• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.606-621
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• 2024

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of fermented Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (FPB) in ethanol-induced liver injury mice. As a result of amino acids in FPB, 18 types of amino acids including essential amino acids were identified. In the results of in vitro tests, FPB increased alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities. In addition, FPB treatment increased cell viability on ethanol- and H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells. FPB ameliorated serum biomarkers related to hepatoxicity including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamine pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase and lipid metabolism including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, FPB controlled ethanol metabolism enzymes by regulating the protein expression levels of ADH, ALDH, and cytochrome P450 2E1 in liver tissue. FPB protected hepatic oxidative stress by improving malondialdehyde content, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels. In addition, FPB reversed mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels. FPB protected ethanol-induced apoptosis, fatty liver, and hepatic inflammation through p-AMP-activated protein kinase and TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, FPB prevented hepatic fibrosis by decreasing TGF-β1/Smad pathway. In summary, these results suggest that FPB might be a potential prophylactic agent for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease via preventing liver injury such as fatty liver, hepatic inflammation due to chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1626-1632
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• 2008

Among patients who are receiving treatments at an oriental medical hospital for various symptoms and diseases, patients whose main disease is accompanied by metabolic syndrome with abnormal liver function. This research was performed in order to observe the progression of changes in the liver function and serum lipid profile after the oriental medical treatments to patients who have been receiving oriental medical treatment for various other diseases and have been diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome at their first visit to the hospital based on NCEP ATP III diagnosis criteria and WHO Asia Pacific region criteria. Total number of subject patients were 39cases(mean age:55.58${\pm}$2.09 years) which had 20 male and 19 female. For the references for hepatic enzyme levels and blood lipid profile were measured in before treatment and four times after treatments(every 2.31${\pm}$06.17 weeks). Serum AST was 48.86${\pm}$7.46 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, 40.63${\pm}$4.69, 43.12${\pm}$5.46, 37.82${\pm}$4.52 IU/L were measured where although the level decreased to the normal level compared to pre-treatment, the value was not significant statistically(P>0.05). ALT was 66.26${\pm}$11.01 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment 62.10${\pm}$8.20, 61.10${\pm}$8.76, 43.79${\pm}$5.68 were measured where although the level decreased, abnormally high level was maintained. The last result was significant statistically(P<0.05) compared to pre-treatment. ALP was 193.06${\pm}$14.20 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, 176.80${\pm}$6.48, 177.46${\pm}$11.81, 162.41${\pm}$9.06 where although compared to pre-treatment the last result was significant statistically(P<0.05), the change was within the normal range. ${\gamma}$-GGT was 87.83${\pm}$12.59 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, progressively near normal level was achieved with 118.73${\pm}$46.45, 85.03${\pm}$17.12, 70.64${\pm}$10.93 and the last result was statistically significant compared to pre-treatment (P<0.05). Blood triglyceride was 217.63${\pm}$32.18 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment. After treatment 215.09${\pm}$22.18, 189.93${\pm}$22.44, 191.22${\pm}$18.51 where abnormal values continued even after treatment although results was not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). Total-cholesterol was 197.28${\pm}$9.24 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 201.55${\pm}$11.13, 186.87${\pm}$8.77 and 186.68${\pm}$7.61 were measured that results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). HDL-cholesterol was 41.88${\pm}$2.38 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 48.75${\pm}$4.22, 44.10${\pm}$1.91, 48.00${\pm}$2.06 the results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). LDL-cholesterol was 111.66${\pm}$13.08 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 109.94${\pm}$10.18, 101.79${\pm}$8.63, 104.00${\pm}$6.98 the results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). With such results, even if common oriental medical treatments were given to metabolic syndrome patients with abnormal liver function, the liver function was confirmed not to be aggravated, and the concentration of lipids in the blood was confirmed not to be affected in most patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.2 s.75
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• pp.315-322
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• 2006

