• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.43-53
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• 2019

The anticancer activity of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract (GLE) occurs via the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the mechanism behind GLE-induced apoptosis in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the apoptotic effects and mechanism of action of GLE in cultured HepG2 cells. The results showed that GLE induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$). Moreover, GLE increased the expression of apoptotic pathway proteins, such as the cleaved forms of caspase-3, -8, and -9; the translocation of Bax and cytochrome c (cyt-c) from the mitochondria to the cytosol; and the downregulation of Bcl-2. In addition, p53 protein expression was increased upon GLE treatment. These observations indicate that the GLE-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells is mediated by mitochondrial ROS generation, followed by caspase activation and cyt-c release, suggesting that GLE may be a promising candidate for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of liver cancers.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.457-462
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• 2020

Pancreatic cancer is among the most difficult-to-treat tumors. More than half of patients with this cancer have very few symptoms at the early stages, allowing the development of distant metastases and resistance to cancer treatment. In this study, we found that Juniperus chinensis extract (JCX) decreased the cell viability and migration activity of PANC-1 and SNU-213 pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. JCX increased caspase-3 activation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-acetylcysteine treatment blocked JCX-induced ROS generation and the negative effects on pancreatic cancer cell viability. In addition, JCX down-regulated the levels of phospho-focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). Together, these results indicate that JCX induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines through ROS production, downregulating FAK/ERK signaling and activating caspase-3. We propose that JCX-derived compounds represent candidates for the development of alternative medicines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.607-619
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• 2024

Probiotics are functional microorganisms that exhibit various biological activities, such as allergic reactions, inflammation, and aging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis CBT BL3 (BL) on the amyloid beta (Aβ)-mediated cognitive impairments. Oral administration of live BL to intracerebroventricularly Aβ-injected mice significantly attenuated short- and long-term memory loss estimated using the Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. We found that expression of apoptosisrelated proteins such as caspase-9, caspase-3, and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase was significantly elevated in the brain tissues of Aβ-injected mouse brains when compared to that of the control mouse group. Interestingly, these expression levels were significantly decreased in the brain tissue of mice fed BL for 6 wk. In addition, the abnormal over-phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK in the brain tissue of intracerebroventricularly Aβ-injected mice was significantly attenuated by oral administration of BL. Taken together, the results indicate that Aβ-induced cognitive impairment may be ameliorated by the oral administration of BL by controlling the activation of MAPKs/apoptosis in the brain. This study strongly suggests that BL can be developed as a functional probiotic to attenuate Aβ-mediated cognitive deficits.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.126.1-126.1
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• 2000

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.143.1-143.1
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• 2000

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.04a
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• pp.124.1-124.1
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• 2002

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.195-201
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• 2020

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Choline PET or PET/CT has been used to visualize prostate cancer, and high levels of choline accumulation have been observed in tumors. However, the uptake system for choline and the functional expression of choline transporters in prostate cancer are not completely understood. In this study, the molecular and functional aspects of choline uptake were investigated in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line along with the correlations between choline uptake and cell viability in drug-treated cells. Choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and CTL2 mRNA were highly expressed in LNCaP cells. CTL1 and CTL2 were located in the plasma membrane and mitochondria, respectively. [³H]Choline uptake was mediated by a single Na⁺-independent, intermediate-affinity transport system in the LNCaP cells. The anticancer drugs, flutamide and bicalutamide, inhibited cell viability and [³H]choline uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. The correlations between the effects of these drugs on cell viability and [³H]choline uptake were significant. Caspase-3/7 activity was significantly increased by both flutamide and bicalutamide. Furthermore, these drugs decreased CTL1 expression in the prostate cancer cell line. These results suggest that CTL1 is functionally expressed in prostate cancer cells and are also involved in abnormal proliferation. Identification of this CTL1-mediated choline transport system in prostate cancer cells provides a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.62-76
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• 2016

