• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.389-398
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• 2013

Platycodin D is a major constituent of triterpene saponins, which is found in the root of Platycodon grandiflorum, Platycodi Radix, which is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Several pharmacological effects of this compound have been reported recently, such as anti-inflammation, immunogenicity, anti-adipogenesis, lowered cholesterol, and anti-cancer activity. However, the mechanism by which this action occurs is poorly understood. In this study, we found that platycodin D greatly increased the potential of the anti-proliferative effect in various cancer cell lines. Our data revealed that platycodin D treatment resulted in a time- and concentration-response growth inhibition of U937 cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, chromatin condensation, and the accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase. Apoptosis induction of U937 cells by platycodin D correlated with an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caused the down-regulation of IAP family members. In addition, platycodin D treatment resulted in proteolytic activation of caspase-3, the concomitant degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases, and the collapse of the mitochondria membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}_m$). However, the cytotoxic effects induced by platycodin D treatment were significantly inhibited by z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, which demonstrated the important role that caspase-3 played in the observed cytotoxic effect. These findings suggest that platycodin D may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use in the control of human leukemia U937 cells. These findings also provided important new insights into possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of platycodin D.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.776-784
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• 1998

Background: The cyclin D1 gene is one of the most frequently amplified chromosomal regions(11q13) in human carcinomas. In laryngeal and head and neck carcinomas, its overexpression has been shown to be associated with advanced local invasion and presence of lymph node metastases. Cyclin D1 may therefore playa key role in cell growth regulation and tumorigenesis. Lung cancer is a worldwide problem and in many contries it is the most lethal malignancy. As relapse is frequent after resection of early stage non-small cell lung cancer, there is an urgent need to define prognostic factors. Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the prognostic value of the cyclin D1, that is one the G1 cyclins which control cell cycle progression by allowing G1 to S phase transition, on the patients in radically resected non-small cell lung cancer. Method: Total 81 cases of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from resected primary non-small cell lung cancer from January 1, 1983 to July 31, 1995 at Hanyang University Hospital were available for both clinical follow-up and immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies for cyclin D1. Results : The histologic classification of the tumor was based on WHO criteria, and the specimens included 45 squamous cell carcinomas, 25 adenocarcinomas and 11 large cell carcinomas. Cyclin D1 overexpression was noted in 26 cases of 81 cases tested (30.9%). Cyclin D1 expression was not significantly associated with cell types of the tumor, pathological staging and the size of the tumor. But cyclin D1 overexpression was significantly correlated with positive lymph node metastasis(p=0.035). The mean survival duration was $22.76{\pm}3.50$ months in cyclin D1 positive group and $45.38{\pm}5.64$ months in eyclin D1 negative group. There was a nearly significant difference in overall survival between cyclin D1 positive and negative groups(p=0.0515) in radically resected non-small cell lung cancer. Conclusion: Based on this study, cyelin D1 overexpression appears an important poor prognostic indicator in non-small cell lung cancer and may have diagnostic and prognostic importance in the treatment of resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.835-845
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• 1998

Background: Silica-induced lung diseases is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells at early stage and fibrosis in pulmonary parenchyma and interstitium at late stage. As a consequence of inflammation, silicosis is accompanied with the expansion of interstitial collagen and the formation of fibrotic nodule. In this process, several kinds of lung cells produce cytokines which can amplify and modulate pulmonary fibrosis. The alveolar macrophage is a potent source of proflammatory cytokines and growth factor. But in the process of silicotic inflammation and fibrosis, there are many changes of the kinetics in cytokine network. And the sources of cytokines in each phase are not well known. Method: 2.5 mg of silica was instillated into the lung of C57BL/6J mice. After intratracheal instillation of silica, the lungs were removed for imunohistochemical stain at 1, 2, 7 day, 2, 4, 8, 12 week, respectively. We investigated the expression of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$ and TGF-$\beta$ in lung tissue. Results: 1) The expression of IL-6 increased from 1 day after exposure to 8 weeks in vascular endothelium. Also peribronchial area were stained for IL-6 from 7 days and reached the peak level for 4 weeks. 2) The IL-1 $\beta$ was expressed weakly at the alveolar and peribronchial area through 12 weeks. 3) The TNF-$\alpha$ expressed strongly at alveolar and bronchial epithelia during early stage and maintained for 12 weeks. 4) TGF-$\beta$ was expressed strongly at bronchial epithelia and peribronchial area after 1 week and the strongest at 8 weeks. Conclusion: The results above suggests IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$ appear to be a early inflammatory response in silica induced lung fibrosis and TGF-$\beta$ play a major role in the maintenance and modulation of fibrosis in lung tissue. And the regulation of TNF-$\alpha$ production will be a key role in modultion of silica-induced fibrosis.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.242-248
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• 1979

