• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.853-859
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• 2009

Nardostachys chinensis has been used widely as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diverse diseases. The dried plant was extracted with 85% methanol extract (NC). We investigated the antioxidant properties of NC on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenging capacity under in vitro assays. NC showed potent antioxidant activity, compared to ascorbic acid. In macrophages, nitric oxide is released as an inflammatory mediator and has been proposed to be an important modulator of many pathophysiological conditions in inflammation. In the present study, it was also investigated that the inhibition effects on NO and the mechanism of down-regulation of immune response by NC in IFN-IFN-$\gamma$/LPS-stimulated mouse (C57BL/6) peritoneal macrophages. Extracts of NC suppressed NO production and the expression of iNOS and COX-2. The present results indicate that NC has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and therefore may be beneficial in diseases which related to oxidative stress-mediated chronic inflammatory disorders.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2011

This study was aimed to investigate the memory enhancing effect of Jeongjihwan against scopolamine-induced amnesia in C57BL/6 mice. To determine the effect of Jeongjihwan on the memory and cognitive function, we have injected scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) into C57BL/6 mice 30 min before beginning of behavior tests. We have conducted Y-maze, Morris water-maze, passive avoidance and fear conditioning tests to compare learning and memory functions. Scopolamine-induced behavior changes of memory impairment were significantly restored by oral administration of Jeongjihwan (100 or 200 mg/kg/day). To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the memory enhancing effect of Jeongjihwan, we have examined the antioxidant defense system and neurotrophic factors. Jeongjihwan treatment attenuated intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species and up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes as assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Jeongjihwan also increased protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared with those in the scopolamine-treated group. Furthermore, as an upstream regulator, the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) via phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot analysis. Jeongjihwan elevated the phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB), which seemed to be mediated partly by extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B/Akt. These findings suggest that Jeongjihwan may have preventive and therapeutic potential in the management of amnesia.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.305-316
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• 2013

Non-protein amino acid, ${\beta}$-amino-n-butyric acid (BABA), has been involved in diverse physiological processes including seedling growth, stress tolerance and disease resistance of many plant species. In the current study, treatment of kimchi cabbage seedlings with BABA significantly reduced primary root elongation and cotyledon development in a dose-dependent manner, which adverse effects were similar to the plant response to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) application. BABA was synergistically contributing ABA-induced growth arrest during the early seedling development. Kimchi cabbage leaves were highly damaged and seedling growth was delayed by foliar spraying with high concentrations of BABA (10 to 20 mM). BABA played roles differentially in in vitro fungal conidial germination, mycelial growth and conidation of necrotroph Alternaria brassicicola causing black spot disease and hemibiotroph Colletotrichum higginsianum causing anthracnose. Pretreatment with BABA conferred induced resistance of the kimchi cabbage against challenges by the two different classes of fungal pathogens in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that BABA is involved in plant development, fungal development as well as induced fungal disease resistance of kimchi cabbage plant.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.663-668
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• 2011

Galgeun-tang (GGT) has been a great source for treating cold diseases in the folk medicine recipe. Carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) is one type of hepatotoxin that can eventually cause liver injury. During the experiment, we first studied the protective effects of GGT against $CC_4$-induced hepatotoxicity. GGT was pretreated for 3 h, and 1% $CCl_4$ was added to mouse primary liver cells. After 4 h, ROS generation and expression of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) were analyzed by FACS and real time PCR. Also, the activities of ALT and LDH were measured using cultured medium. The hepatic levels of TNF-alpha and iNOS, which are related to inflammation and stress response gene, HSP72 and HO-1 were analyzed by PCR or real time PCR. Liver tissues were analyzed by HE stain. From the observation, we discovered that GGT treatment protects $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity, and that GGT pretreatment decreases ROS generation, TNF-alpha and iNOS expression. However, gene expression of CAT, SOD, GPx, HSP72 and HO-1 were increased by GGT. These results lead to the conclusion that GGT has protective effects against $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.411-419
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• 2018

This study investigated the survival rates and physiological responses of Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, in live fish containers ($8^{\circ}C$, 33 psu) for 18 days. The survival rate was 99% and 97% in the control and experimental groups, respectively. Hematocrit and hemoglobin did not differ significantly between the control and experimental groups. Glucose and cortisol rose immediately on the first day of containment, but both gradually normalized. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase did not differ significantly between the two groups after recovery. $NH_3$ continued to rise after the first day, but decreased to a level not significantly different from that of the control group during the recovery period. Plasma ions and osmolality did not change abnormally. The hemocyte population was not significantly different from that of the control. The ratios of apoptotic and necrotic cells indicated no specific variation in hemocyte viability. The histological changes in the skin and gills were not significantly different from those seen in the control. The experimental data obtained in this study suggest that live fish containers may be used to transport Korean rockfish without significantly affecting their physiology or survival.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.376-382
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• 2011

