• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.43-52
• /
• 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is non-essential heavy metal that negatively affects plant metabolism. Nitric oxide (NO) is an increasingly important molecule for plant metabolism that makes signaling. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the alleviating effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) application as NO donor in white poplar (Populus alba) under Cd stress conditions. SNP and without SNP treatments increased the Cd accumulation in root tissue. While photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chl b, Chl a+b, and carotenoid) content decreased by only Cd application, SNP+Cd application decreased the rate of photosynthetic pigments reduction. When the results of Cd and Cd+SNP applications were evaluated for mineral (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) uptake, it was found that the positive effect of SNP was heterogeneously affected. Depending on SNP application, it was found that malondialdehyde (MDA) amount decreased in leaf in 100 µM Cd applications while hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) amount decreased in 100 and 500 µM Cd applications. When antioxidant enzyme activities were examined, it was found that catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities increased with 100 µM SNP applications under all Cd applications. As a result, it was found that SNP application under Cd stress generally supports physiological processes positively in white poplar, suggesting that NO molecule plays important alleviating roles in plant metabolism.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.51-66
• /
• 2004

Objectives : To evaluate experimentally the clinical effect of Bojeongjeongcheon-tang, we observed the cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$/TEX>, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-{\alpha},{\;}TGF-{\beta},{\;}IFN-{\gamma}$) and what effect they have on IgE in B cells of a rat. Methods : First of all, we extracted the spleens of healthy Balb/c mice and separated B cells from them. These B cells were cultured with anti-CD40 mAb (500 ng/ml), rmIL-4 (500 U/ml), Bojeongjeongcheon-tang (100 ug/ml, 10 ug/ml, 1 ug/ml). We used rmiL-10 (50 ng/ml) as a control group. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression of IgE, CD23, CD69 and the coherence of HRF in B cells using a flow cytometer. We also analyzed the cytokine gene expression in B cells by reverse transcriptase-PCR. We also measured B cells proliferation using the Liquid Scintillation Counter. Results : In this study, the Bojeongjeongcheon-tang treated group showed a tendency to decrease depending on the density compared with the control group in the expression of IgE+, CD23+, CD69, HRF. All of the Bojeongjeongcheon-tang treated group showed inhibitory effects with $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-5 and proliferating effects with IL-6, IL-10, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ on cytokines transcript expression depending on the density. Meanwhile, $TNF-{\alpha}$ increased in all density. In IgE production, there was inhibitory effect on Bojeongjeongcheon-tang (both 100 ug/ml and 10 ug/ml) of significance (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Also in B cell proliferation, the result revealed an inhibitory effect of Bojeongjeongcheon-tang (both 100 ug/ml and 10 ug/ml), of significance (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). Conclusions : This study shows that Bojeongjeongcheon-tang has an inhibitory effect on the production and activity of B cells. Also it inhibited CD23, IL-4 activity and IgE production and activation. It is obvious that Bojeongjeongcheon-tang treats asthma by inhibiting the production of histamine and HRF, IL-5 and proliferating IL-10. Also Bojeongjeongcheon-tang has some preventive effects on bronchial change by inhibiting $TGF-{\beta}$, which stimulates the bronchial transformation.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.520-524
• /
• 2002

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Stachys Sieboldii MIQ as a new natural antitumor agent or immunomodulator. To obtain the above objectives, Stachys sieboldii MIQ was extracted with ethanol. Stachys sieboldii MIQ accelerated mouse spleen cell growth, but inhibited FM3A/S°-cell growth. However, no significant difference was found for CD4+ / CD8+ cells. The growth rates of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were accelerated more than those normal mouse group. Stachys sieboldii MIQ fed mice showed a significant enhancement of IL-2 receptor expression, increased numbers of CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Stachys sieboldii MIQ also stimulated the production of NO by peritoneal macrophages and the production of NO by and the growth of mouse spleen cells. On the other hand, lung localization of Bl6Fl0 melanoma cells was inhibited by ethanol extract of Stachys sieboldii MIQ. These results show that Stachys sieboldii MIQ is a useful new functional antitumor agent or immunomodulator.

• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.224-232
• /
• 2002

CdS-$TiO_2$ nano-composite sol was prepared by the sol-gel method in organic solvents at room temperature and further hydrothermal treatment at various temperatures to control the physical properties of the primary particles. Again, CdS-$TiO_2$ composite particulate films were made by casting CdS-$TiO_2$ sols onto $F:SnO_2$ conducting glass and then heat-treatment at $400^{\circ}C$. Physical properties of these 61ms were further controlled by the surface treatment with $TiCl_4$, aqueous solution. The photo currents and hydrogen production rates measured under the experimental conditions varied according to the $CdS/[CdS+TiO_2]$ mole ratio and the mixed-sol preparation method. For $CdS-TiO_2$ composite sols prepared in IPA, CdS particles were homogeneously surrounded by $TiO_2$ particles. Also, the surface treatment with $TiCl_4$ aqueous solution caused a considerable improvement in the photocatalytic activity, probably as a result of close contacts between the primary particles by the etching effect of $TiCl_4$. It was found that the photoelectrochemical performance of these particulate films could be effectively enhanced by this approach.

• Korea-Australia Rheology Journal
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 2000

The interactions between methylated $\beta$-cyclodextrin (CD) and hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble associative polymers (HASE) were examined by a rheological technique. The effect of "capping" of hydrophobes by methylated $\beta$-cyclodextrin on the viscosity and modulus was evaluated. Model HASE polymers with $C_1$to $C_{20}$ alkyl hydrophobic groups ethoxylated with~10 moles of ethylene-oxide (EO 10) and at concentrations up to 3 wt% were examined. With the addition of methylated $\beta$-CD, the steady shear viscosity profiles shift from a Newtonian profile to one that display a shear-thinning characteristic. Significant "capping" of the hydrophobes occurs for HASE polymers with $C_{l2}$, $C_{16}$ and $C_{20}$ hydrophobes as reflected by the large reduction in the viscosity. However, the steady shear viscosity remains constant when the concentration of $\beta$-CD exceeds 1 wt%, suggesting that $\beta$-CD is not able to fully encapsulate the hydrophobes of the HASE polymer. The temperature variation plots indicate that the activation energy of the HASE-EO10-$C_{20}$ system and $\beta$-CD is dependent on the magnitude of the applied shear stress. These results further reinforce the hypothesis that $\beta$-CD is not able to completely remove all the hydrophobic associations.phobic associations.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.163-170
• /
• 1991

Production of cyclodextrin (CD) directly from raw corn starch without liquefaction using cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) was carried out in an agitated bead reaction system. Similar CD yield and production rate comparable with those of conventional method using liquefied starch were obtained. Especially high purity-CD in the reaction mixture without accumulation of malto-oligosaccharides was obtained. The maximum 54g/l of CD was obtained at raw starch concentration of 200g/l. CD yield was inversely proportional to raw starch concentration, and conversion yield was 0.48 at substrate concentration of 100g/l. The optimal amount of enzyme (CGTase unit/g raw starch) was found to be around 6.0. Granular structure of raw starch degraded by CGTase was observed by SEM in order to investigate the enhancing mechanism, along with those of acid or alkali pretreated raw starch, amylose, and amylopectin. Kinetic constants of CGTase on raw starch in an agitated bead reaction system were evaluated, and CGTase was competitively inhibited by CD.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.416-424
• /
• 1995

Mechanism of the cyclodextrin (CD) production reaction by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) using swollen extrusion starch as substrate was investigated emphasizing the structural features of starch granule. The degree of gelatinization was identified to be the most representative structural characteristic of swollen starch. The most suitable degree of gelatinization of swollen starch for CD production was around 63.52%. The structural transformation of starch granule during enzyme reaction was also followed by measuring the changes of the degree of gelatinization, microcrystallinity, and accessible and inaccessible portion to CGTase action of residual swollen starch. The adsorption phenomenon of CGTase to swollen starch was also examined under various conditions. The inhibition mechanism of CGTase by various CDs was identified to be competitive, most severely by a-CD. The mechanism elucidated will be used for development of a kinetic model describes CD production reaction in heterogeneous enzyme reaction system utilizing swollen extrusion starch.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.13-34
• /
• 2007

