• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.11
• /
• pp.8.1-8.14
• /
• 2018

We previously demonstrated that the direct transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) into the dentate gyrus ameliorated the neurological symptoms of Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1)-mutant mice. However, the clinical presentation of NPC1-mutant mice was not fully understood with a molecular mechanism. Here, we found 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET), a cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolite, from hUCB-MSCs and the cerebella of NPC1-mutant mice and investigated the functional consequence of this metabolite. Our screening of the CYP2J family indicated a dysregulation in the CYP system in a cerebellar-specific manner. Moreover, in Purkinje cells, CYP2J6 showed an elevated expression level compared to that of astrocytes, granule cells, and microglia. In this regard, we found that one CYP metabolite, 14,15-EET, acts as a key mediator in ameliorating cholesterol accumulation. In confirming this hypothesis, 14,15-EET treatment reduced the accumulation of cholesterol in human NPC1 patient-derived fibroblasts in vitro by suppressing cholesterol synthesis and ameliorating the impaired autophagic flux. We show that the reduced activity within the CYP system in the cerebellum could cause the neurological symptoms of NPC1 patients, as 14,15-EET treatment significantly rescued cholesterol accumulation and impaired autophagy. We also provide evidence that the intranasal administration of hUCB-MSCs is a highly promising alternative to traumatic surgical transplantation for NPC1 patients.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.519-523
• /
• 2004

This study sought to investigate the ameliorating effects of a Korean medicinal herb (KMH) complex on the impacts of alcohol consumption in rat hepatocytes and in reducing the total cholesterol levels and the total lipid levels in the serum. We compared the body weight gain and ratio of the liver, the kidney to body weight, and also the serum biochemistry of the rats administered with both the alcohol and the KMH complex to the control rats treated with alcohol alone. The clinically important enzyme markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase, AST, and Alanine Aminotransferase, ALT) of rats, administered with both the alcohol and the KMH complex treatments, were compared with those in the control group. The treatment regimen (KMH complex) significantly reduced the serum AST and ALT levels, indicating the hepato-protective effects of the KMH complex. Furthermore, total cholesterol and total lipid levels were significantly reduced. These results indicate that the KMH complex may positively mediate the effects of alcohol on hepatocytes and the general liver functions.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.139-146
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate the effects of a fluid intake intervention on increasing fluid intake and ameliorating dehydration status in elders admitted to long-term care hospitals. Methods: A nonequivalent control group, pretest and posttest design was used. The experimental group of 39 participants received the 4-week intervention while the control group of 38 participants received routine care. Outcome variables were daily fluid intake and physiological indexes such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr), urine specific gravity (USG), and urine color. Results: After the intervention to increase fluid intake, there were statistically significant increases in daily fluid intake, normal BUN/Cr, and USG in the experimental group. However, a statistically significant improvement in normal urine color was not found for either group. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that the fluid intake intervention improved hydration status of the experimental group participants. Consequently, it was confirmed that the intervention is considered to be effective in preventing dehydration which occurs frequently in older adults in long-term care facilities and, thus this intervention may contribute to preventing various health issues resulting from dehydration.

• Korean System Dynamics Review
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.103-120
• /
• 2009

Using various data derived from the regional innovation projects in the IT and BT-sectors within Chungbuk Province, this study tries to observe formation processes of network connecting structure and their spill-over effects. Considering the dynamic nature of key issues, it applies both social network analysis and causal loop methods. After a series of simulation exercises, we find that so-called extroverted regional innovation projects, that is, ones financially supported by the central government, reveal a higher tendency in the centrality, heavily depending on a handful of well reputed organizations. It is quite similar to the reinforcing mechanism, resulting in the rich-get-richer and the poor-get-poorer. Compared with the existing documents, nonetheless, it shows relatively weak in the mechanism strength, implying the fact that regional innovation projects have significantly contributed to ameliorating the unequal distribution of innovation organizations within Chungbuk Province. On the other hand, this study concludes that all the brokerage organizations related to the regional innovation projects have settled in Chungbuk Province. Whereas the Capital Region-based organizations present a higher tendency in the knowledge-network, it seems that the regional innovation projects have significantly contributed to upgrading direct and indirect competitiveness of the local organizations.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.30 no.8
• /
• pp.1222-1226
• /
• 2020

