• 현장농수산연구지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.5-13
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• 2020

생체 조직 내에서 표지인자의 발견은 해당 세포의 특성과 기능을 이해하는 데 매우 중요하다. 기존에 밝혀진 돼지 정원세포의 표지인자로는 PGP9.5, PLZF, NANOG, SSEA1 등의 단백질이 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 최근 새로이 발굴된 돼지 정원세포 표지인자인 IGFBPs 의 기능을 분석하기 위해 IGFBPs 의 발현과 이를 조절하는 단백질인 PAPP-A 단백질의 발현을 5일령 돼지 정소에서 확인하였다. IGFBP 2, 3, 4, 6 의 발현이 돼지 정원세포 특이적으로 높게 나타났으며 PAPP-A의 발현은 세르톨리세포 특이적으로 나타났다. PAPP-A 의 발현을 PGP9.5, GATA4 등의 표지 인자와 함께 확인해 본 결과 PGP9.5를 발현하는 정원세포에서는 발현하지 않았으며, 세정관 내의 세르톨리세포 특이적으로 발현하였다. 이러한 사실로 미루어 볼 때 세르톨리세포에서 발현하는 PAPP-A 단백질은 정원세포에서 발현하는 IGFBPs 의 조절을 통하여 알려진 바와 같이 IGF axis 를 통해 정소내 세포들의 발달 및 분화를 조절할 것으로 판단된다.

• 현장농수산연구지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.131-142
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• 2020

전 세계적으로 국화에 큰 피해를 야기하는 국화왜화바이로이는 단일나선형의 감염성 RNA 병원체로, 1997년 국내에서 처음 발견된 이후 전국적으로 빠르게 전파되고 있다. 그러나 이러한 심각성 에도 불구하고, 국화왜화바이로이드는 재배적, 화학적 방제가 불가능하기 때문에 예방 이외에는 방제할 수 있는 방법이 거의 없는 실정이다. 따라서 국화 재배에 있어 국화왜화바이로이드병을 방제하기 위해서는 저항성 품종의 육성이 절실하다. 이에 본 연구에서는 국화왜화바이로이드 저항성 품종 육성을 위한 기반 구축을 위해 유전자원을 선발하고자 하였다. 스프레이 167 품종과 스탠다드 25품종 등 총 192 품종을 공시하여 접목즙액접종법을 통해 병 저항성 검정을 실시한 결과, 대부분의 품종에서 초장이 감소하는 전형적인 왜화 증상을 나타냈으며, 화경이 감소하고 화색이 퇴화되는 증상을 보였다. 그러나 일부 품종에서는 이와 같은 병징이 나타나지 않거나 지연되는 경향을 보였다. 192 품종 가운데 5% 이하의 초장 감소율을 보인 'Chiwerel'과 'Jeongheungdaesin'은 저항성, 20% 미만의 초장감소율을 보인 'Inga' 등 6 품종은 중도저항성, 그리고 그 외 184품종은 감수성으로 평가되었다. 저항성 발현이 안정적으로 나타나는 'Chiwerel' 등의 품종들은 국화왜화바이로이드병 저항성 품종을 육종하는 교배모본으로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권7호
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• pp.523-531
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• 2022

본 연구에서는 한방복합추출물(마황, 창출, 석고, 카카오닙스)을 제조하여, 추출물에 대한 항산화 활성 및 지방세포형성억제 활성을 확인하고자 하였다. 한방복합물의 항산화 활성을 확인하기 위하여 DPPH, ABTS⁺ radical 소거능 및 xanthine oxidase 저해 활성을 측정한 결과 추출물 1,000 ㎍/ml 농도에서 각각 75.0, 100.8 및 79.5%로 높은 소거능을 나타내었다. 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에서 한방복합물에 의한 지방형성 및 지방세포 분화 억제를 조사한 결과 0~50 ㎍/ml 농도에서 3T3-L1 세포 생존율에 영향을 미치지 않았다. 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에서 25, 50 및 75 ㎍/ml의 한방복합물 처리는 농도 의존적으로 지질 축적을 억제하였다. Western blot 실험 결과 한방복합물은 MDI 유도 분화 3T3-L1 세포에서 분화 전사인자인 PPARγ, C/EBPα 을 75 ㎍/ml 농도에서 각 44.2, 76.6% 억제함을 나타내었다. 또한, 지방산 합성 조절 인자인 FAS의 발현도 억제하였다. 이와 같은 결과를 바탕으로 본 연구는 항비만 기능성 소재로서 한방복합추출물의 활용 가능성을 제시해 줄 수 있을 것으로 사료 된다.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.23-35
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• 2022

