• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.158-164
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• 2014

BACKGROUD/OBEJECTIVES: This study aims to find out the effects of peanut sprout extracts on weight controls and protein expressions of transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation and adipocytokine in rats under high-fat diets. MATERIALS/METHODS: Four week-old Sparague-Dawley (SD) were assigned to 4 groups; normal-fat (NF) diets (7% fat diet), high-fat (HF) diets (20% fat diet), high fat diets with low peanut sprout extract (HF + PSEL) diet (20% fat and 0.025% peanut sprout extract), and high fat diets with high peanut sprout extract (HF + PSEH) diet (20% fat and 0.05% peanut sprout extract). Body weight changes, lipid profiles in adipose tissue, and the mRNA protein expressions, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$), CCAAT element binding protein ${\alpha}$ (C/EBP ${\alpha}$), leptin, and adiponectin, were determined. RESULTS: After 9 weeks of feeding, the HF + PSEH group had significantly less weight gains than the HF group (P < 0.05). However, the total dietary intakes or food efficiency ratios among groups were not significantly different. The weight of epididymal fat in HF + PSEH group, $3.61{\pm}0.5g$, or HF + PSEL group, $3.80{\pm}0.7g$, was significantly lower than the HF group, $4.39{\pm}0.4g$, (P < 0.05). Total lipids and total cholesterol in adipose tissue were significantly decreased in HF + PSEH group compared to those in the HF group, respectively (P < 0.05). PSEH supplementation caused AST and ALT levels to decrease when it compared to HF group, but it was not statistically significant. The protein expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$ in HF + PSEH group was significantly lower than the HF group (P < 0.05). Comparing with the HF group, the protein expression of adiponectin in HF + PSEH group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of C/EBP ${\alpha}$ and leptin in HF + PSEH group were lower than the HF group, but it was not statistical significant. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, peanut sprout extract has anti-obesity effect by lowering the expressions of $PPAR{\gamma}$ which regulates the expression of adiponectin.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1975-1983
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• 2008

The neuropeptide ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) has anti-inflammatory property by down regulating the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines. Because ${\alpha}$-MSH elicits the anti-inflammatory effect in various inflammatory disease models, we examined the therapeutic effect of oral administration of recombinant Lactobacillus casei, which secretes ${\alpha}$-MSH (L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH), on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in Balb/c mice. Thus, we constructed the ${\alpha}$-MSH-secreting Lactobacillus casei by the basic plasmid, pLUAT-ss, which was composed of a PldhUTLS promoter and ${\alpha}$-amylase signal sequence from Streptococcus bovis strain. Acute colitis was induced by oral administration of 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. To investigate the effect of L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH on the colitis, L. casei or L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH was orally administered for 7 days and their effects on body weight, mortality rate, cytokine production, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were observed. Administration of L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH reduced the symptom of acute colitis as assessed by body weight loss (DSS alone: $14.45{\pm}0.2\;g$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $18.2{\pm}0.12\;g$), colitis score (DSS alone: $3.6{\pm}0.4$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $1.4{\pm}0.6$), MPO activity (DSS alone: $42.7{\pm}4.5\;U/g$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $10.25{\pm}0.5\;U/g$), survival rate, and histological damage compared with the DSS alone mice. L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH-administered entire colon showed reduced in vitro production of proinflammatory cytokines and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. The ${\alpha}$-MSH-secreting recombinant L. casei showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in the murine model of acute colitis and suggests a potential therapeutic role for this agent in clinical inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.247-252
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• 2004

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo. Human ES cells have the capacity to differentiate into various types of cells in the body. Human ES cells are indefinite source of cells for cell therapy in various degenerative disorders including neuronal disorders. Directed differentiation of human ES cells is a prerequisite for their clinical application. The objective of this study is to develop the culture condition for the derivation of neural precursor cells from human ES cells. Neural precursor cells were derived from human ES cells in a stepwise culture condition. Neural precursor cells in the form of neural rosette structures developed into neurospheres when cultured in suspension. Suspension culture of neurospheres has been maintained over 4 months. Expressions of nestin, soxl, sox2, pax3 and pax6 transcripts were upregulated during differentiation into neural precursor cells by RT-PCR analysis. In contrast, expression of oct4 was dramatically downregulated in neural precursor cells. Immunocytochemical analyses of neural precursor cells demonstrated expression of nestin and SOX1. When induced to differentiate on an adhesive substrate, neuro-spheres were able to differentiate into three lineages of neural systems, including neurons, astrocytes and oligo-dendrocytes. Transcripts of sox1 and pax6 were downregulated during differentiation of neural precursor cells into neurons. In contrast, expression of map2ab was elevated in the differentiated cells, relative to those in neural precursor cells. Neurons derived from neural precursor cells expressed NCAM, Tuj1, MAP2ab, NeuN and NF200 in immunocytochemical analyses. Presence of astrocytes was confirmed by expression of GFAP immuno-cytochemically. Oligodendrocytes were also observed by positive immuno-reactivities against oligodendrocyte marker O1. Results of this study demonstrate that a stepwise culture condition is developed for the derivation of neural precursor cells from human ES cells.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 2020

This study was conducted to figure out the productivity of Italian ryegrass(IRG) and leaching water characteristics based on horse manure compost level in Jeju. This study was conducted for about six months. Six treatments were established : non-fertilizer(NF), chemical fertilizer 100%(CF), horse manure compost 50% and chemical fertilizer 50% combination(Combination), horse manure compost with 50% of nitrogen (50%), 100% of nitrogen(100%), 150% of nitrogen(150%). The highest amount of dry matter yield of IRG was revealed in CF(11,965±564 kg/ha), and both 150% and Combination were second(p<0.05). Nitrate leaching tended to increase until the third analysis and then decreased. There were not significantly differences among mean nitrate concentrations. The findings of the study suggest that horse manure compost with 50% of nitrogen be applied for IRG as basal fertilization and then 50% of chemical fertilizer be applied as top fertilization.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.191-198
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• 2018

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Neuroinflammation plays critical role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the effect of three licorice varieties, Glycyrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, and Shinwongam (SW) on a mouse model of inflammation-induced memory and cognitive deficit. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and orally administrated G. uralensis, G. glabra, and SW extract (150 mg/kg/day). SW, a new species of licorice in Korea, was combined with G. uralensis and G. glabra. Behavioral tests, including the T-maze, novel object recognition and Morris water maze, were carried out to assess learning and memory. In addition, the expressions of inflammation-related proteins in brain tissue were measured by western blotting. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in spatial and objective recognition memory in LPS-induced cognitive impairment group, as measured by the T-maze and novel object recognition test; however, the administration of licorice ameliorated these deficits. In addition, licorice-treated groups exhibited improved learning and memory ability in the Morris water maze. Furthermore, LPS-injected mice had up-regulated pro-inflammatory proteins, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, via activation of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF{\kappa}B$) pathways in the brain. However, these were attenuated by following administration of the three licorice varieties. Interestingly, the SW-administered group showed greater inhibition of iNOS and TLR4 when compared with the other licorice varieties. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain of LPS-induced cognitively impaired mice that were administered licorice, with the greatest effect following SW treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The three licorice varieties ameliorated the inflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction by down-regulating inflammatory proteins and up-regulating BDNF. These results suggest that licorice, in particular SW, could be potential therapeutic agents against cognitive impairment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.159-170
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• 2009

