Search

In this study, the safety and functionality of using citrus juice processing waste (CJPW) was confirmed. Large quantities of CJPW are generated on Jeju Island and cause environmental problems. CJPW extract (2,000 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically to male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for 14 days and the rats were analyzed. No general signs of toxicity were observed in SD rats administered CJPW extract. Feed intake did not differ between experimental and control animals. However, male and female rats administered CJPW extract had greater weight gain (102.9±5.53% and 114.15±6.89%, respectively) compared with the control animals. Higher weight gain was found in male and female experimental animals, but the difference was only significant in female animals. Serum analyses indicated that total protein and albumin, indicators of nutritional status, were significantly increased in animals administered CJPW. Further, serum glucose values were lower in male and female rats treated with CJPW (91.6±9.02% and 69.9±4.11%, respectively) compared with the controls; again, the difference was significant only for female animals. From the results of this study, CJPW can be considered as a safe material that does not induce toxicity in experimental animals. Therefore, CJPW is a potential raw material that can be used as a supplement in animal feed to help improve weight gain and achieve serum glucose con-trol.

This study investigated the safety and functionality of a functional additive for humans and animals from Sargassum horneri (SH) and Ulva australis (UA) waste for recycling marine refuse generated in large quantities in Jeju. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered functional additives at 2,000 mg/kg to assess 14-day repeated dose toxicity of the two extracts. For female rats, weight gain after administration of SH was 66.2±18.8% vs. controls. Male rats administered UA showed weight gain of 92.3±8.0% vs. controls. SH and UA significantly decreased serum glucose levels in male rats compared with controls (79.8±11.10% and 76.1±9.67%, respectively). Similarly, significant decrease in serum glucose levels were shown for female rats after administration of SH and UA (79.2±1.58% and 82.8±3.21%, respectively). Furthermore, rats showed significant differences vs. controls in several serological parameters after receiving extracts, however results remained within the normal range. Thus, the SH and UA extracts were considered safe substances that may be used as functional additives to help reduce body weight and serum glucose.

Background/aim Lapathoside A, a phenylpropanoid ester, was isolated from the roots of buckwheat by searching for bioactive compounds against human pancreatic cancer cells. Materials and methods Buckwheat root extracts, prepared by 70% ethanol, were separated into n-hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fraction by solvent partitioning. Seven fractions were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction by liquid chromatography, and fraction No. 6 contained lapathoside A. The effects of lapathoside A on Panc-1 and SNU-213 human pancreatic cancer cell lines were examined. Results The structure of lapathoside A was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Next, we investigated whether lapathoside A has anticancer activity in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and SNU-213). After treatment with 25 μM lapathoside A, viability of PANC-1 and SNU-213 cells decreased to about 40 and 27%, respectively. In addition, lapathoside A treatment also increased apoptosis while affecting the expression levels of apoptotic proteins. Conclusion The effect of lapathoside A on apoptosis was confirmed in pancreatic cancer cell lines, supporting the application of lapathoside A in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Green mandarins are widely consumed unripe as mandarin oranges (Citrus unshiu Marcov.), which exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed to verify the skin improvement efficacy and safety of green mandarin extract (PTE). For the standardization of PTE, narirutin was set as a marker compound, and PTE with a constant narirutin content was prepared for the study. After randomizing subjects with periorbital wrinkles, they were orally administered PTE (300 mg/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Periorbital wrinkles were measured using PRIMOSCR SF. Skin elasticity, moisture content, transepidermal water loss, and gloss were also measured. In the study results, the depth, volume, and skin roughness of the periorbital wrinkles were significantly improved compared to the control group (p = 0.011, 0.009, and 0.004, respectively). The survey confirmed that the skin condition improved after PTE consumption for 12 weeks. No adverse reactions associated with PTE were observed during the study period. Thus, the results demonstrate that PTE effectively improves UV-induced skin wrinkles. Therefore, it is considered that PTE has sufficient value as a functional food ingredient that can prevent skin aging.

Herein, a new species of the genus Trichoglossum is described. The new species named as T. jejuense was collected from Jeju Island in Korea. It is distinguished from other Trichoglossum species by thick, 8-spored asci and 15–16 septate ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal RNA and morphological characteristics suggest that T. jejuense is a distinct species.

