• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.286-291
• /
• 2015

Equol has beneficial effects on human health. Fermented soy products contain equol, and many microbes participate in the equol production process. This study investigated fermented Korean soybean paste, doenjang. Thirty seven doenjang samples collected from different manufacturers were examined. Equol was detected in 3 samples (D2, D13, and D19) at the maximum content of 507 ng/100 g by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fifteen microbial species were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Bacillus spp, Paenibacillus spp, Tetragenococcus spp, Stapylococcus spp, and Clostridium species were the predominant bacteria in equol containing doenjang samples.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.149-157
• /
• 2018

Background: Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) exhibit extensive activities, but few analytical methods have been established to exclusively determine the dammarane triterpene saponins in PNL. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) and HPLC-UV methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ginsenosides in PNL, respectively. Results: Extraction conditions, including solvents and extraction methods, were optimized, which showed that ginsenosides Rc and Rb3, the main components of PNL, are transformed to notoginsenosides Fe and Fd, respectively, in the presence of water, by removing a glucose residue from position C-3 via possible enzymatic hydrolysis. A total of 57 saponins were identified in the methanolic extract of PNL by UPLC/Q-TOF MS. Among them, 19 components were unambiguously characterized by their reference substances. Additionally, seven saponins of PNL-ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rb3, and notoginsenosides Fc, Fe, and Fd-were quantified using the HPLC-UV method after extraction with methanol. The separation of analytes, particularly the separation of notoginsenoside Fc and ginsenoside Rc, was achieved on a Zorbax ODS C8 column at a temperature of $35^{\circ}C$. This developed HPLC-UV method provides an adequate linearity ($r^2$ > 0.999), repeatability (relative standard deviation, RSD < 2.98%), and inter- and intraday variations (RSD < 4.40%) with recovery (98.7-106.1%) of seven saponins concerned. This validated method was also conducted to determine seven components in 10 batches of PNL. Conclusion: These findings are beneficial to the quality control of PNL and its relevant products.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.25-31
• /
• 2006

Changes of CP4 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (CP4 EPSPS) in the glyphosate-tolerant Roundup Ready soybean were examined using purified CP4 EPSPS produced in cloned Escherichia coli as a control. CP4 EPSPS in genetically modified soybean was detected by twodimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) with databases. CP4 EPSPS in soybean products was resolved on 2-DE by first isoelectric focusing (IEF) based on its characteristic pI of 5.1, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) based on its molecular mass of 47.5 kDa. We quantified various percentages of soybean CP4 EPSPS. The quantitative analysis was performed using a 2D software program on artificial gels with spots varying in Gaussian volumes. These results suggested that 2-DE image analysis could be used for quantitative detection of GM soybean, unlike Western blotting.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.21 no.7
• /
• pp.1003-1010
• /
• 2008

