• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.87-112
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• 1989

In order to investigate experimentally the effects of Sung-yangikgibujat'ang (SIT) and Kwangyebujalijungt'ang (KBT) on Yang-insufficient syndrome (陽虛證) induced by Hydrocortisone acetate (H.A.) in experimental animals (Mice and Rat), the author experimented various activities. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), Rosette forming cells (RFC), hemagglutinin (HA) titers, Hemolysin (HL) titers, Body weight, Whole blood viscosity, Plasma Viscosity, Hematocrit, RBC, Albumin, Total protein, Triglyceride, cholesterol and Glucose were measured. The results summerized as follows; 1. In DTH and RFC all the experimental groups were increased significantly in comparison to the H.A.-treated group. 2. In HA titers SIT_treated group were increased significantly and KBT-treated group showed increasing tendancy, but showed no significance. 3. In HL titers all the experimental groups showed increasing tendancy, but showed no significance. 4. In body weight all the experimental groups showed increasing tendancy, but showed no significance. 5. In whole blood viscosity all the experimental groups were decreased significantly in comparison to the H.A.-treated group. 5. In whole blood viscosity all the experimental groups were decreased significantly in comparison to the H.A.-treated group. 6. In plasma viscosity KBT-treated group were decreased significantly and SIT-treated group showed decreasing tendancy, but showed no significance. 7. In Hematocrit SIT-treated group were decreased significantly and KBT-treated group showed decreasing tendancy, but showed no significance. 8. In RBC, albumin and cholesterol all the experimental groups were decreased significantly in comparison to the H.A.-treated group. 9. In total protein and triglyceride KBT-treated group were decreased significantly and SIT-treated group showed decreasing tendancy, but showed no significance. 10. In Glucose SIT-treated group were decreased significantly and KBT-treated group showed decreasing tendancy, but showed no significance. From above findings, it has been demonstrated that Sungyangikgibujat'ang and Kwangyebujalijungt'ang seem to produce the effectiveness on the recovery from depression of the cell-mediated immune response, blood circulation and energy metabolic rate, induced by Hydrocortisone acetate, and in the humoral immune response Sungyangikgibujat'ang have the effectiveness on the recovery, and in cellular component of blood Sungyangikgibujat'ang was more effective than Kwangyebujalijungt' ang, and in plasma of blood Kwangyebujalijungt'ang was more effective than Sungyangikgibujat'ang. Therefore it is suggested that Sungyangikgibujat'ang and Kwangyebujalijungt'ang have the effectiveness on the recovery from Yang-insufficient syndrome more or less.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2010.10a
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• pp.14-14
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• 2010

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential component for collagen biosynthesis and also for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system in humans. Unlike most of the animals, humans lack the ability to synthesize ascorbic acid on their own due to a mutation in the gene encoding the last enzyme of ascorbate biosynthesis. As a result, vitamin C must be obtained from dietary sources like plants. In this study, we have developed two different kinds of transgenic potato plants (Solanumtuberosum L. cv. Taedong Valley) overexpressing strawberry GalUR and mouse GLoase gene under the control of CaMV 35S promoter with increased ascorbic acid levels. Integration of the these genes in the plant genome was confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting. Ascorbic acid(AsA) levels in transgenic tubers were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The over-expression of these genes resulted in 2-4 folds increase in AsA intransgenic potato and the levels of AsA were positively correlated with increased geneactivity. The transgenic lines with enhanced vitamin C content showed enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses induced by methyl viologen(MV), NaCl or mannitol as compared to untransformed control plants. The leaf disc senescence assay showed better tolerance in transgenic lines by retaining higher chlorophyll as compared to the untransformed control plants. Present study demonstrated that the over-expression of these gene enhanced the level of AsA in potato tubers and these transgenics performed better under different abiotic stresses as compared to untransformed control. We have also investigated the mechanism of the abiotic stress tolerance upon enhancing the level of the ascorbate in transgenic potato. The transgenic potato plants overexpressing GalUR gene with enhanced accumulation of ascorbate were investigated to analyze the antioxidants activity of enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and their tolerance mechanism against different abiotic stresses under invitro conditions. Transformed potato tubers subjected to various abiotic stresses induced by methyl viologen, sodium chloride and zinc chloride showed significant increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase, enzymes of ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase(APX, EC 1.11.1.11), dehydroascorbate reductase(DHAR, EC 1.8.5.1), and glutathione reductase(GR, EC 1.8.1.7) as well as the levels of ascorbate, GSH and proline when compared to the untransformed tubers. The increased enzyme activities correlated with their mRNA transcript accumulation in the stressed transgenic tubers. Pronounced differences in redox status were also observed in stressed transgenic potato tubers that showed more tolerance to abiotic stresses when compared to untransformed tubers. From the present study, it is evident that improved to lerance against abiotic stresses in transgenic tubers is due to the increased activity of enzymes involved in the antioxidant system together with enhanced ascorbate accumulated in transformed tubers when compared to untransformed tubers. At moment we also investigating the role of enhanced reduced glutathione level for the maintenance of the methylglyoxal level as it is evident that methylglyoxal is a potent cytotoxic compound produced under the abiotic stress and the maintenance of the methylglyoxal level is important to survive the plant under stress conditions.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.109-113
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• 2001

