• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.792-798
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-atopic-dermatitis effect of Angelica keiskei extract using a DNFB-induced animal model of atopic-dermatitis symptoms. A. keiskei was prepared via extraction with DW, 50% ethanol, and 100% ethanol in addition to fresh juice. All the extracts reduced the thickness levels of the ears and ear epidermis against swelling by DNFB inducement, especially in the aqueous-extract-treated group. The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), however, were not observed, which may indicate that Angelica keiskei extract alleviates the atopic-dermatitis symptoms in an MMP-independent manner. Finally, the level of the inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was inhibited only in the juice-treated group, although the IL-13 level was inhibited in the juice-, 50%-ethanol-extract-, and 100%-ethanol-extract-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner, and was not inhibited in the aqueous-extract-treated group. Taken together, these results suggest that Angelica keiskei extract has an inhibitory effect on atopic dermatitis, and may be a useful biomaterial for the development of cosmeceuticals.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.510-517
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• 2013

This study was performed to evaluate the antiobesity effect of supercritical fluid extracts (SFC) and marc methanol extracts (SFM) from Cinnamomum verum in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In inducing the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in the presence of an adipogenic cocktail, iso-butylmethylanthine (IBMX), dexamathasone, and insulin, treatment with fraction residue SFC and SFM. SFC significantly reduced the mRNA expression of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activate-dreceptor-${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$), the sterol regulatory-element-binding protein-1c (SREBP1c), and the CCAAT enhancer-binding-protein ${\alpha}$ ($C/EBP{\alpha}$) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, SFC markedly down-regulated acyl-CoA synthetase-1 (ASC1), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), fatty acid transport-1 (FATP1), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), and perilipin. These findings suggest that SFC may be a potential therapeutic adjunct for obesity by targeting the differentiation of preadipocytes, as well as their functions.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.23-35
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• 2005

Objective : The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on ST36 to modulate immune reaction in BALB/c mice immunized intraperitoneally with 2,4-dinitrophenylated keyhole limpet protein(DNP-KLH). Methods : Experimental mice were divided into four groups : 1) Normal group was not performed by any operation. 2) IM(Immunized) group was immunized intraperitoneally with DNP-KLH and aluminum hydroxide without electro-acupunture stimulation. 3) IM-EA(immunized-elctro- acupuncture) group was performed by successive electro-acupuncture on the ST36 acupoint after immunization. 4) IM-NA(immunized-naloxone) group was performed by immunization and electro-acupuncture with same method, but naloxone was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before eletro-acupuncture to inhibit the opiate receptor in spleen. Serum total immunoglobulin I(IgE) and antigen-specific IgE was measured in each group. The expression of interferon-${\gamma}$ and interleukin-4 mRNA in spleen was researched by real-time RT-PCR Results : Serum total-IgE and antigen-specific IgE were significantly decreased only in IM-EA group. The expression of interleukin-4 in spleen cell was significantly reduced not only in IM-EA group, but also in IM-EA group. Conclusions : Above results indicate that the mechanism of immunomodulatory effect of electro-acupuncture is related to opioid system especially in B-cell immune reaction. Further research on the T-cell immunity is necessary to explain the mechanism of immunomodulatory effect of electro-acupuncture.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.364-370
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• 2014

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in maintaining a healthy retina and the degeneration of RPE caused a number of retinal diseases. The transplantation of RPE has recently become a possible therapeutic modality for retinal degeneration. To transplant RPE cells securely, substrates are essential, and then as a substrate, we fabricated films using silk that has unique mechanical properties and biocompatibility. After the FTIR spectra, contact angle and biodegradation of silk films were confirmed, RPE cells were seeded and the influence of RPE cells on silk films was examined. We measured the cell adhesion, cell viability, morphology and specific mRNA expression by MTT assay, SEM, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. In this study, we confirmed that attachment, proliferation and phenotype maintenance of RPE cells cultured on silk films were great, and thereby we were able to confirm the potential applications of silk films as tissue engineering carrier for regeneration of retina.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2013

Curcumin has diverse anticancer activities that lead to tumor growth inhibition of cancer cells and induction of apoptosis. Curcumin is involved in the regulation of multiple genes via transcription factors including NF-${\kappa}B$, STATs, AP1, and SP. Notch signaling plays critical roles in maintaining the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and thereby may contribute to the development of various cancers involving breast cancer. This study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on Notch1 gene expression and to explore the underlying mechanism. Here, we found that curcumin decreased the levels of Notch1 mRNA and protein in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, along with the downregulation of Sp family genes (Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, and Sp4). The repressive effect of curcumin on Notch1 gene transcription was confirmed by performing Notch1 promoter-driven reporter assay and three Sp-binding sites were identified on Notch1 promoter that may act as curcumin-respose elements. Moreover, treatment with mitramycin A, a specific Sp inhibitor, decreased the levels of Notch1 mRNA and protein in human breast cancer cells. Taken together, our results indicate that Notch1 gene expression is downregulated by curcumin, at least in part, through the suppression of Sp family, which may lead to apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.31 no.2 s.51
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• pp.141-146
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• 2005

