• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.261-268
• /
• 2018

Differences in host ethnicities and geographical distributions may influence the genetic variation and pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori strains, particularly with respect to those with a high risk of gastric cancer and in Asian Enigma regions. We simultaneously identified H. pylori virulence-associated genes involved in inflammation and cell damage in Thai and Korean dyspeptic patients. The virulence-associated gene cagA, cagA genotypes (East Asian and Western type cagA), vacA genotypes (s- and m-), oipA, and sabA were detected in Thai and Korean dyspeptic patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, and DNA sequence analysis. Comparisons between the two regions showed that cagA, East Asian type cagA, and vacA s1/m1 in Korean dyspeptic patients occurred at rates of 100%, 86.67%, and 88.89%, respectively (p < 0.05). The oipA- and sabA-positive samples were significantly more predominant in the Korean population (95.56%, 91.11%) than in the Thai population (32%, 34%). DNA sequence analysis revealed differences in the patterns of cytosine-thymine dinucleotide repeats of oipA and sabA among the two populations of dyspeptic patients. Our results indicate that the H. pylori strains detected in the two regions were divergent, and strains colonizing the Korean dyspeptic patients may be more virulent than those in the Thai population. Our data may help explain H. pylori pathogenesis in Asian Enigma areas with a low gastric cancer incidence. However, other factors involving H. pylori infection in these two regions should be further analyzed.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.385-392
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have reported an association of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) 3123Cytosine/Adenine (3123C/A) polymorphism with essential hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the AT2R 3123C/A polymorphism affects blood pressure for free-living hypertensive men during a 5-month intervention period. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were free-living hypertensive Japanese men aged 40 to 75 years who agreed to intervention in the period from 2004 to 2011. Detection of the AT2R 3123C/A polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The dietary intervention was designed to decrease salt level and to increase potassium level through cooking instructions and self-monitoring of the diet. The exercise session consisted of activities such as stretching, resistance training, and walking. Blood pressure, urinary sodium and potassium excretion, dietary and lifestyle data, and non-fasting venous blood sample were collected at baseline and after the intervention period. RESULTS: Thirty nine subjects were eligible for participation and the follow-up rate was 97.4%. The C allele proportion was 57.9%. AT2R 3123C/A polymorphism was X-chromosome-linked, therefore we analyzed the C and A genotypes. At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the genotype groups. After the intervention, there were no significant differences in lifestyle habit between the groups. Nevertheless, the estimated salt excretion (g/day) was significantly decreased only in the C genotype (13.0-10.3, P = 0.031). No significant change was observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mmHg) in the A genotype, but a significant decrease was observed in the C genotype (150.0-141.5, P = 0.024). CONCLUSTIONS: In the C genotype, it might be easy to improve SBP through lifestyle intervention in free-living hypertensive Japanese men, however generalization could not be achieved by the small sample size.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.352-356
• /
• 1986

A study was carried out to determine the effect of ginseng saponin an its related materials on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL2999 in glucose-salts(GS) medium. Maximal growth of the mold and AF froduction in the medium occurred after 5 and 9 days at $28^{\circ}C$, respectively. When various concentrations of saponin added to the medium aflatoxin synthesis were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to the control after 9 days at $28^{\circ}C$. 0.05% of saponin inhibited aflatoxin production most effectively in the low concerntrations of saponin (0.01-0.2%) and the toxin synthesis reduced with an increasing concentrations of saponin in the high concentrations (0.03-5.0%). Various concentrations (0.01-1.0%) of saponin diol and triol in the media also caused to reduce aflatoxin synthesis by the mold (p<0.05). All saponin fractions were found to decrease aflatoxin production significantly. Saponin fraction numbers of 1,2,4 and 6 were shown to reduce aflatoxin production effectively, and the number 1 was the most effective. Addition of 0.05% of nucleic acid related materials to the medium reduced aflatoxin production (p<0.05). Aflatoxins could not be found in broth at all, but in mycelia when 0.05% of caffeine was added to the medium. Aflatoxin synthesis was well correlated with total lipid synthesis, growth and glucose uptake. When aflatoxin synthesis inhibited (5.0% of saponin) both total lipid synthesis and growth were stimulated and the efficiency of glucose utilization was reduced.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.199-204
• /
• 2005

The herbicidal activities against barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) by R-groups on the hexahydroisoindol-1-one ring of new 2-(4-chloro-5-(2-chloroallyloxy)-2-fluorophenyl) -3-thioalkoxy-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroisoindol-1-one derivatives were studied using molecular holographic quantitative structure-activity relationships (HQSAR) methodology. Based on the results, the statistical results of the optimised HQSAR model (I-2) exhibited the best predictability and fitness for the herbicidal activities based on the cross-validated value ($r^2_{cv.}$ or $q^2=0.714$) and non-cross-validated value ($r^2_{ncv.}=0.922$), respectively. From the based graphical analyses of atomic contribution maps, herbicidal activities against barnyardgrass were confirmed depends upon the C4-C6 atoms of hexahydroisoindoline-l-one ring, carbon atom of ortho-position and meta-methyl group of 3-tolylthio substituent (8).

