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Heamatang (HMT) is a classic medicinal formula used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it contains seven distinct components, mainly of herbal origin. HMT is used as an antiaging remedy, treating urinary disorders and increasing energy and vitality. However, the therapeutic applications of this formula have not been evaluated with evidence-based science. Therefore, we assessed HMT through various in vitro methods, including cell viability assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay (FACS), Western blotting, migration assay, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, siRNA-mediated PAK-1 knockdown, and crystal violet assays. HMT decreased PAK-1 expression in PC-3 cells and inhibited cell viability, growth, and motility. The inhibition of cell motility by HMT was correlated with PAK-1-mediated inhibition of Lim domain kinase (LIMK) and cofilin. HMT induced G1 arrest and apoptosis through the transcriptional regulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis-related proteins (increase in c-cas3 and inhibition of PARP and BCL-2). Moreover, HMT suppressed PAK-1 expression, leading to the inhibition of AKT activities. Finally, we showed that decursin was the active ingredient involved in the inhibitory effect of HMT on PAK-1. Our findings demonstrated that HMT exerts its anticancer influence through the inhibition of PAK-1. The HMT formula could be applied in various fields, including functional health food and pharmaceutical development.

The pawpaw tree has several beneficial effects. However, no studies have been conducted to address the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effects of pawpaw extracts against cancer cells, and no study has investigated the anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, in this study, the growth-inhibitory effects of pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) extracts against gastric (AGS) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells and the inhibitory effects of pawpaw extracts against inflammatory factors (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2) were investigated. The viability of AGS and HeLa cells, the analysis of cell cycle, and the expression of apoptosis marker protein were determined using MTT assay, FACS, western blotting, and TUNEL assays. The inflammatory factors were determined using Griess method, ELISA assay kit, and RAW 264.7 cells. The IC50 values of twig and unripe fruit extracts for AGS cells were 82.01 and 100.61 µg/mL, respectively. For HeLa cells, pawpaw twig extracts exhibited the strongest ability to inhibit cervical cancer cell growth (IC50 = 97.73 µg/mL). Analysis of the cell cycle phase distribution and expression of the apoptosis regulatory proteins BCL-2, BAX, caspase-3, and PARP showed that pawpaw twig, root, and unripe fruit extracts induced Sub G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of AGS and HeLa cells. In addition, the twig, root, and unripe fruit extracts of pawpaw effectively inhibited the inflammatory makers NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS. Particularly, the twig, root, and unripe fruit extracts at concentrations of 50 µg/mL exhibited > 50% inhibition of TNF-α. These findings indicate that pawpaw extracts are natural therapeutic agents that may be used for the prevention and treatment of gastric and cervical cancers, and encourage further studies on the anti-inflammatory potential of the pawpaw tree.

Background: Heamatang (HMT) is a classic medicinal formula used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine; it contains seven distinct components, mainly of herbal origin. HMT is used as an anti-aging remedy, in the treatment of urinary disorders, and to increase energy and vitality. However, the therapeutic applications of this formula have not been evaluated with evidence-based science. Methods: Therefore, we assessed HMT through various in vitro methods, including cell viability assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay (FACS), western blotting, migration assay, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, siRNA-mediated PAK-1 knockdown, and crystal violet assays. Results: HMT decreased PAK-1 expression in PC-3 cells and inhibited cell viability, growth, and motility. The inhibition of cell motility by HMT was correlated with PAK-1-mediated inhibition of Lim domain kinase (LIMK) and cofilin. HMT induced G1 arrest and apoptosis through the transcriptional regulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins (inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, 6, and cyclin D1) and apoptosis-related proteins (increase in cleaved caspase-3 (c-cas3) and inhibition of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)). Moreover, HMT suppressed P21-activated kinase (PAK-1) expression, leading to the inhibition of AKT activities. Finally, we showed that Decursin was the active ingredient involved in the inhibitory effect of HMT on PAK-1. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that HMT exerts its anticancer influence through the inhibition of PAK-1 expression. The HMT formula could be applied in various fields, including functional health food and pharmaceutical development.

