• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1509-1519
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• 2011

The protective effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the antioxidant system under paraquat(PQ) stress was investigated in leaves of 8-week-old lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants. PQ stress caused a decrease of leaf growth including leaf length, width and weight. Application of NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), significantly alleviated PQ stress induced growth suppression. SNP permitted the survival of more green leaf tissue preventing chlorophyll content reduction and of higher quantum yield for photosystem II than in non-treated controls under PQ exposure, suggesting that NO has protective effect on chloroplast membrane in lettuce leaves. Flavonoids and anthocyanin were significantly accumulated in the leaves upon PQ exposure. However, the rapid increase of these compounds was alleviated in the SNP treated leaves. PQ treatment resulted in lipid peroxidation and induced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in the leaves, while SNP prevented PQ induced increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and $H_2O_2$. These results demonstrate that SNP serves as an antioxidant agent able to scavenge $H_2O_2$ to protect plant cells from oxidative damage. The activities of two antioxidant enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in lettuce leaves in the presence of NO donor under PQ stress were higher than those under PQ stress alone. Application of 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO), a specific NO scavenger, to the lettuce leaves arrested SNP mediated protective effect on leaf growth, photosynthetic pigment and antioxidant systems. However, PTIO had little effect on lettuce leaves under PQ stress compared with that of PQ stress alone. The obtained data suggest that the damage caused by PQ stress is in part due to increased generation of active oxygen by maintaining increased antioxidant enzyme activities and SNP protects plants from oxidative stress. From these results it is suggested that NO might act as a signal in activating active oxygen scavenging system that protects plants from oxidative damage induced by PQ stress and thus confer PQ tolerance.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2020

The biological activities of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) root extracts have been studied intensively, whereas there are limited number of studies on PG seed extract (PGSE). PGSE was prepared by ethanol extraction, and its antidiabetic effect was evaluated in mice with type 2 diabetes (C57BLKS/J-db/db). Results indicated that the administration of high-dose PGSE (600 mg/kg, wb) significantly stabilized the blood glucose levels, as evidenced by the results of the oral glucose tolerance test. Mice treated with high-dose PGSE exhibited significantly lower serum hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and leptin levels after eight weeks of feeding trial (p<0.05). High-dose PGSE administration significantly improved glucose uptake in the femoral muscle of db/db mice by activating both IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/AS160 and AMPK phosphorylation pathways. GLUT4 translocation from the cytosol to the plasma membrane increased 1.7-fold in the PGSE high-dose group. These results suggest that PGSE has potential for development as an antidiabetic agent.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.26-41
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• 2009

Objectives: The experiment was to estimate the value of Saengmaegsan as a therapeutic anti-aging agent with an analysis of ingredients and their bio-activating effects by enzymologic methods. Methods: We analyzed anti-aging effects of the ingredients of Saengmaegsan being Liriope Platyphylla, Schizandrae Chinensis, and Schizandrae Chinensis. Results: In Liriope Platyphylla and Schizandrae Chinensis, reducing sugar concentration was shown at the highest level. Of mineral contents, K+ and Na+ were the highest in Saengmaegsan and each ingredient also, and then Ca++ and Al. The amount of polyphenol showed was in order Schizandrae Chinensis > Saengmaegsan > Panax Ginseng > Liriope Platyphylla. The electron donating ability of Schizandrae Chinensis doubled that of Saengmaegsan and Panax Ginseng, at the same time that one per 1 ml in Saengmaegsan was significantly found the greatest level as compared to each single ingredient. SOD-like activity was high in Saengmaegsan and Schizandrae Chinensis. SOD-like activity of Saengmaegsan was higher than in single components. Nitric oxide inhibition in pH 1.2 was high in Saengmaegsan and Schizandrae Chinensis, and for per 1 ml it showed the same pattern as above. In pH 3.0 the result was not different from in pH 1.2. Xanthine oxidase inhibition was high in Schizandrae Chinensis and for per 1 ml showed the greatest activity in Liriope Platyphylla. Tyrosinase inhibition in Omija was the most noticeable, and for per 1 ml was Liriope Platyphylla more than any others. Conclusions: With this analysis of ingredients, it is proven that Saengmaegsan and each component fosters antioxidation. On the whole, the composite prescription Saengmaegsan was superior to each individual component.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2016