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-lipogenic effects of Samhwangsasim-tang(SHT), Daehwanghwangryunsasim-tang(DHT) aqueous extract on HepG2 cells with palmitate. Materials and Methods: HepG2 cells treated with palmitate were used in this study as hepatic steatosis model. Cells were treated with different concentrations of SHT, DHT aqueous extract for 24 hours. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were analyzed by MTT assay. Expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Survivin, P21, TGF-${\beta}1$, LXR-${\alpha}$, ChREBP, ACC1, SCD1 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR. Apoptosis of cells was detected by ELISA and FACS. Expression level of caspase-3 was studied by Western blot. Lipid accumulation was indicated by Oil Red O staining. Results: SHT, DHT aqueous extract had no cytotoxicity, but decreased palmitate-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. SHT aqueous extract suppressed fatty acid synthesis by inhibiting LXR-${\alpha}$, ChREBP, SCD1 activation and increasing TGF-${\beta}1$ expression level. DHT aqueous extract also suppressed fatty acid synthesis by decreasing ChREBP expression and increasing TGF-${\beta}1$ expression. Apoptosis of lipid accumulated cells was increased by enhanced activities of P21, caspase-3 and inhibited expressions of Bcl-2, Survivin. Conclusions: These results suggest that SHT and DHT have an anti-lipogenic effects on lipid accumulation of hepatic cell. Also SHT and DHT have an efficacy to increase apoptosis of adipocyte without cytotoxicity. Therefore, SHT and DHT might have potential clinical applications for treatment of hepatic steatosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1285-1292
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• 2016

Background: It is well established that mutations in the BRCA1 gene are a major risk factor for breast cancer. Induction of cancer cell death and inhibition of survival are the main principles of cancer therapy. In this context, autophagy may have dual roles in cancer, acting on the one hand as a tumor suppressor and on the other as a mechanism of cell survival that can promote the growth of established tumors. Therefore, understanding the role of autophagy in cancer treatment is critical. Moreover, defects in apoptosis, programmed cell death, may lead to increased resistance to chemotherapy. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to detect BRCA1 gene mutations in order to throw more light on their roles as risk factors for breast cancer in Egypt. Secondly the role of autophagy and apoptosis in determining response to a fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (FAC) regimen was investigated. Materials and Methods: Forty-five female breast cancer cases and thirty apparently healthy females were enrolled in the present study. Serum levels of autophagic biomarkers, Beclin 1 and LC3 as well as the serum levels of apoptosis biomarkers Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 were measured before and after chemotherapy. Results: BRCA1 mutations were found in 5 (16.7%) and 44 (99.8%) of the controls and cancer patients, the most frequent being 5382insC followed by C61G and 185 delAG. The results revealed that chemotherapy caused elevation in serum concentration levels of the autophagic biomarkers (Beclin 1 and LC3). This elevation was associated with a significant decrease in serum concentration levels of Bcl-2 and significant increase in caspase-3 concentration levels (apoptotic markers). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate a very high level of BRCA mutations in breast cancer cases in Egypt and point to involvement of autophagic and apoptotic machinery activation in response to FAC chemotherapy.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.323-332
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• 2024

Background: Studies have reported that the combination of two or more therapeutic compounds at certain ratios has more noticeable pharmaceutical properties than single compounds and requires reduced dosage of each agent. Red ginseng and velvet antler have been extensively used in boosting immunity and physical strength and preventing diseases. Thus, this study was conducted to elucidate the skin-protective potentials of red ginseng extract (RGE) and velvet antler extract (VAE) alone or in combination on ultraviolet (UVB)-irradiated human keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mice. Methods: HaCaT cells were preincubated with RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 2 h before UVB (30 mJ/cm²) irradiation. SKH-1 mice were orally given RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 15 days before exposure to single dose of UVB (600 mJ/cm²). Treated cells and treated skin tissues were collected and subjected to subsequent experiments. Results: RGE/VAE pretreatment alone or in combination significantly prevented UVB-induced cell death, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production, and DNA damage in keratinocytes and SKH-1 mouse skins by downregulating mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1/nuclear factor kappa B and caspase signaling pathways. These extracts also strengthened the antioxidant defense systems and skin barriers in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells and SKH-1 mouse skins. Furthermore, RGE/VAE co-administration appeared to be more effective in preventing UVB-caused skin injury than these extracts used alone. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that the consumption of RGE/VAE, especially in combination, offers a protective ability against UVB-caused skin injury by preventing inflammation and apoptosis and enhancing antioxidant capacity.