• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 1973

Some effects of dietary conditions on the metabolism of nucleic acid and protein in organs of the Albino Rats have been studied. The young rats to be examined were fed on the control diet and the diets deprived of one component among protein, carbohydrate, and lipid, such as protein free diet (PF: 432 kcal/100g) carbohydrate free diet (CF: 432kcal/100g), and lipid free diet (LF: 392kcal/100g) for three, seven, and fifteen days, respectively. The contents of DNA and RNA in the liver and the brain, and also those of protein-nitrogen(PN) and nonprotein-nitrogen (NPN) in the live, the brain, and the serum have been measured. The results are as followe: 1. The contents of DNA per gram of liver were increased by feeding on protein free diet. It is concluded that the critical factor for the result is not the increase in the rates of DNA syntheses, but the decrease in the turnover rates of DNA. 2. The metabolism of DNA in the liver showed the normal status by feeding on carbohydrate free diet. On the other hand, the rates of DNA syntheses were increased by feeding on lipid free diet. 3. The rates of DNA syntheses in the brain were decreased by feeding on the unbalanced diet, such as protein free, carbohydrete free, and lipid free diet. 4. In the liver and the brain, the rates of DNA syntheses were decreased by feeding on protein free diet. But the rates showed the normal status by feeding on the carbohydrate free diet, and also showed the similar metabolism to that in the case of the control group by feeding on lipid free diet. 5. In the liver, the rates of protein syntheses were decreased, whereas the contents of nonprotein-nitrogen were increased by feeding on protein free diet. 6. In the liver and the brain, the protein syntheses showed the more increasing rates than the rates in the case of the control diet by feeding on lipid free diet. 7. In the serum, the contents of protein did not change in a short period, also the insufficient feeling on protein was examined. It is clear that in the liver the rates of protein syntheses are decreased and the rates of protein catabolism are increased, since the rates of nucleic acid syntheses are decreased by feeding on the protein free diet. On the other hand, it is considered that in the brain the turnover rates of protein does not have correlation with the rates of nucleic acid syntheses, also these are decreased by feeding on protein free diet. And also it is believed that the phenomena of homeostasis for carrying the normal metabolism of nucleic acid and protein in the liver and the brain are operated in a short period as possible, by feeding on carbohydrate free and lipid free diets.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.104-110
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• 2011

Actinomycetes, Gram positive soil bacteria, are valuable microorganisms which produce useful secondary metabolites including antibiotics, antiparasitic substances, anti-cancer drugs, and immunosuppressants. Although a major family of actinomycetes, known as streptomycetes, has been intensively investigated at the molecular level for several decades, a potentially valuable and only recently isolated non-streptomycetes rare actinomycetes (NSRA) family has been poorly characterized due to lack of proper genetic manipulation systems. Here we report that a PCR-based genome screening strategy was performed with approximately 180 independently isolated actinomycetes strains to isolate potentially valuable NSRA strains. Thanks to this simple PCR-based genome screening strategy we were able to identify only seven NSRA strains, followed by 16S rRNA sequencing for confirmation. Through further bioassays, one potentially valuable NSRA strain (tentatively named Nocardiopsis species MMBL010) was identified which possessed both antifungal and antibacterial activities, along with the presence of polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthase genes. Moreover, Nocardiopsis species MMBL010, which was intrinsically recalcitrant to genetic manipulation, was successfully transformed via E. coli-driven conjugation. These results suggest that PCR-based genome screening, followed by the establishment of an E. coli-driven conjugation system, is an efficient strategy to maximize potentially valuable compounds and their biosynthetic genes from NSRA strains isolated from various environments.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.20-30
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• 2010

