d-pinitol regulates Th1/Th2 balance via suppressing Th2 immune response in ovalbumin-induced asthma

Lee, J.S.,Lee, C.M.,Jeong, Y.I.,Jung, I.D.,Kim, B.H.,Seong, E.Y.,Kim, J.I.,Choi, I.W.,Chung, H.Y.,Park, Y.M. North-Holland Pub ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2007 FEBS letters Vol.581 No.1

d-pinitol has been demonstrated to exert insulin-like and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its anti-allergic effect in the Th1/Th2 immune response is poorly understood. Recently, it was shown that T-bet and GATA-3 are master Th1 and Th2 regulatory transcription factors. In this study, we have attempted to determine whether d-pinitol regulates Th1/Th2 cytokine production, T-bet and GATA-3 gene expression in OVA-induced asthma model mice. We also examined to ascertain whether d-pinitol could influence eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity. After being sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) showed typical asthmatic reactions. These reactions included an increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, an increase in inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung tissue around blood vessels and airways, airway luminal narrowing, and the development of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). The administration of d-pinitol before the last airway OVA challenge resulted in a significant inhibition of all asthmatic reactions. Accordingly, this study may provide evidence that d-pinitol plays a critical role in the amelioration of the pathogenetic process of asthma in mice. These findings provide new insight into the immunopharmacological role of d-pinitol in terms of its effects in a murine model of asthma, and also broaden current perspectives in our understanding of the immunopharmacological functions of d-pinitol.

수송시간이 돼지의 혈액성상과 육질에 미치는 영향

이제룡,서종태,허태영,정재두,하영주,이진우,이정일,이중동 한국동물자원과학회 2003 한국축산학회지 Vol.45 No.5

In a trial involving 120 pigs, the effects of transport time on blood profile and meat quality in pigs were investigated. One group of 60 animals was subjected to 20min and the others to 2 h transport time, and held in lairage for 1 h 30min. There was not significantly different in the carcass weight, backfat thickness and carcass grade between groups. Cortisol and lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) concentrations were significantly(P<0.05) higher in the group transported for 2 h compared with the group transported for 20min. There was not significantly different(P>0.05) in meat quality(?_(1), ?_(u), drip loss, cooking loss, hardness, CIE L^(*), a^(*), b^9*) and NPPC) and skin damage of port carcass between groups. These results imply that the stress could be affected by transport time in transit without meat quality.

miR-302b maintains ''stemness'' of human embryonal carcinoma cells by post-transcriptional regulation of Cyclin D2 expression

Lee, N.S.,Kim, J.S.,Cho, W.J.,Lee, M.R.,Steiner, R.,Gompers, A.,Ling, D.,Zhang, J.,Strom, P.,Behlke, M.,Moon, S.H.,Salvaterra, P.M.,Jove, R.,Kim, K.S. Academic Press 2008 Biochemical and biophysical research communication Vol.377 No.2

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and embryonal carcinoma cells (ECCs) possess the remarkable property of self-renewal and differentiation potency. They are model preparations for investigating the underlying mechanisms of ''stemness''. microRNAs are recently discovered small noncoding RNAs with a broad spectrum of functions, especially in control of development. Here, we show that miR-302b indirectly regulates expression of the pluripotent stem cell marker Oct4, and it directly regulates expression of Cyclin D2 protein, a developmental regulator during gastrulation. Using loss-of function and gain-of function approaches, we demonstrate that functional miR-302b is necessary to maintain stem cell self-renewal and inhibit neuronal differentiation of human ECCs. During retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation, Cyclin D2 protein but not mRNA expression is strongly increased, concurrent with the down-regulation of miR-302b and Oct4. Our results suggest that miR-302b plays an important role in maintaining the pluripotency of ECCs and probably ESCs, by post-transcriptional regulation of Cyclin D2 expression.

