• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.565-573
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• 2022

Gingival inflammation is one of the main causes that can be related to various periodontal diseases. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF) is the major constituent in periodontal connective tissue and secretes various inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This study is aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of Lotus Root extract (LRE) in Porphyromonas gingivalis derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG)-stimulated HGF-1 cells. The concentration of NO and PGE₂, as well as their responsible enzymes, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), was analyzed by Griess reaction, ELISA, and western blot analysis. LPS-PG sharply elevated the production and protein expression of inflammatory mediators, which were significantly attenuated by LRE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. LRE treatment also suppressed activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in LPS-PG-stimulated HGF-1 cells. In addition, one of phase II enzyme, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase (NQO)-1, and its transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), were significantly induced by LRE treatment. Consequently, these results suggest that LRE ameliorates LPS-PG-induced inflammatory responses by attenuating TLR4/MyD88-mediated NF-κB, and activating NQO-1/Nrf2 antioxidant response element signaling pathways in HGF-1 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.987-994
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• 2021

Our previous studies have reported that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from the larvae of white-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis) exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. This study explored the anti-inflammatory effects of protaetiamycine 9 (CVLKKAYFLTNLKLRG-NH₂), a novel AMP, derived from P. b. seulensis against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Protaetiamycine 9 (25, 50, 75, and 100 ㎍/ml) did not cause cytotoxic effects against RAW264.7 cells. The RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of protaetiamycine 9 (25-100 ㎍/ml) for 1 hr and then exposed to LPS (100 ng/ml) for 24 hr. Protaetiamycine 9 treatments decreased the LPS-induced secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), in a dose-dependent manner. Protaetiamycine 9 (25-100 ㎍/ml) effectively downregulated the LPS-induced increase in mRNA and the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are involved in the production of inflammatory mediators. Protaetiamycine 9 also suppressed the production and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, compared to the presence of LPS alone. Furthermore, protaetiamycine 9 inhibited the degradation of inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκB-α) and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. In conclusion, these results suggest that protaetiamycine 9 exhibits LPS-mediated inflammatory responses by blocking IκB-α degradation and MAPK phosphorylation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.872-881
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• 2022

In this study, we optimized the composition of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production medium using response surface methodology on Pantoea agglomerans SRCM 119864 isolated from soil. IAA-producing P. aglomerans SRCM 119864 was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. There are 11 intermediate components known to affect IAA production, hence the effect of each component on IAA production was investigated using a Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Based on the PBD, sucrose, tryptone, and sodium chloride were selected as the main factors that enhanced the IAA production at optimal L-tryptophan concentration. The predicted maximum IAA production (64.34 mg/l) was obtained for a concentration of sucrose of 13.38 g/l, of tryptone of 18.34 g/l, of sodium chloride of 9.71 g/l, and of L-tryptophan of 6.25 g/l using a the hybrid design experimental model. In the experiment, the nutrient broth medium supplemented with 0.1% L-tryptophan as the basal medium produced 45.24 mg/l of IAA, whereas the optimized medium produced 65.40 mg/l of IAA, resulting in a 44.56% increase in efficiency. It was confirmed that the IAA production of the designed optimal composition medium was very similar to the predicted IAA production. The statistical significance and suitability of the experimental model were verified through analysis of variance (ANOVA). Therefore, in this study, we determined the optimal growth medium concentration for the maximum production of IAA, which can contribute to sustainable agriculture and increase crop yield.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.135-141
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• 2022

Thymosin β-4 (TB4) is a small peptide composed of 43 amino acids. To obtain sufficient biologically active mouse TB4 economically, we cloned and overexpressed this gene in an Escherichia coli system. With the isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside induction of the E. coli transformant, TB4 fusion protein with intein- and chitin-binding domain was successfully expressed in the soluble fraction within the E. coli cell. The TB4-intein - chitin-binding domain fusion protein was purified from the soluble fraction of E. coli cell lysate. The affinity chromatography with chitin beads and dithiothreitol-mediated intein self-cleavage reaction releases the TB4 peptide into the stripping solution. Sodium dodecyl sulphate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses were used to confirm that the recombinant TB4 peptide was produced with the expected size of 5 kDa. We found that the recombinant TB4 stimulated cell migration in the transwell plate chamber assay. After 18 hr of the treatment of the recombinant TB4 with 1 ng/ml concentration, the migration of the HT1080 cell was increased by 20% compared with that of the chemically synthesized TB4. The recombinant TB4 was also observed to promote the healing of a wound area in C57BL/6 mice by as high as 35% compared with that of the chemically synthesized TB4. These results suggest that the recombinant TB4 has better biological activity for cell migration and wound healing than that of the chemically synthesized TB4 peptide.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.150-161
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• 2022

