• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.999-1011
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• 2023

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, trypsin activity, and antioxidant effects of 11 kinds of plant extracts to discover materials for developing optimal mixtures that improve inflammation and help digestion. Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (ZJ), Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJ), Scutellaria baicalensis (SB), Platycodon grandiflorum, and Aster scaber extracts had excellent anti-inflammatory effects by reducing excessive nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α content in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The malt (MA), Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai (PP), Raphanus sativus L., Platycodon grandiflorum extracts among the 11 kinds of plant extracts had high trypsin activity. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was examined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity, and the SB, PE, JU, and MA extracts had high antioxidant activity. Therefore, PP, MA, ZJ, LJ, and SB were selected to develop optimal mixtures that improve inflammation and help digestion. The extract of plant mixture containing PP, MA, ZJ, LJ, and SB in the ratio 1:1:2:1:2 (w/w) significantly inhibited NO production than the extract of PP, MA, ZJ, LJ, and SB, respectively, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the mixture extract was significantly higher than the extract of PP, MA, ZJ, and LJ, respectively.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the main global health problems. Chronic exposure to hyperglycemia can lead to cellular dysfunction that may become irreversible over time, a process that is termed glucose toxicity. Our perspective about glucose toxicity as it pertains to the pancreatic β-cell is that the characteristic decreases in insulin secretion are caused by regulated apoptotic gene expression. In this study, we examined whether ferulic acid protects INS-1 pancreatic cells against high glucose-induced apoptosis. High glucose concentration (30 mM) induced glucotoxicity and death of INS-1 pancreatic β cells. However, treatment with 1, 5, 10, or 20 μM ferulic acid increased the cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with ferulic acid dose-dependently decreased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nitric oxide in INS-1 pancreatic β cells pretreated with high glucose. These effects influence the apoptotic pathway, increasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and reducing the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, including Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase 9. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining indicated that ferulic acid significantly reduced high glucose-induced apoptosis. These results demonstrate that ferulic acid is a potential therapeutic agent to protect INS-1 pancreatic β cells against high glucose-induced apoptosis.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1278-1288
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• 2023

Hesperidin(HD) is a a potent antioxidant flavonoid found in various plants. In this study, the recovery of cell death, anti-inflammatory, and melanogenesis inhibitory activities of Hesperidin glucoside (HDG), a water-soluble HD, were compared with HD in vitro. HDG was prepared by an enzymatic glycosylation reaction from HD, and the water solubility of HDG was increased by more than 20,000 times compared to HD. Cell toxicity was significantly lower for HDG than HD. Both HD and HDG increase cell viability in UV damaged HaCaT cells. HD and HDG also reduced an inflammatory mediator such as nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the cells irradiated with UV, and the reducing effect of HDG was slightly higher than that of HD. In the melanogenesis inhibition assay using the Melanoma B16F10 cells, HDG showed a superior inhibitory activity compared to HD. In conclusion, HDG, a glucosylated product of HD with high water solubility showed more than equal ability of cell recovery and anti-inflammatory potential, and higher melanogenesis inhibition activity compared to HD in vitro.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.469-478
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• 2024

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) can lead to vascular dysfunction and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and arterial diseases. Nevertheless, mechanisms underlying CIH-induced vascular dysfunction remain unclear. Herein, this study analyzed the role of aortic smooth muscle calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels in CIH-induced vascular dysfunction. CIH models were established in rats and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). Hemodynamic parameters such as mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured in rats, along with an assessment of vascular tone. NO and ET-1 levels were detected in rat serum, and the levels of ET-1, NO, eNOS, p-eNOS, oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA), and inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) were tested in aortic tissues. The Ca²⁺ concentration in RASMCs was investigated. The activity of BK channels (BKα and BKβ) was evaluated in aortic tissues and RASMCs. SBP, DBP, and MBP were elevated in CIH-treated rats, along with endothelial dysfunction, cellular edema and partial detachment of endothelial cells. BK channel activity was decreased in CIH-treated rats and RASMCs. BK channel activation increased eNOS, p-eNOS, and NO levels while lowering ET-1, ROS, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in CIH-treated rats. Ca²⁺ concentration increased in RASMCs following CIH modeling, which was reversed by BK channel activation. BK channel inhibitor (Iberiotoxin) exacerbated CIH-induced vascular disorders and endothelial dysfunction. BK channel activation promoted vasorelaxation while suppressing vascular endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby indirectly improving CIH-induced vascular dysfunction.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.155-179
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• 2024

