• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.723-727
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• 2005

Ghrelin is a novel growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide, which has been purified and identified in rat stomach. In the present study, the full-length sequence of bovine ghrelin cDNA was cloned by RT-PCR. The bovine ghrelin cDNA sequence derived in the present study included a 348 bp open reading frame and a 137 bp 3'UTR. The putative amino acid sequence of bovine prepro-ghrelin consisted of 116 amino acids, which contained the 27-amino acid ghrelin. The sequence analysis of the bovine ghrelin gene revealed that an intron existed between Gln$^{13}$ and Arg$^{14}$ of ghrelin. This exon-intron boundary matched the GT-AG rule of the splicing mechanism. Compared with rats, which have two tandem CAG sequences in the 3'end of intron, bovine ghrelin genome has only one CAG sequence. Therefore, although rats can produce 28 amino acid-ghrelin and 27 amino acid-des-Gln$^{14}$-ghrelin by alternative splicing, ruminant species, including bovines, might be able to produce only one type of ghrelin peptide, des-Gln$^{14}$-ghrelin. The influence of aging on plasma ghrelin concentration was also examined. Plasma ghrelin concentration increased after birth to approximately 600 days of age, and then remained constant.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2007

Homocysteine is a sulfur amino-acid produced during the metabolism of the essential amino acid methionine. Moderately increased plasma total homocysteine concentration have been implicated as a risk factor for occlusive vascular disease. Smoking is known to be one of the most significant factors leading to elevated plasma homocysteine concentration. However, the main component of a cigarette, nicotine has been not studied whether it is linked directly to the increase of homocysteine concentration in blood. The metabolism of homocysteine is closely linked to that of its cofactors, folate. Here, the effects of nicotine and folic acid on amount of plasma homocysteine were studied. The concentration of homocysteine was increased by about 70% in rat plasma after nicotine treatment for one month. This increased concentration of homocysteine was reduced by about 60% at 6 hours later after folate treatment. Thus, nicotine should be directly involved in increasing the concentration of plasma homocysteine. Also it is suggested that these results can be and applied and used for controlling withdrawal symptoms after stopping smoking as one of oriental medicine formulas.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2017

Objective: Two trials were conducted in order to examine the effects of level of supplemental methionine on productive performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration, and digestive function. Methods: Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing urea as the only source of supplemental nitrogen supplemented with no supplemental amino acid (control), or control plus 1.01% lysine and 0.032%, 0.064%, 0.096%, or 0.128% methionine. In Trial 1, 150 Holstein steer calves ($127{\pm}4.9kg$) were utilized to evaluate the influence of treatments on growth-performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration during the first 112 days of growing period. During the initial 56-d period calves received the 5 experimental diets. During the subsequent 56-d period all calves were fed the control diet. Results: During the initial 56-d period, methionine supplementation increased (linear effect, p<0.01) plasma methionine. In the presence of supplemental lysine, increases on level of methionine in diet did not affect average daily gain. However, increased gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.03) and estimated dietary net energy (NE; linear effect, p = 0.05). Estimated metabolizable methionine supply was closely associated ($R^2=0.95$) with efficiency NE utilization for maintenance and gain. During the subsequent 56-d period, when all calves received the control diet (no amino acid supplementation), plasma amino acid concentrations and growth performance was not different among groups. However, the effects of methionine supplementation during the initial 56-period carried over, so that following a 56-d withdrawal of supplementation, the overall 112-d effects on gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.05) dietary NE (linear effect, $p{\leq}0.05$) remained appreciable. In Trial 2, 5 cannulated Holstein steers were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion and amino acid supply to the small intestine. There were no treatment effects on flow of dietary and microbial N to the small intestine. Postruminal N digestion increased (p = 0.04) with increasing level of supplemental methionine. Methionine supplementation linearly increased (p<0.01) duodenal flow of methionine. Likewise, lysine supplementation increased an average of 4.6% (p = 0.04) duodenal flow of lysine. In steers that received non-supplemented diet, observed intestinal amino acid supply were in good agreement with expected. Conclusion: We conclude that addition of rumen-protected methionine and lysine to diets may enhance gain efficiency and dietary energetics of growing Holstein calves. Observed amino acid supply to the small intestine were in good agreement with expected, supportive of NRC (2000, Level 1).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.247-253
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• 2002

