• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.86-95
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• 2020

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the most abundant protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, exerts excellent neuroprotective effects even though it has low intracephalic exposure. Purpose: The present study aimed to elucidate the apparent contradiction between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Rb1 by studying the mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects of Rb1 based on regulation of microflora. Methods: A pseudo germ-free (PGF) rat model was established, and neuroprotective effects of Rb1 were compared between conventional and PGF rats. The relative abundances of common probiotics were quantified to reveal the authentic probiotics that dominate in the neuroprotection of Rb1. The expressions of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, including GABAA receptors (α2, β2, and γ2) and GABAB receptors (1b and 2), in the normal, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and I/R+Rb1 rat hippocampus and striatum were assessed to reveal the neuroprotective mechanism of Rb1. Results: The results showed that microbiota plays a key role in neuroprotection of Rb1. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus helveticus (Lac.H) increased 15.26 fold after pretreatment with Rb1. I/R surgery induced effects on infarct size, neurological deficit score, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were prevented by colonizing the rat gastrointestinal tract with Lac.H (1 × 10⁹ CFU) by gavage 15 d before I/R surgery. Both Rb1 and Lac.H upregulated expression of GABA receptors in I/R rats. Coadministration of a GABA_A receptor antagonist significantly attenuated neuroprotective effects of Rb1 and Lac.H. Conclusion: In sum, Rb1 exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating Lac.H and GABA receptors rather than through direct distribution to the target sites.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.2433-2442
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• 2011

The three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D QSAR) models were developed using Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) and docking studies. The fit of Quinazolinone antifolates inside the active site of modeled bovine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was assessed. Both ligand based (LB) and receptor based (RB) QSAR models were generated, these models showed good internal and external statistical reliability that is evident from the $q^2_{loo}$, $r^2_{ncv}$ and $r^2_{pred}$. The identified key features enabled us to design new Quinazolinone analogues as DHFR inhibitors. This study is a building bridge between docking studies of homology modeled bovine DHFR protein as well as ligand and target based 3D QSAR techniques of CoMFA and CoMSIA approaches.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2018

Ginseng has gained its popularity as an adaptogen since ancient days because of its triterpenoid saponins, known as ginsenosides. These triterpenoid saponins are unique and classified as protopanaxatriol and protopanaxadiol saponins based on their glycosylation patterns. They play many protective roles in humans and are under intense research as various groups continue to study their efficacy at the molecular level in various disorders. Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 are the most abundant ginsenosides present in ginseng roots, and they confer the pharmacological properties of the plant, whereas ginsenoside Rg3 is abundantly present in Korean Red Ginseng preparation, which is highly known for its anticancer effects. These ginsenosides have a unique mode of action in modulating various signaling cascades and networks in different tissues. Their effect depends on the bioavailability and the physiological status of the cell. Mostly they amplify the response by stimulating phosphotidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, caspase-3/caspase-9-mediated apoptotic pathway, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling. Furthermore, they trigger receptors such as estrogen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and N-methyl-$\text\tiny{D}$-aspartate receptor. This review critically evaluates the signaling pathways attenuated by ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3 in various tissues with emphasis on cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.117-122
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• 2010

To search the potent pig pheromonal odorants through receptor-based approach methods, molecular dockings between 680 Flavomets as substrate molecule and pig odorants binding proteins OBP (1HQP) and PBP (1GM6) as receptor, and QSPR (quantitative structure-property relationship) analyses from physico-chemical parameters of Flavomets and their docking scores (DS) were performed and discussed quantitatively. From the basis on the findings, the optimal value $(MSA)_{opt.}=407.595\;{\AA}^2$ of MSA (molecular surface area; ${\AA}$), and RB (number of rotational bond) had the Flavomets will be able to increase DS. Therefore, it is expected that the stearyl alcohol from DS and H-bond type between substrate and receptor would be shows the character as potent pig pheromonal odorant.

• BMB Reports
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2001

Cellular response to ionizing radiation is affected by cell types, radiation doses, and post-irradiation time. Based on the trypan blue dye exclusion assay in normal oral mucosal cells (OM cells), a 48 h post-irradiation was sufffcient and an adequate time point for the evaluation of radiation sensitivity Its $LD_{50}$ was approximately 1.83 Gy To investigate possible biomarkers useful for the biological radiodosimetry of normal epithelial cells (p53, c-fos, cyclin D1, cdc-2, pRb) EGF receptor phosphorylation and Erk activation were evaluated at different radiation doses and different post-irradiation times. From 0.5 Gy, p53 was accumulated in the nucleus of basal cells of the OM raft culture at 4 h post-irradiation and sustained up to 24 h post-irradiation, which suggests that radiation-induced apoptosis or damage repair was not yet completed. The number of p53 positive cells and biosynthesis of p53 were correlated with radiation doses. Both cyclin D1 and c-fos were only transiently induced within 1 h post-irradiation. Cyclin D1 was induced at all radiation doses. However, cfos induction was highest at 0.1 Gy, approximately 7.3 fold more induction than the control, whose induction was reduced in a reverse correlation with radiation dose. The phosphorylation pattern of cdc-2 and pRb were unaffected by radiation. In contrast to A431 tails overexpressing the EGF receptor approximately 8.5 fold higher than normal epithelial, the OM cells reduced the basal level of the EGF receptor phosphorylation in a radiation dose dependent fashion. In conclusion, among radiation-induced biomolecules, the p53 nuclear accumulation may be considered for the future development of a useful marker far biological radiodosimetry in normal epithelial tissue since it was sustained for a longer period and showed a dose response relationship. Specific c-fos induction at a low dose may also be an important finding in this study It needs to be studied further for the elucidation of its possible connection with the low dose radio-adaptive response.