• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.64-67
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• 2005

Leptin is a small polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by adipocytes. Leptin regulates energy balance by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. This study investigated the relationships between serum leptin levels and BMI (body mass index) in 49 adults in Pohang, Korea. The subjects were 25 males and 24 females, aged 21 to 64 years attending an outpatient clinic at Handong University Sunlin Presbyterian Hospital. Values are given +/- the standard error of the mean. Our study shows that the serum leptin levels in these subjects were positively correlated with BMI. The leptin levels were higher in females (2.39+/-1.82 ng/mL) than in males (0.43+/-0.455ng/mL), although lower than previously reported. We therefore compared the serum leptin levels from the male Korean subjects (BMI 24.3+/-0.74㎏/㎡) with serum from six British males with a similar BMI (23.4+/-1.48㎏/㎡). The serum leptin concentrations (1.76+/-0.76 ng/mL) were lower than that of plasma (4.28+/-1.66 ng/mL) in the British subjects. The serum leptin in the British subjects (1.76+/-0.76ng/mL) was higher than that in the Koreans. There was no correlation between leptin levels and BMI in either male (slope 0.018 ± 0.036, p=0.624) or female (slope 0.382±0.433, p=0.417) type 2 diabetic patients in Pohang, Korea. Taken together, our study shows that the serum leptin level in Koreans varies with the BMI, but is lower than that of BMI-matched British subjects.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.41-44
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• 2007

The callipyge mutation in sheep is a polar overdominant mutation that results in post-natal muscle hypertrophy in the loin and hindquarters of paternal heterozygotes (+/CLPG). Sheep that are homozygous for the callipyge allele (CLPG/CLPG) do not express the muscle hypertrophy phenotype, but serve as carriers for the mutation. Callipyge sheep are characterized by improved feed efficiencies and leaner carcasses. Leptin is a protein hormone secreted from adipose tissue and has been found to affect appetite and serve as an indicator of body fat mass. To date, very little knowledge is available as to the effect of the callipyge mutation on circulating leptin levels. Due to the interaction of leptin with feed intake and energy availability, and the fact that the majority of fetal growth occurs in late gestation, it is important to understand if the callipyge mutation interacts with leptin production in late gestational ewes. Therefore, our objective was to characterize serum concentrations of leptin in late gestational callipyge ewes vs. non-callipyge ewes. We evaluated genetically verified callipyge (n=6), homozygous (n=8) and normal (n=8) ewes weekly during the last eight wks of gestation through one wk post-partum. Weights were taken and body condition scores were assigned by trained personnel weekly. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture on each sampling date and subjected to an ovine-specific leptin RIA. Genotype influences on peripheral concentrations of leptin were found to be highly significant (p=0.0005). Total leptin means for +/CLPG were 5.41${\pm}$0.40 ng/ml, CLPG/CLPG 8.11${\pm}$0.70 ng/ml, and +/+ 9.13${\pm}$0.93 ng/ml. Sampling date was also significant (p=0.0098) with all ewes showing a decrease in leptin levels throughout gestation and parturition. Using repeated measures, we were able to detect lower levels of plasma leptin in callipyge ewes, which may be indicative of their lower overall body fat content. These results indicate that the callipyge phenotype decreases the levels of adipose tissue and leptin production in gestating ewes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1643-1648
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• 2006

To investigate the effects of feeding restricted on growth, carcass characteristics and plasma profiles in an attempt for optimum responses, a total of 108 cross-bred finishing barrows [(Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire)${\times}$Duroc]weighing an average of $46.88{\pm}0.52kg$ were assigned in a randomized complete block (RCB) design to one of four treatments with three replicates and nine pigs per pen. Feeding regimens were, 1) ad libitum from 50 kg to market weight (Ad 3/3), 2) restricted feeding from 90 kg to market weight (Ad 2/3), 3) restricted feeding from 70 kg to market weight (Ad 1/3), and 4) restricted feeding from 50 kg to market weight (Ad 0/3). During the experimental period, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was decreased from 2.53 kg (AD 3/3) to 2.09 kg (AD 0/3) with increasing restricted feeding duration of (p<0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) of AD 3/3 (0.79 kg) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of AD 1/3 (0.74 kg) or AD 0/3 (0.72 kg). Feed efficiency was not influenced by restriction regimens. Blood IGF-I concentrations were increased from 74.14 to 134.25 (167.36-115.66) ng/ml as body weight increased. Blood leptin concentrations were affected by feed intake level and coincided with blood IGF-I concentrations. Most of carcass characteristics were not significantly affected by restricted feeding, however cooking losses in AD 1/3 and Ad 0/3 treatment diet were higher than those in Ad 3/3 and Ad 2/3. In addition, there was a trend that backfat thickness was lowered in proportional to decreasing feed intake (p>0.05). In conclusion, restricted feeding improved feed efficiency after 50 kg body weight without deteriorating the pork quality of barrows.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.37-48
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• 2017