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) has been shown to modulate transactivations by the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)$\gamma$ and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF$\kappa$B). In this study, the oxLDL signaling pathways involved with the NF$\kappa$B transactivation were investigated by utilizing a reporter construct driven by three upstream NF$\kappa$B binding sites, and various pharmacological inhibitors. OxLDL and its constituent lysophophatidylcholine (lysoPC) induced a rapid and transient increase of intracellular calcium and stimulated the NF-KB transactivation in resting RAW264.7 macrophage cells in an oxidation-dependent manner. The NF$\kappa$B activation by oxLDL or lysoPC was inhibited by protein kinase C inhibitors or an intracellular calcium chelator. Tyrosine kinase or PI3 kinase inhibitors did not block the NF$\kappa$B transactivation. Furthermore, the oxLDL-induced NF$\kappa$B activity was abolished by the PPAR$\gamma$ ligands. When the endocytosis of oxLDL was blocked by cytochalasin B, the NF$\kappa$B transactivation by oxLDL was synergistically increased, while PPAR transactivation was blocked. These results suggest that oxLDL activates NF-$\kappa$B in resting macrophages via protein kinase C- and/or calcium-dependent pathways, which does not involve the endocytic processing of oxLDL. The endocytosis-dependent PPAR$\gamma$ activation by oxLDL may function as an inactivation route of the oxLDL induced NF$\kappa$B signal. Short heterodimer partner (SHP), specifically expressed in liver and a limited number of other tissues, is an unusual orphan nuclear receptor that lacks the conventional DNA-binding domain. In this work, we found that SHP expression is abundant in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 but suppressed by oxLDL and its constituent I3-HODE, a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y. Furthermore, SHP acted as a transcription coactivator of nuclear factor-$\kappa$B (NF$\kappa$B) and was essential for the previously described NF$\kappa$B transactivation by lysoPC, one of the oxLDL constituents. Accordingly, NF$\kappa$B, transcriptionally active in the beginning, became progressively inert in oxLDL-treated RAW 264.7 cells, as oxLDL decreased the SHP expression. Thus, SHP appears to be an important modulatory component to regulate the transcriptional activities of NF$\kappa$B in oxLDL-treated, resting macrophage cells.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.285-290
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• 2001

Purpose : Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was standardized in 1979 by the National Diabetes Data Group and the World Health Organization as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, replacing groups such as 'borderline' and 'chemical' diabetes. The main clinical significance of IGT is as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and as a component of the metabolic syndrome. In 1997 the American Diabetes Association(ADA) was proposed the new classification and diagnostic criteria for diabetes, which is strict with the diagnostic baseline of Diabetes from 140mg/dl to 126mg/dl. And it's main purpose is to prevent chronic complications by early diagnosis and treatments. In the oriental medicine, Supungsunkihwan has been used in treatments of Diabetes including IGT & NIDDM, however there is not enough studies about the its objective hypoglycemic effect. so in order to investigate whether there is hypoglycemic effect of Supungsunkihwan, clinical studies were performed with IGT and mild NIDDM patients. Methods : Prior to the study, fasting blood sugar(FBS) and postprandial 2hrs(PP2hrs) glucose were checked. In addition, ECG, cholesterol, TG, HbA1c levels were measured, and the dinical characteristics of patients that can be influence to the blood sugar level such as age, gender, rest type, diet type were surveyed. Supungsukihwan was administered for 7 days, and FBS & PP2hrs were measured again after the therapy. Result : PP2hrs glucose levels were decreased by the administration of Supungsunkihwan. And It's hypoglycemic effects has the correlation with age. That is, the more age increase, the more hypoglycemic effect decrease. Conclusion : Supungsukihwan has hypoglycmic effects on IGT & mild NIDDM patients and it is more effective when administrated to young patients relatively.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.114-123
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• 2015

