• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.109-120
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• 1998

Mucosal mast cell (MMC) and goblet cell (GC) responses were observed in the small intestine of two strains of mice (BALBfc and C3H) infected with Weodiplostomum seouLehTe, and their roles in the host defense and worm expulsion were studied. From day 3 to 28 post-infection (Pl) with 200 metacercariae, the worm recovery rate from BALB/c mice was consistently and remarkably higher than that from C3H mice. In the duodenum of both strains of mice, the main habitat of the flukes, mastocytosis was pronounced on day 7 Pl but quickly diminished thereafter. Similar kinetics were observed in the jejunum and ileum, although the extent of mastocytosis was lesser in the ileum than other two areas. These MMC kinetics were not different between the ko strains of mice. Moreover, the extent of mastocytosis was stronger in BALB/C mice than in C3H mice. GC hyperplasia was remarkable in the duodenum of BALBlc mice throughout the course of infection except day 14 Pl, whereas it was recognizable only in the jejunum and ileum of C3H mice on day 7 Pl. Mucin activation was evidently demonstrated in both strains of mice throughout the course of infection, but more marked in BALB/c than in C3H mice. The results strongly suggest that mastocytosis and GC hyperplasia are local immune responses against N. seoulense, however, they play a minor role in the host defense and worm expulsion.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.346-355
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• 2020

Purpose: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has a key role in hepatic fibrogenesis by virtue of its effect on the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Although many studies have shown that PPAR-γ agonists inhibit liver fibrosis, the mechanism remains largely unclear, especially regarding the cross-talk between PPAR-γ and other potent fibrogenic factors. Methods: This experimental study involved 25 male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce liver fibrosis, further divided into an untreated group (BDL; n=10) and a group treated with the PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinedione (TZD), at 14 days post-operation (BDL+TZD; n=10). The remaining 5 rats had a sham operation (sham; n=5). The effect of PPAR-γ agonist on liver fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology, protein immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Histology and immunostaining showed markedly reduced collagen deposition, bile duct proliferation, and HSCs in the BDL+TZD group compared to those in the BDL group (p<0.001). Similarly, significantly lower mRNA expression of collagen α-1(I), matrix metalloproteinase-2, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B chain, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were evident in the BDL+TZD group compared to those in the BDL group (p=0.0002, p<0.035, p<0.0001, and p=0.0123 respectively). Moreover, expression of the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) was also downregulated in the BDL+TZD group (p=0.0087). Conclusion: The PPAR-γ agonist inhibits HSC activation in vivo and attenuates liver fibrosis through several fibrogenic pathways. Potent fibrogenic factors such as PDGF, CTGF, and TGF-β1 were downregulated by the PPAR-γ agonist. Targeting PPAR-γ activity may be a potential strategy to control liver fibrosis.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.109-122
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• 2002

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of the Nuegra on enhancement of the masculine and physical activities in general through measuring changes of the testosterone, FSH and subjective symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, urinary stream, muscular weakness, libido and erectile dysfunction. Total 168 male subjects were enrolled from 12 urology, internal medicine clinics and general practitioner, During the 6-week investigational period, 2 capsules of Nuegra were given to the subjects right after meal for 4 weeks, and 1 capsule of Nuegra was added each time in subjects with no or minimal effect. Testoster-one and FSH levels were measured at first visit and last visit, for evaluating masculine activities. To avoid bias and standardize the test results, only one clinic was assigned as a central lab, and all blood samples were transferred. General information and subjective symptoms were evaluated at first visit and at 2 weeks interval, week 2, 4 and 6 using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The mean age of the subjects were 51.8${\pm}$8.2 years old (range: 36.1-82.1). Based on the subjects who were tested on testosterone and FSH levels at day l and week 6, the means were 4.4${\pm}$1.4 nmol/L (range: 2.6-7.7), 8.6${\pm}$9.6 mIU/mL (range: 0.3-40.4), respectively at day 1. At week 6, the results were 4.9 ${\pm}$1.6 (2.6-8.9 range), 9.4${\pm}$13.1 (1.0-53.9 range), respectively. Marginally significant difference between pre-dose and post-dose was present. Statistically significant differences were revealed in general assessment for subjective symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, etc. In fatigue, response rates were 39.6, 65.4 and 76.4% at week 2, 4 and 6, respectively (P < 0.0001). Response vates for erectile dysfunction were 13.4, 41.2 and 72.7% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively, Response rates for libido were 13.6, 51.6 and 73.5% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. For urinary stream response rates were 26.9, 44.7 and 66.8% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. VAS for muscular weakness did not show significant results that response rates were 40, 60 and 80% at week 2, 4, and 6 from 8.2 (P ＝ 0.24), respectively. Response rates for insomnia were 50, 60, 100% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The results shows that Nuegra tends to enhance masculine activities including libido, erectile dysfunction and urinary stream and also effective for improving general conditions especially insomnia, muscular weakness and fatigue. In conclusion, this investigation has demonstrated that Nuegra does not only have tendency to increase masculine activities through increased secretion of the testosterone and FSH but also improve general conditions such as erectile dysfunction, libido, fatigue and muscular power.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.348-354
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• 2008

Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental endocrine disrupter, enters the human body continuously in food and drink. Young children are likely to be more vulnerable than adults to chemical exposure due to the immaturities of their organ systems, rapid physical development, and higher ventilation, metabolic rates, and activity levels. The direct effect of BPA on peripheral tissue might also be of importance to the development of insulin resistance. However, the influence that BPA has on insulin signaling molecules in skeletal muscle has not been previously investigated. In this study, we examined the effect of BPA on fasting blood glucose (FBG) in post-weaned Wistar rats and on insulin signaling proteins in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of BPA on insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation in C2C12 myotubes. In rats, BPA treatment (0.1-1,000 ng/mL for 24 hours) resulted in the increase of FBG and plasma insulin levels, and reduced insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of insulin receptor (IR) was decreased after 24 hours of BPA treatment in C2C12 cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the mRNA levels of other insulin signaling proteins, including insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and 5'-AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), were unaffected. Treatment with BPA increased GLUT4 expression and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity in C2C12 myotubes, but not in protein levels. We conclude that exposure to BPA can induce insulin resistance by decreasing IR gene expression, which is followed by a decrease in insulin- mediated Akt activation and increased PTP1B activity.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2001

In order to investigate a pathogenesis of liver damage induced by skin burn, thermal injury was induced by scald burn on entirely dorsal surface in rats (total burn surface area $20\sim25\%$) except for inhalated injury. At 5 and 24 h after scald burn, biochemical assay and morphological changes in serum and liver tissue were examined. Skin burn increased liver weight (% of body weight, p<0.05) and the activity of serum aniline amino-transferase (ALT, p<0.05), in addition, the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO), an enzyme of oxygen free radical generating system, was elevated (p<0.01) in serum, but not in skin and in liver. Postburn treatment of allopurinol intraperitoneally decreased liver weight, serum ALT activity and serum XO activity. Scald burn induced ultrastructurally swelling of endoplasmic reticulum, ribosome detachment, accumulation of lipid, dilatation of bile canaliculi and intercellular space, neutrophil infiltration, activation of Kupffer's cells and degeneration of hepatocytic microvilli. Futhermore , thermal injury decreased not only the protein concentration in plasma but also the number of intravascular leukocytes, that indicates induction of edema formation with protein exudation and inflammation by neutrophil infiltration into the internal organs. However allopurinol injection after burn inhibited post burn ultrastructural changes. These data suggest that acute dermal scald burn injury leads to liver damage, that is related to elevation of xanthine oxidase activity in serum. Xanthine oxidase may be a key role in the pathogenesis of liver damage induced by skin burn.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.100-108
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• 2014

In this work, a series of molar ratios composed with YD-128 and DDM were chosen based on the viscosity analysis. The mixtures of YD-128 and DDM with the different molar ratios were cured at $170^{\circ}C$ for 15 min followed by post cure at $190^{\circ}C$ for two hours. The thermal properties of the cured samples were investigated with DSC, TGA, DMA, and TMA. The conversion ratio of the mixtures of YD-128 and DDM (1 : 1.1) was calculated by dividing ${\Delta}H$ obtained from DSC experiments for each cured sample by ${\Delta}H$. The TGA data of the cured samples showed that the thermal stability and thermal degradation activation energy were proportional to the amount of DDM in the mixtures. However, the highest tan ${\delta}$, and the lowest thermal expansion data with DMA and TMA respectively were obtained from the stoichiometric mixture of YD-128 and DDM. Furthermore, the different ratio of mixtures were applied to test specimens to be cured at $170^{\circ}C$ to measure single lap shear strength with universal testing machine.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.685-692
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• 2018