Crystal structures of LacD from Staphylococcus aureus and LacD.1 from Streptococcus pyogenes: Insights into substrate specificity and virulence gene regulation

Lee, S.J.,Kim, H.S.,Kim, D.J.,Yoon, H.J.,Kim, K.H.,Yoon, J.Y.,Suh, S.W. North-Holland Pub ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2011 FEBS letters Vol.585 No.2

Staphylococcus aureus LacD, a Class I tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate (TBP) aldolase, shows broadened substrate specificity by catalyzing the cleavage of 1,6-bisphosphate derivatives of d-tagatose, d-fructose, d-sorbose, and d-psicose. LacD.1 and LacD.2 are two closely-related Class I TBP aldolases in Streptococcus pyogenes. Here we have determined the crystal structures of S. aureus LacD and S. pyogenes LacD.1. Monomers of both enzymes are folded into a (β/α)<SUB>8</SUB> barrel and two monomers associate tightly to form a dimer in the crystals. The structures suggest that the residues E189 and S300 of rabbit muscle Class I fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) aldolase are important for substrate specificity. When we mutated the corresponding residues of S. aureus LacD, the mutants (L165E, L275S, and L165E/L275S) showed enhanced substrate specificity toward FBP. Structured summary: lacDbinds to lacD by X-ray crystallography(View interaction) lacD1binds to lacD1 by X-ray crystallography(View interaction)

Seasonal carbon uptake rates of phytoplankton in the northern East/Japan Sea

Lee, S.H.,Joo, H.,Lee, J.H.,Lee, J.H.,Kang, J.J.,Lee, H.W.,Lee, D.,Kang, C.K. Pergamon Press 2017 Deep-sea research. Part II, Topical studies in oce Vol.143 No.-

Korea-Russia joint expeditions have been conducted mainly in the less studied Russian sector of the East/Japan Sea to understand the physical and ecological structures. In this study, the carbon uptake rates of phytoplankton measured in 2012 (middle-late October) and 2015 (middle April-early May) were analyzed to understand seasonal and spatial distributions of phytoplankton production, using a <SUP>13</SUP>C-<SUP>15</SUP>N dual isotope tracer technique. The water columns in the euphotic layers were well mixed during our cruise periods in both years. The water column-integrated chl-a concentrations (mean +/- S.D. = 2.28 +/- 1.47mgm<SUP>-3</SUP>) in 2015 was significantly higher (t-test, p < 0.01) than in 2012 (mean +/- S.D. = 0.49 +/- 0.29mgm<SUP>-3</SUP>) because of different sampling seasons. Small phytoplankton (< 2 μm) were relatively dominant in 2012, whereas different sizes of phytoplankton were evenly distributed in 2015 although a spatial distribution of large phytoplankton (> 20 μm) was observed near the Russian coast. The daily carbon uptake rates in this study were 180.5 and 441.6mgC m<SUP>-2</SUP> d<SUP>-1</SUP> in 2012 and 2015, respectively which are significantly (t-test, p < 0.01) lower than the averaged values previously reported in the East/Japan Sea (863 +/- 679.6mgC m<SUP>-2</SUP> d<SUP>-1</SUP>). The potential reasons for the lower rate in this study are discussed. The small phytoplankton contribution (47.4%) averaged from the two different cruises in this study is consistent with the result (47%) reported in temperate regions. Moreover, a significantly (t-test, p < 0.01) lower contribution of small phytoplankton in total primary production than total phytoplankton biomass in this study is consistent with the results from other regions. Lower total primary production might be expected due to increasing contribution of small phytoplankton under warmer conditions.

Structural insights into conserved l-arabinose metabolic enzymes reveal the substrate binding site of a thermophilic l-arabinose isomerase

Lee, Y.J.,Lee, S.J.,Kim, S.B.,Lee, S.J.,Lee, S.H.,Lee, D.W. North-Holland Pub ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2014 FEBS letters Vol.588 No.6

Structural genomics demonstrates that despite low levels of structural similarity of proteins comprising a metabolic pathway, their substrate binding regions are likely to be conserved. Herein based on the 3D-structures of the α/β-fold proteins involved in the ara operon, we attempted to predict the substrate binding residues of thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilusl-arabinose isomerase (GSAI) with no 3D-structure available. Comparison of the structures of l-arabinose catabolic enzymes revealed a conserved feature to form the substrate-binding modules, which can be extended to predict the substrate binding site of GSAI (i.e., D195, E261 and E333). Moreover, these data implicated that proteins in the l-arabinose metabolic pathway might retain their substrate binding niches as the modular structure through conserved molecular evolution even with totally different structural scaffolds.

Development of the new KSTAR helium distribution box

Lee, Y.J.,Kwag, S.W.,Song, N.H.,Park, D.S.,Chang, Y.B.,Moon, K.M.,Kim, N.W.,Joo, J.J.,Lee, C.H.,Kim, K.P.,Song, J.I.,Park, S.H.,Kim, H.T.,Ahn, H.J.,Kim, Y.S. Elsevier 2017 Fusion engineering and design Vol.123 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>KSTAR project has required the new helium distribution box named upgraded distribution box (DBU) for the operation of the cryogenic components such as in-vessel cryo-pump (CPI), super-sonic molecular beam injector (SMBI), and deuterium pellet injection system (PIS). Two CPIs are inserted into the tokamak vacuum vessel and these components shall be operated at 90K for the liquid nitrogen thermal shields and 4.5K for the hydrogen cryo-panel. One hydrogen PIS was newly mounted on the tokamak for the 2016 KSTAR campaign. Liquid nitrogen shall be supplied to the one SMBI. For the operation of above mentioned 3 kinds of cryogenic components, a helium refrigerator, which had been used for the R&D in the KSTAR facility construction phase (2002–2013), was moved and inserted into the KSTAR 9kW helium facility room. The cooling capacity of the refrigerator at 4.5K is 1kW and it was manufactured from the Linde Kryotechnik before 2002. After some maintenances in warm compressor, electrical power supply, oil-filter, and so on, commissioning of the refrigerator up to 4.5K was accomplished successfully. From the beginning of 2015, design and fabrication of the DBU was started. It shall control the liquid nitrogen for the SMBI and CPI thermal shields whereas liquid helium for the CPI cryo-panel and PIS. To minimize the temperature of the liquid nitrogen to be supplied to SMBI and CPI, a thermal damper tank was inserted into the distribution box. Nitrogen return gases are to be warmed up to room temperature at the heater in the distribution box. A 1000l of liquid helium vessel is located nearby the PIS to supply cold gas helium (∼5K). Because the CPI cryo-panel requires regeneration up to 90K, complex regeneration and re-cool down scenario was developed and applied to the DBU. Including operational results, details of the DBU progresses will be reported in this paper.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> There has been progresses in the construction and 1st operation of DBU in 2016 KSTAR plasma experiments. </LI> <LI> Two in-vessel cryopumps (CPIs) cool-down to 4.5K and observed pumping speed was 3.0E4l/s. </LI> <LI> Manual CPI regeneration tests were accomplished regarding future automatic control. </LI> <LI> Production of the D<SUB>2</SUB> pellets were successful and there has been lots of injection tests. </LI> </UL> </P>

Drastic anthocyanin increase in response to PAP1 overexpression in fls1 knockout mutant confers enhanced osmotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

Lee, W. J.,Jeong, C. Y.,Kwon, J.,Kien, V.,Lee, D.,Hong, S. W.,Lee, H. Springer Science + Business Media 2016 Plant cell reports Vol.35 No.11

<P>pap1 - D/fls1ko double mutant plants that produce substantial amounts of anthocyanin show tolerance to abiotic stress. Anthocyanins are flavonoids that are abundant in various plants and have beneficial effects on both plants and humans. Many genes in flavonoid biosynthetic pathways have been identified, including those in the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex. The MYB gene Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1) plays a particularly important role in anthocyanin accumulation. PAP1 expression in many plant systems strongly increases anthocyanin levels, resulting in a dark purple color in many plant organs. In this study, we generated double mutant plants that harbor fls1ko in the pap1-D background (i.e., pap1-D/fls1ko plants), to examine whether anthocyanins can be further enhanced by blocking flavonol biosynthesis under PAP1 overexpression. We also wanted to examine whether the increased anthocyanin levels contribute to defense against osmotic stresses. The pap1-D/fls1ko mutants accumulated higher anthocyanin levels than pap1-D plants in both control and sucrose-treated conditions. However, flavonoid biosynthesis genes were slightly down-regulated in the pap1-D/fls1ko seedlings as compared to their expression in pap1-D seedlings. We also report the performance of pap1-D/fls1ko seedlings in response to plant osmotic stresses.</P>

