• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.272-280
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• 1996

This study was to evaluate the associations between urinary S-Phenyl-mercapturic acid(S-PMA) as a new indicator of biological monitoring for low level of exposure to benzene and independent variables such as the air concentration of benzene in the breathing zone of workers, the years of work, and smoking. In this study the subjects were the total of 145 drawn from 53 workers who were occupationally exposed to benzene and 92 workers who were not. The results were as follows: 1. In the workplace geometric mean concentration of benzene in the breathing zone of workers was 0.31 ppm(0.02 - 3.26 ppm) for the spraying workers and 0.25 ppm(0.02 - 3.95 ppm) for the printing workers. 2. The geometric mean of uninary S-PMA for non exposed group was $8.9{\mu}g/g$ creatinine($0.6-72.3{\mu}g/g$ creatinine), 80.3% (74 workers) of the total non-exposed workers indicated less than $20{\mu}g/g$ creatinine of uninary S-PMA. The difference of uninary S-PMA by sex, age, smoking was not significant. 3. The geometric mean of urinary S-PMA for workers who were exposed to benzene was $37.2{\mu}g/g$ creatinine, and was four times higher than that of workers who were not exposed. And 79.3% (42 workers) of the total exposed workers indicated more than $20{\mu}g/g$ creatinine of urinary S-PMA. 4. Regarding the level of benzene in the air, urinary S-PMA was the highest level of $147.9{\mu}g/g$ creatinine in the workers who were exposed to air concentration of 0.5 ppm of benzene and was higher as the level in the air was increased. 5. The correlation coefficient between log urinary S-PMA and log benzene concentration in the breathing zone was 0.80, and the following linear equation was found between urinary log S-PMA and log benzene concentration in the breathing zone : log S-PMA(${\mu}g/g$ creatinine) = 0.564 log benzene in air(ppm) + 0.192 (n=53, r=0.80, p=0.000) In conclusion, the concentration of S-PMA in urine proved to be good parameter for biological monitoring benzene exposure at the workplace even at low level of benzene in air.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.124-134
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• 2005

To investigate the exposure effect of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we measured airborne total PAHs as an external dose, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as an internal dose of PAHs exposure, and analyzed the relationship between urinary 1-OHP concentration and PAHs exposure. The study population contained 44 workers in steel-pipe coating and paint manufacture industries. The airborne PAHs was obtained during survey day, and urine were sampled at the end of shift. Personal information on age, body weight, height, eniployment duration, smoking habit, and alcohol consumption was obtained by a structured questionnaire. Airborne PAHs were analyzed by the gas chromatograph with mass selective detector. Urinary 1-OHP levels were analyzed by the high performance liquid chromatograph with ultraviolet wavelength detector. For statistical estimation, t-test, ${\chi}^2$-test, analysis of variance, correlation analysis, arid regression analysis were executed by SPSS/PC (Windows version 10). The mean of environmental total PAHs was $87.8{\pm}7.81{\mu}g/m^3$. The mean concentration ($526.5{\pm}2.85{\mu}g/m^3$) of workers in steel-pipe coating industries using coal tar enamel was the higher than that ($17.5{\pm}3.36{\mu}g/m^3$) of workers in paint manufacture industries using coal tar paint. The mean of urinary 1-OHP concentration ($51.63{\pm}3.144{\mu}\;mol/mol$ creatinine) of workers in steel-pipe coating industries was the higher than that ($2.33{\pm}4.709{\mu}\;mol/mol$ creatinine) of workers in paint manufacture industries. The mean of urinary 1-OHP concentration of smokers was the higher than that of non-smokers. There was significant correlation between the urinary concentration of 1-OHP and the environmental concentration of PAHs (r=O.S48, p<0.001), pyrene(r=0.859, p<0.001), and urinary cotinine (r=0.324, p<0.05). The regression equation between the urinary concentration of 1-OHP in ${\mu}g/g$ creatinine($C_{1-OHP}$) and airborne concentration of PAHs (or pyrene) in ${\mu}g/m^3$ ($C_{PAHs}$ or Cpyrene) is: Log ($C_{1-OHP}$)=-0.650+0.889×Log($C_{PAHs}$), where $R^2=0.694$ and n=38 for p<0.001.Log ($C_{1-OHP}$)=1.087+0.707${\times}$Log(Cpyrene), where $R^2=0.713$ and n=38 for p<0.001. From the results of stepwise multiple regression analysis about 1-OHP, significant independents were total PAHs and urinary cotinine (adjusted $R^2=0.743$, p<0.001). In this study, there were significant correlation between the urinary concentration of 1-OHP and the airborne concentration of PAHs. The urinary 1-OHP was effective index as a biomarker of airborne PAHs in workplace. But it was influenced by non-occupational PAHs source, smoking.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.330-342
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• 2008

