• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.431-436
• /
• 2013

Bone homeostasis is maintained by co-ordination of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts leads to many bone diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis. Taxillus chinensis is a herb that has been widely used to improve bone health. However, the effect and mechanism of Taxillus chinensis extract on osteoclast differentiation and bone resportion has been unknown. Thus, We investigated the effect of Taxillus chinensis on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Also, the action of Taxillus chinensis on mechanisms relating to osteoclast differentiation was studied. In this results, we identified that Taxillus chinensis significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resportion. Moreover, Taxillus chinensis was suppressed the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophage treated RANKL and M-CSF. Taxillus chinensis was down-regulated the mRNA expression of c-Fos, nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)c1, osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The cell adhesion-related molecules such as integrin ${\alpha}v$ and integrin ${\beta}3$, and the filamentous actin (F-actin) rings of mature osteoclasts-related molecules such as dendritic cell-specific transmembrane preotein (DC-STAMP) and cathepsin K are also suppressed. Taken together, these results indicated that Taxillus chinensis will be a good candidate to treat osteoclast-mediated bone diseases.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.82-87
• /
• 2019

Global warming has a significant impact on diverse ecosystems including agroecosystem through; changing of phenology, physiology and distribution. Monitoring of biological responses emanating from global warming is required to understand the challenges of biological diversity conservation posed by climate change. The Korean government selected four butterfly species as indicators of climate change in agroecosystem: Papilio xuthus, Pieris rapae, Colias erate, and Eurema mandarina. The aim of this study was to investigate the different monitoring methods of the butterflies in Korea and suggest a suitable monitoring method to track the population trends of butterflies in the agroecosystem. Butterfly monitoring was conducted in eight sites throughout Korea from April to October, 2018 using three survey methods: point census at rice paddy area, point census at the border between rice paddy and hill and line transect along the rice paddy and hill. Each method took approximately 30 min. to count the butterflies. A total of 4,691 butterflies and 92 species were counted: The most dominant species was Pieris rapae with a total count of 1,205 individuals followed by Polygonia c-aureum, Zizeeria maha, Colias erate, Cupido argiades and Papilio xuthus. Among the three census methods, the total number of species and individuals when using line transect method was statistically higher than in the other methods. However, the numbers of the four butterflies indicators showed no difference throughout three census methods. Based on the number of species and the total individuals butterflies in agroecosystem, we advocate for the application of line transect method as it can find more butterflies in agroecosystem. In addition, we advised for the implementation of education programs on the line transect method in butterfly identification to participants of the national monitoring program.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.325-332
• /
• 2018

The mechanism of the previously reported antidiabetic effect of Basella alba is unknown. This study investigated the role of B. alba aqueous leaf extract in the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats, between 8 and 10 weeks old, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and administered the following treatments: Healthy control (H-c) and Diabetic control (D-c) animals received normal saline 0.5 mL/100 g body weight daily, while Healthy Treatment (H-Ba) and Diabetic Treatment (D-Ba) rats received the plant extract 200 mg/kg body weight daily. All treatments were administered by oral gavage. Diabetes was induced in D-c and D-Ba rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body). The body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were recorded every week for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized and samples collected for further analysis. After the experiment, FBS level was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in rats in the D-Ba group, but increased (p < 0.001) in rats in the D-c group. The absolute (H-c and H-Ba vs D-c, p < 0.05) and relative (D-Ba vs H-c, p < 0.05; D-Ba vs H-Ba, p < 0.005) weights of the pancreases were significantly higher after the experiment. The rats in the D-c group had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (p < 0.001 vs H-c; p < 0.05 vs H-Ba and D-Ba) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (p < 0.0001), but lower levels of interleukin-10 (p < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups. Histopathological examination revealed severe interstitial congestion, reduced islet area (p < 0.0001), and increased islet cell density in the D-c group compared with those in the D-Ba group. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of B. alba stimulates the recovery of beta-islet morphology in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats by modulating the peripheral production of inflammatory cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.523-528
• /
• 1984

