• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.89-99
• /
• 2010

Fibroblasts are the most common cells in connective tissue and are responsible for the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. The fibrosis associated with chronic inflammation and injury may contribute to cholangiocarcinoma pathogenesis, particularly through an increase in extracellular matrix components, which participate in the regulation of bile duct differentiation during development. Mitochondria produce ATP through oxidative metabolism to provide energy to the cell under physiological conditions. Also, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated in cellular senescence and aging. Alternations in mitochondrial structure and function are early events of programmed cell death or apoptosis and mitochondria appear to be a central regulator of apoptosis in most somatic cell. Clonorchis sinensis, one of the most important parasite of the human bile duct in East Asia, arouses epithelial hyperplasia and ductal fibrosis. Isolated fibroblast from the bile ducts of rats infected by C. sinensis showed increase of cytoplasmic process. In addition, decrease of cellular proliferation was observed in fibroblasts which was isolated from normal rat bile duct and then cultured in media containing C. sinensis excretory-secretory product. However, the effects of C. sinensis infection on the mitochondrial enzyme distribution is not clearly reported yet. Therefore, we investigated the structural change of C. sinensis infected bile duct and mitochondrial enzyme distribution of the cultured fibroblast isolated from the C. sinensis infected rat bile duct. As a result, C. sinensis infected SD rat bile ducts showed the features of chronic clonorchiasis, such as ductal connective and epithelial tissue dilatation, or ductal fibrosis. In addition, fibroblast in ductal connective tissue was damaged by physical effect of fibrotic tissue and chemical stimulation. Immunohistochemically detected mitochondrial electron transferase (ATPase, COXII, Porin) was decreased in C. sinensis infected rat bile duct and cultured fibroblast from infected rat bile duct. It can be hypothesized that the reason why number of electron transferase decrease in fibroblast isolated from the rat bile duct infected with C. sinensis is because dysfunction of electron transport system is occurred mitochondrial dysfunction, increase of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and apoptosis after chemical damage on the cell caused by C. sinensis infection. Overall, C. sinensis infection induces fibrotic change of ductal connective tissue, mutation of cellular metabolism in fibroblast and mitochondrial dysfunction. Consequently, ductal fibrosis inhibits fibroblast proliferation and decreases mitochondrial electron transferase on fibroblast cytoplasm. It was assumed that the structure of bile duct could not normalized and ductal fibrosis was maintained for a long period of time according to fibroblast metamorphosis and death induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.11
• /
• pp.1711-1717
• /
• 2010

In this study, fibrinolytic activities of fermented yellow agabean (FYA) and black agabean (FBA), and the antioxidation efficiencies of 70% ethanol extract of fermented yellow agabean (FYAE) and black agabean (FBAE) were investigated by selecting Bacillus sp. sm26 strain. Fibrinolytic activities of FYA and FBA were $6.38{\pm}0.5$ and $6.83{\pm}0.5\;U/ml$, which were 1.3 and 1.4 times higher than that of FSB, respectively. With regard to total phenolic contents, FYAE and FBAE were $3.40{\pm}0.44\;mg/g$ and $2.45{\pm}0.20\;mg/g$ respectively, suggesting that their contents were about twice as high as that of fermented soybean extract (FSBE) used as a control. In comparison with FSBE, total protein and sugar contents of FYAE were $0.56{\pm}0.11$ and $2.41{\pm}0.48\;mg/g$, respectively, and those of FBAE were $0.39{\pm}0.12$ and $2.72{\pm}0.63\;mg/g$, respectively. This result suggests that FYAE was 4.7 and 1.7 times higher than FSBE, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of FBAE was 79% at 1 mg/ml, which was highest among the fermented bean extracts, and was twice as high as FSBE in regards to activity. In addition, FBAE exhibited the highest reducing power at 1 mg/ml, which was higher than FSBE by two-fold. With regard to lipid peroxidation, FBAE and FYAE were 93% and 80% at 1 mg/ml, which were 3 and 2.5 times higher than FSBE, respectively. Of note, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of FBAE and FYAE were 82% and 54% at 1 mg/ml, offering activity that was 4 and 2.5 times higher than FSBE, respectively. Based on these results, the fibrinolytic activity and antioxidation efficiency of the fermented agabeans were significantly higher than other soybeans. Therefore, these studies may suggest that the functional agabeans can be a potential candidate for a natural functional food.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.46 no.7
• /
• pp.790-800
• /
• 2017

As men get older, total testosterone levels decline gradually, and concentrations of free and bioavailable testosterone decline sharply with each decade beyond their 30s. Andropause or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is defined as a decrease in sexual satisfaction or decline in general well-being accompanied by low levels of testosterone in older men. This male climacteric is characterized by nervousness, reduced potency, decreased libido, irritability, fatigue, depression, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and hot flushes. Cirsium japonicum (CJ) is used as a traditional medicine for hemorrhage, blood congestion, and inflammation in Korea. However, there is no report on the efficacy of CJ treatment for TDS. In this study, we observed the mitigating effect of CJ extract (CE) and fermented CJ extract (FCE) on symptoms of TDS. In elderly male rats, total and testosterone levels, hind limbs muscles, forced swimming time, and total and motile sperm counts significantly increased after daily intake of CE and FCE for 6 weeks. In contrast, sex hormone binding globulin, retroperitoneal fat, total serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in CE and FCE groups. However, there was no difference in prostate specific antigen, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels among all groups, which means CE and FCE did not have putative adverse effects. In a cell experiment, we also observed that CE and FCE enhanced expression of genes related to testosterone biosynthesis but reduced genes involved in testosterone conversion. On the whole, these positive effects on TDS were greater in FCE compared to CE. Thus, these results suggest the potential of FCE as a promising natural product for recovering testosterone levels and alleviating TDS.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.261-276
• /
• 2009

Lactacystin, a microbial natural product synthesized by Streptomyces, has been commonly used as a selective proteasome inhibitor in many studies. Proteasome inhibitors is known to be preventing the proliferation of cancer cells in vivo as well as in vitro. Furthermore, proteasome inhibitors, as single or combined with other anticancer agents, are suggested as a new class of potential anticancer agents. This study was undertaken to examine in vitro effects of cytotoxicity and growth inhibition, and the molecular mechanism underlying induction of apoptosis in SCC25 human tongue sqaumous cell carcinoma cell line treated with lactacystin. The viability of SCC25 cells, human normal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and human gingiva fibroblasts (HGF-1 cells), and the growth inhibition of SCC25 cells were assessed by MTT assay and clonogenic assay respectively. The hoechst staining, hemacolor staining and TUNEL staining were conducted to observe SCC25 cells undergoing apoptosis. SCC25 cells were treated with lactacystin, and Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FAScan flow cytometry, MMP activity, and proteasome activity were performed. Lactacystin treatment of SCC25 cells resulted in a time- and does-dependent decrease of cell viability and a does-dependent inhibition of cell growth, and induced apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, lactacytin remarkably revealed cytotoxicity in SCC25 cells but not normal cells. And tested SCC25 cells showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation such as nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, the reduction of MMP and proteasome activity, the decrease of DNA contents, the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, the translocation of AIF and DFF40 (CAD) onto nuclei, the up-regulation of Bax, and the activation of caspase-7, caspase-3, PARP, lamin A/C and DFF45 (ICAD). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that lactacystin resulted in G1 arrest in cell cycle progression which was associated with up-regulation in the protein expression of CDK inhibitors, $p21^{WAF1/CIP1}$ and $p27^{KIP1}$. We presented data indicating that lactacystin induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptois via proteasome, mitochondria and caspase pathway in SCC25 cells. Therefore our data provide the possibility that lactacystin could be as a novel therapeutic strategy for human tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.987-995
• /
• 2009