Background: We have previously reported the anti-hepatic lipogenic effect of fermented Rhus verniciflua stokes extract (FRVE) in an oleic-acid-treated HepG2 cell model. Methods: Herein, we advanced our understanding and evaluated the impact of FRVE in HFD-fed C57BL/6 mice using an animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Milk thistle extract was used as a positive control to compare the effects of FRVE. Results: FRVE decreased body weight, intra-abdominal fat weight, and liver weight. Furthermore, FRVE decreased HFD-induced elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, and TG, and downregulated the increase in hepatic lipid accumulation and TG levels. FRVE reduced hepatic SREBP-1, PCSK-9, SREBP-2, and ApoB mRNA levels. IHC data showed that FRVE reduced the levels of nucleic SREBP-1, increased the levels of LDLR, and upregulated the expression of p-AMPK. Conclusion: Overall, these results demonstrate the anti-hepatic lipidemic effect of FRVE in an animal model. These findings are consistent with our previous study and strongly suggest that FRVE exerts anti-hepatic lipogenic effects by activating AMPK.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) is widely cultivated in Korea for its fruit, which contains bioactive compounds, such as acetogenins. In this study, we investigated the acetogenin content and antiproliferative activity of pawpaw fruit pulp against various cancer cell lines and evaluated the relationship between these two variables at different maturation stages. Unripe fruit had higher antiproliferative activity than ripe fruit, and the activity level depended on acetogenin content. In addition, the presence of specific acetogenins was related to inhibition of certain cancer cell types. The unripe fruit methanol and ethanol extracts (URFM and URFE, respectively) that were rich in acetogenins strongly inhibited the growth of HT-1080, HeLa, and AGS cells by >50% at concentrations of less than 115 μg/mL. These findings indicate that URFM and URFE have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer, and our study establishes a basis for further mechanistic studies of the antiproliferative activity of pawpaw fruit. However, it is necessary to further study the anticancer activity of acetogenins from pawpaw fruit using in vivo activity approaches. Practical application Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) contains acetogenins that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In our study, we demonstrate that the antiproliferative activity is higher in unripe than in ripe fruit and depends on acetogenin content. Our results indicate that the extract of unripe pawpaw fruit has value not only as a functional food, but has therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer as a naturally derived substance that may be less toxic than conventional chemotherapy drugs.

Fomes fomentarius, an edible mushroom, is known to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetes effects. However, the underlying anti-cancer mechanism of F. fomentarius is unknown. To determine the molecular mechanism of the anti-cancer effects of F. fomentarius, various methods were used including fluorescence-activated cell sorting, Western blotting, migration, and crystal violet assays. F. fomentarius ethanol extract (FFE) decreased cell viability in six cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, A549, H460, DU145, and PC-3). FFE decreased the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells without causing cell toxicity. Furthermore, FFE attenuated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and phosphorylation of Akt as well as increased E-cadherin in MDA-MB-231 cells. FFE arrested the S and G2/M populations by inhibiting the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin-dependent kinase 2, cyclin A/E, and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2. FFE increased the sub-G1 population and expression of cleaved caspase-9, -3, and cleaved poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP-ribose) polymerase at 72 h and suppressed B-cell lymphoma 2. Interestingly, FFE and AKT inhibitors showed similar effects in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, FFE contained betulin which inhibited p-AKT in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings demonstrate that FFE inhibits cell motility and growth and induces apoptosis by inhibiting the phsphoinositide 3- kinase /AKT pathway and caspase activation.

