Phenolic from apple blossom "Hongro" inhibits the expression of proteins related to melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells.

This study aimed to assess apple blossom extracts as potential natural whitening agents due to their ability to inhibit melanogenesis. Ethanol extracts of apple blossom (ABE) were assessed for biological activity in the B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line. ABE toxicity was assessed by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Levels of melanogenic enzyme expression in response to ABE supplementation were assessed by western blotting. Also assessed purified kaempferol, one of the phenolic compounds extracted from apple blossom, was evaluated using western blot analysis. The expression levels of cellular tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 proteins related to melanogenesis decreased in a dose-dependent manner with ABE treatment of cells. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, we identified kaempferol in the ABE. Treatment of cells with purified kaempferol decreased the expression levels of tyrosinase and the MITF protein to a similar degree as that observed with ABE treatment. This suggests that the efficacy of melanogenesis-related inhibition demonstrated by ABE was due to kaempferol. ABE has an inhibitive effect on melanogenic enzymes and potentially can be applied to functional foods and cosmetics having a whitening effect as a natural material.

Isoquercitrin isolated from newly bred Green ball apple peel in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage regulates NF-κB inflammatory pathways and cytokines.

Apple peel has several bioactive properties. The fruit is grown worldwide, and its ingredients are used medicinally. However, its anti-inflammatory activities are poorly characterized. In this study, isoquercitrin isolated from newly bred Green ball apple peel from Korea showed anti-inflammatory effects. To confirm its anti-inflammatory effects, isoquercitrin was treated with lipopolysaccharide, which induces proinflammatory factors in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. Proinflammatory effects were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to define the isoquercitrin concentration nontoxic to cells. Nitric oxide (NO) production, prostaglandin E2, inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-κB p65 protein expression decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by isoquercitrin. mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and prostaglandin E synthase 2 (PTGES2) as proinflammatory factors significantly decreased. PTGES2, which was stimulated by COX-2 and involved in PGE2 expression, was inhibited. Therefore, this study rendered isoquercitrin isolated from the newly bred Green ball apple peel as a potential pharmacological alternative to treat inflammation-related diseases.

Isolated isoquercitrin from Green ball apple peel inhibits photoaging in CCD-986Sk fibroblasts cells via modulation of the MMPs signaling.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is viewed as the main factor of skin aging, associated with acceleration of elastin, collagen degradation and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the world, and isoquercitrin is the main active ingredient in new bred varieties "Green ball" apple. Therefore, we are studying the functionality of the active ingredient of apple, a natural raw material that does not have toxicity or sensitivity problems. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study, we scrutinized the effects of isoquercitrin on skin photoaging in UVB-exposed human fibroblasts (CCD-986Sk). METHODS: To investigate the inhibition effect on photoaging factor regulation, isolated isoquercitrin were treated with UVB, which induces photoaging-related factors in CCD-986Sk fibroblast cells. Pro-inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA, Western blotting and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Isoquercitrin exhibited antioxidant activity and UVB-induced generation of photoaging-related factor inhibition without showing any toxicity. Anti-photoaging effect for protein levels using Isoquercitin was competent, of both the combate MMP-1 and MMP-9. Also, effect of COL1A2 product significantly increase, from up regulating the TIMP-1 mediated pathway in CCD-986Sk cells via the inhibition of MMPs. Isoquercitrin also downregulated the mRNA gene expression of MMPs while upregulating type I procollagen, HAS2 by modulating TIMP-1 and TGF-ß in UVB-irradiated CCD-986Sk cells. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results show that isoquercitrin might be useful as a functional food while being a good candidate in the development of cosmetic products and medicines for the remedy of UVB-induced skin photoaging.

Taxonomy of Arthrinium minutisporum sp. nov., Pezicula neosporulosa, and Acrocalymma pterocarpi: New Records from Soil in Korea.