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a cytoprotective and homeostatic molecule with important signaling capabilities in physiological and pathophysiological situations. CO protects cells/tissues from damage by free radicals or oxidative stress. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) is a highly inducible enzyme that is regulated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, which is central to efficient detoxification of reactive metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods: We generated NQO1 promoter construct. HepG2 cells were treated with CO Releasing Molecules-2 (CORM-2) or CO gas and the gene expressions were measured by RT-PCR, immunoblot, and luciferase assays. Results: CO induced expression of NQO1 in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines by activation of Nrf2. Exposure of HepG2 cells to CO resulted in significant induction of NQO1 in dose- and time-dependent manners. Analysis of the NQO1 promoter indicated that an antioxidant responsible element (ARE)-containing region was critical for the CO-induced Nrf2-dependent increase of NQO1 gene expression in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CO-induced Nrf2 increases the expression of NQO1 which is well known to detoxify reactive metabolites and ROS.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.32-45
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• 2016

Fruit bagging has been widely practiced in peach cultivation to produce high quality and unblemished fruit. Moreover, fruit bagging has been utilized to study the effect of shading on the quality of fruit. We conducted a proteomic analysis on peach fruit to elucidate the biochemical and physiological events that characterize the effect of bagging treatment. Comparative analysis of 2D electrophoresis (2-DE) gels showed that relative protein levels differed significantly at 125 DAFB (days after full bloom), as well as at 133 DAFB in fruit that had been bagged until 125 DAFB, followed by exposure to sunlight. Most of the proteins with altered expression were identified by MALDI TOF/TOF. Twenty-one proteins with differential expression among the groups were identified at 125 DAFB, while thirty proteins with differential expression among the groups were identified at 133 DAFB. The analysis revealed that expression of proteins involved in photosynthesis, stress responses, and biochemical processes influencing metabolism were altered during bagging treatment, suggesting that regulation of the synthesis of carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins influenced fruit size, solid/acid ratio, and peel color. This work provides the first characterization of proteomic changes in peach in response to fruit bagging treatment. Identifying and tracking protein changes may allow us to better understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of bagging treatment.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.263-271
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• 2007

A review of recent studies indicates that positive emotions help buffer stress. In particular, humor is what only human can appreciate. Humor plays an important role in many facets of human life including psychological, social, and somatic functioning. This study is to identify children's ANS responses by humor or joy using audio-visual film clips. 49 male and female children (12-13 years) participated in this study. The participants were briefed on the experiment was its procedure. During the experiment, electrodes were attached to participant and middle fingers of left hands. Physiological responses(EDA, SKT, PPG and ECG) were measured for 30s both in the resting state and experiment state during which emotion provoking stimulus was presented for 2 min. Also, self-report on emotions was followed for 1 min. Results from the self-report showed that both humor and joy were evoked effectively among 89.3% of children. It explains that emotion-eliciting stimuli were effective and appropriate. ANS responses in both emotion were significant in three physiological variables (i.e., SCL, NSCR, LF). There was a significant difference between humor emotion and joy emotion, and both emotions were distinguishable by a specific ANS response pattern.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 2020

Heavy metals are common pollutants in the freshwater environment and have toxicological effect in habitat organisms. The heavy metals highly accumulated in sediment and organism, and observed various physiological responses. In this study, we investigated the molecular response to heavy metal toxicity (Al, Aluminum; Cr, Chromium; Cu, copper; Mn, Manganese; Zn, Zinc) through expression of heat shock protein 40, 70, 90 (HSP40, 70, 90), cytochrome 450 (CYP450), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Serine-type endopeptidase (SP). HSPs showed up-regulation in Cu and Zn exposures. Furthermore, HSPs expression in treated groups tended to be higher than the control group. The tendency of CYP450 and GST mRNA expression was higher for Cr and Cu than for other exposure group. The expression of SP gene was low at Al exposure and other group were measured to be similar to control. These results suggest that heavy metal toxicity in freshwater ecosystem may affect physiological and molecular process. Also, the comprehensive gene expression in the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius give useful information to potential molecular biomarkers for assessing heavy metal toxicity.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.102 no.4
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• pp.522-529
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• 2013

Climate change will affect the physiological traits and growth of forest trees. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an experimental warming on growth and physiological characteristics of Pinus densiflora S. et Z. seedlings. One-year-old P. densiflora seedlings were planted in control and warmed plots in April 2010. The air temperature of warmed plots was increased by $3^{\circ}C$ using infrared lamps from November 2010. We measured shoot height, root collar diameter, above and below ground biomass, chlorophyll contents and leaf nitrogen concentration from March 2011 to March 2013. Seedling height and root collar diameter showed no significant difference between warmed and control plots except for root collar diameter measured in June 2012. Seedling leaf biomass was lower in the warmed ($23.94{\pm}2.10g$) than in the control ($26.08{\pm}1.72g$) plots in 2013. Shoot to root ratio (S/R ratio) was lower in the warmed ($1.09{\pm}0.07$) than in the control ($1.31{\pm}0.10$) plots in 2013. Leaf nitrogen concentrations and chlorophyll contents were not significantly different between warmed and control plots except for leaf nitrogen concentration in 2011. Leaf C/N ratio was increased in 2012 under the warming treatment. Low growth and S/R ratio in warmed plots might be related to the higher temperature and water stress. In the future, the below-ground carbon allocation of P. densiflora might be increased by global warming due to temperature and water stress.