• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.1063-1073
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• 2016

Male climacteric syndrome, andropause, or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is one of the new health issues in elderly men. It is a natural phenomenon that happens with age in men, which is clinically characterized by a decline in levels of serum testosterone resulting in a significantly decreasing of physical and mental activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative alleviative effects of dandelion extract on the symptoms of TDS by increasing serum testosterone levels and compare the efficacy between dandelion extract (DE) and fermented dandelion extract (FDE). After daily intake of DE and FDE for 4 weeks, serum testosterone levels, muscles of vastus lateralis, forced swimming time, total sperm counts, and motile sperm counts were significantly increased in older rats (22 weeks). Additionally, SHBG, epididymal fat pad, total serum cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased in DE and FDE fed groups. However, PSA levels were not different among all groups. Furthermore, DE and FDE enhanced the expression of genes related to testosterone biosynthesis in TM3 Leydig cells. Overall, these positive effects on andropause were greater in FDE compared to DE. These results suggest the potential of FDE as a safe and efficacious natural material for recovering testosterone levels and reducing andropause symptoms.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.271-284
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• 1994

Purpose : Phospholipase C(PLC) isozymes play significant roles in transmembrane signal transduction. PLC-${\gamma}1$ acts as the intracellular effector in signal transduction for cellular proliferation and differentiation. Ras oncoprotein is also involved in cell growth. We determined the biological significance of PLC and ras oncoprotein in regeneration following radiation and the effect of different modes of administration of 5-FU. Materials and Methods : To determine the effect of the administration mode of 5-FU on the regeneration of intestinal mucosa of rats following radiation, we compared the expression of PLC and ras oncoprotein in six groups. Group I had no treatment. Group II received radiation(8 Gy) only. Group III received radiation(8 Gy) and 5-FU(150mg/kg) continuous intravenous (iv) infusion for 12 hours. Group IV received radiation(8 Gy) and 5-FU(750mg/kg) iv bolus injection. Group V received only 5-FU(150mg/kg) continuous iv infusion for 12 hours, Group VI received only 5-FU (150mg/kg) iv bolus injection. Through immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of PLC and ras oncoprotein in rat jejunum at 96 hours after radiation or 5-FU administration and at 120 hours after radiation and 5-FU adminstration. We also investigated the histological findings using hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results : In the immunohistochemistry study, PLC-${\gamma}1$ expression was the highest in group III followed by groups II and VI in that order and was weakly positive in groups V and VI. PLC-${\gamma}1$ was hardly detected in the control group. The expression of ras oncoprotein was the same as the PLC-${\gamma}1$ expression for all groups. These results were confirmed by the histological findings regarding the mucosal regeneration. In the immunoblotting analysis, PLC-${\gamma}1$ expression was the highest in group III followed by group IV and II in that order. This difference between the immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry study was due to the high expression of PLC-${\gamma}1$ on the damaged surface epithelium rather than to its expression in the regeneration region as observed in the immunohistochemistry study for group IV. The expression of PLC-${\delta}1$ was positive only in group V and VI, which received both radiation and 5-FU, and the expression of PLC-${\beta}1$ was negligible for all groups. Conclusion : These results suggest that PLC-${\gamma}1$ mediated signal transduetion and ras oncoprotein may have a significant role in mucosal regeneration after radiation, and that continuous iv infusion of 5-FU may induce active regeneration in intestinal mucosa following radiation. In addition, the expression of PLC-${\delta}1$ in combined group of radiation and 5-FU implies that PLC-${\delta}1$ may be involved in signal transduction mediated by concerted action between radiation and 5-FU.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.600-607
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• 2015

In vitro and in vivo experiments using Achyranthis radix and Drynariae rhizoma extracts were conducted. Antioxidant properties were analyzed and the effects on bone, glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated. Drynariae rhizoma (64.67%) obtained higher DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to Achyranthis radix (19.03%). Similar results were obtained in the reducing power. No differences were observed on the ABTS radical scavenging ability and SOD. In contrast, Achyranthis radix (77.60%) has higher chelating ability compared to Drynariae rhizoma (46.21%). In vivo experiments revealed higher plasma TBARS in OVX-DR than in OVX-AR. Opposite result was seen in erythrocyte TBARS. Hepatic, nephritic and erythrocyte enzymes were considered for the antioxidant enzyme activities. GSH-Px and PON of hepatic enzymes were higher in OVX-AR. While the CAT and GR were higher in OVX-DR. SOD, GSH-Px, GR and PON of nephritic enzymes of OVX-DR were higher compared to OVX-AR. Almost similar values were obtained in CAT using both extracts. The OVX treated rats obtained higher CAT and GR in the erythrocyte enzymes compared to SHAM. The SOD of erythrocyte enzymes in OVX-DR was higher compared to OVX-AR. On the other hand, the GSH-Px was higher in OVX-AR.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.185-192
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• 2013

