• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.86-87
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• 2015

Objectives: Condurango is widely used in various systems of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) against oesophageal and stomach ailments including certain types of cancer. However, until now no systematic study has been conducted to verify its efficacy and dose with proper experimental support. Therefore, we examined if ethanolic extract of Condurango could ameliorate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced lung cancer in rats in vivo to validate its use as a traditional medicine. Methods: After one month of scheduled BaP feeding (50 mg/kg body-weight), lung cancer developed after four months. BaP-intoxicated rats were then treated with Condurango (0.06 mL) twice daily starting at the end of the four months for an additional one, two and three months, respectively. Effects of Condurango were evaluated by analyzing lung histology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant biomarkers, DNA-fragmentation, RT-PCR (Reverese Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and western blot of several apoptotic signalling markers and comparing the results against those obtained for controls. Results: A histological study revealed gradual progress in lung tissue-repair activity in Condurango-fed cancer-bearing rats, showing gradual tissue recovery after three months of drug administration. Condurango has the capacity to generate ROS, which may contribute to a reduction in anti-oxidative activity and to an induction of oxidative stress-mediated cancer-cell death. Condurango-activated pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, cytochrome-c, apaf-1, ICAD and PARP) and down-regulated antiapoptotic-Bcl-2 expression were noted both at mRNA and protein levels. Studies on caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage by western blot analysis revealed that Condurango induced apoptosis through a caspase-3-dependent pathway. Conclusions: The anticancer efficacy of an ethanolic extract of Condurango for treating BaP-induced lung cancer in rats lends support for its use in various traditional systems of medicine.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.85-94
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• 2002

Antibodies raised against the purified p-subunit of $\beta$-conglycinin were used in immunohistochemical studies to monitor the pattern of $\beta$-conglycinin mobilization in the cotyledons during soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed germination. Western blot analysis revealed that the break down of the $\beta$-subunit of $\beta$-conglycinin commenced as early as 2 days after seed imbibition (DAI). Concurrent with the degradation of the $\beta$-subunit of $\beta$-conglycinin, accumulation of 48, 28, and 26 kD proteolytic intermediates was observed from 2 to 6 DAI. Western blot analysis also revealed that the acidic subunit of glycinin was mobilized earlier than the basic subunit. The basic glycinin subunit was subjected to proteolysis within 2 DAI resulting in the appearance of an intermediate product approximately 2 kD smaller than the native basic glycinin subunit. In contrast to the major seed storage proteins, lipoxygenase was subjected to limited proteolysis and was detected even after 8 DAI. The first sign of $\beta$-conglycinin breakdown was observed near the vascular strands and proceeded from the vascular strands towards the epidermis. Protein A-gold localization studies using thin sections of soybean cotyledons and antibodies raised against the $\beta$-subunit of $\beta$-conglycinin revealed intense labeling over protein bodies. A pronounced decrease in the protein A-gold labeling intensity over protein bodies was observed at later stages of seed germination. The protein bodies, which were converted into a large central vacuole by 8 DAI, contained very little 7S protein as evidenced by sparse protein A-gold labeling in the vacuoles.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.87-102
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• 1992

A rapid, sensitive, and specific enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) for bovine casein was developed. Biotinylated casein and peroxidase-conjugated avidin were used in the assay with antibody separated from yolks of immunized hens. Caseins were biotinylated with sulfo-N-hydroxy succinimido biotin and peroxi-dase-conjugated avidin bound the biotinylated casein which became bound to immobilized anti-body on a microplate. The antibodies were specific for bovine $\alpha$- and $\beta$-caseins, and their cross-reactivities with whey proteins, IgG, and serum albumin from bovine were not detectable by ELISA and Western blot. Various sensitivities ranging from 2ng/ml to 20${\mu}\textrm{g}$/ml of casein were achieved, and were controlled by adding vanous concentrations of the biotinylated casein. Parallelism was observed between standard and sample curves. The coefficients of variation of intra-assays and inter-assays from the most sensitive assay were 5.5 and 5.7%, respectively, at the 50% displacement. Casein contents of peripaturient milk samples showed that casein secretion rapidly increased 3d prepartum.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.349-360
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• 2018

