The effects of particle size on the physicochemical properties of optimized astaxanthin-rich Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous-loaded microparticles

Park, S.A.,Ahn, J.B.,Choi, S.H.,Lee, J.S.,Lee, H.G. Academic Press, etc 2014 FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY -ZURICH- Vol.55 No.2

To improve the entrapment efficiency (EE) of astaxanthin-rich Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (ASX)-loaded calcium alginate gel (ASX-CAG) microparticles, we used a response surface methodology to optimize preparation conditions including the ratio of ASX to total material (X<SUB>1</SUB>), alginate concentration (X<SUB>2</SUB>), and CaCl<SUB>2</SUB> concentration (X<SUB>3</SUB>). The EE and the mean size of the ASX-CAG microparticles were 76.7 g/100 g and 210.26 μm, respectively, after preparation under optimal conditions: 24 g ASX/100 g total material, 1.0 g/100 g alginate, and 200 mmol/L CaCl<SUB>2</SUB>. The effects of particle size on different characteristics were evaluated with increasing microparticle size; an increase in microparticle size significantly increased EE and the antioxidant activity of ASX, but resulted in a decrease in the release of entrapped ASX. Most importantly, the lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity of encapsulated ASX (55.1%) was significantly higher and longer-lasting than that of non-encapsulated ASX (40.5%) after 36 h of storage as determined using the thiobarbituric acid method.

Effects of Dietary Levels of Glycine, Threonine and Protein on Threonine Efficiency and Threonine Dehydrogenase Activity in Hepatic Mitochondria of Chicks

Lee, C.W.,Cho, I.J.,Lee, Y.J.,Son, Y.S.,Kwak, I.,Ahn, Y.T.,Kim, S.C.,An, W.G. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.1

This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between threonine (Thr) efficiency and Thr dehydrogenase (TDG) activity as an indicator of Thr oxidation on chicks fed with levels of diets (CP [17.5% and 21.5%] and Thr [3.8 and 4.7 g/100 g CP]; glycine [Gly][0.64% and 0.98%] and true digestible Thr [dThr] [0.45% and 0.60%]). Calculation of the Thr efficiency was based on N-balance data and an exponential N-utilization model, and TDG activity was determined as accumulation of aminoacetone and Gly during incubation of hepatic mitochondria. This study found that in the liver of chicks who received a diet containing up to 0.79% Thr (4.7 g Thr/100 g of CP) in the 17.5% CP diet, no significant (p>0.05) effect on TDG activity was observed. However, significantly (p = 0.014) increased TDG activity was observed with a diet containing 21.5% CP (4.7 g Thr/100 g of CP) and the efficiency of Thr utilization showed a significant (p = 0.001) decrease, indicating the end of the Thr limiting range. No significant (p>0.05) effect on the total TDG activity and accumulation of Gly was observed with addition of Gly to a diet containing 0.45% dThr. In addition, addition of Gly to a diet containing 0.60% dThr also did not result in a change in accumulation of Gly. Due to an increase in accumulation of aminoacetone, an elevated effect on total TDG activity was also observed. No significant (p>0.05) reduction in the efficiency of Thr utilization was observed after addition of Gly at the level of 0.45% dThr. However, significantly (p<0.001) reduced efficiency of Thr utilization was observed after addition of Gly at the level of 0.60% dThr. Collectively, we found that TDG was stimulated not only by addition of Thr and protein to the diet, but also by addition of Gly, and efficiency of Thr utilization was favorably affected by addition of Gly at the level near to the optimal Thr concentration. In addition, no metabolic requirement of Gly through the TDG pathway was observed with almost the same accumulation of Gly and a slight increase in TDG activity by addition of Gly. Thus, our findings suggest that determination of TDG activity and parameter of efficiency of Thr utilization may be useful for evaluation of dietary Thr level.

한국 재래 닭 부화 후 고환 발달에 관한 연구

장병귀,태현진,최철환,박영재,박병용,박상열,강형섭,김남수,이영훈,양홍현,안동춘,김인식,Jang, B.G.,Tae, H.J.,Choi, C.H.,Park, Y.J.,Park, B.Y.,Park, S.Y.,Kang, H.S.,Kim, N.S.,Lee, Y.H.,Yang, H.H.,Ahn, D.C.,Kim, I.S. 한국가금학회 2006 韓國家禽學會誌 Vol.33 No.3

