• 농업과학연구
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.571-582
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• 2022

Cacao, a major ingredient for making chocolate, has been shown to have potent antioxidant effects. The consumption of raw cacao has beneficial effects on health. This study determined the fermentation properties of yoghurt that was manufactured with cacao nibs (Theobroma cacao L.). The pH of the yogurt containing the cacao nibs was lower than that of the control, and this reduction was both concentration and fermentation time-dependent. Furthermore, the number of lactic acid bacteria in the yogurt made with cacao and its viscosity increased in a cacao nibs dependent manner. In particular, the yoghurt with 5% cacao nibs added had the highest number of lactic acid bacteria at 48 hours at the end point of the fermentation. Whey protein degradation in yogurt containing cacao nibs increased with the fermentation time, and the organic acid production, especially lactic acid, in the yogurt containing cacao nibs increased significantly after 16 hours of fermentation. In addition, the total polyphenol content of the yogurt containing cacao nibs increased, which was proportional to the amount added. Sensory evaluations of the yogurts indicated that overall taste was less desirable as cacao nib loadings increased from 1 to 5% compared with controls. This result is due to the excessive acidity, which was strongly perceived in the absence of added sugar. The development of yogurts with cacao nibs is expected to contribute much to the appeal of fermented milk.

• 생약학회지
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• 제53권3호
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• pp.153-161
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• 2022

Cotoneaster mongolicus Pojark. (CM), in the family Rosaceae is an endemic plant to the Mongolian region (its name: Moнroл чapraй). In Mongolia, Cotoneaster species as a crude drug is mainly used for inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, and stomach indigestion. In this study, we evaluated the gastro-protective activity underlying mechanism of CM. For in vivo experiments, mice were divided into 5 groups; normal mice (Normal), gastritis mice (Control), gastritis mice treated with sucralfate 10 mg/kg (SC), gastritis mice treated with CM 100 mg/kg (CML), gastritis mice treated with CM 200 mg/kg (CMH). Gastritis was provoked by HCl/ethanol (60% ethanol in 150 mM HCl). After oral administration of each drug, HCl/ethanol was orally administered 90 mins later to induce gastritis. CM alleviated the damage to the gastric mucosa caused. As a result of confirming the expression of protein in gastric tissue through western blot, CM significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB activated due to gastritis. Also, it significantly modulated the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. These results indicate that CM not only inhibits the nuclear metastasis of NF-𝛋B but also modulates the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway to relieve inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.593-603
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• 2021

In this study, Korean Hallabong produced in Jeju Island and coffee were grafted to prepare coffee containing Hallabong extract and the nutritional components were analyzed. As the amount of Hallabong extract increased, the water content and total polyphenol content increased. However, the crude flour, crude protein, and total flavonoid content decreased significantly. The selenium content per 100 g was 91.28 mg in the 1% Hallabong group, and the iron content was 6.84 mg in the 3% Hallabong group. As the content of Hallabong extract in coffee increased, the L-value (brightness) and b-value (yellowness) increased, but the a-value (redness) showed a tendency to decrease. In the case of DPPH(2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, the group containing 9% of Hallabong extract showed the highest value at 47.20 μmol/g of TEAC. In particular, the ABTS(2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)) and DPPH radical scavenging activity were significantly increased from coffee powder containing 6% or more of Hallabong extract(p<0.05). The caffeine content decreased as the amount of Hallabong extract added to coffee increased. Therefore, when making powder coffee with Hallabong extract added, it is recommended to set the content of Hallabong extract to 6%.

• 한국환경성돌연변이발암원학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.56-62
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• 2003