Adult hippocampal dentate granule neurons are generated from neural stem cells (NSCs) in the mammalian brain, and the fate specification of adult NSCs is precisely controlled by the local niches and environment, such as the subventricular zone (SVZ), dentate gyrus (DG), and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the main polyphenolic flavonoid in green tea that has neuroprotective activities, but there is no clear understanding of the role of EGCG in adult neurogenesis in the DG after neuroinflammation. Here, we investigate the effect and the mechanism of EGCG on adult neurogenesis impaired by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS-induced neuroinflammation inhibited adult neurogenesis by suppressing the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the DG, which was indicated by the decreased number of Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-, Doublecortin (DCX)- and Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN)-positive cells. In addition, microglia were recruited with activating TLR4-NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling in the adult hippocampus by LPS injection. Treating LPS-injured mice with EGCG restored the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs in the DG, which were decreased by LPS, and EGCG treatment also ameliorated the apoptosis of NSCs. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by LPS was attenuated by EGCG treatment through modulating the TLR4-NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway. These results illustrate that EGCG has a beneficial effect on impaired adult neurogenesis caused by LPS-induced neuroinflammation, and it may be applicable as a therapeutic agent against neurodegenerative disorders caused by inflammation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.22-27
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• 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that lung cancer stem cells express CD133 and that certain cancer stem cells express cancer germline antigens (CGAs). The transcriptional regulation of CD133 is complicated and poorly understood. We investigated CD133 and CGA expression in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line. Methods: The expression levels of CD133 and CGAs (MAGE-6, GAGE, SSX, and TRAG-3) were measured in an NCI-H292 lung cancer cell line. The methylation status of the CD133 gene promoter region was analyzed. The expression levels and promoter methylation statuses of CD133 and CGAs were confirmed by treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (ADC). Results: After treatment with ADC, CD133 expression was no longer detected. MAGE-6 and TRAG-3 were detected before ADC treatment, while GAGE and SSX were not detected. ADC treatment upregulated MAGE-6 and TRAG-3 expression, while GAGE expression was still undetected after treatment, and only weak SSX expression was observed. GAGE expression was not correlated with expression of CD133, while the levels of expression of MAGE-6, TRAG-3, and SSX were inversely correlated with CD133 expression. Conclusion: These results showed that CD133 expression can be regulated by methylation. Thus, the demethylation of the CD133 promoter may compromise the treatment of lung cancer by inactivating cancer stem cells and/or activating CGAs.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.220-225
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• 2012

To develop a ginseng product possessing an efficacy for diabetes, ginseng radix ethanol extract was treated with pectinase and obtained the GINST. In the present study, we evaluate the beneficial effect of GINST on high fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and action mechanism(s) in ICR mice. The mice were randomly divided into five groups: regular diet group (RD), high fat diet group (HFD), HFD plus GINST at 75 mg/kg (GINST75), 150 mg/kg (GINST150), and 300 mg/kg (GINST300). Oral glucose tolerance test reveals that GINST improves the glucose tolerance after glucose challenge. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels were decreased by 4.3% and 4.2% in GINST75, 10.9% and 20.0% in GINST150, and 19.6% and 20.9% in GINST300 compared to those in HFD control group. Insulin resistance indices were also markedly decreased by 8.2% in GINST75, 28.7% in GINST150, and 36.4% in GINST300, compared to the HFD control group. Plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acid levels in the GINST300 group were decreased by 13.5%, 22.7% and 24.1%, respectively, compared to those in HFD control group. Enlarged adipocytes of HFD control group were markedly decreased in GINST-treated groups, and shrunken islets of HFD control mice were brought back to near normal shape in GINST300 group. Furthermore, GINST enhanced phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). In summary, GINST prevents HFD-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia through reducing insulin resistance via activating AMPK-GLUT4 pathways, and could be a potential therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes.

