• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.491-505
• /
• 1993

The influences of protease on the removal of various protein soils from cotton fabrics were studied. The human epidermal stratum corneum, hemoglobin and casein were used as protein soils. The soiled fabrics were denatured by steaming for 30 min. before washing and laundered using Terg-O-Tometer under washing conditions. The removal efficiency was evaluated by analysis of protein on the fabrics before and after washing by means of copper-Folin method. The relations between the removal and the characteristics of protease were discussed. Also the degradation of protein were examined by microscopy. The seperation of human epidermal stratum corneum after hydrolysis was examined by SDS-PAGE. The results obtained were as follow : 1. The protein from the soiled cotton fabric was removed effectively by adding protease. The removal of protein was increased in proportion to increasing of the enzyme concentration up to a certain point, but it began to decrease above the point. The removal effect was high in the order of casein>human epidermal stratum corneum>hemoglobin. Especially the protein was more effectively removed in ADS solution(pH 9.5) containing enzyme. 2. When protease was used with ADS. the removal of protein was efficiently showed in relatively short time(5~15min.) compared to using ADS only. It is due to the properties of this enzyme that reacts with very short time. 3. Even at low temperature the removal efficiency of enzyme was relatively higher compared with the activity of enzyme. The removal of protein soil was increased up to a maximum near $50^{\circ}C$, and then decreased. 4. The removal of protein by protease was improved with the increase of alkalinity in the pH range from 9.5 to 11.0 but it began to decrease above pH 11.0. 5. According to the increase of mechanical agitation, the removal effect was increased. But the removal efficiency of protease was more effective compared with the agitation in detergency. 6. According to the SDS-PAGE separation and micrograph it was confirmed that the human epidermal corneum was effectively hydrolysed by the enzyme added. So the fragments of protein were removed more efficiently by means of the interfacial reaction of AOS.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.201-206
• /
• 2010

In order to develop procedures for the rapid isolation of recombinant sugar transporter in functional form from away from the endogenous insect cell transporter, gene fusion techniques were exploited. Briefly, BamH1-digested human HepG2 type glucose transport protein cDNA was first cloned into a transfer vector pBlueBacHis, containing a tract of six histidine residues. Recombinant baculoviruses including the human cDNA were then generated by allelic exchange following transfection of insect cells with wild-type BaculoGold virus DNA and the recombinant transfer vector. Plaque assay was then performed to obtain and purify recombinant viruses expressing the human transport protein. All the cell samples that had been infected with viruses from the several blue plaques exhibited a positive reaction in the immnuassay, demonstrating expression of the glucose transport protein. In contrast, no color development in the immunoassay was observed for cells infected with the wild-type virus or no virus. Immunoblot analysis showed that a major immunoreactive band of apparent Mr 43,000~44,000 was evident in the lysate from cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus. Following expression of the recombinant fusion protein with the metal-binding domain and enterokinase cleavage site, the fusion protein was recovered by competition with imidizole using immobilized metal charged resin. The leader peptide was then removed from the fusion protein by cleavage with porcine enterokinase. Final separation of the recombinant protein of the interest was achieved by passage over $Ni^{2+}$-charged resin under binding conditions. The expressed transport protein bound cytochalasin B and demonstrated a functional similarity to its human counterpart.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition Conference
• /
• 2001.12a
• /
• pp.74-87
• /
• 2001

Evidence shows that the serum level of cholesterol (CH) is decreased with increasing green tea (GT) consumption. This presentation summarizes our recent findings on the effect of GT extract on intestinal absorption of [$^{14}C$-labeled CH and phosphatidylcholine (PC). Ovariectomized (OX) adult rats were infused intraduodenally with lipid emulsions containing radiolabeled lipids [$^{14}C$-CH or $^{14}C$-phosphatidylcholine (PC)] in the presence of GT extract or catechins to determine the rates and amounts of CH absorption and the intestinal hydrolysis and lymphatic output of PC. During lipid infusion, lymph was collected hourly for 8 h. The lymphatic absorption of $^14C$-CH was drastically lowered by infusion of GT extract at two dosage levels (GTl =5.4 mg catechins/h and GT2 = 15.1mg catechins/h). The cumulative lymphatic absorptions of $^{14}C$-CH in rats infused with GT1 and GT2 were 20.7$\pm$4.3 and $4.8{\pm}4.1{\%}$ dose, respectively, whereas the absorption of $^{14}C$-CH in rats infused with no GT extract (GT0) was $36.3{\pm}1.1{\%}$ dose. GT extracts also significantly lowered the absorption of-tocopherol (TP) in a dose dependent manner ($29.6{\pm}4.9{\%}$ dose in GT0, $20.8{\pm}5.8{\%}$ dose in GTl, and $7.9{\pm}5.4{\%}$ dose in GT2 groups). Both (+)-catechin and EGCG significantly lowered the lymphatic outputs of $^{14}C$-radioactivity after intraduodenal $^{14}C$-PC infusion. A significantly higher amount of $^{14}C$-PC remained unhydrolyzed in the intestinal lumen of the EGCG rats ($22.8{\%}$) compared with the (+)-catechin ($15.8\%$) and control groups ($11.9\%$). GT extracts, (+)-catechin, and EGCG significantly reduced the absorption of TP. The inhibitory effect of GT extract and catechins on lipid absorption may be mediated in part through the inhibition of pancreatic PLAz. The findings provide the first direct evidence that green tea and catechins have a profound inhibitory effect on the intestinal absorption of CH in OX rats. Results suggest that green tea and catechins may be used as a dietary or pharmacological means of lowering cholesterol absorption.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.45 no.11
• /
• pp.833-845
• /
• 2022