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.351-356
• /
• 2004

Holographic quantitative structure activity relationships (HQSAR) as 2D QSAR between the herbicidal activities against root and shoot of rice plant (Orysa sativa L.) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and structures of A=3,4,5,6-tetra-hydrophthalimino, B = 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-indazolyl and C = 3,4-dimethylmaleimino substituents in 1-(5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazolin-5-yl)methoxy-2-chloro-4-fluorobenzene derivatives were studied and discussed. The statistical results of four HQSAR models for the herbicidal activities against root and shoot of the two plants showed the best predictability of the herbicidal activities based on the cross-validated $r^2\;_{cv}\;(q^2=\;0.760{\sim}0.924)$, non cross-validated conventional coefficient $(r^2\;_{ncv}\;=\;0.868{\sim}0.970)$ and PRESS values $(0.123{\sim}0.261)$. The results indicated that the qualities of HQSAR models for barnyardgrass were slightly higher than that of rice plant. And also, the predictability of HQSAR models were higher $(q^2\;=\;HQSAR\;>\;CoMFA)$ than CoMFA but the conventional coefficients of HQSAR models lower $(r^2\;=\;HQSAR\;<\;CoMFA)$ than CoMFA. Moreover, from the contribution maps, it was founded that the selectivity between the two plants depends upon the 2-fluoro-4-chloro-5-alkoxyanilino and $R_3$ substituent on the C-phenyl ring. These features suggest where to modify a molecular structure in order to improve its selective of herbicidal activities against barnyardgrass.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.170-177
• /
• 2002

The herb, Chrysanthemum zawadskii var, latilobum commonly known as Gu-Jul-Cho in Korea, used in traditional medicine to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, common cold, pharyngitis, bladder-related disorders, gastroenteric disorders, and hypertension. Linarin is the main active compound and the biological mechanisms of its activity are unclear. It is believed that effects of this herb may be exerted through the pluripotent effectors of linarin due to its ability to treat a variety of afflictions. In this study, the effects of linarin on the mouse macrophages cell line, RAW 264.7, were investigated. It was found that linarin could activate macrophages by producing cytokines. Monocytes and tissue macrophages produce at least two groups of protein mediators of inflammation, interleukin 1 (IL-1 ) and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Recent studies have shown that TNF and IL-1 modulate the inflammatory function of endothelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. $TNF-{\alpha}$ production by macrophages treated with linarin occured in a dose dependent manner However, IL-1 production was largely unaffected by this natural product. This study demonstrated the ability of linarin to activate macrophages both directly and indirectly. Linarin also affect both cytosine production and nitric oxide inhibition, in addition to the expression of some surface molecules. Nitric oxide (NO), derived from L-argin-ine, is produced by two forms(constitutive and inducible) of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The NO produced in large amounts by inducible NOS is known to be responsible for the vasodilation and hypotension observed in septic shock. Linarin was found to inhibit NO production in the LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Linarin may be a useful candidate as a new drug for treating endotoxemia and the inflammation accompanied by NO overproduction. The linarin-treated total Iymphocytes exhibited cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner between $20{\;}{\mu}g/ml{\;}and{\;}40{\;}{\mu}g/ml$. These results suggest that linarin may function through macrophage activation.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.212-218
• /
• 1998

An obligately methylotrophic bacterium which produces extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) was isolated through methanol-enrichment culture technique. The isolate was aerobic, nonmotile, and gram negative rod and exibited catalase, but no oxidase, activity. Plasmid, carotenoid, and poly-${\beta}$-hydroxybutyric acid were not found. The guanine plus cytosine content of DNA was 52-56%. The isolate was found to grow only on methanol and monomethylamine. Growth was optimal ($t_d=2.4h$) at $35^{\circ}C$ and pH 6.5 in a mineral medium containing 0.5% (v/v) methanol, 25 mM phosphate, and 0.212% ammonium sulfate. Methanol was assimilated through the ribulose monophosphate pathway. Maximun amount of EPS was produced in cells growing at the mid-stationary growth phase at $30^{\circ}C$ in a mineral medium (PH 6.5) containing 1.0% (v/v) methanol in the CIN ratio of 54.7. Thin-layer chromatographic and high performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed that the EPS was composed of glucose and galactose. EPS which was not treated with ethanol (Pbe) exhibited stable viscosity under various concentrations of salts and temperatures hut showed high viscosity at low pH. EPS precipitated with ethanol (Pae) was found to be more stable in viscosity than the Pbe at various salt concentrations, temperatures, and pH. The Pae also exhibited higher viscosity than the Pbe and xanthan gum. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the lyophilized Pbe and Pae have a multi-layered structure and a structure of thick fibers, respectively.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.639-652
• /
• 2006

