• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.227-236
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• 2006

Purpose: Methylation of gene regulatory elements plays an important role in gene inactivation without genetic alteration. Gastric cancer is one of the tumors that exhibit a high frequency of CpG island hypermethylation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of CpG island hypermethylation in gastric carcinoma in relation to H. pylori infection, CIMP and clincopathologic variables. Materials and Methods: We investigated the promoter methylation Status of six genes (hMLH1, p16, p14, COX-2, MGMT, E-cadherin) and CIMP in 36 gastric carcinoma tissues as well as in nontumor tissues. CIMP status was investigated by examining the methylation status of MINT 1, 2, 12, 25 and 31. The methylation status of the promoter was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and H. pylori infection was examined by histological diagnosis after staining with Warthin-Starry silver. Results: Among the 36 gastric carcinoma tissues, DNA hypermethylation was detected in the following frequencies: 14 (38.9%) for p14, 13 (36.1%) for p16, 8 (22.2%) for MGMT, 10 (27.8%) for COX-2, 21 (58.3%) for E-cadherin, and 6 (16.7%) for hMLH1. The frequencies for MINT1 and MINT25 hypermethylation were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in nontumor tissues. 16 (44.4%) of the 36 gastric carcinoma tissues were positive for the CIMP CIMP-H tumors were associated with older patients and larger tumor size than CIMP-L tumors. We found a significant association between the presence of the CIMP and hypermethylation of p16. Hypermethylation of p16 and MINT2 were significantly different when compared by age. MINT1 gene methylation was significantly associated with H. pylori infection (P=0.004). Conclusion: Our results suggest that aberrant hypermethylation of multiple tumor related genes (hMLH1, p16, p14, COX-2, MGMT, E-cadherin, MINT1, 2, 12, 25, 31) occurs frequently in gastric carcinoma tissues. The hypermethylation of MINT1 was significantly higher in the tumor tissues and was associated with H. pylori infection.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.164-173
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• 2000

The p16 protein is a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor that inhibits cell cycle progression from $G_1$ phase to S phase in cell cycle. Many p16 gene mutations have been noted in many cancer-cell lines and in some primary cancers, and alterations of p16 gene function by DNA methylation have been noticed in various kinds of cancer tissues and cell-lines. There have been a large body of literature has accumulated indicating that abnormal patterns of DNA methylation (both hypomethylation and hypermethylation) occur in a wide variety of human neoplasma and that these aberrations of DNA methylation may play an important epigenetic role in the development and progression of neoplasia. DNA methylation is a part of the inheritable epigenetic system that influences expression or silencing of genes necessary for normal differentiation and proliferation. Gene activity may be silenced by methylation of up steream regulatory regions. Reactivation is associated with demethylation. Although evidence or a high incidence of p16 alterations in a variety of cell lines and primary tumors has been reported, that has been contested by other investigators. The precise mechanisms by which abnormal methylation might contribute to carcinogenesis are still not fully elucidated, but conceivably could involve the modulation of oncogene and other important regulatory gene expression, in addition to creating areas of genetic instability, thus predisposing to mutational events causing neoplasia. There have been many variable results of studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC). This investigation was studied on 13 primary HNSCC for p16 gene status by protein expression in immunohistochemistry, and DNA genetic/epigenetic analyzed to determine the incidence, the mechanisms, and the potential biological significance of its Inactivation. As methylation detection method of p16 gene, the methylation specific PCR(MSP) is sensitive and specific for methylation of any block of CpG sites in a CpG islands using bisulfite-modified DNA. The genomic DNA is modified by treatment with sodium bisulfate, which converts all unmethylated cytosines to uracil(thymidine). The primers designed for MSP were chosen for regions containing frequent cytosines (to distinguish unmodified from modified DNA), and CpG pairs near the 5' end of the primers (to provide maximal discrimination in the PCR between methylated and unmethylated DNA). The two strands of DNA are no longer complementary after bisulfite treatment, primers can be designed for either modified strand. In this study, 13 paraffin embedded block tissues were used, so the fragment of DNA to be amplified was intentionally small, to allow the assessment of methylation pattern in a limited region and to facilitate the application of this technique to samlples. In this 13 primary HNSCC tissues, there was no methylation of p16 promoter gene (detected by MSP and automatic sequencing). The p16 protein-specific immunohistochemical staining was performed on 13 paraffin embedded primary HNSCC tissue samples. Twelve cases among the 13 showed altered expression of p16 proteins (negative expression). In this study, The author suggested that low expression of p16 protein may play an important role in human HNSCC, and this study suggested that many kinds of genetic mechanisms including DNA methylation may play the role in carcinogenesis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3503-3507
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• 2013

