Skeletal muscle is an organ that regulates biological metabolic energy. Its dysfunction causes decline of body functions and disability, thus deteriorating the overall quality of life. Various materials are being developed with an anti-sarcolytic effect. However, anti-sarcolytic effect of Sinomenium acutum rhizomes extract (SAE) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anti-muscle atrophy effects of SAE and its alkaloids, including sinomenine (SIN), magnoflorine (MF), acutumine (ACU), and N-ferultyramine (NFT) isolated from SAE, on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced myotubules. C2C12 myogenic cells differentiated for 6 days were treated with 1 mM Dex for 24 hours. Induction of muscular atrophy was confirmed by a decrease in myogenin expression. We found that Dex increased expression levels of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx/atrogin-1. However, mRNA and protein levels of these muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases were significantly reduced by cotreatment with SIN, MF, and NFT in myotubes. Glucose uptake reduced by Dex in myotubules were also restored by SIN, MF, and NFT treatments. These results suggest that SIN, MF, and NFT can reduce muscle wasting and enhance glucose uptake in Dex-treated myotubes, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents to prevent muscle atrophy.

This study investigated major constituents and anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of Platycodon grandiflorum leaves. Through HPLC analysis, chlorogenic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were identified as predominant constituents in the ethanol extract. Their anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using murine macrophage (RAW 264.7 cells) and human lung carcinoma cells (NCI-H292 & A549). The ethanol extract significantly (p<0.01) inhibited the production of nitrite, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the ethanol extract suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) proteins in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. In NCI-H292 and A549 cells, treatment with the ethanol extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 induced by IL-1β. The phosphorylation of ERK rather than JNK in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was observed to be a more important mediator in the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in NCI-H292 cells. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Platycodon grandiflorum leaves containing luteolin-7-O-glucoside exhibits promising anti-inflammatory properties.

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), or Pricky Pear Cactus, is effective in cough, fever, pain and anti-inflammatory action, and asthma. This study aims to investigate the effect of OFI stem extract on the respiratory system of animal models induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and fine dust (PM10) and to analyze the indicator substances of OFI stem extract. In the OFI stem 50% ethanol extract (OFI-50E) administration group, the number of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines in the lungs and BAL decreased to a similar level to the positive control group administered with dexamethasone. In addition, OVA-specific IgE and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) were significantly reduced. Also, the deposition of PM10 observed through staining of lung tissue was clearly reduced in the OFI-50E 200 mg/kg administration group. The anti-inflammatory mechanism in the lung was found to obstruct the production of inflammatory cytokines by impeding the NF-kB and MAPK pathways through the inhibition of IRAK-1 active cells. The main component of OFI stem 50% ethanol extract was identified to be narcissin. According to the study results, OFI is expected to be a respiratory health functional food.

산화적 스트레스는 세포 및 조직 손상을 통해 피부의 탄력 및 보습 기능 저하, 피부 노화 촉진 을 비롯한 다양한 피부질환을 일으킨다. 본 연구의 목적은 인간 피부각질세포 (HaCaT keratinocyte)에서 산화적 스트레스에 대한 붉은 토끼풀 추출물의 효능을 검토하여, 피부에 효과적으로 사용할 수 있는 기능 성 소재로서의 활용 여부를 확인하고자 하였다. 본 연구에서는 붉은 토끼풀 추출물이 인간 피부각질세포에 서 산화적 스트레스에 따른 세포사를 억제시키는 것을 확인하여, 이를 조절하는 보호기전을 규명하였다. 이는 붉은 토끼풀 추출물이 Caspase-3 비활성, 세포사 촉진단백질 Bax 발현 억제, 세포생존 촉진단백질 Bcl-2 발현 증가 및 MAPK 신호전달계 단백질의 인산화 억제를 통해 H2O2에 의해 유도된 산화적 스트레 스를 보호할 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다. 따라서 붉은 토끼풀 추출물은 피부의 산화적 손상을 감소시키는 유용한 소재로 평가되며, 이는 피부보호 및 미용을 위한 다양한 제품 및 산업에 활용 가능성이 높은 것으로 판단된다.

