• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.998-1003
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• 2016

Although exogenous protease enzymes have been used in poultry diets quite extensively, this has not been the case for pig diets. In general, due to their better gut fermentative capacity and longer transit time, pigs have greater capacity to digest dietary proteins than poultry. However, in early-weaned piglets, the stress brought about by weaning adversely affects the digestion of dietary proteins. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the effects of a commercial protease enzyme in weanling pigs. Indices of growth, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microflora, fecal gas emission and fecal scores were measured during the study. A total of 50 weanling pigs ($6.42{\pm}0.12kg$) at 28 d of age were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 dietary treatments: i) control diet (corn-soy based) with no supplemental protease (CON), and ii) control diet+200 g/ton protease (PROT) for 42 d. A completely randomized design consisting of 2 treatments, 5 replicates, and 5 pigs in each replicate was used. Growth performance in terms of body weight ($27.04{\pm}0.38kg$ vs $25.75{\pm}0.39kg$; p<0.05) and average daily gain ($491{\pm}7.40g$ vs $460{\pm}7.46g$; p<0.05) in PROT fed pigs were increased significantly, but gain per feed ($0.700{\pm}0.01$ vs $0.678{\pm}0.01$; p>0.05) was similar between treatments at d 42. Relative to CON pigs, PROT fed pigs had increased (p<0.05) apparent total tract digestibility ($84.66%{\pm}0.65%$ vs $81.21%{\pm}1.13%$ dry matter and $84.02%{\pm}0.52%$ vs $80.47%{\pm}1.22%$ nitrogen) and decreased (p<0.05) $NH_3$ emission ($2.0{\pm}0.16ppm$ vs $1.2{\pm}0.12ppm$) in the feces at d 42. Except for a decreased (p<0.05) in blood creatinine level, no differences were observed in red blood cell, white blood cell, lymphocyte, urea nitrogen, and IgG concentrations between treatments. Fecal score and fecal microflora (Lactobacillus and E. coli) were also similar between CON and PROT groups. Overall, the supplementation of protease enzyme in weanling pigs resulted in improved growth rate and nutrient digestibility. Exogenous protease enzyme reduced fecal $NH_3$ emission, thus, potentially serving as a tool in lowering noxious gas contribution of livestock production in the environment.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.1128-1135
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary green tea extract (GTE) on the performance, carcass and gastrointestinal tract (gut) traits, caecal coliform bacteria count, and pH and color (CIE $L^*$, $a^*$, and $b^*$) values of the breast muscle in broilers. A total number of 600 day-old broilers (Ross 308) was allocated to three treatments with four replicates containing 50 (25 males and 25 females) birds. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as the control (0GTE) and diets with GTE at 0.1 (0.1GTE) or 0.2 (0.2GTE) g/kg. Body weights and the feed intake of broilers were measured at 1, 21 and 42 days, the feed intake was measured for different periods and the feed conversion ratio was calculated accordingly. At 42 day four birds per replicate were slaughtered for the determination of carcass and organ weights, caecal coliform bacteria count, and also quality of the breast muscle. The dietary GTE increased the body weight, feed efficiency, carcass weight and dressing percentage and decreased caecal coliform bacteria count of broilers (p<0.05). The 0GTE broilers consumed (p<0.01) less feed than the 0.1GTE birds in the entire experimental period. The relative abdominal fat weight and gut length of broilers in the 0.2GTE were tended to be lower (p<0.07) than those in the 0GTE group. The breast meat from 0.1GTE birds had a lower pH value when compared to that from 0GTE birds. The 0.1GTE broilers had lighter breast meat than 0GTE and 0.2GTE birds. The dietary GTE increased $a^*$ and $b^*$ values of the breast meat. Thus this product appeared to have a measurable impact on CIE color values of the breast meat in broilers. The results of the present study may indicate that the improved production results in the group with added GTE are directly connected with physiological mechanisms such as the regulation of the caecal micro-flora.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.215-222
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• 2020

Metformin is a recommended first-line therapy drug for type 2 diabetes patients. However, compared to other oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD), metformin has a large unit dosage, with bioavailability of 40-60%. This limiting bioavailability is because metformin is absorbed only in the upper gastrointestinal tract as a BCS class 3 drug. Hence, we propose that applying the Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System (GRDDS) and extending drug release time in the stomach will result in improved bioavailability. We selected the swelling type delivery system, as it is considered the most stable gastroretention technology compared to other GRDDSs. We modified the swelling excipient by using a natural swelling excipient to form a swelling tablet made of carrageenan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Our results indicate that the swelling complex tablet made of carrageenan and HPMC has a good swelling ability and shows required sustained release in a dissolution pattern. In addition, the carrageenan complex has a better swelling ability than the marketed metformin tablet, as determined by the ratio, (swelling ability)/(excipient weight). Taken together, our results indicate that the carrageenan complex can be developed as a good swelling excipient. Further optimizations are required for the commercialization of the carrageenan complex.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.661-667
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• 2010

