Non-ionic detergents Nonidet P-40 and Triton X-100 increase enzymatic activity of plasmin.

Plasmin is a potent serin protease involved in a variety of biological functions, such as fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling. On performing an in vitro control assay to measure the activity of endogenous plasmin in cell lysates, a stimulatory effect of non-ionic detergent NP-40 on plasmin activity was discovered. Another non-ionic detergent, TX-100, also enhanced plasmin activity, while ionic detergents sodium deoxycholate and sodiem dodecyl sulfate abolished plasmin enzyme activity.

Effects of a novel carbocyclic analog of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleoside on pleiotropic induction of cell death in prostate cancer cells with different androgen responsiveness.

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is one of the leading causes of male cancer death in the world. Recently, in the course of our screening for a novel anticancer compound, we synthesized carbocyclic analogs of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleoside; compounds 5, and 6. In the current study, we report the effects of compound 5 on pleiotropic induction of cell death via up-regulation of AR-associated p21(Cip1) protein in prostate cancer cells with different androgen responsiveness, such as LNCaP (androgen-dependent and -sensitive), LNCaP(C4-2) (androgen-independent and -sensitive; androgen-refractory), and DU145 (androgen-independent and -insensitive) cells.

p21CIP1 Induces Apoptosis via Binding to BCL2 in LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells Treated with MCS-C3, A Novel Carbocyclic Analog of Pyrrolopyrimidine.

Background: Previously, we synthesized a new carbocyclic analog of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleoside, designated MCS-C3. Recently, we found that LNCaP androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells treated with MCS-C3 rapidly undergo intrinsic apoptosis through dramatic up-regulation of p21(CIP1). The present study aimed to evaluate the cellular functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of p21(CIP1) on apoptotic induction in LNCaP cells treated with 6 μM MCS-C3.

Promotion Effects of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid on Wound Healing.

We examined the in vivo efficacy of ultra-high molecular weight poly-γ-glutamic acid (UHMW γ-PGA) for wound healing. The wound area was measured by a ruler and documented by digital photography before the animals were sacrificed at days 8 and 16 post wounding. The areas of wounds treated with UHMW γ-PGA were significantly decreased on days 8 and 16, as compared with those receiving a control treatment, and more than 70% of the UHMW γ-PGAtreated area was repaired by day 8.

HY253, a novel decahydrofluorene analog, induces apoptosis via intrinsic pathway and cell cycle arrest in liver cancer HepG2 cells.

Recently, we isolated HY253, a novel decahydrofluorene analog with a molecular structure of 7,8a-divinyl-2,4a,4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-1H-fluorene-2,4a,4b,9a-tetraol from the roots of Aralia continentalis, which is known as Dokwhal, a traditional medicinal herb. Moreover, we previously reported its cytotoxic activity on cancer cell proliferation in human lung cancer A549 and cervical cancer HeLa cells. The current study aimed to evaluate its detailed molecular mechanisms in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

CR389, a benzoimidazolyl pyridinone analog, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via p53 activation in human ovarian cancer PA-1 cells.

In the course of screening for novel cell cycle inhibitors and apoptotic inducers, CR389, elucidated as 5-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyridin-2-one, was generated as a new hit compound. Flow cytometric analysis and western blots of PA-1 cells treated with 40 micrometer CR389 revealed an appreciable cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase through direct inhibition of the CDK1 complex. In addition, activation of p53 via phosphorylation at Ser15 and subsequent up-regulation of p21(CIP1) showed that CR389 also induces p53-dependent-p21(CIP1)-mediated cell cycle arrest.

In vivo hair growth promotion effects of ultra-high molecular weight poly-γ-glutamic acid from Bacillus subtilis (Chungkookjang).

We investigated the effect of ultra-high molecular weight poly-γ-glutamic acid (UHMW γ-PGA) on hair loss in vitro and in vivo. 5-Alpha reductase is an enzyme that metabolizes the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. By performing an in vitro experiment to analyze the inhibitory effects of UHMW γ-PGA on 5-alpha reductase activity, we determined that UHMW γ-PGA did in fact inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity, indicating the use of UHMW γ-PGA as a potential 5-alpha reductase inhibitor in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia.

High glucose condition induces autophagy in endothelial progenitor cells contributing to angiogenic impairment.