Subunit vaccines are being developed as a potential therapy for preventing microbial pathogen infection. In this study, the immunogenicity of recombinant Brucella (B.) abortus Fe/Mn superoxide dismutase (rFe/Mn SOD) protein as a subunit vaccine against B. abortus was investigated in BALB/c mice model. Brucella Fe/Mn SOD gene was cloned into a pcold-TF DNA vector. The bacterial recombinant protein was expressed using the Escherichia coli DH5α strain with a size of 82.50 kDa. The western blotting assay showed that rFe/Mn SOD reacted with Brucella-positive serum, indicating the potential immunoreactivity of this recombinant protein. After the second and third vaccinations, the peripheral CD4+ T cell population was increased significantly in the rFe/Mn SOD-immunized mice group compared to the PBS control group. Moreover, immunization of this recombinant protein increased the CD4+ T cell population from the first vaccination to the third vaccination. Meanwhile, the CD8+ T cells were slightly enhanced after the second vaccination compared to the first vaccination and compared to control groups. Fourteen days after the bacterial infection, the splenomegaly and the number of bacteria in the spleen were evaluated. The result showed that both rFe/Mn SOD and positive control RB51 decreased the bacterial replication in the spleen and the splenomegaly compared to control groups. Altogether, these results suggested that rFe/Mn SOD could induce host immunity against B. abortus infection.

본 연구는 hesperidin과 hesperidin의 aglycone 형태인 hesperetin의 2,2'-azobis (2-aminopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)에 의해 신장 독성이 유도된 쥐에서 신장 보호 효과에 대해 연구하였다. Hesperidin과 hesperetin은 200 mg/kg/day의 농도로 7일간 위내투여하였으며, AAPH를 복강주사하여 급성 신장 손상을 유도하였다. 이 후 쥐의 신장 조직에서 지질과산화 함량, nitric oxide (NO) 생성량, catalase 효소 활성을 측정하였으 며, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) 및 inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) 단백질 발현량을 측정하였다. AAPH로 신장 독성을 유도한 control군의 신장 내 지질과산화 및 NO 생성량은 신장 독성을 유도하지 않은 normal군에 비해 유의적으로 증가하여 산화적 손상이 유도됨을 확인하였다. 반면 hesperidin과 hesperetin를 투여했을 때 신장 내 지질과산화 및 NO 생성량이 control군에 비해 유의적으로 감소하여 산화적 스트레스 개선 효과를 확인하였다. Hesperidin과 hesperetin을 투여한 군의 경우 신장 내 항산화 효소인 catalase 활성을 유의적으로 증가시켰다. 뿐만 아니라, hesperidin과 hesperetin의 투여는 AAPH로 신장독성을 유도한 control군 100% 대비 NF-κB 단백질을 각각 66% 및 71%로, iNOS 단백질 발현을 각각 46% 및 33%로 억제시켰다. 따라서 본 연구를 통해 hesperidin과 hesperetin의 투여가 항산화 활성 조절을 통해 AAPH로 유도된 신장 독성을 억제하는 것을 알 수 있었다.

Purpose: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 outbreaks. Therefore, this study examined the effects of a nursing simulation education program on PPE use for COVID-19 among nursing students. Methods: We employed a non-equivalent control group post-test design. The experimental group (n=38) engaged in a nursing simulation education program on PPE use. The control group (n=36) received PPE and the opportunity to participate in the same program after the intervention. Further, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. Results: The experimental group showed significant differences in attitude toward PPE (t=3.21, p=.002) and efficacy of PPE use (t=9.92, p<.001), but not in the intention to care for patients with COVID-19 (t=0.95, p=.343). Conclusion: Nursing simulation education for PPE significantly improved attitude and increased self-efficacy toward PPE among nursing students. However, the intention to care for COVID-19 patients was not changed. Thus, it is necessary to find a way to improve the nursing intention toward COVID-19 patients.

