• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.18 no.12
• /
• pp.1679-1685
• /
• 2008

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring compound found in dairy and beef products. It has been shown to suppress cancer cells and to induce apoptosis. Practically, there is emerging evidence that CLA can inhibit chemically induced carcinogenesis in various tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms of CLA on human MCF-7 breast cancer cells have not been clearly explained yet. In this report, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of CLA in MCF-7 cells. It was found that CLA could inhibit the growth of the MCF-7 cells and induce apoptosis, through modulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). AMPK acts as a cellular fuel gauge and responds to decreased cellular energy status by inhibiting ATP-consuming pathways and increasing ATP-synthesis. CLA treatment with variable concentrations and different time of same-dose CLA on MCF-7 cells resulted in a strong activation of AMPK and an inhibition of COX-2 expression. It supports that CLA induces apoptosis in CLA-treated MCF 7 cells. Therefore, the effects of CLA induced COX-2 expression via activating AMPK can provide new possibility into the understanding the molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer component.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.313-317
• /
• 2005

Synthetic gene carriers such as poly-cationic polymers easily form complexes with plasmid DNA which contains negative charge. Chitosan is a polysaccharide that demonstrates much potential as a gene delivery system. The ability of depolymerized chitosan to condense DNA was determined using electrophoresis. Dynamic laser scattering and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the size and the morphology of the chitosan/DNA complex. Parameters such as chitosan molecular weight and charge density influenced the complex size and the DNA amount condensed with chitosan. The cell viabilities in the presence of chitosan ranged between 84-108% of the control in all experiments. Gene expression efficacy using chitosan/DNA complex was enhanced in 293 cells relative to that using naked DNA, although it was lower than that using lipofecamine. Transfection efficacy using low molecular weight chitosan (Mw=8,517) was higher than those of the control and the other chitosan (MW=4,078). The low molecular weight chitosan (MW=8,517) with a high charge density (18.32 mV) fulfilled the requirements for a suitable model gene delivery system with respect to the condensing ability of DNA, complex formation, and transfection efficacy.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.183-189
• /
• 2018

Blue light is the highest energy wavelengths in the visible light region and induces skin aging and active oxygen. Studies on harmful mechanism of skin are under way. Research on blue light blocking materials in cosmetics and formulation studies are in the early stage, and the test methods related to blue light blocking measurement are not established. The blue light blocking efficacy was established by referring to the test method of the sunscreen in vitro test(COLIPA guideline, ISO 24443, FDA Final Rule on Sunscreen Testing and Labeling). The blue light blocking effect was evaluated for 17 kinds out of 27 kinds of sunscreen raw materials suggested in KFDA guideline. The Effect was 14.97% for zinc oxide and 16.32% for bishexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, 35.47% for methylene bis-benzotriazolyltetramethylbutylphenol, and 65.96% for titanium dioxide. In addition, the effect of micro-titanium dioxide was twice as high as that of the nano-titanium dioxide. The results suggested that the light blocking effect test method can be used to search for blue light blocking materials and study cosmetic formulations.

• Clean Technology
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.123-130
• /
• 2022

Nanoparticles are used in various fields such as chemistry, medicine, the environment, and information and communication. With the increasing use of engineered nanomaterials, exposure to nanoparticles is expected to increase in the workplace and the environmental media. However, while nanotechnology industries are expanding, research on the exposure assessment of nanomaterials to humans and the environment is only at a beginning stage. Especially, if nanoparticles with a size of 100 nm or less that are contained in nano-products are released unintentionally, they may pose potential risks to the human body through breathing or skin exposure. Therefore, in this work, the possibility of potential exposure of nanoparticles moving from the laboratory to the office was confirmed, and nanoparticle safety guidelines are proposed. A nano-collector was used to detect nanoparticles in the atmosphere, and through use of a scanning mobility particle sizer it was found that nanoparticle concentrations in the laboratory and the office tended to be similar. On the assumption that nanoparticles attached to a lab-coat move out of the laboratory, a lab-coat to which nanocarbon black was attached was shaken and the concentration of the remaining particles on the lab-coat determined. The results confirmed that sufficient amounts of nanoparticles attached to the lab-coat could move from the laboratory to the office along the path of a researcher; thus, safety guidelines for the handling of lab-coat nanoparticles are required.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2024