FS11052, a novel microbial metabolite from Streptomyces spp. was identified as a small molecular substance and shown inhibition activities for the release of neurotransmitter from rat hippocampal neuron and PC12 cells. FS11052 is an inhibitor of tritiated norepinephrine ($[^3H]-NE$) release in high $K^+$ buffer solution containing ionomycin, indicating that FS11052 inhibits neurotransmitter release after the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ ions. When examined the effect of FS11052 on glucuronidase release from guinea pig neutrophils, FS11052 inhibited glucuronidase release: when treated with $5{\mu}g/ml$ of FS11052, which was not induced cellular cytotoxicity. The fact that the glucuronidase release in neutrophil and norepinephrine release in neuron was inhibited suggests the similarity in the locations and the mechanisms of FS11052 action targets. When treated with $5{\mu}g/ml$ of FS11052, $[^3H]-NE$ release and neurite extension for both rat hippocampal neurons and PC12 cells were prevented. These observations of FS11052 functioning as an inhibitor of neurotransmitter release suggest that FS11052 has an important role in synaptic transmission in neuron.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.788-795
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• 2002

This study described the effect of levan (9-2,6-linked fructose polymer) feeding on serum lipids, adiposity and uncoupling protein (UCP) expression in growing rats. Levan was synthesized from sucrose using bacterial levansucrase. UCP is a mitochondrial protein that uncouples the respiratory chain from oxidative Phosphorylation and generates heat instead of ATP, thereby increase energy expenditure. We observed that 3% or 5% levan containing diet reduced serum triglyceride levels, visceral and peritoneal fat mass and induced the UCP expression in rats fed high fat diet in previous study. To determine whether the intake of low level of levan may have the hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effect, 4 wk old Sprague Dawley male rats were fed AIN-76A diet for 6 wk, and sub-sequently fed 1% or 2% levan solution for further 5 wk. Intake of 1% levan in liquid form reduced serum triglyceride and serum total cholesterol levels to 50% and 66% of control group, respectively. Although epididymal and peritoneal fat masses were not affected by levan feeding, visceral fat mass was lower in 1% levan group compared to control group. The expression of UCP2 mRNA in brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and hypothalamus and UCP3 mRNA in skeletal muscle were not changed by levan feeding, while the UCP2 mRNA in white adipose tissue was up-regulated by levan feeding. In conclusions, intake of low level of levan solution reduced serum triglyceride and total cholesterol, restrained the visceral fat accumulation and increased UCP expression in white adipose tissue in rats. This study suggests that hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effect of levan attributed to anti-lipogenesis and inefficeint energy utilization by up-regulation of UCPs.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.247-258
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• 2004

