• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.192-201
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• 2021

Dangguisu-san (DGSS) is widely known traditional herbal medicinal formula in Korea for treatment of traumatic injury by traffic accident, ecchymosis, abdominal distension and anti-thrombosis of blood. This study was conducted to develop the simultaneous analyze method using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and examine the effect of anti-inflammatory activity of DGSS-dry extract (DGSS-DE) and DGSS-mix extract powder (DGSS-MEP). Physicochemical characteristics of DGSS-DE and DGSS-MEP showed that there is no significant difference in pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solid content and browning degree except for color value (L, a, b). 15 functional constituents of DGSS were identified and the correlation coefficient values of DGSS-DE and DGSS-MEP were conformed 0.950. Also, DGSS-DE and DGSS-MEP significantly decreased the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) through inhibited expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. From these result, DGSS-MEP showed similar chemical composition and anti-inflammatory effect to DGSS-DE. Therefore, DGSS-DE and DGSS-MEP may be useful as potential source of drug to prevent inflammation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2021

Objective: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is known to cause urinary tract infections, and the endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) of this bacterium may cause deficiencies of sperm quality and morphology. In the present study, the effects of LPS on mouse sperm were studied, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-17A and possible changes in testis tissue were evaluated. Methods: LPS of uropathogenic E. coli was extracted using the methanol-chloroform method, followed confirmation using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Purified LPS (100 ㎍/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice for 7 days consecutively in the test and control groups, mice were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 42 after the first injection. Blood was tested for levels of IL-17A using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Testis tissue and sperm were collected from each mouse and were studied according to standard protocols. Results: The mean sperm count and motility significantly decreased (p=0.03) at 3, 7, and 42 days after the injections. The level of IL-17A in the test groups increased, but not significantly (p=0.8, p=0.11, and p=0.15, respectively). Microscopic studies showed no obvious changes in the morphology of the testis tissue; however, significant changes were observed in the cellular parenchyma on day 42. Conclusion: LPS can stimulate the immune system to produce proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in an immune response in the testis and ultimately leading to deficiency in sperm parameters and testis tissue damage. In addition, the presence of LPS could significantly impair sperm parameters, as shown by the finding of decreased motility.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.771-779
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• 2022

Background: As a kind of common complication of the surgery of perianal diseases, perianal ulcer is known as a nuisance. This study aims to develop a kind of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3)-loaded hydrogel to treat perianal ulcers in a rat model. Methods: The copolymers PLGA₁₆₀₀-PEG₁₀₀₀-PLGA₁₆₀₀ were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization process and Rg3-loaded hydrogel was then developed. The perianal ulcer rat model was established to analyze the treatment efficacy of Rg3-loaded hydrogel for ulceration healing for 15 days. The animals were divided into control group, hydrogel group, free Rg3 group, Rg3-loaded hydrogel group, and Lidocaine Gel® group. The residual wound area rate was calculated and the blood concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson's Trichrome (MT) staining, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Ki-67, CD31, ERK1/2, and NF-κB immunohistochemical staining were performed. Results: The biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel carries a homogenous interactive porous structure with 10 ㎛ pore size and five weeks in vivo degradation time. The loaded Rg3 can be released sustainably. The in vitro cytotoxicity study showed that the hydrogel had no effect on survival rate of murine skin fibroblasts L929. The Rg3-loaded hydrogel can facilitate perianal ulcer healing by inhibiting local and systematic inflammatory responses, swelling the proliferation of nuclear cells, collagen deposition, and vascularization, and activating ERK signal pathway. Conclusion: The Rg3-loaded hydrogel shows the best treatment efficacy of perianal ulcer and may be a candidate for perianal ulcer treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.525-535
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• 2023

Objective : We performed an expanded multi-ethnic meta-analysis to identify associations between inflammation-related loci with intracranial aneurysm (IA) susceptibility. This meta-analysis possesses increased statistical power as it is based on the most data ever evaluated. Methods : We searched and reviewed relevant literature through electronic search engines up to August 2022. Overall estimates were calculated under the fixed- or random-effect models using pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed according to ethnicity. Results : Our meta-analysis enrolled 15 studies and involved 3070 patients and 5528 controls including European, Asian, Hispanic, and mixed ethnic populations. Of 17 inflammation-related variants, the rs1800796 locus (interleukin [IL]-6) showed the most significant genome-wide association with IA in East-Asian populations, including 1276 IA patients and 1322 controls (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56-0.75; p=3.24#x00D7;10^-9) under a fixed-effect model. However, this association was not observed in the European population (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.80-1.47; p=0.5929). Three other variants, rs16944 (IL-1β), rs2195940 (IL-12B), and rs1800629 (tumor necrosis factor-α) showed a statistically nominal association with IA in both the overall, as well as East-Asian populations (0.01<p<0.05). Conclusion : Our updated meta-analysis with increased statistical power highlights that rs1800796 which maps on the IL-6 gene is associated with IA, and in particular confers a protective effect against occurrence of IA in the East-Asian population.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.16
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• 2021

