• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.79-91
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• 2021

γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (Gcs1) and glutathione reductase (Glr1) activity maintains minimal levels of cellular methylglyoxal in Candida albicans. In glutathione-depleted Δgcs1, we previously saw that NAD(H)-linked methylglyoxal oxidoreductase (Mgd1) and alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh1) are the most active methylglyoxal scavengers. With methylglyoxal accumulation, disruptants lacking MGD1 or ADH1 exhibit a poor redox state. However, there is little convincing evidence for a reciprocal relationship between methylglyoxal scavenger genes-disrupted mutants and changes in glutathione-(in)dependent redox regulation. Herein, we attempt to demonstrate a functional role for methylglyoxal scavengers, modeled on a triple disruptant (Δmgd1/Δadh1/Δgcs1), to link between antioxidative enzyme activities and their metabolites in glutathione-depleted conditions. Despite seeing elevated methylglyoxal in all of the disruptants, the result saw a decrease in pyruvate content in Δmgd1/Δadh1/Δgcs1 which was not observed in double gene-disrupted strains such as Δmgd1/Δgcs1 and Δadh1/Δgcs1. Interestingly, Δmgd1/Δadh1/Δgcs1 exhibited a significantly decrease in H2O2 and superoxide which was also unobserved in Δmgd1/Δgcs1 and Δadh1/Δgcs1. The activities of the antioxidative enzymes erythroascorbate peroxidase and cytochrome c peroxidase were noticeably higher in Δmgd1/Δadh1/Δgcs1 than in the other disruptants. Meanwhile, Glr1 activity severely diminished in Δmgd1/Δadh1/Δgcs1. Monitoring complementary gene transcripts between double gene-disrupted Δmgd1/Δgcs1 and Δadh1/Δgcs1 supported the concept of an unbalanced redox state independent of the Glr1 activity for Δmgd1/Δadh1/Δgcs1. Our data demonstrate the reciprocal use of Eapx1 and Ccp1 in the absence of both methylglyoxal scavengers; that being pivotal for viability in non-filamentous budding yeast.

• 한국지하수토양환경학회지:지하수토양환경
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.45-53
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• 2021

The removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in aqueous solution by coupled electro-oxidation and Fe(II) activated persulfate oxidation process was investigated. The electrochemical oxidation was performed using carbon sheet electrode and persulfate using Fe(II) ion as an activator. The oxidation efficiency was investigated by varying current density (2 - 10 mA/㎠), electrolyte (Na2SO4) concentration (10 - 100 mM), persulfate concentration (5 - 20 mM), and Fe(II) concentration (10 - 20 mM). The 2,4-D removal efficiency was in the order of Fe(II) activated persulfate-assisted electrochemical oxidation (Fe(II)/PS/ECO, 91%) > persulfate-electrochemical oxidation (PS/ECO, 51%) > electro-oxidation (EO, 36%). The persulfate can be activated by electron transfer in PS/ECO system, however, the addition of Fe(II) as an activator enhanced 2,4-D degradation in the Fe(II)/PS/ECO system. The 2,4-D removal efficiency was not affected by the initial pHs (3 - 9). The presence of anions (Cl- and HCO3-) inhibited the 2,4-D removal in Fe(II)/PS/ECO system due to scavenging of sulfate radical. Scavenger experiment using tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and methanol (MeOH) confirmed that although both sulfate (SO4•-) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals existed in Fe(II)/PS/ECO system, hydroxyl radical (SO4•-) was the predominant radical.

• 한국지하수토양환경학회지:지하수토양환경
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.54-64
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• 2021

The chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have been developed for offensive or defensive purposes and used as chemical weapons in war and terrorism. The CWAs are exposed to the natural environment, transported through the water system and then eventually contaminate soil and groundwater. Therefore, effective decontamination technology to remediate CWAs are needed. The CWAs are extremely dangerous and prodution is strictly prohibited, therefore, it is difficult to use CWAs even in experimental purpose. In this study, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was chosen as a model representative CWA because it is a simulant of anti-plant CWAs and one of the major component of agent orange. The optimum degradation conditions such as oxidant:activator ratio were determined. The effects of hydroxylamine and chelating agents such as citric acid (CA), oxalic acid (OA), malic acid (MA), and EDTA addition to increase Fe2+ activation were also investigated. Scavenger experiments using tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and ethanol confirmed that although both sulfate (SO4•-) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) existed in Fe2+-persulfate system, sulfate radical was the predominant radical. To promote the Fe2+ activator effect, the effect of hydroxylamine as a reducing agent was investigated. In chelating agents assisted Fe2+-persulfate oxidation, the addition of 2 mM of CA and MA enhanced 2,4-D degradation. In contrast, EDTA and OA inhibited the 2,4-D removal due to steric hindrance effect.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권3호
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• pp.148-153
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• 2022