Astragali Radix (AR) has been used in traditional medicinal herb, which is known to tonify the qi and blood. It has been asserted to be a tonic that can improve the function of the lungs, adrenal glands and the gastrointestinal tract, increase metabolism, promote healing and reduce fatigue. Also, Plantago asiatica (PA) has the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic effects, though it is considered to be less powerful than the seed. Recent research is showing that it is promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes. Obesity is characterized at the cellular level by an increase in the number and size of adipocytes differentiated from fibroblastic preadipocytes in adipose tissue. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 3 to 7 extracts of mixed medicinal herbs (water and ethanol extract of Astragali Radix; ARW and ARE, water and ethanol extract of Plantago asitica; PAW and PAE, and those mixed extracts; ARW+PAE, ARW+PAW and ARE+PAE) on adipogenesis and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by MTT assay, Oil-Red-O staining and TUNEL assay. And then, we determined total contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoid compounds in mixed herbal extracts. These result showed that herbal extracts (ARW, PAE and ARW+PAE) affected on adipogenesis and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes among 3 to 7 extracts tested. Especially herbal mixed extracts (ARW+PAE) had the highest inhibition on differentiation of preadipocytes and lipoid accumulation of maturing adipocytes. And it did not affect cell viability of mature adipocytes, but herbal mixed extracts (ARW+PAE) increased apoptosis in mature adipocytes, as proved by highest concentration $200\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ using TUNEL assay. In addition, contents of total phenoilc compounds and flavonoids showed the highest level in ARE+PAE and PAE than ARW. These results suggest that this main target for adipocyte functions could be effective in improving the metabolic syndrome including obesity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.373-381
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• 1990

Endocrine cells in the cardiac and fundic regions of the Korean hedgehog were studied ultrastructurally. Five types of endocrine cells classified as EC, ECL, $D_1$. G and A-like cells were identified in these regions. EC cells contained pleomorphic granules, 170~500nm in diameter, with high electron density and highly dense bodies in a dense matrix. ECL cells were characterized by the presence of round or oval granules, 220~450nm in diameter, with high electron density. Some granules of ECL cells showed a small amounts of contents or empty. $D_1$ cells contained round and relatively small granules, 140~400nm in diameter, with low to moderate electron density. G cells were characterized by the presence of round or oval granules, 200~400nm in diameter, with moderate electron density. Some granules of these cells showed a narrow halo between the limiting membrane and the granular matrix. A-like cells contained round granules, 170~260nm in diameter, With high electron density. The granules of these cells showed homogeneous matrix surrounded by the tight membrane.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.220-225
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• 2004

We undertook this study to investigate the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on colonic transit time in old age constipation persons. Twenty three volunteers were old age constipation persons(mean age 69.72±2.43 years, mean defecation rate 1.83±0.41/week). Before acupuncture was only to check the radio-opaque markers transit time all the way through gastrointestinal tract. Simple acupuncture was to apply acupuncture therapy for three days. The fourth acupoints(both ST.25, TE.6) were selected and the needle was kept for 15 minutes. Electroacupuncture was same as the simple acupuncture except for applying 2Hz electrical stimulation. After Then we compare with three method Each transit time in the whole colon, right colon, left colon and rectosigmoid colon were checked in the order of before acupuncture, simple acupuncture, and electroacupuncture stimulation. In the before acupuncture stimulation, the transit time in each part of colon was as follows 19.48±1.76 32.74±2.69 25.61±2.13 76.62±7.95 hours. Simple acupuncture stimulation, the transit time was 17.47±1.10 33.10±1.87 24.12±1.65 74.87±3.91 hours. Compared with before acupuncture stimulation, the transit time was significantly shortened(P<0.05), especially in right colon transit time of simple acupuncture stimulation was significantly shortened(P<0.05). Electroacupuncture stimulation, was 16.32±1.97 32.91±2.48 21.53±1.94 71.59±2.82. Compared with the previous two trial, transit time in right colon and rectosigmoid colon were significantly shortened(P<0.05). Acupuncture and electroacupuncture stimulation change on the right colonic transit time in old age constipation persons and rectosigmoid colonic transit time was changed as electroacupuncture stimulation. In other words, old age constipation persons who suffer chronic constipation, acupuncture and electroacupuncture stimulation reduces the total colonic transit time.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.387-391
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• 2007

