• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.106-114
• /
• 2008

One bacterium, which showed strong antagonistic activity against H. pylori KCCM 41756, was isolated from kimchi. The strain NO1 was designated as Lactobacillus plantarum NO1 based on Gram staining, biochemical properties, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The culture medium $(2{\sim}4{\mu}g/ml)$ of Lb. plantarum NO1 reduced $(40{\sim}60%)$ the urease activity of H. pylori KCCM 41756. Lb. plantarum NO1 inhibited the binding of H. pylori to human gastric cancer cell line, AGS cells, by more than 33%. Lb. plantarum NO1 exhibited high viability (maintained initial viable cell count of $10^9CFU/ml$) in 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 3.0) for 2 h, in artificial gastricjuice for 2 h and in 0.3%, 0.5% oxgall for 24 h. Hemolysis phenomena did not observed when Lb. plantarum NO1 was incubated in the blood agar media. We concluded that Lb. plantarum NO1 can be a good candidate as a probiotic, harboring anti-H. pylori activity.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.433-441
• /
• 2013

In this study, the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic activities of Endlicheria anomala (Nees) Mez methanol extract (EAME) were evaluated by use of in vitro assays and cell culture model systems. The results revealed that EAME scavenges various radicals such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl hydrogen peroxide induced reactive oxygen species, and lipopolysaccharide induced nitric oxide. Furthermore, EAME induced the expression of anti-oxidative enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1, thioredoxin reductase 1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase 1, and their upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2. Moreover, EAME inhibited in vitro DOPA oxidation and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. Its anti-melanogenic activity will have originated from the inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanogenesis related protein expression. Taken together, these results provide the important new insight that E. anomala possesses various biological activities such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic. Therefore, it might be utilized as a promising material in the fields of nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.30 no.4 s.48
• /
• pp.503-507
• /
• 2004

The essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa was investigated for biological activities in anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation and antibacterial method, respectively. The Growth inhibitory effect of C. obtusa oil on the bacteria was evaluated with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), $IC_{50}\;(50\%$ inhibitory concentration), and paper disc method. Two kinds of gram positive strains and two kinds of gram negative strains were used in this study. Gram positive strains were B. subtilis and S. aureus. and Gram negative strains were E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Gram positive strains showed much more intensive effect than gram negative strains. Anti-oxidative effect was investigated with DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl) in methanol based and $IC_{50}\;was\;0.78\%.$ Our results suggest that the essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa has effects on anti-bacterial, anti- oxidative and anti-inflammation in in vitro and in uiuo. Then this material could be expect synergic effect with other candidated extracts and oils.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.165-174
• /
• 2018

Background: Extended endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may initiate apoptotic pathways in cancer cells, and ER stress has been reported to possibly increase tumor death in cancer therapy. We previously reported that caspase-8 played an important role in compound K-induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 directly or indirectly through Bid cleavage, cytochrome c release, and caspase-9 activation in HL-60 human leukemia cells. The mechanisms leading to apoptosis in A549 and SK-MES-1 human lung cancer cells and the role of ER stress have not yet been understood. Methods: The apoptotic effects of compound K were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the changes in protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. The intracellular calcium levels were monitored by staining with Fura-2/AM and Fluo-3/AM. Results: Compound K-induced ER stress was confirmed through increased phosphorylation of $eIF2{\alpha}$ and protein levels of GRP78/BiP, XBP-1S, and $IRE1{\alpha}$ in human lung cancer cells. Moreover, compound-K led to the accumulation of intracellular calcium and an increase in m-calpain activities that were both significantly inhibited by pretreatment either with BAPTA-AM (an intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator) or dantrolene (an RyR channel antagonist). These results were correlated with the outcome that compound K induced ER stress-related apoptosis through caspase-12, as z-ATAD-fmk (a specific inhibitor of caspase-12) partially ameliorated this effect. Interestingly, 4-PBA (ER stress inhibitor) dramatically improved the compound K-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: Cell survival and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis during ER stress in human lung cancer cells are important factors in the induction of the compound K-induced apoptotic pathway.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.41
• /
• pp.47.1-47.10
• /
• 2019

