• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.50 no.3
• /
• pp.293-300
• /
• 2008

Muscle fat content including intramuscular fat content(IMF) is the most important parameter in meat quality of cattle. Triacylglycerol is the major component of fat and is found in adipocyte and skeletal muscle. In present study, we carried out the determined of triacylglycerol contents and mRNA expression patterns of genes related with triacylglycerol biosynthesis such as ACSS2, GPAT, MGAT and DGAT in Hanwoo longissimus muscle using the real-time PCR. The triacylglycerol contents were continuously increased during the fattening stages. Interestingly, the contents of triacylglycerol were 7.4 fold higher(0.34 vs. 2.51, P<0.01) in 27 months old group than 12 months old group. The mRNA levels of ACSS2, GPAT and DGAT genes were also increased during fattening stages, whereas that of MGAT gene did not show difference among the stages. Thus, these results suggested that increasing of the triacylglycerol contents in longissimus muscle during fattening stages may be related with increased expressions of triacylglycerol biosynthesis genes(ACSS2, GPAT and DGAT). These results will be helpful to understand the mechanism of muscle fat deposition in skeletal muscle.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 2013.08a
• /
• pp.130.2-130.2
• /
• 2013

Today, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of hydrocarbon gases has been demonstrated as an attractive method to synthesize large-area graphene layers. However, special care should be taken to precisely control the resulting graphene layers in CVD due to its sensitivity to various process parameters. Therefore, a facile synthesis to grow graphene layers with high controllability will have great advantages for scalable practical applications. In order to simplify and create efficiency in graphene synthesis, the graphene growth by thermal annealing process has been discussed by several groups. However, the study on growth mechanism and the detailed structural and optoelectronic properties in the resulting graphene films have not been reported yet, which will be of particular interest to explore for the practical application of graphene. In this study, we report the growth of few-layer, large-area graphene films using rapid thermal annealing (RTA) without the use of intentional carbon-containing precursor. The instability of nickel films in air facilitates the spontaneous formation of ultrathin (<2~3 nm) carbon- and oxygen-containing compounds on a nickel surface and high-temperature annealing of the nickel samples results in the formation of few-layer graphene films with high crystallinity. From annealing temperature and ambient studies during RTA, it was found that the evaporation of oxygen atoms from the surface is the dominant factor affecting the formation of graphene films. The thickness of the graphene layers is strongly dependent on the RTA temperature and time and the resulting films have a limited thickness less than 2 nm even for an extended RTA time. The transferred films have a low sheet resistance of ~380 ${\Omega}/sq$, with ~93% optical transparency. This simple and potentially inexpensive method of synthesizing novel 2-dimensional carbon films offers a wide choice of graphene films for various potential applications.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.235-242
• /
• 2018

The function of vertical subsurface flow wetlands can potentially be reduced with time due to clogging and are often assumed to be occurring when ponding and overflow is observed during rainfall. To investigate their clogging potential, three pilot-scale vertical subsurface flow (VSF) wetland systems were constructed employing woodchip, pumice, and volcanic gravel as main media. The systems received stormwater runoff from a highway bridge for seven months, after which the media were taken out and divided into layers to determine the amount and characteristics of the accumulated clogging matters. Findings revealed that the main clogging mechanism was the deposition of suspended solids. This is followed by the growth of biofilm in the media which is more evident in the wetland employing woodchip. Up to more than 30% of the clogging matter were found in the upper 20 cm of the media suggesting that this layer will need replacement once clogging occurs. Moreover, no signs of clogging were observed in all the wetlands during the operation period even though an estimation of at least 2 months without clogging was calculated. This was attributed to the intermittent loading mode of operation that gave way for the decomposition of organic matters during the resting period and potentially restored the pore volume.