Recently, much attention has been paid to developing various kinds of fermented herbal extracts, a new type of traditional herbal medicine, in the field of Korean traditional medicine. The fermentation of medicinal herbs is intended to exert a favorable influence on digestability, bioavailavility and pharmacological activity of herbal extract in the gastrointestinal tract. It also produces a number of fermentation products that intensify the nutritional and pharmacological aspects of the medicinal herbs. In order to develop a functional beverage of alleviating the aftereffects of the previous drinks, the extracts (HP-1) of fermented herbal mixture, including Artemisia capillaris Thunb., Lonicera japonica Thunberg, and Hovenia dulcis Thunb., were prepared and the medicinal effect as a hangover cure was evaluated in ethanol-loaded rats. The enzyme activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) were analyzed by measuring the concentration of blood ethanol and acetaldehyde. The mRNA expression of ADH and ALDH2 was also investigated through RT-PCR analysis. In the HP-1-treated group, the concentration of blood ethanol was significantly reduced at one hour after loading of ethanol, as compared to that in the saline-treated group. The reduced ethanol was converted to acetaldehyde, which resulted in rapid increase in acetaldehyde concentration in an hour. Acetaldehyde was started to decrease at 5 hours after ethanol loading. It implies that HP-1 is highly effective to stimulate the activities of ADH and ALDH2. The HP-1 treatment also activated the mRNA expression of ADH and ALDH. This study suggests that fermented herbal extract, HP-1 can be used as a functional beverage of alleviating the alcohol-induced hangover symptoms by stimulating the activities and gene expression of hepatic alcohol metabolizing enzymes.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.123-129
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• 1993

Chitosan is known to be one of the natural chelating agents. It is derived from chitin which is a cellulose-like biopolymer distributed widely in nature, especially in shellfish, insects, fungi, and yeast. There are two forms of chitosans, water soluble and insoluble, The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether water soluble chitosan can be applied to reduce the bioabailability of radios-trontium in foods. We compared the effect of water soluble and insoluble chitosans on the absorption of ingested radiostrontium ($^{85}Sr$). Three percent water soluble and insoluble chitosan solutions were given orally, and immediately after $^{85}SrCl_2$ ($0.2{\mu}Ci$) was administered to rats using a orogastric tube. In one group water soluble chitosan solution was given for additional 4 days. And in control group no chitosan was given. Each group consisted of 6 rats. The whole-body retention of $^{85}Sr$, determined by in vivo counting method, was lower in water soluble chitosan group than that of water insoluble chitosan group and that of control. Urinary excretion of $^{85}Sr$ in chitosan-treated rats was higher than that of control. And 5 day ingested group of water soluble chitosan showed least whole body retention of $^{85}Sr$. In conclusion water soluble chitosan was more effective in reducing bioavailability of ingested radiostrontium in the gastrointestinal tract than insoluble chitosan.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.352-364
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• 2016

In this study, we examined in vitro the potential probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) obtained from the fish intestine and their ability to degrade histamine through the production of diamine oxidase (DAO) enzymes and bacteriocin. Among 97 LAB strains isolated from the intestine of croaker, flatfish, pollack, and rockfish, CIL08, CIL16, FIL20, FIL31, PIL45, PIL49, PIL52, and RIL60 isolates exhibited excellent survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, high adhesion ability to HT-29 epithelial cells, and resistance to the antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, penicillin G, streptomycin, tetracycline, or vancomycin. In addition, these strains did not produce histamine in decarboxylating broth containing histidine. In particular, 4 strains (CIL08, FIL20, PIL52, and RIL60) that may produce DAO were significantly able to degrade histamine. The bacteriocins produced by FIL20, FIL31, and PIL52 LAB inhibited the growth and histamine production of Enterococcus aerogenes CIH05, Serratia marcescens CIH09, Enterococcus faecalis FIH11, Pediococcus halophilus FIH15, Lactobacillus sakei PIH16, Enterococcus faecium PIH19, Leuconostoc mesenteroides RIH25, or Aeromonas hydrophilia RIH28. Histamine-producing strains isolated from fish intestine were found to reduce histamine accumulation during co-culture with CIL08, FIL20, PIL52, and RIL60 LAB showing histamine degradation or bacteriocin production ability. The probiotic strains preventing histamine formation were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus CIL08, Lactobacillus plantarum FIL20, Lactobacillus paracasei FIL31, Lactobacillus sakei PIL52, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides RIL60 with high similarity based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.226-231
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• 2008

Ginsenosides have been regarded as the principal components responsible for the pharmacological and biological activities of ginseng. Absorption of major ginsenosides from the gastrointestinal tract is extremely low, when ginseng is orally administered. In order to improve absorption and its bioavailability, conversion of major ginsenosides into more active minor ginsenoside is very much required. Here, we isolated lactic acid bacterium (Lactobacillus brevis LH8) having ${\beta}-glucosidase$ activity from Kimchi. Bioconversion ginsenoside Rd by this bacterium in different temperatures was investigated. The maximum activities of crude enzymes precipitated by ethanol were shown in $30^{\circ}C$ and then gradually decreased. In order to compare the effect of pH, the crude enzymes of L. brevis LH8 were mixed in 20mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 3.5 to pH 8.0) and reacted ginsenoside Rd. Ginsenoside Rd was almost hydrolyzed between pH 6.0 and pH 12.0, but not hydrolyzed under pH 5.0 and above pH 13.0. Ginsenoside Rd was hydrolyzed after 48 h incubation, whereas ginsenoside F2 appeared from 48 h to 72 h, and ginsenoside Rd was almost converted into compound K after 72 h.