In this study, we evaluated the effect of branch (STB) and leave (STL) extracts from Sageretia thea on β-catenin level in human colorecal cancer cells, SW480 and lung cancer cells, A549. STB and STL dose-dependently suppressed the growth of SW480 and A549 cells. STB and STL decreased β-catenin level in both protein and mRNA level. MG132 decreased the downregulation of β-catenin protein level induced by STB and STL. However, the inhibition of GSK3β by LiCl or ROS scavenging by NAC did not block the reduction of β-catenin protein by STB and STL. Our results suggested that STB and STL may downregulate β-catenin protein level independent on GSK3β and ROS. Based on these findings, STB and STL may be a potential candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer and lung cancer.

천연물 유래 단일 성분의 지방세포로의 분화 및 지방축적 억제효과에 대한 잠재성을 탐색하기 위해 본 연구에서는 화살나무의 껍질에서 분리 정제한 FG가 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에 있어서 지방세포로의 분화 및 지방구 축적에 미치는 영향에 대해 평가하고, 관련 메카니즘에 대해 검토하였다. FG는 분화용 배지에 포함된 분화 촉진인자들의 자극에 의한 지방생성에 있어 주요한 전사인자인 PPARγ와 그 표적 단백질인 FABP4의 발현을 억제함으로써 지방세포 분화 및 지방구 축적을 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 이상의 결과로부터 FG가 비만이나 비만과 관련된 당뇨병 등을 예방, 개선하는데 유용한 물질로 사용될 가능성이 있을 것으로 생각된다.

약용버섯(상황·영지) β-glucan 미세캡슐 제품을 10℃, 25℃, 40℃에서 5개월 동안 저장하며 한 달 간격으로 수분함량, 색도 및 일반세균 변화를 조사하고 식품 유통기한 설정 프로그램을 이용하여 유통기한을 예측하였다. 수분함량 변화 결과 상황버섯 β-glucan 미세캡슐은 저장기간 동안 25℃와 40℃에서는 변화가 없었으나 10℃에서는 3개월째에서 증가한 후 감소하였고, 영지버섯 β-glucan 미세캡슐은 저장기간 동안 25℃와 40℃에서 약간의 증가 및 감소가 있었으나 10℃에서는 저장 3개월째에서 초기값보다 감소한 후 증가하였다. 색도 변화는 상황버섯, 영지버섯 β-glucan 미세캡슐 모두 10℃, 25℃, 40℃에서 저장 5개월째까지 큰 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 일반세균은 상황버섯, 영지버섯 β-glucan 미세캡슐의 저장기간 및 저장온도에 따른 큰 변화 없이 초기값을 유지하였다. 이들 결과를 바탕으로 상황버섯 β-glucan 미세캡슐은 30.11개월이었고, 영지버섯 β-glucan 미세캡슐은 24.82개월의 유통기한을 최종적으로 산출하였다. 따라서 약용버섯(상황·영지) β-glucan 미세캡슐 제품의 유통기한을 각각 24개월로 설정하는 것이 바람직할 것으로 사료된다.

Background : Hair care products are mainly prepared by mixing chemicals and natural extracts, such as those obtained from medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 70% ethanolic extracts from the whole plant of Houttuynia cordata and tymosin β4 powder mixtures on the growth of HaCat cells, hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC), and 3T3-L1 cells. Methods and Results : In the ratio of tymosin β4 more than 10% concentrations, the cell viability of HaCat and HFDPC cell were increased by higher tymosin β4 concentrations. The mixtures of 70% ethanolic extract of H. cordata and tymosin β4 had no toxicity potential to 3T3-L1 cell viability. In this test, the content of thymosin β4 was higher concentration, as the anti-inflammatory effect was increased. The lipid differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells adipogenesis rate significantly increased in a treatment concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that a optimal mixture ratio of hair growth effect was 70% ethanolic extract of H. cordata solution 50% and tymosin β4 solution 50%. This mixture solution could be used in the development of hair care products.

