• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.33 no.3 s.98
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• pp.169-183
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• 2003

Tooth movement by orthodontic force effects great tissue changes within the periodontium, especially by shifting the blood flow in the pressure side and resulting in a hypoxic state of low oxygen tension. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible mechanism of apoptosis in response to hypoxia in MC3T3El osteoblasts, the main cells in bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. MC3T3El osteoblasts under hypoxic conditions ($2\%$ orygen) resulted in apoptosis in a time-dependent manner as estimated by DNA fragmentation assay and nuclear morphology stained with fluorescent dye, Hoechst 33258. Pretreatment with Z-VAD-FMK, a pancaspase inhibitor, or Z-DEVD-CHO, a specific caspase-3 inhibitor, completely suppressed the DNA ladder in response to hypoxia. An increase in caspase-3-like protease (DEVDase) activity was observed during apoptosis, but no caspase-1 activity (YVADase) was detected. To confirm what caspases are involved in apoptosis, Western blot analysis was performed using anti-caspase-3 or -6 antibodies. The 10-kDa protein, corresponding to the active products of caspase-3, and the 10-kDa protein of the active protein of caspase-6 were generated in hypoxia-challenged cells in which the processing of the full length form of caspase-3 and -6 was evident. While a time course similar to this caspase-3 and -6 activation was evident, hypoxic stress caused the cleavage of lamin A, which was typical of caspase-6 activity. In addition, the stress elicited the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol during apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed that pre-treatment with SB203580, a selective p38 mitogen activated protein kinase inhibitor, attenuated the hypoxia-induced apoptosis. The addition of SB203S80 suppressed caspase-3 and -6-like protease activity by hypoxia up to $50\%$. In contrast, PD98059 had no effect on the hypoxia-induced apoptosis. To confirm the involvement of MAP kinase, JNK/SAPK, ERK, or p38 kinase assay was performed. Although p38 MAPK was activated in response to hypoxic treatment, the other MAPK -JNK/SAPK or ERK- was either only modestly activated or not at all. These results suggest that p38 MAPK is involved in hypoxia-induced apoptosis in MC3T3El osteoblasts.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.206-211
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• 2006

This study was performed to examine antitumor activities of Rubus coreanus Miquel and Angelica gigas Nakai extracts against sarcoma-180 and anti-stress activities in ICR mice. The variation of body weights of the 20 days of Rubus coreanus extracts-administrated mice group was very low. The survival rate (T/C %) of Rubus coreanus extract administrated group was 161% after 50 days from the inoculation of sarcoma-180 and the increment of their body weights was suppressed. Anti-stress effect of the extracts of R. coreanus and A. gigas were estimated by maeasuring blood chemical value and internal organs weight in ICR mice. The extracts of R. coreanus reduced the cholesterol and glucose to the normal level in the all stress animal models. The extracts of R. coreanus reduced the hypertrophy of the internal organs such as adrenal, spleen and liver to the regular level.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2007

Hearing loss is a common congenital disorder that is frequently associated with mutations in the Cx26 gene (GJB2). Recently, the mutation analysis of GJB2 has been used in a newborn screening test for the detection of hearing impairment. Population-based studies should be performed before the application of genetic testing for the identification of deaf newborns. In this study, 8 positions of GJB2 mutations-including 35delG, 167delT, 235delC, V27I, V37I, M34T, E114G, and I203T-were analyzed using PCR-direct sequencing in a total of 437 healthy Korean neonates. DNAs from dried blood spots were extracted using a commercial DNA extraction kit. The PCR-amplified products (783 bps) of the GJB2 gene were detected using 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and subjected to direct sequencing. The sequences were compared with those in the GenBank database by using the BLAST program. In this study, 5 GJB2 mutations -including V27I (79G>A), V37I (109G>A), E114G (341A>G), I203T (608T>C), and 235delC- were found. Of the 437 neonate samples, 301 subjects showed GJB2 mutations (68.9%, 301/437). The V27I mutation was found in 271 subjects and was the most frequent (62.0%, 271/437). The E114G, I203T and V37I mutations were shown in 146, 17 and 14 subjects, respectively. The 235delC mutation was found in 1 subject. The E114G mutation was frequently accompanied by the V27I mutation. V27I/E114G (97.2%, 143/147) was the most common double mutation and 3 subjects had the double mutation V27I/I203T. A triple mutation, V27I/E114G/I203T, was found in 1 subject. In conclusion, PCR-direct sequencing is a convenient tool for the rapid detection of GJB2 mutations and this data might provide information for the genetic counseling of the GJB2 gene.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 2008

