• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.185-211
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• 2002

We have found many beneficial effects of the long-tenn intake of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type-I infected patients, including the maintenance of CD4+ T cell count for 10 years with KRG only and the delayed development of resistance mutation to ZDV. In this study, to investigate whether KRG-intake could affect the clinical progression and nef gene variation, we determined 200nef sequences from 70 patients. Follow-up period was $8.8{\pm}2.9$ years and annual decrease in CD4+T cell was $41{\pm}57/ul.$ Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing were perfonned with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained at times during the study period. First, there was a significant correlation between survival duration and duration of KRG-intake $(36.8{\pm}38$ months)(P=0.000). There were significant correlations between the last NefProg score and CD4+ T cell count (r= 0.208, P<0.05) and annual decrease in CD4+ T cell count (r =0.346, P<0.01) in 70 patients. In addition, there were significant correlations between KRG-intake and annual decrease (r= 0.323, P<0.01), and the CD4+ T cell count itself (r=0.229, p<0.05). Furthennore, there was also a mild significance between the NefProg score and the duration of KRG-intake in only SP and RP (n=30, r=-0.281, P=0.067). In addition, we detected various defects in 21 patients $(30.0\%),$ not including 5 premature stop codons. Ten $(12.5\%)$ patients showed repeated deletion of an amino acid. Four of 10 patients were gross deletions and they were treated with KRG for more than 20 months. The number of patients with repeated gross deletions was significantly higher in the order of slow progressors $(18\%)$, typical progressors($3\%$), and rapid progressors($0\%$) (P<0.05). We also observed that long-tenn intake of KRG might make the change from A or D to T at position 54 and decrease NefProg score. Taken together, our results show clear evidence that the long-term intake of KRG has effects on nef gene variation as well as definite clinical usefulness.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.7-16
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• 2003

Objectives : The lipolytic effects of catecholamines in adipose tissue are mediated by members of adrenergic receptors. This study was conducted to examine the effects of ${\beta}2-AR$ Gln27Glu (Q27E) polymorphism on obesity indices and risk among obesity clinic patients. Methods : 532 subjects, 38 men and 494 women, who attended a weight loss program in a local obesity clinic were analyzed. Height, weight, BMI, WHR and obesity index were measured or calculated. Body composition was measured by bio-impedance analysis. Genotype of ${\beta}2-AR$ polymorphism in codon 27 was analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Serum concentrations of fasting glucose, total and HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride were determined by autobiochemical analyzer. Results: The Genotype distributions of ${\beta}2-AR$ gene were QQ type 81.3%, QE type 17.9% and EE type 8%. Therefore, the frequency of E allele of ${\beta}2-AR$ gene was 0.170 in the total subjects. The frequency of the ${\beta}2-AR$ variant genotype(QE+EE) was significantly higher in obese group($BMI{\geqq}25$) compared with non-obese group(p=0.027). Weight was significantly higher in variant(QE+EE) type compared with normal(QQ) type in total subjects(p=0.001), male(p=0.022) and female(p=0.013). BMI, obesity index and WHR were also significantly higher in QE+EE type. Body fat man was significantly higher in QE+EE type in total subjects(p=0.005) and female(p=0.027). When forward stepwise regression analysis was used to create a model of risk predictors of obesity($BMI{\geqq}25$), QE+EE type of ${\beta}2-AR$ gene was found to be a significant risk factor for obesity (p=0.042, ORs 1.597). Conclusions: QE+EE genotype of ${\beta}2-AR$ was associated with increased obesity indices and might be a significant risk factor for obesity.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.141-157
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of DOGO phreatic water containing germanium on Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga mouse. Methods : We made DOGO phreatic water added germanium. After making atopic dermatitis caused by sensitizing NC/Nga mouse to DNCB(dinitrochlorobenzene), we made mouse swim in tanks each filled with distilled water, tap water, DOGO phreatic water, DOGO phreatic water(added germanium) for 30minutes everyday. 3weeks later, we analyzed skin clinical score, total IgE levels(by ELISA), WBC differential counting(Neutrophils, Monocytes), absolute cell number of $Neutrophil^+Gr-1^+$, CCR3 mRNA expressions(by Real-time PCR), IL-4, IFN-${\gamma}$ production levels(by ELISA), histologic test(by H&E staining, toluidine blue staining). Results : The results of making NC/Nga mouse induced atopic dermatitis swim in tanks filled with DOGO phreatic water(contain germanium) are as follows. 1. Skin clinical scores were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 2. Total IgG levels were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 3. WBC differential counting(Neutrophils, Monocytes) were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 4. Absolute cell number of $Neutrophil^+Gr-1^+$ were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 5. CCR3 mRNA expressions were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 6. IL-4, IFN-${\gamma}$ production levels were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 7. The epithelial tissue thickness, leucocytes infiltration, erythema, edema, excoriation, scaling, mast cells infiltrations in dorsal skin were decreased in comparison to control group. Conclusions : These results indicate that DOGO phreatic water(contain germanium) can be used for helping treat atopic dermatitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.94-110
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• 2010

