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We sought to investigate the effect of extracts from Rosa gallica petals (RPE) on skin whitening and anti-wrinkle activity. Tyrosinase activity was attenuated by RPE treatment, concomitant with the reduction of melanin accumulation in human B16F10 melanoma. Treatment of the facial skin of volunteers in a clinical trial with an RPE-containing formulation enhanced skin brightness (L* value) significantly. The underlying mechanism responsible was determined to be associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. In addition, RPE exhibited anti-wrinkle formation activity of human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 level. In vivo study, RPE also inhibited solar ultraviolet-stimulated MMP-1 level by c-Jun regulation. Overall, our findings indicate that RPE evokes skin whitening and anti-wrinkle formation activity by regulating intracellular signaling, supporting its utility as an ingredient for skin whitening and anti-wrinkle cosmetic products.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of anacardic acid (AA), a phenolic lipid found in cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale), on metabolic disorders related to obesity, fatty liver disease, and diabetes using both in vitro and in vivo models. The application of AA led to a reduction in lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells without observable cytotoxicity. Results from Western blot analysis revealed that AA treatment also led to decreased expression of fatty acid synthase and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma. In vivo studies were performed to evaluate the effects of AA treatment on fatty liver disease and diabetes. Mice fed a high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet had significantly higher body and liver weights, and higher levels of liver fat, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). However, 12 weeks of oral treatment with 500 μg/kg BW AA slowed down lipid accumulation rates in the liver and mitigated insulin resistance in these mice. Thus, AA may reduce lipid levels and have an antidiabetic effect., Anacardic acid inhibits lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells. Anacardic acid reduces lipid accumulation in mice fed high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet. Anacardic acid mitigates insulin resistance in mice fed high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet.

The anti-skin inflammatory activities of rose petal extracts have been described in our previous study. Because skin inflammation is closely linked to skin aging, our study investigated the effects of Rosa gallica petals on skin aging-related activities such as skin whitening and anti-wrinkle properties. Each sample was prepared via extraction using different ethanol ratios with the objective of evaluationg optimal extraction conditions for industrial application. Aqueous 50% (v/v) EtOH extract of R. gallica petal significantly suppressed tyrosinase activity, melanin production, and solar UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1, a hall mark of wrinkle formation. In addition, the aqueous 50% (v/v) EtOH extract showed the highest antioxidative effect and had highest flavonoid contents, consistent with the reported anti-aging effects. Overall, our findings suggest that R. gallica petals extracts exhibit anti-aging effects. Furthermore, 50% EtOH extraction, in particular, was optimal for the highest anti-aging, and anti-oxidative effects as well as to obtain the highest flavonoid content.

Studies in rats, monkeys, and humans have found action-value signals in multiple regions of the brain. These findings suggest that action-value signals encoded in these brain structures bias choices toward higher expected rewards. However, previous estimates of action-value signals might have been inflated by serial correlations in neural activity and also by activity related to other decision variables. Here, we applied several statistical tests based on permutation and surrogate data to analyze neural activity recorded from the striatum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus. The results show that previously identified action-value signals in these brain areas cannot be entirely accounted for by concurrent serial correlations in neural activity and action value. We also found that neural activity related to action value is intermixed with signals related to other decision variables. Our findings provide strong evidence for broadly distributed neural signals related to action value throughout the brain.

We sought to investigate the effect of extracts from

This study suggests sulfuretin as an ant-skin aging agent. Sulfuretin significantly reduces solar UV (sUV)-increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and c-Jun phosphorylation in human dermal fibroblasts as well as skin tissue. An examination of the underlying mechanisms showed that sUV-activated MAPK signaling pathways are blocked by sulfuretin. Interestingly, sulfuretin directly inhibits the kinase activity of selected Src family. Because the amino acid sequence of Hck kinase which used kinase array is 230–497, it was assumed that sulfuretin interacts with this conserved domain of Src family kinase. It was also found that sulfuretin directly binds to sulfuretin with the lowest binding energy of −8.9 kcal/mol and free energy of −10.07 kcal/mol. Additionally, Hck protein was precipitated with sulfuretin-conjugated Sepharose 4B beads in HDFs cell lysate. Overall, present findings indicated that sulfuretin plays the role of anti-skin aging agent by acting as a general Src family kinase inhibitor in human skin.

