• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7527-7532
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• 2014

Saussurea involucrata is a Mongolian medicinal plant well known for its effects in promoting blood circulation, and anti-inflammation and analgesic functions. Earlier studies reported that Saussurea involucrata has anticancer activity. The purpose of this study was to confirm the anticancer activity of an ethanol extract of Saussurea involucrata against hepatic cancer and elucidate its mechanisms of action. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity, AO/EB staining for apoptotic cells, apoptotic DNA fragmentation and cell cycle distribution in response to Saussurea involucrata extract (SIE). The mRNA expression of caspase-3,-9 and Cdk2 and protein expression of caspase-3,-9, PARP, XIAP, Cdk2 and p21 were analyzed through real time PCR and Western blotting. Treatment with SIE inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation dose- and time-dependently, but SIE only exerted a modest cytotoxic effect on a viability of Chang human liver cells. Cells exposed to SIE showed typical hallmarks of apoptotic cell death. Cell cycle analysis revealed that SIE caused G1-phase arrest in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, Saussurea involucrata ethanol extract has potential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Its mechanism of action might be associated with the inhibition of DNA synthesis, cell cycle (G1) arrest and apoptosis induction through up-regulation of the protein expressions of caspase-3,-9 a nd p21, degradation of PARP and down-regulation of the protein expression of Cdk2 and XIAP.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.1276-1281
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• 2013

An in vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of methylcellulose on the attachment of major cellulolytic bacteria on rice straw and its digestibility. Rice straw was incubated with ruminal mixture with or without 0.1% methylcellulose (MC). The attachment of F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens and R. albus populations on rice straw was measured using real-time PCR with specific primer sets. Methylcellulose at the level of 0.1% decreased the attachment of all three major cellulolytic bacteria. In particular, MC treatment reduced (p<0.05) attachment of F. succinogenes on rice straw after 10 min of incubation while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in attachment was not observed until 4 h incubation in the case of R. flavefaciens and R. albus. This result indicated F. succinogenes responded to MC more sensitively and earlier than R. flavefaciens and R. albus. Dry matter digestibility of rice straw was subsequently inhibited by 0.1% MC, and there was a significant difference between control and MC treatment (p<0.05). Incubated cultures containing MC had higher pH and lower gas production than controls. Current data clearly indicated that the attachment of F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens and R. albus on rice straw was inhibited by MC, which apparently reduced rice straw digestion.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2012.05a
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• pp.55.2-55.2
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• 2012

Intensive theoretical and experimental studies have been carried out at Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) on controlling the bio absorbing rate of the Mg alloys with high mechanical strength through tailoring of electrochemical potential. Key technology for retarding the corrosion of the Mg alloys is to equalize the corrosion potentials of the constituent phases in the alloys, which prevented the formation of Galvanic circuit between the constituent phases resulting in remarkable reduction of corrosion rate. By thermodynamic consideration, the possible phases of a given alloy system were identified and their work functions, which are related to their corrosion potentials, were calculated by the first principle calculation. The designed alloys, of which the constituent phases have similar work function, were fabricated by clean melting and extrusion system. The newly developed Mg alloys named as KISTUI-MG showed much lower corrosion rate as well as higher strength than previously developed Mg alloys. Biocompatibility and feasibility of the Mg alloys as orthopedic implant materials were evaluated by in vitro cell viability test, in vitro degradation test of mechanical strength during bio-corrosion, in vivo implantation and continuous observation of the implant during in vivo absorbing procedures. Moreover, the cells attached on the Mg alloys was observed using cryo-FIB (focused ion beam) system without the distortion of cell morphology and its organ through the removal of drying steps essential for the preparation of normal SEM/TEM samples. Our Mg alloys showed excellent biocompatibility satisfying the regulations required for biomedical application without evident hydrogen evolution when it implanted into the muscle, inter spine disk, as well as condyle bone of rat and well contact interface with bone tissue when it was implanted into rat condyle.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.265-275
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• 2017

