• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.55-65
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• 2010

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive free radical gas and a messenger molecule. NO has many physiological functions, but excessive NO production induces neurotoxicity. Objective: The present study investigated whether the aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow possesses a protective effect on NO-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. Method: For this study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and caspase-3 enzyme assay were performed. Result: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) exposure significantly decreased the viability of cells. The cells treated with SNP exhibited several apoptotic features such as increasing of Bax expression, caspase-3 enzyme activity and inhibiting of Bcl-2 expression. On the other hand, the viability of cells pre-treated with the aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow was increased dose-dependently. The cells pre-treated for 1 h with the aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow followed by treatment with SNP showed a decreased occurrence of apoptotic features like decreasing Bax expressions, caspase-3 enzyme activity and increasing Bcl-2 expressions. The aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow reduced apoptotic cell death in neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC through the inhibition of Bax-dependent caspase-3 activation and the increasing of Bcl-2 expression. Conclusion: Based on the present results, it is possible that Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow has therapeutic value for the treatment of a variety of NO-induced brain diseases.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2002

In order to develop a sustained release formulation of bovine somatotropin (BST), which has been used to increase the body weight of oxen or the milk production of dairy cows, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glyceride)(PLGA) microspheres were made by W/O/W multiple emulsification method and solvent extraction method. Physical properties including particle size, drug entrapment, drug release, protein denaturation, and in vivo body weight increase in rats were characterized. The size of the microspheres was increased as the molecular weight of PLGA increased. When Span 65 and stearic acid during preparation were added, the size was decreased but the amount of surface protein was increased, resulting in a high loading efficiency, with fast release of BST from the microspheres. Aggregation or fragmentation of BST by SDS-PAGE during microsphere preparation and drug release study was not observed. Body weight of Sprague-Dawley's male rats was significantly increased after subcutaneous administrations of BST-loaded PLGA microspheres. There was a good correlation between in vivo weight gain and in vitro release rate of microspheres. PLGA microspheres with a high surface protein ratio could be a good candidate for the sustained delivery of BST.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.501-505
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aging methods (AM) i.e. dry-aging (DA) and wet-aging (WA) on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of proteins in beef short loin. Methods: Short loins (M. longissmus lumborum), were trimmed and boned-out on the fifth day postmortem, from a total of 18 Hanwoo, which were purchased from a commercial slaughterhouse. Short loins were separated randomly grouped into one of the three treatments: control, WA (1℃, 7 days), and DA (1℃, 0.5 m/s, 85% relative humidity [RH], 30 days). Results: Dry-aged beef (DAB) exhibited higher pH, water holding capacity (WHC), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), and digestibility, however lower lightness, redness, and yellowness values, cooking loss, and shear force (SF), than those of wet-aged beef (WAB) (p<0.05). The myosin light chain band intensity of DAB was higher than that of control and WAB in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The in vitro digestibility of aged beef was highly (p<0.001) correlated to physicochemical properties except WHC. The correlation coefficient between AMs and WHC was higher than that between AM and SF (p<0.05) or MFI (p<0.001). A high correlation was observed between SF and MFI (p<0.001). Conclusion: Thus, we believe that DAB is more advantageous than WAB owing to its high digestibility and WHC and low SF.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1796-1805
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to identify heat shock protein70-2 (HSP70-2) and protamine-1 (PRM1) mRNA and protein in Madura bull sperm and demonstrate their relation as bull fertility biomarkers. Methods: The Madura bull fertility rates were grouped based on the percentage of first service conception rate (%FSCR) as high fertility (HF) (79.04%; n = 4), and low fertility (LF) (65.84%; n = 4). mRNA of HSP70-2 and PRM1 with peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) as a housekeeping gene were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure protein abundance. In the post-thawed semen samples, sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and sperm DNA fragmentation index were analyzed. Data analysis was performed on the measured parameters of semen quality, relative mRNA expression, and protein abundance of HSP70-2 and PRM1, among the bulls with various fertility levels (HF and LF) in a one-way analysis of variance analysis. The Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between semen quality, mRNA, proteins, and fertility rate. Results: Relative mRNA expression and protein abundance of HSP70-2 and PRM1 were detected and were found to be highly expressed in bulls with HF (p<0.05) and were associated with several parameters of semen quality. Conclusion: HSP70-2 and PRM1 mRNA and protein molecules have great potential to serve as molecular markers for determining bull fertility.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.138-146
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• 2007