Red ginseng has been reported to elicit various therapeutic effects relevant to cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of red ginseng on exercise endurance and skeletal muscle function remains unclear. Herein, we sought to investigate whether red ginseng could affect exercise endurance and examined its molecular mechanism. Mice were fed with red ginseng extract (RG) and undertook swimming exercises to determine the time to exhaustion. Animals fed with RG had significantly longer swimming endurance. RG treatment was also observed to enhance ATP production levels in myoblasts. RG increased mRNA expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis regulators, NRF-1, TFAM, and PGC-1&alpha, which was accompanied by an elevation in mitochondrial DNA, suggesting an enhancement in mitochondrial energy-generating capacity. Importantly, RG treatment induced phosphorylation of p38 and AMPK and upregulated PGC1&alpha, expression in both myoblasts and in vivo muscle tissue. In addition, RG treatment also stimulated C2C12 myogenic differentiation. Our findings show that red ginseng improves exercise endurance, suggesting that it may have applications in supporting skeletal muscle function and exercise performance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the skin anti‐inflammatory activity of rose petal extract (RPE) and the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Recently, flowers have been considered as dietary resources owing to their biological activities, such as inhibition of nephritis and hemorrhoids. The Rosa plant exerts various biological functions, including antioxidant and anti‐microbiological activities. Herein, we confirmed the skin anti‐inflammatory activity of RPE upon solar UV (sUV) exposure. RPE reduced sUV‐induced COX‐2 expression as well as expressions of several cytokines. Activation of MKK4‐JNK, MEK‐ERK, and MKK3‐p38 signaling pathways, which are associated with cytokine production, was also attenuated by RPE treatment. We hypothesized these RPE‐induced changes are because of its antioxidant activity, because RPE displayed drastic radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Furthermore, high anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids contents were found in RPE. Hence, these results indicated the skin anti‐inflammatory activity of RPE is because of antioxidant activity.

Histone lysine acetylation is thought to play a role in regulating the balance between energy storage and energy expenditure. However, the epigenetic mechanisms by which food phytochemicals influence metabolic processes in the liver have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we investigated the effect of an ethanol extract of Capsella bursa-pastoris (ECB) on histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibition, and whether it could thereby attenuate lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo. We observed that ECB inhibits HAT activity as assessed by colorimetric and autoradiography assay systems. ECB also reduced oleic acid (OA)-stimulated histone acetylation at H4K5 and H4K12 and attenuated OA-mediated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, in the absence of observable cytotoxicity. We then investigated these effects in vivo. Mice were fed on either a normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) in the presence or absence of ECB supplementation. In comparison with the ND controls, the HFD mice exhibited higher body weight, liver fat, adipose tissue size, and total serum cholesterol concentrations, and these effects were significantly attenuated by ECB supplementation. Taken together, these results suggest that ECB protects against the mechanisms responsible for HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, and may involve the targeting of histone H4K acetylation.

Quercetin is a naturally occurring polyphenol present in various fruits and vegetables. The bioactive properties of quercetin include anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. However, the effect of quercetin on skin aging and the direct molecular targets responsible have remained largely unknown. Herein, we investigated the protective effect of quercetin against UV-mediated skin aging and the molecular mechanisms responsible. Treatment with quercetin suppressed UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prevented UV-mediated collagen degradation in human skin tissues. Quercetin exerted potent inhibitory effects towards UV-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-&kappa, B) activity. Further examination of the upstream signaling pathways revealed that quercetin can attenuate UV-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N terminal kinases (JNK), protein kinase B (Akt), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Kinase assays using purified protein demonstrated that quercetin can directly inhibit protein kinase C delta (PKC&delta, ) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) kinase activity. Quercetin was observed to bind to PKC&delta, and JAK2 in pull-down assays. These findings suggest that quercetin can directly target PKC&delta, and JAK2 in the skin to elicit protective effects against UV-mediated skin aging and inflammation. Our results highlight the potential use of quercetin as a natural agent for anti-skin aging applications.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a naturally occurring bioactive compound, displays anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial effects. However, the effect of CAPE on skin photoaging is unknown. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effect of CAPE against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-mediated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression and its underlying molecular mechanism. CAPE treatment suppressed UV-induced MMP-1 levels in both human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and human skin tissues. While CAPE did not display any significant effects against the upstream regulatory pathways of MMP-1, CAPE was capable of reversing UV-mediated epigenetic modifications. CAPE suppressed UV-induced acetyl-histone H3 (Lys9) as well as total lysine acetylation in HDF cells. Similarly, CAPE also attenuated UV-induced lysine acetylations in human skin tissues, suggesting that the CAPE-mediated epigenetic alterations can be recapitulated in ex vivo conditions. CAPE was found to attenuate UV-induced histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in HDF. Notably, CAPE was able to directly inhibit the activity of several HATs including p300, CREP-binding protein (CBP), and p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), further confirming that CAPE can function as an epigenetic modulator. Thus, our study suggests that CAPE maybe a promising agent for the prevention of skin photoaging via targeting HATs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of commercial Makgeolli on tumor growth in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) in a xenograft cancer model, transplanted with AGS cells. Commercial Makgeolli was first dealcoholized by evaporation and used as the test sample. We detected a significant increase in the volume and weight of tumor in nude mice (induction) that were transplanted with AGS cells. Administration of 100 mg/kg·day group (ML), and 500 mg/kg·day group (MH) dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli significantly decreased tumor growth. In this study, 5-FU 18 mg/kg·day was used as a positive control for tumor growth inhibition. Additionally, determination of the body weight of both the groups revealed no side effects after the administration of dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli. Using the cell culture system, we also evaluated the effect of dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli on caspase-3/7 activity in the AGS cells. Treatment with dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli increased the activation of caspase-3/7 and the apoptotic markers in AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, dealcoholized commercial Makgeolli can be used for cancer prevention.

Propolis is a resinous substance generated by bees using materials from various plant sources. It has been known to exhibit diverse bioactivities including anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, the direct molecular target of propolis and its therapeutic potential against skin aging in humans is not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the effect of propolis on ultraviolet (UV)-mediated skin aging and its underlying molecular mechanism. Propolis suppressed UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 production in human dermal fibroblasts. More importantly, propolis treatment reduced UV-induced MMP-1 expression and blocked collagen degradation in human skin tissues, suggesting that the anti-skin-aging activity of propolis can be recapitulated in clinically relevant conditions. While propolis treatment did not display any noticeable effects against extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, propolis exerted significant inhibitory activity specifically against phosphorylations of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) and protein kinase B (Akt). Kinase assay results demonstrated that propolis can directly suppress phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity, with preferential selectivity towards PI3K with p110&alpha, and p110&delta, catalytic subunits over other kinases. The content of active compounds was quantified, and among the compounds identified from the propolis extract, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, quercetin, and apigenin were shown to attenuate PI3K activity. These results demonstrate that propolis shows anti-skin-aging effects through direct inhibition of PI3K activity.

The anti-skin inflammatory activities of rose petal extracts have been described in our previous study. Because skin inflammation is closely linked to skin aging, our study investigated the effects of Rosa gallica petals on skin aging-related activities such as skin whitening and anti-wrinkle properties. Each sample was prepared via extraction using different ethanol ratios with the objective of evaluationg optimal extraction conditions for industrial application. Aqueous 50% (v/v) EtOH extract of R. gallica petal significantly suppressed tyrosinase activity, melanin production, and solar UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1, a hall mark of wrinkle formation. In addition, the aqueous 50% (v/v) EtOH extract showed the highest antioxidative effect and had highest flavonoid contents, consistent with the reported anti-aging effects. Overall, our findings suggest that R. gallica petals extracts exhibit anti-aging effects. Furthermore, 50% EtOH extraction, in particular, was optimal for the highest anti-aging, and anti-oxidative effects as well as to obtain the highest flavonoid content.

