• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.663-672
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• 2016

The Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is an annual plant distributed in China and Korea. The fruit of C. monnieri is used as a medicinal herb that is effective for the treatment of carbuncle and pain in female genitalia. However, the anti-cancer effects of CME have not yet been reported. In this study, we assessed the apoptotic effects and cell cycle arrest effects of ethanol extracts from C. monnieri on HCT116 colon cancer cells. The results of an MTT assay and LDH assay demonstrated a decrease in cell viability and the cytotoxic effects of CME. In addition, the number of apoptotic body and the apoptotic rate were increased in a dose-dependent manner through Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining. In addition, cell cycle arrest occurred at the G1 phase by CME. Protein kinase B (Akt) plays an important role in cancer cell survival, growth, and division. Akt down-regulates apoptosis-mediated proteins, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p53, and Glycogen Synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). CME could regulate the expression levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-GSK-3β, Bcl-2 family members, caspase-3, and PARP. Furthermore, treatment with CME, LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor), BIO (GSK-3β inhibitor), and Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) showed that apoptotic effects occurred through the regulation of the AKT/mTOR/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated CME could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116 colon cancer cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.8 s.88
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• pp.1039-1045
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• 2007

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequently occurring brain cancer. Although the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in GBM has been established, there is little evidence to explain the link between CSCs and chemoresistance. In this study, we investigated that only a few cells of A172 and established GBM2 survived after 1,3-bis(2chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BiCNU) exposures and these sur-vived cells resist the subsequent BiCNU treatment. In addition, these BiCNU-resistant small pop-ulations derived from GBM cells increased the phosphorylations of Erk and Akt and highly expressed CD133 stem cell surface marker. Furthermore, we observed that the BiCNU-resistant cancer cells de-rived from GBM have grown tumors when transplanted into severe combined immuno-deficient (SCID) mouse brain. These results demonstrate that BiCNU-resistant subpopulation cells derived from GBM have cancer stem-like cell properties. Therefore, it may provide provide further evidence that CSCs in GBM have chemotherapeutic drug resistance.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.383-393
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• 2008

Purpose: Cancer specific killing can be achieved by therapeutic gene activated by cancer specific promotor. Expression of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene causes transportation and concentration of iodide into the cell, therefore radioiodine treatment after NIS gene transfer to cancer cell could be a form of radionuclide gene therapy. luciferase (Luc) gene transfected cancer cell can be monitored by in vivo optical imaging after D-luciferin injection. Aims of the study are to make vector with both therapeutic NIS gene driven by AFP promoter and reporter Luc gene driven by CMV promoter, to perform hepatocellular carcinoma specific radiodiodine gene therapy by the vector, and assessment of the therapy effect by optical imaging using luciferase expression. Materials and Methods: A Vector with AFP promoter driven NIS gene and CMV promoter driven Luc gene (AFP-NIS-CMV-Luc) was constructed. Liver cancer cell (HepG2, Huh-7) and non liver cancer cell (HCT-15) were transfected with the vector using liposome. Expression of the NIS gene at mRNA level was elucidated by RT-PCR. Radioiodide uptake, perchlorate blockade, and washout tests were performed and bioluminescence also measured by luminometer in these cells. In vitro clonogenic assay with 1-131 was performed. In vivo nuclear imaging was obtained with gamma camera after 1-131 intraperitoneal injection. Results: A Vector with AFP-NIS-CMV-Luc was constructed and successfully transfected into HepG2, Huh-7 and HCT-15 cells. HepG2 and Huh-7 cells with AFP-NIS-CMV-Luc gene showed higher iodide uptake than non transfected cells and the higher iodide uptake was totally blocked by addition of perchlorate. HCT-15 cell did not showed any change of iodide uptake by the gene transfection. Transfected cells had higher light output than control cells. In vitro clonogenic assay, transfected HepG2 and Huh-7 cells showed lower colony count than non transfected HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, but transfected HCT-15 cell did not showed any difference than non transfected HCT-15 cell. Number of Huh-7 cells with AFP-NIS-CMV-Luc gene transfection was positively correlated with radioidine accumulation and luciferase activity. In vivo nuclear imaging with 1-131 was successful in AFP-NIS-CMV-Luc gene transfected Huh-7 cell xenograft on nude mouse. Conclusion: A Vector with AFP promoter driven NIS and CMV promoter driven Luc gene was constructed. Transfection of the vector showed liver cancer cell specific enhancement of 1-131 cytotoxicity by AFP promoter, and the effect of the radioiodine therapy can be successfully assessed by non-invasive luminescence measurement.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.551-556
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• 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity of goat meat hot water extracts and the changes in apoptosis-related protein expression levels in the cancer cells treated with these extracts. Goat meat hot water extracts were prepared using different cuts of goat meat, including foreleg, hindleg, loin, and rib. Among these extracts, the foreleg and hindleg extracts displayed higher (P<0.05) ABTS radical scavenging activity than the other two extracts. Protein expression levels of BAX, p53, and p21 were not different in the cells treated with the extracts from different cuts, regardless of the cell type. Only p53 expression in HT-29 cells was elevated (P<0.05) after loin extract treatment. These results suggest that antioxidant activity and apoptosis-related effects of goat meat hot water extract varied with cut of meat under in vitro conditions. Because all data was obtained from the in vitro experiment, the ability to generalize conclusions is limited. Additional in vivo studies are necessary.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.45-53
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• 2006