The liver progenitor cells could form a potential target cell population fore both tumor-initiating and -promoting chemicals. Induction of drug-metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, including AhR-dependent CYP1A1, NQO-1 and AKR1C9, was detected in the rat liver epithelial WB-F344 "stem-like" cells. Additionally, WB-F344 cells express a functional, wild-type form of p53 protein, a biomarker of genotoxic events, and connexin 43, a basic structural unit of gap junctions forming an important type of intercellular communication. In this cellular model, two complementary assays have been established for detection of the modes of action associated with tumor promotion: inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and proliferative activity in confluent cells. We found that the PAHs and PCBs, which are AhR agonists, released WB-F344 cells from contact inhibition, increasing both DNA synthesis and cell numbers. Genotoxic effects of some PAHs that lead to apoptosis and cell cycle delay might interfere with the proliferative activity of PAHs. Contrary to that, the nongenotoxic low-molecular-weight PAHs and non-dioxin-like PCB congeners, abundant in the environment, did not significantly affect cell cycle and cell proliferation; however both groups of compounds inhibited GJIC in WB-F344 cells. The release from contact inhibiton by a mechanism that possibly involves the AhR activation, inhibition of GJIC and genotoxic events induced by environmental contaminants are three important modes of action that could play an important role in carcinogenic effects of toxic compounds. The relative potencies to inhibit GJIC, to induce AhR-mediated activity, and to release cells from contact inhibition were determined for a large series of PAHs and PCBs and their metabolites. In vitro bioassays based on detection of events on cellular level (deregulation of GJIC and/or proliferation) or determination of receptor-mediated activities in both ?$stem-like^{\circ}{\times}$ and hepatocyte-like liver cellular models are valuable tools for detection of modes of action of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. They may serve, together with concentration data, as a first step in their risk assessment.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

Hypothyroidism alone can lead to myocardial fibrosis and result in heart failure, but traditional hormone replacement therapy does not improve the fibrotic situation. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a new gas signaling molecule, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic capabilities. Whether H₂S could improve hypothyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis are not yet studied. In our study, H₂S could decrease collagen deposition in the myocardial tissue of rats caused by hypothyroidism. Furthermore, in hypothyroidism-induced rats, we found that H₂S could enhance cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), not cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), protein expressions. Finally, we noticed that H₂S could elevate autophagy levels and inhibit the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signal transduction pathway. In conclusion, our experiments not only suggest that H₂S could alleviate hypothyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis by activating autophagy and suppressing TGF-β1/SMAD family member 2 (Smad 2) signal transduction pathway, but also show that it can be used as a complementary treatment to conventional hormone therapy.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.137-149
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• 2022

We investigated the effects of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (CJM) against oxidative stress-induced C6 glial cells and cognitive impairment in mice. To evaluate the anti-oxidative effect of the extract and fractions from CJM, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) assays were conducted in H₂O₂-treated C6 glial cells. Furthermore, we identified the protective mechanisms of CJM with a scopolamine-treated mice model. The results revealed that H₂O₂ decreased the cell viability in C6 glial cells, indicating that H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress in glial cells. However, CJM fractions significantly increased cell viability in H₂O₂-treated C6 glial cells, which suggested that CJM protected against oxidative stress. CJM extract and fractions also reduced ROS and NO production, which were increased by H₂O₂ in C6 glial cells. In particular, the EtOAc fraction from CJM (EACJM) effectively protected against oxidative stress by increasing the cell viability and decreasing ROS and NO. Therefore, we carried out further in vivo experiments with EACJM. Scopolamine caused increases of ROS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and NO production. However, EACJM effectively alleviated ROS, TBARS, and NO levels compared to scopolamine-injected mice. In addition, EACJM up-regulated protein expressions of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, indicating that EACJM enhanced the antioxidative system. Our results demonstrated that CJM had protective effects against oxidative stress in glial cells and memory dysfunction in mice. Based on these results, we propose that CJM could be a potential AD preventive and therapeutic agent.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.326-343
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• 2022

Neurological disorders represent a substantial healthcare burden worldwide due to population aging. Acorus gramineus Solander (AG) and Acorus tatarinowii Schott (AT), whose major component is asarone, have been shown to be effective in neurological disorders. This review summarized current information from preclinical and clinical studies regarding the effects of extracts and active components of AG and AT (e.g., α-asarone and β-asarone) on neurological disorders and biomedical targets, as well as the mechanisms involved. Databases, including PubMed, Embase, and RISS, were searched using the following keywords: asarone, AG, AT, and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression and anxiety, epilepsy, and stroke. Meta-analyses and reviews were excluded. A total of 873 studies were collected. A total of 89 studies were selected after eliminating studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Research on neurological disorders widely reported that extracts or active components of AG and AT showed therapeutic efficacy in treating neurological disorders. These components also possessed a wide array of neuroprotective effects, including reduction of pathogenic protein aggregates, antiapoptotic activity, modulation of autophagy, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, regulation of neurotransmitters, activation of neurogenesis, and stimulation of neurotrophic factors. Most of the included studies were preclinical studies that used in vitro and in vivo models, and only a few clinical studies have been performed. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge on AG and AT therapeutic effects as a basis for further clinical studies, and clinical trials are required before these findings can be applied to human neurological disorders.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.19-26
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• 2023

