• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2011

Many anticancer agents as well as ionizing radiation have been shown to induce autophagy which is originally described as a protein recycling process and recently reported to play a crucial role in various disorders. In HCT116 human colon cancer cells, we found that curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical extracted from the plant Curcuma longa, markedly induced the conversion of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II and degradation of sequestome-1 (SQSTM1) which is a marker of autophagosome degradation. Moreover, we found that curcumin caused GFP-LC3 formation puncta, a marker of autophagosome, and decrease of GFP-LC3 and SQSTM1 protein level in GFP-LC3 expressing HCT116 cells. It was further confirmed that treatment of cells with hydrogen peroxide induced increase of LC3 conversion and decrease of GFP-LC3 and SQSTM1 levels, but these changes by curcumin were almost completely blocked in the presence of antioxidant, N-acetylcystein (NAC), indicating that curcumin leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which results in autophagosome development and autolysosomal degradation. In parallel with NAC, SQSTM1 degradation was also diminished by bafilomycin A, a potent inhibitor of autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and cell viability assay was further confirmed that cucurmin-induced cell death was partially blocked by bafilomycin A as well as NAC. We also observed that NAC abolished curcumin-induced activation of extracelluar signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 112 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), but not Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). However, the activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK seemed to have no effect on the curcumin-induced autophagy, since both the conversion of LC3 protein and SQSTM1 degradation by curcumin was not changed in the presence of NAC. Taken together, our data suggest that curcumin induced ROS production, which resulted in autophagic activation and concomitant cell death in HCT116 human colon cancer cell. However, ROS-dependent activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, but not JNK, might not be involved in the curcumin-induced autophagy.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.17-21
• /
• 2011

Korean bennudagrass collections showed diverse genetic variations in their morphology, growth habit, and cytological aspects. Chromosome number and nuclear DNA content of the bennudagrasses indicated a ploidy level ranging from triploid (2n=3x) to hexaploid (2n=6x). In this study, we investigated the different responses of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) and cell membrane stability of those bennudagrass cytotypes to lower temperature and shorter day length, which meets a dormant induction in Korea. All the antioxidant enzymes were found to be higher during dormant stage, while the heme-containing catalase which converts hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) to water and oxygen molecules was activated before dormant initiation in the three cytotypes except for hexaploid bennudagrass. The triploid and tetraploid which exhibited relatively finer leaves and a rapid establishment speed were found to show increased activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzyme. The malondialdehyde(MDA) which is a product of lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane damaged by the hydroxyl radical was increased in all cytotypes as temperature declined, and tri- and tetraploids which had more protective antioxidant enzymes demonstrated a significantly lower MDA production. Similarly electrolyte leakage was higher in penta- and hexaploidy, seemingly more damage to cell membrane when low temperature was implemented. Results indicated that antioxidant responses of different cytotypes were genetically specific, which needs to be investigated the relevance with the low temperature tolerance in the bermudagrass further at the molecular level.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.59-69
• /
• 2016

Objectives: The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine for many years. Although several studies have focused on the anti-oxidative activity of this mushroom, the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity have not yet been clearly established. The present study investigated the cytoprotective effect of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum (EGL) against oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, $H_2O_2$) and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in a C2C12 myoblast cell line. Methods: Oxidative stress markers were determined by using the comet assay to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. Cell viability and Western blotting analyses were employed to evaluate the cellular response to EGL and $H_2O_2$ in C2C12 cells. Transfection with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-specific small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) was conducted to understand the relationship between Nrf2 expression and $H_2O_2$-induced growth inhibition. Results: The results showed that EGL effectively inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced growth and the generation of ROS. EGL markedly suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced comet-like DNA formation and phosphorylation of histone H2AX at serine 139 ($p-{\gamma}H2AX$), a widely used marker of DNA damage, suggesting that EGL prevented $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the EGL treatment effectively induced the expression of Nrf2, as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with parallel phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the C2C12 myoblasts. However, zinc protoporphyrin IX, a HO-1 inhibitor, significantly abolished the protective effects of EGL against $H_2O_2$-induced accumulation of ROS and reduced cell growth. Notably, transient transfection with Nrf2-specific siRNA attenuated the cytoprotective effects and HO-1 induction by EGL, indicating that EGL induced the expression of HO-1 in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrate that EGL augments the cellular anti-oxidant defense capacity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1, thereby protecting C2C12 myoblasts from $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.433-441
• /
• 2013

