• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1826-1835
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• 2019

Objective: Testicular growth and development are strongly influenced by androgen. Although both testis weight and plasma testosterone level are inherited traits, the interrelationship between them is not fully established. Males of DDD/Sgn (DDD) mice are known to have extremely heavy testes and very high plasma testosterone level among inbred mouse strains. We dissected the genetic basis of testis weight and analyzed the potential influence of plasma testosterone level in DDD mice. Methods: Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of testis weight was performed with or without considering the influence of plasma testosterone level in reciprocal $F_2$ intercross populations between DDD and C57BL/6J (B6) mice, thereby assessing the influence of testosterone on the effect of testis weight QTL. Candidate genes for testis weight QTL were investigated by next-generation sequencing analysis. Results: Four significant QTL were identified on chromosomes 1, 8, 14, and 17. The DDDderived allele was associated with increased testis weight. The $F_2$ mice were then divided into two groups according to the plasma testosterone level ($F_2$ mice with relatively "low" and "high" testosterone levels), and QTL scans were again performed. Although QTL on chromosome 1 was shared in both $F_2$ mice, QTL on chromosomes 8 and 17 were identified specifically in $F_2$ mice with relatively high testosterone levels. By whole-exome sequencing analysis, we identified one DDD-specific missense mutation Pro29Ser in alpha tubulin acetyltransferase 1 (Atat1). Conclusion: Most of the testis weight QTL expressed stronger phenotypic effect when they were placed on circumstance with high testosterone level. High testosterone influenced the QTL by enhancing the effect of DDD-derived allele and diminishing the effects of B6-derived allele. Since Pro29Ser was not identified in other inbred mouse strains, and since Pro29 in Atat1 has been strongly conserved among mammalian species, Atat1 is a plausible candidate for testis weight QTL on chromosome 17.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

This review of national and international randomized controlled trials of Salviae miltiorrhizae radix pharmacopuncture for lumbar herniated intervertebral discs was performed to assess its clinical efficacy. There were 5 online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, NDSL, OASIS, and RISS) searched on June 1st, 2020. Studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were reviewed by risk of bias assessment. This review included 14 Chinese studies. The sample sizes ranged from 50 to 100. The numbers of treatments ranged from 20 to 30, with most patients receiving 20 treatments. The longest treatment periods were 10-15 and 15-20 days, of which each accounted for 29% of the studies. The most frequently used evaluation indices were the Japanese Orthopedic Association and the Visual Analog Scale scoring method. The most frequently used acupoints were EX18 and BL25, which accounted for 31% of the total number of acupoints. In 50% of the studies, the pharmacopuncture injection volume was 2 mL. Acupuncture treatment was the most common control group. Eleven studies reported that the intervention group had significantly improved symptoms. However, most of the included studies were of low quality.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.551-563
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• 2022

L-asparaginase (E.C. 3.5.1.1) purified from bacterial cells is widely used in the food industry, as well as in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the present study, the Burkholderia pseudomallei L-asparaginase gene was cloned into the pGEX-2T DNA plasmid, expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS, and purified to homogeneity using Glutathione Sepharose chromatography with 7.26 purification fold and 16.01% recovery. The purified enzyme exhibited a molecular weight of ~33.6 kDa with SDS-PAGE and showed maximal activity at 50℃ and pH 8.0. It retained 95.1, 89.6%, and 70.2% initial activity after 60 min at 30℃, 40℃, and 50℃, respectively. The enzyme reserved its activity at 30℃ and 37℃ up to 24 h. The enzyme had optimum pH of 8 and reserved 50% activity up to 24 h. The recombinant enzyme showed the highest substrate specificity towards L-asparaginase substrate, while no detectable specificity was observed for L-glutamine, urea, and acrylamide at 10 mM concentration. THP-1, a human leukemia cell line, displayed significant morphological alterations after being treated with recombinant L-asparaginase and the IC₅₀ of the purified enzyme was recorded as 0.8 IU. Furthermore, the purified recombinant Lasparaginase improved cytotoxicity in liver cancer HepG2 and breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 1.53 and 18 IU, respectively.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2022

Background: Neutrophilic asthma (NeuA) is usually resistant to corticosteroids. Tiotropium bromide (TIO) is a bronchodilator that is used as an add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2 agonist in asthma treatment. However, the role of TIO in NeuA is not fully known. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TIO on NeuA compared to that of corticosteroids. Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide to induce neutrophilic inflammation. Dexamethasone (DEX) was administered on days 14, 17, 20, and 23. TIO was inhaled on days 21, 21, and 23. On day 24, mice were sacrificed. Airway hyper-responsiveness, levels of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung homogenates, and lung tissue histopathology were compared between the two groups. Results: Neutrophil counts, T helper 2 cells (T_H2)/T_H17 cytokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokine in BAL fluids were elevated in the NeuA group. TIO group showed lower total cells, neutrophil counts, and eosinophil counts in BAL fluids than the DEX group (p<0.001, p<0.05, and p<0.001, respectively). Airway resistance was attenuated in the TIO group but elevated in the NeuA group (p<0.001). Total protein, interleukin (IL)-5, and IL-17A levels in BAL fluids were lower in the TIO group than in the NeuA group (all p<0.05). Conclusion: TIO showed more potent effects than DEX in improving airway inflammation and attenuating airway resistance in NeuA.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.285-297
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Korean pine nut oil (PNO) has been reported to suppress appetite by increasing satiety hormone release. However, previous studies have rendered inconsistent results and there is lack of information on whether dietary Korean PNO affects the expression of satiety hormone receptors and hypothalamic neuropeptides. Therefore, our study sought to evaluate the chronic effects of Korean PNO on the long-term regulation of energy balance. MATERIALS/METHODS: Five-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed with control diets containing 10% kcal fat from Korean PNO or soybean oil (SBO) (PC or SC) or high-fat diets (HFDs) containing 35% kcal fat from lard and 10% kcal fat from Korean PNO or SBO (PHFD or SHFD) for 12 weeks. The expression of gastrointestinal satiety hormone receptors, hypothalamic neuropeptides, and genes related to intestinal lipid absorption and adipose lipid metabolism was then measured. RESULTS: There was no difference in the daily food intake between PNO- and SBO-fed mice; however, the PC and PHFD groups accumulated 30% and 18% less fat compared to SC and SHFD, respectively. Korean PNO-fed mice exhibited higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Ghsr (ghrelin receptor) and Agrp (agouti-related peptide) (P < 0.05), which are expressed when energy consumption is low to induce appetite as well as the appetitesuppressing neuropeptides Pomc and Cartpt (P = 0.079 and 0.056, respectively). Korean PNO downregulated jejunal Cd36 and epididymal Lpl mRNA expressions, which could suppress intestinal fatty acid absorption and fat storage in white adipose tissue. Consistent with these findings, Korean PNO-fed mice had higher levels of fecal non-esterified fatty acid excretion. Korean PNO also tended to downregulate jejunal Apoa4 and upregulate epididymal Adrb3 mRNA levels, suggesting that PNO may decrease chylomicron synthesis and induce lipolysis. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, Korean PNO attenuated body fat accumulation, and appeared to prevent HFD-induced dysregulation of the hypothalamic appetite-suppressing pathway.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2023

Dairy products are extensively used as carriers of probiotic strains that have potential health benefits. Assessment of the viability of probiotic strains during manufacturing is important to ensure that products meet recommended levels. Hence, the method for accurately quantifying lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in probiotic or dairy products is required. The present study aims to examine the performance of de-Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS), plate count agar with bromocresol purple (PCA with BCP), and glucose blood liver (BL) agars recommended in the Korea Food Code guidelines for counting LAB. Analysis of the performance of culture media containing 19 lactic acid bacterial species commonly encountered in probiotic and dairy products showed no statistically significant difference between 18 reference strains and three culture media (p > 0.01). Furthermore, the suitability of three culture media was verified for the quantitative assessment of LAB in 25 probiotic and dairy products. The number of LAB in three culture media was determined to be more than 10⁷ colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml for fermented milk products and 10⁸ CFU/ml for condensed fermented milk and probiotic products, indicating that they all satisfied the Korea Food Code guidelines. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of LAB counted in all three culture media, suggesting that they can be used to isolate or enumerate LAB in commercial products. Finally, three culture media will be useful for isolating and enumerating LAB from fermented foods as well as gut microflora.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.37-68
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review thread-embedding treatment studies for depression, anxiety, and dementia and examine the effectiveness and safety of thread-embedding treatment. Methods: Ten domestic and international search databases were used for study selection, including CNKI, PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycArticles, RISS, OASIS, and KCI. We included studies that presented diagnostic or appropriate criteria for depression, anxiety, and dementia, and randomized control studies using thread-embedding therapy. We searched papers published until October 10, 2023. Results: Twenty-one studies were selected, of which 11 studies were conducted on depression, nine on dementia, and one on anxiety disorders. The most commonly used acupoint for depression was Gansu (BL18), whereas zusanli (ST36) and fenglong (ST40) were used for dementia. The most commonly used type of thread was 1-0 United States pharmacopeia (USP) and 1 cm for depression and 2-0 USP and 1 cm for dementia. The treatment period for most of the studies was once every 2 weeks and for 8 weeks. Among the included studies, 17 showed significant improvements in depression scales, such as Hamilton depression rating scale and Self rating depression scale, activities of daily living scales, and cognitive function scales, such as Hasegawa dementia scale and Mini-mental state examination. Six studies reported adverse events, and no studies reported significant adverse events. Two studies reported follow-ups. Conclusions: This study presents limited evidence for the effectiveness and safety of thread-embedding therapy for depression, anxiety, and dementia. Well-designed studies are needed to review the clinical efficacy and safety of thread-embedding therapy in the future.

