• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.136-142
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• 2019

Background: Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of hematuresis and uterine bleeding in Korea. It has been reported to have anti-obesity, anti-diabetes and anti-inflammaotry effect by regulating the inflammatory signaling pathway. However, the preventive effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb on gastritis has not been elucidated. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of the water extract of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb (APW) using HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis rat models. Method and Results: Gastritis was induced in rats by HCl/EtOH administration. The rats in each group were orally administered with two doses of APW (100 and 500 mg/kg). Omeprazole was used as a positive control drug. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) levels in stomach. The treatment with 500 mg/kg APW reduced the gastric ulcer area. The APW treatment prevented a decreased in $PGE_2$ concentration induced by HCl/EtOH in rats. In the micronucleus test, the ratio of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes to polychromatic erythrocytes showed no significant change in the APW-treated group compared with the control group. Conclusions: These results indicate that APW could be used to prevent the gastritis caused by the HCl/EtOH-induced damage to stomach lining. In addition, the APW treatment showed no significant change in results of the micronucleus test. However, further experiments are required to determine how APW influenced the secretion of mucus and gastric acid using the chromosome aberration test and bacterial reverse mutation assay.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.395-411
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• 2020

Background: This study investigated the anti-obesity effect of the flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) and its constituent, rutin obtained from the leaf of Morus alba L., on the lipid accumulation mechanism in 3T3-L1 adipocyte and C57BL/6 mouse models. Methods and Results: In Oil Red O staining, FRF (1,000 ㎍/㎖) treatments showed inhibition rate of 35.39% in lipid accumulation compared to that in the control. AdipoRedTM assay indicated that the triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with FRF (1,000 ㎍/㎖) was reduced to 23.22%, and free glycerol content was increased to 106.04% that of the control. FRF and its major constituent, rutin affected mRNA gene expression. Rutin contributed to the inhibition of Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) gene expression, and inhibited the transcription factors SREBP-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In addition, the effect of FRF administration on obesity development in C57BL/6 mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) was investigated. FRF suppressed weight gain, and reduced liver triglyceride and leptin secretion. FRF exerted potential anti-inflammatory effects by improving insulin resistance and adiponectin levels, and could thus be used to help counteract obesity. The mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ, FAS, ACC, and CPT-1 were determined in liver tissue. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was also performed to evaluate the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in epididymal adipose tissue. Compared to the control group, mice fed the HFD showed the up-regulation in PPAR-γ, FAS, IL-6, and TNF-α genes, and down-regulation in CPT1 gene expression. FRF treatement markedly reduced the expression of PPAR-γ, FAS, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to those in HFD control, whereas increased the expression level of CPT1. Conclusions: These results suggest that the FRF and its major active constituent, rutin, can be used as effective anti-obesity agents.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.294-308
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• 2021

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Allomyrina dichotoma larva (ADL), one of the many edible insects recognized as future food resources, has a range of pharmacological activities. In a previous study, an ADL extract (ADLE) reduced the hepatic insulin resistance of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. On the other hand, the associated molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction remain unclear. This study examined the effects of ADLE on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in a beta cell line of a rat origin, INS-1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: ADLE was administered to high-fat diet treated mice. The expression of apoptosis-related molecules was measured by Western blotting, and reactive oxidative stress generation and nitric oxide production were measured by DCH-DA fluorescence and a Griess assay, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of ADLE to HFD-induced diabetic mice reduced the hyperplasia, 4-hydroxynonenal levels, and the number of apoptotic cells while improving the insulin levels compared to the HFD group. Treatment of INS-1 cells with palmitate reduced insulin secretion, which was attenuated by the ADLE treatment. Furthermore, the ADLE treatment prevented palmitate-induced cell death in INS-1 cells and isolated islets by reducing the apoptotic signaling molecules, including cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. ADLE also reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species generation, lipid accumulation, and nitrite production in palmitate-treated INS-1 cells while increasing the ATP levels. This effect corresponded to the decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS: ADLE helps prevent lipotoxic beta-cell death in INS-1 cells and HFD-diabetic mice, suggesting that ADLE can be used to prevent or treat beta-cell damage in glucose intolerance during the development of diabetes.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.119-131
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• 2009

