• BMB Reports
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• 제56권9호
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• pp.469-481
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• 2023

The gut microbiome is widely recognized as a dynamic organ with a profound influence on human physiology and pathology. Extensive epidemiological and longitudinal cohort studies have provided compelling evidence that disruptions in the early-life microbiome can have long-lasting health implications. Various factors before, during, and after birth contribute to shaping the composition and function of the neonatal and infant microbiome. While these alterations can be partially restored over time, metabolic phenotypes may persist, necessitating research to identify the critical period for early intervention to achieve phenotypic recovery beyond microbiome composition. In this review, we provide current understanding of changes in the gut microbiota throughout life and the various factors affecting these changes. Specifically, we highlight the profound impact of early-life gut microbiota disruption on the development of diseases later in life and discuss perspectives on efforts to recover from such disruptions.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.51-58
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• 2024

With the activity of intestinal stem cells and continuous turnover, the gut epithelium is one of the most dynamic tissues in animals. Due to its simple yet conserved tissue structure and enteric cell composition as well as advanced genetic and histologic techniques, Drosophila serves as a valuable model system for investigating the regulation of intestinal stem cells. The Drosophila gut epithelium is in constant contact with indigenous microbiota and encounters externally introduced "non-self" substances, including foodborne pathogens. Therefore, in addition to its role in digestion and nutrient absorption, another essential function of the gut epithelium is to control the expansion of microbes while maintaining its structural integrity, necessitating a tissue turnover process involving intestinal stem cell activity. As a result, the microbiome and pathogens serve as important factors in regulating intestinal tissue turnover. In this manuscript, I discuss crucial discoveries revealing the interaction between gut microbes and the host's innate immune system, closely associated with the regulation of intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation, ultimately contributing to epithelial homeostasis.

• 공연문화연구
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• 제37호
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• pp.33-60
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• 2018

이 글은 무당굿춤을 연구하기 위해서는 무당굿의 연행 맥락 속에서 연구가 이루어져야 함을 제시한 글이다. 서울 무당굿춤, 황해도 무당굿춤을 중심으로 그 의미를 살폈다. 서울굿과 황해도굿춤은 단순한 춤이나 동작으로 존재하는 것이 아니다. 신령의 존재를 드러내는 기능을 하면서 연속성을 가지고 있어 신령이 굿판에 들어오는 과정을 보여주기도 한다. 이는 무당굿춤을 춤 자체로만 파악해서는 안 된다는 의미이다. 그 춤이 놓여있는 굿거리의 위상, 굿과 신령의 관련성, 서사성의 흐름에 주목해야 한다. 또한 무당굿춤은 장단과 밀접한 관련이 있다. 무당굿춤을 단순하게 춤사위 중심, 발동작이나 손동작 중심으로 바라보는 것은 무당굿춤의 본질을 정확하게 파악하지 못한다. 장단과 긴밀하게 연결되어 있으며, 더욱이 그 장단이 신령의 위계와 관련이 있어 춤은 음악과 함께 신령의 위상, 신령의 굿판에 들어와 행하는 다양한 연행 양상을 보여준다. 그런 점에서 무당굿춤을 바라보는 복합적인 시각이 필요하다. 이러한 양상은 세습무 무당굿에도 동일하게 나타난다. 한국의 무당굿춤은 강신무굿과 세습무굿에 따라 작은 차이는 있지만 동일한 양상이다. 굿춤이 굿거리의 흐름 속에서 의미를 가지고 있으며, 장단과 연계하여 독자적인 의미를 전달한다. 춤추는 무당의 개별 동작에 초점을 맞추는 것도 의미가 있지만, 그러한 동작이 굿거리의 연행 속에 갖고 있는 의미망을 도출해야 한다. 이것은 무당굿춤 연구를 위해 현장에 대한 집중적인 조사가 선행되어야 한다는 의미이다. 또한 무당굿춤은 연행 집단의 특성을 드러내기도 한다. 무당굿춤은 복합적으로 존재한다. 무당굿춤을 받는 신령의 위상과 관련되면서 연행 집단의 특성을 나타낸다. 장단과 긴밀하게 결합되어 있으면서 굿의 진행을 나타낸다. 따라서 무당굿춤을 기술하는 방식은 단순한 무보 정리에 그쳐서는 안 된다. 이러한 관점에서 무당굿춤을 바라보면서 조사를 하고 기록해야 한다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권5호
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• pp.747-755
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• 2021

