Jun-Ran Kim

Analysis and Anti-Helicobacter Activity of Sulforaphane and Related Compounds Present in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) Sprouts

A crude methanol extract prepared from fresh broccoli sprouts was extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol sequentially. Residual water fraction was obtained from the residual aqueous layer. The greatest inhibition zones (>5 cm) were noted for Helicobacter pylori strain by the chloroform extract, followed by the hexane extract (5.03 cm), the ethyl acetate extract (4.90 cm), the butanol extract (3.10 cm), and the crude methanol extract (2.80 cm), whereas the residual water fraction did not show any inhibition zone. Including sulforaphane, five sulforaphane-related compounds were positively identified in the chloroform extract, of which 5-methylsulfinylpentylnitrile was found in the greatest concentration (475.7 mg/kg of fresh sprouts), followed by sulforaphane (222.6 mg/kg) and 4-methylsulfinylbutylnitrile (63.0 mg/kg). Among 18 sulforaphane and related compounds synthesized (6 amines, 6 isothiocyanates, and 6 nitriles), 2 amines, 6 isothiocyanates, and 1 nitrile exhibited >5 cm inhibitory zones for H. pylori strain. The results indicate that broccoli sprouts can be an excellent food source for medicinal substances.

Toxicity of Cassia and Cinnamon Oil Compounds and Cinnamaldehyde-Related Compounds to Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract The toxicity to adult Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of two cassia oils (Especial and true), four cinnamon oils (technical, #500, bark, and green leaf), and (E)-cinnamaldehyde and its 41 structurally related compounds was examined by residual and vapor-phase toxicity bioassays. Results were compared with those of dichlorvos. In residual bioassays, cassia and cinnamon oils exhibited good insecticidal activity. Based on 48-h LD50 values, the toxicity of allyl cinnmate (0.0003 mg/cm2) was comparable with that of dichlorvos (0.00025 mg/cm2). Potent insecticidal activity also was observed with benzaldehyde, β-caryophyllene, cinnamonitrile, hydrocinnamyl acetate, (E)-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and α-terpineol (LD50 = 0.003–0.009 mg/cm2). Structure–activity relationships indicate that types of functional groups rather than hydrophobicity or vapor pressure parameters seem to play a role in determining the toxicities to adult S. oryzae. In vapor-phase toxicity tests with weevils, these compounds were more effective in closed containers than in open ones. These results indicate that the effect of the compounds was largely a result of action in the vapor phase. Cassia and cinnamon oils and test compounds described merit further study as potential fumigants for the control of S. oryzae because of their greater activity as a fumigant.

Larvicidal activity of Cnidium monnieri fruit coumarins and structurally related compounds against insecticide-susceptible and insecticide-resistant Culex pipiens pallens and Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND An assessment was made of the toxicity of imperatorin and osthole identified in Cnidium monnieri fruit, 11 related compounds and five insecticides to larvae from insecticide-susceptible Culex pipiens pallens (KS-CP strain) and Aedes aegypti and wild C.p. pallens (YS-CP colony) using a direct-contact mortality bioassay. Results were compared with those of the conventional larvicide temephos. RESULTS Imperatorin (LC(50) = 3.14 and 2.88 mg L(-1) ) was 1.9-, 3.7- and 4.2-fold and 2.4-, 4.5- and 4.6-fold more toxic than isopimpinellin, isoimperatorin and osthole against susceptible C. p. pallens and A. aegypti larvae respectively. Overall, all of the compounds were less toxic than temephos (0.011 and 0.019 mg L(-1) ). The toxicity of these compounds was virtually identical against larvae from the two Culex strains, even though YS-CP larvae were resistant to fenthion (resistance ratio RR = 390), deltamethrin (RR = 164), cyfluthrin (RR = 14) and temephos (RR = 14). This finding indicates that the coumarins and the insecticides do not share a common mode of action. The structure-activity relationship indicates that the chemical structure and alkoxy substitution and length of the alkoxyl side chain at the C8 position are essential for imparting toxicity. CONCLUSION The C. monnieri fruit-derived coumarins and the related coumarins described merit further study as potential insecticides or lead molecules for the control of insecticide-resistant mosquito populations.

Novel Histopathological and Molecular Effects of Natural Compound Pellitorine on Larval Midgut Epithelium and Anal Gills of Aedes aegypti

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a vector for transmitting dengue fever and yellow fever. In this study, we assessed the histopathological and molecular effects of pellitorine, an isobutylamide alkaloid, on the third instar of Ae. aegypti larvae. At 5 mg/l concentration of pellitorine, the whole body of the treated larvae became dark in color, particularly damaged thorax and abdominal regions. Pellitorine was targeted mainly on midgut epithelium and anal gills, indicating variably dramatic degenerative responses of the midgut through a sequential epithelial disorganization. The anterior and posterior midgut was entirely necrosed, bearing only gut lumen residues inside the peritrophic membranes. Pellitorine caused comprehensive damage of anal gill cells and branches of tracheole and debris was found in hemolymph of the anal gills. RT-PCR analysis indicates that the compound inhibited gene expression encoding V-type H+-ATPase and aquaporine 4 after treatment with 2.21 mg/l pellitorine. These results verify that pellitorine merits further study as a potential larvicide with a specific target site and a lead molecule for the control of mosquito populations.

Fumigant Toxicity of Plant Essential Oils Against Camptomyia corticalis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

ABSTRACT The toxicity of 98 plant essential oils against third instars of cecidomyiid gall midge Camptomyia corticalis (Loew) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) was examined using a vapor-phase mortality bioassay. Results were compared with that of a conventional insecticide dichlorvos. Based on 24-h LC50 values, all essential oils were less toxic than dichlorvos (LC50, 0.027 mg/cm3). The LC50 of caraway (Carum carvi L.) seed, armoise (Artemisia vulgaris L.), clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.), Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), lemongrass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf], niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora Gaertner), spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), cassia especial (Cinnamomum cassia Nees ex Blume), Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.), red thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), bay [Pimenta racemosa (P. Mill.) J.W. Moore], garlic (Allium sativum L.), and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) oils is between 0.55 and 0.60 mg/cm3. The LC50 of cassia (C. cassia, pure and redistilled), white thyme (T. vulgaris), star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) bark, sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), Roman chamomile [Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.], eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana L.), pimento berry [Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr.], summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) oils is between 0.61 and 0.99 mg/cm3. All other essential oils tested exhibited low toxicity to the cecidomyiid larvae (LC50, >0.99 mg/cm3). Global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic insecticides in the agricultural environment justify further studies on the active essential oils as potential larvicides for the control of C. corticalis populations as fumigants with contact action.

Contact and fumigant toxicity of Pinus densiflora needle hydrodistillate constituents and related compounds and efficacy of spray formulations containing the oil to Dermatophagoides farinae

BACKGROUND The toxicity of red pine needle hydrodistillate (RPN-HD), 19 RPN-HD constituents and another 12 structurally related compounds and the control efficacy of four experimental spray formulations containing RPN-HD (0.5. 1, 2 and 3% sprays) to adult Dermatophagoides farinae were evaluated. RESULTS RPN-HD (24 h LC50 , 68.33 µg cm(-2) ) was toxic to mites. Menthol was the most toxic compound (12.69 µg cm(-2) ), and the toxicity of this compound and benzyl benzoate did not differ significantly. High toxicity was also produced by α-terpineol, bornyl acetate, geranyl acetate, thymol, linalyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, citral, linalool and camphor (18.79-36.51 µg cm(-2) ). These compounds were more toxic than either deet or dibutyl phthalate. In vapour-phase mortality tests, these compounds were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that their mode of delivery was largely a result of vapour action. RPN-HD 3% experimental spray provided 95% mortality against adult D. farinae, whereas permethrin (cis:trans, 25:75) 2.5 g L(-1) spray treatment resulted in 0% mortality. CONCLUSION In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in indoor environments, RPN-HD and the compounds described merit further study as potential biocides for the control of Dermatophagoides populations as fumigants with contact action.

Contact and fumigant toxicity of Armoracia rusticana essential oil, allyl isothiocyanate and related compounds to Dermatophagoides farinae.

BACKGROUND The toxicity to adult Dermatophagoides farinae of allyl isothiocyanate identified in horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, oil and another 27 organic isothiocyanates was evaluated using contact + fumigant and vapour-phase mortality bioassays. Results were compared with those of two conventional acaricides, benzyl benzoate and dibutyl phthalate. RESULTS Horseradish oil (24 h LC(50), 1.54 µg cm(-2)) and allyl isothiocyanate (2.52 µg cm(-2)) were highly toxic. Benzyl isothiocyanate (LC(50) , 0.62 µg cm(-2)) was the most toxic compound, followed by 4-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, cyclohexyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl and 2-bromophenyl isothiocyanates (0.93-1.41 µg cm(-2)). All were more effective than either benzyl benzoate (LC(50) , 4.58 µg cm(-2)) or dibutyl phthalate (24.49 µg cm(-2)). The structure-activity relationship indicates that types of functional group and chemical structure appear to play a role in determining the isothiocyanate toxicities to adult D. farinae. In the vapour-phase mortality bioassay, these isothiocyanates were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that their mode of delivery was, in part, a result of vapour action. CONCLUSION In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in indoor environments, the horseradish oil-derived compounds and the isothiocyanates described herein merit further study as potential acaricides for the control of house dust mite populations as fumigants with contact action.