A comprehensive quality survey for PCDDs/PCDFs and coplanar PCBs as well as heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in sediments has been investigated in August 2006, Korea. Monitoring was undertaken at five streams representing different surrounding environments throughout Juwang and Gapyeong streams (reference sites), Jungrang stream (dense population site), Ansan stream (mixed small population and industrial site), and Siheung stream (heavy industrial site). The levels of heavy metal in samples were found to be significantly higher in sediment from Siheung stream compared to those of other stream sites. The heavy metal concentrations (dry weight basis) in sediment from Siheung stream were as follows; Cd (3.7 ${\mu}g$/g), Pb (1,295 ${\mu}g$/g), Cu (713.4 ${\mu}g$/g) and Zn (358.1 ${\mu}g$/g). Among 12 coplanar PCBs and 17 PCDDs/PCDFs selected as target compounds in this study, PCB (IUPAC no. 118) and OCDD were the most abundant congeners found in all sediment samples, followed by 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, OCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8HpCDF as well as PCB (IUPAC no. 105). These results were shown to be in the same trend as the sediment samples of other countries. The levels of PCDDs/PCDFs/coplanar PCBs in sediment samples were expressed as concentrations and WHO- TEQ values. The PCDDs/PCDFs/coplanar PCBs concentrations and their WHO-TEQ values in sediment from Siheung stream were remarkably high. The levels detected were 788.16 pg/g and 36.080 pg WHO-TEQ/g dry weight for PCDDs/ PCDFs and 314 pg/g and 0.4189 pg WHO-TEQ/g dry weight for coplanar PCBs, respectively, beyond the safety level of sediment value 20 pg WHO-TEQ/g. Sediment samples of the five streams were also monitored by sensitive biomarkers using insect immune responses: hemocyte-spreading behavior and immune-associated enzyme activities of phospholipase A$_2$ (PLA$_2$) and phenoloxidase. Organic extracts of Siheung and Jungrang sediments significantly interfered with the hemocytespreading behavior, whereas those of Ansan, Gapyeong, and Juwang did not. These organic extracts did not inhibit the PLA$_2$ and phenoloxidase activities. However, phenoloxidase was highly susceptible to exposure to aqueous extracts in all site sediments. In comparison, PLA$_2$ activities of the hemocytes were significantly inhibited only by aqueous extracts of Siheung, Jungrang, and Gapyeong sediments, but not by those of Ansan and Juwang. Despite some disparity between bioand chemical monitoring results, the biomarkers can be recommended as a device warning the contamination of biohazard environmental chemicals because of a fast and inexpensive detection method.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.191-198
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• 2004

Temporal changes of plasma vitellogenin (VTG), alkaline-labile protein phosphorus (ALPP), calcium (Ca), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were examined in the $estradiol-17\beta$ ${E_2}$-administered immature rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with ${E_2}$ (5 ㎎/kg B.W.) in 70% ethanol and then plasma were extracted at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. VTG band was detected at a molecular weight position of about 170 kDa on Day 3 in SDS-PAGE. This band became more distinct at 6 days but its was gradually thinned with time-course, and not detected at 15 days. Plasma ALPP and Ca increased suddenly at 1 day and the highest concentrations were detected at 6 days and then these concentrations decreased gradually with time-course. ALPP and Ca concentrations at 15 days after E2 administration were very similar to that before E2 administration. GPT was increased at 1 day and higher GPT was detected at 3 days. However, GPT was gradually decreased with time-course. GPT and HSI at 15 days after E2 administration were also very similar to that before E2 administration. HSI was also increased at 1 day and the highest value was detected at 3 days and then gradually decreased with time-course. These results suggest that plasma ALPP, Ca, GPT and HSI could be utilized as a biomarker of exogenous E2 exposure in coastal ecosystem, because the changes of ALPP, Ca, GPT and HSI after E2 administration are very similar to that of VTG.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.135-142
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• 2005

