• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.570-582
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• 2020

Purpose: Obesity is a risk factor for various adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, and cancer. With an increasing obesity population worldwide, the prevention of obesity with natural components has emerged as an alternative health care strategy. Ramulus mori (Sangzhi, RM) is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine in East Asia. It contains various phytochemicals, including stilbenes and 2-arylbenzofurans. In this study, we compared the anti-obesity effects of RM extracts and its major stilbene components (mulberroside A [MSA] and oxyresveratrol [ORT]) in high fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. Methods: Five week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were grouped into 7 experimental groups: normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD + 1% RM water extracts (MW), HFD + 0.1% MSA, HFD + 1% RM ethanol extracts (ME), HFD + 0.1% ORT, and HFD + 1% Garcinia cambogia extracts (GC) as a positive control. All mice were fed experimental diet for 13 weeks. Results: Compared to the HFD group, total body weight and weekly body weight gain were significantly decreased in the ME, ORT, and GC groups. Glucose tolerance level was significantly decreased in all experimental groups, whereas plasma insulin level was decreased in MSA, ME, ORT and GC groups. Plasma glucose, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased in the MSA, ORT, and GC groups. Hepatic TG accumulation was also significantly decreased in the MSA, ME, ORT, and GC groups. Adipose tissue weight and size of adipocytes were significantly decreased in the MSA, ME and ORT groups, and were comparable to values obtained in the GC group. The levels of adiponectin and SREBP1c mRNA expressions were increased in the ORT and GC groups. Conclusion: These results indicate that ME, ORT and MSA exert significant anti-obesity effect, and have the potential to be developed as a weight control ingredient of functional foods.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.261-271
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• 2017

It has been suggested that ginseng is beneficial for ameliorating the aging males' symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and depression, in elderly men with testosterone deficiency. We thus investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer; Araliaceae) on obesity in a mouse model of testosterone deficiency (castrated C57BL/6J mice). The effects of ginseng extract (GE) and/or testosterone on obesity and adipogenesis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed castrated C57BL/6J mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were examined using in vivo and in vitro approaches. After feeding mice a HFD for 8 weeks, we found that mice also receiving GE and/or testosterone showed decreased body weight, adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with untreated HFD-fed mice. Expression of adipogenic genes ($PPAR{\gamma}$, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, and aP2) was decreased by GE and/or testosterone in adipose tissues. Consistent with the in vivo data, lipid accumulation and the mRNA expression of adipogenesis genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were decreased by GE, ginsenosides, and testosterone. The inhibitory effects of GE (or ginsenosides) were comparable to those of testosterone, and the effects of co-treatment with GE (or ginsenosides) and testosterone were greater than those of testosterone alone in vivo and in vitro. Our results indicate that ginseng may be able to potentiate the inhibitory effects of testosterone on obesity and adipogenesis in HFD-fed castrated mice, providing possible therapeutic implications in men with testosterone deficiency.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Tobacco Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.99-107
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• 1998

Numerous studies have demonstrated a negative association between cigarette smoking and Parkinson's disease. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether chronic exposure of mice to cigarette smoke a(footed the metabolism of 1-methyl-1113,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP) by cytochrome P4SO (P-450) or flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) in the hepatic microsomes of C57BL6/J mice. Adult male C57BL6/J mice were exposed to mainstream smoke generated from 15 cigarettes for 10 min a day and 5 day per week for 6 weeks. MPTP (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered to mice by subcutaneous injection for 6 consecutive days. Microsolnal P-450 content was increased by MPTP, smoke exposure, or both, but NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase activity was rather decreased by the same treatments. The activities of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase were significantly increased by the exposure of cigarette smoke, but were not or little affected by MPTP treatment. Benzphetamine N-demethylase activity was not affected either by MPTP treatment or by cigarette smoke exposure, but it was significantly increased by the combined MPTP treatment with cigarette smoke exposure, showing their synergic effect for the induction of the enzyme activity. Interestingly, in vitro studies of hepatic FMO and P-450 system both O-oxygenation and N-demethylation of MPTP were increased in the smoke-exposed or in the MPTP-treated mice. These results suggest that the enhancement in the N-demethylation as well as O-deethylation of P-450 system and in the N-oxygenation of FMO activity by cigarette smoke exposure in mouse liver may contribute to attenuating the neurotoxic effects of MPTP on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.107-113
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• 2014