Atherogenic changes in low-density lipoprotein particle profiles were not observed in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

STUDY QUESTION Is a preponderance of small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) observed in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Non-obese Korean women with PCOS have no quantitative or qualitative changes in LDL-C profiles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Small dense LDL particles (sd-LDL) are more atherogenic than large buoyant ones and are strongly associated with coronary artery disease independent of other risk factors. Many investigators have found an increased proportion of atherogenic sd-LDL or a decreased mean LDL particle size in women with PCOS, but all of these studies have been based primarily on obese or overweight women with PCOS. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a case-control study evaluating complete lipid and lipoprotein profiles in 64 PCOS patients and 64 age- and BMI-matched controls. All women with PCOS in our study population were not obese. To determine the differences in the LDL particle profiles between PCOS phenotypes, the patients with PCOS were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Using the Rotterdam criteria, we recruited 64 women (18-40 years) with PCOS who were attending a tertiary university hospital. A total of 64 premenopausal control women were matched with patients based on exact age and BMI (± 1.0 kg/m(2)). All the participants fell within the non-obese range of the BMI (<25 kg/m(2)) according to the definition of obesity for Asians. The LDL subfraction was analyzed by 3% polyacrylamide gel tube electrophoresis. Seven LDL subclasses were quantified and LDL subclasses 3-7 were small LDL subfractions. LDL subfraction scores were calculated based on the following weighted scoring system developed by the manufacturer: scores of <5.5 were categorized as phenotype A (large, buoyant LDLs), and those >5.5 were categorized as non-A phenotype (sd-LDLs). The system also determined the mean LDL particle size diameter. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were no differences in the absolute level of LDL-C, mean LDL diameter or percentage of atherogenic sd-LDLs between PCOS patients and controls or between hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic PCOS subgroups. Also, none of the subjects showed a non-A LDL phenotype. The most notable finding of our study was the difference in the lipoprotein (a) levels and prevalence of its elevation in PCOS patients versus controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively), and between PCOS subgroups (P = 0.030 and P = 0.047, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Inclusion of only non-obese subjects, small sample size and lack of information on other potential confounding factors, such as differences in diet and/or exercise patterns. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although our findings suggest that non-obese women with PCOS have no significant quantitative or qualitative changes in LDL-C profile, data on obese Korean women with PCOS could offer complementary findings about the possible relationship between the magnitude of obesity and LDL phenotype. Further investigations are needed to determine whether a change in lipoprotein (a) in non-obese women with PCOS is also found in other ethnic groups. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No conflict of interest exists. This study was supported by a grant of the Korean Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (A100624). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

Low-thermal-budget and selective relaxation of stress gradients in gold micro-cantilever beams using ion implantation

The stress gradient of gold micro-cantilever beams induced during dry-release in oxygen plasma is quantitatively studied, and the relaxation of the stress gradient by He and N2 ion implantation is investigated. An analytic model considering the finite anchor stiffness of a step-up anchor and the geometry of the beam cross-section is constructed to evaluate the induced stress gradient. Various measurements are carried out to verify the effectiveness of ion implantation in relaxing the stress gradient.

Toxicity of hiba oil constituents and spray formulations to American house dust mites and copra mites

BACKGROUND Dermatophagoides farinae and Tyrophagus putrescentiae are recognised as an important source of allergens. An assessment was made of the toxicity of hiba, Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai, oil and 13 organic compounds and the control efficacy of four experimental spray formulations containing the oil (5-30 g L(-1) spray) against both mite species. RESULTS In a contact + fumigant mortality bioassay, (-)-thujopsene was the most toxic constituent against D. farinae and T. putrescentiae (24 h LC50 9.82 and 10.92 µg cm(-2)), and the toxicity of the compound was nearly identical to that of benzyl benzoate (9.33 and 10.14 µg cm(-2)). The toxicity was more pronounced in carvacrol, (+)-terpinen-4-ol, β-thujaplicin, (-)-terpinen-4-ol, cedrol and α-terpineol (LC50 12.05-15.20 and 12.74-16.48 µg cm(-2)) than in N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (LC50 35.53 and 38.42 µg cm(-2)) against both mite species. The hiba oil 30 g L(-1) spray and commercial permethrin (cis:trans 25:75) 2.5 g L(-1) spray treatment resulted in 100 and 11% mortality against the two mite species respectively. In vapour-phase mortality tests, the two compounds were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that toxicity was achieved mainly through the action of vapour. CONCLUSION Reasonable mite control in indoor environments can be achieved by a spray formulation containing the 30 g L(-1) hiba oil as a potential contact-action fumigant.