• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.965-972
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• 2020

Objective: Astragalus membranaceus root is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine with many biological active constituents. This study was conducted to examine the effects of Astragalus membranaceus root powder (AMP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant and immune response in finishing lambs. Methods: A total of thirty-six Guangling fat-tailed ram lambs (body weight = 19±2 kg, mean±standard deviation) were randomly assigned to one of six treatments for a 40 d feeding period, with the first 10 d for adaptation. Treatments consisted of the lambs' basal diets with addition of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg of diet of AMP. Results: Response to supplementation level of AMP was quadratic (p≤0.032) for final weight and ADG with the greatest at 10 g/kg of diet, but dry matter intake was not affected (p≥0.227) by treatments. The increase of AMP supplementation resulted in a quadratic response in contents of triglyceride and creatinine (p<0.05), with the lowest values for 10 and 20 g/kg of diet, respectively. A linear and quadratic decrease was observed in activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum of lambs. As the AMP supplementation increased, the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity increased linearly (p≤0.018) and hydroxyl radical (OH^-) decreased linearly (p = 0.002). For catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), quadratic (p≤0.001) effects were observed among treatments, with the greatest CAT and lowest MDA values at 10 g/kg AMP. Additionally, supplementing AMP up to a level of 10 or 15 g/kg of diet quadratically increased immunoglobulin and interleukin contents in the serum. Conclusion: The results indicated that AMP can be used as natural feed additive in the ration of lambs to improve ADG, antioxidant status, and immune functions, and the optimal dose was 10 g/kg of diet under the condition of this experiment.

• Proceedings of the Korean Aquaculture Society Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.74-75
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• 2003

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of several additives(macroalgae, wasabi, and herb) in formulated diets on the growth, body composition, blood chemistry and non-specific immune response of juvenile flounder. Three replicates of juveniles (average weight 8.4 g) in flow-through aquarium system were fed one of six isonitrogenous (45%) and isolipidic (8%) diets containing 5 and 10% Undaria powder, 2% wasabi leaf, 2% wasabi stem, and 0.5% herb (Obosan) for 8 weeks. Survival was not affected by the different dietary additives (P>0.05). The highest weight gain and feed efficiency offish fed the diet containing 0.5% herb were significantly higher than those of fish fed the diets containing 10% Undaria powder (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in contents of moisture, crude protein, lipid and ash of whole body (P>0.05). Fish fed the diet containing 10% Undaria powder showed the highest moisture and the lowest crude lipid contents in the liver. Although hematological parameters (red blood cell, hematocrit and hemoglobin) and serum constituents (glucose, total cholesterol and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) contents of fish varied between treatments, no specific trend was observed throughout feeding periods. Lysozyme activity in the serum and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction of macrophage in the head kidney from fish fed the diets containing herb was significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet. The results of this study suggest that herb as an additive in this formulated diet may improve growth and non-specific immune response of juvenile flounder.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.240-246
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• 2008

Cassia tora L. seeds have previously been reported to reduce blood glucose level in human and animals with diabetes. In the present study, the effects of Cassia tora L. seed butanol fraction (CATO) were studied on postprandial glucose control and insulin secretion from the pancreas of the normal and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by an i.p. injection of Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg BW) into the male Sprague-Dawley rats. The postprandial glucose control was monitored during a 240 min-period using a maltose loading test. In normal rats, rats fed CATO (20 mg/l00 g BW/d) showed lower postprandial glucose levels in all the levels from 30 min up to 180 min than those in the control rats without CATO (p<0.05). In diabetic rats, those levels in the CATO group seemed to be lower during the $30{\sim}180$ min, but only glucose level at 30 min showed significant difference compared to that in the control group. Moreover, CATO delayed the peak time of the glucose rise in both normal and diabetic rats in the glucose curves. On the other hand, when CATO was administered orally to the diabetic rats for 5 days, 12 hr fasting serum glucose level was decreased in the diabetic rats (p<0.05). Degree of a decrease in 12 hr fasting serum insulin levels was significantly less in the diabetic CATO rats as compared to diabetic control rats. On the last day of feeding, P cells of the pancreas were stimulated by 200 mg/dL glucose through a 40 min-pancreas perfusion. Amounts of the insulin secreted from the pancreas during the first phase ($11{\sim}20$ min) and the second phase ($21{\sim}40$ min) in the CATO fed diabetic rats were significantly greater than those in the diabetic control group (p<0.05). These findings indicated that constituents of Cassia tora L. seeds have beneficial effect on postprandial blood glucose control which may be partially mediated by stimulated insulin secretion from the pancreas of the diabetic rats.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.129-133
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• 1993

