• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Objectives : In the current study, we performed the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity test and a 4-week recovery test of standardized Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and Psoralea corylifolia L. 30 % ethanol extract (SCP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats owing to aims for verifying no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Methods : The animal study was performed according to OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals section 4 health effects test No.408 repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents (03 October 2008). In the repeated dose toxicity study, SCP was orally administered to female and male rats at dose levels of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg/day for 13-week. The control group and high dose (4,000 mg/kg/day) group were then monitored for 4 extra weeks to determine recovery time after the study period. 1) Results : Compared with the control group, there were no treatment-related adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, 𝛾-Glutamyl transpeptidase, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Glucose, Total cholesterol, Total protein, Creatine phosphokinase, Albumin, Total bilirubin, Triglyceride, Inorganic phosphorus, Albumin/Globulin ratio, Calcium ion, Sodium ion, Potassium ion, Chloride ion), necropsy findings and organ weight (Ovary, Adrenal gland, Pituitary, Thymus, Prostate, Testis, Epididymis, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung, Brain, Liver) at any dose tested. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the NOAEL of SCP in both genders was considered as over 4,000 mg/kg. Results from this study provide scientific evidence for the safety of SCP.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.157-169
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• 2023

Gracilaria Verrucosa (GV), a seaweed used in traditional Korean medicine, was studied for its effects on MI-induced heart failure in rats. MI is caused by a blocked coronary artery, leading to severe cardiac dysfunction. The study used a rat model to assess cardiac changes over time and evaluate the impact of GV on heart failure. Ischemia was induced through LAD ligation surgery, and the extent of ischemic area was measured as a prognostic factor. GV extract administration significantly improved cardiac morphology and reduced cardiac weight compared to the MI group. GV treatment also improved cardiac function, as evidenced by positive effects on chamber dilation during MI-induced heart failure. Parameters such as ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were measured. The MI group showed decreased EF and FS compared to the sham group, while these parameters improved in the GV group. GV treatment also reduced levels of LDH, CPK, and CK-MB in the serum, indicating reduced myocardial damage. Histological analysis revealed that GV treatment attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, with reduced collagen deposition in the myocardium. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed suppressed expression of TGF-β1 and collagen 1, involved in fibrosis. In conclusion, GV showed potential in improving cardiac function in a rat model of MI-induced heart failure. It alleviated myocardial damage, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and suppressed fibrotic markers. Further studies are needed to explore its clinical efficacy and underlying mechanisms in cardiac diseases beyond animal models.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.371-385
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Soy isoflavone (SIF) and soy lecithin (SL) have beneficial effects on many chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Regretfully, there is little evidence to show the combined effects of these soy extractives on the impairment of cognition and abnormal cerebral blood flow (CBF). This study examined the optimal combination dose of SIF + SL to provide evidence for improving CBF and protecting cerebrovascular endothelial cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: In vivo study, SIF50 + SL40, SIF50 + SL80 and SIF50 + SL160 groups were obtained. Morris water maze, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to detect learning and memory impairment, CBF, and damage to the cerebrovascular tissue in rat. The 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were detected. The anti-oxidative damage index of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the serum of an animal model was also tested. In vitro study, an immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line (bEND.3 cells) was used to confirm the cerebrovascular endothelial cell protection of SIF + SL. In this study, 50 µM of Gen were used, while the 25, 50, or 100 µM of SL for different incubation times were selected first. The intracellular levels of 8-OHdG, SOD, GSH, and GSSG were also detected in the cells. RESULTS: In vivo study, SIF + SL could increase the target crossing times significantly and shorten the total swimming distance of rats. The CBF in the rats of the SIF50 + SL40 group and SIF50 + SL160 group was enhanced. Pathological changes, such as attenuation of the endothelium in cerebral vessels were much less in the SIF50 + SL40 group and SIF50 + SL160 group. The 8-OHdG was reduced in the SIF50 + SL40 group. The GSSG showed a significant decrease in all SIF + SL pretreatment groups, but the GSH showed an opposite result. SOD was upregulated by SIF + SL pretreatment. Different combinations of Genistein (Gen)+SL, the secondary proof of health benefits found in vivo study, showed they have effective anti-oxidation and less side reaction on protecting cerebrovascular endothelial cell. SIF50 + SL40 in rats experiment and Gen50 + SL25 in cell test were the optimum joint doses on alleviating cognitive impairment and regulating CBF through protecting cerebrovascular tissue by its antioxidant activity. CONCLUSIONS: SIF+SL could significantly prevent cognitive defect induced by β-Amyloid through regulating CBF. This kind of effect might be attributed to its antioxidant activity on protecting cerebral vessels.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.57-67
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• 2024

