• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.230-237
• /
• 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Chronic gut inflammation is recognized as a risk factor for tumor development, including CRC. American ginseng is a very commonly used ginseng species in the West. Methods: A genetically engineered $Apc^{Min/+}$ mouse model was used in this study. We analyzed the saponin composition of American ginseng used in this project, and evaluated its effects on the progression of high-fat-diet-enhanced CRC carcinogenesis. Results: After oral ginseng administration (10-20 mg/kg/d for up to 32 wk), experimental data showed that, compared with the untreated mice, ginseng very significantly reduced tumor initiation and progression in both the small intestine (including the proximal end, middle end, and distal end) and the colon (all p < 0.01). This tumor number reduction was more obvious in those mice treated with a low dose of ginseng. The tumor multiplicity data were supported by body weight changes and gut tissue histology examinations. In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that compared with the untreated group, ginseng very significantly reduced the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-$1{\alpha}$ (IL-$1{\alpha}$), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in both the small intestine and the colon (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Further studies are needed to link our observed effects to the actions of the gut microbiome in converting the parent ginsenosides to bioactive ginseng metabolites. Our data suggest that American ginseng may have potential value in CRC chemoprevention.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.459-465
• /
• 1999

The inhibition degree of the isolated bacteria on plaque formation of Streptococcus mutans, and the effect of these bacterial genus on the concentration of total bacteria in saliva were assessed with the following. The effectiveness of the isolated bacteria on the inhibition of plaque formation was assessed culturing Streptococcus mutans in the beaker with orthodontic wires. The mean weight of plaque produced on a wire was 152mg in the culture of Streptococcus mutans only, whereas being reduced to 4mg, 78mg, or 72mg in the combined culture of Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus durans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Streptococcus oralis. The colony forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans were $3.6{\times}10^8$ per ml in the culture of Streptococcus mutans, only, wheras being $1.4{\times}10^6,\;5.6{\times}10^6,\;or\;3.8{\times}10^6$ per ml in the combined culture of Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus durans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Streptococcus oralis. When saliva from children was inoculated on brain heart infusion agar, the colony forming units of bacteria were $4.8{\times}10^6\;to\;1.3{\times}10^9$ per ml of saliva. The concentration of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, or Streptococcus inhibiting Streptococcus mutans in saliva was not proportioned to that of total bacteria replicated on brain heart infusion agar. These results indicate that the isolated bacteria inhibited the replication of Streptococcus mutans, resulting into inhibiting the formation of plaque, but the concentration of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, or Streptococcus inhibiting Streptococcus mutans, in saliva might not affect the total bacterial concentration of saliva.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.36-40
• /
• 1999

The optimal condition for the production of the artificial fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces japonica in bulk was determined from the observation of the conidial, hyphal, and cultural condition and the medium. The colony was grown 32 mm diameter in 14 days on potato dextrose agar(PDA). Conidia was irregularly long oval-shaped and measured 4.07${\times}$1.56 ${\mu}$m in average. The hyaline hyphae formed transparent bundles which branched out. The fruiting body on the insect surface was measured 30 to 50 mm in length and formed up to 55 branches. Potato dextrose(PD) both was the most effective for the growth of Paecilomyces japonica among the liquid type media. About 3.1 mg mrcelia in dry weight were produced in 50 ml/PD broth. The best condition for the production of conidia under which condition 4.3${\times}$10$^8$ conidia/ml were harvested was pH 5.0 in acidity and 20$^{\circ}C$ following preculture at 24$^{\circ}C$ in temperature for 7 days.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.19 no.11
• /
• pp.1401-1407
• /
• 2009

