• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.483-489
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate dietary habits, and to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and certain blood parameters in premenopausal and postmenopausal women living in Daejeon. Adult Korean females(n=110) that had visited the Health Promotion Center of Eulji University Hospital were analyzed. We examined blood parameters, body composition, and life style factors such as food habits and physical activity in pre- and post-menopausal women. The collected data were then analyzed to evaluate the various items. Overall, there were no differences between the pre- and post-menopausal women for food habit score, or for intakes of energy, protein, Int, iron, vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, niacin, vitamin C, and calcium. However, carbohydrate intake was significantly higher in the postmenopausal women than in the premenopausal women. The Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans(KDRIs), in terms of energy, fat, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin $B_1$, were less than 100% in both the premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. All intakes of protein, iron, vitamin $B_2$, niacin, and vitamin C satisfied the KDRIs in both groups. Finally, the postmenopausal women had higher serum fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels than the premenopausal women.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.39-42
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• 1974

Despite a considerable amount of investigation there continues to be disagreement concerning the proteins present in human seminal plasma. Recently their identification has assumed a greater importance following evidence that infertility in men and women may have an immunological cause (Katsh, 1959; Quinlivan, 1969). Seminal plasma is composed of fluids secreted by the prostate, seminal vesicles, ampullae, ducti deferentes, bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands, urethral(Littre's) glands and the epididymes. Prostatic juice, one of the major components of seminal plasma, has an important role in secretion of acid phosphatase and prostaglandin. A few studies have been reported of human prostatic juice, since, in human subjects, there were some problems in studying prostatic juice due to quite small amount of secretion and possibility of contamination with fluids from the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts. The purpose of the present study was to determine the basic components of proteins in human prostatic juice. Prostatic juice was obtained from normal healthy man of $20{\sim}30\;year-old$ by massage of the prostate, and protein components were separated by means of disc electrophoresis. The results are summarized as follows; 1) Total numbers of protein fractions of normal human serum and prostatic juice are $14{\sim}18$ bands and $9{\sim}12$ bands, respectively. Prostatic juice produces two deeply staining bands which appear similar to those formed by $beta-_1$ globulin and albumin. 2) $Alpha-_1$ globulin area in the fractions of prostatic juice shows 4 bands and one more band is found than that of serum. On the other hand, the fractions of immunoglobulin and $alpha-_2$ globulin areas are eight in serum and it has three bands more than that of prostatic juice. 3) $Alpha-_1$ globulin area in the prostatic juice is more deeply stained than that of serum. In contrast with $alpha-_1$ globulin area, immunoglobulin and $alpha-_2$ globulin areas in the prostatic juice show weaker staining than serum.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.1160-1166
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• 2009

This study was conducted according to the single-factor design principle to investigate in vitro the effects of different glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) concentrations (0, $1{\times}10^{-11}$, $1{\times}10^{-10}$, $1{\times}10^{-9}$, $1{\times}10^{-8}$ and $1{\times}10^{-7}$ mol/L) on the morphology, proliferation and enzyme activity of intestinal enterocyte cells of 28-d-old weaned piglets. These cells were primary cultured in 4 pieces of 24-well cell culture plate. After having been grown for 48 h in culture media with hGLP-2, the ileal enterocyte cells of 28-d-old weaned piglets exhibited the typical characteristics of simple columnar epithelium. Compared with the control groups, the quantities of treated cells significantly increased (p<0.05) and their corresponding absorption values in 540 nm (MTT OD) also significantly increased (p<0.01). Likewise, lactic acid concentration, total protein content and protein retention significantly increased (p<0.05). $Na^{+}$, $K^{+}$-ATP enzyme activity was more active (p<0.05), although the activity of alkaline phosphatase, lactic acid dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase in culture media significantly decreased (p<0.01). To summarize, the results indicated that GLP-2 in vitro is capable of promoting the proliferation of intestinal enterocyte cells of 28-d weaned piglets, restraining their apoptosis and maintaining the integrity of their morphology.

