• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2005

Ion fluxes across the plasma membrane activated by 1 mM $Ce^{4+}$, cell apoptosis and taxol biosynthesis in suspension cultures of Taxus cusp/data were studied. The extracellular pH sharply decreased upon the addition of 1 mM $Ce^{4+}$, then increased gradually and exceeded the initial pH value over a time period of 12 h. The extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration decreased within the first 3 h after the addition of $Ce^{4+}$, then gradually decreased to one third of initial value in control at about 72 h and remained unchanged afterwards. Experiments with an ion channel blocker and a $Ca^{2+}$-channel blocker indicated that the dynamic changes in extracellular pH and the $Ca^{2+}$ concentration resulted from the $Ce^{4+}$-induced activation of W uptake and $Ca^{2+}$ influx across the plasma membrane via ion channels. A pretreatment of the ion channel blocker initiated $Ce^{4+}$-treated cells to undergo necrosis, and the prior addition of the $Ca^{2+}$-channel blocker inhibited $Ce^{4+}$-induced taxol biosynthesis and apoptosis. It is thus inferred that W uptake is necessary for cells to survive a $Ce^{4+}$-caused acidic environment and is one of the mechanisms of $Ce^{4+}$-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the $Ca^{2+}$ influx across the plasma membrane mediated both the $Ce^{4+}$-induced apoptosis and taxol biosynthesis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.23-29
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• 2017

Objective : Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood uric acid levels, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus (AO) belonging to Zingiberaceae is one of well-known traditional medicines in China and Korea, and has been used to treat intestinal disorders, urosis, diuresis, and chronic glomerulonephritis traditionally. However, the effect of AO has not been studied. In this study we investigated the anti-hyperuricemic effect of AO, and the mechanisms underlying the effect in potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic rats. Methods : To examine the anti-hyperuricemic effects of the AO extract, serum uric acid levels were analyzed in normal and PO-induced hyperuricemic rats. The mechanism underlying the effects of the AO extract on uric acid levels was studied through xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity test and uric acid uptake assay in vitro. The chemical finger printing of the AO extract was analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Results : The AO extract significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in normal as well as PO-induced hyperuricemic rats. It also significantly inhibited the uptake of uric acid in oocytyes and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) expressing urate transporter (URAT)1, but not XOD activity in vitro. The chemical finger printing analysis of the AO extract showed nootkatone as a main component. Conclusion : The AO extract exhibits anti-hyperuricemic effects, and these effect were accompanied by increasing excretion of uric acid in kidney. Therefore, the AO extract could be used for prevention or treatment of hyperuicemia and gout.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.239-245
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• 2004

We have previously demonstrated that the redox reactant pyruvate prevents apoptosis in the oxidant model of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC), and that the anti-apoptotic mechanism of pyruvate is mediated in part via the mitochondrial matrix compartment. However, cytosolic mechanisms for the cytoprotective feature of pyruvate remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the pyruvate protection against endothelial cytotoxicity when the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) was applied to BPAEC. Millimolar 2DG blocked the cellular glucose uptake in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with >85% inhibition at $\geq$5 mM within 24 h. The addition of 2DG evoked BPAEC cytotoxicity with a substantial increase in lipid peroxidation and a marked decrease in intracellular total glutathione. Exogenous pyruvate partially prevented the 2DG-induced cell damage with increasing viability of BPAEC by 25-30%, and the total glutathione was also modestly increased. In contrast, 10 mM L-lactate, as a cytosolic reductant, had no effect on the cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation that are evoked by 2DG. These results suggest that 2DG toxicity may be a consequence of the diminished potential of glutathione antioxidant, which was partially restored by exogenous pyruvate but not L-lactate. Therefore, pyruvate qualifies as a cytoprotective agent for strategies that attenuate the metabolic dysfunction of the endothelium, and cellular glucose oxidation is required for the functioning of the cytosolic glutathione/NADPH redox system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.57-72
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• 2008

Objectives : The Herb-combined Remedy(HCR) for diabetes mellitus is known as an anti-hyperglycaemic agent. But its exact mechanisms are unclear. The present study was carried out to investigate its anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-oxidative effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods : Experimental diabetes was induced by injection of STZ(80mg/kg) to ratsvia the peritoneum. The experimental animals were divided into 4 groups : normal group, control group(STZ-induced diabetic rats with no treatment), HCR group(STZ-induced diabetic rats with HCR treatment), MF group(STZ-induced diabetic rats with Metformin treatment). The effects of HCR on STZ-induced diabetes was observed by measuring fasting blood glucose, changes of body weight, food uptake, and water uptake glucose levels in the normal state decline rates in blood glucose levels DPPH free-radical scavenging activity superoxide dismutase in RBC lysate catalase activity in RBC lysate and glutathione reductase activity in RBC lysate. Results : Treatment with HCR regulated blood glucose levels. Treatment with HCR also prevented weight loss in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, oral glucose tolerance decreased following treatment with HCR. Direct anti-oxidative effects on DPPH free-radical scavenging were not observed, but treatment with HCR elevated SOD levels in blood cell lysates from STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, the HCR-treatment group showed an elevated tendency to glutathione reductase activity. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that HCR has anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-oxidative effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.270-279
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• 2024

