• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1345-1354
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• 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify candidate genes that play important roles in skeletal muscle development in ducks. Methods: In this study, we investigated the transcriptional sequencing of embryonic pectoral muscles from two specialized lines: Liancheng white ducks (female) and Cherry valley ducks (male) hybrid Line A (LCA) and Line C (LCC) ducks. In addition, prediction of target genes for the differentially expressed mRNAs was conducted and the enriched gene ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes signaling pathways were further analyzed. Finally, a protein-to-protein interaction network was analyzed by using the target genes to gain insights into their potential functional association. Results: A total of 1,428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 762 being up-regulated genes and 666 being down-regulated genes in pectoral muscle of LCA and LCC ducks identified by RNA-seq (p<0.05). Meanwhile, 23 GO terms in the down-regulated genes and 75 GO terms in up-regulated genes were significantly enriched (p<0.05). Furthermore, the top 5 most enriched pathways were ECM-receptor interaction, fatty acid degradation, pyruvate degradation, PPAR signaling pathway, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Finally, the candidate genes including integrin b3 (Itgb3), pyruvate kinase M1/2 (Pkm), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi), GABA type A receptor-associated protein-like 1 (Gabarapl1), and thyroid hormone receptor beta (Thrb) showed the most expression difference, and then were selected to verification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The result of qRT-PCR was consistent with that of transcriptome sequencing. Conclusion: This study provided information of molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental differences in skeletal muscles between specialized duck lines.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.27.1-27.12
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• 2023

Background: Environmental exposure is characterized by low concentration, chronic, and complex exposure. Traditional epidemiological studies show limitations in reflecting these characteristics since they usually focus on a single or very limited number of exposure factors at a time. In this study, we adopted the methodology of environment-wide association study (EWAS) to figure out the association of human liver function with various environmentally hazardous substances. Methods: We analyzed 2,961 participants from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 4 (2018-2020). Using generalized linear model (GLM) analysis, we analyzed the association of 72 variables with 3 liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT]). Finally, we visualized our results with Manhattan plot. Results: In GLM analysis, perfluorooctanesulfonate were positively associated with ALT (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-3.46; p_adjusted = 0.0147) and perfluorodecanoic acid showed positive association with GGT (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.36-5.5; p_adjusted = 0.0256). Plasma mercury showed positive association with GGT (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84; p_adjusted = 0.0315). Using a plastic container while keeping food in the refrigerator was associated with elevated GGT compared to using a glass container (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.16-1.95; p_adjusted = 0.0153). 2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate, showed a negative trend with all 3 indices, with AST (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.73; p_adjusted = 0.00357), ALT (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.34-0.75; p_adjusted = 0.036), GGT (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.4-0.76; p_adjusted = 0.00697). Bisphenol S and frequent use of sunblock cream showed negative association with ALT (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66-0.89), and GGT (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11-0.55), respectively. Conclusions: We conducted an exploratory study on environmental exposure and human liver function. By using EWAS methodology, we identified 7 factors that could have potential association with liver function.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.63-82
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• 2024

Objective : Saengkankunbi-tang (SKT) is used as a traditional Korean herbal formula for treatment of liver diseases. We investigated the hepatoprotective effects of SKT plus Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKE) against arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-mediated acute liver damage in mice. Methods : The cyto-protective effects of SKT + EKE were determined by MTT assay, western blot and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. In mice, blood biochemistry and western blot were assessed in CCl₄-induced acute hepatic damage. The animal groups included vehicle-treated control, CCl₄, SKT (200 mg/kg/day), EKE (100 mg/kg/day), SKT (200 mg/kg/day) + EKE (100 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day). Results : In HepG2 cells, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly suppressed cytotoxicity induced by AA + iron and reduced the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly prevented the increase in H₂O₂ production, GSH depletion, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential induced by AA + iron. In CCl₄-induced liver damage mice, the administration of SKT + EKE prevented the liver damage by inhibition of hepatocyte damage and expression of apoptosis proteins in liver. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo assay, SKT + EKE showed significant effect compare with SKT alone or EKE alone in all parameters. Conclusions : These results indicated that SKT + EKE could protect against oxidative stress-induced liver damage, and SKT + EKE is more effective than SKT alone or EKE alone.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.369-378
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• 2023

Smilax sieboldii is one of the Smilax species. A number of Smilax plants have multiple physiologically-active components and anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant effects. Antiobesity effects induced by Smilax sieboldii have not been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of anti-obesity activity of 70% ethanol Smilax sieboldii extract (SSE). The anti-obesity effect of SSE was determined using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We confirmed that SSE was not cytotoxic to murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, we evaluated SSE dose-dependently decreased the accumulation of lipids via an Oil Red O assay and triglyceride assay. These anti-obesity activities of SSE were mediated by the inhibition of adipogenesis-related marker genes (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α, and SREBP1c) and lipogenesis-related marker genes (fatty acid synthase and aP2). These results suggest that SSE has the potential to exert anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidemia effects by regulating adipogenic transcription factors and inhibiting the expression of adipogenic markers.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.444-451
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• 2024

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of protein hydrolysates derived from defatted egg yolk using various proteolytic enzymes and compare the antioxidant activity of the resulting hydrolysates. The defatted egg yolk powder was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using four different proteases (alcalase, bromelain, flavourzyme and neutrase), and the resulting hydrolysates were evaluated for their antioxidant properties. Through analysis of available amino group contents and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it was observed that the defatted egg yolk powder treated with alcalase, flavourzyme, and neutrase for 12 h exhibited a high degree of hydrolysis value. Based on the RC₅₀ values obtained from two different antioxidant analyses, all hydrolysates showed comparable antioxidant activity, except for the alcalase hydrolysate, which demonstrated notably higher scavenging activity against hydrogen peroxide than the other hydrolysates. These findings suggest the potential of protein hydrolysates from defatted egg yolk, a by-product of lecithin extraction, as natural antioxidants.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2024

Objectives : Obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and consumption due to overeating and lack of exercise, and if it persists, it increases non-infectious diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we tried to investigate the possibility of using Chamaeneron angustifolia (CA) as a material for anti-obesity by confirming the effect of inhibiting lipid differentiation. Methods : We measured the effects of CA extract on oil-red-o staining, cell cytotoxicity evaluation activity using 3T3-L1 cells. Additionally, we assessed fat decomposition and metabolism-related protein expression through Western blot analysis. Results : In this study, the anti-obesity effects of CA extract were experimentally assessed. Results showed significant inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and accumulation at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/ml of oil-red-o staining, with reductions of 80% or more. CA notably increased the phosphorylation of AMPK protein expression compared to the control group across all concentrations. Additionally, phosphorylation of ACC significantly increased at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml compared to the control. PPAR-γ, which regulates adipogenesis, exhibited a significant decrease compared to the control, while protein expression of CPT-1, involved in fatty acid oxidation, showed a concentration-dependent increase across all groups. Therefore, CA extract demonstrates potential as a functional material for anti-obesity by increasing the expression of proteins related to fat decomposition and synthesis while decreasing others. Conclusions : These results suggest that CA may also be useful as an anti-obesity functional substance.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.113-130
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• 2024

Objectives : This study was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic protective effects of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan (Modified Ojayeonjong-hwan) against oxidative stress. Methods : 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method were used to estimate the antioxidant activity of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan. C2C12 myoblasts were used to reevaluate the antioxidant effects. And apoptosis analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were conducted to investigate antioxidant activity of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan. Results : In comparison of DPPH free radical and ABTS cationic radical scavenging activity, it increased as the concentration of water extracts of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan(WEJ) and 70% ethanol extracts of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan (EEJ) increased. In the results of comparing the total phenol content and reducing power using the FRAP method, extracts with high total phenol content also showed high reducing power. In comparison of the protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts, WEJ had no significant effect, but the EEJ inhibited H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic protective effect of EEJ against oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts was correlated with their inhibitory effects on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In H₂O₂-treated C2C12 myoblasts, the apoptosis inhibitory effects of EEJ were associated with suppression of mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. The protective effect of EEJ against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts were directly related to the inhibition of ROS generation. Conclusion : Jinsimyusaeng-hwan extracts have cytotoxic protective effects against oxidative stress, and it was better in 70% ethanol extract than in water extract.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.713-722
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• 2024