Etoposide is a chemotherapeutic medication used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer. It is established that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can enhance the effects of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we investigated whether PEMFs influence the anti-cancer effects of etoposide in MCF-7 cells and determined the signal pathways affected by PEMFs. We observed that co-treatment with etoposide and PEMFs led to a decrease in viable cells compared with cells solely treated with etoposide. PEMFs elevated the etoposide-induced PARP cleavage and caspase-7/9 activation and enhanced the etoposide-induced down-regulation of survivin and up-regulation of Bax. PEMF also increased the etoposide-induced activation of DNA damage-related molecules. In addition, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was slightly elevated during etoposide treatment and significantly increased during co-treatment with etoposide and PEMF. Moreover, treatment with ROS scavenger restored the PEMF-induced decrease in cell viability in etoposide-treated MCF-7 cells. These results combined indicate that PEMFs enhance etoposide-induced cell death by increasing ROS induction-DNA damage-caspase-dependent apoptosis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.601-609
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• 2021

Erythrobacter species are extensively studied marine bacteria that produce various carotenoids. Due to their photoheterotrophic ability, it has been suggested that they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. It is essential to identify the genome sequence and the genes of the species to predict their role in the marine ecosystem. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the marine bacterium Erythrobacter sp. 3-20A1M. The genome size was 3.1 Mbp and its GC content was 64.8%. In total, 2998 genetic features were annotated, of which 2882 were annotated as functional coding genes. Using the genetic information of Erythrobacter sp. 3-20A1M, we performed pan-genome analysis with other Erythrobacter species. This revealed highly conserved secondary metabolite biosynthesis-related COG functions across Erythrobacter species. Through subsequent secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster prediction and KEGG analysis, the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway was proven conserved in all Erythrobacter species, except for the spheroidene and spirilloxanthin pathways, which are only found in photosynthetic Erythrobacter species. The presence of virulence genes, especially the plant-algae cell wall degrading genes, revealed that Erythrobacter sp. 3-20A1M is a potential marine plant-algae scavenger.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.69-77
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of the Ethanolic extract of Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine. Methods : The genetic difference of Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus were observed with RAPD analysis. The cognition-enhancing effect of Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus was investigated using a passive avoidance test, Y-maze test and the Morris water maze test in mice. Drug-induced amnesia was induced by treating animals with scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Results : As a result of RAPD analysis, Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus Radix was found to be genetically different and The results of learning memory analysis showed that Stachys sieboldii extract-treated group (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and the tacrine-treated group (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced amnesia based on the Passive avoidance Y-maze test and Water maze test. And these results are same manner in DPPH radical scavenger effect and Acetylcholineseterase inhibition effect. These results suggest that Stachys sieboldii extract maybe a useful cognitive impairment treatment, and its beneficial effects are depending on the origin plants. Conclusions : Commercially available Stachys sieboldii Radix consists of two original plant, one of them people misuse. To clarify the origin of the plant Memory tests were performed. These results suggest that 80% Ethanol extract of Stachys sieboldii showed significant anti-amnestic and cognitive-enhancing activities related to the memory processes, and these activities were parallel to treatment duration and dependent of the learning models.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제32권5호
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• pp.19-25
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• 2017

Objective : The Sinseon-yukza-hwan (SSY), a Korean medicinal formula which includes Radix Rehmanniae Preparata and other medicinal herbs, has long been used for treatment of alopecia and gray hair through oral administration. This study is designed to enhance the utilization of natural materials in hair and scalp-related cosmetics. Possibility of SSY as an antioxidant was examined from its 50% ethanol extract. Methods : The antioxidative capacities were evaluated by determining total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), reducing power and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Results : Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of SSY were 25.53 mg TE, tannic acid equivalent/g and 18.90 mg RE, rutin equivalent/g, respectively, which correlated strongly its antioxidative activity. The DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities of SSY at $0.1mg/m{\ell}{\sim}5mg/ml$ were ranged from 20% to 85% and 10% to 58%, respectively. Also the hydroxyl radical scavenger activity and reducing power increased in SSY-treated group, which were significantly lower in SSY-compared to BHA-treated group. But the highest reducing power was shown as 79% from SSY-treated group, which was higher value than 65% from BHA-treatment. These results showed that SSY extract effectively inhibited the generation of free radicals in the all assay system with dose-dependent manners. Conclusions : Thus, the present study provide preclinical data to support the expanded application of SSY, which could be potential candidates for natural antioxidants.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.447-454
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• 2022

