• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2011

The anti-cancer effects of Angelica keiskei ethanol extract were evaluated in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The concentrations of extract were 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/mL. Dose-dependent reductions in the number of cells with altered cell shape and pyknotic nuclei were observed at 48 h after treatments. MTT assay also exhibited a similar dose-dependent reduction in mitochondrial reductase activity (p<0.05), in particular, with a rapid reduction in the activity of the 5 mg/mL group. Analysis of cell death with propidium iodide (PI) staining revealed only a slight increase in cell death in the 5 mg/mL group. Analysis of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporations also showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation (p<0.05). Finally, increases in total radical oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in cells, as revealed by DCF-DA staining, were observed in the treated groups in a similar dose-dependent fashion (p<0.05). These results indicate that Angelica keiskei ethanol extract exhibiting anti-cancer effects in MDA-MB-231 cells causes multiple changes in cell shape, enzyme activity, and ROS accumulation, thereby inducing cell death.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4519-4525
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• 2014

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a nutritional component widely distributed in various vegetables. Although it has been well recognized for decades that OA exerts certain anti-tumor activity by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, it is still unclear that what molecular signaling is responsible for this effect. In this study, we employed cancer cell lines, A549, BXPC-3, PANC-1 and U2OS to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OA anti-tumor activity. We found that activation of MAPK pathways, including p-38 MAPK, JNK and ERK, was triggered by OA in both a dose and time-dependent fashion in all the tested cancer cells. Activation was accompanied by cleavage of caspases and PARP as well as cytochrome C release. SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), but not SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and U0126 (ERK inhibitor), rescued the pro-apoptotic effect of OA on A549 and BXPC-3 cells. OA induced p38 MAPK activation promoted mitochondrial translocation of Bax and Bim, and inhibited Bcl-2 function by enhancing their phosphorylation. OA can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent ASK1 activation, and this event was indispensable for p38 MAPK-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. In vivo, p38 MAPK knockdown A549 tumors proved resistant to the growth-inhibitory effect of OA. Collectively, we elucidated that activation of ROS/ASK1/p38 MAPK pathways is responsible for the apoptosis stimulated by OA in cancer cells. Our finding can contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of nutritional components.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.144-150
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• 2016

Purpose: Glyphosate is a widely used non-selective herbicide. Previous studies have shown that glyphosate has genotoxicity, and that even low-doses of glyphosate can cause DNA damage. Melatonin is a hormone produced and secreted by the pineal gland that is known to be a potent anti-carcinogen, anti-oxidant, and genetic protector. This study was conducted to investigate the genoprotective effect of melatonin against glyphosate in human blood lymphocytes. Methods: Human peripheral blood was obtained from 15 young, healthy volunteers and cultured under four different toxicologic conditions. The four groups consisted of a control group, glyphosate only group (300 ng/mL), glyphosate with low level of melatonin group ($50{\mu}M$), and glyphosate with high level of melatonin group ($200{\mu}M$). The mean Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) frequency of each group was then analyzed. Results: Glyphosate exposed groups had a higher mean SCE frequency ($10.33{\pm}2.50$) than the control group ($6.78{\pm}2.31$, p<0.001). Interestingly, the group that received a low-level of melatonin had a lower mean SCE frequency ($8.67{\pm}2.58$) than the glyphosate-only group, while the group that received a high level of melatonin had a much lower mean SCE frequency ($8.06{\pm}2.50$) than the glyphosate-only group. There was statistical significance. Conclusion: Melatonin exerted a potent gene protective effect against the genotoxicity of glyphosate on human blood lymphocytes in a dose-dependent fashion.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.211-220
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• 2000

Shini-San has been used for treatment of allergic disease in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. The mast cell plays a pivotal role in initiating al1ergic response by secreting intracytoplasmic granular mediators such as histamine. The present report describes an inhibitory effect of Shini-San on mast cell-mediated immediate-type al1ergic reactions. Topical application of compound 48/80 can induce an ear swelling response in normal ($WBB6F_1-+/+$) mice but not in congenic mast cell-deficient $WBB6F_1-W/W^v$ mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration dependent mast cell-dependent ear swelling response induced by compound 48/80 in normal mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) in rats by topical application. Shini-San also inhibited in concentration-dependent fashion the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, Shini-San had a significant inhibitory effect on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction. These results indicate that Shini-San inhibits immediate-type allergic reactions by inhibition of mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.96-102
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• 2008

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.(family Nymphaeaceae) has been used for summer heat syndrome as home remedy in Japan, China and Korea. Although whole plant parts are edible, root is commonly consumed. It has been reported that rhizome extract showed anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, in spite of usefulness for treatment of various diseases, the effect of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome(NNR) on proliferation, migration and matrix degrading enzymes-matrix metalloproteinsases(MMPs), the expression of which degrades extracellular matrix(ECM) leading to metastasis, has not been fully elucidated. We examined the effect of hot water extract of NNR on the proliferation, migration and secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in rat smooth muscle cells(rSMC), epidermoid cancer cells(A431) and breast cancer cells(MDA-MB-231). The proliferation assay was carried out using MTT assay, the principle of which depends upon the conversion of MTT by mitochondrial dehydrogensases of viable cells to formazan crystals. The effect of NNR on migration of cells was examined using wound healing assay. Our results showed that there was inhibition in the proliferation, migration and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in dose dependent fashion in all the cells used. Thus, we concluded that NNR could be used as traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases where proliferation, migration and MMPs' expression plays a pathological role like in restenosis and metastasis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2939-2946
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• 2015

