• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.885-897
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• 2021

Schisandrae Fructus (SF) and Corni Fructus (CF) have been used for a long time for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Although reports have highlighted the possibility of inhibiting the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), studies on related mechanisms are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the potential of SF and CF in improving BPH by using a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced in vitro BPH model using LNCaP prostate carcinoma cells. According to our results, water and ethanol extracts of SF and CF significantly inhibited the proliferation of LNCaP cells by DHT treatment and markedly downregulated the expression of DHT-induced BPH biomarkers and growth factors. They also regulated the expression of apoptosis regulatory factors and significantly reduced DHT-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, the protective effect on major factors involved in the pathogenesis of BPH was more effective in the ethanol extract treatment group than in the water extract group. Furthermore, the improvement effect on BPH was higher in the 1:1 combined treatment group than in the ethanol extract alone treatment group of SF and CF, and 60% ethanol extracts showed a better effect than 40% ethanol extracts. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that SF and CF can protect against BPH by preventing the hyperproliferation of prostate cells through the inhibition of the androgen signaling pathway, which was correlated with their antioxidant activities. Therefore, SF and CF extracts may be useful in the clinical treatment of BPH, and the combination of these two extracts can be synergistic.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1062-1070
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• 2019

A components of garlic (Allium sativum) have anti-proliferative effects against various types of cancer. We aimed to investigate the capacity of garlic compounds to anti-tumor on a various cancer cell lines. Fractionation of garlic extract, guided by antiproliferative activity against human gastric cancer (AGS) cells, has resulted in the isolation of N-benzyl-N-methyldecan-1-amine (NBNMA). We investigated the effect of newly isolated NBNMA from garlic cloves on the inhibition of the growth of CT-26, AGS, HepG2, HCT-116, MCF7, B16F10, and Sarcoma-180 cells for in vitro and CT-26 colon carcinoma cells in vivo. NBNMA exhibited an antiproliferative effect in CT-26 cells by apoptotic cell death. NBNMA exhibited down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and up-regulation of apoptotic Bad protein expression in western blot analyses. In addition, NBNMA meagre activated caspase 3 and caspase 9, initiator caspases of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. NBNMA treatment at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 21 days in experimental mice implanted with tumors resulted in significant reduction of the tumor weight (43%). NBNMA exhibited both in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. These results indicate that NBNMA has promising potential to become a novel anticancer agent from garlic cloves for the treatment of colon carcinoma cancer.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.296-302
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• 2019

Ganjang-gejang (soy sauce-marinated crab) is a ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood and is also one of the most popular traditional dishes in Korea. It is generally prepared by washing raw blue crabs and then preserving them in soy sauce. Since this process does not involve cooking or any treatment with heat, it is difficult to control the microbiological quality of the final product. Thus, the objectives of this study were to compare the efficacies of various sanitizers in eliminating microorganisms on raw blue crab during the washing step and to evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan on the inhibition of microbial growth in the ganjang-gejang during storage. The raw blue crabs were submerged in chlorinated water (50 mg/L), peracetic acid (40 mg/L), acetic acid (5%) and lactic acid (5%) for 10 min at $25^{\circ}C$, respectively. The blue crabs treated with 5% acetic acid were marinated with soy sauce containing 0.5 and 1% of soluble chitosan, followed by storing them at 4 and $12^{\circ}C$ for up to 30 days. Results show that 5% acetic acid reduced the microbial populations on the blue crabs by 1.5 log CFU/g, which was significantly higher than those of other treatments. Based on these results, 5% acetic acid was selected for the washing step. The microbial populations of all ganjang-gejang samples significantly increased to about 8.0 CFU/g at $12^{\circ}C$ for 7 days. At $4^{\circ}C$, the microbial populations of the products containing 1% chitosan increased by about 2.9 CFU/g for 20 days, which were significantly lower than those (4.2-4.5 log CFU/g) of the products without and with 0.5% chitosan. Thus, these results suggest that 5% acetic acid washing of raw blue crabs and the addition of 1% chitosan in ganjang-gejang could improve the microbiological quality of the final products under refrigerated condition.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.463-471
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• 2018