• Journal of Web Engineering
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• v.14 no.18
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• pp.3814-3828
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• 2022

Glucoraphanin (GRA), a glucosinolate particularly abundant in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) sprouts, can be converted to sulforaphane (SFN) by the enzyme myrosinase. Herein, we investigated the anti-obesogenic effects of broccoli sprout powder (BSP), mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seed powder (MSP), and sulforaphane-rich MSP-BSP mixture powder (MBP) in bisphenol A (BPA)-induced 3T3-L1 cells and obese C57BL/6J mice. In vitro experiments showed that MBP, BSP, and MSP have no cytotoxic effects. Moreover, MBP and BSP inhibited the lipid accumulation in BPA-induced 3T3-L1 cells. In BPA-induced obese mice, BSP and MBP treatment inhibited body weight gain and ameliorated dyslipidemia. Furthermore, our results showed that BSP and MBP could activate AMPK, which increases ACC phosphorylation, accompanied by the upregulation of lipolysis-associated proteins (UCP-1 and CPT-1) and downregulation of adipogenesis-related proteins (C/EBP-α, FAS, aP2, PPAR-γ, and SREBP-1c), both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, MBP exerted a greater anti-obesogenic effect than BSP. Taken together, these findings indicate that BSP and MBP could inhibit BPA-induced adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis by increasing the expression of the proteins related to lipid metabolism and lipolysis, effectively treating BPA-induced obesity. Thus, BSP and MBP can be developed as effective anti-obesogenic drugs.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2001.03a
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• pp.31-31
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• 2001

