• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.321-329
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• 2023

Anaplastic thyroid cancer has the highest mortality rate of all thyroid cancers and shows low responsiveness to most treatments. Hongyoung, a reddish-colored potato, is an excellent source of dietary polyphenol containing a large amount of anthocyanins, which has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effects of Hongyoung extract on apoptosis and invasiveness in SNU-80 anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. The quantification of the total polyphenol content was done by spectrophotometric measurement. Cell growth was measured by using 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl) 2H tetrazolium, monosodium salt (MTS) assay. Cell cycle was analyzed through FACS analysis. Induction of apoptosis in cells was investigated by annexin V staining using flow cytometer and the expression of caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) through western blot. mRNA expression and protein activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2/-9 were examined by RT-PCR and zymography. As a result, the TPC of Hongyoung was 292.43±8.42 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g dry extract. Hongyoung showed a dose-dependent cell growth inhibition, and the IC₅₀ values was 1,000 ㎍/mL. sub-G1 phase was more than doubled compared to the control group, and S and G2/M phase arrest were also induced. Hongyoung induced apoptosis by increasing FITC-Annexin V-positive cells and increased the activation of caspase-3 (cleaved caspase-3) and PARP (fragmented PARP). Hongyoung significantly inhibited mRNA expression and protein activation of MMP-2/-9 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-treated SNU-80 cells. Therefore, this study suggests the possibility of development of Hongyoung extract as an anti-cancer agent.

• Mycobiology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.246-255
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• 2023

Genus Penicillium comprising the most important and extensively studied fungi has been well-known as a rich source of secondary metabolites. Our study aimed to analyze and investigate biological activities, including in vitro anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, of metabolites from a marine-derived fungus belonging to P. levitum. The chemical compounds in the culture broth of P. levitum strain N33.2 were extracted with ethyl acetate. Followingly, chemical analysis of the extract leaded to the isolation of three ergostane-type steroid components, namely cerevisterol (1), ergosterol peroxide (2), and (3β,5α,22E)-ergosta-6,8(14),22-triene-3,5-diol (3). Among these, (3) was the most potent cytotoxic against human cancer cell lines Hep-G2, A549 and MCF-7 with IC₅₀ values of 2.89, 18.51, and 16.47 ㎍/mL, respectively, while the compound (1) showed no significant effect against tested cancer cells. Anti-inflammatory properties of purified compounds were evaluated based on NO-production in LPS-induced murine RAW264.7 macrophages. As a result, tested compounds performed diverse inhibitory effects on NO production by the macrophages, with the most significant inhibition rate of 81.37±1.35% at 25 ㎍/mL by the compound (2). Interestingly, compounds (2) and (3) exhibited inhibitory activities against pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase enzymes in vitro assays. Our study brought out new data concerning the chemical properties and biological activities of isolated steroids from a P. levitum fungus.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.99-111
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• 2024

The antioxidant potentials of ethanolic extracts derived from Aster yomena (A. yomena) were evaluated by assessing their total phenolic and flavonoid contents and radical scavenging activities. Our findings revealed that the 60% ethanolic extract of A. yomena exhibited the most robust antioxidant properties among all extracts tested. Specifically, the IC₅₀ values for the 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities of the 60% ethanolic extract from A. yomena were determined to be 1,640.30 ㎍/mL and 2,655.10 ㎍/mL, respectively. Moreover, the inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde increased with the 60% ethanolic extract from A. yomena. To assess the neuroprotective effects, we examined the impact of the 60% ethanolic extract from A. yomena against H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity in HT-22 (mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line) and SK-N-MC (human neuroblastoma cell line) cells. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in cell viability and reduced intracellular oxidative stress. Furthermore, the major bioactive compounds present in the 60% ethanolic extract from A. yomena were identified as chlorogenic acid and rutin through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.764-777
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• 2023

Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are fusion proteins consisting of a targeting domain linked to a toxin, offering a highly specific therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this study, we engineered and characterized RITs aimed at mesothelin, a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in various malignancies. Through an extensive screening of a large nanobody library, four mesothelin-specific nanobodies were selected and genetically fused to a truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE24B). Various optimizations, including the incorporation of furin cleavage sites, maltose-binding protein tags, and tobacco etch virus protease cleavage sites, were implemented to improve protein expression, solubility, and purification. The RITs were successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli, achieving high solubility and purity post-purification. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on gastric carcinoma cell lines NCI-N87 and AGS revealed that Meso(Nb2)-PE24B demonstrated the highest cytotoxic efficacy, warranting further characterization. This RIT also displayed selective binding to human and monkey mesothelins but not to mouse mesothelin. The competitive binding assays between different RIT constructs revealed significant alterations in IC₅₀ values, emphasizing the importance of nanobody specificity. Finally, a modification in the endoplasmic reticulum retention signal at the C-terminus further augmented its cytotoxic activity. Our findings offer valuable insights into the design and optimization of RITs, showcasing the potential of Meso(Nb2)-PE24B as a promising therapeutic candidate for targeted cancer treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.1005-1010
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• 2008