Objective We examined the potential of tannic acid (TA) as a novel histone acetyltransferase inhibitor (HATi) and demonstrated that TA prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting HAT activity. Methods The anti-HAT activity of TA was examined using HAT activity assays. An in vitro NAFLD model was generated by treating HepG2 cells with oleic and palmitic acids. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (CD) or Western diet (WD) with or without supplementation with either 1% or 3% TA (w/w) for 12 weeks. Finally, the possibility of interacting p300 and TA was simulated. Results TA suppressed HAT activity both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, TA abrogated occupancy of p300 on the sterol regulatory element in the fatty acid synthase and ATP-citrate lyase promoters, eventually inducing hypoacetylation of H3K9 and H3K36. Furthermore, TA decreased acetylation at lysine residues 9 and 36 of histone H3 protein and that of total proteins. Consequently, TA decreased the mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes and attenuated lipid accumulation in vivo. We observed that NAFLD features, including body weight, liver mass, fat mass, and lipid profile in serum, were improved by TA supplementation in vivo. Finally, we demonstrated the possibility that TA directly binds to p300 through docking simulation between ligand and protein. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that TA, a novel HATi, has potential application for the prevention of NAFLD.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) is one of the bioactive compounds found in cheonggukjang, a fast-fermented soybean paste widely utilized in Korean cooking. PGA is reported to have a number of beneficial health effects, and interestingly, it has been identified as a possible anti-cancer compound through its ability to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our findings demonstrate that PGA inhibits the pro-proliferative functions of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a known chemical carcinogen in HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. This inhibition was accompanied by hallmark apoptotic phenotypes, including DNA fragmentation and the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase 3. In addition, PGA treatment reduced the expression of genes known to be overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells, including cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Lastly, PGA promoted activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein (AMPK) in HT-29 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that PGA treatment enhances apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, in part by modulating the activity of the COX-2 and AMPK signaling pathways. These anti-cancer functions of PGA make it a promising compound for future study.

The reaction of styrene with phenol using photoacid catalyst has been investigated. Upon irradiation with 450 nm light, protonated merocyanine photoacid converts into spiropyran form with releasing proton. The reaction of styrene with phenol has been conducted under irradiation with 450 nm light using merocyanine photoacid catalyst at room temperature in comparison with the results using some selected catalysts including or at the reaction temperature of .

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we observed the effect of ethanol extract of Allium fistulosum (EAF) on NAFLD and have suggested the possibility of using EAF as a natural product for application in the development of a treatment for NAFLD. MATERIALS/METHODS The preventive effect on hepatic lipid accumulation was estimated by using an oleic acid (OA)-induced NAFLD model in vitro and a Western diet (high-fat high-sucrose; WD)-induced obese mouse model. Animals were divided into three groups (n = 7): normal diet group (ND), WD group, and WD plus 1% EAF group. RESULTS EAF reduced OA-stimulated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells in the absence of cellular cytotoxicity and significantly blocked transcriptional activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase genes. Subsequently, we investigated these effects in vivo in mice fed either ND or WD in the presence or absence of EAF supplementation. In comparison to the ND controls, the WD-fed mice exhibited increases in body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight, and accumulation of fat in hepatocytes, and these effects were significantly attenuated by EAF supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Allium fistulosum attenuates the development of NAFLD, and EAF elicits anti-lipogenic activity in liver. Therefore, EAF represents a promising candidate for use in the development of novel therapeutic drugs or drug combinations for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Purpose Understanding changes in pathogen and pneumonia prevalence among pediatric pneumonia patients is important for the prevention of infectious diseases. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of children younger than 18 years diagnosed with pneumonia at 117 Emergency Departments in Korea between 2007 and 2014. Results Over the study period, 329,380 pediatric cases of pneumonia were identified. The most frequent age group was 1-3 years old (48.6%) and the next was less than 12 months of age (17.4%). Based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision diagnostic codes, confirmed cases of viral pneumonia comprised 8.4% of all cases, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae comprised 3.8% and confirmed cases of bacterial pneumonia 1.3%. The prevalence of confirmed bacterial pneumonia decreased from 3.07% in 2007 and 4.01% in 2008 to 0.65% in 2014. The yearly rate of pneumococcal pneumonia also decreased from 0.47% in 2007 to 0.08% in 2014. A periodic prevalence of M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MP) was identified. Conclusion The increased number of patients with pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, pleural effusion, and empyema in 2011 and 2013-2014 resulted from an MP epidemic. We provide evidence that the frequency of confirmed cases of bacterial pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia has declined from 2007 to 2014, which can simultaneously reflect the effectiveness of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

This study was conducted to compare the commercial noodle flours (n=8) of each milling company in Korea. Eight noodle flour samples were classified into two types of flours, all-purpose flour (AF, n=4) and premium noodle flour (PF, n=4) and tested using general component analysis. Texture assessment and sensory test for doughs and noodles were performed. The dough strength was positively correlated with lower ash content, smaller particle size and longer formation time. Sensory evaluation found that weaker cooked noodle strength correlated with higher scores in preference and softness. As a result, it can be suggested that PF is better than AF in noodle making because PF has lower ash content and smaller particle size than AF. As such, flour characteristics that produce noodle flour of uniform quality can be obtained by combining flours with the above processing characteristics to fit the qualities desired.