Autophagy has been studied as a therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. However, insufficient studies have been reported concerning the influence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through autophagy regulation. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of VSMCs on the regulation of autophagy under in vitro conditions similar to vascular status of the equipped micro-tubule target agent-eluting stent and increased release of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Cell viability and proliferation were measured using MTT and cell counting assays. Immunofluorescence using an $anti-{\alpha}-tubulin$ antibody was performed to determine microtubule dynamic formation. Cell apoptosis was measured by cleavage of caspase-3 using western blot analysis, and by nuclear fragmentation using a fluorescence assay. Autophagy activity was assessed by microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC-II) using western blot analysis. Levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using $H_2DCFDA$. The proliferation and viability of VSMCs were inhibited by microtubule regulation. Additionally, microtubule-regulated and PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs increased the cleavage of caspase-3 more than only the microtubule-regulated condition, similar to that of LC3-II, implying autophagy. Inhibitory autophagy of microtubule-regulated and PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs resulted in low viability. However, enhancement of autophagy maintained survival through the reduction of ROS. These results suggest that the apoptosis of conditioned VSMCs is decreased by the blocking generation of ROS via the promotion of autophagy, and proliferation is also inhibited. Thus, promoting autophagy as a therapeutic target for vascular restenosis and atherosclerosis may be a good strategy.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2011

Rice stripe virus (RSV) is one of serious epidemic pathogens for rice species grown in many Asian countries. Therefore, it is necessary to produce a diagnostic detection kit applicable in fields for RSV detection. In this study, RSV proteins that were derived from recombinant proteins and synthetic polypeptides as antigens were generated and were raised in rabbits for antiserum production. Among seven proteins in RSV, genes that code for NCP and NS3 proteins were cloned and subcloned into vector carrying His-tag protein and were expressed in E. coli. Of two recombinant proteins, only anti-NCP displayed stable hybridization signals in western blot analysis. Alternately, synthetic RSV polypeptides for CP, NCP, NS3 and NSvc4 we also generated and only antibodies against CP and NCP were very effective to detect RSV in both RSV infected rice and weed plants. However, antibodies against NS3 and NSvc4 showed weak specific bands as well as strong non-specific background due to the difference of viral proteins produced in the infected leaves. In summary, the antibodies generated against RSV proteins produced in this study will be useful for various assays such as for RSV diagnostic detection, immunoprecipitation, protein purification, and western blot analysis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1593-1597
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• 2006

We hope to evaluate the effects of Gami-Choakwiyeum (GCKY) on the PPAR-${\gamma}$’ in the OVA induced asthma mouse model. Female BALB/c mice, 8 weeks of age and free of murine specific pathogens were used. Mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA emulsified in aluminum hydroxide in a total volume of 200 ${\mu}{\ell}$ on one day and 14 days. On 21, 22, and 23 days after the initial intraperitoneal injection of OVA, the mice were challenged using an ultrasonic nebulizer. GCKY was administered 7 times by oral gavage at 24 hour intervals fromdays 19 after intraperitoneal injection of OVA. Bronchoalveolar lavage was perfromed 72 hours after the last challenge, and total cell numbers in the BAL fluid were counted. Also, the level of PPAR-${\gamma}$ of normal and OVA-induced asthma moused with/without administration of GCKY were measured by Western blot analysis. For the histologic examination, the specimens were stained with hematoxylin 2 and eosin-Y.(H & E). Numbers of total cells were increased significantly at 72 h after OVA inhalation compared with numbers of total cells in the normal and the administration of GCKY. Especially, the increased numbers of eosinophils in BAL fluids after OVA inhalation were significantly increased. However, the numbers of eosinophils reduced by the administration of GCKY. Western blot analysis revealed that PPAR-${\gamma}$ levels in nuclear level were increased slightly after OVA inhalation compared with the levels in the normal group. After the administration of GCKY, PPAR-${\gamma}$ levels in cytosolic and nuclear levels at 72 h after OVA inhalation were markedly increased. On pathologic examination, there were many acute inflammatory cells around the alveoli, bronchioles, and airway lumen of mice with OVA-induced asthma compared with inflammatory cells in the normal group. However, acute inflammatory cells around alveoli, bronchioles, and airway lumen markedly decreased after administration of GCKY, GCKY can increase a PPAR-${\gamma}$ level and could be an effective treatment in asthma patients through the PPAR-${\gamma}$ mechanism for bronchial asthma.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.241-246
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• 2001