Objectives : Agrimoniae Herba is a herbal medicine widely distributed in Asia and contains flavonoids including catechin, quercitrin, rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin. This study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidant activity and skin barrier function of different solvent fractions (Hexane; methylene chloride, MC; ethyl acetate, EA; n-butanol, Bu; Water) obtained from Agrimoniae Herba. Methods : Anti-oxidant activity of different solvent fractions obtained from Agrimoniae Herba was investigated through total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity measurements. Then, filament aggregating protein (Filaggrin), Type I collagen, ceramide synthase (CERS) 3, and CERS4 were analyzed to evaluate the skin barrier strengthening effect of different solvent fractions obtained from Agrimoniae Herba on UVB-stimulated HaCaT cells. Results : As a result of measuring total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging activity, antioxidant activity was found to be excellent in the order of EA > Bu > MC > Hexane > Water. As a result of measuring mRNA gene expression of Type I collagen, Filaggrin, CERS3, and CERS4 after UVB-stimulated was applied to HaCaT cells treated with different solvent fractions obtained from Agrimoniae Herba, it was found to increase significantly in the Bu-treated group. Conclusion : Our findings show that the Bu sample obtained from Agrimoniae Herba has excellent anti-oxidant ability, which increases Type I collagen, Filaggrin, and ceramide synthetase in UVB-stimulated HaCaT cells to control the skin barrier improvement effect.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제36권7호
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• pp.1120-1129
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine the protective efficacy of Buddha's Temple (BT) extract against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative stress in Gallus gallus chicken embryo fibroblast cell line (DF-1) and its effects on the cell lipid metabolism. Methods: In this experimental study, Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells were pretreated with BT 10^-7 for 24 hours, followed by their six-hour exposure to t-BHP (100 μM). Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 (WST-8) assays were performed, and the growth curve was computed. The intracellular gene expression changes caused by BT extract were confirmed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Flow cytometry, oil red O staining experiment, and thin-layer chromatography were performed for the detection of intracellular metabolic mechanism changes. Results: The WST-8 assay results showed that the BT pretreatment of Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cell increased their cell survival rate by 1.08%±0.04%, decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 0.93%±0.12% even after exposure to oxidants, and stabilized mitochondrial activity by 1.37%±0.36%. In addition, qPCR results confirmed that the gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta (TICAM1), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were regulated, which contributed to cell stabilization. Thin-layer chromatography and oil red O analyses showed a clear decrease in the contents of lipid metabolites such as triacylglycerol and free fatty acids. Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed that the examined BT extract exerted selective protective effects on Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells against cell damage caused by t-BHP, which is a strong oxidative inducer. Furthermore, we established that this extract significantly reduced the intracellular ROS accumulation due to oxidative stress, which contributes to an increase in poultry production and higher incomes.

• 한국버섯학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.13-21
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• 2022

Cordyceps militaris, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has multiple health-promoting effects. It is used as a herbal remedy and health food in Asian countries. Cultured mycelia are often used as a substitute for natural C. militaris. In the present study, the mycelia and fruiting bodies of artificially cultured C. militaris were analyzed using a metabolomics approach. The protein and crude fat contents of the mycelia were substantially higher than those of the fruiting bodies. The top three abundant amino acids in the mycelia were proline (3.9 g/100 g), aspartic acid (2.9 g/100 g), and glutamic acid (2.7 g/100 g). The carbohydrate content was similar in the fruiting bodies and mycelia. Analysis revealed that both the fruiting bodies and mycelia are rich in phenolic compounds and exhibit antioxidant activity. Further, six metabolites were significantly different between the mycelia and fruiting bodies. The levels of Ca, glucose, Mg, and Se were higher in the mycelia than in the fruiting bodies. In contrast, mannitol and Zn were more abundant in the fruiting bodies. The current study provides a comprehensive metabolic profile of the mycelia and fruiting bodies of artificially cultured C. militaris. Such an exercise is potentially important for understanding the metabolism of C. militaris and facilitating the use of cultured mycelia as a supplement to C. militaris fruiting bodies in traditional Chinese medicine.