• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.129-134
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although several recent studies have reported the anti-cancer effects of extracts or components of Citrus unshiu peel, which has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine, the molecular mechanisms for their effects remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-cancer activity of a water-soluble extract of C. unshiu peel (WECU) in MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells at the level of apoptosis induction was investigated. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using DAPI staining and flow cytometry analyses. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, caspase activity and Western blotting were used to confirm the basis of apoptosis. RESULTS: The results indicated that WECU-induced apoptosis was related to the activation of caspase-8, and -9, representative initiator caspases of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, and caspase-3 accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and down-regulation of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family members. WECU also increased the pro-apoptotic BAX to anti-apoptotic BCL-2 ratio, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Furthermore, WECU provoked the generation of ROS, but the reduction of cell viability and induction of apoptosis by WECU were prevented when ROS production was blocked by antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that WECU suppressed proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells by activating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways in a ROS-dependent manner.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.510-518
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• 2014

Chronic (>24 h) exposure of arsenite, an environmental toxicant, has shown the decreased nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells (EC) by decreasing endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression and/or its phosphorylation at serine 1179 ($eNOS-Ser^{1179}$ in bovine sequence), which is associated with increased risk of vascular diseases. Here, we investigated the acute (<24 h) effect of arsenite on NO production using bovine aortic EC (BAEC). Arsenite acutely increased the phosphorylation of $eNOS-Thr^{497}$, but not of $eNOS-Ser^{116}$ or $eNOS-Ser^{1179}$, which was accompanied by decreased NO production. The level of eNOS expression was unaltered under this condition. Treatment with arsenite also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and pretreatment with a ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) completely reversed the observed effect of arsenite on $eNOS-Thr^{497}$ phosphorylation. Although protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) were reported to be involved in $eNOS-Thr^{497}$ phosphorylation, treatment with PKC inhibitor, Ro318425, and overexpression of various PKC isoforms did not affect the arsenite-stimulated $eNOS-Thr^{497}$ phosphorylation. In contrast, treatment with PP1 inhibitor, calyculin A, mimicked the observed effect of arsenite on $eNOS-Thr^{497}$ phosphorylation. Lastly, we found decreased cellular PP1 activity in arsenite-treated cells, which was reversed by NAC. Overall, our study demonstrates firstly that arsenite acutely decreases NO production at least in part by increasing $eNOS-Thr^{497}$ phosphorylation via ROS-PP1 signaling pathway, which provide the molecular mechanism underlying arsenite-induced increase in vascular disease.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.443-455
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• 2020

The thioredoxin (Trx) system plays critical roles in regulating intracellular redox levels and defending organisms against oxidative stress. Recent studies indicated that Trx reductase (TrxR) was overexpressed in various types of human cancer cells indicating that the Trx-TrxR system may be a potential target for anti-cancer drug development. This study investigated the synergistic effect of auranofin, a TrxR-specific inhibitor, on sulforaphane-mediated apoptotic cell death using Hep3B cells. The results showed that sulforaphane significantly enhanced auranofin-induced apoptosis by inhibiting TrxR activity and cell proliferation compared to either single treatment. The synergistic effect of sulforaphane and auranofin on apoptosis was evidenced by an increased annexin-V-positive cells and Sub-G1 cells. The induction of apoptosis by the combined treatment caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and upregulation of Bax. In addition, the proteolytic activities of caspases (-3, -8, and -9) and the degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, a substrate protein of activated caspase-3, were also higher in the combined treatment. Moreover, combined treatment induced excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a ROS scavenger, reduced combined treatment-induced ROS production and apoptosis. Thereby, these results deduce that ROS played a pivotal role in apoptosis induced by auranofin and sulforaphane. Furthermore, apoptosis induced by auranofin and sulforaphane was significantly increased through inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that down-regulation of TrxR activity contributed to the synergistic effect of auranofin and sulforaphane on apoptosis through ROS production and inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제17권12호
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• pp.1709-1716
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• 2007

