• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.10
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• pp.1371-1377
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• 2012

Biological activities of Korean Panax ginseng 55% ethanol extract (KPGE) were investigated. The measured total polyphenol content of KPGE was 357.45 mg/100 g. KPGE showed the highest ${\alpha},{\alpha}$-diphenyl-${\beta}$-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of 80% and 86% at 1,000 ${\mu}g/mL$, respectively. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities significantly increased in a KPGE concentration-dependent manner. SOD-like activity of KPGE (1, 10, and 100 ${\mu}g/mL$) increased from 22% up to 33% at KPGE concentrations of 500 and 1,000 ${\mu}g/mL$. KPGE treatment significantly suppressed the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha: TNF-${\alpha}$, interleukin-6: IL-6, interleukin-$1{\beta}$: IL-$1{\beta}$), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. KPGE demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity that reduced NO and $PGE_2$ production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Even low concentrations of KPGE (1 and 10 ${\mu}g/mL$) reduced $PGE_2$ and NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages without LPS-stimulation, respectively. At concentrations of 100, 500, and 1,000 ${\mu}g/mL$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 production were significantly suppressed. The results of our study suggest the potential of Korean Panax ginseng as an excellent antioxidant substance for inhibiting inflammatory mediators. Therefore, Korean Panax ginseng (KPGE) may be used as a therapeutic approach to various inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.131-138
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• 2017

In most mammals, metaphase II (MII) oocytes having high maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity have been considered as good oocytes and then used for assisted reproductive technologies including somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Caffeine increases MPF activity in mammalian oocytes by inhibiting p34cdc2 phosphorylation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine treatment during in vitro maturation (IVM) on oocyte maturation and embryonic development after SCNT in pigs. To this end, morphologically good (MGCOCs) and poor oocytes (MPCOCs) based on the thickness of cumulus cell layer were untreated or treated with 2.5 mM caffeine during 22-42, 34-42, or 38-42 h of IVM according to the experimental design. Caffeine treatment for 20 h during 22-42 h of IVM significantly inhibited nuclear maturation compared to no treatment. Blastocyst formation of SCNT embryos was not influenced by the caffeine treatment during 38-42 h of IVM in MGCOCs (41.1-42.1%) but was significantly improved in MPCOCs compared to no treatment (43.4 vs. 30.1%, P<0.05). No significant effects of caffeine treatment was observed in embryo cleavage (78.7-88.0%) and mean cell number in blastocyst (38.7-43.5 cells). The MPF activity of MII oocytes in terms of p34cdc2 kinase activity was not influenced by the caffeine treatment in MGCOCs (160.4 vs. 194.3 pg/ml) but significantly increased in MPCOCs (133.9 vs. 204.8 pg/ml). Our results demonstrate that caffeine treatment during 38-42 h of IVM improves developmental competence of SCNT embryos derived from MPCOCs by influencing cytoplasmic maturation including increased MPF activity in IVM oocytes in pigs.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this ex vivo study was to compare the antifungal activity of a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids at the C-terminus of human ${\beta}$-defensin 3 (HBD3-C15) with calcium hydroxide (CH) and Nystatin (Nys) against Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilm. Materials and Methods: C. albicans were grown on cover glass bottom dishes or human dentin disks for 48 hr, and then treated with HBD3-C15 (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, and $300{\mu}g/mL$), CH ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Nys ($20{\mu}g/mL$) for 7 days at $37^{\circ}C$. On cover glass, live and dead cells in the biomass were measured by the FilmTracer Biofilm viability assay, and observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). On dentin, normal, diminished and ruptured cells were observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results were subjected to a two-tailed t-test, a one way analysis variance and a post hoc test at a significance level of p = 0.05. Results: C. albicans survival on dentin was inhibited by HBD3-C15 in a dose-dependent manner. There were fewer aggregations of C. albicans in the groups of Nys and HBD3-C15 (${\geq}100{\mu}g/mL$). CLSM showed C. albicans survival was reduced by HBD3-C15 in a dose dependent manner. Nys and HBD3-C15 (${\geq}100{\mu}g/mL$) showed significant fungicidal activity compared to CH group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Synthetic HBD3-C15 peptide (${\geq}100{\mu}g/mL$) and Nys exhibited significantly higher antifungal activity than CH against C. albicans by inhibiting cell survival and biofilm.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.469-476
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• 2014

The aims of this study were to explore the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-naïve and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and to examine whether these effects affect the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) production, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) activation. Trans-10, cis-12(t10c12)-CLA increased the production of ROS, as well as TNF-${\alpha}$ in LPS-naïve RAW 264.7 cells. The CLA-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ production was suppressed by treatment of diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. In addition, CLA enhanced the activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and $PPAR{\gamma}$ in LPS-naïve RAW 264.7 cells, and this effect was abolished with DPI treatment. LPS treatment increased ROS production, whereas CLA reduced LPS-induced ROS production. LPS increased both TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity, whereas t10c12-CLA reduced TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DPI treatment suppressed LPS-induced ROS production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity. Moreover, DPI enhanced the inhibitory effects of t10c12-CLA on TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. However, neither t10c12-CLA nor DPI affected $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that t10c12-CLA induces TNF-${\alpha}$ production by increasing ROS production in LPS-naïve RAW 264.7 cells, which is mediated by the enhancement of NF-${\kappa}B$ activity via $PPAR{\gamma}$ activation. By contrast, t10c12-CLA suppresses TNF-${\alpha}$ production by inhibiting ROS production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation via a $PPAR{\gamma}$-independent pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that t10c12-CLA can modulate TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation through formation of ROS in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.176-183
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• 2013

