The purpose of this study was to investigate the body composition, biochemical parameters, and consumption of convenience foods according to β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism in university students. A survey was conducted on a total of 486 students - 189 males and 297 females. Based on a self-reporting method, questionnaires were administered for over 20 minutes, and β-3 adrenergic receptor and blood samples were also analyzed. The genotype frequencies of β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism were Trp/Trp homozygote (73.0%) and Trp/Arg heterozygote (27.0%) in male students. For the female students, the distribution of genotypes was Trp/Trp (71.0%) and Trp/Arg (29.0%). There were no differences according to biochemical parameters (ALT, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and hemoglobin) or body composition. Males with TT genotype frequently ate Ramyon (2.40±0.52), Cup Ramyon (2.37±0.39), Kimchi (2.23±0.61), and frozen meat (2.00±0.44), whereas males with TA genotype ate Fries (frozen food) (1.90±0.79), Smoked meat (1.67±0.81), and Canned fruit (1.64±0.81). Females with TT genotype frequently ate Frozen fries (2.21±0.35), Kimbab (2.12±0.44), and Ramyon (1.85±0.40), whereas females with TA genotype frequently ate Kimchi (1.73±0.98), Fries (frozen food) (1.46±0.26), and Cup Ramyon (1.30±0.34). When questioned about satisfaction about body shape, 22.8 and 60.8% of those with TT genotype answered that they were 'satisfied' or needed to 'lose weight', respectively, whereas 18.0 and 63.9% of those with TA genotype answered that they were 'satisfied' or needed to 'lose weight', respectively. In conclusion, this study found no significant effects in terms of β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism, which suggests that health-promoting education needs to be developed so that university students appropriately recognize their bodies and control their weight in desirable ways. Therefore, it is necessary to educate individuals with TT genotype how to buy reasonable foods by understanding the interrelationship between convenience foods and health care and by checking the nutrition index labels on convenience foods. Thus, it is recommended that a health-promoting program be developed for the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Scavenger receptors (SRs) are transmembrane cell surface molecules recognized in apophotic cells, bacteria and lipopolysaccharide. With no physiological information on SRs in insects except SR-CI of Drosophila melanogaster, a putative SR gene was cloned and characterized in Spodoptera exigua. A partial S. exigua SR gene was obtained from hemocyte transcripts and exhibited high homology with type C. Its expression was confirmed in all developmental stages. Among different tissues, S. exigua SR was expressed highly in hemocytes. To confirm change in SR expression by infection, Escherichia coli was injected to fifth instar and RNA was extracted after 10 hours. SR expression in hemocytes of E. coli injected larva was not significantly different from the control but SR expression in fat body of E. coli injected larva was higher than the control. It is expected that SRs of S. exigua are related with immune responses against bacteria such as E. coli. To address its function, S. exigua SR expression was suppressed by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).

To search the potent pig pheromonal odorants through receptor-based approach methods, molecular dockings between 680 Flavornets as substrate molecule and pig odorants binding proteins OBP (1HQP) and PBP (1GM6) as receptor, and QSPR (quantitative structure-property relationship) analyses from physico-chemical parameters of Flavornets and their docking scores (DS) were performed and discussed quantitatively. From the basis on the findings, the optimal value (MSA)opt.=407.595 Å2 of MSA (molecular surface area; Å), and RB (number of rotational bond) had the Flavornets will be able to increase DS. Therefore, it is expected that the stearyl alcohol from DS and H-bond type between substrate and receptor would be shows the character as potent pig pheromonal odorant.

