Honey used as conventional medicine has various pharmacological properties. In the honey and anti-inflammatory effect, Gelam honey and Manuka honey has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity. However, the anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanisms of acacia honey (AH) are not well understood. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of AH in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AH attenuated NO production through inhibition of iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AH also decreased the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MCP-1 expression as a pro-inflammatory chemokine. In the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms, AH decreased LPS-mediated IκB-α degradation and subsequent nuclear accumulation of p65, which resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 cells. AH dose-dependently suppressed LPS-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, AH significantly inhibited ATF2 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of ATF2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that AH has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1 via interruption of the NF-κB and MAPK/ATF2 signaling pathways.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of branch extracts of Vaccinium oldhamii (VOB) on melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. VOB promoted melanin production in absence or presence of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in B16F10 cells. However, VOB did not affect the expression of tyrosinase and TRP-1 associated with melanin synthesis at the mRNA and protein levels in B16F10. But, VOB decreased TRP-2 protein level and induced tyrosinase activation in B16F10 cells. Inhibition of tyrosinase activity and tyrosinase knockdown attenuated VOB-mediated melanin synthesis. In conclusion, VOB may stimulate melanin synthesis through activating tyrosinase activity.

In this study, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of silymarin by which silymarin may inhibits cell proliferation in human colorectal cancer cells in order to search the new potential anti-cancer target associated with the cell growth arrest. Silymarin reduced the level of c-Myc protein but not mRNA level indicating that silymarin-mediated downregulation of c-Myc may result from the proteasomal degradation. In the confirmation of silymarin-mediated c-Myc degradation, MG132 as a proteasome inhibitor attenuated c-Myc degradation by silymarin. In addition, silymarin phosphorylated the threonine-58 (Thr58) of c-Myc and the point mutation of Thr58 to alanine blocked its degradation by silymarin, which indicates that Thr58 phosphorylation may be an important modification for silymarin-mediated c-Myc degradation. We observed that the inhibition of ERK1/2, p38 and GSK3β blocked the Thr58 phosphorylation and subsequent c-Myc degradation by silymarin. Finally, the point mutation of Thr58 to alanine attenuated silymarin-mediated inhibition of the cell growth. The results suggest that silymarin induces the cell growth arrest through c-Myc proteasomal degradation via ERK1/2, p38 and GSK3β-dependent Thr58 phosphorylation.

4-Nonylphenol (NP) is a surfactant that is a well-known and widespread estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Although it has been known that the affinity of NP to ERs is low, it has been suggested that low-dose NP has toxicity. In the present study, the endocrine disrupting effects on reproduction, and the weight of gonads, epididymis, and uterus were evaluated with the chronic lower-dose NP exposing. This study was designed by following the OECD test guideline 443 and subjected to a complete necropsy. In male, NP had an effect on the weight of the testis and epididymis in both F0 and F1. In females, NP decreased the weight of ovary and uterus in F0 but not in pre-pubertal F1 pubs. Fertility of male and female in F0 or F1 was no related with NP administration. The number of caudal-epididymal sperm by body weight (BW) was not different between groups in both F0 and F1. Besides, the difference of the sperm number between generations was not detected. The number of ovulated oocytes was similar between groups in F0, but significantly decreased in NP 50 group of F1. The litter size and sex ratios of offspring in F1 and F2 were not different. The accumulated mating rate and gestation period were not affected by the NP administration. Those results shows that chronic lower-dose NP administration has an effect of endocrine disruptor on the weight of gonads and epididymis of F0 and F1 but not in reproduction. Based on the results, it is suggested that chronic lower-dose NP exposing causes endocrine disruption in the weight of gonad and epididymis but not in the reproductive ability of next generations.