이 연구는 한국 재래 닭에서 부화 후 고환 발달 과정을 명확하게 이해가기 위하여 부화 후 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 28, 32, 44, 52 및 64주령(n=13마리/일령)의 한국 재래닭을 이용하여 수행하였다. 한국 재래 닭의 고환은 2.5 % glutaraldehyde를 이용하여 전신 관류 고정하고 조직 처리 과정을 거쳐 Epon-araldite에 포매하였다. 초박절편기를 사용하여 $1{\mu}m$로 절편한 다음 methylene blue로 염색하여 일반적인 조직의 변화상과 형태 계측을 일반적인 방법에 따라서 정자 생성을 측정하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 부화 후 1주령의 고환의 평균 무게는 0.015 g이었고 점진적으로 증가하여 21주령에는 3.93 g이고 21주령부터 64주령까지는 변화가 없었다. 곱슬정세관의 용적 치밀도는 1주령에 32.6%이었으나 점차적으로 증가하여 64주령에서는 92.89이었다. 1주령의 한국 재래 닭 고환 간질 조직은 고환 실질의 67.4%를 나타내었고 이러한 비율은 성장하는 동안에 점차적으로 감소하여 64주령에 7.11%를 나타내었다. 고환내 총 정자 생성은 18주령부터 28주령까지는 유의성있게 증가하였고 고환 1g당 정자 생성은 $18\sim28$주령까지는 유의성있게 증가하였고 $28\sim52$주령까지는 변화가 없었으나 64주령에 유의성 있게 감소하였다. 곱슬정세관의 평균 직경은 $1\sim21$주령까지 주령에 따라 점진적으로 증가하였고 곱슬정세관의 길이는 1주령에 0.34 m이었고 성장하면서 유의성 있게 증가하여 64주령에서는 72.2 m이었다. 곱슬정세관내 생식세포의 발달 단계는 다음과 같이 분류할 수 있다. 1) 정조세포($1\sim8$주령), 2) 정조세포, 정모세포($10\sim12$주령), 3) 정조세포, 정모세포, 원형의 정자세포($14\sim16$주령), 4) 정조세포, 정모세포, 정자세포 및 정자($18\sim64$주령). 이러한 결과를 종합하여 보면 한국 재래 닭에서 부화 후부터 성숙시기까지 고환 발달의 양상은 신생시기-성 성숙 이전기($1\sim12$주령), 성 성숙시기($14\sim18$주령) 및 성숙시기$(21\sim64)$로 나뉜다. Changes in the chicken testis from hatching to adulthood were studied in Korean native chickens of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 44, 52 and 64 weeks (n=13 chickens per group) of age. The present study was to investigate in more detail the post-hatching development of testis in Korean native chickens. Testes of chickens were fixed by whole body perfusion using a fixative containing 2.5% glutaraldehyde in cacodylate buffer, processed and embedded in Epon-araldite. Using $1{\mu}m$ sections stained with methylene blue-azure II, qualitative and quantitative(stereological) morphological studies were performed. Sperm production was measured by routine technique. The average volume of a testis of 1 week old Korean native chickens was determined as 0.015 g and the parameter increased linearly from 1 week to 21 weeks days (28.9 g), and did not change from 21 weeks to 64 weeks. The volume density of the seminiferous tubules increased with age from 32.6% at week 1 to 92.89% at week 64. The volume density of the interstitium represents 67.4% of the testicular parenchyma at week 1. This proportion progressively diminished during development to reach a value of 7.11% at week 64. Total sperm production per testis increased significantly from 18 weeks to 28 weeks and remained unchanged. Sperm production per 1 g testis increased significantly from 18 weeks to 28 weeks, did not change significantly from 28 weeks to 52 weeks, and declined significantly at 64 weeks of age. The average diameter of the seminiferous tubules gradually increased with age from 1 week $(42.4{\mu}m)$ to 21 weeks $(412.8{\mu}m)$. The length of the seminiferous tubules was 0.34 m at 1 week, increased significantly in subsequent age groups and reached 72.2 m by weeks 64. The stage of germ cell development in seminiferous tubules was classified as 1) spermatogonia $(1\sim8\;weeks)$, 2) spermatogonia and spermatocytes $(10\sim12\;weeks)$, 3) spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids $(14\sim16\;weeks)$, and 4) speramatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa $(18\sim64\;weeks)$. These results clarified the pattern of changes in the testicular development in Korean native chickens from hatching to adulthood as 1) neonatal-prepubertal $(1\sim12\;weeks)$, 2) puberty$(14\sim18\;weeks)$, and adult$(21\sim64\;weeks)$.

