• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.90-97
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• 2021

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes DNA base modifications. One of these changes leads to the generation of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) due to oxidative stress. In human skin, this modification may induce sunburn, inflammation, and aging and may ultimately result in cancer. We investigated whether phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene), by enhancing the expression and activity of 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase 1 (Ogg1), had an effect on the capacity of UVB-exposed human HaCaT keratinocytes to repair oxidative DNA damage. Here, the effects of phloroglucinol were investigated using a luciferase activity assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions, western blot analysis, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Phloroglucinol restored Ogg1 activity and decreased the formation of 8-oxoG in UVB-exposed cells. Moreover, phloroglucinol increased Ogg1 transcription and protein expression, counteracting the UVB-induced reduction in Ogg1 levels. Phloroglucinol also enhanced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as well as Nrf2 binding to an antioxidant response element located in the Ogg1 gene promoter. UVB exposure inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), two major enzymes involved in cell protection against oxidative stress, regulating the activity of Nrf2. Akt and Erk phosphorylation was restored by phloroglucinol in the UVB-exposed keratinocytes. These results indicated that phloroglucinol attenuated UVB-induced 8-oxoG formation in keratinocytes via an Akt/Erk-dependent, Nrf2/Ogg1-mediated signaling pathway.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.330-343
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Zanthoxylum schinifolium is traditionally used as a spice for cooking in East Asian countries. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of ethanol extracts of Z. schinifolium leaves (EEZS) against human bladder cancer T24 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Subsequent to measuring the cytotoxicity of EEZS, the anti-cancer activity was measured by assessing apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In addition, we determined the underlying mechanism of EEZS-induced apoptosis through various assays, including Western blot analysis. RESULTS: EEZS treatment concentration-dependently inhibited T24 cell survival, which is associated with apoptosis induction. Exposure to EEZS induced the expression of Fas and Fas-ligand, activated caspases, and subsequently resulted to cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. EEZS also enhanced the expression of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm by suppressing MMP, following increase in the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression and truncation of Bid. However, EEZS-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis were significantly diminished by a pan-caspase inhibitor. Moreover, EEZS inhibited activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, and the apoptosis-inducing potential of EEZS was promoted in the presence of PI3K/Akt inhibitor. In addition, EEZS enhanced the production of ROS, whereas N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, markedly suppressed growth inhibition and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway induced by EEZS. Furthermore, NAC significantly attenuated the EEZS-induced apoptosis and reduction of cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results indicate that exposure to EEZS exhibits anti-cancer activity in T24 bladder cancer cells through ROS-dependent induction of apoptosis and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.271-279
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• 2010

We conducted a quantitative human health risk assessment with respect to inhalation of heavy metals for residents of housing developments in "new towns" where an incinerator will be operated within the area scheduled for construction thereof. To assess potential human health risk we calculated the amount of heavy metals emitted from the incinerator, and then forecasted the potential health impact on adjoining areas where new housing is to be developed (i.e. "new towns") at different altitudes by a using SCREEN-3 model. We assessed Cancer Risk (CR) caused by known carcinogens using the Inhalation Unit Risk criteria developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Notably, we assessed risk by determining concentrations of heavy metals on a floor by floor basis, as apartment buildings are to be constructed near the incinerator according to a pre-devised plan. Results indicated that cancer risk for most carcinogens exceeded US EPA standards for the highest locations at each collection point. This result indicates that construction of high buildings in areas adjoining incinerators is undesirable, and that measures to lower carcinogens are needed. The results of this study, which assessed health risk from exposure to heavy metals emitted from a nearby incinerator, can be useful in land use planning with respect to the location of housing developments in new towns, as well as the heights of any buildings constructed. Furthermore, the methodology deployed herein with respect to risk assessment can be helpful for policy makers and the general public in the event of conflicts regarding incinerator projects in the future. The results herein may also be of merit in determining priorities when establishing harm reduction measures for carcinogens at incinerators. However, the study does contain several limitations. The SCREEN-3 model, a kind of screening model that provides conservative results, can provide higher forecasted concentrations of air pollutants than other models. Moreover, although the incinerator in question is set to be a thermoselect type, domestic data for emissions from these incinerators is not available, and assumptions were based on a stoker type incinerator. Insufficient domestic data likewise compelled the use of data of USA, resulting in possible errors in results. Continued research will thus be required to develop systematic methodologies that address the foregoing factors and produce more reliable outcomes.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.137-154
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• 2019

