• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.501-507
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• 1991

Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is currently confirmed by the detection of the oocysts or endogenous stages in fecal or tissue samples. Various conventional staining methods and serodiagnostic techniques have been reported, but the latter has far been limited to a few laboratories. Cryptosporidium has recently been reported in mice and chiekens in Korea, but there has been no report on staining methods to the oocysts. The present study was performed by light and scanning electron microscopic observations, and discussed with staining properties of four conventional methods such as dichromate solution floatation method, Carbol fuchsin stain, Auramine-O stain and Giemsa stain method. Cryptosporidial oocysts were isolated from the laboratory mouse. In tissue sections of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and upper colon, numerous very small, basophilic bodies were observed on the border of mucosal epithelial cells. In scanning electron microscopic observations, a few of developmental stages of Cryptosporidium were seen. Two types of thick and thin-walled oocysts were recognized in the intestinal contents. Mean size of its were $5.19{\pm}0.23{\times}4.31{\pm}0.32{\mu}m$ and $5.14{\pm}0.25{\times}4.27{\pm}0.4{\mu}m$, respectively. Carbol fuchsin and Auramine-O stain methods are recommended as the satisfactory ones for the identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Giemsa stain was also recommended as available in the laboratory, because a few of developmental stage fo Cryptosporidium could be seen by it.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.656-668
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• 2018

Background/Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were reported to be responsible for intestinal permeability in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) rats in our previous study. However, whether and how miRNAs regulate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D remains largely unknown. Methods We established the IBS-D rat model and evaluated it using the nociceptive visceral hypersensitivity test, myeloperoxidase activity assay, restraint stress-induced defecation, and electromyographic (EMG) activity. The distal colon was subjected to miRNA microarray analysis followed by isolation and culture of colonic epithelial cells (CECs). Bioinformatic analysis and further experiments, including dual luciferase assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were used to detect the expression of miRNAs and how it regulates visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats. Results The IBS-D rat model was successfully established. A total of 24 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the distal colon of IBS-D rats; 9 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Among them, the most significant upregulation was miR-200a, accompanied by downregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and serotonin transporter (SERT). MiR-200a mimic markedly inhibited the expression of CNR1/SERT. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assay confirmed that CNR1/SERT are direct targets of miR-200a. Rescue experiments that overexpressed CNR1/SERT significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-200a on the IBS-D rats CECs. Conclusions This study suggests that miR-200a could induce visceral hyperalgesia by targeting the downregulation of CNR1 and SERT, aggravating or leading to the development and progression of IBS-D. MiR-200a may be a regulator of visceral hypersensitivity, which provides potential targets for the treatment of IBS-D.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1571-1586
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• 2012

On earth, there are about 5,400 kinds of mammals, of which about 1,000 kinds are herbivores. Among herbivores, about 250 kinds are known to be ruminants. As for cattle and sheep, which are ruminants, fermentation takes places mainly in their rumen; in contrast, for pigs and men, which are non-ruminants, fermentation takes place mainly in their caecum, colon, and rectum. As for the kind and dominance of rumen microorganisms, Bacteroidetes account for 51% and Firmicutes for 43%. As for the dominance of the large intestine microorganisms in men, Firmicutes account for 65% and Bacteroidetes for 25%. Cell wall components are decomposed by microorganisms, and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are generated through fermentation; the ratio of acetate, propionate, and butyrate generate is 60:25:15. Butyrate absorbed through the primary butyrate transporter MCT1 (mono carboxylate transports-1) in the intestines activates such SCFA receptors as GPR43 and GPR41. Butyrate has a strong anti-tumorigenic function. Butyrate is characterized by the fact that it has an effect on many cancer cells, contributes to the coordination of functions in the cells, and induces cancer apoptosis. Butyrate activates caspase but inhibits the activity of HDAC (histone deacetylase), so as to induce apoptosis. In addition, it increases p53 expression, so as to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Anti-inflammation actions of SCFA include the reduction of IL-8 expression in intestinal epithelial cells, the inhibition of NO synthesis, and the restraint of the activity of NF-${\kappa}B$ (nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$), so as to suppress the occurrence of cancers caused by inflammation. Butyrate plays an important role in maintaining physiological functions of intestinal mucous membranes and is used as a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1206-1212
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• 2023

