• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.119-126
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• 2011

There is a growing recognition of the significance of $H_2S$ as a biological signaling molecule involved in vascular and nervous system functions. In mammals, two enzymes in the transsulfuration pathway, cystathionine ${\beta}$-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine ${\gamma}$-lyase (CGL), are believed to be chiefly responsible for $H_2S$ biogenesis. Genetic inborn error of CGL leads to human genetic disease, cystathioninuria, by accumulating cystathionine in the body. This disease is secondarily associated with a wide range of diseases including diabetes insipidus and Down's syndrome. Although the human CGL (hCGL) overexpression is essential for the investigation of its function, structure, reaction specificity, substrate specificity, and protein-protein interactions, there is no clear report concerning optimum overexpression conditions. In this study, we report a detailed analysis of the overexpression conditions of the hCGL using a bacterial system. Maximum overexpression was obtained in conditions of low culture temperature after inducer addition, performing low aeration during overexpression, and using a low concentration inducer (0.1 mM, IPTG) for induction. Expressed hCGL was purified by His-tag affinity column chromatography and confirmed by Western blot using hCGL antibody and enzyme activity analysis. We also report that the His tag with TEV site attached protein exhibits 76% activity for ${\alpha}-{\gamma}$ elimination reaction with L-cystathionine and 88% for ${\alpha}-{\beta}$ elimination reaction with L-cysteine compared to those of wild type hCGL, respectively. His tag with TEV site attached protein also exhibits a 420 nm absorption maximum, which is attributed to the binding cofactor, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.1552-1563
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• 2016

To examine the cognitive function of onion (Allium cepa L.) beverages (odourless and fortified), we analyzed in vitro neuronal cell protection against $H_2O_2$-induced cytotoxicity and performed in vivo tests on amyloid beta ($A{\beta}$)-induced cognitive dysfunction. Cellular oxidative stress and cell viability were evaluated by DCF-DA assay and MTT assay. These results show that fortified beverage resulted in better neuronal cell protection than odourless beverage at lower concentration ($0{\sim}100{\mu}g/mL$). Fortified beverage also showed more excellent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity ($IC_{50}$: 4.20 mg/mL) than odourless beverage. The cognitive functions of odourless beverage and fortified beverage in $A{\beta}$-induced neurotoxicity were assessed by Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. The results show improved cognitive function in both groups treated with beverages. After in vivo tests, cholinergic activities were determined based on AChE inhibition and acetylcholine levels, and antioxidant activities were measured as SOD, oxidized glutathione (GSH)/total GSH ratio, and MDA levels in mouse brain tissue. In a Q-TOF UPLC/MS system, main compounds were analyzed as follows: odourless beverage (five types of sugars and three types of phenolics) and fortified beverages (six types of phenolics and two types of steroidal saponins).

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.278-301
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• 2018

Although more than 80% of living organisms are found in marine ecosystems, only less than 10% of marine resources have been utilized for human food consumptions and other usages. It is well known that marine resources (fish, shellfish and algae) have exceptional nutritional properties; however, their functional characteristic has not been completely discovered. It is believed that metabolites (organic compounds, proteins, peptides, lipids, minerals, etc.) play an important role to show its biological properties. Marine proteins and peptides are considered to be future drugs due to their excellent biological activities with a fewer adverse side effect. Marine peptides show several biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-coagulant, immunomodulatory, appetite suppressing and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical companies have been paid attention to the marine peptides to commercialize into products. This current review mainly focused on the above mentioned biological activities of marine peptides and protein hydrolysates as a functional food and pharmaceutical applications. To commercialize these materials in industrial level required large quantity in high-purity level, and it is complicated to produce huge quantity from the marine resources due to insufficient raw materials, unavailability of raw materials through a year, hinder the growth with geographical variations, and availability of compounds in extreme small quantities. The best solution for these issues is to introduce new modern technologies such as artificial intelligence robots, drones, submersibles and automated raw material harvesting vessels in farming industries instead of man power, which will lead to 4th industrial revolution.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.26-36
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• 2024

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is an Clinical symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on residual enzyme activity and genetic mutations. In Korea, 27 cases of LNS have been reported. We report the results of an 11-year comparative follow-up of two cases of children who visited because of pink diapers, one who died from LNS with no residual enzymes and one case with partial residual enzymes. Case 1: During follow-up, seizures, developmental delay, and regression were observed. The boy experienced insomnia and severe constipation. He exhibited self-mutilating behavior, a grand mal seizure, scoliosis with severe spasticity, truncal hypotonia, choreoathetoid movement, and ataxia. After prolonged emaciation, staghorn calculi, and recurrent pneumonia, the patient died suddenly at the age of 11 years. Genetic testing revealed a hemizygous HPRT1 variant (c.151C>T (p.Arg51Ter)). Uric acid level was 10.5 mg/dL (normal range: ~3.5-7.9) and HPRT activity 0.02 nmol/hr/spot (10-23.8 nmol/hr/spot). Case 2: During follow-up, the patient remained underweight. He has normal intelligence attending primary school. Self-mutilation symptoms were not observed. Regular renal ultrasonography did not reveal urolithiasis. The patient had a hemizygous HPRT1 variant (c.35A>C (p.Asp12Ala)). Uric acid level and HPRT activity were 11 mg/dL and 0.56 nmol/hr/spot. Pink diapers after the neonatal period and severe protein aversion, neurological problems, and kidney stones, differentiation for LNS is necessary. When suspected, serum uric acid levels, HPRT enzyme activity, and molecular biological tests may be helpful in predicting the prognosis of LNS.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.720-729
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• 1998