본 연구에서는 몇 가지 암세포를 대상으로 마늘 열수추출물(WEAS)의 항암활성을 조사하였으며, 비교적 높은 감수성을 보인 백혈병세포를 대상으로 세포증식억제가 apoptosis 유도와 연관성이 있음을 제시하였다. WEAS에 의한 U937 세포의 apoptosis 유도는 세포주기 G2/M arrest와 연관성이 있었으며, 다양한 apoptosis조절 유전자들의 발현 변화를 동반하였음을 확인하였다. 이러한 apoptosis조절 인자들의 발현변화는 미토콘드리아 막 전위의 소실과 연관성이 있었으며, WEAS에 의한 암세포의 G2/M arrest에 의한 apoptosis 유발에 ROS가 중요한 조절자로 작용함을 알 수 있었다.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.330-343
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Zanthoxylum schinifolium is traditionally used as a spice for cooking in East Asian countries. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of ethanol extracts of Z. schinifolium leaves (EEZS) against human bladder cancer T24 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Subsequent to measuring the cytotoxicity of EEZS, the anti-cancer activity was measured by assessing apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In addition, we determined the underlying mechanism of EEZS-induced apoptosis through various assays, including Western blot analysis. RESULTS: EEZS treatment concentration-dependently inhibited T24 cell survival, which is associated with apoptosis induction. Exposure to EEZS induced the expression of Fas and Fas-ligand, activated caspases, and subsequently resulted to cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. EEZS also enhanced the expression of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm by suppressing MMP, following increase in the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression and truncation of Bid. However, EEZS-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis were significantly diminished by a pan-caspase inhibitor. Moreover, EEZS inhibited activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, and the apoptosis-inducing potential of EEZS was promoted in the presence of PI3K/Akt inhibitor. In addition, EEZS enhanced the production of ROS, whereas N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, markedly suppressed growth inhibition and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway induced by EEZS. Furthermore, NAC significantly attenuated the EEZS-induced apoptosis and reduction of cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results indicate that exposure to EEZS exhibits anti-cancer activity in T24 bladder cancer cells through ROS-dependent induction of apoptosis and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.344-352
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• 2023

Background: With its developed port and related industries, the concentration of fine dust is high in Busan compared to other cities in South Korea. Many studies have reported the health effects of fine dust, but there has been a lack of information regarding concentrations of volatile organic compounds among those who exposed to high levels of fine dust. Objectives: This study aimed to define an area with high concentrations of particulate matter and perform biomonitoring surveys among the residents of the area. Methods: Air quality data was collected and the mean level of each district in Busan was derived. We then defined the area with the highest concentrations of PM₁₀ as a target site. Urine samples were collected from the 400 participants and analyzed for VOCs metabolites - trans,trans-Muconic Acid (t,t-MA) and N-AcetylS-(benzyl)-L-cysteine (BMA). Interviews were conducted by trained investigators to examine demographic information. The levels of t,t-MA and BMA were compared with representative South Korean population data (Korean National Environmental Health Survey). The association of the VOC metabolites and fine dust were analyzed by general linear regression analysis. Results: The mean of PM₁₀ in the target site was 42.50 ㎍/m³ from 2018 to 2020. Among the 400 participants in the target site, 74.8% were female and the average age of the participants was 66 years. The geometric mean of t,t-MA was 71.15 ㎍/g creatinine and the BMA was 7.00 ㎍/g creatinine among the residents. The levels were higher than the geometric mean from the 4th KoNEHS. The levels of t,t-MA showed significance in BMI, smoking status, and household income. BMA showed significance in gender and age. Conclusions: Compared to the general population of South Korea, the target site's residents had higher biomonitoring levels. Based on this study, continuous screening for high risk areas, including the target site, and biomonitoring of the residents are required.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.272-281
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• 2003

본 연구에서는 두경부암 HN-4 세포에서 cancer chemopreventive agent인 curcumin과 resveratrol를 처리하여 HN-4 세포의 생육 억제의 원인이 apoptotic cell death에 의하여 일어나며 세포 주기 조절 단백질의 발현 및 암 전이에 관련된 MMP 활성 저해 기전에 대하여 이해하고자 하였다. HN-4 세포에 다양한 농도(10-100 ${\mu}M$) curcumin을 처리하여 세포주기 조절 단백질의 발현을 측정한 결과 cdk1과 cdk4 단백질이 농도 의존적으로 발현이 감소하였으며, resveratrol 처리에서는 cyclin A 단백질의 특이적인 감소 현상을 확인하였다. Curcumin에 의한 apoptosis 유도 기전을 조사한 결과 anti-apoptotic 기능이 있는 Bcl-2 및 Bcl-xL 단백질 발현 감소 현상은 없었으나, caspase 저해 IAP family 단백질중 cIAP1과 survivin 단백질 발현 현상이 처리 농도 의존적으로 감소하였다. Resveratrol을 처리한 경우 Bcl-2 및 survivin 단백질 발현 감소현상을 확인하였다. Curcumin과 resveratrol에 의한 apoptosis 과정은 caspase-3 의존적인 apoptosis 유도 기전을 보였다. Curcumin에 의한 apoptosis 과정은 항산화제인 NAC 처리에 의해서 저해되었다. Curcumin과 NAC 동시 처리는 cytochrome c 유리, caspase-3 활성화 및 Bax 단백질 분절 현상을 억제하였다. 그러나 resveratrol에 의한 apoptosis 과정은 NAC 처리에 의하여 억제되지 않았다. Curcumin과 resveratrol에 의한 암 전이 관련 단백질인 MMP2와 9의 활성 저해효과도 확인하였다. 결론적으로, curcumin에 의한 항암효과는 세포주기 조절 및 apoptosis 유도 및 전이 관련 단백질의 활성 억제를 통하여 야기되는 것으로 생각되어 진다.

