• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.2-9
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• 2019

Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) maintain distinct capacities with respect to self-renewal, differentiation ability and immunomodulatory function, they have been highly considered as the therapeutic agents for cell-based clinical application. Of particular, differentiation condition alters characteristics of MSCs, including cellular morphology, expression of gene/protein and cell surface molecule, immunological property and apoptosis. However, the previous results for differentiation-related apoptosis in MSCs have still remained controversial due to varied outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to disclose periodical alterations of pro- and anti-apoptosis in MSCs under differentiation inductions. The human dental pulp-derived MSCs (DP-MSCs) were differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts during early (1 week), middle (2 weeks) and late (3 weeks) stages, and were investigated on their apoptosis-related changes by Annexin V assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting. The ratio of apoptotic cell population was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated during the early to middle stages of differentiations but recovered up to the similar level of undifferentiated state at the late stage of differentiation. In the expression of mRNA and protein, whereas expressions of pro-apoptosis-related makers (BAX and BAK) were not altered in any kind and duration of differentiation inductions, anti-apoptosis marker (BCL2) was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated even at the early stage of differentiations. The recovery of apoptotic cell population at the late stage of differentiation is expected to be associated with the response by elevation of anti-apoptotic molecules. The present study may contribute on understanding for cellular mechanism in differentiation of MSCs and provide background data in clinical application of MSCs in the animal biotechnology to develop effective and safe therapeutic strategy.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2019

Objectives : Hyperthermia is a widely used therapeutic tool for cancer therapy and a well-known inducer of apoptosis. Although the Cinnamomi cortex (CC) is a potent anticancer agent for several human carcinomas, it is less potent in the human U937 cell line. To explore any enhancing effects of CC with hyperthermia induced apoptosis, this study investigated the combined effects and apoptotic mechanisms of hyperthermia and CC in U937 cells. Methods : U937 cells were heat treated at $43^{\circ}C$ for 30 min with or without pre-treatment for 1h with CC and then incubated at $37^{\circ}C$ with 5% $CO_2$. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay and Trypan blue assay. Morphological changes reflecting apoptosis were visualized under microscope. Synergy effect of CC combined with hyperthermia were calculated by Compusyn software. The expression of proteins related to apoptosis and signaling pathways was determined by western blotting. Results : Hyperthermia with CC reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis. Combined hyperthermia and CC treatment markedly augmented apoptosis by upregulating proapoptotic proteins and suppressing antiapoptotic proteins, culminating in caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, the combined treatment, decreased the expression of in Bcl-2 family, cyclin D1, VEGF, MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Conclusion : This study provides compelling evidence that hyperthermia, in combination with CC, is a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancement of apoptosis and suggests a promising therapeutic approach for cancer.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2019

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta. In the present study, we investigated whether ${\beta}-Lapachone$ (${\beta}-LAP$), a natural naphthoquinone compound isolated from the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae), elicits neuroprotective effects in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model. ${\beta}-LAP$ reduced the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive fiber loss induced by MPTP in the dorsolateral striatum, and alleviated motor dysfunction as determined by the rotarod test. In addition, ${\beta}-LAP$ protected against MPTP-induced loss of TH positive neurons, and upregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2) expression in the substantia nigra. Based on previous reports on the neuroprotective role of nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) in neurodegenerative diseases, we investigated whether ${\beta}-LAP$ induces upregulation of the Nrf2-hemeoxygenae-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway molecules in MPTP-injected mouse brains. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that ${\beta}-LAP$ increased HO-1 expression in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes. Moreover, ${\beta}-LAP$ increased the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of Nrf2, and the phosphorylation of upstream adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). ${\beta}-LAP$ also increased the localization of p-AMPK and Nrf2 in astrocytes. Collectively, our data suggest that ${\beta}-LAP$ exerts neuroprotective effect in MPTP-injected mice by upregulating the p-AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in astrocytes.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.643-654
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• 2021

