• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.526-532
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Acanthopanax sessiliflorus is a native Korean plant and used as a traditional medicine or an ingredient in many Korean foods. The free radical theory of aging suggests that cellular oxidative stress caused by free radicals is the main cause of aging. Free radicals can be removed by cellular anti-oxidants. MATERIALS/METHODS: Here, we examined the anti-oxidant activity of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract both in vitro and in vivo. Survival of nematode C. elegans under stress conditions was also compared between control and Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract-treated groups. Then, anti-aging effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract was monitored in C. elegans. RESULTS: Stem extract significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage in lymphocyte, which was not observed by leaves or root extract. Survival of C. elegans under oxidative-stress conditions was significantly enhanced by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem extract. In addition, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem increased resistance to other environmental stresses, including heat shock and ultraviolet irradiation. Treatment with Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem extract significantly extended both mean and maximum lifespan in C. elegans. However, fertility was not affected by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem. CONCLUSION: Different parts of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus have different bioactivities and stem extract have strong anti-oxidant activity in both rat lymphocytes and C. elegans, and conferred a longevity phenotype without reduced reproduction in C. elegans, which provides conclusive evidence to support the free radical theory of aging.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7055-7059
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• 2014

Artemisia, as one of the largest genera in the tribe Anthemideae of the Asteraceae comprises an important part of Iranian flora. While cytotoxic and apoptotic properties have already been reported for some species of the genus there is not any report on cytotoxic effects of A. ciniformis. Petroleum ether (40-60), dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and ethanol-water (50:50) extracts of the aerial parts of A. cinformis were subjected to cytotoxic and apoptotic evaluations on two cancer human cell lines (K562 and HL-60) and on J774 normal cells. Among multiple extracts evaluated for cytotoxicity, dichloromethane ($CH_2Cl_2$) and petroleum ether (PE) extracts were shown to possess the highest anti-proliferative effects on HL-60 and K562 cells with $IC_{50}$ values of 31.3 and $25.5{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. Apoptosis induction verified by sub-G1 peaks was seen in flow cytometry histograms. Increase in the amount of Bax protein, formation of DNA fragments, and cleavage of PARP to 24 and 89kDa sub units all confirmed induction of apoptosis by A. cinformis extracts. Taken together according to the result of the present study some extracts of A. cinformis could be considered as sources for natural cytotoxic compounds and further mechanistic and phytochemical studies are recommended to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of cnacer cell death as well as identification of responsible phytochemicals.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.525-530
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• 1998

These studies were carried out to select the active grow hairy root lines induced from various ginseng(Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) parts. Hairy roots were induced in root explants, stem and petiole in vitro by A. rhizogenes R1000 or A. rhizogenes $A_4$. These hairy roots could be grown on the phytohormone free medium, and PCR analysis of rol C and vir C gene fragments confirmed that hairy roots were transgenic tissues. We have selected 11 hairy root lines with active growing characters among 300 hairy root lines selected based on growth and morphological characteristics on 1/2MS solid media with 250 mg/L carbenicillin. Morphological characteristics of selected 11 hairy root lines were thickness and thiness of main roots, and many projection for lateral roots, active grow of lateral roots. Among selected 11 hair root lines prominent characteristics of hairy roots with active growing characters were thiness of main roots and active grow of lateral roots. But characteristics of low growing hairy roots were thickness of main roots and low grow of lateral roots. Finally we have selected actively growing hairy roots, KGHR-1, KGHR-5, KGHR-8 among 11 hairy root lines.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5833-5837
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• 2013

Roles of the vitamin D receptor in etiology of cancers, including colorectal cancer, have been repeatedly stressed in different parts of the world. A case control study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the two was therefore initiated in Kashmir, known both for its increasing incidence of gastrointestinal cancers and deficiency of micro-nutrients especially vitamin D. The study included a total of 617 subjects (312 colorectal cancer cases and 305 controls), with sampling carried out over a period of 5 years. DNA samples from the blood of the subjects were analyzed for start codon Fok I VDR polymorphism. We obtained a 1.3 fold increased risk among individuals homozygous for f variants as compared to subjects homozygous for F allele (odds ratio OR 1.3, 95%CI, 0.861-1.65). Our study also showed statistically significant results when dwelling and tumor location characteristics were stratified with Fok I polymorphism, all of which suggests a possible role of Fok I polymorphism in the etiology of CRC in Kashmir.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2008

