• Advances in environmental research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.275-284
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• 2020

We provide the first study on the occurrence of microplastics in Dal lake, Kashmir, India. Microplastics act as catastrophe that trigger many environmental problems. The key origins of microplastics are larger plastics, which split into smaller plastics after UV light disintegration. There is relatively little work carried out on the existence of microplastics. The present work has been undertaken on the occurrence of microplastics at four pre-selected sites (surface water) in Dal lake, Kashmir. The samples were taken to the laboratory to dissolve organic matter by using H2O2 (6%). To speed up the organic digestion; the treated mixture was heated on a hot plate at 70℃. The mixture was then subjected to density separation. The supernatant obtained was observed under the microscope (10X) and measurements were taken. At site-I, the microplastics ranged from 2-3 mm, site-II 5-6 mm, site-III 3-4 mm, site-IV 4-5 mm in thickness, indicating the presence of microplastics in the lake. The presence of microplastics indicated that the lake has undergone an anthropogenic change over a period of time. Our research highlights the value of enhancing the quality of the drainage system and sewage disposal. This work can be helpful to recognize successful microplastic control management techniques and possible threats associated with the Dal lake. So far, no such data on the presence of microplastics in Kashmir lakes is available.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.275-279
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• 2015

Micro-algae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms and produce pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoid. Chlorella contains a lot of protein and functional components like lipids, chlorophyll and carotenoids. In this study we induced mutants of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) through ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) and selected two mutants by pigment (chlorophyll and carotenoids) content. We named the mutants ‘UBM1-2’, ‘UBM2-57’ and they were cultivated for 21-days. Cell growth, dry cell weight, protein content, lipid and pigments content were measured. The results indicated that the mutants displayed slower cell growth, lower dry cell weight and protein content than the wild type. However, for UBM1-2 the lipid content was 21% higher than the wild type. In addition, the mutants’ chlorophyll content was 37% and 89% higher than the wild type and the carotenoids content was 27% and 70% higher than the wild type, respectively.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.247-253
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• 2016

It confirmed the applicability as an anti-inflammatory material from Rubus occidentalis seed (RSE) extract. In HaCaT cells to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential as a material RSE extract on the activity of the inflammatory factors caused by UVB and $IFN-{\gamma}/TNF-{\alpha}$. We measured the activity of ROS, interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) by ROS-Glo $H_2O_2$ assay and ELISA kit. Our results showed that the RSE extracts inhibit the UVB and $IFN-{\gamma}/TNF-{\alpha}$-induced ROS activities and expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. Also it was found that inflammatory mediators of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition were also brought, the expression of which is increased $PGE_2$ by COX-2 also inhibited. Finally RSE extracts measure the seed expression of filaggrin in the skin barrier, the main factor of the extract could be confirmed to increase the expression of the filaggrin damaged as a result of this concentration-dependent manner. Through this, it was able to confirm that the efficacy RSE extract to protect the inflammation by restoring the damaged layers of the epidermis. Results from more than RSE extract was able to confirm that the extract that has anti-inflammatory effects by improving the inflammation being produced from UVB.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.127.1-127.1
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• 2011

In this paper, ZnO:Al thin films with c-axis preferred orientation were prepared on Soda lime glass substrates by RF magnetron sputtering technique. AZO thin film were prepared in order to clarify optimum conditions for growth of the thin film depending upon process, and then by changing a number of deposition conditions and substrate temperature conditions variously, structural and electrical characteristics were measured. For the manufacture of the AZO were vapor-deposited in the named order. It is well-known that post-annealing is an important method to improve crystal quality. For the annealing process, the dislocation nd other defects arise in the material and adsorption/decomposition occurs. The XRD patterns of the AZO films deposited with grey theory prediction design, annealed in a vacuum ambient($2.0{\times}10-3$Torr)at temperatures of 200, 300, 400 and $500^{\circ}C$ for a period of 30min. The diffraction patterns of all the films show the AZO films had a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a preferential orientation along the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate surface. As can be seen, the (002)peak intensities of the AZO films became more intense and sharper when the annealing temperature increased. On the other hand, When the annealing temperature was $500^{\circ}C$ the peak intensity decreased. The surface morphologies and surface toughness of films were examined by atomic force microscopy(AFM, XE-100, PSIA). Electrical resistivity, Gall mobility and carrier concentration were measured by Hall effect measuring system (HL5500PC, Accent optical Technology, USA). The optical absorption spectra of films in the ultraviolet-visibleinfrared( UV-Vis-IR) region were recorder by the UV spectrophotometer(U-3501, Hitachi, Japan). The resistivity, carrier concentration, and Hall mobility of ZnS deposited on glass substrate as a function of post-annealing.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.196-202
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• 2007

