• Applied Microscopy
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.49-59
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• 1988

Fine structures of the testis and vas deferens in the fall-web worm, Hyphantria cunea Drury, are studied with electron microscope. Adult worms have single testis close to the midlines of the abdomen. Testis is composed of 4 follicles which are incompletly separated from each other and bounded together by a peritoneal sheath. The peritoneal sheath consisted of outer cuticular layer and two kinds of inner layers, in which glycogen particles are dispersed commonly. These two layers are divided by the morphology of cytoplasmic granules. Follicular epithelium forming the wall of the follicles have melanin pigment granules, and trachea or tracheoles are extended through this epithelium. In the cysts of adult testis, matured spermatozoa are grouped together in bundles and after releasing the sperm bundles to the vas deferens, lamellar shaped lysosomes appeared in the cytoplasms of the cyst cells. The number of spermatozoa per cyst is exactly 256 ($2^8$), this number is characteristics of the Lepidoperan species. Vas deferens is a tube with a fairly thick bounding epithelium, a basement membrane and a layer of circular muscle outside it. At the apical portion of the epithelial cells, microvilli are well developed. And in the cytoplasms of these cells, numerous excretory granules are observed.

• BMB Reports
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.189-193
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• 2001

Curcumin a yellow pigment from Curcuma Tonga, has been known to possess antioxidative and anticarcinogenic properties, as well as to induce apoptosis in some cancer cells. There have been, however, several contradictory reports that hypothesized curcumin (a hydrophobic molecule) can bind a membrane Gpid bilayer and induce nonspecific cytotoxicity in some cell lines. Why curcumin shows these contradictory effects is unknown. In A-431 cells, growth inhibition by curcumin is due mostly to the specific inhibition of the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor, as reported earlier by Korutla et al. Thus, we assumed that the cell death of A-431 by curcumin might be due to the specific induction of apoptosis. In this paper we clearly show that curcumin induces apoptosis in A-431 cells. The cureumin-induced cell death of A-431 exhibited various apoptotic features, including DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation. Furthermore, the curcumin-induced apoptosis of A-431 cells involved activation of caspase-3-like cysteine protease. Involvement of caspase-3 was further confirmed by using a caspase-3 specific inhibitor, DEVD-CHO. In another study, decreased nitric oxide (NO) production was also shown in A-431 cells treated with curcumin, which seems to be the result of the inhibition of the iNOS expression by curcumin, as in other cell lines. However, 24 h after treatment of curcumin there was increased NO production in A-431 cells. This observation has not yet been clearly explained. We assumed that the increased NO production may be related to denitrosylation of the enzyme catalytic site in caspase-3 when activated. Taken together, this study shows that the cell death of A-431 by curcumin is due to the induction of apoptosis, which involves caspase-3 activation.

• 방사선산업학회지
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.35-42
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• 2014

This study was conducted to analyze the protective capacity of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), which is rich in mulberry and blackberry as an anthocyanin pigment. In this study, we found that treatment with C3G significantly reduced ROS production in hydrogen peroxide $(H_2O_2)-treated$ HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, treatment with C3G significantly increased the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in $H_2O_2-treated$ HepG2 cells. Moreover, treatment with C3G dose-dependently decreased the release of LDH and activation of caspase-3 in HepG2 cells treated with $H_2O_2$. Furthermore, the DNA damage in $H_2O_2-treated$ HepG2 cells was decreased by C3G treatment when compared with the control group in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, treatment with C3G recovered the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase in $H_2O_2-treated$ HepG2 cells. To summarize, these results suggest that C3G protects cells from $H_2O_2-induced$ oxidative damage by activating antioxidant enzymes.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.27-42
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• 1989

The forming process of scale and socket of Pieris rapae L. during in 30 hr. pupa to in adult was morphologically investigated with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. 1. The scale forming cells which were distinguished from other epidermal cells were first observed in 30 hr. pupa. In the aspect that scale forming cell beared some morphological relations to socket forming cells and in the distribution of its organelles, scale forming cell was divided into three regions-basal region in which nucleus located, neck region which was surrounded by socket forming cells and scale region that was the cytoplasmic projection region over the wing surface. In process of the development of scale forming cell neck region and scale region were extended into the molting space and at this time, the changes of surface structure of scale region have occurred initially. 2. There was a more distinct process that scale region changed into the scale. Scale region which was first originated as clublike projection of the cell body was subsequently elongated and flattened out by broadening of the cytoplasm. After that, in the surface of scale were formed longitudinal ridges and microribs. In the late pupa, the cytoplsam of scale region have autolyzed by lysosome-like bodies and at length, scale which had air spaces, trabecula, pigment granules, longitudinal ridges and transverse ridges. 3. The major protion of socket forming cell located beside neck region of scale forming cell under the wing surface but the processing portion of the cell lay over the wing surface, suggesting that socket forming cells have actively processing. In extending to the molting space of neck and scale region, socket forming cells developed to the molting space and constructed socket.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.35-42
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• 2013

