• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.389-398
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• 2013

Platycodin D is a major constituent of triterpene saponins, which is found in the root of Platycodon grandiflorum, Platycodi Radix, which is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Several pharmacological effects of this compound have been reported recently, such as anti-inflammation, immunogenicity, anti-adipogenesis, lowered cholesterol, and anti-cancer activity. However, the mechanism by which this action occurs is poorly understood. In this study, we found that platycodin D greatly increased the potential of the anti-proliferative effect in various cancer cell lines. Our data revealed that platycodin D treatment resulted in a time- and concentration-response growth inhibition of U937 cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, chromatin condensation, and the accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase. Apoptosis induction of U937 cells by platycodin D correlated with an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caused the down-regulation of IAP family members. In addition, platycodin D treatment resulted in proteolytic activation of caspase-3, the concomitant degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases, and the collapse of the mitochondria membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}_m$). However, the cytotoxic effects induced by platycodin D treatment were significantly inhibited by z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, which demonstrated the important role that caspase-3 played in the observed cytotoxic effect. These findings suggest that platycodin D may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use in the control of human leukemia U937 cells. These findings also provided important new insights into possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of platycodin D.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.234-240
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• 2012

This study was conducted to examine the effects of low molecular weight gelatin hydrolysates (GH, less than 3kDa), extracted from pig skin collagen on the bone metabolism of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The rats in the experimental groups were randomly segregated into six different treatment groups such as 1) NC, the normal rat fed AIN 93 diet (basal diet) only; 2) OC, the OVX rat fed the basal diet only; 3) GH 0.1, the OVX rat fed the basal diet with 0.1% GH; 4) GH 0.8, the OVX rat fed the basal diet with 0.8% GH; 5) G 0.1, the OVX rat fed the basal diet with 0.1% gelatin; 6) G 0.8, the OVX rat fed the basal diet with 0.8% gelatin. Body weight gain in the GH 0.1, GH 0.8, and G 0.8 was significantly higher than those in the NC and OC. Feed intake of the GH 0.1 and GH 0.8 was higher than that of the NC and OC, while no significant difference was found in feed efficiency ratio (FER). BMD of the GH 0.8 was higher than that of the OC. However, gelatin hydrolysates and gelatin resulted in higher BMC level compare to the OC. Serum HDL-cholesterol of rat fed GH and gelatin was higher than that of OC (p<0.05). LDL-C of the GH 0.1 and the GH 0.8 tended to be less than that of OC. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the GH 0.1 was lower than that of the OC. The serum of GH 0.8 showed lower osteocalcin value than the OC (p<0.05). In addition, GOT and GPT levels significantly decreased in all treatment groups. These results indicated that gelatin hydrolysates from pig skin gelatin hydrolysates enhanced BMD and serum biochemical parameters related to bone metabolism. Therefore, the gelatin hydrolysates could be used as a beneficial material to improve bone health.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.228-233
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• 2012

This study was conducted to determine the effects of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana bertoni) and charcoal supplementation on growth performance, immune response and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 420 pigs (LYD) were randomly allocated into 7 treatments with 3 replications. Dietary treatments were 1) T1 (basal diet), 2) T2 (basal diet+0.3% stevia), 3) T3 (basal diet+0.6% stevia), 4) T4 (basal diet+0.3% charcoal), 5) T5 (basal diet+0.6% charcoal), 6) T6 (basal diet+0.3% stevia+0.3% charcoal) and 7) T7 (basal diet+0.6% stevia+0.6% charcoal). During the experimental period, average daily gain (ADG) was higher in T2 and T6 groups than the other treatments (p<0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher in T6 group compared to the others (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol level and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity of blood among treatments. In glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity, T3, T5, T6 and T7 groups showed lower values (p<0.05) compared to T1. Insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration was higher in T2 and T6 groups than the others (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in immunoglobulin G, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil and atypical lymph levels among treatments. In neutrophil, T6 showed higher level compared to the others (p<0.05). In the carcass characteristics, T6 showed higher level of a carcass grade compared to the other treatments. However, carcass length did not show any significant difference among treatments. As a result, dietary supplementation of 0.3% stevia and 0.3% charcoal showed higher ADG, higher FCR and better immune response resulting in better growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.849-858
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• 2007

