• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.443-451
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• 2001

In order to investigate what kind of response anaerobic bifidobacteria has on oxygen stress, five oxygen-tolerant bifidobacteria were isolated from human fecal samples. All were temporarily identified as Bifidobacterium longum through an analysis of carbohydrate utilization patterns and cellular fatty acid profiles. In the presence of oxygen, the lag phase became extended and the cell growth was suppressed. Bifidobacterial cell was able to remove dissolved oxygen in an early stage of growth and to overcome oxygen stress to a certain extent. The cell became long n size and showed a rough surface containing many nodes which were derived from abnormal or incomplete cell division. Cellular fatty acid profiled changed remarkably under a partially aerobic condition, so that the carbon chain of cellular fatty acid became short. All the dimethyl acetals originated from plasmalogen were reduced, any cyclopropane fatty acid, 9, 10-methyleneoctadecanoic acid ($C_{19:0}cyc9,10$), was increased remarkably. Oxygen stress induced a 5.5 kD protein in B. longum JI 1 of the oxygen-teolerant bifidobacteria, that was named Osp protein, and its N-terminal amino acid sequence was as follows: unknown amino acid-Thr-Gly-Val-Arg-Phe-Ser-Asp-Asp-Glu. Therefore, the oxygen-tolerant bifidobacteria seemed to defend against oxygen stress byincreasing the content of short fatty acid and cyclopropane fatty acid, and induction of an oxygen stress protein, but not the plasmalogen.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.353-360
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• 1990

The bacterium Edwardsiella tarda was injected into healthy snakeheads (Channa argus) in order to prove the causative agent of ascite. The bacterium dominantly isolated from 2 cultured ascite snakeheads was injected into fish by the dose of $5\times10^6$ CFU/ 0.25ml, but the same dose of $0.65\%$ physiological saline was injected into the each control. The injected fish was divided into 4 groups such as intraperitoneal, intramuscle, control intra-peritoneal and control intramuscle according to their injection points. Each was composed of 10 healthy snakeheads respectively. Ascites and haemorrhagic ulcers became distinct 5 days after injection, but controls did not show any abnormal symptoms during the experimental period. Edwardsiella tarda was reisalated out of the injected fish's ascite, liver, kidney, spleen and haemorrhagic ulcer on the skin. Regardless of the injecting methods, liver was necrotized more severely than any other internal organ, but both the glomeruli of kidney and spleen were considerably damaged. Necrosis of muscle and a number of leucocytes were observed at the ulcerous region of the intramuscular injected fish. It is concluded that judging from the above results the Edwardsiella tarda is a causative agent to cause ascite in snakehead.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.219-227
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• 2005

Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mice are characterized by death of virtually all cerebellar Purkinje cells by postnatal day 30. In this study, we used DNA microarray analysis to investigate differences in gene expression between the brains of wild type and pcd mice on postnatal day 20, before the appearance of clear-cut phenotypic abnormalities. We identified 300 differentially expressed genes, most of which were involved in metabolic and physiological processes. Among the differentially expressed genes were several calcium binding proteins including calbindin-28k, paravalbumin, matrix gamma-carboxyglutamate protein and synaptotagamins 1 and 13, suggesting the involvement of abnormal $Ca^{2+}$ signaling in the pcd phenotype.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1387-1394
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• 2020

Clam worms (Marphysa sanguinea) are a rich source of bioactive components such as the antibacterial peptide, perinerin. In the present study, we explored the physiological activities of a novel NCWPFQGVPLGFQAPP peptide (NCW peptide), which was purified from clam worm extract through high-performance liquid chromatography. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) revealed that NCW was a new peptide with a molecular weight of 1757.86 kDa. Moreover, NCW peptide exhibited significant antioxidant effects, causing a 50% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 20 μM without showing any cytotoxicity. These were associated with a reduction in the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in LPS-stimulated RAW264. 7 cells. Furthermore, NCW peptide exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibition of the abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These anti-inflammatory effects of NCW peptide were associated with the inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our results therefore suggest that this novel NCW peptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects could be a good therapeutic agent against inflammation-related diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity and safety of fermented Soshiho-tang extract using male and female ICR mice. Mice were treated with fermented Soshiho-tang extract once orally at 1250, 2500 or 5000 mg/kg and observed for two weeks. At the doses used, no mortality or abnormal clinical signs in animals were shown during at the observation period. In addition, no differences were found between control and treated groups in body weight, hematology and biochemical analysis, and other findings. Above data strongly suggest that no observed adverse effect level of fermented Soshiho-tang extract might be over 5000 mg/kg/day in this study.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.417-425
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• 2023