<i>Bacillus</i>‐derived poly‐γ‐glutamic acid attenuates allergic airway inflammation through a Toll‐like receptor‐4‐dependent pathway in a murine model of asthma

Lee, K.,Kim, S.‐,H.,Yoon, H. J.,Paik, D. J.,Kim, J. M.,Youn, J. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Clinical and experimental allergy Vol.41 No.8

<P><B>Summary</B></P><P><B>Background </B> Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is mediated by Th2 responses. Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) is an extracellular polymeric compound that is synthesized by <I>Bacillus</I> cells. Previously, we found that γ‐PGA promoted Th1 cell development in a manner dependent on antigen‐presenting cells, but inhibited Th2 cell development.</P><P><B>Objective </B> To investigate the effect of γ‐PGA on dendritic cells (DCs), and its potential for treating Th2‐mediated allergic asthma.</P><P><B>Methods </B> Wild‐type, Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 deficient, and TLR‐4‐defective mice were used. DCs derived from the bone marrow and extracted from the lung were stimulated with γ‐PGA and assayed for the expression of signalling molecules, costimulatory molecules, and cytokines. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthma. They were repeatedly injected intranasally with γ‐PGA before and during the challenge period, and inflammation and structural remodelling of the airways were examined.</P><P><B>Results </B> γ‐PGA selectively signalled conventional DCs to activate NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase, leading to the up‐regulation of CD86, CD40, and IL‐12, but not IL‐10 and IL‐6. These effects of γ‐PGA were dependent on TLR‐4 and independent of TLR‐2. Importantly, the intranasal administration of γ‐PGA to OVA‐sensitized/challenged mice reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic inflammation such as leucocyte influx, goblet cell hyperplasia, eosinophilia, and Th2 cytokine production. In addition to lowered IgE titres, the treatment of mice with γ‐PGA significantly reduced the multiplication and Th2 polarization of mediastinal lymph node T cells upon allergen‐specific restimulation. These anti‐asthmatic effects of γ‐PGA were also abolished in TLR‐4‐defective mice.</P><P><B>Conclusions and Clinical Relevance </B> Our data indicate that γ‐PGA activates DCs to favour Th1 cell induction through a TLR‐4‐dependent pathway and alleviates pathologic symptoms in a Th2‐biased asthmatic model. These findings highlight the potential of γ‐PGA for the treatment of asthma and other allergic disease in which Th2 polarization plays an important role.</P><P> <I>Cite this as</I>: K. Lee, S.‐H. Kim, H. J. Yoon, D. J. Paik, J. M. Kim and J. Youn, <I>Clinical & Experimental Allergy</I>, 2011 (41) 1143–1156.</P>

쑥 분말 첨가가 유화형 소시지의 품질특성에 미치는 영향

이제룡,정재두,하영주,이진우,이정일,김곤섭,이중동 한국동물자원과학회 2004 한국축산학회지 Vol.46 No.2

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of addition of mugwort powder (0.7%, 1%, 2%) on the quality characteristics of emulsion-type sausages. The pH, color, TBARS, textural properties, minerals content and sensory evaluation were evaluated. The pH values of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower as compared to control during 20 days of storage, but there were higher than those of control at 40 days of storage. The L* and a* values of sausage containing mugwort powder were signficantly lower as compared to control, but the b* values were significantly higher in the sausage containing mugwort powder. The TBARS values of sausage containing mugwort powder were signfkcantly lower than those of control at 20 and 45 days of storage. The hardness values of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower than those of control. The Na content of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower as compared to control, but Mg, Ca, Mn and Fe contents were significantly higher in the sausage containing 2% mugwort powder. Sensory panels evaluated that sausage containing mugwort powder had the higher preference scores in mugwort flavor.