• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.679-687
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• 2019

Litsea populifolia, a plant species of the Lauraceae family, is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia. The phylogenetic relationships and botanical characteristics of L. populifolia have been reported; however, its anti-oxidative and anti-cancer activities remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the anti-oxidative and anti-cancer effects of ethanol extracts of L. populifolia (EELP) together with the molecular mechanism of its anti-cancer activity in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. EELP showed significant anti-oxidative effects with a 50% inhibitory concentration at $11.71{\mu}g/ml$, which was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. EELP exhibited cytotoxic activity and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas EELP did not have the cytotoxic effect on the normal human lung cell line IMR90. Treatment with EELP also resulted in a decreased expression of G1/S transition-related molecules-including cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, CDK6, cyclin D1, and cyclin E-both for the transcription and translation levels. EELP-induced G1 arrest was associated with the phosphorylation of checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2), p53, cell division cycle 25 homolog A (CDC25A), and the reduction of CDC25A expression in A549 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that EELP may exert an anti-cancer effect by cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase through both p53-dependent and p53-independent (ATM/CHK2/CDC25A/CDK2) pathways in A549 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.671-678
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• 2019

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of plant sources have attracted a wide range of interest across the world over the last decade. This is due to the growing concern for safe and alternative sources of antibacterial and antioxidant agents. In this study, we focused on the antibacterial and antioxidant activities and the chemical composition of a methanol extract from Viburnum sargentii seeds. The chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and the antibacterial activity was screened by a disc diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using the microbroth dilution and spread plate method, respectively. The V. sargentii extract showed growth inhibition activity on all tested Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, and Proteus vulgaris) pathogenic bacteria. The MIC and MBC ranged from 0.156~1.25 mg/ml for Gram-positive and 0.625~5.0 mg/ml for Gram-negative tested bacteria. The GC-MS results revealed the presence of several phytochemicals such as ${\beta}-sitosterol$ and vitamin E, which are known for their pharmacological applications. The antioxidant activities of V. sargentii extract were investigated by three different methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, the reducing power assay, and the total antioxidant capacity assay. The results showed a concentration-dependent antioxidant potential for all three used methods. In sum, our findings suggest that the methanol extract of V. sargentii seeds has the potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and provide antioxidant compounds, making it therefore worthy of further investigation.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.109-126
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• 2019

Genetic resources of 84 species of Setaria italica BEAUVOIS, Sorghum bicolor, and Panicum miliaceum were collected to select the adaptable miscellaneous cereals in Saemangeum reclaimed land. The adaptability of Sorghum bicolor in reclaimed land was the highest among the three cereals cultivated on reclaimed land. The ratio of the average height of Sorghum bicolor plants cultivated in reclaimed land/normal field was 0.82, that of Panicum miliaceum was 0.61, and that of Setaria italica BEAUVOIS was 0.51. Three species of Sorghum bicolor, Satangdajuk, Kkamansusu, and Nampungcharl, were selected as potential genetic resources as they had excellent adaptability to reclaimed land. The yield of Satandaejuk on reclaimed land was 229.4 kg/10a, and the yield ratio of reclaimed land/normal field was 89.3%. The yield of Kkamansusu was 227.4 kg/10a, with reclaimed land/normal field ratio of 87.8%, and yield of Nampungcharl was 239.6 kg/10a, and reclaimed land/normal field ratio of 86%. In order to study the salt tolerance of selected genetic resources, we conducted salinity test. Salinity tolerance of Sorghum bicolor species-Satangdajuk, Kkamansusu, Nampungcharl was excellent compared to that of the other cereals. Among these, Satandaejuk had to highest salt tolerance level. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and detoxification of free radical were also studied. The anti-diabetic property of the cereals was also analyzed by ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activity. We confirmed that the functionality of 3 lines in reclaimed land had improved in all the functional analysis categories when compared to that with yield in the normal field. Polyphenol, an antioxidant, increased in the range of 2~26% when cultivated in reclaimed land and the flavonoid content also increased from 8.5 to 55.6%. DPPH elimination capability, the ability to scavenge harmful reactive oxygen, also increased from 16.7 to 47% when cultivated in reclaimed land. The anti-diabetic activity and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition activity of selected Sorghum bicolor species-Satangdajuk, Kkamansusu, Nampungcharl also increased from 18.4 to 19.9% when cultivated on reclaimed land.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.724-734
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• 2019

