• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.568-575
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• 2018

In order to discover lifespan-extending compounds made from natural resources, activity-guided fractionation of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) ethanol extract was performed using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model system. The compound 6-gingerol was isolated from the most active ethyl acetate soluble fraction, and showed potent longevity-promoting activity. It also elevated the survival rate of worms against stressful environment including thermal, osmotic, and oxidative conditions. Additionally, 6-gingerol elevated the antioxidant enzyme activities of C. elegans, and showed a dose-depend reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in worms. Further studies demonstrated that the increased stress tolerance of 6-gingerol-mediated worms could result from the promotion of stress resistance proteins such as heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-3). The lipofuscin levels in 6-gingerol treated intestinal worms were decreased in comparison to the control group. No significant 6-gingerol-related changes, including growth, food intake, reproduction, and movement were noted. These results suggest that 6-gingerol exerted longevity-promoting activities independently of these factors and could extend the human lifespan.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.1925-1930
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• 2011

Psychrophilic bacteria have acquired cold-resistance in order to protect themselves against freezing temperatures, which would otherwise be lethal. DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE systems are molecular chaperones which facilitate proper folding of newly synthesized proteins. Efficient folding processes are of great importance especially in a cold environment, such as the Arctic. In order to understand the protection mechanisms of psychrophilic bacteria against cold temperatures, we have explored a genome of KOPRI22215, tentatively identified as Psychromonas arctica, whose genome sequence has not yet been discovered. With an aim of searching for a coding gene of DnaK from KOPRI22215, we have applied a series of polymerase chain reactions (PCR) with homologous primers designed from other Psychromonas species and LA PCR in vitro cloning. 1917 bp complete coding sequence of dnaK from KOPRI22215 was identified including upstream promoter sites. Recombinant plasmids to overexpress PaDnaK along with EcDnaK (DnaK of E. coli) were then constructed in pAED4 vector and the pET-based system to induce PaDnaK expression by IPTG. Characterization assays of expressed PaDnaK were carried out by measuring survival rates upon 4 day incubation at 4 $^{\circ}C$: a refolding assay as molecular chaperone, and ATPase assay for functional activity. Taking account of all the data together, we conclude that PaDnaK was identified, successfully expressed, and found to be more efficient in providing cold-resistance for bacterial cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.454-462
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• 2010

The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of Carpinus tschonoskii MAX and its intracellular protective mechanism on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells. We found that pretreatment of PC12 cells with C. tschonoskii extract significantly inhibited the cell death induced by 6-OHDA in a dose dependent manner. C. tschonoskii extract decreased 6-OHDA-induced apoptotic events such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, the decrease of Bcl-2/Bax ratio, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. C. tschonoskii extract also reduced generation of 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Furthermore, C. tschonoskii extract up-regulated the myocyte enhancer factor 2 D (MEF2D), a critical transcription factor for neuronal survival, and Akt activity, whereas it inhibited the activity of ERK1/2 and JNK. The results suggest that C. tschonoskii extract decreases 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress and could prevent PC12 cell apoptosis induced by 6-OHDA via the up-regulation of MEF2D and Akt activity, and thus may have application in developing therapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.517-524
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• 2015

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in cell-based therapy to promote revascularization after peripheral or myocardial ischemia. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the senescence and apoptosis of MSCs, causing defective neovascularization. Here, we examined the effect of the natural antioxidant lycopene on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in MSCs. Although $H_2O_2$ ($200{\mu}M$) increased intracellular ROS levels in human MSCs, lycopene ($10{\mu}M$) pretreatment suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced ROS generation and increased survival. $H_2O_2$-induced ROS increased the levels of phosphorylated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), and p53, which were inhibited by lycopene pretreatment. Furthermore, lycopene pretreatment decreased the expression of cleaved poly (ADP ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and caspase-3 and increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), which were induced by $H_2O_2$ treatment. Moreover, lycopene significantly increased manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression and decreased cellular ROS levels via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Our findings show that lycopene pretreatment prevents ischemic injury by suppressing apoptosis-associated signal pathway and enhancing anti-oxidant protein, suggesting that lycopene could be developed as a beneficial broad-spectrum agent for the successful MSC transplantation in ischemic diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.764-770
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• 2013