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been applied as a primary biomaterial for temporary soft tissue augmentation and as a carrier for cells and the delivery of growth factors to promote tissue regeneration. Although HA derivatives are the most versatile soft tissue fillers on the market, they are resorbed early, within 3 to 12 months. To overcome their short duration, they can be combined with cells or growth factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stimulating effects of human fibroblasts and basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) on collagen synthesis during soft tissue augmentation by HA hydrogels and to compare these with the effects of a commercial HA derivative (Restylane^®). Methods: The hydrogel group included four conditions. The first condition consisted of hydrogel (H) alone as a negative control, and the other three conditions were bFGF-containing hydrogel (HB), human fibroblast-containing hydrogel (HF), and human fibroblast/bFGF-containing hydrogel (HBF). In the Restylane^® group (HGF), the hydrogel was replaced with Restylane^® (R, RB, RF, RBF). The gels were implanted subdermally into the back of each nude mouse at four separate sites. Twelve nude mice were used for the hydrogel (n = 6) and Restylane^® groups (n = 6). The specimens were harvested 8 weeks after implantation and assessed histomorphometrically, and collagen synthesis was evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: The hydrogel group showed good biocompatibility with the surrounding tissues and stimulated the formation of a fibrous matrix. HBF and HF showed significantly higher soft tissue synthesis compared to H (p < 0.05), and human collagen type I was well expressed in HB, HF, and HBF; HBF showed the strongest expression. The Restylane^® filler was surrounded by a fibrous capsule without any soft tissue infiltration from the neighboring tissue, and collagen synthesis within the Restylane^® filler could not be observed, even though no inflammatory reactions were observed. Conclusion: This study revealed that HA-based hydrogel alone or hydrogel combined with fibroblasts and/or bFGF can be effectively used for soft tissue augmentation.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.557-564
• /
• 2000

The bone graft materials can be grossly divided into autogenous bone, allogenic bone, xenogenic bone, and alloplastic material. Much care was given to other bone graft materials away from autogenous bone due to its additional operation for harvesting, delayed resorption and limitation of quantity. Demineralized freeze-dried bone(DFDB) and hydroxyapatite are the representatives of bone graft materials. As resorbable hydroxyapatite is developed in these days, the disadvantage of nonresorbability can be overcome. So we planned to study on the strength and the bone formation at the rats calvarial defects of DFDB graft and those of the composite graft with DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite. We used the 16 male rats weighting range from 250 to 300 gram bred under the same environment during same period. After we made the 6mm diameter calvarial defect, we filled the DFDB in 8 rats and DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite in another 8 rats. We sacrificed them at the postoperative 1 month and 2 months with the periostium observed. As soon as the specimens were delivered, we measured the compressive forces to break the normal calvarial area and the newly formed bone in calvarial defect area using Instron(Model Autograph $S-2000^{(R)}$, Shimadzu, Japan). The rest of the specimens were stained with H&E(Hematoxylin & Eosin) and evaluated with the light microscope. So we got the following results. 1. In every rats, there was no significant difference between the measured forces of normal bone area and those of the bone graft area. 2. In 1 month, the measured forces at DFDB graft group were higher than those of the DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group(P<0.05). 3. In 2 months, there was no significant differences between the measured forces of DFDB graft group and those of the DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group. 4. In lightmicroscopic examination, most of the grafted DFDB were transformed into bone in 1 month and a large numbers of hydroxyapatite crystal were observed in DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group in 1 month. 5. Both group showed no inflammatory reaction in 1 month. And hydroxyapatite crystals had a tight junction without soft tissue invagination when consolidated with newly formed bone. 6. In both groups, newly formed bone showed the partial bone remodeling and the lamellar bone structures and some of reversal lines were observed in 2 months. From the above results, it is suggested that DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group had a better resistance to compressive force in early stage than DFDB graft group, but there would be no significant difference between two groups after some period. And it is suggested that the early stage of bone formation procedure of DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group was slight slower than that of DFDB graft group, but there would be no significant difference between two groups after some period.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.376-386
• /
• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial hazards posed by food utensils and fixtures in food service operations at selected middle and high schools located in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We collected 200 samples of utensils and fixtures including cups, spoons/chopsticks, food trays and tables from five different schools in Seoul. Target microorganisms of this study were divided into two groups: total bacterial count and total coliform as indicators of microbial contamination and Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus as pathogens of food poisoning. We used selective media to quantify microbial concentration and 16S rRNA PCR assay for qualitative analysis. In addition, intensive interviews with nutritionists were conducted and observations were made to identify factors that may affect microbial contamination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the microbial concentration and operation characteristics of each operation. Results: The level of microbial concentration in school B and C were significantly lower than in school A, D and E (p<0.05). Some samples from school A, D and E showed over 3.4 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total bacterial count) and 1.0 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total coliform), which requires immediate hygienic action. The number of customers per staff member, periodicity of hygiene education for staff and daily operation time of sterilizers were also found to be important factors related with the microbial contamination of food service operations. Conclusions: These results suggested that not only a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) approach, but also efforts to assess internal risk factors within operations be needed to reduce the microbial contamination of food utensils and fixtures. This study is expected to provide preliminary data for assessing microbial hazards in food service operations.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.159-166
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the frequence of 4 periodontal pathogens in the supra- and subgingival plaque in periodontally healthy subjects. Twenty adult individuals aged 22 to 28 years (mean age 23.65 years) participated in this study. All subjects had no pocket sites more than 3 mm deep, and the sites selected for sampling were all negative for bleeding. After drying and isolation of the sites with cotton rolls, supragingival plaque was sampled using sterile periodontal curette. Each plaque sample was placed in individual tubes containing 500 ml of 1X PBS. After removal of the supragingival sample and any remaining supragingival plaque, subgingival plaque samples were taken from the same sites using sterile curette and placed in similar individual tubes. Identification of 4 putative periodontal pathogens from the samples was performed by polymerase chain reaction based on 16S rDNA. Chi-square test was employed to identify significant explanatory variables for the presence of the 4 periodontal pathogens. The data show that Actinobacillus actinmycetemcomitans, Porphyromonanas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, and Fusobacterium nucleatum occurred in 16.9%, 14.4%, 52.5%, and 80.6%, respectively. No significant differences were noted in the periodontal pathogens between supra- and subgingival plaques according to the kind of teeth. However, the incisors were at higher risk for harboring F. nucleatum (p <0.05). Conclusion: These results reveal that anaerobic periodontal pathogens can be detected in supragingival plaques. Supragingival plaque may function as a reservoir of peri-odotopathogens.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.117-129
• /
• 2013