Hepatic steatosis is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries. Both genetic and environmental factors are known as causes of the disease although their underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. This study investigated the association of DNA methylation with oleic acid-induced hepatic steatosis. It also examined effects of food components on DNA methylation in hepatic steatosis. Genome-wide DNA methylation of oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in vitro cell model was investigated using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Changes of DNA methylation were also analyzed after treatment with food components decreasing OA-induced lipid accumulation in the model. We identified total 81 regions that were hypermethylated by OA but hypomethylated by food components or vice versa. We determined the expression of seven genes proximally located at the selected differentially methylated regions. Expression levels of WDR27, GNAS, DOK7, MCF2L, PRKG1, and CMYA5 were significantly different between control vs OA and OA vs treatment with food components. We demonstrated that DNA methylation was associated with expression of genes in the model of hepatic steatosis. We also found that food components reversely changed DNA methylation induced by OA and alleviated lipid accumulation. These results suggest that DNA methylation is one of the mechanisms causing the hepatic steatosis and its regulation by food components provides insights that may prevent or alleviate lipid accumulation.

E-mail: ejs@sunchon.ac.krReceived July 5, 2013, Accepted July 17, 2013Key Words : Porphyrin, Diprotonated porphyrin, Spiropyran, Merocyanine, AggregationPorphyrin (Por) has a strong absorption characteristics inthe range of sunlight due to a chemical structure of highconjugation and rigidity, good redox properties, and well-established synthetic methods. Accordingly, porphyrin-basedmulticomponent compounds have been investigated in avariety of applications such as artificial light-harvestingantenna, molecular energy storage devices, solar cells, opto-electronic switches, and photodynamic therapy.

We conducted the airborne magnetic and radiometric survey for the characterization of the black shale related and pyrometamorphic uranium deposits distributed in Geumsan area. For the successful characterization of the uranium deposits, the general geological and structural geological features were investigated based on the lithological and linear feature analysis to individual magnetic and radiometric data as the first step. Lithological analysis from the magnetic reduction to the pole and downward continuation map revealed that prominent positive anomalies caused by black and dark gray slate member were clearly recognized as magnetic sources. These results indicate that magnetic survey, even though it is not a direct method for the detection of uranium, can be a useful tool in uranium detection. By the linear feature analysis based on 2nd vertical derivative and curvature map, two linearments corresponded the gray hornfels and black slate member were extracted and in succession, the additional uranium potential zone was inferred. Final discrimination whether uranium-rich or not was confirmed by radiometric and uranium anomaly map. From these analysis, we finally concluded that uranium deposit originated by pyrometamorphic process was confined near the intrusive area only. On the contrary, it was found that black shale related uranium deposit is distributed and extended through out the entire survey area with south-west to north-east direction. In addition, from the linear feature analysis based on radiometric total anomaly map, the typical discontinuous characteristics were recognized in areas where uranium-contained linearments cross the faults. From the above discussion, we concluded that airborne magnetic and radiometric survey are complementary to each other. So it is preferable to carry out simultaneously for the efficient data processing and fruitful interpretation.

In this case study, we present the various and consistent processing techniques for the reasonable interpretation of aeromagnetic data. In the processing stage, we especially focused on the three major respects. First, in the low latitude area, severe artifacts are occurred as a result of reduction to the pole technique. To overcome this problem, variable alternative methods were investigated. From the comparison of each technique, we concluded that energy balancing method gives more fruitful result. Second, because of limited a priori information, it is nearly impossible to employ detailed geological survey due to wide and thick spreading of soils in the survey area. So we especially investigated the new techniques such as extracting slope, curvature and aspect information mainly used in GIS field as well as conventional methods. Finally, by using the Euler deconvolution, we extracted the depth information on the magnetic anomalous body. From the synthetic analysis between depth information and previous discussed results, the detailed future survey area was proposed. We think that a series of processing techniques discussed in this study may perform an important role in the domestic and abroad resource development project as a useful guideline.