Immunohistochemical technique of the c-fos primary gene protein, Fos, was used to analyze the effects of external factors on the neuronal activities in the periaqueductal gray(PAG) of the intact rats, sham-operated rats and post-operated stress control rats. In addition, the number of Fos positive neurons has been evaluated to verify the effects of cannula implantation and veratridine treatment on the neuronal activities in PAG area. The results were summerized as follow : 1. There was no significant difference in the number of Fos positive neurons observed in the caudal and middle portion of lateroventral PAG from cannula implanted rats and sham operated rats. 2. The number of Fos positive neurons in the PAG was not changed by the stress induced by connection of collecting tube to rats for 12 hours as compared to that of intact rats. 3. In the saline treated group, the Fos immunoreactivity in the PAG did not changed at 30 minutes and 1 hour after saline treatment as compared to that of intact rats. However, the number of Fos positive neurons was significantly increased at 2 hours after treatment compared to that of saline treated rats at 30 minutes after treatment. 4. The Fos immunoreactivity was dramatically increased at 30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours after veratridine treatment as compared to those of saline treated groups. The number of Fos immunoreative neurons showed the maximal level at 2 hours after veratridine treatment. 5. The Fos positive neurons induced by saline and veratridine treatment were mainly distributed in front of the microdialysis window. These results suggest that new microdialysis demonstrated in this study improves efficiency and accuracy to confine the neuronal activity in front of microdialysis window site. Moreover, this directional specificity allows us to locate probe tips adjacent to the brain area of the interest site rather than centering the probes within that brain area. Finally, This microdialysis method can be used to dialyse the neurotransmitters using concious and freely moving rats.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of the lower trunk stabilization exercise using neurodevelopmental technique (NDT) on muscle activity in lumbar region and balance in the patients with hemiplegia. Methods: Fifteen participants were allocated in two groups: NDT group (n=8) or control group (n=7). NDT group performed NDT exercise program, while control group conducted walking exercise. Both interventions were given for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 5 weeks. To measure the muscle activity in rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO), electromyography (EMG) was used. And, Timed-Up and Go (TUG) test and Berg-Balance Scale (BBS) were performed to assess balance before and after intervention. Results: NDT group showed a significant improvement of muscle activity in RA and EO, while control group did not show significant changes in three muscles. Also, there was a significant difference in muscle activity of RA and EO between two groups. In BBS and TUG test, participants in two groups showed significant improvements after intervention. Especially, significant difference was observed in TUG test between two groups (p<.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that NDT exercise is an effective intervention to improve the muscle activity in trunk region and to increase balance in patients with stroke. Thus, we suggested that NDT exercise program would be a treatment intervention in stroke rehabilitation.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.95-104
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• 2013

스트레스로 인한 인체의 반응은 중추신경계, 시상하부, 변연계 및 기타 표적기관으로부터 시작되는데, 자율신경계 반응, 내분비계 반응, 면역계 반응 등을 통하여 복합적인 신체 증상으로 발현되며, 스트레스 상황에서는 시상하부-뇌하수체-부신 축 (HPA axis)과 교감신경계의 작용으로 여러 신경전달물질 방출에 변화가 생기며 이러한 변화는 면역기전에 중요한 역할을 하고 일부는 면역세포의 활성에 직접적으로 영향을 미쳐 신체 각종 질병의 원인이 될 것으로 추정된다. 한의학에서는 천인상응(天人相應)의 관점에서 육기(六氣)를 생체자극의 외적 요인으로 간주하고, 생체내적 현상인 정신이 외적 자극을 통하여 나타나는 생체반응을 칠정(七情)으로 보았으며, 이러한 관점에서 스트레스는 신체에 오장(五臟)의 허실(虛實), 혈허(血虛), 정손(精損), 기역(氣逆), 기(氣)의 순환장애, 담연(痰涎), 화(火) 등의 병적인 요인을 만들어 준다. 본 연구에서 재료로 사용된 호초 (Piper nigrum Linne)는 후추나무의 과실을 말린 것으로서 세계적으로 널리 사용되는 향신료이며, 한의학에서는 온중제한하기(溫中除寒下氣), 쾌격소담(快膈消痰), 해독(解毒)등의 효능으로 한담식적(寒痰食積) 완복냉통(脘腹冷通) 곽란(癨亂) 토사(吐瀉)등의 치료에 활용되어 왔다. 특히 쾌격소담(快膈消痰)하는 작용은 정신적 스트레스에 유효할 것으로 생각되므로 본 연구에 이용하게 되었다. 실험동물은 ICR계 생쥐를 이용하였으며, 심리적 스트레스는 옆쪽 cage에서 다른 마우스의 신체에 가해지는 전기 충격을 하루 1시간 동안 지켜보게 하는 것으로 유발하였으며, 이 상태에서 약물을 투여한 그룹을 실험군, 그렇지 않은 그룹을 대조군으로 하였다. 정상군은 아무런 자극 없이 하루 1시간 동안 일정 공간에 가두어 두는 것으로 하였다. 실험 결과, 호초(胡椒) 추출물을 100mg/kg/day 용량으로 5일간 투여한 실험군은 아무런 처치를 하지 않은 대조군에 비해 혈장 중 corticosterone 함량이 유의하게 감소되었고, 뇌에서의 noradrenalin 분비량이 유의하게 증가되었으며, plus maze test에서의 머무름 시간이 연장되는 것으로 나타나 호초(胡椒)가 심리적 스트레스를 효과적으로 억제하고 진정작용이 있는 것으로 사료되나 구체적인 작용기전 및 인체에서의 효과에 대해서는 향후의 보다 자세한 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2016.07a
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• pp.295-296
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• 2016

