• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.524-531
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• 2018

The essential oil from Abies koreana E.H. Wilson had been developed, however, its efficacy has not yet been studied especially in terms of skin care research. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Abies koreana extracts (AKE) on melanogenesis and wrinkle formation in B16F10 melanoma cells (B16F10) and human dermal fibroblast cell line (HDF). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation method and purified by anhydrous sodium sulfate. At a concentration of $10^{-5}$-fold, viability in these cells had been defined by cytotoxicity assays. Anti-melanogenic effects on B16F10 were evaluated using tyrosinase inhibition assay, and real-time PCR for verifying gene expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1 and -2 (TRP-1 and -2). AKEs reduced about 5-fold of tyrosinase inhibitory activity compared to ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH)-induced group and about 30% reduction compared to Arbutin induced group. The mRNA levels of three melanin-related factors were increased, separately. To investigate the effects of anti-wrinkle, procollagen type I c peptide synthesis assay (PIP) and Western blot were performed. At AKE-treated group, PIP was up-regulated and the expression of collagen type 1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 were improved. Furthermore, AKE presented anti-wrinkle effects by increasing UVB-inhibited collagen type 1 expression, and reducing UVB-induced MMP-1 production at $60mJ/cm^2$ of UVB radiation. Therefore, Abies koreana extracts has potentials as a safe and an effective skin ingredient for whitening and anti-wrinkle.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 2008

This study was designed to investigate the effect of hybridization of synthetic/natural materials for annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The synthetic/natural hybrid scaffolds were prepared using PLGA (poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid), SIS (small intestinal submucosa) and DBP (demineralized bone particles). PLGA, PLGA/SIS(20%), PLGA/DBP(20%) and PLGA/SIS (10%)/DBP (10%) scaffold were manufactured by solvent casting/salt leaching method. Compressive strength was measured. Rabbit AF cells were isolated, cultured and seeded into experimental groups. Hydroxyproline production and DNA quantity of AP cells on each scaffold was measured at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after in vitro culture. Cell-scaffold composites were implanted subcutaneously into athymic mice. After 1,4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, specimens were taken and H&E, Safranin-O and type I collagen staining were carried out concerning formation of cartilagenous tissue. In vitro PLGA/SIS scaffold was evaluated for total collagen content (bydroryproline/DNA content) and PLGA scaffold was evaluated for compressive strength.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.515-523
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• 2023

Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), one of the main components of ginseng, has anti-inflammatory, anti-estrogenic, and anti-tumor activities. It is known that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary producers of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway participates in the activation of HSCs. We aimed to explore whether PPD inhibits liver fibrosis is associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inactivation. Methods: The anti-fibrotic roles of PPD were examined both in vitro and in vivo. We also examined the levels of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1), DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and WIF1 methylation. Results: PPD obviously ameliorated liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-treated mice and reduced collagen deposition. PPD also suppressed the activation and proliferation of primary HSCs. Notably, PPD inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, reduced TCF activity, and increased P-β-catenin and GSK-3β levels. Interestingly, WIF1 was found to mediate the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in PPD-treated HSCs. WIF1 silencing suppressed the inhibitory effects of PPD on HSC activation and also restored α-SMA and type I collagen levels. The downregulation of WIF1 expression was associated with the methylation of its promoter. PPD induced WIF1 demethylation and restored WIF1 expression. Further experiments confirmed that DNMT1 overexpression blocked the effects of PPD on WIF1 expression and demethylation and enhanced HSC activation. Conclusion: PPD up-regulates WIF1 levels and impairs Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation via the downregulation of DNMT1-mediated WIF1 methylation, leading to HSC inactivation. Therefore, PPD may be a promising therapeutic drug for patients with liver fibrosis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.615-628
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• 2023