Although asthma is a common chronic airway disease that responds well to anti-inflammatory agents, some patients with asthma are unresponsive to conventional treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases owing to their immunomodulatory properties. However, the target cells of MSCs are not yet clearly known. This study aimed to determine the effect of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) on asthmatic lungs by modulating innate immune cells and effector T cells using a murine asthmatic model. Intravenously administered hUC-MSCs reduced airway resistance, mucus production, and inflammation in the murine asthma model. hUC-MSCs attenuated not only T helper (Th) 2 cells and Th17 cells but also augmented regulatory T cells (Tregs). As for innate lymphoid cells (ILC), hUC-MSCs effectively suppressed ILC2s by downregulating master regulators of ILC2s, such as Gata3 and Tcf7. Finally, regarding lung macrophages, hUC-MSCs reduced the total number of macrophages, particularly the proportion of the enhanced monocyte-derived macrophage population. In a closer examination of monocyte-derived macrophages, hUC-MSCs reduced the M2a and M2c populations. In conclusion, hUC-MSCs can be considered as a potential anti-asthmatic treatment given their therapeutic effect on the asthmatic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model by modulating innate immune cells, such as ILC2s, M2a, and M2c macrophages, as well as affecting Tregs and effector T cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.294-299
• /
• 2010

In this study, we tried to investigate whether platycodin D significantly affects MUC5AC mucin production and gene expression induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF), phorbol ester (PMA) and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) from human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with varying concentrations of platycodin D for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF, PMA and TNF-$\alpha$ for 24h, respectively. MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) Platycodin D was found to inhibit the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by EGF, PMA, and TNF-$\alpha$, respectively. (2) It also inhibited the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by the same inducers. These results suggest that platycodin D can regulate mucin gene expression and production of mucin protein, by directly acting on human airway epithelial cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.396-401
• /
• 2010

We conducted this study to investigate whether baicalin, baicalein or schizandrin significantly affect MUC5AC mucin production induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol ester (PMA) in human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with varying concentrations of baicalin, baicalein or schizandrin for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF or PMA for 24 h, respectively. MUC5AC mucin protein production was measured by ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) Baicalin was found to inhibit the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by both EGF and PMA. (2) Baicalein, the aglycone of baicalin, also inhibited MUC5AC mucin production. (3) Schizandrin, derived from Schizandrae Fructus, inhibited MUC5AC mucin production by the same inducers. These results suggest that baicalin, baicalein and schizandrin can regulate the production of mucin protein by directly acting on human airway epithelial cells.

• 한국지구물리탐사학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 2003.11a
• /
• pp.515-517
• /
• 2003

In order to assess the risk of adverse health effects on human exposure to arsenic and heavy metals influenced by past mining activities, environmental geochemical surveys were undertaken in the abandoned metal mine areas (Dongil Au-Ag-Cu-Zn, Okdong Cu-Pb-Zn, Songcheon Au-Ag, Dongjung Au-Ag-Pb-Zn, Dokok Au-Ag-Cu and Hwacheon Au-Ag-Pb-Zn mines). Arsenic and other heavy metals were highly elevated in the tailings from the Dongil, the Songcheon and the Dongjung mines. High concentrations of heavy metals except As were also found in tailings from the Okdong, the Dokok and the Hwacheon mines. These significant concentrations can impact on soils and waters around the tailing dumps. Risk compounds deriving from mine sites either constitute a toxic risk or a carcinogenic risk. The hazard index (H.I.) of As in the Dongil, the Okdong, the Songcheon and the Hwacheon mine areas was higher value more than 1.0. In the Okdong and the Songcheon mine areas, H.I. value of Cd exceeded 1.0. These values of As and Cd were the highest in the Songcheon mine area. Therefore, toxic risks for As and Cd exist via exposure (ingestion) of contaminated soil, groundwater and rice grain in these mine areas. The cancer risk for As in stream or ground water used for drinking water from the Songcheon, the Dongil, the Okdong, the Dongjung and the Hwacheon mine areas was 3E-3, 8E-4, 7E-4, 2E-4 and 1E-4, respectively.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.143-148
• /
• 2005