A 3-month-old American Cocker spaniel was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Chungbuk National University, for examination of urinary tract after dissection of vaginal mass at local clinic before 10 days. Clinical examination of the affected bitch revealed a normal sized vulva in a normal anatomical position with a grossly enlarged clitoris, which contained an os clitoris. On examinations of the genital gland, there were testis, epididymis, ductus deferens and uterus. The histology of both gonads was primarily testis. Seminiferous tubules were divided into many parts by fibrous connective tissue. A small number of spermatogonia was present, but large numbers of Leydig's cells were existed. A normal female karyotype (78, XX) was detected in metaphase spreads obtained from cultured peripheral lymphocytes. Y chromosome specific sequences were not detected in genomic DNA by PCR. After 27 months, the os clitoris was larger than 3-month-old dog and os bone was more calcified than young age. Combining the results of cytogenetic, molecular genetic and histological examinations, the dog was diagnosed as a female hermaphrodite with Sry-negative XX sex reversal.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.123-136
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• 2012

Diseases caused by begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus) constitute a serious constraint to tropical and sub-tropical agro-ecosystems worldwide. In recent years, they have also introduced in temperate regions of the world where they have great impact and are posing a serious threat to a variety of greenhouse crops. Begomoviral diseases can in extreme cases reduce yields to zero leading to catastrophic losses in agriculture. They are still evolving and pose a serious threat to sustainable agriculture across the world, particularly in tropics and sub-tropics. Till recently, there have been no records on the occurrence of begomoviral disease in South Korea, however, the etiology of other plant viral diseases are known since last century. The first begomovirus infected sample was collected from sweet potato plant in 2003 and since then there has been gradual increase in the begomoviral epidemics specially in tomato and sweet potato crops. So far, 48 begomovirus sequences originating from various plant species have been submitted in public sequence data base from different parts of the country. The rapid emergence of begomoviral epidemics might be with some of the factors like evolution of new variants of the viruses, appearance of efficient vectors, changing cropping systems, introduction of susceptible plant varieties, increase in global trade in agricultural products, intercontinental transportation networks, and changes in global climatic conditions. Another concern might be the emergence of a begomovirus complex and satellite DNA molecules. Thorough understanding of the pathosystems is needed for the designing of effective managements. Efforts should also be made towards the integration of the resistant genes for the development of transgenic plants specially tomato and sweet potato as they have been found to be widely infected in South Korea. There should be efficient surveillance for emergence or incursions of other begomoviruses and biotypes of whitefly. This review discusses the general characteristics of begomoviruses, transmission by their vector B. tabaci with an especial emphasis on the occurrence and distribution of begomoviruses in South Korea, and control measures that must be addressed in order to develop more sustainable management strategies.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.333-340
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• 2009

Developmental anomalies in the plumule meristem of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) somatic embryos resulted in poor shoot differentiation and reduced plant recovery. Existing meristems with caulogenic potential have never been tested for embryogenesis in peanut. The present experiment was designed to test the mature zygotic embryo axis derived plumule with three meristems for somatic embryogenesis. Embryogenic masses and embryos developed from the caulogenic meristems in the axils. Exposure of 2 weeks in primary medium with $90.5{\mu}M$ 2,4-D suppressed the shoot tip differentiation temporarily which then regained the ability to form the shoot on withdrawal of 2,4-D. Exposure of 4 weeks in primary medium with $90.5{\mu}M$ 2,4-D suppressed the shoot tip differentiation irreversibly. No shoot formation was noted from the tips in any of the cultures which were in secondary medium with $13.6{\mu}M$ 2,4-D. Development of somatic embryos directly from axillary meristems was confirmed histologically. Conversion frequency of these embryos was 11%. Thus, in this report, we describe a method to obtain somatic embryos from the determined organogenic buds of the axillary meristem, by culturing the nodal explant vertically on embryo induction medium. It also displays the possibility of obtaining both embryogenic and organogenic potential in two parts of the same explant simultaneously. The possibility of extending this approach for genetic transformation in in vivo system through direct DNA delivery or Agrobacterium injection in meristems can also be explored. Using Agrobacterium rhizogenes, we have demonstrated the possibility of gene transfer in the axillary meristems of seed-derived plumule explant.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.952-957
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• 2008

