• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.11
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• pp.1632-1646
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• 2023

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary betaine (BT) supplementation on the hepatic transcriptome profiles in broiler chickens raised under heat stress (HS) conditions. Methods: A total of 180 (21-d-old) Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allotted to 1 of 3 treatment groups with 6 replicated cages in a completely randomized design. One group was kept under thermoneutral conditions at all times and was fed a basal diet (PC). Other 2 groups were exposed to a cyclic heat stress condition. One of the 2 groups under heat stress conditions was fed the basal diet as a negative control (NC), whereas the other group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% BT. All chickens were provided with diets and water ad libitum for 21 d. Following the experiment, the liver samples were collected for RNA sequencing analysis. Results: Broiler chickens in NC and BT group had decreased (p<0.05) growth performance. In the transcriptome analysis, the number of differentially expressed genes were identified in the liver by HS conditions and dietary BT supplementation. In the comparison between NC and PC treatments, genes related to energy and nucleic acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and immune system were altered by HS, which support the reason why heat-stressed poultry had decreased growth performance. In the comparison between NC and BT treatments, genes related to lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and immune system were differently expressed under HS conditions. Conclusion: HS negatively impacts various physiological processes, including DNA replication, metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and cell cycle progression in broiler chickens. Dietary BT supplementation, however, offers potential counteractive effects by modulating liver function, facilitating gluconeogenesis, and enhancing immune systems. These findings provide a basis for understanding molecular responses by HS and the possible benefits of dietary BT supplementation in broiler chickens exposed to HS.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.387-398
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• 2024

Euphorbia humifusa Willd (Euphorbiaceae) is a functional raw material with various pharmacological activities. This study aimed to validate the inhibitory effect of Euphorbia humifusa extract (EHE) on adipocyte differentiation in vitro and in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced mouse model to evaluate the E.a humifusa as a novel anti-obesity and lipid metabolism enhancer agent. EHE effects on obesity and lipid metabolism were assessed in HFD-induced obese mice after 4-week treatments. Results were compared among four treatment groups (n = 7/group): low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD), and HFD-induced obese mice treated with either 100 or 200 mg/kg/day EHE (EHE100 and EHE200, respectively). EHE (50 to 200 ㎍/ml) and quercetin (50 ㎍/ml) significantly reduced 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation (p < 0.001), in a concentration-dependent manner. EHE affected lipid metabolism, as evidenced by changes in serum lipid components. The HFD-EHE100 and HFD-EHE200 groups exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) reduced triglycerides (TG, 97.50 ± 6.56 and 82.50 ± 13.20 mg/dL, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c: 40.25 ± 4.99 and 41.25 ± 6.36 mg/dL, respectively) compared to the HFD group (TG: 129.25 ± 19.81 mg/dL; LDL-c: 51.75 ± 11.59 mg/dL). Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Oil red O staining showed that EHE markedly reduced lipid accumulation and inhibited lipogenesis in the liver. Interestingly, EHE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the expression of adipogenic transcription factors in liver tissue. Our results indicated that EHE has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for addressing obesity and lipid metabolism.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.194-203
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• 2024

Evaluating cell metabolism is crucial during pluripotent stem cell (PSC) differentiation and somatic cell reprogramming as it affects cell fate. As cultured stem cells are heterogeneous, a comparative analysis of relative metabolism using existing metabolic analysis methods is difficult, resulting in inaccuracies. In this study, we measured human PSC basal metabolic levels using a Seahorse analyzer. We used fibroblasts, human induced PSCs, and human embryonic stem cells to monitor changes in basal metabolic levels according to cell number and determine the number of cells suitable for analysis. We evaluated normalization methods using glucose and selected the most suitable for the metabolic analysis of heterogeneous PSCs during the reprogramming stage. The response of fibroblasts to glucose increased with starvation time, with oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate responding most effectively to glucose 4 hours after starvation and declining after 5 hours of starvation. Fibroblasts and PSCs achieved appropriate responses to glucose without damaging their metabolism 2~4 and 2~3 hours after starvation, respectively. We developed a novel method for comparing basal metabolic rates of fibroblasts and PSCs, focusing on quantitative analysis of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation using glucose without enzyme inhibitors. This protocol enables efficient comparison of energy metabolism among cell types, including undifferentiated PSCs, differentiated cells, and cells undergoing cellular reprogramming, and addresses critical issues, such as differences in basal metabolic levels and sensitivity to normalization, providing valuable insights into cellular energetics.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1049-1056
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• 2007

