• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.25-32
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• 2017

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate candidate materials as anti-inflammatory agent from extracts of Korean medicinal plants in Hwaak mountain. Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) is a Korea medicinal plants that commonly used for robustness and hemostasis. It has been reported that LO has exhibited anti-ischemic, anti-oxidative, anti-hypolipidemic, anti-tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, LO has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of LO and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric Oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 15 extracts of Korean medicinal plants tested, Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. LO reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these data, LO inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LO attenuated the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages involving suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of LO is associated with regulation of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.189-194
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• 2022

In this study, a sesame meal was used in order to analyze the proximate composition and mineral contents. The sesame seed meal, pressed from roasted Sesame seed, contains various polyphenols. The defatted sesame meal was extracted using 70% ethanol, and its antioxidant activity and antidiabetic effects were evaluated. Proximate composition of sesame meal was showed that moisture 6.51%, carbohydrate 16.22%, crud protein 46.30%, ash 9.88%, crude fat 21.09%. Mineral contents were K 1128.08 mg/100 g, Ca 1356.27 mg/100 g, Fe 12.29 mg/100 g, P 2022.14 mg/100 g, Cu 2.08 mg/100 g, Mg 643.40 mg/100 g, Na 7.29 mg/100 g. The results showed the sesame meal of 70% ethanol extract had higher polyphenol content (184.98 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (27.63 mg QE/g). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydra-zyl and 2,2'-aziono-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activities of defatted sesame meal (IC₅₀ ) were 891.84 and 340.09 ㎍/mL. According to the test results, the defatted sesame meal extracted using 70% ethanol had significant antioxidant activity and inhibitory ability to diabetes-related enzymes, indicating that it has good potential as a functional food or nutritional food for prevention and treatment of oxidation.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.777-790
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional characteristics of the following Korean-distributed fish species commonly consumed as sliced raw fish (CC-SRF): olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (OF), red sea bream Pagrus major (RS), Atlantic salmon (AS), coho salmon (CS) and sockeye salmon (SS). The crude protein and lipid contents of OF, RS, AS, CS and SS were 20.2% and 5.5%, 21.2% and 6.8%, 17.7% and 18.5%, 18.3% and 16.1%, and 20.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Regardless of the type and weight of fish species, the major amino acids were leucine, lysine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid, whereas histidine was identified as a limiting amino acid. The major minerals in all CC-SRF were P, K and Se based on the recommended daily intake or sufficient intake for Korean males aged between 19-49 years. Among the different types of all CC-SRF, the intake of OF and SS lipids is predicted to be associated with a lower n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio, whereas among the free amino acids, which are expected to have health functionality, we identified taurine in OF and RS, and anserine in salmons. The digestibility of OF, RS, AS, CS and SS were 60.7%, 54.9%, 48.5%, 49.6%, and 53.4%, respectively.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.109-115
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• 2022

Vitellogenesis is the process by which yolk accumulates in developing oocytes. The initiation of vitellogenesis represents an important control point in oogenesis. When females of the model insect Drosophila melanogaster molt to become adults, their ovaries lack mature vitellogenic oocytes, only producing them after reproductive maturation. After maturation, vitellogenesis stops until a mating signal re-activates it. Juvenile hormone (JH) from the endocrine organ known as the corpora allata (CA) is the major insect gonadotropin that stimulates vitellogenesis, and the seminal protein sex peptide (SP) has long been implicated as a mating signal that stimulates JH biosynthesis. In this review, we discuss our new findings that explain how the nervous system gates JH biosynthesis and vitellogenesis associated with reproductive maturation and the SP-induced post-mating response. Mated females exhibit diurnal rhythmicity in oogenesis. A subset of brain circadian pacemaker neurons produce Allatostatin C (AstC) to generate a circadian oogenesis rhythm by indirectly regulating JH and vitellogenesis through the brain insulin-producing cells. We also discuss genetic evidence that supports this model and future research directions.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.353-364
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• 2022