A Gram-negative bacterium, named LY402, was isolated from contaminated soil. 16S rDNA sequencing and measurement of the physiological and biochemical characteristics identified it as belonging to the genus Enterohacter. Degradation experiments showed that LY402 had the ability to aerobically transform 79 of the 91 major congeners of Aroclor 1242, 1254, and 1260. However, more interestingly, the strain readily degraded certain highly chlorinated and recalcitrant polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Almost all the tri- and tetra-chlorobiphenyls (CBs), except for 3,4,3',4'-CB, were degraded in 3 days, whereas 73% of 3,4,3',4'-, 92% of the penta-, 76% of the hexa-, and 37% of the hepta-CBs were transformed after 6 days. In addition, among 12 octa-CBs, 2,2',3,3',5,5',6,6-CB was obviously degraded, and 2,2',3,3',4,5,6,6'- and 2,2',3,3',4,5,5',6'-CB were slightly transformed. In a metabolite analysis, mono- and dichlorobenzoic acids (CBAs) were identified, and parts of them were also transformed by strain LY402. Analysis of PCB degradation indicated that strain LY402 could effectively degrade PCB congeners with chlorine substitutions in both ortho- and para-positions. Consequently, this is the first report of an Enterobacteria that can efficiently degrade both low and highly chlorinated PCBs under aerobic conditions.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.593-602
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• 2022

The human papillomavirus (HPV)-18 E7 (E7) oncoprotein is a major transforming protein that is thought to be involved in the development of cervical cancer. It is well-known that E7 stimulates tumour development by inactivating pRb. However, this alone cannot explain the various characteristics acquired by HPV infection. Therefore, we examined other molecules that could help explain the acquired cancer properties during E7-induced cancer development. Using the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) method, we found that the Elk-1 factor, which is crucial for cell proliferation, invasion, cell survival, anti-apoptotic activity, and cancer development, binds to the E7. By determining which part of E7 binds to which domain of Elk-1 using the Y2H method, it was found that CR2 and CR3 of the E7 and parts 1-206, including the ETS-DNA domain of Elk-1, interact with each other. As a result of their interaction, the transcriptional activity of Elk-1 was increased, thereby increasing the expression of target genes EGR-1, c-fos, and E2F. Additionally, the colony forming assay revealed that overexpression of Elk-1 and E7 promotes C33A cell proliferation. We expect that the discovery of a novel E7 function as an Elk-1 activator could help explain whether the E7 has novel oncogenic activities in addition to p53 inactivation. We also expect that it will offer new methods for developing improved strategies for cervical cancer treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.67.1-67.11
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• 2022

Background: Budgerigar fledgling disease polyomavirus (BFDV) is the pathogen that causes budgerigar fledgling disease in psittacine species. The clinical signs of PBFV infection include ascites, hepatitis, and crop stasis. BFDV is associated with a high mortality rate in nestling birds. In contrast, adult birds only have mild symptoms such as feather dystrophy. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, genetic characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis of BFDV in pet parrots in Korea. Methods: Fecal and tissue samples were collected from 217 pet parrots from 10 veterinary hospitals including Chungbuk National University Veterinary Hospital. The molecular screening was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the small t/large T antigen gene segment. Full-length genome sequencing with the Sanger and phylogenetic analysis were performed on BFDV-positive samples. Results: The PCR results based on the small t/large T antigen gene marker indicated that BFDV DNA was present in 10 out of 217 screened samples. A whole-genome sequence was obtained from six strains and phylogenetic analysis revealed no significant relationship existed between the species and geographical locations amongst them. Conclusions: The prevalence of BFDV infection in South Korea is not high when compared to the prevalence of BFDV in other parts of the world, however, it has been reported sporadically in various species and geographic locations. The whole-genome analysis revealed 0.2%-0.3% variation in intragenomic homogeneity among the six strains analyzed. Korean strains are separately on the phylogenetic tree from their counterparts from China and Japan which might reflect the substantial genetic variation.