Busan city implemented 'taxi transfer discount system' since October 2017 in order to create for new demand taxis. However, due to the low transfer discount amount and limited payment method to prepaid cards, it is difficult to attain the aim. In this study, we investigated the usage status of taxi transfer discount system and the intention to use taxi transfer discount system according to the discount amount level. We established a model of intention to estimate demand of taxi transfer discount using ordinal logistic model. The results of analysis are as following. The critical reason for low usage was to limit taxi transfer discount payment methods to prepaid cards other than post-paid cards which is used for most transportation payment. It was found that the discount rate for taxi transfers was affected in order of payment method, the purpose of the travel, major transportation, frequency taxi use, age, transportation costs, and the discount of taxi transfers. Also, the taxi transfer discount could be expected to increase to 1,550 won based on the price elasticity of demand due to changes in taxi transfer discount rate.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.59-64
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• 2007

We induced the activation of melanocytes in the epidermis of C57BL/6 mice by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and observed the effect of bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra var. henenis Strapf) leaf extract (BLE) on the formation, and decrease of UVB-induced epidermal melanocytes. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated by $UVB\;80mJ/cm^2(0.5mW/sec)$ daily for 7 days, and BLE was intraperitoneally or topically applied pre-or post-irradiation. For the estimation of change of epidermal melanocytes, light microscopic observation with dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) stain was performed. Split epidermal sheets prepared from the ear of untreated mice exhibited 11-16 $melanocytes/mm^2$, and one week after UV irradiation, the applied areas show an increased number of strongly DOPA-positive melanocytes with stout dendrites. But intraperitoneal or topical treatment with BLE before each irradiation interrupted UVB-induced pigmentation and resulted in a marked reduction in the number of epidermal melanocytes as compared to radiation control skin. The number and size of DOPA-positive epidermal melanocytes were also significantly decreased in intraperitoneally injected or topically applicated group after irradiation with BLE at 3rd and 6th weeks after irradiation. The results of present study indicate that BLE is likely to be useful as inhibitor of UVB-induced pigmentation and depigmenting agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.473-480
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• 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the eukaryotic cells is the first compartment in the secretory pathway. Almost secretory proteins and membrane proteins are secreted through the ER, in which post-translational modifications occur via diverse signals from the ER lumen to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Only then are correctly-folded proteins secreted to the outside cells. Unfolded proteins that accumulate in the ER cause a kind of intracellular stress, ER stress, and activate an unfolded protein response (UPR) system. The 3 major transducers of the UPR are inositol requiring 1 (IRE1), PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), all of which are ER transmembrane proteins. Recently, novel types of a new ATF6 family have been identified. Those commonly have an ER-transmembrane domain, a transcription-activation domain and a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain―Luman, OASIS, BBF2H7, CREBH and CREB4. Each factor functions by regulating the UPR in specific organs and tissues. Although the detailed molecular mechanisms of OASIS family members are unknown, in this study we comprehensively introduce these molecular signals.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.173-180
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined exercise on injury risk factors of lower extremity during landing. Ten sports talented athletes participated in this study. Sports talented athletes participated in a combined exercise (sports talented exercise, coordination) for 16 weeks. A three-dimensional motion analysis was performed using eight infrared cameras (sampling rate of 100 Hz), one force plate, and electromyography system (sampling rate of 1000 Hz) during landing. Kinetic, and kinematics analysis including average impulsive force, angle of lower extremity, vertical stiffness, onset of muscle activation were calculated by Matlab2009a software. Paired t-test was performed at alpha=.05. The average impulsive force in landing phase was not statistically significant (t=-.748, p=.474). The hip joint angle was more decreased in post test compared to pre test (E1: t=2.682, p=.025, E2: t=5.609, p=.000, E3: t=2.538, p=.032). The knee joint (E1: t=-.343, p=.739, E2: t=1.319, p=.220, E3: t=.589, p=.570) and ankle joint (E1: t=.081, p=.937, E2: t=.784, p=.453, E3: t=.392, p=.704) angle were tended to decrease after combined exercise. The vertical stiffness was tended to decrease after combined exercise (t=1.972, p=.080). Onset of quadriceps femoris (t=.698, p=.503) and medial gastocnemius (t=1.858, p=.096) were tended to be faster than biceps femoris (t=-.333, p=.747) after combined exercise. Although thses findings were not statistically significant except on a hip joint angle, risk factors of lower extremity such as joint angle, vertical stiffness and onset of quadriceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius were positively changed after the combined exercise but an additional training for improved onset of biceps femoris would be required in the future.