Background : To select plant resources of the possibility of development as a natural antioxidant, the antioxidant activities including total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power (RP) of perilla accessions collected from South Korea were conducted. Method and Results : A total of 18 perilla accessions by regions were selected. Two grams of dried perilla leaves were extracted with 85% ethanol and used for analysis of antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity value was measured in a spectrophotometer. Perilla extracts showed variation in TPC ranging from 30.87 to 92.66 ㎍ GAE ㎎-1 dw. ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and RP ranged from 6.83 to 38.64 ㎍ Trolox ㎎-1 dw, 0.63 to 8.62 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, 5.05 to 17.57 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, and 4.52 to 35.69 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, respectively. TPC was high in perilla leaves of Gyeongsang-do, but other antioxidant activities were high in perilla leaves of Chungcheong-do. Cluster analysis based on antioxidant acitivities of 18 perilla accessions consist of group Ⅰ (3 accessions), Ⅱ (2 accessions), Ⅲ (5 accessions) and Ⅳ (8 accessions). Group Ⅱ characterized as higher antioxidant activities than other groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on antioxidant data revealed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) together explained 97.78 % total variation. Conclusion : IT242410 and IT235354 of group Ⅱ showed high antioxidant activity. These resources will be useful for developing natural antioxidants.

Background : The geographical origin of Panax ginseng Meyer, a valuable medicinal plant, is important to both ginseng producers and consumers in the context of economic profit and human health benefits. We therefore aimed to discriminate between the cultivation regions of ginseng using the stable isotope ratios of C, N, O, and S, which are abundant bio-elements in living organisms. Methods and Results : The C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and then these isotope ratios profiling was statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The various isotope ratios found in Panax ginseng roots were significantly influenced by region, cultivar, and the interactions between these two factors (P ≤ 0.0002). In particular, δ18O was lower in ginseng roots grown at high altitudes (r = −0.47), while δ34S was higher in ginseng roots grown close to coastal areas (r = −0.48). Chemometric results provided discrimination between the majorities of different cultivation regions. Conclusion : Our case study extends the understanding about the variation of C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng root depending on cultivation region. Hence, the analysis of stable isotope ratios is a suitable tool for discrimination between the regional origins of ginseng samples from Korea, with potential application to other countries.

Background : Corrosion is one of the most devastating problems faced by most industries. Mild steel has played a vital role in various fields due to the excellent mechanical properties of mild steel such as low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, good environmental stability, high thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Methods and Results : The total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the methanolic extract of C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua leaf have been examined, and its corrosion inhibition performance was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization measurements. The surface morphology of mild steel was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The percentage composition of polyphenolic compounds was found to be higher in C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua plant extracts, and it was proved to be a superior, eco-friendly, and anti-corrosive inhibitor for mild steel in 1M of H2SO4. The Tafel polarization studies indicate that the plant extract is a mixed-type inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy/energy -dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies confirmed the formation of a protective film on the metal surface. The corrosion inhibition of the C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua plant extracts was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible spectra, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies; these show the strong interaction between the metal surface and the inhibitor. Conclusion : The methanolic extract was prepared the two different plants like C. grandiflora, and R. verniciflua was studied the corrosion inhibition on the mild steel specimen in acidic medium through various methods involving weight loss measurements, EIS, and potentiodynamic polarization. The results shows that the C. grandiflora, and R. verniciflua plant extracts illustrate an effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel with good anticorrosion properties in acidic environmen

Background : Recently, with the growth of traditional medicine industry, management of the quality of herbal medications as a raw material for functional food and medicine becomes more important. One of the most difficult problems of quality control of medicinal plants is management in storage insects. The problem of storage insects is a matter that must be resolved in order to safely obtain raw materials in herbal sector. But the basic prevention measures as well as grasp of the exact situation in the field are not yet. In this study, we investigated to see the problems and solutions through a review of storage pest management system of medicinal plants and the relevant provisions in herbal sector. Methods and Results : For this study, we examined the Status of domestic distribution, storage pest control techniques, news, domestic and import regulations. Storage pests that occur in herbal medications have dropped commercial value and it leads to consumer mistrust. A report said that consumers who had found at least once a pest and microbial contamination when they buy a herbal medications is more than 50% (2004, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). In the past, those who want to solve these problems had tried through the sulfur fumigation. However, due to concerns about the risk to humans nowadays it was banned in many countries. According to the latest editions of Korean Pharmacopoeia (KP), it is allowed to use a suitable fumigant. but the domestic and imported medicinal plants during distribution can not be used it. Because currently registered fumigant (aluminium phosphide) is allowed only imported medicinal plants in the quarantine process. Chemical fumigation is inappropriate for use in foods and pharmaceuticals so the introduction of eco-friendly control methods is urgent. Eco-friendly methods of pest control that is currently being developed include a cold storage, packaging, high temperature and frozen method etc. Conclusion : These methods should be considered potential cost and Feasibility and it should meet the condition that stated “"Do not change the therapeutic effects of the herbal medications.” in the KP. Also supporting policy for expanding low temperature storage facilities in distribution area will raise possibility of success.