The effects of Kwamaegi on serum lipid profiles and ROS(reactive oxygen spices) generating and scavenging enzyme activities were investigated in rats. The three experimental groups were divided as follows: normal control diet group (NC), 5% naturally prepared and freeze-dried Kwamaegi supplemented diet group (NPK) and 5% chitosan-ascorbate treated and artificially dried (CWDD: Chilly Wind & Dehumidification Drier) Kwamaegi supplemented diets group (CAK). There were no significant differences in weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency ratio or organs weights per body weight including liver, kidney, heart and spleen among the group. In addition, there were no significant differences in serum triglyceride and total cholesterol contents. The HDL-cholesterol contents of the NC, CAK and NPK groups were 62.00, 36.48 and 78.44 mg/dL while LDL-cholesterol contents were 62.00, 36.48 and 78.44 mg/dL, respectively, which were significantly different. The atherogenic indeces in the experimental groups were 0.62, 1.20 and 0.13, respectively. There were no significant differences in total XOD (xanthine oxidoreductase) activities; however XOD type O activity was higher in the NPK group than un the NC group and in the CAK group XOD type O activity was 21~45% lower compared to NC and NPK groups. SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity was significantly higher in the CAK group than in the NC and NPK groups, while there were no significantly differences in GST (glutathione S-transferrase) activity among the groups. Furthermore, serum ALT activity was higher in the NPK group versus the NC and CAK groups. GSH (glutathione) content was higher and LPO (lipid peroxide) content lower in the CAK group compared to the NC and NPK groups. Forem the above results, we suggest that CA treated and artificially dried Kwamaegi is not only a hygienic product but also has lowering effects on LDL-cholesterol and the atherogenic index together with the lowering of ROS-generating and increasing of ROS-scavenging enzyme activities compared to other natural products.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.37-48
• /
• 2019

This study, which starting from Yangyang Jukdo's topography formation and questioning revealed in landscape guide and landscape commentary board, is to sort out the characteristics of Jukdo natural landscape through literature research, field observation research and stakeholder interview as part of the proper recognition of Jokdo landscape and search for landscape resources, and pursued a review of nominations and criticism. The results of this study are summarized as follows. Yangyang Jukdo is an island named because it was full of blue bamboo. From before the first half of the 14th Century. to the middle of the 18th Century., there was a Gwanlan-pavilion to see the sea and the bamboo in the west. The time when the original island, the Jukdo, have been a land-tied island connected with the land by the tombolo formed by the erosion of the sand. It is located at the end of the 14th Century. and before the middle of the 18th Century. In Jukdo, colorful weathered terrains, coastal terrain, and structural terrain formed by long-time weathering are found. Among them, the type of weathering, the tafoni style and the gnamma style are the scenic landscapes with the key stories of legend and poetry that are brought to Jukdo. In addition, there are seven kinds of letters caved in the rocks in Jukdo. The rocks found on the coast, basketball cannons, shrines, and sutras are seen as shrouds based on a Taoist hermit motifs and style. In addition, it can be interred from the photography of "jeongssisejeog" that the souvenir of Jukdo was the family of Chogyejeong of mid 18th Century. In terms of observational geography and poetry, Jukdo has been handed down a great deal of missionary color with key motifs such as 'Jukdo-seongoo', 'Jukdo-Dolgooyoo', or 'Stone mortar of Taoist hermit' It is proved that the pearl which is called 'The stone of the Taoist hermit' is a porthole formed in a separate space rather than the topography of the geomorphology in terms of shape, size and function. Currently named Shun-tang is a product of the ridiculous 'naming' of interest. The present landscape guide and commentary is not only incompatible with the place of Jukdo, but also does not match the traditional cultural landscape. Future scenery information such as guide signs and commentary boards should be improved in the direction of positively highlighting the stories and motifs related to the present that are present in order to enhance the landscape identity of Yangyang Jukdo.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.34 no.5
• /
• pp.605-612
• /
• 2005

In previous studies, we evaluated the effect of the 6 energy-tonic or blood-building prescriptions of traditional oriental medicine, and observed that Si-Wu-Tang and Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang showed high activity in the protection of the gastrointestinal and hematopoietic organs in irradiated mice. But any of these prescriptions did not show a high activity in the activation of the immune cells. We performed this study to design an herb mixture which protects the self-renewal tissues and also promotes recovery of the immune system against radiation damage. In order to meet all the requirements, we designed a new mixture of 3 edible herbs listed in Korean Food Code. The mixture of Angelim gigas radix, Cnidium officinale rhizoma and Paeonia japonica radix was decocted with hot water, and the activities of the water extract (HIM-I) were evaluated. HIM-1 stimulated the immune cells in a much higher extent than the traditional prescriptions, and promoted dramatically the growth of bone marrow stem cells in vitro. Also, HIM-1 protected digestive and hematopoietic organs against radiation as effectively as the 2 prescriptions, Si-Wu-Tang and Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang. On the other hand, it showed high in vitro antioxidative activity that might be considered as a mechanism of the protective effects against radiation. Although the detailed mechanisms of those effects remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that HIM-I might be a useful agent for protection and recovery of body from various risk factor as well as radiation, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.123-134
• /
• 1975