Background/aim No effective therapeutics have yet been developed for pancreatic cancer. 2-Methoxy-4-vinyl phenol (2M4VP), a member of the class of phenols, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties and cause cell cycle arrest making it an attractive candidate drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods The effects of 2M4VP were examined in Panc-1 and SNU-213 human pancreatic cancer cells. Results 2M4VP had anticancer effects on pancreatic cancer cell lines, Panc-1 and SNU-213. 2M4VP reduced the viability of Panc-1 cells by inhibiting the expression of the cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein. 2M4VP also suppressed the migratory activity of both cell lines. In addition, treatment with 2M4VP effectively decreased the phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and AKT. Conclusion 2M4VP might be used as a pancreatic cancer treatment supplement.

Mineral water is valued for its potent health benefits. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of desalinated magma seawater (DMS) containing minerals (9,987 mg/L) were investigated in thioacetamide (TAA)-injected rats. Chronic hepatotoxicity was induced via intraperitoneal injections of TAA (200 mg/kg bw), three times a week for 7 weeks. Rats (n = 10 per group) were allocated as TAA-treated groups fed either a normal chow diet (TAA group) or a chow diet containing 0.91% DMS (TAAL group), 2.05% DMS (TAAH group), or 0.05% silymarin (TAAS group). An additional normal group received the chow diet with vehicle (PBS) injections. Compared with the TAA group, the TAAL, TAAH, and TAAS groups had significantly higher body weights and food intake; however, the TAAH group had lower liver weights (P < 0.05). The TAAH and TAAS groups had higher expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 proteins (P < 0.05) and lower levels of NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2 than the TAA group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the protein expression levels of detoxification enzymes CYP2E1, MAT, and GST were higher in the TAAL, TAAH, and TAAS groups than in the TAA group (P < 0.05), as confirmed by histological examination. The severe TAAinduced nuclear damage and collagen accumulation in the hepatocytes improved in the DMS-administered groups, indicating that the hepatotoxicity was alleviated. In conclusion, the minerals in DMS likely ameliorate hepatotoxicity by elevating the liver’s antioxidative and anti-inflammatory status. These DMS effects were dose-dependent, with the effects of 2.05% DMS and 0.05% silymarin being comparable.

The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Stereolepis doederleini was sequenced from a specimen collected in a commercial aquarium in Jeju Island. The sequence was 16,513 base pairs in length and, similar to other vertebrate mt genomes, included 37 mt genes and a noncoding control region; the gene order was identical to that of typical vertebrate mt genome. Mitochondrial genome sequences of 17 species from 12 families were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships within the order Pempheriformes. The phylogenetic trees were constructed with three methods (neighbor joining [NJ], maximum likelihood [ML], and Bayesian method) using 12 protein coding genes, but not ND6. In all phylogenetic trees, Pempheriformes were clustered into three strongly supported clades. Two Acropomatidae species (Synagrops japonicus in clade-Ⅰ and Doederleinia berycoides in clade-Ⅲ) were polyphyletic; S. japonicus was close to Lateolabracidae and was the sister of Glaucosomatidae + (Pempheridae/(Percophidae+Creediidae)), and D. berycoides was sister to Howellidae + Epigonidae. All phylogenetic trees supported a sister relationship between Creediidae and Percophidae in clade-Ⅰ. Glaucosomatidae formed a sister clade with Pempheridae. The relationships within clade-Ⅱ, which was composed of four families (Pentacerotidae, Polyprionidae, Banjosidae, and Bathyclupeidae), slightly differed between NJ/ML and BI tree topologies. In clade-Ⅲ, the relationships among Howellidae, Epigonidae, and Acropomatidae were strongly supported.

Lapathoside A, a phenylpropanoid ester, was isolated from the roots of buckwheat by searching for bioactive compounds against human pancreatic cancer cells.Buckwheat root extracts, prepared by 70% ethanol, were separated into n-hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fraction by solvent partitioning. Seven fractions were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction by liquid chromatography, and fraction No. 6 contained lapathoside A. The effects of lapathoside A on Panc-1 and SNU-213 human pancreatic cancer cell lines were examined.The structure of lapathoside A was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Next, we investigated whether lapathoside A has anticancer activity in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and SNU-213). After treatment with 25 μM lapathoside A, viability of PANC-1 and SNU-213 cells decreased to about 40 and 27%, respectively. In addition, lapathoside A treatment also increased apoptosis while affecting the expression levels of apoptotic proteins.The effect of lapathoside A on apoptosis was confirmed in pancreatic cancer cell lines, supporting the application of lapathoside A in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

A phytochemical application of leaves from Ficus erecta var. sieboldii (Miq.) King has not been widely investigated. We determined an anti-inflammatory effect of F. erecta extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated production through modulation of several pro-inflammatory mediators and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Among the F. erecta extracts, the CH2Cl2 fraction (CFE) most effectively suppressed the LPS-mediated production of nitric oxide (NO) in Raw264.7 cells. As determined by immunoblotting and PCR, CFE was shown to have an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, CFE showed significant inhibitory effects on LPS-mediated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 (P2 production were syringaresinol (C1) and 6,7-furano-5-methoxy hydrocoumaric acid (C2). In conclusion, CFE showed an inhibitory effect on LPS-mediated inflammatory responses by suppressing iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production. The compounds C1 and C2 showed strong inhibitory effects on LPS-mediated production of PGE2 and may be applicable as starter compounds for developing anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive drugs.