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential biological activity of Veronica incana extracts (VIE) through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. Methods : In vitro, we conducted analyses on the total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) levels, alongside DPPHand ABTS radical scavenging activities. Ex vivo evaluations on adipose tissue measured glycerol release as a marker of lipolysis. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, we quantified nitric oxide (NO) production. Following H₂O₂ induction in U2OS cells, we performed mitochondrial assays such as MitoSox and MitoTracker. Moreover, Bodipy assays were conducted in 3T3-L1 cells. In vivo, we performed anti-osteoarthritis effect of VIE against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Results : The results presented encompass a myriad of models, from cell culture to animal experiments as well as ex vivo studies. VIE demonstrated high TP and TF contents, potent DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, and regulated glycerol release. Moreover, the inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced inflammation was notably confirmed and the reduction of lipid droplets was distinctly shown. Furthermore, in H₂O₂-induced U2OS cells, MitoSox was effectively reduced while MitoTracker noticeably increased. In vivo assays confirmed a significant increase in hindpaw weight distribution (HWD) decreased by MIA after VIE treatment. Additionally, VIE inhibited serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-1𝛽) and MDA levels in joint tissue. Conclusion : In conclusion, Veronica incana exhibited various pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2006

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether embryonic stem (ES) cells can be established from isolated blastomeres of mouse embryos. Methods: Blastomeres were separated from mouse (C57Bl/6J) 2- or 4-cell embryos. Isolated blastomeres or whole 4-cell embryos were co-cultured with mitosis-arrested STO feeder cells in DMEM supplemented with recombinant murine leukemia inhibitory factor and ES-qualified fetal bovine serum. After the tentative ES cell lines were maintained from isolated blastomeres or whole embryos, some of them were frozen and the others were sub-cultured continually. Characteristics of tentative ES cell lines as were evaluated for specific genes expressions with immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. Results: One ES cell line (3.0%) was established from isolated blastomere of 2-cell embryo and one cell line (4.0%) from isolated two blastomeres of 4-cell embryo. And five cell lines (16.7%) were established from whole 4-cell embryos. Both cell lines from isolated blastomere and whole embryo expressed mouse ES cell specific markers such as SSEA-1, Oct-4 and alkaline phosphatase. Marker genes of three germ layers were expressed from embryoid bodies of both cell lines. Conclusion: This study suggests that mouse ES cells could be established from isolated blastomeres, although the efficiency is lower than whole embryos. This animal model could be applied to establishment of autologous human ES cells from biopsied blastomeres of preimplantation embryos in human IVF-ET program.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.133-140
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• 2010

The pork hams and bacon comprising the most popular processed pork were treated with autoclave to investigate application of hypoallergenic pork. Among pork hams and bacon, two products with the highest binding ability were selected for experiments. The results of ci-ELISA on pork hams treated with autoclave showed that the binding ability of p-IgG and pigallergic patient's sera (P2) to PSA (porcine serum albumin) from pork ham samples by autoclave treatment at $121^{\circ}C$ for 30 min was slightly decreased. The binding ability to p-IgG of b and c bacon treated with autoclave was declined to below 16% and 11% as compared with control sample that showed 60% and 91% binding ability. The binding ability to P2 of b and c bacon treated with autoclave decreased to below 22% and 34% as compared with control sample that showed 95% and 126% binding ability. A result of immunoblotting on bacon showed that p-IgG as well as pig patient's sera did not recognize PSA well in autoclave treatment. The results obtained from this work indicated that autoclave treatment was effective for a reduction of allergenicity of pork hams and bacon. Therefore the autoclave treatment may be applied to development of hypoallergenic pork.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2007

The present study was conducted to examine some factors affecting in vitro development and fecundity of embryos recloned with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Fibroblast cells retrieved from the ear of a 3-week-old, cloned Korean goat (Jinsoonny) were used as karyoplast donors and serum-starvation was conducted in tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with 0.5% FBS. Recipient oocytes were surgically collected by flushing the oviducts 35 h after hCG injection following FSH priming. The zonae pellucidae of the oocytes were partially perforated with a laser drill and a donor cell was transferred into an enucleated oocyte. The couplets were electrically fused and activated by ionomycin (5 min) and 6-DMAP (4 h). The reconstructed embryos were cultured in mSOF medium containing 0.8% BSA at $39^{\circ}C$ in an atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$, 5% $%O_2$, 90% $N_2$ for 12 to 15 h. Re-cloned embryos (2- to 4-cell stages) were surgically transferred into the oviducts of the recipients and pregnancy was subsequently diagnosed by progesterone assay and ultrasound on Days 21 and 63 of pregnancy. The fusion rate following 1st fusion pulse was higher (p<0.05) in 2nd cloning (65.9%) compared to 1st cloning (51.0%), but it was not different in the other groups. The rate of cleavage after fusion was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 1st (77.7%) than in 2nd cloning (56.0%). A total of 175 re-cloned embryos were transferred into 28 recipients. On day 21 and 60 after transfer, 11 (39.3%) and 4 recipients (17.4%) were pregnancy, respectively. In comparison of pregnancy rate by estrous synchronization, a total of 66 and 109 re-cloned embryos were transferred into 11 recipients in natural estrus and 17 recipients in induced estrus, respectively. Five (45.4%) and 2 recipients (18.2%) in natural estrus were pregnant on days 21 and 63 while 6 (35.3%) and 2 (11.8%) recipients in induced estrus were pregnant, respectively. These results show that recloning of goat can be achieved by SCNT and estrous synchronization between donor and recipient animals may be one of the major factors affecting success rate.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.259-271
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• 1985

