• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2002

The effect of low dose $\gamma$ radiation on photosynthesis and the reduction of photoinhibition in red pepper plant was investigated. The seedling height leaf width and leaf length of pepper were stimulated in plants grown from seeds irradiated with the low dose of 4 Gy. The $O_2$ evolution in the 4 Gy irradiation group was 1.5 times greater than in the control. To investigate the effect of low dose $\gamma$ radiation on response to high light stress, photoinhibition was induced in leaves of pepper by illumination of high light (900 $\mu mol/m^2/s$). Pmax was decreased with increasing illumination time by 20% in the control, while hardly decreased in the 4 Gy irradiation group. The photochemical yield of PSII, estimated as Fv/Fm, was decreased with increasing illumination time by 50% after 4 hours while Fo did not change. However, Fv/Fm in the 4 Gy irradiation group was decreased by 37% of inhibition, indicating that the photoinhibition was decreased by the low dose $\gamma$ radiation. Changes in the effective quantum yield of PSII, $\Phi_{PSII}$, and 1/Fo-1/Fm, a measure of the rate constant of excitation trapping by the PSII reaction center, showed similar pattern to Fv/Fm. And NPQ was decreased after photoinhibitory treatment showing no difference between the control and the 4 Gy irradiation group. These results showed the positive effect of low dose $\gamma$ radiation on the seedling growth and the reduction of photoinhibition.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.76-83
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• 1998

The most remarkable aspect in the hormesis law is that dose of harmful agents can produce effect that are diametrically opposite to the effect found with high doses of the same agent. Minute quantities of a harmful agent bring about very small change in the organism and control mechanisms appear to subjugate normal processes to place the organism in a state of albert and repair. The stimulated organism in more responsive to changes in environmental factors than it did before being alerted. Routine functions, including repair and defense, have priority for available energy and matetial. The alerted organism utilizes nutrients more efficiently, grows faster, shows improved defense, and lives longer. Accelerated germination, sprouting, growth, development, blooming and ripening, and increased crop yield and resistance to disease are found in plants. Another concept supported by the data in that low doses of ionizing radiation provide increased resistance to subsequent high doses of radiation. The hormesis varies with subject plant, variety, state of seed, environmental and cultural conditions, physiologic function measured, dose rate and total exposure. The results of hormesis are less consistently found, probably due to the great number of uncontrolled variables in the experiments. The general dosage for radiation homlesis in about 100 (10 to 1,000) times ambient or 100 (10 to 1,000) times less than a definitely harmful dose, but these must be modified to the occasion. Although little is known about most mechanisms of homzesis reaction, overcompensation of repair mechanism is offered as one mechanism.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2004

Yoghurt base was prepared from skim milk added with 0.25∼2.0%(w/v) of chlorella extract powder and fermented with lactic acid bacteria(Streptococcus thermophilus : Lactobacillus casei = 1:1) at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours. Quality characteristics of the yoghurts were evaluated in terms of acid production, number of viable cell, color, texture property, and sensory property during lactic acid fermentation. The addition of 0.25% chlorella extract powder stimulated the growth of lactic acid bacteria which showed the highest number of viable cell counts(l.46${\times}$10$\^$8/ CFU/mL) after 12 hours incubation, and also enhanced the acid production which was pH 4.33 after 12 hours incubation. The L values(brightness) of the yoghurts containing chlorella extract powder were lower than control group, whereas the b values(yellowness) were higher. The hardness and gumminess of the yoghurt added with 0.25% chlorella extract powder were higher than others. Sensory scores of the yoghurt added with 0.25% chlorella extract powder were significantly higher than other groups in color, chlorella odor, sweet taste, chlorella taste, mouth feel, aftertaste and overall acceptability.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 1970

1. Kum Nam Poong which is highly susceptible to bacterial leaf blight was used as the host plant throughout this experiment. Xanthomonas oryzae 6526 was inoculated on the top of upper leaves by single needle inoculation method. After 14 days, the enlarged spots were examined in the experimental pots. Each of 3 levels of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium pots were arranged at random with three replications. 2. The amounts of nitrogen fertilizer applied and the lesion development of bacterial leaf blight were positively correlated regardless of application of phosphate and potassium fertilizers. 3. The effect of phosphate fertilizer on the lesion development was not significantly different from standard level. The lesion development was stimulated when the amount of phosphate fertilizer was increased as twice as standard level. 4. The inhibitory effect of potassium fertilizer on leaf blight was maximum by applying standard level. The stimulative effect of potassium fertilizer on the lesion development, however, was noticed. when potassium fertilizer applied was increased as twice as the standard level. 5. The heading date and spike number of rice plant were significantly correlated with the lesion development, and such phenomena were depended on the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied regardless of the other fertilizers applied in this experiment.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.31 no.3 s.52
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• pp.265-271
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• 2005

This study is performed to investigate the effects of citrus essential oils on melanin production in B16 melanoma cells and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in RBL 2H3 cells. Five kinds of citrus essential oil (bergamot, grapefruit, lemmon, mandarin, petigrain) did not have any influence on DPPH radical scavenger activity, cell growth and cytotoxicity in B16 melanoma cells. In purified tyrosinase assay, both mandarin and petigrain essential oils dose-dependently inhibited its activity, but bergamot did not. In $1{\mu}M\;{\alpha}-MSH-stimulated$ B16 melanoma cells, all of 5 citrus essential oils inhibited melanin production in $\underline{a}$ dose dependent manner. On the other hand, four kinds of citrus essential oil dose-dependently increased ROS generation in RBL 2H3 mast cells, but mandarin did not. From the above results, it is possible that citrus essential oils nay be developed to be anti-melanogenic agent on the basis of their inhibitory effect on MSH-induced melanin production. Hut we can not rule out the possibility of the induction of allergy and inflammation since citrus essential oils caused ROS generation in RBL 2H3 mast cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.234-250
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• 1998

Bujeonghangamtang(扶正抗癌湯) has been used for cure of tumor as a traditional medicine without any experimental evidence to support the rational basis for its clinical use. This study was carroed out to evaluate the possible therapeutic or antitumoral effects of Bujeonghangamtang extract against tumor, and to carry out some mechanisms responsible for its effect. Some kinds of tumor were induced by .the typical application of 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) or by the implantation(s.c) of malignant tumor cells such as leukemia cells(3LL cells) or sarcoma cells(Sl80 cells). Treatment of the Bujeonghangamtang water-extract (dailly 1mg/mouse, i. p.) was continued for 7 days prior to tumor induction and after that the treatment was lasted for 20 days. Against squamous cell carcinoma induced by MCA, Bujeonghangamtang decreased not only the frequency of tumor production but also the number and the weight of tumors per tumor bearing mice (TBM). Bujeongmngamtang also significantly suppressed the development of 3LL cell and S180 cell-implanted tumors in occurence-frequency and their size, and some developed tumors were regressed by the continuous treatment of Bujeonghangamtang extract into TBM. In vitro, treatment of Bujeonghangamtang extract had no effect on the growth of some kinds of cell line such as FsaII, A431 strain but significantly inhibited the proliferation of 3LL, S180 cells and augmented the DNA synthesis of mitogen-activated lymphocytes. Bujeonghangamtang also stimulated the migrative ability of leukocyte, the MIF and IL-2 production of T lymphocytes, but not IL 6 production of B cells. Bujeonghangamtang-administration to mice enhanced NK cells attivities. These results demonstrated that Bujeonghangamtang extract exhibited a significant prophylactic benefits against tumors and its antitumor activity was manifested depending on the type of tumor cells. And these results also suggested that effect of Bujeonghangamtang might be chiefly due to nonspecific enhancement of NK cell activities and cell-mediated immune responses.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.323-328
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• 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinccontaining collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5'-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.135-147
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• 1988

To compare the stimulation effect of the ratio in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in induction of multiple follicular growth, the serum $E_2$ level, the diameter of follicle, number of aspirated follicles and cleavage rate of in vitro fertilized preovulatory oocytes as well as the pregnancy rate were evaluated. Forty one patients with irreparable tubal disease were stimulated by hMG(n=24) or FSH/hMG(n=17) for the purpose of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The following results were obtained. 1. Serum estradiol($E_2$) levels on the day of hCG administration were $921.0{\pm}353.3\;pg/ml$ in hMG group and $1272.9{\pm}1060.6\;pg/ml$ in FSH/hMG group. The serum $E_2$ value of hMG group was significantly lower than that of FSH/hMG group. 2. The diameter of leading follicle by ultrasonogram on the day of hCG administration were $16.2{\pm}2.0\;mm$ in hMG group and $16.2{\pm}2.6\;mm$ in FSH/hMG group. No significant difference of follicle diameter between two groups was demonstrated. 3. The number of follicles with diameter above 10 mm by sonogram on the day of hCG injection were $3.91{\pm}2.32$ in hMG group and $6.52{\pm}3.86$ in FSH/hMG group. There was significant difference of number of follicles between two groups, (p< 0.01). 4. The number of oocytes found per patient at aspiration were $2.59{\pm}1.00$ in hMG group and 3. $76{\pm}2.31$ in FSH/hMG group. There was significant difference of number of aspirated oocytes between two groups. (p< 0.05). 5. The detection rate of preovulatory oocyte at aspiration were 68.4%(39/57) in hMG group (n=22) and 77.6%(38/49) in FSH/hMG group (n=13). 6. The cleavage rate of preovulatory oocyte at 44 hours after insemination were 74.4%(29/39) in hMG group(n=22) and 81.6%(31/38) in FSH/hMG group (n=13). When only hMG was used, one pregnancy was established in 15 patients to whom 29 zygotes were transferred. And a full term normal female baby was delivered by elective cesarean section. In the FSH/hMG group, five pregnancies out of 9 transferred patients were confirmed by serum ${\beta}-hCG$. Two pregnancies were spontaneously aborted before the 6th week of pregnancy. One patient aborted her baby at the 18th week of pregnancy because of incompetent internal os of the cervix. Two patients delivered two full term babies by elective cesarean section. From the above findings, paralell with the increase in the ratio of exogenous follicle stimulating hormone to luteinizing hormone, an increase in oocyte recovery was observed as well as an improvements in pregnancy rate. It was concluded that FSH enrichment early in the follicular phase had a beneficial effect in the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.135-141
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• 2011

Objective: Ovarian angiogenesis plays an important role in folliculogenesis. However, little is known about the expression of angiogenic factors during follicular development according to female age. Stromal cell derived factor-$1{\alpha}$ (SDF-$1{\alpha}$) plays a role in granulosa cell survival and embryo quality as an angiogenic chemokine. Leptin is also involved in folliculogenesis and angiogenesis. This study examined expression of SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin, and their effects on the expression of angiogenic factors in the ovary during follicular development according to female age. Methods: Ovaries were collected from C57BL mice of two age groups (6-9 weeks and 24-26 weeks) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after 5 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) injection. The expression of ovarian SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. In the organ culture experiment, the ovaries were cultured in transwell permeable supports with Waymouth's medium treated with various doses of SDF-$1{\alpha}$(50-200 ng/mL) or leptin (0.01-1 ${\mu}g$/mL) for 7 days. Then, mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and visfatin were examined in the cultured ovaries. Results: Expression of SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin in the ovary was significantly lower in the aged mouse group compared to the young mouse group ($p$ <0.05). Expression of these two factors increased with follicular development after PMSG administration. SDF-$1{\alpha}$ treatment stimulated visfatin expression in a dose-dependent manner, while leptin treatment significantly increased eNOS expression. Conclusion: These results suggest that decrease of ovarian SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin expression may be associated with aging-related reduction of ovarian function. SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin may play a role in follicular development by regulating the expression of angiogenic factors in mouse ovaries.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.111-118
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the hormonal regulation of RGS-2 in the rat ovary. Methods: Immature rats were injected with 10 IU of PMSG to induce multiple growth of preovulatory follicles and 10 IU of hCG to induce ovulation. Northern blot analysis performed for gene expression and in situ hybridization performed for mRNA localization. Results: Northern blot analysis revealed that pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment did not affect RGS-2 mRNA levels. In contrast, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment of PMSG-primed rats resulted in an increase in RGS-2 expression within $1{\sim}3\;h$. The major cell-types expressing RGS-2 mRNA were oocytes regardless of follicle size. Interestingly, hCG treatment caused the stimulation of RGS-2 gene expression in granulosa cells of preovulatory and growing follicles. In contrast, cell types expressing RGS-2 protein were theca cells regardless of hCG treatment. Like in vivo, treatment of preovulatory granulosa cells with LH in vitro stimulated RGS-2 levels within 1 h. Interestingly, GnRH antagonist II enhanced the stimulatory action of LH. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the LH/hCG induction of RGS-2 in preovulatory granulosa cells and suggests a role of RGS-2 in Gq protein signaling pathway during ovulation.