Backgrounds and Objectives: A fracture means a loss of continuity in the substance of bone. Bone differs from other musculoskeletal tissue due to its ability to repair and heal itself without leaving a scar. The cutter head has multinucleated osteoclast cells to resorb the dead bone. The tail, with its conical surface, is lined with osteoblast cells laying down new bone. The conjugation of fracture is a unique biological process regulated by a complex array of signaling molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Pyritum, one of the important prescriptions in the oriental medicine, has been used for conjugation fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of administration of Pyritum on activation of osteoblast cells in human body & on tibia bone fracture in mice. Materials and Methods : Four weeks aged 30 female DBA mice were used for this study. They were divided three groups, normal group, control group(fracture elicitate mice: FE group) and experimental group(Pyritum administered mice group after fracture elicitation : PA group). Left tibia bones of mice in FE and PA groups were fractured by bone cutters. MG-63 cells in human body th Pyritum in the ratio of 1 mg/m${\ell}$, and the cells were further incubated for 24 hours. Activation of osteoblast was identified using osteopontin, FGF in vitro test. In vivo test, regeneration of fractured tibia through the morphological changes was observed, and also activation of inflammation through NF-${\kappa}$B p65, iNOS, COX-2, osteoblast through osteopontin, FGF and osteoblast's proliferation in each group was measured. Results and Conclusions : 1. In vitro test for activation of osteoblast cells in human body by Pyritum, osteopontin and FGF production were remarkably increased in Pyritum treated MG-63 cells. 2. In regeneration of fractured tibia by Pyritum, fractured area in external tibia morphology was decreased more in the PA group than that of the FE group. Osteogenesis in fractured area was increased more in the PA group than that of the FE group. Also, endochodrial ossification in central area of fracture and osteoid in lateral area of fracture were increased more in the PA group than those of the FE group. 3. In activation of inflammation by Pyritum administered, activation of NF-${\kappa}$B p65, increase of iNOS and COX-2 production were higher in the PA and the FE groups than those of the control group. Especially, the PA group showed higher activation and increase than those of the FE group. 4. In activation of osteoblast by Pyritum, increase of osteopontin, FGF and osteoblast's proliferation were higher in the PA and the FE groups than those of the control group. Especially, the PA group showed higher increase and proliferation than those of the FE group.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2005

Livestock manure has been utilized as fertilizer, and trying to make resources natural circulation of organic material. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of application level of swine slurry on agronomic characteristics and yield of silage corn and $NO_3-N$ content of soil for three years in the experimental field of Grassland and Forage Crops Division, National Livestock Research Institute. Summary of the results were as follows. The experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design. Six treatments were non fertilizer(NF), chemical fertilizer(CF), $100\%$ swine slurry(SS100), $150\%$ swine slurry(SS150), $200\%$ swine slurry(SS200) and mixture fertilizer(MF, $100\%$ swine slurry + $50\%$ chemical fertilizer) with three replications. The application level of swine slurry(SS) $100\%$ was highest in Brix as $8.6^{\circ}$ and stay green was as swine slurry application increased. Deficiency of plant, plant height, ear height and lodging were increased in above $100\%$ swine slurry application level. Dry matter yield was decreased in SS 100 but increased in SS 150 and SS 200. Significant effect was observed for all treatments. The content of $NO_3-N$ in infiltration water was high in above swine slurry nitrogen $150\%$ but that content in run off water was very small. Conclusively, application to swine slurry below $150\%$ would be recommended to produce higher yield and to conserve environment in corn field.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.303-310
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• 2007