The small filefish, Rudarius ercodes, generally spawning from mid May to early October in the natural habitat, was exposed to various photoperiod and temperature regimes. These environmental effects on the gonad activity, regression and recrudescence were experimentally investigated based on the mechanism of reproductive cycle. Spawning season was initiated in the early spring with the gonad activated by long photoperiod(13L) and stimulated by compensatory temperature rising. Even when the gonad activated readily at the above critical daylength (12L to 13L)was kept back at the below if, it went on maturing. At the end of spawning period (mid September), since the shortening of daylength (12L) resulted in the gonad regression regardless of temperature, the short daylength might be related to the termination of spawning in situ. When the regressive gonad at the post spawning period was treated by the above 13L: $20^{\circ}C$ condition, it could recrudesce and bring forth even spawning. From this fact, the feasible control of annual reproductive cycle of small filefish was recognized. But even in the long daylength, the temperature above $28^{\circ}C$ was preventive of gonad maturation.

• Korean Journal Plant Pathology
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.210-216
• /
• 1987

A computer program written to predict blast occurrence based on micro climatic events was developed and tested as an on-site microcomputer in field plots in 1984 and 1985. A microcomputer unit operating on alkaline batteries; continuously monitored air temperature, leaf wetness, and relative humidity; interpreted the microclimate information in relation to rice blast development and displayed daily values (0-8) of blast units of severity (BUS). Cumulative daily BUS values (CBUS) were highly correlated with blast development on the two susceptible cultivars, M-201 and Brazos grown in field plots. When CBUS values were used to predict the logit of disease proportions, the average coefficients of determination $(R^2)$ between these two factors were 71 to $91\%$, depending on cultivar and year. This was a significant improvement when compared to 61 to $79\%$ when days were used as a predictor of logit disease severity. The ability of CBUS to predict logit disease severity was slightly less with Brazos than M-201. This is significant inasmuch as Brazos showed field resistance at mid-sea­son. The results in this study indicate that the model has the potential for future use and that the model could be improved by incorporating other variables associated with host plants and pathogen races in addition to the key environmental variables.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.225-232
• /
• 2019

Thymus vulgaris L. is widely used as an ingredient in cooking and in herbal medicine. However, there is little information about its toxicity. The present study was performed to evaluate the acute and repeated 28-day oral dose toxicity of thyme essential oil in rats. For the acute toxicity test, two groups of three rats were used. The rats received a single dose of essential oil: 300 or 2,000 mg/kg of body weight (bw). The rats were observed individually during the first four hours, and then daily until day 14. For the toxicity test with repeated doses, four groups of 10 rats were used. Doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day were tested for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected and the animals were sacrificed. Histopathological examination showed that in the lungs of rats given the 2,000 mg/kg bw dose, polymorph nuclear infiltrates, hemosiderin macrophages, and interstitial space thickening were present. In the repeated dose study, all rats survived the 28-day treatment period and apparently showed no signs of toxicity. The hematological and biochemical parameters were not altered. The histopathological study of the organs showed severe changes in the lung, with the dose of 500 mg/kg/day; in the other organs, no alterations were observed or the changes were slight. The body weight was only altered in male rats given the 500 mg/kg dose. The relative weight of the organs did not show any significant changes. Our studies revealed that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris has moderate oral toxicity according to the results of the acute test, whereas the results of the 28-day oral toxicity test suggest that the no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) is greater than 250 mg/kg/day.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.81-90
• /
• 2021

PURPOSE: Aging causes a decrease in muscle mass and a change in posture, which reduces motor function and makes it difficult to perform daily activities independently. As these factors are closely related to the deterioration of the quality of life, it is very important to prevent and manage negative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Forest healing is a nature therapy course that maintains and promotes health using various environmental factors in a forest. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the forest healing anti-aging programs on the physical health of the elderly. METHODS: Ten elderly people participated in this study, as part of a forest healing anti-aging program for two days. Functional fitness, muscle strength, gait function, and balance were evaluated before and after the program. RESULTS: The number of arm curls, chair stands, and steps in a 2-min walk significantly increased (p < .05). 8-feet up & go time was significantly decreased (p < .05). Biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, and calf muscle strength were significantly increased (p < .05). Gait velocity and cadence were significantly increased (p < .05). Step length, stride length, step time, swing time, stance time, and cycle time were significantly decreased (p < .05). Reaching distance in the lateral directions was significantly increased (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The forest healing anti-aging program improves the physical health of the elderly.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.160-165
• /
• 2012

