• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.51-59
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• 2023

Objectives: Despite the pharmacological potential of the roots and stems of hemp based on literatures, active research has not been conducted for a long time. Comparative experiments were conducted on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and improvement of glucose uptake using Cannabis root and stem extracts. Methods: Antioxidant contents in Cannabis root and stem extracts were examined with total phenolic, tannin, flavonoid assay. Anti-inflammatory properties were tested in lipopolysaccharides-treated RAW264.7 cells. Efficacy of Cannabis root and stem extracts on glucose uptake was investigated using fluorescent glucose analog (2-NBDG) in palmitate-treated HepG2 cells. The mechanism of action on metabolism was examined by western blot. Results: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy were greater in stem extracts, but improvements in glucose uptake performed under various conditions were found to be greater in root extracts. It is assumed that Cannabis root extracts exhibited an improvement in glucose uptake through mechanisms such as AMP-activated protein kinase activation, not depending on general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions: Further research is needed on the mechanisms and substances that exhibit the anti-diabetic effects of Cannabis roots and stems.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.99-109
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• 2024

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effect of Eriobotrya japonica L. (EJ) extract against Arachidonic acid (AA)+iron-induced oxidative stress. Methods : To confirm the cytoprotective effect of EJ against AA+iron-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, it was evaluated by MTT assay, immunoblot anaylsis, and Calcein-AM/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Additionally, the mechanism of action of the cytoprotective effect was evaluated through molecular mechanisms. Results : EJ (100 ㎍/mL) inhibited Arachidonic acid (AA)+iron-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. It also inhibited AA+iron-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production. EJ activated the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway. Conclusions : In conclusion, EJ has the ability to protect liver cells from oxidative stress, indicating that it is related to AMPK-LKB1 signaling pathways.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.221-234
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• 2023

This study was conducted to develop a habitat assessment system for the endangered wildlife II Kirengeshoma koreana Nakai through in-depth interviews with experts based on field surveys and environmental characteristics through spatial data analysis and literature research. Evaluation factors were selected based on the survey results of 31 variables for 23 K. koreana habitats. Afterwards, the importance and evaluation range for each assessment factor were selected. The selection of survey variables, assessment factors, importance of each factor and assessment range was conducted through in-depth interviews with experts at each stage. As a result, the assessment factors and importance were 16% for precipitation of the wettest month, 10% for vegetation zone, 12% for vegetation type, 10% for crown canopy vitality, 14% for tree layer coverage, 13% for drainage grade, 12% for soil depth, and 13% for distance to stream including dry stream. This study provides basic ecological information and a habitat assessment system for K. koreana habitats. Therefore, it can be used as primary data for preparing an endangered wildlife conservation policy, preparing a habitat improvement plan, and selecting an alternative habitat.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1803-1812
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• 2024

The attractive properties of gadolinium-based nanoparticles as a positive contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have piqued the interest of both researchers and clinicians. Nonetheless, due to the biotoxicity of gadolinium (III) ions' free radicals, there is a need to address this issue. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a biocompatible, dispersible, stable, hydrophilic, and less toxic cellulose nanocrystals/gadolinium oxide nanocomposite as contrast agent properties for MRI purposes. This study aimed to synthesize gadolinium oxide nanoparticles coated with cellulose nanocrystals with polyethylene glycol and sodium hydroxide (CNCs-PEG/NaOH)/Gd₂O₃ using the gamma irradiation method to reduce the particle size. The results showed that using a gamma irradiation dose of 10 kGy, quasi-spherical morphology with a size of approximately 5.5 ± 0.65 nm could be produced. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility of (CNCs-PEG/NaOH)/Gd₂O₃ nanocomposite synthesized was assessed through MTT assay tests on Hep G2 cells, which demonstrated good cytocompatibility without any cytotoxic effects within a concentration range of (10 ㎍/mL - 150 ㎍/mL) and had sufficient cellular uptake. Moreover, the T₁-weighted MRI of (CNCs-PEG/NaOH)/Gd₂O₃ nanocomposite revealed promising results as a positive contrast agent. It is envisaged that the gamma irradiation method is promising in synthesizing (CNCs-PEG/NaOH)/Gd₂O₃ nanocomposite with nanoscale for different applications, especially in the radiotherapy field.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2007