The objectives of this study are to determine the primary yield components responsible for yield differences in a subtropical environment of the Hunan province China and in a temperature environment of Honam province Korea. Field experiments were conducted in a subtropical environment in Hunan province China during 2002 and in a temperate environment in Honam province Korea during 2003. Seven rice cultivars were grown under optimum crop management in each experiment field. Yield, yield components and plant dry matter were determined at maturation. The highest yield (567 kg/10a) was produced at Honam province by Jinyou 207, a Chinese cultivar, The maximum yield at Hunan province was 453 kg/10a by Sanyou 63. On the average across cultivars, Honam produced 23% greater yields than Hunan. Sink size (spikelets per $m^2$) was responsible far these yield differences. Panicle number per $m^2$ was much greater at Honam.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.253-264
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• 2002

Background : It has been reported that the expression of protein which influences on the cell cycle is significantly involved in the development, progress, treatment response, and survival of cancer, and also that the degree of expression of p27 and CDK4 is related to the prognosis. Recent research has revealed that uteroglobin, tumor suppressor gene, is related to cell cycle. This study is focused on the relations between expression of proteins related to cell cycle and clinical index of and survival of NSCLC. Methods : We examined immunohistochemically specimens of 110 surgically resected NSCLCs for expression of p27, CDK, Uteroglobin. Tissue array slide were obtained from 110 surgically resected NSCLCs. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by immuno-peroxidase technique using avidin-biotinylated horseradish peroxidase complex. Results : In 110 patients with resected NSCLCs, the ratio of male to female was 87:13, the median age was $56.43{\pm}9.41$ yrs. The positive staining of p27 was detected in 75% of the cases. A non-statistically significant trend toward increased p27 expression was observed in smoker and squamous cell cancer. The positive staining of CDK4 was detected in 89%, which was the highest expression of protein among 3 types. The survival ratio of CDK4 negative staining group was higher than that of positive staining group, which was significant diffrernce(P<0.05). There was no association between p27 or uteroglobin expression and survival. Conclusion : The expression degree of CDK4 is related to the prognosis. This findings suggests that the measurement of CDK4 may be useful in identifying patient at high risk for disease recurrence and survival.

• 발명특허
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• v.31 no.9 s.363
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• pp.36-39
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• 2006

