• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.515-522
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• 2015

Treculia africana Decne, a breadfruit species, is native to many parts of West and Tropical Africa. The breadfruit belongs to the family Moraceae and is one of the four members of the genera Treculia. The crude extract of T. africana has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent for various ailments, such as whooping cough. In this study, we evaluated the anti-oxidative and anti-cancer activities of the methanol extract of T. africana Decne (META) and the molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer effects in human colon carcinoma HT29 cells. The META exhibited anti-oxidative activity through a DPPH radical scavenging capacity and inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner in HT29 cells. META treatment induced apoptosis of HT29 cells, showing an increase in the percentage of both SubG1 cells and Annexin V-positive cells and the formation of apoptotic bodies in a dose-dependent manner. META-mediated apoptosis was associated with the up-regulation of the death receptor FAS and Bax and a decrease in the Bcl-2 expression. META-treated HT29 cells also showed the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol, activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, and proteolytic cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). These findings suggest META may exert an anti-cancer effect in HT29 cells by inducing apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.714-720
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• 2008

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus which has been used for patient suffering from cancer in Oriental medicine. It was previously reported that C. militaris extracts are capable of inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis; however, the anti-poliferative effects of human cancer cells have been poorly understood. In this study, to elucidate the anti-cancer mechanisms of human cancer cells by treatment with aqueous extract of C. militaris (AECM), we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of AECM in human hepatocarcinoma Hep3B cells. AECM treatment inhibited the growth of Hep3B cells and induced the apoptotic cell death in a concentration-dependent manner such as formation of apoptotic bodies and increased populations of apoptotic-sub G1 phase. The induction of apoptosis by AECM was connected with a proteolytic activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8. and concomitant degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and ${\beta}$-catenin proteins. Furthermore, caspase-3 inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, significantly inhibited AECM-induced apoptosis demonstrating the important role of caspase-3 in the bserved cytotoxic effect. Taken together, these findings suggest that AECM-induced inhibition of human hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation is associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death via activation of caspase-3 and C. militaris may have therapeutic potential in human cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.249-255
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• 2015

Schisandrae fructus [Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon] is a medicinal herb widely used for treating various inflammatory and immune diseases in East Asian countries. The Schisandrae Semen essential oil (SSeo) from this plant has pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumoral activities. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying molecular mechanisms of the potential anti-cancer effects of this oil remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential inhibition of apoptosis signaling pathways by SSeo in human leukemia U937 cells and evaluated the underlying molecular mechanism. Exposure to SSeo resulted in a concentration-dependent growth inhibition due to apoptosis, which was verified by DNA fragmentation, the presence of apoptotic bodies, and an increase in the sub-G1 ratio. Induction of apoptotic cell death by SSeo was correlated with the down-regulation of members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family (including X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), cIAP-1, and surviving) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and with up-regulation of death receptor (DR) 4 and DR5, depending on dosage. SSeo treatment also induced Bid truncation, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteolytic activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and concomitant degradation of activated caspase-3 target proteins such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Taken together, these findings suggest that SSeo may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use in the control of human leukemia cells. Further studies are needed to identify its active compounds.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.7 s.87
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• pp.976-982
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the modulating effects of histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, on the differentiation of mouse C2C12 myoblasts. We demonstrated that trichostatin A induced morphological changes of C2C12 myoblasts into smooth muscles and significantly increased the gene expression of smooth muscle markers including smooth muscle ${\alpha}-actin$ and transgelin. These results were due to the change in the expression level of cell cycle regulators in trichostatin A-treated C2C12 cells. Real-time PCR data revealed that cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, mRNA expression was significantly increased in trichostatin A-treated C2C12 cells. However, trichostaDn A rapidly decreased cyclin Dl mRNA expression necessary for cell cycle progression in 24hr after treatment. In conclusion, the strong inhibitory effects of trichostatin A on histone deacetylation induced transdifferentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into smooth muscle cells and these results are partly due to the changes in the expression of cell cycle regulators such as p21 and cyclin D1.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.469-476
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• 2017

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer (Asian ginseng) has a large nuclear genome size of > 3.5 Gbp in haploid genome equivalent of 24 chromosomes. Tandem repeats (TRs) occupy significant portions of the genome in many plants and are often found in specific genomic loci, making them a valuable molecular cytogenetic tool in discriminating chromosomes. In an effort to understand the P. ginseng genome structure, we characterized an ultrahigh copy 167-bp TR (Pg167TR) and explored its chromosomal distribution as well as its utility for chromosome identification. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction amplicons of Pg167TR were labeled, along with 5S and 45S rDNA amplicons, using a direct nick-translation method. Direct fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to analyze the chromosomal distribution of Pg167TR. Results: Recently, we reported a method of karyotyping the 24 chromosome pairs of P. ginseng using rDNA and DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) bands. Here, a unique distribution of Pg167TR in all 24 P. ginseng chromosomes was observed, allowing easy identification of individual homologous chromosomes. Additionally, direct labeling of 5S and 45S rDNA probes allowed the identification of two additional 5S rDNA loci not previously reported, enabling the refinement of the P. ginseng karyotype. Conclusion: Identification of individual P. ginseng chromosomes was achieved using Pg167TR-FISH. Chromosome identification is important in understanding the P. ginseng genome structure, and our method will be useful for future integration of genetic linkage maps and genome scaffold anchoring. Additionally, it is a good tool for comparative studies with related species in efforts to understand the evolution of P. ginseng.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.335-340
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• 1997

