• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.335-339
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• 2003

The aim of this study is to optimize the monolayer cultivation of human articular chondrocytes in serum-free media. For this purpose, chondrocytes were isolated from human articular cartilage and monolayer cultures were performed in DMEM/F12 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or serum-free media (SFM) containing various supplements and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Western blotting analysis, RT-PCR, dimethylmethylene blue (DMB) assay were carried out to evaluate the synthesis of collagen type II (Col. II) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). We observed that SFM with EGF stimulated the cell growth while the amounts of synthesized GAGs and Col. II were decreased gradually. However, the Col. II mRNA level was increased when the SFM was replaced by media containing 10% FBS. This study suggests that it is possible to obtain large amount of human articular chondrocytes by short-term monolayer cultures in SFM.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.527-536
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• 2017

Objectives : The present study, to confirm the osteoblast differentiation effects of Acer tegmentosum Maxim. (AT) extract. Methods : In this experiment, cell viability, Alizarin red S assay, and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity with AT extract (50, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). Also, we studied the expression of differentiation regulator with AT extract in primary calvarial osteoblasts cells (pOB). Results : As a result of AT treatment, we determined that AT extract stimulates ALP activity and alizarin red activities in the pOB cells for mineralization for 18 days. Moreover, these factors increasing osteogenic markers such as Runt-related transcription factor2 ($Run{\times}2$), osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin, osterix, smad1, smad5, activating transcription factor4 (ATF4) and collagen type I alpha 1. Conclusions : These results indicate that AT extract have effect on bone through the promotion of osteoblastic differentiation, suggesting that it could be used for the treatment of bone diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.183-188
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• 2013

Ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation induces the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are responsible for the degradation or synthesis inhibition of collagenous extracellular matrix in connective tissues, causing skin photoaging. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of MMP-1 expression of yam extract in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$)-stimulated human dermal fibroblast neonatal (HDFn) cell and preventive effect of UVB-induced damage in hairless mice skin. The synthesis of procollagen and the release of MMP-1 in HDFn cells were measured by EIA kit and MMP-1 assay kit, respectively. UVB radiation was applied to the backs of the mice three times a week for 8 weeks. Mice were randomly divided into three groups, and were topical application with the Dioscorea batatas (DB, 6%) or vehicle. Reduction of TNF-${\alpha}$-induced procollagen synthesis was increased by DB (50 ug/ml), which was higher than positive control group (TGF-${\beta}$). Also, pre-treatment of HDFn cells with DB inhibited TNF-${\alpha}$-induced release of MMP-1. In vivo study, we found that preventive effect of DB against UV-induced epidermal thickness. DB suppressed the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 induced by UVB irradiation. Our results show that DB have preventive effect of UV-induced skin damage in hairless mice.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.287-292
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• 2017

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentary disorder and is notoriously difficult to be treated. The ultimate goal of vitiligo treatment is to replenish the lost melanocytes by immigration from hair follicle and to restore the normal function of melanogenesis by residual melanocytes. There are two types of topical calcineurin inhibitors called tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, and are recommended as the first-line treatments in vitiligo. Although pimecrolimus is efficacious for the repigmentation of vitiligo, its intrinsic mechanisms have never been investigated in vitro. This research aimed to study the ability of pimecrolimus on stimulating melanogenesis, melanocyte migration and MITF (microphthalmia associated transcription factor) protein expression. Results showed that pimecrolimus at the dosages of 1, 10, $10^2$nM were neither mitogenic nor cytotoxic to melanocytes. The addition of pimecrolimus at 10, $10^2$ and $10^3nM$ significantly increased intracellular tyrosinase activity, which was consistent with the elevated content of melanin content at the same concentrations. The peak effect was seen at 72 h in response to $10^2$nM pimecrolimus. Results of the wound scratch assay and Transwell assays indicate that pimecrolimus is effective in facilitating melanocyte migration on a collagen IV-coated surface. In addition, MITF protein yield reached the highest by pimecrolimus at $10^2nM$. In brief, pimecrolimus enhances melanin synthesis as well as promotes migration of melanocytes directly, possibly via their effects on MITF protein expression.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.204-210
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• 2006

