• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.228-234
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• 2022

Helianthus tuberosus is perennial plant as Compositae family and is shown various physiological activities such as analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diuretic, spermatogenic, stomachic, and tonic effects. In this study, we investigated the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of pancake mixture powder (PM) supplemented with H. tuberosus (PMH) in rat skeletal muscle L6 cells and murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. PM and PMH inhibited in vitro α-glucosidase activity. Glucose consumption was increased by PM and PMH without cytotoxicity in rat myoblast L6 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that PM and PMH down-regulated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β activation in L6 cells. PM and PMH inhibited inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) production without cytotoxicity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of PMH was more stronger than those of PM. Anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of PMH would be due to functional characteristics of the supplemented H. tuberosus and the presence of garlic and onion used as ingredients of PM. Taken together, our results that addition of functional materials such as H. tuberosus in product has synergic effects and PMH is potential candidate for treatment of diabetes through inhibiting inflammation.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.141-155
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• 2022

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes high mortality and economic losses in the rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) aquaculture industry in Korea. Viral open reading frames (ORFs) expression profiling at different RBIV infection stages was investigated using microarray approaches. Rock bream were exposed to the virus and held for 7 days at 23 ℃ before the water temperature was reduced to 17 ℃. Herein, 28% mortality was observed from 24 to 35 days post infection (dpi), after which no mortality was observed until 70 dpi (end of the experiment). A total of 27 ORFs were significantly up- or down-regulated after RBIV infection. In RBIV-infected rock bream, four viral genes were expressed after 2 dpi. Most RBIV ORFs (26 genes, 96.2%) were significantly elevated between 7 and 20 dpi. Among them, 12 ORF (44.4%) transcripts reached their peak expression intensity at 15 dpi, and 14 ORFs (51.8%) were at peak expression intensity at 20 dpi. Expression levels began to decrease after 25 dpi, and 92.6% of ORFs (25 genes) were expressed below 1-fold at 70 dpi. From the microarray data, in addition to the viral infection, viral gene expression profiles were categorized into three infection stages, namely, early (2 dpi), middle (7 to 20 dpi), and recovery (25 and 70 dpi). RBIV ORFs 009R, 023R, 032L, 049L, and 056L were remarkably expressed during RBIV infection. Furthermore, six ORFs (001L, 013R, 052L, 053L, 058L, and 061L) were significantly expressed only at 20 dpi. To verify the cDNA microarray data, we performed quantitative real-time PCR, and the results were similar to that of the microarray. Our results provide novel observations on broader RBIV gene expression at different stages of infection and the development of control strategies against RBIV infection.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2015

Objectives : The present study was conducted to examine whether Toosendan Fructus has an ameliorative effect on diabetes-induced alterations such as oxidative stress and inflammation in the pancreas of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a model of human type I diabetes. Methods : Extracts of Toosendan Fructus (ETF) were administered to NOD mice at three doses (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg). Mice at 18 weeks of age were measured glucose tolerance using intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. After 28 weeks of ETF treatment, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and proinflammatory cytokines in serum, western blot analyses and a histopathological examination in pancreas tissue, and on the onset of diabetes were investigated. Results : The results showed that levels of glucose, glucose tolerance, TC, TG, interferon-${\gamma}$, interleukin (IL)-1 ${\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-12 in serum were down-regulated, while IL-4, IL-10, SOD, and catalase significantly increased. In addition, ETF improved protein expression of proinflammatory mediaters (such as cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase) and a proapoptotic protein (caspase-3) in the pancreatic tissue. Also, in the groups treated with ETF (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg), insulitis and infiltration of granulocytes were alleviated. Conclusions : Based on these results, the anti-diabetic effect of ETF may be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Our findings support the therapeutic evidence for Toosendan Fructus ameliorating the development of diabetic pancreatic damage via regulating inflammation and apoptosis. Our future studies will be focused on the search for active compounds in these extracts.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2020