Objective : We determined whether the expression of GRIM-19 is correlated with pathologic types and malignant grades in gliomas, and determined the function of GRIM-19 in human gliomas. Methods : Tumor tissues were isolated and frozen at $-80^{\circ}C$ just after surgery. The tissues consisted of normal brain tissue (4), astrocytomas (2), anaplastic astrocytomas (2), oligodendrogliomas (13), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (11), and glioblastomas (16). To profile tumor-related genes, we applied RNA differential display using a $Genefishing^{TM}$ DEG kit, and validated the tumor-related genes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A human glioblastoma cell line (U343MG-A) was used for the GRIM-19 functional studies. The morphologic and cytoskeletal changes were examined via light and confocal microscopy. The migratory and invasive abilities were investigated by the simple scratch technique and Matrigel assay. The antiproliferative activity was determined by thiazolyl blue Tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and FACS analysis. Results : Based on RT-PCR analysis, the expression of GRIM-19 was higher in astrocytic tumors than oligodendroglial tumors. The expression of GRIM-19 was higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors or normal brain tissue; glioblastomas showed the highest expression. After transfection of GRIM-19 into U343MG-A, the morphology of the sense-transfection cells became larger and more spindly. The antisensetransfection cells became smaller and rounder compared with wild type U343MG-A. The MTT assay showed that the sense-transfection cells were more sensitive to the combination of interferon-$\beta$ and retinoic acid than U343MG-A cells or antisense-transfection cells; the antiproliferative activity was related to apoptosis. Conclusion : GRIM-19 may be one of the gene profiles which regulate cell death via apoptosis in human gliomas.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.421-427
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• 2016

Acne is known as the most common skin disease. It commonly occurs during adolescents, but it is also present in children and adults because of air pollution, drug abuse and so on. In addition to the hormonal, genetic and environmental factors, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) have also critical roles in outbreak of acne by inducing inflammatory mediators. Increase of sebum production provides an ideal environment for P. acnes that induce inflammation on the skin by activation of monocytic cells and stimulation of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, natural extracts were investigated for anti-inflammatory effects against inflammatory acne by P. acnes infection in terms of reducing cytokine production. Eucalyptus globulus extracts effectively suppressed mRNA synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-2, and NLRP3 in P. acnes-activated macrophages. Moreover, Eucalyptus globulus extracts inhibit activation of transcription factors, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and NFAT, which are known as key regulators of inflammatory cytokine production. This study suggests the potential of using Eucalyptus globulus extracts as alternative agents for the treatment of acne.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2009

Objective : Moutan Cortex (the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is widely used in oriental medicine as a remedy for inflammation. However, as yet there is no clear explanation of how MC(Moutan Cortex) affects the production of inflammatory cytokine. This study was to determine the effects of Essence extracted MC on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. Method : We observed the effect of MC on compound 48/80-induced histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells and the effect of administering MC on PCA in rat. We measured the amount of inflammatory cytokine production induced by the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore(A23187) in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) incubated with various concentrations of MC. The TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels were analysised by Western blot. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 secreted protein levels were measured by the ELISA assay. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were measured by the RT-PCR analysis. NF-$\kappa$B, phospho-I$\kappa$B and MAPKs were exmined by Western blot analysis. The NF-$\kappa$B promoter activity was examined by luciferase assay. Result : 1. Enzyme immunoassay indicated that MC suppressed histamine secretion of rat peritoneal mast cells. 2. In PCA dependent on IgE, MC had anti-allergic effect of the internal surface of rat skin. 3. Western blot indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels. 4. ELISA indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 but MC had no significant effect on IL-8 in HMC-1 cells. 5. RT-PCR indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-8 but MC had no significant effect on IL-6 in HMC-l cells. 6. Western blot indicated that MC suppressed the induction of MAPKs, NF-$\kappa$B & phospho-I$\kappa$B activity in HMC-1 cells. 7. Luciferase assay indicated that MC suppressed the PMA plus A23187-induced NF-$\kappa$B promoting activityin HMC-1 cells. Conclusion : In this study, we have found that MC is an inhibitor of NF-$\kappa$B, MAPKs & cytokines on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.89-101
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study was find out the therapeutic effects of its exclusive use on the rat with allergic rhinitis. Materials and Methods : Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three group : normal group, control group and sample group. To induce the allergic rhinitis in control group and sample group, rats were sensitized intraperitoneally with 0.1% ovalumin solution 3 times at intervals of 1 week. Then intranasal sensitization was performed by diffusing 0.1% ovalumin solution 3 times at intervals of 2 days. After that time, rats in the sample group were administered by $Yonghyang$($LI_{20}$) subcutaneously to treat the inflammation. Results : 1. The anti-oxidant effects of $Hwangryunhaedok-tang$ extract was dose-dependantly increased. 2. The RAW 264.7 cells were treated with LPS for 1 hours prior to the addition of indicated concentrations ($0.4,-1.0mg/m{\ell}$) of HHT, and the cells were further incubated for 24 hours. The LPS-induced iNOS mRNA expression and NO production were dose-dependantly decreased in HHT treated RAW 264.7 cells. 3. The number of eosinophil in HP noticeably decreased than CON and this decrease had probability. The infiltration of eosinophil in HP noticeably decreased than CON. 4. The damaged mucosa as disruption of cilia in respiratory cell and vacant mucose secreting cell were increased CON, but HP same as normal configuration. Decrease of PAS positive cell were shown in CON, but goblet cell occupied with neutral mucous were shown in HP. Decrease of mucosal stress(HSP70). Decrease of perennial sign(PPAR-${\gamma}$). Decrease of icthing and sneezing intricate neurotransmitter-(substance P). 5. The anti-inflammation of HHT pharmacopuncture for AR caused mucosa comes to result as belows. Decrease of pre-inflammation cytokine(TNF-${\alpha}$). Decrease of transcription factor (NF-${\kappa}B$ p65). Decrease of transcription factor inhibitor(p-$I{\kappa}B$). Decrease of inflammation cytokine(iNOS). Conclusions : The results may suggest that administration treatment using $Hwangryunhaedok-tang$ pharmacopucnture decreases the inflammatory response on an animal model with allergic rhinitis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.683-687
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• 2015