• Carbon letters
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2014

Three activated carbons (ACs) were prepared using NaOH (N) as an activating agent. Hydrofluoric acid pre-leached rice husk was used as a precursor. After leaching, the precursor was washed with distilled water, dried, crushed, and then sieved; a size fraction of 0.3-0.5 mm was selected for carbonization in the absence of air at $600^{\circ}C$. The carbonization product (LC) was mixed with NaOH at ratios of 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 (wt of LC: wt of NaOH) and the produced ACs after activation at $800^{\circ}C$ were designated NLC21, NLC31, and NLC41, respectively. Surface and textural properties were determined using nitrogen adsorption at $-196^{\circ}C$, scanning electron microscopy images, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. These ACs were used as adsorbents for lead(II) from aqueous solutions. The effects of the textural properties and the chemistry of the carbon surfaces were investigated and the impact of the operation conditions on the capacity for lead(II) sorption was also considered. Modification of NLC41 with $H_2O_2$ and $HNO_3$ gave two other adsorbents, $H_{NLC41}$ and $N_{NLC41}$ respectively. These two new samples exhibited the highest removal capacities for lead(II), i.e.117.5 and 128.2 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm and the kinetic adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The thermodynamic parameters have been determined and they indicated a spontaneous endothermic process.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.18-33
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• 2006

Purpose : Endometriosis has been thought to be related with blood stasis in uterus. Onkyung-tang is a herb which has effectiveness of activating blood, warmy and regulating mensturation, therefore in the present study, the effects of Onkyung-tang on endometriosis were investigated. Methods : The endometrial tissue was autografted to Rat's small intestine. Rats with surgically induced endometriosis was orally administerd with Onkyung-tang for 40 days. Size of ectopic uterine implants at the serosal wall and concentration of progesterone, estradiol, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-2, 4, 6, 10 in serum were examined and compared with the control group. Results : The size of ectopic uterine implants of treated group was much smaller than that of control group. The concentration of estradiol, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-4 level were significantly decreased in experimental group compared with the control group. IL-10 level was significantly increased in experimental group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in progesterone, IL-2, 6 level in experimental group and control group as well. Conclusion : My data suggest that Onkyung-tang reduce the size of ectopic uterine implants at the serosal wall and inhibit the growth of ectopic uterine implants. Judging from the above results, it can be suggested that Onkyung-tang should be a useful agent for inhibiting the proliferation of uterine endometrial tissue.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.350-356
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• 2017

We previously reported that the CopA3 peptide (LLCIALRKK, ${\small{D}}-form$) originally isolated from the Korean dung beetle has antimicrobial and immunosuppressive effects. However, the high cost of producing the synthetic peptide, especially the ${\small{D}}-form$, has limited the development of CopA3 for therapeutic purposes. Here, we investigated whether the CopA3 deletion derivative, CopA5, which is composed of only five amino acids (LLCIA) and has the ${\small{L}}-form$ structure, could inhibit the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of macrophages. Peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM) were isolated from mice and exposed to LPS in the presence or absence of CopA5, and biomarkers of macrophage activation were measured. Our results revealed that LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ secretion, and phagocytic activity of PEM were significantly inhibited by CopA5 treatment. Similar to CopA3, the structurally modified CopA5 peptide had no cell toxicity (as assessed by measurement of cell viability loss and apoptosis) in PEM. Moreover, the LPS-induced upregulation of the activating phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) was markedly inhibited by CopA5 treatment. These results suggest that, similar to CopA3, CopA5 inhibits macrophage activation by inhibiting STAT1 phosphorylation and blocking the release of NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$. CopA5 may therefore prove therapeutically useful in the realm of immune suppression.

• Carbon letters
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.203-209
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• 2008

The objective of this work is to study the feasibility of the preparation of the activated carbon (AC) from coconut tree flowers using high temperature fluidized bed reactor (HTFBR). The activating agent used in this work is steam. The reactor was operated at various activation temperature (650, 700, 750, 800 and $850^{\circ}C$) and activation time (30, 60, 120 and 240 min) for the production of AC from coconut tree flowers. Effect of activation time and activation temperature on the quality of the AC preparation was observed. Prepared AC was characterized in-terms of iodine number, methylene blue number, methyl violet number, ethylene glycol mono ethyl ether (EGME) surface area and SEM photographs. The best quality of AC from coconut tree flowers (CFC) was obtained at an activation temperature and time of $850^{\circ}C$ and 1 hr restectively. The effectiveness of carbon prepared from coconut tree flowers in adsorbing crystal violet from aqueous solution has been studied as a function of agitation time, carbon dosage, and pH. The adsorption of crystal violet onto AC followed second order kinetic model. Adsorption data were modeled using both Langmuir and Freundlich classical adsorption isotherms. The adsorption capacity $q_m$ was 277.78 mg/g., equilibrium time was found to be 180 min. This adsorbent from coconut tree flowers was found to be effective for the removal of CV dye.