• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.82-88
• /
• 2005

3D QSAR studies for the fungicidal activities against resistive phytophthora blight (RPC; 95CC7303) and sensitive phytophthora blight (Phytopthora capsici) (SPC; 95CC7105) by a series of new 2-alkoxyphenyl-3-phenylthioisoindoline-1-one derivatives (X: A=propynyl & B=2-chloropropenyl) were studied using comparative molecular field analyses (CoMFA) methodology. The CoMFA models were generated from the two different alignment, atom based fit (AF) alignment and field fit (FF) alignment. The atom based alignment exhibited a higher statistical results than that of field fit alignment. The best models, A3 and A7 using combination fields of H-bond field, standard field, LUMO and HOMO molecular orbital field as additional descriptors were selected to improve the statistic of the present CoMFA models. The statistical results of the two models showed the best predictability of the fungicidal activities based on the cross-validated value $q^2\;(r^2_{cv.}=RPC:\;0.625\;&\;SPC:\;0.834)$, non cross-validated value $(r^2_{ncv.}=RPC:\;0.894\;&\;SPC:\;0.915)$ and PRESS value (RPC: 0.105 & SPC: 0.103), respectively. Based on the findings, the predictive ability and fitness of the model for SPC was better than that of the model for RPC. The fugicidal activities exhibited a strong correlation with steric $(66.8{\sim}82.8%)$, electrostatic $(10.3{\sim}4.6%)$ and molecular orbital field (SPC: HOMO, 12.6% and RPC: LUMO, 22.9%) factors of the molecules. The novel selective character for fungicidal activity between two fungi depend on the positive charge of ortho, meta-positions on the N-phenyl ring and size of hydrophilicity of a substituents on the S-phenyl ring.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.212-218
• /
• 1986

Proteins in Korean rapeseeds, as in many other plantseeds, are usually bound to phytate molecules. These phytate-bound proteins are of little value as foodstuffs because of their poor solubility in digestive systems. Therefore it is necessary to remove phytates from proteins in order to convert these proteins io a useful foodstuff. In the work, an efficient procedure for removal of phytates from defatted Korean rapeseed was found. The influence of pH on the solubility of protein and phytate of rapeseed flour showed that the former was the lowest at pH 5.0 and began to increase as pH further raised. Meanwhile, the latter was the highest at pH 6.0, however, it was decreased abruptly at alkaline pH, especially to content of 1.3% at pH 11.5. The solubility cf protein was relatively high in NaCl aqueous solution at $pH\;6.0{\sim}8.0$, and did not male any noticeable difference depending on NaCl concentration. On the other hand, the solubility of phytate was high at pH of below 6.0 showing an abrupt decrease at pH of above 6.0. The solubility of protein in $CaCl_2$ aqueous solution was highest at $pH\;6.0{\sim}8.0$, however, there was no significant change at the whole range of tested pH of the solution. A maximum solubility of phytate was shown at $pH\;3.0{\sim}4.0$. And it was decreased abruptly at a higher pH of the above range and also decreased at a lower pH with higher $CaCl_2$ concentration. The solubility of phytate in $Na_2SO_3$ aqueous solution was highest at $pH\;5.0{\sim}8.0$. As the concentration goes up the maximum value of solubility was found to move to higher pHs. Depending on the concentration of $Na_2SO_3$, the decreasing pattern was changed in an alkaline solution. The solubility of phytate in the solution containing low concentration of $Ca^{2+}$ ion was low in all treatments at pH of above 7.0 and showed the maximum value at low pH as $Ca^{2+}$ ion concentration increases. The solubility of protein at pH 11.5 showed the highest value in $1mM\;Ca^{2+}$ ion solution.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.414-421
• /
• 2004

3D QSAR studies for protox inhibition activities against root and shoot of the rice plant (Orysa sativa L.) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) by a series of new 1-(5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazolin-5-yl)methoxy-2-chloro-4-fluorobenzene derivatives were conducted based on the results (Sung, N. D. et al.'s, (2004) J. Korean Soc. Appl. Biol. Chem. 47(3), 351-356) using comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) methodology. Four CoMSIA models, without hydrogen bond donor field for the protox inhibition activities against root and shoot of the two plants, were derived from the combination of several fields using steric field, hydrophobic field, hydrogen bond acceptor field, LUMO molecular orbital field, dipole moment (DM) and molar refractivity (MR) as additional descriptors. The predictabilities and fitness of CoMSIA models for protox inhibition activities against barnyard-grass were higher than that of rice plant. The statistical results of these models showed the best predictability of the protox inhibition activities against barnyard-grass based on the cross-validated value $r^2\;_{cv}\;(q^2=0.635{\sim}0.924)$, non cross-validated, conventional coefficient $r^2\;_{ncv.}$ value $(r^2=0.928{\sim}0.977)$ and PRESS value $(0.255{\sim}0.273)$. The protox inhibition activities exhibited a strong correlation with the steric $(5.4{\sim}15.7%)$ and hydrophobic $(68.0{\sim}84.3%)$ factors of the molecules. Particularly, the CoMSIA models indicated that the groups of increasing steric bulk at ortho-position on the C-phenyl ring will enhance the protox inhibition activities against barnyard-grass and subsequently increase the selectivity.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.69-78
• /
• 2013

