• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.39 no.10
• /
• pp.1439-1445
• /
• 2010

In this study, we investigated the inhibition of phyto-extract mixture (PEM) in several digestive enzymes ($\alpha$-amylase, $\alpha$-glucosidase and lipase) for anti-obesity. The current study also examined the effects of PEM on adiposity and serum lipid levels in obese mice fed with high fat diet. ICR male mice weighing $33{\pm}1.1\;g$ were randomly divided into three groups, one normal diet group (control, ND group) and two high fat diet groups with or without PEM supplement (HFD group and PEM group). The mice were fed the PEM experimental for 6 weeks and then they were sacrificed. The results showed that the final weight, weight gain, food efficiency ratio and body fat were decreased by the addition of PEM compared to those of HFD group. White adipose tissue weights of epididymal, mesenteric and retroperitoneal areas in the PEM group were reduced to 31.2%, 8.8%, and 37.8%, respectively, compared to the HFD group. The levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol in the PEM group were significantly lower than those of HFD group. The body weight gain and food efficiency ratio of PEM group were significantly lower compared with those of HFD group. From the above results, the PEM may be effective material for anti-obesity through reducing serum triglyceride and body fats as well as decreasing body weight.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.109-124
• /
• 2010

Objectives: This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of the InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) extract on $A{\beta}$-induced AD model. Methods: The effects of the InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) extract on neural damages of cultured PC12 cells induced by $A{\beta}$ were investigated. The effects of the InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) extract on neural damages of hippocampal and cortical neurons in the mouse induced by $\beta$-amyloid were investigated. Results: 1. $A{\beta}$ treatment into neuronal cells activated cell death pathway when analyzed by MTT assay and by histological analysis. Then InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) treatment improved cell survival to a similar level as in normal group. 2. $A{\beta}$ treatment increased caspase 3 protein levels but decreased phospho-Erk1/2 in neuronal cells. InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) treatment reversed the production levels of two proteins close to those in normal group. 3. $A{\beta}$ treatment induced the atrophy of neuronal cells in terms of neuronal processes and cell body shrinkage, but InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) greatly improved their morphology. 4. Neuroprotective activity, as observed in InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang)-treated groups, was similarly observed in cells treated with galantamine which was used as a positive control. Moreover, overall recovery pattern by InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) was similar between cultured PC12 cells and in vivo hippocampal and cerebral cortical neurons in the mouse brain. Conclusions: This experiment shows that the InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) may play a protective role in neural tissues damaged by cytotoxic substances. Since neuronal damage seen in degenerative brains such as AD are largely unknown, the current data may provide possible insight into therapeutic strategies for AD treatments. InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) might be effective for the treatment of AD. Investigation into the clinical use of the InSamYangYoung-tang(Renshenyangrongtang) for AD is suggested for future research.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.91-99
• /
• 2016

The global demand for oil and natural gas has increased, and resource development is moving to the deep sea. Floating and flexible offshore structures such as semi-submersible, spar, and FPSO structures have been widely used. The major equipment of floating structures is always exposed to waves, currents, and other marine environmental factors, which cause structural damage. Moreover, flexible risers are susceptible to an exciting force due to the motion of the floating body. The inline and transverse responses from the three-dimensional behavior of a floating structure occur because of various forces. Typical risers are made of steel pipe and applied in the oil and gas development field, but flexible materials such as polyethylene are suitable for OTEC risers. Consequently, the optimal design of a flexible offshore plant requires a dynamic behavior analysis of slender bodies made of the different materials commonly used for offshore flexible risers. In this study, a three-dimensional motion measurement device was used to analyze the displacements of riser models induced by external force factors, and forced oscillation of a riser was linked to forced oscillation under a steady flow and regular wave condition.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.47-59
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study were to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on sensory nerve function in acute hyperglycemia rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250~270 g(8 weeks of age) were used in this study, and the induced hyperglycemia rats were produced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(70 mg/kg body weight). Only animals with blood glucose levels of 300 mg/dl or higher were used in this study. Animal were divided into two groups: the control group and EA group (n=7 in each group). For EA, two stainless-steel needles were inserted into Zusanli (ST36) which is located at the anterior tibial muscle and about 10mm below the knee joint. Pulsed current(2 Hz, 0.3 ms) were applied to the inserted needle for 20 mim. We measured glucose level, weigh, sensory nerve conduction and somatosensory evoked potential(5EP) before and after injecting streptozotocin, 2 weeks, 4 weeks. The change of blood glucose on EA group trended to decrease compared with the control group and there were significant differences(p<0.05). The body weight of the EA group trended to be reduced compared with the control group and there were significant differences(p<0.05). The amplitude of sensory nerve action potential on EA group to increase compared with the control group and there were significant differences(p<0.05). There were no significant differences in SEP. These results suggest that EA has beneficial effect on diabetic neuropathy and this effect may be related in part with prevention of hyperglycemia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.7
• /
• pp.1092-1097
• /
• 2004