Recently, passengers using public transport are concerned about the effects of COVID-19 and fine dust. Therefore, from February 2020 to February 2021, we investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected even after disinfection in 55 public transportation places visited by confirmed patients in Seoul. 34 air samples and 702 object surface samples were collected and tested with RT-PCR, one surface sample was positive. In addition, preemptive investigations were conducted in 22 subway trains that passengers were being on board at that time. 1,018 preemptive tests were performed, and all were negative. Although PM-2.5 is dangerous in itself, it can be a potential carrier of viruses. It seemed that a solution was needed as one line continuously exceeded the criteria of PM-2.5. Through this study, it is judged that cluster infection in public transportation can be prevented if efforts to reduce the concentration of fine dust, appropriate disinfection management, and personal disinfection such as wearing a mask in public transportations.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.628-635
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• 2022

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the large intestine disease that results in chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) is known for its pharmacological activities. Persicaria tinctoria (PT) is also used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the attenuating effects of Rg3-RGE with PT on oxazolone (OXA)-induced UC in mice. Methods: A total of six groups of mice including control group, OXA (as model group, 1.5%) group, sulfasalazine (75 mg/kg) group, Rg3-RGE (20 mg/kg) group, PT (300 mg/kg) group, and Rg3-RGE (10 mg/kg) with PT (150 mg/kg) group. Data on the colon length, body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histological changes, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Real-time PCR of inflammatory factors, ELISA of inflammatory factors, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were obtained. Results: Overall, the combination treatment of Rg3-RGE and PT significantly improved the colon length and body weight and decreased the DAI in mice compared with the treatment with OXA. Additionally, the histological injury was also reduced by the combination treatment. Moreover, the NO production level and inflammatory mediators and cytokines were significantly downregulated in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the model group. Also, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) were suppressed in the combination treatment group compared with the OXA group. Furthermore, the number of immune cell subtypes of CD4⁺ T-helper cells, CD19⁺ B-cells, and CD4⁺ and CD25⁺ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) was improved in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the OXA group. Conclusion: Overall, the mixture of Rg3-RGE and PT is an effective therapeutic treatment for UC.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.541-556
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• 2022

Myocardial fibrosis is a key link in the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Its etiology is complex, and the effect of drugs is not good. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important cause of myocardial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gaseous signal molecule sulfur dioxide (SO₂) on diabetic myocardial fibrosis and its internal regulatory mechanism. Masson and TUNEL staining, Western-blot, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used in the study, and the interstitial collagen deposition, autophagy, apoptosis, and changes in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways were evaluated from in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that diabetic myocardial fibrosis was accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis and down-regulation of endogenous SO₂-producing enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AAT)_1/2. However, exogenous SO₂ donors could up-regulate AAT_1/2, reduce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by diabetic rats or high glucose, inhibit phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT protein, up-regulate autophagy, and reduce interstitial collagen deposition. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the gaseous signal molecule SO₂ can inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote cytoprotective autophagy and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis to improve myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. The results of this study are expected to provide new targets and intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.665-675
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), an active ingredient in ginseng, may be a potential agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the protective effect of Rg1 on neurodegeneration in AD and its mechanism of action are still incompletely understood. Methods: Wild type (WT) and APP/PS1 AD mice, from 6 to 9 months old, were used in the experiment. The open field test (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWM) were used to detect behavioral changes. Neuronal damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Nissl staining. Immunofluorescence, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) were used to examine postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) expression, amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, Tau and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and NAPDH oxidase 2 (NOX2) expression. Results: Rg1 treatment for 12 weeks significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments and neuronal damage and decreased the p-Tau level, amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression, and Aβ generation in APP/PS1 mice. Meanwhile, Rg1 treatment significantly decreased the ROS level and NOX2 expression in the hippocampus and cortex of APP/PS1 mice. Conclusions: Rg1 alleviates cognitive impairments, neuronal damage, and reduce Aβ deposition by inhibiting NOX2 activation in APP/PS1 mice.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.263-268
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• 2022

