• Title/Summary/Keyword: Biology

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Sagantang-induced Apoptotic Cell Death is Associated with the Activation of Caspases in AGS Human Gastric Carcinoma Cells (사간탕 처리에 의한 AGS 인체 위암세포의 caspase 활성 의존적 apoptosis 유발)

  • Park, Cheol;Hong, Su Hyun;Choi, Sung Hyun;Lee, Se-Ra;Leem, Sun-Hee;Choi, Yung Hyun
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.25 no.12
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    • pp.1384-1392
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    • 2015
  • Sagantang (SGT), a Korean multiherb formula comprising six medicinal herbs, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Poria cocos Wolf, Cimicifuga heracleifolia Komarov, and Artractylodes japonica Koidzumi, was recorded in “Dongeuibogam.” The present study investigated the anticancer potential of SGT in AGS human gastric carcinoma cells. The results indicated that SGT treatment significantly inhibited the growth and viability of AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, in addition to chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, and the accumulation of annexin-V positive cells. The induction of apoptotic cell death by the SGT treatment was associated with up-regulation of Fas protein expression, truncation of Bid, and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. The SGT treatment also effectively induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, which was associated with the activation of caspases (caspase-3, -8, and -9) and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. However, a pan-caspase inhibitor significantly blocked the SGT-induced apoptosis and growth suppression in AGS cells. This study suggests that SGT induces caspase-dependent apoptosis through an extrinsic pathway by upregulating Fas, as well as through an intrinsic pathway by modulating Bcl-2 family members in AGS cells. The results suggest that SGT may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human gastric cancer cells. However, further studies will be needed to confirm the potential of SGT in cancer prevention and therapy in an in vivo model and to identify biological active compounds of SGT.

Bionomical Characteristics of Luciola lateralis (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in Mass Breeding (애반딧불이(딱정벌레목: 반딧불이과)의 생육 특성)

  • Kim, Ha-Gon;Kwon, Yong-Jung;Suh, Sang-Jae
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.18 no.12
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    • pp.1728-1732
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    • 2008
  • This study was performed to investigate the bionomical characteristics of Luciola lateralis in Korea. Imago's longevity of female was $17.5{\pm}0.7$ and male was $20.6{\pm}1.0$ days at $23^{\circ}C$, R.H. 80%, and significant difference was not occurred in breeding density. Pre-oviposition period was a pair $2.8{\pm}1.5$, two pairs $2.5{\pm}1.5$, three pairs $1.7{\pm}0.7$, four pairs $1.3{\pm}0.5$ days and pre-oviposition period was shorten in higher breeding density. The mean of laying eggs was $248.9{\pm}80.7$, was not related breeding density. Daily oviposition rate was 1st day 20.8%, 2nd 17.3%, 3rd 14.3%, 4th 12.7%, 5th 7.0%, the rate was highest in 1st day and gradually reduced. Egg period was $21.8{\pm}0.7$ days and hatchability was $95.5{\pm}4.8%$. Larval instar was identified the 9th instar, the evidence was able to its skin and marking pattern. Larval period of each instar was 1st $1.0{\pm}0.1$, 2nd $3.3{\pm}0.2$, 3rd $10.2{\pm}1.0$, 4th $6.8{\pm}0.5$, 5th $6.9{\pm}2.0$, 6th $15.4{\pm}4.1$, 7th $18.3{\pm}5.9$, 8th $25.8{\pm}8.7$, 9th $31.2{\pm}13.2$ days. Matured 9th larva was made of cocoon during $2.8{\pm}0.8$ days and pre-pupal, pupal period was $4.6{\pm}0.9$, $5.6{\pm}0.7$ days. Imago was made hard hind wing during $3.8{\pm}0.4$ days in cocoon and come out.

Partial Purification of OsCPK11 from Rice Seedlings and Its Biochemical Characterization (벼 유식물에서 OsCPK11의 부분 정제 및 생화학적 특성 규명)

  • Shin, Jae-Hwa;Kim, Sung-Ha
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.137-146
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    • 2020
  • Calcium is one of the important secondary signaling molecules in plant cells. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK)-the sensor proteins of Ca2+ and phosphorylating enzymes-are the most abundant serine/threonine kinases in plant cells. They convert and transmit signals in response to various stimuli, resulting in specific responses in plants. In rice, 31 CDPK gene families have been identified, which are mainly involved in plant growth and development and are known to play roles in response to various stress conditions. However, little is known about the biochemical characteristics of CDPK proteins. In this study, OsCPK11-a CDPK in rice-was partially purified, and its biochemical characteristics were found. Partially purified OsCPK11 from rice seedlings was obtained by three-step column chromatography that involved anion exchange chromatography consisting of DEAE, hydrophobic interaction chromatography consisting of phenyl-Sepharose, and gel filtration chromatography consisting of Sephacryl-200HR. An in vitro kinase assay using partially purified OsCPK11 was also performed. This partially purified OsCPK11 had a molecular weight of 54 kDa and showed a strong hydrophobic interaction with the hydrophobic resin. In vitro kinase assay showed that the OsCPK11 also had Ca2+-dependent autophosphorylation activity. The OsCPK11 phosphorylated histone III-S, and the optimum pH for its kinase activity was found to be 7.5~8.0. The native OsCPK11 shared several biochemical characteristics with recombinant OsCPK11 studied previously, and both had Ca2+-dependent autophosphorylation activity and favored histone III-S as a substrate for kinase activity, which also had a Ca2+-dependence.