본 연구에서는 LED 광 자극이 뇌의 어느 영역을 자극하여 신경신호를 전달하는지에 관해서 관찰하고자 연구를 진행하였다. 광 자극에 의한 뇌 영역의 활성변화를 관찰하기 위하여 실험용 소동물과 영상장비인 9.4T MRI를 이용하여 연구를 수행 하였다. 실험용 소동물은 Balb/c 마우스를 이용하였으며 기능적 자기공명영상 획득 방법 중 하나인 에코평면영상 기법을 이용하여 뇌 영상을 획득 하였다. 획득한 영상을 바탕으로 뇌 영역의 자극 정도를 확인해보기 위해 영상처리기법인 재편성(realignment), 일치(co-registration), 표준화(normalization), 평활화(smoothing) 방법으로 영상을 전처리 하고, statistical parametric map (SPM12)을 사용하여 분석하였다. 본 연구에서는 광자극이 소동물 뇌 영역 중 하나인 상구(Superior colliculus)영역과 대뇌의 시각피질 (visual cortex, V1) 영역에서 자극을 일으키는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.65-65
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• 2003

Serotonin(5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT)은 biogenic amlne류 신경전달물질로써, 다양한 생리조절활성을 갖고있다. 생식과 관련된 5-HT 기능으로 최근 사정 기능의 조절 가능성이 제시되었는데, 항우울제로 흔히 사용되는 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) 계 약물을 장기 투여할 때 Premature ejaculation이 개선된다는 임상적인 증거들이 보고되었다. 본 연구는 수컷 흰쥐를 사용하여 생식기관, 특히 사정과 관계되는 기관들에서의 5-HT 수용체 아형들의 유전자 발현 여부와 그 조절 기작을 조사하였다. 흰쥐 수컷의 생식장기들인 고환, 부정소, 정관, 정낭에서 사정현상에 관여하리라 추정되는 세로토닌 수용체 아형들(type 1A, 1B, 2C)의 유전자 발현을 RT-PCR과 Southern blot으로 확인하였다. SSRI(sertraline)을 흰쥐에 매일 투여하는 모델(25mg/개체, 2주간)에서 1A 아형의 발현의 경우 정낭에서는 감소하였으나 정관에서는 증가하였고, 1B 아형의 발현은 두 장기에서 공히 증가하였다. 고환 제거후 testosterone(T) 보충 실험 모델을 사용한 실험에서, 정낭에서의 1A와 1B 발현은 T 보충에 의해 감소하였고, 정관에서는 큰 변화가 없었다. 한편 고환, 정낭과 정관에서의 세로토닌 수용체 아형 1A와 1B의 발현은 사춘기의 개시와 함께 증가하였다가 이후 점차 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 본 연구 결과는 사정 현상에 있어서 말초성 세로토닌 시스템이 중요한 역할을 담당할 가능성을 시사하는 것으로써, (i) 고등 포유동물에서의 사정 기작의 조절에 대한 과학적인 이해를 증진시키고, (ⅱ) 세로토닌 수용체 아형간의 특이한 발현과 작용에 대한 이해를 통해 보다 효과적인 사정 부전 치료법 개발을 시도할 수있고, (ⅲ) ontogeny와 sex steroid 의존성에 관련된 연구 시도는 노화와 관련된 사정능력의 변화와 같은 남성과학 분야로의 접목을 기할 수 있다고 사료된다.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.459-466
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional characteristics of selected soybeans grown in Korea to isolate concentrated proteins. Examination of the general characteristics revealed that the pH and apparent density of Phaseolus radiatus L. protein and concentrated Vigna angularis protein were significantly higher than those of other concentrated soy proteins. The water absorption capacity was high for concentrated Pisum sativum L. protein, whereas the oil absorption capacity was high for concentrated Glycine max (L.) Merr. protein. The emulsifying activity and emulsifying stability were higher and significantly higher, respectively, for enriched P. radiatus protein. Considering the functional characteristics of concentrated soy protein, its application as a food material in the meat product industry in Korea may be of potential value.