Upon mating, females of many animal species undergo dramatic changes in their behavior. In Drosophila melanogaster, post-mating behaviors are triggered by sex peptide (SP), a key modulatory substance produced in the male seminal fluid and transferred to female during copulation. SP modulates female behaviors by acting on the sex peptide receptor (SPR) located in a small subset of internal sensory neurons that innervate the female uterus and project to the central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, however, SPR is also expressed broadly in the CNS of both sexes. Moreover, SPR is also encoded in the genomes of insects that lack obvious SP orthologs. Based on these observations, we speculated that SPR may have additional ligands that are only distantly related to SP, if at all. If so, then this also raises questions on the evolution of SP-SPR signaling. To begin to address these questions, we set out to identify additional ligands for SPR. Here, we identify myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs) as a second family of SPR ligands that is conserved across a wide range of invertebrate species. MIPs are potent agonists for Drosophila, Aedes and Aplysia SPRs in vitro, yet are unable to trigger post-mating responses in vivo. In contrast to SP, MIPs are not produced in male reproductive organs, and are not required for post-mating behaviors in Drosophila females. We conclude that MIPs are evolutionarily conserved ligands for SPR, which are likely to mediate functions other than the regulation of female reproductive behaviors. Therefore, we propose that SPR has a different ancestral function, with a role in post-mating behavior arising only recently in Drosophila evolution, concomitant with the emergence of its novel SP ligand.

Medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons are involved in the reflex control of the head and eyes, and in the recovery of vestibular function after the formation of peripheral vestibular lesions. In our present study, whole cell patch clamp recordings were carried out on MVN neurons in brainstem slices from neonatal rats to investigate the actions of a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist upon synaptic transmission and ionic currents. Application of the mGluR I agonist (S)-3,5- dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) increased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) but had no effect upon amplitude distributions. To then identify which of mGluR subtypes is responsible for the actions of DHPG in the MVN, we employed two novel subtype selective antagonists. (S)-(+)--amino-a-methylbenzeneacetic acid (LY367385) is a potent competitive antagonist that is selective for mGluR1, whereas 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) is a potent noncompetitive antagonist of mGluR5. Both LY367385 and MPEP antagonized the DHPG-induced increase of mIPSCs, with the former being more potent. DHPG was also found to induce an inward current, which can be enhanced under depolarized conditions. This DHPG-induced current was reduced by both LY367385 and MPEP. The DHPG-induced inward current was also suppressed by the PLC blocker U-73122, the IP₃ receptor antagonist 2-APB, and following the depletion of the intracellular Cα2+ pool by thapsigargin. These data suggest that the DHPG-induced inward current may be mainly regulated by the intracellular Cα2+ store via the PLC-IP3 pathway. In conclusion, mGluR I, via pre- and postsynaptic actions, may modulate the excitability of the MVN neurons.

A cDNA of PBAN receptor (Plx-PBANR) isolated from female pheromone gland of the diamondback moth encodes 338 amino acids and has 7 transmembranes, belonging to G-protein coupled receptor family. The fact that Plx-PBANR expression was only found in female pheromone gland revealed that pheromone gland is the only molecular target of Plx-PBAN. Plx-PBANR expressing cells increased level of Ca2+ influx when challenged with PBANs. When RNAi fragment for PBANR was injected into pupae, suppression of PBANR expression was maintained for at least 2 days at post-emergence. Injection of RNA fragment for inhibition of Plx-PBANR expression also inhibited mating behavior and suppressed sex pheromone production, suggesting that some molecular target was affected by reduced Plx-PBANR expression. We cloned partial Δ9 and Δ11 desaturase gene and investigated expression level in Plx-PBANR-RNAi moth. It is of interest that desaturases expression was reduced by RNA fragment injection. These results suggest of PBANR expression affects the molecular biological events of PBAN and eventually suppresses mating behavior.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a simple phospholipid-derived mediator implicated in diverse biological actions, acts through the specific G-protein coupled receptors, LPA receptor (LPAR) 1～5. Our previous study showed that LPAR3 is expressed in the uterine endometrium in a cell type- and stage-specific manner and LPA via LPAR3 increases PTGS2 expression in the uterine endometrium during the period of implantation. Although LPAR3 is considered to be predominant LPA receptor in the uterine endometrium, other LPA receptors might play a role to mediate LPA functions in the uterine endometrium during pregnancy. Among LPARs, we investigated expression of LPAR1 during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in this study. Uterine endometrial tissue samples were collected from day (D) 12 and D15 of the estrous cycle and from D12, D15, D30, D60, D90 and D114 of pregnancy. Northern blot analysis determined that LPAR1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in the uterine endometrial tissues during the estrous cycle and pregnancy of all stages. Analysis by immunoblotting revealed that LPAR1 proteins were present in the porcine uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that LPAR1 protein was localized to endometrial epithelium and stromal cell, specifically to nuclei of these cell types. Results in this study show that LPAR1 is constitutively expressed in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. These results suggest that LPA via LPAR1 may play a role in the uterine endometrial function throughout pregnancy in pigs.

