• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Seaweeds have been reported to have various health beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of four types of domestic brown seaweeds in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6N mice were fed low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD containing Undaria Pinnatifida, HFD containing Laminaria Japonica (LJ), HFD containing Sargassum Fulvellum, or HFD containing Hizikia Fusiforme (HF) for 16 weeks. RESULTS: Brown seaweed supplementation did not affect long-term HFD-associated changes in body weight or adiposity, although mice fed HFD + LJ or HFD + HF gained slightly less body weight compared with those fed HFD at the beginning of feeding. Despite being obese, mice fed HFD + LJ appeared to show improved insulin sensitivity compared to mice fed HFD. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations in mice fed HFD + LJ compared with those of mice fed HFD. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size were detected among the HFD-fed groups, consumption of seaweeds decreased formation of HFD-induced crown-like structures in gonadal adipose tissue as well as plasma inflammatory cytokines. BMDM from mice fed HFDs with seaweeds showed differential regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 compared with BMDM from mice fed HFD by LPS stimulation. CONCLUSION: Although seaweed consumption did not prevent long-term HFD-induced obesity in C57BL/6N mice, it reduced insulin resistance (IR) and circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, seaweeds may ameliorate systemic inflammation and IR in obesity partially due to inhibition of inflammatory signaling in adipose tissue cells as well as bone marrow-derived immune cells.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.689-695
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of concentrated growth factors (CGFs) on human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. Blood was collected from three male volunteers (average age 27 years). CGFs were prepared using standard protocols. The CGF exudates were collected at the following culture time points: 1, 7, 14, and 21 days. The levels of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$) in CGFs were quantified. The CGF exudates were then used to culture human gingival fibroblasts. The biologic characteristics of these fibroblasts were analyzed in vitro for 21 days. Platelet-rich plasma released the highest amounts of TGF-${\beta}1$ and PDGF-BB on the first day. The level of TGF-${\beta}1$ had decreased slightly by day 7, although the difference compared to levels at day 1 was not statistically significant. However, by days 14 and 21, levels of TGF-${\beta}1$ had dropped significantly compared to day 1 levels. The levels of PDGF-BB at days 7, 14, and 21 did not differ significantly from that measured on day 1. CGFs maintained the release of autologous growth factors for a reasonable period of time (7 days for TGF-${\beta}1$ and 21 days for PDGF-BB). Gingival fibroblasts treated with CGF exudates collected at day 14 reached peak viability and synthesized type I collagen. Furthermore, the CGF exudates exerted positive effects on the proliferation and differentiation of these cells at days 1, 7, 14, and 21. The findings of this study suggest that treatment with CGFs represents a promising method of enhancing mucosal healing following surgical procedures.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.369-374
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• 2021

Brown blotch disease of oyster mushrooms is caused by tolaasin and its analog peptide toxins which are produced by Pseudomonas tolaasii. Tolaasin peptides form pores in the plasma membrane and destroy the fruiting body structure of mushroom. Lysis of red blood cells, hemolysis, can be occurred by cytotoxic activity of tolaasin. The hemolytic activity of tolaasin is inhibited by metal ions, such as Zn²⁺ and Ni²⁺. When Gadolinium ion was added, a biphasic effect was observed on tolaasin-induced hemolysis, an increase in hemolysis at submillimolar concentrations and an inhibition at millimolar concentrations. The mechanism of gadolinium ion-induced inhibition of tolaasin activity may not be similar to those of the inhibitions by other metal ions. Since gadolinium ion has been reported to change a lateral pressure of lipid membrane by binding to the negative charges of membrane lipids, it may not directly work on the tolaasin channel gating, but rather decrease the stability of tolaasin channel by increasing firmness of membrane.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.401-411
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• 2021

