• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.797-807
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• 2023

To improve the functionality of mulberry, samples were fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1149 (LP) or Pichia kudriavzevii Atz-EN-01 (PK), and their antioxidant and anti-obesity activities were compared to those of unfermented mulberry. After fermenting for 60 hr, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the PK-fermented mulberry (PKFM) and LP-fermented mulberry (LPFM) was 1.5-fold and 2-fold higher, respectively, while the total anthocyanin content was 1.3-fold and 1.5-fold higher in the PKFM and LPFM, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity was found to be 16.3% higher (86% vs. 100%) after PK fermentation and 8.1% higher (86% vs. 93%) after LP fermentation. The lipase inhibitory activity of the LPFM and PKFM was 62.9% and 52.5%, respectively. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with unfermented mulberry, LPFM, or PKFM at 200, 400, or 800 ㎍/ml and stained with oil-red-O. A slight difference in the staining was observed in samples treated with 400 ㎍/ml. However, treatment with 800 ㎍/ml significantly reduced staining compared to the control, and the LPFM exhibited relatively higher adipogenesis inhibitory activity than the PKFM. Blood triglyceride content increased by 9.5% in the high-fat diet group, but decreased by 17.1% in the control group, 37.1% in the LPFM group, and 41.6% in the PKFM group. The blood triglyceride content of the LPFM group decreased by 43.1% and 21.4% compared to the high-fat diet group and the control group, respectively, and that of the PKFM group decreased by 48.6% and 28.9% compared to the same groups. In conclusion, the results indicate that fermented mulberry has increased antioxidant activity, lipase inhibitory activity, and adipogenesis inhibition activity, and decreased blood triglyceride content compared to unfermented mulberry.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.280-288
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• 2023

In strawberry farming, most parts of strawberry stems but the fruit have been dumped. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of strawberry stems which are thrown away after farming. For this, strawberry stem extracts were obtained, using hot water and 70% ethanol. First, total polyphenol contents of the hot water and ethanol extract were checked (265.4 ± 0.12 mg TAE/100 g, 503.88 ± 0.2 mg TAE/100 g). For analysis of antioxidant activities, electron donating ability (EDA) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were measured. Both extracts increased in a dose-dependent fashion, and similar effects with vitamin C (control group) were confirmed. In terms of cell viability of the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems, 'RAW 264.7' was 99% or higher at 500 ㎍/ml. In addition, cell experiments were conducted at 50, 100 and 500 ㎍/ml where cell viability is above 99%. In terms of inhibition of the inflammatory mediator 'nitric oxide (NO)', the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems were 37.9% and 38.8% respectively, confirming the inhibition of NO production. To check anti-inflammatory activities, protein and mRNA expressions of 'iNOS' and 'COX-2' were measured, using RAW 264.7. Compared to the LPS group, the protein expression of the inflammatory mediators was inhibited in the hot water and ethanol extract-treated groups. The above results confirmed that the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems are valuable as natural substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.272-286
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• 2023

Garlic sprouts can provide data on functional and food processing materials. This study compared the leaves, bulbs, and roots of garlic sprouts grown on smart farms during two growth periods (20 and 25 days). In addition, data for garlic bulbs grown in open fields were presented as reference materials. All garlic sprouts' total free sugar content decreased as the growth period increased. All plant parts' total organic acid content decreased as the growth period progressed, except for the root section. Potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur content increased during growth in all parts of the garlic sprouts. Alliin content decreased in all parts of the plant over time, whereas thiosulfinate content increased in the roots but decreased in the leaves and bulbs. Total polyphenol content increased in all parts of the plant during the growth period, except for the bulb, whereas the flavonoid content did not change significantly over time. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylben-zothiazoline 6-sulfonate) (ABTS) free radical scavenging activities, as well as the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of garlic sprouts were 37.45-65.47%, 59.12-89.81%, and 89.52-98.59%, respectively. These activities tend to decrease during the growth period. Here, we showed that garlic sprouts have higher levels of functional substances and physiological activities than general garlic sprouts. It was also determined that a growth period of 20 days was suitable for garlic sprouts. Data for research on functional and food-processing materials can be obtained by analyzing garlic sprouts produced by smart farms.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.183-196
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• 2024

