Optimal bioconversion for compound K production from red ginseng root (C.A. Mayer) by sequential enzymatic hydrolysis and its characteristics

Park Yeong-Ju,Hwang Unsik,Park Suyeon,Sim Sol,Jeong Soyeon,Park Misun,Kang Minji,Lee Youngsoo,Song Youngju,Park Hoon,Suh Hee-Jae 한국응용생명화학회 2021 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.64 No.1

Compound K (CK; 20-O-β-(d-glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol) is one of the metabolites of ginsenosides contained in red ginseng (RG) and is known to have high bioavailability. This study aimed to establish the optimal conditions for enzyme treatment to convert ginsenosides from RG extract to CK, and to prove the characteristics of bioconverted red ginseng (BRG) extract. CK was not detected in unenzyme-treated RG extract, and in the single-step enzyme treatment, it was produced at less than 4.58 mg/g only in treatment group with Pyr-flo or Sumizyme AC (at 50 °C for 48 h). The highest yield of CK (14.32 mg/g) was obtained by Ultimase MFC treatment at 50 °C for 48 h after treatment with a mixture of Pyr-flo and Rapidase at 50 °C for 24 h. Total polyphenol, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were higher in BRG than in RG (p < 0.5). High-fat diet (HD) rat fed 1% BRG had significantly lower body weight, heart weight, fat pads (periosteal fat, epididymal fat), serum glucose levels, and hepatic triglyceride levels than those HD rat fed 1% RG (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sequential enzymatic bioconversion was produces higher CK in RG root extract than single-step enzyme treatment.

Inhibitory effects of the atypical antipsychotic, clozapine, on voltage-dependent K⁺ channels in rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells

Kang, Minji,Heo, Ryeon,Park, Seojin,Mun, Seo-Yeong,Park, Minju,Han, Eun-Taek,Han, Jin-Hee,Chun, Wanjoo,Ha, Kwon-Soo,Park, Hongzoo,Jung, Won-Kyo,Choi, Il-Whan,Park, Won Sun The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2022 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.26 No.4

To investigate the adverse effects of clozapine on cardiovascular ion channels, we examined the inhibitory effect of clozapine on voltage-dependent K⁺ (Kv) channels in rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells. Clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels occurred in a concentration-dependent manner with an half-inhibitory concentration value of 7.84 ± 4.86 µM and a Hill coefficient of 0.47 ± 0.06. Clozapine did not shift the steady-state activation or inactivation curves, suggesting that it inhibited Kv channels regardless of gating properties. Application of train pulses (1 and 2 Hz) progressively augmented the clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels in the presence of the drug. Furthermore, the recovery time constant from inactivation was increased in the presence of clozapine, suggesting that clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels is use (state)-dependent. Pretreatment of a Kv1.5 subtype inhibitor decreased the Kv current amplitudes, but additional application of clozapine did not further inhibit the Kv current. Pretreatment with Kv2.1 or Kv7 subtype inhibitors partially blocked the inhibitory effect of clozapine. Based on these results, we conclude that clozapine inhibits arterial Kv channels in a concentration-and use (state)-dependent manner. Kv1.5 is the major subtype involved in clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels, and Kv2.1 and Kv7 subtypes are partially involved.

A Case Study of XCO-Trainer Exercise on Shoulder Pain, Dysfunction, Range of Motion, Scapular Position in Women Who Have Undergone Breast Cancer Surgery

Minji Lee,Miso Sophia Park,Sangsoo Park J-INSTITUTE 2023 Kinesiology Vol.8 No.-

Purpose: This study examined the effects of XCO-Trainer exercise on shoulder pain, dysfunction, range of motion, scapular position, and quality of life in women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Method: This study was carried out on 37 breast cancer survivors. The participants were divided randomly into an XCO-Trainer exercise group(XBG=16) and a general breast cancer group(GBG=15). Outcomes, such as the Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale(QVAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), range of motion(ROM), Scapular Index(SI), and Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast(FACT-B), were measured pre- and post- intervention for both groups. Results: A significant improvement in pain, functional disability level, range of motion, scapular position, and quality of life was observed in both groups(p<.01). Significant differences in pain, functional disability level, range of motion, scapular position, and quality of life post-test were observed between the two groups(p<.01). Conclusion: The XCO-Trainer exercise treatment has a positive effect on breast cancer patients.