Objective : Danggwisu-san (DGSS) is an herbal formula that has been mainly used in the East Asia for the treatment of bruise, sprain and external injury. The cause of this pain is that Qi and blood become tangled and do not circulate well. DGSS can improve the tangled situation and make it well-circulated. The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of DGSS on Raw 264.7 cells and in rats with paw edema. Methods : Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. The amount of nitric oxide (NO) production was measured the amount of nitrite content in the cultured medium using Griess reagent. The amount of tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interleukin (IL)-1βand IL-6 in the cultured supernatant were measured by ELISA kit. Proteins expression were detected by Western blot. Furthermore, the effect of DGSS on acute inflammation was observed in rat paw edema model. Results : The DGSS ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide-activated changes in NO production, iNOS expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, DGSS significantly suppressed expression of p-JNK, p-ERK and nuclear NF-κB. As expected, in rat paw edema study, 1.0 g/kg of DGSS significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced paw edema and iNOS expression for 1-4 h. Moreover, administration of 1.0 g/kg (4 days) of DGSS used in this study did not show any significant change on ALT and AST. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that DGSS has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this present study can put scientific evidences up for the anti-inflammatory effect of DGSS.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.613-622
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• 2024

This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) leaves and to explore the potential of pomegranate leaf extract as an anti-aging cosmetic ingredient. The ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract of pomegranate leaf (EFP) was assessed for its total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The beneficial components and skin improvement potential of pomegranate leaves were investigated. The results showed that the total polyphenol content of EFP was 871.6±16.3 mg gallic acid/g, and the flavonoid content was 36.6±0.3 mg quercetin/g. In the ABTS radical scavenging assay, EFP exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 24.62±0.48 ㎍/mL. In the skin cell cytotoxicity assay, EFP demonstrated high cell viability at concentrations below 50 ㎍/mL, indicating minimal cytotoxicity. In the nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition assay, EFP effectively inhibited NO production even at low concentrations, with near-complete inhibition at 6 ㎍/mL. These results suggest that EFP has the potential to be utilized as a natural cosmetic ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.546-555
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• 2024

Aromadendrin is a phenolic compound with various biological effects such as anti-inflammatory properties. However, its protective effects against acute lung injury (ALI) remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the ameliorative effects of aromadendrin in an experimental model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. In vitro analysis revealed a notable increase in the levels of cytokine/chemokine formation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/toll-like receptor (TLR4) expression in LPS-stimulated BEAS-2B lung epithelial cell lines that was ameliorated by aromadendrin pretreatment. In LPS-induced ALI mice, the remarkable upregulation of immune cells and IL-1β/IL-6/TNF-α levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and inducible nitric oxide synthase/cyclooxygenase-2/CD68 expression in lung was decreased by the oral administration of aromadendrin. Histological analysis revealed the presence of cells in the lungs of ALI mice, which was alleviated by aromadendrin. In addition, aromadendrin ameliorated lung edema. This in vivo effect of aromadendrin was accompanied by its inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NF-κB activation, MyD88/TLR4 expression, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation. Furthermore, aromadendrin increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1/ NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 in the lungs of ALI mice. In summary, the in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that aromadendrin ameliorated endotoxin-induced pulmonary inflammation by suppressing cytokine formation and NF-κB activation, suggesting that aromadendrin could be a useful adjuvant in the treatment of ALI.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.425-436
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• 2023

