• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.257-265
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• 2017

Ferulic Acid (FA) is a metabolite of phenylalanine and tyrosine, a phenolic compound commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Several studies have shown that FA has various functions such as antioxidant effect, prevention of cell damage from irradiation, protection from cell damage caused by oxygen deficiency, anti-inflammatory action, anti-aging action, liver protective effect and anti-cancer action. In this study, we investigated the maturation rate, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of porcine oocytes by adding FA to the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium and examined subsequent embryonic developmental competence at 5% oxygen through parthenogenesis. There is no significant difference between the control group ($0{\mu}M$) and treatment groups ($5{\mu}M$, $10{\mu}M$, $20{\mu}M$) on maturation rates. Intracellular GSH levels in oocyte treated with $5{\mu}M$ of FA significantly increased (P < 0.05), and $20{\mu}M$ of FA revealed significant decrease (P < 0.05) in intracellular ROS levels compared with the control group. Oocytes treated with FA exhibited significantly higher cleavage rates (79.01% vs 89.19%, 92.20%, 90.89%, respectively) than the control group. Oocytes treated with $10{\mu}M$ showed significantly higher blastocyst formation rates (28.3% vs 40.3%, respectively) after PA than the control group. Total cell numbers in blastocyst of $10{\mu}M$ FA displayed significantly higher (39.4 vs 51.9, respectively) than the control group. In conclusion, these results suggested that treatment with FA during IVM improved the developmental potential of porcine embryos by increasing intracellular GSH synthesis and reducing ROS levels. Also, there was an improvement of cleavage rate, blastocyst formation and total cell numbers in blastocysts. It might be associated with Keap1-Nrf2 pathway as an antioxidant regulate pathway that plays a crucial role in determining the sensitivity of cells to oxidative damages by regulating the basal and inducible expression of enzymes which is related to detoxification and anti-oxidative effects, stress response enzymes and/or proteins and ABC transporters.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.883-890
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• 1999

Long term patency of arterial graft has been better than venous graft and redo coronary artery bypass grafting has been increasing, therefore, there has been an increasing need for alternative arterial grafts except internal thoracic artery(ITA). Material and Method: Right gastroepiploic arteries(RGEA) were harvested from 100 patients who had received gastrectomy for gastric cancer or ulcer. ITAs were obtained from 10 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The length of RGEA was measured from the pyloric ring. Items of the morphometric and histologic study at the pyloric ring and sites of the 10cm and 20cm RGEA from the pyloric ring were luminal diameter, intimal thickness, medial thickness, wall thickness, degree of intimal hyperplasia, intimal thickness, medial thickness, wall thickness, degree of intimal hyperplasia, intimal thickness index, medial thickness index, and the number of discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina. Similar items were applied to the proximal site of ITAs. Result: The length of RGEA was 23${\pm}$2.7cm(range 17∼31cm). Comparing the 20cm RGEA with ITA, intimal thickness, medial thickness, wall thickness, and degree of intimal hyperplasia did not show any difference(p>0.05). However, 20cm RGEA was greater than ITA at the luminal diameter, intimal thickness index, and the number thickness and wall thickness in each site of the RGEA(pyloric ring, 10cm, 20cm) decreased from the pyloric ring to the distal sites(p<0.05). The degree of intimal hyperplasia and the number of discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina did not show any difference between the pyloric ring and 10cm, however, those of 20cm were smaller than these sites(p<0.05). RGEA had more number of discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina and rich smooth muscle cells in the media than ITA. Conclusion: The length and diameter of RGEA is good enough to reach most of the coronary arteries. Moreover, long term patency of RGEA may be improved, if anastomosed in the distal site.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.857-863
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• 2010

This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity, Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity, nitrate synthesis inhibitory activity, and antiproliferation inhibitory effect on ethanol extract and its solvent fractions of $Coreopsis$ $tinctoria$ Nutt. Ethyl acetate fraction was the strongest at 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) ($IC_{50}=0.100mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$) and 2,2'-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenozothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (15.785 mg AA $eq{\cdot}10mg^{-1}$) radical scavenging activity, ACE (40.96% at $1mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$), and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase ($IC_{50}=0.125mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$) inhibitory effect among the solvent fractions. Nitrate synthesis inhibitory activity of ethanol extract, chloroform fraction, and ethyl acetate fraction effectively inhibited NO formation in a dose-dependent manner without the cytotoxic effect. Ethanol extract and its solvent fractions inhibited growth of HCT-116 colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. n-Hexane fraction showed the highest antiproliferation inhibitory effect of $0.041mg{\cdot}mL^{-1}$ among fractions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.164-171
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• 2017