Diet is important for muscle health and offers a protective effects against the loss of skeletal muscle mass and physical functions with advancing age. We analyzed the relationship between diet, metabolic disease risk, and sarcopenia in Korean female adults using the 2009-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 2038 adult women aged 50-64 years were classified into four groups based on the diagnosis of menopause and sarcopenia. The groups were the non-menopause and non-sarcopenia group (NMNS, n=249), the non-menopause and sarcopenia group (NMS, n=14), the menopause and non-sarcopenia group (MNS, n=1,653), and the menopause and sarcopenia group (MS, n=122). The socio-demographics, anthropometrics, blood profile, and dietary data of the subjects were collected. Those who were in both the sarcopenia groups were more obese (p<0.001), had greater waist circumferences (p<0.001), higher body mass index (p<0.001), and higher obesity rates (p<0.001) after adjustment for covariants. Both the sarcopenia groups also had higher plasma levels of total cholesterol (p<0.001), HbA1c (p=0.001), and vitamin D (p=0.020) than both the non-sarcopenia groups. Both the sarcopenia groups demonstrated a decreased intake of calcium (p=0.05), potassium (p=0.008), and niacin (p=0.008) than both the non-sarcopenia ones. Among the four groups, the NMS group showed the highest levels of total cholesterol, obesity, and lowest intake of micronutrients such as calcium, niacin, and potassium. Thus, muscle mass maintenance through weight control and adequate nutrient intake appears to demonstrate a potential association with preventing sarcopenia in Korean middle-aged women.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.221-228
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice. Methods: Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20-25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments. Results: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01). Conclusion: MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

• Nano
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.1850131.1-1850131.19
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• 2018

In this paper, an electrochemical sensor for epinephrine (EP), a neurotransmitter was developed by anchoring molecularly imprinted polymeric matrix (MIP) on the surface of gold-coated quartz crystal electrode of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) using starch nanoparticles (Starch NP) - reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite as polymeric format for the first time. Use of EP in therapeutic treatment requires proper dose and route of administration. Proper follow-up of neurological disorders and timely diagnosis of them has been found to depend on EP level. The MIP sensor was developed by electrodeposition of starch NP-RGO composite on EQCM electrode in presence of template EP. As the imprinted sites are located on the surface, high specific surface area enables good accessibility and high binding affinity to template molecule. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and piezoelectrogravimmetry were used for monitoring binding/release, rebinding of template to imprinted cavities. MIP-coated EQCM electrode were characterized by contact angle measurements, AFM images, piezoelectric responses including viscoelasticity of imprinted films, and other voltammetric measurements including direct (DPV) and indirect (using a redox probe) measurements. Selectivity was assessed by imprinting factor (IF) as high as 3.26 (DPV) and 3.88 (EQCM). Sensor was rigorously checked for selectivity in presence of other structurally close analogues, real matrix (blood plasma), reproducibility, repeatability, etc. Under optimized conditions, the EQCM-MIP sensor showed linear dynamic ranges ($1-10{\mu}M$). The limit of detection 40 ppb (DPV) and 290 ppb (EQCM) was achieved without any cross reactivity and matrix effect indicating high sensitivity and selectivity for EP. Hence, an eco-friendly MIP-sensor with high sensitivity and good selectivity was fabricated which could be applied in "real" matrices in a facile manner.

• Korean Journal of Transplantation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.84-91
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• 2018

Background: This study examined the outcomes of ABO incompatible living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The changes in the immunologic factors that might help predict the long term outcomes were also studied. Methods: Twenty-three patients, who underwent ABO incompatible LDLT from 2010 to 2015, were reviewed retrospectively. The protocol was the same as for ABO compatible LDLT except for the administration of rituximab and plasma exchange. The clinical outcomes and immunologic factors, such as isoagglutinin titer and cluster of differentiation 20+ (CD20+) lymphocyte levels were reviewed. Results: The center showed a 3-year survival of 64% with no case of antibody-mediated rejection. When transplantation-unrelated mortalities (for example, traffic accidents and myocardial infarction) were removed from statistical analysis, the 3-year survival was 77.8%. Although isoagglutinin titers continued to remain at low levels, the CD20+ lymphocyte levels recovered to the pre-Rituximab levels at postoperative one year. Conclusions: As donor shortages continue, ABO incompatible liver transplantation is a feasible method to expand the donor pool. On the other hand, caution is still needed until more long-term outcomes are reported. Because CD20+ lymphocytes are recovered with time, more immunologic studies will be needed in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.83-104
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• 2019

