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.

Enhanced optical properties of co-growth WS₂/MoS₂ monolayer with plasmonic nanoparticles

Minji Park,Jaeseo Park,Won Chegal,Sang-Woo Kang 한국진공학회 2021 한국진공학회 학술발표회초록집 Vol.2021 No.2

We investigated the optical properties of co-growth WS₂/MoS₂-Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) hybrids by using photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopies. The co-growth WS₂/MoS₂ were directly grown by using MOCVD. We formed locally and effectively a simple plasmonic structures composed of randomly disordered AgNPs. The AgNPs can be employed either for concentrating light or tuning to better match the exciton energy of 2D monolayers. We confirmed the PL and Raman of the hybrids were enhanced, indicating a stronger coupling and higher energy transfer rage between the AgNPs and co-growth WS₂/MoS₂

Interference with oxidative phosphorylation enhances anoxic expression of rice α-amylase genes through abolishing sugar regulation

Park, Minji,Yim, Hui-kyeong,Park, Hyeok-gon,Lim, Jun,Kim, Soo-Hwan,Hwang, Yong-sic Oxford University Press 2010 Journal of experimental botany Vol.61 No.12

<P>Rice has the unique ability to express α-amylase under anoxic conditions, a feature that is critical for successful anaerobic germination and growth. Previously, anaerobic conditions were shown to up-regulate the expression of Amy3 subfamily genes (<I>Amy3B</I>/<I>C</I>, <I>3D</I>, and <I>3E</I>) in rice embryos. These genes are known to be feedback regulated by the hydrolytic products of starchy endosperm such as the simple sugar glucose. It was found that oxygen deficiency interferes with the repression of <I>Amy3D</I> gene expression imposed by low concentrations of glucose but not with that imposed by higher amounts. This differential anoxic de-repression depending on sugar concentration suggests the presence of two distinct pathways for sugar regulation of <I>Amy3D</I> gene expression. Anoxic de-repression can be mimicked by treating rice embryos with inhibitors of ATP synthesis during respiration. Other sugar-regulated rice α-amylase genes, <I>Amy3B/C</I> and <I>3E</I>, behave similarly to <I>Amy3D</I>. Treatment with a respiratory inhibitor or anoxia also relieved the sugar repression of the rice <I>CIPK15</I> gene, a main upstream positive regulator of <I>SnRK1A</I> that is critical for <I>Amy3D</I> expression in response to sugar starvation. SnRK1A accumulation was previously shown to be required for MYBS1 expression, which transactivates <I>Amy3D</I> by binding to a <I>cis</I>-acting element found in the proximal region of all Amy3 subfamily gene promoters (the TA box). Taken together, these results suggest that prevention of oxidative phosphorylation by oxygen deficiency interferes with the sugar repression of Amy3 subfamily gene expression, leading to their enhanced expression in rice embryos during anaerobic germination.</P>

TGFβ1 induces stress fiber formation through upregulation of TRPC6 in vascular smooth muscle cells

Park, Soonbum,Lee, Sanghoon,Park, Eun-Jung,Kang, MinJi,So, Insuk,Jeon, Ju-Hong,Chun, Jung Nyeo Elsevier 2017 Biochemical and biophysical research communication Vol.483 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Aberrant transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) signaling plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular fibrosis. On the other hand, deregulated transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channel expression shows impaired vascular physiology and wound healing. However, it has little been known about the functional association between TGFβ1 and TRPC6 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study, we analyzed the microarray data obtained from TGFβ1-treated A7r5 VSMCs. We found that TGFβ1 specifically elevates the expression level of TRPC6 mainly through Smad-dependent canonical pathway. The siRNA against TRPC6 abolished TGFβ1-induced molecular and cellular phenotype changes, including myosin light chain phosphorylation, actin stress fiber formation, and cell migration. These results demonstrate that TRPC6 is an important component of TGFβ1 signaling pathway in VSMCs. Therefore, our findings provide a basis for future investigation aimed at developing novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of vascular fibrosis.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> TGFβ1 specifically elevates the expression level of TRPC6. </LI> <LI> TGFβ1 upregulates TRPC6 mainly through Smad-dependent canonical pathway. </LI> <LI> TRPC6 plays a crucial role in TGFβ1-induced stress fiber formation and cell migration. </LI> </UL> </P>

Adjusted interactions of nickel nanoparticles with cobalt-modified MgAl₂O₄-SiC for an enhanced catalytic stability during steam reforming of propane

Park, Kyung Soo,Son, Minji,Park, Myung-June,Kim, Dae Hyun,Kim, Jeong Hwa,Park, So Hyun,Choi, Joon-Hwan,Bae, Jong Wook Elsevier 2018 Applied catalysis. A, General Vol.549 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Steam reforming of propane (SRP) for the stable production of hydrogen-rich reformates was investigated using the Ni-supported on the cobalt-modified SiC-embedded MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> support (denoted as NCMAS). The adjusted interactions of the Ni nanoparticles with the cobalt-modified SiC-embedded MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> (MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>-SiC) and its crystallite size distributions largely altered the catalytic activity and stability of NCMAS. The introductions of SiC on the NCMAS, where SiC has a higher thermal conductivity, also increased the dispersion of smaller MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> grains with the less formations of inactive NiAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> species, which resulted in the higher catalytic activity with smaller formations of unreformed light hydrocarbons. The positive roles of cobalt promoter on the MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>-SiC matrices were mainly attributed to the suppressed aggregation of nickel nanoparticles by their strong and intimate interactions with the cobalt-modified MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>. The effects of cobalt promoter at an optimal 5wt%Co in the MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>-SiC (NCMAS(5)) enhanced the oxidation-resistance of the nickel nanoparticles with less formations of inactive metal aluminates by being reversibly re-reduced under the SRP reaction conditions. These phenomena further lessen coke depositions by intimately interacting with highly dispersed oxophilic cobalt or cobalt aluminate species. The optimal NCMAS(5) was applied to derive kinetic parameters using Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) mechanisms, and the reasonable activation energy of 73 kJ/mol and optimal operating parameters to maximize hydrogen production by SRP reaction was estimated in terms of the reaction conditions such as space velocity, feed ratio and reaction temperature.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Steam reforming of propane (SRP) was studied over the Ni-supported on Co-modified MgAl<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>@SiC (NCMAS). </LI> <LI> Adjusted interactions of Ni nanoparticles largely altered the activity and stability. </LI> <LI> Cobalt promoter showed the suppressed Ni aggregation with intimate interactions with CMAS support. </LI> <LI> Kinetic parameters using LHHW model were properly derived for SRP reaction. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

KAAACI Allergic Rhinitis Guidelines: Part 2. Update in Non-pharmacological Management

Park Do-Yang,Lee Yong Ju,Kim Dong-Kyu,Kim Soo Whan,Yang Hyeon-Jong,Kim Do Hyun,Jun Young Joon,Park Sang Chul,Kim Bong-Seong,Yang Song-I,Lee Il Hwan,Kim Minji,Ryu Gwanghui,강성윤,Kim Mi-Ae,이상민,Kim Hyun-Ju 대한천식알레르기학회 2023 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.15 No.2

Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Various upper airway symptoms lower quality of life, and due to the recurrent symptoms, multiple treatments are usually attempted rather than one definitive treatment. There are alternatives to medical (medication-based) and non-medical treatments. A guideline is needed to understand allergic rhinitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. We have developed guidelines for medical treatment based on previous reports. The current guidelines herein are associated with the “KAAACI Evidence-Based Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis in Korea, Part 1: Update in pharmacotherapy” in which we aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the medical treatment of allergic rhinitis. Part 2 focuses on non-pharmacological management, including allergen-specific immunotherapy, subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy, nasal saline irrigation, environmental management strategies, companion animal management, and nasal turbinate surgery. The evidence to support the treatment efficacy, safety, and selection has been systematically reviewed. However, larger controlled studies are needed to elevate the level of evidence to select rational non-medical therapeutic options for patients with allergic rhinitis.

pH-Dependent Expression, Stability, and Activity of Malassezia restricta MrLip5 Lipase

( Minji Park ),( Ji Su Lee ),( Won Hee Jung ),( Yang Won Lee ) 대한피부과학회 2020 Annals of Dermatology Vol.32 No.6

Background: The lipophilic yeasts Malassezia spp. are normally resident on the surface of the human body, and often associated with various skin diseases. Of the 18 known Malassezia spp., Malassezia restricta is the most predominantly identified Malassezia sp. found on the human skin. Malassezia possesses a large number of genes encoding lipases to degrade human sebum triglycerides into fatty acids, which are required not only for their growth, but also trigger skin diseases. Previously, we have shown that MrLIP5 (MRET_0930), one of the 12 lipase genes in the genome of M. restricta, and is the most frequently expressed lipase gene in the scalp of patients with dandruff. Objective: In this study, we aimed to analyze the activity, stability, and expression of MrLip5, with particular focus on pH. Methods: We heterologously expressed MrLip5 in Escherichia coli, and purified and analyzed its activity and expression under different pH conditions. Results: We found that MrLip5 was most active and stable and highly expressed under alkaline conditions, which is similar to that of the diseased skin surface. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the activity and expression of MrLip5 are pH-dependent, and that this lipase may play an essential role at the M. restricta-host interface during disease progression. (Ann Dermatol 32(6) 473∼480, 2020)

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>

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