• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.28 no.2 s.50
• /
• pp.511-525
• /
• 1995

To elucidate some DNA adducts as a biological marker for workers of chromate pigment, the effects of chromium exposure on the formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8-OH-dG) and sister chromatid exchanges(SCEs) frequency in 38 workers of a pigment plant in Bucheon which utilized lead chromates, were examined. The chromium contents of venous blood and urine were measured as working environmental exposure level. The concentrations of 8-OH-dG in DNA isolated from lymphocytes were determined with high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detector and denoted as a molar ratio of 8-OH-dG to deoxyguanosine(dG). The SCEs frequency were analyzed in DNA isolated from lymphocytes. A significant correlation was found between creatinine adjusted urine chromium concentration and the molar ratio of 8-OH-dG to dG(r=0.47, p<0.01). After adjusting the current smoking habit, the correlation coefficient was increased(r=0.62, p<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between the SCE frequency and chromium exposure. This significant results between molar ratio of 8-OH-dG to dG and chromium exposure are in good agreement with in vitro studies that support the importance of DNA adduct formation for the carcinogenic effect of chromium.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.317-323
• /
• 2014

Violacein has received much attention due to its various important biological activities, including broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity, anti-malarial, anti-tumoral, anti-oxidant, and anti-diarrheal activities. EP15224 strain isolated from forest soils in Korea was found to be a new species belonged to the genus Massilia based on its 16S ribosomal DNA sequences. The 16S ribosomal DNA of strain EP15224 displayed 97% homology with Massilia sp. BS-1, the nearest violacein-producing bacterium. Strain EP15224 produced bluish-purple pigment well in a synthetic MM2 medium containing glucose, $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, $Na_2HPO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$, $KH_2PO_4$, $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$, and 1 mM $\small{L}$-tryptophan. The chemical analysis of the pigment by LC/MS/MS showed that it is violacein with molecular weight of 343.34. This is the second report on the production of violacein by a Massilia species. In this study, the optimal culture conditions for violacein production were established under which 280 mg/l crude violacein was produced : glucose 2 g/l, $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ 1 g/l, $Na_2HPO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$ 2 g/l, $KH_2PO_4$ 1 g/l, $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$ 0.1 g/l, L-tryptophan 0.24 g/l, 25 ml medium in a 250 ml flask, with an inoculumn size of 10% (v/v), 72 h of cultivation with 250 rpm at $25^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.50
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2023

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) is an economically important root crop and a valuable source of nutrients, processed foods, animal feeds, and pigment materials. However, during post-harvest storage, storage roots of sweet potatoes are susceptible to decay caused by various microorganisms and diseases. Post-harvest curing is the most effective means of healing wounds and preventing spoilage by microorganisms during storage. In this study, we aimed to identify proteins involved in the molecular mechanisms related to curing and study proteomic changes during the post-curing storage period. For this purpose, changes in protein spots were analyzed through 2D-electrophoresis after treatment at 33℃ (curing) and 15℃ (control) for three days, followed by a storage period of eight weeks. As a result, we observed 31 differentially expressed protein spots between curing and control groups, among which 15 were identified. Among the identified proteins, the expression level of 'alpha-amylase (spot 1)' increased only after the curing treatment, whereas the expression levels of 'probable aldo-keto reductase 2-like (spot 3)' and 'hypothetical protein CHGG_01724 (spot 4)' increased in both the curing and control groups. However, the expression level of 'sporamin A (spot 10)' decreased in both the curing and control treatments. In the control treatment, the expression level of 'enolase (spot 14)' increased, but the expression levels of 'chain A of actinidin-E-64 complex+ (spot 19)', 'ascorbate peroxidase (spot 22)', and several 'sporamin proteins (spot 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, and 31)' decreased. These results are expected to help identify proteins related to the curing process in sweet potato storage roots, understand the mechanisms related to disease resistance during post-harvest storage, and derive candidate genes to develop new varieties with improved low-temperature storage capabilities in the future.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.6-12
• /
• 2012

