• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.199-209
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• 2023

Background: Due to the interrupted blood supply in cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), ischemic and hypoxia results in neuronal depolarization, insufficient NAD+, excessive levels of ROS, mitochondrial damages, and energy metabolism disorders, which triggers the ischemic cascades. Currently, improvement of mitochondrial functions and energy metabolism is as a vital therapeutic target and clinical strategy. Hence, it is greatly crucial to look for neuroprotective natural agents with mitochondria protection actions and explore the mediated targets for treating CIS. In the previous study, notoginseng leaf triterpenes (PNGL) from Panax notoginseng stems and leaves was demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the potential mechanisms have been not completely elaborate. Methods: The model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) was adopted to verify the neuroprotective effects and potential pharmacology mechanisms of PNGL in vivo. Antioxidant markers were evaluated by kit detection. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by ATP content measurement, ATPase, NAD and NADH kits. And the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and pathological staining (H&E and Nissl) were used to detect cerebral morphological changes and mitochondrial structural damages. Western blotting, ELISA and immunofluorescence assay were utilized to explore the mitochondrial protection effects and its related mechanisms in vivo. Results: In vivo, treatment with PNGL markedly reduced excessive oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial injury, alleviated energy metabolism dysfunction, decreased neuronal loss and apoptosis, and thus notedly raised neuronal survival under ischemia and hypoxia. Meanwhile, PNGL significantly increased the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in the ischemic regions, and regulated its related downstream SIRT1/2/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α pathways. Conclusion: The study finds that the mitochondrial protective effects of PNGL are associated with the NAMPT-SIRT1/2/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α signal pathways. PNGL, as a novel candidate drug, has great application prospects for preventing and treating ischemic stroke.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.479-484
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• 2013

Given the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5's impact on the efficacy of drugs, the genetic backgrounds of individuals and populations are regarded as an important factor to be considered in the prescription of personalized medicine. However, genetic studies with Korean population are relatively scarce compared to those with other populations. In this study, we aimed to identify CYP3A4/5 polymorphisms and compare the genotype distributions among five ethnicities. To identify CYP3A4/5 SNPs, we first performed direct sequencing with 288 DNA samples which consisted of 96 Koreans, 48 European-Americans, 48 African-Americans, 48 Han Chinese, and 48 Japanese. The direct sequencing identified 15 novel SNPs, as well as 42 known polymorphisms. We defined the genotype distributions, and compared the allele frequencies among five ethnicities. The results showed that minor allele frequencies of Korean population were similar with those of the Japanese and Han Chinese populations, whereas there were distinct differences from European-Americans or African-Americans. Among the pharmacogenetic markers, frequencies of $CYP3A4^*1B$ (rs2740574) and $CYP3A5^*3C$ (rs776742) in Asian groups were different from those in other populations. In addition, minor allele frequency of $CYP3A4^*18$ (rs28371759) was the highest in Korean population. Additional in silico analysis predicted that two novel non-synonymous SNPs in CYP3A5 (+27256C>T, P389S and +31546T>G, I488S) could alter protein structure. The frequency distributions of the identified polymorphisms in the present study may contribute to the expansion of pharmacogenetic knowledge.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.395-402
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• 2005

Biologically active recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH) was produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells and purified by a series of chromatographic steps. The chromatographic steps included anion-exchange chromatography (DEAE Sepharose F/F, Q Sepharose F/F), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (Source 15 PHE), and hydroxyapatite chromatography (Macro-Prep ceramic hydroxyapatite type I). A distinctive step of the purification process developed was the use of ZnCl$_2$ for the removal of non-glycosylated or lowly-glycosylated FSH and impurities through co-precipitation with Zn$^{2+}$. Purified rhFSH was identified and characterized by several physicochemical and biological methods such as gel electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, amino acid analysis, carbohydrate analysis, and biological activity. The overall yield of the purification was ~$30\%$. The rhFSH preparation obtained showed high purity (>$99\%$) and high in vivo potency (>16,000 IU/mg). Carbohydrate analysis suggested that the purified rhFSH contained approximately $40\%$ (w/w) carbohydrate with di­or tri-antennary structure on average, which is somewhat more heavily sialylated than commercially available rhFSH. In conclusion, the results of these analyses established an identity of the purified rhFSH with natural FSH from human pituitary glands, and furthermore, the purified rhFSH preparation showed higher in vivo potency and was slightly more heavily sialylated than commercially available rhFSH.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.808-816
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• 2018

