• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.328-335
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• 2004

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-I) Tat protein transduction domain (PTD), which con­tains rich arginine and lysine residues, is responsible for the highly efficient transduction of protein through the plasma membrane. In addition, it can be secreted from infected cells and has the ability to enter neighboring cells. When the PTD of Tat is fused to proteins and exogenously added to cells, the fusion protein can cross plasma membranes. Recent reports indicate that the endogenously expressed Tat fusion protein can demonstrate biodistribution of several proteins. However, intercellular transport and protein transduction have not been observed in some studies. Therefore, this study exam­ined the intercellular transport and protein transduction of the Tat protein. The results showed no evi­dence of intercellular transport (biodistribution) in a cell culture. Instead, the Tat fusion peptides were found to have a significant effect on the transduction and intercellular localization properties. This sug­gests that the HIV-1 PTD passes through the plasma membrane in one direction.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2000

To clarify the ichthyotoxic mechanisms of a harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides, hematological responses of the flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and red sea bream Pagrus major exposed to this algal bloom were investigated. The mortality of red sea bream was considerably larger than that of flounder, and the threshold lethal density of C. polykrikoides to the test fish was approximately 3,000 cells/ml. Blood $PO_2$declined in proportion to the increasing density of algal cells. The blood $PO_2$ of moribund fish was about $40-60\% of control test fish. Particularly, the fishes began to be killed when the blood $PO_2$ fell below 30-40 mmHg. However, the blood pH dropped almost 1.0 unit just before fish kill. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of fish exposed to C. polykrikoides of 5,000 cells/ml for 24 h and of moribund fish did not show great difference. The concentrations of plasma $Na^+$, $K^+$ and $Cl^-$ were slightly elevated to different magnitudes except $Ca^{2+}$ and plasma osmolality was also increased in Cochlodinium-exposed fish. In the plasma cortisol level, these values of moribund flounder and red sea bream were 4- 5 times higher than those of control fish. These results suggest that the drop of blood $PO_2$ was may be one of the principal causes of fish kill by C. polykrikoides, and the changes of other hematological parameters were secondary responses elicited by the decrease in blood $PO_2$.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.218-232
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• 2023

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of a tube-shaped poly(ε) caprolactone - β tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) scaffold with the incorporation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for bone regeneration in the procedure of single-stage sinus augmentation and dental implantation in minipigs. Methods: Implants were placed in the bilateral sides of the maxillary sinuses of 5 minipigs and allocated to a PCL-TCP+hUCMSCs+PRP group (n=5), a PCL-TCP+PRP group (n=5), and a PCL-TCP-only group (n=6). After 12 weeks, bone regeneration was evaluated with soft X-rays, micro-computed tomography, fluorescence microscopy, and histomorphometric analysis. Results: Four implants failed (2 each in the PCL-TCP+hUCMSCs+PRP and PCLTCP+hUCMSC groups). An analysis of the grayscale levels and bone-implant contact ratio showed significantly higher mean values in the PCL-TCP+hUCMSCs+PRP than in the PCL-TCP group (P=0.045 and P=0.016, respectively). In fluoromicroscopic images, new bone formation around the outer surfaces of the scaffolds was observed in the PCLTCP+hUCMSCs+PRP group, suggesting a tenting effect of the specially designed scaffolds. Bone regeneration at the scaffold-implant interfaces was observed in all 3 groups. Conclusions: Using a tube-shaped, honeycombed PCL-TCP scaffold with hUCMSCs and PRP may serve to enhance bone formation and dental implants' osseointegration in the procedure of simultaneous sinus lifting and dental implantation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.190-201
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• 2024

Background: Deposition of immune complexes drives podocyte injury acting in the initial phase of lupus nephritis (LN), a process mediated by B cell involvement. Accordingly, targeting B cell subsets represents a potential therapeutic approach for LN. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a bioavailable component of ginseng, possesses nephritis benefits in lupus-prone mice; however, the underlying mechanisms involving B cell subpopulations remain elusive. Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice were administered CK (40 mg/kg) intragastrically for 10 weeks, followed by measurements of anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory chemokines, and metabolite profiles on renal samples. Podocyte function and ultrastructure were detected. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate B cell subpopulations. Metabolomics analysis was adopted. SIRT1 and AMPK expression were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Results: CK reduced proteinuria and protected podocyte ultrastructure in MRL/lpr mice by suppressing circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and mitigating systemic inflammation. It activated B cell-specific SIRT1 and AMPK with Rhamnose accumulation, hindering the conversion of renal B cells into plasma cells. This cascade facilitated the resolution of local renal inflammation. CK facilitated the clearance of deposited immune complexes, thus reinstating podocyte morphology and mobility by normalizing the expression of nephrin and SYNPO. Conclusions: Our study reveals the synergistic interplay between SIRT1 and AMPK, orchestrating the restoration of renal B cell subsets. This process effectively mitigates immune complex deposition and preserves podocyte function. Accordingly, CK emerges as a promising therapeutic agent, potentially alleviating the hyperactivity of renal B cell subsets during LN.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.597-612
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• 2000

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of soyoligosaccharides on intestinal microflora transit time lipid profiles and immune responses. Forty-eight male rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were divided into six groups(SYS: soybean oil-sucrose SYO: soybean oil-oligo SES; esame oil-sucrose SEO:sesame oil-oligo BFS : beef tallow-sucrose BFO : beef tallow-oligo) soyoligo-groups(SYO, SEO, BEO) were fed the diet containing 5% soyoligosaccharides but control groups not fed them and all groups were fed 20% fats for 4 weeks. The number of fecal bifidobacteria tended to increase after soyoligosaccharides feeding. The significant increase was found in SEO group compared to SES in that of fecal bifidobacteria,. Stool wet weight dry fecal weight and stool water content were increased significantly in soyoligo-group(SYO, SEO, BFO) compared to control groups(SYS, SES, BFS) and gastrointestinal transit time(TT) tended to increase. Soyoligosaccharides lowered plasma cholesterol in SEO group significantly more than did other groups. soyoligo-groups(SYO, SEO, BFO) tended to decrease liver triglycerides compared to control groups. Plasma IgG concentration increased in beef tallow groups(BFS, BFO) than that in other dietary fat groups. Soyoligosaccharides and kinds of fats had effects on plasma C3 concentration and mitogenesis of the spleen cells. Soyoligosaccharides had no effects on plasma leptin and insulin concentration but kinds of fats did so that sesame groups were decreased significantly in plasma leptin concentration but increased significantly in plasma insulin concentration compared to other dietary fat groups. In conclusion dietary soyoligosaccharides changed the composition of the intestinal microflora beneficially with sesame oil and partially had effect on plasma and liver lipid profiles .(Korean J Nutrition 33(6) : 597∼612, 2000)

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.317-340
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• 1993

This study was designed 1) to compare the distributions of periapical inflammatory cells and 2) to identify lymphocytes and compare the lymphocyte distribution with T lymphocyte subpopulation and then 3) to examine the distribution of cycling cell in human dental periapical lesions. From each of the twenty-five human dental periapical lesions observed one small portion was fixed, embeded in paraffin, sectioned serially and stained with HE. The periapical inflammatory cells were counted to obtain the relative concentration of lymphocyte, plasma cell, macrophage and neutrophil. The large part of each lesion was analysed using Flow cytometer and monoclonal antibodies to obtain the relative concentration of T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, T'helper cell and T suppressor/cytotoxic cell. In addition to that, seven human dental periapical lesions were examined with DNA analysis to observe the distribution of cycling cell. Following results were obtained: 1. 24 cases of the 32 periapical lesions examined were diagnosed as periapical granuloma and the remaining 8 cases as periapical cyst. Lymphocytes comprised 42.1% of total inflammatory cells in periapical granuloma and 41.8% in periapical cyst. Corresponding percentages for macrophages were 33.8% and 30.3%; for plasma cells, 15.9% and 19.0%; for neutrophils, 8.2% and 8.8%. 2. All of the periapical lesions examined had T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, T helper cell, T suppressor/cytotoxic cell. And in all cases, T lymphocytes were observed predominantly more than B lymphocytes. 3. In 2 cases of the control group only T lymphocytes were found, and in the remaining 2 cases T lymphocytes were observed predominantly. 4. T helper cells were observed predominantly more than T suppressor/cytotoxic cells in all cases of perapical granulomas. 5. T suppressor/cytotoxic cells were observed predominantly more than T helper cells in 4 cases of periapical cysts (total 5 cases were examined) and only in one case T helper cells were more than T suppressor/cytotoxic cells. 6. In control group, T helper cells were predominant in 2 cases and T helper cells were equivalent to T suppressor/cytotoxic cells in one case. In remaining one case T suppressor/cytotoxic cells were predominant. 7. As the result of DNA analysis, the average proliferating indices of the various groups examined were measured as follows: in the control group 5.45%, in periapical granuloma 6.64%, in periapical cyst 10.1%. The highest index was observed in periapical cyst.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 1997

