• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.710-716
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Makgeolli (MG) and Makgeolli GiGemi (MGG) on blood flow, serum lipid improvement in vivo, and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro. The activities of serum AST and ALT were increased by ovariectomy. Serum AST levels were decreased to $77.71{\pm}13.97$ and $74.57{\pm}14.90\;unit/ml$ in the OVX-MG50 and OVX-MGG50 groups compared to the OVX-control group ($91.14{\pm}12.02\;unit/ml$). Serum ALT levels were decreased to $34.00{\pm}8.41$ and $30.43{\pm}3.60\;unit/ml$ in OVX-MG50 and OVX-MGG50 groups compared to the OVX-control group ($37.14{\pm}5.40\;unit/ml$). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride contents decreased in the sham group compared with OVX-control group by ovariectomy. Six weeks feeding of MG and MGG resulted in a decrease to $116.14{\pm}36.02$ and $109.14{\pm}11.55\;mg/dl$ compared to the OVX-control group ($120.43{\pm}8.36\;mg/dl$) in serum total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were decreased to $52.43{\pm}12.41$ and $47.29{\pm}12.08\;mg/dl$ in the OVX-MG50 and OVX-MGG50 groups compared to the OVX-control group ($58.57{\pm}5.47\;mg/dl$). The level of HDL-cholesterol in the OVX-control group was significantly reduced to $51.29{\pm}20.49\;mg/dl$ compared to the sham group ($72.29{\pm}10.29\;mg/dl$), but it was increased to $70.71{\pm}19.53$ and $62.00{\pm}20.20\;mg/dl$ with MG and MGG supplementation. Furthermore, the effect of the MG group was higher than the MGG group. Microscopic observation showed that whole blood passed smoothly through the micro channels in the MG and MGG supplemented groups. The platelet aggregation ability of the groups treated with MG and MGG was less than that of the OVX-control group. In vitro assay, the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was significantly inhibited by MG and MGG (82.6% and 68.9% inhibition at 0.4 g/ml). These results suggest that the beneficial effects of MG and MGG may be used to improve on the lipid metabolic syndrome of menopausal women. In addition, MG and MGG might improve blood homeostasis mediated activities via antiplatelets and MG and MGG may be used as antihypertensive functional foods and nutraceuticals.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.150-164
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• 2022

The objective of this study is to analyze the biodiversity changes and characteristics of the benthic macroinvertebrate community in the Nakdong River with eight weirs, which was constructed as one of the Four Major River Restoration Projects from May to October 2020. The study also includes the analysis of changes in the major groups of benthic macroinvertebrates for about ten years, from 2010 to 2020. The surveys collected 97 species of benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 83 genera, 52 families, 18 orders, five classes, three phyla, and 128.1 individuals/m². Chironomidae sp. and Tubificidae spp., which are pollutant indicators, dominated throughout the sections. The community analysis result shows the average dominant index and the diversity index of 0.62±0.20 and 1.87±0.63, respectively, and indicated the most stability of the freshwater ecosystem in the upper stream of the Nakdong River. The survey showed dominance by Chironomidae sp. at the center of the Nakdong River weir and the most unstable community in Chilgok and Gangjeong Goryeong weirs. The results of the community stability analysis showed a high distribution of the characteristic group I with high resilience and resistance and small distribution of characteristic group III with low resistance and resilience, indicating a very unstable condition of communities in the Nakdong River weir section. Predators were relatively abundant among the functional feeding groups (FFGs), whereas shredders, gathering-collectors, and filtering-collectors were relatively lower. Among the habitat orientation groups (HOGs), burrowers and climbers were dominant, indicating a wide distribution of groups in ecosystems with low dissolved oxygen. An endangered species level II of Macromia daimoji was found in Sangju and Nakdan weirs. The analysis results for 10 years from 2010 showed that the number of species and populations increased immediately after the dam construction but plummeted in 2016 and are now stabilizing. Chironomidae spp. has been dominant in all sections over the past 10 years, and they are currently maintained at a rate of about 50%. The EPT groups have decreased significantly since 2011, and the Plecoptera and Trichoptera of the group have not yet been restored. The population of Tubificidae spp. showed an increase after construction was completed in 2012 and drastically increased in 2015 and 2020. The species of Cristaria plicata, designated as endangered species level I, has not been observed since 2011 in Hapcheon Changnyeong weir. Moreover, Macromia daimoji was rarely observed in seven weirs until 2015, and it has been confirmed that the current distribution habitat has decreased rapidly.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.81-91