Background : Carotenoids are pigments that are found in plants, fruits, bacteria, and fungi. β -carotene and canthaxanthin are orange pigments among thousands of carotenoids that possess potent antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to determine β-carotene and cantaxanthin in 55 Kimchi cabbage germplasm using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Method and Results : 55 Kimchi cabbage accessions were sown in plug trays in the end of August, 2016. All the tissue samples were freeze-dried for 1 week and ground into fine powder and stored at -20℃ until analysis. Crude carotenoids from freeze-dried materials (100 mg) were extracted using 1 ㎖ of 100% (v/v) hexane in 10 minutes by using sonication bath followed by centrifugation. The average β-carotene contents was 1.43 ㎎·㎏-1 and ranged from 0.76 (IT 120045) to 2.25 ㎎·㎏-1 (IT 100378). The average canthaxanthin content in the entire domain of sample was 0.59 ㎎·㎏-1 with a range between 0.36 (IT 32746) and 1.08 ㎎․㎏-1 (IT 100386). Canthaxanthin content was significantly positively correlated with β-carotene (r = 0.65**) and leaf length (r = 0.63**). However, canthaxanthin was negatively correlated with cotyledon color (r = -0.41**). Principal component analysis results of the first two components (PC1 and PC2) explained 44.53% of the point variability. Conclusion : The resources with the highest β-carotene and canthaxanthin content are IT 100378, 100386, 100391, and 110828. This study could be useful to select a potential sources of health beneficial carotenoids (β-carotene and canthaxanthin) in Kimchi cabbage germplasm in nutraceutical formulations and for further applications as a breeding material and other research activities.

Background : Ginseng seeds are harvested in immature stages and take 3 - 4 month to be germinated following cold stratification. Improvement of germination speed can be a valuable traits to be characterized for economically important medicinal plant. Modulation of cell wall compositions is also considered as another agricultural trait when the crops can be processed for foods and forages. Here we show the functional characterization of ginseng pPLAIIIβ focused on its possible values on germination and modulation of cell wall compositions. Methods and Results : Patatin-related phospholipase AIII family genes were identified from ginseng EST clones and further confirmed by PCR. Clone showing the highest homology with pPLAIIIβ was overexpressed in model plant Arabidopsis, and it displayed dwarf plants. qPCR analysis showed that pPLAIIIβ expressed in all organs of 2-years-old ginseng. Overexpression of ginseng pPLAIIIβ also displayed apparently enlarged seeds as well as altered germination speed in early stage compared to the control. Chemical stainings and direct quantification of lignin and cellulose were performed to understand the link of cell elongation patterns and cell wall compositions. Conclusion : Overexpression of ginseng pPLAIIIβ inhibited longitudinal cell elongation in all tested organs except seeds which is enlarged in both directions than the control. Shorter root length is related with auxin responsive genes and its dwarf morphological phenotype is resulted in altered cell wall compositions.

만성적인 염증은 낭포성 섬유증, 암, 치매, 아토피성 질환, 비만 등과 같은 염증성 질환의 원인이 된다. 또한 염증의 발생단계에 관여하는 일부 신호물질은 피부조직의 손상과 노화에도 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있기 때문에 염증발생 매커니즘을 조절하기 위한 연구가 활발하게 이루어지고 있다. 최근에는 염증반응을 억제하거나 예방하기 위해, 몇몇 식물로부터 항염증 소재를 개발하려는 연구들이 이루어지고 있다. 특히 Stevia rebaudiana는 특유의 풍미를 가지는 천연감미료 스테비올배당체(steviol glycoside, SG)를 생성하는데, 일부 SG 에 대한 연구를 통해 염증억제 활성이 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 기존연구를 통해 항염증 효능이 있는 것으로 확인된 스테비오사이드, 리버디오사이드 A, 스테비올 이외에도 항염증 소재로 활용될 가능성이 있는 SG가 더 존재할 것으로 예상하였다. 이를 확인하기 위하여 우리는 S. rebaudiana에서 얻은 SG의 nitric oxide (NO) 생성억제활성을 RAW 264.7 세포주를 대상으로 스크리닝 하였다. 그 결과 steviol β-glucopyranosyl ester (SGE)가 동일한 농도 조건의 SG 중에서 가장 높은 억제활성을 보여주었다. 또한, interleukin-1α (IL-1 α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)와 같은 염증관련 인자의 mRNA 발현량 또한 농도의존적으로 감소시키는 것으로 확인되었다. 이러한 연구결과를 통해 SGE는 마우스 대식세포인 RAW 264.7 세포에서 항염증 활성 및 NO 생성 억제 효과가 있음을 확인하였다. 이를 통하여 SGE가 항염증 소재로 활용될 잠재성이 있음을 확인하였다.