Background: Although the majority of investigations concerned with TP53 and its protein have focused on coding regions, recently a set of studies highlighted significant roles of regulatory elements located in p53 mRNA, especially 5'UTR. The wrap53${\alpha}$ transcript is one of those that acts as a natural antisense agent, forming RNA-RNA hybrids with p53 mRNA and protecting it from degradation. Materials and Methods: In this study, we focused on the mutation status of exon $1{\alpha}$ of the WRAP53 gene (according to exon 1 of p53) in 160 breast tumor tissue samples and conducted a bioinformatics search for probable miRNA binding site in the p53/wrap53 overlapping region. Mutations were detected, using single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing. We applied the miRBase database for prediction of miRNAs which target overlapping region of p53/wrap53 transcripts. Results: Our results showed all samples to have wild type alleles in exon 1 of TP53 gene. We could detect a novel and unreported intronic mutation (IVS1+56, G>C) outside overlapping regions of p53/wrap53 genes in breast cancer tissues and also predict the presence of a binding site for miR-4732-5p in the 5'UTR of Wrap53 mRNA. Conclusions: From our findings we propose designing further studies focused on overexpression of miRNA-4732-5p and introducing different mutations in the overlapping region of wrap53 and p53 genes in order to study their effects on p53 and its ${\Delta}N$ isoform (${\Delta}$40p53) expression. The results may provide new pieces in the p53 targeting puzzle for cancer therapy.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1257-1257
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• 2001

Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was used as a rapid method to measure the $^{o}Brix$ content and to discriminate between different must samples in terms of their fee amino nitrogen (FAN) values. FT-NIR spectroscopy was also used as a rapid method to discriminate between Chardonnay wine samples in terms of the status of the male-lactic fermentation (MLF). This was done by monitoring the conversion of malic to lactic acid and thereby determining whether MLF has started, is underway or has been completed followed by classification of the samples. Furthermore, FT-NIR spectroscopy was applied as a rapid method to discriminate between table wine samples in terms of the ethyl carbamate (EC) content. EC in wine can pose a health threat and need to be monitored by determining the EC content in relation to the regulatory limits set by the authorities. For each of the above mentioned parameters, $QUANT+^{TM}$ methods were built and calibrations derived and it was found that a very strong correlation existed in the sample set for the FT-NIR spectroscopic predictions of $^{o}Brix$ (r = 0.99, SECV = 0.306), but the correlations for the FAN (r = 0.61, SECV = 272.1), malic acid (r = 0.58, SECV = 1.06), lactic acid (r = 0.51, SECV = 1.14) and EC predictions (r = 0.47, SECV = 3.67) were not as good. Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA) diagnostics and validation was applied as a sophisticated discrimination method. The must samples could be classified in terms of their FAN values when SIMCA was applied, obtaining results with recognition rates exceeding 80%. When SIMCA diagnostics and validation were applied to determine the progress of conversion of malic to lactic acid and the EC content, again results with recognition rates exceeding 80% were obtained. The evaluation of the applicability of FT-NIR spectroscopy measurement of FAN, $^{o}Brix$ values, malic acid, lactic acid and EC content in must and wine shows considerable promise. FT-NIR spectroscopy has the potential to reduce the analytical times considerably in a range of measurements commonly used during the wine making process. Where conventional FT-NIR calibrations are not effective, SIMCA methods can be used as a discriminative method for rapid classification of samples. SIMCA can replace expensive, time-consuming, quantitative analytical methods, if not completely, at least to some extent, because in many processes it is only needed to know whether a specific cut off point has been reach or not or whether a sample belongs to a certain class or not.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.100-108
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• 1997

