• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.33-44
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• 2017

This study investigated in the vascular plants of special protection zones (the native land of Berchemia berchemiaefolia in Sadam-ri and Gallon valley) of Songnisan National Park and identified the whole vascular plants. The numbers of vascular plants were summarized as 273 taxa including 82 families, 182 genera, 236 species, 3 subspecies, 28 varieties and 6 forms. Woody plants were identified as 124 taxa (45.4%) and herbaceous plants as 149 taxa (54.6%). A total of 107 taxa were identified in the area of Sadam-ri, and 246 taxa were found in the Gallon valley. A total of 8 taxa of rare plants were identified, each of which was divided into 1 taxa of endangered (EN; Daphne pseudomezereum var. koreana), 3 taxa of vulnerable (VU; Paeonia japonica, Berchemia berchemiaefolia and Iris minutiaurea), 3 taxa of least concern (LC; Aristolochia contorta, Syringa patula var. kamibayshii and Goodyera schlechtendaliana) and 1 taxa of data deficient (DD; Alangium platanifolium). The Korean endemic plants were 9 taxa (Clematis trichotoma, Thalictrum actaefolium var. brevistylum, Aster koraiensis, Cirsium setidens, etc.). In the specific plants by floristic region were 34 taxa, a degree I were 17 taxa (Chloranthus japonicus, Celastrus stephanotifolius, etc.), 9 taxa of a degree II (Euonymus pauciflorus, Acer triflorum, etc.), 4 taxa of a degree III (Aconitum longecassidatum, Angelica gigas, etc.), 2 taxa of a degree IV (Ulmus macrocarpa and Daphne pseudomezereum var. koreana), 2 taxa of a degree V (Berchemia berchemiaefolia and Alangium platanifolium). The naturalized plants were 5 taxa including Fallopia dumetorum, Trifolium repens, Ailanthus altissima, Oenothera biennis, Erigeron annuus. Naturalization rate (NR) was 1.8% of all 273 taxa of vascular plants and the invasive alien plants were not found. The purpose of this study is to identify the flora that grows in the special protection zones of Songnisan National Park and provide the basic data for the management of the special protection zone in the future.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.286-293
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• 2003

Several polyphenolic compounds and complex mixtures were isolated from brown algae species. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydarzyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of these compounds were evaluated to determine their physiological usefulness as antioxidants for vascular protection. The antioxidative protection of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was also evaluated and compared with that of catechin, because the generation of oxidized LDL is one of the most active and specific risk factors contributing to atherogenesis. Oral administration to rats of a commercially available sample ($VNP^{TM}$) containing 30% of these polyphenolic compounds and 70% dietary fiber revealed that the serum reducing capacity measured in terms of FRAP value was significantly elevated 30 min after the treatment, but declined rather quickly thereafter, indicating the good oral absorption of the compounds and their fast binding to the lumenal surface of the blood vessels. An eight-week, human, clinical trial (n=31) of $VNP^{TM}$ showed significant improvement in erectile function measured by IIEF (international index of erectile function) score. These results collectively demonstrated the usefulness of these polyphenolic compounds as fundamental chemopreventive agents against vascular risk factors originating from oxidative stress.

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2009

Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting a role for MsrA in antioxidant defense, little is currently known regarding the function of MsrB in cellular protection against oxidative stress. In this study, we overexpressed the mammalian MsrB and MsrA genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and assessed their subcellular localization and antioxidant functions. We found that the mitochondrial MsrB3 protein (MsrB3B) was localized to the cytosol, but not to the mitochondria, of the yeast cells. The mitochondrial MsrB2 protein was detected in the mitochondria and, to a lesser extent, the cytosol of the yeast cells. In this study, we report the first evidence that MsrB3 overexpression in yeast cells protected them against $H_2O_2$-mediated cell death. Additionally, MsrB2 overexpression also provided yeast cells with resistance to oxidative stress, as did MsrA overexpression. Our results show that mammalian MsrB and MsrA proteins perform crucial functions in protection against oxidative stress in lower eukaryotic yeast cells.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.275-280
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• 2008

A brief ischemic insult induces significant protection against subsequent massive ischemic events. The molecular mechanisms known as preconditioning (PC)-induced ischemic tolerance are not completely understood. We investigated whether kinetic changes of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 during reperfusion time-periods after PC were related to ischemic tolerance. Rats were given PC by occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 10 min and sacrificed after the indicated time-periods of reperfusion (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 or 24 h). In PC-treated rats, focal ischemia was induced by occlusion of MCA for 24 h and brain infarct volume was then studied to determine whether different reperfusion time influenced the damage. We report that the most significant protection against focal ischemia was obtained in rats with 8 h reperfusion after PC. Administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg, oral) or rofecoxib (5 mg/kg, oral) 48 h prior to PC counteracted the effect of PC. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that COX-2 and HO-l protein were induced in PC-treated rat brain, which was significantly inhibited by rofecoxib. Taken together, we concluded that the kinetic changes of COX-2 expression during the reperfusion period after PC might be partly responsible for ischemic tolerance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.18-29
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• 2010