Sex pheromone production in lepidopteran is stimulated and regulated by a pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). A cDNA of PBAN receptor (Plx-PBANR) isolated from female pheromone gland of the diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella (L.) encodes 338 amino acids. Plx-PBANR has conserved biochemical motifs and 7 transmembranes, indicating it belongs to G-protein coupled receptor family. Plx-PBANR expression was only found in female pheromone gland, demonstrating that pheromone gland is the only molecular target of Plx-PBAN. Human uterus carcinoma (HeLa) was stably transfected with Plx-PBANR gene and its expression was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Plx-PBANR expressing cells increased level of Ca2+ influx when challenged with Plx-PBAN and Hez-PBAN from Heliothis zea. When RNAi fragment for PBANR was injected into pupae, suppression of PBANR expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and maintained for at least 2 days at post-emergence. Injection of RNA fragment into pupae for inhibition of Plx-PBANR expression also inhibited mating behavior, revealing that reproductive organ of the female has no spermatocyte and that there are no successful reproductive behaviors. These results suggest of PBANR expression affects the molecular biological events of PBAN and eventually suppresses mating behavior.

A cDNA of PBAN receptor (Plx-PBANR) isolated from female pheromone gland of the diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella (L.) encodes 338 amino acids. Plx-PBANR includes 7 transmembranes, indicating it belongs to G-protein coupled receptor family. Plx-PBANR showed high similarities with other moth PBANRs and its expression was only found in female pheromone gland, demonstrating that pheromone gland is the only molecular target of Plx-PBAN. To accomplish the funcional expression of Plx-PBANR, Human uterus carcinoma was stably transfected with Plx-PBANR gene and Plx-PBANR expression was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Plx-PBANR expressing cells increased level of Ca2+ influx when challenged with Plx-PBAN and Hez-PBAN from Heliothis zea, as ionomycin as a positive control does. To inhibit Plx-PBNAR expression in vivo, RNAi fragment for Plx-PBANR was injected into pupae. Suppression of PBANR expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and also induced inhibition of mating behavior in adults, revealing that reproductive organ of the female has no spermatocyte and that there are no successful reproductive behaviors. RNAi-treated adults showed reduced pheromone production. These results suggests that inhibition of PBANR expression affects the molecular biological events of PBAN and eventually suppresses mating behavior.

Tumor cells under hypoxic conditions are often found due to the rapid outgrowth of their vascular supply, and,in order to survive hypoxia, these cells induce numerous signaling factors. Erk is an important kinase in cell survival, and its activity is regulated by Raf kinases through numerous growth factor receptors. The authors investigated Erk activation and Raf/Erk signaling using the hypoxia-mimetic agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl2), in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. CoCl2 increases Erk phosphorylation in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, blocking the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) using PD168393 abolished Erk activation in response to CoCl2, suggesting that Erk phosphorylation by CoCl2 is dependent on EGFR.

