• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제63권6호
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• pp.1314-1327
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• 2021

Bacillus is characterized by the formation of spores in harsh environments, which makes it suitable for use as a probiotic for feed because of thermostability and high survival rate, even under long-term storage. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus-based probiotics on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, immune response, and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs. A total of 40 weaned pigs (7.01 ± 0.86 kg body weight [BW]; 28 d old) were randomly assigned to two treatments (4 pigs/pen; 5 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block = BW and sex). The dietary treatment was either a typical nursery diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) or CON supplemented with 0.01% probiotics containing a mixture of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis (PRO). Fecal samples were collected daily by rectal palpation for the last 3 days after a 4-day adaptation. Blood, ileal digesta, and intestinal tissue samples were collected from one pig in each pen at the respective time points. The PRO group did not affect the feed efficiency, but the average daily gain was significantly improved (p < 0.05). The PRO group showed a trend of improved crude protein digestibility (p < 0.10). The serum transforming growth factor-β1 level tended to be higher (p < 0.10) in the PRO group on days 7 and 14. There was no difference in phylum level of the intestinal microbiota, but there were differences in genus composition and proportions. However, β-diversity analysis showed no statistical differences between the CON and the PRO groups. Taken together, Bacillus-based probiotics had beneficial effects on the growth performance, immune system, and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs, suggesting that Bacillus can be utilized as a functional probiotic for weaned pigs.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.397-404
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• 2020

Purpose: Synbiotics can alleviate some intestinal pathologies or prevent trigger mechanisms for some diseases such as celiac disease (CD). If patients with high levels of anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies have normal duodenal histology, they are followed as potential CD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of synbiotic use on the blood levels of anti-tTG antibodies in children. Methods: Eighty-two patients with high anti-tTG levels were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The synbiotic group was treated with a daily dose of a synbiotic including multi-strain probiotics for 20 days. The control group was not administered any medication. Anti-tTG values at baseline and repeat measurements and the percentage change in anti-tTG levels between groups were compared. Results: The anti-tTG level at baseline was 36 U/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 26.4-68 U/mL) in the synbiotic group, and it decreased significantly to 13 U/mL (IQR, 6.5-27.5 U/mL) after 20 days (p<0.05). The anti-tTG level at baseline was 46 U/mL (IQR, 31-89 U/mL) in the control group, which also decreased significantly to 23 U/mL (IQR, 7-41 U/mL) after 20 days (p<0.05). Anti-tTG levels exhibited 73% and 56% decreases in the synbiotic and control groups, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: It may be speculated that a synbiotic supplementation can contribute to decreasing anti-tTG levels in children with potential CD.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제64권4호
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• pp.383-389
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• 2021

비만은 숙주의 전신 염증 및 대사 기능 장애에 기여하는 장 상피 장벽 기능 저하와 관련이 있다. 한국의 전통 식품으로 식이섬유가 풍부한 콩 제품은 항염증 반응을 비롯한 다양한 생물학적 활성을 나타내어 왔으나 대장 건강에 대해서는 보고된 바가 없다. 본 연구에서는 고지방 식이(HFD)를 섭취한 비만 모델에서 콩(CSB)에 대한 장 건강 증진 효과를 조사하였다. SD 쥐에게 동물 실험 기간 동안 HFD 또는 10.6% CSB가 함유된 HFD (HFD + CSB)를 제공하였다. CSB의 섭취는 HFD로 유발된 체중과 지방 축적 증가를 현저하게 감소시켰다. 또한, CSB의 섭취는 대장 조직에서 HFD에 의해 감소된 밀착 결합 지표(ZO-1, Claudin-1 및 Occludin-1)의 mRNA 발현을 개선시켰다. 또한, 조직병리학적 평가에서도 CSB 섭취는 대장 조직에서 HFD에 의해 증가된 염증 세포 침윤과 대장 상피 조직 붕괴를 개선하는 것으로 나타났다. Genus 수준에서 HFD 섭취에 의해 Lactobacillus, Duncaniella, Alloprevotella 등 미생물 종의 abundance 차이는 확인되었으나, CSB 섭취로 인한 영향은 명확하게 나타나지 않았다. NMDS 분석에서 HFD 섭취에 의해 유의적인 장내미생물 생태 이동을 보여주었지만 CSB 섭취는 차이가 없었다. HFD와 CSB 간 유의적으로 차이가 나타나는 genera를 조사하기 위해 LEfSe를 수행한 결과, CSB는 Anaerotignum, Enterococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto 및 Escherichia/Shigella 속의 풍부함을 증가시킨 반면 Longicatena 및 Ligilactobacillus의 풍부함을 감소시켰다. 이러한 결과는 CSB 섭취는 긴밀한 접합 성분을 개선하여 HFD로 악화된 대장 건강을 개선하는 반면 장내미생물생태에 긍정적인 효과를 미치는지에 대해서는 명확하지 않았다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.267-271
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• 2020