• BMB Reports
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.533-538
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• 2013

The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by cancer cells has been associated with the high potential of metastasis in several human carcinomas, including breast cancer. Several pieces of evidence demonstrate that protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) have functions that promote cell migration and metastasis in breast cancer. We analyzed whether PTP inhibitor might control breast cancer invasion through MMP expression. Herein, we investigate the effect of 4-hydroxy- 3,3-dimethyl-2H benzo[g]indole-2,5(3H)-dione (BVT948), a novel PTP inhibitor, on 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in MCF-7 cells. The expression of MMP-9 and cell invasion increased after TPA treatment, whereas TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion were decreased by BVT948 pretreatment. Also, BVT948 suppressed NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in TPA-treated MCF-7 cells. However, BVT948 didn't block TPA-induced AP-1 activation in MCF-7 cells. Our results suggest that the PTP inhibitor blocks breast cancer invasion via suppression of the expression of MMP-9.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.349-359
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• 2018

Background: Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic which has antioxidant effects due to its similarity in molecular structure to ${\alpha}$-tocopherol. It has been reported that ${\alpha}$-tocopherol increases osteoclast fusion and bone resorption. Here, we investigated the effects of propofol on signaling pathways of osteoclastogenic gene expression, as well as osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Methods: BMMs were cultured with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) alone or M-CSF plus receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in the presence of propofol ($0-50{\mu}M$) for 4 days. Mature osteoclasts were stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and the numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts were counted. To examine the resorption activities of osteoclasts, a bone resorption assay was performed. To identify the mechanism of action of propofol on the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts, we focused on dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), a protein essential for pre-osteoclastic cell fusion. Results: Propofol increased the formation of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. In addition, the bone resorption assay revealed that propofol increased the bone resorption area on dentin discs. The mRNA expression of DC-STAMP was upregulated most strongly in the presence of both RANKL and propofol. However, SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, significantly suppressed the propofol/RANKL-induced increase in mRNA expression of DC-STAMP. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that propofol enhances osteoclast differentiation and maturation, and subsequently increases bone resorption. Additionally, we identified the regulatory pathway underlying osteoclast cell-cell fusion, which was enhanced by propofol through p38-mediated DC-STAMP expression.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.2
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• pp.74-79
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• 2010

Background: Legionella pneumophila has been recognized as an important cause of pneumonia. However, limited data are available in the literature regarding legionella pneumonia in Korea. The objective of this study was to compare epidemiological data and clinical presentation of legionella pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia. Methods: We retrospectively compared clinical, radiological, and laboratory data, antimicrobial treatment, and treatment outcomes between 28 cases of legionella pneumonia and 56 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnoses of both legionella and pneumococcal pneumonia were based on commercial urinary antigen tests. Results: Legionella pneumonia patients included 23 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 61.6 years (range 36~88). Fifteen were smokers and 26 had some underlying diseases. Legionella pneumonia occurred more frequently in healthcare-associated settings than pneumococcal pneumonia (42.9% vs 21.4%, respectively, p=0.040). There were no significant differences in clinical signs and symptoms. Compared to patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, patients with legionella pneumonia presented more frequently with anemia (39.3% vs 8.9%, p=0.001), increased C-reactive protein (57.1% vs 30.4%, p=0.018) and increased alkaline phosphatase (46.4% vs 16.1%, p=0.003). Also, legionella pneumonia patients more often showed pleural effusion on simple chest X-rays (50.0% vs 12.5%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Legionella pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia can not be distinguished by clinical manifestations alone. However, legionella pneumonia occurred as a healthcare-associated pneumonia more frequently and was more often associated with anemia and increased CRP and alkaline phosphatase levels.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.414-420
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• 2002

The effects of Cordyceps militaris on weight gain, flood intakes, flood efficiency ratios, serum and hepatic lipid concentrations, serum protein levels and serum enzyme activities, were studied in adult male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats, 35 weeks old, were given four different types of diets for a succeeding period of five weeks: either a normal diet(5% com oil), a high fat diet(5% com oil + 15% lard). a CF diet (high fat diet + 3% Suiting body of cordyceps militaris), or a CM diet (high fat diet + 3% mycelium of cordyceps military). The body weight gains, hepatic weights and food efficiency ratios of the rats find (high fat) diets with CF and CM were significantly decreased compared with those find the high fat diet, but were similar to those find the normal diet. The concentrations of serum and hepatic triglycerides, and hepatic total lipids and cholesterol, of rats given CF or CM diets were significantly lower than those given the high fat diet. But the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, phopholipid and total protein in the serum of rats find the high fat, CF or CM diets were significantly higher than those find the normal diet. In the serum of the rats find the CF diet, the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio was significantly higher but the atherogenic index was significantly lower than those fed the high fat diet. The alkaline phosphatase activity in the serum of the rats find the high fat, CF, and CM diets was more significantly decreased compared to rats on the normal dirt. No differences were noted in the weights of the pancreas, kidney and heart, the serum concentrations of glucose, hemoglobin and albumin, and the activities of GOT, GPT and ${\gamma}$-GTP, among the rats on all the experimental diets. In conclusion, the rats find the Cf or CM diets maintained normal body and hepatic weights. Despite of the high intake of fats in the CF and CM diets, the concentrations of total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased in the liver, also, the concentration of triglycerides was decreased in the serum.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.378-383
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) chelate supplementation on blood metabolites and fatty acid profile of beef from Holstein steers during late fattening period. Fifteen Holstein steers were allotted randomly into two groups including the control (non Cr-Met feeding, NCM, ave. body weight [BW] = $483{\pm}25.7kg$) and the treatment (Cr-Met feeding for 4 months, 4CM, ave. $BW=486{\pm}27.5kg$) group. The feeding amount of Cr-Met to animals was limited to 400 ppb/cow/d and was supplemented to total mixed ration. No difference in blood albumin, alkaline phosphatase, urea-nitrogen, calcium, creatine, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol were observed between the treatment groups (p>0.05). The level of high density lipoprotein was higher in the 4CM group than the NCM group, whereas low density lipoprotein was lower in the 4CM group (p<0.05). The fatty acid composition (caprate, laurate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, palmitoleate, margarate, cis-11 heptadodecanoate, stearate, oleate, trans-vaccenate, linoleate, cis-11 eicosenoate, docosa hexaenoic acid, and docosa pentaenoic acid) of the beef showed no difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The arachidonic acid level tended to be higher in the 4CM than the NCM group (p = 0.07). Cr-Met had no influence (p>0.05) on the ratio of saturated, unsaturated, unsaturated/saturated, monounsaturated/saturated and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the 4CM group was comparatively higher than the NCM group (p<0.05). This study concluded that feeding Cr-Met supplementation in 400 ppb/d to Holstein steers for 4 months during late fattening period can improve some blood metabolites and beef quality by increasing PUFA and gamma-linoleate compositions of beef.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.249-255
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• 2020

Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous, intracellular parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa, infects an estimated one-third of the human population as well as a broad range of warm-blooded animals. We have observed that some tyrosine kinase inhibitors suppressed the growth of T. gondii within host ARPE-10 cells. Among them, afatinib, human epithermal growth factor receptor 2 and 4 (HER2/4) inhibitor, may be used as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting parasite growth with minimal adverse effects on host. In this report, we conducted a proteomic analysis to observe changes in host proteins that were altered via infection with T. gondii and the treatment of HER2/4 inhibitors. Secreting proteins were subjected to a procedure of micor basic reverse phase liquid chromatography, nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ingenuity pathway analysis serially. As a result, the expression level of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, semaphorin 7A, a GPI membrane anchor, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2A, and calpain small subunit 1 proteins were significantly changed, and which were confirmed further by western blot analysis. Changes in various proteins, including these 4 proteins, can be used as a basis for explaining the effects of T. gondii infections and HER2/4 inhibitors.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.223-230
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• 2015

Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is an endogenous calcineurin inhibitor that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases related to the calcineurin-NFATc1 signaling pathway. The RCAN1-4 isoform is subject to NFATc1-dependent regulation. During receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-stimulated osteoclastogenesis, the calcineurin-NFATc1 pathway is critical. Because there is little information available on the role of RCAN1 in osteoclast differentiation, this study investigated whether changes in RCAN1 expression are related to the calcineurin-NFATc1 pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Mouse bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) were treated with 50 ng/ml of RANKL and M-CSF. Expression levels of NFATc1, calcineurin, and RCAN1 isoforms were determined using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Osteoclast differentiation was examined using tartrate-resistent acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. To evaluate the effect of RCAN1 overexpression on osteoclastogenesis, cells were transfected with a mouse RCAN1-4 cDNA plasmid. After RANKL stimulation of BMMs, expression of NFATc1 and RCAN1 was increased at the mRNA and protein level, while calcineurin expression was unchanged. When the RCAN1-4 gene construct was transfected, the expression of RCAN1 protein was not increased despite several-fold increases in RCAN1-4 mRNA expression. Regardless of RANKL stimulation, over-expression of RCAN1-4 tended to reduce NFATc1 expression and knock-down of RCAN1 increase it. While BMMs transfected with the RCAN1-4 vector were differentiated into distinct osteoclasts, their phenotypes did not vary from those of mock controls. These results suggest that RCAN1 has a limited effect on the calcineurin-NFATc1 pathway during RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation.