• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2010

This study was conducted to find out the effects of artificial shrinkage (AS) on post-thaw development of bovine embryos. The blastocoelic cavity of blastocyst was punctured to remove its fluid contents and then incubated in the holding medium (HM) for 10 min. The punctured and non-punctured (control) blastocysts were equilibrated in vitrification solution 1 (VS1; TCM-199+20% FBS+10% EG) for 5 min and vitrification solution 2 (VS2; TCM199+20% FBS+35% EG+5% PVP+0.5 M Sucrose) for 1 min and vitrified by direct dropping into the liquid nitrogen. Vitrified blastocysts (punctured and control) were thawed and cultured in vitro (12 hr) for studying survival and hatching rates. The levels of shrinkage were measured by the volume of the blastocyst during equilibration in VS1 (at 1, 3 and 5 min of equilibration) and VS2 (at 30 and 60 sec of equilibration) that was considering the volume of non-punctured blastocyst in HM as 100%. The levels of shrinkage were higher in punctured group (62.4, 64.6, 64.3% at 1, 3 and 5 min in VS1; 50.6 and 52.7% at 30 and 60 sec in VS2) than control group (84.8, 86.6, 86.4% at 1, 3 and 5 min in VS1; 72.1 and 68.8% at 30 and 60 sec in VS2), but within each group the levels of shrinkage were similar. The survival (90.9%) and hatching (50.0%) rates of vitrified blastocysts at 12 hr post-thaw were higher in punctured group than that in control group (76.9% and 0.0% respectively). We confirmed that vitrification solutions (VS1 and VS2) have no toxic effect on the survival of blastocysts because the survival rates of blastocysts exposed to VS1 and VS2 for 24 hr were similar between punctured and control groups (94.3 vs. 96.0%; p>0.05). In conclusion, the preliminary data show that AS of blastocyst may improve survival and hatching rate after thawing.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.517-532
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• 2010

After establishment of Banwol industrial complex in 1987, Ansan city becomes the largest industrial sector development in Gyeonggi-do, Korea. As the population and industrial activity grow over this region, toxic air pollutants, particularly POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) from various emission sources have been major public concerns. Air samples for POPs monitoring were collected at the industrial sites ($A_2$), residential sites ($B_1$, $B_2$), commercial site (C), and rural/remote site (D) of the area of Ansan during 2008 with a prolonged industrial sampling site $A_1$ from 2001 to 2008. All samples were analysed for 2,3,7,8 substituted-polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin like polychlorinatd diphenyls (dl-PCBs). In site $A_1$, a steady decline of their concentrations from 2003 to 2008 was observed due to the reinforced emission guideline from waste incinerators. The average concentration of the PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs ranged between 0.118 pg-TEQ/$m^3$ (rural/remote site D) and 0.532 pg-TEQ/$m^3$ (industrial area $A_2$). These level were generally consistent with previous studies in Gyeonggi-do, while higher than other places. Most of PCDD/Fs congener were partitioned into particle phase, whereas dl-PCBs were partitioned into gas phase. The logarithm of gas-particle partition coefficient $K_P$ of dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs were well correlated with sub-cooled liquid vapor pressure $P_L$. The slope $m_T$ of log $K_P$ versus log $P_L$ for PCDD/Fs (-1.22) and dl-PCBs (-1.02) in industrial area ($A_2$) were high compared to other residential/commercial area. It suggests that this area was likely influenced by the direct emission source of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. To simulate the partition of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs between gas and particle phase, Junge-Pankow model ($P_L$-base) and $K_{oa}$ model were applied. It was found that J-P model was more suitable than the $K_{oa}$ model in this study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2625-2628
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• 2012

Introduction: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin produced in cereals due to fungal infection. This study was conducted to determine FB1 contamination of rice and corn samples and its relationship with the rate of esophageal cancer (EC) in a high risk area in northeastern Iran. Methods: In total, 66 rice and 66 corn samples were collected from 22 geographical subdivisions of Golestan province of Iran. The levels of FB1 were measured for each subdivision by thin layer and high pressure liquid chromatographies. The mean level of FB1 and the proportions of FB1 contaminated samples were compared between low and high EC-risk areas of the province. Results: The mean of FB1 levels in corn and rice samples were 223.64 and 21.59 ${\mu}g/g$, respectively. FB1 contamination was found in 50% and 40.9% of corn and rice samples, respectively. FB1 level was significantly higher in rice samples obtained from high EC-risk area (43.8 ${\mu}g/g$) than those obtained from low risk area (8.93 ${\mu}g/g$) (p-value=0.01). The proportion of FB1 contaminated rice samples was also significantly greater in high (75%) than low (21.4%) EC-risk areas (p-value=0.02). Conclusion: We found high levels of FB1 contamination in corn and rice samples from Golestan province of Iran, with a significant positive relationship between FB1 contamination in rice and the risk of EC. Therefore, fumonisin contamination in commonly used staple foods, especially rice, may be considered as a potential risk factor for EC in this high risk region.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.195-203
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• 2004