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays essential roles in regulating various cellular behaviors, including proliferation, survival, and differentiation [1-3]. The intracellular β-catenin level, which is regulated by a proteasomal degradation pathway, is critical to Wnt/β-catenin pathway control [4]. Normally, casein kinase 1 (CK1) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), which form a complex with the scaffolding protein Axin and the tumor suppressor protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), phosphorylate β-catenin at Ser45, Thr41, Ser37, and Ser33 [5, 6]. Phosphorylated β-catenin is ubiquitinated by the β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP), an F-box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and ubiquitinated β-catenin is degraded via a proteasome pathway [7, 8]. Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Abnormal up-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a major pathological event in intestinal epithelial cells during human colorectal cancer oncogenesis [9]. Genetic mutations in the APC gene are observed in familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) and sporadic colorectal cancers [10]. In addition, mutations in the N-terminal phosphorylation motif of the β-catenin gene were found in patients with colorectal cancer [11]. These mutations cause β-catenin to accumulate in the nucleus, where it forms complexes with transcription factors of the T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) family to stimulate the expression of β-catenin responsive genes, such as c-Myc and cyclin D1, which leads to colorectal tumorigenesis [12-14]. Therefore, downregulating β-catenin response transcription (CRT) is a potential strategy for preventing and treating colorectal cancer. Plant cytokinins are N⁶-substituted purine derivatives; they promote cell division in plants and regulate developmental pathways. Natural cytokinins are classified as isoprenoid (isopentenyladenine, zeatin, and dihydrozeatin), aromatic (benzyladenine, topolin, and methoxytopolin), or furfural (kinetin and kinetin riboside), depending on their structure [15, 16]. Kinetin riboside was identified in coconut water and is a naturally produced cytokinin that induces apoptosis and exhibits antiproliferative activity in several human cancer cell lines [17]. However, little attention has been paid to kinetin riboside's mode of action. In this study, we show that kinetin riboside exerts its cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and promoting intracellular β-catenin degradation.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.183-196
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• 2024

This study investigated the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (AEEL) against high glucose-induced human colon epithelial HT-29 cells. The 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses indicated that AEEL had significant antioxidant activities. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that AEEL increased cell viability against high glucose-, H₂O₂-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. Also, the 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay indicated that AEEL decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) against high glucose-, H₂O₂-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. AEEL showed inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AEEL showed significant positive effects on the viability and titratable acidity of L. brevis. The high-performance liquid chromatogram (HPLC) analysis identified chlorogenic acid and rutin as the major compounds of AEEL. These results suggested that AEEL has the potential to be used as a functional food source to suppress blood glucose levels and protect the gut from high glucose-induced oxidative stress.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.176-180
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• 2009

Two year-old female miniature schnauzer was presented with depression, abdominal pain and inappetence. Physical examination revealed tachypnea, fever, and abdominal pain. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia was shown in complete blood count. Radiograph revealed the increase of opacity in parallel to vertebra and dislocation of descending colon. Calculi and sludge in bladder, hydronephrosis and dilation of proximal ureter in right kidney were observed in ultrasonographic examination; also, irregular shape of structure in retroperitoneal cavity was observed. Urinalysis showed protein urine and hemtauria. Many epithelial cells, spindle cells, calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals, struvite crystals, amorphous crystals and granular casts, WBC, cocci were examined in urine sediment test. ERD-kit test result was highly positive. Based on those test and excretory urogram pyelonephritis and complete unilateral obstruction of ureter were confirmed. A balloon type structure in retroperitoneal cavity was found through the exploratory laparotomy. In cytologic examination of aspirated fluid from dilated area many degenerated neutrophils and phagocytized cocci were observed. Staphylococcus intermedius was cultured from aspirated fluid. Based on these clinical results retroperitoneal abscesses caused by Staphylococcus intermedius was diagnosed with ureter obstruction and concurrent cystic calculi. Nephrectomy of right kidney with ureter was performed.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.315-320
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• 2004

The aim of this study was to develop an activator, 3-10 kDa fraction from radish water extracts, that will improve the intestinal function and bowel movement in the colons. Radish water extracts were investigated for their intestinal function effects according to the charcoal meal transit method, employing Balb/c mice: also, their anti-constipation activities were compared utilizing the loperamide-induced constipation method, employing SD rats. The result suggested that the effects of the charcoal meal transit increased remarkably in radish water extract administrated rats in comparison to loperamide administrated rats. Futhermore, the effects of various solvent extracts of radish on charcoal meal transit in Balb/c mice increased remarkably in radish water fraction administrated rats than in different solvent fraction administrated rats. Radish extraction was tested and isolated into 4 groups: below 3 kDa, 3-10 kDa, 10-300 kDa, and over 300 kDa. 3-10 kDa was the most effective on the intestinal function and bowel movement in the colons; also, 3-10 kDa fraction of radish water extraction was found to be the most effective charcoal meal transit. The dry weight and moisture content of feces remarkedly increased in the 3-10 kDa administrated rats group than in the loperamide only group. Experimental results revealed that 3-10 kDa fraction of radish water extract was the most effective on the intestinal function and bowel movement was the crypt epithelial cells that contained more MUC2 in the 3-10 kDa administrated group than the loperamide only group: in addition, the thickness of mucus layer stained with alcian blue was significantly thicker in 3-10 kDa administrated rats than in loperamide administrated rats. Crypt epithelial cells secreted more MUC2 in the 3-10 kDa administrated group than the loperamide only group and the stained cells clearly showed the MUC2 with antibody Biogenex AM358.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.549-555
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• 2001

