• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.310-320
• /
• 2017

Ginseng has been widely used for traditional medicine in eastern Asia and is known to have inhibitory effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. Because, platelet is a crucial mediator of CVD, many studies are focusing on inhibitory mechanism of platelet functions. Among platelet activating molecules, thromboxane $A_2$ ($TXA_2$) and P-selectin play a central role in CVD. $TXA_2$ leads to intracellular signaling cascades and P-selectin plays an important role in platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte interactions leading to the inflammatory response. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of total saponin fraction from Korean red ginseng (KRG-TS) on $TXA_2$ production and P-selectin expression. Thrombin-elevated $TXA_2$ production and arachidonic acid release were decreased by KRG-TS dose (25 to $150{\mu}g/mL$)-dependently via down regulation of microsomal cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), $TXA_2$ synthase (TXAS) activity and dephosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$ ($cPLA_2$). In addition, KRG-TS suppressed thrombin-activated P-selectin expression, an indicator of granule release via dephosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Taken together, we revealed that KRG-TS is a beneficial novel compound inhibiting $TXA_2$ production and P-selectin expression, which may prevent platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic disease.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.36-48
• /
• 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of several fractions obtained from methylene chloride ($CH_2Cl_2$) extract of self-fermented pine needle (SFPNE) on the acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked CA release from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla and to establish the mechanism of the most active fraction (Fr.)-induced inhibitory action on the CA release. We obtained 6 fractions from $CH_2Cl_2$ extract of self-fermented pine needle. For the ACh (5.32 mM)-evoked CA release, the following rank order of inhibitory potency was obtained: Fr.4-5 > Fr.8-11 ${\gg}$ Fr.3 > Fr.6 = Fr.7 > Fr.1-2. Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced relatively time-dependent inhibition of the CA secretory responses to ACh (5.32 mM), DMPP (100 ${\mu}M$), McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$) and high $K^+$ (56 mM). Fr. 4 - 5 itself did not affect basal CA secretion. Also, in the presence of Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$), the CA secretory responses to angiotensin II (AngII, 0.1 ${\mu}M$), veratridine (50 ${\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (10 ${\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (10 ${\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. In the simultaneous presence of Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$) and L-NAME (30 ${\mu}M$), the inhibitory responses of Fr. 4 - 5 on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, DMPP, high $K^+$, AngII, Bay-K-8644 and veratridine were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with that of Fr. 4 - 5-treatment alone. The level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$) was greatly elevated compared with the basal level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Fr. 4 - 5 inhibits the CA secretion from the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla evoked by stimulation of cholinergic receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization. It seems that this inhibitory effect of Fr. 4 - 5 is mediated by blocking the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Na^+$ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which is evoked at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of NO synthase. Based on these results, it is also thought that Fr. 4 - 5 isolated from $CH_2Cl_2$ extract of pine needle may contain beneficial antihypertensive components to prevent or treat hypertension.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.32 no.4 s.127
• /
• pp.327-329
• /
• 2001

Cordyceps militaris (CM) has been used as a tonics in the traditional medicine. To investigate the anti-diabetic principle of CM, activity guided fractionation was conducted. Hot water extract of CM was fractionated into 3 parts: above 100,000(A), $100,000{\sim}20,000(B)$, below 20,000(C) in molecular weight using in membrane filter system. All fractions showed mild hypoglycemic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by oral administration (300 mg/kg). The fraction C which was most active among them was fractionated again into two parts, C-1 and C-2 by Sephadex LH 20 column chromatography. The fraction C-1 showed hypoglycemic activity but C-2 did not show activity compared with control in STZ mice. In glucose-fed hyperglycemic mice, fraction C, C-1 and C-2 also showed significant glucose lowering activity. Their decreasing rates of plasma glucose level after 1 hours administrations of fraction C, C-1 and C-2 were 24.5%, 29.3% and 22.0%, respectively (Tolbutamide: 48.4%). These results suggested that CM has both insulin like and insulin release promoting activity and could be developed as an antidiabetic agent.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.186-193
• /
• 2016

