• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2014

It is true that the proper environmental risk assessments for many GM (Genetically Modified) insects almost have not been executed in Korea. Therefore, we tested the environmental risk assessment about GM silkworms if there is any difference between GM silkworms and non-GM silkworms by the following three measurements. First, we measured their mobility in the breeding environment conditions with food and without food. Secondly, we measured their viability at the artificial extreme environmental conditions (low and high temperature and humidity, absent/present of foods,) after escaping from their breeding environments. Thirdly, we observed the number of laying eggs and their hatchability between GM silkworms and non-GM silkworms with four different pair experiments. The mobility of GM silkworms and non-GM silkworms statistically did not differ, and the egg productivity and hatchability were not also different. The hatchability by couple of GM female silkworms and non-GM male silkworms was lower than by non-GM male and female couple between the GM silkworms and non-GM silkworms, and there was statistically different. Relatively, the viability of GM silkworms was lower than non-GM silkworms. We could not exactly test for viability of silkworms in low temperature conditions because of their hibernating. Although there was any difference in viability and hatchability between GM silkworms and non-GM silkworms, all ability of GM silkworms was lower than non-GM silkworms. Conclusively, the environmental risk of GM silkworm was relatively lower than non-GM silkworm in this study.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.109-115
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• 2016

Silk has had a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric but it is not popular due to the expensive price and poor durability. To develop the silk materials that apply the various industries, the artificially synthesized gene can be introduced into the silkworm and expressed in the silk gland. Transgenic silkworms for the mass production of green fluorescent silks are generated using a fibroin H-chain expression system. For commercial use, safety assessment of the transgenic silkworms is essential. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential acute oral toxicity of EGFP protein expressed in genetically modified (GM) fluorescence silkworm and to obtain the approximative lethal dose in the male and female at 6-weeks ICR mice. EGFP protein was fed at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight in five male or five female mice. Mortalities, clinical findings and body weight changes were monitored for 1, 3, 7, 14 days after dosing. At the end of 14 day observation period, all mice were sacrificed, and the postmortem necropsy were performed. The test group was not observed death case. Also the effect was not admitted by test substance administration in common symptoms, the body weight and postmortem. The results of single-dose oral toxicity test showed that approximative lethal dose of EGFP protein expressed in fluorescence silkworm was considered to exceed the 2,000 mg/kg body weight in both sexes.