The strains 17E-042, 17E-039, and NC13-171 belong to Ascomycota and were isolated from soil collected from Sancheong-gun and Yeongam-gun, Korea. The strain 17E-042 produced white mycelial colonies that developed a sienna color with a round margin on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and the reverse side developed a light sienna color. Morphologically, this strain was similar to the strains of Arthrinium phragmites and A. hydei, but the shorter conidial size of the newly identified strain (17E-042) was distinct. The strain 17E-039 produced macroconidia that were pale yellow to orange-brown, elongated-ellipsoid to oblong, round at both ends, primarily straight but sometimes slightly curved, 0-septate, thin-walled, and filled with numerous droplets, having diameters of 20.4-34.3 × 8.0-12.0 µm. And the strain NC13-171 formed hyaline to light brown chlamydospores, solitary or in a chain. Multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted using sequence data obtained from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, 28S rDNA large subunit (LSU), ß-tubulin (TUB2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), and RNA polymerase II large subunit (RPB2) genes. The results of molecular phylogeny, the detailed descriptions and illustrations of each species strongly support our proposal that these strains from soil in Korea be designated as Arthrinium minutisporum sp. nov. and two new records of Pezicula neosporulosa and Acrocalymma pterocarpi.

Mediation of induced systemic resistance by the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus pumilus S2-3-2.

Plant-rhizobacteria interaction and co-evolution developed adaptive strategies which may help the plant survive in nature. Plant rhizosphere soil isolates were analyzed to investigated the effects of rhizobacteria for promoting plant growth and suppress plant disease. Bacterial strains which isolated from plant rhizosphere soil were screened for elicitation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) on tobacco. Strain S2-3-2 results in significant reduction of disease severity on tobacco, it was identified as Bacillus pumilus by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). Strain S2-3-2 was deeper studied for pepper plant growth promotion and biological control activity against pepper bacterial spot disease. It was found that the pepper disease severity was decreased when the roots were drenched with strain S2-3-2, and the pepper plants had a higher weight and chlorophyll content, as compared with the mock-treated plants. Transcriptional expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) protein genes in pepper was analyzed by real-time PCR, gene expressions of CaPR1, CaPR4, and CaPR10 were increased when the plants were treated with strain S2-3-2. Moreover, strain S2-3-2 was tested for the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and it was determined to emit volatiles that enhance the growth of the tobacco plants. Interesting, heat-killed S2-3-2 enhance the pepper root growth, increase the gene expressions of CaPR4 and CaPR10 after pathogen challenge for 6 h, but limited to suppress the pepper bacterial spot disease as compare to the mock-treated plants. Strain S2-3-2 can be a potential biological control agent on the plant root for plant growth promoting and disease suppression.

Characterization of Undaria pinnatifida Root Enzymatic Extracts Using Crude Enzyme from Shewanella oneidensis PKA 1008 and Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect.

This study investigated the characterization and functionality of Undaria pinnatifida root (UPT) extracts, degraded using a crude enzyme from Shewanella oneidensis PKA1008. To obtain the optimum degrading conditions, the UPT was mixed with alginate degrading enzymes from S. oneidensis PKA 1008 and was incubated at 30°C for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The alginate degrading ability of these enzymes was then evaluated by measuring the reducing sugar, viscosity, pH and chromaticity. Enzymatic extract at 24 h revealed the highest alginate degrading ability and the lowest pH value. As the incubation time increased, the lightness (L *) also decreased and was measured at its lowest value, 39.84, at 12 hours. The redness and yellowness increased gradually to 10.27 at 6 h and to 63.95 at 3 h, respectively. Moreover, the alginate oligosaccharides exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. These results indicate that a crude enzyme from S. oneidensis PKA 1008 can be used to enhance the polysaccharide degradation of UPT and the alginate oligosaccharides may also enhance the anti-inflammatory effect.

Mucilaginibacter terrigena sp. nov. sp., A Novel Member of the Family Sphingobacteriaceae.

A bacterial strain, 17JY9-4T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, South Korea. Colonies grown on R2A agar are pale pink in color, and cells are Gram-stain negative, short, and rod-shaped. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity shared with Mucilaginibacter lutimaris BR-3T (98.0%), Mucilaginibacter rigui WPCB133T (98.0%), Mucilaginibacter phyllosphaerae PP-F2F-G21T (97.0%), Mucilaginibacter amnicola TAPP7T (96.8%), and Mucilaginibacter soli R9-65T (96.7%). Growth of strain 17JY9-4T occurs at 10-30 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The genomic G+C content is 44.38 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate is MK-7; the major fatty acids are summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) (39.7%), iso-C15:0 (22.8%), iso-C17:0 3-OH (7.8%), and C16:0 (7.7%); and the major polar lipid is phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the placement of strain 17JY9-4T within the genus Mucilaginibacter. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and M. rigui, M. lutimaris, M. phyllosphaerae, M. amnicola, and M. soli were 44.3 ± 3.0%, 38.6 ± 3.7%, 23.2 ± 2.9%, 21.9 ± 3.1%, and 18.6 ± 3.7%, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization analysis, and the observed differentiating phenotypic properties from other closely related taxa clearly indicate that strain 17JY9-4T represents a novel species in the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17JY9-4T (= KCTC 62294T = JCM 33049T).

Hymenobacter persicinus sp. nov., a novel member of the family Hymenobacteraceae.

A bacterial strain, 1-3-3-3T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Jeollabuk-do province, South Korea. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, short rod-shaped and colonies to be red-pink in colour. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Hymenobacter in the family Hymenobacteraceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity with Hymenobacter algoricola VUG-A23aT (98.0%), Hymenobacter knuensis 16F7C-2 (97.9%), Hymenobacter fastidiosus VUG-A124T (97.1%), Hymenobacter elongatus VUG-A112T (97.0%), Hymenobacter chitinivorans Txc1T (97.0%) and Hymenobacter aquaticus 16F3PT (96.7%). Growth of strain 1-3-3-3T was observed at 10-30 °C, pH 6-8 and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The genomic G + C content was determined to be 61.6 mol %. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-7; the major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0 (19.9%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c, 19.7%), summed feature 4 (iso-C17:1 I/anteiso-C17:1 B, 17.8%), C16:1ω5c (12.5%) and anteiso-C15:0 (11.2%), and the major polar lipid was found to be phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain 1-3-3-3T with the genus Hymenobacter. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was lower than 34%. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and the differentiating phenotypic properties clearly indicate that strain 1-3-3-3T represents a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter persicinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1-3-3-3T (= KCTC 52742T = JCM 32191T).

Deinococcus terrigena sp. nov., a novel member of the family Deinococcaceae.

A bacterial strain, S13-1-2-1T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Gyeongsangnam-do province, South Korea. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, short rod-shaped and colonies to be pale pink in colour. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Deinococcus in the family Deinococcaceae, with high levels of sequence similarity with Deinococcus ficus CC-FR2-10T (97.9%) and Deinococcus enclensis NIO-1023T (95.4%). Growth of strain S13-1-2-1T was observed at 10-42 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The isolate was found to exhibit resistance to gamma radiation (D10 10.1 KGy) and UV-light (D10 612 J/m2). The major peptidoglycan amino acids were identified as D-glutamic acid, glycine, alanine and L-ornithine. The predominant respiratory quinone of the strain was identified as menaquinone-8, the major fatty acids were found to be C16:1ω7c (31.4%), C16:0 (18.4%), and C17:1ω8c (17.4%) and the major polar lipids were observed to be an unidentified phosphoglycolipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The genomic DNA G + C content of the strain was determined to be 69.2 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization with D. ficus showed a relatedness value of 31.5 ± 4.2%. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and the differentiating phenotypic properties clearly indicate that strain S13-1-2-1T represents a novel species in the genus Deinococcus, for which the name Deinococcus terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S13-1-2-1T (= KCTC 33939T = JCM 32248T).

