• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2021

Clematis trichotoma Nakai (CTN) is a broad-leaved vine plant belonging to the family Ranunculus, native to Korea. Young leaves are used as food, and the stem and roots are used as medicinal materials. Antioxidant studies have been reported on the stems of CTN, but no studies have been conducted on the leaves. In this study, a 70% ethanol extract of CTN was prepared and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated. For measuring the antioxidant activity, five assays (polyphenol and flavonoid content, reducing power, 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity) were performed and CTN showed a concentration-dependent effect in all assays. To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity, we used RAW 264.7 cells. The concentrations (from 31.25 to 250 ㎍/mL) of CTN did not show cytotoxicity. CTN (250 ㎍/mL) inhibited dendritic transformation (34.4%) and also inhibited inflammation as seen by reduced levels of NO (77.4%), IL-6 (85.5%) and TNF-α (41.2%) compared to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CTN (250 ㎍/mL) also suppressed the expression of the following genes: COX-2 (79.8%), iNOS2 (93.9%), IL-6 (87.6%), and TNF-α (77.3%) compared to LPS. These results demonstrated that CTN has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and can therefore be used as a natural biological resource.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.443-449
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• 2020

This study was performed to investigate total phenolic contents, anti-oxidant, biological disease-related enzyme inhibitory, and anti-microbial effects of extracts of Lonicera morrowii leaves prepared with water and 40% ethanol. Anti-oxidative activities of the extracts increased in a dose-dependent manner and were very high even at low phenolic concentration. At phenolic concentrations ranging between 50 and 200 ㎍/mL, the water and ethanol extracts inhibited 39.34-76.35 and 47.53-99.83% of xanthine oxidase activity, 30.21-79.06, and 59.40-87.14% of angiotensin converting enzyme activity, and 59.81-80.35 and 36.06-63.58% of α-glucosidase activity, respectively. All inhibitory effect were increased in a dose-dependent manner. In the paper disc agar diffusion assay against seven microbes, L. morrowii extracts had anti-bacteria activities against Helicobacter pylori, Propionibacterium acne but no effect against other bacteria. These results indicate that the extracts from L. morrowii leaves have the possibility to be developed as a physiologically functional source for prevention of adult diseases.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2021

Droughts are one of the abiotic stresses that hinders the growth and productivity of crop plants. Coping with abiotic stress is necessary to understand the molecular regulatory networks that makes plants respond to adverse environmental conditions. In our experiment to find a combination that can cope with abiotic stress (respond to drought), we screened 5 stress-inducible promoters that are expressed only under stress conditions. This founded 36 cis-elements in stress-inducible promoters. With the result we designed 2 synthetic promoters (BL1, BL2) for fine-controlled regulation by assembling cis-elements from the native promoters, which are expressed only under stress caused by droughts. Analysis of the transgenic plant (BL1-GUS, BL2-GUS) showed that the synthetic promoters increased the expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) in transgenic plants under desiccation. Also in the transient activation assay demonstrated that synthetic promoters induced the co-transformation of effector DREB1A and DREB2C. These results expect that the synthetic promoter with a combination of drought-specific elements can be used to respond to various abiotic stress and is resistant to stress without causing growth retardation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.253-259
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• 2019

Prostate cancer(PrCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in man. Medicinal plants are exploited for many drugs to treat various ailments. The drugs derived from the plants promote health, augmented the resistance of the body against disease. Pueraia lobata(wild) Ohwi(P. Lobata), kudzu, which is a twining perennial woody herb native to China, Korea, Japan, India, and the United States. Plants such as Moringa oleifera, have hypoglycemic properties and other beneficial properties. The objective of the study was to analyze the effects of kadzu and moringa, natural plant products on antioxidant activity and proliferation of the hormone-sensitive prostate cancer LNCaP cells. MTT assay, flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate the anticancer mechanism and DPPH assay was determined to the antioxidant activity to scavenge free radicals in extract of these. All two extracts showed significantly antioxidant activity at 10 and 50mg/ml of concentration. kadzu and moringa reduced LNCaP cell viability in a dose dependent manner. Specially moringa extract was more potent cytotoxic than kadzu extract. Statistical analyses revealed kadzu and moringa exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity in LNCaP. The finding of this study provides a scientific basis for using kadzu and moringa in future development of chemotherapeutic drugs against hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.188-194
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• 2023

Microbacterium elymi KUDC0405^T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Elymus tsukushiensis from the Dokdo Islands. The KUDC0405^T strain was Gram-stain-positive, non-spore forming, non-motile, and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Strain KUDC0405^T was a rod-shaped bacterium with size dimensions of 0.3-0.4 × 0.7-0.8 ㎛. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, KUDC0405^T was most closely related to Microbacterium bovistercoris NEAU-LLE^T (97.8%) and Microbacterium pseudoresistens CC-5209^T (97.6%). The dDDH (digital DNA-DNA hybridization) values between KUDC0405^T and M. bovistercoris NEAU-LLE^T and M. pseudoresistens CC-5209^T were below 17.3% and 17.5%, respectively. The ANI (average nucleotide identity) values among strains KUDC0405^T, M. bovistercoris NEAU-LLE^T, and M. pseudoresistens CC-5209^T were 86.6% and 80.7%, respectively. The AAI (average amino acid identity) values were 64.66% and 64.97%, respectively, between KUDC0405^T and its closest related type strains. The genome contained 3,596 CDCs, three rRNAs, 46 tRNAs, and three non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The genomic DNA GC content was 70.4%. The polar lipids included diphosphatydilglycerol, glycolipid, phosphatydilglycerol, and unknown phospholipid, and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C_17:0 and iso-C_16:0. Strain KUDC0405^T contained MK-12 as the major menaquinone. Based on genotypic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic properties, strain KUDC0405^T should be considered a novel species within the genus Microbacterium, for which we propose the name M. elymi sp. nov., and the type strain as KUDC0405^T (=KCTC 49411^T, =CGMCC1.18472^T).