Food irradiation has been steadily increased in many countries concomitantly with increasing international trades. Harmful contaminants naturally occurred from foods which contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids that are easily oxidized can affect the human anti-oxidation system through the generation of free radicals. Moreover, previous studies proved that ${\gamma}$-irradiation may cause production of free radicals in food. We investigated the effect of ${\gamma}$-irradiated soybeans in relation to oxidative stress in mice. Oxidative index of mice was evaluated by TBARS, DNA fragmentation in various organs such as blood lymphocytes, liver and kidney. Forty male ICR mice were equally divided into 4 groups and fed control diet or ${\gamma}$-irradiated diet containing 50% soybeans (5, 10, and 20 kGy, respectively) for 8 weeks. Peroxide values of the irradiated diets were higher than that of the non-irradiated one and increased according to the storage period. There was no significant difference in weight gain as well as in TBARS value in plasma and kidney of all groups. Liver TBARS value of the group fed with irradiated diet at 20 kGy increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). DNA oxidative damage as measured by alkaline comet assay showed that % tail DNA in the blood lymphocytes of 5 kGy and 10 kGy groups increased significantly over the control group (p < 0.05). Also, tail moments of 5 kGy and 10 kGy groups were higher than that of the control group. Ultrastructural examination shows myeline figures and swollen mitochondria in parietal and intestinal epithelial cells of the group fed with irradiated diet. Therefore, considering unsaturated fatty acid content, consumption of soybeans ${\gamma}$-irradiated with over 20 kGy or repeatedly may decrease the body's antioxidant mechanism.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.1101-1119
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, metabolomic, and sensory qualities of Chikso and Hanwoo beef during 28 days of wet aging. Methods: Rump and loins from Hanwoo and Chikso were obtained and wet-aged for 28 days at 4℃. The samples were collected at 7-day interval (n = 3 for each period). Physicochemical qualities including pH, meat color, shear force value, and myofibrillar fragmentation index, metabolomic profiles, and sensory attributes (volatile organic compounds and relative taste intensities) were measured. Results: Chikso showed a significantly higher shear force value than Hanwoo on day 0; however, no differences between breeds were found after day 14, regardless of the cuts. Overall, Chikso had more abundant metabolites than Hanwoo, especially L-carnitine and tyrosine. Among the volatiles, the ketone ratio was higher in the Chikso rump than the Hanwoo rump; however, Chikso had fewer alcohols and aldehydes than Hanwoo. Chikso rump showed higher taste intensities than the Hanwoo rump on day 0, and sourness decreased in Chikso, but increased in the Hanwoo rump on day 14. Wet aging for 14 days intensified the taste of Chikso loin but reduced the umami intensity of Hanwoo loin. Conclusion: Chikso had different metabolomic and sensory characteristics compared to Hanwoo cattle, and 14 days of wet aging could improve its tenderness and flavor traits.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.284-294
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• 2024

Objective: Pork is an important source of animal protein in many countries. Subtle physiochemical changes occur during pork postmortem aging. The changes of apoptosis and autophagy in pork at 6 h to 72 h after slaughter were studied to provide evidence for pork quality. Methods: In this article, morphological changes of postmortem pork was observed through Hematoxylin-eosin staining, apoptotic nuclei were observed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, protein related to apoptosis and autophagy expressions were tested by western blot and LC3 level were expressed according to immunofluorescence assay. Results: In this study, we found the occurrence of apoptosis in postmortem pork, and the process was characterized by nucleus condensation and fragmentation, formation of apoptotic bodies, increase in apoptosis-related Bax/Bcl-2 levels, and activation of caspases. Autophagy reached its peak between 24 and 48 h after slaughter, accompanied by the formation of autophagosomes on the cell membrane and expression of autophagy-related proteins beclin-1, P62, LC3-I, LC3-II, and ATG5. Conclusion: Obvious apoptosis was observed at 12 h and autophagy reached its peak at 48 h. The present work provides the evidence for the occurrence of apoptosis and autophagy during postmortem aging of pork. In conclusion, the apoptosis and autophagy of muscle cells discovered in this study have important implications for pork in the meat industry.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2000