Objectives: Artemisiae Annuae Herba is the dried aerial part of Artemisia annua L. (AAL). In Oriental medicine, Artemisiae Annuae Herba (AAH) is traditionally used to treat fever. AAH clears summerheat or damp-Heat, clears deficiency fevers, cools the blood and stops bleeding, stops malarial disorders and relieves heat, clears liver heat and brightens the eyes. Recently, there were many studies about effects of AAH on anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hair growth and plasma lipid composition. So, we expected AAH has an availability that can effect on skin whitening and elasticity. Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of AAH on skin whitening and elasticity in SK-MEL-2 cells. In this experiment, the effects of AAH on proliferation rates, melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activities and production levels of tyrosinase, MMP-1 and MMP-9 in vitro were examined. Results: AAH did not affect viability of SK-MEL-2 cells and inhibited melanin synthesis induced by ${\alpha}$-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) significantly. In addition, AAH also inhibited tyrosinase activity and lowered tyrosinase level in SK-MEL-2 cells. Finally, AAH inhibited productions of Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Conclusions: These data suggest that AAH can be used to treat patients with skin diseases such as freckled face and also used as skin whitening agent.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.7
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• pp.902-905
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• 2002

The most common form of genetic nephrogenic diabetes insipidus(NDI), a rare inherited disorder, is congenital and is transmitted in an X-linked recessive mode. It is refractory to the antidiuretic effect of normal to moderately increased levels of plasma arginine vasopressin(AVP) but, in some cases, may respond to high levels of the hormone or its analogue, deamino-D-arginine vasopressin(DDAVP). X-linked congenital NDI has now been linked to over 128 different mutations in diverse coding regions of the AVP receptor 2(AVPR2) gene. The functional effects of these mutations vary from complete loss of responsiveness to a simple shift to the right in the dose response curve. We report a case of congenital partial NDI, with transversion of A to G at codon 280 of the AVPR2 gene, resulting in a subsequent change of amino acid from tyrosine to cysteine, and that has been effective with hydrochlorothiazide and high dose of DDAVP.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.48
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• pp.13-23
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• 2003

The trace mineral, selenium (Se), is an essential nutrient of fundamental importance to human health. It is also very toxic and can cause Se poisoning (selenosis) in human and animals when its intake exceeds a suitable amount. Se functions within mammalian systems primarily in the form of solenoprotein. About 35 selenoproteins have been identified, though many have not yet been fully elucidated. Selenoproteins contain Se as selenocyseine (Sec) and perform variety of structural and enzymic roles; the enzymic roles are best-known as the antioxidants for hydrogen peroxides and lipid peroxides, and the catalysts for production of activity thyroid hormone. Glutathione peroxidases ($\textrm{GP}_X$) among the selenoproteins prevent the generation of free radicals and decrease the risk of oxidative damage to tissues, as does thioredoxin reductase (TR). TR also provides reducing power for several biochemical processes. Selenoproteins P and W are involved with oxidant defense in plasma and muscle, respectively, A selenoprotein is also required for sperm motility and may reduce the risk of miscarriage. Some epidemiological studies have revealed an inverse correlation between Se status and cardiovascular disease, and there is considerable evidence 1mm population com-parison data and animal studies that Se is anticarcinogenic. It is also suggested that Se should be needed for the proper functioning of the immune system, and appear to be a key nutrient in counteracting the development of virulence and inhibiting HIV progression to AIDS. As research continues, the role of selenium in the etiology of chronic diseases like appropriate medical nutrition therapy can be delivered and its effectiveness assessed. Se status in individuals is affected by diet and the availability of the Se. The Se content of plants is affected by the content and availability of the element in the soil in which they are grown, and so greatly varies from country to country, while the Se composition of meat reflects the feeding patterns of livestock. This paper provides an overview on Se as an essential trace mineral for human.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.570-576
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• 2003