Quantum dots (QDs) have received considerable attention due to their potential role in photosensitization during photodynamic therapy. Although QDS are attractive nanomaterials due to their novel and unique physicochemical properties, concerns about their toxicity remain. We suggest a combination strategy, CdSe/ZnS QDs together with curcumin, a natural yellow pigment from turmeric, to reduce QD-induced cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to explore a potentially effective cancer treatment: co-exposure of HL-60 cells and human normal lymphocytes to CdSe/ZnS QDs and curcumin. Cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and DNA damage induced by QDs and/or curcumin with or without ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation were evaluated in both HL-60 cells and normal lymphocytes. In HL-60 cells, cell death, apoptosis, ROS generation, and single/double DNA strand breaks induced by QDs were enhanced by treatment with curcumin and UVA irradiation. The protective effects of curcumin on cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS generation were observed in normal lymphocytes, but not leukemia cells. These results demonstrated that treatment with QD combined with curcumin increased cell death in HL-60 cells, which was mediated by ROS generation. However, curcumin acted as an antioxidant in cultured human normal lymphocytes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.65-73
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• 2023

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant visual disease that induces impaired vision and irreversible blindness in the elderly. However, the effects of ginseng berry extract (GBE) on the retina have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GBE on blue light (BL)-induced retinal damage and elucidate its underlying mechanisms in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells) and Balb/c retina. Methods: To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of GBE on retinal damage in vitro, we performed cell viability assay, pre-and post-treatment of sample, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and western immunoblotting using A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells with BL exposure. In addition, Balb/c mice were irradiated with BL to induce retinal degeneration and orally administrated with GBE (50, 100, 200 mg/kg). Using the harvested retina, we performed histological analysis (thickness of retinal layers), qRT-PCR, and western immunoblotting to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of GBE against retinal damage in vivo. Results: GBE significantly inhibited BL-induced cell damage in ARPE-19 cells by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway, regulating NF-kB translocation, caspase 3 activation, PARP cleavage, expressions of apoptosis-related factors (BAX/BCL-2, LC3-II, and p62), and ROS production. Furthermore, GBE prevented BL-induced retinal degeneration by restoring the thickness of retinal layers and suppressed inflammation and apoptosis via regulation of NF-kB and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway, cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP, and expressions of apoptosis-related factors in vivo. Conclusions: GBE could be a potential agent to prevent dry AMD and progression to wet AMD.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권7호
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• pp.990-998
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• 2021

Melanin is a natural skin pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes via a multistage biochemical pathway known as melanogenesis, involving the oxidation and polymerization of tyrosine. Melanogenesis is initiated upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, causing the skin to darken, which protects skin cells from UVB radiation damage. However, the abnormal accumulation of melanin may lead to the development of certain skin diseases, including skin cancer. In this study, the antioxidant and antimelanogenic activities of the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of twenty strains were evaluated. Based on the results of 60% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, 21% 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging capacity, and a 50% ascorbic acid equivalent ferric reducing antioxidant power value, Limosilactobacillus fermentum JNU532 was selected as the strain with the highest antioxidant potential. No cytotoxicity was observed in cells treated with the CFS of L. fermentum JNU532. Tyrosinase activity was reduced by 16.7% in CFS-treated B16F10 cells (but not in the cell-free system), with >23.2% reduction in melanin content upon treatment with the L. fermentum JNU532-derived CFS. The inhibitory effect of the L. fermentum JNU532-derived CFS on B16F10 cell melanogenesis pathways was investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The inhibitory effects of the L. fermentum JNU532-derived CFS were mediated by inhibiting the transcription of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF and the protein expression of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF. Therefore, L. fermentum JNU532 may be considered a potentially useful, natural depigmentation agent.

