• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.191-200
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• 2018

Chalcone, (2E)-1,3-Diphenylprop-2-en-1-one, and its synthetic derivatives are known to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we prepared a novel synthetic chalcone compound, (E)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one name (YJI-7), and investigated its inhibitory effects on endotoxin-stimulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of inflammatory mediators in macrophages. We demonstrated that treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with YJI-7 significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated ROS production. We also found that YJI-7 substantially decreased NADPH oxidase activity stimulated by LPS, indicating that YJI-7 regulates ROS production via modulation of NADPH oxidase in macrophages. Furthermore, YJI-7 strongly inhibited the expression of a number of inflammatory mediators in a gene-selective manner, suggesting that YJI-7 possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, as well as anti-oxidative activity. In continuing experiments to investigate the mechanisms that could underlie such biological effects, we revealed that YJI-7 suppressed phosphorylation of p38MAPK and JNK stimulated by LPS, whereas no significant effect on ERK was observed. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated production of ROS, activation of NADPH oxidase and expression of inflammatory mediators were markedly suppressed by treatment with selective inhibitor of p38MAPK (SB203580) and JNK (SP600125). Taken together, these results demonstrated that YJI-7, a novel synthetic chalcone derivative, suppressed LPS-stimulated ROS production via modulation of NADPH oxidase and diminished expression of inflammatory mediators, at least in part, via down-regulation of p38MAPK and JNK signaling in macrophages.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.488-493
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• 2009

A protein isolate was prepared from black soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) that possessed higher antioxidant activity than ordinary white soy protein isolates. The isolate was partially hydrolyzed by alcalase to reduce the allergenicity of black soybean. Alcalase remarkably reduced the molecular mass of the major soybean allergens that have molecular weights of 53, 38, and 24 kDa. Hydrolytic breakdown occurred more effectively in Gly m Bd 30K than in Gly m Bd 60K or Gly m Bd 28K. Alcalase hydrolysis increased the solubility and hydrophobicity of the black soybean protein isolate. The foaming activity and stability of black soybean proteins were highly increased by the partial hydrolysis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.239-245
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• 2004

KR-31543, (2S,3R,4S)-6-amino-4-[N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(2 -methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl) amino]-3,4-dihydro-2-dimethoxymethyl-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran, is a new neuroprotective agent for preventing ischemia-reperfusion damage. This study was performed to identify the metabolic pathway of KR-31543 in human liver microsomes and to characterize cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of KR-31543. Human liver microsomal incubation of KR-31543 in the presence of NADPH resulted in the formation of two metabolites, M1 and M2. M1 was identified as N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)amine on the basis of LC/MS/MS analysis with a synthesized authentic standard, and M2 was suggested to be hydroxy-KR-31543. Correlation analysis between the known CYP enzyme activities and the rates of the formation of M 1 and M2 in the 12 human liver microsomes have showed significant correlations with testosterone 6$\beta$-hydroxylase activity (a marker of CYP3A4). Ketoconazole, a selective inhibitor of CYP3A4, and anti-CYP3A4 monoclonal antibodies potently inhibited both N-hydrolysis and hydroxylation of KR-31543 in human liver microsomes. These results provide evidence that CYP3A4 is the major isozyme responsible for the metabolism of KR-31543 to M1 and M2.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.197-201
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• 2002

${\beta}-lonone$ has been reported to induce the cytochrome P45O (P45O) 2B1 in rats. In this study, the effects of ${\beta}-ionone$ and an isomer, ${\alpha}-ionone$, on liver P45O IA and 2B expression in Sprague Dawley rats were investigated . Subcutaneous administration of ${\alpha}-$ and ${\beta}-lonone$ 72 and 48hr prior to sacrificing the animals induced the liver microsomal P45O 1A and 2B proteins. P45O 2Bl induction was associated with the accumulation of its corresponding mRNA. 1 Induction by ${\beta}-lonone$ was much higher than that by ${\alpha}-ionone$-ionone in both the mRNA and protein levels. When the route of administration was compared, P45O 2B was induced more strongly after oral administration compared to that after subcutaneous injection. A single oral dose of 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg of ${\alpha}-$ and ${\beta}-lonone$ for 24 h induced P45O 2B1 -selective pentoxyresorufin Odepentylase activity comparably in a dose-dependent manner In addition, ${\alpha}-$ and ${\beta}-lonone$ induced the P45O 1A and 2B proteins. These results suggest that ${\alpha}-$ and ${\beta}-lonone$ might be potent P45O 2Bl inducers in rats, and that both ionones may be useful for examining the role of metabolic activation in chemical-induced toxicity where metabolic activation is required.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.445-450
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• 2008

The effects of fermented goat milk supplemented with citrus concentrate on blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats were examined. Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats (type II) were divided into five experimental groups treated with metformin, goat milk, fermented goat milk, fermented goat milk containing citrus concentrate, or no supplementation (control). The rats in each group were examined weekly for blood levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride. HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol. and body weight. On the $24^{th}$ day of the experiment, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. Administration of fermented goat milk to the diabetic rats significantly decreased blood glucose and triglyceride levels, while administration of metformin (33.3 mg/kg body weight) did not significantly lower blood glucose levels. Fermented goat milk containing citrus concentrate caused a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in the OGTT at 30 min. This study shows that supplementation with fermented goat milk containing citrus concentrate may be a practical method of reducing blood glucose levels in type II diabetics.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.640-645
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• 2020