Objective : This study was performed to evaluate the effect of immune reaction inductive substances such as phorbol-myristate-acetate(PMA), lipopolysaccharide(LPS), dermato-phagoides pteronyssus crude extract(DPE), dinitrochloro-benzene(DNCB) and Cryptotympana pustulata(CP), the Cryptotympana pustulata extracting substance at simultaneously on the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-${\kappa}B$) towards to the nucleus and the mRNA expression patterns of various cytokine genes in Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line(THP-1 cells), monocytes of human. Experiment : To analyze cytokine genes expression patterns, the RT-PCR method was used, measuring tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-$\alpha$ that had been secreted during cell culture in the ELISA method. The morphological change in the cell observed during THP-1 cell culture was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the quantitative distribution in the cell NF-${\kappa}B$ was analyzed through immunocytochemistry and a confocal microscopy. Result : CP showed different influences onto the mRNA expression patterns of cytokine genes with PMA, LPS. DPE and DNCB according to the types of immune inductive substances in the THP-1 cells. The expressions of inter-leukin(IL)-10, interferon(INF)-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$ and monocyte chemoattractantant protein(MCP)-1 induced by PMA were suppressed by CP while the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-$\beta$ was promoted. Regarding the secretion pattern of TNF-$\alpha$ according to PMA processing, its secretion amount was increased by CP concurrent processing, in case of processing CP onto PMA and LPS, We discovered that the secretion amount of TNF-$\alpha$ was increased. Upon processing PMA and LPS on the THP-1 cell strain at the same time or either additionally processing CP thereon, the movement increase towards the nucleus from the NF-${\kappa}B$ cell cytoplasm, a transcription factor was able to be observed. Conclusion : In this study, Cryptotympana pustulata extracting substance was confirmed that it had an influence on expression patterns of cytokine genes according to the actions of a variety kinds of immune reaction inductive substances processed on the monocyte THP-1 cell of humans. Therefore, additional studies as for the immune adjusting function of Cryptotympana pustulata are considered to be able to offer important materials for curing immune abnormal diseases such as atopy dermatitis afterward.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2018

Objectives : In this study, we investigated whether Astragali Radix Pharmacocupuncture (ARP) has an effective on the full thickness defect wound healing process of mouse. Methods : A total of 50 mice (ICR mouse, 7 week-old male) were divided into control group and ARP group. A single full thickness skin defect was made on the dorsal side of the each mouse using an 8mm diameter biopsy punch. Control group were treated with 0.2㎖ saline and ARP group were treat with 0.2ml ARP at 8 points around the wound every three days total 4 times during the experimental period. The change in wound size, contraction rate, healing rate, and epithelization rate was measured by digital images taken on days 3, 6, 9, and 13, and evaluated using a digital image analysis program. Tissues were collected for histological analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot on days 3, 6, 9, and 15. Results : The results are as follows. ARP group accelerated the rate of wound contraction, wound healing and epithelization compared to the control group. ARP group showed the decrease of inflammatory cells in early inflammatory phase compared to the control group. ARP group upregulated PECAM-1 mRNA and protein expression compared to the control group. ARP group inhibited the scar width and area compared to the control group. Conclusions: ARP showed positive effects on wound healing through the inhibition of inflammatory reaction and increase of PECAM-1 expression related to the wound healing process.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2018

In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Abeliophyllum distichum (A. distichum) leaves that were prepared via air-drying. Fresh and air-dried A. distichum leaves were examined via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assay and measurements of the reducing power. The suppression effects on inflammation of the leaves were analyzed by a western blot and RT-PCR on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. As a result, the antioxidant activity of the fresh leaves was found to be more effective than that of the air-dried leaves. Also, the fresh leaves were more effective in suppressing the protein and mRNA levels of iNOS and COX-2 than the air-dried leaves, thereby indicating the better anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the contents of phenolic compounds and acteoside were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the acteoside content decreased with the use of the air-drying method, while there was no change in the content of phenolic compounds. Therefore, this study indicated that fresh A. distichum leaves potential antioxidant and suppression activities of various factors that are involved in the production of NO, which were found to be better than those of air-dried A. distichum leaves. These biological activities were also found to be independent of the content of phonolic compounds and were assumed to be directly or indirectly related to the content of acteoside.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.152-158
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• 2009

We performed RAPD analysis to investigate the inter-/intraspecific relationships and regional variations of Phragmites japonica and P. communis according to the environmental change. One hundred and fourty nine genetic effective polymorphic bands between 300 bp and 1,900 bp were marked from RAPD PCR with nine oligoprimers. From the RAPD analysis by Nei-Li's genetic distance, the dissimilarity indices among the populations of Phragmites japonica were relatively low from 0.012 to 0.061, and Phragmites communis were also low from 0.033 to 0.095. It showed the close genetic relationships among the same species populations, and both species were distinctly independent with relatively high level of dissimilarity indices (0.043 - 0.132). The obvious genetic markers to distinguish two species were confirmed and those profiles were suggested. From the UPGMA phenogram by RAPD analysis, both species showed the water environment related cluster patterns by distributional regions. RAPD analysis was useful to delimit two species taxonomically and to investigate the genetic relationships among inter-/intraspecific populations.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.62-69
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• 2014