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques allow the enumeration of chromosome abnormalities and from a great potential for many clinical applications. In order to produce quantitative and reproducible results, expensive tools such as a cooled CCD camera and a computer software are required. We have developed a Chromosome Image Processing System (Chips) using FISH that allows the detection and mapping of the genetic aberrations. The aim of our study, therefore, is to evaluate the capabilities of our original system using a black-and-white video camera. As a model system, three repetitive DNA probes (D18Z1, DXZ1, and DYZ3) were hybridized to variety different clinical samples such as human metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei obtained from uncultured peripheral blood lymphocytes, uncultured amniocytes, and germ cells. The visualization of the FISH signals was performed using our system for image acquisition and pseudocoloring. FISH images were obtained by combining images from each of probes and DAPI counterstain captured separately. Using our original system, the aberrations of single or multiple chromosomes in a single hybridization experiment using chromosomes and interphase nuclei from a variety of cell types, including lymphocytes, amniocytes, sperm, and biopsied blastomeres, were enabled to evaluate. There were no differences in the image quality in accordance with FISH method, fluorochrome types, or different clinical samples. Always bright signals were detected using our system. Our system also yielded constant results. Our Chips would permit a level of performance of FISH analysis on metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei with unparalleled capabilities. Thus, it would be useful for clinical purposes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.441-449
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• 2015

Endlicheria anomala, a neotropical plant, is found in northern South America and the Amazon region. It is traditionally used to remove poisons and cure gangrene. According to recent data, this plant has diverse biological properties such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic properties. However, the anti-cancer effect of E. anomala and its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the anti-cancer effect and the active mechanism of methanol extract of E. anomala (MEEA) in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and human liver cancer cells (HepG2). Our data revealed that MEEA showed cytotoxic activity in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis both in A549 and HepG2 cells. We verified evidences of apoptosis via formation of chromatin condensation, apoptotic body and accumulation of cells in the subG1 phase. Following observed apoptosis-related phenomena, we found that the induction of apoptosis by MEEA was associated with the increase of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (WAF1/CIP1) expression. Furthermore, MEEA-induced apoptosis was characterized with proteolytic activation of caspase-3, degradation of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that MEEA may have potential cancer therapeutic utility in A549 and HepG2 cells.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.129-134
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although several recent studies have reported the anti-cancer effects of extracts or components of Citrus unshiu peel, which has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine, the molecular mechanisms for their effects remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-cancer activity of a water-soluble extract of C. unshiu peel (WECU) in MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells at the level of apoptosis induction was investigated. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using DAPI staining and flow cytometry analyses. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, caspase activity and Western blotting were used to confirm the basis of apoptosis. RESULTS: The results indicated that WECU-induced apoptosis was related to the activation of caspase-8, and -9, representative initiator caspases of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, and caspase-3 accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and down-regulation of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family members. WECU also increased the pro-apoptotic BAX to anti-apoptotic BCL-2 ratio, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Furthermore, WECU provoked the generation of ROS, but the reduction of cell viability and induction of apoptosis by WECU were prevented when ROS production was blocked by antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that WECU suppressed proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells by activating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways in a ROS-dependent manner.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.78-88
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• 2012

Objectives: Paeonia japonica has been widely used for gynecopathy and analgesic effects in Korean Traditional Medicine. The aim of the present study is to determine the antioxidant effect of Paeonia japonica extracts(PJE) by using mouse embryonic fibroblast cells(MEF cells). Methods: We evaluated Radical Scavenging Activity of PJE by the DPPH assay. Protective effect of the PJE on the hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) induced oxidative damage of MEF cells was analyzed by the MTT assay. The Morphological changes of MEF cells induced by P. japonica, $H_2O_2$ and P. japonica+$H_2O_2$ was evaluated by DAPI staining. And effect of PJE on the rate of apoptosis in MEF cells was measured using flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining. Results: We observed that PJE contain significant DPPH radical scavenging activity. Cell viability of oxidative damaged cells treated with various concentrations of $H_2O_2$ was increased by treatment with PJE. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells treated with $H_2O_2$ in the absence or presence of PJE showed that the crumbled G1 peak was accumulated by the treatment with $H_2O_2$ alone, but restored by addition of PJE. Portion of cells that undergo apoptosis mediated by oxidative stress was decreased by treatment of PJE. The nuclear fragmentation occurred in the oxidative damaged MEF cells was also decreased by PJE treatment. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that PJE exhibits significant antioxidant activity and functions to inhibit cell death mediated by oxidative damage induced apoptotic pathways.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.192-197
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• 2002

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes was used to compare the community structures of free-living and aggregated bacteria at thawing period in Lake Baikal. Targeted groups were Eubacteria, $\alpha$-, $\beta$-, $\gamma$- proteobacteria groups, Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group and Planctomycetales. Total bacterial numbers of free-living bacteria were ranged from $0.2{\times}10^6\cells{\cdot}ml^-1$ to $3.2{\times}10^6\cells{\cdot}ml^-1$, which were decreasing with depth, while the aggregated bacterial numbers were dramatically increasing from $0.4{\times}10^4 to 3.3{\times}10^4 \cells{\cdot}ml^-1$ with depth. The ratios of EUB probe binding cells to DAPI counts were ranged from 52.3 to 74.1% in free-living bacteria, and from 39.6 to 66.7% in the aggregated bacteria, respectively. Community structures of the aggregated bacteria were very different from each free-living bacteria at every depth. At 25 m depth, where the chlorophyll a concentration was highest, both structures were quite different from those of surface layers, rendering the fact that the community structures might be affected by phytoplankton. The vertical profile of community structure of aggregated bacteria is particular. The proportion of $\beta$-proteobacteria group was increasing with depth and it was 51.8% at 100 m, but the dominant group was $\gamma$-pro-teobacteria group at 250 m. Taken together, the biodiversity and succession of aggregated bacteria are quite different from free-living bacteria.