Purpose : Viral respiratory tract infection is most common cause for admission to hospital in children. There are many cases with elevated transaminase level in patients with viral lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The aim of this study was to compare indexes of disease severity such as duration of assisted ventilation, length of hospital stay and Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score in children with viral LRTI with and without elevated transaminase levels and to determine the etiology related to elevated transaminase levels in this patients group. Methods : Virological analysis was done from respiratory specimens obtained from patients with LRTI admitted to Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital from Jan. 2003 to Jun. 2005. Viral diagnosis was made by isolation of viruses employing HEp-2 cell culture from nasopharyngeal aspiration. Medical records of children were reviewed retrospectively. We compared age, sex, RDAI score, Respiratory Rate (RR) score and mean duration of hospital stay between patients with elevated transaminase levels (Patient Group) and patients with normal transaminase levels (Control Group). Results : Viruses were isolated from 181 children with LRTI. 16 cases were excluded according to criteria. 28 cases (17.0%) had elevated transaminase levels (Patient group) and 137 cases (83.0%) had normal transaminase levels (Control group). There were no significant difference in duration of fever, RR score, RDAI score, incidence of $O_2$ inhalation and duration of hospital stay between patient group and control group. We found 17 (60.7%) cases of RSV, 4 cases (14.3%) of parainfluenza, 4 cases (14.3%) of influenza B virus, 3 cases (10.7%) of adenovirus and 1 case (3.6%) of influenza A virus infection in patient group and 78 cases (56.9%) of RSV, 28 cases (20.4%) of parainfluenza virus, 13 cases (9.5%) of influenza A virus, 9 cases (6.6%) of influenza B virus, 6 cases (4.4%) of adenovirus and 3 cases (2.2%) of coxsackie virus infection in control group. Conclusion : There were 28 cases (17.0%) with elevated transaminase level among patients with virus isolated LRTI. There was no relation between elevated transaminase level and severity of disease. The viral etiologies in two groups were not significantly different. There was no significant difference of age distribution between two groups.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.1295-1301
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the mutagenic, antimutagenic, cytotoxicity and antitumor effect of Codonopsis lanceolata (CL). CL was extracted with 70% ethanol and then further fractionated to hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water. Antimutagenic, cytotoxicity and antitumor effects of CL extracts were measured by using Ames test, SRB method, and the tumor growth inhibition test. CL extracts did not show any mutagenicity in the Ames test; however, 70% ethanol extracts and its fractions had strong antimutagenic effects against mutation induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO). The ethyl acetate fraction of CL (200 ${\mu}g$/plate) showed approximately 72.1% inhibitory effect on the mutagenesis induced by 4NQO against TA98 strain, whereas 69.6% and 67.0% inhibitions were observed on the mutagenesis induced by MNNG and 4NQO against TA100 strain. In anticancer effects, the cytotoxicity of CL extract and its fractions against cancer cell lines including human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human lung carcinoma (A549) and transformed primary human embryo kidney (293) were investigated. The treatment of 1 mg/mL CL ethyl acetate fraction had the highest cytotoxicity of 74.5%, 70.7% and 80.3% against HeLa, MCF-7 and A549 cells, respectively. In contrast, the extract and its fractions showed only 2$\sim$31% cytotoxicity for a normal human kidney cell line (293). In vivo anticancer effect of CL extract was tested using Balb/c mice transplanted sarcoma-180 cells. CL ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest inhibition rate of 56.4% at the 50 mg/kg concentration.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.498-506
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of mulberry extract (MBE) on blood flow improvement. The $SC_{50}$ value for the DPPH radical scavenging activity of MBE was $89.36{\pm}5.46{\mu}g/mL$. Analysis of the cellular toxicity of MBE on RAW 264.7 and HepG2 cells showed no toxicity under a concentration of 2,500 ${\mu}g/mL$. We found that MBE inhibited the enzyme activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 as well as oxidation of human LDL. Western blotting analysis showed that MBE inhibited protein expression of COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, MBE inhibited protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, MBE reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol and C-reactive protein in a concentration-dependent manner. These results both in vitro and in vivo suggest that MBE can be employed for the improvement of blood flow.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.708-717
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• 2018