Phytophthora capsici is one of the most destructive hemibiotrophic pathogens; it can cause blight in chili peppers, and secrete various effector proteins to infect the plants. These effectors contain an N-terminal conserved RXLR motif. Here, we generated full-length RXLR effector coding genes using primer pairs, and cloned them into the pGR106 vector for in planta expression. Two of these genes, PcREK6 and PcREK41 (P. capsici RXLR effector from the Korea isolate), were further characterized. PcREK6 and PcREK41 genes showed that they encode effector proteins with a general modular structure, including the N-terminal conserved RXLR-DEER motif and signal peptide sequences. PcREK6 and PcREK41 expressions were strongly induced when the chili pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) were challenged with P. capsici. These results provide molecular evidence to elucidate the virulence or avirulence factors in chili pepper. Our results also showed that two effectors induce hypersensitive response (HR) cell death when expressed in chili leaves. Cell death suppression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana revealed that most effectors could not suppress programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by Bcl-associated X (BAX) or Phytophthora infestans elicitin (INF1). However, PcREK6 fully suppressed PCD triggered by BAX, while PcREK41 partially suppressed PCD triggered by INF1 elicitin. These results suggest that PcREK effectors from P. capsici interact with putative resistance (R) proteins in planta, and different effectors may target different pathways in a plant cell to suppress pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) or effector-triggered immunity (ETI).

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.133-139
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• 2021

Objectives : Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a decrease in the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The abnormal expression of solute carrier family 6 member 4 (Slc6a4) has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods : In this study, we used MPTP to examine the changes in the expression of Slc6a4 in the brain of mice with Parkinson's disease and investigate its effect on dopaminergic neuronal cell death. Results : In the examination of the Slc6a4 expression in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated mice for 4 weeks. The gene expression was increased compared to the normal group. To investigate the relationship between Slc6a4 and dopaminergic neurons, we performed a study using siRNA of Slc6a4 in the dopaminergic neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y. Using the siRNA of Slc6a4 to evaluate gene expression, it revealed that the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression increases when Slc6a4 decreases. Moreover, this confirms its effects on the dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, through the evaluation of factors related to apoptosis, in particular, it was established that the value of bax/bcl2 decreased and was affected. These results suggest that a decreased Slc6a4 expression induces an increase in TH expression, providing a mechanism of action for dopaminergic neurons regulated by Slc6a4 expression. Conclusions : Slc6a4 is deemed to be involved in the regulation of dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that an increased Slc6a4 expression induced by MPTP may influence a reduction of dopaminergic neurons.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1069-1078
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• 2021

Sevoflurane postconditioning (SPostC) has been proved effective in cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. It was also reported that heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) could be induced by sevoflurane, which played a crucial role in hypoxic/reoxygenation (HR) injury of cardiomyocytes. However, the mechanism by which sevoflurane protects cardiomyocytes via HSP70 is still not understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the related mechanisms of SPostC inducing HSP70 expression to reduce the HR injury of cardiomyocytes. After the HR cardiomyocytes model was established, the cells transfected with siRNA for HSP70 (siHSP70) or not were treated with sevoflurane during reoxygenation. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was detected by colorimetry while cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT and flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting were used to detect HSP70, apoptosis-, cell cycle-associated factors, iNOS, and Cox-2 expressions. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). SPostC decreased apoptosis, cell injury, oxidative stress and inflammation and increased viability of HR-induced cardiomyocytes. In addition, SPostC downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels, while SPostC upregulated Bcl-2, CDK-4, Cyclin D1, and HSP70 levels. SiHSP70 had the opposite effect that SPostC had on HR-induced cardiomyocytes. Moreover, siHSP70 further reversed the effect of SPostC on apoptosis, cell injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, viability and the expressions of HSP70, apoptosis-, and cell cycle-associated factors in HR-induced cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SPostC can reduce the HR injury of cardiomyocytes by inducing HSP70 expression.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2021

The overproduction of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative damage to neuronal cells, leading to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we determined the nitric oxide radical (NO), hydroxyl radical (·OH), and superoxide anion radical (O₂^-) scavenging activities of apigenin. Our results showed that apigenin exhibited remarkable, concentration-dependent ·OH, O₂^-, and NO radical scavenging activities. Particularly, apigenin indicated the strongest ·OH radical scavenging activity with 93.38% in the concentration of 100 µM. Furthermore, we also investigated the protective effects of apigenin against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. The H₂O₂ treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, as well as an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and ROS production compared with the H₂O₂-nontreated SH-SY5Y cells. However, the cell viability significantly increased in the apigenin-treated group, as well as inhibited ROS generation and LDH release compared with the H₂O₂-induced control group. To elucidate the protective mechanisms of apigenin against oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y, we analyzed the apoptosis-related protein expression. The apigenin treatment resulted in the downregulated expression of apoptosis-related protein markers, such as cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-3, poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP), and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X (Bax), as well as the upregulated expression of anti-apoptosis markers such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). In this study, we report that apigenin exhibits a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that apigenin may be considered as a potential agent for neurodegenerative disease prevention.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2021

