• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.1722-1728
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• 2008

The natural course of chronic hepatitis B (CH-B) virus infection is reportedly variable, and the long-term outcomes in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B infection are distinct from HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis. However, the molecular virological factors that contribute to the progression of liver disease in the south Indian setting remain largely unclear. We prospectively studied 679 consecutive patients for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, and HBV DNA by qualitative PCR. Randomly selected samples were subjected to bidirectional sequencing to reveal core/precore variants. Of the total 679 chronic HBV cases investigated, 23% (154/679) were replicative HBV carriers. Furthermore, amongst the 560 HBV DNA samples analyzed, 26% (146/560) were viremic. Among the 154 HBeAg positive cases, HBV DNA was positive in 118 cases (77%), significantly (p<0.001) higher than the anti-HBe positive (7%) (28/406) cases. Significant increase in liver disease (p<0.01) with ALT enzyme elevation (p<0.001) was observed in both HBe and anti-HBe viremic cases. Interestingly, low frequencies of mutations were seen in the precore region of the HBV strains studied. HBV precore and core promoter variants were less often detected in subjects with "e" negative chronic HBV infection and, therefore, may not have a prognostic role in determining liver disease sequelae in this part of tropical India.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.720-732
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• 2001

Skeletal muscle is of major economic importance since it is finally converted to meat for consumers. The increase in meat production with low costs of production may be achieved by optimizing muscle growth, whereas a high meat quality requires, among other factors, the optimization of intramuscular glycogen and fat stores. Thus, research in energy metabolism aims at controling muscle metabolism, but also liver and adipose tissue metabolism in order to optimize energy partitioning in favour of muscles. Liver is characterized by high anabolic and catabolic rates. Metabolic enzymes are regulated by nutrients through short-term regulation of their activities and long-term regulation of expression of their genes. Consequences of liver metabolic regulation on energy supply to muscles may affect protein deposition (and hence growth) as well as intramuscular energy stores. Adipose tissues are important body reserves of triglycerides, which result from the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis. Both processes depend on the feeding level and on the nature of nutrients, which indirectly affect energy delivery to muscles. In muscles, the regulation of rate-limiting nutrient transporters, of metabolic enzyme activities and of ATP production, as well as the interactions between nutrients affect free energy availability for muscle growth and modify muscle metabolic characteristics which determine meat quality. The growth of tissues and organs, the number and the characteristics of muscle fibers depend, for a great part, on early events during the fetal life. They include variations in quantitative and qualitative nutrient supply to the fetus, and hence in maternal nutrition. During the postnatal life, muscle growth and characteristics are affected by the age and the genetic type of the animals, the feeding level and the diet composition. The latter determines the nature of available nutrients and the rate of nutrient delivery to tissues, thereby regulating metabolism. Physical activity at pasture also favours the orientation of muscle metabolism, towards the oxidative type. Consequently, breeding systems may be of a great importance during the postnatal life. Research is now directed towards the determination of individual tissue and organ energy requirements, a better knowledge of nutrient partitioning between and within organs and tissues. The discovery of new molecules (e. g. leptin), of new molecular mechanisms and of more powerful techniques (DNA chips) will help to achieve these objectives. The integration of the different levels of knowledge will finally allow scientists to formulate new types of diets adapted to sustain a production of high quality meat with lower costs of production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.116-121
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• 2010

