Germinated rough rice (GRR) has many healthy effects such as antioxidant activity, inhibition of chronic inflammatory disease and prevention of vascular disease. In this study, germinated Korean rice sample which was planted in 2008 from Korean Rural Development Administration was used. The purpose of this study was to recognize the effect of the ethanol extract of GRR on the ischemic damage of skeletal muscle. Right femoral artery ligation was performed to induce ischemic condition in mice and the mixed basal diet with the ethanol extract of GRR at various levels (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg diet) was given for 2 weeks. After the mice were sacrificed, the hind limb muscle samples of the mice were fixed, sectioned, stained with Haematoxylin-Eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and performed for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for caspase-3. In histopathological findings of H&E and Masson’s trichrome stain, the treatment of GRR at the level of 400 mg/kg diminished fibrosis and necrosis in the muscle compared to the control. The expression of caspase-3 protein was also decreased by the treatment of GRR at the level of 400 mg/kg compared to the control. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of GRR may have a protective effect against muscle damage during the ischemia in skeletal muscle of hindlimb.

본 연구에서는 SV40 Tag을 마우스 albumin 유전자의 promoter/enhancer 조절 하에 발현하도록 설계된 재조합 유전자를 마우스 1세포기 수정란에 미세 주입하여 형질 전환 마우스를 제작하고 이들의 인체 간암 모델로써의 적합성을 조사하였다. 형질 전환이 확인된 총 11개체의 founder 생쥐들 중 4개체가 간암을 일으켰고, 두 개체는 신장암을, 한 개체는 피부 및 뇌에서 종양을 각각 일으켰다. 이들로부터 외래 유전자를 계대 유전하는 3가계를 얻었다(#1-2, #1-6, #1-11). 이들 가계의 자손들에서 8주령(#1-2, #1-6) 혹은 10주령(#1-11) 시부터 간암이 반복적으로 발생되었으며, #1-11 founder 개체에서 폐로 암세포가 전이된 것 외에는 다른 조직에서의 형태학적 변이가 발견되지 않았다. 간암 발생은 조직학적 변화에 따라 3단계로 나눌 수 있었다. 즉, 출생에서 3주령까지는 간세포의 과량증식을 보이나 세포핵의 이상은 관찰되지 않았으며, 4주령부터 7주령(#1-2, #1-6) 혹은 9주령(#1-11)까지는 diffuse liver cell dysplasia를 나타내지만 tumor nodule은 발견되지 않았고, 그 이후에는 liver dysplasia를 배경으로 간암이 발생하였다. 본 연구에서 작출한 간암 모델 마우스는 인체 간암과 일부 유사한 소견을 보였는 바 인체 간암 기전 연구를 위한 유용한 동물 모델로 이용할 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

The inhibitory effects of water extract of Cortex Mori(CM) was investigated for allergic asthma in a mouse model. Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitoneal sensitization and aerosol challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). CM extract (10mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice were given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 7 days during the course of challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by β-methacoline-induced airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CM-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and cytokine levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed in order to evaluate CM effect on pulmonary inflammation. Total number of leukocytes in BALF was lower in CM-treated mice than in control without significance. Interestingly, CM treatment elevated a distribution of eosinophils which are crucial in asthmatic response. However, comparison of absolute number showed that it resulted from a decrease of total leukocyte and macrophage numbers. Levels of type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL4, IL5 and IL 13) measured by ELISA in BALF were not significantly reduced by CM and IFN-γ, a type 1 (Th1) cytokine, was also comparable between two groups, indicating that CM treatment has little or no effect on airway inflammation and secretion of relevant cytokines. For an insight into the mechanism of CM effect on AHR, immunemodulatory activity of CM was analyzed at a cellular level. Peribronchial lymph node(LN) cells and lung-infiltrating lymphocytes (LIL) collected from CM-treated and control mice were in vitro stimulated with OVA antigen. Although there was no significance, number of LN cell and LIL was higher in CM-treated mice than controls and their Ag-specific proliferative response (3H-TdR uptake assay) was similar. Production of Th2 cytokine, IL 5 and IL 13 was relatively enhanced, but without statistical significance, while IFN-γ production was minimally altered in CM-treated mice. Immunemodulation of CM in the field of humoral immunity, antibody levels in serum were measured and compared. No significant difference was observed in the levels of IgE. However, levels of type 1 and 2 antibody IgG2a and IgG1 were signifcantly enhanced by CM treatment. As CM-mediated alleviation of AHR was not clearly explained by above results, degranulation of eosinophils was finally examined by their release of peroxidase. Levels of peroxidase in BALF was significantly lower in CM treated mice, suggesting that CM inhibits in vivo degranulation of eosinophils, although its effect was not shown during their in vitro incubation. Taken together, data from current study indicate CM extract alleviates AHR through inhibition of eosinophil degranulation rather than any immunological regulation. Instead, immunemodulatory activity of CM is likely to be adversely effective in (Th2)

