• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1467-1479
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• 2020

Profiling the transcriptome changes involved in xylose metabolism by the fungus Trichoderma reesei allows for the identification of potential targets for ethanol production processing. In the present study, the transcriptome of T. reesei HJ-48 grown on xylose versus glucose was analyzed using next-generation sequencing technology. During xylose fermentation, numerous genes related to central metabolic pathways, including xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH), were expressed at higher levels in T. reesei HJ-48. Notably, growth on xylose did not fully repress the genes encoding enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid and respiratory pathways. In addition, increased expression of several sugar transporters was observed during xylose fermentation. This study provides a valuable dataset for further investigation of xylose fermentation and provides a deeper insight into the various genes involved in this process.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1841-1846
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• 2009

Menopause is often associated with the incidence of several chronic diseases including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective regimen that has been found to prevent these diseases in postmenopausal women. However, HRT is accompanied by an increased risk of unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Ecklonia cava, a kind of seaweed, extract on bone turnover markers in symptomatic menopausal women. For this study, the following four groups of 9-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated over 6 weeks: normal rats (SHAM), ovariectomized rats (OVX-CON) and ovariectomized rats that were treated with Ecklonia cava extracts. The optimum extraction temperature and solvent of Ecklonia cava were found to be $80^{\circ}C$ and 80% ethanol. We measured the osteocalcin and CTx content, enzyme ALP activity in serum and collagen content in the cartilage, bone, skin and lungs. We found that the levels of indicators of bone metabolism such as ALP, osteocalcin and CTx were lower in rats in the Ecklonia cava extract group than the OVX-CON group. In addition, the collagen contents in the bone, cartilage, skin and lungs decreased in response to ovariectomy, but the levels of collagen were greater in the bone of rats that were treated with Ecklonia cava extract than in the bone of rats in the OVX-CON group. According to these results, we were able to know the effects of Ecklonia cava extract on bone aging in ovariectomized rats. Consequently, we expect Ecklonia cava extract to have an effect on bone aging in postmenopausal women.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.227-238
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• 2020

Use of raw feedstuffs for livestock is limited by low digestibility. Recently, fermentation of feedstuffs has been highlighted as a new way to improve nutrient absorption through the production of organic acids using inoculated microorganisms, which can also play a probiotic role. However, standard procedures for feedstuff fermentation have not been clearly defined because the process is influenced by climatic variation, and an analytical standard for fermented feedstuffs is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and biochemical changes of feedstuffs during fermentation at temperatures corresponding to different seasons (10℃, 20℃, 30℃, and 40℃). We also investigated the effects of yeast, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Bacillus spp. on fermentation and determined the results of their interactions during fermentation. The viable cells were observed within 8 days in single-strain fermentation. However, when feedstuffs were inoculated with a culture of mixed strains, LAB were predominant at low temperatures (10℃ and 20℃), while Bacillus spp. was predominant at high temperatures (30℃ and 40℃). A significant drop in pH from 6.5 to 4.3 was observed when LAB was the dominant strain in the culture, which correlated with the concentrations of lactic acid. Slight ethanol production was detected above 20℃ regardless of the incubation temperature, suggesting active metabolism of yeast, despite this organism making up a marginal portion of the microbes in the mixed culture. These results suggested that fermentation temperature significantly affects microbiological profiles and biochemical parameters, such as pH and the lactic acid concentration, of fermented feedstuffs. Our data provide valuable information for the determination of industrial standards for fermented feedstuffs.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.411-419
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• 2016

Purpose: Dysregulation of adipokines caused by excess adipose tissue has been implicated in the development of obesity-related metabolic diseases. This study evaluated the effects of mugwort (Artemisia princeps Pampanini) ethanol extract on lipid metabolic changes, insulin resistance, adipokine balance, and body fat reduction in obese rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control diet (NC), high-fat diet (HF, 40% kcal from fat), or high-fat diet with 1% mugwort extract (HFM) for 6 weeks. Results: Epididymal and retroperitoneal fat mass increased in the HF group compared with the NC group, and epididymal fat mass was reduced in the HFM group (p < 0.05). No difference was observed in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) among the groups. However, triglyceride (TG), TG/HDL-C ratio, and TC/HDL-C ratio increased in the HF group and significantly decreased in the HFM group. TG and TC levels in the liver were significantly higher in the HF group, whereas these levels were significantly reduced in the HFM group. HF rats had lower insulin sensitivity as indicated by increased homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value. HOMA-IR values significantly decreased in the HFM group. Adiponectin levels were higher in NC rats, and their leptin and PAI-1 levels were lower. Relative balance of adipokines was reversed in the HF group, with lower adiponectin levels but higher leptin and PAI-1 levels. In contrast, the HFM group maintained balance of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/PAI-1 levels similar to NC by reducing leptin and PAI-1 levels. Conclusion: Overall data indicated that mugwort extract can be effective in alleviating metabolic dislipidemia, insulin resistance, and adipokine dysregulation induced by a high-fat diet.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1262-1268
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• 2017

Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), a plant in the Myrtaceae family, is native to the semitropical rain-forests of Queensland and is presumably the most commercialized native spice. In Australian thousands of lemon-myrtle trees are under tillage. This study was carried out to investigate the alcohol metabolism, hepatoprotective effects and antidiabetic, tyrosinase inhibitory activity of hot-water (LMW) and 80% ethanol (LME) extracts from lemon-myrtle leaves. The alpha-glucosidase (${\alpha}$-glucosidase) inhibitory activities of the LMW and LME extracts were 7.66% and 40.29% at 1 mg/ml (p<0.05), respectively. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the LME extract was about 38.26 % at 1 mg/ml. The effects the LMW and LME extracts had on alcohol-metabolizing activities were determined by measuring the generation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH) by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The ADH activities of the LMW and LME extracts significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner and were about 154.40% and 192.03% at 1 mg/ml, respectively (p<0.05). The ALDH activities of the LMW and LME extracts also significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner and were about 151.14% and 192.34% at 1 mg/ml, respectively (p<0.05). At $100{\mu}g/ml$, the LMW and LME extracts showed significant protective effects against tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells. The results suggested that Backhousia citriodora leaf extracts have the potential to be significant sources for natural health products.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.274-282
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• 2002

The ethanol extract and n-hexane fraction from Hypericum ascyron L. showed strong growth inhibition at 25 ppm on 5 strains of Listeria monocytogenes for 72 hr at $32^{\circ}C$. The purified substance, H2-5-2 fraction, was isolated by silica gel column and preparative thin layer chromatography from n-hexane fraction of Hypericum ascyron L. The H2-5-2 fraction showed a strong bacteriostatic activity on 5 strains of L. monocytogenes at 10 ppm in tryptic soy broth, and the viable cell was reduced 1 log cycle compared to initial cell number. The n-hexane fraction of Hypericum ascyron L. showed strong growth inhibition at 25 ppm on Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, and at 50 ppm on Vibrio parahaemolyticus for 72 hr. The purified antimicrobial substance, the H2-5-2 fraction, was assumed as high unsaturated sterol by $^1H-NMR$ and $^{13}C-NMR$. On application test using minced Alaska pollack and ground beef, the n-hexane fraction of Hypericum ascyron L. at the level of 250 ppm was applied at $32^{\circ}C$ and $5^{\circ}C$. At $32^{\circ}C$ storage condition, the antimicrobial substances did not reduced L. monocytogenes ATCC 19113, meanwhile at $5^{\circ}C$ storage condition, L. monocytogenes ATCC 19113 was reduced in viable number.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.269-284
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• 1985

The metabolism of Entamoeba histolytica would be affected by various environmental factors, and alteration of the environment was known to afEect the fine structure of 5. histolytica. The present study was designed electronmicroscopically to investigate the ultrastructure and enzyme activities in the aEonic and conventional strains of 5. histolytica. The trophozoites of axenically cultivated HK-9 strain and conventional YS-27 and YS-49 strains of 5. histolytica were collected and liKed with 4% paraformaldehyde/0.1M cacodylate buffier(pH 74), After washing them by centrifugation, 1% warm agar was added in the sediment. Solidified agar with the trophozoites was cut into $lmm^3$ cubes, and incubated in the various substrates to observe enzyme activities. Then, the specimen was post-fixed with 3% glutaraldehyde/0.1M cacodylate buffer (PH 7.4) and 1% osmium tetroBide/0.1M cacodylate buffier (pH 7.4) , dehydrated in ascending ethanol series and embedded in epoxy resin. These were sectioned on an ultramicrotome and observed with a transmission electronmicroscope. The procedures for the observation of the fine structure were same as the above, except for the incubation in the substrate. The sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. For the observation of the surface of the amoebae, scanning-electronmicroscopy was carried out. The results obtained in the present study are summarized as follows: 1. The fuzzy coat around double-layered plasma membrane of 5. histolytica was more irregularly and densely distributed in the conventional strains (YS-27, YS-49 strains) than in the axonic strain (HK-9 strain). 2. The endosomes, button bodies and chromatin material were surrounded by a double-layered nuclear membrane having scattered nuclear fores. The paranuclear body, mono- or double-layered vacuoles, vacuolar membrane whorls, rosette-like cylindrical bodies, aggregation of cylindrical bodies and helical bodies were found in the cytoplasm of the amoebae. Helical bodies and glycogen granules were generally abundant, while a few smooth endoplasmic reticula were observed in the cytoplasm. 3. Alkaline phosphatase activity was mainly demonstrated in the plasma membrane, limiting membranes of vacuoles and smooth endoplasmic reticula. ATPase activity was observed in the nucleus, limiting membranes of vacuoles and vacuolar membrane whorls. 4. Acid phosphatase activity was commonly demonstrated in the limiting membranes an contents of vacuoles, Iysosome-like organelles, plasma membrane and the button bodies in the nucleus. The activity was more weakly demonstrated in the HK-9 strain than in the other conventional strains of 5. histolytica. No peroBidase activity was observed in the amoeba strains employed in the present study. 5. With a scanning electron-microscope, no distinct structural differences were observed between the amoeba strains. All the trophozoite forms of the amoebae showed crater-like depressions and rugged features on the outer surface.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1184-1189
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• 2001

