• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.40-49
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• 2018

We evaluated the antioxidant activity and neuronal cell-protective effect of fucoidan extract from Ecklonia cava (FEC) on hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced cytotoxicity in PC-12 and MC-IXC cells to assess its protective effect against oxidative stress. Antioxidant activities were examined using the ABTS radical scavenging activity and malondialdehyde-inhibitory effect, and the results showed that FEC had significant antioxidant activity. Intracellular ROS contents and neuronal cell viability were investigated using the DCF-DA assay and MTT reduction assay. FEC also showed remarkable neuronal cell-protective effect compared with vitamin C as a positive control for both $H_2O_2$-treated PC-12 and MC-IXC cells. Based on the neuronal cell-protective effects, mitochondrial function was analyzed in PC-12 cells, and FEC significantly restored mitochondrial damage by increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) and ATP levels and regulating mitochondrial-mediated proteins (p-AMPK and BAX). Finally, the inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is a critical hydrolyzing enzyme of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the cholinergic system, were investigated ($IC_{50}$ value = 1.3 mg/ml) and showed a mixed (competitive and noncompetitive) pattern of inhibition. Our findings suggest that FEC may be used as a potential material for alleviating oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage by regulating mitochondrial function and AChE inhibition.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2009

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of Yukmijihwangtang on cerebral ischemia-induced learning and memory impairment by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats. Methods: The ability of learning and memory of rats was measured using the eight-arm radial maze and the passive avoidance test, and profile of cholinergic neuron was assessed in the medial septum and hippocampus region by immuno-histochemistry. Results: 1. No differences were found between groups in the number of correct choices in acquisition performance during the eight-arm radial maze task. 2. No differences were found between groups on day 1 in the error rate in acquisition performance, which is defined as the number of enters into the same arm more than once within five minutes. After 5 to 6 days of test, the number of errors was significantly reduced in the Yukmijihwangtang group (forebrain ischemia group with Yukmijihwangtang treatment), compared with the ischemia group. 3. The memory processes significantly improved in the Yukmijihwangtang group according to results of the passive avoidance test. 4. The appearance of AchE (acetylcholinesterase) in the CA1 region of hippocampus significantly decreased in the ischemia group, compared with the sham group (untreated group). The appearance of AchE in the same region significantly increased in the Yukmijihwangtang group, compared with the ischemia group. 5. The appearance of ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and medial septum decreased in the ischemia group, compared with the sham group. The appearance of ChAT in the same region significantly increased in the Yukmijihwangtang group, compared with the ischemia group Conclusions: This study provides evidence that Yukmijihwangtang is effective for reviving the ability of learning and memory and damaged neurons in rats with experimental cerebral ischemia.

• The Journal of Natural Sciences
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2007

Three kinds of plant fermentation broths and one liquor were prepared using persimmon, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica and barley, and investigated its physiological functionality. Anti-aging antioxidants activity was the highest of 99% in Ulmus dacidiana bar. japonica liquor and also was high in the persimmon vinegar(68.3 %). SOD-like activity show also 80.6% in the Ulmus davidiana var japonica liquor however the other fermentation broths were less 25%. Antihypertensive angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and fibrinolytic activity were weak or not detected in all the fermentation broths. Anti-dementia acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity were showed 54.7% in the Ulmus davidiana var. japonica liquor. Our results showed that the Ulmus davidana var. japonica liquor has the potential to become a new functional liquor because of high antioxidant activity and anti-dementia activity.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.3224-3226
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• 2014

A new androstane derivative, $4{\beta}$-methyl-15-oxa-$14{\beta}$-androstane-7-ene-$4{\alpha}$-carboxylic acid (1) and a known one $4{\beta}$-methyl-15-oxa-$14{\beta}$-androstane-7-ene-$4{\alpha}$-hydroxyl (2) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the cultures of the fungus Marasmiellus ramealis (Bull.) Singer. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as MS spectroscopic data analysis. The inhibitory activity of two isolates against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) revealed that compound 1 exhibited definitely inhibitory activity.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.331-337
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• 2008

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from leakage of fossil fuels and incomplete combustion of organic materials have been considered as harmful contaminants in environments. This study evaluated the effect of benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), one of the PAHs, using the multiple biomarkers and applied the integration model with those biomarker responses. After 10 days of the exposure at the measured concentrations of BkF (6, 25, and 45 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$), the changes of the four biomarkers, that is, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), DNA single-strand breaks (Comet), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and vitellogenin (VTG) in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were observed. The standardized values of four biomarker responses were computed and integrated as star plots, representing Integrated Biomarker Respnse (IBR) values. DNA damage was induced in a dose-dependent manner, and increased significantly compared with that in the control. EROD and VTG levels were significantly elevated at low concentrations of BkF. On the other hand, AChE activities were not altered by BkF. IBR values increased as the exposure concentrations increased. Thus, the metabolic, endocrine and genetic changes of the biomarker responses in the common carp exposed to BkF should be considered in the case of the ecological risk assessment of the BkF in fish and it can be used as a biomonitoring tool in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, star plots can be used as a useful analysis tool in multibiomarker integration approach.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.691-696
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• 2011

