• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.130-135
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• 2014

To develop a natural antioxidant and anti-hemolytic agents, we investigated the effects of ethanol extracts of Rubus coreanus Miquel (crude extracts). Crude extract was extracted with ethanol. Antioxidant activity of crude extracts was evaluated by employing two different assays, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and super oxide dismutase(SOD)-like activity. Also, anti-hemolytic activity of crude extract was determined using $H_2O_2$-induced hemolysis in normal rat red blood cells (RBC) or plasma. The extracts obtained from crude extract dose-dependently increased the scavenging activity on DPPH-induced radicals and SOD-like activity. RBC oxidative hemolysis induced by $H_2O_2$ was significantly suppressed by the extracts of Rubus coreanus Miquel in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that crude extracts may have value as the potential antioxidant and anti-hemolytic medicinal plant.

• Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.45-45
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• 2003

We isolated a novel ankyrin-repeat containing protein, rSIAP (rSlo Interacting Ankyrin-repeat Protein), as an interacting protein to the cytosolic domain of the alpha-subunit of rat large-conductance Ca$\^$2+/-activated K$\^$+/ channel (rSlo) by yeast two-hybrid screening. Affinity pull-down assay showed the direct and specific interaction between rSIAP and rSlo domain. The channel-binding proteins can be classified into several categories according to their functional effects on the channel proteins, i.e. signaling adaptors, scaffolding net, molecular tuners, molecular chaperones, etc. To obtain initial clues on its functional roles, we investigated the cellular localization of rSIAP using immunofluorescent staining. The results showed the possible co-localization of rSlo and rSIAP protein near the plasma membrane, when co-expressed in CHO cells. We then investigated the functional effects of rSIAP on the rSlo channel using electrophysiological means. The co-expression of rSIAP accelerated the activation of rSlo channel. These effects were initiated at the micromolar [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/ and gradually increased as [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/ raised. Interestingly, rSIAP decreased the inactivation kinetics of rSlo channel at micromolar [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/, while the rate was accelerated at sub-micromolar [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/. These results suggest that rSIAP may modulate the activity of native BK$\_$Ca/ channel by altering its gating kinetics depending on [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/. To localize critical regions involved in protein-protein interaction between rSlo and rSIAP, a series of sub-domain constructs were generated. We are currently investigating sub-domain interaction using both of yeast two-hybrid method and in vitro binding assay.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.411-419
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• 2018

This study investigated the survival rates and physiological responses of Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, in live fish containers ($8^{\circ}C$, 33 psu) for 18 days. The survival rate was 99% and 97% in the control and experimental groups, respectively. Hematocrit and hemoglobin did not differ significantly between the control and experimental groups. Glucose and cortisol rose immediately on the first day of containment, but both gradually normalized. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase did not differ significantly between the two groups after recovery. $NH_3$ continued to rise after the first day, but decreased to a level not significantly different from that of the control group during the recovery period. Plasma ions and osmolality did not change abnormally. The hemocyte population was not significantly different from that of the control. The ratios of apoptotic and necrotic cells indicated no specific variation in hemocyte viability. The histological changes in the skin and gills were not significantly different from those seen in the control. The experimental data obtained in this study suggest that live fish containers may be used to transport Korean rockfish without significantly affecting their physiology or survival.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.212-218
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• 2010

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to enhance endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in experimental animals; however, little is known about its pharmacological effects on vascular stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was carried out to determine whether KRG has beneficial effects on arterial stiffness, cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma lipid profiles and blood pressure (BP), and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) activity. Twenty patients (mean age, 62.5 years) with stable angina pectoris were given KRG (2.7 g/day) and a placebo alternatively for 10 weeks. Blood biochemical analysis and pulse wave velocity (PWV) recording were performed on day 0 and after the completion of each treatment. ROCK activity was assessed based on the level of phospho-$Thr^{853}$ in the myosin-binding subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase, determined by Western blot analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. KRG significantly decreased the systolic BP, brachial ankle PWV, and heart femoral PWV in the patients (all p<0.05), but did not significantly alter the serum lipid profiles, including triglycerides and total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The ROCK activity tended to decrease (p=0.068) following KRG treatment. The placebo did not significantly alter any of the variables. In conclusion, KRG decreased systolic BP and arterial stiffness, probably via the inhibition of ROCK activity, in patients with CAD, but had a neutral effect on serum lipid profiles. Our data suggest that KRG has a therapeutic effect on CAD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.4
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• pp.396-400
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• 2015

IgG4-related disease is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease, characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration composed of IgG4-positive plasma cells of various organs with elevated circulating levels of IgG4. This disease is now reported with increasing frequency and usually affects middle-aged men. Massive pleural effusion in children is an uncommon feature in IgG4-related disease. Here, we report a case of a 16-year-old male patient with extensive IgG4-related disease presenting with massive pleural effusion, mediastinal mass, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.99-114
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• 2010

With the consensus sequence information of the serum glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase-1 (SGK1) phosphorylation site {R-X-R-X-X-(S/T)$\Phi$; where $\Phi$ is any hydrophobic amino acid}, we noticed that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channel, a member of the TRP vanilloid subfamily, harbors the putative SGK1 phosphorylation site (on its Ser 824). We have demonstrated that TRPV4 is an SGK1 authentic substrate protein, with the phosphorylation on the Ser 824 of TRPV4 by SGK1. Further, using TRPV4 mutants (S824A and S824D), we noted that the modification of the Ser 824 activates its $Ca^{2+}$ entry, and sensitizes the TRPV4 channel to 4-$\alpha$-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4-${\alpha}PDD$) or heat, simultaneously enhancing its active state. Additionally, we determined that the modification of the Ser 824 controls both its plasma membrane localization and its protein interactions with calmodulin. Thus, we have proposed herein that phosphorylation on the Ser 824 of TRPV4 is one of the control points for the regulation of its functions.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.39
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• pp.1.1-1.7
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• 2017