Bacterial biofilms have been demonstrated to be closely related to clinical infections and contribute to drug resistance. Berberine, which is the main component of Coptis chinensis, has been reported to have efficient antibacterial activity. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of a combination of berberine with ciprofloxacin (CIP) to inhibit Salmonella biofilm formation and its effect on expressions of related genes (rpoE, luxS, and ompR). The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of the combination of berberine with CIP is 0.75 showing a synergistic antibacterial effect. The biofilm's adhesion rate and growth curve showed that the multi-resistant Salmonella strain had the potential to form a biofilm relative to that of strain CVCC528, and the antibiofilm effects were in a dose-dependent manner. Biofilm microstructures were rarely observed at $1/2{\times}MIC/FIC$ concentrations (MIC, minimal inhibition concentration), and the combination had a stronger antibiofilm effect than each of the antimicrobial agents used alone at $1/4{\times}FIC$ concentration. LuxS, rpoE, and ompR mRNA expressions were significantly repressed (p< 0.01) at $1/2{\times}MIC/FIC$ concentrations, and the berberine and CIP combination repressed mRNA expressions more strongly at the $1/4{\times}FIC$ concentration. The results indicate that the combination of berberine and CIP has a synergistic effect and is effective in inhibiting Salmonella biofilm formation via repression of luxS, rpoE, and ompR mRNA expressions.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.415-421
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• 2006

The following concentrations of some PAHs were investigated; [benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, indeno (1,2,3-c,d)pyrene] in vegetables(n=160) and fruits(n=50). The food samples were purchased at the local markets in Seoul, Chuncheon, Daejeon, Kwangju and Pusan. The samples were radish, onion, bean sprouts, welsh onion, chinese cabbage, spinach, young pumpkin, garlic, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, sesame leaf, tangerine, persimmon, apple, pear and banana. The methodology involved ultrasonic extraction with dichloromethane, clean-up on Sep-Pak florisil cartridges and determination by HPLC/FLD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Fluorescence Detector). Overall method recoveries for 8 PAHs spiked into these products ranged from 95 to 102%. The mean level of the following PAHs were determined; benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene in vegetables and fruits was N.D., 0.014 ng/g, 0.031 ng/g, 0.016 ng/g, 0.019 ng/g, 0.091 ng/g, 0.016 ng/g and N.D., respectively.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.145-149
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• 2006

To analyze the effect of Maltol on the apoptosis of Human Neuroblastoma Cells (SH-SY5Y) treated by free radical which was generated from Hydrogen Peroxide ($H_2O_2$), flow cytometry analysis on Phosphatidylserine (PS) inverting percentage was applied to determine the apoptosis. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay was employed to analyze the cell viability. DNA electrophoresis was used to detect DNA fragmentation. Moreover intracellular calcium of concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) was measured by fluorescence emission. Flow cytometry analysis on the function of mitochondria and Western blto analysis of NF-${\kappa}B$. The results showed that the pretreatment with maltol for 2 hours could prevent the $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis. Maltol could reduce the inverting percentage of PS, DNA fragmentation and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$, and enhance the cellular function of mitochondria. NF-${\kappa}B$ activated by $H_2O_2$ is reduced. The experiments suggest that maltol could effectively inhibit the apoptosis induced by $H_2O_2$. As a novel anti-oxidant, maltol is a new promising drug in protecting the neurological cells from the damage by free radical.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.81-89
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• 2003

Polygoni multiflori Radix has been used as a tonic medicine. In Korea, Cynanchi wilfordii Radix have been used too. Their names are resembled, but their plant origines are different. Polygoni multiflori Radix is called 何首烏 or 赤何首烏, and Cynanchi wilfordii Radix is 白何首烏 or 白首烏. They are suggested that they had been confused using at the early days in drug history. Polygoni multiflori Radix is enclosed in the pharmacopoeias of Korea, North Korea, Chinese and Japan. The nomina of pharmacopoeias are 赤何首烏 at North Korea and 何首烏 at other countries; Korea, Chinese and Japan. Cynanchi wilfordii Radix is just enclosed in Korea and North Korea. It means that Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has been commonly prescribed in Korea and North Korea than other countries. The nomina of pharmacopoeias are 白首烏 in Korea and 白何首烏 in North Korea. The characteristics of 何首烏 in ancient herbal records are confused of Polygoni multiflori Radix and Cynanchi wilfordii Radix. But Polygoni multiflori Radix is fixed at 何首烏 later. In Korea (south and north) Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has been recorded to using in 東醫寶鑑 that was Korea traditional Medicinal book and wrote at 1613. The 白首烏 is named in chinese about 20 century, but 白何首烏 is in korea about 19 century. In these consequences, prescription of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix in Korea is earlier than Chinese and Japan, and more common consumption too. So the nomen of 白何首烏 is better properly than 白首烏 in Korean Herbal pharmacopoeia.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.1539-1545
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• 2010