Stevia rebaudiana is a traditional herb used as a sweetener in Brazil and Paraguay as well as Korea and China. This study investigated the efficacy of Stevia rebaudiana methanol extract (SRE) to protect cells against the mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in hepatocyte. To determine the effects of SRE on oxidative stress, we used the human derived hepatocyte cell line, HepG2 cell. Treatment of arachidonic acid (AA)+iron in HepG2 cells synergistically amplified cytotoxicity, as indicated by the excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial permeability transition by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) and immunoblot analysis. Treatment with SRE protected hepatocytes from AA+iron-induced cellular toxicity, as shown by alterations in the protein levels related with cell viability such as procaspase-3. SRE also prevented the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by AA+iron, and showed anti-oxidant effects as inhibition of $H_2O_2$ production and GSH depletion. Moreover, we measured the effects of SRE on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator in determining cell survival or death. Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC), a direct downstream target of AMPK. SRE increased phosphorylation of ACC, and prevented the inhibition of ACC phosphorylation by AA+iron. These results indicated that SRE has the ability to protect cells against AA+iron-induced $H_2O_2$ production and mitochondrial impairment, which may be mediated with AMPK-ACC pathway.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2008

The turnip aphid is a worldwide pest, damaging mainly to crucifers. In order to understand the life parameters of Lipaphis erysimi for the eventual goal of control, the developmental periods, survival rates, lifespan, and fecundity of the species were investigated under five temperature regimes ($15^{\circ}C-35^{\circ}C$). Furthermore, the efficacy of several environment-friendly agricultural materials (EFAMs) that are on the market was subjected to test in order to obtain further accurate information. The developmental period of the turnip aphid nymph was longest at $15^{\circ}C$ as 16.9 days, shortened as temperature goes up to $25^{\circ}C$ (5.4 days), and then somewhat increased at $30^{\circ}C$ (5.9 days), suggesting that the most efficient temperature for nymphal development could be around $25^{\circ}C$. Mortality of the nymphal turnip aphid was obvious at $35^{\circ}C$, whereas it was minimal at other temperature schemes. The longevity of adults shortened as temperature goes up to $30^{\circ}C$. In particular, the maximum lifespan for adults continued for 55 days at $15^{\circ}C$, but shortened to 21 days at $30^{\circ}C$. The total fecundity was 35.7 at $15^{\circ}C$, 81 at $20^{\circ}C$, 64.2 at $25^{\circ}C$, and 6.6 individuals at $30^{\circ}C$, showing the highest fecundity at $20^{\circ}C$. After the turnip aphids were successfully stabilized in indoor environment the insecticidal activity was tested and mortality was determined 12, 24, 36, and 48 hrs after EFAMs are treated. Several on-the-market EFAMs showed more than 90% of insecticidal activity within 24 hrs or 48 hrs, but a few showed less than 90% activity, signifying importance of selection of proper EFAMs.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.775-781
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of the study is to investigate the protective effect of coenzyme $Q_{10}$ on cytotoxicity effect of dental monomers in odontoblast(MDPC-23). Methods : MDPC-23 was incubated with the(co)monomers triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) with and without addition of coenzyme $Q_{10}$. The cell proliferation and survival was determined using WST-1 assay. The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS) was measured by immunofluorescent staining for DCF-DA. Results : TEGDMA treatment decreased the cell proliferation by dose dependently(0.1, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mM) on the growth of MDPC-23 cells. Coenzyme $Q_{10}$ showed cell proliferation from 5 to $500{\mu}M$ by WST-1 assay. Pre-treatment coenzyme $Q_{10}$ showed the antioxidant effect on proliferation and viability of MDPC-23 after 48h(p<0.05). The positive cells were observed in non-coenyme $Q_{10}$ treatment group(group 2) in comparison with coenyme $Q_{10}$ pre-treatment group(group 1) by DCF-DA. The fluorescence positive cells showed 14.715(group 1) and 19.788(group 2) using image J system. Conclusions : TEGDMA induced cytotoxicity. The MDPC-23 cell death was associated with the increasing ROS. Coenyme $Q_{10}$ showed the antioxidant effects by decreasing ROS. This effects may contribute to the treatment of periodontal disease induced by TEGDMA after operation.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2016