Objectives : In this study, we examined the estrogenic activities and anti-osteo clastogenesis effects of PCE17, a mixture of PE (an extract of Puerariae Flos), and CE (an extract of Citri Unshius Pericarpium). Methods : The estrogenic effect of PCE17, PE and CE were examined by ER-β/ERE reporter gene assay and proliferation assay in 293 T and MCF-7 cells. The expression of estrogen-responsive gene and protein were checked by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting in MCF-7 cells. Inhibitory effect of PCE17, PE and CE on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation were evaluated by TRAP staining and RT-PCR in primary osteoclast precursors from rat bone marrow cells. Results : PCE17 and PE bind to ERs (estrogen receptors) and show estrogenic activities in 293T cells. They also stimulated the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and increased the expression of ER response gene, pS2. Tectorigenin, an active ingredient of PE, shows similar estrogenic activities in MCF-7 cells. PCE17 and CE inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in rat primary osteoclast precursor cells and down-regulated the osteoclast-specific genes of Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp5. Conclusions : In conclusion, PCE17 may have therapeutic potential in cases of menopause and osteoporosis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2022

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of hesperidin and hesperetin against oxidative stress in 2,2'-azobis (2-aminopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: Hesperidin or hesperetin (200 mg/kg/day, respectively) was orally administered for 7 days once daily in rats. Subsequently, AAPH (50 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally. Lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide production, catalase activity, and protein expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the liver tissues were measured. Results: Administration of hesperidin and hesperetin significantly decreased serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels in AAPH-induced oxidative stress liver tissues compared with control group. Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production were also significantly reduced by hesperidin and hesperetin in AAPH-induced oxidative stress liver tissues. In particular, lipid peroxidation levels of hesperetin-administered group significantly decreased to 5.02 nmole/mg protein in oxidative stress rats. Hesperidin and hesperetin significantly increased antioxidant activity, such as that of catalase. Furthermore, administration of hesperidin and hesperetin substantially down-regulated the expression of NF-κB and iNOS in liver tissues. Administration of hesperidin reduced NO levels and iNOS expression more than in the hesperetin-administered group. Conclusions: Administration of hesperidin and hesperetin led to a reduction in AAPH-induced liver toxicity by regulating oxidative stress.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.33.1-33.15
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• 2020

Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) causes bovine ephemeral fever, which can produce considerable economic damage to the cattle industry. However, there is limited experimental evidence regarding the underlying mechanisms of BEFV. Annexin A2 (AnxA2) is a calcium and lipid-conjugated protein that binds phospholipids and the cytoskeleton in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner, and it participates in various cellular functions, including vesicular trafficking, organization of membrane domains, and virus proliferation. The role of the AnxA2 gene during virus infection has not yet been reported. In this study, we observed that AnxA2 gene expression was up-regulated in BHK-21 cells infected with the virus. Additionally, overexpression of the AnxA2 gene promoted the release of mature virus particles, whereas BEFV replication was remarkably inhibited after reducing AnxA2 gene expression by using the small interfering RNA (siRNA). For viral proteins, overexpression of the Matrix (M) gene promotes the release of mature virus particles. Moreover, the AnxA2 protein interaction with the M protein of BEFV was confirmed by GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Experimental results indicate that the C-terminal domain (268-334 aa) of AxnA2 contributes to this interaction. An additional mechanistic study showed that AnxA2 protein interacts with M protein and mediates the localization of the M protein at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the absence of the AnxA2-V domain could attenuate the effect of AnxA2 on BEFV replication. These findings can contribute to elucidating the regulation of BEFV replication and may have implications for antiviral strategy development.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.121-129
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• 2022

Despite considerable efforts, cancer remains an aggressive killer worldwide. Chemotherapeutic drugs that are currently in use lead to destructive side effects and have not succeeded in fulfilling expectations. For centuries, medicinal plants are used for treating various diseases and are also known to have anticancer activity. The main aim of this research was to evaluate antiproliferative activity of saffron, clove, fenugreek, and green tea on Vero and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and to subsequently analyze the effect of these extracts on IRAK-4, TAK1, IKK-alpha, IKK-beta, NF-Kappa B, IRF3, IRF7 genes in Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) pathway. Antiproliferative assay was done by Neutral Red Dye uptake assay. Methanolic extract of green tea was found to be most effective against both cell lines as IC₅₀ was achieved at least concentration of the extract. For molecular studies, MDAMB-231 cells were sensitized with methanolic extract of green tea at same IC₅₀, and RT-PCR was performed to determine the relative expression of genes. Expression of IRAK-4, TAK1, IKK-beta, NF-Kappa B, IRF3 genes was down regulated and IRF7 and IKKalpha was upregulated. Green tea has a potential cytotoxic effect on both cell lines which was demonstrated by its effect on the expression of (TLRs) pathway genes.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.84-94
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• 2022