Objectives: This study evaluated the biocompatibility and bioactive potential of NeoMTA Plus mixed as a root canal sealer in comparison with MTA Fillapex. Materials and Methods: Polyethylene tubes filled with NeoMTA Plus (n = 20), MTA Fillapex (n = 20), or nothing (control group, CG; n = 20) were inserted into the connective tissue in the dorsal subcutaneous layer of rats. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the specimens were processed for paraffin embedding. The capsule thickness, collagen content, and number of inflammatory cells (ICs) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) immunolabeled cells were measured. von Kossa-positive structures were evaluated and unstained sections were analyzed under polarized light. Two-way analysis of variance was performed, followed by the post hoc Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: At 7 days, the capsules around NeoMTA Plus and MTA Fillapex had more ICs and IL-6-immunostained cells than the CG. However, at 60 days, there was no significant difference in the IC number between NeoMTA Plus and the CG (p = 0.1137) or the MTA Fillapex group (p = 0.4062), although a greater number of IL-6-immunostained cells was observed in the MTA Fillapex group (p = 0.0353). From 7 to 60 days, the capsule thickness of the NeoMTA Plus and MTA Fillapex specimens significantly decreased, concomitantly with an increase in the collagen content. The capsules around root canal sealers showed positivity to the von Kossa stain and birefringent structures. Conclusions: The NeoMTA Plus root canal sealer is biocompatible and exhibits bioactive potential.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.850-860
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• 2023

The effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharides, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on hybrid grouper Epinephelus akaara ♀×Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ were evaluated. The fish were fed a basal diet and five other diets consisting of 0.6% mannan oligosaccharides, L. plantarum, B. subtilis, and B. licheniformis and mixture of each 0.15% prebiotic and all the probiotics (designated as MOS, LP, BS, BL, and SYN) for 56 days. Growth performance and feed utilization showed no significant differences among all experimental groups. Lipid level of whole-body was significantly high in MOS and BL groups. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase was significantly low in BL and SYN groups. Nitro-blue tetrazolium, lysozyme and anti-protease, and glutathione peroxidase in BS, SYN, and all probiotic groups, respectively, were significantly high. Intestinal Vibrio bacteria was significantly low in all probiotic and SYN groups. Gene expression of interleukin-1β and interleukin-10 in SYN group; transforming growth factor β2 in MOS and BS groups, toll-like receptor 2-2 in BS and BL groups; and C-type lectin in MOS, LP and SYN groups were significantly upregulated. Our findings indicate that mannan oligosaccharides, L. plantarum, B. subtilis, and B. licheniformis could improve innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammation, and intestinal microbiota of hybrid grouper.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.634-639
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• 2005

Purpose : An understanding of the immunological process is required if primary prevention of atopic diseases is to be developed in early childhood. But, it is too hard to distinguish atopy from nonatopy under the age of two clinically, because the expression of phenotype and cytokines is vague in early childhood. We evaluated DNA methylation changes at Th2 interleukin-4 gene in peripheral blood from atopic children. Methods : We selected 15 allergic children(mild : eight, moderate to severe : seven) and seven normal controls by using family allergy scores and clinical histories. We measured Total IgE and Der f II specific IgE levels and cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Der f II stimulation and extracted DNA from Der f II specific T cells. We examined the change of CpG methylation in DNA from atopic and nonatopic children. Results : In T cells from normal children, IL-4 DNA were predominantly methylated; otherwise, CpG demethylation occurred in Der f II specific T cells from allergic children. Conclusion : IL-4 DNA methylation changes occurred in T genes from allergic children and DNA methylation assay in early childhood.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.393-401
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• 2013