This study aimed to investigate changes in the activity and mRNA expression of plasminogen activators (PAs) induced by 17β-estradiol (E₂), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in porcine endometrial cells. Endometrial cells were isolated from the epithelium and cultured to 80% confluence. They were then treated for 24 h with E₂ (0.2, 2, 20, and 200 ng/mL), IL-1β (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL), and hCG (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 IU/mL). mRNA expressions of urokinase-type (uPA) and tissue-type (tPA) PAs were analyzed using reverse transcription PCR, and activities were measured using a PA activity assay. mRNA expressions of uPA and tPA increased with E₂ treatment; however, this was not significant. Similarly, treatment with hCG did not influence the mRNA expressions of PAs. Interestingly, treatment with 0.1 ng/mL IL-1β significantly reduced the mRNA expression of uPA, but did not affect that of tPA. Treatment with 2, 20, and 200 ng/mL E₂ increased PA activity compared with the control group; treatment with 0.1 and 1 ng/mL IL-1β significantly increased PA activity compared with the other IL-1β treatment groups, whereas treatment with 10 and 100 ng/mL IL-1β decreased. Treatment with 2 IU/mL hCG increased PA activity compared with the other treatment groups, although there were no significant differences between the hCG and control groups. In conclusion, the activity and mRNA expression of PAs were differently regulat-ed by the hormone/cytokine and its concentration in porcine endometrial cells. Therefore, understanding PA regulatory mechanisms may help to improve the reproductive potential of domestic animals.

In this study, β-1,3/1,6-glucan, lactic acid bacteria, and β-1,3/1,6-glucan+lactic acid bacteria were tested for 10 weeks using an immunodeficient animal model infected with LP-BM5 murine AIDS virus On the immune activity. Cytokines production, plasma immunoglobulin concentration, T cell and B cell proliferation were measured. As a result, the T cell proliferative capacity which was weakened by immunization with LP-BM5 murine AIDS virus increased significantly T cell proliferative capacity compared with the red ginseng control group. B cell proliferative capacity was significantly higher than the infected control group. Increased B cell proliferation was reduced. In the cytokine production, IL-2, IL-12 and IL-15 in the Th1-type cytokine increased the secretion of IL-2, IL-12 and IL-15 compared to the infected control. The proliferative capacity of the treated group was higher than that of the mixed treatment group. TNF-α was significantly decreased compared with the infected control group. The IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were significantly inhibited in the infected control group and the Th1/Th2 type cytokine expression was regulated by immunohistochemistry. IgE, IgA, and IgG levels were significantly lower in the immunoglobulin secretion assay than in the control. As a result, the immunomodulatory effect of β-1,3/1,6-glucan+lactic acid bacteria was confirmed by mixing with LP-BM5 murine AIDS virus-infected immunodeficient animal model.

Skeletal deformities are significant problems that affect the growth and commercial value of fish reared in hatcheries. However, studies of bone metabolic process related to skeletal deformities are limited. We investigated the potential correlation between bone deformities and plasma calcium, phosphorus, and estradiol-17β levels in reared red spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) juveniles. We collected E. akaara frys from private farms at 110, 140, 180 and 300 days after hatching (DAH), and classified the normal and deformed fish by observing their external shape and inner frame by soft X-ray. We also analyzed the calcium, phosphorous, and estradiol-17β levels in their plasma. A comparison between normal and deformed fish, indicated that calcium and estradiol-17β levels were higher in deformed fish than in the normal at 180 and 300 DAH. The level of phosphorus was also higher in deformed individuals than in normal fish, but only at 300 DAH. These results suggest that skeletal deformities are associated with increases in plasma calcium, phosphorus, and estradiol-17β levels.

재조합 대장균의 β-galactosidase (β-gal)을 이용하여 transgalactosylation 반응으로 1, 2-hexanediol galactoside (HD-gal) 합성을 수행하였다. 먼저, 합성 반응을 수행할 때의, β-gal의 양, 1, 2-hexanediol (HD)의 양, 반응 pH, 반응 온도 등 반응조건을 최적화하였다. β-Gal은 4.8 U/mL, HD는 75 mM, pH는 7.0, 온도는 37 ℃의 조건이 최적 합성 조건이었으며, 이때, 약 96%의 HD가 HD-gal로 conversion 되었 다. 그리고, 돼지 epidermis를 이용하여 HD와 HD-gal의 water holding capacity (WHC)를 비교 측정하여 보았는데, 이때, epidermis 표면에 HD와 HD-gal을 84.4, 126.6, 168.8, 211.0 mM을 처리하였으며, 84.4, 126.6, 168.8 mM의 HD와 HD-gal을 처리하였을 경우 HD-gal이 HD보다 더 큰 WHC 값을 보여 주었고, 168.8 mM의 경우에는 HD-gal이 HD와 비교하여 최대 약 20% 정도의 더 큰 WHC 값을 보여 주었다. 그러나, HD-gal의 MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) 값을 측정해 본 결과, Enterococcus faecalis의 경우에는 HD의 MIC와 같았으나, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus의 경우에는 약 3배에서 10배까지 HD-gal의 MIC 값이 HD에 비하여 증가되는 현상이 관찰되었다. 결론적으로, HD의 transgalactosylation 반응으로 인하여 합성된 HD-gal의 보습력은 HD에 비하여 증가되고, HD-gal의 항균력은 HD 와 비교하여 감소하는 현상을 관찰하였다.