In various organisms, the Hippo signaling pathway has been identified as a master regulator of organ size determination and tissue homeostasis. The Hippo signaling coordinates embryonic development, tissue regeneration and differentiation, through regulating cell proliferation and survival. The YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) act as core transducers of the Hippo pathway, and they are tightly and exquisitely regulated in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. Abnormal regulation or genetic variation of the Hippo pathway causes a wide range of human diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have revealed that Hippo signaling plays a pivotal role in the immune system and cancer immunity. Due to pathophysiological importance, the emerging role of Hippo signaling in blood cell differentiation, known as hematopoiesis, is receiving much attention. A number of elegant studies using a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model have shed light on the mechanistic and physiological insights into the Hippo pathway in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Here, we briefly review the function of Hippo signaling in the regulation of hematopoiesis and immune cell differentiation.

• Journal of Climate Change Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2016

Climate change affects plant responses on physiological characteristics and growth, and Pinus densiflora, one of the major tree species in Korea, are expected to be particularly vulnerable to rising temperature and increased precipitation. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an open-field warming and precipitation manipulation on physiological characteristics and growth of P. densiflora seedlings. Seedlings of 2-year-old P. densiflora were planted in April, 2013, in open-field nursery located at Korea University. The air temperature of warmed plots had been set to be $3^{\circ}C$ higher than the control plots using infrared lamps. Precipitation was manipulated to be 30% lower or higher than the control, using transparent panels and drip irrigation. Net photosynthetic rate, total chlorophyll content, seedling height, root collar diameter and biomass were measured from April, 2014 to April, 2015. The increase in new shoot biomass from warming was statistically significant, with the biomass in warmed plots about 2-fold higher than in the control plots in 2014 and 2015. This result might be related to advanced bud burst and increased occurrence of abnormal new shoots in warmed plots. Meanwhile, the results of net photosynthetic rate, total chlorophyll content, seedling height, root collar diameter and total biomass from warming and precipitation manipulation were not statistically significant, but tendencies of lower net photosynthetic rate and higher seedling height and biomass in warmed plots compared to the control were shown. Such might be speculated as results of the extended growth period. When root to shoot (R/S) ratio was calculated from the biomass data obtained in April 2014 and April 2015, increased R/S ratio was observed regardless of the treatments applied. Drought tolerance of P. densiflora and particularly low annual precipitation observed in 2014 were suggested as the possible reasons.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1626-1632
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• 2008

