• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.229-238
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• 2021

Background: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), an important physiological feature of asthma, is a prognostic marker of childhood asthma. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the factors associated with BHR in adolescents with childhood asthma. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen adolescents (≥13 years of age; 149 males, 66 females) who were diagnosed with asthma during childhood were enrolled, underwent methacholine challenge tests, and were divided into the BHR group (<25 mg/mL of provocation concentration causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV₁] [PC₂₀], n=113) or non-BHR group (≥25 mg/mL of PC₂₀, n=102). We examined longitudinal changes in BHR and the risk factors for its persistence in the 108 adolescents for whom baseline data, including methacholine PC₂₀ at age 6 years, were available. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with BHR in adolescents. Results: Mold sensitization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.569; P=0.005) and increased blood eosinophil count (aOR, 1.002; P=0.026) were independently associated with BHR in boys but not girls. The odds of BHR decreased by 32% with each 1-year increase in age in boys (aOR, 0.683; P=0.010) but not girls. A reduced FEV₁/forced vital capacity ratio (<90%) was independently related with BHR in female patients only (aOR, 7.500; P=0.007). BHR decreased with age throughout childhood. A low methacholine PC₂₀ at age 6 years was independently associated with persistent BHR throughout childhood in male and female patients, whereas early mold sensitization was a risk factor for persistent BHR in male patients only (aOR, 7.718; P=0.028). Conclusion: Our study revealed sex-specific differences in the factors associated with BHR in adolescents with childhood asthma. Our findings suggest the risk factors that might affect asthma transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 2009

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the world's most important crop, is usually classified into ssp. indica and japonica based on morpho-physiological traits. In the previous study, we have developed subspecies-specific STS markers (SS markers) to readily discriminate between indica and japonica in O. sativa. In this study, we employed SS markers to investigate the genomic inclination of worldwide collections of O. sativa. A total of 320 varieties were divided into two groups with 63 SS markers. Namely, they formed two distinctive groups, indica and japonica, as expected by their geographic origin. The population structure analysis revealed that the variability of genetic background was greater in indica than in japonica. Some of them, however, exhibited intermediate genomic inclination between indica and japonica. These results are in general agreement with the previous studies, suggesting that SS markers are powerful tools for both determination of subspecies genome and assessment of genetic diversity in rice.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.375-383
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• 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the cognitive improvement and memory recovery effects of Korean and Chinese Crataegus pinnatifida ethanolic extracts on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. In vivo studies were carried out with mice treated with Korean Crataegus pinnatifida extracts (KCF) and Chinese Crataegus pinnatifida extracts (CCF) in doses of 5 and 50 mg/kg (p.o.) and scopolamine was injected 30 min before the behavioral testing. Antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition by Ellman's modified method. The chlorogenic acid and hyperoside as marker compounds of KCF and CCF was quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography analysis (UPLC). Results showed that KCF was more contained high content of chlorogenic acid and hyperoside than CCF. In addition, KCF was more exerted free radical (DPPH and ABTS) scavenging activity and blocked AChE activity than CCF. In vivo studies also showed that KCF administration has a further improved the memory of scopolamine-treated mice than CCF in Y-maze test, passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test. These results revealed that KCF more prevents scopolamine-induced memory impairments through antioxidant and acethylcholinesterase inhibition effect compared CCF.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.279-287
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• 2018