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is a standard therapy used for locally advanced rectal cancer prior to surgery, which can more effectively reduce the locoregional recurrence rate and radiation toxicity compared to postoperative chemoradiotherapy. The response of patients to nCRT varies, and thus, robust biomarkers for predicting a pathological complete response are necessary. This study aimed to identify possible biomarkers involved in the complete response/non-response of rectal cancer patients to nCRT. Comparative proteomic analysis was performed on rectal tissue samples before and after nCRT. Proteins were extracted for label-free proteomic analysis. Western blot and real-time PCR were performed using rectal cancer cell line SNU-503 and radiation-resistant rectal cancer cell line SNU-503R80Gy. A total of 135 up- and 93 down-regulated proteins were identified in the complete response group. Six possible biomarkers were selected to evaluate the expression of proteins and mRNA in SNU-503 and SNU-503R80Gy cell lines. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2, annexin A13, aldo-ketose reductase family 1 member B1, and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide appeared to be potential biomarkers for predicting a pathological complete response to nCRT. This study identified differentially expressed proteins and some potential biomarkers in the complete response group, which would be further validated in future studies.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.847-857
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• 2022

Objective: The effects of maternal undernutrition during midgestation on muscle fiber histology, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression, methylation modification of myogenic factors, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the skeletal muscles of prenatal and postnatal goats were examined. Methods: Twenty-four pregnant goats were assigned to a control (100% of the nutrients requirement, n = 12) or a restricted group (60% of the nutrients requirement, n = 12) between 45 and 100 days of gestation. Descendants were harvested at day 100 of gestation and at day 90 after birth to collect the femoris muscle tissue. Results: Maternal undernutrition increased (p<0.05) the fiber area of the vastus muscle in the fetuses and enhanced (p<0.01) the proportions of MyHCI and MyHCIIA fibers in offspring, while the proportion of MyHCIIX fibers was decreased (p<0.01). DNA methylation at the +530 cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) site of the myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) promoter in restricted fetuses was increased (p<0.05), but the methylation of the MYF5 gene at the +274,280 CpG site and of the myogenic differentiation (MYOD) gene at the +252 CpG site in restricted kids was reduced (p<0.05). mTOR protein signals were down-regulated (p<0.05) in the restricted offspring. Conclusion: Maternal undernutrition altered the muscle fiber type in offspring, but its relationship with methylation in the promoter regions of myogenic genes needs to be elucidated.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.83-94
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• 2010

Chinese fir (Latin name: Cunninghaimia lanceolata) is one of the major commercial coniferous trees. Most of Chinese fir forests are managed in successive rotation sites, which lead productivity to decline. Autotoxicity is the important reason for soil degradation of Chinese fir plantation, especially, phenolic acids are considered as the major allelopathic toxins which induce autotoxicity in Chinese fir rotation stands. We performed here proteomic approach to investigate the response of proteins in Chinese fir leaves to salicylic acid. The tube plantlets of Chinese fir clone were treated with 120 mg/L salicylic acid for 1, 3 and 5th day. 2-DE, coupled with MALDI-TOF-TOF/MS, was used to separate and identify the responsive proteins. We found 12, 7, and 12 candidate protein spots that were up- or down-regulated by at least 2.5 fold after 1, 3, and 5th day of the stress, respectively. Of these protein spots, 16 spots were identified successfully. According to the putative physiological functions, these proteins were categorized into five classes (1) the proteins involved in protein stability and folding, including 26S proteome, Grp78, Hsp70, Hsp90 and PPIase; (2) the protein involved in photosynthesis and respiration, including OEC 33 kDa subunit, GAPDH; (3) the protein related to cell endurance to acid, F-ATPase; (4) the protein related to cytoskeleton, tubulin; (5) the protein related to protein translation: prolyl-tRNA synthetase. These results give new insights into autotoxic substance stress response in Chinese fir leaves and provide preliminary footprints for further studies on the molecular signal mechanisms induced by the stress.