In this study, the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic activities of Endlicheria anomala (Nees) Mez methanol extract (EAME) were evaluated by use of in vitro assays and cell culture model systems. The results revealed that EAME scavenges various radicals such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl hydrogen peroxide induced reactive oxygen species, and lipopolysaccharide induced nitric oxide. Furthermore, EAME induced the expression of anti-oxidative enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1, thioredoxin reductase 1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase 1, and their upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2. Moreover, EAME inhibited in vitro DOPA oxidation and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. Its anti-melanogenic activity will have originated from the inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanogenesis related protein expression. Taken together, these results provide the important new insight that E. anomala possesses various biological activities such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic. Therefore, it might be utilized as a promising material in the fields of nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.79-86
• /
• 2010

Effects of operating parameters such as applied voltage, solution conductivity, ferrous ion concentration, electrode material on phenol degradation by pulsed corona discharges were investigated in laboratory scale experiments. The increase of applied voltage enhanced the phenol degradation by generating more energetic electrons. The solution conductivity inversely affected phenol removal rate in the tested ranges because the increase of conductivity decreased the electric field strength through the liquid phase. The addition of ferrous sulfate promoted the phenol degradation through the OH radical production by the Fentonlike reactions between ferrous ion and hydrogen peroxide generated by pulsed corona discharges. Catechol and hydroquinone were detected as primary intermediates of phenol degradation and the decrease of pH and the increase of conductivity were observed probably due to the generation of organic acids. Almost all of the initial phenol was disappeared and 29% of total organic corbon (TOC) was removed in the condition of 0.5 mM of ferrous sulfate after approximately 230 kJ of discharge energy transferred to the reactor.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.36 no.12
• /
• pp.851-857
• /
• 2014

Treatability of heavy metals in marine sediments contaminated with mainly organic matter was investigated on the basis of washing technology using oxidizers and surfactants. Sediment samples were collected at N area which expected for remediation project of contaminated marine sediment. For additives, hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) and Tween-80 were used at oxidizer and nonionic surfactant, respectively. In experiments, sediments was mixed with sea water at the ratio of 1 : 3 than $H_2O_2$ (1 M, 3 M, 4 M, 5 M) and Tween-80 (0.05%) were added. Samples were gathered at following reaction time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 min and 24 h). Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was 55.2% at the conditions of 5 M $H_2O_2+0.05%$ Tween-80 24 h. Hence total heavy metals were Cu 29.5%, Zn 42.3%, Cd 73.0% and bioavailable heavy metals were Cu 60.0%, Zn 77.7%, Cd 90.2% at the conditions of 5 M $H_2O_2+0.05%$ Tween-80 10 min. The correlations for between bioavailable metals (Cu, Zn, Cd) and TOC were significant (Cu, Zn, Cd; $r^2=0.94$, 0.85, 0.69, respectively).

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.30 no.4 s.48
• /
• pp.471-477
• /
• 2004

Exposure to elevated temperatures, chemical (active oxigen), or physical stress (UV light) induces immediate physiological response, the expression of heat shock proteins in cells. Thus, cells with elevated Heat Shock Protein levels become more tolerant to stress conditions that are otherwise lethal. First, we studied on the new function of glucuronic acid (GA) as preventive material of skin aging. The application of the GA shows significant induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 kDa (HSP 70 kDa) in contrast to cells without it. GA at the concentration which can induce HSP 70 kDa, protects the cell death induced by second stress (heat shock and hydrogen peroxide) in NIH3T3 cells. Second, we studied on in vitro transdermal permeation characteristic of GA through the excised mouse skin. In this study, we compared the skin permeability of GA in water with O/W emulsion. As a result, skin permeation parameters of GA shows lag time 1.2 h, partition coefficient 0.114, permeation flult rate $0.83114 mg/cm^2/h.$ In case of lag time, O/W emulsion containing GA increase 2.48 h. Also, the total accumulation permeation content decreased in contrast to GA solution after 24 h. But it has long-term permeability of glucuronic acid. These results suggest that glucuronic acid could be a good cosmetic active ingredient.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.295-303
• /
• 1998