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of the crude polysaccharide isolated from fruit body of Pleurotus eryngii on mouse splenocytes, B cells, and macrophages in vitro. The crude polysaccharides directly induced the proliferation of spleen cells in a dose-dependent manner and increased IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis. The crude polysaccharides also increased the proliferation of B cells in a dose-dependent manner. The production of immunoglobulin Gl, G2a and IgG3 in the presence of the crude polysaccharides was increased progressively in the culture supernatant. When the crude polysaccharide were used in macrophage cell line (RA W264.7) stimulation, there were marked induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner and IL-6, TNF- r and GM-CSF synthesis. These results suggest that the crude polysaccharide isolated from fruit body of Pleurotus eryngii seem to act as a potent immunomodulator causing augmentation of immune cell activity, and thus could be used as a biological response modifier having possible therapeutic effects against immunological disorders, without any side effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.799-804
• /
• 2009

Kamikaekyuk-tang(KMKKT), a formula of ten Oriental herbs, was orientally designed to promote vital energy, to remove blood stasis, and to decrease inflammation for treating cancers. KMKKT and its component had potent antiandrogen and androgen receptor activities in prostate cancer and also inhibited angiogenesis induced by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and suppressed the tumor growth in LLC-bearing mice, and liver metastasis of colon 26-L5 cancer cells, suggesting a potent cancer preventive agent. Nevertheless, there is no safety study of KMKKT before clinical trial so far. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the toxicity about ethanol-extracted KMKKT. Male and female Spraque Dawley (SD) rats were given orally by KMKKT at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Mortality, clinical signs and measured change of body weight, food consumption and water consumption were observed. In addition, we performed ophthalmologic, urinary, hematological, blood serum biochemical and histopathological examination. Any general toxicity was not found in KMKKT treated group. Also, there were no significant differences in the parameters such as body weight, food consumption and water consumption, a lot of urine and blood factor levels except WBC, MCHC and Ca level compared with control group. Although WBC and MCHC were elevated in female rats and Ca level was decreased in male rats, these were within normal ranges. Finally, we determined that maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 1000 mg/kg and no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 500 mg/kg. Taken together, these results demonstrated that KMKKT is very safe to SD rats.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.132-137
• /
• 2010

Lead (Pb) is a metal that is generally considered to be toxic to the cardiovascular system. Pb-exposed animals display the evidence of increased oxidative stress and hypertension. The current study was designed to examine whether Korean red ginseng (KRG) has protective effects against Pb-induced hypertension and oxidative stress in Pb-exposed rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to Pb exposure or control groups. KRG was administered in drinking water at a concentration of 100 mg/kg/day; the control group received plain drinking water. Animals in the Pb-exposed groups were provided with drinking water containing 100 ppm Pb acetate for 12 weeks. Blood pressure, plasma glutathione, blood Pb concentration, and hematologic data, such as red blood cell quantity, were determined. Pb poisoning was assessed by measuring the blood Pb concentration. Pb exposure (100 ppm) for 12 weeks resulted in a marked rise in systolic blood pressure and blood Pb concentration, as well as a significant reduction in plasma glutathione levels and red blood cell quantity. Other measurements, such as heart rate, body weight, and white blood cell quantity, were unchanged. Treatment with KRG significantly lowered blood pressure, raised plasma glutathione and increased red blood cell numbers in Pb-exposed animals; it also had no effect on heart rate, body weight, or white blood cell quantity. However, the elevated blood Pb concentration was not reduced by treatment with KRG (100 mg/kg). Taken together, these data indicate that treatment with KRG in Pb-exposed animals can reduce oxidative stress and lower blood pressure, suggesting that KRG might be protective against Pb-exposed hypertension and oxidative stress.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.70 no.4
• /
• pp.479-497
• /
• 2019

