• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.149-160
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• 2022

In this study, the physical quality and microbial changes of ginseng sprout according to the pretreatment process and packaging container were evaluated to improve the storage properties of ginseng sprout produced in smart farm. Quality change during storage (10 days) according to pretreatment method (ascorbic acid, citric acid, peroxyacetic acid) and packaging container (expanded polystyrene (EP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene + polyethylene + cast polypropylene (PP+PE+CPP)) was evaluated in terms of texture, viable cell count, water content, and color. As a result of comparison according to the type of pretreatment, the citric acid treatment group showed the lowest texture change and the effect on inhibition of bacterial growth. On the other hand, citric acid, which was most effective among pretreatments, was treated in all samples and then stored in 4 types of containers. Specially, the ginseng sprout in PP packaging container was not observed significant softening or color changes after 10 days storage, and the lowest changes in viable cell number. Therefore, this study was shown that citric acid treatment and use of PP packaging container are effective in increasing the shelf life of ginseng sprout.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.380-395
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• 2022

This study investigated the utilization of detoxified Rhus verniciflua (RV) extract as a natural antioxidant to extend the shelf life of chicken breast meat during storage. Pre-heating at (35℃, 100℃, 120℃, and 140℃) was conducted on heartwood of RV prior to extraction to improve its antioxidant activity and remove the allergenic compound urushiol. The antioxidant activity was the highest when RV pre-heated at 120℃ with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity observed at 62.29 EC₅₀ ㎍/mL and 12.11 IC₅₀ mg/mL, respectively. Pre-heating also significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC), with the highest improvement was seen at 120℃, 100℃, and 140℃ respectively, wherein 35℃ shared no difference with the raw RV (RRV). Urushiol content was vanished following pre-heating at 120℃ and 140℃. With respect to these result, pre-heating treatment at 120℃ was applied before the extraction of the heartwood of RV. Prepared breast meat sample was dipped into distilled water as a negative control, 0.02% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as positive control, and a solution containing detoxified RV extract (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00%) at 4℃ for 60 min. Treatment group with 0.50% and 1.00% addition increased the redness and yellowness value on day 6 and day 3 of storage respectively (p < 0.05). The pH value of breast meat was also increased in treatment of 0.50% and 1.00% on day 0, but subsequently lower until end of storge day compared to control negative (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.50% treatment exhibited a higher antioxidant activity, stronger inhibition of the microbial growth evaluated by total viable count and maintaining a lower total volatile basic nitrogen among treatments (p < 0.05), unless for BHT and 1.00% treatment groups (p > 0.05). It indicates a similar efficacy of detoxified RV extract with that of positive control treated with BHT. The results of this study suggested that dipping chicken breast meat into a solution containing 0.50% of previously pre-heated RV heartwood at 120℃ could be a promising natural antioxidant for extending the shelf life, and at the same time improve its quality during storage.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.134-147
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• 2022

The anti-oxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to exert anti-inflammatory effects. From a library of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, we identified a novel compound KKC080096 that upregulated HO-1 at the mRNA and protein levels in microglial BV-2 cells. KKC080096 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via suppressing nitric oxide, interleukin1β (IL-1β), and iNOS production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged cells. It inhibited the phosphorylation of IKK and MAP kinases (p38, JNK, ERK), which trigger inflammatory signaling, and whose activities are inhibited by HO-1. Further, KKC080096 upregulated anti-inflammatory marker (Arg1, YM1, CD206, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β]) expression. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinetreated mice, KKC080096 lowered microglial activation, protected the nigral dopaminergic neurons, and nigral damage-associated motor deficits. Next, we elucidated the mechanisms by which KKC080096 upregulated HO-1. KKC080096 induced the phosphorylation of AMPK and its known upstream kinases LKB1 and CaMKKbeta, and pharmacological inhibition of AMPK activity reduced the effects of KKC080096 on HO-1 expression and LPS-induced NO generation, suggesting that KKC080096-induced HO-1 upregulation involves LKB1/AMPK and CaMKKbeta/AMPK pathway activation. Further, KKC080096 caused an increase in cellular Nrf2 level, bound to Keap1 (Nrf2 inhibitor protein) with high affinity, and blocked Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. This Nrf2 activation resulted in concurrent induction of HO-1 and other Nrf2-targeted antioxidant enzymes in BV-2 and in dopaminergic CATH.a cells. These results indicate that KKC080096 is a potential therapeutic for oxidative stress-and inflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2023.04a
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• pp.50-50
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• 2023