Cardiovascular complications are the major causes of death in patients with diabetes mellitus. Several studies have demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), adult stem cells contributing to the regeneration of vascular endothelium, are dysfunctional under diabetic condition resulting in impaired peripheral circulation and delayed wound healing. In this study, we investigated the cellular alteration of EPCs under high glucose condition, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying diabetes-associated EPC dysfunction.

Characterization of toxicological properties of L-lysine polymers in CD-1 mice.

We recently showed that polylysine, the polymer of lysines, retains anti-prion activity. Although the effectiveness of prion inhibition by polylysine was demonstrated with the regimen tolerated in mice, a determination of quantitative polylysine toxicity is necessary to precisely address the in vivo toxicity level of polylysine. In this communication, we report the results of body weight monitoring and hematologic tests performed in CD-1 mice that received two different tolerable dosages of polylysine for an either 5-day or 4-week period.

Different GATA factors dictate CCR3 transcription in allergic inflammatory cells in a cell type-specific manner.

The chemokine receptor CCR3 is expressed in prominent allergic inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 cells. We previously identified a functional GATA element within exon 1 of the CCR3 gene that is responsible for GATA-1-mediated CCR3 transcription. Because allergic inflammatory cells exhibit distinct expression patterns of different GATA factors, we investigated whether different GATA factors dictate CCR3 transcription in a cell type-specific manner.

Up-regulation of p27Kip1 protects hES cells from differentiation-associated and caspase 3-dependent apoptosis.

Recently, it has been suggested that p27Kip1, the cell cycle regulatory protein, plays a pivotal role in the progression of normal differentiation in murine embryonic stem (mES) cells. In the current study, we investigated the role of p27Kip1 in the regulation of differentiation and apoptotic induction using Western blotting, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) assays and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of H9 human ES (hES) cells and H9-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) grown for 10 (EB10) and 20 days (EB20). Our results demonstrate that the proteins p27Kip1 and cyclin D3 are strongly associated with cellular differentiation, and, for the first time, show that up-regulation of p27Kip1 protects hES cells from inducing differentiation-associated and caspase 3-dependent apoptosis.

Phosphorylation of Cdc6 at serine 74, but not at serine 106, drives translocation of Cdc6 to the cytoplasm.

Phosphorylation-dependent cytoplasmic translocation of human Cdc6 during S phase is sufficient to control its activity after origin firing. Export from the nucleus also serves as a mechanism for preventing re-replication in mammalian cells. Phosphorylation of the CDK consensus serine residues 54, 74, and 106 has been suggested to be involved in the cytoplasmic translocation of Cdc6.

HY251, a novel decahydrocyclopenta[a]indene analog, induces apoptosis via tBid-mediated intrinsic pathway in human ovarian cancer PA-1 cells.

We previously isolated a novel compound, HY251, with the molecular structure of 3-propyl-2-vinyl-1,2,3,3a,3b,6,7,7a,8,8adecahydrocyclopenta[ a]indene-3,3a,7a,8a-tetraol from the roots of Aralia continentalis. The current study was designed to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the apoptotic induction by HY251 in human ovarian cancer PA-1 cells. TUNEL assay and Western blot analyses revealed an appreciable apoptotic induction in PA-1 cells treated with 60 μM of HY251 for 24 h.

Effects of korean red ginseng extract for the treatment of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by chronic eczema and mechanical injury to the skin, caused by scratching. Korean red ginseng (RG) has diverse biological activities, but the molecular effects of RG on allergic diseases, like AD, are unclear. The present study was designed to investigate whether RG inhibits 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD in a mouse model.

IVS6+5G>A found in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and X-linked thrombocytopenia in a Korean family.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) are caused by a mutation in the WAS gene on Xp11.22. We report two patients with IVS6+5G>A of WAS in a Korean family.

Multiple extramedullary relapses without bone marrow involvement after second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia.

EMR without BM involvement after allogeneic HSCT is extremely rare, especially in children; only a few cases have been reported. A two-yr-old boy was diagnosed with AML (M4) and underwent allogeneic HSCT in first complete remission with BM from HLA-matched unrelated donor without GVHD. Four yr later, he had a BM relapse and after induction and consolidation chemotherapy, he received a second HSCT from an unrelated donor using peripheral blood stem cells.