The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of increasing the slaughter weight (SW) of non-lean finishing pigs to improve their meat quality. A total of 36 (Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc gilts and barrows were slaughtered at 115 (Av), 125 (Hi), or 135 (XHi) kg, followed by physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluation on their longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles. Backfat thickness was greater (p < 0.05) for the XHi (31.2 mm) and Hi (29.3 mm) groups than for Av (25.0 mm). Dressing percentage and yield of the belly per whole carcass were also slightly greater for XHi and Hi vs. Av. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of SM was greater for XHi (2.64%) than for Av (1.83%) and Hi (2.04%) and also was correlated with SW (r = 0.55). The pH value, lightness, redness, drip loss, shear force, and moisture and protein contents of LD and SM, as well as IMF content of LD, were unaffected by SW. Percentages of 14:0, 16:0, and total saturated fatty acids (FA) were less for Hi and XHi vs. Av in SM, those of total unsaturated FA, 18:2, 20:4, and n-6 being opposite; FA composition of LM was not influenced by SW except for a reduced 18:0 percentage for XHi vs. Av. The sensory score was less for XHi vs. Av for odor in fresh LD and SM, and less for Hi and XHi vs. Av for aroma in fresh LM; scores for color, drip loss, marbling, and acceptability were unaffected by SW. As for cooked muscles, none of the scores for color, aroma, flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability was affected by SW, except for a greater LD color score for Hi and XHi vs. Av. Collectively, the results suggested that the increased yield of the carcass and belly due to increased SW is outbalanced negatively by excessive backfat deposition in production efficiency, whereas the SW increase exerts little influence on overall sensory quality of fresh or cooked meat. Production of non-lean market pigs overweighing 115 kg therefore will be uneconomical unless consumers pay a substantial premium for the over-fattened pork.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.335-340
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• 1989

In order to find out the optimum harvest (clipping) date combined with sowing date on yield and nutrient Quality of forage rape which is suitable at the southern part of Korea, Velox, introduced variety was grown from Sep. 1987 to May 1988 at Sunchon National University, and yield and nutrient Quality of plant were observed. As harvest date and sowing date were delayed, the plant length was longest, number of branch and leaves per main stem were increased in the time of full bloom clipping and Sep. 24 sowing but stem diameter was thickest in the early sowing. Fresh yield was heaviest in the time of flowering clipping and Sep. 24 sowing but the most dry matter yield was heaviest in the time of full bloom clipping and Sep. 24 sowing. Content of crude protein was highest and that of crude fiber such as NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin were lowest in the late time of clipping and sowing. Further more IVDMD was high and dry matter yield and digestible dry matter yield were highest in the time of flowering clipping and Sep. 24 sowing. Judging from the results reported above, at optimum harvest (clipping) date combined with sowing date for yield and nutrient Quality of forage rape seemed to be the time of flowering clipping and Sep. 24 sowing.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.578-585
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• 1996

This experiment was carried out to obtain the basic informations on yield performance and physicochemical quality properties of North Korean rices at southern high altitude area, Unbong and southeren plain area, Iksan. North Korean cultivars showed significant difference in number of spikelets per panicle, percentage of ripened grain and yield between two locations, but not significant in number of panicle per hill and l000-grain weight. The highest contribution to grain yield was the percentage of ripened grain and l000-grain weight at Iksan and Unbong, respectively, The protein, amylose content, alkali digestion value and Mg/K ratio showed larger variation in varieties than that in the locations cultivated. Mg and K revealed highly significant variations in locations, varieties and variety $\times$ location (V$\times$L) interaction. The amylogram characteristics such as initial pasting temperature, peak, breakdown, setback and consistency viscosities showed highly significant variation in locations, varieties and V$\times$L interaction. The physical characteristics of cooked rice such as adhesiveness, gumniness and chewiness also showed highly significant variations in locations, varieties and V$\times$L interaction.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.404-416
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• 2023