Few studies have evaluated the role of autophagy in the development of oxaliplatin (OXT) resistance in colon cancer cells. In this study, we compared the role of autophagy between SNU-C5 colon cancer cells and OXT-resistant SNU-C5 (SNU-C5/OXTR) cells. At the same concentration of OXT, the cytotoxicity of OXT or apoptosis was significantly reduced in SNU-C5/OXTR cells compared with that in SNU-C5 cells. Compared with SNU-C5 cells, SNU-C5/OXTR cells exhibited low levels of autophagy. The expression level of important autophagy proteins, such as autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5), beclin-1, Atg7, microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B I (LC3-I), and LC3-II, was significantly lower in SNU-C5/OXTR cells than that in SNU-C5 cells. The expression level of the autophagy-essential protein p62 was also lower in SNU-C5/OXTR cells than in SNU-C5 cells. In SNU-C5/OXTR cells, the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly higher than that in SNU-C5 cells, and treatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine restored the reduced autophagy levels. Furthermore, the expression of antioxidant-related nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 transcription factor, heme oxygenase-1, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase were also significantly increased in SNU-C5/OXTR cells. These findings suggest that autophagy is significantly reduced in SNU-C5/OXTR cells compared with SNU-C5 cells, which may be related to the production of ROS in OXT-resistant cells.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.54-68
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether metformin (MF) could alleviate the expresssion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve the osteogenic ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived from diabetic rats (drBMSCs) in vitro, and to evaluate the effect of MF on the ectopic osteogenesis of drBMSCs in a nude mouse model in vivo. Methods: BMSCs were extracted from normal and diabetic rats. In vitro, a cell viability assay (Cell Counting Kit-8), tests of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and western blot analysis were first used to determine the cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of drBMSCs that were subjected to treatment with different concentrations of MF (0, 50, 100, 200, 500 µM). The cells were then divided into 5 groups: (1) normal rat BMSCs (the BMSCs derived from normal rats group), (2) the drBMSCs group, (3) the drBMSCs + Mito-TEMPO (10 µM, ROS scavenger) group, (4) the drBMSCs + MF (200 µM) group, and (5) the drBMSCs + MF (200 µM) + H₂O₂ (50 µM, ROS activator) group. Intracellular ROS detection, a senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay, ALP staining, alizarin red staining, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to determine the effects of MF on oxidative stress and osteogenic differentiation in drBMSCs. In vivo, the effect of MF on the ectopic osteogenesis of drBMSCs was evaluated in a nude mouse model. Results: MF effectively reduced ROS levels in drBMSCs. The cell proliferation, ALP activity, mineral deposition, and osteogenic-related protein expression of drBMSCs were demonstrably higher in the MF-treated group than in the non-MF-treated group. H₂O₂ inhibited the effects of MF. In addition, ectopic osteogenesis was significantly increased in drBMSCs treated with MF. Conclusions: MF promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of drBMSCs by inhibiting the oxidative stress induced by diabetes and enhenced the ectopic bone formation of drBMSCs in nude mice.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.69-75
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• 2019

Background and Objectives: The antioxidant ebselen will be able to limit or prevent the ototoxicity arising from 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease is a disorder of lysosomal storage manifested in sphingolipidosis. Recently, it was noted that experimental use of HPβCD could partially resolve the symptoms in both animals and human patients. Despite its desirable effect, HPβCD can induce hearing loss, which is the only major side effect noted to date. Understanding of the pathophysiology of hearing impairment after administration of HPβCD and further development of preventive methods are essential to reduce the ototoxic side effect. The mechanisms of HPβCD-induced ototoxicity remain unknown, but the resulting pathology bears some resemblance to other ototoxic agents, which involves oxidative stress pathways. To indirectly determine the involvement of oxidative stress in HPβCD-induced ototoxicity, we tested the efficacy of an antioxidant reagent, ebselen, on the extent of inner ear side effects caused by HPβCD. Materials and Methods: Ebselen was applied prior to administration of HPβCD in mice. Auditory brainstem response thresholds and otopathology were assessed one week later. Bilateral effects of the drug treatments also were examined. Results: HPβCD-alone resulted in bilateral, severe, and selective loss of outer hair cells from base to apex with an abrupt transition between lesions and intact areas. Ebselen co-treatment did not ameliorate HPβCD-induced hearing loss or alter the resulting histopathology. Conclusions: The results indirectly suggest that cochlear damage by HPβCD is unrelated to reactive oxygen species formation. However, further research into the mechanism(s) of HPβCD otopathology is necessary.