• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.819-824
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• 2003

Effects of feeding browses on growth and meat quality of Korean native goats were investigated. Twenty eight heads of male goats were divided into four treatment groups fed diets containing oak browse, pine browse, fermented pine browse, and rice straw. Growth rate, feed intake, carcass and meat quality and blood and serum criteria were investigated. The highest average daily gain of goats was 45.3g from oak browse, and goats on pine browse gained similar to those on fermented pine browse. Daily forage intake was 197g DM for oak browse and 74g DM for fermented pine browse. Feed efficiency(g feed/g gain) of oak browse was 11.0g and that of pine browse was 15.1g. From the results of serological inspection, metabolism in body was normal with all the browses tested. Dressing percentage was 45.1~46.2% and meat percentage was 55.2~55.9% without significant differences between diets. Fat percentage of goat carcasses fed rice straw was higher than those fed pine browse or fermented pine browse which was, however, not significantly different from those on oak browse. Shear force and coking loss of goat meat on pine browse or fermented pine browse was less than those on rice straw(p〈0.05) without significant differences between other browses. Juiciness, tenderness, and flavor of the goat meat were the better(p<0.05) from the pine browse diet than from rice straw.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 1999

In order to identify the morphological changes of tissues in mouse after irradiation. We have observed the redistribution of LDH isozymes and the morphological changes of skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, liver and testis in mouse according to variation amount with the time after the 1 Gray and 3 Gray irradiation each. As a result of H-E (hematoxylin-eosin) stain, the apoptotic bodies were more easily observed in the liver than the other tissues and the quantity of the apoptotic bodies was proportionated to radiation amount. The number of apoptotic bodies was shown the highest at 1 day in most tissues and at 7 day in testis after irradiation. TUNEL (terminal deoxyribonucleodtidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling) staining was shown the same results as H-E staining. After the irradiation, the protein content was reduced in tissues except kidney. And protein content was reduced in all tissues at the initial period of 2 hours after 3 Gy irradiation. But it increased at 7 days after irradiation. LDH (EC 1.1.1.27, lactate dehydrogenase) activity was increased mostly in tissues at the early stage after 1 Gy irradiation. The maximum activity was detected earlier stage after 1 Gy irradiation than 3 Gy irradiation. The activity of LDH $A_4$ isozyme was decreased in the skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, and testis. The activity of $B_4$ and $A_2$$B_2$ sozyme was increased in the skeletal muscle and heart, and the activity of heterotetramer isozyme was increased in kidney The activity of $A_4$ isozyme in liver was detected high level and the activity of isozyme including subunit C elevated in testis. Therefore, LDH isozyme seems to play a role of lactate oxidase in most tissues except liver after irradiation. These data support that LDH isozyme is predomintly involved in the aerobic metabolism.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.121-126
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• 2003

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M. cv. ‘Momotarou’) and hot pepper seedlings (Capsicum annuum L. cv. 'Nockkwang')were grown under the 24h photopeliod (12 hrs light period: 12 hrs dark period) and 6 h photoperiod (3 hrs light period: 3hrs dark period). As a result of this experiment, the following details were observed. Plant height, leaf area, total dry weight, and leaf chlorophyll content decreased in case of tomato seedlings when they were given 6 h photoperiod. But the same effect was not observed in case of hot pepper seedlings. The photoperiod, however, did not produce any significant effect on the uptake of N, P, K, Mg and Ca ions in their nutrient solutions with the exception of their Fe. On thc 10th day of treatment, leaf chlorosis started to become visible in tomato seedlings and at the same time the uptake of Fe went down when the 6h photoperiod was applied to both tomato and hot pepper scedlings. In addition to this phenomenon, the sucrose content in leaf increased in case of tomato plants which were treated with 6 h photoperiod; on the other hand, their glucose content was observed to have decreased.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.932-938
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• 2011

Ginsenoside Rg1 is a pharmacologically active component isolated from ginseng. The goal of this study was to clarify the beneficial effects of Rg1 on glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic animals (db/db mice). To accomplish this, ten week old db/db mice were administered 10 mg/kg of Rg1 for 15 days. Rg1 did not influence the weight of db/db mice when compared with vehicle-treated db/db mice. The administration of Rg1 lowered fasting plasma glucose, and improved glucose tolerance. Importantly, Rg1 markedly reduced both plasma triglyceride and free fatty acids, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in db/db mice. Rg1 activated promoter activity of chimeric GAL4-PPAR${\alpha}$ reporter and increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR${\alpha}$) target genes such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), which are involved in fatty acid oxidation. These findings indicated that improvement of lipid profiles by Rg1 may be associated with increased fatty acid oxidation via PPAR${\alpha}$ activation. Taken together, these results suggest that Rg1 could have beneficial effects for controlling hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.379-385
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• 2003

