The effect of extract from leaves and stalks of Angelica gigas on the innate immunity

Kang, Shin-Seok,Byeon, Hyeon-Seop,Kang, Shin-Kwon,Ko, Duk-Hwan,Lim, Dae-Jun,Lee, Jung-Hwa,Kang, Sung-Ho The Korean Society of Veterinary Service 2013 韓國家畜衛生學會誌 Vol.36 No.4

The dried root of Angelica gigas (A. gigas) has been traditionally used as an oriental medicine, which is known to improve blood circulation and blood stasis. In the present study, leaves and stalks of A. gigas were used to investigate their effects on the innate immunity. The extracts were prepared from leaves and stalks of A. gigas and were fed to mice. The numbers of blood cells, total WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils were increased by 50% in mice fed with leaves extract of A. gigas compared to control mice. However, the numbers of blood cells were decreased when treated with stalks extract of A. gigas. The level of cholesterol and triglyceride in serum was markedly reduced in both mice group fed with leaves extract and stalks extract of A. gigas compared to control group (P<0.01). There was no significant change in the level of albumin, total protein, phosphate and calcium in serum. Activity of cationic peptide was found to be diffused in the testicles of mice fed with leaves extract of A. gigas compared to control group, which might be due to increased lysozyme in testicle. The lysoplate assay and immunohistochemistry assay suggest that the extract of leaves and stalks of A. gigas are immunogenic, but the effects might be related with acquired immune response rather than innate immunity.

X-ray Crystal Structure and Luminescence Properties of Pd(II) and Pt(II) Complexes with Dithiopyrrole

Kang, Jun-Gill,Cho, Dong-Hee,Park, Changmoon,Kang, Sung Kwon,Kim, In Tae,Lee, Sang-Woo,Lee, Ha-Hyeong,Lee, Young-Nam,Lim, Dae-Won,Lee, Sung-Jae,Kim, Sung-Ho,Bae, Young-Ju Korean Chemical Society 2008 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.29 No.3

The complexes Pd(nbmtp)Cl2 and Pt(nbmtp)Cl2 (nbmptp = 1-nonyl-3,4-bis(methylthio)pyrrole) were prepared and their x-ray structures were determined at room temperature. The four-coordinated metal unit and the pyrrole ring formed a nearly planar geometry. The free ligand dissolved in CH2Cl2 produced two luminescence bands associated with the lone-pair electron of S (l max = 525 nm) and the pyrrole p electron (l max = 388 nm). When the two complexes were dissolved in CH2Cl2, these two luminescence bands were also observed, although the low-energy band was blueshifted. For the crystalline Pt(II) complex, only the strong charge transfer band (l max = 618 nm) from the d* orbital of Pt resulted from excitation of the lone-pair electron of S.

Bioequivalence of Cholicerin Soft Capsule to Gliatilin Soft Capsule (Choline Alphoscerate 400 mg)

Kang, Hyun-Ah,Kim, Se-Mi,Kang, Seung-Rae,Kang, Min-Sun,Lee, Sang-No,Kwon, In-Ho,Yoo, Hee-Doo,Kim, Yoon-Gyoon,Lee, Yong-Bok The Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and 2010 Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation Vol.40 No.2

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two choline alphoscerate soft capsules, Gliatilin soft capsule (Daewoong Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) and Cholicerin soft capsule (Sam Chun Dang Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Serum concentrations of choline after oral administration of choline alphoscerate were determined using a validated LC/MS/MS method. This method showed linear response over the concentration range of 0.5-20 ${\mu}g$/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The lower limit of quantitation using 100 ${\mu}L$ of serum was 0.5 ${\mu}g$/mL which was sensitive enough for pharmacokinetic studies. Thirty six healthy male Korean volunteers received each medicine at the choline alphoscerate dose of 1200 mg in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was a one-week washout period between the doses. Blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals up to 8 hr. $AUC_t$ (the area under the serum concentration-time curve from time 0 to 8 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (the maximum serum drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (the time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the serum concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters, indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for Cholicerin/Gliatilin were log0.9998-log1.1172 and log0.9938-1.0944, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of log0.80-log1.25. Thus, the criteria of the KFDA guidelines for the bioequivalence was satisfied, indicating Cholicerin soft capsule and Gliatilin soft capsule are bioequivalent.

Inhibitory Effects of (-)Epigallocatechin Gallate and Quercetin on Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate-Induced Secretion of Metalloproteinase-2 and Metalloproteinase-9

Kang Sang-Wook,Choi Yean-Jung,Choi Jung-Suk,Kwon Hyang-Mi,Bae Ji-Young,Park Eun-Hee,Ji Geun-Eog,Kang Il-Jun,Kang Young-Hee The Korean Nutrition Society 2006 Nutritional Sciences Vol.9 No.3

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation undetphysiological and pathological conditions. The present study examined the influence of (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9, when human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin at supraphysiological concentrations of $25{\mu}mol/L$. No cytotoxicity was observed by MIT assay in response to a treatment with PMA in the presence of (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin. Western blot analysis and gelatin zymography revealed that exposure of HUVEC to PMA enhanced the levels and gelatinolytic activities of pro and active forms of MMP-2 and active form of MMP-9. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate attenuated PMA-stimulated secretion of active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 concomitantly with a loss of activities of these enzymes, which was related to the decreased mRNA levels of MMP. Quercetin was more potent than (-)epigallocatechin gallate in alleviating MMP-9 protein secretion and activity with a decrease in MMP-9 mRNA accumulation. Taken together, the results indicated that (-)epigallocatechin gallte and quercetin exhibited inhibitory effects on MMP activity and may qualify as chemopreventive and cardiovascular protective agents.