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) in articular chondrocytes regulates dedifferentiation and inflammatory responses by modulating MAP kinases. In this study, we investigated whether the Src kinase in chondrocytes regulates NO-induced dedifferentiation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Methods: Primary chondrocytes were treated with various concentrations of SNP for 24 h. The COX-2 and type II collagen expression levels were determined by immunoblot analysis, and prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ was determined by using a $PGE_2$ assay kit. Expression and distribution of p-Caveolin and COX-2 in rabbit articular chondrocytes and cartilage explants were determined by immunohistochemical staining and immunocytochemical staining, respectively. Results: SNP treatment stimulated Src kinase activation in a dose-dependent manner in articular chondrocytes. The Src kinase inhibitors PP2 [4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine], a significantly blocked SNP-induced p38 kinase and caveolin-1 activation in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, to determine whether Src kinase activation is associated with dedifferentiation and/or COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production. As expected, PP2 potentiated SNP-stimulated dedifferentiation, but completely blocked both COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production. And also, levels of p-Caveolin and COX-2 protein expression were increased in SNP-treated primary chondrocytes and osteoarthritic and rheumatoid arthritic cartilage, suggesting that p-Caveolin may playa role in the inflammatory responses of arthritic cartilage. Conclusion: Our previously studies indicated that NO caused dedifferentiation and COX-2 expression is regulated by p38 kinase through caveolin-1 (1). Therefore, our results collectively suggest that Src kinase regulates NO-induced dedifferentiation and COX-2 expression in chondrocytes via p38 kinase in association with caveolin-1.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.593-599
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• 2012

Background This study aimed to investigate the possibility of isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human thigh adipose tissue and the ability of human thigh adipose stem cells (HTASCs) to differentiate into hepatocytes. Methods The adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from thigh adipose tissue. Growth factors, cytokines, and hormones were added to the collagen coated dishes to induce the undifferentiated HTASCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. To confirm the experimental results, the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers on undifferentiated and differentiated HTASCs was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical staining. Differentiation efficiency was evaluated using functional tests such as periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining and detection of the albumin secretion level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The majority of the undifferentiated HTASCs were changed into a more polygonal shape showing tight interactions between the cells. The differentiated HTASCs up-regulated mRNA of hepatocyte markers. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that they were intensely stained with anti-albumin antibody compared with undifferentiated HTASCs. PAS staining showed that HTASCs submitted to the hepatocyte differentiation protocol were able to more specifically store glycogen than undifferentiated HTASCs, displaying a purple color in the cytoplasm of the differentiated HTASCs. ELISA analyses showed that differentiated HTASCs could secrete albumin, which is one of the hepatocyte markers. Conclusions MSCs were islolated from human thigh adipose tissue differentiate to heapatocytes. The source of ADSCs is not only abundant abdominal adipose tissue, but also thigh adipose tissue for cell therapy in liver regeneration and tissue regeneration.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2004

