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.

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>

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

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.

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>

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.

Incorporation of cesium in zeolite-structure using thermal treatment

Minji Park,Su Kyoung Kim,Seo Ha Kim,Hoon young Jeong 대한지질학회 2020 대한지질학회 학술대회 Vol.2020 No.10

Multilevel Nonvolatile Memristive and Memcapacitive Switching in Stacked Graphene Sheets

Park, Minji,Park, Sungjin,Yoo, Kyung-Hwa American Chemical Society 2016 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.8 No.22

<P>We fabricated devices consisting of single and double graphene sheets embedded in organic polymer layers. These devices had binary and ternary nonvolatile resistive switching behaviors, respectively. Capacitance voltage (C-V) curves and scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) images were obtained to investigate the switching mechanism. The C-V curves exhibited a large hysteresis, implying that the graphene sheets acted as charging and discharging layers and that resistive switching was caused by charges trapped in the graphene layers. In addition, binary capacitive switching behaviors were observed for the device with a single graphene sheet, and ternary capacitive switching behaviors were observed for the device with the double graphene sheets. These results demonstrated that devices consisting of graphene sheets embedded in the polymer layers can be applied to multilevel nonvolatile memcapacitive devices as well as memristive devices.</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.