Background : Most of cases in korea, distributed herbal medications are storaged in room temperature and it causes many insect pests during storage. Despite the fact, there is little research about storage conditions. Temperature and humidity in storehouse are highly related with pests’ overwintering, generation length and the number of occurrence in summer. Consequently, in this research, major pests’ overwintering was studied by reviewing facility condition, temperature and humidity in major regional storehouses. The results of this would help to develop how to manage pest occurrence in distributed herbal medications. Methods and Results : For this study, storage facilities was investigated at different regions including Gyeongdong Market in Seoul, the pharmaceutical company in Daegu and farmhouse in Youngcheon by monitering temperature, humidity, ventilator, air conditioning and heating on ground and underground places from June 2014 to July 2016. including Upon investigation, most of building using for storage had simple ventilators. Whereas in case of farmhouse, it is vulnerable to maintaining quality. Because most farmhouse had temporary buildings which are difficult to control temperature and humidity. In addition, among the other surveyed warehouses, Basement in the Gyeongdong Market had most favorable condition for pest overwintering. The lowest temperature of it was seldom below zero maintaining level of about 1.5℃ and average temperature was about 10℃ in underground warehouse during winter. And the ground warehouse of Daegu had similar patterns in temperature and humidity with that of Seoul in that being over 0℃ even in the winter. In Youngcheon, the temperature of farmhouse was below zero degree and the daily range of temperature and humidity was wide. It caused difficulty of overwintering of insect pests but possible to inhabit. Conclusion : According to a study by Han-Mo, Koo(1997), it was impossible to overwinter for Lasioderma serricorne F. which is dominant medicinal plants’ pest in north of the Chungcheong region’s warehouse due to low temperature. But in case of investigated warehouses, it was possible to overwinter because of the high temperature in office building or basement storage area. In order to make prediction of pest occurrence and comprehensive measures, it is urgent to take more investigation by regional groups and types of storage.

Background : Garlic is one of the important vegetables and a source of natural anti-oxidants. This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activities including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picr yl-hydrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reducing power (RP) and total polyphenol content (TPC) of A. ampel oprasum L. Methods and Results : DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, TPC, and RP were analyzed the extract of aerial plant part in 22 accessions of A. ampeloprasum by spectrophotometry mathod. A. tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng. was used as a control. DPPH was ranged from 0.35 to 3.06 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw. ABTS and FRAP showed wide variation from 4.37 to 29.30 ㎍ Trolox ㎎-1 dw and 3.18 to 10.8 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, respectively. RP and TPC were ranged from 3.43 to 9.51 ㎍ GAE ㎎-1 dw, and 0.8 to 18.63 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, respectively. Cluster analysis of A. ampeloprasum germplasm was divided into two major groups. Group Ⅰ (7 accessions) characterized as higher antioxidant activities than the group Ⅱ (15 accessions) and had similar antioxidant activities with A. tuberosum as a control. FRAP value showed a significant strong positive correlation with DPPH (r = 0.868*) and ABTS activity (r = 0.826*). Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) cumulatively explained 85.64 % of total variation. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that A. ampeloprasum aerial parts might have useful as a new material for functional food.

Background : The natural stable isotope ratio of common bio-elements like carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or sulfur (S) varies with diverse isotope fractionation processes in nature. Therefore, measuring the variation of these stable isotope ratios in ginseng roots can be a feasible tool to discriminate the geographical origins of ginseng in Korea. Methods and Results : The 3-year-old six Korean ginseng cultivars were cultivated at the five regions in Korea, and then used for measuring the stable isotope ratios of C, N, O, and S by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The mean C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratio values in the ginseng roots significantly differed according to the cultivation regions (p < 0.05). However, these isotope ratios in ginseng roots had relatively weak discriminative power against to the ginseng cultivars at each cultivation region. The interaction of the cultivation region and ginseng cultivar type also significantly affected to the C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratio in ginseng roots (p < 0.0001). The two-dimensional plots associated with the N stable isotope ratio can effectively separate the ginseng roots in Jinan compared to those in the other regions. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis showed more significant separation between ginseng geographical origins compared to the principal component analysis. Conclusion : Our findings improve our understanding of how the isotope composition of ginseng roots varies with respect to cultivation regions and cultivars, and suggest that the analysis of the stable isotope ratios combined with chemometrics can be used as a feasible tool to discriminate geographical origin of ginseng in Korea.