The whole herbs of solanum nigrum L were extracted in boiling water (SNL-W), and the extracts were separated with butyl alcohol fraction (SNL-W/B) and aqueous fraction (SNL-W/W) by the solvent extraction method. The total alkaloid and total saponin content mensuration were used to identify the alkaloid composition of methanol fraction extracted from the aqueous fraction. The venom of honey bee was used to induce the rat peritoneal mast cell to secreting the histamine. The results show that the water soluble alkaloid composition of solanum nigrum L (SNL-W/W/M) has a significant inhibitory effect on the histamine release.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.15 no.1 s.68
• /
• pp.106-111
• /
• 2005

To investigate the antioxidant activity of extract from the raw walnut, Juglans sinensis Dode, we prepared five fractions (methanol (MeOH), dichloromethane $(CH_2Cl_2)$, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-buthanol (n-BuOH) and dehydrogen monooxide $(H_2O)$ fractions) and examined. The effect of walnut extract on the oxidative stress was investigated in vitro. The DPPH (2,2-Di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity of extract from raw walnut was shown in the following order: $EtOAc\;fraction layer. The result showed that the highest activity $(0.56{\mu}g/ml,\;IC_{50}.)$ was observed in EtOAc fraction, whereas n-BuOH fraction, MeOH fraction, $CH_2O_2$ fraction and $H_2O$ layer of $IC_{50}$ were $2.34{\mu}g//ml,\;3.88{\mu}g/ml,\;8.06{\mu}g/ml,\;and\;8.19{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. The radical scavenging activity assay of each fraction showed that the antioxidative activity was observed in the following order: EtOAc fraction $(74.27\pm1.56\%)>MeOH\;fraction\;(60.76\pm3.4\%)>n-BuOH\;fraction\;(59.32\pm0.88\%)>H_2O\;layer\;(41.69\pm2.06\%)$. These results revealed that all fractions, except for $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction, showed high antioxidative activity. Furthermore, the peroxynitrite $(ONOO^-)$ scavenging activity was assayed in each fraction. The result showed that the $ONOO^-$ scavenging activity of EtOAc fraction, MeOH fraction and n-BuOH fraction from raw walnut was $95.14\pm0.36\%,\; 90.02\pm1.19\%\;and\;89.41\pm0.81\%$, respectively. The tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) treatment in vitro increased lactate dehydrogenase release and lipid peroxidation in renal cortical slices. Such changes were completely prevented by addition of MeOH fraction, EtOAc fraction and n-BuOH fraction of walnut. These results indicate that the walnut extract exerts the benedicial effect against t-BHP-induced cell injury and its effect may be due to antioxidant action. In addition, it is suggested that walnut extract might be developed as the effective scavenger for the prevention of oxidative stress.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.940-947
• /
• 2017

Goat milk has a protein composition similar to that of breast milk and contains abundant nutrients, but its use in functional foods is rather limited in comparison to milk from other sources. The aim of this study was to prepare a goat A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction with improved digestibility and hypoallergenic properties. We investigated the optimal conditions for the separation of A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction from goat milk by pH adjustment to pH 4.4 and treating the casein suspension with calcium chloride (0.05 M for 1 h at $25^{\circ}C$). Selective reduction of ${\beta}$- lactoglobulin and ${\alpha}_s$-casein was confirmed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The hypoallergenic property of A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction was examined by measuring the release of histamine and tumor necrosis factor alpha from HMC-1 human mast cells exposed to different proteins, including A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction. There was no significant difference in levels of both indicators between A2 ${\beta}$-casein treatment and the control (no protein treatment). The A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction is abundant in essential amino acids, especially, branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine). The physicochemical properties of A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction, including protein solubility and viscosity, are similar to those of bovine whole casein which is widely used as a protein source in various foods. Therefore, the goat A2 ${\beta}$-casein fraction may be useful as a food material with good digestibility and hypoallergenic properties for infants, the elderly, and people with metabolic disorders.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.507-521
• /
• 1996

