• BMB Reports
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.65-71
• /
• 2009

Autophagy, which is a process of self eating, has gained interest in the past decade due to its both beneficial and controversial roles in various biological phenomena. The discovery of autophagy genes (ATG) in yeast has led to focused research designed to elucidate the mechanism and regulation of this process. The role of autophagy in a variety of biological phenomena, including human disease, is still the subject of debate. However, recent findings suggest that autophagy is a highly regulated process with both beneficial and negative effects. Indeed, studies conducted using various model organisms have demonstrated that increased autophagy leads to an extended lifespan. Despite these findings, it is still unknown if all pathways leading to extended lifespan converge at the process of autophagy or not. Here, an overview of modern developments related to the process of autophagy, its regulation and the molecular machinery involved is presented. In addition, this review focuses on one of the beneficial aspects of autophagy, its role in lifespan regulation.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.44 no.5
• /
• pp.291-297
• /
• 2011

Aging is one of the most complicated biological processes in all species. A number of different model organisms from yeast to monkeys have been studied to understand the aging process. Until recently, many different age-related genes and age-regulating cellular pathways, such as insulin/IGF-1-like signal, mitochondrial dysfunction, Sir2 pathway, have been identified through classical genetic studies. Parallel to genetic approaches, genome-wide approaches have provided valuable insights for the understanding of molecular mechanisms occurring during aging. Gene expression profiling analysis can measure the transcriptional alteration of multiple genes in a genome simultaneously and is widely used to elucidate the mechanisms of complex biological pathways. Here, current global gene expression profiling studies on normal aging and age-related genetic/environmental interventions in widely-used model organisms are briefly reviewed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.14 no.12
• /
• pp.1794-1802
• /
• 2001

Biotechnology will play critical role in improving animal productivity. Animal growth rate and muscle deposition potential can be greatly improved by the application of biotechnology and biotechnological products. Administration of recombinant somatotropin (ST) or other compounds such as IGF-1 and growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) can enhance growth rate and carcass lean percentage. Gene transfer offers a powerful approach to manipulate endocrine system and metabolic pathways toward faster growth and better feed efficiency. Biotechnology is also extensively used for improving metabolism and activity of gut microorganisms for better nutrient digestibility. Knockout of growth-inhibiting genes such as myostatin results in considerable acceleration of body weight and muscle growth. Animal growth can also be improved by the use of gene therapy. Immunomodulation is another approach for efficient growth through controlling the activity of endogenous anabolic hormones. All the above aspects will be discussed in this review.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
• /
• 2001.10a
• /
• pp.203-204
• /
• 2001

Background and Aim: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder represents the fifth most prevalent malignancy in Western population, with peak incidence found in males of the 50- to 70-year-old age group. A major problem in the management of bladder cancer is the low sensitivity of a large proportion (approximately 40%) among bladder tumors to chemotherapy and the high risk for recurrence of bladder tumors after transurethral resection.(omitted)

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.44 no.7
• /
• pp.425-432
• /
• 2021

Aging is associated with functional and structural declines in organisms over time. Organisms as diverse as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and mammals share signaling pathways that regulate aging and lifespan. In this review, we discuss recent combinatorial approach to aging research employing C. elegans and mammalian systems that have contributed to our understanding of evolutionarily conserved aging-regulating pathways. The topics covered here include insulin/IGF-1, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and sirtuin signaling pathways; dietary restriction; autophagy; mitochondria; and the nervous system. A combinatorial approach employing high-throughput, rapid C. elegans systems, and human model mammalian systems is likely to continue providing mechanistic insights into aging biology and will help develop therapeutics against age-associated disorders.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2024

Diabetes, a chronic hyperglycemic condition, is caused by insufficient insulin secretion or functional impairment. Long-term inadequate regulation of blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia can lead to various complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have explored the molecular mechanisms linking diabetes to bone loss and an increased susceptibility to fractures. This study reviews the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of diabetes-induced bone disease. Depending on the type of diabetes, changes in bone tissue vary. The molecular mechanisms responsible for bone loss in diabetes include the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, induction of oxidative stress, and deficiencies in insulin/IGF-1. In diabetes, alveolar bone loss results from complex interactions involving oral bacterial infections, host responses, and hyperglycemic stress in periodontal tissues. Therapeutic strategies for diabetes-induced bone loss may include blocking the AGEs signaling pathway, decreasing inflammatory cytokine activity, inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation and activity, and controlling glucose levels; however, further research is warranted.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.63-74
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a trunk stabilization exercise program on the participants' scoliosis angle, pulmonary function, and growth hormones. Method: In the study, 30 participants were divided into a normal scoliosis exercise group (n=15) and an obese scoliosis exercise group (n=15). The participants performed a trunk stabilization exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks, and the exercise sessions lasted 50 minutes. The participants' pulmonary function [FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF] was measured using a CardioTouch 3000S, and their scoliosis angles were measured using the Cobb's angle. The levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were analyzed on an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively. Results: After the intervention, the scoliosis angle, hormone levels, and pulmonary function increased significantly in both groups (p<.05). The result of the intergroup difference test indicated statistically significant differences in the three items (scoliosis angle, hormone levels, and pulmonary function) between the two groups (p<.05). Conclusion: Therefore, this program may be recommended as a therapeutic intervention for patients with scoliosis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.45-62
• /
• 2003