Background : Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is one of the important oriental medicinal herbs being used to cure lung/respiratory diseases. It belongs to the five Sam (ginseng) including Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Sophora flavescens, and Scrophularia buergeriana. In 2015, Korea produced 72 tons of medicinal herbs in a 14-hectare area and imported 24 tons valued at US$95,000. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of several biopesticides to control leaf spot of A. triphylla var. japonica Hara. Methods and Results : One year plants at the Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA were used. The treatments used biopesticides such as plant extracts (BP), microbial agent (DM), microbial agent (PJ), sulfur powder (HS), and controlled chemicals (ST), while non treatment (NT) was used as control. After the early part of disease outbreak, the plants were treated four times with 7 days interval. The incidence of leaf spot, efficacy, phytotoxicity and control value were investigated. Based on the efficacy test, incidence of leaf spot is lowest at 15.6% in plant extracts (BP). Other biopesticides showed higher incidence - 16.7% for microbial agent (DM), 17.8% for microbial agent (PJ), 18.9% for sulfur powder (HS) and 71.1% for non treatment (NT), compared with 11.1% in controlled chemicals (ST). The microbial agent (PJ), sulfur powder (HS), plant extracts (BP) and microbial agent (DM) were not damaged in the phytotoxicity test. In the test of application dose, time and methods, the control value was highest in plant extracts (BP) at 78.1%, followed by microbial agent (DM) at 76.6%, microbial agent (PJ) at 75.0%, and sulfur powder (HS) at 73.4% , compared with controlled chemicals (ST) at 84.4%. Conclusion : It is possible to use biopesticides at the proper time to prevent leaf spot in Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara.

Background : Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is used to cure respiratory/ lung diseases, which makes it an important oriental medicinal herb. It is one of the five Sam (ginseng), which includes Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Sophora flavescens, and Scrophularia buergeriana. In 2015, Korea imported 24 tons of medicinal herbs worth US$95,000. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of several mulching materials on the growth and root yield of A. triphylla var. japonica using organic fertilizer. Methods and Result : Seeds of A. triphylla var. japonica were collected at the nursery of the Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA in 2015. Mulching materials used are black plastic, black woven fabric, and biodegradable plastic. Hand weeding was done to serve as control. The soil was fertilized two months before planting. Seeds of A. triphylla var. japonica were sowed in tray in early March and were allowed to grow for two months. It was planted in early May with planting density of 30 ㎝ x 15 ㎝ and was covered with various mulching materials. Parameters investigated are survival rate, aerial part and root growth characteristics, and yield at harvest time. Results showed that biodegradable plastic is most favorable for plant growth with height of 17.2cm, leaf length of 13.4cm and leaf width of 5.6 ㎝. Dry plant weight was heaviest in biodegradable plastic treatment at 2.8 g, and lightest at 2.5 g when planted without mulch. Biodegradable plastic has the highest dry root weight of 19.3 g, followed by black vinyl (18.4 g), woven fabric (18.3 g) and without mulch (17.9 g). The yield obtained per 10 a was highest in biodegradable plastic treatment at 174 ㎏, while black vinyl and woven fabric treatments produced 169 ㎏ and 160 ㎏, respectively. Plants without mulch had the lowest yield of 157 ㎏. Conclusion : In the above results, biodegradable plastic and woven fabric are considered suitable mulching materials for the cultivation of A. triphylla var. japonica.