Morusin Induces TRAIL Sensitization by Regulating EGFR and DR5 in Human Glioblastoma Cells

Park, Dain,Ha, In Jin,Park, Sang-Yoon,Choi, Minji,Lim, Sung-Lyul,Kim, Sung-Hoon,Lee, Jun-Hee,Ahn, Kwang Seok,Yun, Miyong,Lee, Seok-Geun American Chemical Society and American Society of 2016 Journal of natural products Vol.79 No.2

<P>Glioblastoma is one of the most malignant primary tumors, and the prognosis for glioblastoma patients remains poor. Tumor-necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered a promising anticancer agent due to its remarkable ability to selectively kill tumor cells. However, since many cancers are resistant to TRAIL, strategies to overcome resistance are required for the successful use of TRAIL in the clinic. In the present study, the potential of morusin as a TRAIL sensitizer in human glioblastoma cells was evaluated. Treatment with TRAIL or morusin alone showed weak cytotoxicity in human glioblastoma cells. However, combination treatment of TRAIL with morusin synergistically decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis compared with single treatment. Morusin induced expression of death receptor 5 (DR5), but not DR4 or decoy receptors (DcR1 and DcR2). Furthermore, morusin significantly decreased anti-apoptotic molecules survivin and XIAP. In addition, morusin reduced expression of EGFR and PDFGR as well as phosphorylation of STAT3, possibly mediating down-regulation of survivin and XIAP. Together these results suggest that morusin enhances TRAIL sensitivity in human glioblastoma cells through regulating expression of DR5 and EGFR Therefore, the combination treatment of TRAIL and morusin may be a new therapeutic strategy for malignant glioma patients.</P>

High Doses of Caffeine during the Peripubertal Period in the Rat Impair the Growth and Function of the Testis

Park, Minji,Choi, Yuri,Choi, Hyeonhae,Yim, Ju-Yearn,Roh, Jaesook Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2015 International Journal of endocrinology Vol.2015 No.-

<P>Prenatal caffeine exposure adversely affects the development of the reproductive organs of male rat offspring. Thus, it is conceivable that peripubertal caffeine exposure would also influence physiologic gonadal changes and function during this critical period for sexual maturation. This study investigated the impact of high doses of caffeine on the testes of prepubertal male rats. A total of 45 immature male rats were divided randomly into three groups: a control group and 2 groups fed 120 and 180 mg/kg/day of caffeine, respectively, via the stomach for 4 weeks. Caffeine caused a significant decrease in body weight gain, accompanied by proportional decreases in lean body mass and body fat. The caffeine-fed animals had smaller and lighter testes than those of the control that were accompanied by negative influences on the histologic parameters of the testes. In addition, stimulated-testosterone ex vivo production was reduced in Leydig cells retrieved from the caffeine-fed animals. Our results demonstrate that peripubertal caffeine consumption can interfere with the maturation and function of the testis, possibly by interrupting endogenous testosterone secretion and reducing the sensitivity of Leydig cells to gonadotrophic stimulation. In addition, we confirmed that pubertal administration of caffeine reduced testis growth and altered testis histomorphology.</P>

The value of prophylactic cranial irradiation in limited-stage small cell lung cancer: should it always be recommended?

Minji Koh,Si Yeol Song,Ji Hwan Jo,Geumju Park,Jae Won Park,Su Ssan Kim,Eun Kyung Choi 대한방사선종양학회 2019 Radiation Oncology Journal Vol.37 No.3

Purpose: Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is a standard treatment for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) showing a response to initial treatment, but many patients do not receive PCI due to comorbidities or refusal. This study aims to define the patient group for whom PCI can be omitted with minimal risk. Materials and Methods: Patients with LS-SCLC who underwent radiotherapy with curative aim at our institution between January 2004 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who did not receive PCI were evaluated for brain metastasis-free survival (BMFS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors for survival, and treatment outcomes were compared with a patient cohort who received PCI. Results: A total of 350 patients achieved a response following thoracic radiotherapy, and 190 of these patients did not receive PCI. Stage I–II and a complete response (CR) to initial therapy were good prognostic factors for BMFS and OS on univariate analysis. Patients with both stage I–II and a CR who declined PCI showed comparable 2-year BMFS to those who received PCI (92% vs. 89%). In patients who achieved CR, PCI did not significantly improve OS or PFS. Conclusion: There should be less concern about omitting PCI in patients with comorbidities if they have stage I–II or a CR, with brain metastasis control being comparable to those patients who receive PCI.

