• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.6
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• pp.450-455
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• 2010

Background: High cortisol levels are frequently observed in patients with severe infections are of prognostic value in sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum cortisol in assessment for the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: This study analyzed the results of 52 CAP subjects admitted in Changwon Fatima Hospital between July 2008 to May 2010. Total serum cortisol, infection markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and CURB (Confusion, Uremia, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure)-65 were examined retrospectively. Results: In clinically unstable subjects on admission day 4, baseline serum cortisol, CURB-65, and CRP were elevated significantly compared to those of stable subjects. Area under curve (AUC) of cortisol, CRP, and CURB-65 from ROC curves were 0.847, 0.783, and 0.724 respectively. In the subjects with serum cortisol ${\geq}22.82{\mu}g/dL$, CRP, PCT, CURB-65 score, and mortality were significantly elevated. Conclusion: These findings suggest that measurement of serum cortisol in early stage may provide helpful information in the assessment of CAP severity.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.77.1-77.10
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• 2021

Background: Serum-based parameters are considered non-invasive biomarkers for cancer detection. In human studies, insulin-like growth factor-I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are useful as diagnostic or prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. Objectives: This study examined the diagnostic utility of circulating IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3 levels in healthy dogs and dogs with tumors. Methods: The serum concentrations of these biomarkers in 86 dogs with tumors were compared with those in 30 healthy dogs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The ELISA results showed no difference between healthy dogs and dogs with tumors in the serum IGF-II concentrations. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in the circulating IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels between healthy dogs and dogs with tumors. The concentrations of serum IGF-I (median [interquartile range], 103.4 [59.5-175] ng/mL) in dogs with epithelial tumors were higher than those (58.4 ng/mL [43.5-79.9]) in healthy dogs. Thus, the concentrations of serum IGFBP-3 (43.4 ng/mL [33.2-57.2]) in dogs with malignant mesenchymal tumors were lower than those (60.8 ng/mL [47.6-70.5]) in healthy dogs. Conclusions: The serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in dogs with tumors.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.1469-1474
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• 2019

Objective: Physical activity restriction in sows may lead to behavioral abnormalities and affective disorders. However, the psychophysiological state of these sows is still unclear. As miRNAs can be used as effective markers of psychopathy, the present study aimed to assess the difference in microRNA expression between the long-term activity restricted sows and activity free sows, thus contributing to the understanding of abnormal sow behavior. Methods: Four dry sows (sixth parity, Large${\times}$White genetic line) were selected from activity restricted crates (RC) or activity free pens (FP) separately. microRNAs in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) and serum were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the correlation between the miRNAs expressed in the vMPFC and serum was evaluated. Results: miR-134 (1.11 vs 0.84) and miR-1202 (1.09 vs 0.85) levels were higher in the vMPFC of the RC sows than in the FP sows (p<0.01). Furthermore, miR-132 (1.27 vs 1.08) and miR-335 (1.03 vs 0.84) levels were also higher in the RC sows than in FP sows (p<0.05); however, miR-135a, miR-135b, miR-16, and miR-124 levels were not different (p>0.05). The relative expression of serum miR-1202 was higher in the RC sows than in the FP sows (1.04 vs 0.54) (p<0.05), and there was a strong correlation (R = 0.757, p<0.05) between vMPFC and Serum levels of miR-1202. However, no significant difference was observed in miR-16 levels in the serum of the RC sows and FP sows (p>0.05). Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates that long-term activity restriction in sows likely results in autism or other complex psychopathies with depression-like behaviors. These observations may provide new insights for future studies on abnormal behavior in sows and contribute to research on human psychopathy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.1227-1233
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• 2002

Purpose : Several studies have shown that increases of eosinophil markers are common findings of asthma and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, and eosinophil markers reflect the clinical stage of asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of eosinophil markers according to the clinical stage of Mycoplasma pneumonia. Methods : The patient group consisted of 33 outpatient children with Mycoplasma pneumonia. Peripheral blood total eosinophil count(TEC) and serum eosinophilic cationic protein(ECP) level were measured at both acute and recovery stages and were compared between both stages. The patient group was subdivided into the wheezing(n=16) and the nonwheezing group(n=17), and the TECs and the ECPs of one group were compared with those of the other group. The correlation between Mycoplasma antibody titer and the eosinophil markers of acute stage were analyzed. Results : In the whole patient group, the TECs and the ECPs of the acute stage were significantly higher than those of the recovery stage(P=0.018, P=0.005), but there were no differences in the TEC and the ECP between the wheezing and the nonwheezing group. In the wheezing group, there were no significant differences in the TEC and the ECP between acute and recovery stages. There were no correlations between acute stage Mycoplasma antibody titer and the eosinophil markers. Conclusion : Eosinophil markers reflect the clinical stage of Mycoplasma pneumonia and eosinophilic inflammations may continue even after the acute stage in wheezing patients with Mycoplasma pneumonia.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.522-535
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• 2024

