• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.249-252
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• 2004

The methanol extract of Diospyros peregrina bark was studied for its effect on the central nervous system (CNS) using the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time test, the open field test and the hole cross test in Swiss albino mice. The present investigation revealed that the extract, at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly prolonged the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time in mice though the onset of sleep was delayed as compared to the control. In open field test, the depressing effect was prominent from the second observation period (30 min) and persisted throughout the entire experimental period (240 min). In the hole cross test, the depressing effect was observed from the second observation period (30 min) and persisted up to fifth observation period (120 min) for 250 mg dose group and up to sixth observation period (180 min) for 500 mg dose group. These results support the finding that D. peregrina bark extract at the above doses has CNS depressing effects and indicate that D. peregrina bark may contain biologically active constituent(s) having CNS depressant activity.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1998.06a
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• pp.263-269
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• 1998

It is an established fact that most of the carcinogens implicate bay-region diol epoxides as the ultimate carcinogenic metabolites. These electrophiles react with nucleophilic sites in the cells to form abducts. It is the formation of carcinogenic-DNA adducts that is thought to initiate carcinogenesis. In our previous study we have reported chemopreventive property of Ginseng on 7,12-dimethylbenz (a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papillomagenesis in male Swiss albino mice. In this study we have examined the effect on formation of DMBA-DNA adducts in rat hepatocytes pretreated with ginseng. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were used. The cells wets treated with ginseng for 24 hrs and then with DMBA (iOn) for 18 hrs. Cells were then harvested, their DNA was isolated and analyzed by P)2 labelling. A significant reduction in the levels of DMBA-DNA adduces (adducts/108 nucleotides) was observed in all cultures pretreated with ginseng. The viability of cells was not affected by pre-treatment with ginseng. Our finding suggests that ginseng block or suppresses the events associated with chemical carcinogenesis by inhibiting metabolic activation of the carcinogens.

• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1039-1049
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• 2007

Overdoses of acetaminophen cause hepato-renal oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of a 43 kDa protein isolated from the herb Cajanus indicus, against acetaminophen-induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Male albino mice were treated with the protein for 4 days (intraperitoneally, 2 mg/kg body wt) prior or post to oral administration of acetaminophen (300 mg/kg body wt) for 2 days. Levels of different marker enzymes (namely, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were measured in the experimental sera. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production and total antioxidant activity were also determined from acetaminophen and protein treated hepatocytes. Indices of different antioxidant enzymes (namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase) as well as lipid peroxidation end-products and glutathione were determined in both liver and kidney homogenates. In addition, Cytochrome P450 activity was also measured from liver microsomes. Finally, histopathological studies were performed from liver sections of control, acetaminophen-treated and protein pre- and post-treated (along with acetaminophen) mice. Administration of acetaminophen increased all the serum markers and creatinine levels in mice sera along with the enhancement of hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation. Besides, application of acetaminophen to hepatocytes increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced the total antioxidant activity of the treated hepatocytes. It also reduced the levels of antioxidant enzymes and cellular reserves of glutathione in liver and kidney. In addition, acetaminophen enhanced the cytochrome P450 activity of liver microsomes. Treatment with the protein significantly reversed these changes to almost normal. Apart from these, histopathological changes also revealed the protective nature of the protein against acetaminophen induced necrotic damage of the liver tissues. Results suggest that the protein protects hepatic and renal tissues against oxidative damages and could be used as an effective protector against acetaminophen induced hepato-nephrotoxicity.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.155-163
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• 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fructose-1,6-bis phosphate aldolase (SMALDO) DNA vaccination against Schistosoma mansoni infection using different routes of injection. The SMALDO has been cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1/V5-His TOPO-TA and was used in injecting Swiss albino mice intramuscularly (IM), subcutaneously (SC), or intraperitoneally (IP) ($50{\mu}g/mouse$). Mice vaccinated with non-recombinant pcDNA3.1 served as controls. Each group was immunized 4 times at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. Two weeks after the last booster dose, all mice groups were infected with 80 S. mansoni cercariae via tail immersion. At week 8 post-infection, animals were sacrificed for assessment of parasitological and histopathological parameters. High anti-SMALDO IgG antibody titers were detected in sera of all vaccinated groups (P<0.01) compared to the control group. Both the IP and SC vaccination routes resulted in a significant reduction in worm burden (46.2% and 28.9%, respectively, P<0.01). This was accompanied by a significant reduction in hepatic and intestinal egg counts (41.7% and 40.2%, respectively, P<0.01) in the IP group only. The number of dead eggs was significantly increased in both IP and IM groups (P<0.01). IP vaccination recorded the highest significant reduction in granuloma number and diameter (54.7% and 29.2%, respectively, P<0.01) and significant increase in dead miracidia (P<0.01). In conclusion, changing the injection route of SMALDO DNA vaccination significantly influenced the efficacy of vaccination. SMALDO DNA vaccination via IP route could be a promising protective and antipathology vaccine candidate against S. mansoni infection.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.138-143
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• 2017