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2), a major product of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of many solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. Because PGE2 functions by signaling through PGE2 receptors (Eps), which regulate tumor cell growth, invasion, and migration, there has been a growing amount of interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting Eps. In the present study, we investigated the role of EP4 on the effectiveness of cordycepin in inhibititing the migration and invasion of HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells. Our data indicate that cordycepin suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-enhanced cell migration and invasion through the inactivation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 as well as the down-regulation of COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. These events were shown to be associated with the inactivation of EP4 and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, the AMPK inhibitor, compound C, as well as AMPK knockdown via siRNA, attenuated the cordycepin-induced inhibition of EP4 expression. Cordycepin treatment also reduced the activation of CREB. These findings indicate that cordycepin suppresses the migration and invasion of HCT116 cells. Through modulating EP4 expression and the AMPK-CREB signaling pathway. Therefore, cordycepin has the potential to serve as a potent anti-cancer agent in therapeutic strategies against colorectal cancer metastasis.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2021.04a
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• pp.37-37
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• 2021

Calystegia soldanella L. is a perennial herbaceous halophyte belonging to the convolvulaceae family, which mainly grows in coastal sand dunes in Korea. Shoots and rhizomes are edible, and roots called 'Hyoseon Chogeun' are known to have medicinal effects such as antipyretic, sterilization, and diuretic. In addition, physiological activities of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and PTP-1B (protein tyrosine phosphate-1B) inhibition have been reported. In this study, in vitro induction cell lines of C. soldanella L. collected from the coastal sand dunes in Jeju island was redifferentiated into adventitious roots that can be used as medicinal resources. Also the biomass of mass-proliferated adventitious roots using a bioreactor were evaluated. Plants of C. soldanella L. were collected from the crevice of the seashore in the coastal area of Taeheung 2-ri, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si. Then, it was separated into leaves, stems, rhizomes, and roots, and surface sterilized with 70% ethyl alcohol and 2% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite). After washing with sterilized water, each organ section was cultured in Hormone-free MS medium (Murashige & Skoog Medium). As a result, the induction response rates were evaluated at 85% and 55%, respectively, in terms of callus formation and shoot generation in the rhizome segment. In the case of the adventitious roots morphological characteristics induced by single-use treatment of auxin-based plant growth regulators IBA and NAA from redifferentiated shoots were compared. Most efficient adventitious root culture method as a rooting rate, number, length, and biomass proliferation in the bioreactor system was confirmed when treated by culturing in MS salts, Sucrose 30 g·L^-1, and IBA 1mg·L^-1 for 4 weeks. In this study, the medium composition and culture period were confirmed using a bioreactor system to mass-proliferate adventitious roots derived from C. soldanella L. in Jeju island. Also this adventitious root line developed a new medicinal material could increase value of the bio-industry ingredient through quantitative and qualitative screening of phyto-bioactive compounds.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2024

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3, a primary bioactive component of red ginseng, has anti-cancer effects. However, the effects of Rg3-enriched ginseng extract (Rg3RGE) on apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we explored the anti-tumor effects of Rg3RGE on breast cancer cells stimulated CoCl₂, a mimetic of the chronic hypoxic response, and determined the operative mechanisms of action. Methods: The inhibitory mechanisms of Rg3RGE on breast cancer cells, such as apoptosis, autophagy and ROS levels, were detected both in vitro. To determine the anti-cancer effects of Rg3RGE in vivo, the cancer xenograft model was used. Results: Rg3RGE suppressed CoCl₂-induced spheroid formation and cell viability in 3D culture of breast cancer cells. Rg3RGE promoted apoptosis by increasing cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved PARP and decreasing Bcl2 under the hypoxia mimetic conditions. Further, we identified that Rg3RGE promoted apoptosis by inhibiting lysosomal degradation of autophagosome contents in CoCl₂-induced autophagy. We further identified that Rg3RGE-induced apoptotic cell death and autophagy inhibition was mediated by increased intracellular ROS levels. Similarly, in the in vivo xenograft model, Rg3RGE induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and autophagy. Conclusion: Rg3RGE-stimulated ROS production promotes apoptosis and inhibits protective autophagy under hypoxic conditions. Autophagosome accumulation is critical to the apoptotic effects of Rg3RGE. The in vivo findings also demonstrate that Rg3RGE inhibits breast cancer cell growth, suggesting that Rg3RGE has potential as potential as a putative breast cancer therapeutic.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.48.1-48.21
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• 2023

