• Applied Microscopy
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.13-30
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• 1985

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of lead on organisms. Mice received 15mg or 30mg of lead acetate per kg body weight every day for 1, 2 or 3 weeks, and the livers and kidneys were removed 24h after repeated injections. The livers and kidneys were used as sources for measurement of enzyme activities and for observation of alterations in ultrastructure. It was observed that body weights of mice treated with lead acetate were decreased when compared with those before treatment. This decrease in body weight was proportional to dose. The enzyme activities of succinate and malate dehydrogenases of experimental group that was treated with lead acetate for 1 week were nearly unchanged when compared with controls, but the enzyme activities of experimental group that was treated with lead acetate for 2 or 3 weeks were lower than those of controls. Changes in the enzyme activities were dependent on, but were not proportional to dose. Histologic examination of livers and kidneys after lead treatment showed that lead compound was accumulated and damaged in nucleus and mitochondria mainly. It was also observed that intranuclear inclusion bodies were formed only in epithelial cell of kidney proximal tubule after lead treatment. The overall changes in the ultrastructure were much greater in the livers than in the kidneys. From the above results, it nay be possible to conclude that the lead results in the decrease in body weight, reduction in the succinate dehydrogenate and malate dehydrogenase activities, and damages in the ultrastructure of kidney and liver in mouse. The presence of intranuclear inclusion bodies only in the kidney implies that these bodies protect the kidney from lead toxicity to some extent.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.371-378
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• 1997

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of P fertilization and cutting fkquency without N fertilizer on nutritive value and nitrogen fixation activity of alfalfa. A field experiment was conducted on the experimental farm of Kongju National University at Yesan from 1994 to 1996. The experimental design was a split plot design with two P levels as main plot and two cutting frequencies as the sub-plot. The results obtained are summarized as follows. Available phosphate, exchangeable Ca and Na in the soil were slightly increased with P fertilizer and basal treatment of lime. Average DM yield was 1.5 ton and 1.4 ton in second and third year. There was no significant difference within P level and cutting kquency. The first cut showed higest CP value as cutting times increased the value tend to be lowered. Crude protein content in 3 and 4 cutting regimes were from 16.3 to 16.6% 17.4 to 17.9% respectively, but no significant effect were found among the main and sub-plot. ADF and NDF in 1995 were ranged from 38.2 to 39.9, 45.1 to 58.1% respectively. ADF was 2% more higher in 1996 compared to previous year and NDF was slightly higher in 1996. There was significant difference of ADF between main plot in 1995. .P, Ca, K and Mg of 200kg P level with 3 times cutting treatment in 1995 and 1996 were 0.32 and 0.23, 0.95 and 0.84, 3.24 and 2.87, and 0.36 and 0.26. Significant difference of K and Mg between cutting frequency was observed in 1995. Nitrogen fixing activity of 400kg P fertilizer plots were higher than 200kg P level and 3 times cutting plot also showed higher acetylene reduction activity than that of 4 cutting per year. Phosphate level and cutting frequency treatment of did not significantly affect nitrogen fixation activity.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.965-972
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• 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Cheonggukjang extract in in-vitro and in-vivo models. T98G-human glioblastoma cells were pretreated with various concentrations (1~10 mg/mL) of Cheonggukjang extract for 24 h and then exposed to $H_2O_2$ (1 mM) for 3 h. The neuroprotective effects of Cheonggukjang extract were measured using a CCK-8 kit assay, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. The early stage focal ischemia rodent model was used as the in-vivo neurotoxicity model. Various concentrations (10~200 mg) of Cheonggukjang extract were administered to the animal models for 1 week. Peripheral blood was analyzed for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) expression by ELISA, and infarct volume reduction was analyzed by TTC staining. Cheonggukjang extract significantly (p<0.05) increased cell viability in T98G cells against $H_2O_2$ as well as against the induced neurotoxicity. Indeed, treatment with the Cheonggukjang extract induced a decrease in ROS and LDH expression and increased TAC significantly (p<0.05). However, Cheonggukjang extract did not induce a decrease in infarct volume or an increase in GPx expression in the in-vivo model. Despite the limitation in neuroprotection, Cheonggukjang extract may be useful for treating ROS injury.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.161-174
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• 2011

