Byung-Jin Kim

Piperine ameliorates the severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by inhibiting the activation of mitogen activated protein kinases.

Piperine is a phenolic component of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum), fruits used in traditional Asian medicine. Our previous study showed that piperine inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses. In this study, we investigated whether piperine reduces the severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). Administration of piperine reduced histologic damage and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the pancreas and ameliorated many of the examined laboratory parameters, including the pancreatic weight (PW) to body weight (BW) ratio, as well as serum levels of amylase and lipase and trypsin activity. Furthermore, piperine pretreatment reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 during cerulein-induced AP. In accordance with in vivo results, piperine reduced cell death, amylase and lipase activity, and cytokine production in isolated cerulein-treated pancreatic acinar cells. In addition, piperine inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of piperine in cerulein-induced AP is mediated by inhibiting the activation of MAPKs. Thus, piperine may have a protective effect against AP.

Myrrh Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response and Protects from Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis

Myrrh has been used as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. However, effect of myrrh on peritoneal macrophages and clinically relevant models of septic shock, such as cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), is not well understood. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism(s) of myrrh on inflammatory responses. Myrrh inhibited LPS-induced productions of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factor-α but not of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in peritoneal macrophages. In addition, Myrrh inhibited LPS-induced activation of c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) but not of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and nuclear factor-κB. Administration of Myrrh reduced the CLP-induced mortality and bacterial counts and inhibited inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, administration of Myrrh attenuated CLP-induced liver damages, which were mainly evidenced by decreased infiltration of leukocytes and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase level. Taken together, these results provide the evidence for the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential of Myrrh in sepsis.

Melittin inhibits cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis via inhibition of the JNK pathway

The major compound of bee venom, melittin, has been used as an anti-inflammatory reagent for decades. However, the potential of melittin to ameliorate acute pancreatitis (AP) is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the effect of melittin on cerulein-induced AP. Pre- and post-treatment with melittin inhibited histological changes in the pancreas and lungs during cerulein-induced AP. Pancreatic weight/body weight ratios; digestive enzymes, including amylase and lipase; serum and pancreatic cytokine expression; and myeloperoxidase activity were decreased. In addition, treatment with melittin inhibited the activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase (JNK) in the pancreas during cerulein-induced pancreatitis. In accordance with the results of in vivo experiments, melittin reduced cerulein-induced cell death, and production of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, our results suggest that melittin attenuated AP and AP-associated lung injury through the inhibition of JNK activation.

Production of therapeutic proteins with baculovirus expression system in insect cell

Recombinant DNA technology has a major advantage in that it is capable of producing specific therapeutic proteins on demand in a heterologous expression system. The extent of this notion can be understood when one considers how crucial such proteins are, and how problematic the economical and safe production of such proteins are. Therapeutic recombinant protein production is a fundamental aspect of 21st century biotechnology industries. The improved therapeutic recombinant protein expression systems that use prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have enabled the development of a multi‐billion dollar industry. Among the variety of available heterologous expression systems, the baculovirus‐based insect cell expression system has been utilized frequently for the high‐level production of therapeutic recombinant proteins. Thus, the baculovirus expression system has been recognized as one of the most powerful expression technologies for production, by virtue of the achievable amount and purity, and the ease of the eukaryotic production process. The majority of therapeutic proteins are glycoproteins originating from humans. The insect‐based expression system harbors glycosylation processing pathways, which constitute an advantage over other prokaryotic systems that lack glycosylation. However, there are several drawbacks which must be circumvented in order to establish an efficient system for the production of recombinant proteins. This review presents a brief overview of the perspective, particularly the glycosylation aspect, of the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins via a baculovirus‐based insect cell expression system.

Three-dimensional architectural and structural analysis—a transition in concept and design from Delaire's cephalometric analysis

The aim of this study was to present a systematic sequence for three-dimensional (3D) measurement and cephalometry, provide the norm data for computed tomography-based 3D architectural and structural cephalometric analysis, and validate the 3D data through comparison with Delaires two-dimensional (2D) lateral cephalometric data for the same Korean adults. 2D and 3D cephalometric analyses were performed for 27 healthy subjects and the measurements of both analyses were then individually and comparatively analyzed. Essential diagnostic tools for 3D cephalometry with modified definitions of the points, planes, and measurements were set up based on a review of the conceptual differences between two and three dimensions. Some 2D and 3D analysis results were similar, though significant differences were found with regard to craniofacial angle (C1-F1), incisal axis angles, cranial base length (C2), and cranial height (C3). The discrepancy in C2 and C3 appeared to be directly related to the magnification of 2D cephalometric images. Considering measurement discrepancies between 2D and 3D Delaires analyses due to differences in concept and design, 3D architectural and structural analysis needs to be conducted based on norms and a sound 3D basis for the sake of its accurate application and widespread adoption.

Two new species of Myrmica (Hymenoptera, Foimicidae) from Korea

Two new species of Myrmica from Korea are described. M. koreana belongs to the schencki species‐group of Myrmica and is most similar to M. schencki. It is possibly endemic to the Korean Peninsula. M. hyungokae belongs to the lobicornis‐group and is most similar to M. jessensis. It has some characters normally associated with social parasites but it is probably a free‐living species. Both new species were clearly separated from their nearest relatives on subjective characters (shape, sculpture etc.) and this was confirmed by discriminant analysis of the morphometrics.

Sectioned images and surface models of a cadaver for understanding the free vascularised anterior rib flap

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to describe the vascularised anterior rib flap on sectioned images and surface models using Visible Korean for medical education and clinical training in the field of mandibular reconstructive surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serially sectioned images of the thorax were obtained from a cadaver. Significant structures in the sectioned images were outlined and stacked to create a surface model. RESULTS The PDF file (8.45 MB) of the assembled models can be downloaded for free from our website (http://vkh.ajou.ac.kr/Products/PDF/Vascularized_anterior_rib_flap.zip). In this file, important anatomical structures related to the vascularised anterior rib flap can be examined in the sectioned images. All surface models and stereoscopic structures of the vascularised anterior rib flap are expressed in real time. CONCLUSIONS We hope that these state-of-the-art sectioned images, outlined images, and surface models will help students and trainees gain a better understanding of the anatomy of the vascularised anterior rib flap.

Faunal Comparison of Ants among Cheongsando and Other Islands of South Sea in Korea

ABSTRACT This paper attempts to reveal the biogeographic characteristics of ant fauna of the islands among Korean South Sea, using quantitative analyses. The data treated in this paper are those from Cheongsando Is. and 10 other islands in South Sea which have been well investigated. The faunal similarity is examined using the Nomura‐Simpsons Coefficient (NSC). Futhermore, the obtained NSC value matrix is examined by a cluster analysis using UPGMA method. The number of species which has been recorded in the 11 islands are 91 species belonging to 34 genera under 4 subfamilies. Among the above 11 islands, Jejudo Is., which is the largest, has the highest number of species, 67 spp., while Geogeumdo Is. has the lowest, 21 spp. Cheongsando Is. which has directly been investigated by authors has 30 species. The NSC‐ values between the 11 localities investigated range from 0.522 (Wando Is. to Saryangdo Is.) to 1.000 (Namhaedo Is. to Geojedo Is.). The comparative NSC value of Cheongsando Is. and 10 islands range from 0.522 (to Saryangdo Is.) to 0.833 (to Jejudo Is). The cluster analysis using a similarity index (NSC) showed that the islands of these areas could be grouped into 3, a level of 32%. The similarity of Soando Is. and Geomundo Is. were the closest, 63%, while Soando Is. and Namhaedo Is. were the remotest, 32%. The similarity of Jindo Is. and Cheongsando Is, was 63%, while that of Namhaedo Is. and Cheongsando Is. was 32%.

Community analysis, assessment and evaluation of aquatic ecosystem health of Dongjin River based on Benthic macroinvertebrates

We have studied the structure of community and local characteristics of benthic macro‐invertebrates in Dong‐jin river from May, 2011 to now. The purpose of this study is to supply the data managing water quality in main stream of this river. This study has been still doing till now.

Comparative Insect Faunas between Ganghwado and Six others Islands of West Coastal in Incheon, Korea

This paper is intended as an investigation of the biogeographic characteristics of insect faunas of the seven islands in West Coastal of Incheon, Korea, using quantitative analysis. The faunal similarity is examined using the Bray & Curtis similarity. The obtained similarity value matrix was examined by a cluster analysis using UPGMA method. The number and the distribution records of each species in the areas are 1,001 species of insects belonging to 12 orders from the seven investigated islands. Among above seven islands, Seokmodo has the highest number of species, 497 species, while Yeonpyeongdo has the lowest, 136 species. The species composition of insects reported in Ganghwado was 309 species under seven orders. The similarity values between seven localities investigated range from 24.907(Gyodongdo to Yeonpyeongdo) to 49.899(Baengnyeongdo to Ganghwado). That is, the species composition of Baengnyeongdo(47.90%) was similar to that of Ganghwado, while that of Yeonpyeongdo(25.28%) was different from that. The cluster analysis using a similarity index shows that all the islands of these areas can be divided into 3 groups at the level of 30.97%.