Quantification of uncertainties in the source term estimations by a large computer code, such as MELCOR and MAAP, is an essential process of the current Probabilistic safety assessment. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the applicability of a combined procedure of the response surface method (RSM) based on input determined from a statistical design and the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) technique for the uncertainty analysis of CsI release fractions under a Hypothetical severe accident sequence of a station blackout at Younggwang nuclear power plant using MAAP3. OB code as a benchmark problem. On the basis of the results obtained in the present work, the RSM is recommended to be used as a principal tool for an overall uncertainty analysis in source term quantifications, while using the LHS in the calculations of standardized regression coefficients (SRC) and standardized rank regression coefficient (SRRC) to determine the subset of the most important input parameters in the final screening step and to check the cumulative distribution functions obtained by RSM. Verification of the response surface model for its sufficient accuracy is a prerequisite for the reliability of the final results that can be obtained by the combined procedure proposed in the present work.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.1-19
• /
• 2000

To study anti-cancer effect and molecular biological mechanism of bee venom for aqua-acupuncture, the effects of bee venom on cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed using MTT assay, tryphan blue assay, $[^3H]$thymidine release assay, flow cytometric analysis, and activity of caspase-3 protease activity assay. To explore whether anti-cancer effects of bee venom are associated with the transcriptional control of gene expression, quantitative RT-PCR analysis of apoptosis-related genes was performed. The obtained results are summarized as follows: 1. The MTT assay demonstrated that cell viability was decreased by bee venom in a dose-dependant manner. 2. Significant induction of apoptosis was identified using tryphan blue assay, $[^3H]$thymidine release assay, and flow cytomet1 ric analysis of sub $G_1$ fraction. 3. In analysis of caspase-3 protease activity, the activity had increased significantly, in a dose-dependant manner. 4. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the apoptosis-related genes showed that Bcl-2 and Bcl-$X_L$ were down-regulated whereas Bax was up-regulated by bee venom treatment.

• Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.10 no.6
• /
• pp.294-305
• /
• 2005

The effectiveness of fly ash-, quicklime-, and quicklime-fly ash-based stabilization/solidification(S/S) in chromium(Cr) contaminated soils was investigated using modified semi-dynamic leaching tests. Artificial soil samples composed of kaolinite or montmorillonite contaminated with chromium nitrate(4000 mg $Cr^{3+}\;kg^{-1}$ of solid) were prepared and then subjected to S/S treatment using quicklime, fly ash, or quick lime-fly ash. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing the cumulative fraction of leached $Cr^{3+}$ as well as, by computing the effective diffusivity ($D_e$) and the leachability index (LX) of the treated samples. The reduction in $Cr^{3+}$ release for the untreated samples was more pronounced in the presence of montmorillonite, which was attributed to sorption. Treatment with quicklime, fly ash, or quick lime-fly ash was significantly effective in reducing $Cr^{3+}$ release most probably due to the formation of pozzolanic reaction products and $Cr(OH)_3$ precipitation. The most effective treatment was observed in montmorillonite-sand soil samples treated with quicklime-fly ash (99.8% removal). The mean $D_e$ decreased significantly and the mean LX was greater than 9 for all treated samples, indicating that the treated soils were acceptable for "controlled utilization". The mechanism controlling $Cr^{3+}$ leaching from all treated samples during the first 5 days appeared to be diffusion.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.56 no.4
• /
• pp.1513-1525
• /
• 2024

An improved mitigation system for thermally-induced steam generator tube rupture accidents was introduced to prevent direct environmental release of fission products bypassing the containment in the OPR1000. This involves injecting bypassed steam into the containment, cooling, and decontaminating it using a water coolant tank. To evaluate its performance, a severe accident analysis was performed using the MELCOR 2.2 code for OPR1000. Simulation results show that the proposed system sufficiently prevented the release of radioactive nuclides (RNs) into the environment via containment injection. The pool scrubbing system effectively decontaminated the injected RN and consequently reduced the aerosol mass in the containment atmosphere. However, the decay heat of the collected RNs causes re-vaporization. To restrict the re-vaporization, an external water source was considered, where the decontamination performance was significantly improved, and the RNs were effectively isolated. However, due to the continuous evaporation of the feed water caused by decay heat, a substantial amount of steam is released into the containment. Despite the slight pressurization inside the containment by the injected and evaporated steam, the steam decreased the hydrogen mole fraction, thereby reducing the possibility of ignition.