• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.87-92
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• 2009

The antioxidant properties and protective effects of Inula britannica on ${H_2}{O_2}$-induced SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell damage were investigated. A series of solvent fractions, including hexane(Fr.H), petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate(Fr.EA), and water fraction(Fr.W), were prepared from the 70% methanol extracts of Inula britannica. Fr.W had the highest total contents of phenolics and flavonoids, followed by Fr.EA. The antioxidant properties of the fractions were also evaluated by analyzing their scavenging activities on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radicals, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, and nitric oxide. Fr.W showed the strongest activities in all assays. The concentrations of Fr.W that resulted in 50% reductions of the DPPH and ABTS radicals were 20.7 ${\mu}g$/mL and 39.4 ${\mu}g$/mL, respectively. Fr.W showed the weakest cytotoxic activities on the SH-SY5Y cells, whereas it effectively protected ${H_2}{O_2}$-induced cell death, increasing cell survival by 35.0-77.0% at a concentration range of 62.5-250 ${\mu}g$/mL. In this range, Fr.W also significantly decreased intracellular ROS levels by 34-39%. Overall, the antioxidant properties of Inula britannica can contribute to rescuring neuronal cells from oxidative stress-induced cell injury.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.276-287
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• 2008

Diabetic mellitus in an older population is associated with increased basal oxidative stress and free radical accentuated by hyperglycemic challenge. Enhanced free radical in diabetic elderly can cause the oxidative damage and such damage can be protected by antioxidant defense system. It is believed that vitamin C, A and E are the most abundant and effective antioxidants in human plasma. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant status in Korean diabetic elderly using the case-control study. The antioxidant status was examined by determining plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C, A, E, ${\beta}$-carotene), total antioxidant status (TAS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and intakes of vitamin C, A, ${\beta}$-carotene and retiol. Fasting glucose and HbA1c levels and serum lipid profiles (triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) were also determined. Diabetic subjects were 122 elderly persons over 60 years old, visiting public health center, and control subjects were 96 healthy elderly persons living in Ulsan, Korea and they were matched by age, gender, smoking and drinking status. The diabetic and control subjects were divided into sub-groups according to the status of using diet therapy and vitamin supplement. The subjects were interviewed to collect data on their general characteristics, disease history, vitamin supplement, diet therapy and health-related habits by questionnaires. Their dietary intakes were obtained by means of semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SQFFQ). Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in diabetes than in control subjects, and plasma total cholesterol level of diabetes was not significantly different from that of control subjects. However serum HDL cholesterol level of diabetes was significantly lower and serum TG level of diabetes was significantly higher than those of control group. The average vitamin A and ${\beta}$-carotene intakes of diabetes were significantly higher than those of control subjects. There was no significant difference in plasma vitamin C, ${\beta}$-carotene, and TBARS levels between two groups, but plasma vitamin A, E and TAS levels were significantly higher in diabetes than those in control group. Plasma vitamin A and TAS levels of diabetic subjects using diet therapy were higher than those of control using diet therapy, and plasma vitamin E, ${\beta}$-carotene and TAS levels of diabetic subjects using vitamin supplements were significantly higher than those of controls using vitamin supplements. These results suggested that diabetic mellitus could enhance antioxidant defences against reactive oxygen species and interest in healthy eating such as consumption of more antioxidant nutrients.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.905-913
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• 2003

Oriental medicine explains aging as the weakening of Kidney-ai, and Kidney-strengthening herbal medicines such as Yukmijihwang-tang have been studied for anti-aging effects. In Western Medicine, the hypothesis that reactive oxidant species(ROS) contribute to the aging process is generally accepted. It has been reported that Moutan Cortex Radicis extract (MCR) was the most effective constituent of Yukmijihwang-tang in decreasing ROS production in oxidative-stressed cells. The purpose of this study is to confirm the anti-oxidant effect of MCR on PC12 cells, the expression of Heme oxygenase (HO), Macrophage migradon inhibitory factor (MIF), Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) using real time RT PCR. PC12 cells were treated without or with hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of MCR using MTS assay. Hydrogen peroxide decreased the viability of PC12 cells by 53% and MCR did not influence that of stressed PC 12 cells irrespective of dose or incubation period. However, MCR showed an inhibitory effect on production of ROS in stressed cells, both dose and incubation time dependently. In particular, 1 ㎎/㎖ of MCR for 24 h culture almost returned to normal level. In the quantiation of anti-aging related gene expression, MCR at 1 ㎎/㎖ increased the expression of HO by 370%, MIF by 180% and COMT by 280% through real time RT PCR. In conclusion, MCR treatment protected PC12 cells from hydrogen peroxide and decreased ROS production and enhanced anti-oxidative gene expression such as HO, COMT and MIF, which suggests that MCR is involved in controlling anti-aging of nerve cells through elimination of cytotoxic stimuli.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.325-333
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• 2017