The porphyrin-incorporated arylether dendrimers ZnP-D1 and ZnP-D4 were investigated to discover the influence of dendritic environments for the axial ligation of pyridine and photoinduced electron transfer by methyl viologen. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of ZnP, ZnP-D1, and ZnP-D4 were measured in dichloromethane with the addition of pyridine or methyl viologen dichloride. Axial ligation of pyridine was confirmed by red-shifted absorption spectrum. The complex formation constants Kf (Table 1) for axial coordination of pyridine on ZnP, ZnP-D1, and ZnP-D4 were estimated to be 4.4 × 10 3 M �1 , 3.3 × 10 3 M �1 , and 1.7 × 10 3 M �1 , respectively. The photoinduced electron transfer to methyl viologen dichloride was confirmed by fluorescence quenching. Stern-Volmer constants Ksv for ZnP, ZnP-D1, and ZnP-D4 were calculated to be 2.6 × 10 3 , 2.5 × 10 3 , and 2.1 × 10 3 , respectively. ZnP-D4 surrounded by 4 aryl ether dendrons shows the smallest Kf and Ksv values, with comparison to ZnP and ZnP-D1.

0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% chrysanthemum powder was added to plain bread to investigate its effect on the quality and preservation of bread. The properties of dough, physical changes, and sensory evaluation of plain bread with chrysanthemum powder added were analyzed during storage at room temperature. Volumes of dough and bread were decreased by addition of chrysanthemum powder. Also, the pH and Hunter L (lightness) in bread with chrysanthemum powder were lower than those of the control bread, while its redness, yellowness, and hardness were higher. In sensory evaluation, when more than 5% chrysanthemum was added to bread, aftertaste and overall acceptability were rapidly decreased. In contrast, the addition of chrysanthemum minimized the drop of flavor caused by storage time. In conclusion, chrysanthemum powder added to plain bread improved flavor, which declines with storage time.

Zinc porphyrin, Azacrown ether, Cation recognition, Axial coordinationIt is very interesting that the presence or absence of hydrogen atoms can remarkably influence operation of molecular systems as well as natural systems. Induction of structural changes of natural receptors through the variations in the pH of the environ-ment is one of the most versatile methods to regulate the activity by enhancing or diminishing the receptor’s binding efficacy.

Benzyl arylether dendrimers with zinc porphyrin core and terminal vinyl groups have been synthesized and their photophysical properties and the influence of dendritic environments were investigated. Free base porphyrin-cored benzyl arylether dendrimers 1a-1c and 3a-3c, and their zinc derivatives 2a-2c and 4a-4c have been prepared. Absorption spectra are similar for all porphyrin-cored benzyl arylether dendrimers, except that absorption intensity at 280 nm increases in the higher generation of dendrimer. Fluorescence spectra are similar with two bands for all free base porphyrin dendrimers 1a-1c and 3a-3c, although fluorescence intensity ratio of shorter wavelength emission band to longer wavelength band varies with the generation of dendrimer. Emission efficiencies of 1a-1c and 3a-3c are lower than that of TTP. Emission efficiencies of 2a-2c and 4a-4c are higher than that of ZnTTP. Absorption and emission properties of 1a-1c, 2a-2c, 3a-3c, and 4a-4c were affected negligibly with dendritic environments.

Azobenzene, Isomerization, Au nanoparticle, Organic-inorganic nanohybrid, Absorption spectraRecently, inorganic nanoparticles have attracted greatattention because nanoparticles exhibit interesting size-dependent physical and chemical properties due to inter-mediate size between single molecules and bulk materials.

Azobenzene-cored dendrons having the photoisomerizable azobenzene core and terminal vinyl groups have been prepared. Absorption bands of azobenzene-cored dendrons are similar except more intense 280 nm band in higher generation azobenzene dendron. All three azobenzene-cored dendrons show reversible photoisomerization similar to simple azobenzene, irrespective of the generation of dendron. On 350 nm irradiation, absorption band around 344 nm decreases and 436 nm band increases. Photoisomerization reactions are very fast for all three azobenzene-cored dendron and the reaction efficiency is dependent of its generation and solvent. In the dark, slow thermal reversion to original absorption spectrum is observed.

