Soo-Min Lim

A novel benzamide derivative protects ligature-induced alveolar bone erosion by inhibiting NFATc1-mediated osteoclastogenesis

ABSTRACT Since elevated osteoclast formation and/or activity by inhibitory responses against pathogens leads to diverse osteolytic bone diseases including periodontitis, inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption has been a primary therapeutic strategy. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel benzamide‐linked molecule, OCLI‐070, for preventing alveolar bone loss in mice with ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis. OCLI‐070 inhibited osteoclast formation by acting on both early and late stages of differentiation, and attenuated the induction of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and the expression of osteoclast‐specific genes. In addition, OCLI‐070 significantly suppressed the formation of actin rings and resorption pits. Analysis of the inhibitory action of OCLI‐070 showed that it markedly suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor‐&kgr;B ligand (RANKL)‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and NF‐&kgr;B signaling cascades. Moreover, OCLI‐070 prevented ligature‐induced alveolar bone erosion in mice by suppressing osteoclast formation. These findings demonstrate that OCLI‐070 attenuated osteoclast differentiation and function as well as ligature‐induced bone erosion by inhibiting RANKL‐mediated ERK and NF‐&kgr;B signaling pathways. HIGHLIGHTSOCLI‐070 inhibits osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow‐derived macrophages.OCLI‐070 significantly attenuates the bone‐resorbing activity.OCLI‐070 suppresses RANKL‐induced MEK‐ERK and NF‐&kgr;B pathways.OCLI‐070 protects ligature‐induced alveolar bone loss.

Observation of Microorganisms in Milk after the Expiration Date Using Dry Rehydratable Film.

ABSTRACT Cultivation of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria is often not included in scientific inquiries conducted in school because of the difficulty of manufacturing a suitable medium. A method using dry rehydratable film to reduce the need to manufacture a suitable medium and shorten incubation time was developed as an efficient microbial testing method. Using this method, students can easily perform experiments on microorganisms in schools where time and space are limited. For example, we carried out an inquiry on the possibility of drinking refrigerated milk that is already past its expiration date. Through this activity, we could raise issues related to the current shelf-life labeling system implemented in Korea. In addition, the method can measure microorganisms in several ways through air, direct contact, and indirect contact, making the procedure easier to use in scientific activities at school.