Lactobacillus reuteri NK33 (NK33) and Bifidobacterium adolescentis NK98 (NK98) alleviate immobilization stress-induced depression. To understand the gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms of NK33 and NK98 against depression, we examined their effects on Escherichia coli K1 (K1)-induced depression and gut dysbiosis in mice. NK33, NK98, and their mixtures (1:1, 4:1, and 9:1) mitigated K1-induced depression and colitis. NK33 and NK98 additively or synergistically increased BDNF⁺/NeuN⁺ cell population and suppressed NF-κB action in the hippocampus. They alleviated gut dysbiosis by reducing the Proteobacteria population and increasing the Clostridia population. These results suggest that NK33 and NK98 may alleviate depression and colitis by ameliorating gut dysbiosis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.309-321
• /
• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation in high-fructose-induced hepatic steatosis and clarify the underlying mechanism of folic acid supplementation. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male SD rats were fed control, 64% high-fructose diet, or 64% high-fructose diet with folic acid for eight weeks. Plasma glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, lipid profiles, hepatic lipid content, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were measured. RESULTS: The HF diet significantly increased hepatic total lipid and triglyceride (TG) and decreased hepatic SAM, SAH, and SAM:SAH ratio. In rats fed a high fructose diet, folic acid supplementation significantly reduced hepatic TG, increased hepatic SAM, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Moreover, folic acid supplementation in rats fed high fructose enhanced the levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver kinase B (LKB1) and inhibited phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the protective effect of folic acid supplementation in rats fed high fructose may include the activation of LKB1/AMPK/ACC and increased SAM in the liver, which inhibit hepatic lipogenesis, thus ameliorating hepatic steatosis. The present study may provide evidence for the beneficial effects of folic acid supplementation in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.69-77
• /
• 1997

In order to explain the connection between ginseng rust spot and soil ecological conditions, the bed soils and ginseng roots were sampled at different microrelief units and the reducing substances of the bed soils and iron forms of the ginseng root epi dermises were determined. The results showed that the occurrence of the rust spot was connected with the ecological conditions of the soils and the metabolism of the plant which was caused by the excessive $Fe^{2+}$ in the soil solution. Ginseng rust spot was the enrichment of iron which was mainly composed of organic complex irons. Including active ferrous active ferric and non active ferric forms and they were transformed into each other following the change of soil moisture and temperature regimes. According to the regularity of growth and decline of reducing substances in soil and rust index of ginseng roots as well as the difference of adaptability to excessive $Fe^{2+}$ in soil among different year-old seeding, a new comprehensive measure based on the connection of ameliorating soil and improving cultivation system was recommended to prevent the occurrence of ginseng rust spot.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.59-91
• /
• 2007

The objectives of this study were 1) to explore the present status of extension services of agricultural experiment station, and 2) to get some implications for ameliorating extension services of agricultural experiment station. The data were collected through the semi-constructed interviews with 11 agricultural researchers in 6 local agricultural experiment stations and 11 farmers who have ever made contact with the researchers. The major findings of this study were as follows: The agricultural experiment stations were providing extension services as expedients to accommodate to new markets and structural changes of organizations, though they are originally research-oriented agencies. The extension methods of agricultural experiment stations were similar with those of extension agencies, and the extension methods used mainly were 'experiment plot demonstration exhibition', 'consultation using telephone, internet, face to face meeting', 'visiting farms and consulting'. These were generally carried out by farmer's request, therefore the extension services of agricultural experiment stations were provided in a passive way so far. Based on the results of this study, the followings are recommended for further development of extension services of agricultural experiment station: The rural development organizations should set principles and support for extension services of agricultural experiment stations. The alternative plans to strengthen the linkage between research and extension have to be made, and these plans should include financial, personnel and systematic arrangements for further development of extension services of agricultural experiment stations.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.25 no.6
• /
• pp.1031-1036
• /
• 1996

Effect of soybean hydrolysate prepared by ultrafiltration(UF-peptide) was evaluated regarding its action on blood pressure, selected biochemical changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR). Male SHR were divided into three groups and fed diet with 0, 3, 10% UF-peptide for 6 weeks. Development of hypertension was determined by tail cuff method during the experimental period. After the experimental period, angiotension I converting enzyme(ACE) activity in serum and vascular tissue, and lipids level in serum were measured. Spontaneous elevation of blood pressure was suppressed by the UF-peptide supplementation after two weeks of feeding. After five weeks of feeding the development of hypertension was significantly inhibited in the UF-peptide administered groups compared to the control. In addition, the UF-peptide was effective for lowering serum lipids level such as triglyceride and total cholesterol, as well as ameliorating some pathological changes in SHR.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.721-728
• /
• 2011

This study investigates the users' perception of the importance and performance of National Recreation Forest Service Programs quality, forest environmental education and cultural benefits, with the aim of improving the level of service quality within the programs. An Important-Performance Analysis (IPA) was performed to determine significant patterns. The IPA results showed that most users' perceived as important how well the service programs performed to meet their expectations. The enclosed study finds, for example, users' answered that three factors which were less important to them were entrance fee, size of program center or facilities and amount of information. These factors performed poorly, and the program of guidance indicates the need for improvement of these factors. In addition, the finding also suggests how recreational service programs in the future can complement and improve what they offer. These are as follows. The process of preparation and content of the program order need to be effectively established. The Program Director needs to maintain a friendly attitude and must have ongoing training on how to provide effective programs. For programs to be enjoyable and satisfying for users, the location of the programs should provide a comfortable environment. Also, detailed program guidance is required for users' convenience. It is expected that the results of this study will be useful when ameliorating and establishing the marketing strategy of the National Recreation Forest Service Programs.