Makgeolli is a traditional wine in Korea and has been traditionally believed to exhibit health benefits. However, the inhibitory effect of dealcoholized makgeolli (MK) on cancer has never been investigated scientifically. In this study, MK exhibited an anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, without cytotoxicity. Treatment with MK reduced the proliferation of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner and increased the sub-G1 population. Next, we evaluated whether MK could induce apoptosis in AGS cells by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay or Annexin V method. Treatment with MK at 500 and 1,000 μg/ml increased the number of TUNEL-positive AGS cells. Under the same conditions, MK-treated (500 and 1,000 μg/ml) cells showed significant induction of early or late apoptosis, compared with untreated cells (no induction). In addition, MK also induced phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression in AGS cells. However, p53 expression in AGS cells was not changed by MK treatment. Furthermore, MK at 500 mg/kg·d reduced the tumor size and volume in AGS tumor xenografts. Taken together, MK may be useful for the prevention of cancer cell growth.

and other molecular electronicand photonic devices, because of their attractive electronicand redox properties and with the ease of modification bythe development of various synthetic routes. The fact thatthere are many sites on the porphyrin at which to attachelectron-releasing or electron-withdrawing groups suggeststhat tremendous electronic modulation of the porphyrinshould be possible.

Four 1-(9-anthryl)-2-heteroarylethene derivatives containing sulfur or oxygen atom such as 1-(9-anthryl)-2-(2-thiophenyl)ethene (ATE), 1-(9-anthryl)-2-(2-benzo[ b ]thiophenyl)ethene (ABTE), 1-(9-anthryl)-2-(2-furanyl)ethene (AFE), and 1-(9-anthryl)-2-(2-benzofuranyl)ethene (ABFE) have been prepared and their excited state properties have been investigated in cyclohexane, acetonitrile, and methanol. These sulfur- or oxygen-heteroaromatic ring derivatives show solvent-dependent fluorescence and photoisomerization behavior, due to the intramolecular charge-transfer character of the lowest S 1 state. Substituent effect on fluorescence and photoisomerization of ATE further supports the contribution of the intramolecular charge-transfer character to the lowest S 1 state, which is more increased by the introduction of electron-withdrawing substituent into anthracene ring.

It is interesting to introduce viologen moiety into photoactive compounds such as porphyrin and anthracene in the study of supramolecular system such as pseudorotaxanes. For the construction of photoactive pseudorotaxane based on porphyrin-viologen-anthracene triad or its zinc derivative threaded with bis-p-phenylene-34-crown-10 macrocycle, porphyrin-viologen-anthracene triad 1 and its zinc derivative zinc porphyrin-viologen-anthracene triad 2 were prepared and their absorption and fluorescence spectral properties were measured.

Noncovalently linked electron donor-acceptor dyad consisting of zinc tetratolylporphyrin and pyridine-appended ruthenium trisbipyridine complex was prepared, via axial coordination of pyridine moiety in ruthenium trisbipyridine complex on zinc tetratolylporphyrin. For the purpose of comparison, axial coordination of pyridine-appended 2,2'-bipyridine on zinc tetratolylporphyrin was also investigated. The K values were determined based on absorption or fluorescence studies. The fluorescence of zinc tetratolylporphyrin was efficiently quenched upon axial coordination of pyridine moiety, probably due to the photoinduced electron transfer from zinc tetratolylporphyrin to ruthenium trisbipyridine, supported by free energy estimation.

Background/objectives Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we observed the effect of ethanol extract of Allium fistulosum (EAF) on NAFLD and have suggested the possibility of using EAF as a natural product for application in the development of a treatment for NAFLD. Materials/methods The preventive effect on hepatic lipid accumulation was estimated by using an oleic acid (OA)-induced NAFLD model in vitro and a Western diet (high-fat high-sucrose; WD)-induced obese mouse model. Animals were divided into three groups (n = 7): normal diet group (ND), WD group, and WD plus 1% EAF group. Results EAF reduced OA-stimulated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells in the absence of cellular cytotoxicity and significantly blocked transcriptional activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase genes. Subsequently, we investigated these effects in vivo in mice fed either ND or WD in the presence or absence of EAF supplementation. In comparison to the ND controls, the WD-fed mice exhibited increases in body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight, and accumulation of fat in hepatocytes, and these effects were significantly attenuated by EAF supplementation. Conclusions Allium fistulosum attenuates the development of NAFLD, and EAF elicits anti-lipogenic activity in liver. Therefore, EAF represents a promising candidate for use in the development of novel therapeutic drugs or drug combinations for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

in the last ten years because oftheir thermal and optical stability and fatigue resistance. Wereport here the preparation of trans-1-(9-anthryl)-2-(2-thienyl)ethene (t-AThE), a thiophene derivative of trans-1-(9-anthryl)-2-phenylethene (t-APE), and its absorption andfluorescence spectral data and photoisomerization behavior. While stilbene shows very weak fluorescence due to veryefficient two-way photoisomerization