Currently, the integrated mast that installs various sensors and communication equipment at the top of battleship is popularly used in the design of battleship mast to avoid the detection by the enemy’s radar. The integrated mast adopts a stealth design to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) but the interference between the antennas is important problem because so many antennas are congested closely within the narrow space. Therefore, we conduct the simulation considering both the interference between antennas and RCS reduction at the same time. We consider three types of mast shape, such as the angled edge, truncated edge and curved edge. By the simulation using FEKO, the curved edge mast is proved as the optimum mast shape since it has the smallest RCS and antenna interference.

This study determined the anti-obesity effect of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Baker extract (CAE) on adipocytes and obese mice. The inhibitory effects of CAE on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis were determined using differentiation induction medium in 3T3-L1 cells. To get an insight into underlying molecular actions of CAE, we investigated the changes in the expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis by CAE treatment using qRT-PCR. CAE strongly suppressed adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBP β, and aP2. CAE treatment could also suppress the expression levels of ACC, FAS, LPL and HMGCR gene in 3T3-L1 cells. Male C57BL/6 strain and C57BL/6J-ob/ob strain mice were fed with HFD containing 60% fat and normal diet in the presence or absence of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg CAE for 7 weeks. CAE supplementation could highly suppress the body weight gain and epididymal fat accumulation without changes in food uptake in both obese models. Increases in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were highly suppressed in the presence of CAE. In summary, CAE has an anti-obesity effect and this anti-obesity potential might be associated with downregulation of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis.

600여 종의 제주 천연 추출물을 이용하여 항산화 효과를 스크린한 결과, 조록나무 잎 추출물이 가장 높은 항산화 효과를 나타내었다. 조록나무는 조록나무과에 속하는 상록 나무로써 제주 천연자원이다. 본 연구에서는 극성이 다른 유기용매(헥산, 메틸렌 클로라이드, 에틸 아세테이트, 부탄올, 물)로 순차적으로 분획 한 조록나무물질 5가지를 이용하여 항산화 효과 및 간세포와 폐세포를 이용하여 세포 보호능을 확인하였다. 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질은 0.5mg/mL에서 약93%로 가장 우수한 DPPH 라디칼 소거능을 보이며 양성 대조군으로 사용한 quercetin 보다 높은 효능을 보였다. 총 페놀 함량을 확인 한 결과, 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질은 505 mg GAE/g로 가장 높은 총 페놀 함량을 보였으며, 모든 추출물에서 DPPH 라디칼 소거능과 연관성 있는 결과를 보였다. 또한 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질은 H2O2에 대한 산화적 스트레스로부터 다른 분획 물질보다 높은 세포보호효과를 나타내었다. 본 연구를 통해 조록나무의 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질의 높은 항산화 효과를 확인하였으며, 천연 항산화 소재의 가능성이 높을 것으로 사료된다.

Fruits of the Litsea family of trees and shrubs contain biologically active compounds, some of which have been used as natural nutrients and flavoring agents in food. In this study, we identified novel anti-nociceptive effects of the 30% ethanol extract, the CH(2)Cl(2) fraction and the associated active components (Hamabiwalactone A and B) from Litsea japonica fruit by using in vivo peripheral and central nervous pain models. In addition, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects of several fractions from L. japonica fruit extracts using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. The CH(2)Cl(2) fraction of L. japonica fruit (LJM) had an optimal combination of anti-inflammatory effects and low cytotoxicity. Dose response studies were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of LJM on the pro-inflammatory enzymes, COX-2/PGE(2) and NO/iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Molecular profiling revealed that LJM exerts anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling in LPS-induced macrophages. This study suggests that CH2Cl2 fraction of L. japonica fruit and its bioactive components are potential candidates as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (painkillers) for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

A sex-linked random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker was identified from Asparagus officinalis L. and was converted into a sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCAR) marker for the large-scale screening of male and female plants. A total of 100 arbitrary decamer oligonucleotide primers were used for the RAPD analysis. Among them, the primer UBC347 amplified one female-specific 400 base pair DNA. Subsequently, the amplified RAPD fragment was cloned and sequenced. The fragment was abundant in AT and shared sequence homology with retrotransposon elements. On the basis of the sequence obtained, a pair of SCAR primer was designed. The amplification product, named F400, was the same size as the respective RAPD fragment from which it was derived. The F400 SCAR marker resulted to be female-specific in the three asparagus varieties tested in this study. This SCAR marker can be used for an early and rapid identification of female and male plants during breeding programs of asparagus.