Purpose: The depression accompanied with menopuase shows the relation with the dopamine secretion. These studies were undertaken to evaluate the anti- oxidative and neuroprotective effects of Bunsimgieum(BSGE) on dopaminergic neurons. Methods: To estimate the antioxidant effects, we carried out 1.1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline -6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, and measurement of total polyphenolic content. To evaluate neuroprotective effect of BSGE in vitro, We performed thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) creation in SH-SY5Y. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemistry, nitric oxide (NO) assay, and TNF-${\alpha}$ assay in primary rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Results: The DPPH free radical and the ABTS radical cation inhibition activities were increased at a dose dependent manner. Total polyphenolic content was 0.83%. In SH-SY5Y culture, BSGE significantly increased the decreased cell viability by 6-OHDA at the concentrations of 10${\mu}$g/m${\ell}$ in pre-treatment group, 0.1-200${\mu}$g/m${\ell}$ in post-treatment group. The production of ROS induced by 6-OHDA was significantly inhibited in BSGE treated group. In mesencephalic dopaminergic cell culture, the BSGE group reduced the dopaminergic cell loss against 6-OHDA toxicity and the production of No and TNF-${\alpha}$ at the concentration of 5${\mu}$g/m${\ell}$. Conclusion: These results shows that BSGE has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in the dopaminergic cells through decreasing the production of ROS, NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ which can cause many neurodegenerative changes in brain cell. We suggest that BSGE could be useful for the treatment of postmenopausal depression related with the decrease of dopamine.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1303-1313
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• 2022

Objective: The current study aimed to perform whole-genome resequencing of Chinese indigenous Mongolian sheep breeds including Ujimqin, Sunit, and Wu Ranke sheep breeds (UJMQ, SNT, WRK) and deeply analyze genetic variation, population structure, domestication, and selection for domestication traits among these Mongolian sheep breeds. Methods: Blood samples were collected from a total of 60 individuals comprising 20 WRK, 20 UJMQ, and 20 SNT. For genome sequencing, about 1.5 ㎍ of genomic DNA was used for library construction with an insert size of about 350 bp. Pair-end sequencing were performed on Illumina NovaSeq platform, with the read length of 150 bp at each end. We then investigated the domestication and signatures of selection in these sheep breeds. Results: According to the population and demographic analyses, WRK and SNT populations were very similar, which were different from UJMQ populations. Genome wide association study identified 468 and 779 significant loci from SNT vs UJMQ, and UJMQ vs WRK, respectively. However, only 3 loci were identified from SNT vs WRK. Genomic comparison and selective sweep analysis among these sheep breeds suggested that genes associated with regulation of secretion, metabolic pathways including estrogen metabolism and amino acid metabolism, and neuron development have undergone strong selection during domestication. Conclusion: Our findings will facilitate the understanding of Chinese indigenous Mongolian sheep breeds domestication and selection for complex traits and provide a valuable genomic resource for future studies of sheep and other domestic animal breeding.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.63-73
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• 2006

This study aimed to find out suitable culture conditions for the differentiation of human amniotic membrane-derived stem cells(HAM) into hepatocyte-like cells. Almost homogenous population of fibroblast-like cells was successfully isolated from the amniotic membrane. In comparison to the non-coated plates and in the absence of insulin/transferrin/selenium(ITS), HAM cultured on the fibronectin-coated plates and in the presence of ITS showed the more intense immunocytochemical staining against the albumin. Addition of both fibroblast growth factor(FGF)-1 and -2 to the differentiation medium gave stronger staining compared to the treatment with FGF-1 or -2 alone. Periodic acid Schiff's base staining of glycogen and morphological turnover of fibroblast-like appearance of HAM into round shape matched the results of immunocytochemical studies. When the efficiency of two-step culture method was examined on the differentiation of HAM into hepatocyte-like cells, all of the results of immunocytochemical staining, periodic acid Schiff's staining and morphological change exhibited effective hepatic differentiation of HAM compared to the continuous culture method. Immunoblot analyses of HAM- conditioned media against the albumin showed that the culture of HAM in the presence of both ITS and fibronectin always gave a stronger staining intensity than those in the absence of them, and that the addition of ether mixture of FGF-4 and either FGF-2 or transforming growth $factor(TGF)-{\alpha}$ to the culture medium significantly enhanced the albumin secretion by HAM. Based on these observations, it is suggested that HAM could differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells under a culture condition consisting of fibronectin and ITS, and addition of FGF-4 with either one of FGF-2 or $TGF-{\alpha}$ could enhance the hepatic differentiation of HAM.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2008

Vinclozolin (VCZ) is a systemic fungicide commonly used in fruits, vegetables and the wine industry. VCZ and its metabolites, butenoic acid (M1) and enanilide (M2) derivatives, act as anti-androgens through actions on the androgen receptor. Although there is growing body of evidence that VCZ's action as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) in male reproductive physiology and pathphysiology, no evidence on the VCZ's EDC action in female is available yet. Previously we found that the prepubertal VCZ exposures could effectively delay the onset of puberty in female rats, suggesting the postponed or weakened activities of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (H-P-O) reproductive hormonal axis. The present study was performed to examine whether the VCZ administration affects the transcriptional activities of reproductive hormone-related genes in the same animal model. VCZ (10 mg/kg/day) was administered daily from postnatal day 21 (PND 21) through the day when the first vaginal opening (V.O.) was observed. To determine the transcriptional changes of reproductive hormone-related genes in hypothalamus and pituitary, total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As a result, treatment with VCZ significantly lowered the transcriptional activity of nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) which is known to adjust gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion in the hypothalamus (p<0.01). Similarly, the mRNA levels of KiSS-1, G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) and GnRH were significantly decreased in hypothalamus (p<0.01) from VCZ-treated group. As expected, the transcriptional activities of luteinizing hormone-${\beta}$ (LH-${\beta}$) and follicle stimulating hormone-${\beta}$ (FSH-${\beta}$) in the anterior pituitary from VCZ-treated group were also significantly lower than those from the control group. The present study indicates that(i) the inhibitory effect of VCZ exposure on the onset of puberty in immature female rats could be derived from the reduced transcriptional activities of gonadotropin subunits and their upstream modulators such as GnRH and KiSS-1 in hypothalamus-pituitary neuroendocrine axis, and (ii) these inhibitory effects could be mediated by NO signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.228-234
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• 2012

