• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.157-166
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• 2015

Purpose: The effects of water extract and distillate from the mixture of black goat meat and medicinal herb on MG-63 osteoblast proliferation and mouse bone marrow derived osteoclast formation were investigated. Methods: Proximate composition, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), mineral content, free amino acid composition and free fatty acid composition in black goat meat were determined. Water extract and distillate were prepared with three groups; goat meat only (BG-E, BG-D), six herbs added group (BG-E6, BG-D6), and eight herbs added group (BG-E8, BG-D8). Osteoblast proliferation, mineralization and calcium uptake activity of MG-63 cells were measured and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity of osteoclasts was analyzed. Results: Black goat meat had remarkably low fat and high level of calcium. Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid. Herbs added extract groups (BG-E6 and BG-E8) showed increased MG-63 cell proliferation in a concentration dependent manner, while all the distillates did not show the effect. All extracts and distillates showed significantly increased osteoblast mineralization depending on the concentration. In particular, herb added extract, BG-E6, increased 170.3% of control and the distillate of BG-D and BG-D6 increased up to 168.5% and 159.8%, respectively. Calcium uptake activities of all water extracts showed remarkable increase of BG-E6 and BG-E8 up to 615.5% and 628.1% of control, respectively. Ditillates had no effect except BG-D6. All water extracts significantly reduced the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in osteoclasts derived from mouse bone marrow. Conclusion: Combination of black goat meat and medicinal herb increased the MG-63 cell proliferation and effectively inhibited osteoclast differentiation in both water extracts and distillate of them, which implies that they could be used as potent functional food materials for bone health.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1324-1331
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• 2010

Mifepristone (MIF) and Tamoxifen (TAM) have been used in the treatment of prostate cancer and breast cancer for more than a decade. MIF can induce apoptosis in both AR-positive and negative prostate cancer cells. Because of its pleiotropic ligand-receptor properties, TAM exerts cytotoxic activity in estrogen (ER)-positive and various ER.negative cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of these two substances are not yet clear. In the present work, we report that the cytotoxic effects of MIF and TAM are due to the modulation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level in DU-145, androgen-insensitive cells. When the cells were treated with micromolar concentrations of either MIF or TAM, the growth and viability were significantly decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptosis induced by MIF or TAM was further proved and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In the cells cultivated in a normal 1.5 mM $Ca^{2+}$ medium, both MIF and TAM also induced an increase of the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level in a dose-dependent fashion. Since a change in calcium level could not be found in cells of the $Ca^{2+}$-free medium, the increase of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level might be due to an increase in extracellular calcium uptake. Our results show that the apoptotic effect was more prominent in TAM treatment compared to MIF treatment in DU-145 cells. The above findings might be due to the difference in the uppermost pathways of apoptosis induced by either MIF or TAM. When we checked the level of procaspase-8 activation, TAM showed minor level of activation, as opposed to MIF, which exerted strong activation. In both treatments, the levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased, and pro-apoptotic protein Bax level increased more than 2-fold. The activation of caspase-3, a key protease enzyme in the downstream pathway of apoptosis, was much higher in the cells treated with TAM, compared to the MIF treatment. The overall apoptotic activity shown in the present work was closely related to intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration levels. Therefore, the cytotoxic activity induced by MIF and TAM might have been due to intracellular calcium modulation.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.71-81
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• 1988

Glutamate and aspartate may evoke an increase in membrane permeability to monovalent cations and $Ca^{++}$. However, it is uncertain whether $Ca^{++}$ influx is mediated by voltage dependent $Ca^{++}$ channels or by excitatory amino acid activated channels. In addition, the influences of excitatory amino acids on $Ca^{++}$ uptake by neuronal tissues as well as the responses of their actions to extracellular $Mg^{++}$ concentration are different. $K^{+}$ induced $Ca^{++}$ uptake by synaptosomes was dependent on extracellular $Mg^{++}$ up to 5 mM and at concentration of 10 mM, $Ca^{++}$ influx was rather reduced. In $Na^{+}$ rich media, glutamate-and aspartate-induced $Ca^{++}$ uptake was increased by $Mg^{++}$ in a dose independent manner. However, the response for NMDA was inhibited by $Mg^{++}$ at concentrations above 2 mM. $K^+$-and glutamate-induced $Ca^{++}$ influx s were inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol, chlorprom-azine and verapamil but not by tetraethylammonium chloride. Tetrodotoxin effectively inhibited the action of glutamate but did not affect that of $K^+$. The response for MNDA was inhibited by 2, 4-dinitrophenol and tetrodotoxin, slightly inhibited by verapamil, and not affected by tetraethylammonium chloride. In $Na^{++}$ rich medium, depolarizing action of glutamate, aspartate and MNDA on synaptosomes was not demonstrated, whereas these agents stimulated $Ca^{++}$ uptake and caused $Ca^{++}$ influx induced depolarization at mitochondria. On the other hand, the activities of synaptosomal ATPases were not affected by excitatory amino acids at 5 mM. The results suggest that glutamate or NMDA induced $Ca^{++}$ influx at synaptosomes exhibits different responses for extracellular $Mg^{++}$ Ex citatory amino acids induced $Ca^{++}$ influx at synaptosomes may be associated with increased permeability of membrane for $Na^{++}$ and $Ca^{++}$ except $K^{++}$ and membrane depolarization due to increased ionic permeability.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 1990

Dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) and forskolin were used to investigate vasodilating mechanism of cAMP in rabbit aorta. Db-cAMP and forskolin inhibited the development of contractile tension induced by norepinephrine (NE) concentration-dependently. However, high $K{^+}-induced$ contractile tension was inhibited less effectively by db-cAMP and forskolin. Db-cAMP and forskolin inhibited $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake increased by NE. Forskolin seemed to inhibit $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake increased by high $K{^+}$, but this inhibition was not significant statistically. Db-cAMP inhibited $Ca^{2+}-transient$ contraction by NE in $Ca^{2+}-free$ solution. In conclusion, it seems that cAMP blocks $Ca^{2+}$ influx through receptor operated $Ca^{2+}$ channels (ROCs), but that the effect of cAMP on $Ca^{2+}$ influx through voltage gated $Ca^{2+}$ channels (VGCs) is not clear in this experiment. Furthermore, cAMP is likely to inhibit calcium release from the intracellular stores.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.121-126
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• 2002

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of high concentration of sodium salts and chlorides in soil on the growth of tomato and the uptake of minerals. The growth inhibition rates of plant height and dry weight were different depending on salts, but they were not related to the electric conductivities (EC) and acidities (pH) in the soil solution. The orders of growth inhibition were Cl, SO$_4$, CO$_3$, PO$_4$＞NO$_3$ in the sodium salts series, and Na, K, Mg, NH$_4$＞Ca in the chlorides. The growth inhibition rates of the sodium salts series tended to be larger than those of the chloride series. Yield was lower 30%~10% in the sodium salt and chloride series than in the control. Chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were lower in the sodium salts and chloride series than in the control. Mineral concentration was lower in sodium salts and chlorides than in control. The nitrate absorption was inhibited in all salts except for NaNO$_3$ and NH$_4$Cl, and specially in NaCl and Na$_2$SO$_4$ treatments of the sodium salts and in KCl treatment of chloride series. K concentration was reduced NaCl and Na$_2$SO$_4$ treatments compared with the other salts. In the sodium salt series, calcium and magnesium concentration were decreased antagonistically when sodium concentration was increased.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 1990

In both resting and opsonized zymosan activated neutrophils, ATP stimulated superoxide generation, whereas adenosine inhibited it slightly. The superoxide generation in activated neutrophils to ATP was greater than that of resting neutrophils. In $Ca^{++}$ free medium, inhibitory effect of adenosine on superoxide generation was detectable, whereas ATP did not have any effect. The stimulatory effect of ATP on superoxide generation was inhibited by adenosine in a dose dependent manner. Neither ATP nor adenosine had any effect on NADPH oxidase acitivity. Effects of ATP or adenosine on superoxide generation were more prominent than that by other triphosphate nucleotides or nucleosides. ATP and ADP further stimulated $Ca^{++}$ uptake and increased cytosolic free $Ca^{++}$ level in neutrophils activated by opsonized zymosan, but adenosine inhibited a $Ca^{++}$ mobilization. Verapamil effectively and tetrodotoxin slightly inhibited an increase of cytosolic free $Ca^{++}$ level induced by ATP. Inhibitory effect of either verapamil or tetrodotoxin on superoxide generation in the ATP plus opsonized zymosan-activated neutrophils was greater than in the cells activated by opsonized zymosan alone. Tetraethylammonium chloride had no apparent effect on superoxide generation. CCCP, 2,4-dinitrophenol, diphenylhydantoin and procaine all inhibited superoxide generation in neutrophils activated by opsonized zymosan. Among these, CCCP only inhibited a stimulatory effect of ATP. ATP further stimulated a loss of sulfhydryl groups in activated neutrophils, whereas adenosine had no effect on it. These results suggest that functional responses of neutrophils may be regulated at least partly by purines. ATP and adenosine may further after functional responses of activated neutrophils through their effect on $Ca^{++}$ uptake, membrane phosphorylation and oxidation of soluble sulfhydryl groups.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.201-209
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• 2010

