• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2018

Cellular cyclic adenosine-3' 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) modulator is known as meiotic inhibitor and can delays spontaneous maturation in IVM experiment. Among many cAMP modulators, the role of Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on IVM isn't known. The purpose of this study is to improve the maturation of oocytes derived from follicles ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter through PACAP as meiotic inhibitor during pre-in vitro maturation (pre-IVM). First, we checked PACAP and its receptors in cumulus cells and, to establish the optimal phase and concentration of PACAP for pre-IVM, we conducted chromatin configuration assessments. As a result, the rate of GV (Germinal Vesicle) according to duration of pre-IVM was significantly decreased 12 h and 18 h after IVM (87.1 and 84.1%, respectively) compared to 0 h (99.4%). When COC was cultured for 18 h, the GV rate in the $1{\mu}M$ of PACAP treatment group (82.1%) was significantly higher than any other PACAP treatment groups (60.5, 64.1, 74.4 and 69.9 %, respectively). So, we divided into four groups as follows; MF (the conventional IVM group, obtained from follicle from 3 to 6 mm in diameter), SF (the conventional IVM group, obtained from follicle ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter), Pre-SF(-)PACAP (IVM group including 18 h pre-IVM without $1{\mu}M$ of PACAP, obtained from follicle ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter) and Pre-SF(+)PACAP (IVM group including 18 h pre-IVM with $1{\mu}M$ of PACAP, obtained from follicle ${\leq}3mm$ in diameter). To examine the effect of PACAP during pre-IVM, we investigated analysis of nuclear maturation, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In cumulus cells, PACAP receptors, ADCYAP1R1 and VIPR1 were detected but were not detected in oocytes. After IVM, the Pre-SF(+)PACAP had the highest Metaphase II rate (91.7%) among all groups (P<0.05). The GSH levels in the MF and Pre-SF(+)PACAP were significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05) and ROS levels was no significant difference among all groups. In conclusion, these results indicated that even though the oocytes were derived from SF, pre-IVM application of PACAP improved meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation by regulating intracellular oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.76-85
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• 2016

Background: Binding of adhesive proteins (i.e., fibrinogen, fibronectin, vitronectin) to platelet integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$) by various agonists (thrombin, collagen, adenosine diphosphate) involve in strength of thrombus. This study was carried out to evaluate the antiplatelet effect of total saponin from Korean Red Ginseng (KRG-TS) by investigating whether KRG-TS inhibits thrombin-induced binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$. Methods: We investigated the effect of KRG-TS on phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and dephosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, affecting binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$, and clot retraction. Results: KRG-TS had an antiplatelet effect by inhibiting the binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$ via phosphorylation of VASP ($Ser^{157}$), and dephosphorylation of PI3K and Akt on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Moreover, A-kinase inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cyclic adenosine monophosphates (cAMPs) reduced KRG-TS-increased VASP ($Ser^{157}$) phosphorylation, and increased KRG-TS-inhibited fibrinogen-, and fibronectin-binding to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$. These findings indicate that KRG-TS interferes with the binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$ via cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of VASP ($Ser^{157}$). In addition, KRG-TS decreased the rate of clot retraction, reflecting inhibition of ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$ activation. In this study, we clarified ginsenoside Ro (G-Ro) in KRG-TS inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation via both inhibition of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization and increase of cAMP production. Conclusion: These results strongly indicate that KRG-TS is a beneficial herbal substance inhibiting fibrinogen-, and fibronectin-binding to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$, and clot retraction, and may prevent platelet ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}3$-mediated thrombotic disease. In addition, we demonstrate that G-Ro is a novel compound with antiplatelet characteristics of KRG-TS.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2018

Previous studies showed that recombinant equine chorionic gonadotropin ($rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$) exhibits both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)-like activities in rat LHR- and FSHR-expressing cells. In this study, we analyzed signal transduction by eelFSHR and eelLHR upon stimulation with $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ and native eCG. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) stimulation in CHO-K1 cells expressing eelLHR was determined upon exposure to different doses (0-1,450 ng/mL) of $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ and native eCG. The $EC_{50$ values of $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ and native eCG were 172.4 and 786.6 ng/mL, respectively. The activity of $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ was higher than that of native eCG. However, signal transduction in the CHO PathHunter Parental cells expressing eelFSHR was not enhanced by stimulation with both agonist $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ and native eCG. We concluded that $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ and native eCG were completely active in cells expressing eelLHR, similar to the activity in the mammalian cells expressing LHRs. However, $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ and native eCG did not invoke any signaling response in the cells expressing eelFSHR. These results suggest that eCG has a potent activity in cells expressing eelLHR. Thus, we also suggest that $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ can induce eel maturation by administering gonadotropic reagents (LH), such as salmon pituitary extract.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fermented Laminaria japonica (FL), a type sea tangle used as a functional food ingredient, has been reported to possess cognitive improving properties that may aid in the treatment of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. MATERIALS/METHODS: We examined the effects of FL on scopolamine (Sco)- and ethanol (EtOH)-induced hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, using the Passive avoidance (PA) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. To examine the underlying mechanisms associated with neuroprotective effects, we analyzed acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, brain tissue expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and immunohistochemical analysis, in the hippocampus of mice, compared to current drug therapy intervention. Biochemical blood analysis was carried out to determine the effects of FL on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. 7 groups (n = 10) consisted of a control (CON), 3 Sco-induced dementia and 3 EtOH-induced dementia groups, with both dementia group types containing an untreated group (Sco and EtOH); a positive control, orally administered donepezil (Dpz) (4mg/kg) (Sco + Dpz and EtOH + Dpz); and an FL (50 mg/kg) treatment group (Sco + FL50 and EtOH + FL50), orally administered over the 4-week experimental period. RESULTS: FL50 significantly reduced EtOH-induced increase in AST and ALT levels. FL50 treatment reduced EtOH-impaired step-through latency time in the PA test, and Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia escape latency times in the MWM test. Moreover, anticholinergic effects of Sco and EtOH on the brain were reversed by FL50, through the attenuation of AChE activity and elevation of ACh concentration. FL50 elevated ERK1/2 protein expression and increased p-CREB (ser133) in hippocampus brain tissue, according to Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that FL may be considered an efficacious intervention for Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia, in terms of reversing cognitive impairment and neuroplastic dysfunction.

• Journal of Oriental Physiology
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• v.14 no.2 s.20
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• pp.67-82
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• 1999

The effects of Bogi, Boyang and Onri herbs on glutamte receptor, and the regulatory mechanism of cAMP-protein kinase on the ion currents activated by Bogi, Boyang and Onri herbs using nystatin-perforated patch clamp were investigated and the following results were obtained. Ginseng radix and Astragali radix, Cervi cornu and Boshniakiae herba, and Aconiti tuber and Zingiberis rhizoma were chosen as Bogi, Boyang and Onri herbs respectively. 1. The ion currents activated by $10^{-5}M$ of glycine were used as controls. The magnitudes of the ion currents by the above named herbs were as follows; Cervi cornu>Astragali radix>Aconiti tuber>Zingiberis rhizoma>Ginseng radix>Boshniakiae herba. 2. The magnitudes of the ion currents by $10^{-5}M$ of glutamate pre-treated with 0.01 mg/ml of Bogi, Boyang and Onri herbs were sharply decreased. 3. The activity of ion channels activated by Bogi herbs pre-treated with $10^{-7}M$ of staurosporin, an inhibitor of protein kinase, for thirty seconds was observed as the experiment proceeded. Staurosporin brought about dephosphorylation of ion channels. Hence, while the activity of ion channels activated by Ginseng radix was decreased, the activity of ion channels activated by Astragali radix was increased, as time went by. 4. The activity of ion channels activated by Boyang herbs pre-treated with $10^{-7}M$ of staurosporin, an inhibitor of protein kinase and an dephosphorylating agent of ion channels, for thirty seconds was investigated. While the activity of ion channels activated by Cervi cornu was increased, the activity of ion channels activated by Boshniakiae herba was initially increased then sharply decreased. 5, The activity of ion channels activated by Onri herbs pre-treated with $10^{-7}M$ of staurosporin, an inhibitor of protein kinase and an dephosphorylating agent of ion channels, for thirty seconds was investigated. While the activity of ion channels activated by Aconiti tuber was increased, that of ion channels activated by Zingiberis rhizomal sharply declined.

• Translational and Clinical Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2017

Glimepiride, a third generation sulfonylurea, is an antihyperglycemic agent widely used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, an untargeted urinary metabolomic analysis was performed to identify endogenous metabolites affected by glimepiride administration. Urine samples of twelve healthy male volunteers were collected before and after administration of 2 mg glimepiride. These samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and then subjected to multivariate data analysis including principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Through this metabolomic profiling, we identified several endogenous metabolites such as adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), quercetin, tyramine, and urocanic acid, which exhibit significant metabolomic changes between pre- and posturine samples. Among these, cAMP, which is known to be related to insulin secretion, was the most significantly altered metabolite following glimepiride administration. In addition, the pathway analysis showed that purine, tyrosine, and histidine metabolism was affected by pharmacological responses to glimepiride. Together, the results suggest that the pharmacometabolomic approach, based on LC-MS/MS, is useful in understanding the alterations in biochemical pathways associated with glimepiride action.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.6
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• pp.733-742
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• 1998

Background: We have previously reported that not only cGMP but also 8-Br-cGMP or 8-pCPT-cGMP, specific and potent stimulators of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PK), increased basal L-type calcium current $(I_{Ca})$ in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Our findings in rabbit ventricular myocytes were entirely different from the earlier findings in different species, suggesting that the activation of cGMP-PK is involved in the facilitation of $I_{Ca}}$ by cGMP. However, there is no direct evidence that cGMP-PK can stimulate $I_{Ca}}$ in rabbit ventricular myocytes. In this report, we focused on the direct effect of cGMP-PK on $I_{Ca}}$ in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Methods and Results: We isolated single ventricular myocytes of rabbit hearts by using enzymatic dissociation. Regulation of $I_{Ca}}$ by cGMP-PK was investigated in rabbit ventricular myocytes using whole-cell voltage clamp method. $I_{Ca}}$ was elicited by a depolarizing pulse to +10 mV from a holding potential of -40 mV. Extracellular 8-(4-Chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-pCPT-cGMP), potent stimulator of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PK), increased basal $I_{Ca}}$. cGMP-PK also increased basal $I_{Ca}}$. The stimulation of basal $I_{Ca}}$ by cGMP-PK required both 8-Br-cGMP in low concentration and intracellular ATP to be present. The stimulation of basal $I_{Ca}}$ by cGMP-PK was blocked by heat inactivation of the cGMP-PK and by bath application of 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, Rp-isomer (Rp-pCPT-cGMP), a phosphodiesterase-resistant cGMP-PK inhibitor. When $I_{Ca}}$ was increased by internal application of cGMP-PK, IBMX resulted in an additional stimulation of $I_{Ca}}$. In the presence of cGMP-PK, already increased $I_{Ca}}$ was potentiated by bath application of isoprenaline or forskolin or intracellular application of cAMP. Conclusions: We present evidence that cGMP-PK stimulated basal $I_{Ca}}$ by a direct phosphorylation of L-type calcium channel or associated regulatory protein in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.247-254
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• 2018

A This study evaluated the antidepressant effects of the herbal mixture CPAE(Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley, Phlomis umbrosa Turcz, and Angelica gigas Nakai) using several tests, including a test for serotonin 6($5-HT_6$) receptor activity, the forced swimming test(FST), and tests for corticosterone(CORT) and monoamine levels. CPAE showed antagonistic effects on the $5-HT_6$ receptor in a stable $5-HT_6$ receptor-expressing cell line. We subsequently confirmed the antidepressant effects of CPAE in chronic stress model in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms of its action. Specifically, we observed that CPAE treatment significantly reduced immobility time in the FST and effectively restored abnormal levels of CORT in plasma and of monoamines(serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that CPAE has significant antidepressant effects.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2001

Cilostazol has both antithrombotic and cerebral vasodilating effects, and one of the mechanism is the selective inhibition of platalet cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Bioequivalence of two cilostazol tablets, the $Pletaal^{TM}$ (Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co.) and the LG $Cilostazol^{TM}$ (LG Chemical Co.), was evaluated according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Sixteen normal male volunteers ($20\sim29$ years old) were randomly divided into two groups and a randomized $2\times2$ cross-over study was employed. After oral administration of $Pletaal^{TM}$ or LG $Cilostazol^{TM}$ tablet (100 mg cilostazol), blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the serum cilostazol concentrations were determined using an HPLC method with UV/VIS detector. The pharmacokinetic parameters $(AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max})$ were calculated and ANOVA was utilized for the statistical analysis. The results showed that the differences in AUCt, C_{max} and Tmax between two tablets based on the $Pletaal^{TM}$ tablet were $-5.39\%,\;2.32\%\;and\;4.26\%$, respectively. The powers (1-${\beta}$) for $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}\;were\;83.81\%,\;96.02\%\;and\;91.04%$, respectively. Minimum detectable differences ($\Delta$) and $90\%$ confidence intervals were all less than $\pm20\%$. All these parameters met the criteria of KFDA for bioequivalence, indicating that LG $Cilostazol^{TM}$ tablet is bioequivalent to $Pletaal^{TM}$ tablet.

• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.14 no.4 s.44
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• pp.219-225
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• 2005

for the removal of carbon dioxide in flue gas, which is the main cause of the global warming, chemical absorption methods were widely used for years. Alkanolamines such as MEA, AMP, MDEA are mainly used as an absorbent. In this study, cyclic amines - Piperazine, Piperidine and Cyclohelylamine are investigated to compare the chemical solubilities, absorption capacities and rate ot reaction. In conclusion, Piperazine is the most effective absorbent of $CO_2$ and ran be the excellent alternative to the former absorbents. Experiments were performed at 5, 10, 15 weight percent, 30, 40, $50^{\circ}C$, and the gas solubilities are determined by back-titration method, and using Gas Chromatography the absorption rate was compared.