Objective : The etiology of chronic prostatitis is likely multifactorial, resulting from either a cascade of events after an initiating factor or from a variety of etiologic mechanisms. There is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and the clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Forsythiae Frucus has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of prostatitis and urinary tract inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of Forsythiae Frucus on inflammatory cytokines and cyto-pathological alternation in the rat model of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}$-estradiol treatment. Methods : Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}$-estradiol after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis. which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Forsythiae Frucus as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathologlcal parameters including the epithelial score and epithelio-stromal ratio for glandular damage. and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$. eotaxin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2(cox-2). Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation. the rats treated with Forsythiae Frucus showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in the Forsythiae Frucus group over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelia-stromal ratio was lower in the Forsythiae Frucus group when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytosine genes. Forsythiae Frucus inhibited the expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-$\alpha$, iNOS, cox-2 genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Forsythiae Frucus may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. From theses results. we suggest that Forsythiae Frucus could be a useful remedy agents for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.81-81
• /
• 2003

DNA methylation is a covalent modification of DNA that can modulate gene expression and is now recognized as a major component of the epigenome. During evolution, the dinucleotide CpG has been progressively eliminated from the genome of higher eukaryotes and is present at only 5% to 10% of its predicted frequency. Approxymately 80% of the remaining CpG sites contain methylated cytosines in most vertebrates and they are distributed in a pattern that is unique in each tissue and is inversely correlated with gene expression. The pattern of methylation is faithfully maintained during cell division by the enzyme Dnmt1, the maintenance DNA methyltransferase, which catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-methionine to the 5'-position of the cytosine ring. We have been identified bovine Dnmt1 cDNA full-length recently (AY173048) Little is known on the functions of Dnmt1 in bovine preimplantation embryos. Thus, we analyzed the specific pattern of Dnmt1 in in vitro derived/nuclear transfer bovine and in vivo derived mouse embryos to monitor the epigenetic reprogramming process. We investigated these process by using indirect immunofluresence with an antibody to Dnmt1. According to other studies, Dnmt1 accumulates in nuclei of early growing oocytes but is sequestered in the cytoplasm of mature oocytes. In 2-cell and 4-cell embryos, Dnmt1 is cytoplasmic, but at the 8-cell stage, it is present only in the nucleus. By the blastocyst stage, Dnmt1o is again found only in the cytoplasm. Thus, nuclear localization of Dnmt1o in preimplantation embryos is limited to the 8-cell stages After implantation, Dnmt1 is localized in the nucleus in mouse. However, we have found different patterns of Dnmt1 nuclear localization. Though we used the common antibody, immune-localization data revealed that Dnmt1 antibody have been detected at the nucleus in 1-cell to blastocyst embryos. Therefore, maybe we think that the functions of Dnmt1 between bovine and mice are different. In order to Identify the mechanisms that regulate DNA methylation in bovine preimplantation embryo, we have plans on using bovine oocyte and somatic specific Dnmt1 antibodies.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.26 no.9
• /
• pp.558-568
• /
• 2023

Vibrio vulnificus is an aquatic bacterium causing septicemia and wound infection in humans. To understand this pathogen at the genomic level, it was performed whole genome sequencing of a cefoxitin-resistant strain, V. vulnificus 1908-10 possessing virulence-related genes (vvhA, viuB, and vcgC) isolated from Gadeok island coastal seawater in South Korea. The genome of V. vulnificus 1908-10 consisted of two circular contigs and no plasmid. The total genome size was estimated to be 5,018,425 bp with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 46.9%. We found 119 tRNA and 34 rRNA genes respectively in the genome, along with 4,352 predicted protein sequences. Virulence factor (VF) analysis further revealed that V. vulnificus 1908-10 possess various virulence genes in classes of adherence, antiphagocytosis, chemotaxis and motility, iron uptake, quorum sensing, secretion system, and toxin. In the comparison of the presence/absence of virulence genes, V. vulnificus 1908-10 had fur, hlyU, luxS, ompU, pilA, pilF, rtxA, rtxC, and vvhA. Of the 30 V. vulnificus comparative strains, 80% of the C-genotype strains have all of these genes, whereas 40% of the E-genotype strains have all of them. In particular, pilA were identified in 80% of the C-type strains and 40% of the E-type strains, showing more difference than other genes. Therefore, V. vulnificus 1908-10 had similar VF characteristics to those of type C strains. Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin of V. vulnificus 1908-10 contained 8 A-type repeats (GXXGXXXXXG), 25 B.1-type repeats (TXVGXGXX), 18 B2-type repeats (GGXGXDXXX), and 7 C-type repeats (GGXGXDXXX). The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) showed that the RtxA protein of V. vulnificus 1908-10 had the effector domain in the order of cross-liking domain (ACD)-C58_PaToxP-like domain- α/β hydrolase-C58_PaToxP-like domain.