To explore hydrolysis methods for the efficient manufacture of sugar solutions from the freshwater alga Water-net (Hydrodictyon reticulatum, HR), acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, and combined hydrolysis (acid followed by enzymatic hydrolysis) were investigated. In the one-step acid hydrolysis, the reaction of 8% solids content using 2% sulfuric acid at $120^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour was desirable. In this case, glucose 27.44 g 100 g $DM^{-1}$ could be obtained from the HR-d13 samples. In the two-step acid hydrolysis, the primary hydrolysis (HR powder : 72% sulfuric acid = 1 g : 1.5 mL) was carried out for 1 hour at $60^{\circ}C$, and then the secondary hydrolysis was done for 1 hour at $120^{\circ}C$ after addition of distilled water 23.5 mL. In this case, glucose 35.11 g/100 g DM could be obtained from the HR-d13 samples. In the combined hydrolysis, 25% solids content using 2% hydrochloric acid were reacted for 1 hour at $120^{\circ}C$, and then citrate buffer and hydrolysis enzyme complexes (E1 1.0 mL+E2 0.2 mL $g^{-1}$ dried matter) were added and reacted for 1 - 2 days at $50^{\circ}C$. In this case, glucose 33.5 g 100 g $DM^{-1}$ could be obtained from the HR-d23+26 samples. In conclusion, combined hydrolysis was likely to be more useful saccharification method of HR biomass at a practical level, considering the glucose productivity, generation of fermentation-inhibiting substances (hydroxyl methyl furfural, furfural), and limited use of strong acid.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.517-528
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• 2010

Rice seed maturation and germination involve drastic changes in water and nutrient transport, in which tonoplast aquaporins may play an important role. In the present study, gene expression profiles of 10 tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIP) from rice were investigated by RT-PCR during seed development and germination. OsTIP3;1 and OsTIP3;2 were specifically expressed in mature seeds. Their transcript level rapidly decreased after onset of seed germination and gene expression was induced by ABA treatment. In contrast, expression of OsTIP2;1 and OsTIP4;3 was not seed specific as transcripts were found in vegetative tissues as well. Their respective transcript levels decreased at an early stage of seed development, whereas they increased at a later stage of seed germination and elongation of embryonic roots and shoots. When seed germination was inhibited by various stress conditions and ABA, expression of OsTIP2;1 and OsTIP4;3 was completely suppressed. In contrast, the expression level of OsTIP2;2 rapidly increased after seed imbibition and the transcript level was maintained under conditions inhibiting seed germination. These results implicate that tissue specific and developmental transcriptional regulation of OsTIPs in rice seeds depends on their specific function. In addition, OsTIPs can be discriminated by different potential phosphorylation and methylation sites in their protein structures. OsTIP3;1 and OsTIP3;2 possess unique phosphorylation signatures at their N-terminal domain, loop B and loop E, respectively. OsTIP2;1 and OsTIP4;3 have a potential methylation site at their Nterminal domain. This suggests that activity of specific tonoplast aquaporins may be regulated by post-translational modification as well as by transcriptional control.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.507-512
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• 2017

There has been increasing concern regarding misuse of disinfectants and sanitizers such as ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide for food contact surfaces in the food industry. Examining the efficacy of the concentration of currently used disinfectants and sanitizers is urgently required in the Korean society. This study aimed to develop predictive reduction models for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in suspension, as a function of $ClO_2$ (chlorine dioxide) and contact time using response surface methodology. E. coli ATCC 10536 and S. aureus ATCC 6538 (initial inoculum, 8-9 log CFU/mL) in tryptic soy broth were treated with different concentrations of $ClO_2$ (5, 20, and 35 ppm) for different contact times (1, 3, and 5 min) following a central composite design. The polynomial reduction models for $ClO_2$ on E. coli and S. aureus were developed under the clean condition. E. coli reduction by 35 ppm $ClO_2$ for 1, 3, and 5 min was 2.49, 2.70, and 3.65 log CFU/mL, respectively. Also, S. aureus reduction by 35 ppm $ClO_2$ for 1, 3, and 5 min was 4.59, 5.25, and 5.81 log CFU/mL, respectively. The predictive response polynomial models developed were $R=0.43231-0.056492^*X_1-0.097771^*X_2+9.24167E-003^*X_1^*X_2+3.06333E-003^*X_1{^2}$ ($R^2=0.98$) on E. coli and $R=1.10542-0.20896^*X_1-0.046062^*X_2+8.30000E-003^*X_1^*X_2+8.73300E-003^*X_1{^2}$ ($R^2=0.99$) on S. aureus, where R was the bacterial reduction (log CFU/mL), $X_1$ was the concentration and $X_2$ was the contact time. Our predictive reduction models should be validated in developing the optimal concentration and contact time of $ClO_2$ for inhibiting E. coli and S. aureus on food contact surfaces.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.114-120
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• 2006