This study was undertaken to optimize enucleation and reconstitution methods for the production of cloned mice by somatic cell nuclear transfer Outbred ICR mouse oocytes at the metapahse- II stage were retrieved from female mice superovulated by PMSG and hCG. In Experiment 1, oocytes were enucleated in medium supplemented with cytochalasin B (CCB) of 3 levels (0, 7.5 or 15 /mL), and higher rate of encleation was obtained at 7.5 and 15 /mL than at /mL. In Experiment 2, oocytes enucleated in 7.5 /mL CCB-containing medium were reconstituted with different types of somatic cell by following methods; 1) cumulus cells by direct cell injection, 2) cumulus cells by electric fusion (1.25 kV/cm, 2 pulses for each 70 ) or 3) STO cells by the electrofusion. Electrofusion of STO cells with enucleated oocytes yielded the greatest (P<0.05) rate of reconstitution without lysis (76%) than any other combinations. Although significant decrease in the rate of somatic cell introduction was found, the electrofusion of cumulus cells yielded better rate of reconstitution than direct injection (0 vs. 18%). In Experiment 3, the duration of electric stimulation for the fusion was changed to either 50 or 90 , but no significant improvement of reconstitution efficacy was obtained. In conclusion, this study showed that ICR mouse oocytes could be used for the production of reconstituted oocytes and a fusion method of 1.25 KV/cm with 2 pulses using 570 cell was the optimal.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to decreased dopamine levels in the midbrain. Although the specific etiology of PD is not yet known, oxidative stress, inflammation, and subsequent apoptosis have been proposed to be closely related to PD pathophysiology. Cera Flava (CF) is a natural extract obtained from beehives and is isolated through the heating, compression, filtration, and purification of beehives. CF has been used in traditional medicines for its various clinical and pharmacological effects. However, its effects on neurodegenerative diseases are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CF against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD in mice and explored the underlying mechanism of action. In MPTP-induced PC12 cells, CF protected NADH dehydrogenase activity and inhibited lactate dehydrogenase. In the mouse model, CF promoted recovery from movement impairments, prevented dopamine depletion, and protected against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal degradation. Moreover, CF downregulated glial and microglial activation. Taken together, our results suggest that CF improves behavioral impairments and protects against dopamine depletion in MPTP-induced toxicity by inhibiting glial and microglial activation.

Avocado, superfood, contains a variety of essential nutrients and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to explore whether avocado could modulate skin inflammation in vivo. We elucidated the pharmacological effects of avocado on compound 48/80- or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in mice. Additionally, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of avocado and its underlying mechanism including its effect on the expression levels of inflammatory-related genes and nuclear factor -κB (NF-κB) in DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions. The findings of this study demonstrate that avocado attenuated AD clinical symptoms including itching, eczematous, erythema and dryness and histamine levels in mice. Moreover, avocado suppressed both inflammatory cytokines expression as well as NF-κB and caspase-1 activation in AD-like skin lesions in mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that avocado may be a potential candidate for treating skin inflammatory diseases like AD.

암 환자의 방사선 치료는 환자의 생존 수명을 연장하기 위해 사용한다. 그러나 방사선 조사 후 피폭으 로 인해 정상적인 조직 재생은 치명적인 장해를 수반한다. 방사선 치료 후 발생 할 수 있는 장해는 골세포와 골대사 메커니즘에 결정적인 방사선 장해를 수반하여 방사성골괴사가 발생된다. 따라서 방사성골괴사를 극복하기 위해 방사선 장해의 극복을 위한 조직재생의 연구가 필수적으로 대두된다. 이번 연구에서는 골재생의 대표적인 사이토카인 단백질인 BMP-2가 방사성조사 쥐 두개골 모델에서 골재생의 효과가 있는 지 또한 몇 주부터 골재생 효과가 많이 발생되는지를 검증하고자 하였다. 결론적으로 방사선이 조사된 쥐의 두개골 결손모델에서는 8주가 지나야 BMP-2의 효과가 더욱더 효과적으로 발생하는 결과를 얻을 수 있었다. 만일 BMP-2 가 처리된 지지체를 방사선골괴사 치료제로 사용한다면 단시간에 골 재생 효과를 기대 하는 것보다는 8주 이상의 시간이 경과 후 골재생 효과를 기대해야 할 것으로 사료된다.

Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infection or irritation in our body. The use of medicinal plants has been widely applied as an alternative source for drug development. One of marine natural resources, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ishige sinicola ethanol extract (ISEE), was evaluated by using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell and mice model. As a result, the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) were inhibited with increasing concentration of ISEE without any cytotoxicity. Furthermore, ISEE suppressed the expression of not only inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a dose-dependent manner. In mice ear edema test, the formation of edema was reduced at the highest dosage of ISEE and the reduction of the number of infiltrated mast cells was observed in histological analysis. These results indicate that ISEE has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used as a pharmaceutical material for many kinds of inflammatory disease.

대나무 죽력의 ACE 저해효과와 마우스모델에서의 혈행 개선 효과를 보았다. 혈전용해능에서 청국장추출물은 2.56 unit, 미정제죽력에서 4.71 unit, 정제죽력에서 4.32 unit를 나타내어 모두가 plasmin 보다 유의하게 높은 활성이 높고, ACE 활성 저해 효과에서는 죽력 원액, 미정제 죽력과 정제 죽력에서 각각 70.25%, 69.01%, 68.23%로 대조군으로 사용된 청국장이 26.56%으로 나타나 높은 억제효과를 보였다. 마우스모델시험에서 고지방식이군과 함께 고지방식이군+ 정제죽력 0.01%와 0.05%를 투여, 혈청 중 지질변화에서 triglyceride의 함량은 고지방식이군이 일반식이군(271.1 mg/dL)에 비해 314.4 mg/dL로 증가하였고, 고지방식이+죽 력 0.01%군은 301.5 mg/dL로 나타났으며, 고지방식이+죽 력 0.05%군은 289.2 mg/dL으로 유의하게 중성지질이 감소를 나타내었고, total-cholesterol 함량은 327.2 mg/dL로 증가 하였으며, 고지방식이+죽력 0.01%군은 311.9 mg/dL로 나타났으며, 고지방식이+죽력 0.05%군은 293.7 mg/dL로 고 지방식이군에 비교, 유의하게 total-cholesterol이 감소세를 나타내었다. 한편 HDL-cholesterol은 일반식이군이 206.0 mg/dL로 가장 높은 값을 나타내었으며, 고지방식이+죽력 0.01%군 196.6 mg/dL, 고지방식이+죽력 0.05%군 189.2 mg/dL, 고지방식이군 162.2 mg/dL순으로 나타났고, 죽력첨 가군 0.01%군과 0.05%군간의 유의성은 없었다. 혈류개선 효과에서는 고지방식이에 비하여 고지방식이+죽력 0.05% 군이 고지방식이군, 고지방식이+죽력 0.01%군보다 모두 유의하게 빠르게 모세관을 통과하여 빠른 혈액 유동성을 나타내었다. 혈소판응집 억제능에서는 고지방식이군의 경우 대조군인 일반식이군에 비해 혈소판 응집이 증가한 반면 고지방식이+죽력 0.01%군과 고지방식이+죽력 0.05%군은 고지방식이군에 비해 혈소판응집이 억제되는 것으로 나타났다.

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive cancer therapy that has recently attracted much attention in the field of cancer treatment. This study is an experiment to observe the effect of laser dose difference in photodynamic therapy. Murine breast cancer cells, EMT6 cells, were used to generate tumor bearing mouse models. The experimental group was divided into 5 groups as control group, laser 100 J/cm2, 200 J/cm2, 300 J/cm2 and 400 J/cm2 irradiation group. Photofrin was administered intraperitoneally and after 48 hours, laser irradiated on tumor with energy 0-400 J/cm2. the tumor volume was measured with a digital caliper on day 0, day 2, day 4, day 8 and day 12. The volume of tumor after photodynamic therapy was increased in the control group, laser 100 J/cm2 irradiation group and laser 200 J/cm2 irradiation group until day 12 after irradiation. Both the laser 300 J/cm2 irradiated group and the laser 400 J/cm2 irradiated group showed a decrease in the tumor volume from 2 to 12 days after irradiation. These results suggested that treatment effect will be obtained at a dose of 300 J/cm2 or more in the experiment using the tumor bearing mouse model and photoprin.