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) exhibit diverse anti-inflammatory effects. Since ROS acts as a critical mediator of inflammation, we have investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SOCS via ROS regulation in monocytic/macrophagic cells. Using PMA-differentiated monocytic cell lines and primary BMDMs transduced with SOCS1 or shSOCS1, the LPS/TLR4-induced inflammatory signaling was investigated by analyzing the levels of intracellular ROS, antioxidant factors, inflammasome activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The levels of LPS-induced ROS and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were notably down-regulated by SOCS1 and up-regulated by shSOCS1 in an NAC-sensitive manner. SOCS1 up-regulated an ROS-scavenging protein, thioredoxin, via enhanced expression and binding of NRF-2 to the thioredoxin promoter. SOCS3 exhibited similar effects on NRF-2/thioredoxin induction, and ROS downregulation, resulting in the suppression of inflammatory cytokines. Notably thioredoxin ablation promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation and restored the SOCS1-mediated inhibition of ROS and cytokine synthesis induced by LPS. The results demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in macrophages are mediated via NRF-2-mediated thioredoxin upregulation resulting in the downregulation of ROS signal. Thus, our study supports the anti-oxidant role of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in the exquisite regulation of macrophage activation under oxidative stress.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.487-500
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• 2021

To evaluate the geochemical characteristics and assess the pollution in surface sediments of the Nakdong River estuary, two sites adjacent to the estuary bank (Hh1 and Hh2) and one site at the upper part of the estuary bank (Hh3) were investigated. The surface sediments were analyzed for their contents of metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Al), organic matter (IL, COD, TOC, and TN), and grain size from 2018 to 2020. As a result of the pollution assessment, there was little anthropogenic contamination by most of the metals. The surface sediments in Hh2 had comparatively abundant silt and clay, whereas the other sites were mainly composed of sand. The organic index and contents of organic matter were highest at Hh2. Multivariate statistical analyses (cluster analysis and Pearson correlation analysis) showed that the contents of organic matter and pollution were associated with fine sediment. These results suggest that the geochemical characteristics were changed by the estuary bank built in the research area and that the increase in fine sediment attributable to the low-energy environment resulted in an increase in organic matter pollution.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.384-391
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• 2021

Currently, the expanding recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) threatens public health. SCBs produce psychoactive effects similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol, the main component of cannabis, and additionally induce unexpected pharmacological side effects. SCBs are falsely advertised as legal and safe, but in reality, SCB abuse has been reported to cause acute intoxication and addictive disorders. However, because of the lack of scientific evidence to elucidate their dangerous pharmacological effects, SCBs are weakly regulated and continue to circulate in illegal drug markets. In the present study, the intravenous self-administration (IVSA) paradigm was used to evaluate the abuse potential of three SCBs (AM-1248, CB-13, and PB-22) in rats. All three SCBs maintained IVSA with a large number of infusions and active lever presses, demonstrating their reinforcing effects. The increase of active lever presses was particularly significant during the early IVSA sessions, indicating the reinforcement-enhancing effects of the SCBs (AM-1248 and CB-13). The number of inactive lever presses was significantly higher in the SCB groups (AM-1248 and CB-13) than that in the vehicle group, indicating their impulsive effects. In summary, these results demonstrated that SCBs have distinct pharmacological properties and abuse potential.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.407-408
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• 2020

We studied the efficacy of the 'Natural Enemy in First (NEF)' technology in controlling thrips and aphids in tomato greenhouses, relative to the natural enemy and conventional chemical treatments. This technology combined the use of natural enemies of the pests (parasites/predators) with their food sources/habitats, and the treatment commenced at the time of planting. The 'NEF' technology, for the control of thrips, had an efficacy 32% higher than the natural enemy treatment, and 82% higher than the conventional chemical treatment. The average population density of aphids after the treatment was not significantly different among all treatments.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.835-840
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• 2008

Acupuncture has long been contended to be effective in an ischemic stroke. A real-time monitoring of glutamate, an excitotoxin in the process of ischemic neuronal damage, in the striatum is tried in a rat model of global ischemia. Global ischemia was induced by the 11 vessel occlusion method for 10 minutes, during which acupuncture stimulation on GB34 and GB39 points was executed. Glutamate release in the rat striatum was monitored 256 times per second using real-time amperometric biosensor. Real time measurement data of 10 minutes prior to the induction of ischemia served as baseline data. Data acquisition continued for 30 minutes after the initiation of reperfusion. Peak concentration of glutamate release along with incidentally measured EEG and cerebral blood flow was compared between cases with and without acupuncture stimulation. Peak concentration of glutamate lowered when acupuncture stimulation was executed. A real time monitoring system of 11 vessel-occlusion induced global ischemia model was successfully established. The effect by acupuncture on acute global ischemia was successfully observed in this real-time monitoring setting, which may be one of the neuroprotective mechanism of acupuncture.