This study aimed to investigate the various biological activities of Geranium thunbergii such as antimicrobial activity and protective effect against oxidative damage. To evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, we first performed methanol extraction; this methanol extract was further partitioned using various solvents. And then, its antioxidant activity was measured using various assays including total phenolic content and protection against oxidative DNA damage, and antimicrobial activities were examined using minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) test, and paper disc method. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography was performed to analyze the major chemical components of ethyl acetate fraction. The G. thunbergii fraction with ethyl acetate exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than the other fractions. The results showed that G. thunbergii ethyl acetate fraction at $50{\mu}g/mL$ had strong DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of 80.88% and 80.12%, respectively. In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction protected DNA from the oxidative damage induced by ferrous ion and hydroxyl radicals and showed high antimicrobial activity with diameter of inhibition zones ranging from 13.33 to 15.67 mm. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the major phenolic compounds of G. thunbergii to be ellagic acid and gallic acid. These results suggest that G. thunbergii might protect DNA against oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species and can be utilized as a natural source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in the food industry.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2019

DNA methylation is involved in diverse processes in bacteria, including maintenance of genome integrity and regulation of gene expression. CcrM, the DNA methyltransferase conserved in Alphaproteobacterial species, carries out $N^6$-adenine or $N^4$-cytosine methyltransferase activities using S-adenosyl methionine as a co-substrate. Celeribacter marinus IMCC12053 from the Alphaproteobacterial group was isolated from a marine environment. Single molecule real-time sequencing method (SMRT) was used to detect the methylation patterns of C. marinus IMCC12053. Gibbs motif sampler program was used to observe the conversion of adenosine of 5'-GANTC-3' to $N^6$-methyladenosine and conversion of $N^4$-cytosine of 5'-GpC-3' to $N^4$-methylcytosine. Exocyclic DNA methyltransferase from the genome of strain IMCC12053 was chosen using phylogenetic analysis and $N^4$-cytosine methyltransferase was cloned. IPTG inducer was used to confirm the methylation activity of DNA methylase, and cloned into a pQE30 vector using dam-/dcm- E. coli as the expression host. The genomic DNA and the plasmid carrying methylase-encoding sequences were extracted and cleaved with restriction enzymes that were sensitive to methylation, to confirm the methylation activity. These methylases protected the restriction enzyme site once IPTG-induced methylases methylated the chromosome and plasmid, harboring the DNA methylase. In this study, cloned exocyclic DNA methylases were investigated for potential use as a novel type of GpC methylase for molecular biology and epigenetics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.15-30
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• 2019

Changpo Lake was created as a part of a land reclamation for refugee self-helping projects. It shows characteristics of a fresh water lake, and still retains the early appearance of reclamation that surrounding regions have not been developed into farm lands. Shallow wetland has formed around the lake, which provides great conditions for diverse lives, and surrounding earthiness is favorable for growth of vegetation and restoration of the ecosystem. However, as facilities of the Muan International Airport nearby Changpo Lake are expanding and barns are being constructed, artificialness is gradually increasing. Particularly, since pollution sources such as sport facilities, farm lands and barns are scattered around Changpo Lake, pollutants are flowing in constantly. Accordingly, the results for setting up management areas according to the spatial characteristics and creating natural ecological spaces near Changpo Lake, Taebongcheon stream and Hakgyecheon stream are as follows. First, the creation of a natural eco-friendly waterfront space should be promoted by securing the health of the aquatic ecosystem and restoring species and the ecosystem. In addition, a consultative body needs to be formed to lead local residents to participating in river investigation and monitoring, maintenance, and management through role sharing. Second, the basic direction of the spatial management plan is to keep the unique charm of Changpo Lake, maintain harmony with nature, create diverse waterfront areas, and secure the continuity of Changpo Lake and inflow streams. Moreover, the area should be divided into three zones such as a conservation zone, a restoration zone and a waterfront zone, and for each zone, the preservation of vegetation, the creation of ecological wetlands and restoration of the ecotone and ecological nature need to be promoted. Third, facilities and activity programs for each space of Changpo Lake should be operated for efficient management of protected areas. In order to suit the status of each space, biological habitats, water purification spaces, experiential and learning spaces, and convenience and rest spaces should be organized and designated as research, monitoring, education, and tourism areas. Accordingly, points of interest should be set up within the corresponding area. In this study, there are many parts that need to be supplemented for immediate implementation since the detailed plans and project costs for the promotion of programs by area are not calculated. Therefore, it is necessary to make detailed project plans and consider related projects such as water quality, restoration of habitats, nature learning and observation, and experience of ecological environments based on the categories such as research, monitoring, education and tourism in the future.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.98-105
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• 2021