The tracking filter plays a key role in accurate estimation and prediction of maneuvering the vessel’s position and velocity. Different methods are used for tracking. However, the most commonly used method is the Kalman filter and its modifications. The α- β - γ filter is one of the special cases of the general solution provided by the Kalman filter. It is a third order filter that computes the smoothed estimates of position, velocity, and acceleration for the nth observation, and predicts the next position and velocity. Although found to track a maneuvering target with good accuracy than the constant velocity α - β filter, the α - β - γ filter does not perform impressively under high maneuvers, such as when the target is undergoing changing accelerations. This study aims to track a highly maneuvering target experiencing jerky motions due to changing accelerations. The α - β - γ filter is extended to include the fourth state that is, constant jerk to correct the sudden change of acceleration to improve the filter’s performance. Results obtained from simulations of the input model of the target dynamics under consideration indicate an improvement in performance of the jerky model, α - β - γ - η algorithm as compared to the constant acceleration model, α - β - γ in terms of error reduction and stability of the filter during target maneuver.

“Tracking” here refers to the estimation of a moving object with some degree of accuracy where at least one measurement is given. The measurement, which is the sensor-obtained output, contains systemic errors and errors that are due to the surrounding environment. Tracking filters play the key role of the target-state estimation after the updating of the tracking system; therefore, the type of filter that is used for the conduction of the estimations is crucial in the determining of the reliability of the updated value, and this is especially true since the performances of different filters vary when they are subjected to different environmental and initial conditions. The purpose of this paper is the conduction of a comparison between the performances of the α-β-γ filter and the Kalman filter regarding an ARPA-system tracking module that is used on board high-dynamic warships. The comparison is based on the capability of each filter to reduce noise and maintain a stable response. The residual error is computed from the difference between the true and predicted positions and the true and estimated positions for the given sample. The results indicate that the tracking accuracy of the Kalman filter is higher compared with that of the optimal α-β-γ filter; however, the response of the optimal α-β-γ filter is more stable.

Background: Cisplatin is one of the most extensively used chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer, including bladder, and ovarian cancers. However, it has been shown to induce nephrotoxicity, despite being an outstanding anti-cancer drug. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of dopaol β-D-glucoside (dopaol) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods and Results: To confirm the protective effect of dopaol on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, HK-2 cells were treated with 20 μM cisplatin and 80 μM dopaol. Cisplatin increased apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction; however pretreatment with 80 μM dopaol successfully attenuated apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction. To evaluate the protective effect dopaol on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo, we used an animal model (balb/c mice, 20 ㎎/㎏, i.p. once/day for 3 day). The results were similar to those obtained using HK-2 cells; renal tubular damage and neutrophilia induced by cisplatin reduced following dopaol injection (10 ㎎/㎏, i.p. once/day for 3 day). Conclusions: These results indicate that dopaol treatment reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, and can be used to treat cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. However, further studies are required to determine the toxicity high dose dopaol and the signal pathways involved in its mechanism of action in animal models.

