• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.30 no.12
• /
• pp.1092-1100
• /
• 2020

The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (Steap4) is a metalloreductase that plays a role in intracellular iron and cupper homeostasis, inflammatory response, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Previously, Steap4 has been reported to stimulate adipocyte differentiation; however, the underlying mechanisms of this action remain unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in Steap4-induced adipocyte differentiation using 3T3-L1 cells, immortalized brown adipocyte (iBA) cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblast C3H10T1/2 cells. The knockdown of Steap4 using adenovirus-containing shRNA attenuated mitotic clonal expansion (MCE), as evidenced by the impaired proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells, iBA cells, and C3H10T1/2 cells within 48 hr after adding the differentiation medium. Steap4 knockdown downregulated G1/S phase transition-related cell cycle regulators (including cyclin A and cyclin D) and upregulated cell cycle inhibitors (including p21 and p27). Furthermore, Steap4 knockdown inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and Akt. Moreover, Steap4 knockdown repressed the expression of early adipogenic activators, such as CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and Kruppel-like factor family factor 4 (KLF4). On the other hand, Steap4 knockdown stimulated the expression of adipogenic inhibitors, including KLF2, KLF3, and GATA2. The overexpression of Steap4 using an adenovirus removed the repressive histone marks H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 on the promoter of C/EBPβ. These results indicate that Stepa4 stimulates adipocyte differentiation through the induction of MCE and the modulation of early adipogenic transcription factors, including C/EBPβ, during the early phase of adipocyte differentiation.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.229-236
• /
• 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the dried leaves and branches of Stewartia koreana Nakai. The dried leaf and branch of S. koreana were extracted with 70% ethanol at 80℃. The antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts of S. koreana leaf (EESL) and S. koreana branch (EESB) were analyzed. The total polyphenol contents in EESL and EESB were 162.57±0.9 mg of GAEs/extract g and 59.1±0.9 mg of GAEs/extract g, respectively. The flavonoid contents in EESL and EESB were 59.1±0.9 mg of QEs/extract g and 4.7±0.1 mg of QEs/extract g, respectively. EESL showed a better scavenging ability with DPPH and ABTS than EESB, at 0.4 mg/ml. Moreover, EESL were more effective according to ORAC values than EESL. The toxicity of EESL was investigated using a WST-1 assay on the human skin fibroblast cell line CCD-986sk. Therefore, EESL can be used as a potential source of functional, naturally-sourced material in cosmetics as well as food.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.281-293
• /
• 2020

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most frequent surgical procedures in the knee joint, but despite the better understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, surgical reconstruction procedures still fail to restore rotational stability in 7%-16% of patients. Hence, many studies have attempted to identify the factors for rotational laxity, including the anterolateral ligament (ALL), but still showed controversies. Descriptions of the ALL anatomy are also confused by overlapping nomenclature, but it is usually known as a distinctive fiber running in an anteroinferior and oblique direction from the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the proximal anterolateral tibia, between the fibular head and Gerdy's tubercle. The importance of the ALL as a secondary restraint in the knee has been emphasized for successful ACL reconstructions that can restore rotational stability, but there is still some controversy. Some studies reported that the ALL could be a restraint to the tibial rotation, but not to anterior tibial translation. On the other hand, some studies reported that the role of ALL in rotational stability would be limited as a secondary structure because it bears loads only beyond normal biomechanical motion. The diagnosis of an ALL injury can be performed by a physical examination, radiology examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, but it should be assessed using a multimodal approach. Recently, ALL was considered one of the anterolateral complex structures, as well as the Kaplan fiber in the iliotibial band. Many studies have introduced many indications and treatment options, but there is still some debate. The treatment methods are introduced mainly as ALL reconstructions or lateral extra-articular tenodesis, which can achieve additional benefit to the knee stability. Further studies will be needed on the indications and proper surgical methods of ALL treatment.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.215-221
• /
• 2022

This study was carried out to investigate the growth characteristics, yield and chemical compositions of rye according to mixing ratio of chemical fertilize r(CF) and liquid swine manure (LSM) in paddy field cultivation. The experimental design was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The manure fertilizer ratio of five treatments were CF 100% + LSM 0% (C), CF 70% + LSM 30% (T1), CF 50% + LSM 50% (T2), CF 30% + LSM 70% (T3), and CF 0% + LSM 100% (T4) of rye. At this time, the application of liquid swine manure was based solely on nitrogen. Plant length did not show significant differences among treatments. Ear length, leaf length and leaf width were the longest in C, T3, and T2, respectively (p<0.05). The stem diameter showed in the order of T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C, which was thicker as the LSM application rate increased (p<0.05). Fresh, dry matter and total digestible nutrient (TDN) yield were the highest in T4 (p<0.05), whereas the lowest in C treatment. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude fiber content were did not show significant difference among treatments. However, compared to C, crude fat and crude ash were significantly higher in T2 and T3, respectively (p<0.05). Total mineral content decreased significantly as the LSM application rate increased (p<0.05). Total free sugar showed high in T3 and T4 with a high LSM ratio, but showed significantly lower in chemical fertilizer treatment (C) and low LSM treatment (T1) (p<0.05). The analysis of all the above results suggests that the application of LSM is very effective, considering the dry matter yield and the contents of free sugar. In addition, LSM may be possible to grow rye without chemical fertilizer.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.534-546
• /
• 2023

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-winkle activity in human fibroblast cell (CCD-986sk) of Persimmon Leaves (PL) as a cosmetic ingredient. As a result of investigating antioxidant activity through electron-donating ability and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging assay, the PL showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity similar to ascorbic acid, a control group, at a concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml. As a result of investigating the anti-wrinkle effect through elastase inhibition and collagenase inhibition assay, the PL showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity similar to epigallocatechin gallate, a control group, at a concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml. As a result of measuring the synthesis rate of pro-collagen type I and the inhibition rate of MMP-1 in UVB-induced CCD-986sk cells, the control group EGCG showed a 90.2% pro-collagen synthesis rate at 20 ㎍/ml and PL showed an 88.5% synthesis rate at 30 ㎍/ml. In addition, the inhibition rate of MMP-1 of 33.0% and 40.8% were confirmed in EGCG 20 ㎍/ml and PL 30 ㎍/ml, respectively. As a result of measuring the protein expression of pro-collagen type I and MMP-1 in the PL through western blot, it was confirmed that the protein expression of pro-collagen type I increased, and MMP-1 decreased when the PL was treated together compared to the UVB alone group. According to the above experimental results, it is expected to be used as a natural product material for cosmetics by confirming that the PL prevent photoaging caused by UVB stimulation and have antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.35-51
• /
• 2009

Three different Cordyceps militaris(Paecilomyces tenuipes and Cordyceps militaris from grain or pupae) were analysed for their chemical composition, fatty acids composition and the concentration of amino acids, cordycepin and heavy metal to obtain basic information on them as feed supplements for livestock. The crude protein content of C. militaris from grain and pupae was 76.16 and 75.45%, respectively, being higher than that of P. tenuipes(57.21%). The concentration of linoleic acid was much higher but that of linolenic acid was much lower for C. militaris from grain than for the others. The cordycepin content was significantly higher for C. militaris from grain than for that from pupae (1.64% vs 0.68% on a DM basis). But cordycepin was not detected in P. tenuipes. Heavy metal contents(Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg) for all C. militaris were below the allowance levels recommended by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Republic of Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.54 no.2
• /
• pp.164-171
• /
• 2019

Purpose: A dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a rare lethal tumor characterized by a low grade chondrosarcoma juxtaposed with a high grade dedifferentiated sarcoma, such as osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma. The aim of our study was to document the clinical manifestation and oncologic outcomes of a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Materials and Methods: This study identified 11 patients who were diagnosed and treated for dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma between January 2007 and December 2016. The identified cohort was then reviewed regarding age, sex, symptom onset, tumor location, magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), surgical margin, and pathologic diagnosis. The time to local recurrence and/or metastasis, follow-up duration, and the patients' final status were analyzed. Results: The patients were comprised of 7 males and 4 females with a mean age of 54 years (range, 33-80 years). The location of the tumor was in the femur in 6 cases, pelvis in 4 cases, and metatarsal in 1 case. The average tumor diameter was 12.7 cm (range, 6.0-26.1 cm). At the time of diagnosis, 2 patients showed pathologic fracture; 1 patient was Enecking stage IIA, 9 patients were stage IIB, and 1 patient was stage III. Eight patients were classified as a primary dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma and 3 patients were secondary. One of the primary lesions was misinterpreted initially as a low grade chondroid lesion by MRI and underwent curettage. Local recurrence occurred in 8 cases and distant metastasis occurred in 10 cases with a mean duration of 8 months (range, 2-23 months) and 7 months (range, 1-32 months), respectively. The three-year overall survival of patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma was 18%, and 10 patients died due to disease progression. Conclusion: Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma developed lung metastases in the early period of the clinical courses and the prognosis was dismal.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.543-553
• /
• 2023