Objective: Transition period is considered from 3 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks postpartum, characterized with dramatic events (endocrine, metabolic, and physiological) leading to occurrence of production diseases (negative energy balance/ketosis, milk fever etc). The objectives of our study were to analyze the periodic concentration of serum beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), glucose and oxidative markers along with identification, and validation of the putative markers of negative energy balance in buffaloes using in-silico and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Methods: Out of 20 potential markers of ketosis identified by in-silico analysis, two were selected and analyzed by qRT-PCR technique (upregulated; acetyl serotonin o-methyl transferase like and down regulated; guanylate cyclase activator 1B). Additional two sets of genes (carnitine palmotyl transferase A; upregulated and Insulin growth factor; downregulated) that have a role of hepatic fatty acid oxidation to maintain energy demands via gluconeogenesis were also validated. Extracted cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) from the blood of the buffaloes were used for validation of selected genes via qRTPCR. Concentrations of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers were identified with their respective optimized protocols. Results: The analysis of qRT-PCR gave similar trends as shown by in-silico analysis throughout the transition period. Significant changes (p<0.05) in the levels of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers throughout this period were observed. This study provides validation from in-silico and qRT-PCR assays for potential markers to be used for earliest diagnosis of negative energy balance in buffaloes. Conclusion: Apart from conventional diagnostic methods, this study improves the understanding of putative biomarkers at the molecular level which helps to unfold their role in normal immune function, fat synthesis/metabolism and oxidative stress pathways. Therefore, provides an opportunity to discover more accurate and sensitive diagnostic aids.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.519-523
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• 2004

This study sought to investigate the ameliorating effects of a Korean medicinal herb (KMH) complex on the impacts of alcohol consumption in rat hepatocytes and in reducing the total cholesterol levels and the total lipid levels in the serum. We compared the body weight gain and ratio of the liver, the kidney to body weight, and also the serum biochemistry of the rats administered with both the alcohol and the KMH complex to the control rats treated with alcohol alone. The clinically important enzyme markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase, AST, and Alanine Aminotransferase, ALT) of rats, administered with both the alcohol and the KMH complex treatments, were compared with those in the control group. The treatment regimen (KMH complex) significantly reduced the serum AST and ALT levels, indicating the hepato-protective effects of the KMH complex. Furthermore, total cholesterol and total lipid levels were significantly reduced. These results indicate that the KMH complex may positively mediate the effects of alcohol on hepatocytes and the general liver functions.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.203-207
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• 2010

