• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.30 no.11
• /
• pp.1640-1650
• /
• 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Many studies have analyzed compositions of gut microbiota associated with various diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colon cancer. One of the most representative bacteria involved in CRC is enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), a species belonging to phylum Bacteroidetes. We used ETBF colonized mice with azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and zerumbone, a compound with anti-bacterial effect, to determine whether zerumbone could restore intestinal microbiota composition. Four experimental groups of mice were used: sham, ETBF colonized AOM/DSS group, ETBF colonized AOM/DSS group zerumbone 60 mg kg-1 (ETBF/AOM/DSS + Z (60)), and only zerumbone (60 mg kg^-1)-treated group. We performed reversible dye terminators-based analysis of 16S rRNA gene region V3-V4 for group comparison. Microbiota compositions of ETBF/AOM/DSS + Z (60) group and ETBF colonized AOM/DSS group not given zerumbone were significantly different. There were more Bacteroides in ETBF/AOM/DSS + Z (60) group than those in ETBF colonized AOM/DSS group, suggesting that B. fragilis could be a normal flora activated by zerumbone. In addition, based on linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe) analysis, microbial diversity decreased significantly in the ETBF colonized AOM/DSS group. However, after given zerumbone, the taxonomic relative abundance was increased. These findings suggest that zerumbone not only influenced the microbial diversity and richness, but also could be helpful for enhancing the balance of gut microbial composition. In this work, we demonstrate that zerumbone could restore the composition of intestinal microbiota.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.673-680
• /
• 2009

This study was conducted to screen for plant food materials that improve human intestinal microflora, especially microorganisms associated with obesity. Among 30 tested plant food materials, the extract of Schizandra chinensis inactivated Eubacterium limosum, Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium spp. Additionally, S. chinensis extract was also found to have a growth-promoting effect on Bifidobacterium spp.. The antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity of the water extract did not decrease in respond to heating. Additionally, the water extract of S. chinensis did not show a toxic effect on the growth of Caco-2 cells. In vivo feeding tests were performed to investigate the influence of extract on the intestinal microflora in rats. Although the extract did not reduce obesity induced by a high fat diet, it led to significant increase in the population of Bifidobacterium spp. and a decrease in the population of Clostridium spp. in rats. Taken together, these results indicate that S. chinensis could be useful as a functional food component to control intestinal microbial flora.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.423-432
• /
• 2004

In coastal area of Inchon, dredging and the disposal of dredged material for sea-wall construction and reclamation have increased in recent years. These activities may impact the benthic environment and result in changes in benthic communities, but little information is available on the extent and direction of these changes. We investigated whether there have been changes in the dominant macrobenthic species and benthic community over the last decade, and explored the relationship between environmental variables and spatial patterns of macrobenthic community structure. We sampled macrobenthos and recorded environmental variables in the coastal habitats of Inchon in March and June 2004. In total, 212 macrobenthic species were recorded during this study, predominately crustaceans $(34{\%})$, mollusks $(32{\%})$ and polychaetes $(21{\%})$. The mean density of macrobenthos was $1,393\;ind./m^{2}$.The most abundant species was Amphioplus japonicus $(20.5{\%})$, followed by Heteromastus filiformis $(14.4{\%})$, Theora fragilis $(8.2{\%})$ and Ampharete sp. $(4.0{\%})$. Over the past decade the dominant macrobenthic species in this area shifted. Multivariate analysis (multidimensional scaling) revealed significant differences in community structure among three regions: the middle part of the sampling area (B), site 8 (C) and other sites (A). Mean density varied significantly among the three regions, but no differences in the number of species and diversity (H') were observed. The distribution of the macrobenthic community was affected by environmental variables such as percentage sand content and sediment kurtosis. Species that were important in different areas included A. japonicus in region A, Raeta puchella in region B and T. fragilis in region C. The important species in regions B and C were filter-feeding bivalves, and the abundance of these species may be related to the increase in percentage sand content. We suggest that the sediment composition (percentage sand content) may be an important factor in determining the dominant species and structure of the macrobenthic communities in coastal Inchon. Long-term monitoring programs are necessary to understand ongoing changes in the benthic communities of this area.