In order to the neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture (EA), the present study examined the effects of electroacupuncture inacupoint ST36 (Stomach 36) on trimethyltin chloride (TMT)-induced cognitive impairments rat using the Morris water maze (MWM) task and immunohistochemistry staining. The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: naive rat (Normal), TMT injection rat (Control), TMT injection + EA treated rat inacupoint ST36 (ST36) and TMT injection + EA treated rat in non-acupoint, base of tail (Non-AC). Electroacupuncture (2Hz, 2mA, and 10 minutes)was applied either to the acupuncture point ST36 or the nonacupuncture point in the tail for the last 14 days. In the water maze test, the animals were trained to find a platform in a fixed position during 4d and then received 60s probe trial on the $5^{th}$ day following removal of platform from the pool. Rats with TMT injection showed impaired learning and memory of the tasks and treatment with EA in acupoint ST36 (P<0.05) produced a significant improvement in escape latency to find the platform after $2^{nd}$ day and retention trial in the Morris water maze. Consistent with behavioral data, treatment with EA in acupoint ST36 also significantly increased expression of Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus compared to the Control group. These results demonstrated that EA in acupoint ST36 has a protective effect against TMT-induced neuronal and cognitive impairments. The present study suggests that EA in acupoint ST36 might be useful in the treatment of TMT-induced learning and memory deficit.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.284-295
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• 2024

Chemical agents are classified according to their mechanism of toxicity into categories such as nerve agents, choking agents, blood agents, blister agents, etc. Among them, nerve agents cause toxic symptoms by binding with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the body, which breaks down neurotransmitters, thus disrupting the autonomic nervous system. In severe cases, this can lead to death, making it a critical chemical agent. Therefore, once it has penetrated into the human body, it is important to detoxify it swiftly. Antidotes used for detoxification include chemical medicines such as pretreatment agents, post-treatment agents, anticonvulsants, and bioscavengers. This review will address the uses, forms, components, and principles of detoxification of nerve agent antidotes and the association with bioscavengers.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.192-198
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• 2015

This study was performed in order to analyze the fibrinolytic, thrombin inhibitory, anti-oxidative, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, and immuno-enhancing activities of the water extract and solvent fractions isolated from Grifola frondosa. Fibrinolytic activity was analyzed using the fibrin plate method, and thrombin inhibitory activity was assayed using the substrate H-D-Phe-piparg- pna. Anti-oxidative activity was estimated using the DPPH assay, and AChE inhibitory activity was measured using the spectrophotometric method. Immuno-enhancing activity was examined using the nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Cell viability was determined using the MTS assay. Fibrinolytic activities were the highest in water extract (1.55 plasmin units/mL) followed by water fraction (0.85 plasmin units/mL). The thrombin inhibitory activities of the water and ethyl acetate fractions were determined to be 76.43% and 72.59%, respectively. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of chloroform and hexane fractions exhibited values of 95.14% and 94.74%, respectively. The butanol fraction showed the highest anti-oxidative activity at 94.47%. Anti-proliferating activity against Raw 264.7 cells showed no cytotoxicity. The production of NO in Raw 264.7 cells increased up to 2-fold by adding the water fraction compared to the untreated control. These results suggest that Grifola frondosa may serve as a useful functional food for the enhancement of immune function and the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 1995

This study was carried out to compare the acute toxicity(96hr) of 13 chemicals to carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and israeli carp (Cyprinus israeli carpio L.) and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in israeli carp exposed to five insecticides (diazinon, malathion, carbofuran, cartap, methomyl). $LC_{50}$ values of acute toxicity of the chemicals to israeli carp were endosulfan 0.0061ppm, captafol 0.041ppm, chlorothalonil 0.073ppm, butachlor 0.48ppm, captan 0.14ppm, carbofuran 1.13ppm, cartap 1.15ppm, diazinon 1.35ppm, nitrofen 3.72ppm, methomyl 4.39ppm, propanil 10.61ppm, malathion 11.78ppm and isoprothiolane 12.81ppm. The acute toxicity of endosulfan 0.0061ppm was 2100 times higher than that of isoprothiolane 12.81ppm. $LC_{50}$ values of acute toxicity of the chemicals to carp were endosulfan 0.0026ppm, captafol 0.062ppm, chlorothalonil 0.078ppm, captan 0.14ppm, and butachlor 0.47ppm, carbofuran 0.52ppm, nitrofen 0.58ppm, diazinon 0.81ppm, cartap 0.82ppm, methomyl 5.03ppm, propanil 10.67ppm, malathion 11.92ppm, and isoprothiolane 13.20ppm. The acute toxicity of endosulfan was 5,000 times higher than that of isoprothiolane. The toxicity of diazinon, carbofuran, cartap, endosulfan, and nitrofen to carp was approximately 2-6 times as high as that to israeli carp, but the toxicity of malathion, methomyl and captafol to israeli carp was slightly higher than that to carp. AchE activity was inhibited by 31% and 52% after 96hr’s exposure of israeli carp to diazinon and malathion respectively. GST activity in israeli carp was significantly induced by methomyl exposure for 96 hr.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.62-68
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• 2012

This study evaluated the screening level assessment of ecological health using four biomarkers and four bioindicators of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus as a indicator species in agricultural area of South Korea during May-June 2011. The endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) indicators, such as vitellogenin (VTG) and gonado-somatic index (GSI), were not significantly changed in the agricultural site (p>0.05), indicating no effects. The biomarkers and bioindicators were compared between two sites of reference site (RS) and the agricultural site (AS) for screening assessment of ecological health. The ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and DNA damage were significantly changed in the AS compared with the RS (p<0.05). But the individual level bioindicators such as condition factor (CF), hepato-somatic index (HSI), and gonado-somatic index (GSI) were not significantly different from reference site (RS). These results may indicate impairments of ecological health by toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. Current this study is based on screening assessment of biochemical and individual level biomarkers and bioindicators, so further study is required additional biomarkers and population or community level bioindicators for more specific health assessments in agricultural areas.