Perilla is an oilseed crop cultivated in Korea since ancient times. Due to the high ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content in perilla, perilla seed oil can easily become rancid. ${\alpha}-Linolenic$ acid is synthesized by two enzymes, endoplasmic reticulum-localized ${\Delta}15$ desaturase (FAD3) and chloroplast-localized ${\Delta}15$ desaturase (FAD7) in vivo. In order to lower the ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content of the seed oil without disturbing plant growth, we tried to suppress the expression of only the FAD3 gene using RNA interference, whilst maintaining the expression of the FAD7 gene. Seventeen transgenic plants with herbicide ($Basta^{TM}$) resistance were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using hypocotyls of perilla plants. The transgenic plants were firstly confirmed by treatment with 0.3% (v/v) $Basta^{TM}$ herbicide, and the expression of FAD3 was measured by Northern blot analysis. The ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content was 10-20%, 30-40%, and 60% in two, seven, and three of the twelve $T_1$ transgenic perilla plants which had enough seeds to be analyzed for fatty acid composition, respectively. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of $T_2$ progeny seeds from $T_1$ plants with the lowest ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content showed that the homozygous lines had 6-10% ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content and the heterozygous lines had 20-26% ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content. It is expected that the reduction in ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content in perilla seed oil will prevent rancidity and can be utilized for the production of high-value functional ingredients such as high ${\gamma}-linolenic$ acid.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.387-395
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• 2018

This study was conducted to identify DNA markers related to resistance to herbicide containing mesotrione in Tongil type rice. Two Tongil type elite lines; Milyang154 and Suweon382, showed resistance to mesotrione, whereas the others were susceptible at 20 days after mesotrione application, and severe growth inhibition was observed in the remaining 13 lines. As a result of analysis of mesotrione resistance using 190 $F_2$ populations derived from a cross of Hanareum2 (susceptible) and Milyang154 (resistant), the mesotrione resistance locus was shown to be a single dominant gene with a 3:1 segregation ratio ($X^2=1.19$, P=0.31). To identify a DNA marker closely linked to the mesotrione resistance gene, bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was adopted. The DNA marker RM3501 was identified on chromosome 2 with a recombinant value of 0.53 to the mesotrione resistance gene. Mst1(t) was located between SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers RM3501 and RM324 with a physical map distance of 10.2 Mb-11.4 Mb on chromosome 2. The band pattern of agarose gel electrophoresis of the SSR marker RM3501 showed the same segregation pattern with respect to mesotrione treatment in 20 Tongil type varieties and a $BC_2F_2$ segregation population derived from a cross between Unkwang (resistant) and Hanareum2 (susceptible). Thus, the RM3501 DNA marker could be used in breeding programs for Marker Assisted Selection in mesotrione resistant rice breeding.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1173-1178
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to isolate an agar-degrading marine bacterium and characterize its agarase. Bacterium BK-1, from Gwanganri Beach at Busan, Korea, was isolated on Marine 2216 agar medium and identified as Agarivorans sp. BK-1 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The extracellular agarase, characterized after dialysis of culture broth, showed maximum activity at pH 6.0 and $50^{\circ}C$ in 20 mM Tris-HCl buffer. Relative activities at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and $70^{\circ}C$ were 67, 93, 97, 100, 58, and 52%, respectively. Relative activities at pH 5, 6, 7, and 8 were 59, 100, 95, and 91%, respectively. More than 90% of the activity remained after a 2 hr exposure to 20, 30, or $40^{\circ}C$; about 60% of the activity remained after a 2 hr exposure to $50^{\circ}C$. Almost all activity was lost after exposure to 60 or $70^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. Zymography revealed three agarases with molecular weights of 110, 90, and 55 kDa. Agarose was degraded to neoagarobiose (46.8%), neoagarotetraose (39.7%), and neoagarohexaose (13.5%), confirming the agarase of Agarivorans sp. BK-1 as a ${\beta}$-agarase. The neoagarooligosaccharides generated by this agarase could be used for moisturizing, bacterial growth inhibition, skin whitening, food treatments, cosmetics, and delaying starch degradation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.255-263
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• 2019