Purpose: To determine the effects of the microgroove-fibronectin complex surface on the expression of various genes related to cellular activity in human gingival fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Smooth titanium specimens (NE0), acid-treated titanium specimens (E0), microgroove and acid-treated titanium specimens (E60/10), fibronectin-fixed smooth titanium specimens (NE0FN), acid-treated and fibronectin-immobilized titanium specimens (E0FN), and microgroove and acid-treated titanium specimens immobilized with fibronectin (E60/10FN) were prepared. Real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments were conducted on 44 genes related to cell behavior of human gingival fibroblasts. Results: Adhesion and proliferation of human gingival fibroblast on microgroove-fibronectin complex titanium were activated through four types of signaling pathway. Integrin α5, Integrin β1, Integrin β3, Talin-2, which belong to the focal adhesion pathway, AKT1, AKT2, NF-κB, which belong to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MEK2, ERK1, ERK2, which belong to the MAPK signaling pathway, and Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6 genes belonging to the cell cycle signaling pathway were upregulated on the microgroove-fibronectin complex titanium surface (E60/10FN). Conclusion: The microgroove-fibronectin complex titanium surface can up-regulate various genes involved in cell behavior.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2021

Purpose: Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is caused by genetic and epigenetic alteration in the GNAS locus, and characterized by the resistance to multiple hormones and the Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) phenotype. This study investigated the phenotypic characteristics and molecular features of PHP. Methods: Eight patients who diagnosed as PHP were enrolled at Pusan National University Children's hospital and clinical features, biochemical and genetic findings were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of a total of 8 patients, 5 were diagnosed with PHP1a, and 3 were diagnosed with PHP1b. Patients with PHP1a had three different mutations in the GNAS gene, and patients with PHPIb had imprinting defect in differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the GNAS locus. Two novel GNAS variants were identified in patients with PHP1a, including c.313-2A>T and c.1094G>A. All patients with PHP1a displayed AHO features; short stature (80%), brachydactyly (80%), a round face (80%), obesity (40%), heterotopic ossification (60%), and intellectual disability (60%), whereas only one patient (33.3%) with PHP1b showed AHO feature such as a round face. When phenotypic features between PHP1a and PHP1b patients were compared, patients with PHP1b showed a tendency of higher current height standard deviation scores (SDS) compared to patients with PHP1a, (-3.2±2.1 vs.-1.1±0.8; P=0.06) Conclusions: This study summarizes the phenotypic and genetic features of the PHP patients. Although we found considerable clinical overlap between PHP1a and PHP1b, further long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the growth and development of children with PHP, as well as the effects of end-organ resistances to endocrine hormones.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.435-444
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• 2022

Hibiscus hamabo Sieb. et Zucc. (yellow hibiscus) is a deciduous semi-shrub plant and mainly growing in Jeju Island. This is known the unique wild hibiscus genus and classified as an 2nd grade of endangered plant for Korean Red List. In previous studies, properties of germination, ecological, genetical and salt resistance have been reported. In this study, we investigated mass-proliferated adventitious root using bioreactor, antioxidant and whitening effects to conduct functional ingredients. Yellow hibiscus were collected from Gujwa, Jeju by prior permission and they were introduced by explant type and various medium composition after surface sterilization. As a result, seed response rates were evaluated at range of 51.17~51.83%, in terms of comprehensive efficiency of shoot and root formation. In the case of adventitious root propagation condition was confirmed in half strength Murashige and Skoog medium salts, 30 mg/L sucrose, and 2 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid for 8 weeks in 5,000 mL bioreactor. We also compared between relationship with biomass and secondary metabolites accumulation by total phenolics content, the flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and melanin content. The results indicated that adventitious root mass proliferation, antioxidant and whitening effect could develop value of the high-quality cosmeceutical ingredient and further metabolite studies.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.76-83
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• 1984