Early growth, pigmentation, protein content, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity of red curly lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) grown under different lighting conditions were investigated. Fluorescent lamps (control), blue, red, and blue plus red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used as light sources for 10 days. An equal proportion (1:1) of blue and red LEDs was used in the mixed radiation condition. Compared with the control, monochromic red or blue lighting increased fresh and dry weights of 'Ttuksum' and 'Jaju' lettuces. Anthocyanin synthesis was also significantly promoted by the mixed radiation of blue and red LEDs. The mixed radiation also increased the protein content and PAL enzyme activity of 'Ttuksum' leaves by about 200% compared to other treatments. Anthocyanin content was the highest in lettuces subjected to the mixture radiation of blue and red light treatment, while anthocyanin synthesis was inhibited by monochromic red light. The results of the present study indicate that growth and pigment synthesis in lettuces are significantly enhanced by exposure to mixed radiation from blue and red LEDs.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.125-134
• /
• 2012

Germanium dioxide ($GeO_2$) has been used for many years in the cultivation of red and green algae as a means of controlling the growth of diatoms. Brown algae are sensitive to $GeO_2$, however, the basis of this sensitivity has not been characterized. Here we use embryos of $Fucus$ $vesiculosus$ to investigate morphological and physiological impacts of $GeO_2$ toxicity. Morphometric features of embryos were measured microscopically, and physiological features were determined using pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry. At 5 mg $L^{-1}$ $GeO_2$, embryos grew slower than controls and developed growth abnormalities. After 24 h, initial zygote divisions were often oblique rather than transverse. Rhizoids had inflated tips in $GeO_2$ and were less branched, and apical hairs were deformed, with irregularly aligned, spheroidal cells. Minimum fluorescence ($F_0$) showed minor differences over the 10 days experiment, and pigment levels (chlorophylls $a$, $c$ and total carotenoids) showed no difference after 10 days. Optimum quantum yield increased from ca. 0.52 at 24 h to 0.67 at 5 days, and $GeO_2$-treated embryos had higher mean values (significant at 3 and 5 days). Optimum quantum yield of photosystem II (${\Phi}_{PSII}$) was stable in control thalli after 5 days, but declined significantly in $GeO_2$. Addition of silica (as $SiO_2$) did not reverse the effects of $GeO_2$. These results suggest that $GeO_2$ toxicity in brown algae is associated with negative impacts at the cytological level rather than metabolic impacts associated with photosynthesis.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.37-45
• /
• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the utilization of cut pear branches for dyeing materials, and the dyeability of pear flowers for pressed flowers using red, orange, and green edible pigments. There was a significant difference of E values among 0.1, 0.5 and $1.0{\%}$ diluted solutions of edible pigments for the cut pear branches coming into flowers. In the higher concentrations of dyeing solutions and the longer dyeing periods, a values with the red pigments increased from 2.37 to 31.22, b values with the orange pigments increased from 7.04 to 45.85, and a - values with the green pigments increased from -3.88 to -36. Bloomed pear branches were immersed in diluted solutions with red, orange and green pigments for forty five minutes. Pear branches immersed in $0.1{\%}$ and $0.5{\%}$ diluted solutions bloomed normally, and each of the flowers were dyed in the colors of the dyeing solutions, respectively. The dyeability of the bloomed pear branches immersed in water and dyeing solutions for one hundred and twenty minutes decreased compared with those treated with red, orange and green pigments and dyed immediately. The dyeability of flowers for the cut pear branches dyed immediately after cutting was significantly increased compared with that immersed in water and dyeing solutions.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.168-177
• /
• 2017

To evaluate effects of ligninolytic enzyme type on the mycelial response and ligninolytic enzyme production during interspecific interactions among wood-rotting fungi, 4 fungal strains, Trichophyton rubrum LKY-7, Trichophyton rubrum LSK-27, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, and Trichoderma viride, were selected. Regarding ligninolytic enzyme production, LKY-7 secreted laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP), P. cinnabarinus secreted only laccase, and LSK-27 secreted only MnP in glucose-peptone medium, while T. viride did not produce any ligninolytic enzymes. In the co-culture of LKY-7 with P. cinnabarinus, the formation of aerial mycelium was observed and the enhancement of laccase activity owing to interspecific interaction appeared to be very low. In the co-culture of LKY-7 and P. cinnabarinus with LSK-27, a hypha-free clear zone was observed, which resulted in deadlock, and increased laccase or MnP activity was detected at the interaction zone. The interaction responses of LKY-7, P. cinnabarinus, and LSK-27 with T. viride were characterized by the formation of mycelial barrages along the interface. As mycelial barrages were observed at the T. viride territory and no brownish pigment was observed in the mycelial barrages, it is suggested that laccase and MnP are released as part of an offensive response, not as a defensive response. The co-culture of P. cinnabarinus with T. viride lead to the highest enhancement in laccase activity, yielding more than 14-fold increase in laccase activity with respect to the mono-culture of P. cinnabarinus. MnP activities secreted by LKY-7 or LSK-27 was generally low in interspecific interactions.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.37 no.7
• /
• pp.874-881
• /
• 2013