The production of enzymes that help digestion, assimilation of essential nutrients, and prevent pathogenic bacteria are important for probiotics used in aquaculture. The objective of this study was to investigate enzyme activities for macromolecular organic matters and antimicrobial properties of the selected potential probiotics isolated from gut of surf clam (Tresus keenae) against well-known shellfish-pathogenic bacteria. Among 65 isolates from guts of 60 surf clams, seven Bacillus strains with outstanding degradation capability of macromolecule organic matter were selected as potential probiotics as follows: TKI01 (B. vietnamensis), TKI02, TKI26 (B. thuringiensis), TKI14, TKI32, TKI42 (B. amyloliquefaciens), and TKI18 (B. stratosphericus). After in vitro antimicrobial activity test was performed against five shellfish-pathogenic bacteria including Listonella anguillarum, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. splendidus, V. harveyi, V. tubiashii, PCR assay was performed to detect bacteriocin-producing strain. PCR results revealed that the five Bacillus strains possessed diverse bacteriocin genes including ericinA, coagulin, surfactin, iturin, bacyllomicin, fengycin, bacylisin, subtilin, and lantibiotics. In the present study, the selected seven Bacillus strains showed different enzyme activities according to types of macromolecule organic matters. And their antimicrobial activities varied based on the species of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, at least five Bacillus strains had genetic potential to produce several natural lipopeptide antibiotics that may help biological control of surf clam aquaculture. Therefore, mixed use of probiotics might show co-operative effect and increase the efficiency of probiotics rather than separate use. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on antimicrobial properties of Bacillus species isolated from surf clam.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.549-560
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• 2002

This study, including two in vitro experiments and an in vivo experiment were conducted to evaluate effects of Passtein$^{(R)}$ on crude protein degradability, ruminal fermentation characteristics and nutrient digestibility. In in vitro experiment protein degradability was examined using borate-phosphate buffer and neutral detergent, and using protease from Stroptomyces griseus at 39$^{\circ}C$ for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 48 h. In addition, an in vivo experiment was conducted in a switch back design and ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility were determined. Four ruminal-fistulated Holstein cows weighing 300kg in mean body weight randomly allotted to 2 treatments (control and Passtein$^{(R)}$ supplementation). Although there was no significant difference on protein fraction between treatments, it appears that Passtein$^{(R)}$ supplementation decreased buffer soluble protein fraction compared to control. Protein degradability was not affected by Passtein$^{(R)}$ from 0 h to 4 h, but decreased at 12 h and 48 h compared to control. Degradation of immediately degradable fraction was higher in Passtein$^{(R)}$ treatment, but degradation of fermentable fraction was lower in Passtein$^{(R)}$ treatment compared to control. The pH and $NH_3$-N concentration tended to increase in Passtein$^{(R)}$ treatment, but VFA production, microbial counts and enzyme activity tended to decrease in Passtein$^{(R)}$ treatment compared to control. In addition, nutrient digestibility in the total tract tended to increase in Passtein$^{(R)}$ treatment compared to control.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5747-5751
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• 2014

Background: Coptisine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptidis rhizoma, has many biological activities such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antiviral actions. However, whether coptisine exerts anti-cancer metastasis effects remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Effects of coptisine on highly metastatic human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 proliferation were evaluated by trypan blue assay and on cell adhesion, migration and invasion by gelatin adhesion, wound-healing and matrigel invasion chamber assays, respectively. Expression of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-9, MMP-2 and their specific inhibitors tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: Coptisine obviously inhibited adhesion to an ECM-coated substrate, wound healing migration, and invasion through the matrigel in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. RT-PCR revealed that coptisine reduced the expression of the ECM degradation-associated gene MMP-9 at the mRNA level, and the expression of TIMP-1 was upregulated in MDA-MB-231 cells, while the expression of MMP-2 and its specific inhibitor TIMP-2 was not affected. Conclusions: Taken together, our data showed that coptisine suppressed adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro, the down-regulation of MMP-9 in combination with the increase of TIMP-1 possibly contributing to the anti-metastatic function. Coptisine might be a potential drug candidate for breast cancer therapy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.197-205
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• 2013