Plants can respond and adapt to cold stress through regulation of gene expression in various biochemical and physiological processes. Cold stress triggers decreased rates of metabolism, modification of cell walls, and loss of membrane function. Hence, this study was conducted to construct coexpression networks for time-based expression pattern analysis of genes related to cold stress in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). B. rapa cold stress networks were constructed with 2,030 nodes, 20,235 edges, and 34 connected components. The analysis suggests that similar genes responding to cold stress may also regulate development of Chinese cabbage. Using this network model, it is surmised that cold tolerance is strongly related to activation of chitinase antifreeze proteins by WRKY transcription factors and salicylic acid signaling, and to regulation of stomatal movement and starch metabolic processes for systemic acquired resistance in Chinese cabbage. Moreover, within 48 h, cold stress triggered transition from vegetative to reproductive phase and meristematic phase transition. In this study, we demonstrated that this network model could be used to precisely predict the functions of cold resistance genes in Chinese cabbage.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.546-554
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• 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often occur together, amplifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and emphasizing the need for a multitargeted treatment approach. American ginseng (AG) and Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) species could improve glycemic control via complementary mechanisms. Additionally, a KRG-inherent component, ginsenoside Rg3, may moderate blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to investigate the therapeutic potential of coadministration of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Rg3-KRG) and AG, added to standard of care therapy, in the management of hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in type-2 diabetes. Methods: Within a randomized controlled, parallel design of 80 participants with type-2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8%) and hypertension (systolic BP: 140-160 mmHg or treated), supplementation with either 2.25 g/day of combined Rg3-KRG + AG or wheat-bran control was assessed over a 12-wk intervention period. The primary endpoint was ambulatory 24-h systolic BP. Additional endpoints included further hemodynamic assessment, glycemic control, plasma lipids and safety monitoring. Results: Combined ginseng intervention generated a mean ± SE decrease in primary endpoint of 24-h systolic BP (-3.98 ± 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.35 ± 0.1% [-3.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol], p = 0.02), and change in blood lipids: total cholesterol (-0.50 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), non-HDL-C (-0.54 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), triglycerides (-0.40 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.02) and LDL-C (-0.35 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.06) at 12 wks, relative to control. No adverse safety outcomes were observed. Conclusion: Coadministration of Rg3-KRG + AG is an effective addon for improving BP along with attaining favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng derivatives may offer clinical utility when included in the polypharmacy and lifestyle treatment of diabetes. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01578837;

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.383-389
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• 2021

Obesity is associated with impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function, which contribute to host systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Korean traditional foods, fiber-rich bean products, have been various biological activities in anti-inflammatory responses, but has not reported the large intestinal health. In this study, we investigated the intestinal health promoting effect of cooked soybeans (CSB) on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. SD rat were fed either a HFD or HFD supplemented with 10.6% CSB (HFD+CSB) for animal experimental period. CSB treatment significantly decreased the HFD-induced weights of body and fat. Also, CSB treatment improved HFD-reduced tight junction components (ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin-1) mRNA expression in large intestine tissue. Additionally, histopathological evaluation showed that CSB treatment attenuated the HFD-increased inflammatory cells infiltration and epithelial damages in large intestine tissue. At the genus level, effects of CSB supplement not yet clear, while dietary effects showed differential abundance of several genera including Lactobacillus, Duncaniella, and Alloprevotella. NMDS analysis showed significant microbial shifts by HFD, while CSB did not shift gut microbiota. CSB increased the abundance of the genera Anaerotignum, Enterococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto, and Escherichia/Shigella by linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis, while reduced the abundance of Longicatena and Ligilactobacillus. These findings indicate that CSB supplement improves HFD-deteriorated large intestinal health by the amelioration of tight junction component, while CSB did not shift gut microbiotas.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.255-265
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1, a bioactive component isolated from the Panax ginseng, acts as a remedy to prevent myocardial injury. However, it is obscure whether the cardioprotective functions of Rb1 are related to the regulation of endogenous metabolites, and its potential molecular mechanism still needs further clarification, especially from a comprehensive metabolomics profiling perspective. Methods: The mice model of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cardiomyocytes injury were applied to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rb1. Meanwhile, the comprehensive metabolomics profiling was conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and a tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Rb1 treatment profoundly reduced the infarct size and attenuated myocardial injury. The metabolic network map of 65 differential endogenous metabolites was constructed and provided a new inspiration for the treatment of AMI by Rb1, which was mainly associated with mitophagy. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Rb1 was found to improve mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial function and promote mitophagy. Interestingly, the mitophagy inhibitor partly attenuated the cardioprotective effect of Rb1. Additionally, Rb1 markedly facilitated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), and AMPK inhibition partially weakened the role of Rb1 in promoting mitophagy. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rb1 protects acute myocardial ischemia injury through promoting mitophagy via AMPKα phosphorylation, which might lay the foundation for the further application of Rb1 in cardiovascular diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.538-548
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• 2023

