• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.23-31
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using high fat diet-fed male mice. Methods : Fifty four male C57BL/6N mice (age matched) were used for all experiments. Nine standard chow diet-fed mice were used as normal group and forty five high fat diet-fed obese mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, atorvastatin-10mg/kg, MMF(1)-62.5mg/kg, MMF(2)-125mg/kg and MMF(3)-250mg/kg. After all groups were treated with several kinds of diets for 8 weeks, we measured body weight gain, adipose tissue weights, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism, visceral organ weights, histological analysis for liver on the mice. Results : MMF-treated mice had lower body weight gain compared with controls. Among MMF-treated mice, the effect was magnified in MMF(2). MMF(3)-treated mice had lower blood plasma total cholesterol (TC) and glucose level compared with controls. MMF decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, liver fibrosis and liver inflammation of mice compared with controls. The effects was maximized in MMF(2) and atorvastatin. Blood plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase (${\gamma}$-GT) concentrations tends to be decreased by MMF compared with controls. Blood plasma AST, ALT, ${\gamma}$-GT concentrations and organ weights were not changed by MMF, indicating that all three kinds of MMF do not show any hepatotoxicity. Conclusions : These results suggest that MMF improves NAFLD by reducing body weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, liver fibrosis, liver inflammation.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.255-261
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• 2020

This study was undertaken to evaluate the growth, body shape and carcass cutting yield traits of Duroc (D) and crossbred (Duroc×Pietrain×Pietrain; DPP) pigs. A total of 147 D and 101 DPP pigs were used for analyzing the growth trait, whereas 16 D and 16 DPP pigs were evaluated for carcass yields. Backfat thickness (BF) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were significantly higher in D (14.07±0.24 mm, 2,101 g) than in DPP (12.69±3.25 mm, 1,909 g) (p <0.001). Moreover, D exhibited significantly higher body shape traits including body height (BH), chest depth (CD) and chest width (CW), as compared to DPP pigs (p <0.001). No differences were observed for body length (BL) between the two strains. Analysis of the carcass cutting yield traits determined for D and DPP were in the order: ham (HM; 31.17% and 33.43%), belly (BY; 23.40% and 19.55%), and picnic shoulder (PS; 16.54% and 16.87%), respectively. Then, HM showed a difference of 2.26% P with D(31.17%) and DPP(33.43%), while BY showed a difference of 3.85% P with D(23.40%) and DPP(19.55%). Taken together, our results indicate that DPP has a better feed efficiency than D, and therefore has the potential to increase the production of low-fat pork, targeting consumers having a high preference who have opted for a healthy lifestyle. These results can be used as basic data for developing an ideal pig breed.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.277-284
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• 2000

Rabbitfish hatchlings were given a mixed food of rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis) and trochophore larvae of oyster. Only the oyster-trochophore larvae were found in the gut of 62-h old fish larvae. The fish larvae, fed on rotifer and ciliate alone did not survive. However, their survival increased to 3.3 % on the 10th day after hatching, when trochophore was supplemented. Corresponding with the accelerated growth, the number of rotifers consumed increased from 11 in a 5-day old fish to 165 in a IS-day old fish. In a field ecosystem containing live diatom, Nannochloropsis oculata, rotifers and copepods, fish larvae were shocked and the oyster's trochophore larvae were fed from 2 to 7 days after hatching. A total of 76,000 seedling were produced after 50 days of hatching with 12.7 % survival. Mean total length and body weight were 65.6 mm and 3.4 g, respectively. Growth of body length (BL), body height (BH), body weight (BW) and head length (HL) as a function of the total length (TL) showed regressional relationships as follows; BL=0.8565 TL+0.0852 ($t^2$=0.9996); BH=0.3207 TL - 0.5052 (($t^2$=0.9641) BW=0.0652 TL2.3508 (($t^2$=0.9925); HL=0.2595 TL - 0.1898 (($t^2$=0.9901)

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.26-35
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• 2006