The vascular plants in ecological forest site on the Gujaebong (Mt.), Hadong were listed 338 taxa; 85 families, 219 genera, 290 species, 1 subspecies, 40 varieties and 7 forms. Divided into 338 taxa; woody plants were 121 taxa (35.8%) and herbaceous plants were 217 taxa (64.2%). Based on the legal protection species, endangered wild plants II were recorded; Aconitum austro-koreense, Corylopsis gotoana var. coreana and rare plants (IUCN) by the Korea Forest Service and Korea National Arboretum 5 taxa were recorded; Botrychium virginianum, Aconitum austro-koreense, Coreanomecon hylomecoides, Corylopsis gotoana var. coreana, Viola albida. Based on the list of Korean endemic plants, 13 taxa were recorded; Cephalotaxus koreana, Thalictrum actaefolium, Vicia nipponica, Indigofera koreana, Stewartia koreana, Weigela subsessilis, etc. Based on the list of approved for delivering overseas of plants, 5 taxa were recorded; Coreanomecon hylomecoides, Vaccinium oldhami, Paulownia coreana, Asperula lasiantha, Carex okamotoi. Specific plant species by floral region were total 21 taxa (6.2% of all 338 taxa of vascular plants); Aconitum austro-koreense, Corylopsis gotoana var. coreana in class V, Cimicifuga heracleifolia, Coreanomecon hylomecoides in class IV, 4 taxa (Stewartia koreana, Phacellanthus tubiflorus, Lonicera subhispida, etc.) in class III, Potentilla dickinsii, Viola orientalis in class II, 11 taxa (Aconitum jaluense, Angelica anomala, Erythronium japonicum, etc.) in class I. The naturalized plants in the surveyed sites were 8 families, 15 genera, 15 taxa (Phytolacca americana, Crassocephalum crepidioides, Lolium perenne, etc.) and naturalization rate was 4.4% of all 338 taxa of vascular plants.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.459-481
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• 2010

This study was carried out to investigate the vascular flora of Mt. Munsu. The vascular plants collected in 13 times(from Mar. to Oct. 2009) were identified as 511 taxa in total, including 113 families, 332 genera, 445 species, 5 subspecies, 46 varieties, 5 forms. Among them, 6 taxa of the Korea Forest Service-designated rare & endangered plants and the Korean endemic plants were identified as 2 taxa. Based on the list of approved for delivering overseas of plants, 6 taxa were recorded in the investigated area. The Ministry of Environment-designated plants, which should be protected by the wildlife protection law, were identified as 2 taxa and 39 taxa of specially designated plants by the Ministry of Environment. The naturalized plants were identified as 53 taxa, and their naturalization ratio and urban index were found to be 10,3%, and 18.5% respectively. There existed many kinds of plants resources having conservational value like Ranunculus trichophyllus var. kadzusensis, Jeffersonia dubia etc, in this area, but there remains a fear of nature destruction's acceleration due to indiscriminate human development and access of a lot of visitors, so it is judged that there should be a management plan, such as a limit on the number of visitors or rest-year-system for restoration of nature.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1235-1243
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• 1998

Although an elevated plasma level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as a protective component against the development of atherosclerosis and ensuing coronary heart diseases, the related mechanisms are still not established . It has been clearly demonstrated in the early stages of atherogenesis that adhesion of monocytes and lymphocytes to the vascular endothelium is enhanced via adhesion molecules, and that monocytes and macrophages accumulate in the subendothelial space. The present study has investigated whether isolated plasma HDL plays a role in protection against atherogenesis by inhibiting the expression of vascular cell adhesioin molecule-1(VCAM-1) on the endothelial cells. Effects of plasma native low density lipoprotein (LDL) and ac ethylated LDL(AcLDL) on VCAM-1 expression were also examined by using an immunocytochemical technique. While plasma HDL did not alter the basal expression of VCAM-1 , lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induction of this adhesion modlecule was markedly inhibited at a phyaiological concentration of HDL. In contrast, 30$\mu\textrm{g}$ protein/ml AcLDL increased sifnificantly both basal VCAM-1 expression and its LPD induction , suggesting that this modified LDL enhances leukocyte adhesiion to endothelial cells. Unlike AcLDL , plasma native LDL inhibited significantly VCAM-1 expression. This indicates that LDL did not undergo oxidative modificantion while incubated with endothelial cells. These results suggest that plasam HDL may inhibit atherogenesis by reducing the expression of adhesion molecules, which is a protective mechanism independent of tis reverse cholesterol transport function . Modified LDL is a potent iducer for adhesion molecules in vascular endothelical cells and could play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by adhering to blood cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.75-92
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• 2013

