• CELLMED
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.18.1-18.7
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• 2013

Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by immune cell infiltration and cytokine secretion. In particular, mast cells and their cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Korean medicine, BaekJeol-Tang (BT) was designed by traditional Korean medicine theory. We already reported therapeutic effect of BT in rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we report the specific underlying mechanism of BT in activated human mast cells, HMC-1 cells. In addition, we report for the first time that BT significantly inhibited the production and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines including thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in activated HMC-1 cells. BT also decreased the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$, and caspapase-1. Taken together, these results indicate that BT has potential as a regulator of inflammatory reactions for the treatment of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2005

A cumulative evidence indicates that consumption of tea catechin, flavan-3-ol derived from green tea leaves, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, a precise mechanism for this cardiovascular action has not yet been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different green tea catechins, such as epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3 gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC), on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertrophy in primary cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). [$^3H$]-leucine incorporation was used to assess VSMC hypertrophy, protein kinase assay, and western blot analysis were used to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, and RT-PCR was used to assess c-jun or c-fos transcription. Ang II increased [$^3H$]-leucine incorporation into VSMC. However, EGCG and ECG, but not EGC or EC, inhibited [$^3H$]-leucine incorporation increased by Ang II. Ang II increased phosphorylation of c-Jun, extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 MAPK in VSMC, however, EGCG and ECG , but not EGC or EC, attenuated c-Jun phosphorylation increased by Ang II. ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation induced by Ang II were not affected by any catechins. Ang II increased c-jun and c-fos mRNA expression in VSMC, however, EGCG inhibited c-jun but not c-fos mRNA expression induced by Ang II. ECG, EGC and EC did not affect c-jun or c-fos mRNA expression induced by Ang II. Our findings indicate that the galloyl group in the position 3 of the catechin structure of EGCG or ECG is essential for inhibiting VSMC hypertrophy induced by Ang II via the specific inhibition of JNK signaling pathway, which may explain the beneficial effects of green tea catechin on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases observed in several epidemiological studies.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 1995

To understand the molecular structure and pathogenesis mechanism of Korean garlic viruses, we have isolated cDNA clones for garlic viruses. The partial nucleotide sequences of 24 cDNA clones were determined and those of five clones containing poly(A) tail were compared with sequences of other plant viruses. One of these clones, V9, has a primary structure similar to the carlavirus group, suggesting that the clone V9 derived from a part of garlic latent virus (GLV). Northern blot analysis with the clone V9 as a probe demonstrated that GLV genome is 8.5 knt long and has a poly(A) tail. The clone V9 encodes coat protein (CP) of 33 kDa and nucleic acid binding protein of 10 kDa in different reading frame. The hexanucleotide motif, 5'-ACCUAA, which is conserved in the 3' noncoding region arid was proposed to be a cis-acting element involved in the production of negative strand genomic RNA was noticed. Complementary sequence to the hexanucleotide motif, 5'-TTAGGT, is also found in the positive strand of V9 RNA. The putative CP gene was cloned into the pRSET-A expression vector and expressed in E. coli BL21. The expressed recombinant V9CP protein was purified by $Ni^{2+}$ NTA affinity chromatography. The anti-V9CP antibody recognizes 34 kDa polypeptide which could be CP of GLV in infected garlic leaf extract. Immunoblot and Northern blot analysis of various cultivars shows wide occurrence of GLV in Korean garlic plants.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.455-459
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• 2006

The major pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory process that results from a diversity of injuries to the body. Due to the various cytokines and vasoactive peptides released from the endothelium, the vascular permeability is increased; the migration of inflammatory cells and the leakage of plasma proteins then occur and edema develops in the alveolus. There is a hypothesis that the impairment of alveolar recruitment in ARDS is caused by a defect of the surfactant system and the resultant increase of alveolar surface tension. This has been studied in pediatric patients in ARDS; after the administration of surfactant, hypoxia, respiratory symptoms and survival chances were improved. To alleviate the major pathogenic mechanism in this disease, that is to say, inflammation of the lung, steroids have been used and studied as another treatment modality for ARDS, and it has been concluded that the administration of low dose methylprednisolone may improve patients' symptoms and survival rates. We report here on a case of a young infant admitted with ARDS, who, after the intratracheal administration of 120 mg/kg surfactant, on $PaO_2/FiO_2$ was elevated. Subsequent low doses of methylprednisolone were given, and the symptoms did not recur, and no fibrotic change was shown during the follow-up period of 2 months.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.221-239
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• 2009

