• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.254-263
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• 2010

Objectives : The neuroprotective effects of bee venom (BV) have been demonstrated in many studies, but bee venom has many side effects. So we used sweet bee venom (SBV), which has high molecular elements removed to reduce the side effects. I examined the neuroprotective effect of sweet bee venom in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine ($MPP^+$)-induced human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods : To observe the possible toxicity of SBV itself, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with SBV in various concentrations for 3 h and $MPP^+$ in concentrations (1 and 5mM) for 24h. To investigate the protective effect of SBV against $MPP^+$ toxicity, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with vehicle or nontoxic concentrations of SBV for 3h and the cells were not washed, followed by incubation with respective concentrations of SBV and 1 mM $MPP^+$ for 24h. To investigate the protective effect of SBV against $MPP^+$ toxicity, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with vehicle or nontoxic concentrations of SBV for 3h and the cells were not washed, followed by incubation with respective of SBV(0.5%), 1 mM $MPP^+$, 5uM AKT inhibitor(LY984002) and 10uM ERK inhibitor(PD98059) for 24 h. The protective effect was measured by cell viability assay. To investigate the degree of apoptosis, caspase-3 enzyme activity was measured in control, $MPP^+$, SBV+$MPP^+$. Results : SBV (0.5%) pretreatment protected the SH-SY5Y cells against $MPP^+$-induced apoptotic cell death. The cell viability was higher in the SH-SY5Y cells that were pretreated with vehicle or nontoxic concentrations of SBV than those not pretreated. The caspase-3 activity was lower in the pretreated groups than these not pretreated. ERK and AKT enzymes have a role in the neuroprotective effects of the sweet bee venom. Conclusions : The results demonstrate that SBV has a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons against $MPP^+$ toxicity. This data suggest that SBV could be a potential therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease(PD).

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.273-278
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• 2007

Modern society has moved from a phosphorus recycling loop, where animal manure and human wastes were spread on farming land to recycle nutrients, to a once-through system, where phosphates are extracted from mined, non-renewable phosphate rock and end up either in landfill(sewage sludge, incinerator ash) or in surface waters. In this research, crystallization of nitrogen and phosphate with natural sources of $Mg^{2+}$ in synthetic water was tested. The operational parameters of pH, mixing time, and the magnesium molar ratio were investigated to find optimal conditions of the MAP precipitation using synthetic wastewater. The removal efficiency of phosphate increased with pH up to 11. By MAP precipitaiton of the synthetic waste water, 94% of the phosphate were eliminated at pH 11. It was found that at least 10 minutes mixing time was required and 20 minutes mixing time was recommended for efficient phosphate removal. High efficiency removal of phosphate was possible when the magnesium molar ratio was 1.0~2.0. The comparative study of different magnesium sources showed that coagulants (PAC) was the more efficient sources than only magnesium. The result showed that 97% of phosphate removal. In conclusion, coagulants (PAC) induced crystallization of struvite and hydroxyapatite was shown to be a technically viable process that could prove cost effective for removing phosphate in wastewater.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the breeding efficiency in Thoroughbred mare. A total of 106 mares were investigated for the status of follicle (462 cases), ovulation (179 cases) and pregnancy (346 cases). Of total examination, 46.8% was follicle measure to determine breeding time, and mating rate per cases examined was 39.9%. There was no correlation between reproductive results and size of follicles or endometrial edema or degrees of teasing alone. 143 cases were ovulated among 179 cases which were performed ovulation examination, and ovulation rate and fertilization rate per mating times were 79.9% and 39.0%, respectively. The use of hCG(human chorionic gonadotropin), to facilitate ovulation, presented to increase occurrence of double ovulations and twin fertilizations In conclusion, though more examination to estimate the optimal breeding time and higher mating rate was performed, fertilization rate per mating times was lower and then reproductive efficiency also became decreased. Therefore, it seemed that accurate examination of reproductive tracks, appropriate teasing programme and hCG administration before ovulation were of help to improve ovulation rate and fertilization rate.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2019