The seed dormancy is one of the peculiar characteristics of a number of weed species and it makes difficulties in weed control. To clarify the mechanism of seed dormancy, several chemicals such as $KNO_3$, KOH, thiourea, and $H_2O_2$ and phytohormone($GA_3$) were treated to dormant seeds. Among the species treated with several chemicals, the germination percentages of Setaria glauca, Ambrosia trifida and Ranunculus sceleratus were increased with $KNO_3$ and those of S. glauca, R sceleratus were increased with thiourea. Hydrogen peroxide promoted the germination of Setaria viridis and S. glauca. Germination percentages of S. viridis, S. glauca and Cyperus saraguinolentus were increased with enzyme treatment using pectinase. GA treatment enhanced the geim.ination of Eleusine indica and R sceleratus but the other species were affected slightly. Especially. E. indica showed linearity in the relationship between germination percentage and GA concentration. So, It seemed that E. indica can be used as a bioassy material for GA. Considering the phenological habits of weed species, the seeds were buried under soil for long time(more than 1 month) over winter. When seeds were buried in soil, the degree of dormancy was drastically decreased. Especially, germination of seeds buried were increased under alternating temperature. The germination rates of Persicaria ssp. and Chenopodium ssp. were increased by 50% order alternating temperature after burial for seven weeks.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.6-10
• /
• 2006

Recently, B. mori proteins such as silk fibroin and silk sericin have been found to have a water-holding capacity, anti hydrogen peroxide toxicity, antioxidant activity and tyrosinase-inhibitory activity (Yeo 2006, Kurioka 1999 & 2004), implying its potential usefulness of the application for cosmetic and functional food(Yamazaki 1999 & Une 2000). We are tried to application for dietary resources of B. mori silk fibroin and sericin that were prepared to some of different molecular cutting these resources by preparative recycling HPLC system. In our studies with rats have demonstrated that consumption of these silk proteins are being prevents constipation effect and it is maybe enhances intestinal absorption of water and dietary effects. These some of useful results further suggest a usefulness of sericin as dietary resources for health.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.91-99
• /
• 2010

Extraction and bleaching of citric acid- and pepsin-soluble collagens (ASC and PSC, respectively) from shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) skin and muscle were investigated. The optimal sodium hydroxide concentration for extraction was 0.3 M and the optimal treatment time for removal of foreign material was 9 h. The optimal sodium hypochlorite level for bleaching of shark skin was 0.48% (w/v), and sodium hypochlorite was a better bleaching agent than acetone, hydrogen peroxide (10%, v/v), sodium sulfite (0.48%, w/v), sodium thiosulfate (0.48%, w/v), or sodium metabisulfite (0.48%, w/v). Optimal citric acid concentration and extraction time for ASC were 0.3 M and 72 h, respectively, whereas optimal conditions for extraction of PSC were treatment with 0.1 M citric acid containing 0.1% (w/v) pepsin for 24 h. Protein contents in ASSC (acid-soluble shark skin collagen), ASMC (acid-soluble shark meat collagen), PSSC (pepsin-soluble shark skin collagen), and PSMC (pepsin-soluble shark meat collagen) were 88.66%, 83.09%, 90.33%, and 84.81% (on a dry weight basis), respectively, similar to that of commercial marine collagen (88.86%). Net collagen contents of ASSC, ASMC, PSSC, and PSMC, calculated from hydroxyproline levels, were 70.31%, 25.70%, 83.09%, and 32.94%, respectively. The yields of freeze-dried ASSC, ASMC, PSSC,and PSMC were 57.22%, 53.85%, 23.28%, and 20.61%.