1% 가량 인간의 뇌세포를 보유한 쥐가 탄생했다는 기사가 있을 만큼 생명공학이 발달하고 있고, 의학이 발달함에 따라 난치병들도 그 치료방법을 찾아가고 있다는 반가운 소식이 종종 들린다. 그러나 그만큼 듣도 보도 못한 새로운 희귀병들이 속출하고 있고, 오랜 시간 인류에게 무서운 난치병, 암은 속시원한 치료법을 아직도 찾지 못한 채 여전히 그 위용을 떨치고 있다. 일상생활을 하며 너무나도 건강하게 살다가 그 징후가 느껴져 병원을 찾으면 이미 치료시기가 지나버리기도 하고, 정기검진을 받는 사람에게도 잦은 병으로 자리잡게 되었다. 또한 최근에는 어린 아이들에게도 소아암이라는 이름 아래 예외없이 발병률를 보이고 있다. 먹을거리의 오염과 바쁜 일상 속에서 그 누구에게나 찾아올 수 있는, 영원한 난치병 암백신의 개발은 현대인들에겐 영원히 풀어야 할 숙제인 것이다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.287-295
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• 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. The chemotherapeutic agents used to treat HCC patients are toxic and have serious side effects. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of anticancer drugs that reduce side effects by targeting tumor cells without causing cytotoxicity in healthy hepatocytes. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plant compounds, has emerged as a potential candidate for cancer treatment due to its diverse pharmacological properties. The effect of berberine on HepG2 cell viability was determined using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. HepG2 cell proliferation was determined through a colony-forming assay. The effects of berberine on HepG2 cell migration were evaluated using a wound-healing assay. Berberine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, as well as colony formation and migration. Berberine treatment increased the expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins, including Beclin-1 and LC3-II, and elevated the activities and mRNA expression of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. Additionally, in experiments utilizing the Cell-Derived Xenograft animal model, berberine treatment reduced tumor size and weight in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the potential of berberine as a versatile anticancer agent with efficacy in both cellular and animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings herein shed light on berberine's efficacy against HCC, presenting opportunities for targeted and personalized therapeutic interventions.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2008

Colored potatoes are an excellent source of dietary polyphenols including anthocyanins. Generally, anthocyanins from fruits and vegetables exhibit anti-carcinogenesis and anti-cancer properties in vitro test. This experiment was conducted to know the effects of colored potato extracts contained anthocyanins on antimutagenic activity and anticancer activity to six human cancer cell lines containing LNCaP (androgen-dependent) prostate cancer cells. Extracts of three colored potatoes ('Hongyoung', 'Jayoung' and 'Jasim') and the white potato ('Superior') cultivars were used in this study. The extracts of three colored potatoes inhibited the mutagenicities induced by direct mutagen such as 4-nitro-quinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) and another indirect mutagens of bezo(a)pyrene (BaP). Also, the extracts of 'Hoyoung' and 'Jayoung' showed higher antimutagenic activity than 'Jasim' and 'Superior' against to direct or indirect mutagen on both strains of TA98 and TA100. The activity of growth-inhibitory of extract of four potato cultivars were screened by SRB (sulphorhodamine B) method on diverse human cancer cells representing different types of cancers. Among the extract of four potato cultivars, the extract of 'Jasim' showed moderate inhibition on proliferation of LNCaP, ACHN and MOLT-4F cells and did not inhibit the proliferation of other cancer cells. On the other hand, extract of 'Superior' did not inhibit the proliferation of any tested cancer cell lines. However, the extracts of 'Hongyoung and Jayoung' inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells with $GI_{50}$ values ranging from 2.5 to $30\;{\mu}g/mL$. On the basis of the $GI_{50}$ values, it is clear that LNCaP cells were more sensitive to extracts of colored potato cultivars than other cancer cells. The extract of 'Jayoung' at $30\;{\mu}g/mL$ were more active and inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. This result revealed that the extracts of colored potatoes are expected to be good candidate for development into source of antimutagenic and anticancer agent.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.549-556
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• 2001

Background : IGF-I is an important mitogen in many types of malignancies. Tumors also express many IGF binding proteins, which modulate IGF action. The propose of this study was to evaluate the effect of IGF-I and IGFBP on cell proliferation in mouse lung cancer cells (3LL). Methods : The cellular proliferation of 3LL with the treatment of growth factors was evaluated using MTT assay. Western ligand blot was performed in order to determine whether 3LL cells secrete IGFBPs and we evaluated the effect of IGFBP on cellular proliferation. Results : The treatment of 3LL cells with IGF-I increased cellular proliferation in a serum free media. Western ligand blot of conditioned medium of 3LL with $^{125}I$-IGF-I demonstrated one single major band with an estimated molecular mass of 24 kDa. This band was identified as IGFBP-4 with immunoblot analysis using antisera. The addition of anti-IGFBP-4 antibody to abrogate the effect of IGFBP-4 resulted in increased cellular proliferation suggesting that IGFBP-4 inhibits cell growth. Conclusion : IGF-I increases cellular proliferation, however the secreted IGFBP-4 has an inhibitory function on cell growth in 3LL. These findings suggest that IGF-I and IGFBP are involved in the cell proliferation.