The remarkable change of phenomenon induced by stress increase energy metabolism that can induce many reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS can peroxidize cellular macromolecules including lipid and protein. The object of this study was to investigate whether stress may induce cellular damage by producing ROS and whether vitamin E, as a strong lipid-soluble antioxidant, can protect cells against reactive oxygen species produced by noise and immobilization stress in SD rats. The stress group increased 5-hydroxyindole aceti acid (5-HIAA) , one of the stress hormone, in brain tissue and free fatty acid in plasma. Vitamin I treatment had no effect on 5-HIAA but free fatty acid contents decreased with a fortified vitamin I diet. Furthermore, the body weight of vitamin I-treated rats increased more than that of the stress group. Lipid peroxidation and protein degradation as an index of oxidative damage in brain tissue decreased with the use of the fortified vitamin I diet supplement. The results suggest that vitamin I supplements have a protective effect against noise and immobilization stress-induced oxidative damage in brain tissue.

• CELLMED
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.8
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• 2014

Spa represents a treatment widely used in many rheumatic diseases (RD). The mechanisms by which immersion in mineral or thermal water ameliorates RD are not fully understood. The net benefit is probably the result of a combination of factors, among which the mechanical, thermal and chemical effects are most prominent. Buoyancy, immersion, resistance and temperature play important roles. According to the gate theory, pain relief may be due to the pressure and temperature of the water on skin; heat may reduce muscle spasm and increase the pain threshold. Mud-bath therapy increases plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels and secretion of corticotrophin, cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin. It has recently been demonstrated that thermal mud-bath therapy induces a reduction in circulating levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, interleukin-$1{\beta}$ and tumour necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, important mediators of inflammation and pain. Furthermore, balneotherapy has been found to cause an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1, which stimulates cartilage metabolism, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$. Beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-degenerative effects of mineral water were confirmed in chondrocytes cultures, too. Various studies in vitro and in humans have highlighted the positive action of mud-packs and thermal baths, especially sulphurous ones, on the oxidant/antioxidant system. Overall, thermal stress has an immunosuppressive effect. Many other non-specific factors may also contribute to the beneficial effects observed after spa therapy in some RD, including effects on cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. adipokines) and changes in the environment, pleasant surroundings and the absence of work duties.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.269-274
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• 2005

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus(NBI) is characterized by an inability to concentrate urine despite normal or elevated plasma concentrations of the antidiuretic hormone; arginine vasopressin(AVP). Polyuria with hyposthenuria, and polydipsia are the cardinal clinical manifestations of the disease. Ninety percent of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus patients are males with the X-linked recessive form of the disease; the mutation is in the AVP receptor 2 gene(AVPR2), which is located in chromosomal region Xq28. We report a case of NDI who suffered from unexplained fever and failure to thrive, which has been recognized since about ,3 months after birth. His genomic DNA analysis identified a novel AVPR2 gene mutation as W200C. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:269-274)

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 1989

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of LH-RH and Gn-RH treatment in Holstein cows with ovarian quiescence and follicular cystic ovaries. The cows with ovarian quiescence and follicular cystic ovaries injected intramuscularly with 100$\mu\textrm{g}$, 200$\mu\textrm{g}$ and 400$\mu\textrm{g}$ of LH-RH and 200$\mu\textrm{g}$ and 400$\mu\textrm{g}$ of Gn-RH respectively. The cows was diagnosed by repeated rectal palpation. The plasma progesterone and estradiol-17$\beta$ concentrations were assayed by radioimmunoassay methods. The resutls of this study were summarized as follows : 1. Ovulations were induced after treatment of LH-RH and Gn-RH. The concentrations of progesterone reached small peak level at luteal phase and estradiol-17$\beta$ reached obvious peak level with the development and maturation of the follicle during the periods of degeneration of the corpus luteum, and normal ovarian cycle activity started subsequently. 2. The cows with ovarian quiescence and follicular cystic ovaries were induced ovulation at 38.9$\pm$5.3 hrs. after treatment of LH-RH in 66.7% cows and at 52.7$\pm$7.9 hrs after treatment of Gn-RH in 60.0% cows respectively. 3. The good ovarian responses were indicated in treatment with 200$\mu\textrm{g}$ to 400$\mu\textrm{g}$ of LH-RH than those treated with 100$\mu\textrm{g}$ in cows with ovarian quiescence, and did not show difference of ovarian responses between treatments with 200$\mu\textrm{g}$ to 400$\mu\textrm{g}$ of Gn-RH in cows with follicular cystic ovaries.