Anti-diabetic effects of extracts and fractions of Sasa borealis (SB), white lotus roots (LR) and leaves (LL), and their mixture were determined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and Min6 cells by investigating insulin-sensitizing activity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, respectively. SB, LR, LL, and mixture of SB, LR, and LL (3 : 2 : 3) were extracted using 70% ethanol, and m mixture extract was fractionated by XAD-4 column chromatography with serial mixture solvents of methanol and water. Fractional extractions were utilized for anti-diabetic effect assay. SB and LR extracts increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, but not as much as mixture of SB, LR, and LL. Significant insulin-sensitizing activities of 20 and 80% methanol fractions of SB, LR, and LL mixture extract were observed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, giving 0.5 or $5\;{\mu}g/mL$ each fraction with 0.2 nM insulin to attain glucose uptake level similar to that attained by 10 nM insulin alone. Similar to pioglitazone, peroxisome proliferators-activated $receptor-{\gamma}\;(PPAR-{\gamma})$ agonist, 20 and 80% methanol fractions increased adipocytes by stimulating differentiation from fibroblasts and triglyceride synthesis. LL extract and 20, 60, and 80% methanol fractions of the mixture suppressed ${\alpha}-amylase$ activity, but did not modulate insulin secretion capacity of Min6 cells in both low and high glucose media. These data suggest 20 and 80% methanol tractions contain potential insulin sensitizers with functions similar to that of $PPAR-{\gamma}$ agonist. Crude extract of SB, LR, and LL mixture possibly improves glucose utilization by enhancing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and inhibiting carbohydrate digestion without affecting insulin secretion in vivo.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.1278-1284
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• 2000

The study was performed to elucidate the effects of ethylene-absorbent on the quality of 'Fuyu' persimmon fruits in the MA package. Five persimmons were packed in a MA package film (low density polyethylene, 0.055 mm film thickness), and stored at $-0.5^{\circ}C$ for 60 days. Two persimmons were repacked in a MA package with or without ethylene absorbent $(1\;M\;KMnO_4+zeolite)$ and stored at $-0.5^{\circ}C$. Ten days later, these packages was moved to $2^{\circ}C$ or $25^{\circ}C$ storage room to examine the effect of the ethylene-absorbent on the quality of the fruits. Ethylene removal by enclosed ethylene absorbent in MA packaging reduced the rate of fruit respiration at $25^{\circ}C$, so that $O_2$ and $CO_2$ concentration in packing were maintained higher and lower, respectively, compared to control. These effects were not observed, however, in $2^{\circ}C$ post-storage. Fruit firmness and sugar composition were also influenced by ethylene absorbent, showing more delayed flesh softening and higher sucrose concentration in ethylene absorbent treated fruits than control. But ethylene-absorbent treatment lowered glucose and fructose concentration. That shows that ethylene could influence on sugar composition by inhibiting sucrose inversion to glucose and fructose. The production of ethanol and acetaldehyde was reduced by ethylene removal, but the effect was not so high as other quality indices.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vase material and floral preservative treatment over time on flower color, leaf color and flower size of cut flowers Rosa hybrida 'Aqua' and 'Corvernet', and Gerbera jamesonii 'Honeymoon' and 'Golden Time' stuck in a glass, porcelain, or onggi (pottery with a dark bronze glaze) vase containing either tap water or a floral preservative solution. The ${\Delta}E$ values in flower color of 'Aqua' rose at 8 days after treatment with a floral preservative in onggi and porcelain vases were low. The ${\Delta}E$ value of 'Covernet' rose treated with floral preservative in an onggi vase was the lowest and L value was the closest to that of petals of cut flowers at just before treatment (control). The ${\Delta}E$ value of 'Honeymoon' gerbera treated with a floral preservative in an onggi vase was the lowest and a value of 58.81 and b value of 34.29 were the closest to that of the control group as color of cut flowers in an onggi vase was similar to the color at the beginning of treatment. The ${\Delta}E$ value of 'Golden Time' gerbera treated in an onggi vase was significantly lower than that in a porcelain or glass vase and a value of -7.81 treated with a floral preservative solution in an onggi vase was the closest to the control and b value was high in an onggi vase as well. The L, a, and b values in leaf color of roses were similar to each value of the control and ${\Delta}E$ value of 3.25 measured in an onggi vase was lower than that in a porcelain or glass vase. Flower diameter of 'Covernet' and 'Golden Time' roses treated with a floral preservative in an onggi vase was greater than that in other treatments. From these results, the floral preservative applied to a holding solution is assumed to improve the quality and freshness of cut roses and gerberas by inhibiting microbes propagation and by promoting uptake of water and nutrients. The onggi vase with fine pores will promote the expression and maintenance of flower and leaf colors and may increase flower diameter by high air permeability.