Our current food hygiene law mandates nutrition label (NL) for the special nutrition foods, health support foods, instant foods, and foods with certain nutrient emphasized note, only. Currently more processed foods are bearing nutrition labels though the format is quite inconsistant. This study examined the status on current nutrition labeling practices for the processed foods that are retailed in the supermarket. The obtained information was assessed in the aspects of numerical data presentation on nutrients content, descriptive terms, health claim, and the format. The results are summarized as follows. 1) Foods with NL are limited to the food category specified by current hygiene law while voluntary nutition labeling is few. 2) Descriptive terms such as free, low, and sufficient are not substantiated with quantitative data. The efficacy of microelements which has not been clalified yet are overemphasized but major nutrients are ignored. 3) The regulations for the descriptive terms are set on the base of the nutrient content per 100g or 100ml under current nutrition labeling act. It would mislead consumers thus the definition for these descriptor be better set on the unit of the amount of food customary eaten at one time. For this the standard serving size should be set officially. 4) Quantitative nutrition information given on food products is difficult to compare because of the lack in formality. The title of NL, load and kinds of nutritents, order of nutrients listed, the unit of expression, RDA comparision, and reference RDA are inconsistant among the foods similar in dietary property. Uniform format is needed to give NL the credibility and usefulness. Proividing nutrition information to the consumers with NL is a worldwide practice though its efficacy has been controversial. Under newly legistered health promotion law in Korean nutrition education is esxpected to take part in to improve national nutrition condition and NL would education is expected to take part in to improve national nutrition condition and NL would be a potent tool for public nutritions education. It appears to be the time to mandate NL to all the processed foods in the market. The result of present study would initiate further consumer experiments related to NL. Various interest groups such as food and nutrition professions, public health organizations, government regulatory agencies, food producers and marketers, and consumer groups need to particepate and communicate for the legislation of NL and the development of NL format.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.289-298
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• 2007

In order to set ADIs for pesticides registered for use in Korea, an analysis of guidelines on setting ADIs and ADIs established by international bodies and advanced countries was conducted General guidelines on the derivation ADIs are very similar among regulatory authorities. However, there were large differences in the ADIs' setting status and ADI values set for some individual pesticides. ADIs were established for 213 pesticides in UN, 332 in USA, 230 in Japan, 219 in UK and 435 in EU and Australia. Of the established ADIs in other countries, 87 to 252 pesticides were the pesticides registered in Korea depending countries. The number of lowest ADIs depending countries was 32 in USA, 23 in Japan, 6 in EU and Australia. The key target organs and endpoints used for setting ADIs were in the order of enzyme inhibition, body weight change and adverse effect on liver. The number of ADIs used for setting MRLs in Korea was high in the order of JMPR, Japan and USA. ADIs of EU and JMPR had highest similarity among bodies investigated. By referring to the guidances investigated at this study, guideline for setting ADI and ADIs for 64 pesticides registered in Korea were proposed.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.365-372
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Owing to health concerns related to the consumption of traditional snacks high in sugars and fats, much effort has been made to develop functional snacks with low calorie content. In this study, a new recipe for Korean rice cookie, dasik, was developed and its antioxidative, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms were elucidated. The effects were compared with those of traditional rice cake dasik (RCD), the lipid-lowering effect of which is greater than that of traditional western-style cookies. MATERIALS/METHODS: Ginseng-added brown rice dasik (GBRD) was prepared with brown rice flour, fructooligosaccharide, red ginseng extract, and propolis. Mice were grouped (n = 7 per group) into those fed a normal AIN-76 diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with RCD or GBRD. Dasik in the HFD accounted for 7% of the total calories. The lipid, reactive oxygen species, and peroxynitrite levels, and degree of lipid peroxidation in the plasma or liver were determined. The expression levels of proteins involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation, and those of antioxidant enzymes were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The plasma and hepatic total cholesterol concentrations in the GBRD group were significantly decreased via downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (P < 0.05). The hepatic peroxynitrite level was significantly lower, whereas glutathione was higher, in the GBRD group than in the RCD group. Among the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly upregulated in the GBRD group (P < 0.05). In addition, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-${\kappa}B$) expression in the GBRD group was significantly lower than that in the RCD group. CONCLUSIONS: GBRD decreases the plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels by downregulating cholesterol synthesis. This new dasik recipe also improves the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory status in HFD-fed mice via CAT and GPx upregulation and NF-${\kappa}B$ downregulation. These effects were significantly higher than those of RCD.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1060-1068
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• 2007

