• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.761-767
• /
• 2007

This study was conducted to determine the effects of exogenous zinc-metallothionein (Zn-MT) on anti-oxidative function and pork quality. After feeding a corn-soybean meal-based diet for two weeks, 48 pigs ($Duroc{\times}Landrace{\times}Chinese\;Black Pig$) were assigned randomly to four groups. Pigs in Group 1 were maintained under non-stress conditions, whereas pigs in Groups 2, 3 and 4 were aggressively handled for 25 min to produce stress. Pigs in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 received intramuscular administration of saline (control group; CON), 0 (negative control group; NCON), 0.8 (low dose group; LOW), and 1.6 (high dose group; HIGH) mg rabbit liver Zn-MT per kg body weight, respectively. Pigs were slaughtered at 3 and 6 h post-injection. Zn-MT treatment increased (p<0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PX) while decreasing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. These responses were greater (p<0.05) at 6 h than at 3 h post Zn-MT injection. Zn-MT treatment increased (p<0.05) hepatic SOD mRNA levels in a time and dose-dependent manner and decreased (p<0.05) serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activities (indicators of tissue integrity). Zn-MT administration decreased (p<0.05) lactate concentration and increased (p<0.05) pH and water-holding capacity in the longissimus thorasis meat. Collectively, our results indicate that intramuscular administration of Zn-MT to pre-slaughter stressed pigs improved tissue anti-oxidative ability and meat quality.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.257-264
• /
• 2009

A neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been widely used to create animal model for Parkinson's disease (PD) due to its specific toxicity against dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Since DA signals modulate a broad spectrum of CNS physiology, one can expect profound alterations in neuroendocrine activities of both PD patients and 6-OHDA treated animals. Limited applications of 6-OHDA injection model, however, have been made on the studies of hypothalamuspituitary neuroendocrine circuits. The present study was performed to examine whether blockade of brain catecholamine (CA) biosynthesis with 6-OHDA can make any alteration in the transcriptional activities of hypothalamus-pituitary hormone genes in adult male rats. Three-month-old male rats (SD strain) were received 6-OHDA ($200{\mu}g$ in $10{\mu}\ell$ of saline/animal) by intracerebroventricular (icv) injection, and sacrificed after two weeks. To determine the mRNA levels of hypothalamuspituitary hormone genes, total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semi-quantitative RT-PCRs. The mRNA levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme for the catecholamine biosynthesis, were significantly lower than those from the control group (control:6-OHDA=1:0.72${\pm}$0.02AU, p<0.001), confirming the efficacy of 6-OHDA injection. The mRNA levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalami from 6-OHDA group were significantly lower than those from the control group (GnRH, control:6-OHDA=1:0.39${\pm}$0.03AU, p<0.001; CRH, control:6-OHDA=1:0.76${\pm}$0.07AU, p<0.01). There were significant decreases in the mRNA levels of common alpha subunit of glycoprotein homones (Cg$\alpha$), LH beta subunit (LH-$\beta$), and FSH beta subunit (FSH-$\beta$) in pituitaries from 6-OHDA group compared to control values (Cg$\alpha$, control:6-OHDA=1:0.81${\pm}$0.02AU, p<0.001; LH-$\beta$, control:6-OHDA=1:0.68${\pm}$0.04AU, p<0.001; FSH-$\beta$, control:6-OHDA=1:0.84${\pm}$0.05AU, p<0.001). Similarly, the level of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) transcripts from 6-OHDA group was significantly lower than that from the control group (control: 6-OHDA=1:0.86${\pm}$0.04AU, p<0.01). The present study demonstrated that centrally injected DA neurotoxin could downregulate the transcriptional activities of the two hypothalamus-pituitary neuroendocrine circuits, i.e., GnRH-gonadotropins and CRH-ACTH systems. These results suggested that hypothalamic CA input might affect on the activities of gonad and adrenal through modulation of hypothalamus-pituitary function, providing plausible explanation for frequent occurrence of sexual dysfunction and poor stress-response in PD patients.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.321-339
• /
• 1994