Our previous study suggested that S-allylcysteine (SAC) inhibits the proliferation of the human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, at least in part through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. To further analyze the specific molecular mechanism(s) by which SAC mediates its antiproliferative effects, this study examined the role of SAC in regulating the protein expression of initiator caspase (caspase-9), effector caspases (caspase-3 and caspase-7), and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) in HeLa. Western blot analysis showed that when cells were treated with 50 mM SAC for 48 hr, the expression of procaspase-3, -7, and -9 and PARP was reduced by 94%, 38%, 95%, and 64%, respectively, as compared to the untreated control. In contrast, the expression of caspase-3, -7, and -9 and cleaved-PARP was markedly increased by SAC treatment. The SAC-mediated changes in the expression of these proteins were correlated with the concomitant inhibition of cellular proliferation by SAC. The cell proliferation assay showed that HeLa treatment with more than 20 mM SAC for 6-48 hr resulted in both concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation. These results indicate that the SAC-induced antiproliferative effect in HeLa may be mediated at least in part through the activation of caspase-9, followed by the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7 as well as the inactivation of PARP, thus leading to cellular apoptosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.196-201
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• 2002

Malignant melanoma is a highly malignant form of cutaneous cancer derived from melanocytes. The lesion frequently metastasizes to the lymph nodes, lung, liver and bone. However, an endobronchial metastasis and a primary malignant. melanoma of the lung are quite rare. We report a case of an unknown primary malignant melanoma with a pulmonary and endobronchial metastasis in a 34 years old male. He complained of coughing and black-colored sputum. Abnormal skin and mucosal lesions were not found during a physical examination. A chest X-ray revealed multiple nodular masses in both lung fields. A flexible bronchoscopy showed two yellowish small nodules at the entry of left lower bronchus. Vimentin, the S-100 protein, and HMB-45 stain positive melanoma cells were detected at the bronchoscopic biopsy specimen.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2001

Cancer chemoprevention refer to the use of natural or synthetic substances to prevent the initiational and promtional events that occur during the process of carcinogenesis. The effect of Prunella Herba Vulgaris L. Aqua-acupuncture Solution (PVAS) and Prunella Herba Vulgaris L. Water-extracted Solution (PVWS) on the induction of phase II detoxification enzyme (quinone reductase, Glutathione S-transferase) and inhibition of phase I enzyme (cytochrome P4501A1) and benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formation was examined. PVAS is potent inducers of quinone reductase activity. Glutathione levels were increased with PVAS, in cultured murine hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells. In addition glutathione S-transferase levels were increased with PVAS. However, there was 45.2% inhibition in the activity of cytochrome P4501A1 enzyme with the treatment of PVAS, $5{\times}$. At concentration of $1{\times}$ and $3{\times}$ of PVAS, the binding of $[^3H]B[a]P$ metabolites to DNA of NCTC-clone 1469 cell was inhibited by 25.3%, 45.0%, respectively. These results suggest that PVAS has chemopreventive potential by inducing quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities, increasing GSH levels, inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P4501A1 and benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formation.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2007

Armillaria tabescens, one of edible and medicinal mushrooms belonging to Agaricales of Basidiomycota, has been known to have outstanding curative effects on chronic hepatitis and cholecystitis and inhibitory effects on the sarcoma 180 and Erhrlich carcinoma of mice. Neutral saline soluble (0.9% NaCl), hot water soluble and methanol soluble substances (hereinafter referred to Fr, NaCl, Fr. HW and Fr, MeOH, respectively) were extracted from fruiting body of the mushroom. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that crude polysaccharides were not cytotoxic against cancer cell lines such as NIH3T3 and Sarcoma 180 at the concentration of $2000\;{\mu}g/ml$. Intraperitoneal injection with crude polysaccharides exhibited life prolongation effect of $28.8{\sim}46.5%$ in mice inoculated with Sarcoma 180, respectively. Fr. NaCl improved the immunopotentiation activity of B lymphocyte by increasing the alkaline phosphatase activity by $1.8{\sim}2.1$ folds, respectively. In case of Fr, NaCl, the numbers of peritoneal exudate cells and circulating leukocytes were increased by 9 and 1.9 folds, respectively.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.423-430
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• 2016