본 연구는 미역(Undaria pinnatifida) 추출물과 쇠미역(Costaria costata) 추출물의 항산화 활성 및 HepG2 세포의 알코올로 인한 산화 손상에 대한 보호 효과를 연구하였다. 미역과 쇠미역 추 출물의 총 폴리페놀과 플라보노이드 함량은 70% 에탄올 추출물에서 가장 높았다. 또한 미역과 쇠미역 70% 에탄올 추출물의 DPPH (IC50 0.33±0.21, 0.48±0.47 mg/ml), ABTS (IC50 0.34±0.30, 0.47±0.17 mg/ml) 라디칼 소거 활성이 열수 추출물 및 10% 에탄올 추출물 보다 높았다. 추출 물의 간 보호 효과를 확인하기 위하여 HepG2 세포에 알코올 산화 스트레스를 유발하여 MTT 분석을 이용하여 세포 생존력을 측정하였다. 미역 및 쇠미역 열수 추출물은 알코올 처리군 (73.95%) 대비 세포 생존율은 각각 89.91~97.63% 및 84.99~90.54%로 농도 의존적으로 증가시 켰다. 본 연구는 미역과 쇠미역 추출물이 간 보호 및 항산화 효과를 나타냄을 확인하였고 알코 올 산화 손상에 대한 간 보호 소재로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Colon cancer has been considered a leading cause of cancer-associated death. Folic acid is a vitamin necessary for cellular physiological functions and cell viability. However, the association between folic acid intake and colon cancer has been examined in several prospective cohort studies are controversial. This study investigated the effects of folate intake on colon carcinogenesis and oxidative stress in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) institute for cancer research (ICR) mouse model. Thirty male ICR mice (5 weeks old) were divided into the control group and the experimental group supplied 0.03% folic acid via drinking water (50 mL/week/mouse) for 6 weeks. To induce colonic pre-neoplastic lesions, the animals were subcutaneously injected three times weekly with AOM (10 mg/kg body weight), followed by 2% DSS in drinking water for a week. Folic acid supplementation significantly suppressed the total number of aberrant crypt foci and aberrant crypts. Histological image data showed that folic acid supplementation attenuated neoplastic change. In addition, we measured the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration of dry feces samples to identify the effect of folic acid on reactive oxygen accumulation. The folic acid supplementation group had reduced reactive oxygen species levels in dry feces compared to the control group. In conclusion, these findings indicate that folic acid suppresses colon carcinogenesis and oxidative stress in an AOM/DSS mouse model.

This study analyzed the physical changes in 119 paramedics transporting equipment at the emergency site and performing post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation through experiments. First, the average heart rate increased by about 25 times comparing CPR was performed without physical load and with personal protective equipment after moving equipment. In the third quartile, it increased to about 27 times. Second, when CPR was performed without physical load, and CPR was performed after moving the equipment with personal protective equipment, both the body temperature was raised and the rising body temperature was measured within normal body temperature. Third, the change in respiration rate increased by 7 times on average comparing CPR was performed without physical load and CPR was performed after moving the equipment while wearing personal protective equipment. In the third quartile, it increased to about 11 times. Finally, the change in blood pressure increased by 26.6 mmHg on average comparing CPR was performed without physical load and with wearing personal protective equipment after moving the equipment, and increased by 31.2 mmHg on average in the third quartile.