Background: This study was carried out for the purpose of comprehensively evaluating the mercury exposure level of residents in several areas and the correlation between hair mercury concentration and blood mercury concentration. Method: One thousand one hundred ninety seven subjects were sampled from 30 sites using random assignment sampling. We performed a questionnaire survey and measured the level of total mercury in hair and blood samples from all subjects. Results: The geometric mean concentrations of hair and blood mercury in all subjects were 1.27 mg/kg [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-1.32 mg/kg] and 5.24 ${\mu}g/L$ [95% CI: 5.07-5.41 ${\mu}g/L$], respectively. Male (1.56 mg/kg in hair, 6.00 ${\mu}g/L$ in blood) was significantly higher than that of female (1.03 mg/kg in hair, 4.56 ${\mu}g/L$ in blood), and the concentrations were elevated as age increased up to the 50s. Education, smoking, alcohol drinking, and using of pesticides were also shown to influence mercury concentrations in hair and blood. The ratio of hair/ blood mercury concentration was 261.3. The total mercury concentration in hair was identified to be significantly related with total mercury concentration in blood (r=0.814, p<0.001). Conclusion: The geometric mean concentrations of hair and blood mercury were higher than the levels provided in international recommendations. The total mercury concentration in hair was positively correlated with the concentration in blood. The results of this study suggest that hair mercury be considered as a useful tool for the evaluation of mercury exposure.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.121-137
• /
• 2015

Studies on carbon flux in the oceans have been highlighted in recent years due to increasing awareness about climate change, but the coastal ecosystem remains one of the unexplored fields in this regard. In this study, the dynamics of carbon flux in a vegetative coastal ecosystem were examined by an evaluation of net and gross ecosystem production (NEP and GEP) and $CO_2$ exchange rates (net ecosystem exchange, NEE). To estimate NEP and GEP, community production and respiration were measured along different habitat types (eelgrass and macroalgal beds, shallow and deep sedimentary, and deep rocky shore) at Gwangyang Bay, Korea from 20 June to 20 July 2007. Vegetative areas showed significantly higher ecosystem production than the other habitat types. Specifically, eelgrass beds had the highest daily GEP ($6.97{\pm}0.02g\;C\;m^{-2}\;d^{-1}$), with a large amount of biomass and high productivity of eelgrass, whereas the outer macroalgal vegetation had the lowest GEP ($0.97{\pm}0.04g\;C\;m^{-2}\;d^{-1}$). In addition, macroalgal vegetation showed the highest daily NEP ($3.31{\pm}0.45g\;C\;m^{-2}\;d^{-1}$) due to its highest P : R ratio (2.33). Furthermore, the eelgrass beds acted as a $CO_2$ sink through the air-seawater interface according to NEE data, with a carbon sink rate of $0.63mg\;C\;m^{-2}\;d^{-1}$. Overall, ecosystem production was found to be extremely high in the vegetated systems (eelgrass and macroalgal beds), which occupy a relatively small area compared to the unvegetated systems according to our conceptual diagram of a carbon-flux box model. These results indicate that the vegetative ecosystems showed significantly high capturing efficiency of inorganic carbon through coastal primary production.