• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.665-676
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• 2016

As high temperature during citrus growing season has caused a serious problems including inferior coloration in production of mandarins in Korea, we were to investigate the expression pattern of several genes related with coloration during the ripening in high temperature condition of citrus fruits. The expression of genes related with sugar metabolism, cell wall degradation, and flavonoid synthesis in high temperature conditions was investigated in fruits of 'Haryejosaeng' (Citrus unshiu) and 'Shiranuhi' mandarin (C. reticulata). While the expression of beta-amylase (BMY), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) was differently induced, expression of polygalacturonase (PG) decreased dependently on temperature conditions. In 'Haryejosaeng' mandarin, while the expression of genes related to the skin coloration, such as CHS and F3H genes increased at $25^{\circ}C$, the expression of PAL and stilbene synthase (STS) genes were induced at $30-35^{\circ}C$ in all ripening stages. In 'Shiranuhi' mandarin, the expression of the BMY gene decreased at early time point in all temperature condition and then increased at $30-35^{\circ}C$ than at $25^{\circ}C$ in the ripening stage 2 to 3 of fruits. F3H and STS genes also showed the tendency to decrease at $30-35^{\circ}C$. Although the expression levels of genes in ripening stage 1 and stage 2 of fruits showed similar patterns in both 'Haryejosaeng' and 'Shiranuhi', the expression levels of genes were down-regulated in late ripening stage of 'Shiranuhi' fruits compared to 'Haryejosaeng'. In general, the mRNA levels of seven tested genes were higher in 'Haryejosaeng' than in 'Shiranuhi' mandarin, and expression of genes by high temperature was regulated sensitively in 'Haryejosaeng' compared to 'Shiranuhi' mandarin. Further investigations of expression of various genes based on transcriptome analysis in early ripening stage can provide valuable information about the responses to climatic changes in ripening citrus fruits.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.370-376
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• 2014

Although the grasshopper Oxya chinensis sinuosa has long been used as food in Korea, there is little data on its functional effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of O. c. sinuosa ethanol extract (OCE) in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for induction of inflammation. First, we determined that there is no cytotoxicity at $2,000{\mu}g/ml$ or less of OCE in RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of OCE, we investigated expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6, and pro-inflammatory enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we examined whether OCE could inhibit translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 into the nucleus in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells. As a result, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 decreased in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells after treatment with OCE in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we confirmed a $2,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration of OCE inhibited translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 by immunnostaining and Western blot analysis, and a decrease in the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2. Accordingly, we suppose that OCE has an anti-inflammatory effect through down-regulation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 related to ${\kappa}B$ p65 inflammatory signaling pathways.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10407-10412
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• 2015

Background: ${\beta}$-elemene, extracted from herb medicine Curcuma wenyujin has potent anti-tumor effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the activity of ${\beta}$-elemene against glioma cells remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed effects of ${\beta}$-elemene on human glioma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: Human glioma U87 cells were used. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay and colony formation assay to detect the effect of ${\beta}$-elemene at different doses and times. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cell apoptosis with Hoechst 33258 staining and change of glioma apoptosis and cell cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting assay were performed to investigated the influence of ${\beta}$-elemene on expression levels of Fas/FasL, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. The experiment was divided into two groups: the blank control group and ${\beta}$-elemne treatment group. Results: With increase in the concentration of ${\beta}$-elemene, cytotoxic effects were enhanced in the glioma cell line and the concentration of inhibited cell viability ($IC_{50}$) was $48.5{\mu}g/mL$ for 24h. ${\beta}$-elemene could induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. With Hoechst 33258 staining, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were observed. Activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 was increased and the pro-apoptotic factors Fas/FasL and Bax were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated after treatment with ${\beta}$-elemene at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, proliferation and colony formation by U87 cells were inhibited by ${\beta}$-elemene in a time and does-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ${\beta}$-elemene inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro. The induction of apoptosis appears to be related with the upregulation of Fas/FasL and Bax, activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 and downregulation of Bcl-2, which then trigger major apoptotic cascades.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.199-206
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• 2010

