• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.171-177
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• 2019

Parasitic infections have remained a significant burden on human and animal health. In part, this is due to lack of clinically-approved, novel antimicrobials and a lack of interest by the pharmaceutical industry. An alternative approach is to modify existing clinically-approved drugs for efficient delivery formulations to ensure minimum inhibitory concentration is achieved at the target site. Nanotechnology offers the potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs through modification of nanoparticles with ligands. Amphotericin B, nystatin, and fluconazole are clinically available drugs in the treatment of amoebal and fungal infections. These drugs were conjugated with gold nanoparticles. To characterize these gold-conjugated drug, atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed. These drugs and their gold nanoconjugates were examined for antimicrobial activity against the protist pathogen, Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype. Moreover, host cell cytotoxicity assays were accomplished. Cytotoxicity of these drugs and drug-conjugated gold nanoparticles was also determined by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Gold nanoparticles conjugation resulted in enhanced bioactivity of all three drugs with amphotericin B producing the most significant effects against Acanthamoeba castellanii (p < 0.05). In contrast, bare gold nanoparticles did not exhibit antimicrobial potency. Furthermore, amoebae treated with drugs-conjugated gold nanoparticles showed reduced cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. In this report, we demonstrated the use of nanotechnology to modify existing clinically-approved drugs and enhance their efficacy against pathogenic amoebae. Given the lack of development of novel drugs, this is a viable approach in the treatment of neglected diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.363-372
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• 2019

Daidzein isolated from soybean (Glycine max) has been widely studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective effects of 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF), a major metabolite of daidzein, on 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity are not well understood. In the current study, 7,8,4'-THIF significantly inhibited neuronal cell death and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release induced by 6-OHDA in SH-SY5Y cells, which were used as an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, pretreatment with 7,8,4'-THIF significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, 7,8,4'-THIF significantly recovered 6-OHDA-induced cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), increased Bax, and decreased Bcl-2 levels. Additionally, 7,8,4'-THIF significantly restored the expression levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta ($GSK-3{\beta}$) in 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Further, 7,8,4'-THIF significantly increased the reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) level induced by 6-OHDA in SH-SY5Y cells. Collectively, these results suggest that 7,8,4'-THIF protects against 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death in cellular PD models. Also, these effects are mediated partly by inhibiting activation of the MAPK and PI3K/Akt/$GSK-3{\beta}$ pathways.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2021

The overproduction of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative damage to neuronal cells, leading to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we determined the nitric oxide radical (NO), hydroxyl radical (·OH), and superoxide anion radical (O₂^-) scavenging activities of apigenin. Our results showed that apigenin exhibited remarkable, concentration-dependent ·OH, O₂^-, and NO radical scavenging activities. Particularly, apigenin indicated the strongest ·OH radical scavenging activity with 93.38% in the concentration of 100 µM. Furthermore, we also investigated the protective effects of apigenin against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. The H₂O₂ treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, as well as an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and ROS production compared with the H₂O₂-nontreated SH-SY5Y cells. However, the cell viability significantly increased in the apigenin-treated group, as well as inhibited ROS generation and LDH release compared with the H₂O₂-induced control group. To elucidate the protective mechanisms of apigenin against oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y, we analyzed the apoptosis-related protein expression. The apigenin treatment resulted in the downregulated expression of apoptosis-related protein markers, such as cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-3, poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP), and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X (Bax), as well as the upregulated expression of anti-apoptosis markers such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). In this study, we report that apigenin exhibits a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that apigenin may be considered as a potential agent for neurodegenerative disease prevention.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigates the alterations in A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells exposed to Citrus junos extract (CJE). We further examine the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of CJE on NSCLC cells. Methods: Inhibition of proliferation was examined by applying the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay on CJE-treated A549 NSCLC cells. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed to measure the degree of toxicity of CJE on NSCLC cells. The effect on migratory proliferation was confirmed using the scratch wound healing assay. The antiproliferative effect of the CJE on human lung cancer cells was verified through morphological observation, fluorescence microscopy, and caspase-3 colorimetry. Results: Exposure of NSCLC cells to CJE resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell activity and increased toxicity to the cells. In addition, microscopic observation revealed a reduced ability of the cancer cells to migrate and proliferate after exposure to the CJE, with simultaneous morphological apoptotic changes. Fluorescence staining and microscopic examination revealed that this death was a process of self-programmed cell death of NSCLC cells. Compared to unexposed NSCLC cells, the expression of caspase-3 was significantly increased in cells exposed to CJE. Conclusion: Exposure of A549 human NSCLC cells to CJE inhibits the proliferation, increases the cytotoxicity, and decreases the ability of cells to migrate and grow. Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 increases after CJE treatment, suggesting that the apoptosis of NSCLC cells is induced by a chain reaction initiated by caspase-3. These results indicate that Citrus junos is a potential therapeutic agent for human non-small-cell lung cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.760-768
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• 2022

The purpose this study was to investigate the influences of 5% mung bean (Phaseolus aureus L.) on BUN and enzyme activities in serum of hyperlipidemic rats. Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats (24 male) were divided into four groups, namely the BD group(normal-nonhyperlipidemic diet), BM group(normal-nonhyperlipidemic diet+5% mung bean), BH group(control-hyperlipidemic diet), and BHM group(hyperlipidemic diet+5% mung bean). Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid were significantly decreased (p<0.05) by mung bean supplementation diet. The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, amylase and lipase in sera of mung bean diet group were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The catalase activity in serum of mung bean supplementation group was significantly increased than hyperlipidemic diet (p<0.05). In vivo experiment with hyperlipidemic rats showed that ingestion of mung bean were effective in kidney and hepatic functional enzyme activities. Which suggests that mung bean material could be used for further studies as a potential source for nutraceutical foods.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1767-1773
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• 2015