Leaf movements in nyctinastic plants are produced by changes in the turgor of extensor and flexor cells, collectively called motor cells, in opposing regions of the leaf movement organ, the pulvinus. In Samanea saman, a tropical tree of the legume family, extensor cells shrink and flexor cells swell to bend the pulvinus and fold the leaf at night, whereas extensor cells swell and flexor cells shrink to straighten the pulvinus and extend the leaf in the daytime. These changes are caused by ion fluxes primarily of potassium and chloride, across the plasma membrane of the motor cells. These ion fluxes are regulated by exogenous light signals and an endogenous biolgical clock. Inward-directed K$^+$ channels are closed in extensor and open in flexor cells in the dark period, while these channels are open in extensor and closed in flexor cells in the light period. Blue light opens the closed K$^+$ channels in extensor and closes the open them in flexor cells during darkness. Illumination of red light followed by darkness induces to open the closed K$^+$ channels in flexor and to close the open K$^+$ channels in extensor cells in the light. The dynamics of K$^+$ channels in motor cells that are controlled by light signals are consistent with the behavior of the pulvini in intact plants. Therefore, these cell types are an attractive model system to elucidate regulations of ion transports and their signal transduction pathways in plants. This review is focused on light-controlled ion movements and regulatory mechanisms involved in phosphoinositide signaling in leaf movements in nyctinastic plants.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.161-164
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• 2007

Oxidative stress is prerequisite for the development of atherosclerosis. Apart from the traditional risk factors that contribute to this devastating condition, in the past few decades, much attention has been focused on plasma total homocysteine mainly because of its strong association with coronary artery disease. It has been suggested that homocysteine induces oxidative stress and hence the present work was undertaken to assess the total homocysteine status and plasma total antioxidant capacity in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients among Tamil population. The study subjects included only the Tamil population. Blood samples were collected from 100 AMI patients and 100 controls. Plasma was separated and the total antioxidant status was assessed as a measure of ferric reducing power of antioxidants using spectrophotometric method. Plasma total homocysteine concentrations were assessed by automated chemiluminescence method. While Total antioxidant status was significantly decreased, the plasma homocysteine concentrations were elevated in AMI patients compared to the controls. However, there was no correlation between the homocysteine levels and total antioxidant status. The findings of this study may have therapeutic implications, including food sources rich in antioxidants for all AMI patients to minimize the effect of free radicals formed during oxidative stress among Tamil population.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.155-160
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• 2017

Doped-$LaCrO_3$ perovskites, because of their good electrical conductivity and thermal stability in oxidizing and/or reducing environments, are used in high temperature solid oxide fuel cells as a gas-tight and electrically conductive interconnection layer. In this study, perovskite $(La_{0.8}Ca_{0.2})(Cr_{0.9}Co_{0.1})O_3$ (LCCC) coatings manufactured by atmospheric plasma spraying followed by heat treatment at $1200^{\circ}C$ have been investigated in terms of microstructural defects, gas tightness and electrical conductivity. The plasma-sprayed LCCC coating formed an inhomogeneous layered structure after the successive deposition of fully-melted liquid droplets and/or partially-melted droplets. Micro-sized defects including unfilled pores, intersplat pores and micro-cracks in the plasma-sprayed LCCC coating were connected together and allowed substantial amounts gas to pass through the coating. Subsequent heat treatment at $1200^{\circ}C$ formed a homogeneous granule microstructure with a small number of isolated pores, providing a substantial improvement in the gas-tightness of the LCCC coating. The electrical conductivity of the LCCC coating was consequently enhanced due to the complete elimination of inter-splat pores and micro-cracks, and reached 53 S/cm at $900^{\circ}C$.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.209-220
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• 1993

This study was attempted to investigate the processes of regression of the corpus luteum and uterus after parturition in 2∼3 multiparous Korean native goats. The concentrations of LH, prolactin and progesterone in blood plasma of native goats were measured at 5 day intervals from 10 days prepartum to 35 days postpartum. The pregnancy corpus luteum from goats at Days(D) 1, 10, 20 and 30 days of postpartum were examined by light microscopy. Changes in the uterus fo goats were studies by macroscopic and light microscopic observations during the postpartum period. Mean concentrations of plasma LH were low after parturition and the levels of plasma LH were similar during late gestation and throughout the postpartum period. Mean plasma concentrations of prolactin were 0.30 0.06 and 0.38 0.13ng/ml at Day 5 and Day 10 prepartum, respectively, but PRL levels remained slightly high for 5 weeks after kidding. Mean levels of progesterone in plasma were 0.33 0.05ng/ml on Day 1 postpartum(P<0.01). Through light microscopic survey, pregnancy corpora lutea were quite degeneration by day 10 pospartum. Microscopic changes of CL regression consisted of cytoplasmic eosinophilia and vacuolation, and pyknosis and karyorrhexis of the nucleus of luteal cells. Vascular changes were distended at the periphery ofthe CL. From macroscopic measurements of the uterus, the uteri were returned to their initial non-pregnant stage within a period of 21 dyas after parturition. Following partuition the intercaruncular epithelium was reparied by 20 days. The uterine epithelium was partially recovered in the carucle by 30 days postpartum.