Objectives: Endotoxins in dust generated in occupational settings is known to contribute to the occurrence of respiratory illness among workers. The relationship between the level of endotoxins in total dust or respirable particulates collected from swine farms and immunological markers related with respiratory allergy was evaluated among swine husbandry workers. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from ten workers at ten swine farms at Gyeonggi province, Korea. Peripheral mononuclear cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin for 48 hours. The levels of various cytokines produced at culture supernatants were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. The concentration of particulate matter($PM_{10}$) in the indoor air of the swine farms was evaluated using a PVC membrane filter and mini volume air sampler, and endotoxin levels in the dust were measured by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic QCL method. Results: Levels of endotoxins in the total dust were categorized into high(geometric mean: $109.35EU/m^3$) and low concentrations (geometric mean: $0.95EU/m^3$) for five swine farms. Interleukin-4 levels were higher in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group, while interferon-${\gamma}$ levels were lower in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. The ratio (interferon-${\gamma}$ to interleukin-4), indicating immunologic skewedness against allergic reactivities, was lower in the high endotoxin group($1.15{\pm}0.60$) than the low endotoxin group($3.09{\pm}2.38$). In addition, the level of interleukin-13, another cytokine contributing to the occurrence of allergic responses, was significantly higher in the at the high endotoxin group($1.12{\pm}0.37ng/m{\ell}$) than in the low endotoxin group($0.37{\pm}0.04ng/m{\ell}$). Hematologic assessment showed significantly lower cellularity in the number of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. Conclusions: Even though a sufficient number of swine workers and farms were not investigated, this study generlly suggests that the immunological function of swine farm workers exposed to high levels of endotoxin could be modulated toward allergic reactivities.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.912-919
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• 2017

Objective: Identification of the candidate genes that play key roles in phenotypic variations can provide new information about evolution and positive selection. Interleukin (IL)-32 is involved in many biological processes, however, its role for the immune response against various diseases in mammals is poorly understood. Therefore, the current investigation was performed for the better understanding of the molecular evolution and the positive selection of single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-32 gene. Methods: By using fixation index ($F_{ST}$) based method, IL-32 (9375) gene was found to be outlier and under significant positive selection with the provisional combined allocation of mean heterozygosity and $F_{ST}$. Using nucleotide sequences of 11 mammalian species from National Center for Biotechnology Information database, the evolutionary selection of IL-32 gene was determined using Maximum likelihood model method, through four models (M1a, M2a, M7, and M8) in Codeml program of phylogenetic analysis by maximum liklihood. Results: IL-32 is detected under positive selection using the $F_{ST}$ simulations method. The phylogenetic tree revealed that goat IL-32 was in close resemblance with sheep IL-32. The coding nucleotide sequences were compared among 11 species and it was found that the goat IL-32 gene shared identity with sheep (96.54%), bison (91.97%), camel (58.39%), cat (56.59%), buffalo (56.50%), human (56.13%), dog (50.97%), horse (54.04%), and rabbit (53.41%) respectively. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for IL-32 gene as under significant positive selection in goat.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2013

The present study was performed to assess the worth of using the by products for seaweed (Eucheuma spinosum) ethanol production process (SEPPB) as broiler feeds. For this purpose, 225 broiler chicks (white mini broilers) were used as experimental animals. The control (Control group) was fed with the broiler feeds. 5% mixture (5% SEPPB group) was fed with a 5% SEPPB mixture feeds, and the 10% mixture (10% SEPPB group) was fed with a 10% SEPPB group mixture feeds. The experiment was repeated for five times and 15 birds were assigned in each experiment and the experimental period was five weeks. There was no difference in the rate of weight gain until the second week of the 5% SEPPB group and 10% SEPPB group. However, the weight gain rate was increased to 6.2% for the 5% SEPPB group and 11.4% for the 10% SEPPB group as compared to the Control group at the third weeks of the experimental period. There was no statistical significant difference in terms of feed FCR and feed intake. Analyses of the quality of chicken breasts showed that pH was 2.5% higher in the 5% SEPPB group and 2.3% higher in the 10% SEPPB group. Shearing force was 31.3% lower in the 5% SEPPB group and 14.7% lower in the 10% SEPPB group, while heating loss was 14.4% lower for 5% SEPPB group and 10% SEPPB group when compared to the Control group. No significant differences were observed in terms of moisture, protein, and crude ash components in chicken breast analyses. However, crude fat was 36.8% higher in the 5% SEPPB group when compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Analyses of fatty acid in chicken breast meat showed that stearic acid was significantly higher in the 10% SEPPB group (P<0.05) and linolenic acid was significantly higher in 5% SEPPB group and 10% SEPPB group in comparison to the Control group (P<0.05). Interleukin-2 (IL-2) in blood serum was 44% higher in the 5% SEPPB group and 36% higher in the 10% SEPPB group (P<0.05). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was similar in both the Control and the 5% SEPPB group, but it was 62% higher in the 10% SEPPB group in comparison to the Control group (P<0.05). Analyses of serum chemical values revealed that albumin was the highest in the 5% SEPPB group, followed by the Control group and then 10% SEPPB group.