The present study was designed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of the action of acanthoic acid (ACAN) from Acanthopanax koreanum (Araliaceae) against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukaemia cells. ACAN reduced the proliferation of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner accompanied by the induction of apoptosis. Possible mechanisms of ACAN-induced apoptosis were also examined. The results showed that ACAN-induced the phosphorylation of members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK (p38), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). A specific p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) significantly blocked ACAN-induced apoptosis and cell viability, whereas an ERK inhibitor (PD98059) and JNK inhibitor (SP600125) had no effect. Moreover, ACAN induced the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and decreased the level of Bcl-xL, but these effects were inhibited by SB203580 pre-treatment. These results strongly suggest that ACAN may have cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic potential, due to its ability to activate the p38 MAPK-mediated signalling pathways.

In this study, we investigate a plant commonly used in herbal medicines, Lycopodium serratum , which is believed to have anti-cancer properties. An alcoholic extract of L. serratum (LSE) was investigated for its ability to induce apoptosis in cultured human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Treatment of HL-60 cells with various concentrations of LSE (6–100 μg/mL) resulted in a sequence of events characteristic of apoptosis, including loss of cell viability, morphological changes, and increased sub-G 1 DNA content. Serratenediol (SE), a known biologically active agent, was isolated from MC fraction of LSE and was able to demonstrate significant and dose-dependent growth inhibitory effects on HL-60 cells. Similar to the effects observed with the crude LSE, the SE-related effects included the formation of apoptotic bodies and fragmented DNA, as well as the accumulation of DNA in the sub-G 1 phase of the cell cycle. Analysis of the mechanism of these events indicated that SE treated cells had an increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-xL, released the cytochrome c , activated caspase-9, -3, and cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP); these observations are hallmarks of apoptotic events. Thus, the results suggest that SE can induce apoptosis via regulating the ratio of Bax/Bcl-xL in HL-60 cell lines.

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical intervention in the elderly. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in patients over 80 years of age undergoing inguinal hernia repairs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 150 patients older than 65 years of age who had undergone an inguinal hernia repair between January 2006 and December 2010. Dividing our subjects by age into two groups, 65 to 79 years and 80 years and older, we compared their clinical features and surgical outcomes. Results: There were 122 patients (81.3%) in the 65 to 79 years group and 28 (18.7%) in the over 80 years group. Average body mass index was 22.8 kg/m in the 65 to 79 group and 21.8 kg/m in the over 80 group. Comorbidities were present in 63.9% of the cases in the 65 to 79 group and 67.9% in the over 80 group. American Association of Anaesthetists score was significantly higher in the over 80 group (1.6±0.3 vs. 1.9±0.3, p=0.046). Comparisons of operative time for each operative method were statistically not different. Postoperative hospital stay and analgesic use also showed no significant differences between the groups. Among the postoperative complications, wound hematoma was most prevalent in both groups but was not statistically different. There was no surgery-related mortality in either group. Conclusion: Our results indicate that inguinal hernia repair can be done safely in those older than 80 years, unless there is high surgical risk per se.

We determined the complete mitochondrial genomes of Pseudolabrus sieboldi and P. eoethinus, and analyzed the genome organization, codon usage, and transition/transversion mutation ratio of the mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genomes of P. sieboldi and P. eoethinus are 16,507 and 16,508 bp in length, respectively, and consisted of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs, and 22 transfer RNAs), which is typical for vertebrate mitochondrial DNA. All protein-coding genes of two species used the initiation codon ATG except the cytochrome c oxidase subunit (CO) 1, which began with GTG as an initiation codon. However, the termination codon for the NADH dehydrogenase subunit (ND) 6 gene encoded with TAA in P. sieboldi, and TAG in P. eoethinus. The 12S and 16S rRNA genes were 949 and 1694 bp, respectively, in P sieboldi, and were 948 and 1693 bp in P. eoethinus. The A+T content of the two rRNA genes were 52.9% in P. sieboldi and 52.5% in P. eoethinus, which is slightly lower than that of othe...

