Publications by authors named "Ha-Jin Jung"
Purpose: The expression levels of intracellular pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and microbial pattern-recognition receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2), have been reported in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and inflamed dental pulp tissue, but the role of NLRP3 and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the production of human beta defensin 2 (hBD2) and inflammatory cytokines against invading pathogens remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to determine whether the NOD2 ligand muramyl dipeptide (MDP) upregulates hBD2 and inflammatory cytokines and whether this response is dependent on TLRs and NLRP inflammasomes in HDPCs.
Methodology: The effects of MDP on the expression of hBD2, TLRs, inflammasomes, and pro-inflammatory mediators in HDPCs were examined using Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Article Synopsis
- Mollugin, a phytochemical from the Rubia cordifolia plant, has been shown to induce cell death in oral cancer cells (OSCCs) by promoting apoptosis, but its effects had not been previously documented for oral cancer specifically.
- The study found that mollugin disrupts the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing levels of anti-apoptotic and invasive factors, and enhances the activity of cellular stress response pathways involving p38, ERK, and JNK.
- Ultimately, the research suggests that mollugin could be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for oral squamous cell carcinoma by activating protective pathways (HO-1 and Nrf2) while inhibiting harmful ones (NF-κB).