• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.701-708
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• 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibition activity of Asparagus cochinchinesis (AC) extracts following fermentation by Weissella cibaria through response surface methodology. To optimize the HAase inhibition activity, a central composite design was introduced based on four variables: the concentration of AC extract ($X_1$: 1-5%), amount of starter culture ($X_2$: 1-5%), pH ($X_3$: 4-8), and fermentation time ($X_4$: 0-10 days). The experimental data were fitted to quadratic regression equations, the accuracy of the equations was analyzed by ANOVA, and the regression coefficients for the surface quadratic model of HAase inhibition activity in the fermented AC extract were estimated by the F test and the corresponding p values. The HAase inhibition activity indicated that fermentation time was most significant among the parameters within the conditions tested. To validate the model, two different conditions among those generated by the Design Expert program were selected. Under both conditions, predicted and experimental data agreed well. Moreover, the content of protodioscin (a well-known compound related to anti-inflammation activity) was elevated after fermentation of the AC extract at the optimized fermentation condition.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.243-250
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• 2009

Fifty percent ethanol extract of Lythrum salicaria Linne root (LSR) was tested in vitro on antioxidant activity, and furthermore was investigated on antioxidative and fibrosis protecting activities in $CCL_4$-induced liver fibrosis rat model. Ratio of hepatic GSH/GSSG (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione) as bio-parameter of antioxidant level in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats for 6 weeks significantly increased from 2.8- to 5.7-fold than that of $CCL_4$-treated rats at p < 0.05. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats ranged from 1.57- to 2.19-fold of normal rats and were lower than those in $CCL_4$ plus silymarin-treated rats ($1.78{\sim}2.46$-fold of normal rats) (p < 0.05). Amounts of hydroxyproline of liver tissue showing the content of total collagen, a parameter of fibrosis, in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-administrated rat livers were $4.9{\sim}8.8{\mu}g$/mg ($-47{\sim}-71%$, compared with that in $CCL_4$-treated rat livers ($16.6{\mu}g$/mg tissue), which were significantly lower than those in $CCL_4$ plus silymarin-administrated rats being $8.4{\sim}11.7{\mu}g$/mg ($-30{\sim}-50%$). This collagen reducing effect of liver tissue in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats was supported by histological observation using microscopy assay. From the results, we conclude that the root of L. salicaria have efficient antioxidant potential and effective antifibrotic activities.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2003

Background: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ activation and angiogenesis and increases tumor growth and pulmonary tumor metastasis in vivo. The role of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in PAF-induced angiogenesis in a mouse model of Matrigel implantation, and in PAF-mediated pulmonary tumor metastasis were investigated. Methods: Angiogenesis using Matrigel and experimental pulmonary tumor metastasis were tested in a mouse model. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was done for the assessment of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation to the nucleus. Expression of angiogenic factors, such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\alpha}$, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were tested by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: PAF induced a dose- and time-dependent angiogenic response. PAF-induced angiogenesis was significantly blocked by PAF antagonist, CV6209, and inhibitors of $NF-{\kappa}B$ expression or action, including antisense oligonucleotides to p65 subunit of $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p65 AS) and antioxidants such as ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In vitro, PAF activated the transcription factor, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and induced mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, bFGF, VEGF, and its receptor, KDR. The PAF-induced expression of the above mentioned factors was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Also, protein synthesis of VEGF was increased by PAF and inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. The angiogenic effect of PAF was blocked when anti-VEGF antibodies was treated or antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF was co-administrated, but not by antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF each alone. PAF-augmented pulmonary tumor metastasis was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Conclusion: These data indicate that PAF increases angiogenesis and pulmonary tumor metastasis through $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent angiogenic factors.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.71-85
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• 2014