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.269-277
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• 1995

This experiment was conducted to study on forage utility of native grasses in polderland for salt tolerance plant selection and good feed with collection and evaluation. As the result of investgate, it was carried out feed evaluation, germination physiology and early growth at the different salt content of Puccinellia coreesis Honda and P. nipponica Ohwi from May 1993 to June 1994. Germination physiology of the grasses was light and low temperature favored optimum germination temperature was 1$0^{\circ}C$, germination period was 30 days. Dormancy awakening was needed wet and high temperature condition with 1~3 days storage. Germination rate increased 18.0% of P. coreensis and 39.0% of P. nipponica than those of non treatments. Early growth condition of different salt content was good also at in 1.00% and 0.50% levels of P. coreensis and P. nipponica. Crude protein content was 8.4% at P. coreensis, 7.1% at P. nipponica and 10.3% of Italian ryegrass, and NFE content was arrangement in order of P. coreensis, Italian ryegrass and P. nipponica. TDN content was not different between P. coreensis, P. nipponica and Italian ryegrass. Also P. coreensis and P. nipponica have a good taste for cattle as same as other crops.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.239-246
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• 2022

Lactuca scariola L. is one of ecosystem-disturbance plants that grow everywhere such as roadsides, grasslands, railroads, banks, and fields. L. scariola usually occurs in autumn. It overwinters in rosette form. It flowers and produces seeds in early summer of the next year. Seeds of L. scariola can germinate immediately without dormancy when the temperature is over 20℃. Due to endogenous bacteria in seeds of L. scariola, it has a strong drought tolerance. Thus, it can grow well on roadsides. L. scariola should be controlled as it can result in 60-80% of soybean yield loss at densities above 50 plants m^-2. It is advisable to remove L. scariola as it competes with native plants by acting as a pioneer to other ecosystem-disturbance plants. Among various control methods, chemical control is the most effective method that is widely used. Soil treatment with herbicides such as oxyfluorfen EC and pendimethalin EC can inhibit the development of L. scariola. Foliar treatment herbicides glyphosate and glufosinateammonium are widely used. L. scariola is resistant to 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPA among foliar treatment herbicides. Thus, it is recommended to apply herbicides with different modes of action.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.27-33
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the storage and post-storage changes of Cheorwon onions and onions for each region. Onion is a perennial plant belonging to the lily family. It is native to Persia of Southwest Asia. It is cultivated much in the temperate regions of the world. Cheorwon area is inland, but it has high continental climate due to its high altitude. Therefore it is said that the onion cultivated in this region has higher sugar content and higher taste than onion grown in southern region. Although the results of onion storage experiments in Cheorwon, Muan, Buan, and Changnyeong regions did not show much difference in weight, width, and height measurements before and after storage, Brix was reduced by approximately 1-2 brix. Before and after storing in each region, Brix was the highest in Cheorwon, Changnyeong, Buan, and Muan, and after saving, onions in Cheorwon were the same order. After each region was stored, the results showed that Cheorwon (112.3g), Muan (106g), Buan (102.1g) and Changnyeong (92.6g) had the highest hardness. Cold storage tests show that onions contain the least amount of corruption in paper boxes, while Cheorwon onions have the lowest level of corruption in other areas.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.105-114
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the change of phenolic compounds after phosphite treatment on Cheorwon onion. Onion is a perennial plant belonging to the lily family. It is native to Persia of Southwest Asia. It is widely cultivated in the temperate regions of the world. Onion is a good name for the 'Okchong' to drop blood cholesterol and cardiovascular blood flow to increase the prevention of adult diseases. Cheorwon area is inland, but it has high continental climate due to its high altitude. Therefore it is said that the onion cultivated in this region has higher sugar content and higher taste than onion grown in the southern region. Phosphorus components are particularly important ingredients for promoting muscle development. However, if the phosphoric acid content of the soil part is maintained to a large extent until the harvest, the competition of the nutrients tends to cause decay of the root part. Therefore, it is important to improve the quality and shelf life of onion by inducing nutrient balance by applying foliar fertilization method on the reducing phosphorus at harvest time. In this study, acidity was controlled by diluting phosphorous acid(H₃PO₃) and potassium hydroxide(KOH), followed by leaf surface treatment with phosphite on onion. In this study, the concentration of phosphite was diluted to 500, 1,000, 1,500ppm and sprayed three times over the onion leaves in May 2018 using an atomizer and harvested at the end of June, and the phenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLC. As a result, the content of quercetin, one of the important substances in onion, was phosphite 500ppm(179.70㎍/g), 1,000(150.27), 1,500(105.95). The contents of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, kaempferol, and sugar content were higher in the treatments than in the control. Therefore, the phosphite does not have a great influence on the growth, but it may play a role as a method of achieving balance with nitrogen in the rainy season by supplying the role of the material catalyst and the water soluble phosphoric acid and the potassium in the influence of the material change.