• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.532-541
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• 2022

Obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) is verified as a strong risk factor and negative prognostic factor for prostate cancer in several genetically engineered mice although it was not examined in the normal mice. To investigate whether HFD-induced obesity can affect the development and progression of cancer in the prostate of normal mice, alterations in the weight and histological structure of the prostate as well as the expression of cancer-related proteins were analyzed in obese C57BL/6N mice fed with 60% HFD for 16 weeks. First, HFD-induced obesity, including an increase in organ weight, body weight, fat accumulation, and serum lipid profile, was successfully induced in C57BL/6N mice after HFD treatment. The total weight of the prostate significantly increased HFD-induced obesity in the model mice compared with the control group. Among the four lobes of the prostate, the weight of the ventral prostate (VP) and anterior prostate (AP) were higher in HFD-induced obesity model mice than in the control group, although the weights of the lateral prostate (DLP) and seminal vesicle (SV) were constantly maintained. In addition, the incidences of hyperplasia and non-hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the histological structure were remarkably increased in HFD-induced obesity model mice, while the epithelial thickness was higher in the same group. A significant increase in the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the AKT (protein kinase B) signaling pathway was detected in HFD-induced obesity model mice. Therefore, these results suggest that HFD-induced obesity can promote hyperplasia and NHL in the prostates of C57BL/6N mice through the activation of the AKT signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.399-407
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• 2021

Wrinkle formation and dryness are the most well-known symptoms of skin aging. This study investigated skin anti-aging and moisturizing effects of Mugunghwa (Hibiscus syriacus L.), the national flower of Korea. The effect of H. syriacus L. flower extract was examined in skin cells originating from humans in vitro and in hairless mice exposed to UVB in vivo. The in vivo study results showed that skin hydration-related factors such as involucrin, filaggrin, HAS1, HYAL1, and matrix metalloproteinase-I (a primary skin photoaging factor) were regulated by H. syriacus L. Additionally, epidermal thickness and collagen disruption, which resulted in wrinkle formation and skin dryness, were ameliorated by oral administration of H. syriacus L. These results indicate that H. syriacus L. flowers can play important roles in preventing aging and promoting skin moisturizing.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.418-424
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• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.47-66
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• 2023

This study reviews prior studies on the residential environment characteristics, residential satisfaction, residential ownership consciousness and housing movement of MZ generation and analyze the structural equation models using the 2020 Korea Housing Survey data. Using 14 residential characteristics based on three classifications, we explore the effects on residential satisfaction, residential ownership consciousness, and housing movement. The empirical results are summarized as follows. First, based on factor analysis with Varimax of principal component analysis, parking facility items were excluded from the analysis by hindering validity, and as a result, KMO was 0.925 and Bartlett's test result showed a significant probability of less than 0.01. This indicates that the factor analysis model was suitable. Second, the results of the structural equation analysis for the MZ generation show that the surrounding environment, which is a potential variable of the residential environment characteristics, was statistically significant, but the accessibility and convenience were not statistically significant. Third, we find that the higher the satisfaction with the accessibility of commercial facilities, the more significant the sense of housing ownership appears. This suggests that the younger generation such as the MZ generation has a stronger desire for consumption. Fourth, the overall housing satisfaction of the MZ generation was significant for housing movement, but not for housing ownership. Compared to the industrialized generation, the baby boom generation, and the X generation, MZ generation shows distinct factors for housing satisfaction, housing ownership, and housing movement. Therefore, the residential environment characteristics of the residential survey should be improved and supplemented following the trend of the times. In addition, the government and local governments should prioritize actively participating in the housing market that suits the environment and characteristics of the target generation. Finally, our study provides implications regarding the need for housing-related research on how differ in special temporal situations such as COVID-19 in the future.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.855-864
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• 2022

The pharmacological efficacy of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. has been verified in only several fields including photoaging, inflammation, hepatotoxicity, acute gastritis and osseointegration. To identify the novel functions of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. on anti-obesity, inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation and stimulatory effect on lipolysis were investigated in MDI (3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin) stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with methanol extracts of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. (MED). Lipogenic targets, including lipid accumulation, level of lipogenic transcription factors, and expression of lipogenic regulators, were downregulated in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with MED without any significant cytotoxicity. Also, MED treatment inhibited the mRNA levels of adipogenic targets including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α, as well as lipogeic targets including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 2 (aP2) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. A similar decrease patterns were detected in Oil red O stained lipid droplets of MED treated MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, several lipolytic targets, such as cAMP concentration, concentration of free glycerol, expression level of lipases, including ATGL, perilipin and HSL, were upregulated in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with MED. These results show that MED has a novel role as a lipogenesis inhibitor and lipolysis stimulator in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.211-219
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• 1989

