• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.859-867
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• 2023

Lupeol is a type of pentacyclic triterpene that has been reported to have therapeutic effects for treating many diseases; however, its effect on insulin resistance is unclear clear. This study examined the inhibitory effect of lupeol on the serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 in insulin resistance-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured and treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for 24 hours to induce insulin resistance. Cells treated with different concentrations of lupeol (15 μM or 30 μM) or 100 nM of rosiglitazone were incubated. Then, lysed cells underwent western blotting. Lupeol exhibited a positive effect on the negative regulator of insulin signaling and inflammation-activated protein kinase caused by TNF-α in adipocytes. Lupeol inhibited the activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B)-a negative regulator of insulin signaling-and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); it was also an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK) and inflammation-activated protein kinases. In addition, Lupeol downregulated serine phosphorylation and upregulated tyrosine phosphorylation in insulin receptor substrate-1. Then, the downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway was activated, the translocation of glucose transporter type 4 was stimulated to the cell membrane, and intracellular glucose uptake increased in the insulin resistance-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Lupeol may improve TNF-α-induced insulin resistance by downregulating the serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 by inhibiting negative regulators of insulin signaling and inflammation-activated protein kinases in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2024

The durability of the catalyst support has a significant effect on the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The accelerated durability evaluation of the catalyst support is performed at a high voltage (1.0 to 1.5 V), and the catalyst and ionomer binder in the catalyst layer are also deteriorated, hindering the evaluation of the durability of the support. The existing protocol (DOE protocol) was improved to find conditions in which the support, which is a durability evaluation target, deteriorates further. A protocol (MDOE) was developed in which the relative humidity was lowered by 35% and the number of voltage changes was reduced. After repeating the 1.0 ↔ 1.5 V voltage change cycle, the catalyst mass activitiy (MA), electrochemical active area (ECSA), electrical double layer capacity (DLC), Pt dissolution and particle growth were analyzed. Reaching 40% reduction in mass activity, the MDOE protocol took only 500 cycles, reducing the number of voltage changes compared to the DOE method and increasing the degradation of the carbon support by 50% compared to the DOE protocol.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.329-340
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• 2024

Mangiferin is a kind of natural xanthone glycosides and is known to have various pharmacological activities. However, since the beneficial efficacy of this compound has not been reported in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, this study aimed to evaluate whether mangiferin could protect human RPE ARPE-19 cells from oxidative injury mimicked by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results showed that mangiferin attenuated H₂O₂-induced cell viability reduction and DNA damage, while inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserving diminished glutathione (GSH). Mangiferin also antagonized H₂O₂-induced inhibition of the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase, which was associated with inhibition of mitochondrial ROS production. In addition, mangiferin protected ARPE-19 cells from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, decreasing caspase-3 activation, and blocking poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Moreover, mangiferin suppressed the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which was achieved by interfering with mitochondrial membrane disruption. Furthermore, mangiferin increased the expression and activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, the inhibition of ROS production, cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of mangiferin were significantly attenuated by the HO-1 inhibitor, indicating that mangiferin promoted Nrf2-mediated HO-1 activity to prevent ARPE-19 cells from oxidative injury. The results of this study suggest that mangiferin, as an Nrf2 activator, has potent ROS scavenging activity and may have the potential to protect oxidative stress-mediated ocular diseases.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.269-277
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• 2003

