Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2010
Background There is a granulomatous variant which is recognized in the rosacea spectrum. However... more Background There is a granulomatous variant which is recognized in the rosacea spectrum. However, the pathogenesis of granuloma formation in rosacea has not been clearly demonstrated. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are required for recruitment of inflammatory cells and for tissue remodelling, making way for the development of well-organized granuloma.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII), Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, MMP-1, 2 and 9 in the granulomatous rosacea (GR) compared with the non-granulomatous rosacea (NGR) and test the hypothesis that the changes of these profiles in GR would be related with chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-exposure.Methods Facial skin samples were obtained from 20 patients with GR and NGR (control group). The sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Verhoeff’s elastic stain, and antibodies to TGF-β, TβRII, TNF-α, MMP-1, -2 and -9.Results The amount of elastotic material was significantly increased in the dermis of GR lesions. Expression of TGF-β was significantly decreased in the epidermis of GR lesions compared with NGR lesions. In addition, the expression of MMP-9 was significantly increased in the dermis of GR lesions compared with NGR lesions, especially at the centre of the granuloma on a semi-quantitative analysis. MMP-2 expression was also increased in GR lesions, although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the increased expression of MMPs in the dermis may participate in granuloma formation of GR in association with UVR.
Background and purpose: We conducted a genome wide gene expression analysis to explore the biolo... more Background and purpose: We conducted a genome wide gene expression analysis to explore the biological aspects of 15-methoxypinusolidic acid (15-MPA) isolated from Biota orientalis and tried to confirm the suitability of 15-MPA as a therapeutic candidate for CNS injuries focusing on microglia.Experimental approach: Murine microglial BV2 cells were treated with 15-MPA, and their transcriptome was analysed by using oligonucleotide microarrays. Genes differentially expressed upon 15-MPA treatment were selected for RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) analysis to confirm the gene expression. Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis by 15-MPA were examined by bromodeoxyuridine assay, Western blot analysis of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase and flow cytometry.Key results: A total of 514 genes were differentially expressed by 15-MPA treatment. Biological pathway analysis revealed that 15-MPA induced significant changes in expression of genes in the cell cycle pathway. Genes involved in growth arrest and DNA damage [gadd45α, gadd45γ and ddit3 (DNA damage-inducible transcript 3)] and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (cdkn2b) were up-regulated, whereas genes involved in cell cycle progression (ccnd1, ccnd3 and ccne1), DNA replication (mcm4, orc1l and cdc6) and cell proliferation (fos and jun) were down-regulated. RT-PCR analysis for representative genes confirmed the expression levels. 15-MPA significantly reduced bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, increased poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage and the number of apoptotic cells, indicating that 15-MPA induces apoptosis in BV2 cells.Conclusion and implications: 15-MPA induced apoptosis in murine microglial cells, presumably via inhibition of the cell cycle progression. As microglial activation is detrimental in CNS injuries, these data suggest a strong therapeutic potential of 15-MPA.
In 2003, 13 isolates of iridovirus were obtained from cultured flounders Paralichthys olivaceus d... more In 2003, 13 isolates of iridovirus were obtained from cultured flounders Paralichthys olivaceus during epizootics in Korea. The full open reading frames (ORFs) encoding the major capsid protein (MCP) (1362 bp) from the 13 flounder iridoviruses (FLIVs) were sequenced and the deduced amino acid sequences were phylogenetically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of the MCP revealed that all 13 FLIVs were the same species as rock bream iridovirus (RBIV), red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), and infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), and were grouped into an unknown genus which was different from the 2 genera known to infect fish, Ranavirus and Lymphocystivirus. This is the first report on the isolation and phylogenetic analysis of the iridovirus of unknown genus from flounders during epizootics.
Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 375–381Objective: Porphyromonas gingivalis can invade and survive within... more Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 375–381Objective: Porphyromonas gingivalis can invade and survive within its host epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis that persistent presence of intracellular periodontal pathogens in gingival tissue causes the chronic inflammation and that an inappropriate immune response is a risk factor for periodontitis.Methods: Together with the presence of P. gingivalis, the distribution of B cells, plasma cells, and CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ regulatory T cells was evaluated in gingival tissues from healthy (n = 7) and periodontitis (n = 8) sites by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively.Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in proximity to inflammatory infiltrates in three and seven biopsies from the healthy and periodontitis sites, respectively. Compared with healthy sites, periodontal lesions contained a significantly increased number of each immune cell studied with a relative dominance of plasma cells over T cells.Conclusions: Persistent bacterial invasion of gingival tissues in combination with a plasma cell-dominant immune response may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Mass mortality occurred among Penaeus vannamei shrimp cultured in Korea in 2004. In an earlier st... more Mass mortality occurred among Penaeus vannamei shrimp cultured in Korea in 2004. In an earlier study, we reported white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) as a causative agent of mass mortality of P. monodon shrimp in Korea (Moon et al. 2003; Dis Aquat Org 53:11-13). However, in the present study, we detected Taura syndrome virus (TSV) from the moribund 2004 P. vannamei shrimp by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, during our regular screening for the TSV in stocks of P. vannamei imported from Hawaii, USA, we also detected TSV by RT-PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the partial capsid protein VP1 of 2 Korean isolates were 99% identical to each other and 96 to 99% identical to those of TSVs isolated from the Americas, Taiwan, and Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 2 Korean isolates were closely related to TSV types from Thailand. This is the first report on the detection of TSV during an epizootic among cultured P. vannamei in Korea, and our results suggests the possibility that TSV has been introduced via the imported stock of P. vannamei.
Background and purpose: Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (... more Background and purpose: Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) have been known to be anti-inflammatory in Korea. Anti-inflammatory effects of torilin, isolated from this plant and the underlying mechanisms were examined by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial BV2 cells.Experimental approach: The cells were treated with torilin prior to LPS exposure and the effects on pro-inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and a pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were analysed by RT-PCR, Western blot or elisa. To reveal the mechanism of action of torilin we investigated the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades and their downstream transcription factors, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and cyclic AMP-responsive element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB).Key results: Torilin significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of iNOS, COX-2 and IL-1β, and the subsequent release of NO, prostaglandin E2 and IL-1β into culture medium. LPS stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK was inhibited by torilin. In addition, the inhibitory effect of torilin on NF-κB and CREB was shown by torilin-mediated recovery of LPS-induced degradation of inhibitor κB-α and suppression of LPS-induced phosphorylation of CREB respectively.Conclusion and implications: This study indicates that torilin inhibited LPS-induced iNOS, COX-2 and IL-1β via down-regulation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, NF-κB and CREB and suggests that torilin has a potential as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.
Patients with the autosomal-dominant form of multiple familial trichoepithelioma develop numerous... more Patients with the autosomal-dominant form of multiple familial trichoepithelioma develop numerous tumours on the face, neck and upper trunk, beginning in childhood. Malignant transformation of such lesions is quite rare; only one case of "malignant trichoepithelioma" has been reported previously, inferring pilomatrix carcinoma on a histological observation. We report here the case of a patient who developed a malignant neoplasm in a long-standing trichoepithelioma lesion on her buttock. Histopathology revealed a transformation zone between the trichoepithelioma and a malignant tumour mass. This case also showed several features of a malignant neoplasm of trichoblastic origin.
Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2010
Background Melasma is a commonly acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis on sun-exposed areas of the... more Background Melasma is a commonly acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis on sun-exposed areas of the skin. The development of melasma appears to be associated with increased levels of oestrogen, exposure to sunlight and a genetic predisposition. Several in vitro studies have partially clarified the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on melasma. However, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in melasma-affected skin has not been investigated to date, except for one case report on ER expression.Objective The purpose of this study was to compare ER and PR expression between hyperpigmented areas and unaffected areas of facial skin in patients with melasma.Methods Biopsies were performed on skin lesions and adjacent-unaffected facial skin in 33 Korean women with melasma. The sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Fontana-Masson, and antibodies to NKI/beteb, ERα, β and PR.Results The immunohistochemical expression of ERβ showed an increasing tendency in epidermal lesions without statistical significance. Expression of PR was significantly increased in the epidermal lesions compared with unaffected skin on the computer-assisted image analysis. Interestingly, there was increased ERβ expression in the dermal lesions especially around small blood vessels and fibroblast-like cells compared with unaffected dermis on the semi-quantitative analysis. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of PR between the dermal lesions and unaffected dermis.Conclusion The results of this study may provide useful information for further investigation into the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for treating melasma in relation to hormonal factors. The role of ER in the dermis in association with dermal environment such as blood vessels and fibroblasts remains to be further clarified.
Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2010
Background There is a granulomatous variant which is recognized in the rosacea spectrum. However... more Background There is a granulomatous variant which is recognized in the rosacea spectrum. However, the pathogenesis of granuloma formation in rosacea has not been clearly demonstrated. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are required for recruitment of inflammatory cells and for tissue remodelling, making way for the development of well-organized granuloma.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII), Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, MMP-1, 2 and 9 in the granulomatous rosacea (GR) compared with the non-granulomatous rosacea (NGR) and test the hypothesis that the changes of these profiles in GR would be related with chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-exposure.Methods Facial skin samples were obtained from 20 patients with GR and NGR (control group). The sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Verhoeff’s elastic stain, and antibodies to TGF-β, TβRII, TNF-α, MMP-1, -2 and -9.Results The amount of elastotic material was significantly increased in the dermis of GR lesions. Expression of TGF-β was significantly decreased in the epidermis of GR lesions compared with NGR lesions. In addition, the expression of MMP-9 was significantly increased in the dermis of GR lesions compared with NGR lesions, especially at the centre of the granuloma on a semi-quantitative analysis. MMP-2 expression was also increased in GR lesions, although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the increased expression of MMPs in the dermis may participate in granuloma formation of GR in association with UVR.
Background and purpose: We conducted a genome wide gene expression analysis to explore the biolo... more Background and purpose: We conducted a genome wide gene expression analysis to explore the biological aspects of 15-methoxypinusolidic acid (15-MPA) isolated from Biota orientalis and tried to confirm the suitability of 15-MPA as a therapeutic candidate for CNS injuries focusing on microglia.Experimental approach: Murine microglial BV2 cells were treated with 15-MPA, and their transcriptome was analysed by using oligonucleotide microarrays. Genes differentially expressed upon 15-MPA treatment were selected for RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) analysis to confirm the gene expression. Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis by 15-MPA were examined by bromodeoxyuridine assay, Western blot analysis of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase and flow cytometry.Key results: A total of 514 genes were differentially expressed by 15-MPA treatment. Biological pathway analysis revealed that 15-MPA induced significant changes in expression of genes in the cell cycle pathway. Genes involved in growth arrest and DNA damage [gadd45α, gadd45γ and ddit3 (DNA damage-inducible transcript 3)] and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (cdkn2b) were up-regulated, whereas genes involved in cell cycle progression (ccnd1, ccnd3 and ccne1), DNA replication (mcm4, orc1l and cdc6) and cell proliferation (fos and jun) were down-regulated. RT-PCR analysis for representative genes confirmed the expression levels. 15-MPA significantly reduced bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, increased poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage and the number of apoptotic cells, indicating that 15-MPA induces apoptosis in BV2 cells.Conclusion and implications: 15-MPA induced apoptosis in murine microglial cells, presumably via inhibition of the cell cycle progression. As microglial activation is detrimental in CNS injuries, these data suggest a strong therapeutic potential of 15-MPA.
In 2003, 13 isolates of iridovirus were obtained from cultured flounders Paralichthys olivaceus d... more In 2003, 13 isolates of iridovirus were obtained from cultured flounders Paralichthys olivaceus during epizootics in Korea. The full open reading frames (ORFs) encoding the major capsid protein (MCP) (1362 bp) from the 13 flounder iridoviruses (FLIVs) were sequenced and the deduced amino acid sequences were phylogenetically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of the MCP revealed that all 13 FLIVs were the same species as rock bream iridovirus (RBIV), red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), and infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), and were grouped into an unknown genus which was different from the 2 genera known to infect fish, Ranavirus and Lymphocystivirus. This is the first report on the isolation and phylogenetic analysis of the iridovirus of unknown genus from flounders during epizootics.
Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 375–381Objective: Porphyromonas gingivalis can invade and survive within... more Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 375–381Objective: Porphyromonas gingivalis can invade and survive within its host epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis that persistent presence of intracellular periodontal pathogens in gingival tissue causes the chronic inflammation and that an inappropriate immune response is a risk factor for periodontitis.Methods: Together with the presence of P. gingivalis, the distribution of B cells, plasma cells, and CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ regulatory T cells was evaluated in gingival tissues from healthy (n = 7) and periodontitis (n = 8) sites by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively.Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in proximity to inflammatory infiltrates in three and seven biopsies from the healthy and periodontitis sites, respectively. Compared with healthy sites, periodontal lesions contained a significantly increased number of each immune cell studied with a relative dominance of plasma cells over T cells.Conclusions: Persistent bacterial invasion of gingival tissues in combination with a plasma cell-dominant immune response may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Mass mortality occurred among Penaeus vannamei shrimp cultured in Korea in 2004. In an earlier st... more Mass mortality occurred among Penaeus vannamei shrimp cultured in Korea in 2004. In an earlier study, we reported white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) as a causative agent of mass mortality of P. monodon shrimp in Korea (Moon et al. 2003; Dis Aquat Org 53:11-13). However, in the present study, we detected Taura syndrome virus (TSV) from the moribund 2004 P. vannamei shrimp by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, during our regular screening for the TSV in stocks of P. vannamei imported from Hawaii, USA, we also detected TSV by RT-PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the partial capsid protein VP1 of 2 Korean isolates were 99% identical to each other and 96 to 99% identical to those of TSVs isolated from the Americas, Taiwan, and Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 2 Korean isolates were closely related to TSV types from Thailand. This is the first report on the detection of TSV during an epizootic among cultured P. vannamei in Korea, and our results suggests the possibility that TSV has been introduced via the imported stock of P. vannamei.
Background and purpose: Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (... more Background and purpose: Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) have been known to be anti-inflammatory in Korea. Anti-inflammatory effects of torilin, isolated from this plant and the underlying mechanisms were examined by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial BV2 cells.Experimental approach: The cells were treated with torilin prior to LPS exposure and the effects on pro-inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and a pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were analysed by RT-PCR, Western blot or elisa. To reveal the mechanism of action of torilin we investigated the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades and their downstream transcription factors, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and cyclic AMP-responsive element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB).Key results: Torilin significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of iNOS, COX-2 and IL-1β, and the subsequent release of NO, prostaglandin E2 and IL-1β into culture medium. LPS stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK was inhibited by torilin. In addition, the inhibitory effect of torilin on NF-κB and CREB was shown by torilin-mediated recovery of LPS-induced degradation of inhibitor κB-α and suppression of LPS-induced phosphorylation of CREB respectively.Conclusion and implications: This study indicates that torilin inhibited LPS-induced iNOS, COX-2 and IL-1β via down-regulation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, NF-κB and CREB and suggests that torilin has a potential as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.
Patients with the autosomal-dominant form of multiple familial trichoepithelioma develop numerous... more Patients with the autosomal-dominant form of multiple familial trichoepithelioma develop numerous tumours on the face, neck and upper trunk, beginning in childhood. Malignant transformation of such lesions is quite rare; only one case of "malignant trichoepithelioma" has been reported previously, inferring pilomatrix carcinoma on a histological observation. We report here the case of a patient who developed a malignant neoplasm in a long-standing trichoepithelioma lesion on her buttock. Histopathology revealed a transformation zone between the trichoepithelioma and a malignant tumour mass. This case also showed several features of a malignant neoplasm of trichoblastic origin.
Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2010
Background Melasma is a commonly acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis on sun-exposed areas of the... more Background Melasma is a commonly acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis on sun-exposed areas of the skin. The development of melasma appears to be associated with increased levels of oestrogen, exposure to sunlight and a genetic predisposition. Several in vitro studies have partially clarified the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on melasma. However, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in melasma-affected skin has not been investigated to date, except for one case report on ER expression.Objective The purpose of this study was to compare ER and PR expression between hyperpigmented areas and unaffected areas of facial skin in patients with melasma.Methods Biopsies were performed on skin lesions and adjacent-unaffected facial skin in 33 Korean women with melasma. The sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Fontana-Masson, and antibodies to NKI/beteb, ERα, β and PR.Results The immunohistochemical expression of ERβ showed an increasing tendency in epidermal lesions without statistical significance. Expression of PR was significantly increased in the epidermal lesions compared with unaffected skin on the computer-assisted image analysis. Interestingly, there was increased ERβ expression in the dermal lesions especially around small blood vessels and fibroblast-like cells compared with unaffected dermis on the semi-quantitative analysis. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of PR between the dermal lesions and unaffected dermis.Conclusion The results of this study may provide useful information for further investigation into the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for treating melasma in relation to hormonal factors. The role of ER in the dermis in association with dermal environment such as blood vessels and fibroblasts remains to be further clarified.
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