Vitis amurensis Rupreche, a sort of grape, grows naturally in Asian countries. It is known for important biological effects such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and angiogenesis inhibition. Although its root is used as a traditional folk medicine in Korea, the root's biological activities are poorly studied. In the present study, the effects of V. amurensis root methanol extract (VARM) and its solvent fractions on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were investigated. The VARM significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, and the triglyceride (TG) content of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, without cytotoxicity. To identify active molecules, the VARM was fractionated with a series of organic solvents including dichloromethane ($CH_2Cl_2$), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butanol (n-BuOH). All the fractions also showed inhibition of lipid accumulation in the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction showed the most powerful anti-obesity effect through the modulation of cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosinethymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer binding protein ${\alpha}$ ($C/EBP{\alpha}$), $C/EBP{\beta}$, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) gene and protein expression. Oleanolic acid was one of the main active compounds involved in the anti-obesity activity of the V. amurensis root. These results provide important new insight into the potential potent anti-adipogenic effect of the V. amurensis root and illustrate that one of the main compounds involved in this effect is oleanolic acid.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.159-170
• /
• 2009

Backgrounds and Objectives: A fracture means a loss of continuity in the substance of bone. Bone differs from other musculoskeletal tissue due to its ability to repair and heal itself without leaving a scar. The cutter head has multinucleated osteoclast cells to resorb the dead bone. The tail, with its conical surface, is lined with osteoblast cells laying down new bone. The conjugation of fracture is a unique biological process regulated by a complex array of signaling molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Pyritum, one of the important prescriptions in the oriental medicine, has been used for conjugation fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of administration of Pyritum on activation of osteoblast cells in human body & on tibia bone fracture in mice. Materials and Methods : Four weeks aged 30 female DBA mice were used for this study. They were divided three groups, normal group, control group(fracture elicitate mice: FE group) and experimental group(Pyritum administered mice group after fracture elicitation : PA group). Left tibia bones of mice in FE and PA groups were fractured by bone cutters. MG-63 cells in human body th Pyritum in the ratio of 1 mg/m${\ell}$, and the cells were further incubated for 24 hours. Activation of osteoblast was identified using osteopontin, FGF in vitro test. In vivo test, regeneration of fractured tibia through the morphological changes was observed, and also activation of inflammation through NF-${\kappa}$B p65, iNOS, COX-2, osteoblast through osteopontin, FGF and osteoblast's proliferation in each group was measured. Results and Conclusions : 1. In vitro test for activation of osteoblast cells in human body by Pyritum, osteopontin and FGF production were remarkably increased in Pyritum treated MG-63 cells. 2. In regeneration of fractured tibia by Pyritum, fractured area in external tibia morphology was decreased more in the PA group than that of the FE group. Osteogenesis in fractured area was increased more in the PA group than that of the FE group. Also, endochodrial ossification in central area of fracture and osteoid in lateral area of fracture were increased more in the PA group than those of the FE group. 3. In activation of inflammation by Pyritum administered, activation of NF-${\kappa}$B p65, increase of iNOS and COX-2 production were higher in the PA and the FE groups than those of the control group. Especially, the PA group showed higher activation and increase than those of the FE group. 4. In activation of osteoblast by Pyritum, increase of osteopontin, FGF and osteoblast's proliferation were higher in the PA and the FE groups than those of the control group. Especially, the PA group showed higher increase and proliferation than those of the FE group.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.211-217
• /
• 2013

In general, the mean silkmoth lifespan is around 8 days for female and 5 days for male. But, the duration of J037 strain's lifespan is remarkably long in both sexes. On the contrary, the Daizo(sdi) strain has a remarkably short lifetime. The differences in adult lifetime among various silkworm strains has been suggested that the adult lifetime may be genetically controlled. In this experiment, using J037 and Daizo strains we investigated genetic factors related to the adult lifetime of silkworm. We constructed the full-length cDNA library from the adult male of the J037 strain. A total of 2,688 clones were randomly selected, and we performed a differential display hybridization with cDNA probes generated from J037 and Daizo adult males. In conclusion, 193 clones were identified as differential expressed genes, and 154 unique genes were generated after the assembly of 193 clones. Of the 154 unique genes, the most abundant genes were cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 gene(9 times) and unknown(clone ID; 1-50) gene(5 times). The functional groups of these unique genes with matches in the AmiGo database were constructed according to their putative molecular functions. Among thirteen functional categories, the largest group was unclassified protein(24%). In addition, we analyzed the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the most highly occurred gene(1-50, EF434397), which consisted of 240 amino acids. However, it is confirmed yet that these genes really have an affected on the silkworms longevity. Further studies on these molecules biological roles will give us well-fined information about mechanisms of insect aging and/or scenesence.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
• /
• 2009.05a
• /
• pp.111-112
• /
• 2009

