• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.487-494
• /
• 2013

An AlaAT knock-out mutant (alaat) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) was isolated from T-DNA tagging lines and the genotypes of its progeny were determined with AlaAT1-specific primers. The alaat phenotypes showed decreased growth and grain yield when compared with control plants. The activity of AlaAT1 in the mutant plants was practically undetectable. The responses of alaat plants to growth under salt stress were compared with those of control plants by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence and the activities and mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes. All abiotic stresses tested (salt, drought, and chilling) caused a similar decrease in chlorophyll fluorescence in both alaat and wild type plants. The activity of peroxidase (POX), an antioxidant enzyme, decreased following salt treatment of alaat plants, while control plant showed an increased activity. The mRNA levels for cAPX (cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase), POX2, and AlaAT were determined by RT-PCR following salt stress. No AlaAT1 mRNA was detected in alaat plants. The POX2 mRNA showed a slightly increased level in the wild type but was not detected in alaat plants, in agreement with the activity assays. The levels of cAPX mRNA were greatly increased in both the wild type and alaat plants. The salt stress effects on rice plant growth are therefore proposed to reflect a loss of function of AlaAT, which alters the activity and synthesis of antioxidant enzymes (especially peroxidases), rather than a direct effect on photosynthesis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.30 no.6
• /
• pp.1171-1176
• /
• 2001

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Cassia tora ethanol extract on the lipid levels in serum and liver of rats fed high cholesterol diet. Experimental rats were divided into the following 4 groups: normal diet group, high cholesterol diet group, high choleslerol-0.25% C. tora ethanol extract group and high cholesterol-0.5% C. tora ethanol extract group. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed and analyzed the serum lipid profiles, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and malic enzyme (ME). It was also determined the contents of total cholesterol, triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver. There was no difference in weight gains between experimental groups. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid were tended to be decreased in C. tora groups compared with control group. HDL-cholesterol concentration was significantly decreased in high cholesterol diet group and slightly increased by C. tora ethanol extract feeding. The contents of liver cholesterol and triglyceride were higher in high cholesterol diet group than normal group, but significantly decreased by feeding of C. tora ethanol extract. Supplementation of 0.5% C. tora extract decreased significantly the activities of hepatic G6PDH and ME. Activities of serum AST, ALT and contents of liver TBARS were tended to be increased with high cholesterol diet and reduced by C. tora ethanol extract supplementation but had not significance. These results suggest that C. tora ethanol extract may exert a lipid lowering effect in serum and liver of rats.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.622-629
• /
• 2014