Attenuation of Experimental Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice with Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Carrying MicroRNA-223-3p

  • Lu, Feng-Bin;Chen, Da-Zhi;Chen, Lu;Hu, En-De;Wu, Jin-Lu;Li, Hui;Gong, Yue-Wen;Lin, Zhuo;Wang, Xiao-Dong;Li, Ji;Jin, Xiao-Ya;Xu, Lan-Man;Chen, Yong-Ping
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.42 no.12
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    • pp.906-918
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    • 2019
  • MicroRNA-223-3p (miR-223-3p) is one of the potential microRNAs that have been shown to alleviate inflammatory responses in pre-clinical investigations and is highly encased in exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exosomes). MSC-exosomes are able to function as carriers to deliver microRNAs into cells. Autoimmune hepatitis is one of the challenging liver diseases with no effective treatment other than steroid hormones. Here, we examined whether MSC-exosomes can transfer miR-223-3p to treat autoimmune hepatitis in an experimental model. We found that MSC-exosomes were successfully incorporated with miR-223-3p and delivered miR-223-3p into macrophages. Moreover, there was no toxic effect of exosomes on the macrophages. Furthermore, treatments of either exosomes or exosomes with miR-223-3p successfully attenuated inflammatory responses in the liver of autoimmune hepatitis and inflammatory cytokine release in both the liver and macrophages. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of miR-223-3p level and STAT3 expression in the liver and macrophages. These results suggest that MSC-exosomes can be used to deliver miR-223-3p for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis.

Seasonal Variations of Environmental Factors and Distribution of Anabaena cylindrica Growth-Inhibiting Bacteria in the Lower Daechung Reservoir (대청호 하류에서 환경요인과 Anabaena cylindrica 생장억제세균의 계절별 분포 변화)

  • Lee, Jung-Ho;Kim, Chul-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.33 no.2 s.90
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    • pp.128-135
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    • 2000
  • The authors surveyed the seasonal variations of environmental factors, the distributions of heterotrophic bacteria and Anabaena cylindrica growth-inhibiting bacteria at each water layer in Daechung Reservoir to verify the role of bacteria during the extinction of bloom. Average water depth at site 1, 2, and 3 were 25.5 m, 15.0 m and 12.3 m, respectively. Water temperature showed a typical pattern seasonally. The variation of DO was relatively inverse proportional to that of water temperature, although it was irregular during summer time. DO decreased gradually to early May, fluctuated sharply after then, and followed by gradual increasement after middle of September. This variation pattern was notable at surface layer. There was remarkable difference in DO concentraion between surface layer and the other water layers during the period in which DO irregulary varied. The variation range of chlorophyll-a concentraion at surface layer in summer time was broad, and it was relatively high when DO was high. The population size of heterotrophic bacteria was high from Spring to Autumn, an declined after September when the water temperature droped rapidly. Especially this variation pattern was prominent at the surface layer. Bacteria that inhibit the growth of A. cylindrica was almost not detected by June, and its distribution increased in July. Afterward, it showed different variation pattern between each site. The distribution of A. cylindrica growth-inhibiting bacteria was higher at the middle and bottom layer than the surface layer in July and October, when it was larger at all sites for the study period. This result suggests that the antagonistic bacteria exhibit higher activity when host activity drops. These results also suggest that natural water bacteria control the distirbution of cyanobacteria, especially its activity as controller is remarkable when cyanobacterial growth declines.