The present study investigated the cytotoxicity of particulate matter (PM) derived from car air filter (outdoor PM) and home cleaner filter (indoor PM) in the various human cell lines. Each outdoor and indoor PM were harvested by ethanol extraction method, subsequently sieved with 10 um filter paper, sterilized with autoclave and added to culture media. The half maximal inhibitory concentration ($IC_{50}$) values was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the outdoor PM, compared with indoor PM, and the significantly (p<0.05) higher $IC_{50}$ values were observed in the cancer cell lines (A-549 lung adenocarcinoma and AGS stomach adenocarcinoma), than those of normal MRC-5 fibroblasts and dental papilla tissue derived-mesenchymal stem cells (DSC). After being exposed to $100{\mu}g/ml$ outdoor PM for 7 days, the population doubling time (PDT) was significantly (p<0.05) increased in especially MRC-5 and DSC cell lines, compared with untreated cell lines. Further, the expression of senescence-associated ${\beta}$-galactosidase activity was up-regulated in all the cells exposed to outdoor PM than those of untreated control. Besides, the expression level of inflammation-associated genes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was found to be significantly (p<0.05) increased in the outdoor PM-treated cell lines than those of untreated cell lines. Our results showed that PM induces the cytotoxicity via arrest of cell growth, cell damage and inflammation response.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1361-1368
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• 2018

Inflammation is the most common condition in the human body. Tissue damage triggers inflammation, together with vasodilation and increased blood flow at the inflamed site, resulting in edema. Inflammatory responses are also triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor Enterococcus faecalis, a gram-positive organism, has been reported to possess immunomodulatory and preventive activities; however, its use may present risks of sepsis and other systemic infections. Heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (EF-2001) has been reported to induce antitumor activity, but its effects on inflammation are not known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EF-2001 on LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory responses. EF-2001 treatment reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, indicating suppression of inflammatory reactions. EF-2001 showed no cytotoxicity in macrophages. Further investigation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EF-2001 indicated that EF-2001 reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. EF-2001 also reduced f the LPS induction of several inflammatory molecules involved in the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, including ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation, in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, EF-2001 inhibited Akt phosphorylation and increased the expression of the inhibitory ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B$) protein, an inhibitor of $NF-{\kappa}B$. EF-2001 also inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65. These results suggest that EF-2001 has anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1003-1012
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• 2018

This study is for checking the possibility of Lentinula edodes as cosmetic materials. For this we carried out biological active evaluation about anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by Lentinula edodes extracts. We extracted Lentinula edodes with water and 70% ethanol and then in order to evaluate anti-oxidant activity we treated samples by concentrations (100, 500, 1000) ${\mu}g/ml$ and carried out 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, the activity of 2,2'-azino-bis ( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid )-diammonium salt (ABTS) cation radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase(SOD) like activity. Also, in order to evaluate effect of anti-inflammatory the samples in macrophages(RAW 264.7 cells), we carried out evaluation of cell viability, nitric oxide inhibitory activity western blot. The results of DPPH, $ABTS^+$ radical scavenging activity and SOD-like activity of the Lentinula edodes extracts increased in dose-dependent manner. The cytotoxic of samples by MTT assay showed no toxicity at the concentrations of 10, 25 and $50{\mu}g/ml$ of Lentinula edodes extract. Nitric oxide inhibition activity results showed that the extracts reduced NO productions in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression of inflammatory cytokines as $TNF-{\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ decreased in a concentration-dependent manner and iNOS and COX-2 proteins expression rates were decreased significantly in western blot analysis. From the results of the experiment, it was comfirmed that the Lentinula edodes extracts had excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and could be used as a safe natural cosmetic material in the future.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2019

Purpose: Medicinal herbs have recently attracted attention as health beneficial foods and source materials for drug development. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracts of Lycium's fruits and roots have a range of physiologically active substances. The extract of Lycium's leaves has been reported to have excellent anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activity, but its anti-inflammatory efficacy is not known. The chlorophyll present in the leaves can act as an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant depending on the presence of light. Therefore, this study analyzed the anti-inflammatory effects of Lycium's fruit extract (LFE), leaf extract (LLE), and leaf extract with chlorophyll removal (LLE with CR). Methods: This study examined the inhibitory effects of LFE, LLE, and LLE with CR on pro-inflammatory mediator production as well as on the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and BALB/c mice. Results: LFE, LLE, and LLE with CR inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$) and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the administration of LLE and LLE with CR inhibited the serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and suppressed DNA damage in BALB/c mice. In particular, LLE with CR exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that the fruit and leaves of Lycium are potential therapeutic agents against inflammation.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2019