• Resources Recycling
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.25-34
• /
• 2020

Electrochemical Quartz Crystal microbalance is a tool that is capable of measuring nanogram-scale mass change on electrode surface. When applying alternating voltage to the quartz crystal with metal electrode formed on both sides, a resonant frequency by inverse piezoelectric effect depends on its thickness. The resonant frequency changes sensitively by mass change on its electrode surface; frequency increase with metal dissolution and decrease with metal deposition on the electrode surface. The relationship between resonant frequency and mass change is shown by Sauerbrey equation so that the mass change during metal dissolution can be measured in real time. Especially, it is effective in the case of reaction mechanism and rate studies accompanied by precipitation, volatilization, compound formation, etc. resulting in difficulties on ex-situ AA or ICP analysis. However, it should be carefully considered during EQCM experiments that temperature, viscosity, and hydraulic pressure of solution, and stress and surface roughness can affect on the resonant frequency. Application of EQCM was shown as a case study on leaching of platinum using aqueous chlorine for obtaining activation energy. A platinum electrode of quartz crystal oscillator with 1000 Å thickness exposed to solution was used as leaching sample. Electrogenerated chlorine as oxidant was purged and its concentration was controlled in hydrochloric acid solution. From the experimental results, platinum dissolution by chlorine is chemical reaction control with activation energy of 83.5 kJ/mol.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.59 no.2
• /
• pp.254-259
• /
• 2021

Optical and electrical characteristics of the fluorocarbon films deposited in a high-density C4F8 plasma under various source powers and pressures were investigated. The F/C ratio of the fluorocarbon film deposited in a high-density C4F8 plasma increased with increasing source power and decreasing pressure due to two-step deposition mechanism. The change in the F/C ratio of the film directly affected the optical and electrical characteristics of the fluorocarbon films deposited in a high-density C4F8 plasma. The refractive index of the fluorocarbon film increased with decreasing source power and increasing pressure contrary to the dependence of the film's F/C ratio on the source power and pressure. This was because the increase in the F/C ratio suppressed electronic polarization and weakened the network structures of the film. The resistivity of the fluorocarbon film showed the same behavior as its F/C ratio. In other words, the resistivity increased with increasing source power and decreasing pressure, resulting from stronger repellence of electrons at higher F/C ratios. This work offers the feasibility of the use of the fluorocarbon films deposited in a high-density C4F8 plasma as an alternative to low dielectric constant materials because the optical and electrical properties of the fluorocarbon film can be directly controlled by its F/C ratio.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.9
• /
• pp.964-971
• /
• 2019

Hepatic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance increases in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Piperine is a major compound found in black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (P. longum). Piperine has been used in fine chemical for its anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, the signaling-based mechanism of piperine and its role as an inhibitor of lipogenesis and insulin resistance in human hepatocyte cells remains ill-defined. In the present study, we explored the effects of piperine on lipid accumulation and insulin resistance, and explored the potential underlying molecular mechanisms in palmitate-treated HepG2 cells. Piperine treatment resulted in a significant reduction of triglyceride content. Furthermore, piperine treatment decreased palmitate-treated intracellular lipid deposition by inhibiting the lipogenic target genes, sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS); whereas the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT-1) and phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) gene involved in fatty acid oxidation was increased. Moreover, piperine also inhibited the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 (Ser307). Piperine treatment modulated palmitate-treated lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells with concomitant reduction of lipogenic target genes, such as SREBP-1 and FAS, and induction of CPT-1-ACC and phosphorylation of IRS-1 (Tyr632)-Akt pathways. Therefore, piperine represents a promising treatment for the prevention of lipid accumulation and insulin resistance.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.805-825
• /
• 2023