This study was to establish in uitro culture system of mouse preantral follicles and to obtain higher in vitro development rates and production of live young. Preantral follicles were obtained from 12-day-old FI mouse (C57BL $\times$ CBA) by enzymatical methods. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) of preantral follicles were loaded on Transwell-COL insert and cultured in $\alpha$MEM supplemented with 5% FBS, 100 mIU/$m\ell$ FSH and 100 mIU/$m\ell$ hMG for IVG. IVM was performed in $\alpha$MEM supplemented 1.5 IU/$m\ell$ hCG for 18 hrs and IVF was carried out in Ml6 medium. Embryos were cultured in modified Ml6 medium supplemented 10% FBS for 4 days. The effect of the OGCs size on the nuclear/cytoplasmic maturation was significantly higher in 120-150 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ (MII: 33.0%, $\geq$2-cell: 36.7%, $\geq$morula: 20.9%) than in 70-110 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ (MII: 12.2%, $\geq$2-cell: 10.2%, $\geq$morula: 4.8%) (p<0.001). In period of the IVG days, the rate of $\geq$2-cell was significantly higher in 10 days(38.2%) than in 12 days (20.0%) (p<0.01). In period of IVF time, 9 hrs ($\geq$2-cell: 31.5%, $\geq$ morula: 14.3%) indicated significantly higher cytoplasmic maturation rate than 4 hrs ($\geq$2-cell: 17.5%, This study was to establish in vitro culture system of mouse preantral follicles and to obtain higher in vitro development rates and production of live young. Preantral follicles were obtained from 12-day-old FI mouse (C57BL $\times$ CBA) by enzymatical methods. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) of preantral follicles were loaded on Transwell-COL insert and cultured in $\alpha$MEM supplemented with 5% FBS, 100 mIU/$m\ell$ FSH and 100 mIU/$m\ell$ hMG for IVG. IVM was performed in $\alpha$MEM supplemented 1.5 IU/$m\ell$ hCG for 18 hrs and IVF was carried out in Ml6 medium. Embryos were cultured in modified Ml6 medium supplemented 10% FBS for 4 days. The effect of the OGCs size on the nuclear/cytoplasmic maturation was significantly higher in 120-150 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ (MII: 33.0%, $\geq$2-cell: 36.7%, $\geq$morula: 20.9%) than in 70-110 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ (MII: 12.2%, $\geq$2-cell: 10.2%, $\geq$morula: 4.8%) (p<0.001). In period of the IVG days, the rate of $\geq$2-cell was significantly higher in 10 days(38.2%) than in 12 days (20.0%) (p<0.01). In period of IVF time, 9 hrs ($\geq$2-cell: 31.5%, $\geq$ morula: 14.3%) indicated significantly higher cytoplasmic maturation rate than 4 hrs ($\geq$2-cell: 17.5%, $\geq$morula: 4.8%) and 7 hrs ($\geq$2-cell: 20.4%, $\geq$morula: 6.1%) (p<0.01). However, there was no difference in cytoplasmic maturation between co-cultured preantral follicle ( $\geq$morula: 17.4%) and preantral follicle cultured in Ml6 ( $\geq$morula: 17.4%). 22 morula and blastocysts produced in above optimal condition were transferred to uterus of 2 pseudopregnant recipients, 1 recipient was pregnant and then born 1 live young. This result demonstrates that in vitro culture system of preantral follicles can be used efficiently as another method to supply mouse oocyte.morula: 4.8%) and 7 hrs (2-cell: 20.4%, $\geq$morula: 6.1%) (p<0.01). However, there was no difference in cytoplasmic maturation between co-cultured preantral follicle ( $\geq$morula: 17.4%) and preantral follicle cultured in Ml6 ( $\geq$morula: 17.4%). 22 morula and blastocysts produced in above optimal condition were transferred to uterus of 2 pseudopregnant recipients, 1 recipient was pregnant and then born 1 live young. This result demonstrates that in vitro culture system of preantral follicles can be used efficiently as another method to supply mouse oocyte.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.73-88
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• 2009

Objectives : Neuronal changes that result from treadmill exercise for patients with Parkinson's disease(PD) have not been well documented, although some clinical and laboratory reports suggest that regular exercise may produce a neuroprotective effect and restore dopaminergic and motor functions. However, it is not clear if the improvements are due to neuronal alterations within the affected nigrostriatal region or result from a more general effect of exercise on affect areas and motivation. In this study, we demonstrate that motorized treadmill exercise improves the neuronal outcomes in rodent models of PD. Methods : We used a chronic mouse model of parkinsonism, which was induced by injecting male C57BL/6 mice with 10 doses(Every 12 hour) of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (30 mg/kg) and probenecid (20 mg/kg) over 5 days. These mice were able to sustain an exercise training program on a motorized rodent treadmill at a speed of 18 m/min, $0^{\circ}$ of inclination, 40 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. At the end of exercise training, we extracted the brain and compared their neuronal and neurochemical changes with the control(saline and sedentary) mice groups. Synphilin protein is the substance that manifestly reacts with ${\alpha}$-synuclein. In this study, we used Synphilin as a manifest sign of recovery from neurodegeneration. We analyze the brain stems of the substantia nigra and striatum region using the western blotting technique. Results : There were no expression of synphilin in the saline-induced groups. The addition of MPTP(1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) greatly accelerated synphilin expression which meant an aggregation of ${\alpha}$-synuclein. But, the MPTP-induced treadmill exercise group showed significantly lower expression than the MPTP-induced sedentary group. This means treadmill exercise has a definite effect on the decrease of ${\alpha}$-synuclein aggregation. Conclusions : In this study, our results suggest that treadmill exercise promoted the removal of the aggregation of ${\alpha}$-synuclein, resulting in protection against disease development and blocks the apoptotic process in the chronic parkinsonian mice brain with severe neurodegeneration.