The protein kinase $CK2{\alpha}$ (formerly Casein Kinase II) is implicated in tumorigenesis and transformation. However, the mechanisms of $CK2{\alpha}$ activation in breast cancer have yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the mechanisms of $CK2{\alpha}$ activation in estrogen signaling. Estrogen increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, $CK2{\alpha}$ activity, and protein expression in estrogen receptor positive ($ER^+$) MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, which were inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. $H_2O_2$ enhanced $CK2{\alpha}$ activity and protein expression. Human epidermal growth factor (EGF) increased ROS production, $CK2{\alpha}$ activity and protein expression in EGF receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing MCF-7 (MCF-7 HER2) cells, but not in MCF-7 cells. Estrogen induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The p38 inhibitor, SB202190, blocked estrogen-induced increases in ROS production, $CK2{\alpha}$ activity and $CK2{\alpha}$ protein expression. The data suggest that ROS/p38 MAPK is the key inducer of $CK2{\alpha}$ activation in response to estrogen or EGF.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5229-5232
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• 2012

The incidence of malignant melanoma increases with age. One significiant effect of aging processes is an accumulation of oxidative damage in the genetical material. In this study, the relationship between malignant melanoma and damage in chromosomes and proliferative effectiveness of human peripheral lymphocytes were investigated by the micronucleus (MN) technique. A total of 15 malignant melanoma patients and appropriately matching 15 healthy controls were involved in the study. MN frequencies and proliferative indexes (PI) after non toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide treatment were also measured to determine damaging effect of oxidative stress in genome in addition to measuring the spontenous levels of micronuclei and PI. The patient group had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous MN than the control group (p<0.01). After treatment with $H_2O_2$, MN frequencies in the patient group was significantly decreased (p<0.01) although there was no difference between the treated and untreated results of control group (p=0.29). There was also difference (p<0.01) between the MN frequencies of the patient and the control group either in the spontaneous levels or in the $H_2O_2$ treated groups. The same significant difference persisted when the PI values were compared between patient and control groups. Increase in the MN frequency in patients could mean the alterations in the chromosomal structure which may lead to the chromosome instability and therefore genetic susceptibility to cancer. This increased number of micronuclei can also be used for cytological marker in identifying high risk cases for malignant melanoma.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2024

Objectives : This study evaluates how various traditional Korean herbal medicines assess MUC5AC expression for esophageal mucosal defense and analyzes the associated mechanisms involved in inflammation. Methods : Forty types of traditional Korean herbal medicines were assessed for in vitro antioxidant activities, and the real-time PCR method was employed to analyze MUC5AC expression under pH 4.5 conditions in human esophageal epithelial cells (HET-1A). Eight types of Korean herbal medicines were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activities, and Reactive oxygen specise (ROS) expression was analyzed under bile salt (480 𝜇M) and pH 5.5 conditions in human esophageal epithelial cells (HET-1A). Simulation experiments involving bile salts and acidity were conducted for one hour to assess the efficacy of four drugs, and the activities of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MEK), Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-𝜅B), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected through Western blot analysis. Results : Compared to the Normal group, the Control group exhibited higher ROS generation. Such increased ROS levels were significantly reduced by four extracts: Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (CUP), Cnidium officinale Rhizoma (CR), Ginseng Radix (GR), and Linderae Radix (LR). The protein expression of COX-2 decreased with the treatment of LR, CUP, and CR. Particularly, CUP and CR exhibited superior effects compared to other groups in inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-𝜅B. Conclusion : Based on the results obtained, we have identified drugs that inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation caused by bile acid in esophageal epithelial cells. Our future plans involve comparing and analyzing the efficacy of these herbal medicines through animal experiments.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.161-167
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of methanolic extract from perilla (Perilla frutescens Britt var. japonica) leaves (PLME) on oxidative injury from hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in human HaCaT keratinoctyes. Cells were co-incubated with various concentrations (0~200 ${\mu}g/mL$) of PLME for 24 hr, and then exposed to $H_2O_2$ (500 ${\mu}M$) for 4 hr. $H_2O_2$ significantly decreased cell viability (p<0.05). However, PLME provided protection from $H_2O_2$-induced HaCaT cell oxidation in a dose-dependent manner. To further investigate the protective effects of PLME on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, the cellular levels of lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes (including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and catalase (CAT)) were measured. PLME decreased cellular levels of lipid peroxidation, and also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the antioxidant activities of PLME were also determined by DPPH and hydroxyl (${\cdot}OH$) radical scavenging assay, and major antioxidant compounds of PLME were measured by colorimetric methods. DPPH and ${\cdot}OH$ radical scavenging activities of PLME increased in a dose dependent manner and was similar to the DPPH scavenging activity of ascorbic acid at 50 ${\mu}g/mL$; however PLME activities were stronger than ascorbic acid (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) in the ${\cdot}OH$ scavenging assay. The amounts of antioxidant compounds, including total polyphenolics, total flavonoids, and total ascorbic acid from PLME were $52.2{\pm}1.1$ mg gallic acid (GAE)/g, $33.7{\pm}4.7$ mg rutin (RUE)/g, and $17.0{\pm}0.5$ mg ascorbic acid (AA)/g, respectively. These results suggest that PLME has a strong free radical-scavenging activity and a protective effect against $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in the keratinocytes.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.981-986
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• 1996