Hymenobacter pomorum sp. nov., Isolated from Apple Orchard Soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated 9-2-1-1T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Daegu, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belongs to the family Cytophagaceae, Bacteroidetes and it is most closely related to Hymenobacter metalli A2-91T (97.8% similarity) and Hymenobacter marinus KJ035T (96.6%). Growth of strain 9-2-1-1T was observed at 4-30 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.0 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was MK-7; the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (29.3%), C16:1ω5c (15.4%), C15:0 anteiso (12.5%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c; 12.3%), and C16:0 (10.6%); and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain 9-2-1-1T with the genus Hymenobacter. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and H. metalli and H. marinus were 31.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and the differentiating phenotypic properties clearly indicate that strain 9-2-1-1T is the representative of a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter pomorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 9-2-1-1T (=KCTC 52740T = JCM 32193T).

Hymenobacter rufus sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from soil.

A bacterial strain, S1-2-2-6T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Jeollabuk-do province, Republic of Korea. Cells of this strain were observed to be Gram-stain-negative, short and rod-shaped, and colonies were red to pink in colour. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as representing a member of the genus Hymenobacter in the family Cytophagaceae, with the highest levels of sequence similarity being observed in relation to Hymenobacter terrae DG7AT (98.2 %), Hymenobacter rubidus DG7BT (97.9 %), Hymenobacter soli PB17T (97.7 %), and Hymenobacter daeguensis 16F3Y-2T (97.3 %). Growth of S1-2-2-6T was observed at 4-30 °C, pH 6-8 and in the presence of 0-0.5 % NaCl. The predominant respiratory quinone of this strain was menaquinone-7, the major fatty acids were C15 : 0 iso, C15 : 0 anteiso, and Summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c), and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content of S1-2-2-6T was 60.7 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with H. terrae, H. rubidus, H. soli and H. daeguensisresulted in relatedness values of 35.9 and 38.4 %, 34.2 and 30.4 %, 28.3 and 33.1 %, and 23.5 and 27.9 %, respectively. These DNA-DNA hybridization results, in addition to some differentiating phenotypic properties, clearly indicate that S1-2-2-6T is a representative of a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter rufus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1-2-2-6T (=KCTC 52736T=JCM 32196T).

Larkinella knui sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile by gliding, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J6-3T6T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Jeju Island, South Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 15J6-3T6T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae and is related to Larkinella harenae 15J9-9T (93.9 % similarity), Larkinella arboricola Z0532T (93.6 %), Larkinella bovis M2TB15T (93.3 %), and Larkinella insperata LMG 22510T (93.3 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 15J6-3T6T was 50.6 mol%. The detection of phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified polar lipid as major polar lipids, menaquinone-7 as the predominant quinone, and C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C15 : 0, and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids also supports the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Larkinella. Based on its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, we propose that strain 15J6-3T6T should be classified in the genus Larkinella as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Larkinella knui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J6-3T6T (=KCTC 42998T=JCM 31989T).

Whitening and anti-wrinkle activities of ferulic acid isolated from Tetragonia tetragonioides in B16F10 melanoma and CCD-986sk fibroblast cells.

Ferulic acid isolated from Tetragonia tetragonioides was tested for its whitening effect on the B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line and its anti-wrinkle activity on the CCD-986sk human dermal fibroblast cell line. Ferulic acid, one of the primary phenolic compounds that can be isolated from T. tetragonioides, has been reported to show potential as a functional food, for its whitening effect and anti-wrinkle activity. To measure its whitening and anti-wrinkle activities, cells were treated with ferulic acid isolated from T. tetragonioides at concentrations between 5 and 20 µM. Ferulic acid showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 20 µM. Ferulic acid inhibited melanin synthesis, tyrosinase expression, and microphthalmia transcription factor expression in B16F10 cells stimulated with α-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Ferulic acid induced procollagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid synthesis, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase synthesis, and inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-9 expression in CCD-986sk cells stimulated with UV-B. On the basis of these results, we conclude that ferulic acid isolated from T. tetragonioides shows potential for use as a functional food, with whitening and anti-wrinkle activities.