Effects of water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport during summer on meat quality, stress parameters, glycolytic potential and microstructures of muscle in broilers were investigated. A total of 105 mixed-sex Arbor Acres broilers were divided into three treatment groups: i) 45-min transport without rest (T group), ii) 45-min transport with 1-h rest (TR group), iii) 45-min transport with 15-min water-misting sprays with forced ventilation and 45-min rest (TWFR group). The results showed the TWFR group significantly increased (p<0.05) initial muscle pH ($pH_i$) and ultimate pH ($pH_u$) and significantly reduced $L^*$ (p<0.05), drip loss, cook loss, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase activity, plasma glucose content, lactate and glycolytic potential when compared with other groups. Microstructure of the muscle from TWFR group broilers under light microscopy showed smaller intercellular spaces among muscle fibers and bundles compared with T group. In conclusion this study indicated water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport could relieve the stress caused by transport under high temperature, which was favorable for the broilers' welfare. Furthermore, water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport slowed down the postmortem glycolysis rate and inhibited the occurrence of PSE-like meat in broilers. Although rest after transport could also improve the meat quality, the effect was not as significant as water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.114-122
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• 1998

This study was designed to observe the effect of hot water soluble polysaccharides extract(PS) from Lentinus edodes on the enzyme activities related with hepatic function and peroxidation in the rats fed better yellow. The four groups of male SD rats were fed with the diets contained 15% casein(basal diet; NO group), added butter yellow(BO group) or /and PS(NP, BP group) for 6 weeks. The activities of ${\gamma}$-GTP and GPT in BP were significantly lower compared with BO. The activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase were not significantly different between NP and NO, while those activities were significantly lower value in BP than BO. The activities of glutathione S-transferase of the microsomal and cytosol fractions were significantly lower in BP than in BO. The contents of glutathione and malondialdehyde in the liver were considerably low value in BP. In a view of these results the PS of Lentinus edodes prevents the lipid peroxidation and diminishes the liver toxicity caused with better yellow. The superoxide dismutase activity in cytosolic fraction of liver was not found any effect in all groups. But hepatic function enzyme activities such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase, LDH activities were remarkably decreased in the groups 2(basal diet + PS) and the ${\gamma}$-GTP, GOT and GPT activities, too. In liver, the contents of glutathione decreased by PS supplementation but HDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol ratio in plasma decreased at the groups 3, 4. The ${\gamma}$-GTP, GOT and GPT in plasma were remarkably higher in the rats fed the p-DAB than the control group, too. But above enzyme activities significantly decreased in the groups fed PS.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.77-85
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• 2011

The antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were studied with respect to Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli by observing the bacterial cells treated or not with Ag-NPs by FE-SEM as well as measuring the growth curves, formation of bactericidal ROS, protein leakage, and lactate dehydrogenase activity involved in the respiratory chain. Bacterial cells were treated with Ag-NPs powder, and the growth rates were investigated under varying concentrations of Ag-NPs, incubation times, incubation temperatures, and pHs. As a result, S. aureus and E. coli were shown to be substantially inhibited by Ag-NPs, and the antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs did not fluctuate with temperature or pH. These results suggest that Ag-NPs could be used as an effective antibacterial material.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.9
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• pp.1256-1263
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• 2015

Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka has been traditionally called Yuza in Korea and is used as a cuisine material or tea as well as medicinal herb. In this study, we evaluated the immune-enhancing effect of Citrus junos ethanol extract (CJE) on RAW264.7 mouse macrophage and primary immunocytes. CJE treatment showed increased macrophage activity in a dose-dependant manner. CJE also enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity. We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level as a measurement of NK cell cytotoxicity against YAC-1 lymphoma cells. CJE treatment showed an increased LDH level in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we evaluated the effect of CJE on mouse primary splenocyte proliferation. CJE treatment slightly increased splenocyte proliferation compared to the control. The results of this study suggest that CJE can help immune function via macrophage cytokine production, increased NK cell activity, and splenocyte proliferation.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.598-606
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• 2015

To develop a functional drink using abalone, two abalone composites (APM-1, APM-2) were prepared by mixing the abalone and natural plants (Lycii fructus and Rubus coreanus Miq.). Their antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects were evaluated using rats running on a treadmill after 4 weeks supplementation of the abalone composites. Experimental groups were divided into four groups including normal (non-exercised group), control (exercised group), one dose per day (EAPM-1), and three doses per day (EAPM-2) with exercise by running. Antioxidant activities, and total phenols and flavonoids contents of APM-2 were significantly higher than those of APM-1 (p<0.05). Total lipid content in serum of EAPM-2 was significantly lower than that of control group (p<0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase activity and blood urea nitrogen content of EAPM-1 and EAPM-2 groups were significantly lower than that of control group. There were no significant difference in aspartate aminotransferase activity among control, EAPM-1 and EAPM-2 groups. In the meanwhile, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly lower than that of control group. In serum and liver tissues of EAPM-1 and EAPM-2 groups, lipid peroxide contents significantly decreased compared to control group. DPPH radical scavenging activities in liver tissues of EAPM-1 and EAPM-2 groups were significantly higher than those of control group. Therefore, abalone composites were effective for the alleviation of oxidative stress caused by treadmill running, which was dependent on antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds content.