• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.165-173
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• 1979

Recovery component for cell division in UV-irradiated E. coli B was detected with use of the cell extract of E. coli B/r which is a resistant mutant of E. coli B against UV-irradiation. The active substance was non-dialyzable and increased the activity by adding B-NAD remarkably. One more factor for increasing or promoting the restoration recognized was magnesium. Magnesium was effective to stabilze the substance in procedure of isolation. Two active substances were obtained from sucrose gradient centrifugation. One of them was recovred from the botton area and the other from top area just below below surface. the former was not stabilized by magnesium, while the latter stabilized the activity by it remarkably. The former which did not require magnesium was insensitive to protease and the latter which required magnesium was sensitive to it. Both were insensitive to RNase and DNase. Recovery ratio was doubled by using nitrogen gas than aeration in purification process. DNA-ligase less mutant was revealed same activity on it's recovery ratio with the parent strain of E. coli K-12. The active substance stimulating the filament cell may exist as a complex which is inactivated easily in the dissociated state ana requrie B-NAD or magnesium.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.377-384
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• 2008

The root of Vitis labrusca, is used as a source of health promoting drug in Korean traditional medicine. It has been reported that root of Vitis labrusca has antioxidant, anti lipid peroxidation and anti-reactive nitrogen species (RNS) activities. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular changes of apoptotic signaling pathways in phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA)-induced human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Hep G2). The root of Vitis labrusca, ethanol extract (RVLEE) was tested for cell viability on Hep G2 cell using the MTT assay. RVLEE exhibited weak cytotoxic activity. However, treatment of Hep G2 cells with RVLEE suppressed PMA-induced cell proliferation. Also, dramatic changes of cell death signals in cellular molecules such as Chk2/Cds1, CIDE-B, CLIMP-63, Bax, Bcl-xL, C-myc, Bcl-2, Bric-5, NIP-3, TRAF2 and BAR but not CIDE-B and DR4. Futhermore, our results showed that the treatment of Hep G2 cells with 25 and $50\; {\mu}g/ml$ of RVLEE suppressed PMA-induced COX-2 gene activity. These data suggest that RVLEE have inhibitory effect of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and, thus, may offer therapeutic potential in Hep G2.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.3660-3665
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• 2011

CO-tolerant PtMo/C alloy electrocatalyst was prepared by a colloidal method, and its electrocatalytic activity toward CO oxidation was investigated. Electrochemical study revealed that the alloy catalyst significantly enhanced catalytic activity toward the electro-oxidation of CO compared to Pt/C counterpart. Cyclic voltammetry suggested that Mo plays an important role in promoting CO electro-oxidation by facilitating the formation of active oxygen species. The effect of Mo on the electronic structure of Pt was investigated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy to elucidate the synergetic effect of alloying. Our in-depth spectroscopic analysis revealed that CO is less strongly adsorbed on PtMo/C catalyst than on Pt/C catalyst due to the modulation of the electronic structure of Pt d-band. Our investigation shows that the enhanced CO electrooxidation in PtMo alloy electrocatalyst is originated from two factors; one comes from the facile formation of active oxygen species, and the other from the weak interaction between Pt and CO.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.311-317
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• 2006

Using PCR amplification, we cloned a cellulase gene (ce/H) from the Bacillus subtilis AH18 which has plant growth-promoting activity and antagonistic ability against pepper blight caused by Phytophthora capsici. The 1.6 kb PCR fragment contained the full sequence of the cellulase gene and the 1,582 bp gene deduced a 508 amino acid sequence. Similarity search in protein database revealed that the cellulase of B. subtilis AH18 was more than 98% homologous in the amino acid sequence to those of several major Bacillus spp. The ce/H was expressed in E. coli under an IPTG inducible lac promoter on the vector, had apparent molecular weight of about 55 kDa upon CMC-SDS-PAGE analysis. Partially purified cellulase had not only cellulolytic activity toward carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) but also insoluble cellulose, such as Avicel and filter paper (Whatman No. 1). In addition, the cellulase could degrade a fungal cell wall of Phytophthora capsici. The optimum pH and temperature of the ce/H coded cellulase were determined to be pH 5.0 and $50^{\circ}C$. The enzyme activity was activated by $AgNO_3$ or $CoCl_2$. However its activity was Inhibited by $HgC1_2$. The enzyme activity was activated by hydroxy urea or sodium azide and inhibited by CDTA or EDTA. The results indicate that the cellulase gene, ce/H is an antifungal mechanism of B. subtilis AH18 against phytophthora blight disease in red-pepper.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.699-704
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• 2014

Themetastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) oncogene hasbeen suggested to be involved in the regulation of cancer progression. However, there is still no direct evidence that MTA1 regulates cisplatin (CDDP) resistance, as well as cancer stem cell properties. In this study, we found that MTA1 was enriched in CNE1/CDDP cells. Knock down of MTA1 in CNE1/CDDP cells reversed CSCs properties and CDDP resistance. However, ectopic expression of MTA1 in CNE1 cells induced CSCs phenotypes and CDDP insensitivity. Interestingly, ectopic overexpression of MTA1-induced CSCs properties and CDDP resistance were reversed in CNE1 cells after inhibition of PI3K/Akt by LY294002. In addition, MTA1 expression and Akt activity in CNE1/CDDP cells was much higher than that in CNE1 cells. These results suggested that MTA1 may play a critical role in promoting CDDP resistance in NPC cells by regulatingcancer stem cell properties via thePI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings suggested that MTA1 may be a potential target for overcoming CDDP resistance in NPC therapy.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2016

Hair is a dermal adjunctive organ that protects the body from external physical and chemical stimuli; hair undergoes anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, with hair-loss occurring during the telogen phase. Alopecia is a condition wherein a person undergoes hair-loss far exceeding the normal amount, owing to diverse external factors. Wild beans are rich in isoflavone and amino acids known to prevent hair-loss; compared to cultivated beans, many wild bean species have higher protein content. This study aimed to develop a hair growth promoting solution, with superior hair growth promoting effects and fewer side effects, using naturally obtained Glycine soja Siebold et Zucc (GSSZ) extracts. Seven-week-old C57BL/6N male mice were classified into different experimental groups. Hair growth was observed in GSSZ-treated mice, and compared against that seen in 3 % minoxidil (MXD, positive control)-treated mice. Visual observations revealed a greater reduction in hair-loss in MXD and GSSZ application groups, compared to that in TXN group (hair loss induction using 1 % testosterone). Evaluation using an image analysis software revealed that compared to the positive control, TXN + GSSZ group showed the highest hair growth. TXN + MXD and control groups exhibited similar follicular cell growth, while the hair growth promotion patterns were similar in the negative control (normal), TXN + GSSZ, and TXN groups, as observed via histological analysis. GSSZ did not induce cytotoxicity (even at 2 mg/mL) in keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells; alternately, dermal papilla cell proliferation was activated in a (GSSZ) concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, the GSSZ extract promoted hair growth and increased hair growth-related cell activity, and could therefore be utilized in alopecia treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.119-129
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• 2021

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Most gene mutations related to bladder cancer are dominantly acquired gene mutations and are not inherited. Previous comparative transcriptome analysis of urinary bladder cancer and control samples has revealed a set of genes that may play a role in tumor progression. Here we set out to investigate further the expression of two candidate genes, centromere protein U (CENPU) and mitochondrial ribosomal protein s28 (MRPS28) to better understand their role in bladder cancer pathogenesis. Our results confirmed that CENPU is up-regulated in human bladder cancer tissues at mRNA and protein levels. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in T24 human urinary bladder cancer cell line revealed a hierarchical relationship between CENPU and MRPS28 in the regulation of cell viability, migration and invasion activity. CENPU expression was also up-regulated in in vivo nude mice xenograft model of bladder cancer and mice overexpressing CENPU had significantly higher tumor volume. In summary, our findings identify CENPU and MRPS28 in the molecular pathogenesis of bladder cancer and suggest that CENPU enhances the progression of bladder cancer by promoting MRPS28 expression.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.215-223
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• 2000

To understand immunopharmacologic effects on Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Morindae Officinalis Radix, Cistanches Herba, Curculginis Rhizoma, Epimedii Herba, Eucommiae Cortex, we investigated chinese experimental documents, and we could reach conclusions as follows : 1. The effects on cell-mediated immune system were as follows. 1) The effects on macrophage (1) The herbal medicines promoting to increase the number of WBC in the peripheral blood were Morindae Officinalis Radix, Epimedii Herba and that promoting to reinforce the phagocytic functions of neutrophil was Curculginis Rhizoma. (2) The herbal medicines promoting the phagocytic functions of mononuclear, macrophage were Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Cistanches Herba, Eucommiae Cortex. 2) The herbal medicines stimulating the activities of T lymphocytes were Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Curculginis Rhizoma, Epimedii Herba, Eucommiae Cortex. 2. The effects on humoral immune system were as follows. 1) The herbal medicines increasing the activity of complement receptor were Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Curculginis Rhizoma. 2) The herbal medicines reinforcing immunity of spleen cells were Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Cistanches Herba, Epimedii Herba. 3) The herbal medicines promoting proliferation of spleen cells that produce antibody after having been immunized by SRBC were Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Cistanches Herba, Epimedii Herba. 3. The herbal medicines, reinforcing immunity on delayed type hypersensitivity were Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu, Cistanches Herba, Eucommiae Cortex. As you know in the many bibliological documents, the studies on the effects of Drugs for Tonifying Yang were started along right lines. Recently the studies on those were accomplished more rapidly and applied many immune diseases. We thought that Drugs for Tonifying Yang could be important immunopotentiators. Therefore we can apply those herbal medicines not only to immune diseases but also inflammatory diseases, senile infirmity and all sorts of tumor.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.374-379
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• 2017

Hair loss affects interpersonal relationships and causes psychological stress. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (CWR) and its effects on dermal papilla (DP) cells. Antioxidant efficacy was examined by ABTS assay. To confirm the effect on cell activity, MTS assay was performed and cell count was directly measured by hemocytometer. The mRNA expression of genes involved in hair formation and hair loss formation was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. CWR has a strong antioxidant activity. Cell viability of DP cells was increased to 118.5% by treatment of 0.5 mg/ml CWR for 24 hours, but the effect on the cell number was insignificant. These results suggest that CWR increases mitochondrial activity without promoting cell proliferation. Treatment of DP cells with 0.5 mg/ml CWR resulted in 48.5% reduction of mRNA expression of type 2 $5{\alpha}$-reductase, a major cause of male hair loss. In addition, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic pretein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)7, and FGF10, which are closely related to hair growth, was also decreased. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) acts as a cause of hair loss. The excellent antioxidant efficacy of CWR is thought to be able to effectively remove ROS. The dihydrotestosterone produced by type 2 $5{\alpha}$-reductase in DP cells is a potent inducer of male pattern hair loss. The inhibitory effect of type 2 $5{\alpha}$-reductase mRNA on DP cells induced by CWR may induce a positive therapeutic effect of male pattern hair loss.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.12-29
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• 2006

Background and Aims : Even though various strategies for cancer treatment have advanced with the remarkable development of genomic information and technology, it is far from giving relief to cancer patients. Recently there is accumulating evidence that the immune system is closely connected to anti-tumor defense mechanisms in a multistage process. This includes tumorigenesis, invasion, growth and metastasis. Cordyceps Militaris, a well-known oriental herbal medicine, is a parasitic fungus that has been used as an immune enhancing agent for a long period of time. However, little is known about the cancer-related immunomodulatory effects and anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Cordyceps Militaris extract (CME) on immune modulating and anti-tumor activity. Materials and Methods : To elucidate the effects of CME on macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activity, we analyzed nitric oxide (NO) production, NK cytotoxicity and gene expression of cytokines related with macrophages and NK cell activity. Results and Conclusions : CME activated and promoted macrophage production of NO. It also enhanced gene expression of IL-1 and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells. CME promoted cytotoxicity of NK cells against YAC-1 cells and enhanced NK cell related gene expression such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, iNOS, IFN-${\gamma}$ and　TNF-${\alpha}$ in mice splenocytes. It also Promoted protein expression of IL-10, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ in mice splenocytes and inhibited lung tumor metastasis induced by CT-26 cell line compared with the control group. From these results, it could be concluded that CME is an effective herbal drug for modulating the immune system and anti-cancer treatment by promoting macrophage and NK cell activity.