We have previously shown that the specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 (LY29), and its inactive analog LY303511 (LY30), inhibit a monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells; these results suggest the potential of LY30 as an anti-inflammatory drug. In this study, we determined the effects of LY30 on the production of various inflammatory cytokines in human macrophagic THP-1 cells which were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LY30 selectively suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-12 p40, TNF-α, and MCP-1 without affecting the expression of IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8. Inhibition of the production of IL-12 and TNF-α by LY30 was also demonstrated using ELISA assays. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of the action of LY30, we examined the role played by the mitogen-activated protein kinases and the key transcription factors, AP-1 and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. The results revealed that LY30 inhibited LPS-induced activation of ERK, but not p38 or JNK. Furthermore, the AP-1 DNA binding activity was suppressed by LY30 based upon the dosage, whereas NF-κB DNA binding was not affected. These results suggest that LY30 selectively inhibits cytokine production in the LPS-stimulated macrophagic THP-1 cells by downregulating the activation of ERK and AP-1.

DNA-based markers have been used in various fields like molecular biology and crop breeding program. DNA marker is able to be used for protection of genetic resource and quantification of specific cultivar. Eleven DNA markers have been developed for Korean wheat cultivar identification in 2013-2014. 27 of 32 wheat cultivars were distinguished by 11 DNA markers. In this study, we developed four DNA markers, KWSM0012, KWSM0013, KWSM0014 and KWSM0015, derived from SSR and SNP analysis. Consequently, 32 Korean wheat cultivars were identified by 15 DNA markers. We are convinced that these new DNA markers are very useful for wheat varieties DNA fingerprinting and are able to be applied to marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding program in Korea.

A reliable and selective liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection method for determination of antiprotozoals (selamectin, doramectin and fenbendazol) has been described. HPLC separation of active constituents was achieved on various C18 columns using methanol, acetonitrile, 0.1% phosphoric acid, acetic acid and distilled water as mobile phase, with UV detection at 243, 245 and 224 nm. The analytical procedure has been successfully identified. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, repeatability and intermediated precision. All calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 of 0.9999) within the concentrations ranges (0~200, 0~200 and 50~400 μg/mL). The accuracy and repeatability showed 99%, 100%, 100% and below 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, respectively. The precision tests conducted for 3 days in three different concentrations with standard also revealed below 3.5%, 2.4% and 2.7%. The method has also been applied successfully to monitor post-market 5 veterinary products of which active ingredient are selamectin, doramectin and fenbendazol. There were no non-compliant products.

To determine the medicinal properties of Pleurotus cornucopiae and Safflower Oil (PS), the osteoblast effect was investigated. PS can prevent estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss. It was taken the measurements of biochemical factors such as serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, IGF-1, and bone status. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups for 12 weeks of treatment: (1) sham operation (SHAM) + vehicle; (2) ovariectomy (OVX) + vehicle; (3) OVX + 17β-estradiol (25 μg/kg); (4) OVX + PS (300 mg/kg/d, PO). At the end of the experiment, bone turnover, and trabecular microarchitecture were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histopathology, respectively. Ovariectomized rats experienced remarkable increases in global volumetric bone density, and trabecular microarchitecture deterioration. These OVX-induced pathological changes are reversible in that most of them could be mostly corrected upon 17β-estradiol treatment. PNS treatment significantly prevented bone mass loss and microarchitecture deterioration. Moreover, PS enhanced osteoblast activity but suppressed osteoclast turnover, as evidenced by decreased levels of serum C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase. PS mitigates estrogen deficiency-induced deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.