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) possess immunoregulatory properties and their regulatory functions represent a potential therapy for acute lung injury (ALI). However, uncertainties remain with respect to defining MSCs-derived immunomodulatory pathways. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of human recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) primed ES-MSCs (MSC^BMP2) in promoting Tregs in ALI mice. MSC were preconditioned with 100 ng/ml rhBMP-2 for 24 h, and then administrated to mice by intravenous injection after intratracheal injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. Treating MSCs with rhBMP-2 significantly increased cellular proliferation and migration, and cytokines array reveled that cytokines release by MSC^BMP2 were associated with migration and growth. MSC^BMP2 ameliorated LPS induced lung injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and permeability in mice exposed to LPS. Levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were decreased while levels of total glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity were further increased via inhibition of phosphorylated STAT1 in ALI mice treated with MSC^BMP2. MSC^BMP2 treatment increased the protein level of IDO1, indicating an increase in Treg cells, and Foxp3⁺CD25⁺ Treg of CD4⁺ cells were further increased in ALI mice treated with MSC^BMP2. In co-culture assays with MSCs and RAW264.7 cells, the protein level of IDO1 was further induced in MSC^BMP2. Additionally, cytokine release of IL-10 was enhanced while both IL-6 and TNF-α were further inhibited. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MSC^BMP2 has therapeutic potential to reduce massive inflammation of respiratory diseases by promoting Treg cells.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1043-1055
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• 2023

This study was conducted to suggest an extraction method for preparing the extract from green tea leaves that possess enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Different ethanol concentrations were tested to recover phenolics and flavonoids, and 50% ethanol was the best under heat treatment (121℃, 15 min). The ethanol extract exhibited excellent DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and growth inhibition against B. cereus, B. licheniformis, S. aureus subsp. aureus, and A. hydrophila subsp. hydrophila. To enhance the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, cell-wall degrading enzymes (2.5% cellulose+2.5% pectinase, v/w dry sample) treatment and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation were applied singly or in combination. The enzymatic treatment of green tea leaves notably increased extraction yield. However, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the extract were lower than those of the control (heat-treated 50% ethanol extract). In contrast, the yeast fermentation alone did not affect the yield, but enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities, contributing to the increase in the extract's total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2016

Cutaneous microvasculature plays a critical role in age-associated skin changes. A considerable reduction of number and size of vessels has been observed in the upper dermis of elderly skin. Forsythiae fructus (FF), the dried fruit of plant Forsythia suspensa (F. suspensa), has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and bacterial diseases. However, its regulatory effect on angiogenic responses has not been elucidated in skin. Therefore, we analyzed secretory profiles upon treatment of FF extract using array designed to detect angiogenesis-associated mediators in human keratinocytes. Because keratinocyte-derived VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) has been regarded as a potent factor for new microvasculature under the epidermis, we further investigated the effect of FF extract on VEGF production. We observed that the VEGF expression of mRNA and protein level was increased by about 2 folds in a dose-dependent manner after FF extract treatment. In signaling experiments, FF extract induced rapid p38 MAPK activation within 5 min, and the activation was totally abrogated by pretreatment with a p38 MAPK specific inhibitor. The FF-induced VEGF upregulation was also significantly attenuated by a p38 MAPK inhibition. Taken together, FF extract induces VEGF production via p38 MAPK activation in human epidermal keratinocytes. These novel findings suggest that FF is useful as a potential agent with pro-angiogenic activity and may help to improve age-dependent reduction of the microvasculature in aged skin or to heal skin wound.