This study investigated the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (AEEL) against high glucose-induced human colon epithelial HT-29 cells. The 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses indicated that AEEL had significant antioxidant activities. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that AEEL increased cell viability against high glucose-, H₂O₂-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. Also, the 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay indicated that AEEL decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) against high glucose-, H₂O₂-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. AEEL showed inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AEEL showed significant positive effects on the viability and titratable acidity of L. brevis. The high-performance liquid chromatogram (HPLC) analysis identified chlorogenic acid and rutin as the major compounds of AEEL. These results suggested that AEEL has the potential to be used as a functional food source to suppress blood glucose levels and protect the gut from high glucose-induced oxidative stress.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1095-1106
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• 2023

This study investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Aster glehni (AG) extract in RAW 264.7 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were higher in the ethanol extracts than in the hot water extracts. As a result of measuring the moisture contents (%) and extraction yields (%) of AG and drying A. glehni for processing (DAG), 70% ethanol, which has the highest percentage of extraction yield, was selected as the final solvent. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed higher antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of DAG than AG. The cytotoxicity assay of the AG or DAG ethanol extracts was treated at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL), and cell viability rates were higher than 80% at all concentrations. The LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 was significantly reduced at all concentrations of AG and DAG groups. As a result of measuring the gene expression of iNOS, which induces NO production, the AG or DAG group decreased by 33% and 32%, compared with the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group. Under inflammatory stress conditions, the survival rate of C. elegans treated with AG or DAG ethanol extract with LPS showed concentration-dependent improvement in survival rate compared with the PBS group. Considering these results, AG could potentially be developed as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional food material.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.562-574
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• 2021

MRI has the advantages of having excellent soft-tissue contrast and providing functional information without any harmful ionizing radiation. Although previous technical limitations restricted the use of chest MRI, recent technological advances and expansion of insurance coverage are increasing the demand for chest MRI. Recognizing the need for guidelines on appropriate use of chest MRI in Korean clinical settings, the Korean Society of Radiology has composed a development committee, working committee, and advisory committee to develop Korean chest MRI justification guidelines. Five key questions were selected and recommendations have been made with the evidence-based clinical imaging guideline adaptation methodology. Recommendations are as follows. Chest MRI can be considered in the following circumstances: for patients with incidentally found anterior mediastinal masses to exclude non-neoplastic conditions, for pneumoconiosis patients with lung masses to differentiate progressive massive fibrosis from lung cancer, and when invasion of the chest wall, vertebrae, diaphragm, or major vessels by malignant pleural mesothelioma or non-small cell lung cancer is suspected. Chest MRI without contrast enhancement or with minimal dose low-risk contrast media can be considered for pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism. Lastly, chest MRI is recommended for patients with pancoast tumors planned for radical surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.6
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• pp.1342-1353
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• 2022

Purpose We compared the radiation dose and image quality between the 2nd generation and the 3rd generation dual-source single-energy (DSSE) and dual-source dual-energy (DSDE) CT of the abdomen. Materials and Methods We included patients undergoing follow-up abdominal CT after partial or radical nephrectomy in the first 10 months of 2019 (2nd generation DS CT) and the first 10 months of 2020 (3rd generation DS CT). We divided the 320 patients into 4 groups (A, 2nd generation DSSE CT; B, 2nd generation DSDE CT; C, 3rd generation DSSE CT; and D, 3rd generation DSDE CT) (n = 80 each) matched by sex and body mass index. Radiation dose and image quality (objective and subjective qualities) were compared between the groups. Results The mean size-specific dose estimation of 3rd generation DSDE CT group was significantly lower than that of the 2nd generation DSSE CT (42.5%, p = 0.013) and 2nd generation DSDE CT (46.9%, p = 0.015) groups. Interobserver agreement was excellent for the overall image quality (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.8867) and image artifacts (ICC: 0.9423). Conclusion Our results showed a considerable reduction in the radiation dose while maintaining high image quality with 3rd generation DSDE CT as compared to the 2nd generation DSDE CT and 2nd generation DSSE CT.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.5
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• pp.1059-1070
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• 2022