Mutations in the cystathionine ${\beta}$-synthase (CBS) gene cause homocystinuria, the most frequent inherited disorder in sulfur metabolism. CBS is the unique enzyme using both heme and pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) for activity. Among the reported 140 mutations, one of the most common disease-causing alterations in human CBS is G307S mutation. To investigate the pathogenic mechanism of G307S by spectroscopic methods, we engineered the full length and the truncated G247S mutation of yeast CBS that is corresponding mutation to human G307S. Yeast CBS does not contain heme and thus gives a merit to study the spectroscopic properties. The UV-visible spectra of the purified full length and the truncated G247S yeast CBSs showed the total absence of PLP in the protein. The absence of PLP in G247S mutation was also confirmed by the PLP-cyanide adduct formation experiment, which was conducted by the incubation of the purified enzyme with KCN. The adducts were detected using a circular dichroism (CD) and a spectrofluorimeter. Radio isotope activity assay of full length and truncated G247S proteins also gave no activity. Our yeast G247S mutation data suggested that G307S might make the distortion of the active site so that cofactor PLP and substrate can not fit inside the active site. Our yeast CBS study addressed the reason why the G307S mutation in human CBS makes the enzyme inactive that consequently leads to severe clinical phenotype.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.413-421
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• 2019

Purpose: Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is an important traditional medicinal herb. Pharmacological research has indicated that AM has various physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities. The bioactive substances responsible for the physiological activities in AM, including many antioxidant substances, change during the roasting process. This study investigated and compared the changes in the antioxidant constituents of AM caused by roasting. Methods: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) and $ABTS^+$ (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt) radical scavenging activities and their total phenolic content (TPC) were measured. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to confirm any changes in the isoflavonoids of roasted AM (R-AM),. The cell viability of UVB-induced HDF (Human dermal fibroblast) cells treated with AM and R-AM extracts was investigated. The comet assay was used to examine the inhibitory effects of R-AM extracts on DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. Results: The DPPH and $ABTS^+$ radical scavenging activities were $564.6{\pm}20.9$ and $108.2{\pm}3.1$ ($IC_{50}$ value) respectively, from the 2R-AM. The total phenol content was $47.80{\pm}1.40mg$ GAE/g from the 1R-AM. The values of calycosin and formononetin, which are the known isoflavonoid constituents of AM, were $778.58{\pm}2.72$ and $726.80{\pm}3.45{\mu}g/g$ respectively, from the 2R-AM. Treatment of the HDF cells with R-AM ($50{\sim}200{\mu}g/mL$) did not affect the cell viability. Furthermore, the R-AM extracts effectively protected against UVB-induced DNA damage. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that R-AM increases its isoflavonoid constituents and protects against UVB-induced DNA damage in HDF cells.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.264-269
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• 2010

In this study, the cellular protective effect, antioxidative property and component analysis of Euphorbia humifusa extracts were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction ($3.68\;{\mu}g/mL$) and aglycone fraction ($3.15\;{\mu}g/mL$) of Euphorbia humifusa extract showed prominent free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging activity ($FSC_{50}$). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity ($OSC_{50}$) of Euphorbia humifusa extract on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/$H_2O_2$ system was investigated using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. The ethyl acetate fraction ($0.43\;{\mu}g/mL$) and aglycone fraction ($0.35\;{\mu}g/mL$) of extract showed higher ROS scavenging activity than L-ascorbic acid ($1.50\;{\mu}g/mL$). The cellular protective effects of fractions of Euphorbia humifusa extract on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction and aglycone fraction of extract protected cellular membranes against ROS in a concentration dependent manner ($5{\sim}25\;{\mu}g/mL$), and was more effective than (+)-${\alpha}$-tocopherol, lipid peroxidation chain blocker. Aglycone fraction from Euphorbia humifusa extract showed 2 bands in TLC and 2 peaks in HPLC. In HPLC chromatogram of aglycone fraction, peak 1 and peak 2 were identified as quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. And these components are very effective as antioxidant. Thus, these results indicate that fractions of Euphorbia humifusa extracts can function as antioxidant in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging $^1O_2$ and other ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Fractions of Euphorbia humifusa extracts can be applicable to new functional cosmetics for antioxidant.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.559-567
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• 2010

In this study, the antioxidative effect, cellular protective effect and inhibitory effect on tyrosinase of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract ($11.48\;{\mu}g$/mL) showed more excellent free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, DPPH) scavenging activity (FSC50) than those of leaf and stem extracts ($17.45\;{\mu}g$/mL). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity (OSC50) of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/H2O2 system were investigated using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract ($0.56\;{\mu}g$/mL) showed 3 times more excellent ROS scavenging activity than L-ascorbic acid ($1.50\;{\mu}g$/mL). The protective effects of the ethyl acetate fractions of extracts from different parts of Cosmos bipinnatus on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The ethyl acetate fractions of leaf and stem extract and flower extracts suppressed photohemolysis in a concentration dependent manner ($10\sim50\;{\mu}g$/mL). The inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract ($62.75\;{\mu}g$/mL) on tyrosinase was investigated to assess the whitening efficacy. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract showed 3.5 times higher tyrosinase inhibitory effect than arbutin ($226.88\;{\mu}g$/mL) known as an effective whitening agent. These results indicate that fractions of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts can function as antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging $^1O2$ and other ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Fractions of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts can be applicable to new functional cosmetics for antioxidant and whitening.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2022.09a
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• pp.25-25
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• 2022