Zanthoxylum schinifolium Siebold et Zuccarini, which belongs to the Rutaceae family, has been widely used as a spice and medicinal herb in East Asian countries, such as Korea, China, and Japan. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity mechanism of the methanol extract from the leaves of Z. schinifolium (MEZS). Using the 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte model, our findings showed that MEZS significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and fat formation induced by adipocyte differentiation inducer in a dose-dependent manner. MEZS' anti-obesity effects could be attributed to their ability to block the expression of adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and C/EBPβ, and adipocyte-specific genes, such as adipocyte-specific lipid binding protein, leptin, and fatty acid synthase. MEZS also attenuated the activation of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, and when the PI3K/Akt pathway was artificially blocked, the inhibitory effect of MEZS on adipocyte differentiation and fat formation was further enhanced. Furthermore, MEZS blocked the generation of reactive oxygen species in differentiated adipocytes, which was associated with the activation of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and induction of Nrf2 downstream proteins, such as heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1. Although analysis of the physiologically active substances contained in MEZS and validation in animal models are required, the results of this study suggest that the extract of Z. schinifolium leaves has excellent potential as a food or pharmaceutical material with anti-obesity effects.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.106-116
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• 2005

This experiment was conducted to investigate available extraction capacity and potential mobility of heavy metal according to the distribution property and contamination level of heavy metals in soils and to suggest a reform measure of soil environment assessment methodology applied with soil quality and the official soil heavy metal test methods in domestic and foreign countries. The soils were collected from the natural forest paddy with long-term application of same type fertilizer, and paddies near metal mine and industrial complex. The post-treatment methods of soil were partial extraction, acid digestion and sequential extraction methods. For the heavy metal contents with different soil properties, it was shown that their natural forest and paddy soil were slightly low and similar to the general paddy soil, while their paddies near metal mine and industrial complex were higher than the standard level of Soil Environment Protection Act. Heavy metal concentrations in the soils with different soil properties had difference between $HNO_3\;and\;HNO_3+HCl$ extractant by US-EPA 3051a method. There were highly significant positive relationships in both two methods. It was appeared that the higher extractable concentration ratio with 0.1N-HCl to total heavy metal content with $HNO_3+HCl$ extractant the greater total heavy metal content. There were highly significant positive correlationship between total heavy metal content and extractable content with 0.1N-HCl. For extractable capacity of soil extractable solution compared to the total heavy metal content it was appeared that it extractable method with 0.1N-HCl was higher than those with EDTA and DTPA. In extractable ratio with 0.1N-HCl in the contaminated paddy soils near mine and industrial complex, it was shown that the lower soil pH, the higher total heavy metal content. The order of a potential mobility coefficient by distribution of heavy metal content with ie different typies in the soil was Cd>Ni>Zn>Cu>Pb. It could be known that contamination characteristics of heavy metals with different types of soils were affected by different heavy metal components, contamination degree and soil chemical properties, and heavy metal concentration with different extractable methods had great variations with adjacent environment. To be compared with assessment methodology of soil environment impact at domestic and foreign countries with our results, it might be considered that there was necessary to make a single analysis method based on total heavy metal content with environmental overloading concept because of various analysis methods for total heavy metal content and present analysis method with great variation according to soil environment. In spite of showing higher concentration of heavy metal with acidic digestion than the extractable method, it might be considered that there is need to be adjusted the national standard of soil heavy metal contamination.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.138-149
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• 2008

Rapid accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for the past century leads to acidify the surface ocean and contributes to the global warming as it forms acid in the ocean and it is a green house gas. In order to curb the green house gas emissions, in particular carbon dioxide, various multilateral agreements and programs have been established including UN Convention of Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol for the last decades. Also a number of geo-engineering projects to manipulate the radiation balance of the earth have been proposed both from the science and industrial community worldwide. One of them is ocean fertilization to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the photosynthesis of phytoplankton in the sea. Deliberate fertilization of the ocean with iron or nitrogen to large areas of the ocean has been proposed by commercial sector recently. Unfortunately the environmental consequences of the large scale ocean iron fertilization are not known and the current scientific information is still not sufcient to predict. In 2007, the joint meeting of parties of the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 and 1996 Protocol (London Convention/Protocol) has started considering the purposes and circumstances of proposed large-scale ocean iron fertilization operations and examined whether these activities are compatible with the aims of the Convention and Protocol and explore the need, and the potential mechanisms for regulation of such operations. The aim of this paper is to review the current development on the commercial ocean fertilization activities and management regimes in the potential ocean fertilization activities in the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and high seas, respectively, and further to have a view on the emerging international management regime to be London Convention/Protocol in conjunction with a support from the United Nations General Assembly through The United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea.