Tae-Sung Lee

Ascochlorin suppresses oxLDL-induced MMP-9 expression by inhibiting the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in human THP-1 macrophages.

The critical initiating event in atherogenesis involves the invasion of monocytes through the endothelial walls of arteries and the transformation of monocytes from macrophages into foam cells. Human THP‐1 monocytic cells can be induced to differentiate into macrophages by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and can then be converted into foam cells by exposure to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Also, during a chronic inflammatory response, monocytes/macrophages produce the 92‐kDa matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) that may contribute to the extravasation, migration, and tissue remolding capacities of the phagocytic cells. Here, we investigate the effect of ascochlorin (ASC), a prenylphenol antiviral compound from the fungus Ascochyta viciae, on oxLDL‐induced MMP‐9 expression and activity in human THP‐1 macrophages. ASC reduced oxLDL‐induced MMP‐9 expression and activity in a time‐dependent and dose‐dependent manner. Also, an analysis of MMP‐9 activity using pharmacologic inhibitors showed that ASC inhibits MMP‐9 activity via the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and kinase 2 pathways. Our results suggest that ASC may be useful as a potent clinical antiatherogenic agent, a topic of considerable interest in the biological chemistry of chemotherapeutic agents. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 506–514, 2007.

Moringa Fruit Inhibits LPS-Induced NO/iNOS Expression through Suppressing the NF-κB Activation in RAW264.7 Cells

In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), a natural biologically active substance, by determining its inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Extracts from different parts of moringa (root, leaf, and fruit) reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) release in a dose-dependent manner. The moringa fruit extract most effectively inhibited LPS-induced NO production and levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The moringa fruit extract also was shown to suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, moringa fruit extract inhibited the cytoplasmic degradation of I κ B -α and the nuclear translocation of p65 proteins, resulting in lower levels of NF -κ B transactivation. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that moringa fruit extract reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators including NO , IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 via the inhibition of NF -κ B activation in RAW264.7 cells. These findings reveal, in part, the molecular basis underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa fruit extract.

Effect of age and stage of endometriosis on ovarian follicular loss during laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma

To identify the risk factors associated with inadvertent follicular loss during laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma.

Ovarian mixed germ cell tumor in a patient with 45,X/46,X,+mar mosaic Turner's syndrome

We report a case that mixed germ cell tumor developed in an 18-year-old girl with 45,X/46,X,+mar mosaic Turner`s syndrome. Molecular biological studies showed that the patient`s DNA contained a fragment of Y chromosome. The patient underwent an operation and chemotherapy, and until now there is no evidence of recurrence. A presence of Y chromosome component should be evaluated in case a marker chromosome is found in a woman with Turner`s syndrome.