The cytokines released by osteoblasts induce bone resorption via the differentiation of osteoclast precursors. In this process, $interleukin-1{\beta}$($IL-1{\beta}$)-induced bone resorption is mediated by granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulation factor(GM-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) released from osteoblasts. Since these cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$) are produced by not only osteoblasts but also monocytes, and interleukin-10(I1-10) inhibits the secretion of these cytokines from monocytes, it may be speculated that IL 10 could modulate the production of GM-CSF, IL-6, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ by osteoblasts, then control $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ bone resorption. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to examine the effects of IL-10 on bone resorption. The sixten or seventeen-day pregnant ICR mice were injected with $^{45}Ca$ and sacrificed one day after injection. Then fetal mouse calvaria prelabeled with $^{45}Ca$ were dissected out. In order to confirm the degree of bone resorption, mouse calvaria were treated with Lipopolysaccharide(LPS), $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, IL-8, $IL-1{\beta}$, and $IL-1{\alpha}$, Then, IL-10 and $interferon-{\gamma}$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$) were added to calvarial medium, in an attempt to evaluate the effect of $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ bone resorption. In addition, osteoclasts formation in bone marrow cell cultures, and the concentration of IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and GM-CSF produced from mouse calvarial cells were investigated in response to $IL-1{\beta}$ alone and simultaneously adding f $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-10. The degree of bone resorption was expressed as the ratio of $^{45}Ca$ release(the treated/the control). The osteoclasts in bone marrow cultures were indentified by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP) stain and the concentration of the cytokines was quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent method. As results of these studies, bone resorption was induced by LPS(1 ng/ml ; the ratio of $^{45}Ca$ release, $1.14{\pm}0.07$). Also $IL-1{\beta}$(1 ng/ml), $IL-1{\alpha}$(1 ng/ml), and $TNF-{\alpha}$(1 ng/ml) resulted in bone resorption(the rations of $^{45}Ca$ release, $1.61{\pm}0.26$, $1.77{\pm}0.03$, $1.20{\pm}0.15$ respectively), but IL-8 did not(the ratio of $^{45}Ca$ release, $0.93{\pm}0.21$). The ratios of $^{45}Ca$ release in response to IL-10(400 ng/ml) and $IFN-{\gamma}$(100 ng/ml) were $1.24{\pm}0.12$ and $1.08{\pm}0.04$ respectively, hence these cytokines inhibited $IL-1{\beta}$(1 ng/ml)-induced bone resorption(the ratio of $^{45}Ca$ release $1.65{\pm}0.24$). While $IL-1{\beta}$(1 ng/ml) increased the number of TRAP positive multinulcleated cells in bone marrow cultures($20{\pm}11$), simultaneously adding $IL-1{\beta}$(1 ng/ml) and IL-10(400 ng/ml) decreased the number of these cells($2{\pm}2$). Nevertheless, IL-10(400 ng/ml) did not affect the IL-6, GM-CSF, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion from $IL-1{\beta}$(1 ng/ml)-activated mouse calvarial cells. From the above results, it may be suggested that IL-10 inhibites $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ osteoclast differntiation and bone resorption. However, the inhibitory effect of IL-10 on the osteoclast formation seems to be mediated not by the reduction of IL-6, GM-CSF, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production, but by other mechanisms.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.57-67
• /
• 2011