Purpose: Increasing levels of domestic fine dust (DFD) have emerged as a serious problem that threatens public health by causing chronic respiratory diseases and skin aging. The present study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Gryllus bimaculatus (the two-spotted cricket), which has recently attracted attention as an edible insect in South Korea, on DFD-induced aging and inflammation. Methods: To verify that DFD causes skin aging and investigate the anti-aging effect of an aqueous ethanolic-Gryllus bimaculatus extract (AE-GBE), human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) were treated with 100 ㎍/mL of European reference material (ERM)-CZ100 dust for 24 hrs in the presence or absence of 100 ㎍/ml AE-GBE. Aging and cellular toxicities were assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA fragmentation, and β-galactosidase activity. The protein levels of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and collagen were measured by western blot, and the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes were assayed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Treatment with ERM-CZ100 induced an aged phenotype in HDF cells, as evidenced by increased ROS levels, DNA fragmentation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, but cotreatment with AE-GBE significantly reduced these inductions. The mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, induced by ERM-CZ100 were also reduced by AE-GBE cotreatment, which also reduced COX2 expression. Moreover, ERM-CZ100-induced MMP-1 expression and reduced collagen type I expression were recovered by AE-GBE treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that AE-GBE is a potential treatment for domestic fine dust-induced skin inflammation and inflammaging.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.275-282
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• 2003

This study was undertaken to investigate paraquat-induced pulmonary injuries and effects of colchicine on pulmonary fibrosis by paraquat. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected 10 mg/kg of paraquat and repeatedly with 2 days interval. Another 15 rats were injected paraquat as same manner and simultaneously injected 10 mg/kg of colchicine in a week. Five rats in each group were sacrificed 1, 2, and 4 weeks after initial injections, and lungs extracted were observed by light and electron microscopes. On light microscopy, there was mild infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in alveolar spaces and walls at 1 week after paraquat injection. The cellularity of alveolar wall was increased with time. However, the cellularity was not so prominent in paraquat and colchicine simultaneously injected group. On electron microscopy, there was marked swelling or excoriation of type I epithelial cells and alveolar capillary endothelium with infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes, and lymphocytes in alveolar walls. Such findings were persisted with time. In addition, fibroblastic proliferation and deposition of collagen fibers were prominent at 4 weeks after paraquat injection. Fibrosis also occurred at 4 weeks after paraquat and colchicine simultaneous injection. It was not proninent than that of paraquat injected group. According to the above result, it would be concluded that the type I pneumocytes and alveolar capillary endothelial cells are most vulnerable on paraquat poisoning, and that the colchicine is effective on inhibition of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.310-321
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• 1990

To establish the in vitro culture system and quantitation for chondrogenesis, and to investigate the relationship between cell aggregation and chondrogenesis, chick limb bud mesenchymal cells of Hamburger-Hamilton stage 23/24 were micromass cultured in various cell densities. The chondrogenesis was assayed based on checking the alcian blue-stained nodule numbers, the amount of alcian blue extraded, the change in cell numbers, the rate of [35 S] sulfate incorporation and expression of type II collagen. Mesenchymal cells plated with an initial density of high (1 x 107 cells/ml)- and intermediates (5. $\times$ 106 cells/ml)-density were differentiated into cartilage. On the other hand, the cells of low density (2 x 106 cells/mi, 5 $\times$ 105 cells/ml) of stage 23/24 cells and the stage 18/19 cells in three kinds of cell density did not differentiate into cartilage even though the cells formed an aggregated core at the center of cultured mass. From these results and others obtained in this study, it can be stated that the stage 23/24 mesenchymal cells are likely to pass over the aggregation step and have the potentiality to differentiate into chondrocytes. Thus chondrogenesis in vitro can be observed when mesenchymal cells are plated over the threshold density of 5 $\times$ 106 cells/ml. Hyaluronidase (HAase) activity was relatively constant throughout the culture, suggesting that the role of HAase may not be important for the cells of stage 23/24.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2021

It is very important to control the inflammation of the skin because it can develop into diseases such as atopy as well as scarring and aging. In this work, we recently identified the in vitro synthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) known to control inflammation in the human body and the applicability of cosmetics. Using recombinant protein of lipoxygenase from Glycine max, we succeeded to prepare mixtures of mono- or di-hydroxy DHA named as S-SPMs and used them for in vitro efficacy test. To investigate anti-inflammatory effect of S-SPMs, mRNA level of TNF-α and IL-6 were analyzed. Under UVB exposed condition, expression of both were decreased by S-SPMs treatment. And we observed reduced production of nitric oxide (NO) by S-SPMs application under the condition with diesel particulate matter (DPM). At the same experimental condition, malondialdehyde (MDA) production was decreased by S-SPMs, indicating the inhibitory effect of S-SPMs in lipid peroxidation. In addition, S-SPMs treatment resulted in reduction of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) expression and elevation of procollagen type I synthesis. Together with this, mRNA level of filaggrin and loricrin were increased by S-SPMs, indicating enhancement of skin barrier function. These results demonstrate that S-SPMs is a good candidate to develop as a cosmetic ingredient for anti-inflammation, anti-wrinkle, and improvement of skin barrier function.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.48-63
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• 2024