We have conducted this study to examine effect of kimchi intake on the composition of human large intestinal bacteria. Two hundred grams of kimchi were administered to 10 healthy young volunteers (20-30 years old) every day for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of non-intake period. The non-intake-intake cycle was repeated for 10 weeks. Except antibiotics and materials which contain live bacteria, subjects were allowed to eat ad libitum. The composition of intestinal microflora (Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Staphylococcus, Clostridium perfringens) was examined a1 the last day of each period. $\beta-Glucosidase$ and $\beta-glucuronidase$ activities, pH and moisture content of the fecal samples were also measured. During the administration of kimchi, the cell counts of Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc increased significantly (p<0.05), whereas those of other bacteria did not change significantly. The enzyme level of $\beta-glucosidase$ and $\beta-glucuronidase$ decreased during kimchi intake (p<0.05). Results indicate that a portion of lactic acid bacteria present in kimchi can pass human stomach and reside in the large intestinal tract.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2016

Background: Minor saponins or human intestinal bacterial metabolites, such as ginsenosides Rg3, F2, Rh2, and compound K, are more pharmacologically active than major saponins, such as ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, and Rc. In this work, enzymatic hydrolysis of ginsenoside Rb1 was studied using enzyme preparations from cultured mycelia of mushrooms. Methods: Mycelia of Armillaria mellea, Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus linteus, Elfvingia applanata, and Pleurotus ostreatus were cultivated in liquid media at $25^{\circ}C$ for 2 wk. Enzyme preparations from cultured mycelia of five mushrooms were obtained by mycelia separation from cultured broth, enzyme extraction, ammonium sulfate (30-80%) precipitation, dialysis, and freeze drying, respectively. The enzyme preparations were used for enzymatic hydrolysis of ginsenoside Rb1. Results: Among the mushrooms used in this study, the enzyme preparation from cultured mycelia of A. mellea (AMMEP) was found to convert ginsenoside Rb1 into compound K with a high yield, while those from G. lucidum, P. linteus, E. applanata, and P. ostreatus produced remarkable amounts of ginsenoside Rd from ginsenoside Rb1. The enzymatic hydrolysis pathway of ginsenoside Rb1 by AMMEP was $Rb1{\rightarrow}Rd{\rightarrow}F2{\rightarrow}$ compound K. The optimum reaction conditions for compound K formation from ginsenoside Rb1 were as follows: reaction time 72-96 h, pH 4.0-4.5, and temperature $45-55^{\circ}C$. Conclusion: AMMEP can be used to produce the human intestinal bacterial metabolite, compound K, from ginsenoside Rb1 with a high yield and without food safety issues.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.159-165
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• 2006

To determine the anticancer effect of D-amygdalin (D-mandelinitrole-${\beta}$-D-gentiobioside) in human chronic myeloid leukemia cells K562, we profiled the gene expression between amygdalin treatment and control groups. Through 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the cytotoxicity of D-amygdalin was $57.79{\pm}1.83%$ at the concentration of 5 mg/mL for 24 h. We performed cDNA microarray analysis and compared the gene expression profiles between D-amygdalin (5 mg/mL, 24 h) treatment and control groups. Among the genes changed by D-amygdalin, we paid attention to cell cycle-related genes, and particularly cell cycle regulator genes; because arrest of cell cycle processing was ideal tactic in remedy for cancer. In our data, expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27, Kip1) (CDKN1B), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (includes complementation groups A, C, and D) (ATM), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (p57, Kip2) (CDKN1C), and CHK1 checkpoint homolog (CHEK1, formally known as CHK1) were increased, while expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A), and cyclin E1 (CCNE1) were decreased. The pattern of these gene expressions were confirmed through RT-PCR. Our results showed that D-amygdalin might control cell cycle regulator genes and arrest S phase of cell cycle in K562 cells as the useful anticancer drug.