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of high temperature and dietary tryptophan (Trp) on performance, selected organ weights and plasma free amino acid (AA) concentrations in broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, exposure to $27-33^{\circ}C$ of chickens for 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age did not affect growth and plasma free AA concentration except for a decrease in the concentration of plasma tyrosine (Tyr). In Experiment 2, 2-week-old birds were allocated to one of three temperature treatments; $24^{\circ}C$ (control), $36^{\circ}C$ (heat stress, HS) and $24^{\circ}C$ pair-fed (24PF) for 2 weeks and fed on diets containing 50, 100 and 300% of NRC requirement for Trp. Heat stress caused a reduction of weight gain and feed intake irrespective of dietary Trp levels compared with control counterparts, while feeding of 300% Trp diet did not attenuate the reduced performance by HS exposure. In groups fed the 100% Trp diets, plasma aromatic AA (AAA) and Tyr concentrations were decreased in the HS birds compared with the 24PF group. Plasma concentrations in most of AA groups were increased by HS in chickens fed the 50% Trp diet, while those were not changed by HS in chickens fed the 300% Trp diet, compared with 24PF counterparts. The plasma Trp/LNAA (LNAA=large neutral AAs, which are comprised of BCAA, AAA and Trp) ratio was increased by HS in chickens fed the 100% Trp diet, while it was decreased in chickens fed on 50% Trp diet as compared with 24PF group. From these results, it is suggested that performance and plasma amino acid profile deranged by heat stress are modulated, at least, to be relieved from the heat stress by feeding 50% Trp diet but not at all by feeding 300% Trp diet. The involvement of altered plasma AA profiles, in particular plasma Tyr concentrations and Trp/LNAA ratio, is discussed in association with the performance characteristics of HS chickens.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.846-854
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• 1995

Taurine concentrations in blood and various tissues were measured in cats fed normal trurine diet(0.15% taurine) and trurine-free diet(0% taurine) for 5 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. Cumulative body weight gain in young cats fed normal taurine diet and taurine-free diet for the initial 5 weeks were 463$\pm$43g and 383$\pm$53g respectively. Taurine concentration was one to two orders magnitude higher in most tissues than in plasma, among which the liver taurine-free diet for 12 weeks resulted in 98% reduction in plasma taurine concentration, 93% reduction in whole blood tarurine concentration, and 40~90% reduction in tissue taurine concentrations compared to the values for normal taurine diet group. Among the tissues tested, taurine depletion was most profound in heart and kidney, while liver and intestine were relatively resistant to taurine depletion. Whole blood taruined concentration appeared to be a better index for the body taurine status of cats as in more closely reflects the rate of taurine depletion in tissues. Taurine depletion in cats significantly increased the concentrations of essential and non-essential free amino acids in liver, while free amino acid concentrations in other tissues were not affected by taurine depletion.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.467-470
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• 1994

Effects of animo acids infusion into the abomasum on plasma growth hormone (GH) concentration were investigated using three wethers of 54 kg of average body weight. Wethers were infused with either 3.25 mmol/kg BW/day of sodium chloride solution (control), 3 mmol/kg BW/day of alanine (Ala), or 3 mmol/kg BW/day of aspartic acid (Asp) continuously for five days through an abomasum cathether in a $3{\times}3$ Latin square desing. On the day of starting infusion (day 0) and day 4 blood samples were collected from a jugular vein every fifteen minutes for six hours after feeding, and their GH concentrations were measured. Blood samples were also collected immediately before starting infusion (day 0), and before feeding of day 1, day 2 and day 4, and their plasma free amino acid concentrations were measured. In the animals infused with Ala, plasma free Ala concentration was increased by Ala infusion and it continued for four days. Plasma GH concentration of these animals increased on day 0, but this phenomenon disappeared on day 4. In the animals infused with Asp, the increase in plasma Asp concentration was observed only on day 1. Plasma GH concentration of these animals was not affected by Asp infusion. These results suggest that continuous Ala infusion stimulates GH secretion for a short period, but the effect would not last long, and that continuous Asp infusion does not affect plasma GH concentration.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1315-1323
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• 1998

Effect of oral taurine supplementation on plasma total and phospholidpid -fatty acid profiles and their metabolism were evaluated in healthy female adults. Among twenty five female volunteers(23.6$\pm$0.3 years old ) participated in the taruine supplementation program(6g taurine /day), twenty four subjects succesfully completed the 2 week program , and only nine subjects continued to take taurine for another 2 weeks. Levels of plasma fatty acids and taruine were measured by gas-liquid chromatobraphy and an automated amino acid analyzer based on ion exchange chromatography, respectively. Plasma taurine concentration s of the subjects were 108. 7$\pm$3.4 , 184.2$\pm$8.2 and 235.9$\pm$77.0$\mu$emol/L at 0 , 2 and 4 weeks of taurine supplementation. Fatty acid compositions and elongation and desaturation indices of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma total lipids were not influenced by oral taurine supplementation. However, fatty acid compositions and their metabolism in plasma phospholipids were significantly affected by taurine supplementation in female adults. Compared to the values for 0 week, the percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in plasma phospholipid was significantly lowered at 2 weeks, but elevated at 4 weeks of taurine supplementation. In contrast , the percentage of phospholipid PUFA significantly increased at 2 weeks and decreased at 4 weeks of taurine supplementation from to the values for 0 weeks. Foru weeks of oral taurine supplementation signifinatly elevated the eongation index(20 : 4$\omega$6 ⇒22 : 4 $\omega$6, p<0.01), and decreased the desaturation index (20 : 3 $\omega$6 ⇒20 : 4 $\omega$6 , p<0.01) of $\omega$6 fatty acids in plasma phospholipids. Plasma taurine concentration was positively correlated with the percentage of 14 : 0 fatty acids and the enlongation index o f$\omega$3 fatty acids(20 : 5 $\omega$3 ⇒22 : 5 $\omega$3), and thenegatively correlated with the percentage of 20 : 0 in plasma phospholipids. These results indicate that oral taurine supplementation for 4 weeks signidicantly elelvated the percentage of SFA, and lowered the percentage of PUFA in plasma phospholipids with no influence on plasm total fatty aicd composition in healthy female adults.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.1714-1718
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• 2002

