• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.209-217
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• 2019

Background: Ginseng is a traditional herbal medicine for human health. Ginseng contains a bioactive ligand named gintonin. The active ingredient of gintonin is lysophosphatidic acid C18:2 (LPA C18:2). We previously developed a method for gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) preparation to mass-produce gintonin from ginseng. However, previous studies did not show the presence of other bioactive lipids besides LPAs. The aim of this study was to quantify the fatty acids, lysophospholipids (LPLs), and phospholipids (PLs) besides LPAs in GEF. Methods: We prepared GEF from white ginseng. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for fatty acid analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for PL analysis, and quantified the fatty acids, LPLs, and PLs in GEF using respective standards. We examined the effect of GEF on insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. Results: GEF contains about 7.5% linoleic (C18:2), 2.8% palmitic (C16:0), and 1.5% oleic acids (C18:1). GEF contains about 0.2% LPA C18:2, 0.06% LPA C16:0, and 0.02% LPA C18:1. GEF contains 0.08% lysophosphatidylcholine, 0.03% lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and 0.13% lysophosphatidylinositols. GEF also contains about 1% phosphatidic acid (PA) 16:0-18:2, 0.5% PA 18:2-18:2, and 0.2% PA 16:0-18:1. GEFmediated insulin secretion was not blocked by LPA receptor antagonist. Conclusion: We determined four characteristics of GEF through lipid analysis and insulin secretion. First, GEF contains a large amount of linoleic acid (C18:2), PA 16:0-18:2, and LPA C18:2 compared with other lipids. Second, the main fatty acid component of LPLs and PLs is linoleic acid (C18:2). Third, GEF stimulates insulin secretion not through LPA receptors. Finally, GEF contains bioactive lipids besides LPAs.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권7호
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• pp.942-948
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• 2021

Canine influenza virus (CIV) induces acute respiratory disease in dogs. In this study, we aimed to determine the signaling pathways leading to the induction of IFN-β in a canine respiratory epithelial cell line (KU-CBE) infected with the H3N2 subtype of CIV. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) specific to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and transcription factors were used to block the IFN-β induction signals in H3N2 CIV-infected KU-CBE cells. Among the PRRs, only the TLR3 and RIG-I expression levels significantly (p < 0.001) increased in CIV-infected cells. Following transfection with siRNA specific to TLR3 (siTLR3) or RIG-I (siRIG-I), the mRNA expression levels of IFN-β significantly (p < 0.001) decreased, and the protein expression of IFN-β also decreased in infected cells. In addition, co-transfection with both siTLR3 and siRIG-I significantly reduced IRF3 (p < 0.001) and IFN-β (p < 0.001) mRNA levels. Moreover, the protein concentration of IFN-β was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in cells co-transfected with both siTLR3 and siRIG-I than in cells transfected with either siTLR3 or siRIG-I alone. Also, the antiviral protein MX1 was only expressed in KU-CBE cells infected with CIV or treated with IFN-β or IFN-α. Thus, we speculate that IFN-β further induces MX1 expression, which might suppress CIV replication. Taken together, these data indicate that TLR3 and RIG-I synergistically induce IFN-β expression via the activation of IRF3, and the produced IFN-β further induces the production of MX1, which would suppress CIV replication in CIV-infected cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권12호
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• pp.1942-1949
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• 2019