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) promote the development of brain and vision of the fetus, relieve inflammation, inhibit oral dysplasia of rumor cell, decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease and regulate arrhythmia. ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase is the rate-limited enzyme in the desaturation process. This study reports the cloning, characterization and tissue expression of a ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase gene in the chicken. PCR primers were designed based on the predicted sequence of chicken ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase (accession number: XM421053) and used to isolate a cDNA fragment of 1,323 bp from chicken liver. Based on the 1,323 bp fragment an EST (BI390105) was obtained by BLAST. The EST and 5'nd of the 1,323 bp fragment were partially overlapped. Gene specific primers derived from the EST were used for amplification of the 5'nd. Another gene-specific primer derived from the 1,323 bp fragment was used for amplification of the 3'nd by 3'ACE. Then the three overlapping cDNA sequences obtained were assembled with DNAMAN software and a full-length ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase of 2,153 bp was obtained. The full-length cDNA contained an ORF of 1,335 bp with a 5'ntranslated region of 147 nucleotides followed by an ATG initiation codon. Stop codon TGA was at position 1,481-1,483 bp. The deduced amino acids shared an homology above 77% with bovine, mice, orangutan, rat and human. The protein sequence had three histidine-rich regions HDFGH (HisI region), HFQHH (HisII region) and HH (HisIII region), a cytochrome $b_{5}$-like domain containing a heme-binding motif and two transmembrane domains. Sequence analysis of the chicken genomic DNA revealed that the coding sequence of chicken ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase included 12 exons and 11 introns. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that the ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase expression levels were in turn liver, spleen, pancreas, lung, breast muscle, heart, and abdominal fat. The expression of ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase in liver was significantly higher than that in breast muscle (p<0.01). The expression of ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase in lung was significantly higher than that in abdominal fat (p<0.01). This is the first clone of chicken ${\Delta}-6$ desaturase.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.625-633
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• 2016

Allium hookeri is known as a healthy food since it contains larger amounts of sulfur compounds than commonly known alliaceous plants. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of A. hookeri were compared between two types of extracts, $80^{\circ}C$ water and 95% ethanol extracts of A. hookeri roots. A. hookeri root 95% ethanol extracts displayed superior total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical scavenging activity], and anti-inflammation activity than those of water extracts (P<0.05). We studied the effects of A. hookeri root 95% ethanol extracts (95% ethanol extracts group: AHE) on acute alcohol-induced intoxication in mice. AHE [250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (BW)/d] was orally administered to the study group once a day for 1 week. On the last day of AHE treatment, 40% ethanol (10 mL/kg BW) was orally administered to induce acute liver injury. The blood alcohol concentration of mice treated with AHE was significantly lower compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were lower in the AHE-treated group than the control group (P<0.05). The RT-PCR results for alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase measured based on mRNA in liver tissues showed that enzyme activities were higher in the AHE-treated group than in the control group at a low blood alcohol concentration.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.399-410
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• 2002

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen (bamboo extract) on the changes of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes of liver and kidney in mice when administered in different dosages. The experimental groups were divided into four. For control group, 0.9％ NaCl (0.2 ml/25 g B.W.) and for experimental groups, 5% (H1 group), 10% (H2 group), and 20%(H3 group) bamboo extract diluted with 0.9％ NaCl, were administered (0.2 ml/25 g B.W.) respectively for 28 days at an interval of 48 hours. MnSOD activities were increased in H1 group (46%, P<0.05), H2 group (40%, P<0.05), and H3 group (34%, P<0.05) as compared to the control group. CuZnSOD activities were increased in H1 group (11%, P<0.05), but were decreased in H3 group (13%, P<0.05). The activities of catalase were decreased in H1 group (39%, P<0.05), H2 group (34%, P<0.05), and H3 group (31%, P<0.05) as compared to the control group. Histopathological observation revealed ballooned hepatocytes in the pericentral and periportal veins of H1 group. More ballooned and injured hepatocytes than in H1 group were observed in the H2 and H3 groups. Detachment of endothelial cells of the central vein was observed in the H2 and H3 groups. These results indicated that bamboo extract developed dose-dependent changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and developed histopathological changes of liver and kidney.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.141-152
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• 1997