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate and monitor changes in aquatic ecological communities, particularly benthic macroinvertebrates from the upper reaches to the down reaches of Songchu valley before the project of Songchu valley translocation initiates. We aimed to verify the translocation effects of the valley on the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. A field investigation was conducted over three rounds from November 2012 to August 2013. A total of four sites were selected: one to represent the control site (St. 1), two for the translocation sites (St. 2, 3), and one for the downstream sites (St. 4). Our quantitative sampling revealed that the total number of benthic macroinvertebrates were 3,805, which belong to 62 species, 32 families, 9 orders, 5 classes and 4 phyla. As a result of the community analysis at the control site, dominant index was 0.52(${\pm}0.16$), diversity index was 1.95(${\pm}0.44$), evenness index was 0.81(${\pm}0.04$), and richness index was 2.25(${\pm}0.85$). Thus, the community structure was found to be relatively stable. For the EPT ratio of species and individuals that appeared, the control site showed the highest values at 67.60(${\pm}5.66$)% and 66.30(${\pm}2.06$)% respectively, but its value became lower towards the downstream sites. Upon the statistical analysis of the functional feeding groups, it was found that gathering-collectors and filtering-collectors increased toward the downstream sites while shredders decreased. From the point of habitat-oriented group evaluation, sprawlers decreased and burrows increased toward the downstream sites. According to the analysis using Korea Saprobic Index (KSI), the control site is categorized as grade A with average value at 0.75(${\pm}0.10$). However, the grade gradually falls from A to B toward the lower reaches, as the KSI value increases at the translocation and downstream sites.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.347-364
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• 2006

This study is concerned with assessment of diethylnitrosamine (DEN 0.01 %) induced liver cell carcinogenesis by measurement of changes preceding the development of neoplasms. Therefore, it was undertaken to investigate changes of liver-specific enzyme activities in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by ad libitum feeding of DEN. And also. the changes of hepatic morphology in SD rats were detected by haematoxylineosin stain and immunohistochemistry (PCNA). 5- Fluorouracil (5- FU) is one of the most widely used anticancer agents for digestive cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma, and is known to affect the cell cycle and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. In the present study, SD rats were given drinking water containing 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DEN) for 8 weeks. Minor behavioral change, brittleness of hair and decreased amount of water and diet intake were observed in rats 4 weeks after DEN administration. The body and liver weights were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in rats 11 weeks after DEN administration. The liver weight ratio to body weight was rather stable and not significantly decreased in the all treatment groups. The liver specific enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ${\gamma}$-GTP) were significantly increased in all treatment groups compared to control group (p < 0.05). Variable size of liver tumor and hepatomegaly were observed in rats treated with DEN after 10 weeks. Numerous vacuoles were seen on the midzonal and or peripheral areas of hepatic lobules. The large and polymorphological hepatocytes with eosinophilic cytoplasm or densely basophilic mitotic nucleoli were seen. Several proliferative small round cells were seen on vacuolated and necrotic areas in peripheral hepatic lobules or portal areas. PCNA-positive cells were seen on the vacuolated portal areas and peripheral areas of hepatic lobules in the areas of small round cells. We examined functional and morphological changes of livers by 5 - FU treatments on DEN -treated rat. The DEN -treated rats compared to 5 - FU -treated rats after DEN treatment for 8 weeks. The serum total protein and triglyceride were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, and the liver enzyme activities of AST and ALT were significantly(p < 0.05) increased. After 8 weeks, in the non-5-FU -treated group, the size of liver tumor were varied and hepatomegaly were observed, hepatocellular vacuolization, necrosis and steatosis were observed on the midzonal and peripheral areas of hepatic lobules. The large and polymorphological hepatocytes were seen, the interlobular connective tissues were proliferated. PCNA positive cells were seen in the portal areas and peripheral areas of hepatic lobules in the non-5-FU-treated group. In hepatocytes, condensation of nuclear chromatin and vacuolization were observed, shape of the nuclei were irregular, the degraded nuclei and organelles were observed. The livers of rats in the 5 - FU treatment group were seen grossly brilliant, red-brown color, and the vacuolated and degenerated regions, hyperplastic nodules were not nearly observed. In the electron microscope, the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes contained a large number of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, developed organelles surrounding nuclei. The above findings suggest that 5 - FU will be effective as anti -liver tumor drug.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.400-411
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• 2018