• 한국가축번식학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.215-221
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• 2002

본 연구는 일정량의 항산화제(NAC, ebselen 및 GSH)와 성장인자(EGF, PDGF)의 혼합첨가가 돼지 체외수정란의 체외배양에 미치는 영향을 검토하였다. 1. NCSU 23 배양액에 NAC 1nm과 NAC에 EGF 100ng/$m\ell$비 및 PDGF 5ng/$m\ell$를 각각 혼합 첨가하여 체외배양을 실시한 결과, 상실배기 이상 발육된 체외발육율은 각각 28.1%, 32.3% 및 35.3%로서 NAC와 PDGF 혼합처리구가 대조 구보다 다소 높은 체외발육율을 나타냈으나 통계적 유의성은 없었다(P>0.05). 2. NCSU 23 배양액에 ebselen 10$\mu\textrm{m}$과 ebselen에 EGF 100ng/$m\ell$ 및 PDGF 5ng/$m\ell$를 각각 혼합첨가하여 체외발육율을 조사한 결과, 상실 배기 이상 발육된 수정란의 체외발육율은 각각 17.8%, 36.9% 및 40.3%로 ebselen과 성장인자의 혼합처리구가 대조구보다 통계적 유의하게 높은 체외발육율을 나타냈다(P<0.05). 3. NCSU 23 배양액에 GSH 100$\mu\textrm{m}$과 GSH에 EGF 100ng/$m\ell$ 및 PDGF 5ng/$m\ell$를 각각 혼합 첨가배양하여 상실배기 이상 발육된 수정란의 체외발육율은 각각 24.4%, 30.5% 및 27.7%로 GSH과 EGF 혼합처리구가 여타구보다 다소 높은 체외발육율을 나타냈지만 통계적 유의성은 없었다(P>0.05). 4. 모든 처리구에서 배반포기 수정란의 세포수는 커다란 차이가 인정되지 않았으나(P>0.05), 체외배양액에 ebselen과 성장인자를 혼합첨가하여 체외배양한 처리구에서는 대조구에 비해 통계적으로 유의하게 높은 세포수를 나타냈다.(P<0.05).

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.218-228
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• 2010

발암물질로 알려진 Hydroquinone (HQ)은 치과용 합성수지를 구성하는 중요한 성분으로서 지금까지 치과용 재료영역에서 널리 사용되고 있으며 구강 내에서 HQ의 유출이 일어나는 것으로 확인 되었다. 따라서 구강암의 기원이 되는 인체상피세포의 발암화에 HQ가 미치는 영향을 평가하였다. HQ에 의한 인체세포 독성을 평가하기위해 LDH assay를 실시하고 세포 독성이 높지 않은 용량을 실험 용량으로 설정하였다. 인체 세포의 발암화를 평가하기 위해 세포 발암화 지표로서 cell saturation density, soft-agar colony formation 및 cell aggregation의 분석을 사용한 결과 고용량인 50 ${\mu}M$을 제외한 모든 용량에서 발암화 지표의 변화를 나타내지 않아 HQ의 발암력은 매우 낮은 것으로 추정된다. 그러나 발암촉진제인 TPA와 함께 투여 시 발암력의 증가를 보여 주변 환경의 여건에 따라 발암력이 증가할 수 있음을 입증하였다. HQ를 노출 후 세포사멸화를 측정하기 위해 DNA fragmentation변화를 분석한 결과 10 ${\mu}M$부터 50 ${\mu}M$까지 노출 시간 의존형의 증가를 나타내었으며 50 ${\mu}M$과 같은 고용량 농도에서는 노출시간 의존적 세포사멸 효과를 보였다. 따라서 세포 발암화를 일으킨 용량에서 세포사멸도 함께 일어나 HQ에 의한 발암화에 세포사멸이 관여함을 보였다. HQ는 ROS를 생성하였으며 Trolox, NAC와 같은 항산화물에 의한 ROS의 차단 효과와 BSO와 같은 GSH 고갈 유발 물질에 따른 ROS의 급격한 증가는 HQ가 인체세포에서 ROS를 효율적으로 생성함을 입증하는 결과이다. 세포간의 신호전달기작 조절에 중요한 역할을 하는 효소인 protein kinase C (PKC)를 immunoblot으로 분석한 결과 PKC-${\alpha}$의 활성이 증가 된 반면 PKC-${\beta}II$의 영향은 나타나지 않았다. 따라서 특정 이성질체에 대한 특이적인 효소반응이 발암화에 관여할 것으로 추정된다. 본 연구결과 치과용 합성수지 구성성분인 HQ 유출에 따른 인체상피세포의 발암성은 매우 낮은 것으로 추정되나 발암촉진제 등과의 상호작용에 의한 발암성 증가는 HQ의 구강암 발생 평가에 고려되어야 할 사항이다. 따라서 본 연구는 구강암의 예방을 위한 과학적인 접근 방법 및 기반 자료를 제시하였고 치과용 합성수지사용의 적정성에 대한 과학적인 판단을 할 수 있는 근거를 제공 하였다. 또한 본 연구 결과는 새로운 치과용 합성수지 개발의 필요성 및 개선방향을 제시 할 수 있는 근거로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.