• 한국작물학회지
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.407-412
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• 2008

검정콩 안토시아닌의 항산화력과 암세포독성을 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 안토시아닌 함량은 일품검정콩이 공시재료 중 가장 높게 나타났으며, 특히 C3G 함량은 타 계통보다 2배 이상 높았다. 2. 안토시아닌을 분획한 후 각각의 pigment로 항산화 효과를 분석한 결과 TEAC 법과 DPPH법 모두 C3G, D3G, 및 Pt3G의 효과가 인정되었으며, C3G와 D3G의 항산화력이 높게 나타났다. 일품검정콩과 재래속청간 품종 비교에서는 일품검정콩이 3가지 분획 모두 재래속청 보다 항산화 효과가 높았으며, 이는 TEAC 법과 DPPH법 공히 같은 경향이었다. 3. 인간 암세포인 Jurkat T 세포와 MCF-7 세포에 안토시 아닌 개별색소(C3G, D3G 및 Pt3G)를 $100{\sim}500\;{\mu}g/mL$ 농도로 처리하고 암세포에 대한 독성을 관찰한 결과, 3가지 시험물질 모두 두 가지 암 세포에서 세포독성 효과를 나타내었다. 이와 같은 결과는 검정콩 안토시아닌이 여러 가지 생리활성 효과를 가지고 있음을 나타내는 결과로 판단된다.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.139-158
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• 1998

The development of the superior cervical ganglion was studied by electron microscopic method in human fetuses ranging from 40 mm to 260 mm of crown-rump length (10 to 30 weeks of gestational age). At 40 mm fetus, the superior cervical ganglion was composed of clusters of undifferentiated cell, primitive neuroblast, primitive supporting cell, and unmyelinated fibers. At 70mm fetus, the neuroblasts and their processes were ensheated by the bodies or processes of satellite cells. The cytoplasm of the neuroblast contained rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi complex, Nissl bodies and dense-cored vesicles. As the neuroblasts grew and differentiated dense-cored vesicles moved away from perikaryal cytoplasm into developing processes. Synaptic contacts between the cholinergic axon and dendrites of postganglionic neuron and a few axosomatic synapses were first observed at 70 mm fetus. At 90 mm fetus the superior cervical ganglion consisted of neuroblasts, satellite cells, granule-containing cells, and unmyelinated nerve fibers. The ganglion cells increased somewhat in numbers and size by 150 mm fetus. Further differentiation resulted in the formation of young ganglion cells, whose cytoplasm was densely filled with cell organelles. During next prenatal stage up to 260 mm fetus, the cytoplasm of the ganglion cells contained except for large pigment granules, all intracytoplasmic structures which were also found in mature superior cervical ganglion. A great number of synaptic contact zones between the cholinergic preganglionic axon and the dendrites of the postganglionic neuron were observed and a few axosomatic synapses were also observed. Two morphological types of the granule-containing cells in the superior cervical ganglion were first identified at 90 mm fetus. Type I granule-containing cell occurred in solitary, whereas type II tended to appeared in clusters near the blood capillaries. Synaptic contacts were first found on the solitary granule-containing cell at 150 mm fetus. Synaptic contacts between the soma of type I granule-containing cells and preganglionic axon termials were observed. In addition, synaptic junctions between the processes of the granule- containing cells and dendrites of postganglionic neuron were also observed from 150 mm fetus onward. In conclusion, superior cervical ganglion cells and granule-containing cells arise from a common undifferentiated cell precursor of neural crest . The granule-containg cells exhibit a local modulatory feedback system in the superior cervical ganglion and nay serve as interneurons between the preganglionic and postganglionic cells.

• 대한세포병리학회지
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.111-115
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• 1998

Although the characteristic cytologic features of melanoma have been well described the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) may be difficult in the case of amelanotic melanoma and in the absence of awareness of clinical history. Furthermore, when the breast is the site of initial presentation, it could simulate a primary breast carcinoma leading to misdiagnosis. The recognition of metastatic malignant melanoma in FNAC material is essential to avoid an unnecessary mastectomy and to ensure appropriate chemotherapy. We experienced a case of metastatic melanoma of breast which presented as solitary breast mass in a 56-year-old woman. She had a history of surgical excision of right foot for melanoma one year ago. The cytologic smears were composed of noncohesive epithelioid cells with round or eccentric nuclei, bi-or multi-nucleation, prominent nucleoli, fine chromatin, and intranuclear inclusions. The cytoplasm of tumor cells had scanty melanin pigment but were diffusely positive for S-100 protein.