This study was performed to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of fermented sausages containing probiotic starter cultures (LK-30 plus, Lactobacillus plantarum 155 and 167, and Pediococcus damnosus L12) with reduced fat levels, and to determine the optimum condition for the manufacture of these products. Although low-fat fermented sausages were reduced fat content at the amount of 90% and the ripening time by 1-2 weeks, as compared to regular-fat counterpart, they became harder and had many winkles outside due to the extreme drying. In addition, fat level in fermented sausages affected the composition and shear force values. During ripening, pH, lightness and yellowness values tended to decrease, however, microbial counts of inoculated lactic acid bacteria were increased up to $10^8-10^9cfu/g$ within 3 days and remained constant thereafter. Low-fat fermented sausages had higher microbial counts than regular-fat ones. Although the inoculated probiotic starter cultures alone had the functional properties, such as cholesterol reduction, anti-high blood pressure and antimicrobial activity, they did not have distinctive characteristics in the fermented sausages. Based on these results, the low-fat fermented sausages were successfully manufactured, but a little bit increased fat level and improved functional properties in the fermented sausages would be required to have better quality as compared to regular-fat counterparts.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.721-730
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• 2005

Effects of levels of Bomboo Vinegar Liquids(BVL) on growth performance, serum profile and meat quality in employing 90 pigs were investigated. Ninety pigs were allocated into 3 groups and fed by dietary levels of BVL 0(control), 2.0 and 4.0% were included in experimental diets of each of the groups. Concentrated diet was supplemented with 2.0 and 4.0% BVL. The results showed that the daily weight gains and the feed conversion increased significantly(p<0.05) in 2.0% BVL and the feed intake increased slightly. The glucose and the cholesterol contents at the serum decreased significantly(p<0.05) in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL. On the other hand the total protein concentration and the blood urea nitrogen(BUN) increased significantly(p<0.05) in 4.0% BVL. The carcass weight increased significantly(p<0.05) in 4.0% BVL, and back fat thickness had decreased significantly(p<0.05) in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL. The carcass grade tended to increase in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL. The total fat content of loin tended to increase in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL while the cholesterol content decreased significantly(p<0.05). The pH had lower slightly in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL, the lightness and the yellowness of the meat color had higher significantly(p<0.05) while the redness decreased. Shear force values had lower significantly(p<0.05) in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL. For the fatty acid composition, the saturated fatty acids decreased significantly(p<0.05) in 2.0 and 4.0% BVL while unsaturated fatty acids(oleic acid and linoleic acid) increased significantly(p<0.05). For the sensory evaluation, 2.0 and 4.0% BVL had a significant(p<0.05) effect of diminishing the odor and improving the appearance. The taste was also significantly(p<0.05) improved. In conclusion the 2.0% BVL had a positive effect on the feeding performance, the carcass grade and the meat quality characteristics therefore 2.0% BVL is the appropriate supplemental levels of BVL for finishing pigs.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.129-137
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• 2015

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level) in the context of insulin resistance and relative lack of insulin. Recently, much scientific evidence has shown that the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 could be reduced by dairy intake. A significantly strong relationship has been noted between this disease and dairy intake. In particular, from the different types of fat in dairy foods that were reported to have a beneficial impact, low-fat dairy foods have been found to have the best effect with respect to reducing the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2. Therefore, the role of specific components of dairy foods, such as calcium, vitamin D, dairy fat, and trans-palmitoleic acid, which could be responsible for this effect and for the positive effect of dairy foods in obesity and metabolic syndrome, needs to be identified. There is a strong and relatively consistent body of accumulating evidence indicating that dairy foods may significantly reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2, likely in a dose-response manner. Dairy recommendations should be an essential part of public health guidance, and identifying strategies to increase dairy food consumption to optimal levels is of utmost importance. Hence, this review summarizes various positive effects of dairy foods with respect to reducing the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2, based on available evidence, and discusses the need for further research on preventing or decreasing the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.728-735
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• 1996

Background : Recognition and ingestion of opsonized microorganisms by neutrophils induces the burst of oxidative metabolic activity. Products of the respiratory burst activity provide powerful oxygen dependent killing mechanism. Measurement of respiratory burst activity has been a major indicator of the functional capacity of neutrophils. We determined the respiratory burst activity of neutrophils in patients with pneumonia and observed the changes during the clinical course of pneumonia. Methods: The EDTA blood was drawn from 24 normal controls and same numbers of pneumonia patients. The respiratory burst activity(with the production of $H_2O_2$ which changes nonfluorescent DCF-DA to green fluorescent DCF) in the non-stimulated state and the stimulated state with fMLP and PMA of neutrophils was measured by flowcytometry at day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 of admission. Results: The respiratory burst activity of neutrophils was mildly increased by stimulation with fMLP. But there was no statistical significance between normal control and patients with pneumonia. The respiratory burst activity of neutrophils was markedly increased by stimulation with PMA in both groups. There was a significant difference in response to PMA between normal control and patients with pneumonia. The production of hydrogen peroxide from neutrophils was decreased during early course of pneumonia and it was recuperated gradually to normal level in 9 days. Conclusion : Hydrogen peroxide production from neutrophils was suppressed during early course of pneumonia and restored after treatment. It is suggested that the production of oxygen radical in response to PMA stimulation from each neutrophils is decreased rather than increased during the early course of pneumonia.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.693-702
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• 2015

Blocking new blood-vessel formation (angiogenesis) is now recognized as a useful approach to the therapeutic treatment of many solid tumors. The best validated approach to date is to target the vascular endothelial growth-factor (VEGF) pathway, a key regulator of angiogenesis. Many natural products and extracts that contain a variety of chemopreventive compounds have been shown to suppress the development of malignancies through their anti-angiogenic properties. Phellodendron amurense, which is widely used in Korean traditional medicine, has been shown to possess antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. The present study investigated the effects of P. amurense hot-water extract (PAHWE) on angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. To investigate PAHWE’s anti-angiogenic properties, this study’s authors performed an analysis of angiogenesis and endothelial-cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation, as well as zymogram assays and the rat aortic ring-sprouting assay. PAHWE inhibited cell growth, mobility, and vessel formation in response to VEGF in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, it reduced VEGF-induced intracellular signaling events, such as the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and -9. These results indicate that PAHWE’s anti-angiogenic properties might lead to the development of potential drugs for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases such as cancer.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.171-178
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• 1999