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Agarum cribrosum on weight change and defecation states in rats with constipation induced by loperamide. Food intake and body weight both decreased in the 5% Agarum cribrosum and loperamide-treated group (SD5) and 10% Agarum cribrosum and loperamide-treated group (SD10), whereas fecal water contents increased by 1.6 and 2.1-fold in the SD5 and SD10 groups, respectively. The concentrations of total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride in the sera of the SD5 and SD10 groups were lower than those in the control (C) group. However, the biochemical parameters, GOT (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamic pyruvic transaminase), and glucose levels, were not affected by the level of Agarum cribrosum. In addition, the concentrations of total-cholesterol and triglyceride in the livers of the SD5 and SD10 groups were also lower than those in the control group. The results of the present study demonstrated that Agarum cribrosum might ameliorate constipation symptoms, and lower lipid concentrations in the blood and liver.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.468-472
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• 1995

Substantial amount of caryophyllene oxide (CPO) is present in the essential oils of traditionally-used folk medicinal plants and herbal spices. The CPO, produced via chemical and/or enzymatic reaction of caryophyllene (CP), has largely being used as a flavoring component and exhibited a variety of biological activities. Now, we report the antimutagenic activity of CPO determined by Ames's preincubation test. S-9 fraction was prepared from the liver of rats treated with Arochor 1254. Anatoxin $B_1\;(AFB_1)$ and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) were used as mutagens. Reduction of mutagenicity of $AFB_1$ or IQ for S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 by CPO was found to be a dose-dependant manner. CPO (500 ${\mu}g/plate$) reduced mutagenicity of AEB1 for S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 to 89% and 71%, respectively. For IQ, similar results were observed against S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100, resulting in the inhibition percentage of 77% and 51%, respectively. CP also reduced mutagenicity of AEB1 and IQ for S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100, but the reduction rate was somewhat lowered relative to that of CPO. These results indicate that CPO could be developed as a potent antimutagenic flavoring agent.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.555-563
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• 1995

This study was performed to investigate the effect of Aloe arborescens on the cadmium toxicity in rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley strains were divided into five groups consisting of a control group, a cadmium treatment group and 3 aloe(0.5%, 0.75%, 1%) treatment groups and observed for 9 weeks. The weight increment of the cadmium and 0.75% aloe group was higher than that of the cadmium treatment group(p<0.01). The food intake did not show the consistency rule among the experimental groups and the decrement tendency of food intake affected by cadmium feeding group. The decrement tendency of water intake affected by cadmium appeared to be suppressed by aloe treatment, especially cadmium and 0.75% aloe treatment group showed the remarkable increment of water intake. The diet efficiency of the control group was the highest among the experimental groups and that of cadmium and 0.75% aloe group was higher than other aloe treatment groups. The weight of each organ did not show consistency among the experimental groups but only the testicle of cadmium and 0.75% aloe treatment group was heavier than that of the control group. The cadmium accumulation was high in order of kidney>liver>spleen>heart>lung>testicle>brain. The cadmium content of the cadmium treatment group was more than that of cadmium and 0.5% aloe group, cadmium and 0.75% aloe group, cadmium and 1% aloe group. The cadmium content of cadmium and 0.75% aloe group was the lowest among other aloe treatment groups. Therefore, cadmium and 0.75% aloe is the most recommendable aloe treatment to eliminate the cadmium accumulated in organ.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2008

This study investigated the anti-hypertensive effect of Phyllostachys pubescens culm extract (PCE) by examining its effects on renal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and blood pressure using the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) system. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured weekly for 8 weeks. Also, total antioxidant capacity and protein oxidation of tissues were examined by plasma Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity assay (TEAC) and hepatic protein carbonyl values, respectively. Twenty male SHR were randomly divided into four groups: PCE50, PCE100, and PCE500 (50, 100, and 500 mg of PCE per kilogram bodyweight daily, respectively), and control group. At week 2, the SBP in all PCE groups appeared to be significantly lower than the control (p<0.05), whereas the DBP were not different until week 4 (p<0.05). At week 8, SBP in the PCE500 was lower by 20% than the control. PCE groups considerably suppressed ACE dose-dependently compared with the control. Plasma TEAC and hepatic protein carbonyl values indicated increased antioxidative activity due to the PCE feed. No adverse effect was observed on the liver of SHR as there was no difference for the GOT and GPT values among the groups. Results of this study suggest that ACE inhibition may be one possible mechanism for the blood pressure lowering effect of PCE; thus, long term consumption of PCE may be beneficial in preventing high blood pressure along with the increased antioxidative status.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.257-262
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• 2002

