• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2008

Effects of growth regulators and culture conditions on seed germination, haustorium development, and callus formation of Korean mistletoe (Viscum album var. coloratum (Kom.) Ohwi) were described. Histological examination showed that seed of V. album contained one or two zygotic embryos with rod shape, and actively dividing cells were mainly distributed in radicle region rather than cotyledon of zygotic embryo. The most significant factor for seed germination and haustorium development of V. album was the requirement of the light. Various growth regulators examined in this study failed to substitute the effect of the light on seed germination. The frequency of callus formation was highest at 27.3% when flower buds were cultured onto B5 medium containing $0.1\;mgl^{-1}$ IAA. Explants from other organs were recalcitrant in forming calluses. Culture conditions described in this study could be applied for production of useful metabolites and multiplication of V. album in future.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.182-187
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• 2018

Many plant derived phytochemicals have been considered as the main therapeutic strategy against Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and the most predominant cause of dementia in the elderly. Cholinergic deficit, senile plaque/${\beta}$-amyloid ($A{\beta}$) peptide deposition and oxidative stress have been identified as three main pathogenic pathways which contribute to the progression of AD. We screened many different plant species for their effective use in both modern and traditional system of medicines. In this study, we tested that MeOH extract of the stem bark of Hopea chinensis (Merr.) Hand.-Mazz. (HCM) affects on the processing of Amyloid precursor portein (APP) from the APPswe over-expressing Neuro2a cell line. We showed that HCM reduced the secretion level of $A{\beta}42$ and $A{\beta}40$ in a dose dependent manner. We found that HCM increased over 1.5 folds of the secretion level of $sAPP{\alpha}$, a metabolite of ${\alpha}$-secretase. Furthermore, we found that HCM inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro. We suggest that the stem bark of Hopea chinensis may be a useful source to develop a therapeutics for AD.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2016.11a
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• pp.198-198
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• 2016

An ideal orthopedic implant should provide an excellent bone-implant connection, less implant loosening and minimum adverse reactions. Commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti alloys have been widely utilized for biomedical applications such as orthopedic and dental implants. However, being bioinert, the integration of such implant in bone was not in good condition to achieve improved osseointegraiton, there have been many efforts to modify the composition and topography of implant surface. These processes are generally classified as physical, chemical, and electrochemical methods. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) as an electrochemical route has been recently utilized to produce this kind of composite coatings. Mg ion plays a key role in bone metabolism, since it influences osteoblast and osteoclast activity. From previous studies, it has been found that Mg ions improve the bone formation on Ti alloys. PEO is a promising technology to produce porous and firmly adherent inorganic Mg containing $TiO_2$($Mg-TiO_2$ ) coatings on Ti surface, and the amount of Mg introduced into the coatings can be optimized by altering the electrolyte composition. In this study, a series of $Mg-TiO_2$ coatings are produced on Ti-6Al-4V ELI dental implant using PEO, with the substitution degree, respectively, at 0, 5, 10 and 20%. Based on the preliminary analysis of the coating structure, composition and morphology, a bone like apatite formation model is used to evaluate the in vitro biological responses at the bone-implant interface. The enhancement of the bone like apatite forming ability arises from $Mg-TiO_2$ surface, which has formed the reduction of the Mg ions. The promising results successfully demonstrate the immense potential of $Mg-TiO_2$ coatings in dental and biomaterials applications.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.149-155
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• 2010

Objective : Ssangwha-tang is a traditional medicine formula widely prescribed for a decrease of fatigue after an illness in Korea. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Ssangwha-tang fermented by Lactobacillus fermentum (SF) on osteoclast differentiation in vitro and on bone metabolism of an ovariectomized rat in vivo. Methods : Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and staining were applied to evaluate the formation of osteoclasts. Ovariectomized rats were orally administrated with SF (30 ml/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, phosphate, calcium levels were determined. Effect of SF on bone loss were studied by histological analysis and the measurement of bone mineral density. Results : SF significantly inhibited tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and formation of osteoclasts in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by receptor activator for nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) ligand (RANKL). In addition, SF significantly decreased the level of triglyceride and increased the level of low-density lipoprotein. Moreover, the decrease of trabeculae of the femur was partially prevented in ovariectomized rats administrated with SF. Conclusions : SF treatment could prevent ovariectomy induced bone loss and its effects could be medicated by the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.342-347
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• 2019

Methylation is a primary epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine is an FDA-approved drug prescribed for treatment of cancer by inhibiting DNA-Methyl-Transferase 1 (DNMT1). Results of this study suggest that prolonged treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine could induce centrosome abnormalities in cancer cells and that CEP131, a centrosome protein, is regulated by DNMT1. Interestingly, cancer cell growth was attenuated in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the expression of Cep131. Finally, Cep131-deficient cells were more sensitive to treatment with DNMT1 inhibitors. These findings suggest that Cep131 is a potential novel anti-cancer target. Agents that can inhibit this protein may be useful alone or in combination with DNMT1 inhibitors to treat cancer.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.1-5
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the collagen metabolism and tyrosinase activity of Polygonati Rhizoma extracts (PR). It's effects are to tonify spleen qi and augment the spleen yin. It enrichs the yin and moisten the lung. Methods : The effect of PR on type I procollagen production and collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, henceforth referred as MMP-1) activity in human normal fibroblasts Hs68 after ultraviolet B (UVB, 312 nm) irradiation was measured by ELISA method. The tyrosinase activity after treatment of PR was measured. Results : There were no cytotoxicity at concentrations of 10, 30, $100{\mu}g/ml$. The reduced type I procollagen production was recovered by PR in UVB damaged Hs68 cells at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/ml$ ($16.2{\pm}0.0$ ng/ml) from control group ($13.9{\pm}0.5$ ng/ml). However there was no statistical significance. PR reduced The increased MMP-1 activity after UVB damage at concentrations of $10{\mu}g/ml$, $30{\mu}g/ml$, and $100{\mu}g/ml$ in a dose dependent manner ($42.2{\pm}20.5%$, $44.8{\pm}8.5%$, and $22.0{\pm}5.8%$). PR $100{\mu}g/ml$ treatment showed the statistical significace (p < 0.05). PR significantly reduced the tyrosinase activity at a concentration of 10 mg/ml ($32.0{\pm}12.8%$, p < 0.05). However, the L-DOPA oxidation was not changed. Conclusion : PR showed the anti-wrinkle effects and whitening effects in vitro. Although more researches are needed to validate the efficacy, these results suggest that PR may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetic herb markets.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.838-845
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• 2024

Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative consequences on health, including addiction, liver damage, and other long-term effects. The causes of hangovers include dehydration, alcohol and alcohol metabolite toxicity, and nutrient deficiency due to absorption disorders. Additionally, alcohol consumption can slow reaction times, making it more difficult to rapidly respond to situations that require quick thinking. Exposure to a large amount of ethanol can also negatively affect a person's righting reflex and balance. In this study, we evaluated the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to alleviate alcohol-induced effects and behavioral responses. Two LAB strains isolated from kimchi, Levilactobacillus brevis WiKim0168 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides WiKim0172, were selected for their ethanol tolerance and potential to alleviate hangover symptoms. Enzyme activity assays for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were then conducted to evaluate the role of these bacteria in alcohol metabolism. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, these strains were assessed for their ability to reduce blood alcohol concentrations and protect against alcohol-induced liver damage. The results indicated that these LAB strains possess significant ethanol tolerance and elevate ADH and ALDH activities. LAB administration remarkably reduced blood alcohol levels in rats after excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, the LAB strains showed hepatoprotective effects and enhanced behavioral outcomes, highlighting their potential as probiotics for counteracting the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. These findings support the development of functional foods incorporating LAB strains that can mediate behavioral improvements following alcohol intake.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.181-191
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• 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder among reproductive-age women. As a leading cause of anovulatory infertility, it complicates fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization. The widely accepted 2003 Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS include sub-phenotypes based on variations in androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. In this systematic review, we examined the impacts of inositol and vitamin D on fertility in PCOS. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, we used relevant keywords to comprehensively search databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MDPI. From an initial pool of 345 articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. The articles suggest that vitamin D and inositol, particularly myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, may represent therapeutic options for PCOS. Vitamin D influences ovarian follicular development, glucose regulation, and insulin sensitivity. When combined with metformin therapy, it is associated with improved menstrual regularity and ovulation. Inositol is crucial for cellular signaling, energy metabolism, glucose regulation, and fertility. This systematic review underscores the importance of investigating inositol and vitamin D within a PCOS management strategy, given the disorder's prevalence and impacts on fertility and metabolic health. Although these agents show promise, additional research could clarify their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits. This review emphasizes the need for exploration of effective treatments to improve the quality of life among individuals with PCOS. Inositol and vitamin D represent potential options, but more studies are required to elucidate their roles in the management of this condition.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.202-210
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• 1989

The effects of Ginseng saponins on the in vitro biosynthesis of prostaglandins were examined in order to identify the role of some Ginseng components on the regulation of arachidonic arid metabolism. The productions of prostaglandin $E_2$ (PG$E_2$), $F_2$ (PGF2), thromboxane $B_2$(TX$B_2$) and 6-ketoprostaglandin Fl (6-Keto-PGF1) from [3Hl-arachidonic acid were evaluatpf by radiochromatographic analysis with rabbit kidney microtome, human platelet homogenate and bovine aortic microsome. The amounts of the total prostaglandins produced by cyclooxygenase activity and malondialdehyde from arachidonic acid didn't show significant changes in the presence of Ginseng saponins. Both of panaxadiol and panaxatriol didn't affect the production of PG$E_2$ while the formations of PG$F_2$( and TX$B_2$( were nearkedly reduced and the production of prostacyclin was increased. The formation of TXBE was reduced by ginsenoside $Rb_2$, Rc, and Re, however the production of 6-Keto-PGF1 was increased dose dependently up to 1 mg/ml. Moreover, platelet aggregations induced by arachidonic acid and U46619 (9.11-methanepoxy PG$H_2$), TX$A_2$ mimetics, were also inhibited by three ginsenosides. The effect of G-Re on prostacyclin synthetase was inhibited by tranylcypromine, prostacyclin synthetase inhibitor. These results suggest that Ginseng saponins may not directly act on cyclooxygenase but affect on the divergent pathway from endoperoxide.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.175-181
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• 2009

In hypertriglyceridaemic individuals, atherosclerogenesis is associated with the increased concentrations of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and VLDL-associated remnant particles. In vitro studies have suggested that VLDL induces foam cells formation. To reveal the changes of the proteins expression in the process of foam cells formation induced by VLDL, we performed a proteomic analysis of the foam cells based on the stimulation of differentiated THP-1 cells with VLDL. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis, 14 differentially expressed proteins, containing 8 up-regulated proteins and 6 down-regulated proteins were identified. The proteins are involved in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, such as adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), enolase, S100A11, heat shock protein 27 and so on. In addition, the expression of some selected proteins was confirmed by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The results suggest that VLDL not only induces lipid accumulation, but also brings about foam cells diverse characteristics by altering the expression of various proteins.