Agaricus brasiliensis, one of edible mushroom belonging to Basidiomycota, has been used for curing gastric ulcer and stomach cancer of human beings and also known to have good inhibitory effects on sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich carcinoma of mice. Neutral saline soluble (0.9% NaCl), hot water soluble and methanol soluble substances (hereinafter referred to Fr. NaCl, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH, respectively) were prepared from fruiting body of the mushroom. ${\beta}$-glucan and total protein contents were identify from fractions of edible mushrooms extract. The ${\beta}$-glucan and protein contents of all fractions of the mushrooms ranged from 21.54~32.31% and 0.16~9.34%, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity tests, crude polysaccharides were not cytotoxic against cancer cell lines such as Sarcoma 180, HT-29, NIH3T3 and RAW 264.7 at the concentration of 10~2000 ${\mu}g/ml$. Intraperitoneal injection with crude polysaccharides exhibited life prolongation effect of 18.8~50.6% in mice previously inoculated with Sarcoma 180. Fr. HW increased the numbers of spleen cell by 1.2 fold at the concentration of 200 ${\mu}g/ml$ compared with control. Fr. MeOH and Na improved the immuno-potentiating activity of B lymphocyte by increasing the alkaline phosphatase activity by 1.6 fold compared with control at the concentration of 50~500 ${\mu}g/ml$. Fr. Na generated 15.9 ${\mu}M$ of nitric oxide (NO) when cultured with RAW 264.7 at the concentration of 200 ${\mu}g/ml$, while lipopolysaccharide, a positive control, produced 3.7 ${\mu}M$. The Fr. NaCl, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH increased the secretion of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, Il-2 and IL-6 by 2.2 times compared with the control group. Fr. Na increased the numbers of peritoneal exudate cells by 4 folds at the concentration of 50mg/kg compared with control. Circulating leukocytes increased by 2.7 folds when Fr. HW from A. brasiliensis was inoculated at the concentration of 50 mg/kg body weight. The hematological and blood chemical analysis of the 3 fractions did not show any difference in blood compositions and enzyme activities compared with the control group (p<0.05). Therefore, the experimental results suggested that crude polysaccharides extracted from A. brasiliensis contain antitumor and immuno-potentiating activities against Sarcoma 180 in ICR mice.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2007

Backgrounds : Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is known as the chronic inflammatory diseasethat induces persistent inflammation in the joint cavity. The destruction of cartilage occurs as the result of bones destoyed by pannus, several influential cytokines induced by the synovial capsulitis, varieties of proteinases, $O_2$ radicals, and the secondary degenerative changes of articular cartilage. The type 2 collagen-induced arthritis model is used in recent experimental research on rheumatoid arthritis. Cervus elaphus sibiricus (Nockyong) has the effect of relieving pain by nourishing the muscles, joints, and bones. It is also known to be efficacious in promoting and enhancing the immune system. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Cervus elaphus sibiricus herbal acupuncture to inhibit the generation of proinflammatory enzyme on type 2 collagen-induced arthritis. I investigated the inhibition of mRNA transcription of MIF(macrophage migration inhibitory factor), $TNF-{\alpha}$(Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$) and MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) of Cervus elaphus sibiricus herbal acupuncture using an in vitro test. Also investigated was the inhibition of differentiation of Th 1 cells and activation of cytokines(MIF, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, MMP-9), which are known to cause initial RA ,and are also related to the morphology of the synovial membranes of the joint capsule, by an in vivo test, using CIA(collagen induced arthritis) model mice. Materials & methods : The laboratory animals used in this experiment were 4 week-old DBA female mice, weighing approximately 20 grams, and adjusted to the laboratory environment. The experiment was divided into the normal group(NOR)-no treated group, control group(CON)-CIA induced group, and sample group(SAM)-Cervus elaphus sibiricus herbal acupuncture treated group. RA was induced in the mice via injection of $50{\mu}{\ell}$ C II mixed CFA. The Cervus elaphus sibiricus herbal acupuncture solution was applied on $GB_{35}$(陽陵泉) for 26 days from the 3rd day of RA inducement. The concentration of the solution was determined via a MTT assay. To research the effect on the expression of MIF, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and MMP-9 mRNA, RT-PCR was performed on synovial membrane cells from the knee joint of CIA mice. C II induced RA knee joint's histo-chemical synovial membrane was observed using a specimen model via the Hematoxilin and Eosin dying technique. Results : The expression of mRNA of RA-related cytokines such as MIF, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and MMP-9 dosedependently decreased in the cell from the synovial membranes of the joint, which is treated with Cervus elaphus sibiricus herbal acupuncture solution. In mice treated with Cervus elaphus sibiricusherbal acupuncture, the damage of synovial membranes of the joint was lessened, and differentiation of Th 1 cells was suppressed. The activation of RA-related cytokines such as MIF was suppressed, and the generation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and MMP-9 showed a statistically significant decreas. Conclusions : It is speculated that Cervus elaphus sibiricus herbal acupuncture has the therapeutic effect of palliating the damage of the tissue impaired by RA by inhibition of the initial RA progression and by regulating excessive differentiation of Th 1 cell as it suppresses the generation of RA-related cytokines during the highest stage of RA by acting on pro-inflammatory enzymes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.41 no.12
• /
• pp.1716-1726
• /
• 2012