Vitellogenins(VTGs) are the precursor of egg-yolk proteins in most oviparous species from invertebrates to vertebrates. In oviparose vertebrates, VTGs are synthesized in the liver and transported through the blood to oocytes. In female fish, concentrations of plasma VTG increase rapidly at onset of vitellogenesis in the normal reproductive cycle. Male fishes also possess the gene for VTG, but plasma concentrations of the protein typically remain small, presumably due to low levels of endogenous estrogens. However, exposure of males to exogenous estrogenic mimics can result elevated. Therefore, the VTG in fish can be used as a useful biomarker for appropriate tools of endocrine disrupting compounds effects. In this studies, we prepared the test methods that can measure the plasma VTG level in the gobies that live in polluted area with mimic estrogen. For the purpose, we purified VTG of floating goby(Chaenogobius annularis) and prepared specific monoclonal and polyclonal antisera to yolk protein, then developed a sandwich competitive ELISA system for measurement of plasma VTG levels. Validation for the ELISA system using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against VTG was tested. The absorbance curve of serial dilutions of serum from vitellogenic female was paralleled to the standard curve of VTG, but normal male was not paralleled. The developed sandwich ELISA system was measured for VTG levels in plasma of common goby(Acanthogobius flaviman) and javeline goby(A. hasta) as well as in plasma of floating goby(C. annularis).

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4086-4092
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• 2013

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are UV-absorbing substances, and diverse marine organisms have the evolved the capacity to diminished the direct and indirect damaging effects of environmental ultraviolet radiation by synthesis and accumulation of MAAs. In this study, we manufactured a radiofrequency (RF) generation device and applied to microalgal culture. $0.35{\pm}0.05$ mHz of RF was supplied to culture vessel for Chlamydomonas sp. and samples were harvested at the designated time intervals (1, 0.5, 1 and 2 hr). MAAs biosynthetic genes, dehydroquinate synthase homolog (DHQS-like) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase homolog (NRPS-like), were cloned from Chlamydomonas sp. and their gene expressions under the RF exposure were analyzed using qRT-PCR. DHQS-like and NRPS-like gene expressions of Chlamydomonas sp. exposed to RF were increased 1.46 and 1.19 fold at 1 hr, respectively. These results means that DHQS-like and NRPS-like genes can be good biomarker candidates for diagnosis of MAAs biosynthesis in the Chlamydomonas sp.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.1188-1197
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• 2019

Exposure to stress can lead to sympathetic hyperactivity, which include a systemic disease with lesions in a broad spectrum of organs and a psychiatric condition. The purpose aimed to evaluate the effect of the korea ginger essential oil on stress hormone and brain tissue response in chronic mild stress-induced rats model of sympathetic hyperactivity. Evaluation method carried out cytotoxicity assessment and component analysis, what observe the effects based on serum biomarker and histopathological analysis of brain tissue. As this time, the korea ginger essential oil was treatment at doses of 100 nl/㎖ for 2 weeks after make a chronic mild stress-induced rats model of sympathetic hyperactivity. As a result, the korea ginger essential oil was not toxic at less than 100 nl/㎖, contents of 6-gingerol was 345 ppm. Compared to the control rats, the korea ginger essential oil treatments significantly reduced the serum concentrations of stress hormone (i.e., ACTH, corticosterone, melatonin). Furthermore, The korea ginger essential oil treatments effectively preserved the TH-immune response was occasionally interrupted in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The results indicate that the korea ginger essential oil improved sympathetic hyperactivity. Thus, the korea ginger may be a novel material of aroma oils for the management of sympathetic hyperactivity.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.6-11
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• 2002