Sorption of Cs<SUP>+</SUP>, Sr<SUP>2+</SUP>, and Co<SUP>2+</SUP> by zeolite 13X

Minji Park,Jiwon Park,Hoon Young Jeong 대한지질학회 2017 대한지질학회 학술대회 Vol.2017 No.10

Removal of hexavalent chromium using mackinawite (FeS)-coated sand

Park, Minji,Park, Jiwon,Kang, Jungchun,Han, Young-Soo,Jeong, Hoon Young Elsevier 2018 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.360 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study investigates the feasibility of mackinawite (FeS)-coated sand in permeable reactive barrier applications to treat Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater under anoxic conditions. For this, Cr(VI) sorption experiments were conducted using both coated and uncoated sands. Solution-phase Cr speciation and Cr K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis indicated the complete reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by coated sand. At pH 4.7, substantial amounts of Cr(III) remained in solution due to its unfavorable cationic adsorption at acidic pH. At pH 7.1 and 9.8, it was quantitatively immobilized by forming Cr(III)-bearing precipitates. In contrast, uncoated sand showed the decreasing Cr(VI) sorption with pH. In uncoated sand, magnetite impurities would mediate the partial reduction of Cr(VI). Thus, the pH-dependent sorption by uncoated sand was due to both unfavorable anionic Cr(VI) adsorption and its lesser reduction to Cr(III) with pH. Compared to uncoated sand, coated sand showed significantly increased Cr(VI) sorption at neutral to basic pH. By Fe K-edge XANES analysis, FeS was mainly responsible for Cr(VI) reduction by coated sand, with a green rust-like phase being the major Fe product. Since Fe(OH)<SUB>3</SUB> is not thermodynamically stable under the redox conditions favoring formation of green rust, Fe(III)-substituted Cr(OH)<SUB>3</SUB> likely represents a Cr(III)-bearing phase.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> FeS-coated sand completely reduces Cr(VI) into Cr(III) at all pH conditions. </LI> <LI> The increased Cr(VI) removal due to FeS coating is evident at neutral to basic pH. </LI> <LI> Cr(VI) removal mechanisms by both coated and uncoated sands are pH-dependent. </LI> <LI> FeS-coated sand is the potential material in PRBs to treat Cr(VI) contamination. </LI> </UL> </P>

Skin Commensal Fungus Malassezia and Its Lipases

( Minji Park ),( Sungmin Park ),( Won Hee Jung ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.5

Malassezia is the most abundant genus in the fungal microflora found on human skin, and it is associated with various skin diseases. Among the 18 different species of Malassezia that have been identified to date, M. restricta and M. globosa are the most predominant fungal species found on human skin. Several studies have suggested a possible link between Malassezia and skin disorders. However, our knowledge on the physiology and pathogenesis of Malassezia in human body is still limited. Malassezia is unable to synthesize fatty acids; hence, it uptakes external fatty acids as a nutrient source for survival, a characteristic compensated by the secretion of lipases and degradation of sebum to produce and uptake external fatty acids. Although it has been reported that the activity of secreted lipases may contribute to pathogenesis of Malassezia, majority of the data were indirect evidences; therefore, enzymes’ role in the pathogenesis of Malassezia infections is still largely unknown. This review focuses on the recent advances on Malassezia in the context of an emerging interest for lipases and summarizes the existing knowledge on Malassezia, diseases associated with the fungus, and the role of the reported lipases in its physiology and pathogenesis.

Comparison of the quality characteristics of kimchi with various precooling condition during storage.

Minji Kim,Dong Hyeon Park,Min Jung Lee,Ji Young Choi,Sung Jin Park,Seung-Joo Lee,Sung Hee Park 한국산업식품공학회 2023 학술대회 및 심포지엄 Vol.2023 No.11