Aloe vera gel exhibits protective effects against insulin resistance as well as lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic effects. The anti-diabetic compounds in this gel were identified as Aloe-sterols. Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE) containing Aloe-sterols has recently been produced using a new procedure. We previously reported that AVGE reduced large-sized intestinal polyps in Apc-deficient Min mice fed a high fat diet (HFD), suggesting that Aloe vera gel may protect against colorectal cancer. In the present study, we examined the effects of Aloe vera gel powder (AVGP) and AVGE on azoxymethane-induced colorectal preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in mice fed a HFD. Male C57BL/6J mice were given a normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD containing 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, which was used as a solvent for AVGE (HFDC), HFD containing 3% or 1% AVGP, and HFDC containing 0.0125% (H-) or 0.00375% (L-) AVGE. The number of ACF was significantly lower in mice given 3% AVGP and H-AVGE than in those given HFD or HFDC alone. Moreover, 3% AVGP, H-AVGE and L-AVGE significantly decreased the mean Ki-67 labeling index, assessed as a measure of cell proliferation in the colonic mucosa. In addition, hepatic phase II enzyme glutathione S-transferase mRNA levels were higher in the H-AVGE group than in the HFDC group. These results suggest that both AVGP and AVGE may have chemopreventive effects on colorectal carcinogenesis under the HFD condition. Furthermore, the concentration of Aloe-sterols was similar between 3% AVGP and H-AVGE, suggesting that Aloe-sterols were the main active ingredients in this experiment.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.376-386
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial hazards posed by food utensils and fixtures in food service operations at selected middle and high schools located in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We collected 200 samples of utensils and fixtures including cups, spoons/chopsticks, food trays and tables from five different schools in Seoul. Target microorganisms of this study were divided into two groups: total bacterial count and total coliform as indicators of microbial contamination and Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus as pathogens of food poisoning. We used selective media to quantify microbial concentration and 16S rRNA PCR assay for qualitative analysis. In addition, intensive interviews with nutritionists were conducted and observations were made to identify factors that may affect microbial contamination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the microbial concentration and operation characteristics of each operation. Results: The level of microbial concentration in school B and C were significantly lower than in school A, D and E (p<0.05). Some samples from school A, D and E showed over 3.4 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total bacterial count) and 1.0 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total coliform), which requires immediate hygienic action. The number of customers per staff member, periodicity of hygiene education for staff and daily operation time of sterilizers were also found to be important factors related with the microbial contamination of food service operations. Conclusions: These results suggested that not only a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) approach, but also efforts to assess internal risk factors within operations be needed to reduce the microbial contamination of food utensils and fixtures. This study is expected to provide preliminary data for assessing microbial hazards in food service operations.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.12-19
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• 2002