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), one component of cruciferous vegetables (the Fammily of Cruciferae), has been shown to exert its chemopreventive effect in liver, colon and mammary tissue before or concurrent exposure of carcinogen, but there have been several evidences that consumption of I3C induced tumor promotion in some tissues. Our studies were investigated to examine the modifying effects of I3C in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[$\alpha$]anthracene (DMBA) induced rat mammary gland tumor model. Fifty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. Animals of the group 1 were given the diet containing 100ppm I3C and animals of the groups 2 and 4 were given the diet containing 300ppm I3C from 6 weeks of age. At 7 weeks of age, the animals of the groups 1, 2 and 3 were intubated with DMBA. All amimals were killed at 20 weeks after carcinogen treatment. There were significant increases of food consumption in I3C feeding groups compared with those of basal diet feeding groups. The incidences of the mammary tumors in the group 1, 2 and 3 were 75.0% (9/12), 56.3% (9/16) and 93.8% (15/16), respectively and the average number of tumors of group 1 (DMBA+I3C 100ppm: $2.08{\pm}0.61$) and 2 (DMBA+I3C 300ppm: $1.19{\pm}0.32$) were significantly lower than that of group 3 (DMBA alone: $4.63{\pm}0.72$) at the value of P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively. In the pathological examination of appearing tumors, most of them were adenocarcinoma. Many epithelial cells of tumors showed strong estrogen receptor (ER) $\alpha$ expression but there were slight difference of ER $\alpha$ expression among the type of tumors. We suggest that pre-initiation treatment of I3C has an inhibitory effects on mammary carcinogenesis induced by DMBA.

• Gut and Liver
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.682-693
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as ulcerative colitis. This dysfunction is caused by increased permeability and the loss of tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether estradiol treatment reduces colonic permeability, tight junction disruption, and inflammation in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colon cancer mouse model. Methods: The effects of $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2) were evaluated in ICR male mice 4 weeks after AOM/DSS treatment. Histological damage was scored by hematoxylin and eosin staining and the levels of the colonic mucosal cytokine myeloperoxidase (MPO) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the effects of E2 on intestinal permeability, tight junctions, and inflammation, we performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression levels of mucin 2 (MUC2) and mucin 4 (MUC4) were measured as target genes for intestinal permeability, whereas zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin (OCLN), and claudin 4 (CLDN4) served as target genes for the tight junctions. Results: The colitis-mediated induced damage score and MPO activity were reduced by E2 treatment (p<0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier-related molecules (i.e., MUC2, ZO-1, OCLN, and CLDN4) were decreased by AOM/DSS-treatment; furthermore, this inhibition was rescued by E2 supplementation. The mRNA and protein expression of inflammation-related genes (i.e., KLF4, NF-${\kappa}B$, iNOS, and COX-2) was increased by AOM/DSS-treatment and ameliorated by E2. Conclusions: E2 acts through the estrogen receptor ${\beta}$ signaling pathway to elicit anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal barrier by inducing the expression of MUC2 and tight junction molecules and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.684-691
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• 2010

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of resistant starch (RS) on the large bowel function and plasma lipids in rats with constipation induced by Loperamide. Animals were divided into six groups: normal control-5% cellulose, constipation-5% cellulose, constipation-5% pectin, constipation-5% RS-type 2 (RS2), constipation-8% RS2 and constipation-5% RS type 3 (RS3) groups, and fed experimental diets for five weeks. The results from RS groups were compared with those from other dietary fiber groups. The groups supplemented with RS3 or high level of RS2 showed significantly increased counts of bifidobacteria in the cecum than the other groups. The production of total short chain fatty acids in the cecal contents was significantly high in pectin, RS3 and high RS2 groups. The pH in the cecal contents of the RS supplemented groups was significantly decreased compared with the cellulose supplemented groups. The production of prostaglandin E2 in the colon mucus of the RS groups was higher than the normal group; however, it was significantly decreased compared to the cellulose or pectin supplemented constipated groups. The thickness of the mucus layer and the production of mucus from epithelial cells were significantly increased in RS3 group compared to the constipated cellulose group. Supplementation of resistant starch significantly elevated the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol and significantly lowered plasma atherogenic index compared with cellulose or pectin supplementation in constipated rats. The results of the present study demonstrated that resistant starch supplementation may help in improving the large bowel environment by stimulation of bifidobacterial proliferation, reduction of pH and inflammation factor and by increased production of mucus. It has also been found that an additional health benefit is improvement in lipid levels of serum.