• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.664-671
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• 2020

Background: Ginsenoside compound-Mc1 (Mc1) is a member of the deglycosylated ginsenosides obtained from ginseng extract. Although several ginsenosides have a cardioprotective effect, this has not been demonstrated in ginsenoside Mc1. Methods: We treated H9c2 cells with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ginsenoside Mc1 to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Mc1. The levels of antioxidant molecules, catalase, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were measured, and cell viability was determined using the Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax):B-cell lymphoma-extra large ratio, a cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry. We generated mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity using ginsenoside Mc1 and assessed their heart tissues to evaluate the antioxidant effect and the fibrosis-reducing capability of ginsenoside Mc1. Results: Ginsenoside Mc1 significantly increased the level of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the H9c2 cells. The expression levels of catalase and SOD2 increased significantly after treatment with ginsenoside Mc1, resulting in a decrease in the production of H₂O₂-mediated reactive oxygen species. Treatment with ginsenoside Mc1 also significantly reduced the H₂O₂-mediated elevation of the Bax:Bcl2 ratio and the number of DNA-damaged cells, which was significantly attenuated by treatment with an AMPK inhibitor. Consistent with the in vitro data, ginsenoside Mc1 upregulated the levels of catalase and SOD2 and decreased the Bax:B-cell lymphoma-extra large ratio and caspase-3 activity in the heart tissues of HFD-induced obese mice, resulting in reduced collagen deposition. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Mc1 decreases oxidative stress and increases cell viability in H9c2 cells and the heart tissue isolated from HFD-fed mice via an AMPK-dependent mechanism, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related cardiac diseases.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.11
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• pp.83-88
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• 1969

94 Cellulase producing strains were isoated from soils, composts, rotten woods and straws, and gastric contents and feces of herbivorous animals in various places. Among them, the strain MC-9, MC-10, MC-53 and MC-61 were found to be highly active in the degradation of carboxy methyl cellulose. Their cultural conditions adequate for the cellulase formation and effects of inorganic salts and various organic substances added to the wheat bran media were investigated. The results obtained are as follows; 1. Optimum conditions for the cellulase formation were MC-9: pH 5.5, temp. $35^{\circ}C$, incubation time 5 days, MC-10: pH 5.5-6.0, temp. $30^{\circ}C$, incubation time 5 days, MC-53: pH 3.5, temp. $30^{\circ}C$, incubation time 5 days, MC-61: pH 3.5-4.0, temp. 30-$35^{\circ}C$, incubation time 5 days. 2. Their cellulase activity in their optimum conditions were MC-9: CMC-LP(liquefying power). 87.7%, CMC-SP(saccharifying power) 3.20 glucose mg./gm. of the cultures/min., MC-10: CMC-LP 82.9%, CMC-SP 2.48 glucose mg./gm. of the cultures/min., MC-53: CMC-LP 72.4%, CMC-SP 1.76 glucose mg./gm. of the cultures/min., MC-61: CMC-LP 87.1%, CMC-SP 2.08 glucose mg./gm. of the cultures/min. 3. Additions of inorganic salts to the wheat bran media were not significant for the cellulase formation, but additions of soybean film and orange-peel pomace promoted the CMC-liquefying power 3 to 5 percent in wheat bran cultures of the strains.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.633-640
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• 2008

With a double mismatch primer set designed for amplifying the modified DNA sequence fragments, bovine melanocortin-1 receptor(MC1R) gene encoded in Extension locus which plays a critical role in coat color development was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction mediated restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). Amplified PCR fragments were successfully discriminated with combining the MspI- and AluI-RFLP into three major alleles(ED, E+, and e), directly related to bovine coat color phenotypes. The genotyping results showed that Jeju black cattle contained three MC1R alleles, but yellowish-red colored Hanwoo and bridle colored Korean Brindle cattle did not contained the dominant black allele ED. However, two dominant black-colored cattle breeds, Holstein and Angus, contained the ED allele over 96% in frequency. Hanwoo×Holstein F1 and Hanwoo×Angus F1 crossbred calves showed ED/e MC1R genotypes, and uniformly black coat color. the results suggested that this MC1R genotyping method be useful in allele discrimination for bovine MC1R gene which used for breed classification and characterization, as one of the important genetic markers, using combination of MspI- and AluI-RFLP for modified PCR product amplified with a newly designed double mismatch primer set.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.335-339
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• 2005