Background Rhus verniciflua Stokes is an Asian tree species that is used as a food supplement and traditional medicine in Korea. However, its use is restricted by its potential to cause allergy. Thus, allergen-free R. verniciflua extracts are currently being marketed as a functional health food in Korea. In the present study, three different allergen-free R. verniciflua extracts (DRVE, FRVE, and FFRVE) were produced by detoxification of R. verniciflua, and their properties and constituents were compared. Methods The main components and properties (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatic lipogenesis inhibitory effects) of the three allergen-free extracts were compared. Moreover, the major phenolic constituents of R. verniciflua, including gallic acid, fustin, fisetin, and quercetin, were analyzed in the three extracts. Results DRVE was superior to the two other extracts with regard to antioxidant activity, while FRVE was superior with regard to antimicrobial activity and suppression of hepatic lipogenesis. FRVE exhibited lipid-lowering effects by lowering sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and triglyceride levels, and promoting the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase in an in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrate various differences among the three extracts. This suggests that functional and bioactive compounds present in R. verniciflua could be altered by the detoxification process, and this property could be considered in the development of functional health foods in the future.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) is widely cultivated in Korea for its fruit, which contains bioactive compounds, such as acetogenins. In this study, we investigated the acetogenin content and antiproliferative activity of pawpaw fruit pulp against various cancer cell lines and evaluated the relationship between these two variables at different maturation stages. Unripe fruit had higher antiproliferative activity than ripe fruit, and the activity level depended on acetogenin content. In addition, the presence of specific acetogenins was related to inhibition of certain cancer cell types. The unripe fruit methanol and ethanol extracts (URFM and URFE, respectively) that were rich in acetogenins strongly inhibited the growth of HT-1080, HeLa, and AGS cells by50% at concentrations of less than 115 μg/mL. These findings indicate that URFM and URFE have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer, and our study establishes a basis for further mechanistic studies of the antiproliferative activity of pawpaw fruit. However, it is necessary to further study the anticancer activity of acetogenins from pawpaw fruit using in vivo activity approaches.Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) contains acetogenins that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In our study, we demonstrate that the antiproliferative activity is higher in unripe than in ripe fruit and depends on acetogenin content. Our results indicate that the extract of unripe pawpaw fruit has value not only as a functional food, but has therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer as a naturally derived substance that may be less toxic than conventional chemotherapy drugs.

Hypoxia enhances cancer development in a solid tumor. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that is dominantly expressed under hypoxia in solid tumor cells and is a key factor that regulates tumor. HIF-1α regulates several target genes involved in many aspects of cancer progression, including angiogenesis, metastasis, anti-apoptosis and cell proliferation as well as imparts resistance to cancer treatment. In this study, we assessed Crataegus Pinnatifida Bunge var. typical Schneider ethanol extract (CPE) for its anti-cancer effects in hypoxia-induced DU145 human prostate cancer cell line. CPE decreased the abundance of HIF-1α and sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK-1) in hypoxia-induced prostate cancer DU145 cells. CPE decreased HIF-1α and SPHK-1 as well as SPHK-1 activity. Chlorogenic acid (CA) is one of four major compounds of CPE. Compared to CPE, CA significantly decreased the expression of HIF-1α and SPHK-1 as well as SPHK-1 activity in hypoxia-induced DU145 cells. Furthermore, CA decreased phosphorylation AKT and GSK-3β, which are associated with HIF-1α stabilization and affected SPHK-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. We confirmed the mechanism of CA-induced inhibition of HIF-1α by SPHK-1 signaling pathway using SPHK-1 siRNA and SPHK inhibitor (SKI). CA decreased the secretion and cellular expression of VEGF, thus inhibiting hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Treatment of DU145cells with SPHK1 siRNA and CA for 48 h decreased cancer cell growth, and the inhibitory action of SPHK siRNA and CA on cell growth was confirmed by decrease in the abundance of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

Received : 4 September, 2013 Revised : 7 November, 2013 Accepted : 3 December, 2013 ABSTRACT Objectives : The purpose of this study is to improve the oral health knowledge in children education institute teacher. Methods : Data were selected by convenience sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was filled out by the children education institute teachers. Frequency analysis and χ test were used to analyze the actual condition of oral health education and utilizing media contents. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used. Corresponding Author Park-Chung Soon Department of Dental Hygiene Wonkwang Health Science University Iksan-daero(st) 514 Beon-gi(Rd) Iksan-Si, Jeollabukdo 570-750, Korea. Tel : +82-63-840-1262 +82-10-3658-7237 Fax : +82-63-840-1269 E-mail : jspark@wkhc.ac.kr Results : 1. The teachers received the oral health education (94.3%) twice to five times. 2. There was a difference between position and career of teacher in implementing oral health education. 3. Most of the oral health education were done by the dentists. Tooth brushing method was the most common education contents. Skill demonstration was the most common teaching method. 4. There was a positive correlation between experience and implementation of oral health education. 5. Use of education media accounted for 74.1% in oral health education. The number of media was more than two to five. 6. Self-devised media contents were the most commonly used in oral health education. Visual materials, dentiform and tooth brush were the most common contents in oral health education. Conclusions : It is necessary to develop the systematic and repetitive oral health education curriculum for the children education institute teachers. The dissemination of media for oral care is needed for oral health care knowledge acquisition.