The objective of the present study was to identify differences in the expression levels of liver proteins between healthy and ketotic cows, establish a liver metabolic interrelationship of ketosis and elucidate the metabolic characteristics of the liver during ketosis. Liver samples from 8 healthy multiparous Hostein cows and 8 ketotic cows were pooled by health status and the proteins were separated by two-dimensional-electrophoresis (2D-E). Statistical analysis of gels was performed using PDQuest software 8.0. The differences in the expression levels of liver proteins (p<0.05) between ketotic and healthy cows were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF-TOF) tandem mass spectrometry. Five enzymes/proteins were identified as being differentially expressed in the livers of ketotic cows: expression of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase type-2 (HCDH), acetyl-coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT) and elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) were down-regulated, whereas that of alpha-enolase and creatine kinase were up-regulated. On the basis of this evidence, it could be presumed that the decreased expression of HCDH, which is caused by high concentrations of acetyl-CoA in hepatic cells, in the livers of ketotic cows, implies reduced fatty acid ??oxidation. The resultant high concentrations of acetyl-CoA and acetoacetyl CoA would depress the level of ACAT and generate more ??hydroxybutyric acid; high concentrations of acetyl-CoA would also accelerate the Krebs Cycle and produce more ATP, which is stored as phosphocreatine, as a consequence of increased expression of creatine kinase. The low expression level of elongation factor Tu in the livers of ketotic cows indicates decreased levels of protein synthesis due to the limited availability of amino acids, because the most glucogenic amino acids sustain the glyconeogenesis pathway; thus increasing the level of alpha-enolase. Decreased protein synthesis also promotes the conversion of amino acids to oxaloacetate, which drives the Krebs Cycle under conditions of high levels of acetyl-CoA. It is concluded that the livers of ketotic cows possess high concentrations of acetyl-CoA, which through negative feedback inhibited fatty acid oxidation; show decreased fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis and protein synthesis; and increased gluconeogenesis and energy production.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.230-237
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND: To identify the sources of inaccuracy in LC/MS/MS methods used in the routine quantitation of small molecules are described and discussed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Various UPLC coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and time of flight (TOF) were used to identify the potential sources of inaccuracy and inducing the pitfalls of qualification and quntitation during the veterinary drug residue analysis. Some of stable isotope labelled veterinary drugs, which were used as internal standards, presented "cross-talk", regardless of manufactures of mass spectrometer and types of spectrometer. Group of sulfonamides also presented inaccuracy qualification and quantitation due to the multi-residue analytical method with the same fragment ions at the close retention times. CONCLUSION: The phenomena of "cross-talk" occurring between subsequently monitored transition from stable isotope labelled and isotope non-labelled authentic chemical were identified. To prevent errors and achieve more accurate data during the analysis of small molecules by LC/MS/MS SRM method, Followings should be taken care of and kept checking; purity and concentration of stable isotope as an internal standard, prevention of carry-over during the separation in column, minimizing the ion suppression by matrix effect, identification of retention time, precursor ion and product ion, and full knowledge of data processing including smoothing and peak integration.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.65 no.2
• /
• pp.401-411
• /
• 2023

Many studies have been conducted to improve technology for semen cryopreservation in pigs. However, computer-assisted analysis of sperm motility and morphology is insufficient to predict the molecular function of frozen-thawed semen. More accurate expression patterns of boar sperm proteins may be derived using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique. In this study, the iTRAQ-labeling system was coupled with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis to identify differentially expressed CM10-fractionated proteins between fresh and frozen-thawed boar semen. A total of 76 protein types were identified to be differentially expressed, among which 9 and 67 proteins showed higher and lower expression in frozen-thawed than in fresh sperm samples, respectively. The classified functions of these proteins included oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial inner membrane and matrix, and pyruvate metabolic processes, which are involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis; and sperm flagellum and motile cilium, which are involved in sperm tail structure. These results suggest a possible network of biomarkers associated with survival after the cryopreservation of Duroc boar semen.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.223-233
• /
• 2024

Objectives : Natural products containing bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity are potentially important sources that can contribute to the improvement of various diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) ethanolic extract (CCEE). And then we evaluated the antioxidant effect. Methods : We used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify the compounds in CCEE. LC-MS/MS was performed in positive ion mode using Shimadzu, Nexera HPLC system and IDA TOF mass system. Solvent A was distilled water and solvent B was acetonitrile as mobile phase. The analysis was performed at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min, column temperature of 35 ℃ and wavelength of 284 nm. The antioxidant effect of CCEE was analyzed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). In addition, total phenolics and total flavonoids contents were measured to determine antioxidant effects. Results : Analysis using LC-MS/MS identified four compounds: Coumarin, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde. Free radicals decreased in a concentration-dependent manner starting from 10 ㎍/ml of CCEE, and decreased to a level similar to Ascorbic acid (AA) from a concentration of 60 ㎍/ml onwards. Conclusions : Based on the findings, CCEE exhibits strong antioxidant activity as evidenced by the presence of Coumarin, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde. Consequently, this study suggests that CCEE can serve as an important source of natural antioxidants and can be efficiently used in the management of oxidative stress diseases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.438-446
• /
• 2007