Purpose: We investigated the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcal isolates from hospitalized children at Asan Medical Center for recent 4 years, and aimed to recommend proper choice of empirical antibiotics for pneumococcal infection. Methods: From March 2014 to May 2018, children admitted to Asan Medical Center Childrens' Hospital with pneumococcal infection were subjected for evaluation of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ${\beta}-lactams$ and macrolide antibiotics. Patient's age, underlying disease, gender were retrospectively collected. Using Monte Carlo simulation model and MIC from our study, we predicted the rate of treatment success with amoxicillin treatment. Results: Sixty-three isolates were analyzed including 20.6% (n=13) of invasive isolates, and 79.4% (n=50) of non-invasive isolates; median age were 3.3 years old, and 87.3% of the pneumococcal infections occurred to children with underlying disease. Overall susceptibility rate was 49.2%, 68.2%, and 74.6% for amoxicillin, parenteral penicillin, and cefotaxime respectively. 23.8% and 9.5% of the isolates showed high resistance for amoxicillin, and cefotaxime. Only 4.8% (n=3) were susceptible to erythromycin. Monte Carlo simulation model revealed the likelihood of treatment success was 46.0% at the dosage of 90 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin. Conclusions: Recent pneumococcal isolates from pediatric patients with underlying disease revealed high resistance for amoxicillin and cefotaxime, and high resistance for erythromycin. Prudent choice of antibiotics based on the local data of resistance cannot be emphasized enough, especially in high risk patients with underlying disease, and timely vaccination should be implemented for prevention of the spread of resistant strains.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.359-369
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• 2018

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a serious problem for public health and fisheries industries, thus there exists a need to investigate the possible ways for effective control of HABs. In the present study, we investigated the algicidal effects of a newly developed GreenTD against the HABs (Chattonella marina, Heterosigma akashiwo, Cochlodinium polykriokides, and Heterocapsa circularisquama) and non-HABs (Chaetoceros simplex, Skeletonema sp. and Tetraselmis sp.), which is focused on the different population density and concentration gradients of algicidal substances. The time series viability of target alga was assessed based on the activity of Chl. a photosynthetic efficiency in terms of $F_v/F_m$, and in vivo fluorescence (FSU). Effective control of Raphidophyta, C. marina and H. akashiwo was achieved at a GreenTD concentration of $0.5{\mu}gL^{-1}$ and $0.2{\mu}gL^{-1}$, respectively, and regrowth of both the species was not observed even after 14 days. The inhibitory ratio of the dinoflagellate, C. polykriokides was more than 80% at $0.2{\mu}gL^{-1}$ of GreenTD. H. circularisquama was constantly affected in the presence of $0.2{\mu}gL^{-1}$ of GreenTD in the high- and low-population density experimental groups. On the other hand, diatoms, C. simplex, and Skeletonema sp. were not significantly affected even in the presence of $0.2{\mu}gL^{-1}$ of GreenTD and exhibited re-growth activity with the passage of incubation time. In particular, green alga Tetraselmis sp. remained unaffected even in the presence of the highest concentration of GreenTD ($1.0{\mu}gL^{-1}$), implying that non-HABs were not greatly influenced by the algicidal substances. As a result, the algicidal activity of GreenTD on the harmful and nonharmful algae was as follows: raphidophyte>dinoflagellates>diatoms>green alga. Consequently, our results indicate that inoculation of GreenTD substances into natural blooms at a threshold concentration ($0.2{\mu}gL^{-1}$) can maximize the algicidal activity against HABs species. If we consider the dilution and diffusion rate in the field application, it is hypothesized that GreenTD will demonstrate economic efficiency, thus leading to effective control against the target HABs in the closed bay.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.265-275
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate physiological activity and its skin permeability of Petroselinum crispum extract using polymer micelles and cell penetrating peptide. In the antioxidant test, the total concentrations of polyphenol compounds were determined to be $121.68{\pm}2.49mg/g$ (for ethanol extract and), $72.42{\pm}1.52mg/g$ (for hydrothermal extract.). The DPPH radical scavenging ability was $90.48{\pm}0.46%$ (for ethanol extract) and $83.92{\pm}0.13%$ (for hydrothermal extract) at 2000 mg/L. ABTS radical scavenging ability was $91.08{\pm}0.14%$ for ethanol extract ethanol extract, which is higher than that of hydrothermal extract at 800 mg/L ($69.63{\pm}0.55%$). In the SOD experiments, the P. crispum ethanol extract showed higher SOD activity than that of the P. crispum hydrothermal extract at all concentrations.. At a concentration of 16,000 mg/L, P. crispum ethanol extract showed the highest SOD activity of $128.45{\pm}0.70%$. The elastase inhibitory assay also showed concentration dependence and elastase inhibition of P. crispum ethanol extract was $99.99{\pm}1.54%$, which was the highest at 2,000 mg/L. To solve the problem of insolubility and to improve skin permeability of the extract, PCL-PEG polymer micelle containing P. crispum ethanol extracts and 1% cell permeable peptide, hexa-D-arginine (R6) were successfully prepared with a particle size of 40.10 nm. In the results of 24 hours of skin permeation experiment, total accumulated beta-carotene amounts showed $37.99{\mu}g/cm^2$ in Petroselinum crispum extracts and $68.38{\mu}g/cm^2$ (1.8 times) in P. crispum extract of the particles.