• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.6
• /
• pp.592-598
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Increased mass of adipose tissue in obese persons is caused by excessive adipogenesis, which is elaborately controlled by an array of transcription factors. Inhibition of adipogenesis by diverse plant-derived substances has been explored. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of the aqueous methanol extract of laver (Porphyra yezoensis) on adipogenesis and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of the laver extract. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with various concentrations of laver extract in differentiation medium. Lipid accumulation, expression of adipogenic proteins, including CCAAT enhancer-binding protein ${\alpha}$, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$, fatty acid binding protein 4, and fatty acid synthase, cell viability, apoptosis, and the total content and the ratio of reduced to oxidized forms of glutathione (GSH/GSSG) were analyzed. RESULTS: Treatment with laver extract resulted in a significant decrease in lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which showed correlation with a reduction in expression of adipogenic proteins. Treatment with laver extract also resulted in a decrease in the viability of preadipocytes and an increase in the apoptosis of mature adipocytes. Treatment with laver extract led to exacerbated depletion of cellular glutathione and abolished the transient increase in GSH/GSSG ratio during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CONCLUSION: Results of our study demonstrated that treatment with the laver extract caused inhibition of adipogenesis, a decrease in proliferation of preadipocytes, and an increase in the apoptosis of mature adipocytes. It appears that these effects were caused by increasing oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the depletion and oxidation of the cellular glutathione pool in the extract-treated adipocytes. Our results suggest that a prooxidant role of laver extract is associated with its antiadipogenic and proapoptotic effects.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.10-18
• /
• 1977

Activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in adipose tissue, accumulation of carcass fat, and serum triglyceride have been determined in meal-fed (MF) and ad libitum-fed (AD) rats. At each feeding frequency, the animals received diets providing total fat as 15% or 30% of calories and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as 2.5% or 11% of calories. The food intake of the MF rats was 75% of that consumed by the AD rats but MF rat utilized their food more efficiently, as evidenced by weight gain per 100 Kcal consumed. Meal feeding, as contrasted to ad libitum feeding, resulted in greater activities of both LPL and HSL. This suggested a higher turnover of fat in the adipose tissue of MF rats. In AD rats, body fat was significantly correlated with LPL and the ratio of LPL/HSL. Meal feeding significantly increased the ratio of LPL/HSL, indicating a greater capacity for energy storage and fat deposition in the MF rat. However, at the limited caloric intake, MF rats failed to realize this potential; there was no significant difference in percentage of body fat at the two feeding frequencies. Body fat deposition was greater in rats fed the 30% fat diet, as compared with the 15% diet, regardless of the rate of food ingestion. This was coupled with a higher ratio of LPL/HSL. The significant correlation of serum triglycerides with body fat and with the ratio of LPL/HSL in AD rats suggests that LPL activity and fat deposition may be controlled by the concentration of circulating triglycerides. Both serum triglycerides and adipose LPL activity were significantly reduced when the diet contained high levels of PUFA. The percentage of body fat was also lower in animals whose intake of PUFA was high.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.12-18
• /
• 1998

This study was conducted to examine the effect of several postharvest treatments on the storable quality of three apple cultivars, 'Tsugaru', 'jonagold', and 'Hokudo' which are difference in harvest season. Ethylene evolution level showed cultivar-dependent pattern during storage and there was no correlation between the amount of ethylene evolution and storage period among cultivars. Polyethylene film(PE) wrapping was effective in the inhibition of water loss and functional ceramic film was also effective in the prevention of ethylene accumulation inside the wrap during 1 to 3 months of cold storage compared to those of simple PE wrapping. Ethylene scrubber and wax treatment positively contributed to keep the fruit firmness 10% higher than that of control fruit during storage. Waxing enhanced the appearance of 'jonagold' even after simulated marketing period through inhibiting wax accumulation on the fruit surface.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.161-171
• /
• 2014