본 연구는 스트렙토조토신에 의해 유도한 당뇨병, 알코올성 간 손상 실험용 랫드에서 혈액 지질 감소, 당뇨병 및 알코올성 간 손상 예방에 미치는 지장김치 추출물의 경구투여 효과를 조사하였다. 당뇨병 모델동물에서, 혈액 지질 프로파일, ALT, AST 수준은 DC (당뇨병 대조군)와 비교할 때 김치추출물 투여군에서 낮아졌으며 혈당은 DCJK (DC+지장김치 추출물 경구투여군)가 DCCK (DC+일반김치 추출물 경구투여군)에 비해 낮았다. 인슐린 수준은 NC (정상대조군), DCJK > DCCK > DC 순서로 높게 나타났다. 알코올성 간 손상 모델동물에서, 혈액 ALT, AST, 빌리루빈 농도는 AC (알코올 대조군, 일일 소주 1병 섭취군) > ACCK (AC+일반김치 추출물 경구투여군) > ACJK (AC+지장김치 추출물 경 구투여군) > NC 순서로 낮았다. 간 조직의 임상병리학적 소견은 AC에서 가장 심각한 손상을 보였으나 소주1병과 김치 추출물 특히, 지장김치 추출물 경구투여군은 일반김치 추출물 경구투여군에 비해서 회복되는 속도가 개선되었다. 결과는 당뇨병 및 알코올성 간 손상 모델동물에서 지장김치의 섭취가 혈액 지질 프로파일, 혈당, ALT, AST 수준을 낮추고 인슐린 분비능력을 개선하여 줌으로써 항당뇨 및 알코올성 간 손상 보호효과를 갖는다는 사실을 보여준다.

Big data analysis methods are useful tools for sorting valuable data and products. Achyranthes Radix root extract (AR) is a well-known herbal medicine in East Asia due to its anti-osteoarthritis, pro-circulatory, and anti-osteoporosis effects. In this stud y, we investigated the liver- and kidney-protective effects of AR by applying big data analysis to traditional medicine. CDDP (cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum) is an effective cancer cell anti-proliferative agent used in the treatment of diverse types of tumors. However, it is clinically limited due to liver and kidney toxicity. The current study was designed to assess the potential protective effects of AR against CDDP-induced hepato-renal toxicity. For this purpose, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to four groups, each consisting of four animals. Intravenous injection or oral administration of either saline or AR was performed daily for 14 days, whereas CDDP was injected intraperitoneally on day 3 following AR treatment. Serum biochemistry results revealed that CDDP induced clear hepatic and renal damage while the AR treatment groups showed less damage relative to controls. Next, we tested the pharmacokinetics of AR using 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE), which is the most abundant component of AR extract. After intravenous administration of AR, the plasma concentration of 20-HE rapidly declined with a terminal half-life (t1/2) of 0.99±0.47 h. The area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve was 24.96±3.5 h*ng/mL. The present study provides valuable tools for further verification studies of the classical herbal literature and its scientific relevance.

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Ulva lactuca methanol extracts against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced DNA damage in HaCaT cells. First, the contents of general and antioxidative nutrient contents of Ulva lactuca were measured. The moisture, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fat and ash were 14.01%, 44.80%, 23.19%, 3.10% and 14.90%, respectively. Magnesium that acts as DNA repair enzyme cofactor was the most abundant mineral followed by Ca, P and Fe. The total phenolic and anthocyanoside contents of Ulva lactuca were 2.69 mg/g and 0.13 mg/g, respectively. Cells treated with Ulva lactuca methanol extracts for 24 hours post UVB exposure increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the non-treated control. Also, Ulva lactuca methanol extracts decreased the levels of UVB-induced DNA damage such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer and DNA damage response (DDR) proteins such as p-p53 and p21. These results suggest that Ulva lactuca methanol extracts comprising physiological active substances such as Mg, polyphenols and anthocyanosides promote DNA repair by regulating genes related with DDR.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatocyte protective effects of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaves cultivated in Korea. The contents of the total polyphenol of the extract was 271.57 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ g residue. Antioxidant activities of leaf extract were evaluated by examining the free radical scavenging ability. 2,2'-azinobis-( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and α-α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities of the extract were 1133.23 mg trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g residue and 721.68 mg TEAC/g residue, respectively. The hepatocyte protective effect of guava leaf extract was examined in HepG2 cells. Against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), the viability of HepG2 cells were increased by the treatment of leaf extract. In addition, guava leaf extract led to the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in HepG2 cells. The leaf extract increased the activity of glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) against oxidative stress. These results suggested that guava leaves might be regarded as a potential source natural antioxidant and a hepatoprotective material.

