• BMB Reports
• /
• v.47 no.8
• /
• pp.433-438
• /
• 2014

Plant sterols have shown potent anti-proliferative effects and apoptosis induction against breast and prostate cancers. However, the effect of sterols against hepatic cancer has not been investigated. In the present study, we assessed whether the stigmasterol isolated from Navicula incerta possesses apoptosis inductive effect in hepatocarcimona (HepG2) cells. According to the results, Stigmasterol has up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic gene expressions (Bax, p53) while down-regulating the anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2). Probably via mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway. With the induction of apoptosis caspase-8, 9 were activated. The DNA damage and increase in apoptotic cell numbers were observed through Hoechst staining, annexin V staining and cell cycle analysis. According to these results, we can suggest that the stigmasterol shows potent apoptosis inductive effects and has the potential to be tested as an anti-cancer therapeutic against liver cancer.

• Journal of Aquaculture
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.153-161
• /
• 2000

Growth trends of 10 selected species of benthic diatoms, considered essential dietary requirement of the newly settled abalone were monitored. Navicula sp. (B-38), N. incerta and Caloneis schroderi, grew faster than the other tested diatoms. 16 and 32 % abalones fed on Raphoneis sp. and Phaeodactylum settled, respectively; less abalones souled, when fed on Navicula sp., Hantzxchia marina or Nitzschia sp. In the first experiment, survival of the settled abalone was the highest (63 %) and lowest (31 %) for those fed on Rhaphoneis sp. and Navicular sp. respectively. However, in the second and third series of esperiments, abalones fed on Rhaphoneis sp. and Navicula sp. showed the highest (67, 49 %) and lowest (35, 18 %) survival. C. schroderi proved to be the best diet, as the shell length of those fed on the diatoms was 83 ${\mu}$m, as against about 36 ${\mu}$m of those abalones, receiving H. marina or Nitzschia sp., diatoms of the lowest dietary value.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.124-132
• /
• 2013

In this study, novel peptides (NIPP-1, NIPP-2) derived from Navicula incerta (microalgae) protein hydrolysate were explored for their inhibitory effects on collagen release in hepatic fibrosis with the investigation of its underlying mechanism of action. TGF-${\beta}1$ activated fibrosis in LX-2 cells was examined in the presence or absence of purified peptides NIPP-1 and NIPP-2. Besides the mechanisms of liver cell injury, protective effects of NIPP-1 and NIPP-2 were studied to show the protective mechanism against TGF-${\beta}1$ stimulated fibrogenesis. Our results showed that the core protein of NIPP-1 peptide prevented fibril formation of type I collagen, elevated the MMP level and inhibited TIMP production in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of NIPP-1 and NIPP-2 on TGF-${\beta}1$ induced LX-2 cells alleviated hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, ${\alpha}$-SMA, TIMPs, collagen and PDGF in the NIPP-1 treated groups were significantly decreased. Therefore, it could be suggested that NIPP-1 has potential to be used in anti-fibrosis treatment.

• Journal of Aquaculture
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.355-366
• /
• 1995

In order to identify some suitable diatoms as a live food source, effects of seven diatom species (Chaetoceros simplex, Navicula incerta, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nitzschia closterium, Skeletonema costatum, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Thalassiosira weissflogii) were examined on specific growth rate, mean celt volume, chemical composition and general fatty acid composition. In cell volume. T. pseudonana was the smallest $(125{\mu}m^3)$ and T. weissflogii the largest $(824{\mu}m^3)$. However the specific growth rate of the largest diatom was the lowest (0.5016/day), and that of S. costatum was the highest (0.9928/day). The crude protein content of seven diatom species varied from $18.96\%$ (T. pseudonana) to $24,4\%$ (T, weissflogii). The crude lipid content of C. simplex was the highest $(8.43\%)$, and that of T. pseudonana was the lowest $(3.13\%)$. The total content of polyunsaturate fatty acids which are important for bivalve larvae was higher in C. simplex than those in other species. The total percent of polyunsaturate fatty acids from N. incerta and T. weissflogii was relatively lower than that from other species. Dietary value of seven diatom species were finally examined with Pacific oyster larvae Crassostrea gigas. In this experiment, C. simplex showed the highest survival rate and growth, and the larvae feed on S. costatum and T. weissflogii showed the poorest results. This results C. simplex could be more useful live food for bivalve larvae than other diatom species tested.