This study was performed to investigate the toxic effect of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from symphytum officinale i n rat. For this experiment, 120 male and female rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were used. The experimental groups were divided into five: Group CM and CF served as normal control with its gender. Group EM1 and EF1 were fed a 1% Symphytum officinal extract diet for 8 weeks. Group EM2 and EF2 fed a diet containing 2% extract diet. 4% extract diet into group EM3 and EF3 and 8% extract diet into group EM4 and EF4 were given. The results were as follows: 1. The major alkaloids of Symphytum officinale extract were symphytine, echmidine, and lasiocarpine. The amounts of total alkaloid were 168 $\mu\textrm{g}$ PAs/$m\ell$ extract. And contents of Pas in leaves were 0.05% wt.. 2. Total serum bilirubin concentrations increased significantly in group EM2, EM3, and EM4. Group EF1, EF2, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p<0.05). 3. Aspartate transaminase activities were increased significantly in group EM3 and EM4 (p<0.05). Aspartate transaminase activities of EF1, EF2, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p<0.05). 4. Alanine transaminase activities increased significantly in group EM3, EM4 (p<0.05). Alanine transaminase activities of EF1, EF2, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p<0.05). 5. Alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly in group EM2, EM3, and EM4 (p<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase activities of EF1, FE@, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical sigmificance for the group CF (p<0.05). 6. istopathological analysis of liver specimens from group EM3 and EM4 showed focal necrosis, periportal necrosis and apoptpsis. Hepatocytes obtained from group EM2 showed fatty change and hydropic degeneration in group EM3 and EM4. Chromatolysis and chromatin margination was shown in group EF2 and EF3. With the above results, it was demonstrated that the Symphytum officinal extract could induce functional change of liver, and histopathological change of liver in rats fed a diet containing extract. In conclusion, because of the risk of intoxication or adverse effect, the composition, dosage and mode of administration of herbal products should be monitored strictly. And this study serves as a reminder that herbal as well as orthodox medications may have serious side effects.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.100-106
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• 1995

Antibodies to hepatitis C drew attention because of high morbidity to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV was known to be transmitted by transfusion, sexual behavior and parenteral drug use. However, some kind of autoimmune mechanism was suggested to be involved in the genesis of HCV-induced liver diseases. We hypothesized the prevalence of having anti-HCV might be higher in psychiatric patients rather than general population because of the characteristic route of transmission. Using Abbott HCV BA kit, anti-HCV was detected in the sera of 113 psychiatric inpatients from early December in 1992 to late May in 1994. The Positivity of anti-HCY was significantly(P<0.05) higher among psychiatric inpatients(10.6%) than in healthy controls(3.0%). There were no disease specificity among psychiatric inpatients who had anti-HCV, though alcoholics tended to have more anti-HCV. We couldn't find any significant correlation of anti-HCV with age, seasons of birth, lymphocytes (%) and liver function.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.644-653
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• 1999

Background : Excessive intakes of $\omega$6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) can increase oxidative stress, which may increase insulin resistance and could be the cause of metabolic syndrome X such as diabetes mellitus. One of the ways to reduce oxidative stress is the consumption of antioxidants such as vitamin E. It is controversial that vitamin E intakes may alleviate insulin resistance. The purpose of the study was whether high vitamin E intake may influence whole body glucose disposal rate(GDR), glycogen deposites, triglyceride content, lipid peroxide levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in Sprague Dawley rats fed high $\omega$6 PUFA diest. Methods : Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. The control group consumed chow diet. High and low vitamin E groups consumed 40% PUFA of total energy intakes. One kilogram of diet mixture contained 300IU of $\alpha$-tocopherol in high vitamin E group, while it had 30 IU in low vitamin E group. Diets were given for 8 weeks. After 7 were of diet consumption, indwelling catheters were inserted in carotid artery and jugular vein of all rats so that GDR could be measured in awake and unstressed state. Results : Daily PUFA intakes were lower in the control group than others. Daily vitamin E intake of high vitamin E group was about ten times higher than those of low vitamin E group and the control group(p<0.0001). $\alpha$-tocopherol content in lier was highest in the high vitamin E group. GDR of the control group was 24% higher than others, and vitamin E intakes did not affect GDR. Glycogen deposit of liver in the control group was significantly higher than others, and it was not altered by vitamin E supplementation. Muscle glycogne content showed a similar tendency as liver glycogen in different diet groups. Triglyceride deposit in muscle was not different among groups. Lipid peroxide content of liver in the high vitamin E group was lower than the low of glutathione peroxidase were lowered in low vitamin E group than others, however, those of superoxide dismutase and catalase were not different. Conclusions : High vitamin E intakes can decrease oxidative stress in rats fed high (())-6 PUFA diet, but they cannot alleviate insulin resistance. Thus, increased oxidative stress through high (())-6 PUFA diet may be minimal for influencing insulin resistance.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.194-206
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• 2004