This experiment aims to investigate the impact of probiotic feed on growth performance, carcass traits, plasma lipid biochemical parameters, intramuscular fat and triglyceride content, fatty acid composition, mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism, and the activity of the enzyme in Sunit sheep. In this experiment, 12 of 96 randomly selected Sunit sheep were assigned to receive the basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with probiotics. The results showed that supplementation with probiotics significantly increased the loin eye area, and decreased plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids, increasing the content of intramuscular fat and triglycerides in the muscle and improving the composition of the fatty acids. The inclusion of probiotics in the diet reduced the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha 2 (AMPKα2) mRNA and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B) mRNA, while increasing the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) mRNA, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA, fatty acid synthase mRNA, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 mRNA. The results of this study indicate that supplementation with probiotics can regulate fat deposition and improves the composition of fatty acids in Sunit sheep through the signaling pathways AMPK-ACC-CPT1B and AMPK-SREBP-1c. This regulatory mechanism leads to an increase in intramuscular fat content, a restructuring of muscle composition of the fatty acids, and an enhancement of the nutritional value of meat. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the food science of animal resources and provide valuable references for the production of meat of higher nutritional value.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.458-468
• /
• 2023

Background: As a complication of Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of cognitive dysfunction are still undefined. Recent studies demonstrated that Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) has promising neuroprotective properties, but the effect and mechanism in diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD) deserve further investigation. Methods: After establishing the T2DM model with a high-fat diet and STZ intraperitoneal injection, Rg1 was given for 8 weeks. The behavior alterations and neuronal lesions were judged using the open field test (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWM), as well as HE and Nissl staining. The protein or mRNA changes of NOX2, p-PLC, TRPC6, CN, NFAT1, APP, BACE1, NCSTN, and Ab1-42 were investigated by immunoblot, immunofluorescence or qPCR. Commercial kits were used to evaluate the levels of IP3, DAG, and calcium ion (Ca²⁺) in brain tissues. Results: Rg1 therapy improved memory impairment and neuronal injury, decreased ROS, IP3, and DAG levels to revert Ca²⁺ overload, downregulated the expressions of p-PLC, TRPC6, CN, and NFAT1 nuclear translocation, and alleviated Aβ deposition in T2DM mice. In addition, Rg1 therapy elevated the expression of PSD95 and SYN in T2DM mice, which in turn improved synaptic dysfunction. Conclusions: Rg1 therapy may improve neuronal injury and DACD via mediating PLC-CN-NFAT1 signal pathway to reduce Aβ generation in T2DM mice.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.534-542
• /
• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1, a bioactive component of Ginseng, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and hepatoprotective effects. It is known that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Recently, Rg1 has been shown to reverse liver fibrosis by suppressing EMT, although the mechanism of Rg1-mediated anti-fibrosis effects is still largely unclear. Interestingly, Smad7, a negative regulator of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway, is often methylated during liver fibrosis. Whether Smad7 methylation plays a vital role in the effects of Rg1 on liver fibrosis remains unclear. Methods: Anti-fibrosis effects were examined after Rg1 processing in vivo and in vitro. Smad7 expression, Smad7 methylation, and microRNA-152 (miR-152) levels were also analyzed. Results: Rg1 significantly reduced the liver fibrosis caused by carbon tetrachloride, and reduced collagen deposition was also observed. Rg1 also contributed to the suppression of collagenation and HSC reproduction in vitro. Rg1 caused EMT inactivation, reducing Desmin and increasing E-cadherin levels. Notably, the effect of Rg1 on HSC activation was mediated by the TGF-β pathway. Rg1 induced Smad7 expression and demethylation. The over-expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) blocked the Rg1-mediated inhibition of Smad7 methylation, and miR-152 targeted DNMT1. Further experiments suggested that Rg1 repressed Smad7 methylation via miR-152-mediated DNMT1 inhibition. MiR-152 inhibition reversed the Rg1-induced promotion of Smad7 expression and demethylation. In addition, miR-152 silencing led to the inhibition of the Rg1-induced EMT inactivation. Conclusion: Rg1 inhibits HSC activation by epigenetically modulating Smad7 expression and at least by partly inhibiting EMT.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.1-25
• /
• 1996