Gut microbiota produce dietary metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2, formerly known as GPR43) is a specific receptor for short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate that regulates inflammatory responses. However, the therapeutic potential of FFA2 agonists for treatment of atopic dermatitis has not been investigated. We investigated the efficacy of the FFA2 agonist, 4-chloro-α-(1-methylethyl)-N-2-thiazoylylbenzeneacetanilide (4-CMTB), for treatment of atopic dermatitis induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Long-term application of DNCB to the ears of mice resulted in significantly increased IgE in the serum, and induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, characterized by mast cell accumulation and skin tissue hypertrophy. Treatment with 4-CMTB (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly suppressed DNCB-induced changes in IgE levels, ear skin hypertrophy, and mast cell accumulation. Treatment with 4-CMTB reduced DNCB-induced increases in Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) levels in the ears, but did not alter Th1 or Th17 cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-17) levels. Furthermore, 4-CMTB blocked DNCB-induced lymph node enlargement. In conclusion, activation of FFA2 ameliorated DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis, which suggested that FFA2 is a therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.41-47
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• 2014

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a facultative anaerobic bacterium mainly found in the oral cavity and is known to contribute to tooth decay and gingivitis. Recent studies on intestinal microbiota have revealed that microorganisms forming a biofilm play important roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis through their own metabolism. However, the physiological roles of oral microorganisms such as S. mutans are still unclear. In our current study, we identified that constituents released from S. mutans (CR) reduce arecoline-mediated cytotoxicity without producing toxic effects themselves. Arecoline, as a major alkaloid of areca nut, is known to mediate cytotoxicity on oral epithelial cells and induces a sustained intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) increase that is cytotoxic. The exposure of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells to CR not only inhibited the sustained $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase but also the initial $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ elevation. In contrast, CR had no effects on the gene regulation mediated by arecoline. These results demonstrate that S. mutans has physiological role in reducing cytotoxicity in HGF cells and may be considered a novel pharmaceutical candidate.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.219-233
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• 2018

Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. In Korea, the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection in adults were revised in 2013. The European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group and Consensus panel released the fifth edition of the Maastricht Consensus Report for the management of H. pylori infection in 2015, and the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the North American Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition released the updated joint guidelines for children and adolescents in 2016. Considering these recommendations and recent progress in our research and that of other research teams, this study aimed to discuss the diagnostic strategies for H. pylori infection in children and adolescents.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.28.1-28.16
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• 2018

