• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.379-389
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• 2024

This study was aimed to evaluate endogenous metabolic changes before and after cisplatin and radiation therapy in patients with cervical cancer via untargeted metabolomic analysis using plasma samples. A total of 13 cervical cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were collected from each patient on two occasions: approximately one week before therapy (P1) and after completion of cisplatin and radiation therapy (P2). Of the 13 patients, 12 patients received both cisplatin and radiation therapy, whereas one patient received radiation therapy alone. The samples were analyzed using the Ultimate 3000 coupled with Q Exactive^TM Focus Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap^TM mass spectrometry (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Chromatographic separation utilized a Kinetex C18 column 2.1×100 mm (2.6 ㎛) (Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA), and the temperature was maintained at 40℃. Following P2, there were statistically significant increases in the concentrations of indoxyl sulfate, phenylacetylglutamine, Lysophosphatidyethanolamine (LysoPE) (18:1), and indole-3-acetic acid compared with the concentrations observed at P1. Specifically, in the human papillomavirus (HPV) noninfection group, indoxyl sulfate, LysoPE (18:1), and phenylacetylglutamine showed statistically significant increases at P2 compared with P1. No significant changes in metabolite concentrations were observed in the HPV infection group. Indoxyl sulfate, LysoPE (18:1), phenylacetylglutamine, and indole-3-acetic acid were significantly increased following cisplatin and radiation therapy.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.448-462
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• 2020

Dietary nutrition is a critical lifestyle factor that can reduce the risk of future cognitive impairments caused by dementia. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with Sulforaphane may help the prevention of cognitive impairments and dementia. Thus, Sulforaphane-enriched broccoli extract would hold promise to improve cognitive impairments of dementia patients. Here, we have used broccoli extracts, prepared from broccoli cultivated in Magma Seawater, to test if the broccoli extracts can be dietary supplement to improve cognitive impairments. Magma Seawater originated from Jeju Island, Korea is unique in terms of containing high concentrations of usable minerals (Zinc, Vanadium and Germanium etc.). Broccoli, grown in Magma Seawater, would contain Sulforaphane and the extra amount of usable minerals. The chemical compositions of the broccoli extracts were analyzed using LC-Q-orbitrap to detect Sulforaphane and Glucoraphanin. Analysis method based on HPLC was developed for measurement of sulforaphane levels in the broccoli extracts. We have tested if the broccoli extracts have anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects on neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, we examined if the broccoli extracts are able to upregulate expression of synaptic plasticity-associated proteins (BDNF and phospho-CREB) and to inhibit acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity. We have shown that the broccoli extracts inhibited the apoptotic pathway and inflammatory responses. Finally, we present evidence showing that AchE activity was inhibited by the broccoli extracts, but expression of BDNF and phospho-CREB was upregulated. Taken together, these findings suggest that the broccoli extracts from Magma Seawater-grown broccoli would be a good source of dietary nutrition to improve cognitive impairments in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.157-172
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• 2023

Azadirachta excelsa, is a plant belonging to the same genus as Indian neem (Azadirachta indica), and its use as a pesticide is reported by few studies. Despite being a different species, it is expected to have the same biopesticide potential as A. indica. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the anti-termite activity of n-hexane and methanol extracts of A. excelsa seed kernel at various concentrations against Coptotermes curvignathus. The methanol extract demonstrated greater termicidal activity than n-hexane at doses test of 2%, 4%, and 8%. It also showed 100% termite mortality on the third day of administering the 8% dose. According to the gas chromatography with mass spectrometry data, the putative main components of the n-hexane extract were hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (18.99%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (16.31%), and 9-octadecenal (16.23%). In contrast, the principal constituents of methanol extract were patchouli alcohol (28.1%), delta-guaiene (15.15%), and alpha-guaiene (11.93%). Furthermore, limonoids profiling of A. excelsa methanol extract was determined using Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. The number of limonoids identified tentatively was fifteen, such as 6-deacetylnimbin, nimbolidin C, nimbolide, 6-acetylnimbandiol, 6-deacetyl-nimbinene, salannol, 28-deoxonimbolide, gedunin, nimbandiol, epoxyazadiradione, azadirone, 2',3'-dihydrosalannin, marrangin, nimbocinol, and azadirachtin. They were the same as those reported in the seed and leaves of A. indica, but its largest component in A. excelsa was 6-deacetylnimbin. As a result, the presence of these compounds may be responsible for the anti-termite activity of A. excelsa seed kernel extract. Additionally, column chromatography of methanol extract yielded 6-deacetylnimbin, which was found to be antifeedant and termiticide against C. curvignathus.