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a convenient term to indicate the compositions of the various forms of amorphous carbon (a-C), tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C), hydrogenated amorphous carbon and tetrahedral amorphous carbon (a-C:H and ta-C:H). The a-C film with disordered graphitic ordering, such as soot, chars, glassy carbon, and evaporated a-C, is shown in the lower left hand corner. If the fraction of sp3 bonding reaches a high degree, such an a-C is denoted as tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C), in order to distinguish it from sp2 a-C [2]. Two hydrocarbon polymers, that is, polyethylene (CH2)n and polyacetylene (CH)n, define the limits of the triangle in the right hand corner beyond which interconnecting C-C networks do not form, and only strait-chain molecules are formed. The DLC films, i.e. a-C, ta-C, a-C:H and ta-C:H, have some extreme properties similar to diamond, such as hardness, elastic modulus and chemical inertness. These films are great advantages for many applications. One of the most important applications of the carbon-based films is the coating for magnetic hard disk recording. The second successful application is wear protective and antireflective films for IR windows. The third application is wear protection of bearings and sliding friction parts. The fourth is precision gages for the automotive industry. Recently, exciting ongoing study [1] tries to deposit a carbon-based protective film on engine parts (e.g. engine cylinders and pistons) taking into account not only low friction and wear, but also self lubricating properties. Reduction of the oil consumption is expected. Currently, for an additional application field, the carbon-based films are extensively studied as excellent candidates for biocompatible films on biomedical implants. The carbon-based films consist of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, which are biologically harmless as well as the main elements of human body. Some in vitro and limited in vivo studies on the biological effects of carbon-based films have been studied [$2{\sim}5$].The carbon-based films have great potentials in many fields. However, a few technological issues for carbon-based film are still needed to be studied to improve the applicability. Aisenberg and Chabot [3] firstly prepared an amorphous carbon film on substrates remained at room temperature using a beam of carbon ions produced using argon plasma. Spencer et al. [4] had subsequently developed this field. Many deposition techniques for DLC films have been developed to increase the fraction of sp3 bonding in the films. The a-C films have been prepared by a variety of deposition methods such as ion plating, DC or RF sputtering, RF or DC plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), electron cyclotron resonance chemical vapor deposition (ECR-CVD), ion implantation, ablation, pulsed laser deposition and cathodic arc deposition, from a variety of carbon target or gaseous sources materials [5]. Sputtering is the most common deposition method for a-C film. Deposited films by these plasma methods, such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) [6], are ranged into the interior of the triangle. Application fields of DLC films investigated from papers. Many papers purposed to apply for tribology due to the carbon-based films of low friction and wear resistance. Figure 1 shows the percentage of DLC research interest for application field. The biggest portion is tribology field. It is occupied 57%. Second, biomedical field hold 14%. Nowadays, biomedical field is took notice in many countries and significantly increased the research papers. DLC films actually applied to many industries in 2005 as shown figure 2. The most applied fields are mold and machinery industries. It took over 50%. The automobile industry is more and more increase application parts. In the near future, automobile industry is expected a big market for DLC coating. Figure 1 Research interests of carbon-based filmsFigure 2 Demand ratio of DLC coating for industry in 2005. In this presentation, I will introduce a trend of carbon-based coating research and applications.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.6
• /
• pp.796-804
• /
• 2011

Microglia are central nervous system (CNS)-resident professional macrophages that function as the principal immune cells responding to pathological stimulations in the CNS. Activation of microglia, induced by various pathogens, protects neurons and maintains homeostasis in the CNS, but severe activation causes inflammatory responses secreting various neurotoxic molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Allium fistulosum, a member of the onion family, is mainly cultivated for consumption, as well as medicinal use in Oriental medicine. It has been reported that A. fistulosum has various biological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-fungus and anti-cholesterol synthesis, however there has been no research about the anti-inflammatory effects of A. fistulosum extracts. In this study, it was undertaken to explore the functions of A. fistulosum as a suppressor of neuronal inflammation by using BV2 microglia cells. As a result, it was found that four kinds of extracts of A. fistulosum effectively reduced the expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at both mRNA and protein levels, and also attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) at the mRNA level in BV2 stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, the extracts of A. fistulosum attenuated the release of NO markedly, as well as resulting in slight decreases of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 production, the effects of which were most significant when treated with ethyl alcohol extract from the whole A. fistulosum. In conclusion, the data indicated that the anti-inflammatory actions of A. fistulosum against BV2 microglia cells is through the down-regulation of iNOS, COX2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6, and these effects are expected to help in the protection of nerve tissues by suppressions of neuronal inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases.