• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.183-192
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• 2023

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, whitening, moisturizing, wound-healing, cell proliferation and cell protective effects of 70% EtOH and hot water extract from Scutellaria baicalensis. For the anti-oxidative test, the 70% EtOH and hot water extract showed DPPH radical scavenging activities. In the anti-inflammatory tests, 70% EtOH and hot water extract inhibited the production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) and prostaglandin (PGE₂). In addition, it was confirmed that the 70% EtOH and hot water extract inhibited the melanin production, and increased production of hyaluronic acid (HA), a moisturizing factor. As a result of cell migration and proliferation assay, 70% EtOH extract promoted the cell growth in HaCaT cell. Additionally, 70% EtOH and hot water extract showed cell protective effects against UVB, and 70% EtOH extract also showed cell protective effects agianst blue light. Based on these results, it is concluded that the 70% EtOH and hot water extract from Scutellaria baicalensis could be potentially applicable as anti-oxdiative, anti-inflammation, whitening, moisturizing, wound-healing, cell proliferation and cell protective effects in cosmetic natural materials.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.197-204
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• 2023

Heat stress causes a decrease in immunity and disease occurrence in livestock, increasing mortality and impairing productivity. In particular, chickens are very vulnerable to high temperatures compared to other livestock species because their entire body is covered with feathers and sweat glands are not developed. Currently, air conditioning systems are essential in broiler houses to prevent high-air temperature damage to broilers, but conventional cooling facilities are greatly affected by the external environment, so there are limits to their use. In this study, to propose a cooling method, thermal insulation paint and a heat pump were apply in the broiler houses to evaluate the temperature reduction effect. The heat pump experiment was to analyze the cooling effect according to the change in ventilation rate and propose an appropriate. As a result of the experiment, the heat-insulating paint reduced the temperature of the broiler houses by maximum 1-2℃, and in the broiler houses where the heat pump was operated, the temperature decrease was the largest when the ventilation rate was the lowest. When the air temperature in the house is similar to or lower than the outside air temperature, it is considered to be most effective to use a heat pump while maintaining only the minimum ventilation rate.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.956-965
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• 2023

In plants, there are many CCCH zinc finger proteins consisting of three cysteine residues and one histidine residue, which bind to zinc ions with finger configuration. CCCH-type zinc finger proteins are divided into tandem CCCH-type zinc finger (TZF) and non-TZF proteins: TZF proteins contain exactly two tandem CCCH-type zinc finger motifs whereas non-TZF proteins have fewer or greater than two CCCH-type zinc finger motifs. The functions of TZF genes, especially plant-specific RR-TZF genes, have been well studied in several plants, whereas the functional roles of non-TZF genes have not been adequately researched compared to TZF genes. Many non-TZF genes have been identified as being involved in the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen, high salt, drought, cold, heat, and oxidative stresses. Some non-TZF proteins bind to RNA and are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of stress-responsive genes in the cytoplasm. In addition, other non-TZF proteins act as transcriptional activators or repressors that regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes in the nucleus. Despite these studies, stress signal transduction and upstream and downstream genes of non-TZF genes have not been sufficiently researched, suggesting that additional studies of the functions of non-TZF genes' functions in plants' stress responses are needed. In this review, we describe non-TZF genes involved in biotic abiotic stress responses in plants and their molecular functions.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.82-82
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• 2020