Climatological, hydrological and planktonical research studies, measurements of primary production and photosynthetic efficiency from December 1976 to December 1978 have been carried out in two brackish lakes: Lake Etang de Berre and Lake Etang de Vaine located in the French Mediterranean coast, in the region of Carry-le-Rouet located on the north-west Mediterranean near Marseilles, and in fresh water inflows from 4 Rivers (Touloubre, Durance, Arc, Durancole) to Lake Etang de Berre. Physico-chemical parameters were measured for this study: water temperature, salinity, density, pH, alcalinity, dissolved oxygen (% saturation), phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate etc. Diverse biological parameters were also studied: photosynthetic pigments, phaeopigments, specific composition and biomass of phytoplankton, primary pelagic production etc. Climatical factors were studied: air-temperature, solar-radiation, evaporation, direction (including strength) of winds, precipitation and freshwater volume of the four rivers. The changes in Lake ‘Etang de Berre’ ecosystem depend on the quality of the water in the Durance River, and on the effects of seawater near the entrance of the Caronte Canal. The water quality of the lake varies horizontally and vertically as a result of atmospheric phenomena, maritime currents and tides. The distribution of water temperatures is generally heterogeneous. Southeasterly winds and the Northeasterly Mistral wind are important in the origins of circulated and mixed water masses. These winds are both frequent and strong. They have, as a result, a great effect on the water environment of Lake Etang de Berre. In theory, the annual precipitation in this region is well over eight times the water mass of the lake. The water of the Durance River flows into Lake Etang de Berre through the EDF Canal, amounting to 90% of the precipitation. However, reduction of rainfall in dry seasons has a serious effect on the hydrological characteristics of the lake. The temperature in the winter is partially caused by the low temperature of fresh water, particularly that of the Durance River. The hydrological season of fresh and brackish water is about one month ahead of the hydrological season of sea water in its vicinity. The salinity of Lake Etang de Berre runs approximately 3$\textperthousand$, except at lower levels and near the entrance to the Caronte Canal. However, when the volume of the Durance River water is reduced in the summer and fall, the salinity rises to 15$\textperthousand$. In the lake, the ratio of fresh water to sea water is six to one (6:1). The large quantities of seston conveyed by rivers, particularly the Durance diversion, strongly reduce the transparency in the brackish waters. Although the amount of sunshine is also notable, transparency is slight because of the large amount of seston, carried chiefly by Tripton in the fresh water of the Durance River. Therefore, photosynthesis generally occurs only in the surface layer. The transparency progressively increases from freshwater to open seawater, as mineral particles sink to the bottom (about 1.7kg $m^{-2}a^{-1}$ on the average in brackish lakes). The concentration of dissolved oxygen and the rate of oxygen saturation in seawater (Carry-le-Rouet) ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 $m\ell$ㆍ.$1^{-1}$, and from 95 to 105%, respectively. The amount of dissolved oxygen in Etang de Berre oscillated between 2.9 and 268.3%. The monographs of phosphate, nitrate, nitrite and silicate were published as a part of a study on the ecology of phytoplankton in these environments. Horizontal and vertical distributions of these nutriments were studied in detail. The recent diversion of the Durance River into Lake Etang de Berre has effected a fundamental change in this formerly marine environment, which has had a great impact in its plankton populations. A total of 182 taxa were identified, including 111 Bacillariophyceae, 44 Chlorophyceae, and 15 Cyanophyceae. The most abundant species are small freshwater algae, mainly Chlorophyceae. The average density is about $10^{8}$ cells $1^{-1}$ in Lake Etang de Berre, and about double that amount in Lake Etang de Vaine. Differences in phytoplankton abundance and composition at the various stations or at various depths are slight. Cell biovolume V (equivalent to true biomass), plasma volume VP (‘useful’ biomass) and, simultaneously. the cell surface area S and S/V ratio through the measurement of cell dimensions were computed as the parameters of phytoplankton productivity and metabolism. Pigment concentrations are generally very high on account of phytoplankton blooms by Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Cryptophyceae. On the other hand, in freshwaters and marine waters, pigment concentrations are comparatively low and stable, showing slight annual variation. The variations of ATP concentration were closely related to those of chlorophyll a and phytoplankton blooms only in marine waters. The carbon uptake rates ranged between 38 and 1091 mg$Cm^{-2}d^{-1}$, with an average surface value of 256 mg; water-column carbon-uptake rates ranged between 240 and 2310 mg$Cm^{-2}d^{-1}$, with an average of 810, representing 290 mg$Cm^{-2}$, per year 45 000 tons per year of photosynthetized carbon for the whole lake. Gross photosynthetic production measured by the method of Ryther was studied over a 2-year period. The values obtained from marine water(Carry-le-Rouet) ranged from 23 to 2 337 mg$Cm^{-2}d^{-1}$, with a weighted average of 319, representing about 110 gCm$^{-2}$ per year. The values in brakish water (Etang de Berre) ranged from 14 to 1778 mg$Cm^{-2}d^{-1}$, with a weighted average of 682, representing 250 mg$Cm^{-2}$ per year and 38 400 tons per year of photosynthesized carbon for the whole lake.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.186-189
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• 2007

More than 6,000 rare disorders including genetic diseases have been reported. Of them, 1,500 diseases (1,211 for clinical diagnosis and 289 for research only) are technically possible for genetic testing. In Korea, since 2005, only 63 genetic diseases is permitted for prenatal genetic testing by the "Bioethics and Biosafety Law". The article 25 in the law prescribes 63 genetic diseases without clear indication for its selection and inclusion criteria. In EU, USA, and other foreign countries, however, there is no provision in the statute on prenatal genetic testing; it is not restricted by a law. Recently, a woman (Mrs. L, 38y) who is a carrier for Menkes disease made an appeal to a government for an amendment of the "Bioethics and Biosafety Law" prohibiting the prenatal diagnosis of her pregnancy at risk for Menkes disease. Menkes disease (MNK) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, connective tissue defects and hair abnormalities, and no effective treatment is available yet. The prevalence rate of MNK is one in about 250,000 live births. Menkes syndrome patients fail to absorb copper from the gastrointestinal tract in quantities adequate for meeting nutritional needs. These needs seem particularly acute during the initial 12 month of life, when the velocity of brain growth and motor neurodevelopment. Most of pts. die around 3yrs. of age. Mrs. L had a boy with Menkes disease who died at 2y.o. in 2001. Subsequent pregnancy in 2003, she was able to have prenatal genetic testing for mutation of the Menkes (ATP7A) gene and delivered a healthy baby boy. Now, She is pregnant again and wants to have prenatal diagnosis. however, this time, she was not allowed to have any more because Menkes disease is not included in 63 genetic diseases permitted by the law for prenatal genetic testing, in spite of the fact that she is a Menkes disease carrier and her pregnancy is at risk to have an affected baby. This case shows the practical problem of the legal restriction for prenatal genetic testing in Korea. In this study, we report a arguable case and discuss the controversial issues in the legal restriction for prenatal genetic testing in Korea.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.468-475
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• 1992

In order to understand more clearly the integration between N-assmilation and C-metabolism in relation to N fertilization, a pot experiment with 5 different level of N fertilization(0, 5, 10, 25, 50 mM NO$_3$$_{[-10]}$ ) was conducted in Manchester, U.K. The peas (Pisum sativum L., cv. Early Onward) were sown in vermiculate (5 cm depth) and cultivated for 6 days under temperature controlled dark room conditions ($25^{\circ}C$). The plants received frequent irrigation with a nutrient solution: it was fertilized every 2 days, 3 times a day at 10h, 13h, 16h respectively. Elevated NO$_3$$^{[-10]}$ concentration, the activity levels of NR, NiR, total GS(crude extract), GS$_2$(plastid) in both root and shoot were increased and reached the peak in 5～25 mM, except NiR specific activity which increased its activity continually until 50 mM NO$_3$$^{[-10]}$ treatment. Total activities of GS (crude extract) in both root and shoot became higher than those of GS$_2$(Plastid), and the activity ratios of total GS in the crude extract and GS$_2$ in the plastids were 3.0 to 4.3 in root, but 3.2 to 10.6 in shoot. It was concluded that the reductants and A TP from OPPP itself should be enough to achieve the high rate of NR, NiR, GS$_1$, GS$_2$ in plant root and shoot for reduction or assimilation of nitrogen, but these enzyme activities might be inhibited by an excess of NO$_3$$^{[-10]}$ influx over the reduction capacity.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.154-160
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• 1989

