• ALGAE
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.177-185
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• 2019

Ecklonia cava is popular in Korea as a marine functional materials. E. cava is generally collected and used on the coast of Jeju Island. However, the continuous use of collected natural E. cava may be limited because difficult to secure throughout the year and may be exposed to environmental pollution. Jeju magma seawater (MSW) was known to be significant advantages such as safety, cleanness, stability, and functional improvement. Attempts have been reported on application of MSW to the culturing of macro- and microalgae and showed improved results. Thus, the objective of the present study was to explore the anti-melanogenesis activity of brown seaweed E. cava (E. cava cultured with MSW [MSWE]) extract cultured in tanks with MSW of Jeju Island to evaluate the possibility of cosmeceutical industrial application. MSWE extract showed the higher polyphenolic and dieckol contents than natural E. cava (NE) extract. Anti-melanogenesis activity of MSWE extract and NE extract are tested and compared using tyrosinase and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) oxidation inhibition assay. MSWE extracts evidenced more effective tyrosinase and DOPA oxidation inhibition activity than that of the NE extracts and the commercial whitening agent, arbutin. MSWE extracts also markedly inhibited melanin synthesis and decreased the expression of melanogenesis-related protein in ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that MSW cultivation process would be more effective in releasing bioactive compounds with whitening effect from seaweed such as E. cava at an industrial scale.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.608-615
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• 1996

6-[(N-3,4-Difluorophenyl)amino]-7-chloro-5,8-quinolinedione(RCK4) was tested for antifungal activities, against systemic infections with Candida albicans in normal mice. The therapeutic potential of RCK4 had been assessed in comparison with ketoconazole and fluconazole. RCK4 had $ED_{50},\;0.30{\pm}0.14$ but ketoconazole and fluconazole had $ED_{50},\;8.00{\pm}0.73,\;10.00{\pm} 0.43mg/kg$ respectively. Intraperitoneally administered RCK3 at the $ED_{50}$ for 7 days and 14 days reduced Candida albicans colony count in the kidneys and liver as well as ketoconazole and fluconazole at these $ED_{50}$. And administered RCK4 at the $ED_{50}$ for 14 days improved survival rates as well as ketoconazole. Acute oral toxicity studies of RCK4 were carried out in ICR mice of both sexes. These acute oral toxicities of RCK4 were low and $LD_{50}$ values were over 2,850mg/kg in ICR mice. The genotoxicities of RCK4 had been evaluated. RCK4 was negative in Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium and chromosomal aberration test in CHL cells. The clastogenicity was tested on the RCK4 with in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. RCK4 did not show any clastogenic effect in mouse peripheral blood and was negative in mouse micronucleus assay. These results indicate that RCK4 has no genotoxic potential under these experimental conditions.

• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.8
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• pp.406-411
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• 2018

Exosomes are small membranous vesicles which contain abundant RNA molecules, and are transferred from releasing cells to uptaking cells. MicroRNA (miRNA) is one of the transferred molecules affecting the adopted cells, including glioma cells. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can secrete exosomes loading miRNA and have important effects on the progress of gliomas. To determine these effects by treating exosomal miRNA in culture media of miRNA mimic transfected MSCs, we assessed the in vitro cell proliferation and invasion capabilities, and the expression level of relative proteins associated with cell apoptosis, growth and migration. For animal studies, the mice injected with U87 cells were exposed to exosomes derived from miRNA-584-5p transfected MSCs, to confirm the influence of exosomal miRNA on the progress of glioma. Based on our results, we propose a new targeted cancer therapy wherein exosomes derived from miRNA transfected MSCs could be used to modulate tumor progress as the anticancer vehicles.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.44-54
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• 2017