Background : Angelica gigas N., one of the herbs has been used most frequently with Glycyrrhiza uralensis. It is usually cultivated in semi-alpine of more than 400m in North Central province of South Korea. However its production is becoming more unstable due to the climate change especially abnormally high temperature. In particular, the environmental change may cause not only a change in production but also a change in active ingredient of Angelica gigas N. This study was performed to investigate these problems. Methods and Results : This study was carried out in temperature gradient tunnel(TGT) in Pyeongchang, Gangwon province. Temperature conditions were maintained the ambient+0~2℃ (T1), ambient+2~4℃(T2), ambient+4~5℃(T3) throughout the year. We planted and grown one year old seedlings of Angelica gigas N. from mid-April to early November. As a result, there was no difference in early growth of Angelica gigas N. among the temperature range but there was a difference between each treatment region from the survey in June. Average length of soot in T1, T2, T3 was the largest(36cm), medium(27cm), smallest(19cm) respectively. This trend was similar to a survey in September and November. Each of death rate was 0%(T1), 19%(T2), 71%(T3). There was no bolting according to the temperature. The yield of a plant of Angelica gigas N. was 476g(T1), 76g(T2), 26g(T3), respectively. Production of Angelica gigas N. is foreseen 84.7% and 94.5% reduction if the temperature rises to 3±1℃ and 4±1℃ more than it is at present based on temperature in Pyeongchang 2015. Total amount of Decursin was reduced at higher temperatures. Conclusion : The results of this study show that quality and production of Angelica gigas N. is expected to decline significantly if the temperature rise than the current. Therefore development of various techniques is required to response to climate change.

Background : The roots of Curcuma longa Radix is used to make herbal medicine, which is registrated in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. This species is a perennial herb, and is distributed throughout tropical and/or sub tropical regions. High temperature and humidity with small difference between daytime and nighttime is the finest environment condition in this species. Recently, demand for C. longa has been expanded to cultivation area as central region from southern region. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of harvest time on the growth, yield characteristics and main composition contents in C. longa. Methods and Results : Curcuma longa rhizomes were harvested from farmland in Jindo, Jeollanam-do in end October, early November, middle November, end November, early December, middle December and end December 2015. Harvested rhizome were dried in hot air drier, and it was investigated as growth characteristics and yield. Contents of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin was analyzed from dried powder of rhizome. The analysis column was used to Phenomenex, Kinetex 2.6um F5 100A 100*2.1mm. 10 mg of standard was taken, 80% MeOH was added to dissolve in 10 ㎖ flask. 0.5, 1, 2, 4 ㎖ was taken from dissolved solution and then was added to 10 ㎖ of 80% MeOH. It was filtered through 0.45 ㎛ filter and then 5 μℓ was taken to make standard solution. Analytical calibration curve was measured to diluted solution within sample concentration. 2 g of ground sample was taken, 40㎖ of 80% MeOH was added to extract by ultrasound sonication during 60 minutes and then it was filtered through 0.2 ㎛ filter to analyze component content. Conclusion : The root weight significantly increased from 376.1 g in end October to 695.9 g in end December as 1.8 double. Curcumin contents differed significantly among harvest times in end November and early December. Demethoxycurcumin increased from early November to end November, and Bisdemethoxycurcumin increased to the early November.

Background : Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. is used to cure internal organ, which is called to important one of the five “Sam (ginseng)” oriental medicinal herbs included Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Sophora flavescens, Scrophularia buergeriana. Korea imported 24 ton 129 thousand dollar for medicinal herbs and 23 ton 29 thousand dollar for food at 2013. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of several organic compost on the growth and root yield of A. triphylla var japonica with organic fertilizer. Methods and Results : Seeds were collected from Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara. at last year in nursery of Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA. Four types organic fertilizer (germiculture (GG), granular mix oil cake (CJ), mixed organic (DJ), plant oil cake (TG)), chemical fertilizer (CF) and non-fertilizer (NF) were treated. It was fertilized on soil before 2 month of planting. Seeds A. triphylla var. japonica were sowed in tray at early March and then were grown during 2 month. It were planted in furrowed nursery at early with 30 × 10 cm planting distance and black vinyl covering condition. Soil chemical property, survival rate, aerial part and root growth characteristics and yield were investigated at harvest time. For main composition analysis, 10 mg of standard (b-sitosterol, lupenone) was taken, 80% MeOH was added to dissolve in 10 ㎖ flask. 0.5, 1, 2, 4 ㎖ was taken from dissolved solution and then was added to 10 ㎖ of 80% MeOH. It was filtered through 0.45 ㎛ filter and then 5 μℓ was taken to make standard solution. Analytical calibration curve was measured to diluted solution within sample concentration. 2 g of ground sample was taken, 40㎖ of 80% MeOH was added to extract by ultrasound sonication during 60 minutes and then it was filtered through 0.2 ㎛ filter to analyze component content. Conclusion : GG and DJ were the most suitable for organic cultivation of denophora triphylla var. japonica. Content of beta-sitosterol showed the highest value in DJ treatment and the lowest value in CF. Content of lupenone showed the highest value in DJ and the lowest value in CJ.