This study was a survey of the Wonju stream in Wonju city from May 2015 to September 2016. A total of three sites were selected from the upstream area Gwanseol-dong to the downstream area Hojeo-myeon. Physicochemical analysis, aquatic insect changes, cluster analysis, functional group analysis, rarefaction curve, and statistical analysis were compared between 2004 and 2016. A total of 19 species (38.78%) in 2004 and 22 species (36.67%) in 2016 were analyzed, with the largest number belonging to ephemeroptera. The individual ratio ranged from 27,759.2 (ind. $m^{-2}$, 84.30%) in 2004 to 4,573.2 (ind. $m^{-2}$, 41.64%) in 2016, with the highest number involving diptera. As a result of the community analysis, significant differences were detected in the indices of dominance, diversity, evenness, and richness in 2004 and 2016 (p<0.05). Burrowers of the habitat orientation groups showed the greatest variation with an average of -68.00% (${\pm}2.15$) and the collector-gatherers of the functional feeding groups showed the highest variation of -40.12% (${\pm}1.77$). The rarefaction curve analysis suggested that the species was the poorest in the midstream regions in 2004 and 2016. Physical factors and water quality showed a significant correlation with diversity index, evenness index, and the number of individuals. MDS analysis of the similarity of upstream and downstream regions was high in 2004, and low in 2016. The differences were attributed to physicochemical changes such as increase in flow velocity due to improvement of small dams and changes in bottom structure.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.508-519
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• 2017

There have been many studies on monitoring of biodiversity changes and preservation of Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve (GFBR) in South Korea in recognition of the rare ecosystem that has been preserved for a long period. However, there are few studies on diversity and community characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates as an indicator of stream health of GFBR. The purpose of this study was to assess the water quality of Bongseonsa Stream that penetrated through Gwangneung Forest and the nearby torrents by analyzing the benthic macroinvertebrates community during April to September 2016. The investigation collected a total of 114 species of benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 56 families, 17 orders, 8 classes, and 5 phyla from the Bongseonsa Stream and Kwangneung Stream. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera were the largest groups in species diversity with 30 species (32.3%) and 16 species (17.2%), respectively, and Tubificidae sp., Baetis fuscatus, Antocha KUa, and Cheumatopsyche brevilineata, which usually habit in contaminated streams, appeared frequently. Among the feeding function groups, the gatherers and hunters appeared relatively frequently, and the shredders and scrapers appeared frequently in the torrents. Among the habitat oriented groups, the clingers and burrower appeared more frequently and represented the microhabitats in the shallow areas. The result of the analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates community showed that the dominant index was $0.48{\pm}0.10$ in average while it was lowest with 0.33 in GS 8 of the Gwangneung Forest torrent and highest in BS 1 of Bongseonsa Stream. The diversity and richness indices were inversely proportional to the dominant index and were 2.53 and 4.22, respectively, in GS 8 where the dominant index was low. The result of the analysis of community stability showed that area I, which had high resistance and restoration, was high in Bongseonsa Stream while the area III, which had low resistance and restoration, was high in Gwangneung Forest, indicating that the water system in Gwangneung Forest had a wider distribution of specifies sensitive to agitation. The biological water quality assessment showed ESB of $50.88{\pm}17.69$, KSI of $1.11{\pm}0.57$, and BMI of $78.55{\pm}11.05$. GS 8 of Gwangneung Forest torrent was judged to be the highest priority protective water area with the best water environment and I class water quality with ESB of 63, KSI of 0.55, and BMI of 89.9. On the contrary, BS 1 of Bongseonsa Stream was judged to be the high priority improvement area that had the lowest water quality rating of III with ESB of 25, KSI of 2.13, and BMI of 62.7. Although the diversity of water beetle was higher in the water system of nearby Bongseonsa Stream than the water system inside the Gwangneung Forest, the annual community structure appeared to have distinct differences.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.381-391
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of artificial disturbances occurring during water conveyance frequency on benthic macro-invertebrate by comparing and analyzing data before and after the construction of Boryeong dam in Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do. We conducted the survey eight times in four points from April 2016 to September 2017. A total of 13,447 individuals from 125 species, 70 families, 19 orders, 7 classes, and 4 phyla were collected. The result of the community analysis showed that the dominant index was 0.55 (${\pm}0.07$) to 0.47 (${\pm}0.08$), diversity index was 2.06 (${\pm}0.26$) to 2.23 (${\pm}0.28$), evenness index was 0.69 (${\pm}0.05$) to 0.70 (${\pm}0.04$), and richness index was 3.43 (${\pm}0.72$) to 4.03 (${\pm}0.91$). After conveyance, the dominance decreased while the diversity, evenness, and richness increased. The result of the functional group analysis showed the portion of scrapers, filtering-collectors increased while that of shredders, gathering-collectors decreased in the functional feeding group and that the proportion of climbers and clingers increased while that of burrowers and sprawlers decreased in the habitat orientation group. The result of analysis of community stability showed that St. 1 and St. 2 decreased resistance and resilience after conveyance and new species appeared in the III characteristics group while St. 3 and St. 4 did not show much difference. The result of multidimensional scaling analysis showed that the variation of similarity was the highest at St. 1 after conveyance, and the variation of similarity at St. 4 was the lowest.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.515-524
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of artificial disturbance by analyzing and comparing the survey data of the Yeongju dam located in Yeongju-si, Gyeongbuk before and after impoundment. We surveyed four sites between the downstream of sediment control to the downstream of Yeongju Dam four times between April and October 2018. The macroinvertebrate data before the survey were gathered from the literature. The total number of benthic macroinvertebrates we observed was $35,037ind./m^2$, including 77 species, 48 families, 14 orders, 7 classes, and 3 phyla. The result of the community analysis showed that the dominant index increased from 0.44(${\pm}0.11$) before impoundment to 0.62(${\pm}0.16$) after impoundment. The diversity index increased from 2.26(${\pm}0.30$) to 1.75(${\pm}0.45$), the evenness index from 0.75(${\pm}0.10$) to 0.66(${\pm}0.14$), and the richness index from 3.11(${\pm}0.98$) to 2.25(${\pm}0.81$). The most dominant species changed from Hydropsychidae spp. to Chironomidae sp. The result of the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) based on Axis 1 showed that the sites of 2014 and Hydropsychidae spp. had a negative value, while the sites of 2018 and Chironomidae sp. had a positive value. In all study sites, the dominance increased while the diversity decreased. The community change was the largest in St. 2. The results of the functional group analysis showed that the scrapers increased while gathering-collectors increased among the functional feeding group and that the clingers decreased while borrows increased among the habitat oriented group. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Streambed Index (BMSI) decreased from an average of 57.1(${\pm}8.0$, C class) to an average of 30.0(${\pm}12.1$, C class). St. 3 and St. 4, in particular, showed a high reduction rate.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.1347-1352
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• 2009

The effects of methanol extract of barely (Hordeum vulgare) on alcohol-induced damages of liver were investigated in male ICR mice. Mice were divided into three groups, control, ethanol, and ethanol plus 0.15% of barley extract. After four weeks of ethanol feeding, ethanol group significantly increased the P450 content, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 enzyme activities, whereas ethanol plus barely group markedly decreased to levels similar to control group. Catalase activity in ethanol group was significantly lower than that in control group; however, ethanol plus barely group stimulated catalase activity as well as SOD activity significantly. These results indicated that barely extract modulated P450 enzymes for ethanol-induced liver damage and might be useful in developing functional food for alcoholic liver damage.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.697-707
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of extracts from silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) that was fermented with Bacillus subtilis KACC 91157 at the levels of 1%(v/w), 2.5%(v/w), and 5%(v/w) in alcohol-fed rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: normal group (N), alcohol treated group (C), silymarin treated group (PC, positive control), 5% silkworm powder treated group (SP5), 1% Bacillus subtilis-fermented silkworm powder treated group (BSP1), 2.5% BSP treated group (BSP2.5), and 5% BSP treated group (BSP5). The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH in the serum and the triglyceride concentrations in the liver and serum were increased by alcohol feeding but were reduced in the BSP5 group. In addition, the contents of total lipids, free fatty acids, and total cholesterol were increased in the alcohol-fed group but were reduced in the BSP5 group. The activities of ADH, ALDH and ADH, ALDH protein levels in the liver were increased in the BSP5 group. The TBARS contents in the liver, serum, liver mitochondria, and liver microsomes were slightly decreased in the BSP5 group compared to the C group. The hepatocytes in alcohol-fed rats contained numerous large droplets; however, BSP5 treatment prevented alcohol-induced lipid droplet accumulation in the hepatocytes. Based on these results, extracts from Bacillus subtilis-fermented silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) have significant potential for development into a functional health food that can improve alcoholic fatty liver conditions.