Background: Mental health issues such as stress and depression have been regarded as major social problems in Korea. We investigated the relationship between stress and depression with unmet medical needs (UMN). Methods: Using the nationwide database of 2010 Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (K-NHANES), subjects aged 19 years or above were selected (n=6,055). In the K-NHANES questionnaire, subjects were asked about their UMN experience, severity of stress, and perceived depression lasting at least 2 weeks over the past year. The effects of stress and depression on UMN were analyzed in 4 models established by adding predisposing, enabling and need factors in a step-wise fashion. The risks for UMN were also assessed according to the causes of UMN. Results: Individuals who felt stress 'very often' (odds ratio (OR) 3.28, 95% CI=2.23-4.86) and 'often' (OR 2.53, 95% CI=1.93-3.31) and who experienced depression (OR 1.68, 95% CI=1.35-2.10) reported significantly elevated UMN rates, and these effects were substantial especially for the individuals who had UMN due to economic constraint. Females, lower education level, lower income, unemployed status, and negative perceptions about health status were found to be additional risk factors for UMN. Conclusion: Our results confirmed the risks of stress and depression on UMN. It is strongly advisable to create initiatives to improve mental health, particularly stress and depression, and to fulfill individuals' medical utilization needs.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2009

Macrophages generated in vitro using macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-6 from bone marrow cells (BM-Mp) are defective in antigen presenting cell (APC) function as shown by their ability to induce the proliferation of anti-CD3 mAb-primed syngeneic T cells. However, they do express major histocompatibility (MHC) class I and II molecules. accessory molecules and intracellular adhesion molecules. Here we demonstrate that the defective APC function of macrophages is mainly due to production of $TGF-{\beta}1$ by BM-Mp. Methods: Microarray analysis showed that $TGF-{\beta}1$ was highly expressed in BM-Mp, compared to a macrophage cell line, B6D. which exerted efficient APC function. Production of $TGF-{\beta}1$ by BM-Mp was confirmed by neutralization experiments of $TGF-{\beta}1$ as well as by real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Addition of $anti-TGF-{\beta}1$ monoclonal antibody to cultures of BM-Mp and anti-CD3 mAb-primed syngeneic T cells efficiently induced the proliferation of syngeneic T cells. Conversely, the APC function of B6D cells was almost completely suppressed by addition of $TGF-{\beta}1$. Quantitative real time-PCR analysis also confirmed the enhanced expression of $TGF-{\beta}1$ in BM-Mp. Conclusion: The defective APC function of macrophages generated in vitro with M-CSF and IL-6 was mainly due to the production of $TGF-{\beta}1$ by macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.330-340
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• 2016

Objective: The outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) started in South Korea in May 2015 and the end of crisis was declared in December 2015 by Korea Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). However, Zika virus emerged in less than 2 months following MERS and showed higher mortality than other countries. This study is to assess the current prevention system of overseas infectious diseases, based on MERS and Zika virus outbreak and to suggest effective response system for the future. Methods: We conducted two surveys on medical specialists working at tertiary general hospitals regarding the effectiveness of responding system by KCDC against MERS and Zika virus and education in individual medical institutions using 5-Likert points. Response system was examined in three different periods as initial period, spreading period, and post disease period. Results: Although medical specialists received the notifications in initial period, no practical prevention was proven to be placed in responding stage by medical facilities (averagely 3.5/5 points in total and sub-analyses). During spreading period, there were several academic seminars conducted, which were evaluated as helpful. In post disease period, all answered that there were changes on patient treatment in all medical facilities, with mainly report system and the treatment regulations in case of suspicious patients for infection. Only 49% respondents answered positive on the possibility of initial responses. For questionnaire items regarding Zika virus, all answered that there were notifications prior to the first outbreak of the infected patient. Eighty% of respondents were aware of 'the Guideline system for traveling to dangerous areas', and answered that the system was moderately effective (averagely 3.8/5 points in total). For the effectiveness of prevention measures for foreign novel disease by KCDC, the average point was 3.0 in both of total and sub-analyses. Conclusion: There is not enough response system to prevent infectious disease in medical institutional and governmental levels in Korea. It would warrant the modification of overall medical system to improve preventive measures for initial spread of such diseases.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.139-148
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• 2005

Appropriate drug classification is important fur rational drug consumption. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of current drug classification system and suggest possible ways for improving the system. Nonprescription drug market has been decreased. Since total 27,962 products had been classified (prescription 17,187 vs. nonprescription 10,775 products, 61.5% vs. 38.5%) in July 2000 for implementing separation of drug prescribing and dispensing system, there are no classification changes. Reclassification is not motivated by product holder and regulatory system did not lead classification change either. Consumers' ease access to some nonprescription drugs is demanded. But point of public awareness and cultural and health environmental views, saff drug use rather than advantages from broad supply of nonprescription drugs is more critical. We concluded that current 2-categorized (prescription and nonprescription) drug classification system is appropriate, and addition of general sale category should be approached carefully with long term Preparations such as establishment of better nonprescription drug consuming infrastructure by public information provision and education for improving public medicinal knowledge and strengthening self medication guidance, and review of current classification status of marketed drugs and switching possibilities. For systemizing and encouraging reclassification, introduction of regulatory renewal system as a continuous reevaluation program which is the best way to review appropriateness of drug classification as well as provision of detailed guidance for industry including policy, requirement and process fer reclassification application, are necessary.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.162-168
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• 2017