Unstable cosmetic active ingredients could rapidly break down in chemical and photochemical process. Therefore, it has become a very important issue to encapsulate active ingredient for the stabilization. 7-Dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), a precursor of vitamin $D_3$, has been shown to increase levels of protein and mRNA for heat shock protein in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. However, topical dermal application of 7-DHC is restricted due to its poor solubility and chemical unstability. In this study, 7-DHC was incorporated into nano-emulsion (NE), solid lipid nano-particle (SLN), and chitosan coated solid lipid nano-particle (CASLN), respectively. In order to prepare NE and SLN dispersion, high-pressure homogenization at temperature above the melting point of lipid was used Hydrogenated lecithin and polysorbate 60 were used as stabilizer for NE and SLN. CASLN was prepared by high speed homogenizing after adding chitosan solution to the SLN dispersion and showed positively charged particle properties. Decomposition rate of 7-DHC in NE, SLN and CASLN was studied as a function of time at different temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were performed to characterize state of lipid modification. It appeared that CASLN is the most effective to stabilize 7-DHC and may be used for a useful topical dermal delivery system.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.221-225
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• 2004

The root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer has been used as a traditional anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agent in the Orient. However, it is still unknown which component of ginseng is effective at suppressing wrinkle formation. Recently at least twenty ginsenosides regarded as the main active ingredients of ginseng have been isolated. Among them, we examined the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on dermal ECM metabolism to elucidate the mechanism of anti-wrinkle by ginseng. In our study, to investigate the anti-wrinkle effect of the ginsenoside Rg3, ECM component and growth factor in dennis were evaluated by ELISA assay. Ginsenoside Rg3 was found to stimulate type I procollagen and fibronectin (FN) biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner in normal human fibroblast culture (p < 0.05, n =3), and dose-dependently enhance TGF- ${\beta}$1 level (p < 0.05, n =3). In RT-PCR analysis mRNA level of c-Jun, a member of AP-1 transcription factor, was reduced by ginsenoside Rg3 in normal human fibroblast culture. These results indicate that ginsenoside Rg3 stimulates type I collagen and FN synthesis through the changes of TGF - ${\beta}$1 and AP-1 expression in fibroblasts.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.405-411
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• 2008

Purpose : Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a versatile immunosuppresive agent used to prevent graft rejection syndrome and treat autoimmune disease. One of the major side effects associated with CsA is the abnormal gingival hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the mRNA expression of the MMP-1, TIMP-1, and $TGF-{\beta}_1$ and the concentration of CsA in cultured human gingival keratinocytes. Materials & Methods : Gingival keratocytes were obtained from gingival tissues of 4 healthy donors. The cultured gingival keratocytes were incubated with increasing concentrations of CsA (0-2000 ng/ml) for 24 hours and the expression of MMP-1, TIMP-1, and $TGF-{\beta}_1$ were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results : The expressions of MMP-1 and $TGF-{\beta}_1$ were not significantly different according to the concentrations of CsA. The expression of TIMP-1 was significantly increased at the CsA concentration of 500 ng/ml. Conclusion : We concluded that the gingival hyperplasia induced by CsA was more related with TIMP-1 than MMP-1 or $TGF-{\beta}_1$ on gingival collagen metabolism in patients treated with CsA.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.268-274
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• 2004

Olive flounder was treated with oxytetracycline (OTC) and changes in blood physiology, antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein (HSP) were recorded to obtain preliminary data for optimal OTC treatment. Blood parameters were measured 1 and 3 h after the OTC treatments at the concentration of 0 (control), 100, 300 and 500 ppm for I h. Hematocrit decreased with time, however the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Reduced number of red blood cell was observed with increasing OTC concentration. Serum glucose level increased as the OTC concentration increased. However, glucose level was similar to control after 3 h. Blood total protein decreased immediately after the OTC treatment but increased after 1 and 3 h. However, the increment in blood total protein was low. Activities of superoxide dismutase enzymes in 300 and 500 ppm groups increased by the OTC concentration. Catalase enzyme activity was negatively affected by the OTC concentration. However, the differences were not significant (P>0.05). High expression of HSP-70 protein was recorded for groups treated with 100 and 500 ppm compared to that of the control group. However HSP-70 mRNA showed a lower increment which was not significant (P>0.05).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.879-888
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• 2003

In order to measure the enzyme activity of 5-epi-aristolochene hydroxylase, one of cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes in eicitor-treated pepper cell, we used in vivo assay method and demonstrated a dramatic suppression of the activity by P450-inhibitors, ancymidol and ketocornazole. Using RT-PCR method with degenerate primer of the well conserved domains found within most P450-enzymes, and using cDNA library screening method, one distinct cDNA, being designated P450Hy01, was successfully isolated from elicitor-treated pepper cells. P450Hy01 mRNA was all induced in elicitor-treated cells whereas never induced in control cells. Moreover, levels of P450Hy01 expression were highly correlated with the levels of extracellular capsidiol production by different elicitors in cell cultures. P450Hy01 transcript was also induced by several other elicitors such as, cellulase, arachidonic acid, jasmonic acid, yeast extract as well as UV stress. P450Hy01 sequence contained high probability amino acid matches to known Plant P450 genes and ORF with a conserved FxxGxRxCxG heme-binding domain. P450Hy01 cDNA showed 98% of homology in sequence of nucleotide as well as amino acid to 5-epi-aristolochene-1, 3-hydroxylase (5EAl, 3H) which has been isolated in tobacco cells, suggesting that P450Hy01 is prominent candidate gene for P450-enzyme encoding 5EAl, 3H in pepper cell.