Many of the anti-cancer agents currently used have an origin in natural sources including plants. Aloe vera is one such plant being studied extensively for its diverse health benefits, including cancer prevention. In this study, the cytotoxic potential of Aloe vera crude extract (ACE) alone or in combination with cisplatin in human breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells was studied by cell viability assay, nuclear morphological examination and cell cycle analysis. Effects were correlated with modulation of expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and drug metabolism by RT-PCR. Exposure of cells to ACE resulted in considerable loss of cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, which was found to be mediated by through the apoptotic pathway as evidenced by changes in the nuclear morphology and the distribution of cells in the different phases of the cell cycle. Interestingly, ACE did not have any significant cytotoxicity towards normal cells, thus placing it in the category of safe chemopreventive agent. Further, the effects were correlated with the downregulation of cyclin D1, CYP 1A1, CYP 1A2 and increased expression of bax and p21 in MCF-7 and HeLa cells. In addition, low dose combination of ACE and cisplatin showed a combination index less than 1, indicating synergistic growth inhibition compared to the agents applied individually. In conclusion, these results signify that Aloe vera may be an effective anti-neoplastic agent to inhibit cancer cell growth and increase the therapeutic efficacy of conventional drugs like cispolatin. Thus promoting the development of plant-derived therapeutic agents appears warranted for novel cancer treatment strategies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.1-10
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• 2010

The cultures and traditions of Asia has the roots so deep and it is the origin of inspiration. Therefore, it is easy to find a different inspiration when designing, expecially for Western designers who are seeking European tradition and its comparison. The most distinctive feature of the Asian look is non-structural and has no clear form close to the structure of the body or mathematical ratio, but is steric with 2-Dimensional planed textiles, and has a flexible, non-structural formative characteristic related to the movable body. This is base on the vision of the universe that regards the parts as the whole. From this research, generally studying about the Asian look and its non-structural formative characteristics. The study looked closely into the aesthetic value of non-structural formative characteristics formation, with basis on the large dress regulation system of the western reasoning and rationalism and mechanism. At first, my study pointed on the dressing functionalism or Neo-classism considering emotions, Anti-Western aspect observing surrealism dressing and expressionism dressing. Second, with men and women showing similar outer shape without the equivalent element such from wearing a corset, the sexism is abolished. Finally, the designers’ inner intention of art is being delivered, from the aspect that the expression of art, size and no waste of fabric shows effort of communicating with the world, giving value to the possibility of continuance.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of 18α-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), a hydrolyzed metabolite of glycyrrhizin, in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Methods : We used human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line, AGS cells. We examined cell death by MTT assay and caspase 3 and 9 assay with 18α-GA. To examine the inhibitory effects of 18α-GA, sub-G1 analysis was done the AGS cells after 24 hours with 18α-GA. Also, to investigate the inhibitory mechanisms of 18α-GA, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were examined. Results : 1. 18α-GA inhibited the growth of AGS cells in a dose-dependent fashion. 2. Sub-G1 fractions were significantly and dose-dependently increased by 18α-GA. 3. 18α-GA increased the caspase 3 and 9 activities in AGS cells. 4. 18α-GA inhibited proliferation of AGS cells via the modulation of c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, which results in the induction of apoptosis. 5. 18α-GA enhanced ROS accumulation in AGS cells. Conclusions : Our findings provide insight into unraveling the effects of 18α-GA in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells and developing therapeutic agents against gastric cancer.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.45-62
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• 2003

Objective : To examine the effects of Beevenom on the cell proliferation of human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7, we performed various experiments such as does-dependent effect of Beevenom on cell proliferation and viability, morphological changes, and alterations of apoptosis/cell cycle-regulatory gene products. Methods : Beevenom induced cell viability and proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The anti-proliferative effect by Beevenom treatment in MCF-7 cells was associated with morphological changes such as membrance shrinking and cell rounding up. Results : Beevenom induced apoptotic cell death in a concentration-dependent manager, which was associated with degradation of ${\beta}$-catenin, an apoptotic target protein. Beevenom induced the Bax expressions, a pro-apoptotic gene, both in protein and mRNA levels, however, the levels of Bcl-$X_{S/L}$ expression, an anti-apoptotic gene, were down-regulated in Beevenom-treated cells. Western blot analysis and RT-PCT data revealed that the levels of cyclin of B1 protein and cyclin E mRNA were reduced by Beevenom treatment in MCF-7 cells, respectively, where as the expression of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21 mRNA were markedly increased in a concentration-dependent fashion. Conclusions : Taken together, these findings suggest that Beevenom induced inhibition of human breast cancer cell proliferation is associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death and Beevenom may have therapeutic potential in human breast cancer.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.690-696
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• 2006

Houttuynia cordata Thunb, well known as 'E-Sung-Cho' in Korea, is a traditional medicinal plant generally used in Oriental medicine therapy. In the present study, we investigated the effect of water extract of H. cordafa (WEHC) on the growth of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to WEHC resulted in growth inhibition and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as measured by MTT assay and fluorescent microscope. The anti-proliferative effect of WEHC was associated with a dose-dependent up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 in a p53-independent fashion. We found WEHC decreased the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthease (iNOS) expression without significant changes in the expression of COX-1 , which was correlated with a decrease in prostaglandin $E_2{\;}(PGE_2)$ synthesis. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of H. cordata.