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine of the effect of SPAR medicines on the atopy eruption control Methods This experiment is about the expression of IgE, IL-4, IL-6, IL_13, IgM, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG1 level in serum, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ production by SPAR medicines. We assayed for $CD3e^+/CD69^+$, $CD044^+/CD19^+$ positive cells by flow cytometry in splenocytes and observed the revelation of $CD3e^+/CD69^+$, $CD4^+/CD8^+$, $CD44^+/CD19^+$ marker in PBMC, spleen and DLN. We also observed the outturn of IL-4, IL-5, CCR3, $IFN-{\gamma}$ in skin of a NC/Nga mice. We also analyzed NC/Nga mice's ear and neck-back skin after biopsy and dye by H&E staining method, measured about epidermis and dermis part in comparison with control group. Results SPAR medicines as treatment result to a NC/Nga mice, clinical skin severity score decreased remarkably than the ontrol group. Specially, experiment was results by measuring IgE and IL-6 content in serum 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks respectively, and it was decreased remarkably than the control group. After experiment ended, the result that observed the revelation CD3e, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD69, CD11a marker in lymph node establishment were observed and that B/T rate becomes recover as normal with political background. In addition to that, the control group was decreased in the measured value of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgM, IgG2a, IgG1's level in serum, and $IFN-{\gamma}$' production secreted in Th1 cell displayed increase by SPAR medicines. IL-4, IL-5, CCR3, and $IFN-{\gamma}$'s gene revelation amount displayed marked decrease than the control group in result that observe effect that get in skin of a NC/Nga dermatitis mouse. Moreover in culture supernatant which cultivate for 14 days after separate skin cell, IL-13 and IL-6 production, and $CD69^+/CD3e^+$, $CD44^+/CD19^+$ expression cell number was decreased than the control group's number. Course inflammation immunocyte permeated of result that effect that SPAR medicines get to NC/Nga mice's skin establishment analyzes ear and neck-back skin after biopsy, and dye by H&E method decreased about epidermis and inflammation of dermis part remarkably than the control group. Conclusions Th1 cell and Th2 cell observe to be shifted by secretion amount of IL-4 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ by SPAR medicines could know that SPAR medicines can be use for treatung allergy autoimmune disease.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.343-347
• /
• 2009

Cytochalasin D (CD) is known as a disruptor of actin cytoskeleton architecture in chondrocytes. We have studied the role of CD in retinoic acid (RA) caused dedifferentiation and inflammation responses in rabbit articular chondrocytes. We have examined the effect of CD on RA induced dedifferentiation of chondrocytes. CD inhibited RA induced dedifferentiation determined by Western blot analysis and Alcian blue staining in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Also, CD additionally reduced inflammation response molecules such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) in RA treated cells. Treatment of CD reduced phosphorylation of p38 by treatment of RA. Inhibiton of p38kinase with SB203580 reduced expression of COX-2 and production of $PGE_2$ by treatment of CD in RA treated cells. But, Inhibiton of p38kinase with SB203580 did not any relationship with effect of CD on RA caused dedifferentiation. In summary, our results indicate that CD regulates RA reduced expression of COX-2 and production of PGE2 via p38kinase pathway.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.207-213
• /
• 2007

Scutellaria baicalensis is known as a herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, effect of Scutellaria baicalensis on lupus pathogenesis that is characterized by overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and abnormalities in regulation, function, and interaction of immune cells remains unclear. We investigated effects of Scutellariae radix methanol extract (SBMeOH) on the production of proinflammatory cytokines and abnormal activation of T cells in vitro in pristane-induced lupus BALB/c mice. These results demonstrated that SBMeOH significantly decreased the LPS-stimulated production of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and IL-10 by splenic and peritoneal macrophages and IL-6 and IL-10 by splenocytes from pristane-induced lupus mice. SBMeOH significantly downregulated the Con A-stimulated overproduction of IL-6, IL-10, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ by splenocytes from pristane-induced lupus mice. Also, SBMeOH significantly attenuated the Con A-induced expression of CD4+ T cells and CD69+CD4+ T cells but not CD8+ T cells in pristane-induced lupus mice. Our findings indicate that SBMeOH may ameliorate lupus pathogenic inflammation and autoimmunity via downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine production and abnormal activation of T cells.