• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.347-355
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• 2022

Levels of beauvericin (BEA) and enniatins (ENNs: ENA, ENA1, ENB, and ENB1) were examined in fresh ginger (n = 43) and ginger powder (n = 31) samples from Korea. In the ginger samples, incidence of BEA contamination was highest, at 62.79%, with a maximum detected BEA level of 640.07 ㎍/kg. ENNs in were found in up to 11.63% (ENB, ENB1) of ginger samples, with a maximum detected level of 91.02 ㎍/kg (ENA). In the ginger powders, ENB contamination displayed the highest rate of incidence (70.97%), but the highest level of BEA (1,344.18 ㎍/kg) exceeded that of ENB (413.99 ㎍/kg). The incidences of ENA, ENA1, ENB, and ENB1 presence in ginger powders were 29.03%, 22.58%, 70.97%, and 35.48%, respectively, and their highest detected levels were 220.45, 156.61, 413.99, and 70.29 ㎍/kg, respectively. The incidence of BEA and ENN contamination was higher in ginger powder than in ginger. Respective co-occurrence rates of BEA and ENNs in ginger and ginger powder samples were 16.28% and 64.52%, indicating that the BEA and ENN co-contamination rate was highest in ginger powder as well. This is the first report on the presence and co-occurrence of BEA and ENNs in Korean ginger and ginger powder.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.353-362
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• 2007

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common food borne mycotoxin and occurs predominantly in grains such as wheat, barley, oats, etc. DON induces systemic health problems such as loss of appetite, emesis and diarrhea in both human and farm animals. Reliable diagnostic parameters for DON intoxication are needed to prevent deep health impact. In order to establish useful diagnostic parameters, we investigated clinical signs, hematological values, serum biochemical values, gross-, histo- and toxico-pathological findings in B6C3F1 male mice after oral administration of DON (0.83, 2.5 and 7.5 mg/kg) for 8 days. Body weight gain was significantly decreased at the highest dose of DON. Anorexia, ataxia, for crudness and lack of vigor were observed at the highest dose DON group. In hematological values, the numbers of WBC and platelets and hemoglobin content were reduced with decreased neutrophil and monocytes by 7.5 mg/kg DON. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were prolonged in a dose-dependent manner and the content of fibrinogen was elevated at high dose of DON. Of serum biochemical values, total protein, globulin, BUN, cholesterol and test-osterone were reduced but total bilirubin and albumin/globulin ratio increased. The enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase was decreased while that of alanine aminotransferase was elevated. Relative organ weights of thymus, seminal vesicle/prostate and testes were dose-dependently reduced but those of liver and left adrenal gland increased with dose dependency. As for pathological findings, atrophy of thymus, seminal vesicle/prostate and testes and submucosal edema and ulceration in stomach and depletion of lymphocytes in thymus cortex were observed. In conclusion, these clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and patholgical parameters obtained in the present studies can be used for diagnosis of DON-mycotoxicosis, especially, low WBC, platelets, protein, BUN and testosterone and delayed prothrombin time can be available as for reliable diagnostic parameters.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.831-837
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• 1999

Ochratoxin A (OA), a naturally occurring mycotoxin, has been known to cause renal and hepatic lesion in human and animals. This study was carried out to investigate the modulation effects of antioxidant vitamins on OA-induced lipid peroxidation associated with oxidative damage. Vitamin C (10 mg/kg/day) and vitamin E (63.8 mg/kg/day) were administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection to male ICR mice, and 1 hr later, OA which was dissolved in 0.1 M $NaHCO_3$, treated 4 mg/kg/day by i.p. injection. During 4 days repeated, and then measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in microsomes of liver and kidney. Additionally, the relationship between cell damage and modulation effects of antioxidant vitamins was evaluated by comet assay. Results were as followed; i) SOD, catalase activity and MDA level were significantly increased by OA treated, ii) SOD, catalase activity and MDA formation were significantly decreased by antioxidant vitamins combine treated, iii) blood cell damage associated with lipid peroxidation, induced by OA, also modulated by antioxidant vitamins. These results indicated that antioxidant vitamins might be used for prevention of renal and hepatic damage due to ochratoxicosis.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 1974

