingredient with anti-wrinkling properties.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2016

Background : The white jelly mushroom (Tremella fuciformis), one of the most popular edible fungi, has medicinal properties. However, the effects of T. fuciformis in skin whitening or anti-wrinkle efficacy has not been defined to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of T. fuciformis extracts on whitening and anti-wrinkle efficacy in skin cells. Methods and Results :We prepared T. fuciformis extracts with water. The extracts ($80^{\circ}C$) contained 12.11 mg/g polyphenol and 8.54 mg/g flavonoid concentration. T. fuciformis extracts markedly decreased melanin contents and tyrosinase activity in ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated melanocytes (B16F10 cells). In addition, the mRNA expression of melanin formation factors, such as microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) were significantly down-regulated in ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated melanocyte. Furthermore, T. fuciformis extracts increased the synthesis of type I procollagen and reduced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in the human dermal fibroblast (HDFn cells). These data indicated that T. fuciformis extracts induce repression of cellular melanogenesis and protect against wrinkles caused by UVB-stimulated damage. Conclusions : Thus T. fuciformis extracts could be a cosmetic candidate for skin whitening and anti-wrinkle effects.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.105-111
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• 2008

Thrombospondins (TSP-1, TSP-2) are secretory extracellular glycoproteins that are involved in a variety of physiological processes such as tumor cell adhesion, invasion, and metastasis. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the involvement of thrombospondins in the adhesion of osteoblast-like cells using the TSP-1 or TSP-2 antisense MG63 and MC3T3-E1 cell lines. For downregulation of TSPs expression, we prepared antisense constructs for TSP-1 and TSP-2 using the pREP4 an episomal mammalian expression vector, which be able to produce the specific antisense oligonucleotides around chromosome. MG63 and MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were transfected with the antisense constructs and nonliposomal Fugene 6, and then selected under hygromycin B (50 ${\mu}g/ml$) treatment for 2 weeks. Western blot analysis revealed that expression of the TSP proteins was downregulated in the antisense cell lines. The cell adhesion assay showed that adhesive properties of TSP-1 and TSP-2 antisense MG63 cells on the polystyrene culture plate were reduced to 17% and 21% of the control cells, respectively, and those of the TSP-1 and TSP-2 antisense MC3T3-E1 cells also decreased to 19% and 27% of control, respectively. Adhesion of TSP-1 and TSP-2 antisense MC3T3-E1 cells on Type I collagen-coated culture plate decreased to 27% and 76%, respectively. These results indicate that TSP-1 and TSP-2 proteins may have an important role in adhesion of osteoblast-like cells to extracellular matrix.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.227-233
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare osteoblast behavior on zirconia and titanium under conditions cultured with bone morphogenetic protein-2. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on sandblasted zirconia and sandblasted/etched titanium discs. At 24 hours after seeding MC3T3-E1, the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) gel alone and the DBM gel with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were added to the culture medium. The surface topography was examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cellular proliferation was measured at 1, 4, and 7 days after gel loading. Alkaline phosphatase activity was measured at 7 days after gel loading. The mRNA expression of ALPase, bone sialoprotein, type I collagen, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), osteocalcin, and osterix were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 4 days and 7 days. Results: At 1, 4, and 7 days after loading the DBM gel alone and the DBM gel with BMP-2, cellular proliferation on the zirconia and titanium discs was similar and that of the groups cultured with the DBM gel alone and the DBM gel with BMP-2 was not significantly different, except for titanium with BMP-2 gel. ALPase activity was higher in the cells cultured with BMP-2 than in the other groups, but there was no difference between the zirconia and titanium. In ALPase, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, Runx-2 and osterix gene expression, that of cells on zirconia or titanium with BMP-2 gel was much more highly increased than titanium without gel at day 7. The gene expression level of cells cultured on zirconia with BMP-2 was higher than that on titanium with BMP-2 at day 7. Conclusions: The data in this study demonstrate that the osteoblastic cell attachment and proliferation of zirconia were comparable to those of titanium. With the stimulation of BMP-2, zirconia has a more pronounced effect on the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblastic cells compared with titanium.