In chronic airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, it has been suggested that matrix metalloproteinases secreted from infiltrating neutrophil contribute the pathogenesis of the disease and have been a focus of intense investigation. We report here that hamster tracheal surface epithelial goblet cells (HTSE cells) produce matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). Matrix metalloproteinase activities were investigated using [$^3H$]collagen-digestion assay and gelatin zymography. The subtype of matrix metalloproteinases expressed from HTSE cells was MMP-2 (gelatinase A), which was determined by Western blot with various subtype selective anti-matrix metalloproteinase antibodies. The MMP-2 and TIMP-2 cDNAs from HTSE cells were partially cloned by RT-PCR and they reveal more than 90% of sequence homology with those from human, rat and mouse. The collagenolytic activity was increased with the secretory differentiation of the HTSE cell and it was found that zymogen activation was responsible for the increased MMP-2 activity in HTSE cells. The results from the present study suggest that the metaplastic secretory differentiation of airway goblet cells may affect chronic airway inflammatory process by augmenting the zymogen activation of MMP-2.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.248-254
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate biological activities of Brassica rapa (Turnip) plant callus extracts of Ganghwa-gun of Incheon city using water, ultrasonic wave and ethanol extractions to develop functional materials. DPPH radical scavenging activities of the callus extracts were increased in a concentration-dependent manner, as compared with control. The astringent effects of the ethanol extracts were higher, as compared to water and ultrasonic extracts. In the collagen synthesis assay, the ethanol extract showed significant anti-wrinkle effects of 59% and 78% at a concentration of 5 ppm and 10 ppm, respectively. These results suggested that water, ultrasonic wave and ethanol extracts of turnip plant calluses are natural antioxidant sources. Especially, the ethanol extract can be regarded as a functional, natural cosmetic material with astringent and anti-wrinkle effects.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.310-316
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• 2016

In this study, the anti-osteoarthritis effects of Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa, and Angelica gigas extract (CPAE), observed and confirmed in previously clinical studies were further investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Anabolic biomarkers related to healthy cartilage maintenance, such as aggrecan, type II collagen ${\alpha}$-1 (Col2a1), sex determining region Y-box-9 (Sox-9), and catabolic biomarkers related to osteoarthritis, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (Mmp13), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($Nf{\kappa}b$), were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and reporter gene assay. In vitro study results showed significant changes in both anabolic and catabolic biomarkers. For anabolic factors, significant changes in the level of aggrecan (P<0.05), Col2a1 (P<0.05), and Sox-9 (P<0.01) activation were shown after treatment of cartilage cells with CPAE (50 ng/mL) with similar efficacy compared to insulin growth factor, the positive control (100 ng/mL). For catabolic factors, significant changes in the inhibition activity of Cox-2 (P<0.05), Mmp13 (P<0.01), and $Nf{\kappa}b$ (P<0.05) were shown for CPAE (50 ng/mL) with similar efficacy compared to Celecoxib, the positive control ($10{\mu}M$). In the in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema model study results showed that CPAE-treated groups (100 mg/kg) and Celecoxib-treated groups (60 mg/kg) showed comparably significant efficacy of inhibition by 37.1% and 52.1%, respectively. Furthermore, CPAE (200 mg/kg) showed similar effect to Celecoxib (60 mg/kg) with an inhibition rate of 54.3%. This result confirms that CPAE effectively inhibited the inflammation-induced osteoarthritis symptoms.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.117-122
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• 2006

Background: Caveolin, a family of integral membrane proteins are a principal component of caveolae membranes. In this study, we investigated the effect of p38 kinase on differentiation and on inflammatory responses in sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-treated chondrocytes. Methods: Rabbit articular chondrocytes were prepared from cartilage slices of 2-week-old New Zealand white rabbits by enzymatic digestion. SNP was used as a nitric oxide (NO) donor. In this experiments measuring SNP dose response, primary chondrocytes were treated with various concentrations of SNP for 24h. The time course of the SNP response was determined by incubating cells with 1mM SNP for the indicated time period $(0{\sim}24h)$. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and type II collagen expression levels were determined by immunoblot analysis, and prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ assay was used to measure the COX-2 activity. The tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 was determined by immunoblot analysis and immunostaining. Results: SNP treatment stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and activation of p38 kinase. SNP additionally caused dedifferentiation and inflammatory response. We showed previously that SNP treatment stimulated activation of p38 kinase and ERK-1/-2. Inhibition of p38 kinase with SB203580 reduced caveolin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and COX-2 expression but enhanced dedifferentiation, whereas inhibition of ERK with PD98059 did not affect caveolin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation levels, suggesting that ERK at least is not related to dedifferentiation and COX-2 expression through caveolin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Conclusion: Our results indicate that SNP in articular chondrocytes stimulates dedifferentiation and inflammatory response via p38 kinase signaling in association with caveolin-1 phosphorylation.