• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.84-89
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• 2005

Mongolian dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum H.) extracted with solvents having different polarities were prepared to investigate protection activity of gastric mucosa. Ethanol extracts were successively reextracted with methylene chloride, and n-butanol. Concentrations of total flavonoids and luteolin in n-butanol extracts were 27.75 and 1.14%, respectively, much higher than those of other solvent extracts. Results of anti-microbial acitivity test against Helicobacter pylori and urease inhibition test revealed n-butanol extract exerted higher inhibition (13.16%) than other solvent extracts. Based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, n-butanol extract showed the highest efficiency of free radical-scavenger activity among the extracts ($SC_{50}\;47{\mu}g/mL$). Erythrocytic photohemolysis tests, for the protection of cell membrane showed that half-life of human erythrocytes was increased by the addition of n-butanol extract $({\tau}_{50}=172min;C=5.0{\mu}g/mL)$. These results indicate n-butanol extract of Mongolian dandelion may be useful as a adjuvant for gastric diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.174-178
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• 1975

The intermediate, 17${\alpha}$-methyl-4-aza-5${\alpha}$-androstan-17${\beta}$-ol(Ⅸ) required for the synthesis of 4-(${\beta}$-guanidinoethyl)-17${\alpha}$-methyl-4-aza-5${\alpha}$-androstan-17${\beta}$-ol(V) was obtained through a reaction of 17${\alpha}$-methyl-3,5-seco-4-norandrostan-17${\beta}$-ol-5-on-3-oic acid(VI) with ammonium hydroxide followed by two reductions(platinum dioxide with hydrogen and lithium aluminium hydride). Condensation of Ⅸ with chloroacetonitrile under anhydrous condition, followed by reduction of the nitrile with lithium aluminium hydride gave 4-(${\beta}$-aminoethyl)-17${\alpha}$-methyl-4-aza-5${\alpha}$-androstan-17${\beta}$-ol(XI). The reaction of XI with 2-methyl-2-thiopseudourea or 3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-carboxamidine, or cyanamide provided the title compound, V. Relaxation of the nictitating membrane, in the absence of mydriasis, is considered to be evidence of adrenergic neurone blockade. Thus the test compound(V) resembles that of the classical adrenergic neurone blocking agents.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.274-277
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• 2012

Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division, dividing one mother cell into two daughter cells. For the cutting of a plasma membrane during bacterial cytokinesis, a tubulin homolog FtsZ protein is recruited from the cytoplasm to the division site. FtsZ protein polymerizes in a GTP-dependent manner and its N-terminal domain has a GTPase activity. In this study, we have begun to characterize FtsZ from Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Full-length SA FtsZ was cloned into pRSFDuet-1 vector and the clone was transformed into a BL21 (DE3) star cell. The recombinant SA FtsZ protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and dialysis. Using a spectrofluorometer, we showed that SA FtsZ undergoes a GTP-dependant polymerization in vitro. The polymer of the SA FtsZ protein disappeared after a few minutes, suggesting that the polymer is degraded as the GTP is consumed. This assay system may well be applied for inhibitor screening targeting S. aureus FtsZ.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.174-181
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• 1985

Ultrastructural changes in the chloroplast of apple fruits was examined with Malus Pumila Mill var. Fugi harvested during preclimacteric stage the subatmospheric pressure storage condition at 380mmHg, $20^{\circ}C$. Electron micrographs obtained from the fruits stored at 760mmHg, $20^{\circ}C$ indicated that the initiation of ultrastructural changes is in parallel with the onset of respiratory climacteric. Chloroplast of the apple fruits stored for 25 days is vacuolated and the lamellar system are a little disorganized. Chloroplast of the apple fruits stored for 50 days is showing extensive vacuolation, the lamellar system are completely disorganized and the plasma membrane has pulled away from the cell wall. In the case of subatmospheric presssure storage caused to delay the onset of ultrastructural changes in chloroplast such as vacuolation, disorganization of lamellar system and dispersal of stroma lamella about 2 months. These results suggested that ripening of apple fruits is correlated not only to the activity of respiration but to the involvement of ultrastructural changes in fruit cells. The evidences obtained here led to the conclusion that subatmospheric pressure treatment extends storage life of apple fruits by inhibiting ultrastructural changes of cell organelles in concomitance with respiratory activity.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.664-670
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• 2021

Stainless steel was applied as bipolar plate (BP) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) due to high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and good machinability. However, stainless steel was corroded and increased contact resistance resulting PEMFC performance decrease. Although the corrosion resistance could be improved by surface treatment such as noble metal coating, there is a disadvantage of cost increase. The stainless steel corrosion behavior and passive layer influence on PEMFC performance should be studied to improve durability and economics of metal bipolar plate. In this study, SUS316L bipolar plate of 25 cm² active area was manufactured, and experiments were conducted for corrosion behavior at an anode and cathode. The influence of SUS316L BP corrosion on fuel cell performance was measured using the polarization curve, impedance, and contact resistance. The metal ion concentration in drained water was analyzed during fuel cell operation with SUS316L BP. It was confirmed that the corrosion occurs more severely at the anode than at the cathode for SUS316L BP. The contact resistance was increased due to the passivation of SUS316L during fuel cell operation, and metal ions continuously dissolved even after the passive layer formation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.239-245
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• 2022