This study investigated the effects of Oligonol intake on cortisol, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 concentrations in the serum at rest and after physical exercise loading. Nineteen healthy sedentary male volunteers participated in this study. The physical characteristics of the subjects were: a mean height of $174.2{\pm}2.7$ cm, a mean weight of $74.8{\pm}3.6$ kg and a mean age of $22.8{\pm}1.3$ years. Each subject received 0.5 L water with Oligonol (100 mg/day) (n = 10) or a placebo (n = 9) daily for four weeks. The body composition, the white blood cell (WBC) and differential counts as well as the serum cortisol, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 concentrations were measured before and after Oligonol intake. The cortisol concentration and serum levels of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 after Oligonol intake were significantly decreased compared to before treatment (P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the rate of increase of these factors after exercise was decreased compared to the placebo group. There was no change in the WBC and differential cell counts. These results suggest that oral Oligonol intake for four weeks had a significant effect on inhibition of inflammatory markers in healthy young men.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.451-461
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the age-related changes of cardiovascular disease risk factors and inflammatory markers in non-obese Korean women. Subjects were 112 women over 20 years old with body mass index (BMI) less than $30 kg/m^2$ and were divided into 3 groups (< 40 years, $40{\sim}59$ years, ${\ge}60$ years). Mean weight and BMI in the oldest group were significantly higher than those in the other 2 younger groups (p < 0.05). Mean total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio (BAR) in the oldest group were significantly higher than those in the youngest group (p < 0.05), and mean HDL-cholesterol of the oldest group was significantly lower than that of the youngest group (p < 0.05). The older-aged group showed significantly higher mean values of atherogenic index (AI) and LDL/HDL ratio (p < 0.05) than the respective younger-aged group, and AI was significantly correlated with age, nitric oxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p < 0.01). In addition, mean vascular cell adhesion molecule-l (VCAM-1) tended to be higher in the older-aged group than the younger group. Tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, a proinflammatory maker, was significantly positively correlated with serum homocysteine, a cardiovascular disease risk factor (p < 0.01). In addition, a significantly positive correlation was observed between C-reactive protein and BAR (p < 0.01). Overall results suggested that the aging might affect the increase of cardiovascular disease risk factors including the serum lipid profiles, weight and BMI, and age-related increases of weight and BMI might play a role in changes in certain biomarkers of inflammation. (Korean J Community Nutrition 14(4) : 451${\sim}$461, 2009)

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.507-514
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• 2010

Vitamin K intake has been reported as an essential factor for bone formation. The current study was conducted under the hypothesis that insufficient vitamin K intake would affect inflammatory markers and bone mineral density in young adult women. The study was a cross-sectional design that included 75 women in their 20s. Physical assessments, bone mineral density measurements, 24-hr dietary recalls, and biochemical assessments for high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and percentages of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (%ucOC) were performed. An analysis of vitamin K nutritional status was performed comparing first, second, and third tertiles of intake based on %ucOC in plasma. Vitamin K intake levels in the first, second, and third tertiles were $94.88{\pm}51.48\;{\mu}g$, $73.85{\pm}45.15\;{\mu}g$, and $62.58{\pm}39.92\;{\mu}g$, respectively (P < 0.05). The T-scores of the first and third tertiles were 1.06 and -0.03, respectively, indicating that bone mineral density was significantly lower in the group with lower vitamin K intake (P < 0.05). There was a tendency for different serum hs-CRP concentrations between the first ($0.04{\pm}0.02$) and third tertiles ($0.11{\pm}0.18$), however this was not statistically significant. Regression analysis was performed to identify the correlations between vitamin K nutritional status, inflammatory markers, and bone mineral density after adjusting for age and BMI. Serum hs-CRP concentrations were positively correlated with vitamin K deficiency status (P < 0.05). And bone mineral density, which was represented by speed, was negatively correlated with vitamin K deficiency status (P < 0.05). In conclusion, status of vitamin K affects inflammatory status and bone formation. Therefore, sufficient intake of vitamin K is required to secure peak bone mass in young adult women.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.189-195
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• 2011

Vitamin K has been suggested to plays a role in bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine whether vitamin K2 supplementation is related to bone mineral density, bone formation markers, and bone resorption in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Forty Sprague-Dawley female rats (body weight, $200{\pm}10$ g) were divided into four groups: a sham group fed a control diet, a sham group fed a vitamin K2 supplemented diet, OVX fed a control diet, and OVX fed a vitamin $K_2$ supplemented diet (3.5 mg vitamin $K_2$/kg diet). All rats were fed the experimental diets for 6 weeks, and deionized water was provided ad libitum. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), osteocalcin, and urinary deoxypyridinoline crosslink values were measured as markers of bone formation and resorption. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content were measured in the spine and femur using PIXImus (GE Lunar Co., Madison, WI, USA). No significant differences in body weight gain, food intake, or food efficiency ratio were observed between the control and experimental groups. Serum ALP, osteocalcin, and urinary crosslink values were not significantly different between the vitamin $K_2$ supplemented groups. No significant differences were observed for any of the variables in the sham group. Spine BMD values were significantly lower in the OVX than those in the sham groups. Spine and femur BMD per weight of vitamin $K_2$ tended to be higher than the control diet group within the OVX group, but no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, dietary vitamin $K_2$ supplementation may have a beneficial effect on spine and femur BMD in OVX rats. Further research is needed to understand the potential benefits of vitamin $K_2$ on bone loss in OVX rats.