This study was conducted to compare the methane ($CH_4$) production estimated by in vivo (sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique ($SF_6$)) with that of two in vitro rumen simulation (RUSITEC) and gas production (IVGPT)) techniques. Four adult dry Holstein cows, aged $7.4{\pm}3.0$ years and weighing $697{\pm}70$ kg, were used for measuring methane production from five diets by the $SF_6$ technique. The experimental diets were alfalfa hay ($D_1$), corn silage + soybean meal (SBM) (910: 90, $D_2$), Italian rye grass hay +SBM (920: 80, $D_3$), rice straw +SBM (910: 90, $D_4$) and Sudan grass hay +SBM (920: 80, $D_5$). Each diet was individually fed to all 4 cows and 5 feeding studies of 17 d each were conducted to measure the methane production. In the RUSITEC, methane production was measured from triplicate vessels for each diet .In vitro gas production was measured for each of the diets in triplicate syringes. The gas produced after 24 and 48 h was recorded and gas samples were collected in vacuum vials and the methane production was calculated after correction for standard temperature and pressure (STP). Compared to the $SF_6$ technique, estimates of methane production using the RUSITEC were lower for all diets. Methane production estimated from 24 h in vitro gas production was higher (p<0.001) on $D_1$ as compared to that measured by $SF_6$, whereas on $D_2$ to $D_5$ it was lower. Compared to $SF_6$, methane production estimated from 48 h in vitro gas production was higher on all diets. However, methane estimated from the mean of the two measurement intervals (24+48 h/2) in IVGPT was very close to that of $SF_6$ (correlation 0.98), except on $D_1$. The results of our study confirmed that IVGPT is reflective of in vivo conditions, so that it could be used to generate a database on methane production potential of various ruminant diets and to examine strategies to modify methane emissions by ruminants.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.152-161
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• 2015

CodY is a highly conserved protein in low G+C gram-positive bacteria that regulates genes involved in sporulation and stationary-phase adaptation. Bacillus thuringiensis is a grampositive bacterium that forms spores and parasporal crystals during the stationary phase. To our knowledge, the regulatory mechanism of CodY in B. thuringiensis is unknown. To study the function of CodY protein in B. thuringiensis, BMB171codY^- was constructed in a BMB171 strain. A shuttle vector containing the ORF of cry1Ac10 was transformed into BMB171 and BMB171codY^-, named BMB171cry1Ac and BMB171codY^-cry1Ac, respectively. Some morphological and physiological changes of codY mutant BMB171codY^-cry1Ac were observed. A comparative proteomic analysis was conducted for both BMB171codY^-cry1Ac and BMB171cry1Ac through two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The results showed that the proteins regulated by CodY are involved in microbial metabolism, including branched-chain amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we found CodY to be involved in sporulation, biosynthesis of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate, growth, genetic competence, and translation. According to the analysis of differentially expressed proteins, and physiological characterization of the codY mutant, we performed bacterial one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments and confirmed the direct regulation of genes by CodY, specifically those involved in metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, ribosomal recycling factor FRR, and the late competence protein ComER. Our data establish the foundation for in-depth study of the regulation of CodY in B. thuringiensis, and also offer a potential biocatalyst for functions of CodY in other bacteria.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mulberry leaves contain quercetin derivatives, which have the effects of reducing obesity and improving lipid and glucose metabolism in mice with obesity. It is not clear whether or not mulberry leaves can directly affect metabolic disorders, in the presence of obesity, because of the interaction between obesity and metabolic disorders. The aim of the current study was to assess the direct action of quercetin derivatives on metabolic disorders in non-obese conditions in short-term high-fat diet fed mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6N mice were fed a high-fat diet, supplemented with either 0% (control), 1%, or 3% mulberry leaf powder (Mul) or 1% catechin powder for five days. Anthropometric parameters and blood biochemistry were determined, and hepatic gene expression associated with lipid and glucose metabolism was analyzed. RESULTS: Body and white fat weights did not differ among the four groups. Plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids in the 1%, 3% Mul and catechin groups did not differ significantly from those of the controls, however, plasma glucose and 8-isoprostane levels were significantly reduced. Liver gene expression of gp91phox, a main component of NADPH oxidase, was significantly down-regulated, and PPAR-${\alpha}$, related to ${\beta}$-oxidation, was significantly up-regulated. FAS and GPAT, involved in lipid metabolism, were significantly down-regulated, and Ehhadh was significantly up-regulated. Glucose-metabolism related genes, L-PK and G6Pase, were significantly down-regulated, while GK was significantly up-regulated in the two Mul groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Mul quercetin derivatives can directly improve lipid and glucose metabolism by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing ${\beta}$-oxidation. The 1% Mul and 1% catechin groups had similar levels of polyphenol compound intake ($0.4{\times}10^{-5}$ vs $0.4{\times}10^{-5}$ mole/5 days) and exhibited similar effects, but neither showed dose-dependent effects on lipid and glucose metabolism or oxidative stress.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.231-240
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• 2001