In several lysosomal storage disorders, including Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NP-C), sphingolipids, including glycosphingolipids, particularly gangliosides, are the predominant storage materials in the brain, raising the possibility that accumulation of these lipids may be involved in the NP-C neurodegenerative process. However, correlation of these accumulations and NP-C neuropathology has not been fully characterized. Here we derived NP-C mice with complete and partial deletion of the Siat9 (encoding GM3 synthase) gene in order to investigate the role of ganglioside in NP-C pathogenesis. According to our results, NP-C mice with homozygotic deletion of GM3 synthase exhibited an enhanced neuropathological phenotype and died significantly earlier than NP-C mice. Notably, in contrast to complete depletion, NP-C mice with partial deletion of the GM3 synthase gene showed ameliorated NP-C neuropathology, including motor disability, demyelination, and abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and sphingolipids. These findings indicate the crucial role of GM3 synthesis in the NP-C phenotype and progression of CNS pathologic abnormality, suggesting that well-controlled inhibition of GM3 synthesis could be used as a therapeutic strategy.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.9-19
• /
• 1998

Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the performance of anaerobic sequencing batch reactor(ASBR) for digestion of a municipal sludge. Each cycle of the ASBR comprised feeding, two-or three-day reaction, one-day thickening, and withdrawal. The reactors were operated at an HRT of 10days and 5days with an equivalent organic loading rate of 0.8-1.54 gVS/l/d, 1.81-3.56 gVS/l/d at 35$\circ$C, respectively. Solids accumulation was remarkable in the ASBR during start-up period, and directly affected by settleable solids in the feed sludge. Floatation thickening occured in the ASBRs, and Solids profiles at the end of thickening step dramatically changed at solid-liquid interface. Slight difference in solids concentrations was observed within thickened sludge bed. Efficiencies through floatation thickening were comparable to that of additional thickening of the completely mixed control reactor. Average solids concentrations in the ASBRs were 2.2-2.6 times higher than that in the control throughout the total operation period. The dehydrogenase activity had a strong correlation with the solids concentration. Organics removals based on clarified effluent of the ASBRs were consistently above 86%. Remarkable increase in equivalent gas production of 27-52% was observed at the ASBRs compared with the control though the control and ASBRs showed similiar effluent quality. Thus, digestion of a municipal sludge was possible using the ASBR in spite of high concentration of solids in the sludge.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.338-344
• /
• 2015

Background: Ginseng (the roots of Panax ginseng Meyer) is a well-known traditional Oriental medicine and is now widely used as a health food. It contains several types of ginsenosides, which are considered the major active medicinal components of ginseng. It has recently been reported that the qualitative and quantitative properties of ginsenosides found in ginseng may differ, depending on cultivation regions, ages, species, and so on. Therefore, it is necessary to study these variations with respect to cultivation ages and regions. Methods: In this study, 3-6-yr-old roots of P. ginseng were collected from three different cultivation regions. The contents of five ginsenosides (Rb1, Rd, Rc, Re, and Rgl) were measured by rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The Kruskal-Wallis Rank sum test and multiple t test were used for comparative analysis of the data to evaluate the dynamic changes in the accumulation of these ginsenosides affected by cultivation regions and ages. Results: The content and composition of ginsenosides varied significantly among specimens collected from different cultivation regions and having different cultivation ages. For all samples, the content of Rg1 and Re ginsenosides increases with age and this rate of increase is different for each sample. The contents of Rb1, Rc, and Rd varied with cultivation ages in samples from different cultivation regions; especially, Rb1 from a 6-yr-old root showed approximately twofold variation among the samples from three cultivation regions. Furthermore, the content of Rb1 highly correlated with that of Rd (r = 0.89 across all locations and ages). Conclusion: In our study, only the contents of ginsenosides Rg1 and Re were affected by the root age. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, and Rd varied widely with ages in samples from different cultivation regions.

• Mycobiology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.129-134
• /
• 2007

Systemic effect of two plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains, viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf4) and P. aeruginosa (Pag), was evaluated on pea (Pisum sativum) against the powdery mildew pathogen Erysiphe pisi. Foliar spray of the two PGPR strains was done on specific nodal leaves of pea and conidial germination of E. pisi was observed on other nodal leaves, distal to the treated ones. Conidial germination was reduced on distant leaves and at the same time, specific as well as total phenolic compounds increased in the leaves distal to those applied with PGPR strains, thereby indicating a positive correlation. The strains induced accumulation of phenolic compounds in pea leaves and the amount increased when such leaves were get inoculated with E. pisi conidia. Between the two strains, Pag was found to be more effective than Pf4 as its effect was more persistent in pea leaves. Foliar application of PGPR strains for the control of powdery mildew of pea is demonstrated in vitro while correlating it with the increased accumulation of plant phenolics.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.20-30
• /
• 2022