염증 (Inflammation)은 물리적인 상처나 세균감염이 되었을 때 손상된 조직을 재생하고 신체를 방어하기 위해 일어나는 선천성 면역반응으로 알려져 있다. 주로 선천면역을 담당하는 대식세포는 lipopolysaccharide, reactive oxygen species와 cytokine 등에 의해 활성화되어 tumor necrosis factor-α. interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 등 염증인자들의 생성에 관여한다. 특히, 산화질소는 superoxide 음이온과 쉽게 반응하고 peroxynitrite와 같은 독성이 강한 산화제를 생성하여 단백질 및 지질의 과산화를 유도하고 세포독성을 일으키는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 항산화 및 항염증 소재를 탐색하기 위해 오미자 (Schisandra chinensis), 꾸지뽕 (Cudrania tricuspidata)을 이용하여 항산화 활성을 평가하고자 하였으며, 세포주를 활용한 세포독성 및 항염증 활성을 확인하고자 하였다. 본 연구는 전북 순창군에서 재배된 오미자, 꾸지뽕을 열 건조(60℃) 통해 건조한 후 분말화하였다. 최적 추출 조건 선정을 위해 다양한 용매 (열수, 증류수, 주정 20, 40, 60%), 온도 (25, 40, 60, 80℃) 및 시간 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 h) 조건에서 추출된 추출물의 총 폴리페놀 함량을 비교함으로써 최적 조건을 선정하였다. 오미자와 꾸지뽕의 DPPH 및 ABTS radical 소거 활성, 총 플라보노이드 함량을 확인하여 항산화능 및 기능성 성분 함량을 평가하였다. 또한 대식세포주인 Raw 264.7을 활용하여 MTT assay, 산화질소 생성 억제 활성을 확인하여 세포독성 및 항염증 활성을 평가하였다. 실험 결과, 오미자 및 꾸지뽕은 각각 주정 40%, 60℃ 그리고 증류수, 60℃에서 추출 시 가장 높은 총 폴리페놀 함량 (약 98.3 mg GAE/g 및 88.2 mg GAE/g)을 함유하며, DPPH 라디칼 소거 활성은 약 44.6% 및 24.4%, ABTS 라디칼 소거 활성은 약 30.3% 및 40.8%로 확인되었다. 총 플라보노이드 함량은 약 21.80 mg QE/g 및 35.68 mg QE/g으로 확인되었다. 또한 오미자 및 꾸지뽕 기능성 추출물을 100 ug/mL 처리 시 세포 독성이 나타나지 않는 것으로 확인되었으며, NO 생성량을 약 56.3% 및 21.7% 저감시켜 항염증 효능을 나타내는 것으로 확인되었다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.776-782
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• 2023

Silymarin, which is derived from dried Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seeds and fruits, possesses various beneficial properties, such as hepatoprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. This research aimed to explore the antioxidative activity of silymarin against oxidative stress and understand its molecular mechanism in RAW 264.7 cells. The study employed cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation assays and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that silymarin effectively reduced intracellular ROS levels induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner without causing any cytotoxic effects. Moreover, silymarin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, a phase II enzyme known for its potent antioxidative activity. Additionally, silymarin treatment significantly induced the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf) 2, a transcription factor responsible for regulating antioxidative enzymes, which was consistent with the upregulated HO-1 expression. To investigate the involvement of key signaling pathways in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis against oxidative stress, the phosphorylation status of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) was estimated by western blot analysis. The results showed that silymarin potently induced HO-1 expression, which was mediated by the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. To further validate the antioxidative potential of silymarin-induced HO-1 expression, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage was employed and attenuated by silymarin treatment, as identified by a selective inhibitor for each signaling molecule. In conclusion, silymarin robustly enhanced antioxidative activity by inducing HO-1 via the Nrf2/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.273-282
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• 2023

Hypochaeris radicata, native to Europe and Eurasia, is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. In Korea, H. radicata was reported in 1992, mainly in Jeju Island, and gradually spreading to the inland. It overwinters in the form of a rosette and blooms yellow flowers from May to June. H. radicata propagates by seeds and rhizomes. The germination temperature of the seed is 15/20℃ (day/night), and the rhizome forms a new plant at a depth of 2-3cm in the soil. The roots of H. radicata secrete allelochemicals that inhibit the development of other plants. Some use it as a salad or forage substitute but to a limited extent. However, extensive research on ampicillin contained in H. radicata has been conducted, and its anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects have been recognized. There are only a few methods to manage H. radicata both culturally and physically. In orchards, soil treatments such as oxyfluorfen and diclobenil, or nonselective foliar treatments such as glufosinate-ammonium and glyphosate are used. Notably, there are no known biological control agents.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2024

We evaluated the efficacy of Geranium thunbergii (GT), which has so far been understudied as a cosmetic material, and conducted anti-inflammatory-related activity studies. We measured the electron donation ability and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging ability to confirm the antioxidant ability of GT and found values of 91% and 94% at a concentration of 50 ㎍/ml, respectively, confirming that GT had excellent antioxidant ability. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity was measured to evaluate whitening activity, and it was found that inhibitory activity was 24.8% at the highest concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml. Elastase and collagenase inhibitory activity were measured to determine the wrinkle improvement activity of the GT; 30.6% and 90% inhibitory activity were shown at the highest concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml, respectively. Excellent inhibitory activity was confirmed through the measurement of collagenase inhibitory activity. Before the cell experiments were conducted, the survival rate of the macrophages Raw 264.7 according to GT treatment was determined based on the MTT assay, and the cell survival rate was greater than 83.6% at a concentration of 100 ㎍/ml. Subsequent cell-related experiments were conducted at concentrations of 100 ㎍/ml or less. The NO production inhibitory activity according to the GT treatment by NO assay was measured, and a 74.9% inhibitory rate was confirmed at a concentration of 100 ㎍/ml. Western blotting was performed to determine protein expression inhibition, and both COX-2 and iNOS factors were concentration-dependently inhibited in GT. Based on these results, GT is considered to have potential as an anti-inflammatory functional cosmetic material.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.298-306
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• 2024