Cordyceps bassiana has long been used as an oriental medicine and reported to possess diverse biological activities. The fruiting bodies of Cordyceps bassiana was extracted with ethanol and then further fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water. The butanol fraction from Cordyceps bassiana (CBBF) exhibited the most effective in anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the roles of CBBF on the anti-inflammation cascade in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were studied. To investigate the mechanism by which CBBF inhibits NO, iNOS and COX-2, the activation of $I{\kappa}B$ and MAPKs in LPS-activated macrophage were examined. Our present results demonstrated that CBBF inhibits NO production and iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and these effects were mediated through the inhibition of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$, JNK and p38 phosphorylation. Also, CBBF suppressed activation of MAPKs including p38 and SAPK/JNK. Furthermore, CBBF significantly suppressed LPS-induced intracellular ROS generation. Its inhibition on iNOS expression, together with its antioxidant activity, may support its anti-inflammatory activity. Thus Cordyceps bassiana can be used as a useful medicinal food or drug for further studies.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2011

An in vitro bioassay-guide revealed that the methanol (MeOH) extract of the whole plant of Patrinia saniculaefolia (Valerianaceae) showed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) dual inhibitory activity by assessing their effects on the production of prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$) and leukotriene $C_4$ ($LTC_4$) in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Phytochemical study of the MeOH extract of this plant led to the isolation of twelve compounds; ${\beta}$-farnesene (1), squalene (2), nardostachin (3), patridoid I (4), patridoid II (5), patridoid II-A (6), oleanolic acid (7), oleanonic acid (8), 23-hydroxyursolic acid (9), oleanolic acid 3-O-${\alpha}$-L-arabinopyranoside (10), oleanolic acid 3-O-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (11), oleanolic acid 3-O-[${\beta}$-D-xylopyranosyl-(1${\rightarrow}$3)-${\beta}$-D-(6-O-butyl)glucuronopyranoside] (12). Among the compounds, 4 and 5 strongly inhibited both the COX-2-dependent $PGD_2$ generation with $IC_{50}$ values of 8.7 and 13.6 ${\mu}M$, respectively, and the generation of $LTC_4$ in the 5-LOX dependent phase with $IC_{50}$ values of 41.7 and 46.9 ${\mu}M$, respectively, which suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of P. saniculaefolia might occur in part via the inhibition of both $PGD_2$ and $LTC_4$ generation by 4 and 5.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.269-277
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors which affect risk perception and attitude on government risk management over medications containing asbestos among parents of elementary school students. Methods: This research design was cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire. The survey subjects were parents of elementary school students in Seoul, total of 1,051 subjects. The survey period was from June through July of 2011. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0. Results: The subjects perceived high risk regarding medications containing asbestos. About 83.6% of the subjects perceived that the result taking of medications containing asbestos was fatal, 82.8% felt that medications containing asbestos was a very serious social problem, 79.5% agreed that medications containing asbestos was a new type of threat. The risk perception for medications containing asbestos was related to political affiliation, attitudes of dealing medicines, main use of media, and personal communication credibility. Those who did not believe that the current government policy was correct and the government was working toward the public's benefit and not its own had the higher level of negative attitudes towards the government's risk management over the case of medications containing asbestos. Conclusion: In implementing government policy, all information should be efficiently and accurately communicated through a transparent implementation process. Also, the government must have plans for countermeasures in case of an emergency and respond efficiently in order to maintain their credibility. Moreover, this highlights the need for health authorities to exert more effort in increasing public education/awareness, especially those concerning drug and dug-taking behavior, in order to harness positive attitude and trust towards the government's policy. For a more effective risk communication, the media, health experts, government representatives, and related industries should work together.