The antigenic domain of the major surface protein (Nc-p43) of Neospora caninum was examined by polymerase chain reaction of its gene fragments and recombinant expression as GST fusion proteins. The fragments of Nc-p43 were as follow: a total open reading frame (OFR), T: OFR without signal sequence and C-terminal hydrophobic sequence, S: N-terminal 2/3 parts of S, A: C-terminal 2/3 parts, P; N-terminal 1/3 part, X: middle 1/3 part Y; and C-terminal 1/3 part, Z, respectively. The DNA fragments were cloned into pGEX-47 vector. Recombinant plasmids transformed into Escherichia coli of BL21 pLysS (DE3) strain were induced to express GST or GST fused fragments of Nc-p43 such as 69 kDa protein for T,66 kDa for S, 52 kDa for A,53 kDa for P, and 40 kDa proteins for X, Y, and Z, respectively in SDS-PAGE. The Nc-p43 fragments of T, S, and P reacted with a bovine serum of neosporosis while those of A, X, Y, and Z together with GST did not in the western blot. These findings suggest that the antigenic domain of Nc-p43 of N. caninum may be localized in the C-terminal 2/3 parts. Together with Al9 clone in SAGI of Toxoplasma gondii (Nam et at., 1996), the P fragment of Nc-p43 could be used as efficient antigens to diagnose and differentiate those infections with both species .

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.3 s.83
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• pp.381-385
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• 2007

Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) is a chromatin-specific elongation factor required for transcription of chromatin templates in vivo and in vitro. FACT consists of human homologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spt16/Cdc68 protein (hSpt16) and the high mobility group-1-like protein structure-specific recognition protein-1 (SSRP-1). Here we show that the protein level of hSpt16 is massively down-regulated in quiescent T98C cells using both immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. In contrast, we observe high level of the hspt16 expression in the proliferative T98G cells. Interestingly, the expression of SSRP-1 is not altered in both quiescent and proliferative states. Taken together, our findings implicate that the expression of hSpt16 is associated with the proliferative state and can be used as a proliferation marker.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.59-64
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• 2011

Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in many cellular signaling pathways, it participates in many physiological processes, such as cell cycle, growth, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. To investigate the effect of PKC on the silkworm midgut tissue infection of Bombyx mori parvo-like virus (BmPLV), a B. mori atypical protein kinase C (BmaPKC) gene was cloned from larval midgut tissue, expressed in E. coli and purified. Additionally, the BmPLV susceptible silkworm strain and resistant silkworm strain were used to test the effect of the B. mori infection on BmPLV. The result showed that BmaPKC encodes a predicted 586 amino acid protein, which contains a C-terminal kinase domain and an N-terminal regulatory domain. The maximum expression amount of the soluble (His)6-tagged fusion protein was detected after 0.8 mmol/L IPTG was added and cultured at $21^{\circ}C$. The (His) 6-tagged fusion protein revealed about 73 kDa molecular weight which confirmed by western blot and mass spectrography. Furthermore BmaPKC protein were detected at 0-72 h post-infection in BmPLVinfected larval midgut tissue, western blot showed that as time went on, the expression of BmaPKC increased gradually in susceptible strain, the expression quantity on 72 h is 5 times of 0 h. However, in resistant strain, the expression quantity is slightly lower than susceptible strain. But no significant change in resistant strain was observed as time went on. The available data suggest that BmaPKC may involve in the regulation of BmPLV proliferation.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.45.1-45.13
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• 2021

Background: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an infectious disease caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) that mainly produces respiratory symptoms in affected animals, resulting in great losses in the world's agriculture industry every year. Single-domain variable heavy chain (VHH) antibody fragments, also referred to as nanobodies, have high expression yields and other advantages including ease of purification and high solubility. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to obtain a single-domain antibody with good reactivity and high specificity against PPRV. Methods: A VHH cDNA library was established by immunizing camels with PPRV vaccine, and the capacity and diversity of the library were examined. Four PPRV VHHs were selected, and the biological activity and antigen-binding capacity of the four VHHs were identified by western blot, indirect immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses. ELISA was used to identify whether the four VHHs were specific for PPRV, and VHH neutralization tests were carried out. ELISA and western blot analyses were used to identify which PPRV protein was targeted by VHH2. Results: The PPRV cDNA library was constructed successfully. The library capacity was greater than 2.0 × 10⁶ cfu/mL, and the inserted fragment size was approximately 400 bp to 2000 bp. The average length of the cDNA library fragment was about 1000 bp, and the recombination rate was approximately 100%. Four single-domain antibody sequences were selected, and proteins expressed in the supernatant were obtained. The four VHHs were shown to have biological activity, close affinity to PPRV, and no cross-reaction with common sheep diseases. All four VHHs had neutralization activity, and VHH2 was specific to the PPRV M protein. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary research of PPRV VHHs showed that four screened VHH antibodies could be useful in future applications. This study provided new materials for inclusion in PPRV research.