• Journal of the korean society of oceanography
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.83-92
• /
• 2001

An investigation on the zonal communities in Chokchon macrotidal flat, Incheon, Korea, was carried out on July 1994, eight years after the initial survey done by Frey et al. (1987a and b). A survey transect (4 km long) was established with 41 stations having an equi-interval of 100 m. Macrofaunas were sampled in July 1994. R-mode cluster analysis and ordination analysis (detrended correspondence analysis or DCA) were performed. The aims of the investigation were to: (1) observe the distribution and abundance patterns, including zonation of benthic macrofaunal communities in the area; and (2) gain information about faunal changes between two different periods. The primary feature of distribution was corresponded with Frey's zonation, and this was shaped by three level-specific species groups. Significant changes in dominant species were detected when compared with the faunal assemblages of 1986. The bivalve mollusk, Meretrix petechialis, seemed to have disappeared. Two newly arrived organic pollution indicator species, Theora fragilis and Capitella capitata, were regarded as impregnable proof of response to eutrophication, although the concrete evidence on the eutrophication source was not found.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.202-204
• /
• 1999

Methanol extracts of leaves from 15 Pinus species belonging to the family Pinaceae were tested for their in vitro growth-inhibiting activities against 10 bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of human, using impregnated paper disk methods. The inhibitory activities varied with both bacterial strain and Pinus species used. At a concentration of 10 mg/disk, a clear growth inhibition was produced from the extracts of Pinus armandii, P. banksiana, P. bungeana, P. densiflora, P. rigida, and P. thunbergii against Clostridium perfringens, whereas all Pinus samples revealed weak or little growth-inhibiting activity against Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. At 5 mg/disk, the extracts of P. banksiana and P. thunbergii exhibited potent growth inhibition toward C. perfringens. All the extracts except the one from P. densiflora did not adversely affect growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. longum, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. animalis, and Lactobacillus casei. The growth-inhibiting activity was more pronounced in C. perfringens, as compared to the lactic acid-producing bacteria. These results may be an indication of at least one of the pharmacological activities of these Pinus species.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.153-157
• /
• 1999

The effececl of levanoclaose produced by levanase Croni Pseuc/olol~~o!!n.s sp. K-52 on pnnciple inlesimal microflorawas investigated. The reaction product, levanoctaose, was used as a carbon source for various intestinalmicroflora. Especially. Bijidobacteriulolr~ adolescentis and Lnctohaciilrrs ocidophilus grew effectively in vitroexpeiiments, whereas Clostridiunz per.frilol~gerzs, Bactetvid,~ngilis, Eschericlzin. coli, and Stnplzylococcus nureirsdid not. Therefore, levanoctdose seemed to proinole selectively the growth ol" B. ndo1escenti.r and L. acidol~hi-/us. In Lhe in viva experiments, the effects of levanoctaose on inlestinal nucroflora were examined on heirgrowth. $\beta$-fri~ctosidase acliviiy. and butyrate concenuation in rats. Appuently, die number of fecal Bifidobacteria.the amount of bulyrate, and $\beta$-hctosidase activity were increased, whereas total aerobes 'and pH werereduced in rals Eed leviu~octaose diets, cornpxed with hose of the control diets. We concluded hat those effecismay be beneficial in improving gastrointestinal health.astrointestinal health.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.1314-1321
• /
• 2024

Branched-chain hydroxy acids (BCHAs), produced by lactic acid bacteria, have recently been suggested as bioactive compounds contributing to the systemic metabolism and modulation of the gut microbiome. However, the relationship between BCHAs and gut microbiome remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of BCHAs on the growth of seven different families in the gut microbiota. Based on in vitro screening, both 2-hydroxyisovaleric acid (HIVA) and 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) stimulated the growth of Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, with HIVA showing a significant growth promotion. Additionally, we observed not only the growth promotion of probiotic Lactobacillaceae strains but also growth inhibition of pathogenic B. fragilis in a dose-dependent manner. The production of HIVA and HICA varied depending on the family of the gut microbiota and was relatively high in case of Lactobacillaceae and Lachnosporaceae. Furthermore, HIVA and HICA production by each strain positively correlated with their growth variation. These results demonstrated gut microbiota-derived BCHAs as active metabolites that have bacterial growth modulatory effects. We suggest that BCHAs can be utilized as active metabolites, potentially contributing to the treatment of diseases associated with gut dysbiosis.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.296-302
• /
• 2003

First. the purification and analysis of alliin in garlic from different origins by alliin-HPLC determination method were studied. Allinase in garlic was inactivated by heating in boiling water followed by extraction of alliin in garlic with 80% methanol. To remove free amino acids and alliin homologs in garlic, garlic extract was separated by cation exchange column which was packed with amberlite CG-120 resin using 40L d-water as eluent. Alliin in garlic extract was crystallized in a mixture of acetone (50$^{\circ}C$)：H$_2$O：acetic acid=70:29:1 and then recrystallized in a mixture of acetone (50$^{\circ}C$)：H$_2$O：acetic acid=75:24:1. Obtained alliin was identified by melting point. TLC, microscope observation and mass spectrometry. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following pre-column derivatization of cystein derivatives with o-phthaldialdehyde/2-mercaptoethanol has succeessfully been applied to the analysis of various garlics. Each alliic of standard solution and garlic extract was derivatized to isoindole derivative by o-phthaldialdehyde /2-mercaptoethanol and then analyzed by HPLC. Six point calibration was done by using alliin peak area. Lineality was observed at 0 ∼ 1.0mg/ml of alliin concentration. Weighted regression line function was Y=6254X - 256077. By this function, alliin contents in various garlics were 0.34 ∼ 0.73% fresh weight. Second study was designed to evaluate the effects of garlic extracts of various concentrations on the growth of various pathogenes (Eubacterium limonsum, Bacteroides fragilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sonnei, Kiebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Pserdomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli). For antimicrobial effects against microorganism, totally minimal inhibition concentrations (MIC) of alliin were from 5,000 to 20,000ppm. MIC of ethanol extract were 1,250 to 10,000ppm.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.9-23
• /
• 2007

To investigate the degree of pollution using the species composition of benthic community and environments, the present study was conducted in Jinhae Bay, May of 1998. In Jinhae Bay, benthic macrofaunal community was investigated on the base of the samples from 67 stations. The main facies of the surface sediment was silty clay and clay. The total species number and the mean density of macrobenthic animals were 255 species and 984 $ind./m^2$, respectively. There were 90 species and 773 $ind./m^2$ of polychaetes as the most major faunal group in Jinhae Bay. At the region between the eastern mouth of Jinhae Bay and Gadeok Is., the species number and density were higher, while lower at the western area of Jinhae Bay. The most dominant benthic macrofauna in Jinhae Bay was the polychaetes, Lumbrineris longifolia(16.9%), and followed by polychaetes Tharyx sp.(6.7%), Clone teres(4.7%), Glycinde sp.(4.2%), bivalves Theora fragilis(4.0%), crustaceans Corophium sp.(4.0%) and so on. The most of the predominant species appeared mainly on the region between the eastern mouth of Jinhae Bay and Gadeok Is. Cluster analysis based on the macrobenthic faunal composition showed that Jinhae Bay could be divided into three station groups: The western Jinhae Bay(Station group A), the mouth of Jinhae Bay(Station groupe B), and offshore area between Gadeok Is. and Geoje Is.(Station group C). The mouth of Jinhae Bay had the highest mean species number and the mean density, and its important species was Lumbrineris longifolia. The offshore area between Gadeok Is. and Geoje Is. had medium mean species number and the mean density. The western Jinhae Bay had the lowest mean species number and the mean density. The distribution of BPI and BC values, used to assess benthic pollution, showed similar patterns. According to the classification proposed by Borja et al.(2000), the stations of the western inner-bay were heavily polluted sites, the stations between mouth of the bay and the offshore area were slightly polluted sites, and the stations of the other area were meanly polluted sites. Benthic community healthiness of the western Jinhae Bay was classified to 'Transitional to pollution' by BC values. The degree of pollution in Jinhae Bay may have extended gradually from the western Jinhae Bay to the mouth of the bay.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
• /
• 1997.04a
• /
• pp.40-47
• /
• 1997

New quinolones generally have a broad antibacterial spectrum against gram-positive, gram-negative, glucose-nonfermenting and anaerobic bacteria. Some of newly developed quinolones have potent activities against S. aureus including MRSA, S.pneumoniae including PRSP, B. fragilis, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas and mycobacteria as well, and show good activities against various strains resistant to antibacterial agents of other classes. Quinolones display postantibiotic effects in vitro and are bactericidal at concentrations similar to or twice that of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for susceptible pathogens. In experimental murine infection models including systemic infections with various pathogens such as S. aureus, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, quinolones have shown good oral efficacy as well as parenteral efficacy. Good oral absorption and good tissue penetration of quinolones account for good therapeutic effects in clinical settings. The target of quinolones are two structurally related type II topoisomerases, DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV. Quinolones are shown to stabilize the ternary quinolone-gyrase-DNA complex and inhibit the religation of the cleaved double-stranded DNA. Bacteria can acquire resistance to quinolones by mutations of these target enzymes. Mutation sites and amino acid changes in DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV are similar in the organisms examined, suggesting that the mechanism of quinolone resistance in the target enzymes is essentially the same among various organisms. Quinolones act on both the target enzymes to different degrees depending on the organisms or agents tested, and bacteria become highly resistant to quinolones in a step-wise fashion. Incomplete cross-resistance among quinolones in some strains of E. coli and S. aureus suggests the possibility of finding quinolones active against quinolone-resistant strains which are prevailing now. To find such quinolones, the potency toward two target enzymes and the membrane permeability including influx and/or efflux systems should be taken into account.