Osteoporotic fracture became a serious social problem, which related with mortality and morbidity in old age population. Osteoclast which is responsible for bone resorption is originated from hematopoietic cell line and plays a key role osteoporotic bone loss. Cynanchum wilfordii (Asclepiadaceae) roots have been used in Korean folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and aging progression. Also, recent studies have shown that the extract and fractions of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix have various pharmacological actions including scavenging free radicals, enhancing immunity, reducing high serum cholesterol, and anti-tumor activity. However, the effect of extract of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix in osteoclast differentiation had not been reported. Thus, we evaluated the effect of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Through our study, we found that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix suppressed the activation of p38 pathway and $NF{\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with RANKL. Also, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 and cathepsin K in BMMs treated with RANKL. Particularly, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix inhibited the protein expression of c-fos and NFATc1. Taken together, our results demonstrated that Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis leads to fracture of bone and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.379-384
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein A5 gene promoter region T-1131C polymorphism (APOA5 T-1131C) is known to be associated with elevated plasma TG levels, although little is known of the influence of the interaction between APOA5 T-1131C and lifestyle modification on TG levels. To investigate this matter, we studied APOA5 T-1131C and plasma TG levels of subjects participating in a three-month lifestyle modification program. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A three-month lifestyle modification program was conducted with 297 participants (Age: $57{\pm}8years$) in Izumo City, Japan, from 2001-2007. Changes in energy balance (the difference between energy intake and energy expenditure) and BMI were used to evaluate the participants' responses to the lifestyle modification. RESULTS: Even after adjusting for confounding factors, plasma TG levels were significantly different at baseline among three genotype subgroups: TT, $126{\pm}68mg/dl$; TC, $134{\pm}74mg/dl$; and CC, $172{\pm}101mg/dl$. Lifestyle modification resulted in significant reductions in plasma TG levels in the TT, TC, and CC genotype subgroups: $-21.9{\pm}61.0mg/dl$, $-20.9{\pm}51.0mg/dl$, and $-42.6{\pm}78.5mg/dl$, respectively, with no significant differences between them. In a stepwise regression analysis, age, APOA5 T-1131C, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the 18:1/18:0 ratio showed independent association with plasma TG levels at baseline. In a general linear model analysis, APOA5 T-1131C C-allele carriers showed significantly greater TG reduction with decreased energy balance than wild type carriers after adjustment for age, gender, and baseline plasma TG levels. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic effects of APOA5 T-1131C independently affected plasma TG levels. However, lifestyle modification was effective in significantly reducing plasma TG levels despite the APOA5 T-1131C genotype background.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.28 no.5
• /
• pp.431-439
• /
• 2009

Rice Oryza sativa accelerated cell death and resistance 1 (OsACDR1) encodes a putative Raf-like mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK). We had previously reported upregulation of the OsACDR1 transcript by a range of environmental stimuli involved in eliciting defense-related pathways. Here we apply biochemical, gain and loss-of-function approaches to characterize OsACDR1 function in rice. The OsACDR1 protein showed autophosphorylation and possessed kinase activity. Rice plants overexpressing OsACDR1 exhibited spontaneous hypersensitive response (HR)-like lesions on leaves, upregulation of defense-related marker genes and accumulation of phenolic compounds and secondary metabolites (phytoalexins). These transgenic plants also acquired enhanced resistance to a fungal pathogen (Magnaporthe grisea) and showed inhibition of appressorial penetration on the leaf surface. In contrast, loss-of-function and RNA silenced OsACDR1 rice mutant plants showed downregulation of defense-related marker genes expressions and susceptibility to M. grisea. Furthermore, transient expression of an OsACDR1:GFP fusion protein in rice protoplast and onion epidermal cells revealed its localization to the nucleus. These results indicate that OsACDR1 plays an important role in the positive regulation of disease resistance in rice.