• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.23 no.6
• /
• pp.811-818
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the amino acid content and physicochemical properties of Cheonggukjang prepared by using various soybean cultivars (Daewon, Deapung, Seadanbeak, and Taekwang) and a functional microorganism (Bacillus subtilis HJ18-9). These soybeans were conventional Cheonggukjang (control) and Cheonggukjang fermented with Bacillus subtilis HJ18-9 (treated). The moisture contents of steamed, control, and treated soybean were 62.45~67.12%, 63.28~67.14%, and 64.50~66.87%; amino-type nitrogen contents were 6.53~24.25 mg%, 27.63~122.09 mg%, and 37.29~133.48 mg%; and ammonia-type nitrogen contents were 26.92~47.95 mg%, 45.45~156.36 mg%, and 28.02~121.13 mg%, respectively. The umami taste associated with several amino acids (aspartic acid and glutamic acid) in Cheonggukjang was lower than that for steamed soybeans, while the bitter taste from amino acids (methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine) was higher than that for steamed soybeans. The result of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that the molecular weight of steamed soybeans was less than 100 kDa, while control and treated groups showed low molecular weights below 34 kDa, confirming their protein hydrolysis to small molecular weight. These results are information for developing functional fermented soybean paste and diversification using soybean cultivars.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.196-202
• /
• 2007

Mutations in the cystathionine ${\beta}$-synthase (CBS) gene cause homocystinuria, the most frequent inherited disorder in sulfur metabolism. CBS is the unique enzyme using both heme and pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) for activity. Among the reported 140 mutations, one of the most common disease-causing alterations in human CBS is G307S mutation. To investigate the pathogenic mechanism of G307S by spectroscopic methods, we engineered the full length and the truncated G247S mutation of yeast CBS that is corresponding mutation to human G307S. Yeast CBS does not contain heme and thus gives a merit to study the spectroscopic properties. The UV-visible spectra of the purified full length and the truncated G247S yeast CBSs showed the total absence of PLP in the protein. The absence of PLP in G247S mutation was also confirmed by the PLP-cyanide adduct formation experiment, which was conducted by the incubation of the purified enzyme with KCN. The adducts were detected using a circular dichroism (CD) and a spectrofluorimeter. Radio isotope activity assay of full length and truncated G247S proteins also gave no activity. Our yeast G247S mutation data suggested that G307S might make the distortion of the active site so that cofactor PLP and substrate can not fit inside the active site. Our yeast CBS study addressed the reason why the G307S mutation in human CBS makes the enzyme inactive that consequently leads to severe clinical phenotype.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.40-46
• /
• 2005

Purpose: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are positive for the expression of c-Kit protein at immunohistochemistry, and their clinical presentations vary. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clincopathologic characteristics of GISTs and to define the prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: 40 patients who underwent a complete resection of a GIST during the period $1996\~2003$ at the Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, were studied. We divided them into low- and high-risk. groups by using tumor size and mitotic count: 23 cases were low risk, and 17 were high risk. Clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical findings, and prognoses were compared between the low- and the high-risk groups. Results: The mean age of the 40 patients was $61.3\pm11.1$years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1：1.1. There was no significant difference in age and sex between the groups. A comparative analysis revealed tumor size, mitotic count, clinical symptoms, preoperative pathologic diagnosis, ulceration, and necrosis to be variables that had statistically significant differences between the high- and the low-risk groups. In the univariate analysis, tumor size, mitotic count, ulceration, necrosis, and abnormal endoscopic ultrasound findings were associated with disease-free survival, but in the multivariate analysis, mitotic activity was the only independent factor associated with disease-free survival. 8 patients had recurrences during the follow-up period, and four of them were treated with STI-571 (imatinib mesylate, $Gleevec^{(R)}$). The treated patients have survived until now; however, two of non-treated patients died from disease progression. Conclusion: Based on this study, tumor size, ulceration, and necrosis are significant factors affecting survival, and mitotic activity may be a useful prognostic marker. STI-571 may be used in an adjuvant setting because the drug has shown anticancer activity in patients with recurrence or metastasis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.34 no.7
• /
• pp.973-979
• /
• 2005

To investigate the effect of Pinus densiflora on biochemical parameters in type I diabetic rats, we evaluated the changes of body weight, fasting blood glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and biochemical parameters after the intraperitoneal injection of distilled solution of Pinus densiflora in streptozotocin (STZ)­induced rats. Thirty-seven male Sprague Dawley rats $(180\pm10g)$ were divided into four groups; diabetic mellitus (DM) group received STZ (50 mg/kg BW, i.v.); low level of pine extract (LP) group received Pinus densiflora (5 mg/kg BW, i.p.), high level of pine extract (HP) group received Pinus densiflora (10 mg/kg BW, i.p.) after the single injection of STZ (50 mg/kg BW, i.v.), respectively. Normal control (NC) group received saline. The change of fasting blood glucose level and OGTT were measured using glucocard II, and the change of biochemical parameter were measured by Automatic Chemistry Analyzer (Hitach-747, Japan). Mean body weight change of DM group was retarded greatly by STZ-exposure. While, body weights of LP and HP groups were progressively increased with some fluctuation, although the increase rates were slower than that of NC group. Fasting blood glucose levels of LP and HP groups were reduced by Pinus densiflora injection, although the fasting blood glucose levels were higher than that of NC group. The results of OGTT was significantly improved in both of LP and HP group compared to DM group. Increases of blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels by STZ-exposure were attenuated by the Pinus densiflora treatment (p<0.05). From the results, it was suggested that Pinus densiflora has a tendency to decrease STZ-induced toxicity in terms of monitoring fasting blood glucose, OGTT and some biochemical parameters of rat.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.165-172
• /
• 2004