This study investigated the 𝛽-glucosidase activity of lactic acid bacteria and specifically eleutheroside E and B from Acanthopanax senticosus after bioconverting them into syringaresinol (SYR). Out of 125 lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from kimchi and other sources, 46 exhibiting both extracellular and internal 𝛽-glucosidase activity were identified. Notably, strains LFFR 20-011 (Lactobacillus curvatus) and LFFR 20-043/LFR20-050 (Levilactobacillus brevis) enhanced SYR production by more than two-fold during Acanthopanax senticosus fermentation. Further investigation revealed that SYR significantly promoted osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by the increased mRNA expression levels of early and mature osteoblast markers, including Runx2, type I collagen, and osteocalcin. These findings suggested that the enhanced presence of SYR through bioconversion by Acanthopanax senticosus may improve bone health. These results provide foundational data supporting the development of lactic-acid-bacteria-fermented Acanthopanax senticosus as a functional food aimed at promoting skeletal health in older adults.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.95-104
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing the Ti6Al4V surface oxide negative charge through heat ($600^{\circ}C$) or radiofrequency plasma glow discharge (RFGD) pretreatment, with or without a subsequent coating with fibronectin, stimulated osteoblast gene marker expression in the MC3T3 osteoprogenitor cell line. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure changes over time in the mRNA levels for osteoblast gene markers, including alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, collagen type I (${\alpha}1$), osteocalcin, osteopontin and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTH-rP), and the osteoblast precursor genes Runx2 and osterix. Results: Osteoprogenitors began to differentiate earlier on disks that were pretreated with heat or RFGD. The pretreatments increased gene marker expression in the absence of a fibronectin coating. However, pretreatments increased osteoblast gene expression for fibronectin-coated disks more than uncoated disks, suggesting a surface oxide-mediated specific enhancement of fibronectin's bioactivity. Heat pretreatment had greater effects on the mRNA expression of genes for PTH-rP, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin while RFGD pretreatment had greater effects on osteopontin and bone sialoprotein gene expression. Conclusions: The results suggest that heat and RFGD pretreatments of the Ti6Al4V surface oxide stimulated osteoblast differentiation through an enhancement of (a) coated fibronectin's bioactivity and (b) the bioactivities of other serum or matrix proteins. The quantitative differences in the effects of the two pretreatments on osteoblast gene marker expression may have arisen from the unique physico-chemical characteristics of each resultant oxide surface. Therefore, engineering the Ti6Al4V surface oxide to become more negatively charged can be used to accelerate osteoblast differentiation through fibronectin-dependent and independent mechanisms.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.166-174
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• 2002

Background: Human umbilical cord bloods, which could be taken during the delivery are utilized as a source of hematopoietic stem cells. Also in cord blood, there are several kinds of stem cells such as endothelial and mesenchymal stem cells. Methods: We isolated the mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord bloods and confirmed the differentiation of these cells into osteoblast progenitor cells. The mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood have the ability to differentiate into specific tissue cells, which is one of characteristics of stem cells. These cells were originated from the multipolar shaped cells out of adherent cells of the umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell culture. Results: The mesenchymal stem cells expressed cell surface antigen CD13, CD90, CD102, CD105, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin and cytoplasmic antigen vimentine. Having cultrued these cells in bone formation media, we observed the formation of extracellular matrix and the expression of alkaline phosphatase and of mRNA of cbfa-1, ostoecalcin and type I collagen. Conclusion: From these results we concluded that the cells isolated from the umbilical cord blood were mesenchymal stem cells, which we could differentiate into osteoblast when cultured in bone formation media. In short, it is suggested that these cells could be used as a new source of stem cells, which has the probability to alternate the embryonic stem cells.