Sweetpotato shoot tops (leaves, tips and petioles) are known to be very useful parts as vegetables because of their high nutritive values and great biomass yield. In this study, the phenolic compound contents, antibacterial activity, mutagenic activity, and antimutagenic activity were investigated in sweetpotato tips that were 10-15cm of shoot top including stems, petioles and tender leaves after sprout of storage roots. The study was done by extracting sweetpotato tips with 80% ethanol and the ethanol fraction was re-extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water. In ethyl acetate and butanol fractions, total phenolic compounds contained 95. 6mg/g extract and 69.3 mg/g extract, respectively, The antibacterial activity was measured using the paper disk method with concentrations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 mg/disk of butanol and ethyl acetate fractions against L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium strains. Higher doses of solvent extracts showed the higher antibacterial activities. In addition, 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL of the extracts were tested to determine the antibacterial activity in liquid culture. The sweetpotato leaf extract by ethyl acetate showed 1 log reduction compared to control after 24 hrs on Listeria monocytogenes, but 20 mg/ml of butanol extract completely inhibited the growth of the pathogen after 12 hrs. The extracts from ethyl acetate or butanol on Salmonella Typhimurium did less than 1 log reduction during cultivation compared to control. The numbers of S. Typhimirium TA98 and TA100 revertant colonies were 29-33 and 159-188 CFU/plate, respectively, indicating that solvent extracts were no mutagenic activity. The antimutagenic test was performed by adding direct mutagen 2-NF and MMS, and butanol and ethyl acetate showed antimutagenic effect. Thus, this study showed that sweetpotato tips had high phenolic contents and both antimicrobiol and antimutagenic properties. Sweetpotato tips would be good nutritive source because of their high nutrient content without any toxicity in consuming.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.447-454
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• 2022

In this study, we confirmed the effect of HK shiitake mushroom mycelium (HKSMM) on immune enhancement in Balb/c mice. Experimental animals were divided into five groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC; 1,000 mg/100 g; AHCC), T1 (500 mg/100 g; HKSMM), T2 (1,000 mg/100 g; HKSMM), and T3 (2,000 mg/100 g; HKSMM), and dissection was performed at four and six weeks. COX-2 and iNOS concentrations were significantly lower in the six-week experimental group than in the control group, and the NO results were also similar. Results of the confirmation of the factors related to the NF-κB (p-p65 and p-IκBα) and MAPK (pERK, pJNK, and p38) signaling pathways revealed that the HKSMM-fed experimental group significantly decreased compared with the control group. A comparative analysis of the number and size of white pulp in the spleen tissue showed that those of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that HKSMM has both immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects in Balb/c mice, indicating that it can be used as a health functional food ingredient.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.160-169
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• 2009

Poly-$\gamma$-glutamic acid ($\gamma$-PGA) was mixed natural flora of Bacillus subtilis, contaminated from cooked soybeans. Also, it was performed to find out the antiallergic activity by using NC/Nga mice, in vitro. The $\gamma$-PGA (PGA-HM : PGA-high molecular weight), Molecular weight 300 kDa, was decomposed and made PGA-LM (PGA-low molecular weight) which has molecular weight below 30 kDa by sonication. Therefore, it was same result between PGA-HM and PGA-LM, and reported PGA-LM as basic result. We found that PGA-LM contains antiallergic efficacy that inhibit B cells and Th2 cells activation from isolated CD4+T cells in NC/Nga atopic dermatitis model mice, and not show a cytotoxicity in the hFCs. To investigate the effects of these PGA-LM in vitro, isolation of splenic B cell and CD4+ T cells in atopic dermatitis mice were used. To elucidate the role of PGA-LM in anti-CD40+ interleukin-4 (IL-4)-mediated B-cell activation, showed that the capacity of B cells to expression IL-$1\beta$, IL-6, and TNF-$\alpha$ mRNA down-regulated, and IL-10 mRNA up-regulation by PGA-LM treatment, but it had no effect on TGF-$\beta$ expression. In addition to CD4+IFN-$\gamma$+ and CD4+CD25+foxp3+, the functions of PGA-LM in the development of the CD4+CD25+foxp3+ and CD4+IFN-$\gamma$+cells, the phenotype and functions of PGA-LM induced CD4+CD25+foxp3+, and CD4+IFN-$\gamma$+cells in CD4+T cells. These results suggested that PGA-LM could change cytokine production and generate CD4+CD25+foxp3+ Tregs in NC/Nga mice, and may be effective for immunotherapy in patients with AD.