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis can not be summarized as a single process. Lipid infiltration hypothesis and endothelial injury hypothesis have been proposed and investigated. Recent developments show that there are many points of potential interactions between them and that they can actually be regarded as two phases of a single, unifying hypothesis. Among the many risk factors of atherosclerosis, plasma homocysteine and lipoprotein(a) draw a considerable interest because they are independent indicators of atherogenicity. Triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins (chylomicron and VLDL) are not considered to be atherogenic but they are related to the metabolism of HDL cholesterol and indirectly related to coronary heart disease (CHD). LDL can of itself be atherogenic but the oxidative products of this lipoprotein are more detrimental. HDL cholesterol has been considered to be a favorable cholesterol. The so-called 'causalist view' claims that HDL traps excess cholesterol from cellular membranes and transfers it to TG-rich lipoproteins that are subsequently removed by hepatic receptors. In the so-called 'noncausalist view', HDL does not interfere directly with cholesterol deposition in the arterial wall but instead reflects he metabolism of TG-rich lipoproteins and their conversion to atherogenic remnants. Approximately 70-80% of the human population shows an effective feedback control mechanism in cholesterol homeostasis. Type of dietary fat has a significant effect on the lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis. Generally, saturated fatty acids elevate and PUFA lower serum cholesterol, whereas MUFA have no specific effect. EPA and DHA inhibit the synthesis of TG, VLDL and LDL, and may have favourable effects on some of the risk factors. Phospholipids, particularly lecithin, have an antiatherosclerotic effect. Essential phospholipids (EPL) may enhance the formation of polyunsaturated cholesteryl ester (CE) which is less sclerotic and more easily dispersed via enhanced hydrolysis of CE in the arterial wall. Also, neutral fecal steroid elimination may be enhanced and cholesterol absorption reduced following EPL treatment. Antioxidants protect lipoproteins from oxidation, and cells from the injury of toxic, oxidized LDL. The rationale for lowering of serum cholesterol is the strong association between elevation of plasma or serum cholesterol and CHD. Cholesterol-lowing, especially LDL cholesterol, to the target level could be achieved using diet and combination of drug therapy. Information on the link between cholesterol and CHD has decreased egg consumption by 16-25%. Some clinical studies have indicated that dietary cholesterol and egg have a significant hypercholesterolemic effect, while others have indicated no effect. These studies differed in the use of purified cholesterol or cholesterol in eggs, in the range of baseline and challenge cholesterol levels, in the quality and quantity of concomitant dietary fat, in the study population demographics and initial serum cholesterol levels, and clinical settings. Cholesterol content of eggs varies to a certain extent depending on the age, breed and diet of hens. However, egg yolk cholesterol level is very resistant to change because of the particular mechanism involved in yolk formation. Egg yolk contains a factor of factors responsible for accelerated cholesterol metabolism and excretion compared with crystalline cholesterol. One of these factors could be egg lecithin. Egg lecithin may not be as effective as soybean lecithin in lowering serum cholesterol level due probably to the differences of fatty acid composition. However, egg lecithin may have positive effects in hypercholesterolemia by increasing serum HDL level and excretion of fecal cholesterol. The association of serum cholesterol with egg consumption has been widely studied. When the basal or control diet contained little or no cholesterol, consumption of 1 or 2 eggs daily increased the concentration of plasma cholesterol, whereas that of the normolipemic persons on a normal diet was not significantly influenced by consuming 2 to 3 eggs daily. At higher levels of egg consumption, the concentration of HDL tends to increase as well as LDL. There exist hyper-and hypo-responders to dietary (egg) cholesterol. Identifying individuals in both categories would be useful from the point of view of nutrition guidelines. Dietary modification of fatty acid composition has been pursued as a viable method of modifying fat composition of eggs and adding value to eggs. In many cases beneficial effects of PUFA enriched eggs have been demonstrated. Generally, consumption of n-3 fatty acids enriched eggs lowered the concentration of plasma TG and total cholesterol compared to the consumption of regular eggs. Due to the highly oxidative nature of PUFA, stability of this fat is essential. The implication of hepatic lipid accumulation which was observed in hens fed on fish oils should be explored. Nutritional manipulations, such as supplementation with iodine, inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, garlic products, amino acids and high fibre ingredients, have met a limited success in lowering egg cholesterol.