Young-Ran Heo

New role of irisin in hepatocytes: The protective effect of hepatic steatosis in vitro

Irisin is a newly identified myokine related to exercise and the browning of white fat. Recently, it was reported that irisin serum levels are associated with intrahepatic triglyceride content, suggesting that it might have an important role in the liver. The aim of this study was to determine the role of irisin in hepatocytes. Specifically, the effect of recombinant irisin on palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipogenesis and its related signal pathways were examined in AML12 cells and mouse primary hepatocytes. In the present study, we observed the presence of irisin inside the cells in response to the treatment of recombinant irisin by flow cytometry and cell imaging technique. Recombinant irisin significantly inhibited the PA-induced increase in lipogenic markers ACC and FAS at the mRNA and protein levels, and prevented the PA-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Additionally, irisin inhibited the PA-induced increase in the expression, nuclear localization, and transcriptional activities of the master regulators of lipogenesis (LXRα and SREBP-1c). Moreover, irisin attenuated PA-induced oxidative stress, which was confirmed by measuring the expression of inflammatory markers (NFκB, COX-2, p38 MAPK, TNF, IL-6) and superoxide indicator (dihydroethidium). The preventive effects of irisin against lipogenesis and oxidative stress were mediated by the inhibition of protein arginine methyltransferase-3 (PRMT3). These findings suggested that irisin might have a beneficial role in the prevention of hepatic steatosis by altering the expression of lipogenic genes and attenuating oxidative stress in a PRMT3 dependent manner.

Contemporary Issues Surrounding Folic Acid Fortification Initiatives

The impact of folate on health and disease, particularly pregnancy complications and congenital malformations, has been extensively studied. Mandatory folic acid fortification therefore has been implemented in multiple countries, resulting in a reduction in the occurrence of neural tube defects. However, emerging evidence suggests increased folate intake may also be associated with unexpected adverse effects. This literature review focuses on contemporary issues of concern, and possible underlying mechanisms as well as giving consideration the future direction of mandatory folic acid fortification. Folate fortification has been associated with the presence of unmetabolized folic acid (PteGlu) in blood, masking of vitamin B12 deficiency, increased dosage for anti-cancer medication, photo-catalysis of PteGlu leading to potential genotoxicity, and a role in the pathoaetiology of colorectal cancer. Increased folate intake has also been associated with twin birth and insulin resistance in offspring, and altered epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance. Although limited data exists to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying these issues, elevated blood folate level due to the excess use of PteGlu without consideration of an individual’s specific phenotypic traits (e.g. genetic background and undiagnosed disease) may be relevant. Additionally, the accumulation of unmetabolized PteGlu may lead to inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and other enzymes. Concerns notwithstanding, folic acid fortification has achieved enormous advances in public health. It therefore seems prudent to target and carefully monitor high risk groups, and to conduct well focused further research to better understand and to minimize any risk of mandatory folic acid fortification.

Application and evaluation of the MLVA typing assay for the Brucella abortus strains isolated in Korea

BackgroundA Brucella eradication program has been executed in Korea. To effectively prevent and control brucellosis, a molecular method for genetic identification and epidemiological trace-back must be established. As part of that, the MLVA typing assay was evaluated and applied to B. abortus isolates for analyzing the characteristics of the regional distribution and relationships of foreign isolates.ResultsA total of 177 isolates originating from 105 cattle farms for the period 1996 to 2008 were selected as representatives for the nine provinces of South Korea. A dendrogram of strain relatedness was constructed in accordance with the number of tandem repeat units for 17 loci so that it was possible to trace back in the restricted areas. Even in a farm contaminated by one source, however, the Brucella isolates showed an increase or decrease in one TRs copy number at some loci with high DI values. Moreover, those 17 loci was confirmed in stability via in-vitro and in-vivo passage, and found to be sufficiently stable markers that can readily identify the inoculated strain even if minor changes were detected. In the parsimony analysis with foreign Brucella isolates, domestic isolates were clustered distinctively, and located near the Central and Southern American isolates.ConclusionThe MLVA assay has enough discrimination power in the Brucella species level and can be utilized as a tool for the epidemiological trace-back of the B. abortus isolates. But it is important to consider that Brucella isolates may be capable of undergoing minor changes at some loci in the course of infection or in accordance with the changes of the host.

High-glucose-induced CARM1 expression regulates apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelial cells via histone 3 arginine 17 dimethylation: Role in diabetic retinopathy

Hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is considered to be involved in the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Histone arginine methylation catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) has emerged as an important histone modification involved in gene regulation. However, the role of PRMTs in diabetic retinopathy has not been elucidated. Here, we found that expression of coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1; also known as PRMT4) was increased in the high-glucose treated human RPE cell line ARPE-19 and in the RPE layer of streptozotocin-treated rats. In addition, high-glucose induced apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells. To determine the function of CARM1 on RPE cell apoptosis, we performed gain- and loss-of-function studies. CARM1 overexpression increased apoptosis of RPE cells. In contrast, silencing of CARM1 expression by siRNA and pharmacological inhibition of CARM1 activity abolished high-glucose-induced RPE cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of histone 3 arginine 17 (H3R17) asymmetric dimethylation attenuates both CARM1- and high-glucose-induced apoptosis in RPE cells. Together, these results show that high-glucose-induced CARM1 expression increases RPE cell apoptosis via H3R17 asymmetric dimethylation. Strategies to reduce CARM1 expression or enzymatic activity could be used to prevent apoptosis of RPE cells in the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

The development of a selective medium for the Brucella abortus strains and its comparison with the currently recommended and used medium.

The Brucella spp. are fastidious and relatively slow-growing organisms. The isolation of such strains in a variety of specimens often requires the use of a selective medium to reduce or eliminate the growth of unexpected microorganisms. The modified Brucella selective (MBS) medium, which contains improved antibiotic mixtures, erythritol as the only carbon source, and neutral red as a pH indicator, showed good selectivity for the Brucella abortus strains, including the RB51 vaccine strain. Erythritol in the MBS medium was able to promote and/or recover the delayed growth of the B. abortus strains through the antibiotic mixtures. The Brucella colonies, which assumed a pinkish color at their central part, were easily differentiated from other organisms. The MBS medium also allows the isolation of the Brucella strains even in contaminated specimens and/or in specimens containing small numbers of viable organisms. Moreover, this medium can be applied to environmental samples for the isolation of the Brucella strains, and it can thus offer epidemiologic traceback sources for the dissemination or transfer of diseases. Therefore, the MBS medium can be applied as a useful tool of important control measures in the eradication programs.

Optimization of far-infrared vacuum drying conditions for Miang leaves (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) using response surface methodology

Far-infrared (FIR) vacuum is an advanced drying technique that has recently been applied in food processing. Optimal drying conditions for processing tea from Miang leaves using FIR vacuum drying were investigated. Response surface methodology with a central composite design was used to design, analyze, and predict the optimal time and temperature conditions for FIR vacuum drying, taking into account the physicochemical properties of Miang leaves. When the temperature increased from 50 to 65°C and the time from 60 to 120 min, the amount of epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and total catechins significantly (p<0.05) increased while the moisture content and water activity significantly (p<0.05) decreased, compared with controls. The physicochemical properties of dried Miang leaves were significantly (p>0.05) influenced by time and temperature, compared with controls. Drying conditions of 65°C for 120 min are recommended for optimization of drying.

A new Brucella canis species-specific PCR assay for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, and the development of a rapid, accurate, and widely available identification method is essential for diagnosing this disease. In this study, we developed a new Brucella canis species-specific (BcSS) PCR assay and evaluated its specificity and sensitivity. A specific PCR primer set was designed based on the BCAN_B0548-0549 region in chromosome II of B. canis. The PCR detection for B. canis included amplification of a 300-bp product that is, not found on other Brucella species or, genetically or serologically related bacteria. The detection limit of BcSS-PCR assay was 6pg/μl by DNA dilution, or 3×10(3) colony-forming units (CFU) in the buffy coats separated from whole blood experimentally inoculated with B. canis. Using the buffy coat in this PCR assay resulted in approximately 100-times higher sensitivity for B. canis as compared to detect directly from whole blood. This is the first report of a species-specific PCR assay to detect B. canis, and the new assay will provide a valuable tool for the diagnosis of B. canis infection.