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells primarily in the bone marrow. Bisphosphonates (BP) are used as supportive therapy in the management of MM. This study aimed to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of medication-related necrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in MM patients. Methods: One hundred thirty MM patients who had previous dental evaluations were retrospectively reviewed. Based on several findings, we applied the staging and treatment strategies on MRONJ. We analyzed gender, age, type of BP, incidence, and local etiological factors and assessed the relationship between these factors and the clinical findings at the first oral examination. Results: MRONJ was found in nine male patients (6.9%). The mean patient age was 62.2 years. The median BP administration time was 19 months. Seven patients were treated with a combination of IV zoledronate and pamidronate, and two patients received single-agent therapy. The lesions were predominantly located in the mandible (n = 8), and the most common predisposing dental factor was a history of prior extraction (n = 6). Half of the MRONJ were related to diseases found on the initial dental screen. Patients with MRONJ were treated with infection control and antibiotic therapy. When comparing between the MRONJ stage and each factor (sign, location, etiologic factor, BP type, treatment, and outcome), there were no significant differences between stages, except for between the stage and sign (with or without purulence). Conclusions: For prevention of MRONJ, we recommend routine dental examinations and treatment prior to starting BP therapy.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2004

In a continuation of our previous studies on blood compatibility profiles of anion-substituted poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes, in which hydroxyl groups have been replaced with carboxymethyl (C-PVA) and sulfonyl groups (S-PVA), we have studied the activation of complement components and the changes in white cell and platelet count in vitro and compared them with those of unmodified PVA, Cuprophane, and low-density polyethylene. Complement activation of fluid phase components, C3a, Bb, iC3b, and SC5b-9, and of bound phases, C3c, C3d, and SC5b-9, were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot, respectively. The changes in the number of white cells and platelets following complement activation were counted using a Coulter counter. C-PVA and S-PVA activated C3 to a lesser extent than did PVA, which we attribute to the diminished level of surface nucleophiles of the samples. In addition, C- and S-PVA exhibit increased inhibition of Bb production, resulting in a decrease in the extent of C5 activation. Consequently, because of the reduced activation of C3 and C5, C- and S-PVA samples cause marked decreases in the SC5b-9 levels in plasma. We also found that the negatively charged sulfonate and carboxylate groups of the samples cause a greater extent of adsorbtion of the positively charged anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a, because of strong electrostatic attraction, which in turn provides an inhibition of chemotaxis and activation of leukocytes. The ability to inhibit complement production, together with the binding ability of anaphylatoxins of the C- and S-PVA samples, leads to a prominent decrease in lysis of leukocytes as well as activation of platelets.

• Plant Resources
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.163-172
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• 2000

We compared microstructural features of the ordered cell and disordered leaves in Citrus junos Sieb. by electron microscopy. In the cell of the ordered leaves, many chloroplasts and large vacuoles were particularly observed. Also a lot of vessel, companion cell and big nucleus were presented in vascular bundle regions. The mitochondria and the other organelles were interspersed among the chloroplasts in a thin, peripheral layer of cytoplasm. The chloroplast possessed typical grana and intergranal lamellae, numerous starch grains and a few small osmophilic globules. Besides, microbodies were closely associated with the mitochondria and the chloroplast. The process of the formation of the secondary cell wall from primary cell wall was observed the vessel elements, the tonoplast wall and the secondary cell wall. It was observed that the oil sac with the unique perfume distributed the adjacent cell wall. In the cell of disordered leaves, the all of the organelles were thrust toward the cell wall due to the fusion of vacuoles in the cells. It was observed that a lot of the very small particles spreaded in the cytoplasm. The loss of unique perfume of the leaves was resulted in the destruction of the oil sac. Also, there was not observed grana, lamellae, starch and osmophillic globules in the chloroplast. The small distributed organelles was not observed but the elongation of the cell wall was proceed no longer. Therefore, the plasma membrane diverged from the cell wall. All of organelles in the cell had poor function and deformation. A massive vacuole was fulfilled in single cell and the vacuole contains a lot of large and small particles. The organelles were presented on the side of the cell wall according to the enlargement of vacuole and they were observed to be breakdown.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.829-835
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• 2015

It has been suggested that AUXIN BINDING PROTEIN 1 (ABP1) functions as an apoplastic auxin receptor, and is known to be involved in the post-transcriptional process, and largely independent of the already well-known SKP-cullin-F-box-transport inhibitor response (TIR1) /auxin signaling F-box (AFB) ($SCF^{TIR1/AFB}$) pathway. In the past 10 years, several key components downstream of ABP1 have been reported. After perceiving the auxin signal, ABP1 interacts, directly or indirectly, with plasma membrane (PM)-localized transmembrane proteins, transmembrane kinase (TMK) or SPIKE1 (SPK1), or other unidentified proteins, which transfer the signal into the cell to the Rho of plants (ROP). ROPs interact with their effectors, such as the ROP interactive CRIB motif-containing protein (RIC), to regulate the endocytosis/exocytosis of the auxin efflux carrier PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins to mediate polar auxin transport across the PM. Additionally, ABP1 is a negative regulator of the traditional $SCF^{TIR1/AFB}$ auxin signaling pathway. However, Gao et al. (2015) very recently reported that ABP1 is not a key component in auxin signaling, and the famous abp1-1 and abp1-5 mutant Arabidopsis lines are being called into question because of possible additional mutantion sites, making it necessary to reevaluate ABP1. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the history of ABP1 research.