Placenta specific 8 (PLAC8, also known as ONZIN) is a multi-functional protein that is highly expressed in the intestine, lung, spleen, and innate immune cells, and is involved in various diseases, including cancers, obesity, and innate immune deficiency. Here, we generated a Plac8 knockout mouse using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The Cas9 mRNA and two single guide RNAs targeting a region near the translation start codon at Plac8 exon 2 were microinjected into mouse zygotes. This successfully eliminated the conventional translation start site, as confirmed by Sanger sequencing and PCR genotyping analysis. Unlike the previous Plac8 deficient models displaying increased adipose tissue and body weights, our male Plac8 knockout mice showed rather lower body weight than sex-matched littermate controls, though the only difference between these two mouse models is genetic context. Differently from the previously constructed embryonic stem cell-derived Plac8 knockout mouse that contains a neomycin resistance cassette, this knockout mouse model is free from a negative selection marker or other external insertions, which will be useful in future studies aimed at elucidating the multi-functional and physiological roles of PLAC8 in various diseases, without interference from exogenous foreign DNA.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.245-254
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of natural herb mixture containing Laminaria japonica Areschoung (LAM) on fine dust-induced bronchitis in mice. Laminaria japonica Areschoung is main content of LAM, which is including fucoidan. Fucoidan extracted from phaophyta is known to prevent bronchitis and to defend against bacteria and virus infection. In this study, we experienced the effect of LAM on bronchitis and investigated gene expressions (e.g ; IL-8, COX-2, MCP-1) and bio-markers (e.g ; IL-8, PGE2, MUC5AC) associated with bronchitis by using A549 cells. Also, we investigated whether LAM can suppress the bronchitis in fine dust-induced animal models. We injected fine dust (50 ㎕) twice as INT (Intra-Nasal-Trachea) method. Then LAM (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) were oral administered for 14 days. We analyzed the number of immune cells, immunoglobulin E, bio-markers level associated with bronchitis. LAM significantly decreased bio-marker (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Histamine, PGE2), immune cells (white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte), and immunoglobulin E, that are increased by fine dust. Taken together, this study suggest that LAM can be used as effective herbal extract for bronchitis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.18-22
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• 2022

To investigate effects of cognitive function improvement whether against Taegeuk ginseng on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. All experiments were conducted in three groups: the control group (CTR), the scopolamine 0.4mg/kg (SCP), and the scopolamine (SCP+T) treated with Taegeuk ginseng 100 mg/kg. Taegeuk ginseng 100 mg/kg daily was orally administered for one month and treated with scopolamine was only for 7 consecutive days on the Morris water maze task. 3 weeks after oral administration of Taegeuk ginseng, subjects were performed the Morris water maze test for 8 days and then the open-field exploration test which to assessed for cognitive function improvement. After behavioral testing, subjects were sacrificed and microdissected brains for neurochemical analysis. In the cognitive-behavioral test, long-term administration of Taegeuk ginseng improved spatial navigation learning task compared with the impeded by scopolamine treatment. In neurochemistry, the expression of the synaptic marker PSD95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) was increased in the hippocampus compared to the scopolamine group. Also, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was significantly increased in the taegeuk ginseng administration group. These data suggested that long-term administration of taegeuk ginseng might improve cognitive-behavioral functions on hippocampal related spatial learning memory, and it was correlated with neurotropic and synaptic reinforcement. In conclusion, treatment with taegeuk ginseng may positive outcome on learning and memory deficit disorders.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.28-38
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• 2022

Purpose: Macrophages play crucial roles as early responders to bacterial pathogens and promote/ or impede chronic inflammation in various tissues. Periodontal macrophage-induced pyroptosis results in physiological and pathological inflammatory responses. The transcription factor Dec2 is involved in regulating immune function and inflammatory processes. To characterize the potential unknown role of Dec2 in the innate immune system, we sought to elucidate the mechanism that may alleviate macrophage pyroptosis in periodontal inflammation. Methods: Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce pyroptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Subsequently, we established an LPS-stimulated Dec2 overexpression cellular model in macrophages. Human chronic periodontitis tissues were employed to evaluate potential changes in inflammatory marker expression and pyroptosis. Finally, the effects of Dec2 deficiency on inflammation and pyroptosis were characterized in a P. gingivalis-treated experimental periodontitis Dec2-knockout mouse model. Results: Macrophages treated with LPS revealed significantly increased messenger RNA expression levels of Dec2 and interleukin (IL)-1β. Dec2 overexpression reduced IL-1β expression in macrophages treated with LPS. Overexpression of Dec2 also repressed the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the expression of caspase-11 was concurrently reduced in macrophages treated with LPS. Human chronic periodontitis tissues showed significantly higher gingival inflammation and pyroptosis-related protein expression than non-periodontitis tissues. In vivo, P. gingivalis-challenged mice exhibited a significant augmentation of F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β. Dec2 deficiency markedly induced GSDMD expression in the periodontal ligament of P. gingivalis-challenged mice. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that Dec2 deficiency exacerbated P. gingivalis LPS-induced periodontal inflammation and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. Collectively, our results present novel insights into the molecular functions of macrophage pyroptosis and document an unforeseen role of Dec2 in pyroptosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.736-745
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• 2023