Objectives : The effects of Extraction after Mixture of Bupleuri Radix and Lycii Radicis Cortex on the change of the HPA-Axis system and the Catecholamic system was investigated. Methods : After performing the Forced Swimming Test(FST), the expressions of corticotropin releasing factor(CRF), c-Fos in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN), and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) in the ventral tegmental area(VTA) and locus coeruleus(LC) were measured by immunohistochemical method. Results : The duration of immobility in FST was significantly decreased in A 100(Extraction after Mixture of Bupleuri Radix and Lycii Radicis Cortex, 100mg/kg) and A 400(Extraction after Mixture of Bupleuri Radix and Lycii Radicis Cortex, 400mg/kg)(p<0.001). The expression of CRF in the PVN was shown the tendency to reduce in A100 and A400. The expression of c-Fos in the PVN was shown the tendency to reduce in A100 and A400. The expression of TH in the VTA was shown the tendency to reduce mildly in A100 and A400. The expression of TH in the LC was significantly reduced in A400(p<0.001). And the dose dependent reduction tendency was shown, respectively. Conclusions : According to the results above mentioned, the immobility, c-Fos and CRF expression was reduced at lower dose and was increased at higher dose. Therefore there is contradictory effects on the HPA Axis system in accordance with the dose. But in the effects on the catecholaminergic system, it significantly reduced the expression of TH in the LC. It was validated that the effect on the catecholaminergic system was ruled by Bupleuri Radix rather than Lycii Radicis Cortex via mainly the noradernergic system.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.560-566
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• 2004

To fabricate the continuously porous alumina bodies by multi-extrusion process, carbon powder and ethylene vinyl acetate were used as a pore forming agent and a binder, respectively. As the change of extrusion pass number, reduction ratio as well as the volume fraction of core and tube, the porous alumina bodies having various kind of pore size and porosity could be obtained. The porous bodies showed continuous pore shape, high specific surface as well as high bending strength, which were compared with those of commercial alumina bodies. In-vitro study was carried out using MG-63 osteoblast cells to investigate of their biocompatibility. As a result, the cells grew well on top and bottom as well as inside surface of pore. From the result of in-vivo study of 3-dimensional porous alumina bodies using rats, it was confirmed that any inflammatory response was not found in the subcutaneous tissue around porous body. Also the porous bodies removed from the rats were fully covered with well-developed fibrous tissues and showed the formation of new capillary blood vessels.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2013

This study was conducted to find out biological response of Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to lead (Pb). Experimental period was four weeks. Experimental groups were composed of one control condition and three lead exposure conditions (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mg/l). The results of the study confirmed that lead induces reduction of survival rate and oxygen consumption rate and histopathology of organ structure of the bivalve. Oxygen consumption rate was observed exposure groups lower than control decline by 25%-72%. Histological analysis of organ system illustrated expansion of hemolymph sinus, disappearance of epidermal layer and degeneration of connective tissue layer of the mantle. Also, histological degenerations as epithelial necrosis and hyperplasia of mucous cells are recognized in the gill and it was observed expansion of hemolymph sinus, disruption of epithelial layer, decrease of mucous cell and degeneration of connective tissue layer in the foot. In the digestive diverticulum, it was showed atrophy of basophilic cell and degeneration of epithelial cell in the digestive tubules, and as the concentration of lead increased the accumulation of lipofuscin increased.

• Mycobiology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2011

Botryosphaeran, a water-soluble exopolysaccharide of the ${\beta}-(1{\rightarrow}3;1{\rightarrow}6)$-D-glucan type that has been isolated from the culture medium of Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05 grown in submerged fermentation using glucose as the sole carbon source, was previously demonstrated to be non-genotoxic in peripheral blood and bone marrow, and exhibited strong anticlastogenic activity. In the present study, the effects of botryosphaeran were investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats as well as in high-fat diet-fed hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. The plasma glucose level was reduced by 52% in the diabetic group of rats after administration of 12 mg botryosphaeran/kg body weight of the rats (b.w.)/day by gavage over 15 days. A reduction in the median ration intake was accompanied by an increase in the median body weight gain, as well as the efficiency of food conversion. These results demonstrate that botryosphaeran has protective effects by reducing the symptoms of cachexia in Diabetes mellitus. Botryosphaeran administered by gavage at a concentration of 12 mg botryosphaeran/kg b.w./day over 15 days also reduced the plasma levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol by 18% and 27%, respectively, in hyperlipidemic rats. Based on these findings, we conclude that botryosphaeran possesses hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties in conditions of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, respectively, and may be used as an oral anti-diabetic agent.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 2003