62 specimens of deteriorated rice which were collected all over Korea, were classified according to their color outlooks, and the causitive microorganisms were isolated and identified. The following results were observed; 1. 62 specimens of deteriorated rice were classified according to color outlooks into 7 types; reddish yellow, light reddish yellow, light gray yellow, light reddish yellow, light gray yellow, light red, ligt gray, dark gray and rice weevil type. 2. The isolated microorganisms from 62 specimens of deteriorated rice were 44 species, 5 genera of molds, 1 species of yeast, and 14 species, 4 genera of bacteria. 3. The frequently observed microorganisms which caused the deterioration were Asp. glaucus group, Asp. oryzae, Asp. candidus, and Asp. versicolor. Among bacteria, Bacillus was dominant. 4. The relationship between color outlook types and the deterioration causing microrrganisms was not definite, but Pen. islandicum from reddish yellow, Asp. candidus and Asp. clavatus from light reddish yellow, Asp. glaucus group, Asp. candidus, Asp. versicolor and Asp. fumigatus from light red, Asp. oryzae from light gray yellow, and Asp. glaucus group and Pencillium species from light gray and dark gray were chiefly isolated. 5. As mycotoxin producing fungi, Asp. fumigatus, Pen. citrinum, Pen. islandicum, Asp. flavus, and Asp. ochraceus were detected, but their growth frequencies were not very high to be problems except Pen, islandicum which infected an imported rice sample heavily.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.193-200
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• 2007

Indoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations were examined at classrooms and corridors of 3 elementary schools in Ulsan. Airborne microorganisms were collected with an impaction-type air sampler using plate count agar and dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol agar. During the semester, concentrations of bacteria ranged $168{\sim}3,887 MPN/m^3$ at classrooms and $168{\sim}6,339 MPN/m^3$ at corridors, while those of fungi ranged $34{\sim}389 MPN/m^3$ at classrooms and $91{\sim}507 MPN/m^3$ at corridors. The bacterial concentrations showed larger variations between situations and schools compared to those of fungi. When airborne bacteria were isolated and identified, 84% were observed as Gram-positive, and Micrococcus spp. was the most abundant group with 61% of tested isolates, followed by genus Staphylococcus with 10%. The Micrococcus spp. isolates, of which 75% were identified as M. luteus, appeared to be from human origins. The protective pigments and substantial cell wall of Micrococcus may provide selective advantage for their survival in the air. We also isolated and identified 15 genera of filamentous fungi. The most common culturable fungi were Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium, and these 3 genera were 69% of fungal isolates. Genus Stachybotrys, of which S. chartarum is a well known producer of many potent mycotoxins, was also detected from one of the schools. further systematic studies are necessary with an emphasis on species identification and mycotoxin production of isolated fungal genera, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2010

This study was conducted to monitor aflatoxins in various medicinal herbs, providing available data for the safety of those products. To monitor aflatoxins in medicinal herbs, a total of 400 samples of 40 different herbs were collected in commercial retailers in Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu, and Busan from March to August, 2008. The samples that passed the sensory evaluation were tested for aflatoxins. Aflatoxins in samples were analyzed by HPLC-florescence coupled with photochemical enhancement. Samples were extracted with 70% methanol and then diluted to the appropriate concentration. A refining process was performed using an immunoaffinity column. The analytical method used in this study was validated. The $R^2$ value for aflatoxin $B_1$ was 0.99946, and the detection range was from 0.25 to 10.0 ng/mL. The accuracy of the analysis was ranged from 83.2% to 101.8%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) in the aflatoxin $B_1$ analysis was 3.4%, demonstrating the precision of this method. In addition, the detection limit and quantitative analysis limit of aflatoxin $B_1$ was $0.53\;{\mu}g/kg$ and $1.76\;{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. These results indicated that the analytical method used in this study was appropriate. The results of HPLC showed that 1% (4 samples) of the samples may contain aflatoxins. The concentration of quantified aflatoxin was $2.3\;{\mu}g/kg$ for both Quisqualis fructus and Remotiflori radix samples. The other samples were below the limit of quantification. Moreover, the concentration of aflatoxin $B_1$ which is made by specific fungi were below the level of regulation. Only 20% of aflatoxin $B_1$ were transferred to hot water. Therefore, the levels of aflatoxins in medicinal herbs were considered to be safe especially considering the aflatoxin transfer ratio.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.315-321
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• 2011

This study was performed to investigate contamination levels of aflatoxins, the secondary metabolites produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, in herbal medicine. Herbs is susceptible to these fungi infections through its growth harvest, transport and storage. This study determine the aflatoxin $B_1$, $B_2$, $G_1$ and $G_2$ levels by HPLC-florescence detector coupled with photochemical enhancement in 558 samples herbal medicine distributed in Korea and China. Also, We checked a transfer ratio of aflatoxins from raw herbal medicines to herbal medicine extract. Hot water extraction of herbal medicines was prepared by air pressure and high pressure condition. The analytical method for aflatoxins was validated in this method. In results recoveries of the analytical method were ranged from 67.4% to 96.2% and, limits of detection and quantitation for aflatoxins were $0.015{\sim}0.138\;{\mu}g/kg$ and $0.046{\sim}0.418\;{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. According to the results of monitoring on aflatoxins in herbal medicine, aflatoxins 1.7 ug/kg $B_1$ and 0.9 ug/kg $G_1$ were detected in only one sample of Strychni Ignatii Semen, and 0.8 ug/kg $G_1$ in Strychni Semen. About 13.6~51.3% of aflatoxins were transferred to hot water extract. Although the detected levels are under the permitted levels for aflatoxins in herbal medicine, these amounts should be considered in regard to overall daily exposure to mycotoxins.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.188-196
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• 1995