Understanding the migration patterns and habitats of juvenile birds during the post-fledging stage is very important for conservation and management of individuals. The Chinese Egret is an internationally protected species. During the wintering season, they inhabit South-East Asia, such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan, and breed in China, Russia, and uninhabited islands on the west coast of Korea. IIn this study, we attached a GPS telemetry tracking device to six juvenile Chinese Egrets breeding on Chilsan Archipelago in 2018 and 2019 to identify habitats by analyzing the home range during the post-fledging stage in the summer season. The individual CE1801 moved north and then returned to the Yeonggwang Baeksu tidal flat area, and CE1802 and CE1803 migrated north and inhabited Taean-gun. In 2019, CE1901 showed a similar pattern to CE1801, and CE1902 migrated southward to the Wando-gun area, while CE1903 moved south to the Sinan-gun area then returned to the Yeonggwang Baeksu tidal flat area, showing KDE 50%. The study results confirmed that the Chinese Egret moved broadly around the flat tidal area on the west coast to find a stable habitat during the post-fledging stage. Efforts to protect the habitat, such as limiting the development of this area and restricting human access, are necessary.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.321-333
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• 2021

Purpose: Reflux esophagitis is a disease caused by the reflux of stomach contents and stomach acid etc. into the esophagus due to defect in the lower esophageal sphincter and is currently increasing worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a mixture of Citrus Reticulata and Scutellariae Radix (CS) extract on acute reflux esophagitis in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into five groups for examination: normal group (Normal, n = 8), water-treated acute reflux esophagitis rats (Control, n = 8), tocopherol 30 mg/kg body weight-treated acute reflux esophagitis rats (Toco, n = 8), CS 100 mg/kg body weight-treated acute reflux esophagitis rats (CS100, n = 8), CS 200 mg/kg body weight-treated acute reflux esophagitis rats (CS200, n = 8). The experimental groups were administrated of each treatment compounds and after 90 min, acute reflux esophagitis was induced through surgery. Rats were sacrificed 5 h after surgery. We measured the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum and analyzed the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, inflammatory, and tight junction-related proteins by western blot in the esophageal tissues. Results: CS administration significantly protected the esophageal mucosal damage due to reflux esophagitis, and the level of ROS in the serum was significantly reduced with CS administration as compared to Control. In addition, CS administration significantly suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK or MAP kinase) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways and increased protein expressions of tight junction protein. Conclusion: These results suggest that the CS not only regulates the expression of inflammatory proteins by inhibiting oxidative stress, but also reduces damage to the esophageal mucosa by inhibiting the expression of tight junction proteins.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.237-255
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• 2021

Lychnis wilfordii (Regel) Maxim. is one of the wetland specialists mainly distributed in peatlands at high latitudes. In Korea, it is isolated in two regions. This study investigated habitats, growth traits, and self-compatibility of L. wilfordii and assessed the internal dynamics of its population persistence. Its population has remained stable in the Yongneup Wetland Protected Area (YWPA). There was a clear difference in vegetation environment between YWPA and the distribution area in Daegwallyeong (DWL), Pyeongchang-gun. It has self-compatibility while pollinators facilitate its seed production. It produces a large number of hibernacles and bears the maximum number of branches and fruits in soil with rich organic contents. However, it grows and bears fruits even under the condition of low organic contents. In YWPA, L. wilfordii is not distributed in high moor but widely distributed in low moor where tussocks by Carex thunbergii var. appendiculata are developed. It is mainly distributed on the top of tussocks also. Therefore, it is judged that the formation, growth, and extinction of tussocks by C. thunbergii var. appendiculata is closely related to the establishment, growth, and extinction of plants distributed in this space. It is assessed that the current YWPA has well-developed tussocks in which L. wilfordii is widely distributed, and extinction and re-establishment progress well. Accordingly, the L. wilfordii population is expected to be sustainable in the long term given if its current ecological process is maintained well.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1163-1174
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• 2021

Casein-derived antioxidant peptides by using microbial proteases have gained increasing attention. Combination of two microbial proteases, Protin SD-NY10 and Protease A "Amano" 2SD, was employed to hydrolyze casein to obtain potential antioxidant peptides that were identified by LC-MS/MS, chemically synthesized and characterized in a oxidatively damaged HepG2 cell model. Four peptides, YQLD, FSDIPNPIGSEN, FSDIPNPIGSE, YFYP were found to possess high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability. Evaluation with HepG2 cells showed that the 4 peptides at low concentrations (< 1.0 mg/ml) protected the cells against oxidative damage. The 4 peptides exhibited different levels of antioxidant activity by stimulating mRNA and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), but decreasing the mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Furthermore, these peptides decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but increased glutathione (GSH) production in HepG2 cells. Therefore, the 4 casein-derived peptides obtained by using microbial proteases exhibited different antioxidant activity by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, and they could serve as potential antioxidant agents in functional foods or pharmaceutic preparation.