Oncologic outcomes of preoperative stent insertion first versus immediate surgery for obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer

Kang, Sung Il,Oh, Heung-Kwon,Yoo, Jae Suk,Ahn, Soyeon,Kim, Min Hyun,Kim, Myung Jo,Son, Il Tae,Kim, Duck-Woo,Kang, Sung-Bum,Park, Young Soo,Yoon, Chang Jin,Shin, Rumi,Heo, Seung Chul,Lee, In Taek,Youk, Elsevier 2018 Surgical oncology Vol.27 No.2

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Background</B></P> <P>Colonic self-expanding metallic stenting (SEMS) is widely used for the treatment of malignant colonic obstruction as a bridge to elective surgery. However, the effects of colonic stenting on long-term oncologic outcomes are debatable. This study aimed to compare the long-term oncologic outcomes of preoperative SEMS insertion with those of immediate surgery in patients with obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>A cohort of consecutive patients who underwent radical surgery for obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2011 in five tertiary referral hospitals were analyzed. Long-term survivals were analyzed and adjusted using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method, based on propensity scores, to reduce selection bias.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>One hundred and nine patients underwent immediate surgery, and 226 underwent stent insertion before surgery. Disease-free survival did not differ significantly in both the unadjusted population (hazard ratio [HR] 1.063, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.730–1.548; Log-rank, p = 0.746) and the adjusted population (HR 0.122, 95% CI 0.920–1.987; Log-rank, p = 0.122). Overall survival also did not differ significantly in both the unadjusted population (HR 0.871, 95% CI 0.568–1.334; Log-rank, p = 0.526) and the adjusted population (HR 1.023, 95% CI 0.665–1.572; Log-rank, p = 0.916). Defunctioning stoma formation was less in the SEMS insertion group than immediate surgery group (adjusted, 14.6% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001).</P> <P><B>Conclusion</B></P> <P>The ‘bridge to surgery’ strategy using metallic stents was oncologically comparable to immediate surgery in patients with malignant left-sided colorectal obstruction.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Disease-free survival rate was comparable, SEMS insertion vs. immediate surgery. </LI> <LI> Overall survival rate was comparable between the two groups. </LI> <LI> Defunctioning stoma formation was less in the SEMS insertion group. </LI> <LI> The ‘bridge to surgery’ strategy using stent insertion was oncologically acceptable. </LI> </UL> </P>

NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach for the Differentiation of Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Roots from Different Origins

Kang, Jin-Ho,Lee, Seo-Young,Kang, Sun-Mi,Kwon, Hyuk-Nam,Park, Jeong-Hill,Kwon, Sung-Won,Park, Sung-Hyouk 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.3

Agro-herbal materials vary in prices and qualities depending on the origin and age and the differentiation is both scientific and public health issue. Here, we describe a metabolomics approach used to discriminate ginseng roots from different sources. Six different types of ginseng roots from China and Korea were analyzed by NMR-based metabolomics. Chinese Dangsam showed prominent differences and was easily differentiated. The difference was mainly due to the large signals in the sugar region. We further analyzed the metabolomics results in subgroups. Jeonra (Korean), Choongcheong (Korean), and Chinese ginseng in subgroup 1 could be easily differentiated by the first two principal components. The loading plot for PC1 showed that the Jeonra and Chinese ginseng roots were mainly separated by sugar signals and methyl signals but that they were reverse-correlated. A diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) analysis showed that the methyl signals are from high molecular weight compounds and that the sugar signals are either from oligosaccharides or ginsenosides. In subgroup 2, composed of Korean Choongcheong ginseng at different ages, we were able to see age-dependent transitions in the score plot. We believe our approach can be applied to detecting the adulteration of ginseng root powders and other herbal products from different origins.