Health care workers (HCWs) are more than ten times more likely to be infected with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population, thus demonstrating the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs. Factors that expose HCWs to a differentially high-risk of COVID-19 acquisition are important to elucidate, enable appropriate public health interventions to mitigate against high risk and reduce adverse outcomes from the infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence on SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs. With no geographical limitation, we included studies, in any country, that reported (i) the PCR laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 as an independent variable (ii) one or more COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs with risk estimates (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) (iii) original, quantitative study design, and published in English or Mandarian. Our initial search resulted in 470 articles overall, however, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of the 10 studies included in the review, inadequate/lack of protective personal equipment, performing tracheal intubation, and gender were the most common risk factors of COVID-19. Based on the random effects adjusted pooled relative risk, HCWs who reported the use of protective personal equipment were 29% (95% CI: 16% to 41%) less likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study also revealed that HCWs who performed tracheal intubations were 34% (95% CI: 14% to 57%) more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, this study showed that female HCWs are at 11% higher risk (RR 1.11 95% CI 1.01-1.21) of COVID-19 than their male counterparts. This article presents initial findings from a living systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, did not yield many studies; however, it revealed a significant insight into better understanding COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs; insights important for devising preventive strategies that protect them from this infection.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권8호
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• pp.1017-1025
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• 2022

Bone homeostasis is regulated by constant remodeling through osteogenesis by osteoblasts and osteolysis by osteoclasts and osteoporosis can be provoked when this balance is broken. Present pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis have harmful side effects and thus, our goal was to develop therapeutics from intrisincally safe natural products. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide extracted from many species of brown seaweed, with valuable pharmaceutical activities. To intensify the effect of fucoidan on bone homeostasis, we hydrolyzed fucoidan using AMG, Pectinex and Viscozyme. Of these, fucoidan biotransformed by Pectinex (Fu/Pec) powerfully inhibited the induction of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) by the receptor for activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). To investigate potential of lower molecular weight fucoidan it was separated into >300 kDa, 50-300 kDa, and <50 kDa Fu/Pec fractions by ultrafiltration system. The effects of these fractions on TRAP and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were then examined in differentiated osteoclasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, respectively. Interestingly, 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclasts differentiation from BMMs but did not synergistically enhance osteoblasts differentiation induced by osteogenic agents. In addition, this fraction inhibited the expressions of NFATc1, TRAP, OSCAR, and RANK, which are all key transcriptional factors involved in osteoclast differentiation, and those of Src, c-Fos and Mitf, as determined by RT-PCR. In conclusion, enzymatically low-molecularized 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed TRAP by downregulating RANKL-related signaling, contributing to the inhibition of osteoclasts differentiation, and represented a potential means of inducing bone remodeling in the background of osteoporosis.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.495-500
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• 2021

본 연구는 2020년 5월부터 7월까지 서울시내 대형마트에서 수거한 연어 제품 65건에 대해서 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스를 분리하고, 분리한 균주에 대해서 혈청형, 병원성 관련 유전자 유무 및 항균제 내성 현황을 조사하였다. 연어 제품 65건 중에서 훈제연어 제품 53건 중 15건(28.3%), 기타 연어 제품 12건 중 1건(8.3%)에서 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스가 분리되었다. 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스 16균주의 혈청형을 분석한 결과 1/2a 형이 6균주(37.5%), 1/2b 형이 10균주(62.5%)로 1/2b 형이 우세한 것으로 확인되었다. 연어 제품의 보관방법, 제조회사 및 연어의 원산지별 혈청형과의 연관성을 살펴본 결과 냉장보관 제품에서는 1/2a 형이, 냉동제품에는 1/2b 형이 우세하였으며, 동일 제조회사 제품에서 동일한 혈청형이 확인되었고, 연어 원산지별과는 연관성이 확인되지 않아 연어 제조공정상에서 균의 오염이 주로 이루어짐을 짐작할 수 있었다. 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스의 병원성과 관련된 10가지 유전자에 대해 PCR 검사를 수행한 결과 16균주 모두 병원성 관련 유전자가 검출되어 잠재적으로 병원성이 확인되었다. 분리된 16균주에 대하여 15종의 항균제에 대한 감수성 시험을 실시한 결과 cefotetan 16주(100%), cefotaxime 14주(87.5%), cefepime 5주(31.3%), erythromycin과 tetracycline에 각각 1주(6.3%) 순으로 내성을 나타내었고, 나머지 10종의 항균제에 대해서는 모두 감수성을 나타내었다. 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스는 본질적으로 cefotetan, cefotaxime, cefepime과 같은 cephalosporine 계 항균제에 내성을 나타내는 것을 감안하면 대부분의 항균제에 감수성을 나타내는 것으로 확인되었다. 국내에서 소비가 점점 늘고 있고, 비가열 섭취가 대부분인 연어 제품에서 소비자의 안전성 확보를 위해 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스에 대한 지속적인 모니터링 및 관련 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.