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a gradual decline in cellular and physiological functions. This natural process is associated with age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and hypogonadism, which are significant health concerns among older individuals and can significantly impact their quality of life. Researchers have found that epigenetic markers play a crucial role in regulating aging and age-related diseases. Epigenetic markers are heritable gene expression alterations that do not change in the DNA sequence. This review focuses on the involvement of various epigenetic marks, such as RNA methylation, DNA methylation, and microRNAs (miRNAs), in regulating gene expression patterns associated with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and hypogonadism. These epigenetic alterations can lead to the dysregulation of specific genes and signaling pathways, contributing to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and hypogonadism. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these epigenetic modifications is essential for both the aging population and individuals seeking ways to promote overall well-being. By gaining deeper insights into how epigenetic marker alteration occurs during aging and age-related diseases, researchers can potentially develop targeted therapeutic strategies to alleviate the impact of these conditions and improve the quality of life for older individuals.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 1974

The object of this research is aimed to determine the activity of adenyl cyclase in both skeletal muscle sarcolemma and fat cell ghost of epididymal adipose tissue isolated from rats exposed to cold for various length of time in an attempt to evaluate whether the tissue sensitivity to catecholamine is increased when rats are exposed to cold for long periods of time Methods: a)Animals: Albino rats ranging in weight from 150 to 200 gm were used throughout this study. For experimental purposes, the rats are divided into two groups: experimental animals were place4 in a cold room at $4^{\circ}C$, controls being kept at $25^{\circ}C$. At the end of 2, 4, 6, 12, and 16 weeks. exposure to cold the rats were used to measure the adenyl cyclase activity. b) Isolation of plasma membrane from skeletal muscle and adipose tissue: The Plasma membrane of skeletal muscle from hind limbs of rats are prepared by the method employed by Rosenthal et at. and fat cell ghost of epididymal adipose tissue of rats by the method employed by Rodbell. c) Adenyl cyclase assay: Adenyl cyclase activity were measured by the method employed by Marinetti et al. Briefly, plasma membrane was incubated with $3^H-ATP$, various amount of noradrenaline and other incubation mixture at $37^{\circ}C$ for 20 minutes. After stopping the enzyme reaction by immersion in boiling water, carrier 3',5'-AMP was added to the system as a marker and $100\;{\mu}1$ aliquots of incubation mixture were pipetted on $20{\time}20$ Whatman No. 3 MM filter paper for one dimensional chromatography. The cyclic AMP spots were cut off and placed in counting vials containing 10ml of Bray's scintillation cocktail. Radioactivity was determined with a Packard Tri-Carb liquid scintillation counter. The enzyme activity is expressed as nanomoles of cyclic AMP produced per mg of membrane per hour. Result: 1. Average adenyl cyclase activity in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle before and after noradrenaline administration was significantly higher in the cold-exposed rats as compared to the control. Continuous exposure to cold Produced an increased adenyl cyclase activity before and after noradrenaline administration. Adenyl cyclase activity reached peak levels at the 6 weeks exposure to told and level of adenyl cyclase activity remained high. Noradrenaline administration to the incubation medium induced a significant increase in adenyl cyclase activity and the degree of stimulation were proportional to the hormonal concentration But the rate of inclement in adenyl cyclase activity by noradreasline was the same in both groups. 2. Adenyl cyclase activity in fat cell ghost between cold exposed and control rats showed no significant differences before and after noradreualine administration. In summary, it can be concluded that cold adaptation give rise an increased activity of adenyl cyclase in plasma membrane of skeletal muscle in rats.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.259-268
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• 2003

Lactadherin (formerly known as BA46), a major glycoprotein of the human milk fat globule membrane, is abundant in human breast milk and breast carcinoma cells and is known to prevent symptomatic rotavirus infections. In this study, we tried to transfer the human lactadherin gene to the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using retrovirus vector system and tested inducible expression of the gene under the tetracycline-controllable promoter. At first, tetracycline-mediated inducibility was tested using E.coli LacZ marker gene. NIH3T3 cells co-infected with RevTet-On and RevTRE-LacZ retrovirus vectors showed that the cells responded to doxycycline (a derivative of tetracycline) in a dose-dependent manner, and prominent induction of the lacZ gene expression was observed from 1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml of doxycycline concentration. Based on the results of the pilot experiment, inductional expression of the human lactadherin gene was conducted using RevTet-On and RevTRE-Ltd retrovirus vectors. Analysis with the RT-PCR demonstrated successful inductional expression of the lactadherin gene in the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Considering that constitutive overexpression of the exogenous genes in the target cells causes serious physiological imbalance, the results obtained in this study will be very useful especially in the studies of gene therapy and transgenic animal production.