Macrophages are versatile immune cells that play crucial roles in tissue repair, immune defense, and the regulation of immune responses. In the context of skeletal muscle, they are vital for maintaining muscle homeostasis but macrophage-induced chronic inflammation can lead to muscle dysfunction, resulting in skeletal muscle atrophy characterized by reduced muscle mass and impaired insulin regulation and glucose uptake. Although the involvement of macrophage-secreted factors in inflammation-induced muscle atrophy is well-established, the precise intracellular signaling pathways and secretion factors affecting skeletal muscle homeostasis require further investigation. This study aimed to explore the regulation of macrophage-secreted factors and their impact on muscle atrophy and glucose metabolism. By employing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and proteome array, we uncovered that factors secreted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages upregulated markers of muscle atrophy and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while concurrently reducing glucose uptake in muscle cells. The RNA-seq analysis identified alterations in gene expression patterns associated with immune system pathways and nutrient metabolism. The utilization of gene ontology (GO) analysis and proteome array with macrophage-conditioned media revealed the involvement of macrophage-secreted cytokines and chemokines associated with muscle atrophy. These findings offer valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of macrophage-secreted factors and their contributions to muscle-related diseases.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.4-4
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• 2017

Atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment ($eCO_2$) often increases soil nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) emissions, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that $eCO_2$ alters plant N preference in favor of ammonium ($NH_4{^+}-N$) over nitrate ($NO_3{^-}-N$). Yet, whether and how this attributes to the enhancement of $N_2O$ emissions has not been investigated. We examined the effects of $eCO_2$ on soil $N_2O$ emissions in the presence of two N forms ($NH_4{^+}-N$ or $NO_3{^-}-N$), using wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as a model plant. Our results showed that N forms dominated $eCO_2$ effects on plant and microbial N utilization, and thus soil $N_2O$ emissions. Elevated $CO_2$ significantly increased the rate and the sum of $N_2O$ emissions by three to four folds when $NO_3{^-}-N$, but not $NH_4{^+}-N$, was supplied. Enhanced $N_2O$ emission was related to the reduced plant $NO_3{^-}-N$ uptake in wheat. We propose a new conceptual model in which $eCO_2$-inhibition of plant $NO_3{^-}-N$ uptake and/or $CO_2$-enhancement of soil labile C enhances the N and/or C availability for denitrifiers and increases the intensity and/or the duration of $N_2O$ emissions. Together, these findings suggest that to enhance plant N use efficiency and reduce $N_2O$ emission, crop breeding and management need to consider altered plant preference of N sources under future $CO_2$ scenarios.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.280-291
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• 2007

Much research has been conducted in the field of phytoremediation since the discovery of the range of plants known as hyperaccumulators. Research has focused simultaneously on elucidating the mechanism of metal(loid) accumulation and development of practical techniques to enhance accumulation efficiency. To date, it is generally understood that there are five specific mechanisms employed by hyperaccumulating plant species that are either not or under utilized by non-hyperaccumulators. These include 1) enhanced metal(loid)s uptake through the root cell, 2) enhanced translocation in plant tissue, 3) detoxification and sequestration, 4) enhanced metal availability in soil:root interface, and 5) active root foraging toward metal(loid) enriched soils. Among these mechanisms, understanding of the plant-root effect on metal(loid) dynamics and subsequent plant uptake is vital to overcome the inherit limitation of phytoremediation caused by low metal(loid) solubility in soils. Plant roots can influence the soil chemistry in the rhizosphere through changes in pH and exudation of organic compounds such as low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) which consequently change metal(loid) solubility. The decrease in soil pH by plant release of $H^+$ results in increased metal solubility. Elevated levels of organic compounds in response to high metal soil concentrations by plant exudation may also increases metal concentration in soil solution through formation of organometallic complexes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.1427-1434
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• 2022

Two novel, halotolerant strains of Martelella soudanensis, NC18^T and NC20, were isolated from deep subsurface sediment, deeply sequenced, and comparatively analyzed with related strains. Based on a phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences, the two strains grouped with members of the genus Martelella. Here, we sequenced the complete genomes of NC18^T and NC20 to understand the mechanisms of their halotolerance. The genome sizes and G+C content of the strains were 6.1 Mb and 61.8 mol%, respectively. Moreover, NC18^T and NC20 were predicted to contain 5,849 and 5,830 genes, and 5,502 and 5,585 protein-coding genes, respectively. Both strains contain the identically predicted 6 rRNAs and 48 tRNAs. The harboring of halotolerant-associated genes revealed that strains NC18^T and NC20 might tolerate high salinity through the accumulation of potassium ions in a "salt-in" strategy induced by K⁺ uptake protein (kup) and the K⁺ transport system (trkAH and kdpFABC). These two strains also use the ectoine transport system (dctPQM), the glycine betaine transport system (proVWX), and glycine betaine uptake protein (opu) to accumulate "compatible solutes," such as ectoine and glycine betaine, to protect cells from salt stress. This study reveals the halotolerance mechanism of strains NC18^T and NC20 in high salt environments and suggests potential applications for these halotolerant and halophilic strains in environmental biotechnology.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.17-26
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• 2014

In this study, the adsorption efficiency of mixed heavy metals from an aqueous solution was examined using bentonite. The physical and chemical properties of bentonite was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Further, heavy metal adsorption was characterized using Freundlich and Langmuir equations. Equilibrium adsorption data were fitted well to the Langmuir model for bentonite. The adsorption uptake of heavy metals was high and followed the order $Pb^{2+}$ > $Cu^{2+}$ > $Cd^{2+}$ > $$Zn^{2+}{\sim_=}Ni^{2+}$$. The results also showed that adsorption uptake slightly increased as increasing pH from 6 to 10. The bentonite surface was observed viay SEM and FT-IR; Si-O and Si-O-Al were found to be the main functional groups by FT-IR analysis. From these results, the adsorption mechanisms of heavy metal were not only surface adsorption and ion exchange, but also surface precipitation. Thus, bentonite could be a useful adsorbent for treating heavy metal in aqueous solution.