• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to examine the neuroprotective effect of wheat bran extract (WBE) against ${\beta}$-amyloid ($A{\beta}$)-induced apoptotic cell death in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and memory impairment in triple transgenic animal model's of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg AD mice). Methods : In SH-SY5Y cells, MTT assay and TUNEL staining were conducted to evaluate the protective effect of WBE against $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis. Alterations in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP), expression of proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, cleavage of PARP, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were analyzed to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism of WBE. To further investigate the memory enhancing effect of WBE, Morris water maze test was performed in 3xTg AD mice. Results : In SH-SY5Y cells, WBE protected against $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-caused cytotoxicity and apoptosis as shown by the restoration of cell viability in MTT assay and inhibition of DNA fragmentation in TUNEL staining. $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced apoptotic signals such as dissipation of MMP, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and cleavage of PARP were suppressed by WBE. Moreover, WBE up-regulated the protein levels of BDNF, which seemed to be mediated by activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). In 3xTg AD mice, oral administration of WBE attenuated learning and memory deficit as verified by reduced mean escape latency in water maze test. Conclusions : WBE protects neuronal cells from $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced apoptotic cell death and restores learning and memory impairments in 3xTg AD mice. These findings suggest that WBE exhibit neuroprotective potential for the management of AD.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2016

With the continuous expansion of highway network and its traffics, neighboring wildlife habitats are splitted into smaller and more isolated patches. The infrastructures contribute to the wildlife-vehicle collision by creating barriers to animal movement. This kinds of traffic accidents are dangerous factors to the drivers' safety and the facilities on the highway as well as to the wildlife themselves. One of the most common ways to prevent habitat fragmentation are fauna crossings and fences. The cost of the mitigation measures to prevent wildlife-vehicle collision could be monetized. However their economic benefits are difficult to be measured. Using contingent valuation method, this study tries to estimate the economic valuation of wildlife collision prevention projects on the Korean highways. The result shows that 43.88% of Korean household had the positive willingness pay to the projects. Moreover, we found that the recognition of the project or the favourable attitude to the environmental issues could raise the willingness-to-pay. Therefore, active public relation on the project could make the friendly public opinion and increase the number of the household which has the positive willingness-to-pay on the project.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.490-494
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• 2009

A 2-year-old Maltese and a 5-month-old Yorkshire terrier were presented with ataxia. Tetraparesis was observed in a 9-year -old Yorkshire terrier. The localizations of the lesions suggested brain or cervical spinal cord by the neurological examination, and the following images was achieved: radiography, axial images of computed tomography (CT), reconstruction image of CT such as multi-planar reformation(MPR) and 3-dimensional(3D) reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On radiography, the misalignment between atlas (C1) and axis (C2), absent dens of axis, and increased space between the dorsal arch of C1 and spinous process of C2 were found. The discontinuation between dens and body of C2 was identified through axial CT images, and the fragmentation of dens separated from axis was observed through MPR and 3D image in all case. The hyperintense lesions and the spinal cord compression on T2-weighted MR images were represented in a dog with tetraparesis, the others represented only spinal cord compression. Three dogs were diagnosed as atlantoaxial instability (AAI) by dens fracture of C2. The dog with tetraparesis was euthanized due to guarded prognosis. The others were recovered completely. It is difficult to differentiate dens fracture of C2 from abnormal dens such as agenesis and hypoplasia. We thought that CT is very useful to evaluate the dens of C2 and differentiate the causes of AAI, and the reconstruction images of CT such as MPR and 3D make the translation of the fragmented dens or axis of AAI more precisely evaluate.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.130-148
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• 2008

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the effect of the water extract of Gamisamgibopae-tang(GMSGBPT), an oriental herbal formulation, on the growth of NCI-H460 and A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines. Methods : Cytotoxicity and cell morphology were evaluated by MTT assay and inverted microscope, respectively. Apoptosis was detected using agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometer. The expression levels of mRNAs and proteins of target genes were determined by RT-PCR and western blot analyses, respectively Result and Conclusion : We found that exposure of A549 cells to GMSGBPT resulted in the growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner as measured by MTT assay, but GMSGBPTdid not affect the growth of NCI-H460 cells. The anti-proliferative effect of GMSGBPT treatment in A549 cells was associated with morphological changes, formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation, and flow cytometry analysis confirmed that GMSGBPT treatment increased the populations of apoptotic-sub G1 phase. Growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death by GMSGBPT were connected with a up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (WAF1/CIP1) mRNA and protein in a tumor suppressor p53-independent fashion. However GMSGBPT treatment did not affect other growth regulation-related genes such as early growth response-1 (Egr-1), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated gene-1 (NAG-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenases (COXs), telomere-regulatory factors in A549 orNCI-H460 cells. Taken together, these findings partially provide novel insights into the possible molecular mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of GMSGBPT.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.394-402
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• 2003