Although Sophorae Flos (SF) has been reported to exert an anti-cancer activity, molecular targets and mechanisms associated with anti-cancer activity of SF have been unclear. Because cyclin D1 has been regarded as an important regulator in the cell proliferation, we focused cyclin D1 and investigated the effect of SF on the cyclin D1 regulation in light of elucidating the molecular mechanism for SF’s anti-cancer activity. The treatment of SF decreased cellular accumulation of cyclin D1 protein. However, SF did not change the level of cyclin D1 mRNA. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation by MG132 attenuated SF-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation and the half-life of cyclin D1 was decreased in the cells treated with SF. In addition, a point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine attenuated SF-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by a selective inhibitor, PD98059 suppressed cyclin D1 downregulation by SF. From these results, we suggest that SF-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation may result from proteasomal degradation through its threonine-286 phosphorylation via ERK1/2. SF-induced proteasomal degradation of cyclin D1 might inhibit proliferation in human colorectal cancer cells. The current study provides information on molecular events for an anti-cancer activity of SF

The flower buds of Sophora japonica L (SF), as a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, have been used to treat bleeding-related disorders such as hematochezia, hemorrhoidal bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and diarrhea. However, no specific anti-cancer effect and its molecular mechanism of SF have been described. Thus, we performed in vitro study to investigate if treatment of SF affects activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) expression and ATF3-mediated apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. The effects of SF on cell viability and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay and Western blot analysis against cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). ATF3 activation induced by SF was evaluated using Western blot analysis, RT-PCR and ATF3 promoter assay. SF treatment caused decrease of cell viability and increase of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Exposure of SF activated the levels of ATF3 protein and mRNA via transcriptional regulation in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 by PD98059 and p38 by SB203580 attenuated SF-induced ATF3 expression and transcriptional activation. Ectopic ATF3 overexpression accelerated SF-induced cleavage of PARP. These findings suggest that SF-mediated apoptosis may be the result of ATF3 expression through ERK1/2 and p38-mediated transcriptional activation.

Polyethylene and polystyrene are frequently used resins for making food container including cup noodle bowls. In the pre-sent study, we investigated the potential risks of polyethylene and polystyrene cup noodle containers by cytotoxicity tests such as agar diffusion assay, filter diffusion assay, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We exposed CCL-1 mouse fibroblast cell line to the polyethylene and polystyrene cup noodle containers indirectly through agar gel. We also used eluents derived from the cup noodle containers by storing them for 24 h at 70℃ in liquids, such as distilled water or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Both polyethylene and polystyrene cup noodle container specimen were found to be non-cytotoxic in agar diffusion assay as well as filter diffusion assay. The eluents from polystyrene using DMSO showed slight cytotoxicity in MTT assay.

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a member of Potyviridae family, is one of the most typical viral diseases and results in yield and quality loss of cultivated soybean. Due to the depletion of genetic resources for resistance breeding, a trial of genetic transformation to improve disease resistance has been performed by introducing SMV-CP and HC-Pro gene by RNA interference (RNAi) method via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic plants were infected with SMV strain G5 and investigated the viral response. As a result, two lines (3 and 4) of SMV-CP(RNAi) transgenic plants and three lines (2, 5 and 6) of HC-Pro(RNAi) transgenic plants showed viral resistance. In genomic Southern blot analysis, most of lines contained at least one T-DNA insertion in both SMV-CP(RNAi) and HC-Pro(RNAi) transgenic plants. Subsequent investigation confirmed that no viral CP and HC-Pro gene expression was detected in two SMV-resistant lines of SMV-CP(RNAi) and three lines of HC-Pro(RNAi) transgenic plants, respectively. On the other hand, non-transgenic plants and other lines showed viral RNA expression. Viral symptoms affected seed morphology, and clean seeds were harvested from SMV-resistant line of SMV-CP(RNAi) and HC-Pro(RNAi) transgenic plants. In addition, strong viral gene expression was detected from seeds of SMV-susceptible non-transgenic plants and SMV-susceptible transgenic lines. When compared the viral resistance between SMV-CP(RNAi) and HC-Pro(RNAi) transgenic plants, soybean transgenic plants with the HC-Pro gene using RNAi strategy showed much stronger and higher frequency of viral resistance.