Nonylphenol (NP) is known to be an endocrine disruptor with estrogen-like activity. In this study, we tested low dose of NP and its alternative candidate Octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (OG) on F1 female mice (n=10) from parents (P) generation to postnatal days(PND) 56. Animals [Control (tap water), NP-50 (50ug/L, drinking water), OG-50(50ug/L, drinking water)] were fed with normal chow and drinking water. ad libitum. Body weights and tissue weights were measured after sacrifice, and sera were measured using creatinine assay (n=8) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ELISA kit (n=8). Histopathology of kidney was used Hematoxylin & Eosin staining method and Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS) staining method. NP treatment significantly increased body weight and kidney weight of F1 female(p<0.05). The serum levels of creatinine in NP-50 and OG-50 significantly decreased(p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) compared to the control group. In histopathological study, renal tubules spaces were increased and severe glomerular anomalies were found in NP-50 and OG-50. In NP-50, the thickened basal membrane was observed. The present study demonstrated that NP and OG has renal toxicity, and this toxicity due to long-term low dose treatment seems to be occurred in the next generation and female-specific.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 α/β(GSK3α/β)는 serine/threonine kinase로 Wnt와 insulin은 GSK3α/ β의 활성을 감소시켜 하위에 있는 많은 표적단백질의 활성과 분해를 조절한다. 본 연구에서는 정자 의 성숙과 수정능력획득 과정에서 GSK3α/β의 기능을 규명하고자 하였다. 생쥐 부정소 상피에서 GSK3α/β와 p-GSK3α/β가 발현하였고, 정자의 첨체, 첨체후부(postacrosomal region), 중편(midpiece) 에서 발현하였다. p-GSK3α (Ser21)의 발현은 두부 부정소보다는 미부 부정소 정자에서 높았 다. 부정소에서 Wnt2b, 3a, 10a이 발현하였고, 특히 부정소 두부 상피의 principal cell에 다량으로 발현하였다. 정자성숙에 기여하는 epididymal exosome에서 Wnt2b, 3a, 10a를 확인하였다. 두부 부정 소 정자에 Wnt3a를 처리하면 GSK3α/β의 억제성 인산화의 변화 없이 운동성이 유의하게 증가하였다. 따라서 부정소 두부에서 exosome을 통해 분비된 Wnt가 정자 성숙과정에서 운동성의 증가에 관여 하는 것으로 사료된다. 생쥐와 사람 정자의 수정능획득 과정에서 total phosphotyrosine proteome의 증가와 함께 p-GSK3α(Ser21)가 증가하였다. 특히 두부 부정소보다 미부 부정소 정자에서 p-GSK3α (Ser21)가 높았다. 이는 GSK3α의 억제성인산화가 정자의 운동성에 중요함을 의미한다. 생쥐와 사람 의 정자에서 insulin like growth factors-1(IGF-1)은 GSK3α의 억제성 인산화 및 운동성을 유의적으로 증가시켰다. Protein phosphatase의 억제제인 Calyculin A는 GSK3α의 억제성 인산화 및 운동성을 유의적으로 증가시켰다. 이와는 반대로, AKT inhibitor는 GSK3α의 억제성 인산화 및 운동성을 감소 시켰다. 이는 insulin 수용체 하위에서 PI3/AKT kinase 회로를 경유하여 GSK3α/β의 억제성 인산화가 진행되어 정자의 운동성이 증가하는 것으로 사료된다. 결론적으로 정자의 성숙과정에서 부정소 기원의 Wnt는 정자의 운동성을 촉진하며, 성숙한 정자의 수정능력획득 과정에서 IGF-1등의 성장인자에 의해 GSK3α/β의 억제성 인산화가 촉진되어 정자의 운동성이 증가하는 것으로 사료된다.

Background : Alzheimer`s disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss and extracellular senile plaque, whose major constituent is β-amyloid (Aβ), a 39-43 amino acid peptide derived from amyloid precursor protein. In cultures, Aβ directly induce neuronal cell death and can include excessive generation of free radicals and peroxidative injury to proteins, lipids, and other macromolecules. Actinidia arguta, generally called hardy kiwifruit, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antioxidative properties. The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of the leaves and stems of A. arguta using in vitro cultured neurons and in vivo experimental animals. Methods and Results : Primary cortical neuronal cultures were prepared using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat fetuses on embryonic days 15. Neurotoxicity experiments were performed on neurons after 3-4 days in culture. Cultured neurons were treated with 10 μM Aβ (25-35) for 24 h to produce neurotoxicity. In addition, cultured neurons were treated with H2O2 (100 μM) for 15 min and then incubated for 12 h in H2O2-free medium. Viability of cultured neurons was measured by a colorimetric MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 staining of neurons was carried out to examine Aβ (25-35)-induced apoptotic neuronal death. A. arguta over the concentration of 10 to 50 ㎍/㎖ prevented Aβ (25-35) (10 μM)-induced apoptotic neuronal death, and inhibited H2O2-induced decrease of MTT reduction rate. These results suggest that oxidative stress is implicated in Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal apoptotic death. Memory impairment was produced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) microinjection of 15 nmol Aß (25-35) and examined using passive avoidance test in ICR mice. Chronic treatments with A. arguta (14 days, p.o.) protected memory impairment induced by Aß (25-35). Conclusion : The present study suggests that A. arguta has a therapeutic role for preventing the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as AD.