In the results of monitoring nitrate concentration in more than 8,000 groundwater wells around agro-livestock, the average and maximum nitrate concentration was 9.4 mg/L and 101.2 mg/L, respectively. Since about 31% of the monitoring wells was exceed the quality standard for drinking water, nitrate control such as remediation or source regulation is required to conserve safe-groundwater in South Korea. Typical nitrate-treatment technologies include ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and biological denitrification. Among the treatment methods, biological denitrification by indigenous microorganism has environmental and economic advantages for the complete elimination of nitrate because of lower operating costs compared to other methods. Major mechanism of the process is microbial reduction of nitrate to nitrite and nitrogen gas. Three functional genes (nosZ, nirK, nirS) that encode for the enzyme involved in the pathway. In this work, we tried to develop simple process to determine possibility of natural denitrification reaction by monitoring the functional gene. For the work, the functional genes in nitrate-contaminated groundwater were monitored by using PCR with specific target primers. In the result, functional genes (nosZ and nirK) encoding denitrification enzymes were detected in the groundwater samples. This method can help to determine the possibility of natural-nitrate degradation in target groundwater wells without multiplex experimental process. In addition, for field-remediation application we selected nitrate-contaminated site where 200~600 mg/L of nitrate is continuously detected. To determine the possibility of nitrate-degradation by stimulated-natural attenuation, groundwater was sampled in two different wells of the site and nitrate concentration of the samples was 300 mg/L and 616 mg/L, respectively. Fumarate for different C/N ratio was added into microcosm bottles containing the groundwater to examine denitrification rate depending on carbon concentration. In the result, once 1.5 times more than amount of fumarate stoichiometry required was added, the 616 mg/L of nitrate and 300 mg/L of nitrate were completely degraded in 8 days and 30 days. The nitrite, byproduct of denitrification process, was also completely degraded during the experimental period.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.59-66
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• 2001

This study was conducted to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and genetic characterization of silkworms that might be recognized as the Korean native strains. Genetic characterization in isozymes and the proteins of larval hemolymph of 17 silkworms were observed by acrylamide gel eletrophoresis, on 12 genes; Bph, Bes, les, Amy-hc, Ict-A, -B, -D,-E,-H, Pfl, Pst, Lp. Gene frequencies in each locus were compared other geographic strains. Korean native strains were remarkably different from others considered as the genetic characterization of Korean native strains. Phylogenetic relationships in Korean native strains were analysed using RAPD-PCR markers. A total of 40 primers were used and 346 bands of amplified DNA were generated from geographic strains. Genetic similarity based on the RAPD bands was used to construct phylogenetic dendrogram based on analysis of bard sharing data of amplified markers. Genetic similarity ranged from 0.595 to 0.860. In the genetic relationship based on dendrogram, they were classified into Bombyx mori group (including 16 domesticated silkworm strains) and B. mandarina group. The Bombyx mori group was separated into three sub-groups at the genetic similarity of 0.6930, including Korean, Japanese and Chinese groups. According to this result, the Korean native variety can be considered as a clearly different variety from other geographic strains. It may be concluded that the Korean native strains are also one of original geographic variety such as Japanese, Chinese, etc.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.62.1-62.13
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• 2021

Background: Canine mammary gland tumor (MGT) is the most common cancer in aged female dogs. Although it's important to identify reliable metastasis or prognostic factors by evaluating related to cell division, adhesion, and cancer stem cell-related transcription factor (TF) in metastasis-induced canine MGT, but there are limited studies. Objectives: We aimed to identify metastasis prognostic factors and cancer stem cell-TFs in canine MGTs. Methods: Age-matched female dogs diagnosed with MGT only were classified into metastatic and non-metastatic groups by histopathological staining of MGT tissues. The mRNA levels of cancer prognostic metastasis molecular factors (E-cadherin, ICAM-1, PRR14, VEGF, HPRT1, RPL4 and hnRNP H) and cancer stem cell-related TFs (Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog) were compared between metastatic and non-metastatic canine MGT tissues using qRT-PCR analysis. Results: The mRNA levels of ICAM-1, PRR14, VEGF, hnRNP H, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog in metastatic MGT group were significantly higher than those in non-metastatic MGT group. However, mRNA level of RPL4 was significantly lower in metastatic MGT group. Loss of E-cadherin and HPRT1 was observed in the metastatic MGT group but it was not significant. Conclusions: Consistent expression patterns of all metastasis-related factors showing elevation in ICAM-1, PRR14, VEGF, hnRNP H, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog, but decreases in RPL4 levels occurred in canine MGT tissues, which was associated with metastasis. Thus, these cancer prognostic metastasis factors and TFs of cancer stem cells, except for E-cadherin and HPRT1, can be used as reliable metastasis factors for canine MGT and therapeutic strategy.