Temperature sensitive liposomes(TSL) containing adriamycin (ADM) and cytarabine (Ara-C) were prepared. ADM and Ara-C were selected as model compounds of amphiphilic and hydrophilic drug, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency of ADM entrapped into TSL was about twice greater than that of Ara-C. It might be due to different polarity of the drug, Lipid compositions of TSL had no effect on the encapsulation efficiency of drugs. Thermal behavior of TSL using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was also investigated. Phase transition of TSL using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was also investigated. Phase transition temperature $(T_c)$ of TSL was dependent on the lipid compositions of TSL ADM broadened thermogram of TSL but Ara-C did not. However, $T_c$ of TSL was not changed by any drug. Release rate of drugs was highly dependent on temperature. The release profile of ADM was similar to that of Ara-C. The maximum release rate of drugs from TSL was occurred at the near $T_c$ and observed at $39-41^\circ{C}$ for DPPC (Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) only, $52-54^\circ{C}$ for DPPC and DSPC (1:1), respectively. Effect of human serum alburmin (HAA) on the release rate of ADM was investigated. HSA had no significant effect on the release of ADM below $T_c$. However, ADM release from TSL was increased at the near and above $T_c$. The HSA-induced leakage of drug may result from the interaction of liposomal constituents with HSA structure at the near TEX>$4^\circ{C}$. From the fact that the release profiles of ADM from freshly prepared TSL and stored TSL for 1 week at TEX>$4^\circ{C}$ was not changed, the TSL was considered to be stable for at least 1 week at TEX>$4^\circ{C}$. Based on these findings, TSL may be useful to deliver drugs to preheated target sites due to its thermal behaviors.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 2013

We screened the pharmacological effects of a 50% ethanol extract of Yacon tubers and leaves on spermatogenesis in rats. As a result, we found that Yacon tuber extracts increased sperm number and serum testosterone level in rats. It has been reported that the crude extract of Yacon tubers and leaves contain phenolic acids, such as, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid by HPLC/MS analysis. We were interested in the contributions made by phenolic acid, particularly chlorogenic acid of Yacon tuber extract to the spermatogenic activity. After administering Yacon tuber extract or chlorogenic acid to rats for 5 weeks, numbers of sperm in epididymis were increased by 34% and 20%, respectively. We also administered ferulic acid, which has been reported to be a metabolite of chlorogenic acid and a constituent of Yacon tuber extract to investigate its spermatogenic activity in rats. Yacon tuber extract and ferulic acid increased sperm numbers by 43% and 37%, respectively. And, Yacon tuber extract, and chlorogenic acid showed significantly inhibition effect of testoeterone degradation in rat liver homogenate. We considered that the spermatogenic effect of Yacon tuber extract might be related to phenolic compounds and their inhibitory effect of testosterone degradation. Yacon showed the possibility as ameliorable agents of infertility by sperm deficiency and late onset hypogonadism syndrome with low level of testosterone.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.30-34
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• 2001

The expediency of promoting rabbit production on underutilized by-product feedstuffs prompted the current investigation of caecal fermentation pattern, blood biochemical profile and histopathological changes of vital organs in 48 broiler rabbits fed diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 20% level of neem seed kernal cake (NSKC) for 6 weeks and subsequently sacrificed. The NSKC incorporation in the diet did not exert any adverse effect on caecal fermentation although the weight of caecum and its contents was significantly (p<0.01; p<0.05) lower in rabbits fed the diet containing 20% NSKC. Except for blood glucose concentration, none of the blood biochemical constituents (serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, haemoglobin) and the activities of different enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, asparatate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) varied significantly due to NSKC feeding. A histopathological examination of the vital organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lungs, intestine and stomach) revealed a variable degree of villus atrophy in the intestine and degenerative changes in the liver and tubular epithelium of kidney in some rabbits when NSKC was fed at levels above 10%.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.1127-1133
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• 2007

Antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects of Red Ginseng (RG, steamed and dried root of Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer, family Araliaceae), major component of which is ginsenoside Rg3, and Bifidodoterium-fermented RG (FRG), major component of which is ginsenoside Rh2, were investigated. Orally administered RG and FRG potently reduced the serum triglyceride levels in com-oil-induced hypertriglycemidemic mice as well as total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Of the saponin and polysaccharide fractions of RG and FRG, the polysaccharide fraction inhibited postprandial blood glucose elevation of maltose- or starch-loaded mice and reduced the blood triglyceride levels in com-oil-induced hypertriglycemidemic mice. The saponin fraction and its ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 reduced blood triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in Triton WR1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. The inhibitory effect of FRG and its main constituents against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in mice were more potent than those of RG. These findings suggest that hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of RG can be enforced by Bifidus fermentation and FRG may improve hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1591-1597
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• 2015

Background: Korea has experienced rapid economic development in a very short period of time. A mixture of traditional and modern risk factors coexists and the rapid change in non-genetic factors interacts with genetic constituents. With consideration of these unique aspects of Korean society, a large-scale genomic cohort study-the Health Examinees (HEXA) Study-has been conducted to investigate epidemiologic characteristics, genomic features, and gene-environment interactions of major chronic diseases including cancer in the Korean population. Materials and Methods: Following a standardized study protocol, the subjects were prospectively recruited from 38 health examination centers and training hospitals throughout the country. An interview-based questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, medication usage, family history, lifestyle factors, diet, physical activity, and reproductive factors for women. Various biological specimens (i.e., plasma, serum, buffy coat, blood cells, genomic DNA, and urine) were collected for biorepository according to the standardized protocol. Skilled medical staff also performed physical examinations. Results: Between 2004 and 2013, a total of 167,169 subjects aged 40-69 years were recruited for the HEXA study. Participants are being followed up utilizing active and passive methods. The first wave of active follow-up began in 2012 and it will be continued until 2015. The principal purpose of passive follow-up is based on data linkages with the National Death Certificate, the National Cancer Registry, and the National Health Insurance Claim data. Conclusions: The HEXA study will render an opportunity to investigate biomarkers of early health index and the chronological changes associated with chronic diseases.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.259-267
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• 2009

Curcumin (CMN) is known to have beneficial role in anorexia, coryza, cough, diabetic wounds, and hepatic disorders apart from its inherent antioxidant effects. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate antioxidant effect of CMN in prevention of nephrolithiasis in rats-induced by ethylene glycol (EG) and Vitamin D3 (Vit. D3). Male Wistar rats (175 - 200 g) were randomized in groups like control, EG + Vit. D3 induced nephrolithiatiatic rats, CMN treated rats, CMN + EG + Vit. D3 treated rats, Vit. E + EG + Vit. D3 treated rats. Urine was collected weekly throughout the experimental protocol and estimated for calcium oxalate (CaO) count. After completion of experimental protocol serum was estimated for blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Both the kidneys were excised and used to evaluate levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress and calcium oxalate crystal deposition by histopathological studies. Administration of EG and Vit. D3 to rats resulted in increased oxidative stress, hyperoxaluria and renal deposition of CaO crystals. Supplementation with CMN improves kidney function, reduces elevated oxidative stress, urinary oxalate level and renal deposition of CaO which shows its protective action in nephrolithiasis. The increased deposition of stone in the kidney and stone forming constituents of nephrolithiatic rats were effectively lowered by treatment of CMN.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.892-896
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• 2005

In order to isolate substances that inhibit the hemolytic activity of human serum against eryth-rocytes, we have evaluated whole plants of the Orostachys japonicus species with regard to its anti-complement activity, and have identified its active principles following activity-guided isolation. A methanol extract of the O. japonicus, as well as its n-hexane soluble fraction, exhibited significant anti-complement activity on the complement system, which was expressed as total hemolytic activity. A bioassay-guided chromatographic separation of the constituents resulted in the isolation of three known compounds 1-3 from the active n-hexane fraction. The structure of these compounds were analyzed, and they were identified as hydroxyhopanone (1), $\beta-sitosteryl-3-O-\beta-D-glucopyranosyl-6'-O-palmitate$ (2), and $\beta-sitosteryl-3-O-\beta-D-glucopyranoside$ (3), respectively. Of these compounds, compound 2 exhibited potent anti-complement activity $(IC_{50}=1.0\pm0.1{\mu}M)$ on the classical pathway of the complement, as compared to tiliroside $(IC_{50}=76.5\pm1.1{\mu}M)$, which was used as a positive control. However, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited no activity in this system.