• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.199-203
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• 2016

Apolipophorin-III (apoLp-III) was isolated and purified from the last larval hemolymph of Galleria mellonella by KBr gradient ultracentrifugation and gel chromatography (Sephadex G-100). After KBr gradient ultracentrifugation, the lipophorin-free fractions were used as the samples for gel chromatography. The purity of the finally purified apoLp-III was confirmed by SDS-PAGE after gel chromatography. In this study, we found that apoLp-III is taken up into the adult testes in Galleria mellonella. The testes were dissected from day-1 or -2 adults in cold Ringer's solution and used for tissue culture. The protein moiety of apoLp-III was labeled with FITC dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at room temperature under conditions of continuous stirring for 1 h. The FITC-labeled apoLp-III was purified with a Sephadex G-25 PD-10 column. The tissues of the adult testes were incubated at room temperature for 30 min with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled apoLp-III. Fluorescein microscopy and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) revealed that the adult testis tissues internalize the FITC-labeled apoLp-III. The results showed that apoLp-III is taken up by the adult testes.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.31 no.1 s.49
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• pp.103-109
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• 2005

UV irradiation leads to distinct changes in skin connective tissue, which is degradation of collagen. Many of these alterations in the extracellular matrix are mediated by matrix metalloproteinases. In this study, to develop a new anti-aging agent, we screened the antioxidant activity of solvent fractions from ethanolic extract of Melothria Heterophylla. Among the four solvent fractions tested, the EtOAc fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. It was investigated the inhibitory effect of the EtOAc fraction on the expression and activity of MMP-1 in UVA-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. The EtOAc fraction inhibited the activity of MMP-1 in a dose dependent manner with the $IC_{50}$ values of $9{\mu}g/mL$. Also, UVA-induced MMP-1 expression was reduced about $90\%$ by $100{\mu}g/mL$ of the EtOAc fraction but MMP-1 mRNA expression was not inhibited. Therefore, we conclude that the EtOAc fraction significantly inhibits MMP-1 expression at the protein level. From these results, we suggest that the EtOAc fraction from M. heterophylla could be used as a new anti-aging agent for the photo-damaged skin.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.344-353
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• 2021

Juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (mean weight 66.7±7.1 g; mean length 19.2±0.9 cm) in a bio-floc environment were exposed to microplastic (PE: polyethylene, size 40-48 ㎛) at 0, 4, 20, 100, 500 and 2,500 mg L^-1 for 96 hours. No P. olivaceus deaths were observed following microplastic exposure. In the plasma components, calcium was significantly decreased whereas there was no significant change with magnesium following microplastic exposure. Glucose was significantly decreased with over 100mg L^-1 at 48 hours and 20mg L^-1 at 96 hours. Cholesterol was significantly decreased with over 20mg L^-1 after 48 hours, whereas there was no significant change in the total protein content. In enzymatic plasma components, the AST(Aspartate aminotransferase) was significant decreased by microplastic exposure. The results of this study indicate that acute exposure to microplastic induces blood physiological changes in P. olivaceus.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.125-134
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• 2019

Background: Excessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats. Methods: Male rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60-70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-${\alpha}$), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats. Conclusion: KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.468-478
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• 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cordyceps militaris extracts for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction in PC12 and BV2 cells. Cordyceps militaris extracts was prepared by extracting with distilled water. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay using PC12 cells and BV2 cells. Confirmed effects of L-glutamate induced cytotoxicity test, Acetylcoline (ACh) concentration, and Acetylcolinestase (AChE) activity in PC12 cells. Anti-inflammatory activities of cordyceps militaris extracts was measured through changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 cell. In addition, we measured the expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, JNK, and caspase-3 in western blot analysis. Cordyceps militaris extracts showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations of 1, 10, and $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ except for the concentration of $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Cordyceps militaris extracts protected the cell and exhibited significant increases in the ACh concentration and a significant decrease in the AChE activity in L-glutamate induced PC12 cells. Moreover, cordyceps militaris extracts inhibited the productions NO, and PGE2 level and the protein expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, JNK, caspase-3 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. These results indicate that cordyceps militaris extracts possible prevented and improved cognitive dysfuction symptoms. Thus, cordyceps militaris extracts may be a novel natural material option for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1424-1431
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• 2018

We prepared flocculated detritus-like organic marine snow originating from various organisms by fermentation using microorganisms; this fermented organic material was fed to the leptocephali of the eel (Anguilla japonica) to investigate whether or not such organic matter was an appropriate food source for the larvae. A strain was isolated from a biofloc technology system used to culture fish, and seven types of organic material from hen's egg, eel muscle, tuna muscle, lugworm, shrimp, manila clam, mussel, and sea squirt were fermented using isolated bacteria (Bacillus sp.). The fermented matter did not show any specific form and was larger than $10-20{\mu}m$ but no more than $100{\mu}m$ in size. Four diets (A-D) were prepared using the various fermented products, and the larvae were fed the prepared food from 20 days after hatching. The leptocephali fed the A, B, and C diets survived until 37, 39, and 37 days after hatching, respectively. However, the leptocephali fed the D diet survived for 60 days after hatching. The protein content of each diet was very similar, but the n-3 HUFA concentration in the D diet was approximately twice as high as that of the others.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.275-283
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• 2020

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the addition of enzymes and microorganisms to broiler feed on productivity, carcass characteristics, intestinal microflora, and feces odor. A total of one-hundred eighty 180 chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 5 treatments with 3 replications each having 12 birds per pen. The experimental group was divided into 0.1% EZ group (0.1% metallo-protease added to the feed), 0.2% EZ group (0.2% metallo-protease added to the feed), M group (2.0% Bacillus veleznesis CE 100 added to the feed), and MW group (2.0% Bacillus veleznesis CE 100 added to the feed and drinking water). In the results, final body weight, body weight gain, the feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency, and energy efficiency were not significantly different among all treatments in across all periods. Carcass weight, proventriculus, gizzard, heart, small intestine, cecum, and rectum weight were not significantly different among all of the treatments. However the liver weight was significantly higher in the 0.1% EZ group than in the control, M and MW groups (P< 0.05). E. coli was significantly lower in MW than in the control and M (P<0.05), and it was significantly higher in the M than 0.2% EZ and MW (P<0.05). H2S emissions in feces was not significantly different among all treatments, but NH3 emissions was were significantly higher in 0.1% EZ than in MW (P<0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 0.1% of metallo-protease was effective in the development of the liver of broilers.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.412-421
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• 2021

Purpose: Thioacetamide (TAA) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver, and the generated ROS induces liver injury through inflammatory reactions. The current study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Artemisiae Capillaris Herba water extract (AC), imparted via its antioxidant activity, in an animal model of TAA-induced liver injury. Methods: Animal experiments were conducted in 5 groups: normal, control (TAA 200 mg/kg), SM (TAA 200 mg/kg + silymarin 100 mg/kg), ACL (TAA 200 mg/kg + AC 100 mg/kg), ACH (TAA 200 mg/kg + AC 200mg/kg). TAA (intraperitoneal) and treatment compounds (per oral) were administered for 3 days. Serum levels of ammonia concentration and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were subsequently measured. Liver tissues were subjected to western blot analysis for measuring the oxidative stress (NADPH oxidase), anti-oxidative activity (Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase, and GPx-1/2), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) protein expressions. Results: Serum ammonia levels and MPO activity were significantly increased in the TAA-induced control group, whereas groups administered AC treatment showed markedly reduced levels. Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased NOX2 and p22^phox expressions, (oxidative stress-related factors) in the TAA-induced control group. These levels were determined to be significantly decreased after AC exposure. Moreover, antioxidant-related factors including Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 were significantly decreased in the control group and increased in the AC treated groups. In addition, MMP expressions were significantly suppressed in the AC treatment group due to increased levels of TIMP-1. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that exposure to AC reduces the oxidative stress by inhibiting the expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX2 and p22^phox) through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. We therefore propose the potential of AC for the prevention and treatment of TAA-induced liver injury.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.414-421
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• 2023

Cnidium japonicum (C. japonicum) is a type of halophyte that inhabits soil of a high salinity, and according to previous studies, it is known to have antitumor effects. However, the skin's protective effect, particularly against UVB irradiation, has not been revealed. In this study, C. japonicum crude extract was studied to determine its effect on damage to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) induced by UVB irradiation, and ROS assays were performed, the results of which showed that C. japonicum crude extract affects UVB-induced photoaging damage in human keratinocytes. To examine inhibitory effects against the expressions of MMPs, RT-PCR and Western blot assay were performed by treating the crude extract at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ㎍/ml by irradiating UVB at 15 mJ/cm². As a result, it was confirmed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 decreased in the group treated with C. japonicum crude extract, which also effectively regulated the antioxidant defense mechanism pathway by activating JNK, ERK, and p38. In conclusion, the current study suggested the possibility that C. japonicum could be used as a raw material for anti-photoaging cosmeceuticals in the future.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2024

Skin aging progresses due to external factors such as ultraviolet rays and infections. These factors cause skin fibroblasts to secrete proteolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs induce the degradation of collagen located in the extracellular matrix, directly influencing aging. The stems of Akebia quinata Decaisne have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-aging effect of Akebia quinata Decaisne stem ethanol extract (AQSEE) is not known. Therefore, we studied the TNF-α-induced MMP-1 inhibitory effect in human fibroblasts. When the cell viability of AQSEE was confirmed through MTT asaay, it showed no toxicity up to 400 ㎍/mL. The inhibition of MMP-1 mRNA and protein secretion was confirmed through RT-qPCR and ELISA, and results showed a significant decrease at concentrations of 100, 200, 400 ㎍/mL. We also confirmed by Western blotting that phosphorylation of MAPKs signaling pathway and transcription factors was reduced. As a result, phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun, p65 was significantly decreased at all concentrations. DPPH and ABTS assays were performed to confirm the radical scavenging ability of AQSEE, and the results showed a significant decrease at all concentrations. The results of this study confirmed the MMP-1 inhibitory effect and radical scavenging ability, which suggests that it can be used as an anti-aging substance.