Among patients who are receiving treatments at an oriental medical hospital for various symptoms and diseases, patients whose main disease is accompanied by metabolic syndrome with abnormal liver function. This research was performed in order to observe the progression of changes in the liver function and serum lipid profile after the oriental medical treatments to patients who have been receiving oriental medical treatment for various other diseases and have been diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome at their first visit to the hospital based on NCEP ATP III diagnosis criteria and WHO Asia Pacific region criteria. Total number of subject patients were 39cases(mean age:55.58${\pm}$2.09 years) which had 20 male and 19 female. For the references for hepatic enzyme levels and blood lipid profile were measured in before treatment and four times after treatments(every 2.31${\pm}$06.17 weeks). Serum AST was 48.86${\pm}$7.46 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, 40.63${\pm}$4.69, 43.12${\pm}$5.46, 37.82${\pm}$4.52 IU/L were measured where although the level decreased to the normal level compared to pre-treatment, the value was not significant statistically(P>0.05). ALT was 66.26${\pm}$11.01 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment 62.10${\pm}$8.20, 61.10${\pm}$8.76, 43.79${\pm}$5.68 were measured where although the level decreased, abnormally high level was maintained. The last result was significant statistically(P<0.05) compared to pre-treatment. ALP was 193.06${\pm}$14.20 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, 176.80${\pm}$6.48, 177.46${\pm}$11.81, 162.41${\pm}$9.06 where although compared to pre-treatment the last result was significant statistically(P<0.05), the change was within the normal range. ${\gamma}$-GGT was 87.83${\pm}$12.59 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, progressively near normal level was achieved with 118.73${\pm}$46.45, 85.03${\pm}$17.12, 70.64${\pm}$10.93 and the last result was statistically significant compared to pre-treatment (P<0.05). Blood triglyceride was 217.63${\pm}$32.18 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment. After treatment 215.09${\pm}$22.18, 189.93${\pm}$22.44, 191.22${\pm}$18.51 where abnormal values continued even after treatment although results was not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). Total-cholesterol was 197.28${\pm}$9.24 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 201.55${\pm}$11.13, 186.87${\pm}$8.77 and 186.68${\pm}$7.61 were measured that results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). HDL-cholesterol was 41.88${\pm}$2.38 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 48.75${\pm}$4.22, 44.10${\pm}$1.91, 48.00${\pm}$2.06 the results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). LDL-cholesterol was 111.66${\pm}$13.08 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 109.94${\pm}$10.18, 101.79${\pm}$8.63, 104.00${\pm}$6.98 the results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). With such results, even if common oriental medical treatments were given to metabolic syndrome patients with abnormal liver function, the liver function was confirmed not to be aggravated, and the concentration of lipids in the blood was confirmed not to be affected in most patients.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.399-407
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• 2012

To evaluate age and gender differences in the relation of cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive impairment, and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis from aged people using by a cross sectional method. Sixty-nine healthy elders living in the community who had not previously undergone carotid ultrasonography were included. We conducted life style surveys, and cognitive function tests including Korean-mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) and clinical dementia rating-Korean. Various biomarkers from blood were assessed; fasting insulin-like growth factor-1, lipid-profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, total homocysteine, glucose, insulin, Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance index, vitamin B12, and folate level. Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and plaques were measured using carotid ultrasonography and aortic ultrasonography, a valid index of atherosclerosis. For the elderly subjects (aged 65-82 years), cognition impairment was more prevalent in females while subclinical atherosclerosis was more prevalentin males. Increased C-IMT has been kept in males, and C-IMT shows increasing trend and the peak at about 80 year-old in females with increasing age. The significant correlations between C-IMT and many vascular risk factors including age, triglyceride, abnormal homocysteinein male, and K-MMSE, insulin, HOMA index and abnormal aortic ultrasonography in female were different in each gender, with the exception of homocysteine (p<0.05). This data suggests that there were differences of age and gender characteristics in terms of subclinical atherosclerosis, cognitive impairment and vascular risk factors in community-living elders. Further larger and longitudinal studies across entire age are required to better understand the effects of risk factors on subclinical atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.442-448
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• 2006

To obtain the 50% lethal dose (LD50), approximated lethal dose (ALD) and approximated target organs of 'Mahwangyounpae-tang' for further study like repeat dose toxicity, genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, single dose toxicity was tested in male ICR mouse according to KFDA Guideline 1999-61 [KFDA, 1999] at a dosage level of 2,000, 1,000, 500, 250 and $125\;mg/kg/10m{\ell}$. In this study, mortalities, clinical signs, body weight changes and body weight gains, gross findings and weight of principal organs were detected during and/or after 14 days of single dosing. After 2 or 3 days of dosing, 1 or 2 animals in 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing groups were died. Excitation and leaping response were observed as test article-treatment related clinical signs. These abnormal signs were restricted to 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing groups and they were recovered to normal within 4 days after dosing in case of survivors. A significant decrease of body weight were observed in some periods of observation in 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group from 1 days after dosing compared to those of vehicle control group. A significant decrease of body weight gains were observed in observation periods in 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group compared to those of vehicle control group. Hypertrophy of heart and decoloration of kidney were observed as test article-treatment related gross findings. These abnormal findings were restricted to 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing groups. A significant increase of absolute and relative heart and kidney weight were demonstrated in 2,000 mg/kg-dosing groups. LD50 in this study was detected as 2,242.42 mg/kg. ALD in this study was detected as 1,000 mg/kg and the target organ was considered as the heart and kidney.