The vascular plants of Thuja orientalis community in Seokmun-bong, Danyang were listed 222 taxa (4.5% of all 4,881 taxa of vascular plants); 67 families, 150 genera, 163 species, 2 subspecies, 43 varieties and 14 forms. Limestone plants, 29 taxa; Asplenium rutamuraria, Celtis koraiensis, Goodyera coreana, etc. So, Based on the legal protection species, endangered wild plants II, were recorded; Thalictrum coreanum (EN) and rare plants, 8 taxa; Thuja orientalis (LC), Exochorda serratifolia var. serratifolia (LC), Diarthron linifolium (EN), Bupleurum falcatum (VU), Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LC), Dracocephalum argunense (EN), Polygonatum robustum (EN), etc. and endemic plants, 3 taxa; Populus tomentiglandulosa (Planted plant), Thalictrum actaefolium var. brevistylum, Asperula lasiantha, etc. Based on the list of specific plants, 29 taxa; Thalictrum coreanum in class V, 7 taxa (Neillia uyekii for. uyekii, Prunus sibirica, Abelia coreana, etc.) in class IV, 8 taxa (Spiraea trichocarpa, Polygala tatarinowi, Asparagus oligoclonos, etc.) in class III, 2 taxa (Potentilla dickinsii var. dickinsii, Weigela florida) in class II, 11 taxa (Morus cathayana, Buxus microphylla var. koreana, Zizyphus jujuba var. jujuba, etc.) in class I. Based on the list of naturalized plants, 10 taxa (Robinia pseudoacacia, Oenothera biennis, Festuca arundinacea, etc.), naturalization rate (NR) was 4.5% of all 222 taxa of vascular plants and urbanization index (UI) was 3.1% of all 321 taxa of naturalized plants.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.201-209
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• 2000

The flora, distribution area, vegetation structure, annual net primary production, and nutrient uptake of the vascular hydrophytes, hygrophytes and mesophytes were investigated in the wetlands of the Asan-Lake, Chungchongnam-do and Kyonggi-do, Korea from March to October in 1997 to reveal the correlation between the plant community and the lake environment. The flora was composed of 38 families, 89 genera, 106 species, 14 varieties or total 120 kinds of the vascular plants. The life from of the hydrophytes were classified as 14 kinds of emergent plants, 5 kinds of submerged plants, and 4 kinds of free-floating plants, respectively. The number of species was various to 4 ∼85 kinds in each site. The dominant species was Zizania latifolia, and the importance values of Zizania latifolia, Typha orientalis, Phragmites communis, and Spirodela polyrhiza were 39.58, 14.90, 13.97, and 7.64, respectively. The distribution area of the emergent hydrophytes, hygrophytes, and mesophytes was 49.3 ㏊ (90.5%), and free-floating plants was 5.2 ㏊ (9.5%), whereas the floating-leaved and submersed plants were rare. Annual net production of the emergent hydrophytes, hygrophytes, and mesophytes was 547.9 ton D.W./yr (98%), and those of the free-floating plants was 10.5 ton D.W./yr (2%), and 558.4 ton D.W./yr in the whole lake ecosystem. The total uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus by the vascular plants was 7,099 and 1,891 ㎏/yr in the whole lake ecosystem.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.185-191
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• 2004

Tissue transglutaminase (tTGase) regulates various biological processes, including extracellular matrix organization, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis. Here we report the protective role of tTGase in the cell death that is induced by the tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) and ceramide, a product of the TNF-$\alpha$ signaling pathway, in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Treatment with retinoic acid (RA) induced the differentiation of the neuroblastoma cells with the formation of extended neurites. Immunostaining and Western blot analysis showed the tTGase expression by RA treatment. TNF-$\alpha$ or $C_2$ ceramide, a cell permeable ceramide analog, induced cell death in normal cells, but cell death was largely inhibited by the RA treatment. The inhibition of tTGase by the tTGase inhibitors, monodansylcadaverine and cystamine, eliminated the protective role of RA-treatment in the cell death that is caused by TNF-$\alpha$ or $C_2$-ceramide. In addition, the co-treatment of TNF-$\alpha$ and cycloheximide ecreased the protein level of tTGase and cell viability in the RA-treated cells, supporting the role of tTGase in the protection of cell death. DNA fragmentation was also induced by the co-treatment of TNF-$\alpha$ and cycloheximide. These results suggest that tTGase expressed by RA treatment plays an important role in the protection of cell death caused by TNF-$\alpha$ and ceramide.