Background : It is well known that Alzheimer`s disease (AD) is associated with neuronal loss and accumulation of extracellular senile plaque, whose major constituent is β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). In cell cultures, Aβ can directly stimulate neuronal cell death and make neurons susceptible to excitotoxicity which may include glutamate release and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. There are numerous reports in the literature of Cedrela sinensis (CS) for pro-apoptotic effects. It was hypothesized that CS might protect neurons against neurodegeneration in AD due to its pro-apoptotic effects. The current study aimed to determine the protective effect of ethanol extract from the leave of CS on Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal cell death in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. Methods and Results : Cerebral neurons were collected from embryonic day 15 SD rat fetuses and were cultured on DMEM with serum. Neurotoxicity experiments were proceeded on cultured neurons after 4-5 days in vitro. Cultured neurons were treated with 10 μM Aβ (25-35) for 24 h or 1 mM NMDA for 20 h to induce neuronal death. CS was applied 20 min before the treatment with Aβ (25-35) or NMDA and also present in the medium during the incubations. Colorimetric MTT assay and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to estimate viability of neurons. Western blot analysis was carried out to examine the expression levels of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. CS (5 and 10 ㎍/㎖) significantly inhibited Aβ (25-35)-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death in cultured cortical neurons. CS also inhibited Aβ (25-35)-induced change of apoptosis-related protein expression in western blot analysis. Furthermore CS (5 and 10 ㎍/㎖) reuduced NMDA-induced neuronal cell death. This study demonstrated that NMDA glutamate receptor activation is related with Aβ (25-35)-induced neuronal apoptotic death. Conclusion : CS protected culterd neurons against Aβ (25-35)-induced neurotoxicity probably via inhibition of NMDA receptor activation. These results suggest that CS can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease.

β-Glucan is a natural compound contained in cell walls of yeast or fungi, and cereal’s fiber. It is also known to boost the immune system in human. Aureobasidium is a producer of water-soluble β-1,3/1,6-glucan. In this study, natural killer (NK) cell and macrophage activity were tested to investigate the effects of β-1,3/1,6-glucan isolated from A. pullulans on immune activity. Activation of NK cell was increased about 63-39% by the treatment of 10-200 μg/mL β-1,3/1,6-glucan than control. Besides, only 10 μg/mL of β-1,3/1,6-glucan was enough to boost activation of NK cell. Phagocytosis of macrophage was increased to 15~21% by the treatment of 10~200 μg/mL of β-1,3/1,6-glucan than zymosan-treatment. In LP-BM5 proliferating inhibition test, relative mRNA level of LP-BM5 virus was decreased in β-1,3/1,6-glucan-treated cell about 36~74% than control. The decline of LP-BM5 mRNA level appeared to depend on the concentration of β-1,3/1,6-glucan. These results suggest that pure β-1,3/1,6-glucan from A. pullulans might be contributing to enhancement of immune activity through the activation of NK cell and phagocytosis of macrophage. Moreover, treatment of the β-1,3/1,6-glucan could increase the resistance to virus infection such as LP-BM5 through the restraining of the multiplication.

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is mandatory in adipogenesis. In this study, we investigated the applicability of functional materials for the treatment of obesity by examining Wnt/β-catenin pathway reporter activity related to adipocyte differentiation inhibiting with korean native plant extracts. The luciferase activity of HEK 293-TOP cells increased the reporter activity approximately 152% and 130% by treatment with Sanguisorba officinalis and Thuja orientalis, respectively. Ricinus communis were represented about 90% higher activity, two samples(Rosa rugosa and Sophorae Flos) showed 80% higher activity than the control. Three samples of plant extracts (Zanthoxylum piperitum, Pueraria thunbergiana, Solanum nigrum) were about 70% higher activity compared with the non-treated control. Cytotoxicity of plant extracts was not detected in the rat neural stem cells. These results suggest that the selected eight plant extracts are safe compounds. Our findings indicate that Wnt/β-catenin pathway reporter activity could be used for high throughput screening system. In addition, the plant extracts selected as candidates for adipocyte differentiation inhibiting may be potential therapeutic agents for obesity, it will be exploring the possibility of developing an anti-obesity materials through further experiments with selected plant extracts.