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of chronic hyperglycaemia affecting normal kidney functioning. The ayurvedic medicine curcumin (CUR) is pharmaceutically accepted for its vast biological effects. Objectives: The Curcuma-derived diferuloylmethane compound CUR, loaded on Poly (lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles was utilized to combat DN-induced renal apoptosis by selectively targeting and modulating Bcl2. Methods: Upon in silico molecular docking and screening study CUR was selected as the core phytocompound for nanoparticle formulation. PLGA-nano-encapsulated-curcumin (NCUR) were synthesized following standard solvent displacement method. The NCUR were characterized for shape, size and other physico-chemical properties by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies. For in vivo validation of nephro-protective effects, Mus musculus were pre-treated with CUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. and NCUR at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. (dose 1), 12.5 mg/kg b.w (dose 2) followed by alloxan administration (100 mg/kg b.w) and serum glucose levels, histopathology and immunofluorescence study were conducted. Results: The in silico study revealed a strong affinity of CUR towards Bcl2 (dock score -10.94 Kcal/mol). The synthesized NCUR were of even shape, devoid of cracks and holes with mean size of ~80 nm having -7.53 mV zeta potential. Dose 1 efficiently improved serum glucose levels, tissue-specific expression of Bcl2 and reduced glomerular space and glomerular sclerosis in comparison to hyperglycaemic group. Conclusion: This study essentially validates the potential of NCUR to inhibit DN by reducing blood glucose level and mitigating glomerular apoptosis by selectively promoting Bcl2 protein expression in kidney tissue.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.80-87
• /
• 2009

Phase transformation, superelastic characteristics and variation of surface residual stress were studied for Nitinol shape memory alloy through application of UNSM technology, and life extension methods of stent were also studied by using elastic resilience and corrosion resistance. Nitinol wire of ${\phi}1.778$ mm showed similar surface roughness before and after UNSM treatment, but drawing traces and micro defects were all removed by UNSM treatment. It also changed the surface residual stress from tensile to compressive values, and XRD result showed less intensive austenite peak and clear martensite and additional R-phase peaks after UNSM treatment. Fatigue resistance could be greatly improved through removal of surface defects and rearrangement of surface residual stress from tensile to compressive state, and development of surface modification system to improve not only bio-compatability but also resistance to corrosion and wear will make it possible to develop vascular stent which can be used for circulating system diseases which run first cause of death of recent Koreans.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.626-632
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study was to enhance gas exchange by producing hemosome, a hemoglobin microencapsulated with phospholipid of egg, and perfluorocarbone(PFC) emulsion solution. In the experiment, stable emulsion solution with 437 nm of mean particle size could be produced by Flusol-DA sonication, and shortening of emulsion time could be attained with higher stability as well. $0.8{\mu}m$ sized hemosome could be produced by microencapsulation of hemoglobin with phospholipid extracted from egg yolk. The pattern of oxygen saturation curve of hemosome was S shape, which is similar to that found in normal blood, and $P_{50}$ was measured to be 24 mmHg. The oxygen saturation in the mixed solution of hemosome and blood in 1:4(V/V%) ratio was similar to that of normal blood, and the same result was found in the mixed solution of PFC emulsion and blood in 1:4(V/V%) ratio.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.142-147
• /
• 2008