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) plays an important role in regulation of melanin pigment synthesis within mammalian melanocytes. Mutations within the gene encoding MC1R have been shown to explain coat color variations within several mammalian species including cattle. To develope a rapid and accurate method for the identification of Hanwoo, we performed a modified PCR-RFLP analysis of MC1R gene using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within MC1R as a target. A size of 538 bp (537 bp for Hanwoo) was amplified by PCR, digested with Hpa II, and electrophoresed on a 1.5% agarose gel. A PCR product from Hanwoo showed a single band of 537 bp, whereas two fragments of 328 bp and 210 bp were detected in both Holstein and Black angus. The current result suggests that the PCR-RFLP using our primers and enzyme digestion system would be very accurate, easy and reproducible method to discriminate between Hanwoo and Holstein/Black angus meat.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

Targeting Microcystin (MC), which is most abundantly detected in the North-Han River water area, we analyzed the relationship between the MC biosynthesis gene (mcyA gene), cyanobacteria cell density, and MC concentration, derived an RNA-MC conversion formula, and derived the cyanobacteria. The concentration of MC present in cells was predicted. In the North-Han River waters, the mcyA gene was found mainly at downstream sites of the North-Han River after Muk-Hyeon Stream junction, and higher copy numbers were found on average than other sites. In the Uiam Lake waters upstream of the North-Han River, the mcyA gene copy number increased at the Kong-Ji Stream point, and after September, the mcyA gene copy number decreased throughout the North-Han River waters. The expression of the mcyA gene was concentrated in the short period of summer due to the spatio-temporal difference between upstream and downstream water bodies. The mcyA gene expression level was not only highly correlated with MC concentration, but also correlated with the cell density of Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum circinale, which are known to biosynthesize MC. Six conversion formulas derived based on the RNA-MC relationship showed statistical significance (p<0.05) and exhibited high correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9 or higher. The expression level of MC biosynthesis gene present in eRNA determines the synthesis of cyanotoxin substances in water, quickly quantifies gene activity, and can be fully utilized for early warning of MC development.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.488-495
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• 2009

Pork cutlet is a favorite deep fat fried food item among Korean children, and an excellent protein-containing food, and as well as a simple and economical cuisine. However, the frying process adds a significant amount of calories. We added MC (Methylcellulose) and HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) to the batter in an effort to reduce oil uptake in prepared pork cutlets. After additions of MC and HPMC at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% respectively, we assessed the viscosity of batter, color after frying, the increases in moisture retention and oil uptake, and sensory characteristics, comparing each quality. The viscosity of batter with 0.5% HPMC added (w/w) was similar to that of the controls, but the viscosity of all the batter with added MC was so much higher that it was difficult to use the batter for coating at the same temperature, leading to a failure even to prepare a sample. After frying, the batter with added HPMC provided significantly less oil uptake and more moisture retention than the batter to which MC was added. Additionally, with regard to color and sensory characteristics, the pork cutlet with 0.5% added HPMC was superior to the other samples. According to these results, we concluded that when cellulose derivatives are added in order to reduce oil uptake and to raise the moisture retention of the batter of pork cutlet, HPMC is more useful in this regard than MC. Additionally, the batter with 0.5% HPMC added appears to be the best of the tested choices, for three reasons: first, the viscosity of the batter is similar to that of the controls; second, the taste is not greasy after frying as the result of the reduced oil uptake and higher moisture retention; and third, the sensory characteristics of this sample, such as, color, crispiness, and hardness were the best among samples.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.11
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• pp.4272-4279
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• 2022

In this study, a cross section stochastic sampling (S.S.) capability is implemented into both the McCARD continuous energy Monte Carlo code and MIG multiple-correlated data sampling code. The ENDF/B-VII.1 covariance data based 30 group cross section sets and the SCALE6 covariance data based 44 group cross section sets are sampled by the MIG code. Through various uncertainty quantification (UQ) benchmark calculations, the McCARD/MIG results are verified to be consistent with the McCARD stand-alone sensitivity/uncertainty (S/U) results and the XSUSA S.S. results. UQ analyses for Three Mile Island Unit 1, Peach Bottom Unit 2, and Kozloduy-6 fuel pin problems are conducted to provide the uncertainties of k_eff and microscopic and macroscopic cross sections by the McCARD/MIG code system. Moreover, the SNU S/U formulations for uncertainty propagation in a MC depletion analysis are validated through a comparison with the McCARD/MIG S.S. results for the UAM Exercise I-1b burnup benchmark. It is therefore concluded that the SNU formulation based on the S/U method has the capability to accurately estimate the uncertainty propagation in a MC depletion analysis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2009