Effects of molokhia (Corchorus olitorius) and its mucilage on in vitro bile acid adsorption capacity and lipid composition using cholesterol-fed SD rats were investigated. Mucilage showed stronger affinity toward bile acid than hot water extract of molokhia powder. As the extracting temperature increased from 50 to $80^{\circ}C$, bile acid binding capacity of mucilage also increased from 41 to 83%. When molokhia powder or its mucilage added into cholesterol diet at 5 or 10% levels (as fiber source) was compared with cellulose-added group, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels of plasma showed no significant differences, whereas, HDL-cholesterol level of cellulose group significantly increased. Accumulation of cholesterol and triglyceride in liver were significantly inhibited in molokhia and mucilage groups. Molokhia and mucilage lowered the liver weights significantly. As the concentration of molokhia or mucilage increased, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver was lowered. Cholesterol and triglyceride excreted through feces were significant increased in molokhia- or mucilage-fed group, with excretion of cholesterol by molokhia-fed group being mere distinct.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.29-42
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• 1998

$Mg^{2+}$ is one of the most abundant divalent cations in mammalian body(0.2~1.0mM) and the important physiological roles are : first, the cofactor of many enzyme activities, second, the regulator of glycolysis and DNA synthesis, third, the important role of bioenergetics by regulating of phosphorylation, fourth, the influence of cardiac metabolism and function. In this work we have investigated the regulation of the $Mg^{2+}$ induced by ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation in perfused guinea pig hearts and isolated myocytes. The $Mg^{2+}$ content of the perfusate or the supernatant was measured by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry. The elimination of $Mg^{2+}$ in the medium increased the force of contraction of right ventricular papillary muscles, and the left ventricular pressure. Phenylephrine also enhanced the force of contraction in the presence of $Mg^{2+}-free$ medium. ${\alpha}_1-Agonists$ such as phenylephrine and methoxamine were found to induce $Mg^{2+}$ efflux in both perfused hearts and myocytes. These effects were blocked by prazosin, an ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ antagonist. The $Mg^{2+}$ influx could also be induced by phenylephrine and R59022, a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor. In the presence of protein kinase C(PKC) inhibitors, phenylephrine produced an increase in $Mg^{2+}$ efflux from perfused hearts. Furthermore, $Mg^{2+}$ efflux by phenylephrine was amplified by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA). This enhancement of $Mg^{2+}$ efflux by PMA was blocked by prazosin in perfused hearts. By contrast, the $Mg^{2+}$ influx could be induced by verapamil, nifedipine, ryanodine in perfused hearts, but not in myocytes. $W^7$, a $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin antagonist, completely blocked the phenylephrine-induced $Mg^{2+}$ efflux in perfused hearts. In conclusion, $Mg^{2+}$ is responsible for the cardiac activity associated with ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation. The mobilization of $Mg^{2+}$ is decreased or increased by ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation in guinea pig hearts. These responses may be related specifically to the respective pathways of signal transduction. A decrease in $Mg^{2+}$ efflux by ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation in hearts can be through PKC dependent and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.451-460
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• 2015