This study was conducted to investigate changes in physico-chemical characteristics of Hanwoo carcass according to different castration and slaughtering ages. Total 75 Hanwoo calves(average 4 months old) were randomly assigned to Control(bulIs). Treatment I. Il , III. or IV(castrated on 4. 9. 12. and 16 months of age, respectively) and slaughtered at 7. 9. 12, 16, and 28 months of age. Moisture contents in M. Longissimus dorsi of both Hanwoo bulls and steers were decreased as the slaughtering age increased. Moisture contents in all steer groups were significantly(P <0.05) lower(average 68.63%) than that in bulls(72.18%) at 28 months of age. Crude fat contents tended to increase as the slaughtering age increased. Crude fat contents in Treatment III(castrated at 12 months of age) at 28 months of age were 10.24% which was the highest among all steer groups. Crude protein contents in M. Longissimus dorsi of Hanwoo bulls were around 23% regardless of slaughtering age. Water holding capacity(WHC) of both bulls and steers tended to increase as the animals aged. Steers showed rapid increase in WHC after 16 months of age and showed higher(78.39%)) WHC than bulls(70.00%) at 28 months of age. Palmitic acid(CI8: 0) contents in Hanwoo bulls were increased as the slaughtering age increased(20.92 \longrightarrow 24.22%) whereas stearic acid(CI8: 0) contents were decreased(I8.l5 \longrightarrow11.32%). Oleic acid(CI8: I). a major unsaturated fatty acid. significantly(P <0.05) increased(25.59 \longrightarrow 37.90%) when slaughtering age of Hanwoo increased. Changes in fatty acid composition in Hanwoo steers were similar to those in bulls except oleic acid contents were higher and stearic acid contents were lower than bulls at 28 months of age.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.65-72
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by gram-positive uropathogens is usually hospital-acquired and associated with predisposing conditions. However, the incidence of gram-positive bacteria in community-acquired UTIs has recently increased worldwide. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of UTI and associated genitourinary malformations in young children with febrile UTIs caused by gram-positive bacteria. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 566 patients (age, <1 year) who visited the Korea University Medical Center for febrile UTIs between January 2008 and May 2013. We classified the patients into the following two groups: gram-positive (P group) and gram-negative (N group), according to the results of urine culture. The fever duration; white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in peripheral blood; and the presence of hydronephrosis, cortical defects, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring were compared between the two groups. Results: The number of patients with gram-positive bacteria was 23 (4.1%) and with gram-negative bacteria was 543 (95.9%). The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis showed the highest incidence among gram-positive uropathogens. Patients with gram-positive bacteria showed longer fever duration compared to that in patients with gram-negative bacteria (P vs. N, $3.4{\pm}1.2$ vs. $2.9{\pm}1.6$ days, P <0.05). The incidence of VUR was increased in the gram-positive group compared to that in the gram-negative group (P vs. N, 55.6 vs. 17.8%, P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in other laboratory and radiologic findings. Conclusion: The findings of our study show that community-acquired UTIs in patients younger than 1 year of age, caused by gram-positive uropathogens, can be associated with prolonged fever duration and the presence of VUR.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.30-40
• /
• 1995

The relationship between dietary intake and vitamin/mineral supplement usage was examined in 706 adolescent girls who were high school students. 43.8% of subjects used vitamin/mineral supplements during one year. The higher the family income and parents education level, the higher percentage of vitamin/mineral supplement usage was. But there was no significant difference between grades and scores. And vitamin/mineral supplement usage was higher int he thin and obese groups than the average weight groups. Nutrition knowledge and food habit did not affect vitamin/mineral supplement usage. Calorie intakes of vitamin/mineral supplement users and nonusers were similar. However, independent of the supplements, the diets of supplement nonusers contained significantly more dietary protein, vitamin A, vitamin $B_2$, niacin, vitamin C, and calcium than the diets of the users. A considerable portion of both the users and nonusers had dietary intakes of less than 2/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, niacin, calcium, and iron. Vitamin/mineral supplement nonusers generally consumed a more vitamin, mineral from diet. Reasons for taking supplements were to take energy, advice and illness.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.28 no.11
• /
• pp.1339-1346
• /
• 2018