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial compound used in consumer products. The purpose of current study was to examine toxicology and risk assessment of TCS based on available data. Acute toxicities of oral, transdermal and inhalation routes were low, and phototoxicity and neurotoxicity were not observed. Topical treatment of TCS to animal caused mild irritation. TCS did not induce reproductive and developmental toxicity in rodents. In addition, genotoxicity was not considered based on in vitro and in vivo tests of TCS. It is not classified as a carcinogen in international authorities such as International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). No-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was determined 12 mg/kg bw/day for TCS, based on haematoxicity and reduction of absolute and relative spleen weights in a 104-week oral toxicity study in rats. Percutaneous absorption rate was set as 14%, which was human skin absorption study reported by National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) (2009). The systemic exposure dosage (SED) of TCS has been derived by two scenarios depending on the cosmetics usage of Koreans. The first scenario is the combined use of representative cosmetics and oral care products. The second scenario is the combined use of rinse-off products of cleansing, deodorants, coloring products, and oral care products. SEDs have been calculated as 0.14337 mg/kg bw/day for the first scenario and 0.04733 mg/kg bw/day for the second scenario. As a result, margin of safety (MOS) for the first and second scenarios was estimated to 84 and 253.5, respectively. Based on these results, exposure of TCS contained in rinse-off products, deodorants, and coloring products would not pose a significant health risk when it is used up to 0.3%.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.113-134
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• 2015

In new housing demand, proportion of occupied multi-housing is 89.9% (statistics from 2013). In this way, with many generations living together, apartment noise disputes between the neighbors are continuously rising. The apartment noise problem in Korea is at a very serious level worldwide (about 88% of the population is experiencing stress due to apartment noise). On the other hand, the government has strengthened the regulations (such as the thickness of the floor and floor impact sound reduction performance, etc.) and promoted a resolution of its own for each multi-housing estates for mediating disputes on apartment noise. However, such physical regulations and passive management policies still presents a limit to the dispute mitigation of apartment noise. Also, in order to improve the quality of life in living spaces, policy on health effects of apartment noise should be provided. Therefore, we investigated a case study of the noise exposure-human body reaction to analyze the effect of noise on health. On the basis of this, the health effects according to the exposure period of apartment noise were considered.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.63-82
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• 2009

Because many people suffer from physical and mental damage caused by the noise created by transportation infrastructure, including road traffic, rail, and aircraft, developed countries have conducted research on predicting and solving the impact to human health from being exposed to transportation noise. Therefore, this study suggests a fundamental plan to assess the health impact of transportation noise on the basis of domestic and foreign prediction results regarding the health impact of transportation noise. The domestic and foreign exposure-response expressions, including the noise index and the health impact indicator of annoyance and sleep disturbance, are compared, and it is found that domestic individuals show a more sensitive response to transportation noise. Based on domestic and foreign research, and a case study regarding the health impact of transportation noise, a fundamental plan to assess the health impact of transportation noise comprises the preparation of objective assessment standards through the improvement of exposure-response models, and the establishment of reduction measures which can improve the quality of the transportation noise environment.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.390-396
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• 2008