Objective: This study was designed to investigate effects of Nokyongsageunhwan and Nokyongsageunhwan aquapuncuture on body weight, body length, intellectual development Methods: We observed body weight, body length, intellectual development after feeding Nokyongsageunhwan and Nokyongsageunhwan aquapuncuture for thirty three days, and mRNA expressions of GHRF, Somatostatin, IGF-1, NPY were analyzed by RT-PCR method. Results: The results were summarized as follows. 1. Body length was significantly increased in Nokyongsageunhwan herbal acupuncture group compared to normal group and normal saline injection group on 4th week, 2. Lower part of hind leg length was significantly increased in Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration group compared to normal group on 3rd week, and it was significantly increased in Nokyongsageunhwan herbal acupuncture group and Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration group compared to that of normal group on 4th week. 3. As results of observing memory aquisition using Morris water maze system, there was significantly difference in Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration group compared to that of normal group on 4th week. 4. As results of observing retention using Morris water maze system, staying time was significantly increased in Nokyongsageunhwan herbal acupuncture group compared to that of normal group. 5. The somatostatin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus was significantly decreased in Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration group compared to that of normal group. 6. The IGF-1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus is significantly increased in Nokyongsageunhwan herbal acupuncture group and Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration group compared to that of normal group. 7. The NPY mRNA expression in the hypothalamus was significantly increased in Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration group compared to that of normal group, and it was increased in Nokyongsageunhwan herbal acupuncture group compared to that of normal group, but there was no significant difference. Conclusions: According to the above results, it appears that Nokyongsageunhwan oral administration and Nokyongsageunhwan herbal acupuncture on acupoint GB34 and GB39 showed effects on the growth and the intellectual development of rats.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.304-319
• /
• 1996

It is important to evaluate nutritional status of elderly patients receiving dialysis, since wasting and malnutrition are their common problems. This study aims at assessing their nutritional status by the type and duration of dialysis. The nutritional status such as somatic fat and protein storage was evaluated with anthropometric measure including weight/height ratio, triceps skinfold thickness and midarm muscle circumference. It was also measured with albumin, transferrin, C3 and IGF-1 and calorie and protein intakes. The general clinical condition of patients was evaluated with the severity of uremia and metabolic acidosis. which were measured through the levels of serum urea, creatinine and bicarbonateion. The data were analyzed by using t-test, ANOVA, Wilcoxon-rank sums test, Scheffe test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficients. The results are following : 1. There was no significant difference in the calorie and protein intakes by the type and duration of dialysis received. 2. As for the anthropometric measures, no significant difference was found by the type of dialysis in body mass index triceps skinfold thickness and midarm muscle circumference. Yet these anthropometric measures differed significantly by the duration of dialysis in those elderly patients receiving hemodialysis(HD group), but this finding was not found in those receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD). 3. Regarding the indicators of uremia and metabolic acidosis, blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine were lower in the CAPD group than in the HD group, whereas bicarbonate ion was higher in the CAPD group than in the HD group, with no statistical significance. In the HD group, creatinine increased significantly with the increase of the duration of dialysis. 4. Serum trasferrin and C3 were significantly higher in the CAPD group than in the HD group. However. each of biochemical indices did not show statistical significance by the duration of dialysis in both HD and CAPD groups. 5. Anthropometric measures were significantly associated with dietary intake. Significant correlations were observed between biocarbonate ion, BUN and creatinine. In addition, the correlations between serum protein and albumin and between transferrin and C3 were statistically significant. Yet, IGF-1 revealed no significant correlation with other nutritional indices. The above findings indicate that there were no difference in nutritional status measured with protein and calorie intakes between the type and duration of dialysis, but CAPD seems to benefit correcting uremia and metabolic acidosis than HD. Studies of dietary management for dialysis patients need to be pursued in order to improved the quality of aged patients receiving dialysis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.26 no.10
• /
• pp.1484-1489
• /
• 2013

The study was conducted to determine the effects of chitosan on the concentrations of GH and IGF-I in serum and small intestinal morphological structure of piglets, in order to evaluate the regulating action of chitosan on weaned pig growth through endocrine and intestinal morphological approaches. A total of 180 weaned pigs (35 d of age; $11.56{\pm}1.61kg$ of body weight) were selected and assigned randomly to 5 dietary treatments, including 1 basal diet (control) and 4 diets with chitosan supplementation (100, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg, respectively). Each treatment contained six replicate pens with six pigs per pen. The experiment lasted for 28 d. The results showed that the average body weight gain (BWG) of pigs was improved quadratically by dietary chitosan during the former 14 d and the later 14 d after weaned (p<0.05). Furthermore, dietary supplementation of chitosan tended to quadratically increase the concentration of serum GH on d 14 (p = 0.082) and 28 (p = 0.087). Diets supplemented with increasing levels of chitosan increased quadratically the villus height of jejunum and ileum on d 14 (p = 0.089, p<0.01) and 28 (p = 0.074, p<0.01), meanwhile, chitosan increased quadratically the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum on d 14 (p<0.05, p = 0.055, p<0.01) and 28 (p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01), however, it decreased quadratically crypt depth in ileum on d 14 (p<0.05) and that in duodenum, jejunum and ileum on d 28 (p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that chitosan could quadratically improve growth in weaned pigs, and the underlying mechanism may due to the increase of the serum GH concentration and improvement of the small intestines morphological structure.