To detect proper lytic assay conditions of the crude zumolyase from Arthrobacter luteus, effets of the various factors involved in the lytic system of Sacchromyces sake cultured with shaking in the malt extracts medium were investigated. The results are summarized as follows : 1. The susceptibilities of viable cells of S. sake from logarithmic growth phase to the lytic enzmye were much greater than those of the cells in lag and stationary phases. The cells cultured for 18 hr were the most susceptible to the enzyme. 2. Lytic activity of the enzyme toward the viable cells of S. sake was very low. It was, however, enhanced 4 folds of more by the pretreatment of the cells with 0.05 M sodium sulfite. 3. Lytic activity of the enzyme toward commercial baker's yeast cells was negligible, and the effect of sodium sulfite on the lysis of the cells also was nothing but a little. 4. The lyophilized cells of the baker's yeast showed more susceptibility to the lytic enzyme than viable cells of the yeast. No definite effect of sodium sulfite on the lysis of the lyophilized cells, however, was observed either baker's yeast of S. sake. 5. It appeared that the relationship between the reaction rate and the enzyme concentration on the lysis of the yeast cell walls followed enzyme kinetic theory, but one between the reaction rate and concentration of the yeast cells as substrates showed different pattern from that in enzyme kinetic theory. 6. After the preparation of crude zymolyase was kept at $7^[\circ}C$ for 10 days in the 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.5, the remainning lytic activity was about 80 %.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.663-672
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• 2016

The Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is an annual plant distributed in China and Korea. The fruit of C. monnieri is used as a medicinal herb that is effective for the treatment of carbuncle and pain in female genitalia. However, the anti-cancer effects of CME have not yet been reported. In this study, we assessed the apoptotic effects and cell cycle arrest effects of ethanol extracts from C. monnieri on HCT116 colon cancer cells. The results of an MTT assay and LDH assay demonstrated a decrease in cell viability and the cytotoxic effects of CME. In addition, the number of apoptotic body and the apoptotic rate were increased in a dose-dependent manner through Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining. In addition, cell cycle arrest occurred at the G1 phase by CME. Protein kinase B (Akt) plays an important role in cancer cell survival, growth, and division. Akt down-regulates apoptosis-mediated proteins, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p53, and Glycogen Synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). CME could regulate the expression levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-GSK-3β, Bcl-2 family members, caspase-3, and PARP. Furthermore, treatment with CME, LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor), BIO (GSK-3β inhibitor), and Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) showed that apoptotic effects occurred through the regulation of the AKT/mTOR/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated CME could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116 colon cancer cells.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 2005

This study was carried out to develop a novel hydroponic medium far fruit vegetable crops by using waste synthetic fibers. In physical analysis of the synthetic fiber medium (SFM), the bulk density and percent solid phase were lower, while the porosity and water content were greater in comparison with the rockwool slab. The SFM had pH of 6.5 and EC of $0.03dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ both of which are similar to those of the rockwool slab. The CEC of 0.39me/100mL of the SFM was lower than compared with 3.29me/100mL of the rockwool slab. However, concentrations K, Ca, Mg and Na were slightly higher in the SFM than those in the rockwool slab. The 'Momotaro' tomato crop in the SFM gave comparable plant height, stem diameter, days to first flowering, fruit weight and percent marketable yield as the rockwool slab. In the SFM and in the rockwool slab, mean fiuit weight were 182g and 181g, percent marketable yield were $93.8\%$ and $92.0\%$, respectively. The marketable yield per 10a in the SFM was 12,799 kg, which was $97\%$ of that in the rockwool slab. Growth parameters such as leaf length and width, leaf number, stem diameter and chlorophyll content of an exportable cucumber crop grown in the SFM and the rockwool slab were not different. Fruit weight was greater in the rockwool slab, while percent marketable yield was greater in the SFM. The marketable fruit yield per 10a of 5,062kg in the SFM was $2\%$ greater than that in the rockwool slab. $NO_3$ concentration in nutrient solution during the crop cultivation was higher in the SFM than in the rockwool slab, while concentrations $NH_4$, K, Ca, Mg and $SO_4$ were not different between the two media.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.169-175
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• 1998