Objectives In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Samhwangsasim-tang (S.H) on the allergic response caused by ovalbumin(OVA) sensitization and challenge in BALB/c mice. Methods The experimental animals were divided into five groups; 1) normal as negative control, 2) OVA-sensitized mice, 3) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 200 mg/kg of S.H 200, 4) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 400 mg/kg of S.H 400, and 5) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 5 mg/kg of Dexamethasone (Dex). Antigen sensitization for allergic mouse model was performed with twice injection of OVA for 2 weeks. After secondary injection, S.H was administrated orally into mice every day for 13 days and the inhibitory effect of S.H on allergic responses was evaluated. Results Treatment of S.H into allergic mice reduced significantly ear edema and infiltration of immune cells in ear tissues induced with OVA challenge in a dose-dependent manner. S.H reduced significantly the serum levels of Total Immunoglobulin(Ig)G and IgE, and particularly inhibited the production of OVA-specific IgE, but not OVA-specific IgG. The serum level of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-${\alpha}$ and Th2-associated cytokine IL-4 also were significantly decreased by S.H adminstration in a dose denpendent manner. S.H attenuated OVA-induced secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$, but not IL-12 which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th1 cells. It also reduced significantly the secretion of IL-4, which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th2 cells, after splenocytes were stimulated with OVA. However the secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 was influenced weakly or a little. Conclusions These results indicate that S.H could reduce the allergic response through inhibition of antigen-specific IgE and Th2-inducing cytokines. It suggest that S.H may be available clinically for the treatment of allergic patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.182-193
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• 1999

In order to establish basic data of SAMP6 as an animal model for osteoporosis, present study has been designed to concentrate on the various biological aspects of SAMP6 such as growth index, hematology, blood biochemistry, biochemical characteristics, and bone and cortical thickness. Investigation period was for 15 months (3 months to 18 months of age) and biological characteristics have been examined throughout the study period. The results were summarized as follows : Decreased body weight of male SAMP6 was noticed from 7 months of age compared to from 18 months of age in female. Although there were no significant differences in organ weights, generally those of male mice were greater than those of females, especially in liver, kidney and lung. According to the analysis of blood biochemistry and hematology, the number of leukocytes in male mice was greater than that of female mice. There was a decrease in bone thickness in both male and female mice starting around from 7 months of age. Peak cortical thickness index was noticed at 5 months of age in both sexes. In femur, the highest $Ca^{2+}$ content for both sexes was noticed at 5 months of age, whereas the highest P$^{3+}$ content was noted at the age of 5 and 7 months in male and female mice, respectively. The contents of both elements were gradually decreased with age after peaks for both sexes. In summary, SAMP6 mice in KRICT colony show osteoporotic characteristics starting from 5 to 7 months of age, suggesting that at least 5 months of old animals should be used for studying the mechanism of osteoporosis or screening anti-osteoporosis drugs. This study also suggests that the cortical index thickness, $Ca^{2+}$ and P$^{3+}$ contents, and alkaline phosphatase activities can be used as indexes for drug screening.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.304-313
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• 2004

Three-dimensional (3D) models for the 65-kDa activated Cry4A and Cry4B $\delta$-endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis that are specifically toxic to mosquito-larvae were constructed by homology modeling, based on atomic coordinates of the Cry1Aa and Cry3Aa crystal structures. They were structurally similar to the known structures, both derived 3D models displayed a three-domain organization: the N-terminal domain (I) is a seven-helix bundle, while the middle and C-terminal domains are primarily comprise of anti-parallel $\beta$-sheets. Circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed the secondary structural contents of the two homology-based Cry4 structures. A structural analysis of both Cry4 models revealed the following: (a) Residues Arg-235 and Arg-203 are located in the interhelical 5/6 loop within the domain I of Cry4A and Cry4B, respectively. Both are solvent exposed. This suggests that they are susceptible to tryptic cleavage. (b) The unique disulphide bond, together with a proline-rich region within the long loop connecting ${\alpha}4$ and ${\alpha}5$ of Cry4A, were identified. This implies their functional significance for membrane insertion. (c) Significant structural differences between both models were found within domain II that may reflect their different activity spectra. Structural insights from this molecular modeling study would therefore increase our understanding of the mechanic aspects of these two closely related mosquito-larvicidal proteins.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.272-278
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• 2002