We studied the effects of Akebia quinata fruit extract (AQ) on acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. AQ (30-1,000 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day) was orally administered to the study group, once daily for 1 week. On the last day of AQ treatment, ethanol (6 mg/kg BW) was orally administered to induce acute liver injury. The AQ-treated group showed significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, compared to the only ethanol-treated group (ETG). The glutathione level in the AQ-treated group elevated up to 20.6%, compared to that observed in the ETG. The mRNA expression of glutathione synthetic enzymes was also higher in the AQ-treated group, compared to the ETG. The AQ-treated group also exhibited lower levels of expression of NADPH oxidase 4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA. Thus, these results show that AQ treatment can be a potential method to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in ethanol-treated mouse liver and also that AQ can be a useful therapeutic agent for acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.247-253
• /
• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and a probiotic mixture on egg quality, blood parameters, and corticosterone content in broiler breeder stock in summer in Korea. A total of 72 broiler breeders (Arbor Acres) at 49 weeks old were randomly divided into the following three groups of 24 heads each: control, GABA, and probiotics (1 × 10⁸/g Bacillus licheniformis, 1 × 10⁷/g Lactiplantibacillus plantaru, and 1 × 10⁷/g Clostridium butyricum). The hens were fed a diet containing 50 mg of GABA/kg of feed and 0.1% probiotics for 6 weeks. Egg quality, blood parameters, and stress levels (corticosterone concentration) of the broiler breeders were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk color, shell thickness, or shell strength between the groups. There were no significant between-group differences in the blood biochemical profile, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and inorganic phosphorus concentrations. The corticosterone concentration was significantly lower in the GABA and probiotics groups than the control group (P < 0.05) at 6 weeks of age. In conclusion, these results suggest that dietary probiotics and GABA significantly improve the stress levels of broiler breeders in summer in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.239-246
• /
• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and a probiotic mixture on egg production and quality, blood parameters, and stress levels (corticosterone) in Hy-Line parent stock during summer in Korea. A total of 105 Hy-Line parent stock aged 24 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, each containing thirty-five birds: control, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and probiotics (1 × 10⁸/g Bacillus licheniformis, 1 × 10⁷/g Lactobacillus plantarum, and 1 × 10⁷/g Corynebacterium butyricum). The hens were fed a diet containing 50 ppm GABA or 0.1% probiotics for 6 weeks. Compared with the control group, the hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio over the total period were significantly higher in the probiotic group (P<0.05). In contrast no significant differences were detected among groups with respect to egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk color, shell thickness or shell strength. Similarly, no significant difference were observed among groups with regards to biochemical profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and inorganic phosphorus). However, compared with the control group, we did detect significant reductions in corticosterone levels in the GABA and probiotics groups (P<0.05). On the basis of our findings in this study, it would appear that dietary GABA and probiotics can alleviate heat stress in Hy-Line parent stock, with probiotics in particular being found to promote significant improvements in the hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion of laying hens during the summer season in Korea.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.81-86
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of vibration on primary (e.g. plasma cortisol), secondary (e.g. plasma glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^- and tertiary (e.g. mortality) stress responses in cultured eel, Anguilla japonica. For this purpose, three groups (including one control group and two stress groups) were set up. The control group was made exposed to vibration corresponding to 48 decibel (dB, V) (produced using electric vibrators) for 15 minutes per hour every day, and the two stress groups was made exposed to vibration corresponding to 58 and 68 dB (V) (produced using the same electric vibrators), equally, for 15 minutes per hour every day. Blood was sampled at day 0 (before starting vibration stress tests, BS), and days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 (after starting vibration stress tests). As a result, plasma cortisol showed trend to continuously rise by consecutive stress from 4.1±0.1 ng/ml in BS. In 48 dB group (control), cortisol showed the highest level with 7.6±0.9 ng/ml after 7 days (p<0.05), but at 9 and 11 days was not significantly compared with BS level. In 58 dB group, the cortisol showed the highest level with 43.1±4.8 ng/ml after 1st day. Cortisol of 68 dB group increased significantly during the experimental period (14.4±2.3~32.0±5.7 ng/ml) (p<0.05). In 58, and 68 dB groups during the experimental period differed significantly compared to 48 group (p<0.05). Glucose in 48 dB were increased from 42.0 ±5.7 (BS) to 52.5±2.1 (1 day), the level was not significantly from 1 to 11 days. Glucose in 58 and 68 dB groups was increased significantly than BS during experimental period (p<0.05). K⁺ in 68 dB increased significantly (p<0.05) from 2.3±0.2 mE/ql (BS) to 3.3±0.5 mE/ql at 5 days. In 48 and 58 dB groups during the experimental period differed significantly (p<0.05). Na⁺ and Cl^- levels were not differed significantly during the experimental period. AST and ALT in 58 and 68 dB groups showed trend to continuously rise by consecutive stress. At 7 and 9 days in AST, between 48, 58 and 68 dB groups differed significantly (p<0.05). In 48, 58 and 68 dB groups at 1 day, blood hematocrit increased significantly higher than BS. The 11 days after vibration stress, the mortality in 48, 58 and 68 dB groups was 1.1, 5.1 and 5.8%, respectively. The present results have shown that A. japonica exhibited ''typical'' physiological responses when exposed to chronic vibration stress. These data suggested that chronic vibration stress caused substantial stress in the fish; especially the persisting elevated plasma AST and ALT levels observed would be expected to adverse effect. In conclusion, chronic vibration stress could greatly affects the hematological characteristics in A. japonica.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.80-88
• /
• 2013