Effects of soy protein concentrate (SPC) containing isoflavone and casein diets on plasma phospholipid (PLs)-fatty acid patterns were investigated in 7-& 40- wk old female rats. Diets containing 16% SPC (soy/young:SY, soy/old: SO) and casein (casein/young : CY, casein/ old: CO) supplemented with 0.5% cholesterol were fed for 4 wks. Fatty acid compositions of plasma PLs were determined by TLC and GLC. Compared to the dietary protein effects, age effects on serum lipids were more profound. The levels of total cholesterol (Chol.), triglyceride, HDL-Chol., (LDL+VLDL)-Chol. and atherogenic index (AI) were higher in older groups (OC & OS) than younger groups (YC &. YS). Soy groups had higher Ell)L-Chol. level and lower (LDL+ VLDL)-Chol. and AI, compared with casein groups. The compositions of C22:0, Cl8:1 $\omega$9 and sum of MUFA in plasma PLs were significantly higher in casein group (CY & CO) than soy group (SY & SO), but those of sum of SFA were higher in soy group. The compositions of C22:0, Cl8:1 $\omega$9, C22:1, Cl8:3$\omega$3 and C22:4$\omega$6 were higher and those of C22:6$\omega$3, sum of $\omega$3, Cl8: 2$\omega$6 C20:4$\omega$6, sum of $\omega$6 and sum of PUFA were lower in plasma PLs of younger rats. The average P/S and $\omega$3/$\omega$6 ratio in older group was higher. The $\Delta$-7 desaturation index (16:0⇒16:1$\omega$7) and $\Delta$-9 desaturation index (18:0⇒18:1$\omega$9) were lower in soy group than casein group, while $\Delta$-6 and $\Delta$-5 desaturation index were not affected by dietary protein. The $\Delta$-4 desaturation index (22:4$\omega$6⇒22:5$\omega$6) were higher and elongation index (20:4$\omega$6⇒22:4$\omega$6) were lower in older group. The ratio of the products of $\omega$3 fatty acid series (Cl8:3) was significantly higher in older group, which indicated that age affected the plasma PUFA metabolism. On the other hand, older rats had higher serum cholesterol level compared with younger rats. Taken together, these changes in fatty acid composition might cause minimal changes in tile membrane fluidity induced by the increase serum cholesterol level.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.931-939
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• 1996

An experimental comparative study was done to determine the protective effects of three preservation solutions on isolated rabbit heart-lung bloc during acute ischemia and reperfusion of the lung during lung transplantation. Thirty Isolated rabbit heart-lung blocs were divided into 3 groups , group I(n:9) was preserved with Hartmann's solution, group II(n: 10) with modified University of Wisconsin solution, and group III(n: 1 1) with Kosin solution. The isolated heart-lung blocs were washed with Hartmann's so ution. Aftar infusion of each preservation solution into pulmonary artery, the heart-lung bloc was stored at 4'c cold preservation solution for each group for 4 hours and .then the heart-lung blocs were reventilated and reperfused. The changes of weight of heart-lung blocs, airway pressure, percent change of PCO2, level of lactate and adenosine deaminase(ADA) and microscopic structure of the lung parenchyme were evaluated. Results were as follows 1. A change of weight of the heart lung bloc after reperfusion was lowest in group 111(p< .05) 2. The airway pressure increased after reperfusion in group I but decreased in group II, and II. Especially in group II, post-reperfusion airway pressure returned to level lower than that of en-bloc resection. 3. Pulmonary artery pressure during reperfusion after 4 hour preservation was lowest in group III, and pulmonary artery pressure in group II was higher than in group I(P> 0.1). 4. The level of lactate and ADA in the lung tissue were higher in group III than in group I and II(P< .05) 5. The percent change of PCO2 in perfusate was slightly higher in group III than group I and II. 6. Microscopic changes in lung tissue after reperfusion were diffuse pulmonary edema, expansion of inter- stitial tissue, focal aggregation of erythrocytes, and basement membrane abnormalities, but no differences were found among the three groups. In conclusion, the protective effects of modified University of Wisconsin solution and Kosin solution were slightly superior to Hartmann's solution.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.59-68
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• 2006

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of activated charcoal (AC) mixed with wood vinegar on performance and egg quality in laying hens. A total of one hundred ninety two, 56-wk-old Lohmann brown laying hens were divided into four groups, consisting four replicates of 12 birds each and fed one of the four experimental diets containing AC 0%, AC 0.5%, AC 1%, AC 2% for 5 wks. The blood profiles and contents of total lipid and cholesterol, fatty acid profiles in egg yolk were determined. There were no significant differences in laying performance, feed intake and vitelline membrane strength among the treatments. The eggshell breaking strength and Haugh unit were significantly increased in 2% AC group compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Egg yolk index in 2% AC group was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of the control and 0.5% AC group and yolk color was significantly improved by the dietary AC (P<0.05). The levels of serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and enzyme activities were not influenced by feeding AC. Total lipid of egg yolk in 1 % and 2% AC groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared to that of the control, although there was no significant difference in yolk cholesterol. In conclusion, the addition of activated charcoal with wood vinegar in layer diet resulted in improving egg quality by means of enhancing eggshell breaking strength, Haugh unit, yolk index and yolk color.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.225-236
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• 2012

In this study, the cellular protective effects on HaCaT cells and human erythrocytes and antioxidative effects of P. tricuspidata stem extracts were investigated. The ethyl acetate ($50{\mu}g/mL$) and aglycone fraction ($25{\mu}g/mL$) of P. tricuspidata stem extracts doesn't show any characteristics of cytotoxicity. When HaCaT cells were treated with 10 mM $H_2O_2$ and $30{\mu}M$ rose bengal, the ethyl acetate ($6.25{\sim}50{\mu}g/mL$) and aglycone ($6.25{\sim}25{\mu}g/mL$) fraction protected the cells against the oxidative damage in a concentration dependent manner. The P. tricuspidata stem extracts showed more prominent cellular protective effect than (+)-${\alpha}$-tocopherol, known as lipid antioxidant at $10{\mu}g/mL$. The ethylacetate fraction of P. tricuspidata stem extracts ($18.5{\mu}g/mL$) showed more free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging activity ($FSC5_{50}$). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity ($OSC_{50}$) of P. tricuspidata stem extracts on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/$H_2O_2$ system was investigated using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. The ethyl acetate ($1.72{\mu}g/mL$) and the aglycone fraction ($1.53{\mu}g/mL$) showed similar ROS scavenging activity of L-ascorbic acid ($1.50{\mu}g/mL$). These results indicate that extract/fractions of P. tricuspidata stem extracts can function as natural cytoprotective agents and antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by protecting cellular membrane against ROS.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.602-611
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• 2008

We compared antiobese, hypocholesterolemic, antiplatelet and antioxidant effect of 10% green tea powder and 3% green tea extract in rats pair fed 5% cholesterol diets. The final body weight was decreased significantly compared with the control (p < 0.05). Plasma and liver total cholesterol were lower in group of green tea powder or extract, but not statistically different. HDL cholesterol was increased significantly in group of green tea powder compared with the control or green tea extract (p < 0.05). Plasma triglyceride was significantly decreased in group of green tea extract compared with green tea powder, and green tea powder compared with the control respectively (p < 0.05). Liver triglyceride was significantly decreased in group of green tea powder or green tea extract compared with the control (p < 0.01). Platelet aggregations in the maximum and initial slope were not different among groups. Hemolysis was significantly lower in group of green tea powder compared with the control (p < 0.05). Plasma TBARS production was decreased in group of green tea extract compared with the control (p < 0.05). Na passive leak in intact cells was not different, but Na leak in AAPH treated cell was significantly decreased in group of green tea powder than the control (p < 0.05). The leak increase (${\Delta}Na$ Leak) after AAPH treatment was significantly decreased in groups of green tea powder and extract compared with the control (p < 0.05). Isotope excretion after $^{14}C$-cholesterol ingestion was significantly increased in group of green tea extract compared with the control or the green tea powder (p < 0.05). Consumption of green tea in powder or extract may give beneficial effects in weight control and plasma lipid profiles, impeding metabolic syndrome. More studies are needed to clarify what component of green tea and what mechanism are involved in antiobese and hypolipedemic actions of green tea.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.505-514
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• 2014

To examine the anti-obese activity of miscellaneous cereal grains, 80% ethanol extracts from eight selected miscellaneous cereal grains were compared for their cytotoxic effects on 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes. The ethanol extract of proso millet exhibited the highest cytotoxicity. Further fractionation of the ethanol extract with methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol showed that the cytotoxicity of the ethanol extract was mainly partitioned into the butanol fraction. As compared with differentiated mature adipocytes, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were more susceptible to the cyctotoxicity of the butanol fraction. When each organic solvent fraction (25 ${\mu}g/ml$) was added during the differentiation period for 6 days, the cell viability was not affected significantly except for the butanol fraction, but the intracellular lipid accumulation declined to a level of 81.5%~50.3% of the control. The Oil Red O staining data also demonstrated that the ethanol extract as well as the butanol fraction could inhibit the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. The presence of the butanol extract during the induced adipocytic differentiation also resulted in a significant reduction in the expression levels of critical adipogenesis mediators $(C/EBP{\alpha}$, $PPAR{\gamma}$, aP2, and LPL) to a barely detectable or undetectable level and the cells retained the fibroblast-like morphology of 3T3-L1. In 3T3-L1 cells, the cytotoxicity of the butanol fraction (50-100 ${\mu}g/ml$) was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\psi}m$) loss, caspase-3 activation, and PARP degradation. Taken together, these results indicate that proso millet grains possess pro-apoptotic and anti-adipocytic activities toward adipocytes, which can be applicable to prevention of obesity.