최근 남성성탈모증에 대한 관심이 증대되고 있으며, 이에 천연물 및 그의 활성성분을 활용한 새로운 약물 개발에 대한 연구가 증가하고 있다. 송지(Resina Pini, RP)는 Pinus sp. (Pinaceae)의 수지질로 전통의 학적으로 감염, 우식증, 치주질환에 사용되어왔다. 본 연구진은 RP의 성분인 아비에트산(abietic acid, AA)이 남성성탈모기전에 중요한 효소인 5α-reductase를 억제하는 효과를 세포 수준에서 입증한바 있으며, 이번 연 구에서는 실제로 탈모억제 및 모발 성장에 대하여 실험동물 수준에서 입증하고자 한다. C3H/HeN 탈모마우스 모델에서 RP는 300 mg/kg에서 유의하게 탈모억제를 확인하였으며, 뿐만 아니라 AA는 30 mg/kg에서도 유의 하게 탈모억제효과를 보였다. 이상의 결과로부터 RP는 그 활성성분인 AA가 5α-reductase 억제하는 기전을 통해 남성성탈모억제효과를 보였다고 사료되며, 향후 탈모억제 보완치료법으로의 이용 가능성을 보였다.

This study was performed to compare the effect of Platycodi Radix (PG) and Black Platycodi Radix (BPG; developed from fresh Platycodon grandiflorum root by steaming nine times at 80°C for 36 hr and drying nine times at 30°C for 24 hr , at which point it becomes black in color.) on anti-oxidant effect, anti-bacterial properties and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mouse model by calculating serum cytokines and IgE. To induce the allergic asthma, in the control group and the sample treated group, mice of each group were sensitized intraperitoneally with OVA solution at the 1st, the 7th and the 14th day. Sensitization was performed by aerosol allergen challenges with 1% OVA solution intratracheally at the 21th, the 23th, the 25th and the 27th day. At the 29th day, the mice were killed and the levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-4, 5 and 10, total IgE and OVA-specific IgE were measured. IFN-γ was not different among the PG, BPG, and control groups. IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, total IgE, and OVA-specific IgE were significantly in the BPG group compared with the control group. Considering the above experimental results, this study showed that nine times-repitative steaming process on the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum could enhance reduction of the allergic reaction by reducing level of OVA specific IgE and immune cell infiltration and restoring Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance.

Background : Korean Red Ginseng has been reported to have various anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation and immune-regulating activity. However, Korean Red Ginseng Crude Saponin (KRGCS) effect on Pulmonary inflammation has been insufficient research. We have investigated the effect of KRGCS on pulmonary inflammation in mouse model. Methods and Results : Pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BALB/c mice. 100uL (ratio 1:1) of CSC (4mg/mL) and LPS (100ug/mL) solution instilled with intratracheal injection once per a week for 3 weeks in mice. KRGCS was also administered orally a dose of 10mg/kg and 25mg/kg for 3 weeks. KRGCS treatment groups decreased the number of inflammatory total cells in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the number of neutrophils in BALF dropped more than negative control groups. Additionally, KRGCS reduced the absolute number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in BALF, and the number of CD11b+ Gr-1+cells in the lung and BALF. Furthermore, we found that KRGCS declined significantly the level of the cytokine chemokine (C-X-C motif)-1 (CXCL-1), Macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in BALF. Conclusion : These results that KRGCS has an inhibitory effects on pulmonary inflammation such as COPD, may be a candidate of effective herbal pharmaceuticals for the cure of lung diseases.

The pregnancy and abortion process involves a complex mechanism with various immune cells present in the implantation sites and several hormones associated with pregnancy, such as leptin, ghrelin and nesfatin-1. However, the mechanism underlying spontaneous abortion by maternal T helper 17 (Th17) present in the implantation sites and nesfatin-1, which is of anorexigenic hormones, is not fully understood so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the possible roles of Th17 cells present in the implantation sites and nesfatin-1 expressed in the uterus on spontaneous abortion using the CBA/j × DBA/2 mouse model. Th17 transcription factor, ROR-γt mRNA expression was significantly increased in the abortion sites compared with the implantation sites of abortion model mice on day 14.5 and 19.5 of pregnancy. In addition, the expression levels of IL-17A mRNA were significantly higher in abortion sites than in implantation sites on day 14.5 and 19.5. Moreover, the nesfatin-1/NUCB2 protein and mRNA levels were increased in abortion sites compared with levels in implantation sites of both normal pregnant and abortion model mice on day 14.5 of pregnancy. Interestingly, nesfatin- 1/NUCB2 serum levels were not changed throughout the whole pregnancy in abortion model mice, but its serum level was dramatically increased on day 14.5, and then rapidly decreased on day 19.5 in normal pregnant mice. In this study, we showed for the first time the expression of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 mRNA and protein in implantation sites during pregnancy. The present results suggest that Th17 cells in the uterus may play an important role in the period of implantation and for maintenance of pregnancy. Furthermore, the present results suggest that Th17 cells in implantation sites may be a key regulator for maintenance of pregnancy and provides evidence that activation of these cells may be regulated by nesfatin-1/NUCB2. Further study is needed to elucidate the role of nesfatin-1 expressed in the uterus during pregnancy.