Activity Function for Describing Alteration of Three-Way Catalyst Performance over Palladium-Only Three-Way Catalysts by Catalyst Mileage

Kang, Sung Bong,Kwon, Hyuk Jae,Nam, In-Sik American Chemical Society 2011 INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH - Vol.50 No.9

<P>A simple three-way catalyst (TWC) activity function based upon the alteration of the Pd metallic surface area (MSA) of Pd-only commercial monolith TWCs has been developed to describe the change of the catalytic performance with respect to the Pd metal loading varying from 5 to 10 g/L and the field-aged catalyst mileage from 4K (stabilized) to 98K miles. Particularly, the change of the Pd MSA of TWC with respect to the catalyst mileage has been well-correlated by the second-order sintering kinetics, regardless of the Pd content of the TWC. The TWC activity function was incorporated into the primary reaction kinetics developed for the stabilized 4K Pd-only TWCs to predict the deactivation of the Pd-only TWC performance with respect to the field-aged mileage. The overall reaction kinetic model with the TWC activity function developed in the present study is capable of describing the alteration of TWC performance with respect to the catalyst mileage, regardless of the catalyst metal content.</P>

Multiple excitation of localized surface plasmon to create a 10 nm × 10 nm strong optical spot using an Au nanoparticle array-based ridge waveguide

Kang, Sung-Mook,Han, Jin,Kim, Taeseob,Park, No-Cheol,Park, Kyoung-Su,Min, Byung-Kwon,Park, Young-Pil The Optical Society 2010 Optics express Vol.18 No.2

<P>We present a description of a multiple excitation of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) from an Au nanoparticle (NP) array-based ridge waveguide to create a small optical spot size with an extremely strong intensity. Using a numerical finite-difference time-domain method, we find that the optical intensity of the ridge waveguide with an Au NP array is about 700% higher than that of a simple ridge waveguide. Moreover, the spacing between the NPs plays an important role in the multiple excitation of LSPs. The spot size, calculated at FWHM, is 10 nm x 10 nm at a distance of 5 nm from the exit plane.</P>

Characteristics of IEF Patterns and SDS-PAGE Results of Korean EPO Biosimilars

Kang, Min-Jung,Shin, Sang-Mi,Yoo, Hey-Hyun,Kwon, Oh-Seung,Jin, Chang-Bae Korean Chemical Society 2010 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.31 No.9

Erythropoietin (EPO) is mainly produced in kidney and stimulates erythropoiesis. The use of recombinant EPOs for doping is prohibited because of its performance enhancing effect. This study investigated whether biosimilar EPOs could be differentiated from endogenous one by iso-electro-focusing plus double blotting and SDS-PAGE for antidoping analysis. The established method was validated with positive control urine. The band patterns were reproducible and meet the criteria, which was made by world anti doping agency (WADA). Isoelectric focusing was conducted in pH range 2 to 6. Recormon (La Roche), Aropotin (Kunwha), Epokine (CJ Pharm Co.), Eporon (Dong-A), Espogen (LG Life Sciences), and Dynepo (Shire Pharmaceuticals) were detected in basic region. All biosimilars showed discriminative isoelectric profiles from endogenous EPO profiles, but they showed different band patterns with the reference one except Epokine (CJ Pharm Co.). Next, SDS-PAGE of biosimilar EPOs resulted in different molecular weight patterns which were distributed higher than endogenous EPO. Commercial immune assay kit as an immune affinity purification tool and immobilized antibody coated magnetic bead were tested for the purification and concentration of EPO from urinary matrix. The antibody-coated magnetic bead gave better purification yield. The IEF plus double blotting and SDS-PAGE with immunoaffinity purification method established can be used to discriminate biosimilar EPOs from endogenous EPO.

Cisplatin-Mediated Formation of Polyampholytic Chitosan Nanoparticles with Attenuated Viscosity and pH-Sensitive Drug Release

Kang, Ra-Hye,Kwon, Ji-Yeong,Kim, Yeojin,Lee, Sang-Min American Chemical Society 2017 Langmuir Vol.33 No.36

<P>Chitosan is a biocompatible natural polysaccharide, which has been employed as a polymeric scaffold for versatile, systemic delivery platforms and for locally injectable gels with temperature-sensitive viscosity modulation. Despite the extensive investigation on the chemical modification strategies, however, most of the chitosan-based delivery platforms have been focused on the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs, which can be simply adsorbed on the chitosan scaffolds by hydrophobic interaction via the postparticle-formation drug-loading process. Herein, we present the facile formation of a cisplatin-coordinated chitosan nanoplatform by exploiting the divalent metal (Pt<SUP>II</SUP>)-mediated conformational changes of chitosan chains, which allows for the simultaneous drug-loading and nanoparticle formation. To this end, the native chitosan has been chemically modified with short polyethylene glycol and malonic acid as a colloidal stabilizer and a bidentate chelating ligand for Pt<SUP>II</SUP> coordination, respectively. The resulting Pt<SUP>II</SUP>-modified polyampholytic chitosan (Pt<SUP>II</SUP>-MPC) has been self-associated in aqueous media by hydrophobic segregation into a compact nanostructure, which exhibited an attenuated viscosity and pH-sensitive release of Pt<SUP>II</SUP> compounds. Once the cationic drug molecules have been released under mild acidic conditions, the neutralized Pt<SUP>II</SUP>-free MPC undergoes interchain flocculation near the isoelectric point because of the polyampholytic property, possibly allowing for the facilitated endosomal escape during the cellular endocytosis by the known membrane perturbation property of chitosan.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>