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Hijikia fusiforme extracts on serum lipid and liver antioxidative enzyme activities in triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats divided into 7 groups : We injected saline to a normal group (N), saline and tween 80 to control groups (CS, CT) and tot extracts to experimental groups (CSA, CTEtOH, CTE, CTH) for 7 days and then injected triton at the last day. Serum and liver free cholesterol contents were significantly lower in hexane-treated group (CTH) than control group (CT) whereas serum HDL-cholesterol content was higher in aqueous extract group (CSA) than control group (CS). Total cholesterol and phospholipid contents in serum and liver were lower in aqueous extract group (CSA) than control group (CS). Serum and liver triglyceride contents were significantly lower in ethanol (CTEtOH) and hexane treated group (CTH) than control group (CT). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of liver were lower in tot extract groups (CSA, CTEtOH, CTE, CTH) than control groups (CS, CT). Superoxide dismutase activities in liver were significantly lower in aqueous extracts group (CSA) and hexane treated group (CTH) than control groups (CS, CT). Liver catalase activity was the lowest in ethylacetate extract group. These results showed that some Hijikia fusiforme extracts have reduction effect of lipid and antioxidative effect in triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-22
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effects of Wolbigachul-tang1(WBCEx1) on obesity using high fat diet-induced male mice and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods : 8-week old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups; lean control, obese control, WBCEx1, 2, 3. After mice were treated with WBCEx1(water extract), 2(30% ethanol extract), 3(water extract; Ephedra sinica Stapf., Gypsum fibrosum) for 12 weeks, body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism, the messenger RNA(mRNA) expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)$\alpha$ target genes were measured. In addition, $PPAR{\alpha}$ target gene expression was examined in liver, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Results : 1. WBCEx1-treated mice had significantly lower body weight gain and feeding efficiency ratio. 2. Consistent with the effects on body weight gain, WBCEx1 decreased the weights of epididymal and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue, inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and brown adipose tissue. 3. WBCEx1 significantly decreased plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. 4. The size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by WBCEx1, whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was increased. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by WBCEx1. 5. WBCEx1 did not affect the mRNA expression of $PPAR{\alpha}$ target genes in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. 6. Plasma asparate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatine concentrations were in the physiological range. Liver and kidney weights were significantly lower following WBCEx treatment compared with obese controls, indicating that WBCEx does not show any toxic effects on liver and kidney. Conclusions : These results suggest that WBCEx1-induced body weight reduction is associated with appetite control and mediated by a mechanism other than the activation of $PPAR{\alpha}$.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.218-225
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• 2017

To investigate the anti-hangover effects of Cudrania tricuspidata root extract (CTE), the blood alcohol metabolism and blood gas imbalance of CTE in rats treated with 10 ml/kg alcohol were examined. CTE (500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg) was administrated after 30 minutes of alcohol consumption (10 ml/kg). Blood collection was implemented from the tails of the animals after 1, 3, and 5 hours post alcohol consumption. The Condition drink (a commercial anti-hangover beverage) was used as a positive control. Single administration by the oral route was performed. The consumption of CTE (500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg) decreased the serum alcohol concentration by increasing and maintaining both the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme activity levels in the blood and liver. In addition, CTE led to recovery from the imbalances in the blood gas levels, including carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and changes in pH, bicarbonate ($HCO_3{^-}$) and lactic acid levels due to alcohol ingestion. In conclusion, CTE exerted a more pronounced anti-hangover effect than a commercial anti-hangover drink. Therefore, CTE can be a novel and safe anti-hangover natural product agent for the prevention or treatment of symptoms caused by excessive alcohol consumption.