Effects of dietary fatty acids and vitamin E on antioxidant system were studied in rat liver and serum. Sources of dietary fat (10 wt%) were safflower oil (SO) poor in $\omega$3 fatty acid and mixed oil (MO) with computer-adjusted fatty acid ratios (AA/DHA=1.4, $\omega$6/$\omega$3=6.3, P/M/S=1.0/l.5/1) with (ME) and without (MO) vitamin E (500 mg/kg diet). Rats were fed the three kinds of diet from 3~4 wks prior to the conception. At the age of 3 and 9 wks of the second generation rat, antioxidant vitamins and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in the liver and serum. The concentrations of $\beta$-carotene were lower in ME than in MO and SO in the liver at the age of 3 wks. It seemed that vitamin E has an inhibitory action on the uptake of $\beta$-carotene or acts as a preferred antioxidant to $\beta$-carotene. The concentrations of lycopene were lower in SO than in MO in the liver at the age of 3 wks. The concentrations of cryptoxanthin showed no significant changes within groups. The activities of GSH-Px tended to increase in ME compared to MO and the ratios of SOD/GSH-Px tended to decrease in ME compared to MO in the liver at the age of 3 weeks. The activities of antioxidant enzyme at the age of 3 weeks and 9 weeks were similar. This suggested that the activity level of antioxidant enzymes reached to the adult level at the age of 3 weeks which is the end point of lactation period.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.652-658
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• 2005

This experimental was carried out to evaluate the clinical effects of Ophicephalus argus and Crubita moschate which have been traditionally applied to postpartum care in Korea, and compare them with the effect of Saenghwtang. Fifty Sprague-Dawley female rats weighing $250\~280$ g were divided into five groups: a normal saline-treated group (NSG), a Saenghuatang-treated group (STG), an Ophicephlus argus-treated group (OTG), and a Crubita moschate-treated group (CTG), also non-pregnant group (NPG). Except for the NPG, each extract was administered for one week to each group after delivery. We measured the WBC, RBC, serum levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, the platelet count, serum levels of fibrinogen, albumin, thyroxine and urine levels of sodium and potassium. STG showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease of WBC count, fibrinogen content and urine levels of sodium and potassium and a significant (p<0.05) increase of RBC, hemoglobin, albumin and thyroxine in comparison with those of the NSG. OTG showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease of WBC count, fibrinogen and the significant (p<0.05) increase of albumin and thyroxine in comparison with those of the NSG. CTG showed a significant (p<0.05) increase of albumin and thyroxine in comparison with that of NSG. These results suggest that Saenghwatang is more effective than Ophicephalus argus and Crubita moschate for postpartum recuperation although they also have some effects on recuperation of deteriorative blood components after delivery. Therefore, these findings indicate that futher investigation for the other effects of Ophicephalus argus and Crubita moschate is necessary.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 1989

The present study was designed to examine the effect of dietary fish oil on blood pressure and lipid status of serum. Weanling SHRs and normotensive Wistars were fed a diet containing 5%(w/w) mackerel oil(MO), soybean oil(SO) or beef tallow(BT) for 8 weeks. Growth rate was not significantly different among three dietary groups, but that of SHRs was silightly lower than that of Wistars. SHRs showed higher systolic blood pressure than Wistar rats from the beginning and become hypertensive (over 150mmHg) after 6 week s of feeding period. The MO group of SHRs showed the lowest blood pressure at the 8th week of feeding period but that of Wistars showed similar values with other groups. Tissue weights of liver, heart and kidney were not different amongdietary aroups in Wistars and SHRs. However, heart and kidney weights of SHRs were significantly higher than those of Wistars. Microscopic examination revealed that endomysium of heart tissue and urinary space of kidney were narrowed in SHRs. Serum total and HDL-cholesterol showed similar values among three different dietary fat groups but triglyceride levels were significantly low in MO groups. HDL-cholesterol levels of SHRs were lower than those of Wistars, as well as the fractions of total HDL, the sum of HDL and $HDL_{2+3}$, while VLDL fractions were higher in SHRs. MO groups had the lower values of $HDL_1,\;HDL_{2+3}$ratio than SO and BT groups. Major dietary fatty acids were more or less incorporated into serum phospholipid and triglyceride, resulting in the characteristic fatty acid profile of each dietary group. Incorporation of $C_{18:2}({\omega}_6)$ in SO groups were pronounced, but the degree of incorporation was lower in SHRs. In Mo groups, $C_{22:6}({\omega}_3)$ levels were inreased in triglyceride. It is suggested that these changes in serum lipid fatty acid composition are related to the different patterns of serum lipid by alteration of dietary fats.