최근 10년(‘99~‘08년)간 재해로 인한 피해가 과거 10년(‘89~‘98년)에 비해 3년 이상 증가하는 등 피해 규모가 갈수록 증가하고 있는 추세다. 또한 상습침수지역에 반 지하주택의 건설 및 전기·가스시설 등으로 인하여 침수피해로 대피하는 주민들이 위험에 노출되어 있다. 이 때문에 전문가들은 급속한 경제 성장 과정에서 재해위험을 크게 고려하지 않고 도시계획 및 개발을 주요원인으로 지적하고 있다. 따라서 침수위험지역에서 일어나는 잠재위험성을 예측하고, 위험성에 따른 영역을 분석하기 위한 연구가 필요하다. 그래서 본 연구에서는 강우빈도에 따른 도시침수 영역을 분석하여 안전한 주민대피 방안을 제시하기 위하여, MIKE URBAN의 모형 중 도심지 배수시스템의 복잡한 수리학 및 유체역학적 모의가 가능한 MOUSE Model을 선정하였으며, 경사가 급하고 우수관로가 노후하여 침수피해가 빈번한 인천시 서구 지역을 대상으로 모의를 실시하였다. 입력 자료는 인천광역시 서구의 유출계수, 지반고, 우수 관망 자료를 이용하였다. 모의 결과는 강우빈도 10년부터 200년까지 조건으로 모의하였을 때, 발생되는 침수의 지역은 대체로 비슷하나 강우빈도가 높아질수록 수위와 침수범위가 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 강우빈도에 따른 모의결과 비교검증을 통해 보다 정확한 결과를 도출할 것이며, 모의 결과를 바탕으로 강우빈도별 침수지역 및 범위에 따라 재난시 국가에서 지정된 대피소(학교, 공원 등)에 연령대별 자유보행속도를 고려하여 최단거리의 대피로를 산정 본 연구의 결과로 강우빈도에 맞는 시나리오 구성을 지역적 특성에 맞게 적용하여 주변 도시의 재해 위험성을 사전에 예측하고 재해 취약지점에 대비할 수 있는 기초자료를 제공 할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.

본 연구는 섬더덕의 항비만 효능과 지질대사 개선효과를 알아보기 위해 C57BL/6J 4주령의 마우스에게 고지방식이를 9주간 급여하여 비만을 유발한 후 섬더덕 추출물을 첨가한 식이를 5주간 먹여 실험하였다. 체중은 고지방식이군에서 유의적으로 증가하였으며, 섬더덕 추출물을 먹인 마우스에서 유의적인 감소를 하였다. 식이효율 결과 또한 섬더덕 추출물을 공급한 군이 고지방식이군보다 통계적으로 유의하게 낮은 것으로 나타났다. 장기 및 지방무게에서도 고지방식이군에서 무게가 증가한 것을 확인하였고, 섬더덕 추출물을 공급한 군에서 장기 및 지방의 무게가 전반적으로 감소한 것을 알 수 있었다. 혈장을 이용한 중성지방, 총콜레스테롤, 고밀도콜레스테롤을 측정한 결과 섬더덕 추출물을 공급한 군에서 중성지방과 총콜레스테롤은 유의적으로 감소하였고, 고밀도콜레스테롤은 유의적으로 증가함을 확인 할 수 있었다. 동맥경화 지수와 심혈관계 위험도 지수는 감소된 것을 확인할 수 있었다. Western blot을 통해 지방관련 단백질 발현양상을 본 결과 지방분해에 관여하는 PPAR α의 경우 섬더덕 추출물을 급여함으로써 발현양이 증가하였으며, 지방생성 관련 단백질인 SREBP-1, FAS, ACC의 경우 고지방식이군과 비교 시, 섬더덕 추출물을 공급한 군에서 억제되었다. 이상의 결과로 섬더덕 추출물의 섭취는 체중 감소와 더불어 혈장 지질수준 개선에도 도움을 줄 수 있음을 제시하였다.