The present study was designed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of Coconopsis lanceolata extract in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were divided into four groups: normal diet group (ND), high fat diet group (HFD), positive control group with 0.05% metformin (PC), Coconopsis lanceolata extract group (UCL). After 5 weeks of feeding, average body weight of the UCL group mice was slightly decreased, while that of the HFD group significantly increased) Also, liver and adipose tissue weights in the UCL group significantly increased. The levels of trigliceride (TG) and total in the plasma of UCL-supplemented group were significantly lower than those of high fat diet group. On the other hand, HDL-cholesterol level was increased. Expression level of proteins related with adipogenesis such as SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS in the liver of the UCL group mice was much lower comparing with the HFD group mice. In conclusion, the results showed that the Coconopsis lanceolata extract possesses significant antihyperlipidemic effects in C57BL/6J mice.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.306-311
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• 2005

Semisulospira libertine (SL) has been used as a folk medicine for quenching a thirst, hepatic fever and inflammation in oriental countries. Although SL has been anecdotally ascertained to ameliorate the hepatic diseases, there are no sufficient experimental evidences. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Bitam-S, in which SL is a main component, on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease manifested in C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. At 6 week old, the ob/ob mice were randomly divided into four groups; control and three treatment groups. The control mice was to receive a regular diet, and the treatment groups were fed a regular diet with either 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg of Bitam-S (BS250 and BS500) or 300mg/kg of metformin (MT300) for a 8-week period. Bitam-S exerted beneficial effects on lipid homeostasis in ob/ob mice that are not necessarily due to its ability to decrease food intake but its specific effects on hepatic lipogenesis related genes (SREBP1a, FAS and SCD-1). The combined effects of Bitam-S to reduce body weight and lipogenic gene expressions, and reduce the deposition of triglyceride in the liver are indicative of a marked improvement in obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Taken together, Bitam-S has potential as a treatment agent for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and deserves clinical trial in the near future.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2015

Objective : Cerebral vessels, such as intracerebral perforating arterioles isolated from rat brain, have been widely used as an ex vivo model to study the cerebrovascular function associated with cerebrovascular disorders and the therapeutic effects of various pharmacological agents. These perforating arterioles, however, have demonstrated differences in the vascular architecture and reactivity compared with a larger leptomeningeal artery which has been commonly implicated in cerebrovascular disease. In this study, therefore, we developed the method for studying cerebrovascular function utilizing the olfactory artery isolated from the mouse brain. Methods : The olfactory artery (OA) was isolated from the C57/BL6 wild-type mouse brain. After removing connective tissues, one side of the isolated vessel segment (approximately $-500{\mu}m$ in length) was cannulated and the opposite end of the vessel was completely sealed while being viewed with an inverted microscope. After verifying the absence of pressure leakage, we examined the vascular reactivity to various vasoactive agents under the fixed intravascular pressure (60 mm Hg). Results : We found that the isolated mouse OAs were able to constrict in response to vasoconstrictors, including KCl, phenylephrine, endothelin-1, and prostaglandin $PGH_2$. Moreover, this isolated vessel demonstrated vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner when vasodilatory agents, acetylcholine and bradykinin, were applied. Conclusion : Our findings suggest that the isolated olfactory artery would provide as a useful ex vivo model to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular function underlying cerebrovascular disorders and the direct effects of such disease-modifying pathways on cerebrovascular function utilizing pharmacological agents and genetically modified mouse models.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.498-509
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• 2021

Background: A wide range of environmental factors, such as diseases, nutritional deficiencies, ageing, hormonal imbalances, stress, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, may affect the structure and function of the skin that covers the entire surface of the human body. In this study, we investigated roles of red ginseng oil (RGO) in enhancing skin functions, including hair growth and skin protection, using mouse models. Methods: For hair growth experiment, shaved dorsal skins of C57BL/6 mice were topically applied with vehicle, RGO, RGO's major compounds, or minoxidil for consecutive 21 days and skin tissues were examined the hair growth promoting capacity. For skin protection experiment, SKH-1 hairless mice were topically applied with vehicle or RGO twice a day for three days prior to exposure to UVC radiation at 20 kJ/cm². Skin tissues were collected to evaluate skin protective effects of RGO. Results: Topical application of RGO to C57BL/6 mice effectively promoted hair regeneration by inducing early telogen-to-anagen transition and significantly increasing the density and bulb diameter of hair follicles. Major compounds, including linoleic acids and β-sitosterol, contributed to RGO-promoted hair growth. Treatment with RGO as well as its major components upregulated expression of hair growth-related proteins. Furthermore, in SKH-1 hairless mice, RGO had a protective effect against UVC-induced skin damage by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, as well as inducing cytoprotective systems. Conclusion: These data suggest that RGO may be a potent agent for improving skin health and thereby preventing and/or treating hair loss and protecting skin against UV radiation.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.311-316
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• 2018