Soeumin Sibjeundaibo-tang (SJDBT) and Soyangin Sibimijihwang-tang (SMJHT) have been used traditionally to improve the systemic blood circulation and biological energy production in the patients with circulatory and neuronal diseases. The object of this study is to determine the protective effects of SJDBT and SMJHT extracts on the spontaneous and glutamate-induced neuronal damages in cultured cells derived from mice cerebral cortex. At 14 days after beginning the cultures, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase released into the culture media was significantly decreased by treatment of cerebroneuronal cells with SJDBT and SMJHT (0.1 mg/ml) for 7 days. By comparison with the normal cells, cerebroneuronal morphology was dramatically changed by treatment of glutamate (1 mM) for 12 hrs, and this was conspicuously recovered by pretreatment of cerebroneural cells with SJDBT and SMJHT (0.1-1.0 mg/ml) for 2 days. Moreover, glutamated-induced DNA fragmentation was also protected by pretreatment of cerebroneuronal cells with those extracts. These results suggest that naturally occurring and glutamate-induced degeneration of cultured cerebrocortical cells may be related, in part, to the process of apoptotic cell death. The pharmacological properties of SJDBT and SMJHT extracts to improve cerebroneuronal degeneration may be considered as one of useful medicines that can prevent cerebrocortical impairments resulted from age-dependent and excitotoxicity-induced neuronal degeneration in human brain.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.518-526
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• 2019

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly expanding new technology involving challenges to occupational health. Here, metal exposure in an AM facility with large-scale metallic component production was investigated during two consecutive years with preventive actions in between. Methods: Gravimetric analyzes measured airborne particle concentrations, and filters were analyzed for metal content. In addition, concentrations of airborne particles <300 nm were investigated. Particles from recycled powder were characterized. Biomonitoring of urine and dermal contamination among AM operators, office personnel, and welders was performed. Results: Total and inhalable dust levels were almost all below occupational exposure limits, but inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that AM operators had a significant increase in cobalt exposure compared with welders. Airborne particle concentrations (<300 nm) showed transient peaks in the AM facility but were lower than those of the welding facility. Particle characterization of recycled powder showed fragmentation and condensates enriched in volatile metals. Biomonitoring showed a nonsignificant increase in the level of metals in urine in AM operators. Dermal cobalt and a trend for increasing urine metals during Workweek Year 1, but not in Year 2, indicated reduced exposure after preventive actions. Conclusion: Gravimetric analyses showed low total and inhalable dust exposure in AM operators. However, transient emission of smaller particles constitutes exposure risks. Preventive actions implemented by the company reduced the workers' metal exposure despite unchanged emissions of particles, indicating a need for careful design and regulation of the AM environments. It also emphasizes the need for relevant exposure markers and biomonitoring of health risks.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.145-150
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• 2009

This study investigated the protective roles and mechanism of magnolol, from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis against potential neurotoxin 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK)-induced neuronal cell death. For the evaluation of protective role of magnolol, we examined cell viability, apoptotic nuclei, change of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase activity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. It was found that 3-HK induces neuronal cell death in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. The reduced cell viability produced characteristic features such as cell shrinkages, plasma membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. The cells treated with 3-HK showed an increase in the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as in caspase activity. In addition, both are involved in the 3-HK-induced apoptosis. Magnolol attenuated the cell viability reduction by 3-HK in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. Optical microscopy showed that magnolol inhibited the cell morphological features in the 3-HK-treated cells. Furthermore, the increase in the ROS concentration and the caspase activities by 3-HK were also attenuated by magnolol. These results showed that magnolol has a protective effect on the 3-HK induced cell death by inhibiting ROS production and caspase activity.