This study was intended to collect the baseline information on health status, nutrient intakes and dietary self-efficacy according to the obesity levels of male workers. Nutrient intakes of 224 male workers were assessed by 24 hr recall method; also, dietary attitude and dietary self-efficacy were investigated by self-administerd questionnaires. Biochemical characteristics such as blood pressure (SBP, DBP), total cholesterol(TC), hemoglobin (Hb), blood glucose (BG), SGOT, SGPT and ${\gamma}-GTP$ were assessed. Subjects were divided into normal, overweight and obese groups by body mass index (BMI). The health status was analyzed as normal group, health concerned group and disease suspected group. Weight, percent ideal body weight (PIBW), BMI and body circumference (waist, hip) and waist-hip ratio were high in the order of obese group, overweight group and normal group. Body fat mass was high also in the order of obese, overweight and normal group. Blood pressure (SBP, DBP) was the highest in obese group. SGOT, SGPT, ${\gamma}-GTP$ were higher in the obese group than normal and overweight groups. It was Proven that the percentage of those evaluated as low nutrient intakes were 71% for Ca, 50.9% for Zn, 70.5% for vitamin B2, 56.3% for vitamin C and 81.3% for folic acid. The dietary attitude scores were high according to the dietary self-efficacy. The age was positively correlated with dietary attitude, and the dietary attitude was positively correlated with dietary self-efficacy and total energy intakes. Dietary attitude showed the greatest total causal effect in relation to dietary self-efficacy. The results of this study showed some health problems and nutritional problems, indicating the need for nutritional management for male workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.510-518
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• 2012

This study examined the biological activity and synergistic effects of an extract of Wa-song ($Orostachys$ $japonicus$, OE), a medicinal plant mixture (MPE) and a combination of both at different ratios (1:1, OMPE-1 and 3:1, OMPE-3). Extracts of the medicinal plants mixture were comprised of Baekbokyung, Changchul and Sa-in at the same ratio. The antioxidant activity of the extracts and their complex were tested $in$ $vitro$. The $in$ $vivo$ antioxidant activity was also analyzed by examining the lipid composition in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rats. The nitric oxide radical scavenging activity was more than 50% in OMPE-3 at a 1,000 ${\mu}g$/mL concentration. Regarding metal ions, such as $Fe^{2+}$ and $Cu^{2+}$, the antioxidant activity of OMPE-1 and OMPE-3 was higher than that of OE and MPE. OMPE-1 and 3 had higher activity on $Cu^{2+}$ ions than $Fe^{2+}$ ions. The ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition activity of the OE extract was higher than that of MPE and OMPE-1 but the relative activity of OMPE-3 was significantly higher than the others. Freeze-dried MPE, OMPE-1 and OMPE-3 were added to the diet at a level of 1% given to STZ induced diabetes rats for 4 weeks. The OMPE-1 and OMPE-3 administered groups showed significant decreases in the total lipid, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver and kidney. In these groups, the glycogen accumulation level of the liver was increased significantly. The content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver and kidney was decreased but the DPPH radical scavenging activity was increased. These results suggest that Wa-song extract exhibits antioxidant and antidiabetic activity, which are enhanced by a complex with a medical plants extract.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.81-87
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• 2009

Purpose : We sought to evaluate enhancement of plaque with gadolinium-based contrast agent by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison with histopathology, namely lipid-rich and macrophage-rich components that were two representative characteristics of plaque vulnerability using atherosclerotic rabbit aorta in order to determine which histopathologic component is relevant to the enhancement. Materials and Methods : New Zealand white rabbit (n=4, weight 3.0 to 3.5 kg, all male) was used for animal model of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic aortic lesions were induced by high-cholesterol diet and double balloon injury. T1-weight axial images were acquired before and after gadolinium-based contrast agent using a 3-T MRI. MR images and the matched histopathological sections (n=35) were divided into 4 quadrants or 3 (n=130). Enhancement ratio (ER, ER=SIpost/SIpre) on MRI was calculated for each quadrant and compared with histopathology in regard to lipid-rich and macrophage-rich areas. Results : Lipid-rich quadrants were 72 and fibrous quadrants were 58. The number of quadrants which had macrophage-rich areas was 105 and that of quadrants which did not have macrophage-rich areas was 25. ER was significantly higher in lipid-rich quadrants than in fibrous quadrants (mean ER 2.25c$\pm$0.41 vs. 2.72$\pm$0.65, p=0.013). ER poorly correlated with macrophage-rich areas when lipid-component was controlled (correlation coefficient -0.203, p=0.236). Conclusion : Lipid-rich plaques showed stronger enhancement than fibrous plaques using a standard gadolinium-based extracellular contrast agent. Macrophage infiltration did not correlate with degree of enhancement. Further study is warranted that account for optimal time of imaging after contrast injection using various plaque models from early to advanced stages and all possible parameters associated with contrast enhancement.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2017

Purpose: Obesogenic environments in children, in particular excessive intake of sodium, generate hypertension, which is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Methods: In all, 725 children, 379 boys and 373 girls, aged 8~9 years were recruited from seven elementary schools in Kuro-ku, Seoul. To evaluate whether or not obesity risk was modulated by salt-sensitive genes, Solute Carrier Familiy 12 member 3 (SLC12A3) was used as the target. After children were assigned into obese (BMI > 85 percentile) or non-obese groups, anthropometry, blood biochemistry, and dietary intakes were measured according to the genotypes GG (wild) or GA+AA (hetero+mutant). Results: Without gender differences, high TG and low HDLc were detected in the obese group compared to the non-obese group. Regardless of obesity, weight gain and blood pressure (BP) increased in the SLC12A3 GA+AA genotype rather than in the GG type. HDLc was associated with obesity risk without genotype difference. Odd ratios for risk of obesity were 15.57 (95% CI 2.192~110.654), 22.84 (95% CI 1.565~333.469), and 9.32 (95%CI 1.262~68.817) in boys and girls with GA+AA genotypes as sodium intake increased above 4,000 mg/day. Dietary calcium, sodium, folate, and vit C were associated with obesity risk according to gender or genotype differences. Since high folate intake reduced obesity risk in only boys with GG type. Risk for overweight and obesity increased in boys with GA+AA genotypes and dietary habits with high sodium and cholesterol and low folate. Conclusion: The A allele of SLC12A3 rs11643718 was sensitive to development of obesity in children as sodium intake increased.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.197-204
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• 2015

This study was performed to examine the effects of dietary Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) on growth performance, immune organ weights, blood biochemical parameters and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in broiler chicks. A total of 120 4-day-old birds were given a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% (AS1) or 1.0% (AS2) AS powder until the birds were 35 days of age. There was no difference in body weight, total gain, feed intake or immune organ weights among the treatment groups. However, the feed conversion ratio in the AS2 group was lower (p<0.05) than that in the CON group. Serum biochemical components, including AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), albumin and total protein, were not affected by the dietary treatments, whereas glucose and triglyceride levels increased (p<0.05) in the AS2 group compared with the CON group. The AS1 group exhibited decreased mRNA expression (p<0.05) of IFN-${\gamma}$ in white blood cells and iNOS in the liver compared with the CON group. The other pro-inflammatory cytokines were unaffected by dietary AS supplementation, although there was a trend towards decreased expression of these genes, including those encoding Il-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.5% AS decreased the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines without affecting growth performance, suggesting that this supplement might be applicable as an immunoregulatory feed additive in broiler chicks.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.419-426
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different castration ages on meat quality and sensory properties of Korean native black goats over 410 days. For the experiment, 32 heads of goat (eight heads/4 treatment) were subjected to either a control (5 month non-castration), T1 (7 month castration), T2 (5 month castration) or T3 (3 month castration). The total weight gain for Korean native black goats was highest in the T2 group after feeding for 410 days and the weight gain/day tended to be similar to the total weight gain. The total feeding amounts were lowest (410.82 kg) in T3; however, the feed intake ratio was 16.39 in T2, indicating that it had the best feed efficiency among groups. The cooking loss and drip loss of the Korean native black goats was highest in the control, being 35.53% and 2.08%, respectively (p<0.05), while the total cholesterol of the treatments was higher than that of the control (p<0.05). Moreover, the overall sensory evaluation of the treatment groups was low, indicating that there was more meat flavor when compared to the controls in terms of juiciness, tenderness, flavor, texture, black goat off-flavor and overall evaluation (p<0.05). T2 was found to have the best meat flavor upon sensory evaluation. Additionally, the meat color of the control showed the highest $L^*$ value and Hue value, while T3 showed the highest $a^*$ value (3.61) and T2 showed the highest $b^*$ value and Chroma. The composition of fatty acids was 53.76% oleic acid in T2, while the amounts of Mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were highest in T1 and T2 (p<0.05). As a result, the MUFA/SFA ratios of T1 and T2 were higher than those of the control (p<0.05). In conclusion, it is most advantageous to castrate Korean native black goats at the age of 5 months for the best performance and meat quality.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.449-457
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• 2010

This study investigated the effects of three kinds of water extract mixtures each with different ratios of A. capillaris, C. sinensis, S. chinensis, and V. coloratum on laying performance, egg quality, blood characteristics, and egg storage stability in laying hens. One hundred and sixty 35-wk-old laying hens (Hy-line brown) were divided into four groups of 10 birds each replicated times four. The treatments involved a basal diet (C, control) or diets containing three kinds of water extract mixtures at 200 ppm (T1, water extract mixture A; T2, water extract mixture B; T3, water extract mixture C). The egg production rate, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in all treatments compared to those of control (p<0.05). Haugh unit and egg yolk color in all treated groups were significantly improved in comparison with control (p<0.05), but no significant differences were observed for egg shell quality. The content of total cholesterol in blood serum was significantly decreased in all treatments compared to that of control (p<0.05). The blood biochemical parameters of liver and kidney damage were significantly decreased in all treatments compared to those of control (p<0.05). Total antioxidant activity in the blood serum of all treated groups was increased as well. The Haugh unit and malondialdehyde content in the egg yolk during storage were significantly decreased in all treated groups compared to control (p<0.05). Consequently, the dietary supplementation of water extract mixtures of A. capillaris, C. sinensis, S. chinensis, and V. coloratum improved laying performance and egg quality but decreased egg quality deterioration with increased storage. These results suggest that medicinal plant extracts could be used as a feed additive in feed for laying hens.