Lambertianic acid (LA) is known to have anti-allergic and antibacterial effects. However, the anticancer activities and mechanism of action of LA have not been investigated. Therefore, the anticancer effects and mechanism of LA are investigated in this study. LA decreased not only AR protein levels, but also cellular and secretory levels of PSA. Furthermore, LA inhibited nuclear translocation of the AR induced by mibolerone. LA suppressed cell proliferation by inducing G(1) arrest, downregulating CDK4/6 and cyclin D1 and activating p53 and its downstream molecules, p21 and p27. LA induced apoptosis and the expression of related proteins, including cleaved caspase-9 and -3, c-PARP and BAX, and inhibited BCl-2. The role of AR in LA-induced apoptosis was assessed by using siRNA. Collectively, these findings suggest that LA exerts the anticancer effect by inhibiting AR and is a valuable therapeutic agent in prostate cancer treatment.

Background Hypoxia is a typical character of locally advanced solid tumours. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is the main regulator under the hypoxic environment. HIF-1α regulates various genes to enhance tumour progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK-1) is a modulator of HIF-1α. Methods To investigate the molecular mechanisms of pristimerin in association with SPHK-1 pathways in hypoxic PC-3 cancer cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, cell cycles, and SPHK-1 activity were measured, and western blotting, an MTT assay, and an RNA interference assay were performed. Results Pristimerin inhibited HIF-1α accumulation in a concentration- and-time-dependent manner in hypoxic PC-3 cells. Pristimerin suppressed the expression of HIF-1α by inhibiting SPHK-1. Moreover, inhibiting SPHK-1 with a sphingosine kinase inhibitor enhanced the suppression of HIF-1α, phosphorylation AKT, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) by pristimerin under hypoxia. Furthermore, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger enhanced the inhibition of HIF-1α and SPHK-1 by pristimerin. Conclusion Taken together, these findings suggest that pristimerin can exert an anti-cancer activity by inhibiting HIF-1α through the SPHK-1 pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2730-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rhus verniciflua Stokes has been used as a traditional medicine and food supplement in Korea. In the present study, fermented R. verniciflua Stokes extract (FRVE), an allergen-free extract of R. verniciflua Stokes fermented with the yeast Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, was assessed for its lipid-lowering potential in an in vitro non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model. FRVE markedly suppressed lipid accumulation and intracellular triglycerides (TGs) in the presence of oleic acid (OA). Additionally, FRVE decreased both mRNA and protein levels of lipid-synthesis- and cholesterol-metabolism-related factors, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), in OA-induced HepG2 cells. Moreover, FRVE activated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and fatty acid oxidation-related factors peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1). Further, the AMPK inhibitor compound C suppressed the increased expression of AMPK phosphorylation induced by FRVE. Phenolics and cosanols in FRVE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and decreased that of SREBP-1. Taken together, our findings suggest that FRVE has antilipogenic potential in non-alcoholic fatty livers via AMPK upregulation.

Recently efficient implementation of finite field operations has received a lot of attention. Among GF(2 m ) arithmetic operations, a multiplication process is the most basic and a critical operation that determines a speed-up in hardware. Mastrovito multipliers using a trinomial p(x)=x m +x n +1(n≠ m/2) require m 2-1 XOR gates and m 2 AND gates. The proposed multiplier that depends on the intermediate term x n needs m 2 AND gates and m 2+(n 2-3n)/2 XOR gates. The time complexity of existing multipliers is T A +([(m-2)/(m-n)] + 1+ [log 2 m ]) T X and that of the proposed method is T A +(1+[ log 2 (m-1 + [ n/2 ]) ]) T X . The proposed architecture is efficient for the extension degree m suggested as standards: SEC2, ANSI X9.63. In average, the space complexity is increased to 1.18% but the time complexity is reduced 9.036%.