4-Tert-Octylphenol (OP) is a surfactant additive widely used in the manufacture of a variety of detergents and plastic products. OP can disrupt endocrine function in humans and animals. This study was carried out to obtain toxicokinetic parameters of OP in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Male rats were administered with OP by single oral application of 200 mg/kg body weight. Blood, urine and tissues samples were taken at several time intervals after administration. Analysis of samples for OP was performed by column-switching high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, we exam-ined tissue distribution and accumulation of OP after single oral application of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, single intravenous injection of 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg or daily application of 50 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. After single oral administration of 200 mg/kg, Cmax of 213 $\pm$ 123 ng/ml was reached within the first 1.3 hr (Tmax) in the plasma. AUC was calculated for 1,333$\pm$484 ngㆍhr/ml. The final elimination half-life of plasma was longer than that of urine, but urinary clearance was lower than oral. A very small fraction of OP (Fe < 0.0017%) was excreted in urine within 24 hr. These results indicated that the major excretion route of OP was not urine. The mean maximal tissue distribution of OP was obserbed at 6 hr after treatment and slowly decreased time-dependently. High OP concentrations were detected in fat at 24 hr. The OP in fat was slowly released with longer elimination half-life and lower clearance than that of other tissues. OP was not accumulated in the liver following single oral application but 14-day oral treatments resulted in two-fold accumulation. It was probably due to the saturation of detoxification pathways. On the other hand, the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 isoforms except CYP2C11 was not affected by OP at any dose. The expression of CYP2C11 mRNA decreased in a dose-dependent manner. This result suggests that OP changes expression of the male-specific cytochrome P450 isoforms in rat liver, and these changes are closely related to the toxic and estrogenic effect of OP.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 1994

Introduction : Recently, water and environmental pollution becomes serious social problem and high technology makes this pollution accelerate. Hydrogen sulfide, the main subject of our research, is one of the most dangerous air pollutant like SO$_x$ and NO$_x$. The major contaminant in coal gasification is H$_2$S, which is very toxic, hazardous and extremely corrosive. Therefore, control of hydrogen sulfide to a safe level is essential. Although commercial desulfurization process called liquid scrubbing is effective for removal of H$_2$S, it has drawbacks, the loss of sensible heat of the gas and costly wastewater treatment. Many investigations are carried out about high-temperature removal ol H$_2$S in hot coal-derived gas using metal oxide or mixed metal qxide sorbents. It was reported that ZnO was very effective sorbent for H2S removal, but it has big flaw to vaporize elemental zinc above 600\ulcorner \ulcorner As alternative, metal oxides such as CaO, $Fe_2O_3$, TiO$_2$ and CuO were added to ZnO. Especially, different results are reported for $Fe_2O_3$ additive. Tamhankar et al. reported SiO$_2$ with 45 wt% $Fe_2O_3$ sorbent is favorable for removal of H$_2$S and regeneration.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.293-299
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• 1987

At various times and places all over the world men have become ill and some have died after eating shellfish that were intoxicated with paralytic shellfish poison(PSP) caused by Protogonyaulax spp. In late March, 1986, two persons were dead by ingesting wild sea mussels, Mytilur edulis, grown at bottom of an anchored waste ship to be dismantled at Gamchun Bay, Pusan, Korea. The samples were collected from the bottom of the ship during April $1\~April$ 8 of the year to find the cause of the food poisoning accident. The toxicity was estimated by bioassay with ICR male mouse, while the toxins were extracted and characterized. The toxins were extracted with acidified $80\%$ ethanol. The extract was defatted three times with dichloromethane, treated with activated charcoal, and then purified by chromatography on Bio-Gel P-2 and Bio-Rex 70. The toxic fractions obtained were analysed by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatogaphy. The range and the average of PSP-toxicity of the samples were $132\~295\;MU/g$, 203 MU/g respectively. The amount of PSP was $26.4\~58.9{\mu}g/g$ of whole meat in range and $40.6{\mu}g/g$ in average. The toxicity of the digestive gland of the samples was 9 times higher than that of edible meat (except digestive gland) as $439\~979MU/g$, and it was about $70\%$ in total toxin. The compositional analytical results of the paralytic shellfish toxin, Gonyautoxin $1\~4$ were the major part of the PSP and Saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin were detected as the minor component. It was concluded that the food poisoning accident was caused not by Saxitoxins but by Gonyautoxins.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.580-592
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• 2020