A feeding trial was carried out to evaluate optimum feeding system to Korean Native Chicken (KNC) with various feeding programs for 64 weeks. Eight hundreds and ten KNC＇one day birds were assigned to three feeding systems, NRC(T1), Japanese Feeding Standard(T2), Korean Feeding Standard(T3). Each treatment had three replicates of 90 birds a replicate. Data were obtained growing performance to 20 week of age and laying performance from twenty one to sixty four week. Viability to 20 week of age was similar to treatments. Growth characteristics by feeding systems were not significantly difference on body weight, feed intake and 50％ egg production days. However, body weight was less about 100g in T2. There were no different on egg production, egg weight, and egg mass during laying period. Feed intake of T1 was 104g daily and showed lower than other treatments, but was not different significantly. Feed conversion was significantly improved in T2(P <0.05) compared to other treatments(P<0.05). Egg production of all treatments was the highest between 27 to 30 week of age. ME intake of T1 was significantly maximized, whereas CP intake was the lowest of all treatments(P < 0.05). Nutrient requirements for egg mass tended to depend on nutrients intake. Interior egg and eggshell characteristics were not different among treatments except yolk color. Fertility and hatchability were similar to treatments, and the results at 39 week of age were higher than at 62 week in all treatments. In conclusion, treatments fed three or four phase feeding would be superior to other treatments during the growing period and suggest 2,800 ㎉/kg ME, 15％ CP for Korean native laying hen.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.245-251
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• 2001

Prupose : The genes involved on the suppression or radiation-induced apoptosis by genistein in K562 leukemia cell line was investigated. Materials and methods : K562 cells in exponential growth phase were irradiated with a linear accelerator at room temperature. For X-ray irradiation and drug treatment, cultures were prepared at $2\times10^5\;cells/mL$. The cells were irradiated with 10 Gy (Clinac 1800C, Varian, USA), Stock solutions of herbimycin A (HMA, Calbiochem, UK) and genistein (Calbiochem, UK) were prepared in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, Sigma, UK). After incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ for 24 h, PCR-select cDNA subtractive hybridization, dot hybridization, DNA sequencing and Northern hybridization were examined. Results : Smad6 gene was identified from the differentially expressed genes in K562 cells incubated with genistein which had been selected by PCR-select cDNA subtractive hybridization. The mRNA expression of Smad6 in K562 cells incubated with genistein was also higher than control group by Northern hybridization analysis. Conclusion : We have shown that Smad6 involved on the suppression of radiation-induced apoptosis by genistein in K562 leukemia cell line. It is plausible that the relationship between Smad6 and the suppression of radiation-induced apoptosis is essential for treatment development based on molecular targeting designed to modify radiation-induced apoptosis.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.4 s.100
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• pp.273-284
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• 2002

During January 1998-October 1999, the impact of free-floating plants (FFP) on limnology of the wetland ecosystem was evaluated through the investigation of physicochemical characteristics of the Woopo Wetland along with in situ manipulation experiments of aquatic plants. Flooding events occurred in the wetland during the summer period (Jun.-Aug.) and water levels rose to 2-3 m due to precipitation from the catchment and inflow from the main channel of the Nakdong River. Physicochemical parameters and plankton dynamics in the wetland during the summer were greatly influenced by floods and growth of free-floating plants. Dissolved oxygen (Jun.-Sept., 4.5${\pm}$2.5 mg/1; Oct.-May, 8,1 ${\pm}$4.0 mg/1) and pH (Jun.-Sept., 6.9${\pm}$0.4; Oct.-May,7.4${\pm}$0.8) levels were significantly lower during the summer than any other seasons. Three types of enclosure experiments (100 L, treatments with floating plants, screened and opened) were conducted under the presence and absence of sediment for 15 days in the 1999 summer. The treatments with sediment had higher levels of nutrient concentrations than those of the others. Among the treatments with sediment, nutrient concentrations in the treatments with free-floating plants were higher than the others. Zooplankton communities in each treatment showed a similar variation, although the scale of zooplankton densities differed. Rotifer community dominated the zooplankton at the initial phase of the experiment, but decreased drastically along with an increase of cladoceran and copepod communities. In conclusion, low levels of dissolved oxygen and pH in the Woopo Wetland during the summer seemed to be caused by a proliferation of free-floating plants and active decomposition process at the bottom of the sediment.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2013

Clenbuterol and ractopamine, which are ${\beta}$-agonists, have been misused as a growth promoting agent in meat producing animals. Clenbuterol was banned for veterinary drug in Korea because of its problems regarding safety. Due to their adverse effects, such as cardiovascular and central nervous diseases on human health proper control and monitoring should be conducted. The existing analytical method of clenbuterol and ractopamine in the Food code was improved through our present study. The bovine muscle samples were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, extracted with ethyl acetate and defatted by hexane-methanol partitioning. A molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) solid phase extraction cartridge was used for clean-up and LC-MS/MS was operated in positive multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Clenbuterol-$d_9$ and ractopamine-$d_3$ were used as an internal standard. The renewed method was validated according to the CODEX guideline. The limits of quantitation for clenbuterol and ractopamine were 0.2 and 0.5 ${\mu}g/kg$, respectively. The mean recoveries ranged in 104.2-113.5% for clenbuterol and in 107.6-118.1% for ractopamine. The improved method was able to save both time and expenses.