The purpose of this study was to develop supplementary foods for infants and young children in order to improve their nutritional status. Three formulas composed of rice, soybeans, fish, dry skim milk and sesame in varying proportions were studied. The three formulas, $RS_{1}S_{2}$, $RFS_{1}S_{2}$, and $RMS_{1}S_{2}$, were consisted of Rice(R), Soybean$(S_{1})$, Sesame$(S_{2})$ (60 : 35 : 5) , Rice, Fish(F), Soybean, Sesame (60 : 10 : 25 : 5) , and Rice, Dry Skin Milk (M), Soybean, Sesame (60 : 10 : 25 : 5), respectively. A proximate analysis and amino acid determination were made on the developed formulas. In the animal assay, growth rate, PER and FER were evaluated and biochemical analyses were also carried out. A storage test and the cost evaluation were also conducted. The summarized results are as follows : 1) The proximate composition of the three formulas were 7.3-7.4% of moisture, 15.9-21.5% of crude protein, 7.8-9.6% of crude fat and 2.5-2.8% ash. 2) The result of amino acid analysis showed that the 1st limiting amino acids of $RS_{1}S_{2}$ and $RFS_{1}S_{2}$ were lysine (amino acid score, 76.6) and threonine (amino acid score, 93.3), and that of $RMS_{1}S_{2}$ and the commercially prepared formula were sulfur containing amino acids (amino acid score, 82.0 and 54.4). When the contents of the amino acids of the three formulas were compared with mother's milk and cow's milk, the balance of the amino acid of each formula was superior to mother's milk but inferior to cow's milk. 3) In the animal assay, the growth rate of all groups increased gradually during the experimental period. 4) The C- PER, which was corrected on the basis of the casein PER of 2.5 was 2.99, 3.38 and 3.10 in the $RS_{1}S_{2}$, $RFS_{1}S_{2}$ and $RMS_{1}S_{2}$ respectively. The C- PER of $RFS_{1}S_{2}$ and $RMS_{1}S_{2}$ were Significantly (P<.05) higher than that of the casein. 5) The FER of the casein, $RS_{1}S_{2}$, $RFS_{1}S_{2}$, and $RMS_{1}S_{2}$ were 0.37, 0.39, 0.43 and 0.39, respectively. The FER of $RFS_{1}S_{2}$ and $RMS_{1}S_{2}$ were also significantly (P<.05) higher than that of the casein. 6) The concentrations of hematocrit, hemoglobin, total protein and albumin in the serum of the rats of all groups were not significantly different among groups. 7) The storage stability test showed that the total plate count (TPC), the coliforms count and the bacterial spore count in the ingredients were quiet low. However, after 30 and 60 days storage, the count in $RFS_{1}S_{2}$ increased and were higher at room temperature than refrigerated temperature. 8) In the cost evaluation, the cost of the developed formulas was \1,826-2,626 / kg. This was less than that of the commercially prepared formula (\3,300-4,073 / kg) and that of the imported formula (\4,250-8,720 / kg).

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.205-212
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• 1999

The present study was designed to examine the effects of selenium(Se), vitamin E(Vit. E) and recombinant Bovine Somatotropin(rBST) administration on the selenium and vitamin E concentrations of blood in Hanwoo sires Hanwoo sires were randomly assigned to five groups; 1. control, 2. rBST, 0.09mg/kg body weight (BW) 3. Vit E, 1,500IU/kg BW, 4. Se 0.lmg/kg BW, 5. Vit E, 1.500IU plus Se 0.1mg/kg BW. rBST, Vit. E and Se for each experimental group were given 6 times at 15 days interval by intramuscular injection. Blood samples were collected 10 times for experimental periods, separated the serum by centrifugation, and stored at －7$0^{\circ}C$. Se and Vito E concentrations in blood were measured by fluorophotometer and HPLC. Se concentrations of blood in control, rBST, Vito E, Se and Se plus Vito E groups were 64.55, 65.50, 68.15, 73.11 and 74.09 ppb/$m\ell$, respectively. Se concentration in Vit. E plus Se group was significantly higher than in control and rBST groups (P＜0.05), but Vito E group was not significantly different in control and rBST groups(P＞0.05). The Vit. E concentrations of blood in control, rBST, Vit. E, Se and Se plus Vit. E groups were 2.27, 2.32, 2.80, 2.58 and 2.75 ppm/$m\ell$, respectively. Vit. E and Vit. E plus Se groups were slightly higher than those of any other groups, but not significantly difference in 외 I experimental groups(P＜0.05). These results indicate that Se and Vit. E concentrations of blood were slightly increased with the injection of Se and Vit. E in Hanwoo sires.