An in vitro study was conducted to determine the effects of defaunation (removal of protozoa) and forage sources (rice straw, ryegrass and tall fescue) on ruminal fermentation characteristics, methane ($CH_4$) production and degradation by rumen microbes. Sodium lauryl sulfate, as a defaunation reagent, was added into the mixed culture solution to remove ruminal protozoa at a concentration of 0.375 mg/ml. Pure cellulose (0.64 g, Sigma, C8002) and three forage sources were incubated in the bottle of culture solution of mixed rumen microbes (faunation) or defaunation for up to 24 h. The concentration of ammonia-N was high under condition of defaunation compared to that from faunation in all incubations (p<0.001). Total VFA concentration was increased at 3, 6 and 12 h (p<0.05~p<0.01) but was decreased at 24 h incubation (p<0.001) under condition of defaunation. Defaunation decreased acetate (p<0.001) and butyrate (p<0.001) proportions at 6, 12 and 24 h incubation times, but increased propionate (p<0.001) proportion at all incubation times for forages. Effective degradability of dry matter was decreased by defaunation (p<0.001). Defaunation not only decreased total gas (p<0.001) and $CO_2$ (p<0.01~0.001) production at 12 and 24 h incubations, but reduced $CH_4$ production (p<0.001) at all incubation times for all forages. The $CH_4$ production, regardless of defaunation, in order of forage sources were rice straw > tall fescue > ryegrass > cellulose (p<0.001) up to 24 h incubation.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.69-73
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• 2005

To overcome the main disadvantages of non-viral gene delivery systems such as repeated administration due to the low transfection efficiency, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) was applied to encapsulate pDNA in its microsphere formulation. Free pDNA or various ratios (w/w) of chitosan/pDNA complexes was used for encapsulation, with the resulting encapsulation efficiency of 44%, 5%, and 8% for free pDNA, 0.7:1 and 1:1 ratios, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating pDNA or chitosan-condensed pDNA revealed a smooth spherical shape immediately after microsphere preparation and a collapsed porous shape in 41 days due to the degradation of PLGA. In vitro release profile showed that the 0.7:1 (w/w) ratio formulation exerted 47% release in 26 days, whereas free pDNA or 1:1 (w/w) ratio formulation did only 15% or 32%, respectively.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.700-709
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rd is a natural compound with promising neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not well-understood. In this study, we explored whether ginsenoside Rd exerts protective effects on cerebral endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment and its potential docking proteins related to the underlying regulations. Method: Commercially available primary human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMECs) were used for in vitro OGD/R studies. Cell viability, pyroptosis-associated protein expression and tight junction protein degradation were evaluated. Molecular docking proteins were predicted. Subsequent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology was utilized for validation. Flow cytometry was performed to quantify caspase-1 positive and PI positive (caspase-1+/PI+) pyroptotic cells. Results: Ginsenoside Rd treatment attenuated OGD/R-induced damage of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in vitro. It suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation (increased expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and GSDMD-N terminal (NT)) and subsequent cellular pyroptosis (caspase-1+/PI + cells). Ginsenoside Rd interacted with SLC5A1 with a high affinity and reduced OGD/R-induced sodium influx and potassium efflux in HBMECs. Inhibiting SLC5A1 using phlorizin suppressed OGD/R-activated NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in HBMECs. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rd protects HBMECs from OGD/R-induced injury partially via binding to SLC5A1, reducing OGD/R-induced sodium influx and potassium efflux, thereby alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.128-138
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• 2002

1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU, Carmustine)-loaded poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA, lactide/glycolide mole ratio 75 : 25) microparticles were prepared and fabricated into wafers in an attempt to study the possibility for the treatment of malignant glioma by direct inserting the wafers to the tumor or the cavity remained after surgical resection of the tumor. SEM observation of the microparticles prepared by spray drying method revealed that the microparticles were spherical, i. e. microspheres. Significant reduction of the crystallinity of BCNU encapsulated in PLGA was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses of the BCNU-loaded PLGA microparticles. Release pattern of BCNU was dependent on several preparation parameters, such as the molecular weight and concentration of PLGA, and initial BCNU loading amount, etc. In vitro release of BCNU was prolonged over 8 weeks with close to zero-order release pattern after initial burst effect. Observations of morphological change of wafers and pH change of release media during release test period confirmed that hydration and degradation of PLGA would be facilitated with an increase of BCNU-loading amount.