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a mammalian $NAD^+$-dependent protein deacetylase that regulates cellular metabolism and inflammatory response. The organ-specific deletion of SIRT1 induces local inflammation and insulin resistance in dietary and genetic obesity. Macrophage-mediated inflammation contributes to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, however, the macrophage-specific SIRT1 function in the context of obesity is largely unknown. C57/BL6 wild type (WT) or myeloid-specific SIRT1 knockout (KO) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or normal diet (ND) for 12 weeks. Metabolic parameters and markers of hepatic steatosis and inflammation in liver were compared in WT and KO mice. SIRT1 deletion enhanced HFD-induced changes on body and liver weight gain, and increased glucose and insulin resistance. In liver, SIRT1 deletion increased the acetylation, and enhanced HFD-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$), hepatic inflammation and macrophage infiltration. HFD-fed KO mice showed severe hepatic steatosis by activating lipogenic pathway through sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), and hepatic fibrogenesis, as indicated by induction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), alpha-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA), and collagen secretion. Myeloid-specific deletion of SIRT1 stimulates obesity-induced inflammation and increases the risk of hepatic fibrosis. Targeted induction of macrophage SIRT1 may be a good therapy for alleviating inflammation-associated metabolic syndrome.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.323-328
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• 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinccontaining collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5'-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-22
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effects of Wolbigachul-tang1(WBCEx1) on obesity using high fat diet-induced male mice and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods : 8-week old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups; lean control, obese control, WBCEx1, 2, 3. After mice were treated with WBCEx1(water extract), 2(30% ethanol extract), 3(water extract; Ephedra sinica Stapf., Gypsum fibrosum) for 12 weeks, body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism, the messenger RNA(mRNA) expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)$\alpha$ target genes were measured. In addition, $PPAR{\alpha}$ target gene expression was examined in liver, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Results : 1. WBCEx1-treated mice had significantly lower body weight gain and feeding efficiency ratio. 2. Consistent with the effects on body weight gain, WBCEx1 decreased the weights of epididymal and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue, inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and brown adipose tissue. 3. WBCEx1 significantly decreased plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. 4. The size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by WBCEx1, whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was increased. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by WBCEx1. 5. WBCEx1 did not affect the mRNA expression of $PPAR{\alpha}$ target genes in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. 6. Plasma asparate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatine concentrations were in the physiological range. Liver and kidney weights were significantly lower following WBCEx treatment compared with obese controls, indicating that WBCEx does not show any toxic effects on liver and kidney. Conclusions : These results suggest that WBCEx1-induced body weight reduction is associated with appetite control and mediated by a mechanism other than the activation of $PPAR{\alpha}$.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.155-168
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• 2004

Objective: Melatonin, which is secreted by pineal gland play an important role in the regulation of ovarian function via seasonal rhythm and sleep in most mammals. It also has a role in the protection of cells by removing toxic oxygen free radicals brought about by metabolism. In the present study, effects of melatonin on the mouse oocyte maturation were examined using two different culture conditions provided with 5% or 21% oxygen concentration. Material and Method: Immature mouse oocytes were obtained from the ovarian follicles of $3{\sim}4$ weeks old ICR strain mice intraperitoneally injected with 5 I.U. PMSG 44 hour before. Under stereomicroscope, morphologically healthy oocytes with distinct germinal vesicle (GV) were liberated from the graafian follicles and collected using mouth-controlled micropipette. They were then cultured for 17 hour at $37^{circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ and 21% $O_2$ (95% air) or 5% $CO_2$, 5% $O_2$ and 90% $N_2$. New modified Hank's balanced salt solution (New MHBS) was used as a culture medium throughout the experiments. Effects of melatonin were examined at a concentration of $0.0001{\mu}M$, $0.01{\mu}M$ or $1.0{\mu}M$. For the prevention of spontaneous maturation of immature oocytes during culture, dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) and/or hypoxanthine were included in the medium. Results: Under 21% oxygen condition, oocytes cultured in the presence of $0.01{\mu}M$ melatonin showed a significantly higher maturation rates, in terms of germinal vesicle breakdown (95.0% vs 89.0%) and polar body formation (88.1% vs 75.4%), compared to those cultured with $0.0001{\mu}M$ or $1.0{\mu}M$ melatonin. However, no difference was observed in oocytes cultured under 5% oxygen whether they were treated with melatonin or not. In the presence of $0.01{\mu}M$ melatonin, oocytes either cultured under 21% or 5% oxygen exhibited no difference in the polar body formation (85.6% vs 86.7%). However, in the absence of melatonin, oocytes cultured under 21% oxygen exhibited lower polar body formation (74.7%). When oocytes were cultured in the presence of dbcAMP alone or with varying concentrations of melatonin, those treated with both compounds always showed better maturation, i.e., germinal vesicle breakdown and polar body formation, compared to those cultured with dbcAMP alone. At the same concentration of melatonin, however, oocytes exposed to 21% oxygen showed poor maturation than those to 5% oxygen. Similar results were obtained from the experiments using hypoxanthine instead of dbcAMP. Conclusion: Based upon these results, it is suggested that melatonin could enhance the meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes under 21% oxygen concentration, and release oocytes from the meiotic arrest by dbcAMP or hypoxanthine regardless of the concentration of oxygen, probably via the removal of oxygen free radicals.