Objective: Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is associated with several physiological processes including inflammation, tumorigenesis, and natural killer T cell generation. Chicken LECT2 (chLECT2) gene was originally identified as one of the differentially expressed genes in chicken kidney tissue, where the chickens were fed with different calcium doses. In this study, the molecular characteristics and gene expression of chLECT2 were analyzed under the stimulation of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand to understand the involvement of chLECT2 expression in chicken metabolic disorders. Methods: Amino acid sequence of LECT2 proteins from various species including fowl, fish, and mammal were retrieved from the Ensembl database and subjected to Insilco analyses. In addition, the time- and dose-dependent expression of chLECT2 was examined in DF-1 cells which were stimulated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly [I:C]), a TLR3 ligand. Further, to explore the transcription factors required for the transcription of chLECT2, DF-1 cells were treated with poly (I:C) in the presence or absence of the nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF{\kappa}B$) and activated protein 1 (AP-1) inhibitors. Results: The amino acid sequence prediction of chLECT2 protein revealed that along with duck LECT2 (duLECT2), it has unique signal peptide different from other vertebrate orthologs, and only chLECT2 and duLECT2 have an additional 157 and 161 amino acids on their carboxyl terminus, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that chLECT2 is evolved from a common ancestor along with the actinopterygii hence, more closely related than to the mammals. Our quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that, the expression of chLECT2 was up-regulated significantly in DF-1 cells under the stimulation of poly (I:C) (p<0.05). However, in the presence of $NF{\kappa}B$ or AP-1 inhibitors, the expression of chLECT2 is suppressed suggesting that both $NF{\kappa}B$ and AP-1 transcription factors are required for the induction of chLECT2 expression. Conclusion: The present results suggest that chLECT2 gene might be a target gene of TLR3 signaling. For the future, the expression pattern or molecular mechanism of chLECT2 under stimulation of other innate immune receptors shall be studied. The protein function of chLECT2 will be more clearly understood if further investigation about the mechanism of LECT2 in TLR pathways is conducted.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.390-400
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• 2021

Background: We recently showed that gintonin, an active ginseng ingredient, exhibits antibrain neurodegenerative disease effects including multiple target mechanisms such as antioxidative stress and antiinflammation via the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a spinal disease characterized by neurodegenerative changes in motor neurons with subsequent skeletal muscle paralysis and death. However, pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS are still elusive, and therapeutic drugs have not yet been developed. We investigate the putative alleviating effects of gintonin in ALS. Methods: The G93A-SOD1 transgenic mouse ALS model was used. Gintonin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) administration started from week seven. We performed histological analyses, immunoblot assays, and behavioral tests. Results: Gintonin extended mouse survival and relieved motor dysfunctions. Histological analyses of spinal cords revealed that gintonin increased the survival of motor neurons, expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, choline acetyltransferase, NeuN, and Nissl bodies compared with the vehicle control. Gintonin attenuated elevated spinal NAD(P) quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression and decreased oxidative stress-related ferritin, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-immunoreactive microglia, S100β-immunoreactive astrocyte, and Olig2-immunoreactive oligodendrocytes compared with the control vehicle. Interestingly, we found that the spinal LPA1 receptor level was decreased, whereas gintonin treatment restored decreased LPA1 receptor expression levels in the G93A-SOD1 transgenic mouse, thereby attenuating neurological symptoms and histological deficits. Conclusion: Gintonin-mediated symptomatic improvements of ALS might be associated with the attenuations of neuronal loss and oxidative stress via the spinal LPA1 receptor regulations. The present results suggest that the spinal LPA1 receptor is engaged in ALS, and gintonin may be useful for relieving ALS symptoms.

• 한국양봉학회지
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.49-54
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• 2020

본 연구에서는 서양종꿀벌(Apis mellifera L.) 일벌에서 봉독채집장치를 사용하여 채집한 후 정제한 정제봉독(purified bee venom)의 항비만 효과를 검정하기 위하여 지방전구세포인 3T3-L1 세포에서 지방분화에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 정제봉독은 1 mg/mL 이하의 농도로 처리했을 경우에는 3T3-L1 세포에서 세포독성을 유발하지 않는 것으로 확인되었다. 정제봉독을 3T3-L1 세포에 처리한 후 지방분화를 Oil-red-O 염색약으로 염색하여 비교하여 보았을 때, 정제봉독은 무처리구에 비교하여 낮은 지방축적률을 나타내어 지방세포 분화를 억제하는 것으로 확인되었다. 또한 정제봉독은 지방 분화 특이 전사인자인 C/EBPα와 PPARγ 유전자 발현을 억제시켰다. 이에 본 연구결과를 바탕으로 정제봉독이 지방세포 분화 억제를 통한 항비만 소재로서 활용 가능성이 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.58-65
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• 2021

Background: Supraspinal delivery of neurotensin (NTS), which may contribute to the effect of a systemically administered agonist, has been reported to be either pronociceptive or antinociceptive. Here, we evaluated the effects of systemically administered NTSR1 agonist in a rat model of neuropathic pain and elucidated the underlying supraspinal mechanism. Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of intraperitoneally administered NTSR1 agonist PD 149163 was assessed using von Frey filaments. To examine the role of 5-HT neurotransmission, a serotonin (5-HT) receptor antagonist dihydroergocristine was pretreated intrathecally, and spinal microdialysis studies were performed to measure the change in extracellular level of 5-HT in response to PD 149163 administration. To investigate the supraspinal mechanism, NTSR1 antagonist 48692 was microinjected into the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) prior to systemic PD 149163. Additionally, the effect of intrathecal DHE on intra-RVM PD 149163 was assessed. Results: Intraperitoneally administered PD 149163 exhibited a dose-dependent attenuation of mechanical allodynia. This effect was partially reversed by intrathecal pretreatment with dihydroergocristine and was accompanied by an increased extracellular level of 5-HT in the spinal cord. The PD 149163-produced antinociception was also blocked by intra-RVM SB 48692. Direct injection of PD 149163 into the RVM mimicked the maximum effect of the same drug delivered intraperitoneally, which was reversed by intrathecal dihydroergocristine. Conclusions: These observations indicate that systemically administered NTSR1 agonist produces antinociception through the NTSR1 in the RVM, activating descending serotonergic projection to release 5-HT into the spinal dorsal horn.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.27-34
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• 2021

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major reason for stopping or changing anticancer therapy. Among the proposed pathomechanisms underlying CIPN, proinflammatory processes have attracted increasing attention. Here we assessed the role of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signaling in cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: CIPN was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin 2 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days using adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. PGD2 receptor DP1 and/or DP2 antagonists were administered intrathecally and the paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey filaments. Spinal expression of DP1, DP2, hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS), and lipocalin PGD synthase (L-PGDS) proteins were analyzed by western blotting. Results: The DP1 and DP2 antagonist AMG 853 and the selective DP2 antagonist CAY10471, but not the DP1 antagonist MK0524, significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold compared to vehicle controls (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Western blotting analyses revealed comparable protein expression levels in DP1 and DP2 in the spinal cord. In the CIPN group the protein expression level of L-PGDS, but not of H-PGDS, was significantly increased compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings presented here indicate that enhanced PGD2 signaling, via upregulation of L-PGDS in the spinal cord, contributes to mechanical allodynia via DP2 receptors in a cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain model in rats, and that a blockade of DP2 receptor activation may present a novel therapeutic target for managing CIPN.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권8호
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• pp.771-777
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• 2021

인간 내생 레트로바이러스(Human Endogenous Restrovirus, HERV)는 수백만년전 인간의 유전체에 삽입되었으며 이후 오랜 세월을 거치며 재조합, 결실 및 돌연변이 등 여러 원인에 의해 더 이상 활성화된 바이러스로 역할을 하지 못하고 감염되지 않는다. 하지만 HERV는 최근 연구들은 HERV 유래 인자들이 실제 생리현상 및 암을 비롯한 특정 질환에 관여 하고 있다는 것을 보여 주었다. HERV와 관련된 여러가지 생리 현상 중 염증반응에 초점을 맞추어 고찰해 볼 필요가 있다. HERV는 류마티스, 다발성 경화증, 근위축성 측삭경화증, 쇼그렌 증후군 같은 자가면역질환을 비롯한 여러 염증질환에 직접적으로 관여하는 것으로 보고 되고 있다. HERV의 염증 조절 기작으로는 HERV 유래 인자들이 비특이적 선천성 면역과정을 유발할 가능성과 HERV 유래의 RNA와 단백질이 특정 수용체를 통해 선택적 신호전달기작을 유발할 가능성을 고려 할 수 있다. 하지만 어떠한 방식으로 잠재되어 있던 HERV가 염증반응에서 활성화 되는지 또한 HERV와 관여된 인자들과 신호기작들이 어떠한 것들이 있는지 등 HERV의 인자들이 염증반응을 조절하는 기작에는 아직 많은 것들이 밝혀지지 않아 질병 발병에 대한 연구에 어려움이 있는 실정이다. 본 리뷰에서는 HERV 관련 자가 면역질환을 소개하고 염증반응 조절 기작에 관한 HERV의 분자수준에서의 작용 메커니즘을 제안 하고자 한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권8호
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• pp.729-735
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• 2021

