• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1750-1757
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• 2010

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of Buan mulberries by using an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus animal model. Several studies have shown that mulberries have metabolism-improving, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. In this study, Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned to 1 normal control group and 5 STZ-induced diabetes groups: rats that had STZ-induced diabetes and did not receive any agents (diabetic group; negative control), rats that had STZ-induced diabetes and received insulin (insulin group; positive control), rats that had STZ-induced diabetes and received 0.5% mulberry extract (0.5% mulberry group), rats that had STZ-induced diabetes and received 1.0% mulberry extract (1.0% mulberry group), and rats that had STZ-induced diabetes and received 2.0% mulberry extract (2.0% mulberry group). Mulberry extracts were administered to the diabetic animals for 4 weeks. The rats that received mulberry extracts showed lower body weights and insulin levels, as well as higher kidney weights, blood glucose levels, urine quantities, and water intake in comparison with the normal controls. Further, the insulin concentrations in the mulberry-fed animals were higher than those in the diabetic group, and the kidney weights, blood glucose levels, urine quantities, and water intake in the mulberry-fed animals were lower than the corresponding values in the diabetic controls. These results suggest that mulberry may be an effective functional food to prevent diabetes-related complications.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.507-517
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• 2008

There are considerable in vitro and in vivo evidences for remineralization and demineralization occurring simultaneously in incipient enamel caries. In order to "heal" the incipient dental caries, many experiments have been carried out to determine the optimal conditions for remineralization. It was shown that remineralization is affected by different pH, lactic acid concentrations, chemical composition of the enamel, fluoride concentrations, etc. Eighty specimens from sound permanent teeth without demineralization or cracks, 0.15 mm in thickness, were immersed in lactic acid buffered demineralization solutions for 3 days. Dental caries with a surface zone and subsurface lesion were artificially produced. Groups of 10 specimens were immersed for 10 or 12 days in lactic acid buffered remineralization solutions consisting of pH 4.3 or pH 6.0, and 100, 50, 25, or 10 mM lactic acid. After demineralization and remineralization, images were taken by polarizing microscopy (${\times}100$) and micro-computed tomography. The results were obtained by observing images of the specimens and the density of the caries lesions was determined. 1.As the lactic acid concentration of the remineralization solutions with pH 4.3 was higher, the surface zone of the carious enamel increased and an isotropic zone of the subsurface lesion was found. However, the total decalcification depth increased at the same time. 2.In the remineralization solutions with pH 6.0, only the surface zone increased slightly but there was no significant change in the total decalcification depth and subsurface zone. In the lactic acid buffer solutions with the lower pH and higher lactic acid concentration, there were dynamic changes at the deep area of the dental carious lesion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.10
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• pp.1500-1509
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• 2014

The object of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of chios mastic gum (MG) on gastric acid secretion in an ethanol-induced SD rat model and primary parietal cells. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Vehicle (normal group), Control (treated with ethanol), MG50 (treated with ethanol and mastic gum at 50 mg/kg b.w), MG100 (treated with ethanol and mastic gum at 100 mg/kg b.w). Groups treated with both MG50 and MG100 showed attenuation of gastric mucosal injury, sub-epithelial loss, hemorrhaging, and gastric juice secretion. We also examined the acidity of gastric juice during gastric injury. Oral administration of both MG50 and MG100 significantly decreased acidity of gastric juice by % and %, respectively. To examine the stimulatory factors related to gastric acid secretion, mRNA expression levels of H2r, M3r, CCK2r, and $H^+/K^+$ ATPase were measured by real-time PCR. Compared with a vehicle group, mRNA expression levels of H2r, CCK2r, and $H^+/K^+$ ATPase clearly increased in the control group. However, levels of H2r, CCK2r, and $H^+/K^+$ ATPase slightly but significantly decreased in MG-treated groups compared with control. Blood level of histamine significantly decreased in MG-treated groups, which indicates the involvement of MG on in histamine-related acid secretion. To identify the mode of action of MG in regulating histamine-related pathways, intracellular level of cAMP and mRNA levels of H2r, M3r, CCK2r, and $H^+/K^+$ ATPase were measured in primary parietal cells. While mRNA levels of M3r and CCK2r remained unchanged, levels of H2r and $H^+/K^+$ ATPase significantly decreased upon MG treatment. Subsequently, intracellular levels of cAMP decreased. These results suggest that mastic gum has the ability to inhibit gastric acid secretion by regulating a histamine-related pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.363-369
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• 2014

Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) such as the JWH series have caused social problems concerning their abuse liability. Because the JWH series produces euphoric and hallucinogenic effects, they have been distributed illegally under street names such as "Spice" and "Smoke". Many countries including Korea have started to schedule some of the JWH series compounds as controlled substances, but there are a number of JWH series chemicals that remain uncontrolled by law. In this study, three synthetic CBs with different binding affinities to the $CB_1$ receptor (JWH-073, 081, and 210) and ${\Delta}^9$-tetrahydrocannabinol (${\Delta}^9$-THC) were evaluated for their potential for psychological dependence. The conditioned place preference test (unbiased method) and self-administration test (fixed ratio of 1) using rodents were conducted. $K_i$ values of the three synthetic cannabinoids were calculated as supplementary data using a receptor binding assay and overexpressed $CB_1$ protein membranes to compare dependence potential with $CB_1$ receptor binding affinity. All mice administered JWH-073, 081, or 210 showed significantly increased time spent at unpreferred space in a dose-dependence manner in the conditioned place preference test. In contrast, all tested substances except ${\Delta}^9$-THC showed aversion phenomenon at high doses in the conditioned place preference test. The order of affinity to the $CB_1$ receptor in the receptor binding assay was JWH-210 > JWH-081 >> JWH-073, which was in agreement with the results from the conditioned place preference test. However, no change in self-administration was observed. These findings suggest the possibility to predict dependence potential of synthetic CBs through a receptor binding assay at the screening level.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.227-233
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• 2004

Chronic exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, causes a variety of adverse reactions on human skin, such as sunburn, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV exposure or other environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. And, repeated-UV irradiation activated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and induced skin irritation. Therefore, the development of effective and safe photoprotectants that can reduce and improve the skin damage has been required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the photo-protective effect of several chinese medical plants (Juniperus chinensis) on the UV -induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UVA induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. In the human skin we tested anti-irritation effect on the SLS-induced damage skin after appling the extract containing emulsion. We found that Juniperus chinensis extract had potent radical scavenging effect by 98% at 100$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97% at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79% at 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. In the test of proinflammatory cytokines of human keratinocytes Juniperus chinensis extract decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30%. The amount of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly increased at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB (p < 0.05). At the concentrations of 3.2-25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of this extract, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 h after 10mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p < 0.05). In SLS-induced skin irritation model in vivo, we found to reduce skin erythema and improve barrier recovery after appling Juniperus chinensis extract containing emulsion when compared to irritated non-treated and placebo-treated skin. Our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis extract can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions and applied as anti-aging and anti-irritation cosmetics.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.750-758
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• 2012

This study investigated flavonoid, total phenol, total flavonoid content, antioxidant and antiproliferative activity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231). Four varieties of Korean green peppers (KP: kkuri pepper, PP: phut pepper, CP: cheongyang pepper, OP: ohi pepper) and one foreign green pepper (JP: jalapeno) were used. The contents of luteolin, quercetin and apigenin, which are abundant flavonoids in green pepper, were the highest in KP. Also, the contents of total phenol, and total flavonoids were the highest in KP, followed by CP, JP, PP, and OP (KP: total phenol $13.29{\pm}0.45$ mg GAE/g D.W., total flavonoid $7.02{\pm}0.13$ mg QE/g D.W. In DPPH ABTS radical-scavenging activity, KP showed the most potent antioxidant activity. In the result of viability in human breast cancer cells, KP had the highest antiproliferative effect. These results suggest that green peppers have significant antioxidant activity and can be a possible candidate for treatment of breast cancer.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.165-171
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• 2023

Potato dry rot is one of the potato storage diseases caused by Fusarium species and is a representative pathological disorder that induced post-harvest loss during storage. Chlorpropham treatment for sprouting inhibition is mainly used for room temperature storage of potatoes for processing. In this study, the inhibitory effect of chlorpropham on Fusarium-induced dry rot of potato 'Dano'. To investigate the mycelial growth rate of the dry rot fungus (Fusarium solani Appel & Wollenw), mycelial growth was investigated in a chlorpropham (5.0, 50.4, 503.8, and 5,038 ppm) and prochloraz (0.1, 1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 ppm) medium containing F. oxysporum mycelia. Mycelia were more inhibited as the concentration of chlorpropham and prochloraz increased during incubation at 20℃, and the inhibition rate was 98.2% and 100% when treated with 503.8 ppm of chlorpropham and 10ppm of prochloraz in 14 days, respectively. Potato Dano tubers inoculated with F. oxysporum were dipped in chlorpropham (5.0, 50.4, and 503.8 ppm) and prochloraz (100 ppm) to investigate the effect of preventing dry rot during cold storage at 20℃ and 4℃ in vivo. The disease diameter of potatoes stored at room temperature (about 20℃) was reduced to 13.0 mm in the prochloraz 100 ppm teatment, and 10.7 mm in the chlorpropham 50.4 ppm treatment compared to 13.7 mm in the control tuber at 70 days of storage. The disease progression in all treatments including control was similar with no statistically significant difference at 4℃ air temperature. From the results of this study, it is considered that treatment with 50.4 ppm of chlorpropham after harvest will be useful for suppressing dry rot of stored potatoes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.602-614
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• 2023

Purpose: The balance between synthesis and degradation of proteins plays a critical role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been closely associated with skeletal muscle atrophy caused by aging, cancer, and chemotherapy. Polygalacin D is a saponin derivative isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polygalacin D on myoblast differentiation and muscle atrophy in association with mitochondrial function in in vitro and in zebrafish models in vivo. Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were cultured in differentiation media containing different concentrations of polygalacin D, followed by the immunostaining of the myotubes with myosin heavy chain (MHC). The mRNA expression of markers related to myogenesis, muscle atrophy, and mitochondrial function was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Wild type AB^* zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with or without polygalacin D, and immunostained to detect slow and fast types of muscle fibers. The Tg(Xla.Eef1a1:mitoEGFP) zebrafish expressing mitochondria-targeted green fluorescent protein was used to monitor mitochondrial morphology. Results: The exposure of C2C12 myotubes to 0.1 ng/mL of polygalacin D increased the formation of MHC-positive multinucleated myotubes (≥ 8 nuclei) compared with the control. Polygalacin D significantly increased the expression of MHC isoforms (Myh1, Myh2, Myh4, and Myh7) involved in myoblast differentiation while it decreased the expression of atrophic markers including muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)2, and Smad3. In addition, polygalacin D promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (Pgc1α) expression and reduced the level of mitochondrial fission regulators such as dynamin-1-like protein (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1). In a zebrafish model of FOLFIRI-induced muscle atrophy, polygalacin D improved not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also slow and fast muscle fiber atrophy. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that polygalacin D promotes myogenesis and alleviates chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy by improving mitochondrial function. Thus, polygalacin D could be useful as nutrition support to prevent and ameliorate muscle wasting and weakness.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.708-717
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• 2018

The antioxidant activity and protective effects of a hot water extract from the Stauntonia hexaphylla fruit (WESHF) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of WESHF were $16.13{\pm}0.27mg$ gallic acid equivalent/g and $4.7{\pm}0.80mg$ catechin equivalent/g, respectively. In addition, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity ($SC_{50}$) and the Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity of WESHF were $63.62{\pm}4.10{\mu}g/ml$ and $90.63{\pm}5.29{\mu}M$ trolox equivalent/g, respectively. The hepatoprotective effect of WESHF against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage was investigated. $H_2O_2$-induced liver damage on HepG2 cells was prevented by $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF. Furthermore, to investigate the protection mechanism of WESHF on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, pre-treatment with $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF significantly attenuated a decrease in the activities of CAT, SOD, GR, and GPx. The hepatoprotective activity of WESHF was evaluated in an experimental model of hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen (APAP). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased in the livers of mice treated with 200 mg/kg of WESHF compared to the APAP-treated group. The lipid peroxidation level, which increased after APAP administration, was significantly reduced in the WESHF group. In addition, histological examinations of the liver showed the same protective effect of WESHF treatment. Based on these findings, it is suggested that WESHF has potent hepatoprotective effects, and the mechanism that causes this type of protection could be related to antioxidant pathways.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.413-421
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• 1999

Background: Ischemia reperfusion injury is known to contribute to the major causes of the early graft failure in lung transplantation. Triiodothyronine (T3) has been suggested to ameliorate ischemia reperfusion injury from both in vivo and in vitro experiments of various organs. Prospecting its beneficial effect for pulmonary allograft preservation, we made a new solution by adding T3 into the extracellular type dextran solution. Material and Method: Twelve adult mongrel dogs underwent left lung allotransplantation. Six donor dogs were flushed with the new solution(Group 1, n=6), and the remaining six were flushed with Euro-Collins solution to serve as controls(Group 2, n=6). Allografts were stored in each preservation solution for 20 hours at 4$^{\circ}C$. Left single lung transplantations were performed. The right pulmonary artery and the right main bronchus were clamped at 15 minutes after the reperfusion and maintained throughout the experiment to evaluate the transplanted left lung function. Result: Arterial carbon dioxide tension was better in group 1 than in group 2 throughout the experiment period and the difference was statistically significant at 2 hours after reperfusion(28.0${\pm}$3.0 mmHg and 53.1${\pm}$17.4 mmHg, p<0.05). The differences of arterial oxygen partial pressure, peak airway pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance showed no statistical significance. The malondialdehyde(MDA) level, measured from tissue obtained at 120 minutes after reperfusion showed no statistically significant difference. The tissue wet/dry ratio of group 1(649${\pm}$27 %) was significantly lower than that of group 2(686${\pm}$71 %, p<0.05). The microscopic examination revealed varying degrees of injury represented mainly by findings such as perivascular neutrophil infiltration, capillary hemorrhage and interstitial congestion. These findings were less severe in group 1 than those in group 2. Conclusion: The new solution demonstrated superior allograft preservation after 20 hour ischemia compared to Euro-Collins solution in canine single left lung transplantation model, these results suggest that T3 might be a promising agent for pulmonary allograft preservation.