The antifungal activity of isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from a locally fermented cereal, "Kunu", was tested against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The liquid refreshment, "Kunu", was prepared under hygienic condition using millet, sorghum, and the combination of the two grains. The antifungal potential of isolated LAB against toxigenic A. flavus was carried out using both in vitro and in vivo antifungal assays. The LAB count from prepared "Kunu" ranged from $2.80{\times}10^4CFU/mL$ to $4.10{\times}10^4CFU/mL$ and Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were the isolated bacteria. Inhibitory zones exhibited by LAB against toxigenic A. flavus ranged from 5.0 mm to 20.0 mm. The albino mice infected with toxigenic A. flavus showed sluggishness, decrease in body weight, distortion of hair, and presence of blood in their stool, while those treated with LAB after infection were recovered and active like those in control groups. Except for the white blood cell that was increased in the infected mice as $6.73mm^3$, the packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell in infected animals were significantly reduced (P<0.05) to 29.28%, 10.06%, and 4.28%, respectively, when compared to the treated mice with LAB and control groups. The antifungal activity of LAB against toxigenic A. flavus can be attributed to the antimicrobial metabolites. These metabolites can be extracted and used as biopreservatives in food products to substitute the use of chemical preservatives that is not appealing to consumers due to several side effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.915-921
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• 2015

Context: In the last half century, discovering, developing and introducing of clinical agents from marine sources have seen great successes, with examples including the anti-cancer compound trabectedin. However, with increasing need for new anticancer drugs, further exploration for novel compounds from marine organism sources is strongly justified. Objective: The major aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor and antioxidant potential of Sargassum tenerrimum J.Agardh (Sargassaceae) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: An ethanol extract of S. tenerrimum (EEST) from whole algae was used to evaluate cytotoxicity followed by in vivo assessment of toxicity, using biochemical parameters including hepatic and non-hepatic enzymes. Antioxidant properties were examined in animals bearing EAC treated with daily oral administration of 100-300 mg/kg extract suspension. Results: Antitumor effects of EEST in EAC bearing mice was observed with LD50 1815 mg/kg. Parameters like body weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume, tumor cell count, mean survival time and increase in life span in animals in the EAC bearing animals treated with EEST 300 mg/kg was comparable with control group. Significant differences were also seen with changes in total protein content, hepatic enzymes contents, MDA level, and free radical scavenging enzymes in untreated vs. EEST treated group animals. Conclusions: Evaluation of antioxidant enzymes and hepatic enzymes in the EAC animal model treated with EEST exhibited similar effects as the positive control drug 5-flurouracil. S. tenerrimum extracts contain effective antioxidants with significant antitumor activity.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.47-59
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• 2023

Purpose: The development and study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine candidates' individualized responses are of great importance. Here we report on an HCV DNA vaccine candidate based on selected envelope (E1/E2) epitopes. Besides, we assessed its expression and processing in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in vivo cellular response in mice. Materials and Methods: HCV E1/E2 DNA construct (EC) was designed. The antigen expression of EC was assayed in PBMCs of five HCV-uninfected donors via a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum samples from 20 HCV antibody-positive patients were used to detect each individual PBMCs expressed antigens via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two groups, five Swiss albino mice each, were immunized with the EC or a control construct. The absolute count of lymph nodes' CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes was assessed. Results: Donors' PBMCs showed different levels of EC expression, ranging between 0.83-2.61-fold in four donors, while donor-3 showed 34.53-fold expression. The antigens expressed in PBMCs were significantly reactive to the 20 HCV antibody repertoire (all p=0.0001). All showed comparable reactivity except for donor-3 showing the lowest reactivity level. The absolute count % of the CD4⁺ T-cell significantly increased in four of the five EC-immunized mice compared to the control group (p=0.03). No significant difference in CD8⁺ T-cells % was observed (p=0.89). Conclusion: The inter-individual variation in antigen expression and processing dominance was evident, showing independence in individuals' antigen expression and reactivity levels to antibodies. The described vaccine candidate might result in a promising natural immune response with a possibility of CD4⁺ T-cell early priming.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.79-83
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• 2004