5-Nitro-5'-hydroxy-indirubin-3'-oxime (AGM130), an indirubin-3'-oxime derivative, inhibits tumor growth by inducing apoptosis against non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

Ahn, M.Y.,Kim, T.H.,Kwon, S.M.,Yoon, H.E.,Kim, H.S.,Kim, J.I.,Kim, Y.C.,Kang, K.W.,Ahn, S.G.,Yoon, J.H. Elsevier 2015 European journal of pharmaceutical sciences Vol.79 No.-

This study examined the anti-tumor effects of AGM130, a novel indirubin-3'-oxime derivative in A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cells. AGM130 significantly inhibited the proliferation and arrested the cell cycle of G2/M phase. Induction of apoptosis was detected in AGM130-treated A549 cells. The protein levels of Cytochrome c release, Bax, cleaved caspases and PARP were increased in AGM130 treated cells, whereas Bcl-2 levels were decreased. AGM130 inhibited Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), AKT/mTOR signaling and inactivated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). AGM130 also induced slight autophagy as pro-survival function and autophagy inhibition by chloroquine (CQ) induced necrosis. In vivo tumor xenograft model, AGM130 dose-dependently suppressed transplanted A549 cell tumor growth and induced the expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). AGM130 also increased TUNEL positive apoptotic cell populations and the induction of glandular differentiation with mucin pool compared with vehicle-treated control in tumor tissue. These results suggest that AGM130 is an effective novel indirubin-3'-oxime derivative of anti-cancer drug and may be an attractive candidate for non-small cell lung cancer therapy.

Topical delivery of 4-hexylresorcinol promotes wound healing via tumor necrosis factor-α suppression

Ahn, J.,Kim, S.G.,Kim, M.K.,Kim, D.W.,Lee, J.H.,Seok, H.,Choi, J.Y. Butterworths ; Elsevier 2016 BURNS -OXFORD- Vol.42 No.7

<P>Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate (1) the effect of 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) application on TNF-alpha expression in RAW264.7 cells and (2) the effect of 4HR ointment on burn wound healing in a rat burn wound model. Materials and methods: RAW264.7 cells were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of 4HR, and the attached cells were sampled for western blot analysis at each time point. Animal studies were conducted on male Wistar rats (n = 24). Three treatment groups were evaluated in this study: (1) treatment with ointment alone (negative control), (2) treatment with ointment containing 0.2 wt% 4HR, and (3) treatment with ointment containing 2 wt% 4HR. For the assessment of wound healing, digital photographs were taken at 1, 5, and 14 days. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 5, and 14 days for histological examination or ELISA analysis. Results: Western blot analysis showed that TNF-alpha protein levels were reduced following treatment with 4HR at concentrations between 1 and 10 mu g/mL. In animal studies, the average denuded area 14 days after burn was smaller in the 2 wt% 4HR treatment group compared with the control group (P = 0.022). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed lower TNF-alpha expression in the 2 wt% 4HR treatment group compared with the control group 14 days after burn (P = 0.027). Conclusion: 4HR reduced TNF-alpha expression in RAW264.7 cells and in the burn wounds of rats. Burn wounds dressed with ointment containing 4HR also exhibited rapid epithelization and collagen regeneration. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.</P>

Potential Effect of S-Nitrosylated Protein Disulfide Isomerase on Mutant SOD1 Aggregation and Neuronal Cell Death in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Jeon, G. S.,Nakamura, T.,Lee, J. S.,Choi, W. J.,Ahn, S. W.,Lee, K. W.,Sung, J. J.,Lipton, S. A. HUMANA PRESS INC 2014 Molecular neurobiology Vol.49 No.2

Aggregation of misfolded protein and resultant intracellular inclusion body formation are common hallmarks of mutant superoxide dismutase (mSOD1)-linked familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) and have been associated with the selective neuronal death. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) represents a family of enzymatic chaperones that can fold nascent and aberrant proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. Recently, our group found that S-nitrosylated PDI could contribute to protein misfolding and subsequent neuronal cell death. However, the exact role of PDI in the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear. In this study, we propose that PDI attenuates aggregation of mutant/misfolded SOD1 and resultant neurotoxicity associated with ER stress. ER stress resulting in PDI dysfunction therefore provides a mechanistic link between deficits in molecular chaperones, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases. In contrast, S-nitrosylation of PDI inhibits its activity, increases mSOD1 aggregation, and increases neuronal cell death. Specifically, our data show that S-nitrosylation abrogates PDI-mediated attenuation of neuronal cell death triggered by thapsigargin. Biotin switch assays demonstrate S-nitrosylated PDI both in the spinal cords of SOD1 (G93A) mice and human patients with sporadic ALS. Therefore, denitrosylation of PDI may have therapeutic implications. Taken together, our results suggest a novel strategy involving PDI as a therapy to prevent mSOD1 aggregation and neuronal degeneration. Moreover, the data demonstrate that inactivation of PDI by S-nitrosylation occurs in both mSOD1-linked and sporadic forms of ALS in humans as well as mice.