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antilipid peroxidative, and antioxidant effects of the ethanol extracts of Artemisia iwayomogi (Ai) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with a single intravenous injection (45 mg/kg b.w.) of STZ. The diabetic rats were then randomized to the diabetic and Ai extract therapy groups which were treated with Ai extract at doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/kg b.w./day, respectively, for 14 days. Oral administration of Ai (2 g/kg b.w.) significantly decreased their intake of food. Dosage of 2 g/kg of the extract significantly decreased blood glucose levels in the glucose level in diabetic rats after 4 day, there was no significant difference observed at 1 and 3 g/kg. A dose of 2 or 3 g/kg of the Ai extract significantly reduced plasma glucose levels in STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats at 7 days. The hypoglycemic effect of Ai at a dose of 2 g/kg was significantly more effective than that of STZ-control. The effect was more pronounced in 2 g/kg than 1 g and 3 g/kg. A significant reduction in triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA), and a significant increase in liver glycogen were observed in treated diabetic rats at doses of 2 g/kg after 14 days of treatment. Administration of Ai extracts to diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased in the 3 g extract-supplemented groups. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased in the 1 g and 3 g extract-supplemented groups. Ai extract significantly increased glutathione-S transferase (GST) activity in a dose-dependent manner compared with treatment in STZ-control rats. Our result supports the fact that the administration of Ai extract is able to reduce hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia risk, and also reduce the oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.8
• /
• pp.864-869
• /
• 2006

Purpose : We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of eIPV(Imovax $Polio^{(R)}$) in a group of healthy Korean infants on a three-dose primary vaccination. Methods : Eighty one healthy infants aged 8-10 weeks were enrolled, and 79(male 42, female 37) completed the study. Three doses of eIPV were injected intramuscularly at 2, 4 and 6 months of age as of primary vaccination. Most subjects received concomitant vaccines such as DTaP and/or Hib at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Immediate reactions were monitored for 30 minutes after each injection. Local and systemic events were recorded for 72 hours following each immunization by parents/guardians. Poliovirus specific neutralizing antibodies were measured using enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) at prior to and 1 month after the third dose. An antibody titer of 1:8 or higher was considered seroprotective. Geometric mean titers(GMTs) to each poliovirus type antigen were also measured. Results : One month after the third dose of eIPV, all infants(100 percent) were seroprotective. The geometric mean titers(GMTs) were 1,532(95 percent CI : 1,312-1,788) in type 1 and 835(95 percent CI : 684-1,018) in type 2 and 846(95 percent CI : 692-1,035) in type 3. Overall, local reactions were observed in 10 percent of infants and systemic reactions in 26.2 percent of infants. All reactions were observed within 3 days after vaccination and resolved without treatment. Conclusion : eIPV(Imovax $Polio^{(R)}$) is a well-tolerated and highly immunogenic vaccine. It can be administered either alone or simultaneously with other routine vaccines to Korean infants.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.96-103
• /
• 1998