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Continuous Removal of Organic Matters of Eutrophic Lake Using Freshwater Bivalves: Inter-specific and Intra-specific Differences (CROM를 이용한 부영양 저수지의 유기물 제어: 이매패의 종 특이성에 대하여)

  • Lee, Ju-Hwan;Hwang, Soon-Jin;Park, Sen-Gu;Hwang, Su-Ok;Yu, Chun-Man;Kim, Baik-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.350-363
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    • 2009
  • Inter- and intra-specific differences in removal activities, filtering rates (FR) and production of feces-and pseudo-feces (PF) between a native freshwater bivalve in Korea, Anodonta woodiana Lea and Unio douglasiae Griffith et Pidgeon, were compared using a continuous removal of organic matters (CROM) system. The CROM system comprised five steps; input of polluted water, control of water flow, mussel treatment, analysis of water quality and discharge of clean water. The study was designed to compare the removal activity of organic matters between A. woodiana and U. douglasiae, and the intra-specific differences between density and length in A. woordiana. Results clearly indicate that two kinds of mussels had obvious removal activities of seston in the eutrophic reservoir. First, if both are similar in shell length, there were no significant inter-specific differences in removal activity between A. woordiana and U. douglasiae (P>0.5), but FRs of U. douglasiae was relatively high due to low ash-fee dry weight. Second, if both are same in animal density, the smaller mussels (1$\sim$2 years old) showed a higher filtering rate and production of feces- and pseudo-feces and less release of ammonium than the larger mussels. Third, if both are same in biomass, FRs and PF of mussels were higher in the low-density tank than the high-density tank, While the Concentration of $NH_4$-N and $PO_4$-P released WRS similar to each other (P>0.5). Therefore, these results suggest that CROM system using a young bivalve A. woordiana can be applied to control the nuisance seston in eutrophic lake system, if a relevant species and density were selected. Additional pilot tests to optimize the age and density of domestic bivalves were needed for the generalization of CROM operation.

Laval Growth Rate of Nannophya pygmaea(Odonata: Libellulidae), an Endangered Dragonfly in Korea (한국의 멸종위기종인 꼬마잠자리 (Nannophya pygmaea Rambur: 잠자리과, 잠자리목) 유충의 성장률)

  • Kim, Dong-Gun;Yoon, Tae-Joong;Oh, Chi-Gyeong;Kim, Jae-Geun;Lee, Eun-Heui;Bae, Yeon-Jae
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.290-294
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    • 2009
  • Larval development of Nannopaya pygmaea Rambur (Libellulidae), an endangered dragonfly in Korea, was studied using an introduced lariat population in an artificial wetland habitat. Artificial habitat was created in a green house which imitated a small wetland in Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea, where N. pygmaea inhabited. A total of 300 N. pygmaea larvae were introduced to the artificial habitat in June 2007. Larvae were recaptured five times between June 2007 and November 2008 for measurement of body length. As a result, the initial and recaptured populations (Recaptured I, II, III, IV, and V populations, respectively) contained two body size groups [initial 6.20$\pm$0.34 mm and 7.94$\pm$0.46 mm (mean$\pm$SD); Recaptured I 2.84$\pm$0.43 mm and 5.16$\pm$0.83 mm; Recaptured II 5.96$\pm$0.66 mm and 8.02$\pm$0.35 mm; Recaptured III 5.97$\pm$0.73 mm and 7.82$\pm$0.37 mm; Recaptured IV 7.04$\pm$0.93 mm and 8.52$\pm$0.39 mm; Recaptured V 5.72$\pm$0.60 mm and 7.71$\pm$0.30 mm]. Our rearing experiment evidenced that the recaptured I-V populations are the offspring of the initial population and the offspring grew approximately 3 mm at 470 degree days. It was also estimated that N. pygmaea larvae need approximately 100 degree days to grow 0.7 mm in body length.

The Distribution and Diversity of Freshwater Fishes in Korean Peninsula (한반도 담수어류의 분포와 다양성)

  • Yoon, Ju-Duk;Kim, Jeong-Hui;Park, Sang-Hyeon;Jang, Min-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.51 no.1
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    • pp.71-85
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    • 2018
  • A recent topic of interest within ecology is ecosystem services that are importantly connected with biodiversity. Biodiversity is a fundamental component of ecological studies and has been the subject of many studies worldwide. However, studies on the diversity and distribution of freshwater fish were not undertaken in earnest until 2000, and the number of internationally available studies is therefore still limited. In this study, we used data from "The Survey and Evaluation of Aquatic Ecosystem Health (hereafter SEAEH)" within the framework of which whole water systems on the Korean peninsula are annually monitored to investigate and determine the current status of the diversity and distribution of freshwater fish, as well as to elucidate major factors impacting freshwater fish. A total of 130 species from 28 families were identified at around 953 sites in the SEAEH investigation of 2014. The species Zacco platypus (relative abundance: 28.2%) and Z. koreanus (19.3%) were identified as the most abundant species on the Korean peninsula, and besides these 20 endangered species, 51 endemic species and 4 exotic species were also collected. Highest (96 species) and lowest (72 species) diversity were identified in the Han River Watershed and the Yeongsan/Seomjin River Watershed, respectively. The mean endemic rate was 32.7%, which is higher than the previous rate determined in 1995. The exotic species Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis macrochirus and Carassius cuvieri were found in the whole river system except north Yeongdong, whereas Oreochromis niloticus occurred only at three sites due to the cold water temperatures in winter. Totally, 28 species were found to be translocated to different water systems not connected with known original habitats, most translocations occurring in the Nakdong River and the Yeongdong region. Among the translocated species, Opsariichthys uncirostris amurensis, and Erythroculter erythropterus were dominantly distributed in the mid- to lower reaches of Nakdong River where they may be harmful to the native fish assemblages due to their strong predation. The construction of weirs in connection with the "4 River Project" generated changes in fish assemblages before, during and after the project, resulting in altered habitat condition. Especially, a decrease in the number of endemic species and an increase in the abundance of lentic species were seen. Human-induced global warming will allow exotic species requiring high water temperatures to adapt to the environmental conditions of the Korean peninsula, which may enhance the diversity of native fishes and create changes in distribution. For the establishment of realistic and efficient management and protection strategies for Korean freshwater fish, SEAEH, which produces fundamental and quantitative data for Korean streams, is an important and necessary tool.