Background: Luteolin, a flavone found in various Chinese herbal medicines is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to inhibit various proinflammatory signaling pathways including NF-${\kappa}B$ and p38 MAPK. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of luteolin on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Materials and Methods: We used a transgenic mouse model expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the transcriptional control of NF-${\kappa}B$ $cis$-elements. C57BL/6 NF-${\kappa}B^{EGFP}$ mice received 2.5% DSS in their drinking water for six days in combination with daily luteolin administration (1mg/kg body weight, 0.1ml vol, intragastric) or vehicle. NF-${\kappa}B$ activity was assessed macroscopically with a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera and microscopically by confocal analysis. Results: A significant increase in the Disease Activity Index (DAI), histological score (p<0.05), IL-12 p40 secretion in colonic stripe culture (p<0.05) and EGFP expression was observed in luteolin and/or DSS-treated mice compared to water-treated mice. Interestingly, a trend toward a worse colitis (DAI, IL-12p40) was observed in luteolin-treated mice compared to non-treated DSS-exposed mice. In addition, EGFP expression (NF-${\kappa}B$ activity) strongly increased in the luteolin-treated mice compared to control mice. Confocal microscopy showed that EGFP positive cells were primarily lamina propria immune cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that luteolin is not a therapeutic alternative for intestinal inflammatory disorders derived for primary defects in barrier function. Thus, therapeutic intervention targeting these signaling pathways should be viewed with caution.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to image metastaic lung melanoma model with optimal pre-conditions for animal handling by using $[^{18}F]FDG$ small animal PET and clinical CT. Materials and Methods: The pre-conditions for lung region tumor imaging were 16-22 h fasting and warming temperature at $30^{\circ}C$. Small animal PET image was obtained at 60 min postinjection of 7.4 MBq $[^{18}F]FDG$ and compared pattern of $[^{18}F]FDG$ uptake and glucose standard uptake value (SUVG) of lung region between Ketamine/Xylazine (Ke/Xy) and Isoflurane (Iso) anesthetized group in normal mice. Metastasis tumor mouse model to lung was established by intravenous injection of B16-F10 cells in C57BL/6 mice. In lung metastasis tumor model, $[^{18}F]FDG$ image was obtained and fused with anatomical clinical CT image. Results: Average blood glucose concentration in normal mice were $128.0{\pm}23.87$ and $86.0{\pm}21.65\;mg/dL$ in Ke/Xy group and Iso group, respectively. Ke/Xy group showed 1.5 fold higher blood glucose concentration than Iso group. Lung to Background ratio (L/B) in SUVG image was $8.6{\pm}0.48$ and $12.1{\pm}0.63$ in Ke/Xy group and Iso group, respectively. In tumor detection in lung region, $[^{18}F]FDG$ image of Iso group was better than that of Ke/Xy group, because of high L/B ratio. Metastatic tumor location in $[^{18}F]FDG$ small animal PET image was confirmed by fusion image using clinical CT. Conclusion: Tumor imaging in small animal lung region with $[^{18}F]FDG$ small animal PET should be considered pre-conditions which fasting, warming and an anesthesia during $[^{18}F]FDG$ uptake. Fused imaging with small animal PET and CT image could be useful for the detection of metastatic tumor in lung region.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.292-301
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• 2010

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a pituitary glycoprotein hormone that is encoded by separate alpha- and betasubunit genes. It plays a key role in stimulating and regulating ovarian follicular development and egg production in chicken. FSH signal transduction is mediated by the FSH receptor (FSHR) that exclusively interacts with the beta-subunit of FSH, but characterization of prokaryotic expression of the FSHb gene and its effect on the expression of the FSHR gene in local chickens have received very little attention. In the current study, the cDNA fragment of the FSHb gene from Dagu chicken was amplified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and inserted into the pET-28a (+) vector to construct the pET-28a-FSHb plasmid. After expression of the plasmid in E. coli BL21 (DE3) under inducing conditions, the recombination protein, $FSH{\beta}$ subunit, was purified and injected into the experimental hens and the effect on the mRNA expression levels of the FSHR gene was investigated. Sequence comparison showed that the coding region of the FSHb gene in the local chicken shared 99%-100% homology to published nucleotides in chickens; only one synonymous nucleotide substitution was detected in the region. The encoded amino acids were completely identical with the reported sequence, which confirmed that the sequences of the chicken FSHb gene and the peptides of the $FSH{\beta}$ subunit are highly conserved. This may be due to the critical role of the normal function of the FSHb gene in hormonal specificity and regulation of reproduction. The results of gene expression revealed that a recombinant protein with a molecular weight of about 19 kDa was efficiently expressed and it was identified by Western blotting analysis. After administration of the purified $FSH{\beta}$ protein, significantly higher expression levels were demonstrated in uterus, ovary and oviduct samples (p<0.05). These observations suggested that the expressed $FSH{\beta}$ protein possesses biological activity, and has a potential role in regulation of reproductive physiology in chickens.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.27-38
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of the present study was to evaluate Yandorak for the wide inflection and establishment of a diagnostic system. Methods : We analyzed the measurement value of Yandorak on fifty one patients with idiopathic facial paralysis and eighty four healthy persons from April 1, 2005 to March 1, 2006 by using Yangdorak(YDRAK-94N, Sord Medicom Co., Korea). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 11.0 for Windows, Mann-Whitney test for the comparisons followed side(Right and Left), sex, palsy localization in Idiopathic facial paralysis and normal group and one-way ANOVA(Kruskal Wallis) for the comparisons followed age. p < .05 was considered significant statistically. Results The difference of the electric current value of all meridian except Bladder(BL) of normal group on both side extremity was not significant statistically, Electric current value of all meridian except Gall-Bladder(GB) was more higher in idiopathic facial paralysis group than in normal group. The measurement value of Yandorak followed sex and palsy localization were not significant statistically. Conclusion : It is suggested that the measurement value of six Hand Yang & Eum channel, Liver Meridian of Foot Gworeum(厥陰) and Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangmyeong(陽明) is more higher in idiopathic facial paralysis group than in normal group.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.55-65
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• 2016