Purpose To compare the sensitivity of tumor detection and inter-observer agreement between acquired diffusion-weighted imaging (aDWI) b2000 and computed DWI (cDWI) b2000 in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Materials and Methods Eighty-eight patients diagnosed with PCa by radical prostatectomy and having undergone pre-operative 3 Tesla-MRI, including DWI (b, 0, 100, 1000, 2000 s/mm²), were included in the study. cDWI b2000 was obtained from aDWI b0, b100, and b1000. Two independent reviewers performed a review of the aDWI b2000 and cDWI b2000 images in random order at 4-week intervals. A region of interest was drawn for the largest tumor on each dataset, and a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score based on PI-RADS v2.1 was recorded. Histologic topographic maps served as the reference standard. Results The study population's Gleason scores were 6 (n = 16), 7 (n = 53), 8 (n = 9), and 9 (n = 10). According to the reviewers, the sensitivities of cDWI b2000 and aDWI b2000 showed no significant differences (for reviewer 1, both 94% [83/88]; for reviewer 2, both 90% [79/88]; p = 1.000, respectively). The kappa values of cDWI b2000 and aDWI b2000 for the PI-RADS score were 0.422 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.240-0.603) and 0.495 (95% CI, 0.308-0.683), respectively. Conclusion cDWI b2000 showed comparable sensitivity with aDWI b2000, in addition to sustained moderate inter-observer agreement, in the detection of PCa.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.287-297
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• 2024

It was confirmed that complex fermentation (CF) was more efficient than single-strain fermentations in inducing changes in the contents of phenolic compounds of Maclura tricuspidate and Pyrus Montana Nakai. A mixture of Maclura tricuspidata, Pyrus montana Nakai, Platycodon grandiflorum and Codonopsis lanceolata were fermented in CF using Aspergillus shirousamii (koji), yeast, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for 24 days, and the pH, °Brix, total acidity, anti-oxidant activity, polyphenol content, nitric oxide (NO), and Western blotting of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-𝛼 (TNF-𝛼) of the sample were determined. There was no significant change in pH and total acidity. °Brix significantly decreased from day 6 onwards. HPLC confirmed that the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, 4-hydrobenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid significantly increased from day 18 during the fermentation. Additionally, DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity, total phenol, and total flavonoid were confirmed to be increased until 18 days. NO was significantly inhibited from day 6, along with significant inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-a. In conclusion, this study confirmed that CF of low-use (or underutilized) wild vegetables enhances phenolic compounds. It effectively suppresses NO, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-𝛼, markers of inflammation-related pathogenesis. Altogether, our results suggest that CF of the above plants has a potential anti-inflammatory effect.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.245-253
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• 2024

We investigated to analyze total flavonoid content and fatty acid composition of Stachys sieboldii Miq root. In order to determine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of fractions from S. sieboldii Miq. root, we conducted 1.1-Diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS) assays for antioxidant and measured nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we examined an inhibitory effect of fractions from S. sieboldii Miq. root on smad signaling induced by transforming growth factor (TGF) β. Among the fractions, n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction showed the highest flavonoid content (16.67 mg/g), followed by n-Hexane, water and 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq. MeOH) fractions. The fatty acid composition of S. sieboldii Miq. root was in the following order : n-6 fatty acids (54.3%) > n-3 fatty acids (21.2%) > saturated fatty acids (19.7%) > n-9 fatty acids (3.6%). As a result of the antioxidant efficacy, the DPPH and ABTS assays showed that n-BuOH fraction had higher scavenging activity compared to other fractions. Inhibitory effect on NO production showed that all fractions decreased LPS-induced NO production, indicating an anti-inflammatory activity of S. sieboldii Miq. root. 85% aq. MeOH and water fractions showed a higher efficacy in inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF) β induced smad signaling. From the results, it suggests that food processing products using S. sieboldii Miq. root will be developed as a functional food for promoting health.