Background: The recent outbreak of the novel strain of influenza A (H1N1) virus has raised a global concern of the future risk of pandemic. Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) has been combatting against contagious diseases and developed its own particular and efficient way in treating those diseases. Objectives: Provide a distinctive and effective TKM method in understanding the principles of treatment, prevention, and contraindications against influenza A through case histories. Method: We revised case histories of eminent doctors of Ming and Qing dynasties according to their clinical manifestations similar to those of influenza A. We also verified prescriptions of the "Dong-uibogam(東醫寶鑑)" through examining clinical practices of China today. Results: 1. The subtypes of Warm disease; Wind Warmth and Pestilence has the most similar clinical manifestation in comparison to Influenza A. Specifying these terms is important in recognizing and classifying various diseases under the name of Warm disease. 2. TKM considered not only external factors but also individual factors like general condition, diet, emotion, constitutional types, etc in the treatment of febrile diseases. 3. TKM developed a new way in the treatment of contagious diseases. considering the characteristics of each pathogen. TKM described the Warm pathogen being light as a feather, which enters through the nose, principally affecting the Lung. Therefore, they emphasized treatment with Pungent Sweet Cooling Moistening[辛甘凉潤] method. 4. As the conservation of fluid and humor is the primordial concern in the treatment of Warm disease, they restricted release of the exterior with pungent-warm and purgation method. The purgation methods was used exclusively to decrease fever and preserve fluid and humor. 5. The only differentiating characteristics of Influenza A with seasonal influenza are vomiting and diarrhea. Case research revealed the possibility of these manifestations to be a mechanism of restoration. 6. TKM provides alimento prevention method like Mint Pear Porridge, mung bean, and etc also combination of herbal medicine. Also emphasized in the conservation of essence for the prevention of contagious diseases. Conclusions: TKM developed its unique way in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of contagious diseases and formed its independent scheme of Warm Disease. This knowledge in febrile contagious disease is relevant today in providing diverse treatment and prevention for influenza A.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1701-1707
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• 2012

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a major in vivo derivative of the putative anticancer agent indole-3-carbinol, which is present in cruciferous vegetables and has been reported to have anti-carcinogenic properties. An abnorrmally elevated level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of carcinogenesis. To investigate the mechanism by which DIM exhibits anti-carcinogenic effects, we investigated the effects of DIM on COX-2 expression in MCF-10A human mammary epithelial cells treated with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). DIM inhibited TPA-induced COX-2 expression and suppressed the synthesis of prostaglandin $E_2$, one of the major products of COX-2. Nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) is a transcription factor known to play a role in regulation of COX-2 expression. Treatment of MCF-10A cells with TPA increased nuclear translocation of phospho-p65, with the maximal levels being reached at 1 hour, while DIM inhibited the TPA-induced nuclear translocation of phospho-p65. Overall, we demonstrated that DIM suppresses phorbol ester-induced $PGE_2$ production and COX-2 expression in MCF-10A cells. The reduction in COX-2 levels by DIM maybe mediated through inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.80-91
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• 2003

Mutans streptococci, especially S. mutans and S. sobrinus strongly implicated in pathogenesis of dental caries, the major cause of tooth loss in children. Use of an antibacterial agent controlling dental caries has been rationalized. The present study was performed to observe the antibacterial effect of inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. S. mutans GS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 were grown in brain-heart infusion broth with or without polyP. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of polyP for S. mutans GS5 was determined to be 0.08% and that for S. sobrius 6715 was 0.17%. PolyP 15 added to the growing culture of S. mutans GS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 at their exponential phase was as effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans GS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 as polyP added at the very beginning of the culture. More than 85% of the cells lost their viability determined by viable cell count when polyP 15 was added to the culture of growing S. mutans GS5 at MIC, suggesting that polyP 15 has bacterial effect on the bacterium. And more than 99.9% of the cells lost their viability determined by viable cell count when polyP 15 was added to the culture of growing S. sobrinus 6715 at MIC, suggesting that polyP 15 has bacterial effect on the bacterium. Intracellular nucleotide release from S. mutans CS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 was increased in the presence of polyP 15 for 5h but was not really reversed by the addition of divalent cations like $Ca^{++}\;and\;Mg^{++}$. The majority of the cells appeared to be atypical in their shape, demonstrating accumulation of highly electron-dense granules and ghost cells. The overall results suggest that polyP have a strong bactericidal activity against S. mutans and S. sobrinus in which lysis in relation to chelation may not play the major role but unknown mechanism that possibly affects the viability of the bacterium may be involved. PolyP may be used as an agent for prevention of dental caries.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major pathogens in community-acquired diseases, and it contains several factors that promote its pathogenesis, including pneumolysin (PLY). PLY is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family, which attacks cholesterol-containing membranes, thereby forming ring-shaped pores. Thus, it is a major key target for vaccines against pneumococcal disease. We cloned the PLY gene from S. pneumoniae D39 and inserted it into the pQE-30 vector. Recombinant PLY (rPLY) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli M15 and purified by $Ni^{2+}$ affinity chromatography. Similarly, a PLY-EGFP fusion gene was produced by inserting the EGFP gene at the 3' end of the PLY gene in the same vector, and the recombinant protein was purified. Sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that both recombinant proteins were purified. rPLY exhibited significant hemolytic activity against 1% human red blood cells (RBCs). Complete hemolysis was obtained at 500 ng/ml, and 50% hemolysis was found with a 240 ng/ml concentration. In contrast, rPLY-EGFP did not show hemolytic activity. However, rPLY-EGFP did bind the RBC membrane, indicating that rPLY-EGFP lost hemolytic activity via EGFP fusion, while retaining its membrane-binding ability. These data suggest that PLY's C terminus is important for its hemolytic activity. Therefore, these two recombinant proteins can be extremely useful for investigating the toxin mechanism of PLY and cell damage during pneumonia.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 1976