Purpose : By using the micro-imaging unit modified from NMR spectrometer, the high resolution MRI protocols of finer than 100 micron in 5 minutes, is sought for mouse, which plays a central role in animal studies Materials and Methods : C57BL/6 mouse, lighter than 50 gram, is used for the experiments. The superconducting magnet is vertical type with 89 mm inner diameter at 4.9 Tesla. The diameter of rf-coil is 30 mm. Mostly used techniques are the fast spin echo and the gradient echo pulse sequence. Results : For 2D images, proton density and T2 weighted images are obtained and their optimum experimental variables were sought. Minute structure of mouse brain can be recognized and 3D brain image is also obtained additionally. 3D image will be useful particularly for the dynamic contrast study using various contrast agents. Conclusion : Like the case of human and other small animals, the high resolution of mouse brain is enough to recognize the minute structure of it. Recently, similar studies are reported domestically, but it seems only a beginning stage. Due to easiness of breeding/control, mouse MRI study will soon play a vital part in brain study.

• Advances in nano research
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.575-585
• /
• 2022

Due to its biofilm formation and colonization of the osteocyte-lacuno canalicular network (OLCN), Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) implant-associated bone infection (SIABI) is difficult to cure thoroughly, and may occur recurrently subsequently after a long period dormant. It is essential to explore an alternative therapeutic strategy that can eradicate the pathogens in the infected foci. To address this, the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement and Fe3O4 nanoparticles compound cylinder were developed as implants based on their size and mechanical properties for the alternative magnetic field (AMF) induced thermal ablation, The PMMA mixed with optimized 2% Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles showed an excellent antibacterial efficacy in vitro. It was evaluated by the CFU, CT scan and histopathological staining on a rabbit 1-stage transtibial screw model. The results showed that on week 7, the CFU of infected soft tissue and implants, and the white blood cells (WBCs) of the PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group decreased significantly from their controls (p<0.05). PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group did not observe bone resorption, periosteal reaction, and infectious reactive bone formation by CT images. Further histopathological H&E and Gram Staining confirmed there was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration, neither pathogens residue nor noticeably burn damage around the infected screw channel in the PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group. Further investigation of nanoparticle distributions in bone marrow medullary and vital organs of heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. There were no significantly extra Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were observed in the medullary cavity and all vital organs either. In the current study, PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF shows promising therapeutic potential for SIABI by providing excellent mechanical support, and promising efficacy of eradicating the residual pathogenic bacteria in bone infected lesions.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.156-168
• /
• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to determine the status of thermal stimulation devices approved in Korea for medical applications over the past 10 years, and based on this, to obtain insight for future thermal treatment in Korean medical institutions. Methods : We searched the item classification list entitled "Regulations on Medical Device Items and Rating by Item" from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Notice No. 2021-24, 2021 (Enforced March 19, 2021; www.mfds.go.kr) for individually licensed heaters using the terms "heat" and "heating". Results : We identified 17 items of thermal stimulation product group, of which 1,308 devices were licensed by February 4, 2022, and 53.2% of them (n=696) were devices with valid permits for distribution in Korea. Among the licensed devices, heating pad systems under/overlay (electric, home use) were approved the most, but combinational stimulator (for medical use, home use; Grade 2) accounted for the highest percentage among the current valid permission. Moxibustion apparatuses were licensed separately for electrical use and non-electrical use, and occupied a low percentage of the total devices. We analyzed 307 devices that were accompanied by technical documents and found that the heat sources were wires in 145 (47.2%), infrared rays in 44 (14.3%) and ultrasonic waves in 42 (13.7%) devices. Most (83.1%) devices were used for pain relief, while other applications included beauty, cancer treatment, maintenance of infant body temperature, and healing fractures. Conclusions : Thermal stimulation devices accounted for about 0.9% of all medical devices, and among them, combinational stimulators and heating pad systems under/overlay had the most valid permits. Thermal stimulation devices using heating wires and infrared rays were the most prevalent, and most were used to relieve pain. In order to develop a range of thermal stimulation devices that can be utilized in Korean medical institutions, it is imperative that they have potential applications beyond pain management, addressing various medical purposes. To achieve this, foundational research is necessary to effectively apply diverse heat sources based on medical objectives.