The effects of the gut microbiome on both allergy and autoimmunity in dermatological diseases have been indicated in several recent studies. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease involving allergy and autoimmunity, and there is no report detailing the role of microbiota alterations in its development. This study was performed to identify the fecal microbial composition of CSU patients and investigate the different compositions and potential genetic functions on the fecal microbiota between CSU patients and normal controls. The gut microbiota of CSU patients and healthy individuals were obtained by 16s rRNA massive sequencing. Gut microbiota diversity and composition were compared, and bioinformatics analysis of the differences was performed. The gut microbiota composition results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were dominant microbiota in CSU patients. The differential analysis showed that relative abundance of the Proteobacteria (p = 0.03), Bacilli (p = 0.04), Enterobacterales (p = 0.03), Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.03) was significantly increased in CSU patients. In contrast, the relative abundance of Megamonas, Megasphaera, and Dialister (all p < 0.05) in these patients significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. The different microbiological compositions impacted normal gastrointestinal functions based on function prediction, resulting in abnormal pathways, including transport and metabolism. We found CSU patients exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis compared with healthy controls. Our results indicated CSU is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and pointed out that the bacterial taxa increased in CSU patients, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of CSU. These results provided clues for future microbial-based therapies on CSU.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.16-20
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• 2012

The effects of retrograded rice on body weight gain, gut functions, and hypolipidemic actions in rats were examined. When the retrograded rice was produced by repetitive heating and cooling cycles, it contained significantly higher amounts of resistant starch ($13.9{\pm}0.98%$) than is found in common rice ($9.1{\pm}1.02%$) (P < 0.05). Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either common rice powder or retrograded rice powder, and mean body weight gain was significantly lower in the retrograded rice group (P < 0.05). The liver weight of the retrograded rice group ($14.5{\pm}0.5\;g$) was significantly lower than that of the common rice group ($17.1{\pm}0.3\;g$, P < 0.05). However, the weights of other organs, such as the kidney, spleen, thymus, and epididymal fat pad were not significantly affected by rice feeding. Intestinal transit time tended to be lower in rats fed retrograded rice when compared to rats fed the common rice, but the difference was not significant. The retrograded rice diet significantly increased stool output when compared to that in the common rice powder diet (P < 0.05), whereas fecal moisture content (%) was significantly higher in the retrograded rice group ($23.3{\pm}1.2$) than that in the common rice group ($19.1{\pm}1.2$) (P < 0.05). The retrograded rice group had significantly lower plasma cholesterol (P < 0.05), liver cholesterol (P < 0.05), and triacylglycerol contents in adipose tissue (P < 0.05) when compared to those in the common rice group. In conclusion, retrograded rice had higher resistant starch levels compared with those of common rice powder, and it lowered body weight gain and improved lipid profiles and gut function in rats.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.65-76
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• 2018

Although there has been a steady increase in the prevalence of food allergies worldwide in recent decades, no effective therapeutic strategies have been developed. Modulation of the gut microbiota composition and/or function through probiotics has been highlighted as a promising target for protection against food allergies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the allergy-reducing effects of a probiotic mixture (P5: Lactococcus lactis KF140, Pediococcus pentosaceus KF159, Lactobacillus pentosus KF340, Lactobacillus paracasei 698, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 26N) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy. Administration of P5 significantly suppressed the oral OVA challenge-induced anaphylactic response and rectal temperature decline, and reduced diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, P5 also significantly inhibited the secretion of IgE, Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17), which were increased in mice with OVA-induced food allergy, and induced generation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. These results revealed that P5 may have applications as a preventive agent against food allergy.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.117-139
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• 2022

Synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD) are incurable neurodegenerative conditions characterised by the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein protein in neuronal cells. In PD, fibrillary synuclein aggregation forms Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in the substantia nigra and cortex on the brain. Dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy are also associated with α-synuclein protein abnormalities. α-synuclein is one of three synuclein proteins, and while its precise function is still unknown, one hypothesis posits that α-synuclein propagates from the enteric nervous system through the vagus nerve and into the brain, resulting in synucleinopathy. Studies on synucleinopathies should thus encompass not only the central nervous system but must necessarily include the gut and microbiome. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established model for human neuronal pathologies and have been used in studies ranging from genetic models of hereditary disorders to neurotoxin-induced neurodegeneration as well as gut-brain-axis studies. There is significant genetic homology between zebrafish and mammalian vertebrates which is what makes the zebrafish so amenable to modelling human conditions but in the case of synucleinopathies, the zebrafish notably does not possess an α-synuclein homolog. Synuclein orthologs are present in the zebrafish however, and transgenic zebrafish that carry human α-synuclein have been generated. In addition, the zebrafish is a highly advantageous model and ideal replacement for reducing the use of mammalian models. This review discusses the application of the zebrafish as a model for synucleinopathies in efforts to further understand synuclein function and explore therapeutic strategies.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.316-324
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• 2021

