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Biomedical subjects

Hyung Hwan Baik

Publications and source records attributed to Hyung Hwan Baik.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase suppresses IL-2 expression through down-regulation of NF-AT and AP-1 activation in Jurkat T cells.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of energy homeostasis and its activation during T cell receptor stimulation has recently been reported. In this study, we examined the role of AMPK in interleukin (IL)-2 production in T cells. Inhibition of AMPK by compound C, a specific inhibitor of AMPK or small interfering RNA of AMPKalpha1 suppressed IL-2 production in Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with PMA plus ionomycin (PMA/Io) or with monoclonal anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28. We then showed that AMPK inhibition reduced PMA/Io-induced IL-2 mRNA expression and IL-2 promoter activation. Moreover, inhibition of AMPK suppressed transcriptional activation of NF-AT and AP-1, but not NF-kappaB, in PMA/Io-activated Jurkat cells. Finally, we found that compound C inhibited PMA/Io-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and GSK-3beta but not of ERK. These results suggest that AMPK mediates IL-2 production by regulating NF-AT and AP-1activation during T cell stimulation.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Positive association of obesity with single nucleotide polymorphisms of syndecan 3 in the Korean population.

CONTEXT: Very recently the unforeseen role of syndecan 3 (SDC3), a family of membrane-bound heparin sulfate proteoglycans, in the regulation of energy balance has been discovered in the Sdc3 null female mice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SDC3 are associated with obesity in the Korean population. DESIGN/SETTING/SUBJECTS: We conducted a population-based cohort study consisting of 229 control and 245 study subjects and a second independent study consisting of 192 control and 115 study subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Body mass index (BMI) was measured. RESULTS: First, Sdc3 mRNA expression in the brain of ob/ob mice was profoundly increased, compared with control mice. Next, all three nonsynonymous SNPs [T271I (rs2282440, C>T), D245N (rs4949184, C>T), and V150I (rs2491132, C>T)] in the SDC3 gene in control female subjects (BMI < 23, n = 229) and obese female subjects (BMI > 30, n = 245) were genotyped. We demonstrated the presence of clear ethnic differences in three nonsynonymous SDC3 SNPs among African-Americans, Chinese, Europeans, and Koreans. Of three SNPs in SDC3, rs4949184 was not associated with obesity and the other two SNPs (rs2282440 and rs2491132) were strongly associated with obesity (P < 0.0001), and the results were confirmed in the second independent study group. Haplotype analysis also revealed strong association with obesity (chi2 = 76.92, P < 0.000001). CONCLUSIONS: There are ethnic differences in the SDC3 polymorphisms, and the polymorphisms are strongly associated with obesity.

Adult↗

Fluoxetine increases the nitric oxide production via nuclear factor kappa B-mediated pathway in BV2 murine microglial cells.

A body of recent evidence implicates that antidepressants affect the inflammatory response and immune system. The present study is focused on the effects of the most widely used antidepressant agent, fluoxetine on the production of nitric oxide (NO) in BV2 microglial cells. In this study, we observed interesting result that NO production was increased by fluoxetine. The mRNA level of nitric oxide synthase (iNos, Nos2) by RT-PCR was also stimulated by fluoxetine. We next conducted electophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) to determine the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B (Nfkappab), an important upstream modulator for Nos2 expression, to find that fluoxetine increased DNA binding activity of Nfkappab. By Western blot analysis, phosphorylation levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 Mapk, Mapk14) and extracellular signal-related kinase (Erk)1/2 Mapk, upstream signaling mediators of Nfkappab were found to be increased by fluoxetine. In addition, the mRNA expressions of other proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 (Il6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfalpha) were examined. The expressions of both Il6 and Tnfalpha by fluoxetine treatment were similar to those of Nos2 and Nfkappab. Taken together, our results show that fluoxetine stimulates NO production via Nfkappab-mediated pathway in BV2 cells.

Animals↗

Manganese induces inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression via activation of both MAP kinase and PI3K/Akt pathways in BV2 microglial cells.

It is well documented that manganese neurotoxicity induces clinical symptoms similar to those of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Although microglial cytotoxic mediator-induced neurotoxicity is suggested, the mechanism by which manganese up-regulates cytotoxic mediator, such as nitric oxide (NO), remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the mechanism of manganese on induction of iNOS in microglial cells. iNOS promoter/luciferase assay revealed that manganese (500 (M) regulated the iNOS expression at the transcriptional level. Immunoblot analysis also revealed that phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK MAPKs and Akt (PKB, PI 3-kinase downstream effector), were increased. Both protein and mRNA levels of iNOS expression were abrogated by specific inhibitors, SP600125 (JNK inhibitor, 20 microM), PD98059 (ERKs inhibitor, 50 microM), or LY294002 (PI 3-kinase inhibitor, 20 microM), but not by SB203580 (20 microM), a p38 specific inhibitor. These data lead to the conclusion that manganese regulates the iNOS expression at the transcriptional level in BV2 microglial cells and the increased iNOS protein expression is mediated via both JNK-ERK MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, but not via p38 MAPK pathway. Increased iNOS protein level was also found in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells.

Animals↗

Microarray analysis of transcription factor gene expression in melatonin-treated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The existence of specific melatonin-binding sites in lymphoid cells led to the discovery of signal transduction pathway for melatonin in human lymphocytes and immunomodulatory role of melatonin in immune cells. In recent years, transcriptional regulation of melatonin on various transcription factors has been demonstrated. Therefore, this study was designed to assess by cDNA microarray analysis the regulatory effects of melatonin on transcription factors in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Forty-six genes were upregulated and 23 were downregulated more than twofold in melatonin-treated PBMCs. Of the more than twofold upregulated transcription factor genes, homeo box A4 (HOXA4), forkhead box O1A (FOXO1A), transcription elongation factor B (SIII), polypeptide 3 (TCEB3), and peroxisome proliferative activated receptor delta (PPARD) were identified. Of the more than twofold downregulated genes, PHD finger protein 15 (PHF15) and zinc finger protein 33a (ZNF33A) were identified. In summary, identification of these genes by cDNA microarray analysis in response to melatonin administration may provide a foundation for further studies on the function of melatonin in human PBMCs.

Base Sequence↗

Melatonin stimulates glucose transport via insulin receptor substrate-1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in C2C12 murine skeletal muscle cells.

The prevalence of diabetes has exponentially increased in recent decades due to environmental factors such as nocturnal lifestyle and aging, both of which influence the amount of melatonin produced in the pineal gland. The present study investigated the effect of melatonin on signaling pathways of glucose transport in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. Intriguingly, treatment of C2C12 cells with melatonin (1 nm) stimulated glucose uptake twofold increase. Melatonin-stimulated glucose transport was inhibited with co-treatment with the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole. Furthermore, treatment of stably over-expressed melatonin receptor type 2B containing C2C12 myotubes with melatonin amplified glucose transport c. 13-fold. Melatonin also increased the phosphorylation level of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3-kinase). However, 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), another important glucose transport stimulatory mediator via an insulin-independent pathway, was not influenced by melatonin treatment. Activity of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a downstream mediator of AMPK, was also not changed by melatonin. In addition, melatonin increased the expression level of forkhead box A2, which was recently discovered to regulate fatty acid oxidation and to be inhibited by insulin. In summary, melatonin stimulates glucose transport to skeletal muscle cells via IRS-1/PI-3-kinase pathway, which implies, at the molecular level, its role in glucose homeostasis and possibly in diabetes. Additionally, exposure to light at night and aging, both of which lower endogenous melatonin levels may contribute to the incidence and/or development of diabetes.

Biological Transport↗

Activation of adenosine A3 receptor suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha production through inhibition of PI 3-kinase/Akt and NF-kappaB activation in murine BV2 microglial cells.

Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that regulates many processes, including inflammatory responses, through activation of its receptors. Adenosine receptors have been reported to be expressed in microglia, which are major immune cells of brain, yet little is known about the role of adenosine receptors in microglial cytokine production. Thus, we investigated the effect of adenosine and adenosine A3 receptor ligands on LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) production and its molecular mechanism in mouse BV2 microglial cells. Adenosine and Cl-IB-MECA, a specific adenosine A3 receptor agonist, suppressed LPS-induced TNF-alpha protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, MRS1523, a selective A3 receptor antagonist, blocked suppressive effects of both adenosine and Cl-IB-MECA on TNF-alpha. We further examined the effect of adenosine on signaling molecules, such as PI 3-kinase, Akt, p38, ERK1/2, and NF-kappaB, which are involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Adenosine inhibited LPS-induced phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activation and Akt phosphorylation, whereas it had no effect on the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2. We also found that adenosine as well as Cl-IB-MECA inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding and luciferase reporter activity. Taken together, these results suggest that adenosine A3 receptor activation suppresses TNF-alpha production by inhibiting PI 3-kinase/Akt and NF-kappaB activation in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells.

Adenosine↗

IL4 receptor polymorphism is associated with increased risk of sudden deafness in Korean population.

The interleukin 4 receptor (IL4R) polymorphism Q576R (rs 180275) has been well known to be associated with atopy and other inflammatory diseases. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) A > G transition potentiates the binding specificity of the adjacent tyrosine residue. In this study we investigated the possible relationship between sudden deafness (SD) and IL4R polymorphism Q576R in 97 Korean SD patients and 613 controls using pyrosequencing method. The odds ratio (OR) for SD associated with the G vs. A allele was 2.58 [P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.84-3.60]. We then sub-grouped SD into Tinnitus positive (+) and Tinnitus negative (-). G allele in Tinnitus (+) is significantly associated with the development of Tinnitus (+) [X(2) = 32.02, P < 0.0001, OR (95% CI) = 2.74 (1.91-3.93)] but not with Tinnitus (-). Taken together these results suggest that G allele could be a risk factor for SD.

Female↗

AICAR suppresses IL-2 expression through inhibition of GSK-3 phosphorylation and NF-AT activation in Jurkat T cells.

We examined the effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), the dephosphorylated form of AICA ribotide (also termed "ZMP"), an intermediate of purine biosynthesis, on interleukin (IL)-2 production in T cells. AICAR inhibited IL-2 production in Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes activated with PMA plus ionomycin (PMA/Io) or with monoclonal anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28. Pretreatment with 5'-iodotubercidin, an adenosine kinase inhibitor, enhanced AICAR suppression of IL-2 production, suggesting that AICAR, not ZMP, is responsible for IL-2 suppression. We then showed that AICAR inhibited PMA/Io-induced IL-2 mRNA expression and IL-2 promoter activation. AICAR inhibited DNA binding and transcriptional activation of NF-AT and to a lesser extent AP-1, but not NF-kappaB, in PMA/Io-activated Jurkat cells. Finally, we found that AICAR inhibited PMA/Io-induced phosphorylation of GSK-3 but not phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK. These results suggest that AICAR exerts its immunosuppressive effect in activated Jurkat cells by inhibiting GSK-3 phosphorylation and NF-AT activation.

Aminoimidazole Carboxamide↗

Positive relationship between melatonin receptor type 1B polymorphism and rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid arthritis patients in the Korean population.

Melatonin is reported to be an anti-inflammatory agent. No genetic study concerning the association between melatonin and inflammatory disease has yet been reported. Here we performed a polymorphism study on the melatonin receptor type 1B (MTNR1B) in Korean rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and controls. The polymorphism of MTNR1B located in 3'-untranslated region (rs 1562444) was selected for its higher rate of heterozygosity among other single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in both MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes and investigated in RA patients (n = 173) and healthy controls (n = 195) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay using NlaIII restriction enzyme. No statistically significant difference in either genotype distribution or allele frequency was observed between RA patients and controls. The genotype distributions and allele frequencies of rheumatoid factor negative [RF(-)] patients were similar to those of controls. However, statistical analysis of genotype revealed a significant association (chi2 = 6.42, P = 0.04) is present between RF(+) and MTNR1B SNP (rs 1562444). Although no statistically significant difference in allele frequency between RF(+) and controls was observed (chi2 = 2.75, P = 0.10), the results might suggest that MTNR1B SNP (rs 1562444) is associated with the presence of RF in RA. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to report a positive genetic relationship between melatonin and RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Epidermal growth factor gene polymorphism is different between schizophrenia and lung cancer patients in Korean population.

Low incidence of cancer in schizophrenia is one of the interesting puzzles in psychiatric field over decades. Analysis of genetic difference between schizophrenia and lung cancer might provide us with possible clues to understand molecular mechanisms of pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), one of the potent growth promoting factors, has been studied for its roles in cancer development. EGF is also known to be involved in cognitive function. In order to analyze the genetic difference between schizophrenia and lung cancer, polymorphism of EGF gene was studied from 174 schizophrenia patients, 122 lung cancer patients and 132 controls in Korean population. Genotype frequency analysis of EGF gene (AluI restriction site, 5'-UTR, rs4444903) in the EGF gene was studied. The genotype and allele frequencies of the AluI polymorphism showed significant differences between schizophrenia and lung cancer patients [p<0.0001; p<0.0001, odds ratio (95% CI), 0.3690 (0.2600-0.5236)]. When compared with controls, schizophrenia patients showed no significant differences from controls in genotype and allele frequencies [p=0.5151; p=0.3516, odds ratio (95% CI), 0.8589 (0.6235-1.1830)]. However, lung cancer patients showed significant differences from controls in genotype and allele frequencies [p<0.0001; p<0.0001, odds ratio (95% CI), 2.3275 (1.6082-3.3687)]. These results indicate that schizophrenia is not associated with AluI polymorphism of EGF gene and EGF gene polymorphism is different between schizophrenia and lung cancer patients.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha production through inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt activation in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR) is an adenosine analog and a widely used activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We examined the effect of AICAR on LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages and its molecular mechanism in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with AICAR inhibited LPS-induced increases in TNF-alpha mRNA and protein levels in these cells. AICAR or LPS did not alter the AMPK activity as well as the phosphorylations of AMPK alpha (Thr172) and ACC (Ser79). Moreover, an adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-iodotubercidin enhanced the suppressive effect of AICAR on TNF-alpha levels. These results suggest that the effect of AICAR on TNF-alpha suppression in RAW 264.7 cells is independent of AMPK activation. In addition, an adenosine receptor antagonist 8-SPT had no effect on AICAR-induced suppression of TNF-alpha levels. Finally, we observed that AICAR inhibited LPS-induced activation of PI 3-kinase and Akt, whereas it had no effect on the activation of p38 and ERK1/2. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of AICAR in RAW 264.7 macrophages is independent of AMPK activation and is associated with inhibition of LPS-induced activation of PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Differential regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways during menadione-induced oxidative stress in the kidney of young and old rats.

We investigated regulation of various signal transduction pathways during oxidative stresses in the kidney of young and aged rats. Menadione-induced regulation of molecules in PI 3-kinase, MAPK, and AMPK pathways was determined in the young (2 months) and old (24 months) groups. PI 3-kinase activity and Akt phosphorylation were significantly reduced in the old compared with the young. PTEN tumor suppressor was also lower in its expression and phosphorylation levels in the old. Response of the molecules in PI 3-kinase pathway to menadione was minimized. In contrast, over 5-fold induction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by menadione was observed in both groups. On the other hand, basal activities as well as menadione-induced activities of JNK1 and AMPK were higher in the old than in the young. While p27(Kip1), p53, and p21(Waf1) were slightly increased by menadione in both groups, the basal induction level in the old was considerably higher. In conclusion, the results suggest that the age-related down-regulation of PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway and up-regulation of JNK1, AMPK, and p53 pathways may be responsible for the increased susceptibility to oxidative stress.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribonucleoside enhances oxidative stress-induced apoptosis through activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in mouse Neuro 2a neuroblastoma cells.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was recently suggested to have a pro-apoptotic effect although its primary function is believed to mediate cellular adaptation to metabolic stresses. Here, we investigated the effect of the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribonucleoside (AICAR) on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis using mouse Neuro 2a neuroblastoma cells. H2O2-induced apoptosis was increased by AMPK activation, either with AICAR pretreatment or with overexpression of active AMPK. AICAR also induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation along with activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Correlation between NF-kappaB activation and the AICAR-enhanced apoptotic cell death was observed. In addition, NF-kappaB inhibitor SN50 prevented the augmented cell death by AICAR. Thus, our data suggest that NF-kappaB mediates the pro-apoptotic effect of AICAR.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

Tetrandrine cytotoxicity and its dual effect on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis through modulating cellular redox states in Neuro 2a mouse neuroblastoma cells.

Tetrandrine (TET), a plant alkaloid, is known primarily as a non-selective Ca(2+) channel blocker. On the contrary to the cytoprotective effect on ischemia/reperfusion injury, TET has also been reported to cause cytotoxicity. In this study, we wished to understand the apparently disparate effects of this potential drug and thus investigated molecular mechanisms on proliferation and apoptosis and its effect on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in Neuro 2a mouse neuroblastoma cells. We showed that TET, at high concentrations, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through oxidative stress with following observations. Firstly, 10 microM TET elevated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and accordingly depleted glutathione (GSH) content. Secondly, pretreatment with antioxidants (NAC or GSH) protected cells from TET-induced apoptosis. We also demonstrated that treatment with 10 microM TET caused not only induction of p53, p21(waf1), and Bax, but also nuclear translocation of p53 and hypo-phosphorylation of pRb concurrently. Our important finding is that the concentration-dependent dual effect of TET, either inhibiting or promoting cell death induced by H(2)O(2) was observed, probably through regulating redox balance, which was well reflected on the GSH content in each condition. Besides, inhibition of Ca(2+) influx protected cells from H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis even in the presence of 10 microM TET. Taken together, our data suggest that TET regulation of cellular redox states may play a major role in its dual action of cytotoxicity and cytoprotection.

Alkaloids↗

ATP stimulates glucose transport through activation of P2 purinergic receptors in C(2)C(12) skeletal muscle cells.

Extracellular ATP acts as a signal that regulates a variety of cellular processes via binding to P2 purinergic receptors (P2 receptors). We herein investigated the effects and signaling pathways of ATP on glucose uptake in C(2)C(12) skeletal muscle cells. ATP as well as P2 receptor agonists (ATP-gamma S) stimulated the rate of glucose uptake, while P2 receptor antagonists (suramin) inhibited the stimulatory effect of ATP, indicating that P2 receptors are involved. This ATP-stimulated glucose transport was blocked by specific inhibitors of Gi protein (pertusiss toxin), phospholipase C (U73122), protein kinase C (GF109203X), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (LY294002). ATP stimulated PI 3-kinase activity and P2 receptor antagonists blocked this activation. In C(2)C(12) myotubes expressing glucose transporter GLUT4, ATP increased basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Finally, ATP facilitated translocation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 into plasma membrane. These results together suggest that cells respond to extracellular ATP to increase glucose transport through P2 receptors.

3T3 Cells↗