Purpose: The H. pylori cagA gene, vacA gene and iceA gene are considered to be important virurence factors that have been implicated in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma. It was reported that the presence of IS605 elements may be responsible for rearrangements and lead to partial or total deletions of the cag pathogenicity island (PAI) and the virulence of cag PAI may be changed. However, different results regarding the association between these virulence factors and clinical disease have been reported from different geographic regions. This study evaluated the relationship between H. pylori virulence factors such as cagA, vacA, iceA, IS605 and gastric adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: H. pylori isolates were obtained from 54 infected patients (24 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma, 30 cases of control). H. pylori isolates were identified by PCR with ureC gene and 16S rRNA. PCR was performed to examine cagA, vacA, iceA and IS605 genotypes. Results: Significant difference was found in the negative rates of cagA between gastric adenocarcinoma group and control ($62.5\%\;vs.\;33.3\%$ P=0.033). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of iceA, vacA between gastric adenocar cinoma and control. The genotype of cagA+ vacA s1-m1 iceA1 was predominant in H. pylori isolates irrespective of the clinical outcome. IS605 in PAI was not found in gastric adenocarcinoma gruop and control. The positive rates of IS605 in genome were $33.3\%$ in gastric adenocarcinoma group and $36.7\%$ in control (P>0.05). In gastric carcinoma, the positive rate of $cagA^{+}/IS605$ was lower than in control ($12.5\%\;vs\;40.0\%$, P=0.025) and the positive rate of cagA-/IS605 was higher than in control ($54.2\%\;vs\;23.3\%$, P=0.02). Conclusion: H. pylori virulence factors had not related significantly with gastric adenocarcinoma. Further study is needed to examine the specificity of H. pylori strains.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.742-754
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• 2008

이 연구의 목적은 초기 및 중등도 치주염 환자에서 전동칫솔을 사용할 경우 임상 지수의 향상 정도와 치주원인균의 정량적 감소 효과를 12주의 연구 기간 동안 평가하는 것이다. $25{\sim}55$세의 환자 80명을 대상으로 12주 동안 진행하였으며, 치태지수 0.5 이상, 치은지수 0.5 이상을 나타내는 대상에서 일반 칫솔 혹은 전동칫솔 ($Sonicare^{(R)}$ Elite, Philips Oral Healthcare Inc., Snoqualmie, Washington, USA) 사용 군을 임의로 선정하였다. 하루 2회, 매 회 2분 간 사용하고, 각 군의 칫솔 사용을 교육하였다. 임상지수는 치태지수 (PI; Silness & $L{\ddot{o}}e$), 치은지수 (GI; $L{\ddot{o}}e$ & Silness), 탐침 후 출혈 부위 (%), 치주낭 깊이 부착소실을 초진 1, 4, 12주에 측정하였다. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), MMP-8과 치은연하치태샘플에서 채취한 4 종류의 치주원인균 (Actinomyces visco년, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus sanguis, Tannerella forsythensis)에 대한 16S rRNA test는 초진, 1주, 12주에 측정하였다. 측정 결과 전동칫솔과 일반 칫솔 모두 임상지수의 유의한 감소가 나타났으며, 치은지수는 일반칫솔에 비해 전동칫솔에서 감소효과가 통계적으로 더 우수하게 나타났다 (p<0.001). 탐침 후 출혈의 감소는 전동칫솔에서 76.73%, 일반칫솔에서 44.57% 정도로 전동칫솔 군이 더 우수하게 나타났다. 치주낭 깊이 감소는 초진에 비해 전동칫솔 군에서 18.55%, 일반칫솔 군에서 14.81% 정도로 나타났으며, 초진과 비교하였을 때 부착수준의 향상 정도는 전동칫솔 25.24%, 일반 칫솔 16.94% 정도로 두 군 모두 통계적으로 유의하게 개선되었다 (p < 0.001). 두 군 모두 IL-1 beta, MMP-8 농도의 감소가 있었으며, 치주원인균 중 A.viscosus, P.gingivalis, T.forsythensis 역시 두 군 모두에서 초진에 비해 12주에 유의한 감소를 나타내었으나, S.sanguis는 전동칫솔 군에서만 12주에 유의한 감소가 있었다. 이상의 결과에서 12주 간의 연구 기간 동안 초기 및 중등도 치주염 환자에서 소니케어 전동칫솔의 사용은 임상지수 및 치주 원인균 감소에 통계적으로 유의한 개선 효과를 나타내었다.