This experiment was performed to investigate the flowering habit of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Sesame varieties tested could be classified into 8 different plant types by their morphological traits such as capsule shape, capsule setting habit and branching types among sesame gene pool of Crop Experiment Station, ORD. The first flower was appeared at the lowest node on main stem. Flowers were appeared progressively toward the tip of the main stem and also toward the tips of branches. The interval of flowering for a node was about one day, but 3 to 8 days for the flowers on the tips. Side flowers started at 4 to 5 nodes lower than those of center flower at the same day. Flowers were beared 2 by 1 node on the middle part of flower setting node (7-9) in mono capsule setting habit in spite of its normal is 1 by 1 node on the other nodes. Flowers were beared opposite direction on each node of stem and flowering toward the tip of main stem composed of cross shape between nodes and spiral, reverse of clockwise direction. We called this habit as cross spiral flowering order and cross spiral phyllotaxis. The first flower on branches was appeared when center flower on the 5th node of main stem began to flower. The branches produced at higher nodes on main stem showed larger flowering periods and more number of flowers than that at lower parts. BTB (Branch, Tricapsule, Bicarpels, 4 Loculi) type showed three capsule setting habits and same flowering period both on main stem and branches while BTQ (Branch, Tricapsule, Quadricarpels, 8 Loculi) type showed three capsule setting habit on main stem and mono-capsule setting habit on branches. In BTQ type, the period of flowering was much shorter on branches than on main stem. Branching type was considered more promising than non branching type for the breeding of early maturing high yielding variety because branching type has the advantage of bearing a lot of flowers in comparatively short flowering period.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.270-280
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• 1988

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the main effects and pleiotropic effects of two comparable isogenic lines for culm and spike length in hulled barley and observed various agronomic characteristics, yield and yield components under the conditions of heavy fertilizer application and high planting densities. Three isogenic lines, culm, spike and culm and spike, were planted and to obtain basic data for improving high-yielding and quality of hulled barley at Experiment Farm, Dankook Univ., Cheonan city in 1985. Differences of culm length between two comparable isogenic lines, short culmed line (SCL) and medium culmed line (MCL), in isogenic lines for culm length showed highly significant differences. And differences of spike length between two comparable isogenic lines, short spike line (SSL) and medium spike line (MSL), in isogenic lines for spike length showed highly significant differences. Differences of culm and spike length between two comparable isogenic lines, short culmed and spike line (SCSSL) and medium culmed and spike line (MCMSL), short culmed and spike line (SCSSL) and long culmed and spike line (LCLSL), in isogenic lines for culm and spike length showed highly significant differences. Characteristics affected highly by the genes of culm length in isogenic lines for culm length were heading days, the 1st and 2nd internode length, No. of grains per spike, No. of spikes/m$^2$, and one litre weight. Characteristics affected highly by the genes of spike length in isogenic lines for spike length were No. of spike nodes, heading days, maturity days, thousand grain weight and one litre weight. Characteristics affected highly by the genes of culm and spike length in isogenic lines for culm and spike length were No. of spike nodes, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th internode length, thousand grain weight and grain yield. Grain yield of SCL, MSL, MCMSL and SCSSL was more than grain yield of MCL, SSL, SCSSL and LCLSL, respectively. Maturity days of SCL, MSL, SCSSL and LSLSL were faster than maturity days of MCL, SSL, MCMSL and SCSSL, respectively.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2023

Sucrose (suc) is a disaccharide that consists of glucose (glu) and fructose (fru). It is a carbohydrate source that acts as a nutrient molecule and a molecular signal that regulates gene expression and alters metabolites. This study aimed to evaluate whether suc-specific signaling induces an increase in bioactive compounds by exogenous suc absorption via roots or whether other factors, such as osmotic stress or biotic stress, are involved. To compare the osmotic stress induced by suc treatment, 4-week-old cultured mugwort plants were subjected to Hoagland nutrient solution with 10 mM, 30 mM, and 50 mM of suc or mannitol (man) for 3 days. Shoot fresh weight in suc and man treatments was not significantly different from the control. Both man and suc treatments increased the content of bioactive compounds in mugwort, but they displayed different enhancement patterns compared to the suc treatments. Mugwort extract treated with suc 50 mM effectively protected HepG2 liver cells damaged by ethanol and t-BHP. To compare the biotic stress induced by suc treatment, 3-week-old mugwort plants were subjected to microorganism and/or suc 30 mM with Hoagland nutrient solution. Microorganisms and/or suc 30 mM treatments showed no difference about the shoot fresh weight. However, sugar content in mugwort treated with suc 30 mM and microorganism with suc 30 mM treatment was significantly higher than that of the control. Suc 30 mM and microorganism with suc 30 mM were effective in enhancing bioactive compounds than microorganism treatment. These results suggest that mugwort plants can absorb exogenous suc via roots and the enhancement of bioactive compounds by suc treatment may result not from osmotic stress or biotic stress because of microorganism, but by suc-specific signaling.