Korean traditional herbs, especially Anemarrhena asphodeloides (A. asphodeloides), Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza), and Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) have been known to have the immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, direct cellular mechanism underlying the mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis-like reaction has poorly been understood. In the present study, the effects of the methanol extracts of A. asphodeloides (MEAA), S. miltiorrhiza (MESM), and T. chebula (METC) on anaphylactic reaction were investigated. Using in vitro and in vivo experiments, the influences of MEAA, MESM, and METC on the compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis-like reaction and mast cell activation, and IgEmediated PCA were examined. Results are below; 1) MEAA, MESM, and METC significantly inhibited systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction, ear swelling response, and IgE-mediated PCA. 2) the compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation, histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) were significantly inhibited by the pretreatment with MEAA, MESM, and METC, and 3) the compound 48/80-induced calcium influx in RPMC was significantly inhibited by the pretreatment with MEAA, MESM, and METC. These results suggest that MEAA, MESM, and METC may be an activity to inhibit the compound 48/80-induced or anti-DNP IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions by blocking histamine release and calcium uptake into RPMC. MEAA, MESM, and METC potentially may serve as an effective therapeutic tool for allergic diseases.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Globally, large amounts of phosphogypsum (PG), which is a by-product of the phosphate fertilizer production, is deposited in open areas. As PG contains calcium, phosphate, and sulphate, it can be used as a soil amendment in farmlands. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PG application on properties of field soil and yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.), and to seek appropriate level of PG application into the field. METHODS AND RESULTS: This experiment was conducted by applying PG at four different levels that were adjusted based on 65% calcium base saturation in the field soil: 0% (control), 50% (PG50, 100 kg/10a), 100% (PG100, 200 kg/10a), and 150% (PG150, 300 kg/10a). Following cultivation, soil electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, available P and exchangeable Ca increased, whilst soil pH decreased. With increase in PG application level, soil EC and exchangeable Ca increased. PG application increased concentrations of water soluble Ca and SO4 across the soil profile, especially in PG150. The highest yield of garlic was found in PG100 treatment. The plant's uptake for N, P, Ca, and S increased by PG applications, but that for K decreased. Moreover, concentrations of S-related amino acids such as cysteine and methionine in garlic increased by PG applications. The increased content of nutrients and amino acids with PG supply might improve yield, quality, and favor of the crop. CONCLUSION: Overall, PG application at 200 kg/10a into a field had the best effect on improving soil fertility as well as yield and quality of garlic. Further studies are required to maximize efficiencies of PG supply in soil management and production of various crops.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.740-752
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• 2023

Objective: Dietary phytase increases bioavailability of phytate-bound phosphorus (P) in pig nutrition affecting dietary calcium (Ca) to P ratio, intestinal uptake, and systemic utilization of both minerals, which may contribute to improper bone mineralization. We used phytase to assess long-term effects of two dietary available P (aP) levels using a one-phase feeding system on gene expression related to Ca and P homeostasis along the intestinal tract and in the kidney, short-chain fatty acids in stomach, cecum, and colon, serum, and bone parameters in growing gilts and barrows. Methods: Growing pigs (37.9±6.2 kg) had either free access to a diet without (Con; 75 gilts and 69 barrows) or with phytase (650 phytase units; n = 72/diet) for 56 days. Samples of blood, duodenal, jejunal, ileal, cecal, and colonic mucosa and digesta, kidney, and metacarpal bones were collected from 24 pigs (6 gilts and 6 barrows per diet). Results: Phytase decreased daily feed intake and average daily gain, whereas aP intake increased with phytase versus Con diet (p<0.05). Gilts had higher colonic expression of TRPV5, CDH1, CLDN4, ZO1, and OCLN and renal expression of TRPV5 and SLC34A3 compared to barrows (p<0.05). Phytase increased duodenal expression of TRPV5, TRPV6, CALB1, PMCA1b, CDH1, CLDN4, ZO1, and OCLN compared to Con diet (p<0.05). Furthermore, phytase increased expression of SCL34A2 in cecum and of FGF23 and CLDN4 in colon compared to Con diet (p<0.05). Alongside, phytase decreased gastric propionate, cecal valerate, and colonic caproate versus Con diet (p<0.05). Phytase reduced cortical wall thickness and index of metacarpal bones (p<0.05). Conclusion: Gene expression results suggested an intestinal adaptation to increased dietary aP amount by increasing duodenal trans- and paracellular Ca absorption to balance the systemically available Ca and P levels, whereas no adaption of relevant gene expression in kidney occurred. Greater average daily gain in barrows related to higher feed intake.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.41-54
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• 2016

The production of high quality seedlings is a very important phase in silvicultural systems for successful reforestation or restoration. The purpose of this study was to measure both growth performances and nutrient responses of Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Pinus densiflora seedlings, which are commercially planted in Korea, according to soil improvement treatments. We applied 8 types of soil improvements: control with no treatment, compost B and compost Y as organic materials, vermiculite, perlite, two level of zeolite, and mix of vermiculite, perlite, and zeolite as inorganic materials in a permanent national nursery. Only compost B treatment significantly increased soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and calcium at the 0-10 cm soil depth. The growth of F. rhynchophylla and P. densiflora was the highest at the compost B treatment and the lowest at the vermiculate treatment. Compost B treatment allocated more carbon to aboveground than belowground by 39%, especially to foliage. On the vector diagnosis, there was 'shortage' on compost B treatment because of all increases of N contents, N concentrations, and growth and 'over accumulation' on vermiculite treatment because of more N uptake compared with dry weight increase. This study suggested optimal use of soil improvements is very important to improve soil quality in a permanently used nursery.