Many Lactobacillus strains have been promoted as good probiotics for the prevention and treatment of diseases. We engineered recombinant Lactobacillus casei, producing biologically active canine granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (cGM-CSF), and investigated its possibility as a good probiotic agent for dogs. Expression of the cGM-CSF protein in the recombinant Lactobacillus was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting methods. For the in vivo study, 18 Beagle puppies of 7 weeks of age were divided into three groups; the control group was fed only on a regular diet and the two treatment groups were fed on a diet supplemented with either $1\times10^9$ colony forming units (CFU)/day of L. casei or L. casei expressing cGM-CSF protein for 7 weeks. Body weight was measured, and fecal and blood samples were collected from the dogs during the experiment for the measurement of hematology, fecal immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG, circulating IgA and IgG, and canine corona virus (CCV)-specific IgG. There were no differences in body weights among the groups, but monocyte counts in hematology and serum IgA were higher in the group receiving L. casei expressing cGM-CSF than in the other two groups. After the administration of CCV vaccine, CCV-specific IgG in serum increased more in the group supplemented with L. casei expressing cGM-CSF than the other two groups. This study shows that a dietary L. casei expressing cGM-CSF enhances specific immune functions at both the mucosal and systemic levels in puppies.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.58-73
• /
• 2014

In general, it is thought discoloration on wood is frequently found in decorative wood products. So this study was conducted focusing on white rot found lower parts of columns and baseboards of a wooden house, Hyunchungsa (shrine) to know whether microorganisms have any influence on discoloration or there is correlation with strength by investigating resistograph, occurrence of microorganisms and microscopy for analysis(SEM, tissue analysis etc.). The results obtained were as follows: (1) The result of measurement of resistograph showed there are little correlation between discoloration and strength though there was a spot indicating low resistance. (2) The moisture content of discolored part was relatively higher than that of normal parts, but occurrence of microorganisms was less in discolored parts while more kinds of microorganisms were identified in normal parts with high CFU(Colony Forming Unit). (3) The result of SEM (with a magnification of 500 times) on the surface of discolored parts, it was found out there are many kinds of particles in different sizes on the surface and those were composed of elements such as C, O, Si, Ca, and a small amount of Na and Cl (weight %) were detected in part. (4) The result of tissue analysis showed discoloration occurs limitedly to the outer surface of column. As these results, it is concluded that discoloration has nothing to do with strength, damage by microorganisms and salt.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.5
• /
• pp.287-295
• /
• 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. The chemotherapeutic agents used to treat HCC patients are toxic and have serious side effects. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of anticancer drugs that reduce side effects by targeting tumor cells without causing cytotoxicity in healthy hepatocytes. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plant compounds, has emerged as a potential candidate for cancer treatment due to its diverse pharmacological properties. The effect of berberine on HepG2 cell viability was determined using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. HepG2 cell proliferation was determined through a colony-forming assay. The effects of berberine on HepG2 cell migration were evaluated using a wound-healing assay. Berberine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, as well as colony formation and migration. Berberine treatment increased the expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins, including Beclin-1 and LC3-II, and elevated the activities and mRNA expression of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. Additionally, in experiments utilizing the Cell-Derived Xenograft animal model, berberine treatment reduced tumor size and weight in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the potential of berberine as a versatile anticancer agent with efficacy in both cellular and animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings herein shed light on berberine's efficacy against HCC, presenting opportunities for targeted and personalized therapeutic interventions.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.441-446
• /
• 2003