Carbon nanofiber/cobalt oxide nanopyramid core-shell nanowires for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

An, G.H.,Ahn, H.J. Elsevier Sequoia 2014 Journal of Power Sources Vol.272 No.-

Carbon nanofiber (CNF)/Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> nanopyramid core-shell nanowires (NWs) are synthesized using an electrospinning method followed by reduction and hydrothermal treatment in order to improve the capacity, cycle stability, and high-rate capability of the electrodes in Li ion batteries (LIBs). The morphology, crystal structure, and chemical states of all samples are investigated by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. For comparison, conventional CNFs, octahedral Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>, and Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/CNF composite electrodes are prepared. LIB cells fabricate with the CNF/Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> nanopyramid core-shell NWs exhibit superb discharge capacity (1173 mAh g<SUP>-1</SUP> at the 1st cycle), cycle stability (795 mAh g<SUP>-1</SUP> at 50 cycles), high initial Coulombic efficiency (84.8%), and high-rate capability (570 mAh g<SUP>-1</SUP> at a current density of 700 mA g<SUP>-1</SUP>) as compared to the conventional CNF, octahedral Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>, and Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/CNF composite electrodes. The performance improvement is owing to the introduction of one-dimensional CNFs relative to efficient electron transport in the core region, extensive utilization of Co<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> nanopyramids with high capacity grown closely on the CNFs in the shell region, and the network structures of the electrode relative to the improvement of Li ion diffusion.

Well-dispersed iron nanoparticles exposed within nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon nanofibers by hydrogen-activation for oxygen-reduction reaction

An, G.H.,Lee, E.H.,Ahn, H.J. ELSEVIER SCIENCE 2016 JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS Vol.682 No.-

Well-dispersed Fe nanoparticles exposed within N-doped mesoporous carbon nanofibers (Fe-NMCNF) are synthesized using electrospinning and H<SUB>2</SUB>-activation. Their morphologies, crystal structures, chemical bonding states, and electrochemical performance are demonstrated at three calcination temperatures (700, 800, and 900 <SUP>o</SUP>C) during H<SUB>2</SUB>-activation. Fe-NMCNF calcined at 800 <SUP>o</SUP>C had a high specific surface area of 467.6 m<SUP>2</SUP> g<SUP>-1</SUP>, total pore volume of 0.88 cm<SUP>3</SUP> g<SUP>-1</SUP>, large average pore size of 7.5 nm, and large mesopore volume fraction of 79.1%. In particular, the Fe-NMCNF sample calcined at 800 <SUP>o</SUP>C exhibits both excellent catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction and superb long-term stability compared to commercial Pt/C in acid electrolyte of 0.1 M HClO<SUB>4</SUB>. The performance improvement results from the combined effect of the well-dispersed Fe nanoparticles exposed within N-doped mesoporous CNFs and the uniform morphology of mesoporous CNFs.

Korean Ginseng Berry Fermented by Mycotoxin Non-producing Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae: Ginsenoside Analyses and Anti-proliferative Activities

Li, Z.,Ahn, H. J.,Kim, N. Y.,Lee, Y. N.,Ji, G. E. PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2016 BIOLOGICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN Vol.39 No.9

<P>To transform ginsenosides, Korean ginseng berry (KGB) was fermented by mycotoxin non-producing Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae. Changes of ginsenoside profile and anti-proliferative activities were observed. Results showed that A. niger tended to efficiently transform protopanaxadiol (PPD) type ginsenosides such as Rb1, Rb2, Rd to compound K while A. oryzae tended to efficiently transform protopanaxatriol (PPT) type ginsenoside Re to Rh1 via Rg1. Butanol extracts of fermented KGB showed high cytotoxicity on human adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell line and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line while that of unfermented KGB showed little. The minimum effective concentration of niger-fermented KGB was less than 2.5 mu g/mL while that of oryzae-fermented KGB was about 5 mu g/mL. As A. niger is more inclined to transform PPD type ginsenosides, niger-fermented KGB showed stronger anti-proliferative activity than oryzae-fermented KGB.</P>

The histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A, induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in YD-10B oral squamous carcinoma cells

Anh, T.D.,Ahn, M.-Y.,Kim, S.-A.,Yoon, J.-H.,Ahn, S.-G. Spandidos Publications 2012 Oncology reports Vol.27 No.2