Spirosoma litoris sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from beach soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J16-2T3AT, was isolated from beach soil on Jeju Island, South Korea. Strain 15J16-2T3AT grew at 10-37 °C (optimum growth at 25 °C) and pH 6.5-8.5 (optimum growth at pH 7). Based on 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis, the novel strain was closely related to members of the genus Spirosoma(94.8-89.9 % similarities) and formed a separate branch within the genus together with Spirosoma luteolum 16F6ET in neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 15J16-2T3AT was 47.6 mol%. The detection of menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, a fatty acid profile with summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 35.5 %), C16 : 1ω5c (26.6 %), and iso C15 : 0 (10.1 %) as the major components, phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified aminophospholipid as the major polar lipids also support the affiliation of strain 15J16-2T3AT with the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 15J16-2T3AT from members the genus Spirosoma. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 15J16-2T3AT represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma litoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J16-2T3AT (=KCTC 52029T=JCM 31999T).

Spirosoma daeguensis sp. nov., isolated from beach soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J9-6T, was isolated from beach soil on Jeju Island, South Korea. Strain 15J9-6T, grew at 10-30°C (optimum growth at 25°C) and pH 7-8 (optimum growth at pH 7) on R2A, NA, and TSA agar. Phylogenetically, the strain was closely related to members of the genus Spirosoma (92.3-90.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities) and showed highest sequence similarity to Spirosoma panaciterrae DSM 21099T (92.3%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 15J9-6T was 45.7 mol%. The strain contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid, and an unidentified lipid as the major polar lipids; menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c; 30.1%), C16:1 ω5c (23.1%), iso C15:0 (13.3%), and C16:0 (8.4%) as the major fatty acids which supported the affiliation of strain 15J9-6T to the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 15J9-6T from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 15J9-6T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J9-6T (=KCTC 52036T =JCM 31995T).

Potential effect of compounds isolated from Coffea arabica against UV-B induced skin damage by protecting fibroblast cells.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has adverse effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, leading to formation of wrinkles a hallmark of premature skin aging. The adverse effects of UV radiation are associated with induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression and degradation of collagen and elastin. The present study investigated anti-wrinkle effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA), pyrocatechol (PC) and 3,4,5-tricaffeoyl quinic acid (TCQ), isolated from beans of Coffea arabica, against UV-B stimulated mouse fibroblast cells (CCRF) by measuring expression levels of MMP-1, 3, 9, and type-I procollagen. The three compounds were isolated and purified from coffee grounds using column chromatography and structural examination was evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Among the three isolated compounds, CGA effectively suppressed the expression of the MMP-1, 3, and 9 and increased synthesis of type-I procollagen as compared UV-B-stimulated CCRF cells. In addition, CGA dose-dependently inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in CCRF cells stimulated by UV radiation. Moreover, CGA displayed a good sun protection factor (SPF) and in vitro DNA damage protection together with inhibition of enzyme xanthine oxidase. The enzyme inhibitory kinetic behavior of CGA was determined by Lineweaver-Burk plot, displayed a mixed type enzyme inhibition with 260.3±4.5µM, Ki value. The results indicate that CGA has potential to be used as a preventive agent against premature skin aging induced by UV radiation.

Adhaeribacter terrae sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from soil.