To obtain basic data on food components of triploid fish, we undertook the analysis of free amino acid, nucleotide, total creatinine, betaine, trimethylamine oxide(TMAO) and their related compounds in diploid and triploid carps(Cyprinus carpio). The contents of total free amino acid and its related compounds in belly and dorsal muscles of triploid carp were 346.1mg/100g and 333.4mg/100g. Histidine occupied $45.1\%\;and\;46.9\%$ in belly and dorsal muscles, and followed by taurine, lysine and glycine in order. As for the compositions of nucleotide and its related compounds in those muscles of triploid carp, IMP were revealed $73.9\%\;and\;65.8\%$ of total nucleotide and its related compounds. The major component of the other organic base in those muscles of triploid carp was total creatinine, but betaine and TMAO were poor. The contents of taste compounds such as free amino acid, nucleotide, total creatinine, betaine, TMAO and their related compounds were less in triploid carp than in diploid carp of nonspawning season, while were more in triploid carp than in diploid carp of spawning season. Total amino acid contents were more in diploid carp of nonspawning season than in triploid carp, but mineral contents were more in triploid carp than in diploid carp of spawning season. Therefore, it is believed that triploid carp is very worthy for a tasty and nutritional food source.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.130-137
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• 1999

Background: In cardiac surgery, hypothermia is associated with a number of major disadvantage, including its detrimental effects on enzymatic function, energy generation and cellular integrity. Warm cardioplegia with normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass cause three times more incidence of permanent neurologic deficits than the cold crystalloid cardioplegia with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Interruptions or inadequate distribution of warm cardioplegia may induce anaerobic metabolism and warm ischemic injury. To avoid these problems, tepid blood cardioplegia was recently introduced. Material and Method: To evaluate whether continuous tepid blood cardioplegia is beneficial in clinical practice during valvular surgery, we studied two groups of patients matched by numbers and clinical characteristics. Warm group(37$^{\circ}C$) consisted of 18 patients who underwent valvular surgery with continuous warm blood cardioplegia. Tepid group(32$^{\circ}C$) consisted of 17 patients who underwent valvular surgery with continuous tepid blood cardioplegia. Result: Heartbeat in 100% of the patients receiving continuous warm blood cardioplegia and 88.2% of the patients receiving continuous tepid blood cardioplegia converted to normal sinus rhythm spontaneously after removal of the aortic cross clamp. There were no differences between these two groups in CPB time, ACC time, the amount of crystalloid cardioplegia used and peak level of potassium. During the operation, the total amount of urine output was more in the warm group than the tepid group(2372${\pm}$243 ml versus 1535${\pm}$130 ml, p<0.01). There were no differences between the two groups in troponin T level measured 1hr and 12hrs after the operation. Conclusion: Continuous tepid blood cardioplegia is as safe and effective as continuous warm blood cardioplegia undergoing cardiac valve surgery in myocardial protection.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.211-221
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface characteristics and response of osteoblast-like cell at SLA surface treated with NaOH. Materials and methods: Three kinds of specimens were fabricated for the experiment groups. Control group was a machined surface, SLA group was a conventionally SLA treated surface, and SLA/NaOH gorup was SLA surface treated with NaOH. To evaluate the surface characteristics, the surface elemental composition (XPS), surface roughness and surface contact angle were evaluated in each group. And the cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, cell proliferation and ATP activity of osteoblast-like cells (MG-63 cells) were compared in each group for evaluatation of the cell responses. Statistical comparisons between groups were carried out via one-way ANOVA using the SPSS software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA), and then performed multiple comparisons. The differences were considered statistically significant at P<.05. Results: SLA surface treated with NaOH (SLA / NaOH group) was changed to hydrophilic surface. All groups did not show the cytotoxicity to the MG-63. In cell adhesion studies, SLA / NaOH group showed the higher degree of adhesion than anothers (P<.05), Up to 7 days of incubation, the proliferation was showed the increasing tendency in all groups but SLA / NaOH group showed the highest cell proliferation between the three groups (P<.05). At 7 days of incubation, there was no difference in ALP activities between the three groups, but at 14 days, SLA / NaOH group showed significant increase in ALP activities (P<.05). Conclusion: In this study, SLA surface treated with NaOH promoted cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. It means that SLA/NaOH group is possible to promote osseointegration of implants.