This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Bojungmyunyuk-dan(BJMY-Dan) on the cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity of primary rat astrocytes. BJMY-Dan is an oriental herbal prescription for its ability to recover protective effects against anti-cancer chemotherapies. After astrocytes were treated cisplatin, MTT assay was performed for cell viability test. To explore the mechanism of cytotoxicity, I used the several measures of apoptosis to determine whether this processes was involved in cisplatin-induced cell damage in astrocytes. Also, astrocytes were treated with BJMY-Dan and then, followed by the addition of cisplatin. Cisplatin decreased the viability of astrocytes in a dose and time-dependent manner. BJMY-Dan increased the viability of astrocytes treated cisplatin. Astrocytes treated cisplatin were revealed as apoptosis characterized by nuclear staining and flow cytometry. BJMY-Dan protected astrocytes from cisplatin-induced nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation. Also, caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteases were activated in astrocytes by cisplatin. BJMY-Dan inhibited the activation of caspase proteases in cisplatin-treated astrocytes. Cleavage of [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase](PARP) was occurred at 12hr after treatment of cisplatin in astrocytes. BJMY-Dan recovered the cleavage of PARP in cisplatin-treated astrocytes. Also, BJMY-Dan inhibited the activation of pro-apoptotic factor, Bak by cisplatin. Lastly, astrocytes stained with JC-1 and Rhodamine 123 were photographed by fluorescence microscope to visualize changes of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition(MPT) during treatment with cisplatin for 24hr. BJMY-Dan recovered the change of MPT by cisplatin in astrocytes. According to above results, BJMY-Dan may protect astrocytes from cytotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.4 s.84
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• pp.552-560
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• 2007

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and is closely correlated with oncogenic factors. HDAC inhibitors such as trichostatin A(TSA) and sodium butyrate (Na-B) have been shown to induce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo in many cancer cells. The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein has the remarkable ability to prevent cell death and Bcl-2 overexpression has been reported to protect against cell death. We previously reported that the apoptotic cell death of human leukemic U937 cells by TSA and Na-B treatment was associated with the down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and activation of caspases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Bcl-2 overexpression on the growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by TSA and Na-B in U937 cells. TSA-induced growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were significantly attenuated in Bcl-2 overexpressing U937/Bcl-2 cells however Na-B did not affected. Induction of apoptosis by TSA was accompanied by down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression, activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and degradation of DNA fragmentation factor/inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase, which was blocked by the overexpression of Bcl-2. Collectively, these findings suggest that ectopic expression of Bcl-2 appeared to inhibit TSA-induced apoptosis by interfering with inhibition of Bcl-2 and caspase activation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.851-857
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• 2011

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate, isolated from glucoraphanin in broccoli and other cruciferaous vegetables. Recent studies have revealed that SFN induces anti-proliferation and apoptosis by cell cycle arrest in various cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of SFN induced apoptosis in chondrosarcoma HTB-94 cells. SFN caused suppression of proliferation and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as determined by cell phenotype, MTT assay and FACS analysis in HTB-94 cells. Treatment of SFN led to caspase-3 activation and p53 accumulation as determined by Western blot analysis. Also, SFN significantly induced DNA fragmentation and nuclear degradation though activation of caspase-3, as detected by DNA electrophoresis and immunostaining, respectively. Our results indicate that SFN-induced apoptosis was regulated by p53 and caspase-3 dependent pathways. Furthermore, SFN may act as a potent anti-proliferation agent, and as a promising candidate for molecular-targeting chemotherapy against human chondrosarcoma cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.78-88
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• 2013