3.3'-Dichlorobenzidine(DCB) has be shown carcinogenic in several animals, and the development of non-invasive biomonitoring method in workers exposed with it is a very important subject. DNA adduct is a good biomarker for biomonitoring about carcinogens exposure, and lymphocytes is a good non-invasive samples. So we studied to analyze metabolites in blood lymphocytes of female Sprague-Dawley rats exposed orally with DCB(20, 30, and 40 mg/kg wt.) for 3 weeks. For analysis of them, we isolated DNA adducts from blood lymphocytes by using the enzymes method in /sup 32/P-postlabeling, and measured them by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring(GC/MS-SIM). 4-aminobiphenyl and phenanthrene-d/sub 10/ were added as internal standard for blank sample. Standard metabolites of DCB were synthesized with using pyridine and acetic acid which were promoter and controller in acetylation of DCB. And they were used for calibration curve. Our results showed two kinds of metabolites in DNA adducts of blood lymphocytes. They were N-acetyl 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine(acDCB) and N,N'-diacetyl 3,3'-dichiorobenzidine(di-acDCB ). They were combined with DNA at the same time as an acetyl of it was removed. So we measured DCB and acDCB for two kinds of metabolites in DNA adducts of blood lymphocytes. Our results showed the levels of DCB were 1.46∼2.26 times more than that of acDCB. And also the levels of metabolites in 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg wt. were gradually increased with going days from 1st to 3rd week. They are 1.66, 1.38 and 0.90 times in total metabolites, 1.76, 1.49 and 1.02 times in DCB, and 1.51, 1.22 and 1.28 times in acDCB. In conclusion, the results of this study showed DCB exposed to rats formed DNA adduct in blood lymphocytes after acetylated to N-acetyl 3.3'-dichloro benzidine(acDCB) and N,N'-diacetyl 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine(di-acDCB), and they could be analyzed by us ing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring(GC/MS-SIM).

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.468-475
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• 2015

Purpose: Genetic polymorphisms in antioxidant defense and detoxification genes may modulate the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Methods: A total of 301 healthy preschool-aged children in the Seoul and Kyung-gi areas were recruited. DNA was extracted from blood for genotyping of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) Val16Ala, glutathione S-transferase (GST) P1 Ile105Val, GSTT1 present/null, and GSTM1 present/null polymorphisms by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism or multiplex PCR analyses. In addition to a questionnaire survey, the levels of urinary 8-hydroxyl-2-deoxiguanosine (8-OHdG) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by ELISA. Results: Significantly higher urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were observed in GSTP1 Ile/Val + Val/Val genotype (p = 0.030), and tended to be higher in Mn-SOD Val/Val genotype (p = 0.065). On the other hand, exposure to environmental tobacco smoking (ETS) and interaction between ETS and gene polymorphisms did not significantly influence either urinary 8-OHdG concentrations or serum MDA. Conclusion: Based on our findings, GSTP1 Ile/Val gene polymorphisms might modulate the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy preschool children.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.61-70
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• 2011

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are present in many consumer products ranging from fabrics to plastics and electronics. Wide use of flame retardants can pose an environmental hazard, which makes it important to determine the mechanism of their toxicity. In the present study, dose-dependent toxicity of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a flame retardant, was examined in male prepubertal rats (postnatal day 18) treated orally with TBBPA at 0, 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg for 30 days. There were no differences in body weight gain between the control and TBBPA-treated groups. However, absolute and relative liver weights were significantly increased in high dose of TBBPA-treated groups. TBBPA treatment led to significant induction of CYP2B1 and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) expression in the liver. In addition, serum thyroxin (T4) concentration was significantly reduced in the TBBPA treated group. These results indicate that repeated exposure to TBBPA induces drug-metabolising enzymes in rats through the CAR signaling pathway. In particular, TBBPA efficiently produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) through CYP2B1 induction in rats. We measured 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of DNA oxidative damage, in the kidney, liver and testes of rats following TBBPA treatment. As expected, TBBPA strongly induced the production of 8-OHdG in the testis and kidney. These observations suggest that TBBPA-induced target organ toxicity may be due to ROS produced by metabolism of TBBPA in Sprague-Dawley rats.