Heptaplatin, cis-malonato [(4R,5R)-4,5-bis (amino-methyl)-2-isopropyl-1,3-dioxolane] platinum(II) (SKI-2053R, Sunpla) is a new platinum derivative with antitumor activity comparable to cisplatin on various cancer cell lines. Preclinical studies suggest that it is less nephrotoxic than cisplatin. This study was undertaken to examine the combined effect of heptaplatin and ionizing radiation on two established human squamous carcinoma cell lines (NCI-H520, SQ20B). The cytotoxic activity of heptaplatin was concentration-dependent in both cell lines. When low dose heptaplatin was combined with high dose ionizing radiation, there was an additive cytotoxic effect on NCI-H520 cells (P < 0.05), while a moderate dose of heptaplatin and a low dose of ionizing radiation had an additive cytotoxic effect on the growth of SQ20B cells (P < 0.05). FACS analysis and DAPI staining showed that their additive cytotoxic effects were correlated with the induction of apoptosis. Further studies are warranted using heptaplatin and ionizing radiation in squamous cell carcinoma as a substitute for cisplatin.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.250-257
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Flatfoot, or low medial longitudinal arch, contributes to back and lower extremity injuries and is caused by weak abductor hallucis (AbdH) muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short foot exercise (SFE) alone or with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on navicular height, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the AbdH muscle, and AbdH muscle activity in flexible flatfoot. Methods: Thirty-six otherwise healthy people with flexible flatfoot were randomly assigned to a group that received SFE with placebo NMES treatment (the control group) or a group that received both SFE and NMES treatment (the experimental group). Each group received 4 weeks of treatment (SFE alone or SFE with NMES). Navicular height, the CSA of the AbdH muscle, and AbdH muscle activity were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: No significant differences were found in navicular height or the CSA of the AbdH muscle between the control and experimental groups, while AbdH muscle activity showed a statistically significant difference between the groups ($SFE=73.9{\pm}11.0%$ of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]; SFE with $NMES=81.4{\pm}8.3%$ of MVIC; p<0.05). Moreover, the CSA of the AbdH muscle showed a statistically significant increase after treatment in the SFE with NMES group ($pre-treatment=218.6{\pm}53.2mm^2$ ; $post-treatment=256.9{\pm}70.5mm^2$ ; p<0.05). Conclusions: SFE with NMES was more effective than SFE alone in increasing AbdH muscle activity. Therefore, SFE with NMES should be recommended to correct or prevent abnormalities in people with flexible flatfoot by a physiotherapist or medical care team.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.64 no.5
• /
• pp.705-715
• /
• 2021

Objective : Through our previous clinical trials, the demonstrated therapeutic effects of MSC in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) were found to be not sufficient. Therefore, the need to develop stem cell agent with enhanced efficacy is increased. We transplanted enhanced Wnt3-asecreting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) into injured spines at 6 weeks after SCI to improve axonal regeneration in a rat model of chronic SCI. We hypothesized that enhanced Wnt3a protein expression could augment neuro-regeneration after SCI. Methods : Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were injured using an Infinite Horizon (IH) impactor at the T9-10 vertebrae and separated into five groups : 1) phosphate-buffered saline injection (injury only group, n=7); 2) hMSC transplantation (MSC, n=7); 3) hMSC transfected with pLenti vector (without Wnt3a gene) transplantation (pLenti-MSC, n=7); 4) hMSC transfected with Wnt3a gene transplantation (Wnt3a-MSC, n=7); and 5) hMSC transfected with enhanced Wnt3a gene (1.7 fold Wnt3a mRNA expression) transplantation (1.7 Wnt3a-MSC, n=8). Six weeks after SCI, each 5×10⁵ cells/15 µL at 2 points were injected using stereotactic and microsyringe pump. To evaluate functional recovery from SCI, rats underwent Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test on the first, second, and third days post-injury and then weekly for 14 weeks. Axonal regeneration was assessed using growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and neurofilament (NF) immunostaining. Results : Fourteen weeks after injury (8 weeks after transplantation), BBB score of the 1.7 Wnt3a-MSC group (15.0±0.28) was significantly higher than that of the injury only (10.0±0.48), MSC (12.57±0.48), pLenti-MSC (12.42±0.48), and Wnt3a-MSC (13.71±0.61) groups (p<0.05). Immunostaining revealed increased expression of axonal regeneration markers GAP43, MAP2, and NF in the Wnt3a-MSC and 1.7 Wnt3a-MSC groups. Conclusion : Our results showed that enhanced gene expression of Wnt3a in hMSC can potentiate axonal regeneration and improve functional recovery in a rat model of chronic SCI.