Objective: Daweizi (DWZ) is a famous indigenous pig breed in China and characterized by tender meat and high fat percentage. However, the expression profiles and functions of transcripts in DWZ pigs is still in infancy. The object of this study was to depict the transcript profiles in DWZ pigs and screen the potential pathway influence adipogenesis and fat deposition, Methods: Histological analysis of backfat tissue was firstly performed between DWZ and lean-type Yorkshire pigs, and then RNA sequencing technology was utilized to explore miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs profiles in backfat tissue. 18 differentially expressed (DE) transcripts were randomly selected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to validate the reliability of the sequencing results. Finally, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to investigate the potential pathways influence adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and a schematic model was further proposed. Results: A total of 1,625 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in DWZ pigs, including 27 upregulated and 45 downregulated miRNAs, 64 upregulated and 119 down-regulated lncRNA, 814 upregulated and 556 downregulated mRNAs. QPCR analysis exhibited strong consistency with the sequencing data. GO and KEGG analysis elucidated that the differentially expressed transcripts were mainly associated with cell growth and death, signal transduction, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), PI3K-Akt, adipocytokine and foxo signaling pathways, all of which are strongly involved in cell development, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Further analysis indicated that the BGIR9823_87926/miR-194a-5p/AQP7 network may be effective in the process of adipocyte differentiation or adipogenesis. Conclusion: Our study provides comprehensive insights into the regulatory network of backfat deposition and lipid metabolism in pigs from the point of view of miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.122-133
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to investigating whether lncRNA H19 promotes myocardial fibrosis by suppressing the miR-29a-3p/miR-29b-3p-VEGFA/TGF-β axis. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and healthy volunteers were included in the study, and their biochemical parameters were collected. In addition, pcDNA3.1-H19, si-H19, and miR-29a/b-3p mimic/inhibitor were transfected into cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), and proliferation of CFs was detected by MTT assay. Expression of H19 and miR-29a/b-3p were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and elastin were measured by western blot analysis. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay was carried out to detect the sponging relationship between H19 and miR-29a/b-3p in CFs. Compared with healthy volunteers, the level of plasma H19 was significantly elevated in patients with AF, while miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p were markedly depressed (P < 0.05). Serum expression of lncRNA H19 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p among patients with AF (r_s = -0.337, r_s = -0.236). Moreover, up-regulation of H19 expression and down-regulation of miR-29a/b-3p expression facilitated proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins. SB431542 and si-VEGFA are able to reverse the promotion of miR-29a/b-3p on proliferation of CFs and ECM-related protein synthesis. The findings of the present study suggest that H19 promoted CF proliferation and collagen synthesis by suppressing the miR-29a-3p/miR-29b-3p-VEGFA/TGF-β axis, and provide support for a potential new direction for the treatment of AF.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.639-658
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• 2023

Although goat meat has several health benefits than other red meats but comsumers reluctant it due to its unpleasant flavor. This study aimed to investigate the odorant of goat meat as well as compare the quality traits of meat regarding sex status. The loin meats [non-castrated male (NCM), castrated male (CM), and female (FM)] were collected and stored at 4℃ in a laboratory refrigerator and analyzed on the 1^st, 5^th, and 8^th consecutive days. The moisture content was the lowest and the protein content was highest in FM (p<0.05). Fat and ash content in NCM and FM were similar while lowest in CM. The CIE L^* was significantly higher in NCM, but there were no significant differences of CIE a^* and CIE b^* within groups at initial day. The color intensity increased on the 5^th storage day and decreased again after the 8^th storage day, except in NCM. NCM displayed the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (p<0.05), whereas CM displayed a higher pH value than other groups throughout the storage period. Indole levels were the highest in NCM (0.031 mg/kg); however, skatole levels were not significant differences across all treatments (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the fatty acid composition between NCM and CM (p>0.05), whereas a significant difference was observed in FM (p<0.05). Most of the water-soluble metabolites showed significant differences between sexes. Overall, sex status effects on quality properties of meat and castration can improve the overall sensory acceptance by reducing goaty flavor of Korean native black goat meat.