Glycyrrhizae radix is one of the most frequently prescribed ingredients in Oriental medicine, and Glycyrrhizae radix extract has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of programed cell death (apoptosis) by Glycyrrhizae radix are poorly defined. In the present study, it was examined the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis by water extracts of Glycyrrhizae radix (GRW) in human bladder T24 cancer cells. It was found that GRW could inhibit the cell growth of T24 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation and increased populations of annexin-V positive cells. The induction of apoptotic cell death by GRW was connected with an up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax protein expression and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL), and inhibition of apoptosis family proteins (XIAP, cIAP-1 and cIAP-2). In addition, apoptosis-inducing concentrations of GRW induced the activation of caspase-9, an initiator caspase of the mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic pathway, and caspase-3, accompanied by proteolytic degradation of PARP. GRW also induced apoptosis via a death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathway by caspase-8 activation, resulting in the down-regulation of total Bid and suggesting the existence of cross-talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Taken together, the present results suggest that GRW may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human bladder cancer cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.330-337
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• 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of Stewartia koreana as oral healthcare materials. The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts from leaves and branches of S. koreana against oral bacteria was confirmed. The leaf and branch extracts (1 mg/disc) showed antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis only among several tested oral bacteria. The leaf extracts showed higher antibacterial activity, with values similar to those of chlorhexidine, which was used as a positive control. The MIC of the leaf extract against P. gingivalis was 0.4 mg/ml and showed bacteriostatic action. The inhibitory effects of the extract on biofilm formation and on gene expression related to biofilm formation by P. gingivalis were determined by biofilm biomass staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qRT-PCR analysis. The biofilm production rate and cell growth of P. gingivalis in the cultures treated with 0.2-2.0 mg/ml of S. koreana leaf extracts were significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect on the formation of P. gingivalis biofilms at concentrations of 1 mg/ml was confirmed by SEM. The qRT-PCR analysis showed concentration-dependent suppression of the fimA and fimB gene expression associated with fimbriae formation in the cultures treated with 0.2-2.0 mg/ml S. koreana leaf extract. These results support the conclusion that S. koreana leaf extracts can be used as oral healthcare materials derived from natural materials, as demonstrated by the antibacterial action and inhibition of biofilm formation of P. gingivalis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.618-630
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• 2021

Purpose: The ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) is widely cultivated as a spice for its aromatic and pungent components. One of its constituents, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is usually thought to cross the cell membrane through dopamine uptake transporters, and induce inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study examines the neuroprotective effect and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of fermented ginger extracts (FGEs) on 6-OHDA induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Methods: Ginger was fermented using 2 species of Bacillus subtilis, with or without enzyme pretreatment. Each sample was extracted with 70% ethanol. Neurotoxicity was assessed by applying the EZ-Cytox cell viability assay and by measuring lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Morphological changes of apoptotic cell nuclei were observed by Hoechst staining. Cell growth and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells were determined by Western blotting and enzyme activity analysis of caspase-3, and AChE enzymatic activity was determined by the colorimetric assay. Results: In terms of cell viability and LDH release, exposure to FGE showed neuroprotective activities against 6-OHDA stimulated stress in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, FGE reduced the 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis, as determined by Hoechst staining. The occurrence of apoptosis in 6-OHDA treated cells was confirmed by determining the caspase-3 activity. Exposure to 6-OHDA resulted in increased caspase-3 activity of SH-SY5Y cells, as compared to the unexposed group. However, pre-treatment with FGE inhibited the activity of caspase-3. The neuroprotective effects of FGE were also found to be caspase-dependent, based on reduction of caspase-3 activity. Exposure to FGE also inhibited the activity of AChE induced by 6-OHDA, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Taken together, our results show that FGE exhibits a neuroprotective effect in 6-OHDA treated SH-SY5Y cells, thereby making it a potential novel agent for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disease.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of packaging methods and sterilization treatment on storability and microbial control in paprika fruits. When treated with chlorine dioxide gas for 3, 6, and 12 hours and cold plasma gas for 1, 3, and 6 hours, and then packed in a carton box and stored in a 8 ± 1℃ chamber for 7 days, chlorine dioxide treated 12 hours and plasma treated 6 hours was prevented the development of E·coli and YM(yeast and mold). Accordingly, the control was treated with chlorine dioxide for 12 hours and plasma for 6 hours, packed using a carton box and 40,000 cc·m^-2·day^-1·atm^-1 OTR film (MAP), and stored in a 8 ± 1℃ chamber for 20 days. Fresh weight loss rate during storage was less than 1% in the MAP treatments, and the visual quality of the MAP treatments was above the marketability limit until the end of storage. There was no difference in the contents of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene in the film. In the case of firmness, the chlorine dioxide treatments was low, and the Hunter a^* value, which showed chromaticity, was highest in the Plasma 6h MAP treatment. Off-odor was investigated in the MAP treatments, but it was very low. The rate of mold growth on the fruit stalk of paprika was the fastest and highest in the chlorine dioxide treated box packaging treatments, and the lowest in the chlorine dioxide treated MAP treatments at the end of storage. The aerobic count in the pulp on the storage end date was the lowest in the plasma treated box packaging treatments, the lowest number of E·coli in the chlorine dioxide treated MAP treatments, and the lowest yeast & mold in the chlorine dioxide treated box packaging treatments. As a result, for the inhibition of microorganisms during paprika storage, it is considered appropriate to treat plasma for 6 hours before storage regardless of the packaging method.