Twelve prepubertal Karan Fries heifers (15 months, $167.7{\pm}13.5kg$) were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was fed as per NRC requirements and group 2 was fed 20% more protein than group 1 heifers. The experimental feeding was continued until the onset of puberty in both the groups. Blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals and analyzed for amino acids using HPLC. Group 1 and 2 heifers required $178.6{\pm}33.8$ and $152.8{\pm}33.2$ days of experimental feeding to exhibit first estrus resulting in total age at puberty as $639.4{\pm}27.3$ and $618.6{\pm}24.6$ days in the two groups respectively. The concentration of total amino acids averaged 4.40 and 4.89 mmol/l and those of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) was 2.32 and 2.49 mmol/l in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The concentration of plasma essential amino acids i.e. histidine, threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine were higher (p<0.01) in group 2 than group 1. Plasma concentration of large neutral amino acids (LNAA) was significantly higher in group 2 (1.28 mmol/l) than in group 1 (1.12 mmol/l). Increased levels of leucine, isoleucine and valine are implicated in increased follicular growth and development in prepubertal heifers and resulted in a 26 day earlier attainment of puberty by 26 days in an experimental period of six months in group 2 heifers. Increased concentrations of aspartate and tyrosine in group 2 heifers might be associated with the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus influencing LH release from anterior pituitary in such animals. It is therefore evident that increased availability of certain amino acids in heifers fed high protein diet might have led to early onset of puberty.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.98-103
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• 2002

The serum lipid-lowering effect of garlic was examined in hypercholesterolemic rats. The food intake was not significantly different by garlic powder supplementation. The inclusion of 1% garlic powder in a diets containing 1% cholesterol brought a reduction in the serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Liver lipids were not affected by the addition of l% garlic Powder in hypercholesterolemic rats. Earlier studies have suggested that the effect of garlic on serum cholesterol may be related to the sulfur-containing amino acids of products released during protein digestion. However, our results in rats fed garlic powder diet showed no specific effect on plasma free amino acid concentrations. In conclusion. this study clears shows that garlic intake is able to reduce the levels of serum cholesterol in hypercholesteroolemic rats. However, further studies have to be done in order to elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.520-528
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• 2006

Free amino acids in epidermis function as a major component of Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), which maintains the optimal level of water in skin even at the low humidity. In fact, the depletion of free amino acids is reported in the epidermis of atopic dermatitis, the skin condition involving dryness. As an effort searching the dietary source for improving the level of water and free amino acid in epidermis, the dietary effects of silk protein, sericin (S) and fibroin (F) on trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), and plasma and epidermal levels of free amino acids were compared in this study. Thirty of male NC/Nga mice, an animal model of atopic dermatitis, were divided into three groups: group CA as an atopic control with control diet, group S: 1% sericin diet and group F: 1% fibroin diet. Ten of male BALB/c mice were served as group C (control group) with control diet. All mice were fed on diet and water ad libitum for 10weeks. Dry skin condition was established in group CA as TEWL was increased (148.7% of group C). In parallel, epidermal level of glutamate, one of major amino acids functioning as NMF, was dramatically decreased and epidermal levels of methionine and alanine were inversely elevated. Dietary supplementation of sericin (group S) reduced TEWL at the similar level with group C and increased epidermal levels of glutamate as well as serine and glycine, the other major amino acids as NMF. Despite a marked decrease of methionine and alanine, the reduction of TEWL and epidermal levels of glutamate, serine and glycine of group F were less than of group S. Furthermore, in contrast to similar levels of other free amino acids in plasma and epidermis of group S and group C, plasma and epidermal levels of other free amino acids, specifically phenylalanine, isoleucine, cysteine and tyrosine in epidermis of group F, were significantly higher than of group C. Together, our data demonstrate that dietary supplementation of sericin is more effective at improving dry skin condition that paralleled with the normalization of free amino acids in plasma and epidermis of NC/Nga mice.