In order to investigate the beneficial effects of parsely (Petroselinurn sativum) extract on skin, we measured the synthesis of total collagen and type I procollagen in cultured normal human fibroblast (NHF), the synthesis of prostaglandin E$_2$(PCE$_2$), interleukin 1 ${\alpha}$(IL -1 ${\alpha}$) and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ (TNF ${\alpha}$) in HaCaT cell and we also measured dermal thickness and density in hairless mouse (Female albino hairless mice, Skh:hr-1). As the results, the synthesis of total collagen and type I procollagen were increased 23％ and 18％ respectively, after 1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL parsley extract treatment. The producions of PGE$_2$ induced by UVB irradiation were decreased 60％ after 1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL parsley extract treatment. The treatment with 1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL parsley extract also decreased the synthesis of IL -1 ${\alpha}$ and TNF ${\alpha}$ induced by 10 uM RA, 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL SLS and 30 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation, After 4 days treatment with 1％ parsley extract, the dermal thickness of hairless mouse was increased 1.5 times and the density of dermis was tighter than control. These results indicate that parsley extract have anti-aging and anti-irritation effects on skin.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.99-109
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• 1987

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of a calcinogen, aflatoxin B1 on the ultrastructural changes of ciliary epithelial cells in mice infected with Clonerchis sinensis. A total of 93 male albino mice(BALB/c strain) was divided into 3 groups; group I, treated with 1.0 ppm aflatoxin Bl for 12 weeks; group II, given 50 C. sinensis n;etacercariae, and group III, given 50 metacercariae and treated with 1.0 ppm aflatoxin Bl for 12 weeks. Three mice served for untreated-uninfected controls. From 4 weeks after the treatsment and/or in(ection, three mice from each group were sacrificed at 4 week intervals up to the 40th week, and their hepatobiliary tissues were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. The most prominent ultrastructural changes in group I were remarkable enlargement of nuclear size, separation of nucleolus, dispersed chromatin granules in nuclei and increased dense granules along the inner membrane of nuclei. In the cytoplasm there was slight proliferation of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at earlier stage. At the 12th week separation of fibrillar and granular components of the nucleolus was a characteristic finding. As the time elapsed, epithelial cells showed fiattened-cuboidal form and a tendency of atrophy. Most of the nuclei were elongated and polygonal in shape. In group II the appearance of elaborate interwoven folds of lateral cytoplasm forming a labyrinth of interconnected intercellular space and variety in nuclear shape were the prominent fadings at earlier stage. The cytoplasm showed slight proliferation and dilatation of mitochondria and ER, and a small number of mucin droplets. In the basement membrane scanty fibrous cells were seen. With time, variety in nuclear shape, marked proliferation and dilatation of rough ER and some collagen fibrils were demonstrated. Other features of intracellular organelles and mucin droplets persisted. In group III cuboidal epithelial cells showed their remarkably enlarged and irregular nuclei, increased chromatin granules in the nuclei, separated nucleoli, proliferated and dilated rough ER. With time, sequestered mitochondria showed blob-like evaginations which lacked cristae and dense matrix, and were limited by a single membrane. Since the 20th week, microvilli were relatively scanty and poorly developed. Organelles and inclusions in the cytoplasm of metaplastic cells were poor. Nuclei were variable in shape. The nlost prominent changes at later stage were separation of nuclei from the cytoplasm, and appearance of numerous and irregularly angled electron dense granules in the nuclei.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2012

UV-irradiation is a major factor of photo-aged skin, by which pigmentation, wrinkles and laxity are increased. In addition, the epidermal barrier is disrupted, ultimately causing dryness in photo-aged skin. As an effort to search dietary sources for improving the dryness of UV irradiated skin, the dietary effect of red ginseng based functional foods on the epidermal level of ceramides, a major lipid maintaining epidermal barrier, was determined in this study. Albino hairless mice were fed either a control diet [group UV (UV-irradiated control)] or diets with 0.5% (group M0.5) or 1% (group M1.0) of red ginseng extracts mixed with Torilis fructus and Corni fructus (66.7% red ginseng) in parallel with UV irradiation for 5 wks. A normal control group (group C) was fed a control diet without UV irradiation for 5 wks. The epidermal level of ceramides in group UV was significantly lower than that in group C, in which ceramidase, an enzyme involved in ceramide degradation, was highly expressed. In group M0.5, the epidermal level of ceramide was significantly increased to the level even higher than in group C. In addition, protein expression of serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), a key enzyme involved in de novo ceramide synthesis, was increased in group M0.5. However the epidermal levels of ceramides as well as of ceramidase protein expression in group M1.0 did not differ from those in group UV. In conclusion, we demonstrate that dietary supplementation of red-ginseng extracts mixed with Torilis fructus and Corni fructus at a level of 0.5% level in diet increased the epidermal level of ceramides coupled with the elevated expression of SPT protein.