In the current code design, the use of a uniform internal pressure coefficient of cooling towers as internal suction cannot reflect the 3D characteristics of flow field inside the tower body with different ventilation rate of shutters. Moreover, extreme weather such as heavy rain also has a direct impact on aerodynamic force on the internal surface and changes the turbulence effect of pulsating wind. In this study, the world's tallest cooling tower under construction, which stands 210m, is taken as the research object. The algorithm for two-way coupling between wind and rain is adopted. Simulation of wind field and raindrops is performed iteratively using continuous phase and discrete phase models, respectively, under the general principles of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Firstly, the rule of influence of 9 combinations of wind speed and rainfall intensity on the volume of wind-driven rain, additional action force of raindrops and equivalent internal pressure coefficient of the tower body is analyzed. The combination of wind velocity and rainfall intensity that is most unfavorable to the cooling tower in terms of distribution of internal pressure coefficient is identified. On this basis, the wind/rain loads, distribution of aerodynamic force and working mechanism of internal pressures of the cooling tower under the most unfavorable working condition are compared between the four ventilation rates of shutters (0%, 15%, 30% and 100%). The results show that the amount of raindrops captured by the internal surface of the tower decreases as the wind velocity increases, and increases along with the rainfall intensity and ventilation rate of the shutters. The maximum value of rain-induced pressure coefficient is 0.013. The research findings lay the basis for determining the precise values of internal surface loads of cooling tower under extreme weather conditions.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.450-461
• /
• 2022

Purpose: DNA damage and repair responses are induced by metabolic diseases and environmental stress. The balance of DNA repair response and the antioxidant system play a role in modulating the entire body's health. This study uses a high-fat and high-calorie (HFC) drink to examine the new roles of a plant-based multivitamin/mineral supplement with phytonutrients (PMP) for regulating the antioxidant system and cellular DNA repair signaling in the body resulting from metabolic stress. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, parallel-arm, and placebo-controlled trial, healthy adults received a capsule containing either a PMP supplement (n = 12) or a placebo control (n = 12) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at 0, 1, and 3 hours after consuming a HFC drink (900 kcal). The blood samples were analyzed for the following oxidative stress makers: areas under the curve reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocytes MDA, urinary MDA, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and the glutathione:oxidized glutathione ratio at the time points. We further examined the related protein levels of DNA repair signaling (pCHK1 (Serine 345), p-P53 (Serine 15), and 𝛄H2AX expression) in the plasma of subjects to evaluate the time-dependent effects of a HFC drink. Results: In a previous study, we showed that PMP supplementation for eight weeks reduces the ROS and endogenous DNA damage in human blood plasma. Results of the current study further show that PMP supplementation is significantly correlated with antioxidant defense. Compared to the placebo samples, the blood plasma obtained after PMP supplementation showed enhanced DNA damage response genes such as pCHK1(Serine 345) (a transducer of DNA response) and 𝛄H2AX (a hallmark of DNA damage) during the 8 weeks trial on metabolic challenges. Conclusion: Our results indicate that PMP supplementation for 8 weeks enhances the antioxidant system against oxidative stress and prevents DNA damage signaling in humans.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.43-50
• /
• 2010

Recently induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are derived from somatic cells by ectopic expression of several transcription factors (reprogramming factors) using technology of somatic cell reprogramming. iPS cells are able to selfrenew and differentiate into all type of cells in the body similarly to embryonic stem cells. Because iPS cells have advantages that can avoid immune rejection after transplantation and ethical issues unlike embryonic stem cells, research on iPS has made significant progress since the first report by Yamanaka in 2006. Nevertheless of many advantages of iPS, safer methods to introduce reprogramming factors into somatic cells must be developed due to safety concerns regarding viral vectors, and safer reprogramming factors to substitute the oncogenes should be evaluated for clinical application of iPS. Here we discuss the recent progress in reprogramming factors in embryonic stem cells, oocytes, and embryos, and discuss further research for finding new, more reliable and safer reprogramming factors.