The etiologic role of renin-angiotensin system and sodium-volume status in the pathophysiology of various forms of hypertension was investigated. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured by radioimmunoassay, while sodium-volume status was evaluated by the determination of total exchangeable sodium(NaE) using isotope dilution method. The subjects consisted of 25 controls, 24 patients with essential hypertension, with chronic renal failure (13 with hypertension, 9 without hypertension) and with malignant hypertension. The results were as follows: 1. An inverse correlation between NaE and PRA was noted in control subjects (r=-0.598, p<0.001) and normal renin essential hypertension(r=-0.551, p<0.05) and the chronic renal failure with hypertension. (r=-0.790, p<0.001) 2. NaE increased markedly the in chronic renal failure with hypertension ($66.9{\pm}8.69mEq/kg$ of LBM, p<0.001) and the chronic renal failure without hypertension ($54.9{\pm}9.28mEq/kg$ of LBM, p<0.05), while mild increase was noted in malignant hypertension ($51.7{\pm}6.24mEq/kg$ of LBM, 0.05$50.1{\pm}7.24mEq$) as well as in its renin subgroups.(p>0.1) 3. Absolute value of PRA was not deviated significantly from control group ($2.53{\pm}1.416ng/ml/hr$) except in malignant hypertension ($6.09{\pm}2.042$, p<0.001). But PRA was inappropriately high in relation to prevailing NaE in the chronic renal failure with hypertension (eleven of thirteen patients) and malignant hypertension (ten of fourteen patients), while PRA variatiation was within physiologic range in the chronic renal failure without hypertension. 4. The NaE-PRA product was markedly increased in the chronic renal failure with hypertension ($514.4{\pm}42.10$, p<0.001) and in malignant hypertension ($442.7{\pm}55.03$, p<0.001), while moderately increased NaE-PRA product was noted in the chronic renal failure without hypertension ($402.6{\pm}59.67$, p<0.001). No significant difference in NaE-PRA product was noted in essential hypertension ($354.4{\pm}62.38$, p>0.1). It is suggested that renin-angiotensin system plays a predominant role in the pathogenesis of malignant hypertension and in hypertension of chronic renal failure, though sodium retention is also contributing factor. PRA variation in essential hypertension does not appear to be associated with any consistent change in Na-volume status, suggesting the existence of another mechanism in the genesis of hypertension and PRA variation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1507-1512
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• 2008

In spite of long research period for Salmonella typhi, little information is known about the pathogenesis mechanism of human typhoid fever caused by S. typhi due to lack of infection model in animals. A wild-type of S. typhi Ty2 strain requires cysteine to grow on minimal media. We hypothesized that this cysteine requirement may restrict colonization of S. typhi in animals during infection process. Among the S. typhi strains carrying Salmonella typhimurium genomic library, we have isolated three S. typhi transformants growing on minimal media without cysteine. Although there were three ORFs in DNA of pBP71, the STM1490 ORF complemented cysteine auxotrophy of S. typhi. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the STM1490 homolog in S. typhi revealed that there are differences in two amino acids. Plasmids containing amino acid substitutions in STM1490 supported S. typhi growth on minimal media without cysteine, indicating irrelevance of these two amino acids to STM1490 function. These results tells us that there are other factors or systems involved in cysteine requirement of S. typhi.