Although normal activation of platelets is important in the process of hemostasis, excessive or abnormal activation of platelets can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the discovery of novel substances capable of regulating or inhibiting platelet activation may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Artemether is a derivative of artemisinin, known as an active ingredient of Artemisia annua, which has been reported to be effective in treating malaria, and is known to function through antioxidant and metabolic enzyme inhibition. However, the role of artemether in platelet activation and aggregation and the mechanism of action of artemether in collagen-induced human platelets are not known until now. This study investigated the effects of artemether on platelet activation and thrombus formation induced by collagen. As a result, cAMP level was significantly increased by artemether, and VASP and IP3R, substrates of cAMP-dependent kinase, were phosphorylated. IP3R phosphorylation by Artemether inhibited Ca²⁺ recruitment into the cytoplasm, and phosphorylated VASP inhibited fibrinogen binding by inactivating αIIb/β3 located on the platelet membrane. Consequently, artemether inhibited thrombin-induced fibrin clot formation. Therefore, we propose that artemether can act as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases caused by excessive platelet activation and thrombus formation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.402-407
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• 2023

The regulation of platelet aggregation is crucial for maintaining normal hemostasis, but abnormal or excessive platelet aggregation can contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. Therefore, identifying substances that can control or suppress platelet aggregation is a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Artemisinin, a compound derived from Artemisia or Scopolia plants, has shown potential in various areas such as anticancer and Alzheimer's disease research. However, the specific role and mechanisms by which artemisinin influences platelet activation and thrombus formation are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the effects of artemisinin on platelet activation and thrombus formation. As a result, cAMP production were increased significantly by artemisinin, as well as phosphorylated VASP and IP₃R which are substrates to cAMP-dependent kinase by artemisinin in a significant manner. The Ca²⁺ normally mobilized from the dense tubular system was inhibited due to IP₃R phosphorylation from artemisinin, and phosphorylated VASP by artemisinin aided in inhibiting platelet activity via αIIb/β3 platelet membrane inactivation and inhibiting fibrinogen binding. Finally, artemisinin inhibited thrombin-induced thrombus formation. Therefore, we suggest that artemisinin has importance with cardiovascular diseases stemming from the abnormal platelets activation and thrombus formation by acting as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7143-7147
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• 2015

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were conjugated with gallic acid (GA) at various concentrations between 30 and $150{\mu}M$ and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-VIS). The anticancer activities of the gallic acid-stabilized gold nanoparticles against well-differentiated (M213) and moderately differentiated (M214) adenocarcinomas were then determined using a neutral red assay. The GA mechanism of action was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy. Distinctive features of the FTIR spectra between the control and GA-treated cells were confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). The surface plasmon resonance spectra of the GNPs had a maximum absorption at 520 nm, whereas GNPs-GA shifted the maximum absorption values. In an in vitro study, the complexed GNPs-GA had an increased ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells that was statistically significant (P<0.0001) in both M213 and M214 cells compared to GA alone, indicating that the anticancer activity of GA can be improved by conjugation with GNPs. Moreover, PCA revealed that exposure of the tested cells to GA resulted in significant changes in their cell membrane lipids and fatty acids, which may enhance the efficacy of this anticancer activity regarding apoptosis pathways.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.330-338
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• 2004

Different types of cardiotoxin (I-V and n) were isolated and purified from the venom of the Taiwan cobra (Naja naja atra). The effects of these cardiotoxins were studied on membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase, which was isolated from a sheep's brain cortex. The results showed that cardiotoxins I-III, V, and n activated the enzyme by modification of substrate inhibition, but cardiotoxin IV's reaction was different. The inhibition and activation of acetylcholinesterase were linked to the functions of the hydrophobicity index, presence of a cationic cluster, and the accessible arginine residue. Our results indicate that Cardiotoxins have neither a cationic cluster nor an arginine residue in their surface area of loop I; therefore, in contrast to fasciculin, cardiotoxins are attached by loop II to the peripheral site of the enzyme. As a result, fasciculin seems to stabilize nonfunctional conformation, but cardiotoxins seem to stabilize the functional conformation of the enzyme. Based on our experimental and theoretical findings, similar secondary and tertiary structures of cardiotoxins and fasciculin seem to have an opposite function once they interact with acetylcholinesterase.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.285-292
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• 1993

For the enzymatic conversion of 5'-XMP to 5'-GMP, partially purified XMP aminase from Escherichia coli was coupled with the yeast, Saccharomycrs cerevisiae, capable of ATP regeneration through glycolytic pathway. In order to elevate the level of XMP aminase in E. coli, $guaB^{-}(IMP\;dehydrogenase-less)$ mutant were introduced, and the yeast used as ATP supplier was treated by some method to increase its membrane permeability. The optimum conditions for efficient conversion reaction by energy-coupled system were investigated. As the results, a CH 41, $guaB^-$ mutant of E. coli K-12, showed 2.75 fold increase in the level of XMP aminase, compared with its parent cell. And the lyophylized yeast was the most effective at the ATP supplier. The optimum temperature and pH of conversion reaction were $40{\circ]C$ and pH 7.4, and the highest conversion ratio was shown under the reaction condition of 100 mM glucose, 100 mM inorganic phosphate and 6 mM AMP. When 36 units/ml XMP aminase used under the above conditions, the amount of 60 mg/ml yeast was sufficient to be used. Under the optimum condition, 71% of 1.8 mM(65.6 mg/100 ml) 5'-XMP was converted to 5'-GMP within 8 hr.