피부 노화는 피부와 피부 지지층 등의 광범위한 퇴행 과정을 말한다. 피부 노화의 원인은 흡연, 공해, 스트레스 등이 있지만, 그 중에서도 자외선(ultra violet, UV) 조사가 가장 큰 요인으로 꼽힌다. 반복적인 자외선 조사에 의해 진행되는 피부노화를 광노화라고 하며 그 가장 큰 특징으로는 콜라겐 섬유와 엘라스틴의 감소로 야기되는 주름을 들 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 제주에서 채집한 바위수국의 추출물 및 분획물의 항산화 및 자외선으로 인한 피부노화 예방(anti-photoaging) 효능을 확인하고, 활성물질을 분리하여 광노화 예방 효능과 그 메커니즘을 확인하였다. 실험에 사용된 바위수국은 범의귀과의 덩굴성 식물로 바위면이나 나무줄기 등에 붙어서 자라며, 한국(제주, 울릉도)과 일본에 분포한다. 바위수국 추출물과 분획물에서 총 페놀 함량. 총 플라보이드 함량, DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼소거 활성의 항산화 실험 결과, 부탄올과 에틸아세테이트 분획층에서 강력한 항산화 활성이 관찰되었다. 또한 UVA를 조사한 인간 진피 섬유아세포 (human dermal fibroblast, HDF)데 대한 콜라겐 분해효소인 matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) 생성 억제 활성을 확인한 결과, 부탄올 분획층이 세포 생장 저해 없이 가장 우수한 효능이 확인되었다. 따라서 부탄올 분획층에서 주요 성분 분리 실험을 수행하여 총 4개의 화합물을 분리하였다; Chlorogenic acid (1), Quercetin-3-O-glucosyl-(1-2)-rhamnoside (2), Quercetin-3-O-xylosyl-(1-2)-rhamnoside (3), Quercitrin (4). 분리한 4개의 물질의 MMP-1 생성 억제 활성을 비교한 결과 화합물 2가 세포독성 없이 MMP-1 생성 억제 효능이 우수하였고, 이후 화합물 2의 광노화 예방 효능과 그 메커니즘을 확인하였다. 화합물 2는 MMP-1의 생성을 억제할 뿐만 아니라 procollagen type I의 생성을 증가시켰으며, MMP-1 생성에 관여하는 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) 신호전달경로를 하향 조절하며, 콜라겐 생성과 관련된 Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad 신호전달경로를 상향 조절하여 UVA에 의한 광노화 예방에 효능을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과들을 바탕으로, 바위수국은 항노화(anti-aging) 기능성 화장품 및 이너뷰티 기능성 식품 소재로 개발이 가능할 것으로 기대된다.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.486-492
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• 2013

This study has been conducted to establish the optimal extraction process and HPLC analysis method for the determination of marker compounds as a part of the materials standardization for the development of health functional food materials from Astragali radix. Five extraction conditions including the shaking extraction at room temperature and the reflux extraction at $85^{\circ}C$ with 30%, 50% and 95% ethanol were evaluated. Reflux extraction with 50% ethanol showed the highest extraction yield as $27.27{\pm}2.27%$, while the extraction under reflux with 95% ethanol showed significantly the lowest yield of $10.55{\pm}0.24%$. The quantitative determination methods of calycosin-7-O-${\beta}$-D-glucoside and calycosin as marker compounds of Astragali radix extracts were optimized by HPLC analysis using a Thermo Hypersil column ($4.6{\times}250mm$, $5{\mu}m$) with the gradient elution of water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase at the flow rate of $0.8mLmin^{-1}$ and a detection wavelength of 230nm. The HPLC/UV method was applied successfully to the quantification of two marker compounds in Astragali radix extracts after validation of the method with the linearity, accuracy and precision. The contents of calycosin-7-O-${\beta}$-D-glucoside and calycosin in 50% ethanol extracts by reflux extraction were significantly higher as $1,700.3{\pm}30.4$ and $443.6{\pm}8.4{\mu}g-1$, respectively, comparing with those in other extracts. The results indicate that the reflux extraction with 50% ethanol at $85^{\circ}C$ is optimal for the extraction of Astragali radix, and the established HPLC method are very useful for the evaluation of marker compounds in Astragali radix extracts to develop the health functional material from Astragali radix.