This study investigated the effects of strontium on osteoblastic phenotypes of cultured human periostealderived cells. Periosteal tissues were harvested from mandible during surgical extraction of lower impacted third molar. Periosteal-derived cells were introduced into cell culture. After passage 3, the periostealderived cells were further cultured for 28 days in an osteogenic induction DMEM medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, dexamethasone and at a density of $3{\times}10^4$ cells/well in a 6-well plate. In this culture medium, strontium at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 100 ${\mu}g$/mL) was added. The medium was changed every 3 days during the incubation period. We examined the cellular proliferation, histochemical detection and biochemical measurements of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the RT-PCR analysis for ALP and osteocalcin, and von Kossa staining and calcium contents in the periostealderived cells. Cell proliferation was not associated with the addition of strontium in periosteal-derived cells. The ALP activity in the periosteal-derived cells was higher in 5, 10, and 100 ${\mu}g$/ml strontium-treated cells than in untreated cells at day 14 of culture. Among the strontium-treated cells, the ALP activity was appreciably higher in 100 ${\mu}g$/ml strontium-treated cells than in 5 and 10 ${\mu}g$/ml strontium-treated cells. The levels of ALP and osteocalcin mRNA in the periosteal-derived cells was also higher in strontium-treated cells than in untreated cells at day 14 of culture. Their levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Von Kossa-positive mineralization nodules were strongly observed in the 1 ${\mu}g$/ml strontium-treated cells at day 21 and 28 of culture. The calcium content in the periosteal-derived cells was also higher in 1 ${\mu}g$/ml strontium-treated cells at day 28 of culture. These results suggest that low concentration of strontium stimulates the osteoblastic phenotypes of more differentiated periosteal-derived cells, whereas high concentration of strontium stimulates the osteoblastic phenotypes of less differentiated periosteal-derived cells. The effects of strontium on osteoblastic phenotypes of periosteal-derived cells appear to be associated with differentiation-extent.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate on the antimicrobial effect on the periodontal pathogens and anti-inflammatory effect of Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba. Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba has been used for treating as Artemisiae Capilaris Herba in Korea. Methods : Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba was prepared by extracting medicinal herb with water. We investigated antimicrobial activity by the minimun inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. We also investigated inhibition of IL-$1{\beta}$-induced collagenase-l(MMP-l), stromelysin-1(MMP-3), interleukin-6 gene expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Results : The antimicrobial effect of Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba was evaluated with MIC against periodontopathogens; Porphyromonas gingivalis 2561, W50, A7A1-28, 9-14K-1, Prevotella intermedia28, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4, MICs of Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba were 0.156 mg/ml, 0.625 mg/ml, 0.313 mg/ml, 1.25 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml. The anti-inflammatory effect of Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba was evaluated with Influence of herbs on the IL-$1{\beta}$-induced expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, interleukin-6, IL-$1{\beta}$ increased MMP-1, MMP-3, interleukin-6 mRNA levels. Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba significantly inhibited IL-$1{\beta}$-induced MMP-1, MMP-3, interleukin-6 gene expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : These results suggested that Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba might reduce the excessive proteolytic capacity of the gingival fibroblast during inflammation and could be developed a new drug in periodontitis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.528-534
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• 2010

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been well-known as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments since ancient times, and it is well documented that enhanced garlic consumption leads to a decrease in incidences of cancer. Tight junctions (TJs) are critical structures for the maintenance of cellular polarity, acting as paracellular permeability barriers and playing an essential role in regulating the diffusion of fluid, electrolytes and macromolecules through the paracellular pathway. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated as possible mediators of invasiveness and metastasis in some cancers. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of water extract of aged black garlic (ABG) on the correlation between tightening of TJs and anti-invasive activity in human gastric carcinoma AGS cells. The inhibitory effects of ABG on cell motility and invasiveness were found to be associated with increased tightness of TJs, which was demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance. Additionally, the activities of MMP-2 and -9 in AGS cells were inhibited by treatment with ABG, and this was also correlated with a decrease in the expression of their mRNA and proteins. Furthermore, RT-PCR and immunoblotting results indicated that ABG repressed the levels of the claudin proteins, major components of TJs that play a key role in the control and selectivity of paracellular transport. In conclusion, these results suggest that ABG treatment may inhibit tumor metastasis and invasion, and therefore may act as a dietary source to decrease the risk of developing cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2011

Forty yeast strains isolated from soils taken from different locations in Egypt were tested for their P-solubilizing activities on the basis of analyzing the clear zone around colonies growing on a tricalcium phosphate medium after incubation for 5 days at $25^{\circ}C$, denoted as the solubilization index (SI). Nine isolates that exhibited P-solubilization potential with an SI ranging from 1.19 to 2.76 were genetically characterized as five yeasts belonging to the genus Saccharomyces cerevisiae and four non-Saccharomyces, based on a PCR analysis of the ITS1-26S region amplied by SC1/SC2 species-specific primers. The highest P-solubilization efficiency was demonstrated by isolate PSY- 4, which was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a sequence analysis of the variable D1/D2 domain of the 26S rDNA. The effects of single and mixed inoculations with yeast PSY-4 and Bacillus polymyxa on the P-uptake and growth of corn were tested in a greenhouse experiment using different levels of a phosphorus chemical fertilizer (50, 100, and 200 kg/ha super phosphate 15.5% $P_2O_5$). The results showed that inoculating the corn with yeast PSY-4 or B. polymyxa caused significant increases in the shoot and root dry weights and P-uptake in the shoots and roots. The P-fertilization level also had a significant influence on the shoot and root dry weights and P-uptake in the shoots and roots when increasing the P-level from 50 up to 200 kg/ha. Dual inoculation with yeast strain PSY-4 and B. polymyxa at a P-fertilization level of 200 kg/ha gave higher values for the shoot and root dry weights and P-uptake in the shoots and roots, yet these increases were nonsignificant when compared with dual inoculation with yeast strain PSY-4 and B. polymyxa at a P-fertilization level of 100 kg/ha. The best increases were obtained from dual inoculation with yeast strain PSY-4 and B. polymyxa at a P-fertilization level of 100 kg/ha, which induced the following percentage increases in the shoot and root dry weights, and P-uptake in the shoots and roots; 16.22%, 46.92%, 10.09%, and 31.07%, respectively, when compared with the uninoculated control (fertilized with 100 kg/ha).