제 2 형 당뇨병은 조직의 포도당 흡수 능력에 이상이 있을 때 발생하며, 인슐린에 의한 포도당 섭취와 신진대사는 혈당을 유지하는 기본 활동이며 포도당 섭취는 인슐린이 세포 표면의 수용체에 결합하여 시작되는 다양한 신호 단계를 거친다. 본 연구는 Ecklonia cava에서 분리된 활성 화합물 인 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol이 3T3-L1 지방 세포에서 인슐린 신호전달체계에 따른 포도당 흡수 증가에 미치는 영향에 대한 것이다. 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol 은 3T3-L1 지방 세포에서 농도의존적으로 GLUT4의 발현을 증가시켜 원형질막에서의 glucose uptake 를 증가시켰다. 이는 인슐린 신호 전달 경로에서 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol 에 의한 IRS-1, AKT의 인산화 및 PI3K 활성화에 의한 것이다. PHB는 또한 AMPK 인산화와 활성화를 자극했다. 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol에 의한 PI3K/AKT 및 AMPK 경로의 인산화 및 활성화는 wortmannin (PI3K 억제제) 및 화합물 C (AMPK 억제제)를 사용하여 확인하였다. 본 연구에서 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol 이 3T3-L1 지방 세포에서 PI3K 및 AMPK 경로를 통해 원형질막으로의 GLUT4 전위를 촉진함으로써 포도당 흡수를 증가시킬 수 있음을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과는 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol 가 인슐린 감수성을 개선하는 데 도움이 될 수 있음을 시사한다.

• 대한화장품학회지
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.169-180
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• 2022

Streptococcus sp.는 일반적으로 히알루론산을 생산하는 균주로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 Streptococcus 균주가 배양하면서 만들어내는 여러 대사산물 중 히알루론산 이외의 영양성분에 주목하였다. 히알루론산이 생성되지 않은 조건에서의 Streptococcus sp. 배양 여과물로 모발 실험용 샘플(HAIRCLE^TM)을 제조하고 모발에 미치는 효과를 확인하였다. 모발의 인장강도는 만능시험기(universal testing machine, UTM)로 측정하였으며, 모발표면의 미세구조는 atomic force microscope (AFM)으로 분석하였다. 이 연구를 통해 Streptococcus sp. 배양 여과물은 손상된 모표피개선, 마찰력증가 및 모발강도의 증가 등의 모발개선 효과가 있는 것으로 확인되었다. 또한 in vitro 모발관련 실험을 통해 Streptococcus sp. 배양 여과물이 모발성장인자인 혈관내피세포 성장인자(vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF), 간세포성장인자(hepatocyte growth factor, HGF), Wnt10b의 발현 촉진 효과가 있음을 확인 하였으며, 안드로젠 수용체(androgen receptor, AR)와 TGF-β2 발현을 저해시켜 남성형 탈모완화 효과도 있음을 확인 하였다. 또한 산화스트레스에 대해 장벽 관련 인자(INV, CLDN-1)의 발현을 증가시키고, 염증성 인자인 COX-2 발현을 억제시킴으로써 손상된 두피 장벽을 개선하고 유도된 염증을 완화시키는 효능이 있음을 확인하였다.