Background: The induction of cellular defensive genes such as phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes is a highly effective strategy for protection against carcinogenesis as well as slowing cancer development. Transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2) is responsible for activation of phase II enzymes induced by natural chemopreventive compounds. Methods: Red ginseng oil (RGO) was extracted using a supercritical $CO_2$ extraction system and chemical profile of RGO was investigated by GC/MS. Effects of RGO on regulation of the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway were determined by ARE-luciferase assay, western blotting, and confocal microscopy. Results: The predominant components of RGO were 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (31.48%), bicyclo[10.1.0] tridec-1-ene (22.54%), and 22,23-dihydrostigmasterol (16.90%). RGO treatment significantly increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2 as well as ARE reporter gene activity, leading to upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1. Phosphorylation of the upstream kinases such as apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK)1, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MKK)4/7, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK were enhanced by treatment with RGO. In addition, RGO-mediated Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation was attenuated by JNK inhibitor SP600125 and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190. Conclusion: RGO could be used as a potential chemopreventive agent, possibly by induction of Nrf2/ARE-mediated phase II enzymes via ASK1-MKK4/7-JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.108-109
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• 2013

Mitochondria play key roles in the production of cell's energy. Their dominant function is the synthesis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate (Pi) through the oxidative phosphorylation. Evaluation of drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity has become increasingly important since mitochondrial dysfunction has recently been implicated in numerous diseases including cancer and diabetes mellitus. Mitochondrial functions have been monitored via oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, and more importantly via ATP synthesis since ATP synthesis is the most essential function of mitochondria. Various analytical methods have been employed to investigate ATP synthesis in mitochondria, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), bioluminescence technique, and pH measurement. However, most of these methods are based on destructive analysis or indirect monitoring through the enzymatic reaction. Infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) is one of the useful techniques for real-time, label-free, and direct monitoring of biological reactions [1,2]. However, the strong water absorption requires very short path length in the order of several micrometers. Transmission measurements with thin path length are not suitable for mitochondrial assays because solution handlings necessary for evaluating mitochondrial toxicity, such as rapid mixing of drugs and oxygen supply, are difficult in such a narrow space. On the other hand, IRAS in the multiple internal reflection (MIR) geometry provides an ideal optical configuration to combine solution handling and aqueous-phase measurement. We have recently reportedon a real-time monitoring of drug-induced necrotic and apoptotic cell death using MIR-IRAS [3,4]. Clear discrimination between viable and damaged cells has been demonstrated, showing a promise as a label-free and real-time detection for cell-based assays. In the present study, we have applied our MIR-IRAS system to mitochondria-based assays by monitoring ATP synthesis in isolated mitochondria from rat livers. Mitochondrial ATP synthesis and hydrolysis were in situ monitored with MIR-IRAS, while dissolved oxygen level and solution pH were simultaneously monitored with O2 and pH electrodes, respectively. It is demonstrated that ATP synthesis and hydrolysis can be monitored by the IR spectral changes in phosphate groups in adenine nucleotides and MIR-IRAS is useful for evaluating time-dependent drug effects of mitochondrial toxicants.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2008

The antioxidative, antimutagenic and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extract from Cornus officianalis have been studied. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The inhibition effects on the mutagenicity in Salmonella Typhimurium TA100 were evaluated by Ames test and cancer cell inhibitory effects in Hep3B cell and HeLa cell were tested by MTT assay. Cornus officianalis had an important free radical-scavenging activity towards the DPPH radical. At a concentration of 500 ppm, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity of Cornus officianalis was similar to that of L-ascorbic acid. None of the extracts produced a mutagenic effect on S. Typhimurium TA100. The ethanol extract from Cornus officianalis showed about 77% of inhibition at 500 ppm on the mutagenicity induced by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide. The extract from Cornus officianalis showed strong cytotoxicity against Hep3B and HeLa cells, with inhibition of 83 and 78% at a dose of $700{\mu}g$/plate, respectively. Moreover, the ethanol extracts had 34.33 mg H.E/g of polyphenols and 5.67 mg Q.E/g of flavonoids, respectively. Therefore, the present study showed antioxidative, antimutagenic and anticancer potential of the ethanol extract from Cornus officianalis.