To obtain useful mould strain in soybean fermentation industry, we collected conventional Meju all over the Korea and tested existance of aflatoxin in Meju collected. Also, we measured distribution of microorganism and enzyme activity of Meju and isolated Aspergillus oryzae O4-5 as a industrially useful mould. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. Aflatoxin was not detected by EZ-Screen Test Kit and HPLC analysis in various Meju sample collected all over the Korea from 1994.12 to 1995.2. 2. Colony forming units(CFU) of mould, yeasts, aerobe, and anaerobe were $1.3{\times}10^4-2.8{\times}10^6$, $1{\times}10^2-1.5{\times}0^6$, $2.0{\times}10^7-8.0{\times}10^8$ and $3.0{\times}10^6-7.3{\times}10^8$ per gram of Meju, respectively, indicating that CFU inter Meju samples were varied with big difference. 3. The activities of ${\alpha}$-amylase and gluco-amylase were 5-80 units and 2-34 units per g of Meju, respectively. It was shown that enzyme activity was varied depending on where the Meju was collected. 4. The activities of acidic, neutral and alkaline protease were 5-33 units, 5-302 units and 5-363 units per g of Meju, respectively. Acidic protease of Improved Meju made by D-Company was higher than that of conventional Meju as 66 units per g of Meju. 5. CNU O4-5 strain selected as a noble strain could produce amylase and protease in high level, and identified as a strain that belongs to Aspergillus oryzae. 6. The activities of acidic and neutral protease of Aspergillus oryzae CNU O4-5 strain isolated were about 10% higher than those of Aspergillus oryzae JM which has been used in soybean fermentation industry. Amylase activity of CNU O4-5 strain was similar to Aspergillus oryzae JM.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.374-382
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• 2011

Aflatoxin ($AFB_1$) is a potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin in humans. It is also well-known to be accumulated in animal tissues via various metabolic pathways. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin C on the residual $AFB_1$ in rat sera that were treated with radiation and $AFB_1$. Six week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: a control group, $AFB_1$-treated group, the group treated with $AFB_1$ and vitamin C, the group treated with X-ray and AFB1, and the group treated with X-ray and $AFB_1$ with vitamin C. On the first day of the experiment, only one dose of X-rays was exposed to the entire liver at 1,500 cGy. Next, vitamin C was injected at 10 mg/kg body weight via intraperitoneal injection, followed 1 hr later by the administration of 0.4 mg/kg of $AFB_1$ via intraperitoneal injection. These treatments were then administered every three days over a period of 15 days. On the 16th day of treatments, the animals were sacrificed. The contents of $AFB_1$ in rat sera were determined via indirect competitive ELISA and HPLC method. In the quantitative analysis of $AFB_1$ in rat sera via ELISA, $5.17{\pm}0.34$ ng/mL of $AFB_1$ was detected in the $AFB_1$-treated groups, but the amount more significantly decreased to $3.23{\pm}0.76$ ng/mL in the groups treated with $AFB_1$ and vitamin C (p<0.01) than in the $AFB_1$-treated groups. The $AFB_1$ contents of the rat sera of the groups treated with X-ray and $AFB_1$ did not significantly decreased with the administration of vitamin C. The $AFB_1$ content of the rat sera that was analyzed via HPLC showed a tendency similar to that of the content that was analyzed via ELISA. With regard to these data, vitamin C was very effective in reducing $AFB_1$ residue in rat sera.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2009

Patulin, a mycotoxin mainly produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus, is found in various foods. In the present, a maximum acceptable level for patulin is established at $50{\mu}g/kg(ppb)$ in apple juices and apple concentrates in Korea. But patulin may be detected in foods produced with other fruits. In the present study, patulin contamination was analyzed in 520 samples of fruit juices and beverages, and 50 samples of fruit juice concentrates. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was applied to quantitatively analyze patulin levels in samples and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC/MS/MS) was used to remove false positive results. The results showed that three samples of 520 fruit juices and beverages and five samples of 50 fruit juice concentrates were contaminated by patulin, $9.8-18.0{\mu}g/kg$ and $4.7-18.2{\mu}g/kg$ respectively. Contaminated samples were produced with apple, orange or pear. This indicates that it is necessary to extend the regulatory range of patulin. In the other hands, the present study confirmed the effectiveness of LC/MS/MS analytical method to remove false positive results.