Purpose : We performed this study to evaluate the immune responses and protective efficacies of the HBV vaccine in infants born from hepatitis B virus(HBV) carrier mothers. Methods : Seventy eight infants born from HBV carrier mothers, who were able to follow up for 12months in the Catholic University St. Vincents hospital, were involved in this study from July 1995 to December 1996. Samples were collected at birth, 4, 8 and 12months after injection of HBIG and HBV heat-inactivated plasma derived vaccines. We evaluated the changes and relationships of viral markers detecting by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay between HBV carrier mothers and their infants. Results : 1) A total of 5.0%(106/2,117) of pregnant women were found to be a HBV carrier. The rates of HBeAg positive and negative were 38.5%(37/96) and 61.5%(59/96), respectively. 2) The seroconversion rates of anti-HBs with infants of HBV carrier mothers at 4, 8 and 12 months were 85.9%(67/78), 75.6%(59/78) and 73.1%(57/78), respectively. Although these were statistically significant differences(P<0.05), they were not related to HBeAg status of the mothers. The geometric mean titers of anti-HBs at 8 and 12 months were significantly higher than at 4 months, statistically(P<0.05). The protective efficacy of the HBV vaccine and HBIG at 12 months in infants from HBeAg positive and negative mothers were 89.8% and 100%, respectively. 3) Five of 78(6.4%) infants became infected by HBV from only HBeAg positive mothers during the follow up period of 12 months. Three of 5 infected infants became HBV carriers. HBsAg positive at birth from HBeAg positive and negative mother were 4 infants, respectively. Three of 4 infants became infected by HBV from only HBeAg positive mothers. Conclusion : We confirmed that the seroconversion rate of HBV heat-inactivated plasma derived vaccine which was one of other vaccines manufacturing in Korea was 85.9%. The protective efficacy of this HBV vaccine and HBIG at 12 months in infants from HBeAg positive and negative mothers were 89.8% and 100%, respectively.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.133-141
• /
• 2010

The protective effect of a mixed powder from solid-cultured and liquid-cultured Lentinus edodes mycelia (2:1, w/w) (designate LED) on the carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)- and ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat was investigated. In the $CCl_4$-induced rat hepatotoxicity experiment, rats of 4 groups (6 rats/group) were administere with Normal (0.2 ml distilled water), Control (0.2 ml distilled water), LED (LED 200 mg/kg BW + 0.2 ml distilled water), and Silymarin (200 mg/kg BW + 0.2 ml distilled water), p.o., daily for 2 weeks. Afterwards, all groups except for the Normal group were subjected to abdominal injection with $CCl_4$ ($CCl_4$ : corn oil, 1:1 v/v; 0.5 ml/kg BW). For the ethanol- induced rat hepatotoxicity experiment, rats were divided into 5 groups (5 rats/group): Normal; Pair-fed control (PFC); Control (ethanol); LED (ethanol + LED 200 mg/kg BW); and Silymarin (ethanol + silymarin 200 mg/kg BW). Rats of the Normal and PFC groups were fed a basal liquid diet, and rats of the Control, LED, and Silymarin groups were fed a liquid ethanol diet containing LED or Silymarin. Eight weeks later, blood and liver samples were collected to analyze biomarkers. In $CCl_4$-induced SD rats, LED elevated hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase) activities and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) were reduced, resulting in the reduction of glutamate-oxalate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in plasma. Similar results of these enzymes and biochemical markers in both liver tissues and plasma were seen in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity of SD rats. In addition, elevated alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and reduced expression of cytochrome p450 mixed monooxygenase enzyme (CYP2E1) were seen in liver tissues from ethanol-treated rats by LED treatment. These effects of LED were similar to those of Silymarin. In in vitro experiments, LED showed antioxidant activity in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) system and mouse liver mitochondria system induced by NADPH/$Fe^{2+}$ and cumine hydroperoxide (CuOOH). These results indicate that LED protected SD rat hepatotoxicity, induced by $CCl_4$ and ethanol, through its antioxidative activity and might be useful as a material for protection from hepatoxicity in humans.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.10
• /
• pp.1207-1214
• /
• 2017

Schisandrae Fructus (SF), the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of chronic diseases. SF extracts have been recently reported to attenuate the inflammatory responses in SW1353 human chondrocyte cells in in vitro and monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced cartilage degradation in in vivo osteoarthritis (OA) models. However, their protective and therapeutic potentials against OA in primary culture chondrocytes and animal models remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the ethanol extract of SF on the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), biomarkers for diagnosis of OA, on interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}-induced$ primary cultured rat cartilage chondrocytes and MIA-induced osteoarthritis in a rat model. Our data indicated that SF treatment significantly reduced the mRNA expression and enzyme activity of MMP-1, -3 and -13 in $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ primary cultured rat cartilage chondrocytes. The chondro-protective effects of SF were then analyzed in a rat OA model using a single intra-articular injection of MIA in the right knee joint. According to our results, the elevated levels of MMP-1 and -3 were markedly ameliorated by SF administration. Collectively, these findings indicate that SF could be a candidate for the treatment of OA.