Background: Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (thereafter called ginseng) has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years to maintain people's physical vitality and is also a non-organ-specific cancer preventive and therapeutic traditional medicine in several epidemiologic and preclinical studies. Owing to few toxic side effects and strong enhancement on body immunity, ginseng has admirable application potential and value in cancer chemoprevention. The study aims at investigating the chemopreventive effects of ginseng on cutaneous carcinoma and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The mouse skin cancer model was induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used for identifying various ginsenosides, the main active ingredients of ginseng. Comprehensive approaches (including network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental verification) were used to explore the potential targets of ginseng. Results: Ginseng treatment inhibited cutaneous carcinoma in terms of initiation and promotion. The content of Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd ginsenosides was the highest in both mouse blood and skin tissues. Ginseng and its active components well maintained the redox homeostasis and modulated the immune response in the model. Specifically, ginseng treatment inhibited the initiation of skin cancer by enhancing T-cell-mediated immune response through upregulating HSP27 expression and inhibited the promotion of skin cancer by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis through promoting nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Conclusion: According to the study results, ginseng can be potentially used for cutaneous carcinoma as a chemopreventive agent by enhancing cell-mediated immunity and maintaining redox homeostasis with multiple components, targets, and links.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.251-256
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• 2002

Fresh bamboo (Phyllostachys bambuoides sieb. et zucc.) was charred at the mechanical steel kiln and traditional earth kiln with subsequent condensation of its smoke to 10$0^{\circ}C$. It was settled down for 12 months to remove tar components and then the middle layer of the liquid was collected as a bamboo smoke distillates to analyze its chemical composition and physicochemical characteristics for use as food additives or processing aids. The gravity, transmittance, reflectivity, and viscosity were 1.008, 89.05%, 1.36%, and 12.48 cp in the bamboo smoke distillates processed by mechanical steel kiln (MBSD) and 1.012, 98.33%, 1.34% and 9.05 cp in the bamboo smoke distillates by traditional earth kiln (TBSD), respectively. The color of TSBD was brighter than that of MBSD. The pH and titratable acidity, tar and remains were 3.55 and 2.830%, 2.803% and 0.671%, respectively, in the MBSD and 2.93 and 3.470%, 0.051% and 0.004%, respectively, in the TBSD. The major phenolic compounds of bamboo smoke distillates (BSD) were phenol, Ο-cresol, p-cresol, and guaiacol and the major organic acids were acetic acid, propionic acid, iso-butyric acid, and n-butyric acid, and major alcohols were methanol, furfuryl alcohol, and maltol. The contents of phenolic compound and alcohol were more in MBSD than in TBSD whereas the content of organic acid was more in TBSD than in MBSD. Therefore, toxic compounds for the human body, such as methanol from BSD should be removed for use as a food ingredient in the future.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.29-38
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• 2017

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the change in marker compounds, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of salt-water processed Cortex Eucommiae. Methods To evaluate the influence of processing on anti-oxidant effect of Cortex Eucommiae, changes in total phenol, total flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) between processed and raw Cortex Eucommiae were assessed. In addition, nitrite assay was conducted to determine the influence of processing on anti-inflammatory effect of Cortex Eucommiae. Cell viability was also examined as to elucidate whether processing affects cytotoxicity of Cortex Eucommiae. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was conducted to monitor changes in pinoresinol diglucoside amount of processed and raw Cortex Eucommiae. Results Salt-water processed Cortex Eucommiae showed higher total phenol and flavonoid amount, compared to raw Cortex Eucommiae. Furthermore, anti-oxidative activity of processed Cortex Eucommiae was improved as discovered in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-inflammatory effect of Cortex Eucommiae was also enhanced following salt-water processing, as evidenced in nitrite assay. HPLC analysis found that the amount of pinoresinol diglucoside, widely known as the marker compound of Cortex Eucommiae, increases through salt-water processing. All experiments were performed with non-toxic concentration of Cortex Eucommiae; processing did not affect the cytotoxicity of Cortex Eucommiae up to the currently adopted concentration. Conclusions The present results support that salt-water processing of Cortex Eucommiae is beneficial in terms of marker compound amount, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Additional investigations are needed to standardize the processing method of Cortex Eucommiae.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.191-200
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• 2018

In this study, we conducted research to find anti-wrinkle skin care ingredients from natural sources via the measurement of procollagen type 1 levels in the medium of normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) and found that a Nelumbo nucifera leave extract (NLE) was as the best effective ingredient. By the high performance liquid chromatography analysis, we confirmed isoquercitrin was one of the main compounds of NLE. Moreover, it also increased the procollagen type 1 production without cytotoxicity of NHDF. NLE and isoquercitrin exerted free radical scavenging activity. Especially, isoquercitrin exhibited strong intracellular antioxidant capacity in human skin-derived cells, HaCaT and NHDF. Finally, we performed clinical test for the inhibitory effect of NLE on skin wrinkle formation. A randomized study was conducted in 22 healthy female volunteers, aged between 30 and 65 yrs, with moderate to moderately severe facial wrinkles. Volunteer applied a 1.7% NLE cream (isoquercitrin 51 ppm) and a control cream at each facial side (left/right) twice daily for 8 weeks. The 1.7% NLE cream improved skin roughness through reducing the wrinkle of the craw's feet significantly without any skin side effect. Our results demonstrate that NLE and isoquercitrin can increase the collagen production and exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, we expect that the new non-toxic herbal extract, isoquercitrin-containing NLE will be interesting natural ingredient of cosmetics with anti-wrinkle efficacy.