Strain HY02T was isolated from a soil sample collected at Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Cells of this strain were observed to be Gram-stain-negative, short and rod-shaped. Colonies were red in colour. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified this strain as a member of the genus Adhaeribacter in the family Cytophagaceae, with the highest level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Adhaeribacter terreus DNG6T (98.08 %). This strain was positive for oxidase but negative for catalase activity and acid production from glucose. Growth of strain HY02T was observed at 15-30 °C, pH 7-8 and in the presence of 0-1 % NaCl. The isolate contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and C18 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 4 (anteiso-C17 : 1 B/iso-C17 : 1 I) and C16 : 0 were the major fatty acids. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain HY02T was 44.0 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain HY02T with the genus Adhaeribacter. However, strain HY02T exhibited a relatively low level of DNA-DNA relatedness with A. terreus(16.3±3.5 %). Based on its phenotypic and genotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain HY02T should be considered a representative of a novel species in the genus Adhaeribacter, for which the name Adhaeribacter terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HY02T (=KCTC 52512T=JCM 31652T).

Spirosoma luteolum sp. nov. isolated from water.

A novel Gram-negative and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as 16F6ET, was isolated from a water sample. Cells were yellowish in color and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The strain grew at 10-37°C (optimum at 25°C) but not at 4 and 42°C, and pH 5-7 (optimum at pH 7). It showed moderate resistance to gamma-ray irradiation. Comparative phylogenetic analysis showed that strain 16F6ET belonged to the family Cytophagaceae of the class Cytophagia. Furthermore, this isolate showed relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (90.7-93.1%) to the members of the genus Spirosoma. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:1 ω5c, C16:0 N alcohol, and C16:0. The polar lipid profile indicated presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, unknown aminophospholipids, an unknown amino lipid, unknown phospholipids, and unknown polar lipids. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 16F6ET was 56.5 mol%. Phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic properties indicated that isolate 16F6ET represents a novel species within the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma luteolum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16F6ET (=KCTC 52199T =JCM 31411T).

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pinus koraiensis Cone Bark Extracts Prepared by Micro-Wave Assisted Extraction.

In this study, we compared the anti-inflammatory activity of Pinus koraiensis cone bark extracts prepared by conventional extraction and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Water extracts and 50% ethanol extracts prepared using MAE were applied to RAW 264.7 cell at 5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/mL of concentrations, and tested for cytoxicity. The group treated with 50 µg/mL of 50% ethanol extracts showed toxicity. In order to investigate the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells, extracts of water and ethanol were treated with 5, 10, and 25 µg/mL concentrations. The inhibitory activity of water and 50% ethanol extracts groups were determined as 40% and 60% at 25 µg/mL concentration, respectively. We found concentration dependent decreases on inducible NO synthase. The inhibitory effect against forming inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß, was also superior in the 25 µg/mL treated group than the control group. According to these results, the water extracts and 50% ethanol extracts both inhibited inflammatory mediators by reducing the inflammatory response. Therefore, The MAE extracts of P. koraiensis cone bark can be developed as a functional ingredient with anti-inflammatory activity.

Spirosoma fluminis sp. nov., a Gamma-Radiation Resistant Bacterium Isolated from Sediment of the Han River in South Korea.

A Gram-negative, long rod-shaped, and yellowish bacterium, designated as strain 15J17T(T), was isolated from sediment of the Han River in South Korea after exposure to 3 kGy of gamma radiation. The strain was catalase- and oxidase-positive and showed resistance to gamma radiation-D10 value (i.e., the dose required to reduce the bacterial population by 10-fold) of >4 kGy. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Spirosoma and showed moderate degrees of sequence similarity with related species (90.6-93.5 %). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that the strain contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:1 ω5c, C16:0, C18:0, and C15:0 iso as the major fatty acids; phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and an unidentified polar lipid as the major polar lipids; and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major quinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of the new strain was 48.3 mol%. Based on these data, type strain 15J17T(T) (=KCTC 52198(T) = JCM 31409(T)) should be classified as representing a new species, for which we propose the name Spirosoma fluminis sp. nov.