Purpose: To identify the predictive factors of long-term therapeutic response or resistance to lamivudine treatment in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: Eighty one children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis B were included, who received lamivudine treatment for at least 6 months. Their condition was monitored for at least 12 months (12-88 months) thereafter. Twenty one (25.9%) were preschool children ($age{\leq}6$). For patients who had developed HBeAg seroconversion or breakthrough, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the effects of age, gender, pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatitis B virus DNA levels. Results: HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 49 (60.5%) of the 81 patients after the initiation of the lamivudine therapy. In 65 patients whom were monitored for over 24 months, the seroconversion rate was significantly higher in younger patients (p=0.040), especially in those patients of preschool age ($age{\leq}6$, p=0.031). The seroconversion rate was significantly higher in higher pretreatment ALT (p=0.003). The breakthrough occurred in 21 (25.9%) of the 81. The breakthrough rate was lower in younger aged patients ($age{\leq}6$), and with higher pretreatment ALT levels, but no significant difference. Conclusion: Younger age is a good predictor of HBeAg seroconversion in children with long-term lamivudine treatment as well as high pretreatment ALT levels.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.204-210
• /
• 2014

The brown alga Saccharina japonica is consumed as a foodstuff in many countries. Carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) is a potent hepatotoxin that is used to assess hepatotoxicity in animal models. This study assessed the protective effect of S. japonica extract (SJE) on $CCl_4$-induced acute liver injury in rats. Experimental rats were divided into the following three groups: control, $CCl_4$, and $CCl_4$+SJE; the latter two groups were given 150 or 300 mg SJE/kg orally for 10 days. Three hours after the final treatment, all rats-except for those in the control group-were administered intraperitoneal injections of $CCl_4$. One day later, blood and liver samples were collected for evaluation biomarker of levels. Aspartate transaminase (APT; GPT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; GOT) levels were markedly lower in the $CCl_4$+SJE group than the $CCl_4$ group. The hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the $CCl_4$+SJE group was significantly lower than that of the $CCl_4$ group. In comparison, glutathione S-transferase (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels were significantly higher in the $CCl_4$+SJE group. Western blotting revealed that SJE attenuated the $CCl_4$-induced EGFR and MAPK activity in the liver. Thus, we conclude that SJE protects against $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.80-86
• /
• 2003

To evaluate the effect of cyclohexane(CH) treatment on the serum levels of glutathion S-transferase(GST) activity in liver damaged animals, damaged liver was induced with pretreatment of 50% $CCl_4$ dissolved in olive oil (0.1 m1/100g body weight) intraperitoneally 17 times every other day. To $CCl_4$-treated rats, CH (1.56 g/kg body weight, i.p) was injected once and then the animals were sacrificed at 4 hours after injection of CH. The $CCl_4$-treated animals were identified as severe liver damage on the basis of liver functional findings, 1,e, increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphate(ALP) and xanthine oxidase(XO) activities. On the other hand, $CCl_4$-treated animals injected with CH once($CCl_4$-pretreated animals) showed more decreased serum levels of ALT and XO, and more increased those of ALP rather than $CCl_4$-treated animals. In case of comparing the GST with ALT activity in liver, both $CCl_4$-treated and pretreated animals showed similar changing pattern of enzyme actvity. Especially $CCl_4$-pretreated animals showed significantly increased serum level of GST actvity compared with the $CCl_4$-treated those, whereas those of ALT showed reversed tendency. In aspects of GST enzyme kinetics, $CCl_4$-pretreated animals showed higher Vmax of liver GST enzyme than $CCl_4$-treated animals. In conclusion, injection of CH to the liver damaged rats led to enhanced liver damage and more increased activity of serum GST which may be chiefly caused by the enzyme induction.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.187-192
• /
• 2015

The dietary fiber alginic acid has no nutritional value; however, it decreases the utilization of nutrients by the body and can prevent obesity, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, constipation, and colon cancer. The low-molecular-weight alginic acid polymannuronate improves serum and liver lipid metabolism by decreasing cholesterol levels in high-cholesterol groups and may be used to control high blood pressure. Previously, we showed that polymannuronate, a physiologically active agent from seaweed, has a lipid-lowering effect and preventative role in colon cancer. In addition, the differentiation of polymannuronate-treated adipocytes was inhibited, triggering decreased leptin expression. This study examined ways to increase dietary satisfaction with and improve the nutritional quality of polymannuronate using hamburger buns supplemented with polymannuronate. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the control group was fed hamburger buns containing 6% gluten, while the experimental group was fed hamburger buns containing 6% gluten and 10% polymannuronate. The serum triglyceride, phospholipid, and total and free cholesterol levels of the rats in the experimental group were decreased compared with those of the controls. The serum aspartate aminotransferase activity levels did not differ between the two groups. This study demonstrates that polymannuronate has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and may be commercially useful.