Purpose: Normal aging results in detectable changes in the brain structure and function. We evaluated the changes of regional cerebral glucose metabolism in the normal aging process with FDG PET. Materials and Methods: Brain PET images were obtained in 44 healthy volunteers (age range 20-69 'y'; M:F = 29:15) who had no history of neuropsychiatric disorders. On 6 representative transaxial images, ROIs were drawn in the cortical and subcortical areas. Regional FDG uptake was normalized using whole brain uptake to adjust for the injection dose and correct for nonspecific declines of glucose metabolism affecting all brain areas equally. Results: In the prefrontal, temporoparietal and primary sensorimotor cortex, the normalized FDG uptake (NFU) reached a peak in subjects in their 30s. The NFU in the prefrontal and primary sensorimotor cortex declined with age after 30s at a rate of 3.15%/decade and 1.93%/decade, respectively. However, the NFU in the temporoparietal cortex did not change significantly with age after 30s. The anterior (prefrontal) posterior (temporoparietal) gradient peaked in subjects in their 30s and declined with age thereafter at a rate of 2.35%/decade. The NFU in the caudate nucleus was decreased with age after 20s at a rate of 2.39%/decade. On the primary visual cortex, putamen, and thalamus, the NFU values did not change significantly throughout the ages covered. These patterns were not significantly different between right and left cerebral hemispheres. Of interest was that the NFU in the left cerebellar cortex was increased with age after 20s at a rate of 2.86%/decade. Conclusion: These data demonstrate regional variation of the age-related changes in the cerebral glucose metabolism, with the most prominent age-related decline of metabolism in the prefrontal cortex. The increase in the cerebellar metabolism with age might reflect a process of neuronal plasticity associated with aging.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.331-338
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate the cardiopulmonary function and the energy metabolism of stroke patients and normal persons of graded load exercise using lower ergometer. Targeting 11 normal persons(male: 6, female: 5) and 9 stroke patients (male: 4, female: 5), an graded load exercise was performed with the use of lower ergometer by increasing 25 watts every 6 minute and Quark $b_2$ were used for the cardiopulmonary function and the energy metabolism. With respect to normal persons, there were significant increases in the phase of graded load exercise, maximum oxygen uptake time, exercise time with respect to the cardiopulmonary function. In addition, there was a significant correlation between cardiopulmonary function and energy metabolism, but there was no significant difference energy metabolism. As a result, there were no significant differences between stroke patients and normal persons of the cardiopulmonary function and the energy metabolism within 18 minutes, but it had significant differences between maximum oxygen uptake and exercise time. Moreover, it was possible to identify that the cardiopulmonary function and the energy metabolism of stroke patients and normal persons are related with maximum oxygen uptake.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.99-117
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• 1998

Objective This experimental study was designed to investigate effects of Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang administration among long distance runners on changes of the energy and electrolyte metabolism. Materials and Methods All subjects were divided randomly with two groups, Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang Group (N=4) and control group (N=4) and performed to run the 400m track with 70% of HR max about 1 hour. The blood samples were collected from antecubital vein by 5ml syringes at before exercise, immediately after exercise, recovering-10 min. recovering-30 min, recovering-1 hour. These samples were used to analyze for the factors of the change on metabolic responses. First, the primary factors on the changes of the energy metabolism were checked ; Glucose, Free fatty acid, Lactate, LDH. Second, the primary factors on the changes of the electrolyte metabolism were checked ; Na+, CI-. K+. Results 1. The change of the energy metabolism 1) Glucose response was not shown significant difference between two groups. 2) Free fatty acid response in Bo-joong-ik-gi -tang group was significantly increased at recover-10 min. 3) Lactate response in Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang group was significantly decreased at immediately after exercise, recover-10 min, recover-30 min. 4) LDH response was not shown significant difference between two groups. 2. The change of the electrolyte metabolism 1) Na+ response in Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang group was shown significant difference between two groups at before exercise. 2) Cl- response in Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang group was significantly increased at before exercise, immediately after exercise. 3) K+ response in Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang group was significantly increased at recover-10 min. Conclusion According to the above results, it was shown that Bo-joong-ik-gi-tang had the positive effects on changes of the energy and electrolyte metabolism for the long distance runners.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.157-165
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• 2007

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of fructose(F) or sucrose(S) and guar gum intake on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in 15-week-old male Goto-Kakizaki(GK) rats. Fifty rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups which were different in carbohydrate(25% of carbohydrate) and fiber(5% w/w) sources. The carbohydrate(CHO) sources of each group were comstarch(control group, 100% of CHO), fructose with cellulose(F), fructose with guar gum(FG), sucrose with cellulose(S), and sucrose with guar gum(SG). Each group was fed exterimental diet for 4 weeks. We measured food intake, body weight gain, adipose tissues weight and organs weight. We conducted oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) and measured plasma insulin concentration to examine carbohydrate metabolism. To evaluate lipid metabolism, we measured the lipid profile of plasma, liver and feces. Food intake and weight gain of FG or SG groups tended to be less than those of F or S groups. Perirenal and epididymal fat pad weights of SG group were significantly lower than those of S group and those of FG group tended to be lower than those of F group. In OGTT, blood glucose values of F or S groups were significantly higher than those of C group, and FG or SG groups tended to be lower than those of F or S groups during the experimental time. The area under the curve(AUC) of C group was significantly highest among the groups, AUC and plasma insulin concentration of FG or SG groups tended to be lower than those of F or S groups. Plasma and hepatic triglyceride (TG) of FG and SG groups were significantly lower than those of F and S groups, plasma and hepatic total lipid(TL) and total cholesterol(TC) of FG and SG groups tended to be lower than those of F and S groups. Fecal TL, TG and TC of FG or SG groups tended to be higher than those of F and S groups. In conclusion, intake of guar gum should improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in partial substitution of fructose or sucrose for cornstarch in GK rats.