The varying characteristics between traditional and commercial soy sauce may be initiated by raw materials and fermentation techniques for the production of $meju$ and $koji$. We examined properties regarding polysaccharides isolated from commercial soy sauce made by the $koji$ process (CSP-0) and Korean traditional soy sauce made by the $meju$ process (KTSP-0) as well as their immuno-stimulating activities. KTSP-0 had rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) including 1.1% of unusual monosaccharides 3-deoxy-D-$manno$-2-octulosonic acid (KDO). Anti-complementary activities of CSP-0 and KTSP- 0 were increased dose-dependently but KTSP-0 (64.7%) was higher than CSP-0 (56%) at $1,000{\mu}g/mL$. C3 activation products were identified by crossed immuno-electrophoresis. CSP-0 caused complementary activations $via$ only classical pathway while KTSP-0 caused complementary activations $via$ both alternative and classical pathways. KTSP-0 significantly increased the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 at $8-1,000{\mu}g/mL$ and IL-12 at $40{\mu}g/mL$ on macrophages. The results suggest that the immuno-stimulating activity of KTSP-0 is greater than that of CSP-0 from anti-complementary activity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.6-15
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• 1993

Background: Positive end, expiratory pressure (PEEP) has become one of the standard therapies for adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Total static compliance has been proposed as a guide to determine the size of PEEP ('best PEEP') which is of unproven clinical benefit and remains controversial. Besides increasing functional residual capacity and thus improving oxygenation, PEEP stimulate prostacyclin secretion and was proposed for the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. But little is known about the effect of PEEP on hemodynamic and gas exchange disturbances in acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: To study the validity of total static compliance as a predictor of 'best PEEP' in ARDS and acute pulmonary embolism, experimental ARDS was induced in mongrel dog with oleic acid and acute pulmonary embolism with autologous blood clot. Then hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters were measured with serial increment of PEEP. Results:In ARDS group, total static compliance and oxygen transport were maximal at 5 cm$H_2O$, and decreased thereafter (p<0.05). With increment of PEEP, arterial oxygen tension ($PaO_2$) and arterial carbon dioxide tension ($PaCO_2$) increased and cardiac output and physiological shunt decreased. In pulmonary embolism group, total static compliance, oxygen transport, physiological shunt and cardiac output decreased and $PaO_2$ and $PaCO_2$ increased with increment of PEEP (p<0.05). Comparing the change induced by increment of PEEP by 1 cm$H_2O$ in ARDS group with that in pulmonary embolism group, there was no significant difference between two groups except cardiac output which decreased more in pulmonary embolism group (p<0.05). In ARDS group, oxygen transport and total static compliance increased after PEEP application, and total static compliance was maximal at the PEEP level where oxygen transport was maximal. However in pulmonary embolism group, oxygen transport and total static compliance decreased after application of PEEP. There was significant correlation between change of total static compliance and change of oxygen transport in both groups. Conclusion: In both ARDS and acute pulmonary embolism, it can be concluded that total static compliance is useful as a predictor of 'best PEEP'.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 1989

Molecular property as well as biological activities of bombesin-like substance (BBS-LS) isolated from the skin of B. orientalis in Korea was compared with those of synthetic BBS-14. BBS-LS in the crude extract was applied on a Sephadex G-50, superfine column $(1.6{\times}112\;cm)$. On chromatogram, the first peak (3.5% of BBS-LS) was found ahead of synthetic GRP-27, and the second peak (rest) between synthetic GRP-27 and synthetic BBS-14. The main form of BBS-LS was successfully purified by using a column of alkaline alumina followed by sequential gel-filtrations on a column of Sephadex G-10, fine and a column of Sephadex G-50, superfine. Chromatographic analysis of the purified BBS-LS using a column of Sephadex G-50, superfine and reversed phase HPLC revealed that the main form of BBS-LS in the skin of B. orientalis could be distinctly different from either BBS-14 or GRP-27 in molecular size. The purified BBS-LS exerted biological activities quite identical to those of synthetic BBS-14. The results of the present investigation indicate that the skin of B. orientalis contains BBS-LS composed of two distinct forms. The main form of BBS-LS purified in the present study is heterogenous to both synthetic BBS-14 and GRP-27 in molecular size but identical to BBS in biological activities.