Objectives : Mibyeong is a korea medicine have original concept of the disease. However, no previous report has effect of mibyeong herbal medicine in fatigue types of mibyeong. This study investigated the question of whether Dang Gui Bo Hyul-tang(DGBHT) of effect on fatigue types of Mibyeong. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were randomaly divided into three group (n=10). The mice were then group (1) Nocontrol, (2) Restraunt stress(veh), (3) Dang Gui Bo Hyul-tang 200mg/kg. The administered Dang Gui Bo Hyul-tang 200mg/kg or distilled water (orally) 1 hr prior to daily exposure to repeated restraint stress (2 h) for 15 days. The performed behavior test (Mechanical hyperalgesia test,, Open-field test, Forced swimming test, Sucrose preference test and immunostaining and biochemical measured in serum. Results : Stress fatigue induced mices significantly increased lethargic, hyperalgesia through behavior test (Mechanical hyperalgesia test (decrease 43%), Open-field test ($4,809{\pm} 226.13cm$ vs. $3121{\pm}226.64cm$), Forced swimming test ($11.45{\pm}3.96$ vs. $79.10{\pm}8.12sec$), Sucrose preference test (decrease 58%)). In addition, chronic fatigue model evidently increased corticosterone level ($122.54{\pm}18.88$ vs. $186.94{\pm}18.26ng/ml$), AST level ($46.22{\pm}3.23$ vs. $31.40{\pm}3.86U/L$), ALT level ($38.78{\pm}5.72$ vs. $17.60{\pm}1.30$), liver necrosis, lateral ventricle size. These alterations were significantly ameliorated by DGBHT. DGBHT significantly attend the elevated serum concentrations of corticosterone ($155.90{\pm}6.29ng/ml$), AST ($31.40{\pm}3.86U/L$), ALT ($17.60{\pm}1.30U/L$). Moreover, DGBHT improved lethargic, hyperalgesia when compared the stress fatigue (Mechanical hyperalgesia test (improve 28%), Open-field test ($4,038{\pm}615.81cm$), Forced swimming test ($7.56{\pm}1.88sec$), Sucrose preference test (increase 21%) Conclusions : Theses result suggest that DGBHT have improved lethargic, hyperalgesia and fatigue-associated hormone and liver protective on stress fatigue model. It will be necessary to research to present evidences on benefits and effects of Korean medical treatment for Mibyeong through clinical researches based on benefits and effects of those animal models.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.31-42
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity potential and mechanisms of action of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) herbal acupuncture in high fat diet- induced obese ICR mice. Methods : Sample solutions for herbal acupuncture were prepared from the Rhizoma Atractylodis water extract powder at concentration of 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg with distilled water. Five week-old ICR mice acclimatized to the laboratory environment for 1 week were allocated into four groups: regular diet group (RD), high fat diet group(HFD), groups fed HFD with 150mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment (RAE 150) and with 300mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment(RAE 300). Herbal acupuncture groups were injected with either 150mg/kg or 300mg/kg of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) subcutaneously onto both Sinsu($BL_{23}$) alternately on the same time everyday for 30days. Body weight, gross appearance of epididymal fat area, blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, histological analysis of white adipose tissue, gene expression responsible for adipocyte differentiation and AMPK activation were analyzed. Results : RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the development of weight gain, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, increases of AST and ALT, and the enlargement of fat cell size induced by HFD. Also, RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the expression of PPAR-${\gamma}$, C/$EBP{\alpha}$, aP2, LPL, FAS, SCD-1 and enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Conclusions : The results of this study demonstrate that RA herbal acupuncture can exert the anti-obesity effect and it is partially mediated by activation of AMPK and inhibition of the gene expressions responsible for adipocyte differentiation. Further studies will be required to ascertain the nti-obesity effect and mechanisms of action of RA herbal acupuncture in animal models and human for aclinical application.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2009

The gene encoding Thermus thermophilus HJ6 DNA polymerase (Tod) was cloned and sequenced. The open reading frame (ORF) of the Tod gene was composed of 2,505 nucleotides and encoded a protein (843 amino acids) with a predicted molecular weight of 93,795 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of Tod showed 98% and 86% identities to the Thermus thermophilus HB8 DNA pol and Thermus aquaticus DNA pol, respectively, The Tod gene was expressed under the control of the bacteriophage $\lambda$ promoters PR and PL on the expression vector pJLA503 in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3) codon plus. The expressed enzyme was purified by heat treatment, $HiTrap^{TM}$ Q column, and $HiPrep^{TM}$ Sephacryl S-200 HR 26/60 column chromatographies. The optimal temperature and pH for DNA polymerase activity were found to be $75{\sim}80^{\circ}C$ and 9.0, respectively. The optimal concentrations of $Mg^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$ were 2.5 mM and 1 mM, respectively. The enzyme activity was activated by divalent cations, and was inhibited by monovalent cations. The result of the PCR experiment with Tod DNA polymerase indicates that this enzyme might be useful in DNA amplification and PCR-based applications.