건조방법을 달리한 초석잠(Stachys sieboldii Miq.)을 열수 및 70% 에탄올 용매로 추출하여 제조한 후 추출물 농도에 따른 총 flavonoid 및 총 polyphenol 함량, DPPH radical 소거활성, ABTS radical 소거활성, 산화적 스트레스로부터의 신경세포 보호효과에 미치는 효과를 조사하기 위하여 실시 하였다. 초석잠 추출물들의 총 flavonoid와 총 polyphenol 함량은 동결건조 열수 추출물에서 각각 가장 높았다(p<0.05). DPPH 및 ABTS radical 소거활성은 농도의존적으로 증가하였으며, 1,000 ug/mL 농도에서는 동결건조 열수추출물에서 유의적으로 가장 높게 나타났으나, 대조군인 비타민 C에 비해 유의적으로 낮았다(p<0.05). 신경세포 보호효과는 열품 및 동결건조 열수추출물에서 농도의존적으로 높게 나타났으며, 대조군인 비타민 C에 비해 낮았다(p<0.05). 본 연구를 통하여 열풍건조에 비해 동결건조 초석잠의 열수추출물이 총 flavonoid와 총 polyphenol 함량이 더 높게 함유되어 있어 항산화 활성 및 산화적 스트레스로부터의 신경세포 보호효과가 우수하게 나타내는 것이 관찰되었다.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has received tremendous attention in the past few decades because of its detrimental health effects. Growing evidence supports that BPA is capable to alter the reproductive performance of the exposed individual. In spermatozoa, it has been reported that BPA increased oxidative stress by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), subsequently affects the sperm function, biochemical properties, and fertility. Since antioxidants minimize cellular oxidative stress, therefore may have protective effects against BPA-induced stress. In the present study, we incubated mice spermatozoa for 6 h in a condition that support in vitro fertilization. The sperm incubation media was additionally supplemented with either BPA or BPA together with antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Our results showed that antioxidant significantly decreased the production of ROS that subsequently supports motility and acrosomal integrity of BPA-exposed spermatozoa. Particularly, glutathione and vitamin E inhibit protein kinase-A dependent phosphorylation of sperm proteins subsequently prevented precocious acrosome reaction. In addition, both antioxidants were found to restore fertilization and early embryo development potentiality of BPA-exposed spermatozoa. Therefore, we conclude that antioxidants minimize oxidative stress in spermatozoa in a BPA containing micro-environment, thus avoiding BPA-mediated harmful consequences. The current finding has both theoretical and clinical significance for developing potential remedies of the BPA toxicity.

This study aims to investigate the antifungal and protective effects of water- and 70% methyl alcohol-extracts from spent mushroom substrate (WESMS and MeOHSMS) of Lentinula edodes, on Botrytis cinerea- the causative agent for gray mold disease in ginseng. MeOHSMS inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of Botrytis cinerea, by 75% and 95%, respectively. MeOHSMS could suppress gray mold disease of ginseng seedlings by 80% and effectively reduce the disease severity by 60%. Compared to the treatment of ginseng leaves with WESMS and DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA), the MeOHSMS treatment increased the phenolic compounds in the leaves by 36% and 18%, respectively. These results suggest that the SMS extracts suppress gray mold disease in ginseng via dual functions: antifungal activity and increase in a plant defense factor— phenolic compounds.

We investigated the effects of two Brucella proteins expressed in a pMAL expression system, RocF and EF-Ts, as subunit vaccines on immune modulation and protective efficacy using a mouse model. Mice vaccinated with MBP-RocF and MBP-EF-Ts displayed increased production of TNF, IFN-, MCP-1, IL-10 and IL-6, and TNF and MCP-1, respectively. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with MBP-EF-Ts showed decreased induction of IFN- and Th2-related cytokines, IL-10 and IL-6. Higher proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in the blood of mice vaccinated with MBP-RocF than in the PBS-vaccinated group, although the increases were not significant. Furthermore, significantly reduced Brucella proliferation in the spleens of the MBP-RocF and MBP-EF-Ts groups were observed, but inflammation of these organs was not attenuated. Overall, these results indicate that RocF and EF-Ts could be potential subunit vaccine candidates against animal brucellosis.