Objectives : JiaoTeng-Yuan(교등원) is said to be a prescription for preservation of health in $\ulcorner$HuaTuo.ZhongZangJing (화타.중장경)$\lrcorner$. It is known to have the effect of Bu-Shen (보신: strengthening kidney) and Yi-Shou (익수: prolonging the span of one's life). This study investigates whether JTY is effective on inhibition of oxidation stress. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats (12-week-old, weight $300{\pm}20g$) were divided into 3 groups. The normal group (n=8) was injected with PBS (1ml/body, s.c) subcutaneously behind the neck. The control group (n=8) was injected with D-galactose (50mg/kg, 1ml PBS/body, s.c) to induce pathological animals. The JTY group was injected with the same treatment as the control group, and fed containing JTY (10%). All groups were treated 1 time per day for 6 weeks. After the rats were sacrificed anti-oxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, G-px) activity, GSH quantity of RBC and tissue (heart, liver and kidney), and plasma Vit-C quantity were examined. Also, the MDA levels of liver and kidney, lipofuscin of heart and endurance of erythrocyte membrane were measured. Results : In the JTY group, RBC's SOD activity decline was halted by 21 % of the normal level, compared to the control group, G-px activity (unit/g of Hb) increased significantly, compared to the normal group, and the level of Vit-C in plasma increased by 16%. Heart's SOD activity was kept at the same level as that of the normal group; and CAT activity decline was halted by 26%. Kidney's CAT and G-px activities were kept at the same level as that shown in the normal group, implying the existence of a halting effect. Liver also showed a slight halting effect against the decline of anti-oxidant ability, but the effect was not significant (${\alpha}=0.05$). A comparison between the levels of peroxide in SD rats showed that the level of TBARS in plasma increased significantly in the control group and that it was normal in the JTY group. The livers in the JTY group, compared to those in the control group, showed 36% halting effect of the normal level while their kidney's indicated the level significantly lower than the normal level. Heart's lipofuscin increased significantly in the control group, but was alike in both the JTY and the normal groups. Endurance of erythrocyte membrane (%) decreased significantly in the control group while it was kept at the similar level in both the JTY and the normal groups, indicating the halting effect. Conclusions : This study suggests that JTY is effective to defend oxidation stress caused by D-galactose in the animals. It showed that the anti-oxidant ability was maintained and strengthened. On the other hand, it reduced the level of peroxide in animals. In sum, JTY appeared to have the equilibrium normal physiological function in SD rat.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.377-386
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Indongcho(L. japonica Thunb) powder on blood glucose, serum lipid levels and antioxidative enzymes in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Four groups of rats(3-week-old inbred Sprague-Dawley male rats) were normal rats fed control diet(NC), diabetic rats fed control diet(DC), normal rats fed Indongcho powder diet(NI), and diabetic rats fed Indongcho powder diet(DI). Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin(60mg/kg B.W., i.p.). The animals were fed ad libium each of the experimental diet for 5 weeks. Food and water intakes were determined everyday. Blood glucose and serum total cholesterol levels were determined every week. After 5 weeks the animals were sacrificed and activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation products were determined in their liver and kidney homogenates. We also determined serum concentrations of total lipid(TL), total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG) and HDL-cholesterol(HDL-C). Blood sugar and water intake were higher in diabetic group(DC and DI group) than normal group(NC and NI group) and were not significantly decreased by dietary Indongcho intake. Body weight gain and FER(feed efficiency ratio) were reduced by STZ treatment. But, Final body weight was recovered by Indongcho-contained diet. LHR(LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol) of the DI g re up was significantly lower than the other experimental groups(NC, NI and DC groups). The hepatic glucose 6-phosphatase(G6Pase) activity of the groups fed Indongcho diet(NI and DI group) was lower than the groups fed control diet(NC and DC group) and the G6Pase activity of NI group was recovered to the normal levels(p<0.05). However, The glutathione peroxidase(GPx) and glutathione reductase(GR) activities in liver and G6Pase activity in kidney were not statistically different between the control and diabetic control groups. Renal GST activity of the DI group was recovered by Indongcho intake. In conclusion, these results confirm oxidative stress in the liver and kidney of rats with STZ diabetes and antioxidative effect of Indongcho.