In this study, in order to confirm the relationship between technical innovation competence and corporate performance, the effect of technical innovation competence of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies on corporate performance was identified, and entrepreneurship, which plays a role as a driving force in triggering technical innovation competence, was analyzed to determine whether there is a mediating effect between them. To conduct the research, first, the research model was established by examining previous studies on technical innovation competence, entrepreneurship, and corporate performance. Second, an on-line and offline survey was conducted for employees in companies after constructing a questionnaire that can verify the hypothesis suitable for the research model. Third, the hypothesis was verified by performing validity and reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis using a statistical program. Results of this study, first, it was found that R&D competence and technology innovation system, which are elements of technical innovation competence, had a significant effect on financial performance, and technology innovation system and technology accumulation capacity, had a significant effect on non-financial performance. Second, it was analyzed that entrepreneurship has a mediating effect in both R&D capability, technological innovation system and technology accumulation capability, which are elements of technical innovation capability, and financial and non-financial performance, elements of corporate performance.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.227-240
• /
• 2024

Trees improve air quality through the accumulation of air pollutants in their leaves; however, the responses of different tree species to air pollution varies. Hence, this study evaluated the responses to air pollution of selected tree species in the Swamp Forest Research Station, Onne. Ten tree species (Cola pachycarpa, Khaya grandifoliolia, Irvingia gabonensis, Garcinia kola, Chrysophyllum albidum, Treculia africana, Dacryodes edulis, Tectonia grandis, Gmelina aborea, and Nauclea diderrichii) were selected based on their abundance in the area. Leaves were collected from all sides in 3 replicates for each tree species. Laboratory analysis was carried out using standard procedures. Portable Multi Gas Detector was used to determine the concentrations of air pollutants. One-way analysis of variance was employed to test for significant difference (p≤0.05) in biochemical parameters among the tree species while Pearson's correlation was utilized to determine the level of association between different biochemical parameters and APTI; heavy metals and APTI. Results showed high concentration of PM₁₀, CO, moderate concentration of NO₂, PM_2.5, and VOC, and low concentration of ground O₃. Heavy metals - Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Nickel and Copper were all present in the tree species at varying rates. There were significant differences in the biochemical parameters and APTI values. C. pachycarpa exhibited the highest APTI value (89.88), while D. edulis had the lowest APTI value (8.24). C. pachycarpa, K. grandifoliolia, C. albidum, G. kola, T. africana, and N. diderrichii were identified as tolerant tree species to air pollution. G. aborea, T. grandis, and I. gabonensis were considered intermediate tolerant species, while D. edulis was the only tree species sensitive to air pollution. Ascorbic Acid, Chlorophyll, Hg and Ni had positive correlations with APTI; Cd and Cu had negative association with APTI at the 0.05 significance level. C. pachycarpa, T. africana, K. grandifoliolia, C. albidum, N. diderrichii and G. kola, are recommended for planting in pollution-prone areas.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.221-229
• /
• 2023

Extracted from the metropolitan area, the Paldang Lake, which supplies approximately 8 million tons of water, has achieved a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of 1.1 mg/L as a result of water quality preservation policies. However, concerning the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) component that encompasses refractory organic matter, there has been an observable upward trend in concentration. The introduction of refractory organic matter into the water source of Paldang Lake brings potential increments in BOD, generates off-putting tastes and odors in tap water, increases THM (Trihalomethane) formation, and triggers algae proliferation. Moreover, if residual hazardous refractory pollutants persist in aquatic environments, they may induce endocrine disruption and phenomena such as antibiotic resistance. In this study, a monitoring campaign was executed to discern the concentration of refractory organic matter emissions from point and non-point sources within Paldang Lake and its upstream region, with the aim of managing refractory organic matter in Paldang Lake. By comparing refractory organic matter emission concentrations across monitored areas, the elimination efficiency at wastewater treatment plants was assessed. Additionally, employing the Pearson correlation correlation analysis technique, correlations among refractory organic matter indices, antecedent wet days, and antecedent dry days were explored. The concentrations of refractory organic matter in rivers and Paldang Lake exhibited a similar pattern. Wastewater treatment plant effluents exhibited higher concentrations compared to rivers and Paldang Lake. The assessment of refractory organic matter removal at wastewater treatment plants indicated a removal efficiency of 65.73%. However, no significant correlation emerged between refractory organic matter emission concentration and antecedent wet days or priory antecedent dry days. This absence of correlation is attributed to data scarcity, underscoring the need for long-term monitoring and data accumulation.