Objectives: The crude extracts of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) have traditionally demonstrated inhibitory effects on numerous human cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer on world. The authors investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (ESB) on the growth and survival of MKN-45 cells (a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line). Methods: The MKN-45 cells were treated with different concentrations of ESB, and cell death was examined using an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Analyses of sub-G1 peaks, caspase-3 and -9 activities, and mitochondrial membrane depolarizations were conducted to determine the anti-cancer effects of SB on MKN-45 cells. Also, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was investigated. Results: ESB inhibited the growth of MKN-45 cells, caused cell cycle arrest, and increased the sub-G1 population. In addition, ESB markedly increased mitochondrial membrane depolarization and the activities of caspase-3 and -9. ESB exerted anti-proliferative effects on MKN-45 cells by modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and by increasing the generation of ROS. Furthermore, combinations of anti-cancer drugs plus ESB suppressed cell growth more than treatments with an agent or ESB, and this was especially true for cisplatin, etoposide, and doxorubicin. Conclusion: ESB has a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on MKN-45 cells and this is closely associated with the induction of apoptosis. ESB-induced apoptosis is mediated by mitochondria-, caspase- and MAPK dependent pathways. In addition, ESB enhances ROS generation and increases the chemosensitivity of MKN-45 cells. These results suggest that treatment with ESB can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells by modulating the caspase-, MAPK- and ROS-dependent pathway.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2014

Due to limited supplies and expensive importing costs, it is a goal to replace overseas peat with local soil amendments in turf industry of Korea. The study was initiated to compare the performances of five domestic and imported organic soil amendments (OSAs) on establishment characteristics and to provide basic information for root zone composition on sports turf design and construction. The study was conducted in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KB) under greenhouse conditions from March to June in 2008. A total of 25 treatments of OSA + sand were prepared. These amendments were Berger Peat (OMA), Eco-Peat (OMB), G1-Soil (OMC), Premier Peat (OMD), and Supersoil I (OME). Significant differences were observed in establishment vigor, seedling emergence, and top growth. Results varied depending upon the type of OSAs and their rates in rootzone mixtures. OMA reached over 70% in establishment vigor in 5 WAS (weeks after seeding). OMC produced a maximum vigor of approximately 60% in 6 WAS. The OME amendment, however, showed poor performance lower than 30% in establishing KB turf until 8 WAS. There were considerable variations of top growth, being 3.8 to 14.5 cm. Greater differences in top growth resulted from OME mixtures. Shoot growth orientation in KB is also influenced by OSAs. In general, optimum mixing rate was considered as 10 to 20% for establishment vigor and 20 to 40% for top growth. Considering overall responses to establishment vigor, seedling emergence, and shoot growth, both local OMC and overseas OMD are considered as the useful soil amendments applicable for sports turfs. Domestic OME amendment would be applied for a low maintenance turfs such as rough and utility areas due to greater shoot growth. Information on these amendments would be of practical use for sports turf design and construction. Repeated experiments and field performance test are required to evaluate these OSA effect on other major turfgrass species and also to determine local OSA as imported peat substitute.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2001.03a
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• pp.62-62
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• 2001

Recently, production of transgenic animal by nuclear transfer has been known as a useful method. The production of cloned offspring derived from nuclear transfer depends upon a variety of factors such as species, donor cells type and cell cycle, and source of recipient ova. Therefore, we attempted a different transgenic methods using follicular granulosa cells (GCs). In general, ovulated GCs undergoes lutenization and transformation in vitro which might defective effects on developmental potential. In order to avoid the GCs transformation in vitro culture system, we introduced a direct injection of retrovirus into the follicles and then collected them mechanically from ovaries of 6-8 week-old ICR mice. Retrovirus vector constructed with pLN $\beta$ EGFP was injected into the follicles. The follicles are cultured in $\alpha$ -MEM supplemented with human FSH, LH and ITS in Costar Transwell dish for 4 days. Survival rate of virus injected follicles was 52.1% (12/23) and expression rate of EGPP gene was 33.3% (4/12). In this study, we found GCs performed transgenesis in our culture system. In addition, the GCs in follicle may be developed in vivo like environment rather than in vitro environment. Thus, the use of GCs as donor cells may be useful in the nuclear transfer for cloning of genetic modification. Therefore, these results suggest that follicular GCs can be transfected by viral vector during folliculogenesis in vitro.