Objective : Moutan Cortex (the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is widely used in oriental medicine as a remedy for inflammation. However, as yet there is no clear explanation of how MC(Moutan Cortex) affects the production of inflammatory cytokine. This study was to determine the effects of Essence extracted MC on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. Method : We observed the effect of MC on compound 48/80-induced histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells and the effect of administering MC on PCA in rat. We measured the amount of inflammatory cytokine production induced by the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore(A23187) in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) incubated with various concentrations of MC. The TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels were analysised by Western blot. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 secreted protein levels were measured by the ELISA assay. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were measured by the RT-PCR analysis. NF-$\kappa$B, phospho-I$\kappa$B and MAPKs were exmined by Western blot analysis. The NF-$\kappa$B promoter activity was examined by luciferase assay. Result : 1. Enzyme immunoassay indicated that MC suppressed histamine secretion of rat peritoneal mast cells. 2. In PCA dependent on IgE, MC had anti-allergic effect of the internal surface of rat skin. 3. Western blot indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels. 4. ELISA indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 but MC had no significant effect on IL-8 in HMC-1 cells. 5. RT-PCR indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-8 but MC had no significant effect on IL-6 in HMC-l cells. 6. Western blot indicated that MC suppressed the induction of MAPKs, NF-$\kappa$B & phospho-I$\kappa$B activity in HMC-1 cells. 7. Luciferase assay indicated that MC suppressed the PMA plus A23187-induced NF-$\kappa$B promoting activityin HMC-1 cells. Conclusion : In this study, we have found that MC is an inhibitor of NF-$\kappa$B, MAPKs & cytokines on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.spc
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• pp.19-30
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• 2014

Microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria are severe hepatotoxins for mammalian and protein phosphatase inhibitors. Irrigation water for grain and vegetables is often contaminated with cyanobacteria and microcystin during warm seasons. We assessed the effects of various concentrations (0, 0.01 to $10{\mu}gmL^{-1}$) of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and microcystin-RR (MC-RR) exposure on Oryza sativa (rice) and Brassica oleraces var. italica (broccoli). The $EC_{50}$ of leaves and roots of rice was 0.9 and $1.1{\mu}gMC-LRmL^{-1}$, respectively. The no observed effect level (NOEL) of rice was less than $0.1{\mu}gmL^{-1}$ ($100{\mu}gL^{-1}$). The $EC_{50}$ of the stems and roots of broccoli was 8.7 and $7.2{\mu}gMC-RRmL^{-1}$, respectively. There was no difference in the germination rate of broccoli among microcystin-RR concentrations. After exposure to 0, 0.01 to $10{\mu}gmL^{-1}$ MC-RR for seven days, 14, 89 and 154 ng mg-1 (dry weight) MC-RR accumulated in B. oleracea. These $EC_{50}$ values showed that microcystin-LR and -RR affected the growth of rice and broccoli. These findings suggest that MC is carried into terrestrial ecosystems via irrigation, and that the biota of higher ecological niches can be influenced by MC through bioaccumulation. Therefore, a guideline for MC concentrations in irrigation water should be set using the NOEL.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.193-200
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• 2009

The pork from black-coated pigs is famous among-consumers for better eating quality. The loci affecting black coat color was identified in pig chromosome 6 in which several genetic effects on pork quality have been reported. The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene is a major gene which plays a key role in regulation of eumelanin (black/brown) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow). In this study, the MC1R gene polymorphism was analyzed for pig breed determination and genetic association with pork quality traits. MC1R Ala243Thr variation was analyzed to determine a specific genotype for four commercial pig breeds (Landrace, Yorkshire, Berkshire and, Duroc) and a Korean native pigs (KNP). Then we developed original KNP-specific DNA markers to determine the pork from black-coated pigs using MC1R DNA sequences. The total length of the MC1R coding sequence ranged 1451bp in KNP. KNP had the 0201 allele pertaining to $E^{D1}$ but some of the KNP had the $E^P$ allele, probably reflecting the geneticintrogression of $E^P$ allele into KNP. Furthermore, a relationship between Leu102Pro single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype and pork quality phenotype were analyzed in F2 reciprocal-crossbred population between KNP and Yorkshire. Association analysis indicated that the allele of the MC1R gene has no effect on pork quality. These results suggest that black coat-color is not directly associated with preferred pork quality, but the black-coat color pig breed may have other genetic components for superior pork quality.