This study evaluated the differentiation and protective effects of mixed plant-extract powder in C2C12 muscle cells. Cells were differentiated into myotubes in 2% horse serum (HS)-containing medium with mixed plant-extract powder (MPEP) for 6 days. Treatment with MPEP increased the expression of myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein in cells compared with non-treated cells. Differentiated cells were pretreated with MPEP, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Our results revealed that treatment with MPEP before H₂O₂ treatment increased cell viability and decreased H₂O₂-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). In addition, MPEP attenuated H₂O₂-induced upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and activation of caspase-9 and -3. These results suggest the MPEP can stimulate C2C12 muscle cell differentiation into myotubes and observe the protective effect of mixed plant-extract powder against muscle oxidative stress. In conclusion, MPEP may be useful as a prevention and treatment material for skeletal muscle disease caused by age-related diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.812-824
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• 2013

Reserpine, an anti-hypertensive drug, is able to positively modulate several phenotypes associated with $A{\beta}$ toxicity in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated into the therapeutic effects of reserpine on mammalian neurodegenerative disorders, and found that significant alteration of the key factors influencing AD was detected in Tg2576 mice after reserpine treatment for 30 days. The aggressive behavior of Tg2576 mice was significantly improved upon reserpine treatment, whereas their social contact was consistently maintained. Furthermore, the levels of $A{\beta}$-42 peptide in the hippocampus of the brain and blood serum were lower in the reserpine-treated group than in the vehicle-treated group. Among g-secretase components, the expression levels of PS-2, Pen-2, and APH-1 were slightly lower in reserpine-treated Tg2576 mice, although a significant change in nicastrin (NCT) expression was not detected. Furthermore, the serum level of nerve growth factor (NGF) increased in reserpine-treated Tg2576 mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. Among down-stream effectors of the NGF receptor TrkA signaling pathway, reserpine treatment induced elevation of TrkA phosphorylation and reduction of ERK phosphorylation. In addition, in the NGF receptor $p75^{NTR}$ signaling pathway, the expression levels of $p75^{NTR}$ and Bcl-2 were enhanced in reserpine-treated Tg2576 mice compared with vehicle-treated mice, whereas the expression level of RhoA declined. Overall, these results suggest that reserpine can help relieve AD pathogenesis in Tg2576 mice through downregulation of $A{\beta}$-42 deposition, alteration of ${\gamma}$-secretase components, and regulation of NGF metabolism.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.48-56
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• 2000

Purpose: Alport SD., the most common herectitary rephriris, is a renal disease with rapid progression. Deafness, ocular abnormalities and a specific EM finding may be associated in addition to a family history. We have aralyged retrospectively. Methods: We observed 12 children with Alport syndrome who were diagnosed at Dept. of pediatrics in Kyunghee Univ., College of Medicine, from Apr. 1991 until Jun. 1999. We used four criteria for diagnosis: renal disease, family history, deafness or eye abnormalities, and a specific finding in electron microscopy Results: 2 of 12 patients had all features of the four diagnostic criteria. We could not trace an exact family history in 3 patients, and 6 patients did not exhibit deafness or eye abnormality. One could not have renal biopsy because offer chronic renal failure. Other three criteria were observed in her. The ratio of male to female observed was 1:2 respectively and the mean age of initial renal symptom was 5.6 years. 9 of 12 patients had a family history of renal disease. In the audiogram and ocular examination for 11 of 12 cases, sensorineural hearing loss was observed in 6 and ocular abnormality in 2 cases. In electron microscopic finding, irregular thickness of the capillary basement membranes with lamination of lamina densa and foot process obliteration was noted in 9 of 11 and thin basement membrane with splitting and foot process obliteration was noted in the other 2. The mean period of follow-up was 3 6/12 years. And one patient developed the chronic renal failure until now and had kidney transplantation. Conclusion: For the diagnosis of Alport syndrome, the following four diagnostic criteria are very important : renal disease, family history, deafness or eye abnormalities, and a specific finding on electron microscopy. We expect that more patients can be detected through the analysis of these characteristics.