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and zuchinis stored in the far-infrared radiated chamber at 5$^{\circ}C$ or 10$^{\circ}C$ under 90% of relative humidity had been maintained in the fresh state for longer times than the control stored only in the cold chamber. Vegetables stored in the far-infrared radiated chamber showed lower values in weight loss rate, microbial colony count and decay ratio and higher ascorbic acid content than the control stored cold in the cold room through the storage period. We confirmed that vegetables stored in the far-infrared radiated chamber under low temperature and high humidity showed least changes in quality properties through the storage period and the far-infrared radiated facilities could be a good storage system.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.64-74
• /
• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary multi-strain probiotic (MSP) (Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 + Bacillus subtillis UBBS14 + Saccharomyces boulardii Unique 28) on performance, gut morphology and expression of nutrient transporter related genes in broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 256 (4×8×8) day-old CARIBRO Vishal commercial broiler chicks of uniform body weight were randomly distributed into four treatments with 8 replicates each and having eight chicks in each replicate. Four dietary treatments were T₁ (negative control-basal diet), T₂ (positive control-antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate at 20 mg/kg diet), T₃ (MSP at 10⁷ colony-forming unit [CFU]/g feed), and T₄ (MSP at 10⁸ CFU/g feed). Results: During 3 to 6 weeks and 0 to 6 weeks, the body weight gain increased significantly (p<0.05) in T₃ and T₄ groups. The feed intake significantly (p<0.05) reduced from T₁ to T₃ during 0 to 3 weeks and the feed conversion ratio also significantly (p<0.05) improved in T₃ and T₄ during 0 to 6 weeks. The humoral and cell mediated immune response and the weight of immune organs were also significantly (p<0.05) improved in T₃ and T₄. However, significant (p<0.05) dietary effects were observed on intestinal histo-morphometry of ileum in T₃ followed by T₄ and T₂. At 14 d post hatch, the relative gene expression of glucose transporter (GLUT5), sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT₁) and peptide transporter (PepT₁) showed a significant (p<0.05) up-regulating pattern in T₂, T₃, and T₄. Whereas, at 21 d post hatch, the gene expression of SGLT₁ and PepT₁ was significantly (p<0.05) downregulated in MSP supplemented treatments T₃ and T₄. Conclusion: The supplementation of MSP at 10⁷ CFU/g diet showed significant effects with improved performance, immune response, gut morphology and expression of nutrient transporter genes. Thus, the MSP could be a suitable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in chicken diets.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.8 no.5
• /
• pp.501-508
• /
• 1998

An alkalophilic mi.croorganism (strain YB380), which produces yeast cell wall hydrolase extracellulary, was isolated from Korean soil. The rod-shaped cells were 0.3~0.4 by 2~4${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ long, motile, aerobic, gram-positive, and spore-forming. The color of the colony was light yellow. The temperature range for growth at pH 9.0 was 25 to $45{\circ}C, with optimum growth at $35{\circ}C. The pH range for growth at $35{\circ}C was 8 to 11 with an optimum pH of 9.0. Therefore, the strain YB380 is an obligate alkalophile. The 16S rRNA of strain YB380 has a 99% sequence similarity with that of Bacillus alcalophilus. On the basis of physiological properties, cell wall fatty acid composition, and phylogenetic analysis, we propose that the isolated strain is Bacillus alcalophilus. The yeast cell wall hydrolase from Bacillus alcalophilus subsp. YB380 has been purified and partially characterized. The molecular weight was estimated to be 27,000 daltons with an optimum temperature and pH of $60{\circ}C and 9.0, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was analyzed as Gln- Thr- Val- Pro- Trp- Gly- Ile- Asn- Arg- Val.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.283-288
• /
• 2006

Trichoderma harzianum YC459 (Th 459), isolated from sawdust compost, was effective in controlling cucumber and tomato gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea under controlled and plastic film tunnel conditions. A water suspension of the wettable powder formulation of Th 459 significantly $(P\leq0.05)$ reduced the severity of cucumber gray mold by foliar spraying at all tested concentrations from $10^5\;to\;10^8$ colony forming unit (cfu)/ml in repeated experiments. The control efficacy was maintained at least seven days with the average control value of 70% in cucumber pot tests. Mixing one to eight grams of the granular formulation ($10^8cfu/g$ dry weight) of Th 459 into one liter nursery potting mix at seeding also significantly $(P\leq0.05)$ reduced the severity of cucumber gray mold by suppression of lesion formation three weeks after treatment. Application of mixing granular formulation at seeding in combination with foliar spraying during cultivation provided a more significant reduction $(P\leq0.05)$ of cucumber gray mold than granule mixing or leaf spray alone. The foliar spraying of the formulated wettable powder of Th 459 significantly $(P\leq0.05)$ reduced the infection of tomato fruits by B. cinerea as effective as the chemical fungicide, dichlofluanid, in three plastic film tunnel experiment trials. It is suggested that effective control of gray mold of cucumber and tomato can be provided by both treatment of Th 459 into potting mix and foliar spray through induction of systemic resistance and direct inhibition of the pathogen.