• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) exhibits chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions with cycles of relapse and remission. The incidence is rapidly growing in Asian countries including South Korea possibly due to changes in lifestyles. Although the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease is inconclusive, gut microbiota composition is considered a critical factor involved in the pathogenesis of UC. The overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria evokes hyper-immune responses in gut epithelium causing tissue inflammation and damage. Also, failure to regulate gut epithelium integrity due to chronic inflammation and mucus depletion accelerates bacterial translocation aggravating immune dysregulation. Gut microbiota composition responds to the diet in a very rapid manner. Epidemiological studies have indicated that the risk of UC is associated with low plant foods/high animal foods consumption. Several bacterial strains consistently found depleted in UC patients use plant food-originated dietary fiber producing short chain fatty acids to maintain epithelial integrity. These bacteria also use mucus layer mucin to keep gut microbiota diversity. These studies partly explain the association between dietary modification of gut microbiota in UC development. Further human intervention trials are required to allow the use of specific bacterial strains in the management of UC.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.49-53
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• 2024

Ceramide is a lipid in which sphingoid bases and fatty acids are linked by amide bonds. As a marker of skin disease in the human stratum corneum, its disease-causing and therapeutic effects have been partially confirmed, and it is therefore an important element in commercially available cosmetic formulations. However, structural diversity caused by differences in the chain length, number, and location of hydroxyl groups makes quality control difficult. In this study, a method was established to separate different ceramide species using reversed-phase LC-MS/MS and thus enable qualitative evaluation. Separation of four standards was achieved within a short retention time, and the accuracy and sensitivity of the method were demonstrated by the low limit of detection (LOD) calculated based on the calibration curve showing linearity, with R² > 0.994. After verification of reproducibility and reliability through intra- and inter-day analyses, the efficiency of the method was confirmed through analysis of commercial cosmetic raw materials.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.119-131
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• 2024

BIOVITA 3 bacterial species (BIOVITA 3), a probiotic blend powder containing Clostridium butyricum IDCC 1301, Weizmannia coagulans IDCC 1201, and Bacillus subtilis IDCC 1101, has been used as a food ingredient for gut health. However, its efficacy in improving constipation has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the functional effects of oral administration of BIOVITA 3 as well as its component strains alone (at 1.0×10⁹ CFU/day) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with loperamide-induced constipation. The study included fecal analysis, gastrointestinal transit ratio, histopathological analysis, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and metagenome analysis. As results, the BIOVITA 3 group showed significant improvements in fecal number, water content, gastrointestinal transit ratio, and thickening of the mucosal layer. In the SCFAs analysis, all probiotic-treated groups showed an increase in total SCFAs compared to the loperamide-constipated group. Changes in microbial abundance and the diversity index of three groups (normal, constipated, and BIOVITA 3) were also defined. Of these, the BIOVITA 3 showed a significant improvement in loperamide-constipated SD-rats. This study suggests the possibility that BIOVITA 3 can be applied as an ingredient in functional foods to relieve constipation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.487-494
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• 2024

Recently, the term metabiotics has emerged as a new concept of probiotics. This concept entails combining existing probiotic components with metabolic by-products improve specific physiological functionalities. Representative ingredients of these metabiotics include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacteriocins, polysaccharides, and peptides. The new concept is highly regarded as it complements the side effects of existing probiotics and is safe and easy to administer. Known health functions of metabiotics are mainly immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and brain-neurological health. Research has been actively conducted on the health benefits related to the composition of intestinal microorganisms. Among them, the focus has been on brain neurological health, which requires extensive research. This study showed that neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, can be treated and prevented according to the gut-brain axis theory by changing the intestinal microflora. In addition, various studies are being conducted on the immunomodulatory and anticancer effects of substances related to metabiotics of the microbiome. In particular, its efficacy is expected to be confirmed through human studies on various cancers. Therefore, developing various health functional effects of the next-generation probiotics such as metabiotics to prevent or treatment of various diseases is anticipated.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.747-756
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• 2024

Chronic gut inflammation promotes the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity. There is growing evidence which suggests that dysbiosis in gut microbiota and metabolites disrupt the integrity of the intestinal barrier and significantly impact the level of inflammation in various tissues, including the liver and adipose tissues. Moreover, dietary sources are connected to the development of leaky gut syndrome through their interaction with the gut microbiota. This review examines the effects of these factors on intestinal microorganisms and the communication pathways between the gut-liver and gut-brain axis. The consumption of diets rich in fats and carbohydrates has been found to weaken the adherence of tight junction proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, this allows endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides produced by detrimental bacteria, to permeate through portal veins, leading to metabolic endotoxemia and alterations in the gut microbiome composition with reduced production of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. However, the precise correlation between gut microbiota and alternative sweeteners remains uncertain, necessitating further investigation. This study highlights the significance of exploring the impact of diet on gut microbiota and the underlying mechanisms in the gut-liver and gut-brain axis. Nevertheless, limited research on the gut-liver axis poses challenges in comprehending the intricate connections between diet and the gut-brain axis. This underscores the need for comprehensive studies to elucidate the intricate gut-brain mechanisms underlying intestinal health and microbiota.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.40-43
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• 2015

Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder of fatty acid oxidation associated with mutations in the ACADS gene. While patients diagnosed clinically have a variable clinical presentation, patients diagnosed by newborn screening are largely asymptomatic. We describe here the case of a 1-year-old male patient who was detected by newborn screening and diagnosed as SCAD deficiency. Spectrometric screening for inborn errors of metabolism at 72hrs after birth showed elevated butyrylcarnitine (C4) level of 1.69 mol/L (normal, <0.83 mol/L), C4/C2 ration of 0.26 (normal, <0.09), C5DC+C60H level of 39 mol/L (normal, <0.28 mol/L), and C5DC/C8 ration of 7.36 (normal, <4.45). The follow-up testing at 18 days of age were performed: liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), urine organic acids, and quantitative acylcarnitine profile. C4 carnitine was elevated as 0.91; urine organic acid analysis showed elevated ethylmalonic acid as 62.87 nmol/molCr (normal, <6.5), methylsuccinate 6.81 nmol/molCr (normal, not detected). Sequence analysis of ACADS revealed a homozygous missense mutation, c.164C>T (p.Pro55Leu). He is growing well and no episodes of seizures or growth retardation had occurred.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.84-90
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• 2001

This study was performed to know the effect of depolymerized alginate obtained by hydrolysis of alginate through a heating process at $121^{\circ}C$ on intestinal environment, Rats were fed with diets containing $1\%$, $5\%$, and $10\%$ of each depolymerized alginate (HAG-10, HAG-50, HAG-100 and alginate) for 35 days, The changes of weight, moisture content, pH and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) of fecal, and a short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were checked in the rats. The fecal weight and moisture content were the highest in rats fed with alginate diets (p<0.01), followed by HAG-100, HAG-50 and HAG-10 in order. The $5\%$ of HAG-50 diets induced a significant increase in contents of protein and lipid of feces, resulting in the decrease of apparent digestibility of protein and lipid (p<0.01). The pH and VBN content in feces of the rats decreased in $5\%$ and $10\%$ of HAG-50 diets, but $10\%$ of HAG-100 diets; $5\%$ and $10\%$ of alginate diets brought about an increase of fecal pH and VBN (p<0.01), The amount of n-butyric acid in feces was increased while propionic and acetic acid contents decreased significantly (p<0.01) in diets containing $5\%$ and $10\%$ HAG-50. However, the feces of rat fed diet containing $5\%$ and $10\%$ alginate showed a tendency to being opposite in results than that of HAG-50.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1571-1586
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• 2012

On earth, there are about 5,400 kinds of mammals, of which about 1,000 kinds are herbivores. Among herbivores, about 250 kinds are known to be ruminants. As for cattle and sheep, which are ruminants, fermentation takes places mainly in their rumen; in contrast, for pigs and men, which are non-ruminants, fermentation takes place mainly in their caecum, colon, and rectum. As for the kind and dominance of rumen microorganisms, Bacteroidetes account for 51% and Firmicutes for 43%. As for the dominance of the large intestine microorganisms in men, Firmicutes account for 65% and Bacteroidetes for 25%. Cell wall components are decomposed by microorganisms, and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are generated through fermentation; the ratio of acetate, propionate, and butyrate generate is 60:25:15. Butyrate absorbed through the primary butyrate transporter MCT1 (mono carboxylate transports-1) in the intestines activates such SCFA receptors as GPR43 and GPR41. Butyrate has a strong anti-tumorigenic function. Butyrate is characterized by the fact that it has an effect on many cancer cells, contributes to the coordination of functions in the cells, and induces cancer apoptosis. Butyrate activates caspase but inhibits the activity of HDAC (histone deacetylase), so as to induce apoptosis. In addition, it increases p53 expression, so as to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Anti-inflammation actions of SCFA include the reduction of IL-8 expression in intestinal epithelial cells, the inhibition of NO synthesis, and the restraint of the activity of NF-${\kappa}B$ (nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$), so as to suppress the occurrence of cancers caused by inflammation. Butyrate plays an important role in maintaining physiological functions of intestinal mucous membranes and is used as a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.351-355
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• 2005

This study was performed to investigate the influences of resistant starch (HM: HI-MAIZE) and HM-D (HI-MAIZE DIET) fortified with D-factor (consisted of Psyliium husk, polydextrose and hydrocitric acid) on the glucose and bile acid absorption and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). HM-D absorbed more glucose and bile acid than did HM. The glucose transport of HM and HM-D against dialysis membrane showed 77% and 68% for 4h, respectively. After 24h, bile acid transport of HM and HM -D showed 65% and 62.3%, respectively. The HM and HM-D produced 217.8 mM and 264.0mM of SCFA, respectively. The production of butyric acid in HM-D (32.7mM) showed higher than that of HM (26.9mM). The addition of D-factor to HM increased the physiological function of dietary fiber through the glucose and bile acid absorption and production of SCFA.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.927-937
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• 2022

To confirm the therapeutic effect of the water extract from Ecklonia cava (WEE) against PM_2.5 induced systemic health damage, we evaluated gut health with a focus on the microbiota and metabolites. Systemic damage in mice was induced through PM_2.5 exposure for 12 weeks in a whole-body chamber. After exposure for 12 weeks, body weight and food intake decreased, and WEE at 200 mg/kg body weight (mpk) alleviated these metabolic efficiency changes. In addition, PM_2.5 induced changes in the length of the colon and fecal water content. The administration of the WEE at 200 mpk oral dose effectively reduced changes in the colon caused by PM_2.5 exposure. We also attempted to confirm whether the effect of the WEE is mediated via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in mice with PM_2.5 induced systemic damage. We examined changes in the fecal microbiota and gut metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and kynurenine metabolites. In the PM_2.5 exposed group, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus (Family: Lactobacillaceae) and an increase in the abundance of Alistipes (Family: Rikenellaceae) were observed, and the administration of the WEE showed a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. In addition, the WEE effectively increased the levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). Furthermore, kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is a critical neuroprotective metabolite in the gut-brain axis, was increased by the administration of the WEE. Our findings suggest that the WEE could be used as a potential therapeutic against PM_2.5 induced health damage by regulating gut function.