Although medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is considered as a cornerstone of medical treatment for hypercholesterolemia, few studies have evaluated medical and economical outcome of MNT. This study was conducted to identify whether MNT administered by registered dieticians could lead to a beneficial clinical and cost outcome in persons with hypercholesterolemia. A prospective clinical trial was carried out at outpatient clinics, which involved an initial visit with a dietitian followed by another visit at first 4 weeks during the 6 weeks study periods. Thirty-nine subjects took part in a 6 weeks nutrition intervention program. Clinical and economical outcomes were compared before and after MNT. Medical nutrition therapy lowered total serum cholesterol level 6.1% (P<0.05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 9.4% (P<0.05) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 3.0% (P<0.05). The cost-effective ratio was ￦ 1,520/cholesterol mg/dl and ￦ 1,441/LDL-cholesterol mg/dl, respectively. After dietitian's intervention, lipid drug eligibility was obviated in 16 of 39(41%) subjects. The cost savings from the avoidance of lipid medications was ￦ 151,107 per patient annually. In conclusion, it is suggested that provision of systemic intensive nutritional care for persons with hypercholesterolemia has significant effects on serum cholesterol reduction and clinical cost savings.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2006

Biosorption technology was used to remove hazardous materials from wastewater, herbicide, heavy metals, and radioactive compounds, based on binding capacities of various biological materials. Biosorption process can be explained by two steps; the first step is that target contaminants is in contact with microorganisms and the second is that the adsorbed target contaminants is infiltrated with inner cell through metabolically mediated or physico-chemical pathways of uptake. Until recently, no information is available to explain the definitive mechanism of biosorption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate biosorption capabilities of organic matters using activated sludge and to investigate affecting factors upon biosorption. Over 49% of organic matter could be removed by positive biosorption reaction under anoxic condition within 10 minutes. The biosorption capacities were constant at around 50 mg-COD/mg-MLSS for all batch experiments. As starvation time increased under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, biosorption capacity increased since higher stressed microorganisms by starvation was more brisk. Starvation stress of microorganisms was higher at aerobic condition than anaerobic one. As temperature increased or easily biodegradable carbon sources were used, biosorption capacities increased. Consequently, biosorption can be estimated by biological -adsorbed capability of the bacterial cell-wall and we can achieve the cost-effective and non -residual denitrification with applying biosorption to the bio-reduction of nitrate.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.364-374
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• 2013

Monacolin K and yellow pigment, produced by Monascus sp., have each been proven to be beneficial compounds as antihypercholesterolemic and anti-inflammation agents, respectively. However, citrinin, a human toxic substance, was also synthesized in this fungus. In this research, solidstate fermentation of M. purpureus TISTR 3541 was optimized by statistical methodology to obtain a high production of monacolin K and yellow pigment along with a low level of citrinin. Fractional factorial design was applied in this study to identify the significant factors. Among the 13 variables, five parameters (i.e., glycerol, methionine, sodium nitrate, cultivation time, and temperature) influencing monacolin K, yellow pigment, and citrinin production were identified. A central composite design was further employed to investigate the optimum level of these five factors. The maximum production of monacolin K and yellow pigment of 5,900 mg/kg and 1,700 units/g, respectively, and the minimum citrinin concentration of 0.26 mg/kg were achieved in the medium containing 2% glycerol, 0.14% methionine, and 0.01% sodium nitrate at $25^{\circ}C$ for 16 days of cultivation. The yields of monacolin K and yellow pigment were about 3 and 1.5 times higher than the basal medium, respectively, whereas citrinin was dramatically reduced by 36 times.