Perchlorate contamination in aquatic system is a growing concern due to the human health and ecological risks associated with perchlorate exposure. In spite of potential risks associated with perchlorate, drinking water standard has not been established worldwide. Recently, US EPA has issued new protective guidance for cleaning up perchlorate contamination with a preliminary clean-up goal of 24.5 ppb. In Korea, the drinking water standard and discharge standard for perchlorate has not been established yet and little information is available to address perchlorate problems. Perchlorate treatment technologies include ion exchange, microbial reactor, carbon adsorption, composting, in situ bioremediation, permeable reactive barrier, phytoremediation, and membrane technology. The process description, capability, and advantage/disadvantages of each technology were described in detail in this review. One of recent trends in perchlorate treatment is the combination of available treatment options such as combined microbial reduction and permeable reactive burier. In this review, we provided a brief perspective on perchlorate treatment technology and to identify an efficient and cost-effective approach to manage perchlorate problem.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.271-286
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• 2009

This internet search was made to collect background information for a short-term training proposal for securing a national critical mass in ecological risk assessment the need of which is drastically increasing in every sector of Korean society due to the advent of new environmental regulations in industrialized countries, such as EU REACH. This study depended mainly on internet search engines and individual home pages of concerned universities, colleges, and organizations involved in short-term training. Out of lecture titles and syllabus of 200 Korean universities, 86 Japanese national universities, and numerous English speaking educational and training institutions in the world, 60 syllabi were selected and analysed for comparison purpose. Conclusion from the analysis is as follows: Firstly, individual component lectures for ecological risk assessment is provided at different departments in Korea, but no lecture is at present given under the sole title of ecological risk assessment. Secondly, several lectures under the title of ecological risk assessment are open in English-speaking industrialized countries. Lectures as well as technical training and field studies are emphasized in those courses. Lecturers from the regulatory authorities are also involved in those courses. Several short-term training courses are also under operation. Thirdly, it was concluded that the difference in the level of education/training in ecological risk assessment is originated from the substantive requirement of ecological risk in the concerned laws and regulations. Therefore, it is suggested that training of domestic man power in this area is urgent to cope with the industrial pressure imposed by the environmental regulations concerned with chemicals/articles import and export from/to industrialized countries and also to upgrade the domestic laws and regulations.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.277-284
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• 2018

Collagen peptide plays a protective role in skin by increasing the activity of antioxidant, acts like an activator of skin regeneration by positive feedback and is used as a potent candidate for cosmetics or functional food. GABA acts at inhibitory synapses in the brain by binding to specific transmembrane receptors of both pre- and postsynaptic neuronal processes in vertebrates, is also involved in the synthesis of melatonin and might exert regulatory effects on sleep and reproductive functions. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effect of a mixture of collagen peptide and GABA (J85091900) on skin and sleep condition in woman experiencing sleep disorder. We found that oral supplement with J85091900 significantly decreased the value of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), increased sleeping time by 7%, and also improved skin roughness (Ra, Rz, Rt), periorbital wrinkle (Ra, Rt), and skin capacitance in human. These findings indicate that dual strategy with which skin improvement is accomplished using collagen peptide and sleeping well is acquired using GABA could be the novel solution for sleeping beauty by edible cosmetics to improve skin status.