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of four solvent fractions of Alnus firma on ${\alpha}-amylase$, ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ and aldose reductase activities. The inhibitory test showed that methanol (MeOH) extract and hexane (HX) fraction strongly inhibited pork pancreatin and salivary ${\alpha}-amylase$ activity. The MeOH extract and HX fraction of Alnus firma at the concentration of 4 mg/ml inhibited more than 70% of pancreatin and salivary ${\alpha}-amylase$ activity. The inhibitory effect of fractions has different specificities against ${\alpha}-amylase$ from pancreatin and salivary. In addition, the MeOH extract and butanol (BuOH) fraction showed the highest inhibitory activity on yeast ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ at values of $IC_{50}$ $137.36\;{\mu}g/ml$ and $115.14\;{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. The MeOH extract and BuOH fraction showed the highest inhibitory activity on yeast ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ than commercial agent such as 1-deoxynorjirimycin and acarbose. Inhibition kinetics of solvent fractions showed that ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ has been inhibited noncompetitively by the MeOH, EA and BuOH fraction. The aldose reductase from human muscle cell had been inhibited strongly by the MeOH extract and EA fraction at 57.996% and 83.293% at the concentration of $50\;{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. These findings may contribute to biological significance in that ${\alpha}-amylase$, ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ and aldose reductase inhibitory compounds could be used as a functional food and a drug for the symptomatic treatment of antidiabetic disease in the future.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.287-292
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• 2009

Human skin is constantly exposed to environmental irritants such as smoke, chemicals and ultraviolet (UV). Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by these environmental irritants play critical roles in cellular damage. In this study, to investigate the skin cell protective effect of Ophioglossum vulgatum extract, we investigated its effects on intercellular antioxidative activity and UVA-induced MMP expression in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The dried O. vulgatum was extracted in a mixture of ethanol and water (1 : 1) for 24 h at room temperature. The extract was filtered and concentrated in vacuo and lyophilized. For testing intracellular ROS scavenging activity the cultured HDFs were analyzed by increase in DCF fluorescence upon exposure to UVB $20\;mJ/cm^2$. After treatment of O. vulgatum extracts, intracellular ROS levels were measured by luminescence spectrophotometer. Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA), and RT-PCR techniques were used for evaluating the effects of O. vulgatumon on MMP protein and mRNA expression in UVA irradiated HDFs. O. vulgatum extract was found to have ROS scavenging activity with the $IC_{50}$ values of $18.2\;{\mu}g/mL$ against superoxide radicals in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system. After treatment of O. vulgatum extracts, the oxidation of CM-DCFDA was inhibited effectively and O. vulgatum extracts showed a potent free radical scavenging activity by 30.4 % at $100\;{\mu}g/mL$ in UVB-irradiated HDFs. UVA induced MMP protein expression was reduced 37.7 % by treatment with O. vulgatum extract, and MMP-1 mRNA expression was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that O. vulgatum extract prevents the skin cell damage induced by UV irradiation, and implies that O. vulgatum extract may be useful as a new ingredient for anti-aging cosmetics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2011

The solvent extracts of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara, which were extracted by using several solvents with different polarities, were performed to investigate the antioxidant activities, whitening effect and antimicrobial activity. The content of total polyphenol of fractions from Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara extract showed the highest value ($335.88{\pm}2.26$ mg/g GAE) on ethyl acetate fraction. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were 0.06 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL as $IC_{50}$ values on DPPH radical scavenging, and $99.16{\pm}0.09%$ and $89.29{\pm}0.64%$ on ABTS radical scavenging activity, respectively. Also, reducing power and FRAP value were significantly higher on ethyl acetate fraction. The SOD like activity showed $80.76{\pm}0.61%$ on ethyl acetate and $72.34{\pm}0.79%$ on n-butanol. Tyrosinase inhibition activities (at 5 mg/mL) were $59.08{\pm}0.98%$ on ethyl acetate fraction. The chloroform fraction showed the strongest antimicrobial activities against B. cereus (14 mm), B. subtilis (12.5 mm), S. aureus (10.8 mm), E. coli (20.7 mm) at 0.1 mg/disc and the inhibition zone diameter of ethyl acetate fraction was 17.2 mm against E. coli at 0.5 mg/disc. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of chloroform fraction against B. cereus and E. coli were 50 and $25{\mu}g$/mL, respectively. From these results, it is suggested that ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara could be used as functional material for food additive ingredient and chloroform fraction could be suitable for the development of a food preservative.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.239-245
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• 2016