In Korea, edible mushrooms are produced largely on commercial artificial media, so the annual production of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), as a by-product of the mushroom industry, is estimated at over 200 million tons. This SMS is assumed to contain abundant fungal mycelia and pre-fruiting bodies, as well as various nutritive and bioactive compounds that are presently discarded. This study examined the physico-chemical, nutritional, and enzymatic characteristics of uninoculated sterilized medium (USM) and SMS of shiitake mushrooms with the aim of developing a high-value added product from SMS. The contents of crude protein, crude lipid, and ash were higher after the third SMS harvest ($SMS-A-3^{rd}$) than in USM or $SMS-A-1^{st}$. The contents of Ca, Mg, and P in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$ were 2.95, 2.35, and 2.1-fold higher compared than in USM. No As or Cd was detected in USM or SMS. The pH, Brix, and acidity were 4.6, 20.0, and 1.4, respectively in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$, but 5.6, 6.0, and 0.0, respectively, in USM. These results suggest a highly active production of soluble components and organic acids in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$. The distinct color differences noted for USM, $SMS-A-1^{st}$, and $SMS-A-3^{rd}$ could be used as a mycelial growth indicator. Enzyme activity assays using the APIZYM system showed that SMS is a potent source of hydrolysis-related enzymes, especially esterase (C4) and ${\beta}$-glucuronidase. Our results suggested that the SMS of shiitake has a high potential for use in environmental, agricultural, and stock-breeding industries, for example, as active ingredients for sewage treatment, waste-polymer degradation, and feed additives.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.7
• /
• pp.509-519
• /
• 2024

A previous study showed that krill oil improved recognition and memory through anti-oxidative effects in an amyloid β model, but the authors noted that further investigations are necessary of alterations to neurotransmitters' states and of serum lipid profile improvements related to serum lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, in this study, ICR mice were pre-treated intraperitoneally with scopolamine prior to induced neurotransmission impairment, and the effects of krill oil provision on their capabilities of cognition were tested by performing a passive avoidance test (PAT), water maze test (WMT), and novel object recognition test. Then, parameters including the acetylcholine (ACh) concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), lipid peroxidation, serum lipid levels, and nerve cell proliferation were investigated. The results showed that krill oil improved the mice's abilities in recognition and memory as the times taken to complete the PAT and WMT were reduced compared to the mice in a comparison scopolamine-treated group. Krill oil produced an increased concentration of Ach, and this was accompanied by a decrease in AChE. As shown in a scopolamine-treated SH-SY5Y cell line, krill oil reduced the activity of AChE. Moreover, the suppression of lipid peroxidation-reflected in the finding that malondialdehyde was decreased with krill oil provision-is speculated to affect the recorded serum triglyceride and cholesterol decreases and LDL cholesterol increase. The intake of krill oil was also found to produce an improvement in brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression by stimulating the activation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein in the brain tissue. Overall, the current results imply that the provision of krill oil raises the cognition and memory by elevating neurotransmitters and by improving the serum lipid profile and nerve cell proliferation, which occur as lipid peroxidation is suppressed in the brain tissue.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.143-151
• /
• 2008

This study was conducted to identify the correlation of bacterial phytase ($Transphos^{(R)}$) to the calcium level in feed. Of all 21-week-old 720 HyLine brown laying hens, 2 birds of similar weight were placed on each individual cage. The experiment was conducted by $3{\times}2{\times}3$ factorial design with including 3 different levels of phytase (0, 300, and 1,000 DPU/kg), 2 different levels of calcium (3.5% and 4.0%), and 3 different levels of no NPP addition 0% (0.095 NPP), 0.5% (0.185% NPP), and 1.0% (0.275% NPP). The feeding trial maintained the ME level of 2,800 kcal/kg and 16% for crude protein. The diet was fed ad libitum and 17 hours of lighting was provided throughout the experimental period. Egg production seemed to increase, in the 300 DPU of bacterial phytase added group and the cracked egg tended to reduce in Transphos added group. The egg productivity between treatment groups did not show significant difference by dietary calcium level, whereas non NPP added group (0.095% NPP) was found to be low compared to NPP added groups (P<0.05). The highest mean egg weight and the highest daily egg mass were detected in 300 DPU phytase added group. Although the mean egg weight was significantly higher in treatment groups fed with 3.5% calcium containing feeds (P<0.05), daily egg mass was no among treatment groups. The mean egg weight and daily egg mass were the lowest in non NPP added group (0.095% NPP) compared to other treatment groups (P<0.05). The feed intake showed similar pattern regardless of the bacterial phytase and calcium levels in the diet. However, the treatment groups fed diets containing NPP level of 0.275% and 0.165% showed significantly higher feed intake than the group fed with 0.095% NPP (P<0.05). Although the feed conversion was not affected by calcium and NPP levels in the diet, the most improved result was obtained from 300 DPU phytase added group (P<0.05). The eggshell breaking strength and thickness increased as dietary calcium level increase the level of calcium increases in diet. The treatment groups fed diet containing 0.275% and 0.165% NPP revealed to show improvement in eggshell breaking strength and yolk color index compared to the NPP non added (0.095% NPP) treatment group. The result of the present study suggests that the appropriate level of microbial phytase is 300 DPU and at this level, tricalciumphosphate supplementation in feed can be reduced to 40% of NRC recommendation. Higher calcium level in feed fail to show synergistic effect by adding microbial phytase.