This study investigated the latest findings and notions regarding 'triple antibiotic paste' (TAP) and its applications in dentistry, particularly endodontics. TAP is a combination of 3 antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline. Despite the problems and pitfalls research pertaining to this paste has unveiled, it has been vastly used in endodontic treatments. The paste's applications vary, from vital pulp therapy to the recently introduced regeneration and revascularisation protocol. Studies have shown that the paste can eliminate the root canal microorganisms and prepare an appropriate matrix for further treatments. This combination is able to remove diverse groups of obligate and facultative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, providing an environment for healing. In regeneration protocol cases, this allows the development, disinfection, and possible sterilization of the root canal system, so that new tissue can infiltrate and grow into the radicular area. Moreover, TAP is capable of creating a discipline in which other wanted and needed treatments can be successfully performed. In conclusion, TAP, as an antibacterial intracanal medication, has diverse uses. Nevertheless, despite its positive effects, the paste has shown drawbacks. Further research concerning the combined paste and other intracanal medications to control microbiota is a must.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권9호
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• pp.1141-1148
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• 2023

Herein, we explored the potential of the apple's core microbiota for biological control of Erwinia amylovora, which causes fire blight disease, and analyzed the structure of the apple's bacterial community across different tissues and seasons. Network analysis results showed distinct differences in bacterial community composition between the endosphere and rhizosphere of healthy apples, and eight taxa were identified as negatively correlated with E. amylovora, indicating their potential key role in a new control strategy against the pathogen. This study highlights the critical role of the apple's bacterial community in disease control and provides a new direction for future research in apple production. In addition, the findings suggest that using the composition of the apple's core taxa as a biological control strategy could be an effective alternative to traditional chemical control methods, which have been proven futile and environmentally harmful.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.1328-1339
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• 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent environmental contaminant that poses a potential hazard to the health of both humans and animals. In this study, biosynthesized selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were developed and evaluated for their protective effects against Cd-induced hepatic injury in mice through oral administration for 4 weeks. Cadmium exposure resulted in severe impairment of liver function, as evidenced by increased levels of serum markers of liver injury and, oxidative stress and significant damage to liver tissue, and a notable decrease in the diversity of the intestinal microbiota. Oral administration of Se-enriched L. plantarum (LS) reduced cadmium accumulation in the liver by 49.5% and, restored other cadmium-induced damage markers to normal levels. A comparison of the effects with those of L. plantarum (L) and SeNPs isolated from LS revealed that LS could more effectively alleviate hepatic oxidative stress and reduce the intrahepatic inflammatory responses of the liver, further protecting against cadmium-induced liver injury. These findings suggest that the development of LS may be effective at protecting the liver and intestinal tract from cadmium-induced damage.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.14-22
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare serum amyloid A (SAA) protein levels with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels as markers of systemic inflammation in patients with chronic periodontitis. The association of serum titers of antibodies to periodontal microbiota and SAA/hs-CRP levels in periodontitis patients was also studied. Methods: A total of 110 individuals were included in this study. Patients were assessed for levels of hs-CRP and SAA. Nonfasting blood samples were collected from participants at the time of clinical examination. The diagnosis of adipose tissue disorders was made according to previously defined criteria. To determine SAA levels, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized. Paper points were transferred to a sterile tube to obtain a pool of samples for polymerase chain reaction processing and the identification of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Tannerella forsythia. The serum level of IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and T. forsythia was also determined. Results: SAA and hs-CRP levels were higher in periodontitis patients than in controls (P<0.05). In bivariate analysis, high levels of hs-CRP (>3 mg/L) and SAA (>10 mg/L) were significantly associated with chronic periodontitis (P=0.004). The Spearman correlation analysis between acute-phase proteins showed that SAA positively correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.218, P=0.02). In the adjusted model, chronic periodontitis was associated with high levels of SAA (odds ratio [OR], 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-18.2; P=0.005) and elevated hs-CRP levels (OR, 6.1, 95% CI, 1.6-23.6; P=0.008). Increased levels of serum IgG2 antibodies to P. gingivalis were associated with high levels of SAA (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.4-8.5; P=0.005) and high concentrations of hs-CRP (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.9-9.8; P<0.001). Conclusions: SAA and hs-CRP concentrations in patients with chronic periodontitis are comparably elevated. High serum titers of antibodies to P. gingivalis and the presence of periodontal disease are independently related to high SAA and hs-CRP levels.