• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.13-21
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• 2019

The influences of light generated by LEDs on shoot growth and photosynthesis of Tea plant(Camellia sinensis L.) were evaluated. The growth characteristics were investigated after 45 days of culture under four different light qualities: fluorescent lamp, red LED, blue LED, red+blue+white LED. Shoot growth was promoted by red light, especially root length and area were further promoted under the red+blue+white LED. Also, T/R ratio and Chlorophyll content were highest in red+blue+white. Fluor Cam was used to measure the fluorescence images of the plants, inhibition of photochemical efficiency(Fv/Fm) were not changed in all treatment. However, non-photochemical quenching(NPQ) were found rapidly increasing in blue LED, these results were that blue LED were inhibit photosynthetic efficiency and must be considered for efficiently in vitro cultivation of the tea plant. The above results suggest that light qualities could be an important factor to foster in vitro growth of the species. Also, In order to produce healthy plants, it is effective to using light qualities of red+blue+white LED on in vitro culture of the tea plant. These results could be used to mass propagating shoot and produce of healthy seedling.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2021

Plants protect against viruses through passive and active resistance mechanisms, and in most cases characterized thus far, natural recessive resistance to potyviruses has been mapped to mutations in the eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E or eIF(iso)4E genes. Five eIF4E copies and three eIF(iso)4E copies were detected in Brassica rapa. The eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E genes could interact with turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) viral protein linked to the genome (VPg) to initiate virus translation. From the yeast two-hybrid system (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays, the TuMV-CHN2/CHN3 VPgs could not interact with BraA.eIF4E.a/c or BraA.eIF(iso)4E.c, but they could interact with BraA.eIF(iso)4E.a in B. rapa. Further analysis indicated that the amino acid substitution L186F (nt T556C) in TuMV-UK1 VPg was important for the interaction networks between the TuMV VPg and eIF(iso)4E proteins. An interaction model of the BraA. eIF(iso)4E protein with TuMV VPg was constructed to infer the effect of the significant amino acids on the interaction of TuMV VPgs-eIF(iso)4Es, particularly whether the L186F in TuMV-UK1 VPg could change the structure of the TuMV-UK1 VPg protein, which may terminate the interaction of the BraA.eIF(iso)4E and TuMV VPg protein. This study provides new insights into the interactions between plant viruses and translation initiation factors to reveal the working of key amino acids.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.294-308
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• 2021