Tat-enhanced delivery of metallothionein can partially prevent the development of diabetes.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are intracellular low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich proteins with potent metal-binding and redox functions, but with limited membrane permeativity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether we could enhance delivery of MT-1 to pancreatic islets or β cells in vitro and in vivo. The second goal was to determine whether increased MT-1 could prevent cellular toxicity induced by high glucose and free fatty acids in vitro (glucolipotoxicity) and ameliorate the development of diabetes induced by streptozotocin in mice or delay the development of diabetes by improving insulin secretion and resistance in the OLETF rat model of type 2 diabetes.

Identification and characterization of wblA-dependent tmcT regulation during tautomycetin biosynthesis in Streptomyces sp. CK4412.

Tautomycetin (TMC) is an unusual linear polyketide compound esterified with a cyclic anhydride. It exhibits novel activated T cell-specific immunosuppressant as well as anti-cancer activities. Previously, we isolated and characterized the entire TMC biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces sp.

Benzyldihydroxyoctenone, a novel nonsteroidal antiandrogen, shows differential apoptotic induction in prostate cancer cells in response to their androgen responsiveness.

The molecular mechanisms of apoptotic induction by benzyldihydroxyoctenone (BDH), a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp., have been previously published in prostate cancer LNCaP cells. Apoptotic induction of BDH-treated LNCaP cells was associated with downregulation of Bcl-xL that caused, in turn, cytochrome c release from mitochondria, and activation of procaspases and specific proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP).

HY251, a novel decahydrocyclopenta[a]indene analog, from Aralia continentalis induces apoptosis via down-regulation of AR expression in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells.

In the course of screening for a novel anticancer drug candidate, we previously isolated HY251 with the molecular structure of 3-propyl-2-vinyl-1,2,3,3a,3b,6,7,7a,8,8a-decahydrocyclopenta[a]indene-3,3a,7a,8a-tetraol from the roots of Aralia continentalis. The current study was designed to evaluate the detailed mechanisms of apoptotic induction of HY251 in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer LNCaP cells. TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis revealed an appreciable apoptotic induction in LNCaP cells treated with 95μM of HY251 for 24h.

Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of butanol extract from Arctium Lappa L.

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, allergic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by markedly increased levels of inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, and T cells. Arctium lappa L. is a traditional medicine in Asia.

Role of p16 in the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Background: It has been hypothesized that genetic alteration at the cellular level may have a significant effect on cellular mechanisms controlling the proliferation and apoptosis of Langerhans cells (LCs).

Methods: We examined whether p16 protein expression can be used to predict the outcome of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Archival paraffin blocks from children diagnosed with LCH and followed at the Asan Medical Center and Chungnam National University Hospital between March 1998 and February 2008 were studied.

Cell cycle arrest and cytochrome c-mediated apoptotic induction by MCS-5A is associated with up-regulation of p16(INK4a) in HL-60 cells.

MCS-5A, an analog of sangivamycin, selectively inhibits the cyclin-dependent kinases CDK1 and 4 in HL-60 cells in vitro (IC(50): 9.6 and 8.8 1V, respectively), while weakly inhibiting other housekeeping protein kinases.

HY253, a novel decahydrofluorene analog, from Aralia continentalis, induces cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and cytochrome c-mediated apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells.

Aim Of The Study: In the course of our screening for novel modulators on cell cycle progression and apoptosis as anticancer drug candidates, we isolated a novel compound HY253 with the molecular structure of 7,8a-divinyl-2,4a,4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-1H-fluorene-2,4a,4b,9a-tetraol from the roots of Aralia continentalis. This study was designed to evaluate the detailed mechanisms of cell cycle arrest and the apoptotic induction of HY253 in human lung cancer A549 cells.

Materials And Methods: To investigate the effects of HY253 on cell cycle progression in A549 cells, we measured DNA content of A549 cells treated with 35 microM of HY253 using flow cytometric analysis.

Cell cycle arrest and cytochrome c-mediated apoptotic induction in human lung cancer A549 cells by MCS-C2, an analogue of sangivamycin.

In the course of our screening for novel modulators on cell cycle progression and apoptosis as anticancer drug candidates, we generated an analogue of sangivamycin, MCS-C2, designated as 4-amino-6-bromo-7-cyclopentyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carboxamide. This study was aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms on cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction of MCS-C2 in human lung cancer A549 cells. To investigate the effects of MCS-C2 on cell cycle progression in A549 cells, we measured DNA content of A549 cells treated with 5 microM of HY253 using flow cytometric analysis.