In Korea, the U.S. Tier-4 Final emission standards have been applied to agricultural machinery since 2015. This study was conducted to analyze the emission characteristics of agricultural tractors during plow tillage operations using PEMS (portable emissions measurement systems). The tractor working speed was set as M2 (5.95 km/h) and M3 (7.60 km/h), which was the most used gear stage during plow tillage operation. An engine idling test was conducted before the plow tillage operation was conducted because the level of emissions differed depending on the temperature of the engine (cold and hot states). The estimated level of emissions for the regular area (660 m²), which was the typical area of cultivation, was based on an implement width of 2.15 m and distance from the work area of 2.2 m. As a result, average emission of CO (carbon monoxide), THC (total hydrocarbons), NOx (nitric oxides), and PM (particulate matter) were approximately 6.17×10-2, 3.36×10^-4, 2.01×10^-4, and 6.85×10^-6 g/s, respectively. Based on the regular area, the total emission of CO, THC, NOx, and PM was 2.62, 3.76×10^-2, 1.63, and 2.59×10^-4 g, respectively. The results of total emission during plow tillage were compared to Tier 4 emission regulation limits. Tier 4 emission regulation limits means maximum value of the emission per consumption power (g/kWh), calculated as ratio of the emission and consumption power. Therefore, the total emission was converted to the emission per power using the rated power of the tractor. The emission per power was found to be satisfied below Tier 4 emission regulation limits for each emission gas. It is necessary to measure data by applying various test modes in the future and utilize them to calculate emission because the emission depends on various variables such as measurement environment and test mode.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.617-632
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atherosclerosis particularly due to high circulating level of low-density lipoprotein is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenolic compound rich in pomegranates and berries. Our previous study showed that ellagic acid improved functionality of reverse cholesterol transport in murine model of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ellagic acid inhibited inflammation-associated atherosclerotic plaque formation in cholesterol-fed apolipoprotein E (apoE)-knockout (KO) mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Wild type mice and apoE-KO mice were fed a cholesterol-rich Paigen diet for 10 weeks to induce severe atherosclerosis. Concurrently, 10 mg/kg ellagic acid was orally administered to the apoE-KO mice. Plaque lesion formation and lipid deposition were examined by staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Sudan IV and oil red O. RESULTS: The plasma leukocyte profile of cholesterol-fed mice was not altered by apoE deficiency. Oral administration of ellagic acid attenuated plaque lesion formation and lipid deposition in the aorta tree of apoE-KO mice. Ellagic acid substantially reduced plasma levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule and interferon-γ in Paigen diet-fed apoE-KO mice. When 10 mg/kg ellagic acid was administered to cholesterol-fed apoE-KO mice, the levels of CD68 and MCP-1 were strongly reduced in aorta vessels. The protein expression level of nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) in the aorta was highly enhanced by supplementation of ellagic acid to apoE-KO mice, but the expression level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the aorta was reduced. Furthermore, ellagic acid diminished the increased aorta expression of the inflammatory adhesion molecules in cholesterol-fed apoE-KO mice. The treatment of ellagic acid inhibited the scavenger receptor-B1 expression in the aorta of apoE-KO mice, while the cholesterol efflux-related transporters were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ellagic acid may be an atheroprotective compound by attenuating apoE deficiency-induced vascular inflammation and reducing atherosclerotic plaque lesion formation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.633-646
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cladophora glomerata extract (CGE), rich in polyphenols, was reported to exhibit antidiabetic and renoprotective effects by modulating the functions of protein kinases-mediated organic anion transporter 1 (Oat1) and 3 (Oat3) in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, the antioxidant effects of CGE on such renoprotection have not been investigated. This study examined the mechanisms involved in the antioxidant effects of CGE on renal organic anion transport function in an in vivo study. MATERIALS/METHODS: Diabetes was induced in the rats through a high-fat diet combined with a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) streptozotocin. Subsequently, normal-diet rats were supplemented with a vehicle or 1,000 mg/kg BW of CGE, while T2DM rats were supplemented with a vehicle, CGE, or 200 mg/kg BW of vitamin C for 12 weeks. The study evaluated the general characteristics of T2DM and renal oxidative stress markers. The renal organic transport function was assessed by measuring the para-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake using renal cortical slices and renal inflammatory cytokine expression in the normal diet (ND) and ND + CGE treated groups. RESULTS: CGE supplementation significantly reduced hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and renal lipid peroxidation in T2DM rats. This was accompanied by the normalization of high expressions of renal glutathione peroxidase and nuclear factor kappa B by CGE and vitamin C. The renal anti-inflammation of CGE was evidenced by the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-1α and interleukin-1β. CGE directly blunted sodium nitroprusside-induced renal oxidative/nitrosative stresses and mediated the PAH uptake in the normally treated CGE in rats was particularly noteworthy. These data also correlated with reduced nitric oxide production, highlighting the potential of CGE as a therapeutic agent for managing T2DM-related renal complications. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CGE has antidiabetic effects and directly prevents diabetic nephropathy through oxidative/nitrosative stress pathways.