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.137-145
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• 2012

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the most important etiologic agent of aggressive periodontitis and can interact with endothelial cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are chemokines, playing important roles in periodontal pathogenesis. In our current study, the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans on the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. A. actinomycetemcomitans strongly induced the gene expression and protein release of both MCP-1 and IL-8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dead A. actinomycetemcomitans cells were as effective as live bacteria in this induction. Treatment of HUVEC with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of endocytosis, did not affect the mRNA up-regulation of MCP-1 and IL-8 by A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, substantially inhibited the MCP-1 and IL-8 production by A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas pharmacological inhibition of each of three members of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family had little effect. Furthermore, gel shift assays showed that A. actinomycetemcomitans induces a biphasic activation (early at 1-2 h and late at 8-16 h) of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and an early brief activation (0.5-2 h) of activator protein-1 (AP-1). Activation of canonical NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway ($I{\kappa}B$ kinase activation and $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation) was also demonstrated in these experiments. Although lipopolysaccharide from A. actinomycetemcomitans also induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, this activation profile over time differed from that of live A. actinomycetemcomitans. These results suggest that the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 is potently increased by A. actinomycetemcomitans in endothelial cells, and that the viability of A. actinomycetemcomitans and bacterial internalization are not required for this effect, whereas the activation of protein tyrosine kinase(s), NF-${\kappa}B$, and AP-1 appears to play important roles. The secretion of high levels of MCP-1 and IL-8 resulting from interactions of A. actinomycetemcomitans with endothelial cells may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1701-1707
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• 2005

This study deals with the characterization of porcine PIK3C3 and association tests with quantitative traits. PIK3C3 belongs to the class 3 PI3Ks that participate in the regulation of hepatic glucose output, glycogen synthase, and antilipolysis in typical insulin target cells such as those in the such as liver, muscle system, and fat. On the analysis of full-length mRNA sequence, the length of the PIK3C3 CDS was recorded as 2,664 bps. As well, nucleotide and amino acid identities between human and pig subjects were 92% and 99%, respectively. Five SNPs were detected over 5 exons. We performed genotyping by using a SNP C2604T on exon24 for 145 F$_2$ animals (from a cross between Korean native boars and Landrace sows) by PCR-RFLP analysis with Hpy8I used to investigate the relationship between growth and fat depot traits. In the total association analysis, which doesn' consider transmission disequilibrium, the SNP showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on body weight and carcass fat at 30 weeks of age as well as a highly significant effect (p<0.01) on back fat. In an additional sib-pair analysis, C allele still showed positive and significant effects (p<0.05) on back fat thickness and carcass fat. Moreover, the effects of C allele on the means of within-family components for carcass fat and back fat were estimated as 2.76 kg and 5.07 mm, respectively. As a result, the SNP of porcine PIK3C3 discovered in this study could be utilized as a possible genetic marker for the selection of pigs that possess low levels of back fat and carcass fat at the slaughter weight.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3761-3768
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• 2013

Background: The Saudi population has experienced a sharp increase in colorectal and gastric cancer incidences within the last few years. The relationship between gene polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has not previously investigated among the Saudi population. The aim of the present study was to investigate contributions of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from CRC patients and healthy controls and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. Results and Conclusions: $CYP2E1^*6$ was not significantly associated with CRC development (odd ratio=1.29; confidence interval 0.68-2.45). A remarkable and statistically significant association was observed among patients with $CYP1Awt/^*2A$ (odd ratio=3.65; 95% confidence interval 1.39-9.57). The $GSTM1^*0/^*0$ genotype was found in 2% of CRC patients under investigation. The levels of CYP1A1, CYP2E1 and GSTM1 mRNA gene expression were found to be 4, 4.2 and 4.8 fold, respectively, by quantitative real time PCR. The results of the present case-control study show that the studied Saudi population resembles Caucasians with respect to the considered polymorphisms. Investigation of genetic risk factors and susceptibility gene polymorphisms in our Saudi population should be helpful for better understanding of CRC etiology.