The bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mainly contributes to the structural integrity, survival and protection barrier against harsh environments. Therefore, the early stages in LPS or lipid A biosynthesis are attractive targets in the identification and development of inhibitors which would be effective against infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs) meanwhile function as maintenance for structure, adhesion to other cells and substances, as well as development of resistance to antimicrobials. The LPS and LPS-related molecules, and OMPs are important immunogenic components of several important pathogens including Brucella, which have been extensively used in immunological studies and in the diagnosis of diseases. Here we review the importance, structure, functions and immunogenic aspects of LPS and OMPs particularly of Brucella which can be targeted for the prevention and diagnosis of brucellosis.

본 시험은 젖소 4두에 대하여 제1위체류형 센서(Indwelling probe)를 정치시키고 이를 이용하여 아급성제1위과산증 (SARA)의 강도를 조사함과 동시에 pH가 혈 중 내독소 (Lipopolysaccharide; LPS)의 농도에 미치는 효과를 알아보 기 위하여 수행되었다. 비섬유성탄수화물(Non-fiber carbohydrates, NFC)을 기준으로 적정 수준의 NFC를 포함하고 있는 정상 사료군(Normal diet, ND)과, 아급성제1위과산증 (Subacute ruminal acidosis, SARA) 유발가능 사료군(Acidogenic diet, AD)의 2개 처리구에 각 2두씩 배치하여 Cross-over 설계로 사양실험을 반복 실시하였다. 제1위체류형 센서는 장시간에 걸친 제1위 내 pH의 변화를 추적하는 데 효과적 이었다. 얻어진 결과에서 AD 급여는 반추위내용물의 pH를 낮추는 데 커다란 영향을 주었으며, 반추위 내 pH의 저하 는 혈 중 LPS의 농도가 증가로 이어짐을 확인할 수 있었 다. 따라서 혈 중 LPS 농도는 급성 또는 만성형을 불문하 고 과산증을 확인하는 지표로 사용 가능할 것으로 판단된다. 또한 착유우용 사료첨가물로 많이 이용되는 소디움벤 토나이트(NaB)와 프로필렌글리콜(PG)의 급여는 반추위 내 pH의 저하를 완충시켜 궁극적으로 SARA의 강도를 완화시 키고 혈 중 Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 농도의 증가를 줄여 줌으로써 내독소에 의해 발생하기 쉬운 제엽염 등의 부작 용을 완화시키는 데 도움을 줄 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Fraxinus rhynchophylla (Oleaceae), a deciduous tree, is known to have properties that include anti-inflammatory, convergence, febricide, antiblenophthalmia, antidiarrhea, antileukorrhea, and so forth. In addition, it has been used for traditional herbal medicine in East Asian countries, including Korea. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Fraxinus rhynchophylla ethanol extract (FRE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cells with FRE pretreatment. We performed DPPH-assay, Western blot, and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). FRE showed 85% free radical scavenging activity at concentrations of 80 µg/ml. Results of this study also showed that FRE down-regulates Cox-2 and iNOS expression in mRNA and protein level. In conclusion, crude ethanol extract of Fraxinus rhynchophylla exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and it may potentially provide a valuable source of natural herbal agent to inhibit inflammation.

Vibrio vulnificus에서 lipopolysaccharide(LPS)를 추출하여 지방산 조성을 분석한 후 이 결과를 Escherichia coli LPS와 Salmonella typhimurium LPS의 것들과 비교하였다. Vibrio vulnificus LPS의 주 지방산은 myristic acid(C14:0, 41.37%)이었고 Escherichia coli LPS는 lauric acid(C12:0, 37.03%), Salmonella typhimurium LPS는 capric acid(C10:0, 48.60%)로 서로 달랐으나 이 세가지 지방산이 각 LPS의 주성분이었다(70%이상).

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin, elicits strong immune responses in mammals. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that LPS challenge profoundly affects female reproductive function. For example, LPS exposure affects steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, resulting in delayed puberty onset. The present study was conducted to clarify the mechanism underlying the adverse effect of LPS on the delayed puberty in female rats. LPS was daily injected for 5 days (50 μg/kg, PND 25-29) to treated animals and the date at VO was evaluated through daily visual examination. At PND 39, animals were sacrificed, and the tissues were immediately removed and weighed. Among the reproductive organs, the weights of the ovaries and oviduct from LPS-treated animals were significantly lower than those of control animals. There were no changes in the weights of uterus and vagina between the LPS-treated and their control animals. Immunological challenge by LPS delayed VO. Multiple corpora lutea were found in the control ovaries, indicating ovulations were occurred. However, none of corpus luteum was present in the LPS-treated ovary. The transcription level of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and CYP19 were significantly increased by LPS treatment. On the other hand, the levels of 3β- HSD, 17β-HSD and LH receptor were not changed by LPS challenge. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the repeated LPS exposure during the prepubertal period could induce multiple alterations in the steroidogenic machinery in ovary, and in turn, delayed puberty onset. The prepubertal LPS challenge model used in our study is useful to understand the reciprocal regulation of immune (stress) - reproductive function in early life.