Characteristics of Phytoplankton Succession Based on the Functional Group in the Enclosed Culture System (대형 배양장치에서 기능그룹에 기초한 식물플랑크톤 천이 특성)

  • Lee, Kyung-Lak;Noh, Seongyu;Lee, Jaeyoon;Yoon, Sungae;Lee, Jaehak;Shin, Yuna;Lee, Su-Woong;Rhew, Doughee;Lee, Jaekwan
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.50 no.4
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    • pp.441-451
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    • 2017
  • The present study was conducted from August to December 2016 in a cylindrical water tank with a diameter of 1 m, a height of 4 m and a capacity of 3,000 L. The field water and sediment from the Nakdong River were also sampled for the experimental culture (field water+sediment) and control culture (field water), respectively. In this study, we aimed to investigate phytoplankton succession pattern using the phytoplankton functional group in the enclosed culture system. A total of 50 species in 27 genera including Chlorophyceae (30 species), Bacillariophyceae (11 species), Cyanophyceae (7 species), and Cryptophyceae (2 species) were identified in the experimental and control culture systems. A total of 19 phytoplankton functional groups (PFGs) were identified, and these groups include B, C, D, F, G, H1, J, K, Lo, M, MP, N, P, S1, $T_B$, $W_0$, X1, X2 and Y. In particular, $W_0$, J and M groups exhibited the marked succession in the experimental culture system with higher biovolumes compared to those of the control culture system, which may be related to the internal cycling of nutrients by sediment in the experimental culture system. The principal component analyses demonstrated that succession patterns in PFG were associated with the main environmental factors such as nutrients(N, P), water temperature and light intensity in two culture systems. In conclusion, the present study showed the potential applicability of the functional group for understanding the adaptation strategies and ecological traits of the phytoplankton succession in the water bodies of Korea.

Effect of Resveratrol on the Induction of Cdk Inhibitor p21 and Pro-apoptotic Bax Expression by amyloid-β in Astroglioma C6 Cells (신경교 세포에서 resveratrol이 amyloid-β에 의해 유도되는 Cdk inhibitor p21 및 Bax 발현의 감소 효과)

  • Kim Young Ae;Lim Sun-Young;Ko Woo Shin;Choi Byung Tae;Lee Yong Tae;Rhee Sook-Hee;Park Kun-Young;Lee Won-Ho;Choi Yung Hyun
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.15 no.2 s.69
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    • pp.169-175
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    • 2005
  • Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a phytoalexin found in grape skins, peanuts, and red wine, has been reported to have a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. $Amyloid-\beta$ deposition and senile plaque-associated astrocytes are common neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we have explored the effects of resveratrol on $amyloid-\beta-peptide-mediated$ cytotoxicity in vitro and modulation of cell growth-regulatory gene products in astroglioma C6 cells to elucidate its possible mechanism for anti-cytotoxicity. Exposure of C6 cells to $Amyloid-\beta$ resulted in dose-dependent growth inhibition and morphological changes of C6 cells, which were recovered by pre-treatment with resveratrol. The anti-proliferative effect of $amyloid-\beta$ was associated with the induction of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21 (WAF1/CIP1) expression assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis in time-dependent manner in C6 cells. In addition, the pro-apoptotic Bax expression was also up-regulated in $amyloid-\beta-treated$ C6 cells without alteration of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and $Bcl-X_L$ expression. However, pre-treatment of resveratrol significantly inhibited $amyloid-\beta-induced$ p53, p21 and Bax levels, suggesting that the modulation of p53, p21 and Bax levels could be one of the possible pathways by which resveratrol functions as anti-cytotoxic agent. Our results demonstrate that resveratrol may enhance the protection against $amyloid-\beta-induced$ cytotoxicity by promoting the survival of glial cells.