DNA extracted from ancient bones of Cervidae animals was examined to identify the species and to determine the phylogenetic relationships to those from extant cervids. Abundant ancient bones were excavated from Kumsung archaeological site in Jeju Island, Korea, and were identified as Cervidae animals based on morphological features of their antlers and lower mandibles. Their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) was partially sequenced and subsequently compared with those previously reported in database. The results confirmed that the ancient sequences are lineage of Cervidae. On the phylogenetic trees constructed using the sequence diversity of the CR sequences of family Cervidae, the ancient DNA sequences were found on distinct clusters. The ancient sequences were located in the subfamily Capreolinae cluster, and six ancient sequences were closely related to those of extant Korean roe deer in Jeju Island and Korean Peninsula. Consequently, the results of this study suggest that the roe ...

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome for the rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens (Perciformes, Siganidae). This mitochondrial genome, consisting of 16,491 base pairs (bp), included 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a noncoding control region similar those found in other vertebrates; the gene order was identical to that of typical vertebrates. Most of the genes of S. fuscescens were encoded on the H-strand, while the ND6 and eight tRNA (Gln, Ala, Asn, Cys, Tyr, Ser [UCN], Glu, and Pro) genes were encoded on the L-strand. The reading frames of ATPase 8 and 6 and those of ND4L and ND4 overlapped by ten and seven nucleotides, respectively. All mitochondrial protein-coding genes began with an ATG start codon, except for CO1, which started with GTG. Open reading frames of S. fuscescens ended with TAA (ND1, CO1, ATPase 8, ND4L, ND5 and ND6), and the remainder had incomplete stop codons, either TA (ATPase 6 and CO3) or T (ND2, CO2, ND3, ND4, and Cytb). The origin of L-strand replication in S. fuscescens was located in a cluster of five tRNA genes (WANCY) and was 34 nucleotides in length. A major noncoding region between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe genes (828 bp) was considered to be the control region (D-loop). Within this sequence, we identified a conserved sequence block characteristic of this region. The rabbitfish was grouped with Siganus canaliculatus in most parsimony analyses, which showed 100% bootstrap support for their divergence. These findings are useful for inferring phylogenetic relationships and identification within the suborder Acanthuroidei.

The phylogenetic relationships within the genus Citrus and related species found in Korea were analyzed by comparing the trnL-trnF intergenic spacer sequences of the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). All 21 accessions had trnL-trnF sequences of identical length, 372 base pairs (bp). Of the 377 aligned positions in the trnL-trnF regions of these species, 67 sites were variable (17.8%, 67/377). Pairwise sequence divergences in the trnL-trnF region ranged from 0 to 3.2% in the ingroup accessions and from 8.8 to 10.9% between the in- and the outgroup species Phellodendron amurense. The greatest divergence (3.2%) was between C. aurantium and C. natsudaidai. A phylogenetic tree was generated based on maximum parsimony (MP) analysis of the trnL-trnF sequences data from 22 accessions, including the outgroup taxon, producing 17 equally most parsimonious trees. The consensus tree contained eight independent clusters. Cluster I contained C. platymamma, which has a collared fruit shape, unique among Korean Citrus. Cluster II contained mostly mandarin and pummelo accessions. Cluster V contained C. sunki and six accessions of C. unshiu. Four of six C. unshiu accessions had identical sequences. In addition, Nagami kumquat (Fortunella margarita) was phylogenetically close to Citrus, whereas the trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliate) was distant from Korean Citrus species, both local species and cultivars. These results confirmed that analyses of cpDNA trnL-trnF sequences can detect enough polymorphisms to differentiate Korean Citrus species and to determine their phylogenetic relationships.

To develop a SCAR primer related to the hairy-fruit trait in the genusActinidia, we took a PCR-RAPD approach using arbitrary 10-mer primers. PCR with the UBC 376 primer generated specific fragments from three species with hairy fruit skin. Those fragments were then cloned to determine their nucleotide sequences. Two SCAR primers were designed from the UBC 376 primer and nucleotide sequences were obtained from the PCR fragments. A SCAR primer, OKC385, specifically amplified a 385-bp fragment from one clone ofActinidia eriantha, four ofActinidia chinensis, and four ofActinidia deliciosa. Deduced amino acid sequences of this fragment showed high sequence homology with plant cellulose synthases, which are involved in the biosynthesis of cellulose, a major cell wall component. The 385-bp fragment was specifically detected only in the seriesPerfectae C.F. Liang of sectionStellatae Li. This type has many hairs on the leaves, fruits, and stems, suggesting that the gene containing the PCR fragment is involved in hair formation in this phylogenetic group. Taken together, our results suggest that the SCAR primer, OKC385, can be used as a specific primer for early selection of the non-hair trait in breeding of the genusActinidia.