Ovarian cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related death in women, but the main biological causes remain open questions. Hormonal factors have been considered to be an important determinant causing ovarian cancer. Recent studies have shown that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-I and its analogs have clinically therapeutic value in the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, numerous studies have shown that the potential of GnRH-II in normal reproductive system or reproductive disorder. GnRH-I receptors have been detected in approximately 80% of ovarian cancer biopsy specimens as well as normal ovarian epithelial cells and immortalized ovarian surface epithelium cells. GnRH-II receptors have also been found to be more widely expressed than GnRH-I receptors in mammals, suggesting that GnRH receptors may have additional functions in reproductive system including ovarian cancer. The signal transduction pathway following the binding of GnRH to GnRH receptor has been extensively studied. The activation of protein kinase A/C (PKA/PKC) pathway is involved in the GnRH-I induced anti-proliferative effect in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, GnRH-I induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation plays a role in anti-proliferative effect and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells and the activation of transcriptional factors related to cellular responses. However, the role of GnRH-I and II receptors, there are discrepancies between previous reports. In this review, the role of GnRH in ovarian cancer and the mechanisms to induce anti-proliferation were evaluated.

Bicuculline is one of the most commonly used GABAд eceptor antagonists in electrophysiological research. Because of its poor water solubility, bicuculline quaternary ammonium salts such as bicuculline methiodide (BMI) and bicuculline methbromide are preferred. However, a number of studies have shown that BMI has non-GABAд eceptor-mediated effects. The substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) is implicated in the processing of nociceptive signaling. In this study, we investigated whether BMI has non-GABA receptor-mediated activity in Vc SG neurons using a whole cell patch clamp technique. SG neurons were depolarized by application of BMI (20M) using a high Cℓ⁻ipette solution. GABA ( 30-100μM) also induced membrane depolarization of SG neuron. Although BMI is known to be a GABAд receptor antagonist, GABA-induced membrane depolarization was enhanced by co-application with BMI. However, free base bicuculline (fBIC) and picrotoxin (PTX), a GABAд and GABAс receptor antagonist, blocked the GABA-induced response. Furthermore, BMI-induced membrane depolarization persisted in the presence of PTX or an antagonist cocktail consisting of tetrodotoxin (Nα+ nnel blocker),AP-5 (NMDA receptor antagonist), CNQX (non-NMDA receptor antagonist), and strychnine (glycine receptor antagonist). Thus BMI induces membrane depolarization by directly acting on postsynaptic Vc SG neurons in a manner which is independent of GABAд receptors. These results suggest that other unknown mechanisms may be involved in BMI-induced membrane depolarization.

The neurotrophin plays an important role in the development, differentiation and survival of the nervous system in vertebrates. It exerts its cellular effects through two different receptors, the Trk receptor tyrosine kinase neurotrophin receptor and the p75 neurotrophin receptor, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. Trk and p75 neurotrophin receptors utilize specific target proteins to transmit signals into the cell. An ankyrin-rich membrane spanning protein (ARMS) was identified as a new p75 interacting protein and serves as a novel downstream target of p75 neurotrophin receptor. We sought to delineate the interaction between p75 and ARMS by deletion constructs of p75 and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged ARMS. We examined the interaction between these two proteins after overexpressing them in HEK-293 cells. Using both Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry followed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found out that the intracellular domain of the p75 neurotrophin receptor was important for the interaction with ARMS. The results from this study suggest that ARMS may play an important role for mediating the signals from p75 neurotrophin receptor into the cell.

Many female moths produce and release sex pheromones to mate successfully with a conspecific male. Sex pheromone production in lepidopteran moth is known to be under the regulation of a pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). A PBAN polypeptide is processed into five neuropeptides (NPs) after post-translational modification, resulting in diapause-like NP, PBAN, α-, β- and γ-NP. All of the peptides are amidated in their C-termini and shared a conserved motif, FXPR(or K)L structure. PBAN (Plx-PBAN) from Plutella xylostella consists of 30 amino acids, the shortest PBAN so far reported. When female adults were injected with synthetic Plx-PBAN, pheromone production showed a maximal increase 1 h post-injection. RT-PCR screening revealed that Plx-PBAN cDNA was expressed in both sexes, with the highest expression level in the head of female adults. Plx-PBAN binds to its receptor on pheromone gland cells. PBAN receptor has seven transmembranes, indicating G-protein coupled receptor family and transduces its signal via G-protein mediated signal transduction. Subsequently, calcium channels remain activated and stimulate biochemical reactions for sex pheromone production in the pheromone gland.