Out of 96 yeast strains isolated from various natural habitats, five strains were screened based on their ability to ferment agricultural biproducts such as rice-, barley-and wheat-bran, and sawdust. These were identified as Hansenula anomala var anomala, Candide utilis, C. pelliculosa, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Irpex lacteus. Using these yeasts the above mentioned agricultural biproducts were fermented in various combinations. The fermented product was fed to 180 male Starcroses for eight weeks and obtained a body weight increase of 15.1g a day, while the unfermented control feed increased 10.5g a day.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.75-85
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study is to attempt new analysis on Soswaewon Garden(瀟灑園) where is Korea's traditional garden, focusing on which the tendency of its change is a relational-formation tool similar to the Eastern Mode of Thought, with paying attention to conversion as the new view of world. Accordingly, the aim is to reanalyze by connecting with Soswaewon Garden based on the theory of complexity, which tries to look at the whole through relationship rather than characteristics in individual components. Given summarizing findings, those are as follows. First, it was found that complexity shown in space and open system of physical dimension was characterized by 'event(situation)', 'non-determination' and 'homogeneous relationships between part and whole', and a variety of techniques introduced the nature positively. In particular, it was found that there were many cases of topographic usage, since the Soswaewon Garden selected its construction site proactively and was a product from architectural works in compliance with a given flow of natural topography. This has a nature of open text in the situation of emergent behaviors. Second, it was found that complexity shown in experiences and open system on the invisible dimension was characterized primarily by 'event(situation)' and 'relationships of interactive response between actors and environment', and various techniques appeared as a space for interactive combination of nature and daily experiences. This is typical of bilateral harmony based on interactions between subject and object, and between mankind and nature, and becomes also a space to accommodate temporary emergent behaviors in our life. Third, the compositional elements are reconstituted as space of organic property with dismantling steady relations. Especially, 'Soswaewon Garden's 48 poems(瀟灑園四十八詠)' will be the origin of the emotionally spatial experience to the current performers. Ultimately, the performer in the space of Soswaewon Garden simultaneously becomes a creator of space, and will generate new space with intertextuality with environment. Therefore, Soswaewon Garden becomes a place of binding me and the other together while maintaining mutual relationship based on organic thinking between a human being and nature and between the whole and a part.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.97-113
• /
• 2016

Due to the growth of internet data and the rapid development of internet technology, "big data" analysis is actively conducted to analyze enormous data for various purposes. Especially in recent years, a number of studies have been performed on the applications of text mining techniques in order to overcome the limitations of existing structured data analysis. Various studies on sentiment analysis, the part of text mining techniques, are actively studied to score opinions based on the distribution of polarity of words in documents. Usually, the sentiment analysis uses sentiment dictionary contains positivity and negativity of vocabularies. As a part of such studies, this study tries to construct sentiment dictionary which is customized to specific data domain. Using a common sentiment dictionary for sentiment analysis without considering data domain characteristic cannot reflect contextual expression only used in the specific data domain. So, we can expect using a modified sentiment dictionary customized to data domain can lead the improvement of sentiment analysis efficiency. Therefore, this study aims to suggest a way to construct customized dictionary to reflect characteristics of data domain. Especially, in this study, movie review data are divided by genre and construct genre-customized dictionaries. The performance of customized dictionary in sentiment analysis is compared with a common sentiment dictionary. In this study, IMDb data are chosen as the subject of analysis, and movie reviews are categorized by genre. Six genres in IMDb, 'action', 'animation', 'comedy', 'drama', 'horror', and 'sci-fi' are selected. Five highest ranking movies and five lowest ranking movies per genre are selected as training data set and two years' movie data from 2012 September 2012 to June 2014 are collected as test data set. Using SO-PMI (Semantic Orientation from Point-wise Mutual Information) technique, we build customized sentiment dictionary per genre and compare prediction accuracy on review rating. As a result of the analysis, the prediction using customized dictionaries improves prediction accuracy. The performance improvement is 2.82% in overall and is statistical significant. Especially, the customized dictionary on 'sci-fi' leads the highest accuracy improvement among six genres. Even though this study shows the usefulness of customized dictionaries in sentiment analysis, further studies are required to generalize the results. In this study, we only consider adjectives as additional terms in customized sentiment dictionary. Other part of text such as verb and adverb can be considered to improve sentiment analysis performance. Also, we need to apply customized sentiment dictionary to other domain such as product reviews.