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Herba Chelidoniie, the extracts of Herba Chelidoniie treated in arthritic rat model. Complete Freund,s Adjuvant(CFA) were injected in the subcutaneous tissue of left foot paw of rats to induce arthritis. Herba Chelidonii extracts(HC) was administered immediately into the peritoneal cavity after CFA injection for 12 days. The immunohistochemical stainings for calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) and substance P in the L4, L5 and L6 spinal dorsal horn and ganglia were done, and the paw swelling was measured with a micrometer and the blood leukocytes were counted. The results were as follows : The paw swelling of HC treated group was significantly decreased in 12th day after CFA injection compare to control group. The change of differential leukocytes counts of HC treated group increased the ratio of lymphocytes, and decreased the ratio of neutrophils compare to control group. The extent of CGRP immunoreactive nerve fiber of dorsal horn of HC treated group was weakly stained compare to control group. The number of CGRP immunoreactive neurons of L6 spinal cord of HC treated group was significantly decreased compare to control group. The extent of substance P immunoreactive nerve fiber of dorsal horn of He treated group was weakly stained compare to control group. The number of substance P immunoreactive neurons of L4, L5 and L6 spinal cord of HC treated group was significantly decreased compare to control group. These experimental results suggest that Herba Chelidonii extracts reduce the number of CGRP and substance P immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers of spinal dorsal horns and ganglia, and decrease paw swelling in arthritic rat model, which may be closely related to analgesic and antiinflammatory effects of Herba Chelidonii.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.452-460
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• 2008

Anti-foaming agents and foam fences have been used to remove the foam at the outfall of power plants, but there are some problems as consumption of maintenance costs and insufficiency of effect. Therefore, development of the methods how to remove the foam by stable coastal structure has been required. In this study, numerical simulation of air entrainment was carried out to design the submerged outlet structure for reducing foam using curtain walls. The air entrainment rate and the discharge of entrained air change according to the shape of weir and curtain wall. Hence, it is necessary to design the optimum section through comparison of each case. The optimum section which has the maximum rate of foam reduction was determined by the simulation results. In addition, it was found that the flow velocity at the submerged outlet is to be smaller than 1 m/s and the submerged depth of curtain wall is to be taller than height of the submerged outlet section.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.163-166
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• 2016

Objectives: Quercetin is a flavonoid and an important dietary constituent of fruits and vegetables. In recent years, several pharmacological activities of quercetin, such as its neuroprotective activity and, more specifically, its anti-convulsant effects in animal models of epilepsy, have been reported. This study evaluated the role of quercetin pretreatment on gene expression of ${\gamma}$-amino butyric acid type A ($GABA_A$) receptor beta subunits in kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures in mice. Methods: The animals were divided into four groups: one saline group, one group in which seizures were induced by using KA (10 mg/kg) without quercetin pretreatment and two groups pretreated with quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg) prior to seizures being induced by using KA. Next, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of the $GABA_A$ receptor ${\beta}$ subunits in the hippocampus of each animal were assessed at 2 hours and 7 days after KA administration. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to detect mRNA content in hippocampal tissues. Results: Pretreatments with quercetin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg prevented significant increases in the mRNA levels of the ${\beta}_1$ and the ${\beta}_3$ subunits of the $GABA_A$ receptor at 2 hours after KA injection. Pretreatment with quercetin (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_3$ gene expression in the hippocampus at 7 days after KA injection. But, this inhibitory effect of quercetin at 50 mg/kg on the mRNA levels of the ${\beta}_3$ subunit of the $GABA_A$ receptor was not observed at 7 days after KA administration. Conclusion: These results suggest that quercetin (100 mg/kg) modulates the expression of the $GABA_A$ receptor ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_3$ subunits in the KA model of epilepsy, most likely to prevent compensatory responses. This may be related to the narrow therapeutic dose range for the anticonvulsant activities of quercetin.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.654-666
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• 2018

This study was determined the effects of dietary omega-6 and 3 fatty acid ratios (n-6/n-3, 0, 4:1, 15:1, 30:1) on lipid metabolism in obese model animal rats. Blood triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-C, glucose, ALT, AST, insulin, and leptin concentrations in n-6/n-3 group were decreased by 22.21, 20.60, 52.96, 15.71, 11.97, 9.13, 37.57, 45.98%, respectively, while HDL-C and phospholipid concentrations were increased by 28.38, 80.39% respectively, compared with control group, as especially in 4:1 group showed the greatest effect. SREPB-$1{\alpha}$ and SREPB-2 mRNA in liver tissues were down-regulated in n-6/n-3 group, but LPL-mRNA of PPARs in adipose tissue was up-regulated compared with control group. The adipocyte size in liver tissues was decreased in the order of n-6/n-3 ratio of 30:1, control, 15:1 groups, and the adipocyte size in adipose tissues was decreased in the order of n-6/n-3 ratio of control, 30:1, 15:1, 4:1 groups.