Elevated high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and metabolic syndrome are considered important predictors of cardiovascular mortality. This study examined the influence of the alcohol consumption level on the hs-CRP level and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in South Koreans. The study subjects were 3,884 participants (${\geq}19$ years) from the KNHANES in 2015. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their alcohol consumption; None (none-alcohol consumption), Low (less than 15 g/day), Medium (15~29.9 g/day), and High (over than 30 g/day). The odds ratio for high-risk hs-CRP of men was significantly lower in the Low or Medium groups compared to the None group. In women, the odds ratio for high-risk hs-CRP was not decreased in the Low or Medium groups but was significantly higher in the High group than in the None group. Compared to nondrinkers, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was lower in the Low group and Medium group in both men and women, whereas it was significantly higher in the High group in men only. In particular, the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was lower in all drinking groups. When the confounding factors were adjusted, the odds ratio for low HDL-cholesterol appeared to decline in the Low groups in both men and women. On the other hand, in the Medium group, women showed an elevated odds ratios of high blood pressure (HBP) and high fasting plasma glucose but men showed an elevated odds ratios of HBP and high triglyceride levels. The overall results suggest that low alcohol consumption is more appropriate than medium alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, more study will be needed to evaluate the appropriate alcohol consumption level.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.599-606
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• 2018

Purpose: Various plants, herbal medicines, and marine foodstuffs have been used in kimchi preparation to improve its overall quality. Teff, which is rich in minerals and starches, facilitates stable blood glucose levels and is well-suited for use in gluten-free products; hence, it can be used to reinforce the mineral composition of kimchi. In this study, we probed the antioxidant activities of hydrolysates prepared by treatment of brown teff with three proteases under different conditions. Methods: The mineral composition of brown teff was determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometry-mass spectrometry, and we established optimal hydrolysis conditions by determining the total phenol and flavonoid contents of teff hydrolysates obtained using three different proteases (protamax, flavourzyme, and alcalase), two different protease concentrations (1 and 3 wt%), and three different incubation times (1, 2, and 4 h). The antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates was further investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Brown teff was rich in I, K, Mg, and Ca, and the highest total phenol content ($24.16{\mu}g/mL$), total flavonoid content ($69.08{\mu}g/mL$), and TAC were obtained for 1 wt% protamax treatment. However, the highest DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP values were observed for hydrolysates produced by alcalase and flavourzyme treatments, respectively. Conclusion: Treatment of brown teff with proteases affords hydrolysates with significantly increased antioxidant activities and high total phenol and flavonoid contents, and these antioxidant activities of teff hydrolysates have the potential to enhance the quality and functionality of kimchi in future applications.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.159-165
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• 2019

Pimobendan is an inodilator used to treat canine heart failure, and pentoxifylline is reported to be beneficial for microcirculation and heart disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of a novel pimobendan-pentoxifylline liquid mixture after oral administration to dogs. Eight healthy Beagle dogs were included in the study. The dogs were divided into the control group (orally administered water; n = 4) and experimental group (orally administered pimobendan-pentoxifylline liquid mixture [pimobendan 0.25 mg/kg, pentoxifylline 15 mg/kg]; n = 4). Plasma samples were obtained and echocardiographic indices were measured for 24 hours after administration. The concentrations of pimobendan and pentoxifylline were quantified by using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS). The elimination half-life ($T_{1/2}$) was $32.96{\pm}9.80mins$ for pimobendan and $29.49{\pm}6.67mins$ for pentoxifylline. The time to reach maximum concentration ($T_{max}$) were $52.50{\pm}31.22mins$ for pimobendan and $41.25{\pm}18.87mins$ for pentoxifylline. The maximum blood concentration ($C_{max}$) was $96.92{\pm}75.64ng/mL$ for pimobendan and $7074.07{\pm}3261.1ng/mL$ for pentoxifylline. Of the echocardiographic indices, fractional shortening (FS) and left ventricular internal diameter at end systole (LVIDs) were significantly altered at 1-3 hours after the administration of pimobendan-pentoxifylline liquid mixture. The pimobendan-pentoxifylline liquid mixture was well tolerated by the dogs, with no adverse effects observed during the study.