In beer, glutathione works as the main antioxidant compound, which also correlates with the stability of the beer flavor. In addition, high residual sugars in beer contribute to major nonvolatile components, which are reflected in a high caloric content. Therefore, in this study, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GSH1 gene encoding glutamylcysteine synthetase and the Saccharomycopsis fibuligera ALP1 gene encoding ${\alpha}$-amylase were coexpressed in industrial brewing yeast strain Y31 targeting the ${\alpha}$-acetolactate synthase (AHAS) gene (ILV2) and alcohol dehydrogenase gene (ADH2), resulting in the new recombinant strain TY3. The glutathione content in the fermentation broth of TY3 increased to 43.83 mg/l as compared with 33.34 mg/l in the fermentation broth of Y31. The recombinant strain showed a high ${\alpha}$-amylase activity and utilized more than 46% of the starch as the sole carbon source after 5 days. European Brewery Convention tube fermentation tests comparing the fermentation broths of TY3 and Y31 showed that the flavor stability index for TY3 was 1.3-fold higher, whereas its residual sugar concentration was 76.8% lower. Owing to the interruption of the ILV2 gene and ADH2 gene, the contents of diacetyl and acetaldehyde as off-flavor compounds were reduced by 56.93% and 31.25%, respectively, when compared with the contents in the Y31 fermentation broth. In addition, since no drug-resistant genes were introduced to the new recombinant strain, it should be more suitable for use in the beer industry, owing to its better flavor stability and other beneficial characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.205-209
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• 1999

Chinese foxglove(Rehmannia glutinosa) is receiving much attention as one of the principal medicinal crops and the crud drug. This study was conducted to obtain the basic breeding information of Chinese foxglove derived from tissue culture. To compare plant characteristics between local variety and tissue cultured seedlings, plant growth and root yield has been investigated. In addition, catalpol and free sugar contents were also analized. The ability for the storage of root stock originated from tissue culture seedlings were better than that of local variety. The growth and root yield of in vitro propagated plants were superior to those of conventionally propagated plants. Root yield of 1-year-old and 2-year-old seedlings investigated 112% and 246% respectively than Seacheon local shows 384 kg/10 a. Although there were no significant different between tissue culture seedlings and conventionally propagated one, slight decline of component contents in tissue culture plants were still existed. Investigated sugar content among Seocheon local, 1-year-old tissue culture seedlings, and 2-year-old tissue culture seedlings were 1.86%, 1.21%, and 1.10% respectively. Catalpol content as one of standard materials indicates 0.46% in Seocheon local and 0.40% in tissue cultured ones.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.174-179
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• 2006

Chinese cabbage, Braccica campestris has long been consumed as a staple food for Koreans in various forms of fresh, salted, and fermented Kimchi. Cultivation of the crop under greenhouse has become a general practices to fulfill its off-seasonal consumer's demand. However, agricultural practices of the crop have always accompanied with heavy applications of pesticides caused by severe outbreaks of diseases and pose under warm and humid circumferences. Since dissipation patterns of pesticide residues in/on the crop under greenhouse conditions ate quite different from those in the open-air, changes of diazinon, O,O-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl phosphornthioate, in/on the Chinese cabbage applied by foliar spraying under greenhouse were studied. Diazinon 34% EC was applied with dilution of recommended and double dose to the crop. The shoots of crop were harvested immediately after this application and at regular intervals over a 10-day. After sample preparations, the diazinon residue was analyzed using gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Initially deposited amount of the chemical in/on the crop right after applications with recommended and double doses were 8.3 and 15.2 mg/kg, respectively. The residue levels after 10 days of application were 0.03 and 0.09 mg/kg with 1.3 and 1.5 days of half-life in/on the crop, respectively. In consequent 10 days of pre-harvest interval (PHI) for diazinon EC formulation in/on Chinese cabbage under greenhouse condition was fulfill maximum residue level set by Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA, 0.1 mg/kg).