The follicular fluid (FF) of ovary contains various biological active products which affected on the growth of follicles and the fertilization of oocyte in physiological reproductive process of mammals. This study was designed to determine the effects of human FF on fertilization of oocyte and embryonal development in vitro culture. The FF was prepared as clear without blood contamination by needle aspiration from mature follicles of human at the time of oocytes retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF). As the medium for culture in vitro of embryonal cells, human tubal fluid (HTF) supplemented with follicular fluids at concentrations of 10%, 40% and pure FF were used. These effects were compared to control group of cultured embryos in HTF supplemented with 0.4% BSA (bovine serum albumin). For IVF, 64 eggs in control group, 67 eggs in 10% FF, 57 eggs in 40% FF and 64 eggs in pure FF were respectively allocated. And the rates of fertilization were almost similar in all groups as resulting 82.81% in control, 85.07% in 10% FF, 87.71% in 40% FF and 81.25% in pure FF. On the examination for embryonal cleavage from fertilized eggs, the rates of developing to 4 cell stage was similar in all groups, as results 98.11% in control, 98.27% in 10% FF and 98% in 40% FF but 78.84% in pure FF. And the rates of developing to 8-16 cell stage were significantly reduced as 44% in 40% FF and 44.23% in pure FF (p<0.05) compare to 71.69% in control media. As likewise, the rates of developing to morular stage were also significantly reduced to 36% (p<0.05) and 21.15% (p<0.01) respectively in 40% FF and pure FF. And the rates to blastocystic stage of embryo was lowest as 7.69% in pure FF (Table 1). The quality of embryonal cells on cleavage to the 8-16 cell stage was poorer, higher concentrations of FF. The rates of grade 1 in pure FF, as 23.07%, was lowest compare to those of other groups, in which the rates of grade 1 in control, 10% FF and 40% FF were 58.49%, 47.36% and 34% respectively. And on the contrary, the rate of grade 4 in pure FF was highest as 23.07%, while those were 5.66% in control, 8.77% in 10% FF and 20% in 40% FF (Table 2). On the viability of embryos, the rate of embryonal cell death was more rise, at the higher concentrations as well as longer exposure in the follicular fluid. At 48 hours after in vitro culture of embryos, the rate of survival embryos in pure FF was markedly lowered as 44.23%, compare to that of control (p<0.05). But there was not significant difference between the rates of survival embryos in each group beside the pure FF, which the rates were 77.35% in control, 70.17% in 10% FF and 60% in 40% FF respectively. And at 72 hours after in vitro culture, the rates of survival embryos were also significantly dropped to 21.15% in pure and 36% in 40% at concentration of FF compare to 62.26% in control (p<0.05, p<0.01). Finally, the rate of embryonal death at 96 hours after in vitro culture was highest as 82.69% in pure FF among all groups which those were 35.84 in control, 56.14% in 10% FF and 64% in 40% FF respectively (Fig. 1, 2, 3). In conclusion, this study suggests that the FF has no effects, in particular, to the in vitro fertilization of oocytes but exerted a bad effect to the cleavage, quality and viability of the embryonal cells during in vitro culture. However, the FF is harmful on embryonal development at conditions in higher concentration and especially on the embryos after $8{\sim}16$ cell stage.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.432-438
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• 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lespedeza caneata extract on the livers of alcohol-administered mice. The study subjects were divided into a control (Con), alcohol administration (AL), alcohol and Lespedeza Caneata extract 200 mg/kg administration (AL-LC 200), and alcohol and Lespedeza caneata extract400 mg/kg administration (AL-LC 400) group. Distilled water was administrated orally to control and alcohol groups for ten days, while Lespedeza caneata extract was administered orally to alcohol and Lespedeza caneata extract groups for ten days. All experimental groups were fasted for twelve hours seven days after the oral administration, after which distilled water was administered orally to Con five times at twelve-hour intervals. At the same time, 50% ethanol (MERCK, USA) at 10 g/kg concentration was administered orally to AL and AL-LC groups five times at 12-hour intervals. The AST, ALT enzyme activation in blood and histology of the liver were then evaluated. AST and ALT in AL-LC groups were lower than in the AL group. Particularly, the AL-LC 200 and AL-LC 400 groups had significantly lower AST activation than the AL group. Histological results showed that most of the subjects in the AL group had necrosis and deformation in their livers, while fat droplets were accumulated in hepatic cells around the central vein. AL-LC 200 group revealed that a portion of the central vein was swollen, liver cells were expanded, and small fat droplets were accumulated. In the AL-CL 400 group, the central vein was normal and small fat droplets were accumulated in some liver cells. However, most of the liver cells appeared normal in the AL-CL 400 group. These results suggest that the extracts of Lespedeza caneata prevented alcohol induced liver damage in mice and have great potential for use as natural health products.