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Allomyrina dichotoma larva (ADL), one of the many edible insects recognized as future food resources, has a range of pharmacological activities. In a previous study, an ADL extract (ADLE) reduced the hepatic insulin resistance of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. On the other hand, the associated molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction remain unclear. This study examined the effects of ADLE on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in a beta cell line of a rat origin, INS-1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: ADLE was administered to high-fat diet treated mice. The expression of apoptosis-related molecules was measured by Western blotting, and reactive oxidative stress generation and nitric oxide production were measured by DCH-DA fluorescence and a Griess assay, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of ADLE to HFD-induced diabetic mice reduced the hyperplasia, 4-hydroxynonenal levels, and the number of apoptotic cells while improving the insulin levels compared to the HFD group. Treatment of INS-1 cells with palmitate reduced insulin secretion, which was attenuated by the ADLE treatment. Furthermore, the ADLE treatment prevented palmitate-induced cell death in INS-1 cells and isolated islets by reducing the apoptotic signaling molecules, including cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. ADLE also reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species generation, lipid accumulation, and nitrite production in palmitate-treated INS-1 cells while increasing the ATP levels. This effect corresponded to the decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS: ADLE helps prevent lipotoxic beta-cell death in INS-1 cells and HFD-diabetic mice, suggesting that ADLE can be used to prevent or treat beta-cell damage in glucose intolerance during the development of diabetes.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.19-26
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the immunopotentiating activity of combine extract that Silkworm and Cinnamomum cassia. Recently, acute epidemic diseases such as cold and viral respiratory diseases have been emerging. So, interested in immunity enhancement has been increasing, and research on natural products to promote immunity activity has been actively conducted. Methods : To confirm the immunopotentiating activity effect, Silkworm (SW), Cinnamomum cassia (CC), and SWCC combined extracts were treated 14 days at 300 mg/kg/day. The changes of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in serum were analyzed after experiment. The changes in the total spleen cell number were measured. Immune cells in spleen were analyzed using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). also, analyzed the expression of cytokines in spleen. Results : Total number of cells in the spleen and FACS analysis of T lymphocytes activated in the spleen showed that the SWCC combined treated group had much higher frequency of active cells than both single groups. The ratio of CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+ T cells in spleen, SWCC is higher than other groups except Nor in CD4+, CD4+CD69+, CD4+CD25+ T cells. The results of this study suggest that SWCC can help immune function via IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ cytokine production, increased T lymphocytes and splenocyte proliferation. Conclusion : Therefore, these results suggested that the SWCC combined extracts administration increase stronger immunity enhancement than when SW and CC adminstration.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.47-52
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate effects on the immune system of Bombyx mori L. and Liriopis seu Ophiopogonis Tuber mixture (BL) in Thymus, Lymph Nodes. Methods : Eight-week-old male Balb/c mice were divided into five groups : Group one included the normal mice (Nor). Positive control group two administrated with red ginseng (RG) 100 mg/kg. Group three administrated with Bombyx mori L. (BX) 300 mg/kg. Group four administrated with Liriopis seu Ophiopogonis Tuber (LP) 300 mg/kg. Group five administrated with the mixture of Bombyx mori L. and Liriopis seu Ophiopogonis Tuber (BL) 300 mg/kg. After 2 weeks administration, mice were sacrified and antigen receptor in Thymus, Lymph Nodes was analyzed by using Fluorescence Activated Cellorter Sorting (FACS). we counted the total of Thymus and Lymph Nodes cells. GOT (glutamlc oxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamlc pyruvic transamlnase) in serum were analyzed after experiment. Results : In Effects of Nor, RG, BX, LP, BL on the ratio of CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+ T cell in Thymus and Lymphnode, BL is higher than other groups except Nor in CD4+, CD4+CD69+, CD4+CD25+ T cell. The number of Thymus and Lymph Nodes increased in BL. In the level of GOT and GPT, BL decreased comparing to others group except Nor. Conclusions : BL may have effect on T cells in Thymus, Lymph Nodes. In addition, Bombyx mori could be immune functional material with others herb materials.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.712-720
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• 2022

In this study, we evaluated the production and photoreactivity of CDOM of two polar phytoplanktons - Phaeocystis antarctica and Phaeocystis pouchetii, in order to find out UV effects on phytoplanktons. In visible region, CDOM in media of both phytoplanktons under UV-R decreased during 48hrs incubation period. However, in UV region CDOM decreased 30 % in the media of P. antarctica, but increased 10% in media of P. pouchetii, compared to CDOM concentrations of control after 48 hr incubation. This result indicates that biota in polar environment would not well protected from UV-R harmful effect when P. antarctica is dominant because of loss of CDOM, but when P. pouchetii is dominant species, production of UV absorbing organic matter could play more efficiently for UV screening for marine biota. Also we confirmed that FDOM of humic substance (C-peak) produced by these phtoplanktons under UV-R stress were well matched with fluorescence characteristics of the UV-protecting compound, MAAs. This finding shows that Phaeocystis pouchetti with low photoreactivity would contribute to DOM pool of polar marine environment under stratification by global warming.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.395-404
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• 2024

