• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.118-128
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Glutathione s-transferase (GST) is involved in the formation of a multigene family comprising phase II detoxification enzymes, involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. This study evaluated whether daily supplementation with kale juice could modulate levels of plasma antioxidant vitamins and oxidative stress-related parameters. We further examined whether this modulation was affected by combined GSTM1 and T1 polymorphisms. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Totally, 84 subclinical hypertensive patients having systolic blood pressure (BP) over 130 mmHg or diastolic BP over 85 mmHg, received 300 mL of kale juice daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples were drawn before start of study and after completion of 6 weeks. RESULTS: After supplementation, we observed significant decrease in DNA damage and increase in erythrocyte catalase activity in all genotypes. Plasma level of vitamin C was significantly increased in the wild/null and double null genotypes. The plasma levels of ${\beta}-carotene$, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, and nitric oxide were increased only in the wild/null genotype after kale juice supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of kale juice was significantly greater in the GSTM1 null genotype and wild/null genotype groups, suggesting possibility of personalized nutritional prescriptions based on personal genetics.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.1229-1238
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• 2024

This study aimed to develop and assess a chitosan biomedical antibacterial gel ZincOxide-GrapheneOxide/Chitosan/β-Glycerophosphate (ZnO-GO/CS/β-GP) loaded with nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO), known for its potent antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and sustained drug release. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were modified and integrated with GO sheets to create 1% and 3% ZnO-GO/CS/β-GP thermo-sensitive hydrogels based on ZnO-GO to Chitosan (CS) mass ratio. Gelation time, pH, structural changes, and microscopic morphology were evaluated. The hydrogel's antibacterial efficacy against Porphyromonas gingivalis, biofilm biomass, and metabolic activity was examined alongside its impact (MC3T3-e1). The findings of this study revealed that both hydrogel formulations exhibited temperature sensitivity, maintaining a neutral pH. The ZnO-GO/CS/β-GP formulation effectively inhibited P. gingivalis bacterial activity and biofilm formation, with a 3% ZnO-GO/CS/β-GP antibacterial rate approaching 100%. MC3T3-e1 cells displayed good biocompatibility when cultured in the hydrogel extract.The ZnO-GO/CS/β-GP thermo-sensitive hydrogel demonstrates favorable physical and chemical properties, effectively preventing P. gingivalis biofilm formation. It exhibits promising biocompatibility, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for managing and preventing peri-implantitis, subject to further clinical investigations.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2016

Objectives: This study examined the relative efficacies of a derivative of betulinic acid (dBA) and its poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nano-encapsulated form in A549 lung cancer cells in vivo and in co-mutagen [sodium arsenite (SA) + benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)]-induced lung cancer in mice in vivo. Methods: dBA was loaded with PLGA nanoparticles by using the standard solvent displacement method. The sizes and morphologies of nano-dBA (NdBA) were determined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their intracellular localization was verified by using confocal microscopy. The binding and interaction of NdBA with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) as a target were analyzed by using conventional circular dichroism (CD) and melting temperature (Tm) profile data. Apoptotic signalling cascades in vitro and in vivo were studied by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the ability of NdBA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was also examined. The stage of cell cycle arrest was confirmed by using a fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) data analysis. Results: The average size of the nanoparticles was ~ 110 nm. Confocal microscopy images confirmed the presence of NdBA in the cellular cytoplasm. The bio-physical properties of dBA and NdBA ascertained from the CD and the Tm profiles revealed that NdBA had greater interaction with the target DNA than dBA did. Both dBA and NdBA arrested cell proliferation at G0/G1, NdBA showing the greater effect. NdBA also induced a greater degree of cytotoxicity in A549 cells, but it had an insignificant cytotoxic effect in normal L6 cells. The results of flow cytometric, cytogenetial and histopathological studies in mice revealed that NdBA caused less nuclear condensation and DNA damage than dBA did. TEM images showed the presence of NdBA in brain samples of NdBA fed mice, indicating its ability to cross the BBB. Conclusion: Thus, compared to dBA, NdBA appears to have greater chemoprotective potential against lung cancer.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.581-588
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• 2018

In this article, electrochemical investigation of the transfer reaction of ionizable cefotiam (CTM), an antibiotic molecule across a polarized water/1,2-dichloroethane (water/1,2-DCE) interface was studied. Ion partition diagram providing the preferred charged form of CTM in either water or 1,2-DCE phase was established via the voltammetric evaluation of the transfer process of differently charged CTM species depending upon the pH variation of aqueous solutions. Thermodynamic information including the formal transfer potential and formal Gibbs transfer energy values in addition to important pharmacokinetics including partition coefficients of ionizable CTM were also evaluated. In particular, the current associated with the transfer of CTM present at pH 3.0 aqueous solution proportionally increased with respect to the CTM concentration which was further used for developing CTM sensitive ion sensor. In order to improve the portability and convenient usage, a single microhole interface fabricated in a supportive polyethylene terephthalate film was used of which hole was filled with a polyvinylchloride-2-nitrophenyloctylether (PVC-NPOE) gel replacing 1,2-DCE, a toxic organic solvent. A dynamic range of $1-10{\mu}M$ CTM was obtained.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.919-923
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• 2004