Tobacco and ginseng plants differed in responses to varied light intensities. Tobacco showed high in CO$_2$ uptake and RuBPCase activity at 1900 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/, being high by 3.7 times and 2.7 times than ginseng respectively. Close positive relationships existed between CO$_2$ uptake and RuBPCase activity in tobacco. However, ginseng showed negative correlation. The activity of glycolate oxidase and malate dehydrogenase in tobacco was high at 1900 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/, but those of ginseng was high at 1000 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/. Nitrate reductase activity of tobacco at 1900 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/ was 2 times higher than that at 500 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/, while that of ginseng was no detected in all plots. The content of protein and chlorophyll in tobacco was 2.2 times and 1.5 times higher than in ginseng at the most efficient light intensity. The ratio of chlorophyll a/b in tobacco was low at 500 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/, while that of ginseng was low at 1000 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/. The relationships between protein and chlorophyll was high positive correlation. However, on 5 days after treatment, ginseng showed negative correlation at 500 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/. Tobacco and ginseng showed different leaf soluble protein patterns on SDS-gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights of two major band were 50 KD and 15 KD in both plants. The major bands in tobacco were thinned at 500 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/, while those in ginseng thinned at 1000 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/ from 15days after treatment. Disappeared band was 45 KD at 500 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/ in tobacco, but that of ginseng was 47 KD at 1000 ${\mu}$ E m/sup-2/ sec$\^$-1/.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.287-298
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• 2022

This study investigated the changes in the physiochemical property, phytochemical content, nutritional content and antioxidant activity of Polygoni multiflori Radix by steam, aging, and fermentation. After processing Polygoni multiflori Radix (PMR), pH slightly decreased, while acidity increased (pH 5.70→4.78, acidity 0.23→0.29%). The reducing sugar content increased after aging and fermentation from 1.19 mg/g (PMR) to 1.40 (fermented PMR, FPMR), 1.30 (red PMR, RPMR), 1.53 (fermented red PMR, FRPMR), 1.99 (black PMR, BPMR), and 2.33 mg/g (fermented black PMR, FBPMR). Total phenolic content was highest in PMR (6.05 mg/g) and total flavonoids and maillard product were increased after aging and fermentation of PMR, and were the highest in BPMR (1.60 mg/g) and FBPMR (2.76 O.D.), respectively. The major phytochemical was 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-0-α-glucoside, which were highest in PMR (64.9 mg/g) with 46.47 mg/g at FPMR, 33.94 mg/g at RPMR, 48.76 mg/g at FRPMR, 36.68 mg/g at BPMR and 34.35 mg/g at FBPMR. The main fatty acids and free amino acids were detected as palmitic acid (C16:0) and proline, respectively. Generally, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical scavenging activities and FRAP reducing powers were shown high in PMR (39.06%, 98.32%, and 2.61 O.D. in extracts concentration 1.0 mg/mL), then were decreased after aging and fermentation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2023

Myriophyllum spicatum L. has been used as an ornamental in ponds and aquariums, and as a folk remedy for inflammation and pus. Nevertheless, the biological activity and underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects are unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Myriophyllum spicatum L. (EMS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Antioxidant activity of EMS was assessed by radical-scavenging effects on ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. As inflammatory response parameters produced by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were quantified to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of EMS. Our results showed that EMS increased FRAP and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. In EMS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, the production of NO, PGE₂, TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly inhibited at the non-cytotoxic concentration. In addition, EMS significantly attenuated LPS-stimulated the toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/myeloid differentiation protein (MyD) 88 signaling pathway, and inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB). Positive correlations were noted between anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it was indicated that EMS suppresses the transcription of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. This study highlights the potential role of EMS against inflammation and associated diseases.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.35-51
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• 2009

Three different Cordyceps militaris(Paecilomyces tenuipes and Cordyceps militaris from grain or pupae) were analysed for their chemical composition, fatty acids composition and the concentration of amino acids, cordycepin and heavy metal to obtain basic information on them as feed supplements for livestock. The crude protein content of C. militaris from grain and pupae was 76.16 and 75.45%, respectively, being higher than that of P. tenuipes(57.21%). The concentration of linoleic acid was much higher but that of linolenic acid was much lower for C. militaris from grain than for the others. The cordycepin content was significantly higher for C. militaris from grain than for that from pupae (1.64% vs 0.68% on a DM basis). But cordycepin was not detected in P. tenuipes. Heavy metal contents(Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg) for all C. militaris were below the allowance levels recommended by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Republic of Korea.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2022

In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of buckwheat. The diabetic animal models were divided into four groups: normal mice group (NOR), streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice group (STZ), group treated with seeds of common or tartary buckwheat (SCB or STB), and the group treated with whole plants of common or tartary buckwheat (PCB or PTB). Rutin content was 44-48 times higher in STB or PTB than in SCB. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were significantly reduced by treatment with STB, PCB, and PTB. Treatment with PTB also decreased the serum glucose level significantly and the serum insulin levels slightly compared with the STZ group. These results suggest that rutin content and antioxidant activity are closely related to the antidiabetic effect of the treatment. Our results demonstrate that the seeds of tartary buckwheat and whole plants of either common or tartary buckwheat have antidiabetic effects-attenuating blood glucose in an animal model of type II diabetes.