Osteoarthritis(OA) diseases are characterized by joint pain, tenderness, limitation of movement, crepitus, occasional effusion, and variable degrees of inflammation without systemic effects. We investigated the effects of Achyrantis radixs cream treatment and low intensity ultrasound in monosodium iodoacetate(MIA) induced experimental osteoarthritis rat. Sprague-Dawley 40 rats of 7-8 weeks, weight $250\;{\pm}\;50$ g were divided into four groups including the control group and ostoarthritis group(30 rats). Histopathological examination, Mankin's score, and immunohistochemical were performed. Histological findings in control group that are similar to those observed in human osteoarthritis, such as disorganization of chondrocytes, erosion and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and subchondral bone exposure. Safranin O-fast green staining revealed that marked diffuse reduction of proteoglycans and chondrocyte treated with MIA. The Mankin's score were closely correlated to the grade of histological findings. The level of Bax and caspase-3 expression decreased experimental groups. This study shows that a Acyranthes Radix cream treatment and low intensity ultrasound exerts a beneficial influence on the severity of chondral lesion in osteoarthritis rats. This treatments could related to a reduced level of chondrocyte apoptosis through anti-apoptotoc capacities of MIA-induced apoptotic protein overexpression.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.100-108
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• 2016

Microbiological contamination of eggs should be prevented in the poultry industry, as poultry is one of the major reservoirs of human Salmonella. ClO₂ gas has been reported to be an effective disinfectant in various industry fields, particularly the food industry. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of chlorine dioxide gas on two strains of Salmonella inoculated onto eggshells under various experimental conditions including concentrations, contact time, humidity, and percentage organic matter. As a result, it was shown that chlorine dioxide gas under wet conditions was more effective in inactivating Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Gallinarum compared to that under dry conditions independently of the presence of organic matter (yeast extract). Under wet conditions, a greater than 4 log reduction in bacterial populations was achieved after 30 min of exposure to ClO₂ each at 20 ppm, 40 ppm, and 80 ppm against S. Enteritidis; 40 ppm and 80 ppm against S. Gallinarum. These results suggest that chlorine dioxide gas is an effective agent for controlling Salmonella, the most prevalent contaminant in the egg industry.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.806-813
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• 2018

$^{222}Rn$ exists in nature in the form of a rare radioactive gas. In terms of environmental radiation, issues regarding $^{222}Rn$ have persisted because of its radiological hazardousness. Ulju County is one of the regions of Ulsan metropolitan city, with a population of 227,699. Ulju County has the highest density of industrial complexes in Korea. In this study, $^{222}Rn$ radioactivity concentration was measured and analyzed in 57 schools in Ulju County using 114 passive LR-115 type detectors to secure radiological safety and confirm basic information for reduction of resident exposure to $^{222}Rn$. The effective dose of $^{222}Rn$ was assessed to find the actual risk of the concentration surveyed in schools to human beings. The dose depended on four factors: subjects, $^{222}Rn$ concentration, dose coefficient, and time. The individuals subjected to dose estimation were classified into three types: students, teachers, and office workers. The subjects had different dwelling locations and times. The findings demonstrate that the radiological hazard to students and workers at schools in Ulju County owing to $^{222}Rn$ is negligible in terms of $^{222}Rn$ activity recommendation level.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1194-1199
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• 2007

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by fibrillation and erosion in cartilage tissue, chondrocyte proliferation and osteophyte formation at the joint margins, and sclerotis of subchondral bone. We investigated the effects of Acyranthes Radix administration and Cervi Cornu Parvum aqua-acupuncture in monosodium iodoacetate(MIA) induced experimental osteoarthritis model. Sprague-Dawley 60 rats of 7-8 weeks, weight $240{\pm}10\;g$ were divided into two groups including the sham operation group(15 rats) and ostoarthritis group(45 rats). Histopathological examination, Mankin's score, and the measurement of inflammation factor were performed. Histological findings that are similar to those observed in human osteoarthritis, such as disorganization of chondrocytes, erosion and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and subchondral bone exposure were observed in a MIA-induced osteoarthritis model. Saflanin-O fast green staining revealed that marked diffuse reduction of proteoglycans treated with MIA. The Mankin's score were closely correlated to the grade of histological findings. The level of prostaglandin E2 and C-reactive protein were decreased experimental groups. We conclude that Acyranthes Radix administration and Cervi Cornu Parvum aqua-acupuncture, and combination treatment exerts a beneficial influence on the cartilage lesion in osteoarthritis rat.