Spirodela polyrhiza(L.) Schleid (Lemnaceae) have been used as a traditional drug in treating urticaria and itching. However, the exact role of Spirodela polyrhiza in allergic reaction has not been clarified yet. Type 1 hypersensitivity (immediate hypersensitivity), popularly known as allergy, is a major clinical problem in humans. It has been found that the histamine release from mast cells is an essential step in the pathological process of immediate hypersensitivity. In the present study, the effect of aqueous extract of Spirodela polyrhiza (AESP) on immediate hypersensitivity was investigated. AESP inhibited the antigen-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). AESP in vitro exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of degranulation in RPMC stimulated by compound 48/80. AESP also suppressed the morphological changes and the increase of intracellular free calcium level induced by compound 48/80. These results suggest that inhibitory effect of AESP on immediate hypersensitivity may be mediated through the decrease of intracellular free calcium levels, and AESP importantly contributes to the treatment of anaphylaxis and may be useful for other allergic disease.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1425-1428
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• 2015

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is found in most cell types and catalyzes the oxidation of monoamines. Three anithiactins (A-C, modified 2-phenylthiazoles) isolated from Streptomyces sp. were tested for inhibitory activity of two isoforms, MAO-A and MAO-B. Anithiactin A was effective and selective for the inhibition of MAO-A, with an IC₅₀ value of 13.0 μM; however, it was not effective for the inhibition of MAO-B. Anithiactins B and C were weaker inhibitors for MAO-A and MAO-B. Anithiactin A was a reversible and competitive inhibitor for MAO-A with a K_i value of 1.84 μM. The hydrophobic methyl substituent in anithiactin A may play an important role in the inhibition of MAO-A. It is suggested that anithiactin A is a selective reversible inhibitor for MAO-A, with moderate potency, and can be considered a new potential lead compound for further development of novel reversible inhibitors for MAO-A.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.154-162
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• 2004

The flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae) have been used as a traditional effective drug in treating bacillary dysentery, purulence. However, the exact role of Lonicera japonica in allergic reaction has not been clarified yet. Immediate hypersensitivity, popularly known as allergy, is a major clinical problem in humans. It has been found that the histamine release from mast cells is an essential step in the pathological process of immediate hypersensitivity. In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of Lonicera japonica (AELJ) on allergic reaction was investigated. AELJ inhibited the compound 48／80-induced anaphylactic reactions and antigen-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). AELJ in vitro exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of degranulation in RPMC stimulated by compound 48／80. AELJ also suppressed the morphological changes and the increase of intracellular free calcium level induced by compound 48／80. These results suggest that inhibitory effect of AELJ on allergic reaction may be mediated through the decrease of intracellular free calcium levels, and AELJ importantly contributes to the treatment of anaphylaxis and may be useful for other allergic disease.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.151-158
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• 2007

The failure of injured axons to regenerate in the mature central nervous system (CNS) has devastating consequences for victims of spinal cord injury (SCI). Traditional strategies to treat spinal cord injured people by using drug therapy and assisting devices that can not help them to recover fully various vital functions of the spinal cord. Many researches have been focused on accomplishing re-growth and reconnection of the severed axons in the injured region. Using cell transplantation to promote neural survival or growth has had modest success in allowing injured neurons to re-grow through the area of the lesion. Strategies for successful regeneration will require tissue engineering approach. In order to persuade sufficient axons to regenerate across the lesion to bring back substantial neurological function, it is necessary to construct an efficient biocompatible bridge (cell-free or implanted with different cell lines as hybrid implant) through the injured area over which axons can grow. Therefore, in this paper, spinal cord and its injury, different strategies to help regeneration of an injured spinal cord are reviewed. In addition, different aspects of designing a biocompatible bridge and its applications and challenges surrounding these issues are also addressed. This knowledge is very important for the development and optimalization of therapies to repair the injured spinal cord.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.580-586
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• 2002

We investigated the effect of ionic component on crystalline morphology development during isothermal annealing in a sodium neutralized sulfonated poly(ethylene terephthalate) ionomer (Ion-PET) by time-resolved small-angle x-ray scattering (TR-SAX S) using synchrotron radiation. At early stage in Ion-PET, SAXS intensity at a low annealing temperature (Ta = 120 $^{\circ}C)$ decreased monotonously with scattering angle for a while. Then SAXS profile showed a peak and the peak position progressively moved to wider angles with isothermal annealing time. Finally, the peak intensity decreased, shifting the peak angle to wider angle. It is revealed that ionic aggregates (multiplets structure) of several nm, calculated by Debye-Bueche plot, are formed at early stage. They seem to accelerate the crystallization rate and make fine crystallites without spherulite formation (supported by optical microscopy observation). From decrease of peak intensity in SAXS,it is suggested that new lamellae are inserted between the preformed lamellae so that the concentration of ionic multiplets in amorphous region decreases to lower the electron density difference between lamellar crystal and amorphous region. In addition, analysis on the annealing at a high temperature (Ta = 210 $^{\circ}C)$ by optical microscopy, light scattering and transmission electron microscopy shows a formation of spherulite, no ionic aggregates, the retarded crystallization rate and a high level of lamellar orientation.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.424-429
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• 2009

In this study, we demonstrate that the biological unnatural amino acid incorporation method can be utilized in vivo to synthesize an alkyne-terminated telechelic protein, Synthesis of terminally-functionalized polymers such as telechelic polymers is recognized to be important, since they can be employed usefully in many areas of biology and material science, such as drug delivery, colloidal dispersion, surface modification, and formation of polymer network. The introduction of alkyne groups into polymeric material is particularly interesting since the alkyne group can be a linker to combine other materials using click chemistry. To synthesize the telechelic recombinant protein, we attempted to incorporate the L-homopropargylglycine into the recombinant GroES fragment by expressing the recombinant gene encoding Met at the codons for both N- and C-terminals of the protein in the Met auxotrophic E. coli via Hpg supplementation. The Hpg incorporation rate was investigated and the incorporation was confirmed by MALDI-TOF analysis of the telcchelic recombinant protein.