Background: Korea Red Ginseng (KRG) has been used as remedies with hepato-protective effects in liver-related condition. Microbiota related gut-liver axis plays key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. We evaluated the effect of KRG on gut-liver axis in patients with nonalcoholic statohepatitis by the modulation of gut-microbiota. Methods: A total of 94 patients (KRG: 45 and placebo: 49) were prospectively randomized to receive KRG (2,000 mg/day, ginsenoside Rg1+Rb1+Rg3 4.5mg/g) or placebo during 30 days. Liver function test, cytokeraton 18, and fatigue score were measured. Gut microbiota was analyzed by MiSeq systems based on 16S rRNA genes. Results: In KRG group, the mean levels (before vs. after) of aspartate aminotransferase (53 ± 19 vs. 45 ± 23 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (75 ± 40 vs. 64 ± 39 IU/L) and fatigue score (33 ± 13 vs. 26 ± 13) were improved (p < 0.05). In placebo group, only fatigue score (34 ± 13 vs. 31 ± 15) was ameliorated (p < 0.05). The changes of phyla were not statistically significant on both groups. In KRG group, increased abundance of Lactobacillus was related with improved alanine aminotransferase level and increased abundance of Clostridium and Intestinibacter was associated with no improvement after KRG supplementation. In placebo group, increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae could be related with aggravation of liver enzyme (p < 0.05). Conclusion: KRG effectively improved liver enzymes and fatigue score by modulating gut-microbiota in patients with fatty liver disease. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of improvement of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. ClnicalTrials.gov: NCT03945123 (www.ClinicalTrials.gov).

• 식품과학과 산업
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.261-271
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• 2019

NGS 기술이 발전함에 따라 우리 몸의 생리와 면역조절에 있어서 장내미생물의 중요성이 알려지면서부터 장내미생물군집의 구조를 직접 조절할 수 있는 프로바이오틱스의 중요성 역시 재조명 받고 있다. 인류는 프로바이오틱스를 오랫동안 발효식품 등을 통하여 섭취하였는데, 프로바이오틱스는 식품의 보존성 및 영양성을 높일 뿐 아니라 인체의 건강에 이로운 역할을 한다. 특히 프로바이오틱스의 섭취는 생체 내에서 Treg의 기능을 활성화하여 장내 환경을 개선시켜 유익한 장내미생물의 생육을 도우며, 염증반응, 알러지질환, 자가면역질환 등을 완화시키는 효과가 있다. 특히 프로바이오틱스는 장내 유익균인 Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia 및 Bacteroides 속 미생물의 빈도를 증가시키고, 이들은 단쇄지방산 및 신체에 이로운 대사체 등을 생산한다. 지금까지 프로바이오틱스는 대부분 건강기능식품으로 사용되어 왔으나, 최근 들어 장내 유익균에 대한 기능성이 알려지면서 기존 프로바이오틱스를 포함한 장내 미생물을 이용한 NGPs 개발이 활발히 진행되고 있다. 하지만 NGPs 개발에는 여전히 한계가 존재한다. 아직까지 장내 미생물의 분리, 동정은 일반 세균 배양에 비해 매우 까다롭고, 특별한 배양 기술이 필요하므로 현재까지 NGPs로 활용될 수 있는 장내 미생물은 매우 제한적이다. 또한 기존 프로바이오틱스와는 다르게 NGPs는 의약품처럼 전임상, 독성시험, 약물역학, 3단계의 임상시험을 거쳐야 한다. 하지만 기존 프로바이오틱스의 질병 개선 효과를 뛰어넘어 고형암, 대사질환 및 면역질환의 차세대 치료제로서의 활용 가능성이 매우 높기 때문에 앞으로 더 폭넓은 연구가 진행되어야 할 것이다.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.1-14
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• 2020

The latest definition of a prebiotic is "a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit"; it now includes non-food elements and is applicable to extra-intestinal tissues. Prebiotics are recognized as a promising tool in the promotion of general health and in the prevention and treatment of numerous juvenile diseases. Prebiotics are considered an immunoactive agent, with the potential for long-lasting effects extending past active administration of the prebiotic. Because of its extremely low risk of serious adverse effects, ease of administration, and strong potential for influencing the composition and function of the microbiota in the gut and beyond, the beneficial clinical applications of prebiotics are expanding. Prebiotics are the third largest component of human breast milk. Preparations including galactooligosaccharides (GOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), 2'-fucosyllactose, lacto-N-neo-tetraose are examples of commonly used and studied products for supplementation in baby formula. In particular, the GOS/FOS combination is the most studied. Maintaining a healthy microbiome is essential to promote homeostasis of the gut and other organs. With more than 1,000 different microbial species in the gut, it is likely more feasible to modify the gut microbiota through the use of certain prebiotic mixtures rather than supplementing with a particular probiotic strain. In this review, we discuss the latest clinical evidence regarding prebiotics and its role in gut immunity, allergy, infections, inflammation, and functional gastrointestinal disorders.