The research has been conducted on the isolation of antimicrobial compounds from plant natural extracts and their potential application in oral health care products. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial mechanism by analyzing the changes in gene expression of Streptococcus mutans, a major oral pathogen, in response to complex compounds extracted from Aralia continentalis and Arctii Semen using organic solvents. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) revealed that both natural extracts commonly upregulated or downregulated the expression of various genes associated with different metabolic and physiological activities. Three genes (SMU_1584c, SMU_2133c, SMU_921), particularly SMU_921 (rcrR), known as a transcription activator of two sugar phosphotransferase systems (PTS) involved in sugar transport and biofilm formation, exhibited consistent high expression levels. Additionally, component analysis of the A. continentalis extract was performed to compare its effects on gene expression changes with the A. Semen extract, and two active compounds were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the active fraction. The n-hexane fraction (ACEH) from the A. continentalis extract exhibited antibacterial specificity against S. mutans, leading to a significant reduction in the viable cell counts of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii among the tested multi-species bacterial communities. These findings suggest the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of the A. continentalis extract and provide essential foundational data for the development of customized antimicrobial materials by elucidating the antibacterial mechanism of the identified active compounds.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.216-223
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• 2012

Oyster mushroom is one of the popular mushrooms for Korean people and it is thus one of the mushrooms that were mostly cultivated in Korea in addition to winter and king oyster mushrooms. To promote the consumption in terms of its nutritional value and determine the absorption mechanism in its physiological and metabolic aspects, we investigated the sugar composition of its fruit bodies according to the amount of sugar component in the medium. As a result from the treatment of 4 different sugar components to the sawdust medium of oyster mushroom varieties (i.g., Suhan 1 ho, Yeorum, Chunchu 2 ho), we detected fructose, glucose, ribose, xylose as a monosaccharide with ${\alpha}$-lactose and trehalose as a disaccharide. The sugar alcohols were also detected including glycerol, mannitol, myo-inositol, and sorbitol. The sugar components that were detected in all treatments were trehalose, mannitol, ${\alpha}$-lactose, fructose, glucose, ribose, and myo-inositol and the rest of the components were found in some treatments with their different quantity included in the fruit bodies. The amount of monosaccharides included in fruit bodies is comparatively low and Suhan 1 ho contained them more than other varieties. There was no remarkable difference in the amount of sugar components in fruit bodies depending on treated sugars and their amounts in the treatment. With the increase of lactose treatment, the sugar components were markedly increased and the amount of trehalose in the fruit bodies was different according to the varieties. Therefore, it is not possible to detect the trend of sugar components according to the medium used in the cultivation. The sugar alcohols in the fruit bodies were comparatively contained more in Suhan 1 ho and Chunchu 1 ho. The amount of mannitol in the fruit bodies was not possible to be detected in terms of its trend according to the treatment. For myo-inositol, its quantity is gradually increasing in Suhan 1 ho and Chunchu 1 ho and it is not possible to detent the trend in Yeorum. In conclusion, we only detected ${\alpha}$-lactose as a sugar component that showed a correlation between the amount of treatment and the amount of the fruit bodies. Therefore, the sugar components detected in the fruit bodies were transformed rather than direct absorption into fruit bodies and further studies are needed to address this question.