• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1635-1647
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• 2023

Muscle atrophy, which is defined as a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is caused by an imbalance between the anabolism and catabolism of muscle proteins. Thus, modulating the homeostasis between muscle protein synthesis and degradation represents an efficient treatment approach for this condition. In the present study, the protective effects against muscle atrophy of ethanol extracts of Morus alba L. (MA) and Angelica keiskei Koidz. (AK) leaves and their mixtures (MIX) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that MIX increased 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide-induced C2C12 myotube thinning, and enhanced soleus and gastrocnemius muscle thickness compared to each extract alone in dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, although MA and AK substantially improved grip strength and histological changes for dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in vivo, the efficacy was superior in the MIX-treated group. Moreover, MIX further increased the expression levels of myogenic factors (MyoD and myogenin) and decreased the expression levels of E3 ubiquitin ligases (atrogin-1 and muscle-specific RING finger protein-1) in vitro and in vivo compared to the MA- and AK-alone treatment groups. Furthermore, MIX increased the levels of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that were reduced by dexamethasone, and downregulated the expression of forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a) induced by dexamethasone. These results suggest that MIX has a protective effect against muscle atrophy by enhancing muscle protein anabolism through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and attenuating catabolism through the inhibition of FoxO3a.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.1061-1066
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• 2003

Purpose : The rising prevalence of childhood obesity may be due to an energy imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. Recently, consumption of beverages in children has increased. The aim of this study is to provide useful information for the prevention and the control of childhood obesity by assessment of variable beverage consumption. Methods : Fight hundred seventy seven children(M : F=1 : 1.02, mean age; 9.7 years) from two primary schools in Seoul in May 2003 were enrolled. Body mass index(BMI) was calculated and the degree of obesity was classified into normal, overweight and obese groups by BMI percentile. Parental BMI, socio-economic factor, 3-day dietary intake, calory intake and beverage intake were examined by questionnaires. We researched beverages and classified them into six categories, milk, other milk products, soda, sports beverage, other beverage. Results : The prevalence of obesity was 7.2%. The parental BMI of the obese group were higher than those of the other groups. There was no significant difference in birth weight, or parents' intellectual and economic levels between the obese group and the other groups. There was no significant difference in daily total calory intake between the obese group and the other groups. The obese group of 7-9 year-old-males was higher than the other groups in sodas, and sports beverages intake. The obese group of 10-12 year-old-males was higher than the other groups in total beverage intake and other beverage intakes. The obese group of 10-12 year-old-females was higher than the other groups in other milk products. Conclusion : Excessive intake of beverages is associated with childhood obesity. Efforts to decrease intake of beverages may be important approaches to counter the rise in the prevalence of obesity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.708-722
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• 2016

Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) models for nutrient budgets were used to estimate the seasonal capacity of the Youngsan Estuary and Youngam-Geumho Estuary to sink and/or supply nutrients such as dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and nitrogen (DIN) to provide an understanding of the behavior of the coupled biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus and nitrogen in the estuaries (Youngsan Estuary, Youngam-Geumho Estuary) near Mokpo Harbor. During non-stratified periods (May, September, and November, 2008), simple three-box models were applied in each sub-region of the system, while a two-layer box model was applied during on-site observation of stratification development (July, 2008). The resulting mass-balance calculation indicated that even after large discharges from artificial lakes (in May and July), DIP influxes due to a mixing exchange ($V_{X-3}$, or $V_{deep}$) were more than terrigenous loads, indicating the backward transportation of nutrients from a marine source. The model results also indicated that for nutrient loads (DIP and DIN fluxes) in September, an extreme congestion of nutrients occurred around the mouths (sub-region III of the model) of the estuaries, possibly due to an imbalance in physical circulations between the estuaries and offshore locations. In November, the Youngam-Geumho Estuary, into which freshwater was discharged from artificial lakes (Youngam and Geumho Lake), showed nutrient enrichment in the water column, but the Youngsan Estuary showed nutrient depletion. In conclusion, to efficiently control water quality in the estuaries near Mokpo Harbor, integrated environmental management programs should be implemented. I.e., the reduction of nutrient loads from land basins as well as the deposit of nutrient loads into adjacent coastal lines.