Objective : Citrus unshiu peel (Citri Unshius Pericarpium) has been prescribed to suppress coughing and phlegm in Korean medicine. In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Citrus unshiu peel (CEE) on apoptosis was investigated using cadmium chloride (CdCl2) treated HepG2 cells. Methods : CEE was prepared by extracting 300 g of Citri Unshius Pericarpium in 3 L of ethanol for 72 h. Apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored using the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye Rh123. The expression level of each protein was monitored by Western blot analysis. Results : CEE protected HepG2 cells from apoptosis as determined by the TUNEL assay. A decrease in MMP was observed in cells exposed to cadmium, indicating that mitochondria are involved in the induction of apoptosis. However, CEE recovered the reduction in MMP caused by cadmium. In addition, decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), procaspase, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by cadmium was increased by CEE. The anti-apoptotic effect of CEE was found to be associated with inhibition of JNK and p38 phosphorylation when examining the expression of phosphorylated MAPK by Western blot. Conclusion : This study showed that CEE exerted anti-apoptotic effects in cadmium-induced HepG2 cells by inhibiting the reduction of MMP and changes in the expression level of apoptotic proteins. These results suggest the potential for CEE to be used for heavy metal-induced liver damage.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.273-286
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• 2021

Background: Prostate carcinoma is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. Developing new therapeutic approaches and diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer (PC) is a significant need. The Chinese herbal medicine Panax quinquefolius saponins (PQS) have been reported to show anti-tumor effects. We hypothesized that PQS exhibits anti-cancer activity in human PC cells and we aimed to search for novel biomarkers allowing early diagnosis of PC. Methods: We used the human PC cell line DU145 and the prostate epithelial cell line PNT2 to perform cell viability assays, flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle, and FACS-based apoptosis assays. Microarray-based gene expression analysis was used to display specific gene expression patterns and to search for novel biomarkers. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to demonstrate the expression levels of multiple cancer-related genes. Results: Our data showed that PQS inhibited the viability of DU145 cells and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. A significant decrease in DU145 cell invasion and migration were observed after 24 h treatment by PQS. PQS up-regulated the expression levels of p21, p53, TMEM79, ACOXL, ETV5, and SPINT1 while it down-regulated the expression levels of bcl2, STAT3, FANCD2, DRD2, and TMPRSS2. Conclusion: PQS promoted cells apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of DU145 cells, which suggests that PQS may be effective for treating PC. TMEM79 and ACOXL were expressed significantly higher in PNT2 than in DU145 cells and could be novel biomarker candidates for PC diagnosis.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2022

Humulus japonicus (HJ) is a widely used herbal medicine for pulmonary tuberculosis, hypertension, leprosy, and venomous wounds in Asia, particularly in China. Although HJ has certain physiological activities, such as longitudinal bone growth, antioxidation and alleviation of rheumatism, its anticancer activities, other than in colorectal and ovarian cancer, are yet to be studied. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity and mechanism of methanol extracts of HJ (MeHJ) against human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. MeHJ suppressed FaDu cell viability without affecting normal cells (L929), which was demonstrated using the MTT and Live & Dead assays. Furthermore, MeHJ effectively inhibited colony formation of FaDu cells, even at non-cytotoxic concentrations, and significantly induced apoptosis through the proteolytic cleavage of caspase-9, -3, -7, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and through the downregulation of BCL-2 and upregulation of BAX in FaDu cells, as determined by DAPI staining, flow cytometry, and western blot analyses. Collectively, these findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of MeHJ on the growth and colony formation of oral cancer cells may be mediated by caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways in human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Therefore, MeHJ has the potential to be used as a natural chemotherapeutic drug against human oral cancer.