Background: Ginsenoside Rg₁ (Rg₁) is one of the main active components in Chinese medicines, Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng. Research has shown that Rg₁ has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, including anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, anti-apoptosis, and promotion of myocardial angiogenesis, suggesting it a potential cardiovascular agent. However, the protective mechanism involved is still not fully understood. Methods: Based on network pharmacology, ligand-based protein docking, proteomics, Western blot, protein recombination and spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra) techniques, potential targets and pathways for Rg₁ against myocardial ischemia (MI) were screened and explored. Results: An important target set containing 19 proteins was constructed. Two target proteins with more favorable binding activity for Rg₁ against MI were further identified by molecular docking, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and adenosine kinase (ADK). Meanwhile, Rg₁ intervention on H9c2 cells injured by H₂O₂ showed an inhibitory oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. The inhibition of Rg₁ on MAPK1 and OXPHOS pathway was confirmed by Western blot assay. By protein recombination and spectroscopic analysis, the binding reaction between ADK and Rg₁ was also evaluated. Conclusion: Rg₁ can effectively alleviate cardiomyocytes oxidative stress injury via targeting MAPK1 and ADK, and inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. The present study provides scientific basis for the clinical application of the natural active ingredient, Rg₁, and also gives rise to a methodological reference to the searching of action targets and pathways of other natural active ingredients.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.63-82
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• 2024

Objective : Saengkankunbi-tang (SKT) is used as a traditional Korean herbal formula for treatment of liver diseases. We investigated the hepatoprotective effects of SKT plus Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKE) against arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-mediated acute liver damage in mice. Methods : The cyto-protective effects of SKT + EKE were determined by MTT assay, western blot and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. In mice, blood biochemistry and western blot were assessed in CCl₄-induced acute hepatic damage. The animal groups included vehicle-treated control, CCl₄, SKT (200 mg/kg/day), EKE (100 mg/kg/day), SKT (200 mg/kg/day) + EKE (100 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day). Results : In HepG2 cells, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly suppressed cytotoxicity induced by AA + iron and reduced the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly prevented the increase in H₂O₂ production, GSH depletion, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential induced by AA + iron. In CCl₄-induced liver damage mice, the administration of SKT + EKE prevented the liver damage by inhibition of hepatocyte damage and expression of apoptosis proteins in liver. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo assay, SKT + EKE showed significant effect compare with SKT alone or EKE alone in all parameters. Conclusions : These results indicated that SKT + EKE could protect against oxidative stress-induced liver damage, and SKT + EKE is more effective than SKT alone or EKE alone.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.519-526
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• 2023

Present study explored immunostimulatory effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Zanthoxylum schinifolium 1:1 (w:w) mixture (AZM-1:1) in Raw264.7 cells, mouse macrophage derived cells. Treatment with 100-400 ㎍/mL of AZM-1:1 in Raw264.7 cells significantly increased nitric oxide production in parallel with inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression without affecting cytotoxicity. In addition, AZM-1:1 dose-dependently increased prostaglandin E₂ production in conditioned medium along with cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA induction. Moreover, AZM-1:1 induces the transcription of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Immunoblot analyses revealed that AZM-1:1 significantly increased the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, provoked phosphorylation-mediated degradation of inhibitory-κBα, and phosphorylated p65. Furthermore, treatment with AZM-1:1 promoted phagocytosis of Escherichia coli particle labeled with green fluorescence. Taken together, AZM-1:1 may be a promising nutraceutical for stimulation the innate immune system, including macrophages.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1304-1308
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• 2006

The present study describes the preliminary evaluation of the antioxidant activity and the cytotoxic effect of Ceramium kondoi. The antioxidant activities and cytotoxic effect of the water extracts were evaluated by total phenolic contents (TPC), DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA), reducing power (RP), comet assay, and MTT reduction assay. TPC, DPPH RSA, and RP of the extract at the concentration of $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ was $659.2{\mu}M$, 86.0%, and 1.084, respectively, and those were concentration dependent. The $200{\mu}M\;H_2O_2-induced$DNA damage was inhibited by C. kondoi water extract in a dose dependent manner in human leukocytes. The inhibition was by 62.3, 39.8, 24.8% and 16.4% at the concentration of 5, 10, $25{\mu}g/mL$ and $50{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Cytotoxic activity on HT-29 cells and MCF-7 cells of the C. kondoi water extract at the concentration of $10{\mu}g/mL$ was 49% and 60%, respectively. These results strongly support the possibility of C. kondoi as a source of natural functional materials.