Laboratory inbred mice are used widely and commonly in biomedical research, but inbred mice do not have a big enough gene pool for the research. In this study, genetic and morphometric analyses were performed to obtain data on the characteristics of a newly developing inbred strain (KWM/Hym) captured from Chuncheon, Korea. All of five Korean wild male mice have the zinc-finger Y (ZfY) gene. Also, all of 19 Korean wild mice used in this analysis have the AKV-type murine leukemia virus gene, indicating that Korean wild mice might be Mus musculus musculus. To identify the genetic polymorphism in KWM/Hym, SNP analysis was performed. In a comparison with 28 SNP markers, there was a considerable difference between KWM/Hym and several inbred strains. The homogeneity between KWM/Hym and the inbred strains was as follows: C57BL/6J (39.3%), BALB/c AJic (42.9%), and DBA/2J (50%). KWM/Hym is most similar to the PWK/PhJ inbred strain (96.4%) derived from wild mice (Czech Republic). To identify the morphometric characteristics of KWM/Hym, the external morphology was measured. The tail ratio of male and female was $79.60{\pm}3.09$ and $73.55{\pm}6.14%$, respectively. KWM/Hym has short and agouticolored hairs and its belly is white with golden hair. Taking these results together, KWM/Hym, a newly developing inbred mouse originated from wild mouse, might be use as new genetic resources to overcome the limitations of the current laboratory mice.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2017

Objective : Soybeans of Canavalia gladiata(CG) and root of Arctium lappa(AL) have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effect. However, the immunoregulatory mechanisms of its combinational prescription remain a matter of considerable debate. In the current study, we investigated whether CG and AL and its combinational prescription(CG+AL) regulate immune system using chronic immobilization-stress mouse model. Methods : C57BL/6J mice fixed for 2 hours into immobilization tube after CG, AL, CG+AL oral administration after 2 hours daily for 21 days. After every experiment has ended the C57BL/6J mice were sacrificed on 22 days. The production of Serotonin and Cortisol, lgA were observed by ELISA method, The proportion of immune cells such as T/B cell and macrophage, NK cell were measured by FACS. Then, Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression of Inflammatory cytokines(IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-a) and T cell activation cytokines(IL-2, IL-10, IFN-gamma, IL-12p35 / p40). Result : When chronic immobilization-stress mouse model were treated with CG+AL(1:4), the expression of mRNA were significantly decreased at the Inflammatory cytokines(IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-a). While, the levels of mRNA were significantly increased at immune T cell activation cytokines. Additionally, CG+AL(1:4) combinational prescription group enhanced immune cells such as T/B cell and macrophage, NK cell. Furthermore, the Immuno-fluorescence result of brain tissue can confirm that CG+AL(1:4) group significantly increased the BDNF expression. Conclusion : These result suggest that CG+AL(1:4) combinational prescription has Immune System enhancement via stress-mediated immunocyte.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2005

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) highly expressed in many tissues, including hepatocytes and pancreatic beta cells, can bind to apolipoprotein E. To evaluate in vivo roles of LRP5, we generated LRP5-deficient mice. LRP5 genomic DNA was isolated from TT2 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Targeting vector was constructed to disrupt an exon 18 of the mouse LRP5 gene and transfected into ES cells. Three homologous recombinants at LRP5 locus were identified from 178 G418-resistant clones. Chimeric males generated by morula aggregation technique were mated to C57BL/6 female mice. After achieving germ-line transmission, LRP5+/- females were crossed with LRP5+/- males to obtain LRP5-deficient mice. One line of mice lacking LRP5 gene was confirmed by Southern blotting. Such knock-out mice may serve as an effective animal model to study in vivo function of LRP5 gene.