The antioxidant activity and protective effects of a hot water extract from the Stauntonia hexaphylla fruit (WESHF) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of WESHF were $16.13{\pm}0.27mg$ gallic acid equivalent/g and $4.7{\pm}0.80mg$ catechin equivalent/g, respectively. In addition, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity ($SC_{50}$) and the Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity of WESHF were $63.62{\pm}4.10{\mu}g/ml$ and $90.63{\pm}5.29{\mu}M$ trolox equivalent/g, respectively. The hepatoprotective effect of WESHF against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage was investigated. $H_2O_2$-induced liver damage on HepG2 cells was prevented by $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF. Furthermore, to investigate the protection mechanism of WESHF on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, pre-treatment with $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF significantly attenuated a decrease in the activities of CAT, SOD, GR, and GPx. The hepatoprotective activity of WESHF was evaluated in an experimental model of hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen (APAP). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased in the livers of mice treated with 200 mg/kg of WESHF compared to the APAP-treated group. The lipid peroxidation level, which increased after APAP administration, was significantly reduced in the WESHF group. In addition, histological examinations of the liver showed the same protective effect of WESHF treatment. Based on these findings, it is suggested that WESHF has potent hepatoprotective effects, and the mechanism that causes this type of protection could be related to antioxidant pathways.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.136-141
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• 2002

A hot water extract was prepared from the artificially grown Gastrodia elata to investigate its chemical composition and various in vitro biological activities as an effort to develop G. elata as health/functional food materials. The contents of crude protein, ash, fat, fiber, moisture and total sugar were 5.4, 2.6, 3.6, 3.3, 8.1 and 77% (w/w), respectively. The extract of G. elata had greater amount of potassium (1,150 mg/100 g) than phosphorus (300 mg/100 g). Dose-dependence against human carcinoma (Hep3B, MCF-7, A549 and AGS) were observed from 0.2 mg/ml to 1.0 mg/ml. Especially, the treatment of 1.0 mg/ml extracts showed the highest cytotoxicity with 83% against gastric carcinoma (AGS). The extracts showed weak antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but practically no antimicrobial activity against the other microorganisms tested. The effect of ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition was 64% at the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml. The inhibitory effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) of the extract in the range of $0.2{\sim}1.0mg/ml$ showed $63{\sim}89%$, and the highest ACE inhibition was 89% at the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml of extracts. The highest activity of glutathion S-transferase (GST) was 221 % at the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml of the G. elata extracts. These results suggest that G. elata may be used as health/functional food materials.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.278-283
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• 2005

Purpose: In prior study, we synthesized $^{99m}Tc$-galactosylated chitosan (GC) and performed in vivo biodistribution study, showed specific targeting to hepatocyte. The aim of this study is to evaluate the labeling efficiency and cytotoxicity of modified galactosylated chitosan compounds, galactosyl methylated chitosan (GMC) and HYNIC-galactosylated chitosan (GCH). Materials and Methods: GC, GMC and GCH were synthesized and radiolabeled with $^{99m}Tc$. Then, they were incubated for 6 hours at room temperature and human serum at $37^{\circ}C$. Labeling efficiencies were determined at 15, 30 m, 1, 2, 3 and 6 h after radiolabeling. To evaluate cytotoxicity, MTT assay was performed in HeLa and HepG2 cells. Results: In comparison with them of $^{99m}Tc$-GC labeling efficiencies of $^{99m}Tc$-GMC were significantly improved (100, 97 and 89%) in acetone and 96.3, 95.8 and 75.6% in saline at 15 m, 1 and 6 h, respectively). Moreover, $^{99m}Tc$-GCH showed more improved labeling efficiencies (>95% in acetone and human serum and >90% in saline at 6 h). In MTT assay, cytotoxicity was very low and not different from that of controls. Conclusion: These results represent that these compounds are radiochemically compatible radiopharmaceuticals, can be used in hepatocyte specific imaging study and in vivo gene or drug delivery monitoring.