This study was conducted to compare the functionality (antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-dementia activities) of the methanol extract of Allium hookeri root grown in Korea (KR) and Myanmar (MR). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of KR and MR were 5.27 and 4.80 mg GAE/g, and 0.35 and 0.24 mg QE/g, respectively. KR contained significantly higher levels of total polyphenols and total flavonoids than those of MR (p<0.05). The IC50 values of KR and MR were 6.53 and 5.31 mg/mL, respectively, for DPPH radical scavenging activity. However, KR had a significantly higher ABTS radical scavenging activity, $Fe^{2+}$ chelating ability, and reducing power compared with those of MR (p<0.05). In the evaluation of anti-diabetic activity, KR showed significantly higher ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibition activity than acarbose and MR at whole concentrations (p<0.05). KR and MR had acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities that of 51.44% and 44.33%, respectively, at a 50 mg/mL concentration. These results suggested that roots of A. hookeri, especially KR, could be useful in improving diabetic and dementia disorders due to their high antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-dementia activities.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.22 no.4 s.94
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• pp.428-437
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• 2006

To investigate the worth of herbs as functional food ingredients, the antioxidant activity of 15 kinds of herb mathanol extracts was evaluated. Green tea, chamomile, dandelion, and lemon vervena extracts, with IC$_{50}$ values of 1.45 g/100mL, 1.49 g/100mL, 1.50 g/100mL and 1.55 g/100mL, respectively, had significantly higher superoxide radical scavenging activity than any other herb extracts. Green tea and lemon vervena extracts, which had high radical scavenging activity, showed inhibition of cell proliferation in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79-4 cells). Most herb extracts, except for chamomile, fennel and dandelion enhanced cell viability against H$_2$O$_2$-induced oxidative damage in V79-4 cells. At a dose of 1600 ${\mu}$g/mL, lemon vervena, green tea, hawthorn and rosemary extracts showed a cell viability of more than 50% which was significantly higher than that of the control culture treated with only H$_2$O$_2$ Thus, the results suggest that some herb extracts exhibited a V79-4 cell protective effect. The investigation of the cellular antioxidant enzymes activities of the five selected herb extracts revealed that extracts of lemon vervena and chamomile dose-dependently increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity but that this increase was not significant. In conclusion, some natural herb extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.375-383
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• 2006

The anti platelet effects of a novel guanidine derivative, KR-32570 ([5-(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl) furan-2-ylcarbonyl]guanidine), were investigated with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying its inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. KR-32570 significantly inhibited the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by collagen $(10{\mu}g/mL)$, thrombin (0.05 U/mL), arachidonic acid $(100{\mu}M)$, a thromboxane (TX) $A_2$ mimetic agent U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9,11-methanoepoxy-prostaglandin $F_2,\;1{\mu}M$) and a $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin $(0.5{\mu}M)$ ($IC_{50}$ values: $13.8{\pm}1.8,\;26.3{\pm}1.2,\;8.5{\pm}0.9,\;4.3{\pm}1.7\;and\;49.8{\pm}1.4{\mu}M$, respectively). KR-32570 inhibited the collagen-induced liberation of $[^3H]$arachidonic acid from the platelets in a concentration dependent manner with complete inhibition being observed at $50{\mu}M$. The $TXA_2$ synthase assay showed that KR-32570 also inhibited the conversion of the substrate $PGH_2$ to $TXB_2$ at all concentrations. Furthermore, KR-32570 significantly inhibited the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization induced by collagen at $50{\mu}M$, which is the concentration that completely inhibits platelet aggregation. KR-32570 also decreased the level of collagen $(10{\mu}g/mL)$induced secretion of serotonin from the dense-granule contents of platelets, and inhibited the NHE-1-mediated rabbit platelet swelling induced by intracellular acidification. These results suggest that the antiplatelet activity of KR-32570 against collagen-induced platelet aggregation is mediated mainly by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid, $TXA_2$ synthase, the mobilization of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ and NHE-1.