The current status of domestic a agalmatolite mines in South Korea was investigated with a view to establishing a stable supply of agalmatolite and managing its demand. Most mined agalmatolite deposits were formed through hydrothermal alteration of Mesozoic volcanic rocks. The physical characteristics of pyrophyllite, the main constituent mineral of agalmatolite, are as follows: specific gravity 2.65~2.90, hardness 1~2, density 1.60~1.80 g/cm³, refractoriness ≥29, and color white, gray, grayish white, grayish green, yellow, or yellowish green. Among the chemical components of domestic agalmatolite, SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents are respectively 58.2~67.2 and 23.1~28.8 wt.% for pyrophyllite, 49.2~72.6 and 16.5~31.0 wt.% for pyrophyllite + dickite, 45.1 and 23.3 wt.% for pyrophyllite + illite, 43.1~82.3 and 11.4~35.8 wt.% for illite, and 37.6~69.0 and 19.6~35.3 wt.% for dickite. Domestic agalmatolite mines are concentrated mainly in the southwest and southeast of the Korean Peninsula, with some occurring in the northeast. Twenty-one mines currently produce agalmatolite in South Korea, with reserves in the order of Jeonnam (45.6%) > Chungbuk (30.8%) > Gyeongnam (13.0%) > Gangwon (4.8%), and Gyeongbuk (4.8%). The top 10 agalmatolite-producing mines are in the order of the Central Resources Mine (37.9%) > Wando Mine (25.6%) > Naju Ceramic Mine (13.4%) > Cheongseok-Sajiwon Mine (5.4%) > Gyeongju Mine (5.0%) > Baekam Mine (5.0%) > Minkyung-Nohwado Mine (3.3%) > Bugok Mine (2.3%) > Jinhae Pylphin Mine (2.2%) > Bohae Mine. Agalmatolite has low thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, thermal deformation, and expansion coefficients, low bulk density, high heat and corrosion resistance, and high sterilization and insecticidal efficiency. Accordingly, it is used in fields such as refractory, ceramic, cement additive, sterilization, and insecticide manufacturing and in filling materials. Its scope of use is expanding to high-tech industries, such as water treatment ceramic membranes, diesel exhaust gas-reduction ceramic filters, glass fibers, and LCD panels.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.56 no.5
• /
• pp.496-509
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the general characteristics, chronic diseases, health behavior, mental health, and nutritional status of young-old women based on their vitality. Methods: This study used data from the 2019 and 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The subjects were 1,113 young-old women aged 65 to 74 years old. The health-related quality of life concept with an 8-item questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. Subjects were categorized into 4 groups (always, often, sometimes, never) based on their vitality. General characteristics, chronic diseases, health behavior, dietary behavior, food intake, and nutrient intake were compared among the groups. Results: Age, education level, household income, employment, fruit intake, dietary supplements, abundance of food, and nutrition labeling recognition were associated with the vitality of the subjects. Young-old women with arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis displayed lower vitality. Moreover, subjective health status, exercise, activity restrictions, and average daily sitting hours were related to vitality, while no significant difference was found in vitality between smoking and drinking. In terms of mental health factors, higher vitality was associated with 6-8 hours of sleep, lower stress levels, and reduced depression. The high-vitality group exhibited a higher intake of potatoes, starch, mushrooms, fruits, meat, milk, animal oils, and beverages than the low-vitality group. Additionally, the group with higher levels of vitality showed a higher intake of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, sugars, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and riboflavin. Conclusion: This study suggests that the vitality of young-old women is related to socioeconomic factors, health behavior, mental health, and food intake. To maintain a vibrant lifestyle in elderly women, it is necessary to have social and economic stability, prevent arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, maintain mental health, and have a balanced diet.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.149-160
• /
• 2024

Dextran is a glucose homo-polysaccharide with a predominantly α-1,6 glycosidic linkage of microbial source and is known to be produced primarily by lactic acid bacteria. However, it can also be obtained through the dextran dextrinase of acetic acid bacteria (Gluconobacter oxydans). The dextrin-based dextran was obtained from rice starch using G. oxydans fermentation of rice hydrolysate, and its properties were studied. Both dextrin- and rice hydrolysate-added media maintained the OD value of 6 after 20 h of incubation with acetic acid bacteria, and the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis of the supernatant after 72 h of incubation confirmed that a polymeric material with DP of 480 and 405, which was different from the composition of the substrate in the medium, was produced. The glucose linkage pattern of the polysaccharide was confirmed using the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and the increased α-1,4:α-1,6 bond ratio from 0.23 and 0.13 to 1:2.37 and 1:4.4, respectively, indicating that the main bonds were converted to α-1,6 bonds. The treatment of dextrin with a rat-derived alpha-glucosidase digestive enzyme resulted in a slow release of glucose, suggesting that rice hydrolysate can be converted to dextran using acetic acid bacteria with glycosyltransferase activity to produce high-value bio-materials with slowly digestible properties.