Dansam (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) is a perennial plant that belongs to the Labiatae family and is characterized by red pigment found in the epidermis of its roots. Research on the dyeability of Dansam extract was performed with repeated trials under various conditions such as temperature, time, and mordant treatment. Silk fabrics were dyed with Dansam extract and mordanted with various agents such as Al, Fe, Cu, and Sn to evaluate the dyeability and functionality of Dansam extract; subsequently, the K/S value and the change of surface color were analyzed using a colorimeter. In addition, the dyeability of dyed fabrics (such as color fastness to washing, dry cleaning fastness, rubbing fastness and light fastness) and functionality (such as antibacterial activity and deodorization) were analyzed. The surface colors of all dyed fabrics were recorded and the results showed the presence of mostly YR series of colors; in addition, a GY color series appeared in the Fe pre-mordants of the silk fabric. The highest K/S values were recorded in Fe post-mordants. The washing fastness were Level 3 and Level 4; in addition, the dry-cleaning fastness showed excellent results at Level 4 and Level 5. The rubbing fastness was satisfactory at Level 3 and Level 4 and the light fastness was satisfactory at Level 4. The results of the measurements (that pertained to the antibacterial activity of fabrics dyed with Dansam extract) showed a 99.9% bacteria reduction rate of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In regards to deodorization ability, dyed fabrics were found to have higher deodorization rates than those not dyed. The dyed fabric demonstrated exceptional deodorization qualities.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.253-257
• /
• 2002

The time-dependent changes of red pigments production in solid-state plant scale fermentor using barley cultured with Monascus sp., instead of rice which was traditionally used, were investigated in this study. A steady increase in the yield of red pigments in barley occurred between the 3rd and 6th days. The optimized conditions (inoculation volume = 6∼8%, initial pH = 6, air supply = 0.6∼0.8 m) promoted the production of red pigments. Short-time steaming of barley (< 20 min) decreased fungal growth and pigments production due to the insufficient gelatiniza-tion. The optical density of the red pigments under the optimized conditions was 120 at 500 ]nm per gram of barley. In addition, the metabolites from the fermented barley with Monucus sp. showed antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Barley was shown to be one of the best grain sources for solid-state fermentation with Monascu sp., fur obtaining natural pigments and also functional food materials.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.203-217
• /
• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu kola, is a tropical medicinal plant native to Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and South Africa. It is well known to have biological activities, including wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of extracts of C. asiatica against age-related eye degeneration and to examine their physiological activities. MATERIALS/METHODS: To determine the effects of CA-HE50 (C. asiatica 50% EtOH extract) on retinal pigment cells, we assessed the cytotoxicity of CoCl₂ and oxidized-A2E in ARPE-19 cells and observed the protective effects of CA-HE50 against N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced retinal damage in C57BL/6 mice. In particular, we measured factors related to apoptosis and anti-oxidation and the protein levels of rhodopsin/opsin. We also measured glucose uptake to characterize glucose metabolism, a major factor in cell protection. RESULTS: Induction of cytotoxicity with CoCl₂ and oxidized-A2E inhibited decreases in the viability of ARPE-19 cells when CA-HE50 was administered, and promoted glucose uptake under normal conditions (P < 0.05). In addition, CA-HE50 inhibited degeneration/apoptosis of the retina in the context of MNU-induced toxicity (P < 0.05). In particular, CA-HE50 at 200 mg/kg inhibited the cleavage of pro-caspase-3 and pro-poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase and maintained the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 similar to normal control levels. Rhodopsin/opsin expression was maintained at a higher level than in normal controls. CONCLUSION: A series of experiments confirmed that CA-HE50 was effective for inhibiting or preventing age-related eye damage/degeneration. Based on these results, we believe it is worthwhile to develop drugs or functional foods related to age-related eye degeneration using CA-HE50.