Marinated beef galbi is a traditional Korean dish cooked with soy sauce, pear juice, onion, sesame oil, and sugar. However, there are many differences in beef galbi, including flavor and physicochemical aspects, depending on cooking conditions. Therefore, the physicochemical characteristics of marinated beef galbi prepared through various recipes was evaluated for its effects on pH, texture, aging, proteolysis, heating conditions, cooking time, and flavor compounds (pyrazines, IMPs, or FAAs). There were significant differences in salt concentration (0.8~3.03%), pH (4.89~6.22), and solid soluble contents (1.34-6.31 Brix) between recipes in this study. In the Pearson assay for sensory evaluation, overall preference correlated well with texture (a well-known sensory attribute in meat evaluation). Controlling the pH of meat through soaking in lemon solution, alkali water, phosphate, and baking powder solution, improved water holding capacity as much as 9 to 15% compared with the control. The myofibril index (MFI) of marinated meat stored at $4^{\circ}C$ increased 32% with 24 hours of aging and reached 39% at 48 hours of aging, and its fragmentation was observed through microscopy. SDS-PAGE showed hydrolysis of acid-soluble collagen by the pear juice, possibly related to meat tenderness. On the basis of surface temperature, the cooking time was estimated to be 8 minutes with pan heating at $170^{\circ}C$, 6 minutes at $270{\sim}300^{\circ}C$, and 4 minutes with charcoal at $700{\sim}900^{\circ}C$. Different pyrazine compounds, such as 2-methyl-3-phenylpyrrol(2,3-b) pyrazine (the typical product of the browning reaction) was mainly detected, and IMP (one of the main taste compounds in beef) was in higher amounts with the charcoal treatment, potentially related to its flavor preference among treatments. Our results demonstrate an effective case study and cooking system for beef galbi.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.141-146
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• 2007

Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a disorder characterized by the repetitive collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep, which leads to oxygen desaturation, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, and increased risk for hypertension and stroke. We investigated the clinical factors related to the severity of OSAHS. Polysomnography was performed in three hundred and ninety five consecutive adult patients with clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. All patients completed the sleep questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale before polysomnography. Patients were classified into four groups based on the severity of their polysomnographic data: Non-OSA group, characterized by Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) < 5; mild OSA group, by AHI 5-15; moderate OSA group, by AHI 16-30; and severe OSA group, by AHI > 30. Neck circumference was also measured at the cricothyroid level. A total of 395 patients (336 men and 59 women) were studied. In the non-OSA group, there were 55 patients; their mean neck circumference was $39.63{\pm}4.24cm$ and mean BMI was $24.48{\pm}3.53$. In the mild group, there were 101 patients; their mean neck circumference was $41.93{\pm}3.75cm$ and mean BMI was $25.33{\pm}2.94$. In the moderated group, there were 93 patients; their mean neck circumference was $43.27{\pm}3.50cm$ and BMI was $25.90{\pm}2.88$. In the severe group, there were 146 patients; their mean neck circumference was $44.94{\pm}3.93cm$ and mean BMI was $26.81{\pm}3.76$. Men had significantly larger neck circumference than women ($Mean{\pm}SD$, $43.72{\pm}3.83$ vs $39.17{\pm}4.30$, p < 0.001), and higher AHI than women ($29.12{\pm}22.65$ vs $14.63{\pm}14.11$, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that neck circumference was the most significant predictor of AHI. Neck circumference and BMI were positively correlated with the severity of OSAHS. The severity of OSAHS was greater in men than in women.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.168-174
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• 2005

Various changes of physico-chemical characteristics of chilled plaice muscle during storage at $4^{\circ}C$ in vacuum and aerobic packaging methods were examined. As a storaging period become longer, Hunter L, a, b value changes slightely. However, no differences were observed between vacuum and aerobic packaging method. The hardness of plaice muscle after death was $2,232\;dyne/cm^2$. The hardness of vacuum packaged plaice muscle storaged for 4 days was similar to that of aerobic packaged plaice muscle storaged fur 14 days. MFI(Myofibrillar Fragmentation Index) of aerobic and vacuum packaged plaice muscle showed maximum value at storage for 4days and 7 days, respectively. Mg-ATPase activities of mypofibril were increased gradually both of all during storage days. But that of MF from aerobic packaging plaice muscle was higher than that of vacuum packaging plaice muscle.