The fermented soybean product, cheonggukjang, is favored by many people, partly due to its bio-functional ingredients. Since the fermentation process of cheonggukjang is mediated by enzymes, including proteases, produced by microbes, analysis of the proteome profile changes in cheonggukjang during fermentation would provide us with valuable information for fermentation optimization, as well as a better understanding of the formation mechanisms of the bio-functional substances. The soluble proteins from cheonggukjang were prepared by a phenol/chloroform extraction method, in order to remove interfering molecules for high resolution 2-D gel analysis. Proteomic analysis of the cheonggukjang different fermentation periods suggested that most of the soluble soy proteins were degraded into smaller forms within 20hr, and many microbial proteins, such as mucilage proteins, dominated the soluble protein fraction. The proteomic profile of cheonggukjang was very different from natto, in terms of the 2-D gel protein profile. Among the separated protein spots on the 2-D gels, 50 proteins from each gel were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS and PMF for protein identification. Due to database limitations with regard to soy proteins and microbial proteins, identification of the changed proteins during fermentation was restricted to 9 proteins for cheonggukjang and 15 for natto. From de novo sequencing of the proteins by a tandem MS/MS, as well as by database searches using BLASTP, a limited number of proteins were identified with low reliability. However, the 2-D gel analysis of proteins, including protein preparation methods, remains a valuable tool to analyze complex mixtures of proteins entirely. Also, for intensive mass spectrometric analysis, it is also advisable to focus on a few of the interestingly changed proteins in cheonggukjang.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.270-276
• /
• 2018

Background: Notoginsenoside Ft1 is a promising potential candidate for cardiovascular and cancer disease therapy owing to its positive pharmacological activities. However, the yield of Ft1 is ultralow utilizing reported methods. Herein, an acid hydrolyzing strategy was implemented in the acquirement of rare notoginsenoside Ft1. Methods: Chemical profiles were identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-ESI-MS). The acid hydrolyzing dynamic changes of chemical compositions and the possible transformation pathways of saponins were monitored by ultrahigh-performance LC coupled with tandem MS (UHPLC-MS/ MS). Results and conclusion: Notoginsenoside Ft1 was epimerized from notoginsenoside ST4, which was generated through cleaving the carbohydrate side chains at C-20 of notoginsenosides Fa and Fc, and vinaginsenoside R7, and further converted to other compounds via hydroxylation at C-25 or hydrolysis of the carbohydrate side chains at C-3 under the acid conditions. High temperature contributed to the hydroxylation reaction at C-25 and 25% acetic acid concentration was conducive to the preparation of notoginsenoside Ft1. C-20 epimers of notoginsenoside Ft1 and ST4 were successfully separated utilizing solvent method of acetic acid solution. The theoretical preparation yield rate of notoginsenoside Ft1 was about 1.8%, which would be beneficial to further study on its bioactivities and clinical application.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.255-265
• /
• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1, a bioactive component isolated from the Panax ginseng, acts as a remedy to prevent myocardial injury. However, it is obscure whether the cardioprotective functions of Rb1 are related to the regulation of endogenous metabolites, and its potential molecular mechanism still needs further clarification, especially from a comprehensive metabolomics profiling perspective. Methods: The mice model of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cardiomyocytes injury were applied to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rb1. Meanwhile, the comprehensive metabolomics profiling was conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and a tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Rb1 treatment profoundly reduced the infarct size and attenuated myocardial injury. The metabolic network map of 65 differential endogenous metabolites was constructed and provided a new inspiration for the treatment of AMI by Rb1, which was mainly associated with mitophagy. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Rb1 was found to improve mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial function and promote mitophagy. Interestingly, the mitophagy inhibitor partly attenuated the cardioprotective effect of Rb1. Additionally, Rb1 markedly facilitated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), and AMPK inhibition partially weakened the role of Rb1 in promoting mitophagy. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rb1 protects acute myocardial ischemia injury through promoting mitophagy via AMPKα phosphorylation, which might lay the foundation for the further application of Rb1 in cardiovascular diseases.