Catholic University of Daegu

About: Catholic University of Daegu is a education organization based out in Gyeongsan-si, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Apoptosis. The organization has 2745 authors who have published 5670 publications receiving 80311 citations.

The Protective Effect of Apamin on LPS/Fat-Induced Atherosclerotic Mice.

Abstract: Apamin, a peptide component of bee venom (BV), has anti-inflammatory properties. However, the molecular mechanisms by which apamin prevents atherosclerosis are not fully understood. We examined the effect of apamin on atherosclerotic mice. Atherosclerotic mice received intraperitoneal (ip) injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 mg/kg) to induce atherosclerotic change and were fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. Apamin (0.05 mg/kg) was administered by ip injection. LPS-induced THP-1-derived macrophage inflammation treated with apamin reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and intracellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, as well as the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Apamin decreased the formation of atherosclerotic lesions as assessed by hematoxylin and elastic staining. Treatment with apamin reduced lipids, Ca2

Anti-fibrotic Effects of Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide for TGF-β1 and Smad in an Animal Model of Liver Cirrhosis.

Abstract: Liver fibrosis is characterized by changes in tissue architecture and extracellular matrix composition. Liver fibrosis affects not only hepatocytes but also the non-parenchymal cells such as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are essential for maintaining an intact liver structure and function. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that induces liver fibrosis through activation of Smad signaling pathways. To improve a new therapeutic approach, synthetic TGF-β1/Smad oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) was used to suppress both TGF-β1 expression and Smad transcription factor using a combination of antisense ODN and decoy ODN. The aims of this study are to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of TGF-β1/Smad ODN on simultaneous suppressions of both Smad transcription factor and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the hepatic fibrosis model in vitro and in vivo. Synthetic TGF-β1/Smad ODN effectively inhibits Smad binding activity and TGF-β1 expression. TGF-β1/Smad ODN attenuated the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of HSCs in TGF-β1-induced AML12 and HSC-T6 cells. TGF-β1/Smad ODN prevented the fibrogenesis and deposition of collagen in CCl4-treated mouse model. Synthetic TGF-β1/Smad ODN demonstrates anti-fibrotic effects that are mediated by the suppression of fibrogenic protein and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, synthetic TGF-β1/Smad ODN has substantial therapeutic feasibility for the treatment of liver fibrotic diseases.

The Network Structure of the Korean Blogosphere

Abstract: This paper examines Koreans' protests against U.S. beef imports by deconstructing online dynamics of news diffusion using data comprised of widely read blog entries created by Daum blog reporters between May and June 2008. The results indicate that Korean bloggers' political positions on U.S. beef imports were polarized, which ultimately influenced their network positions and the way news was diffused to them. Using a qualitative examination of bloggers' profiles, we found that bloggers who formed an independent group in order to run a collective blog, and journalists who worked in smaller media organizations contributed to enhancing citizen engagement with the issues at stake. Furthermore, we observed that there was a structural change in the online network between May and June. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Risk of Retinal Toxicity in Longterm Users of Hydroxychloroquine

Abstract: Objective. Several studies have reported risk factors for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinal toxicity, but data are limited for patients of Asian ancestry. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of and factors for HCQ retinal toxicity in the Korean population. Methods. There were 123 patients enrolled in this study who were using or had used HCQ. Retinal toxicity was detected using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, multifocal electroretinography, and automated visual field testing. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with HCQ retinal toxicity. Results. Mean duration of HCQ use and mean HCQ dose in study participants was 10.1 years and 6.4 mg/kg, respectively. We found 17 patients (13.8%) with HCQ retinal toxicity among 123 patients. Patients with retinal toxicity took HCQ ranging from 6.7–21.9 years and daily dosage ranging from 4.9–9.1 mg/kg. Only 1 patient had retinal toxicity among patients with daily dose Conclusion. HCQ retinal toxicity is associated with duration of HCQ use, daily HCQ dose, and presence of kidney disease. Proper dosing of maximum 5 mg/kg and regular screening according to risk factors are important in HCQ use.