• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.130-138
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• 1998

In this study, the effect of verapamil (VER) on cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in uninephrectomized rats. Male Wistar rats were administered CsA (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or VER (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) with CsA (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 20 days. The urinary N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity along with BUN, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (CLcr), body weight, and 24 hr-urine output were measured and histopathologic changes of kidney were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The results obtained from this study can be summarized as follows: While NAG activity, BUN and serum creatinine was progressively increased and CLcr significantly decreased in CsA group, VER almost signifi-cantly (p<0.05) suppressed and normalized CsA-induced changes in VER+CSA group. While urine output increased until 12th days and thereafter progressively decreased in CsA group, it gradually increased in control and VER+CSA group. While body weight progressively made a gain in control and VER+CSA groups, it significantly (p<0.05) lost in CsA group. On light microscopy, the glomerular hyperemia and proximal convoluted tubular (PCT) dilatation, focal tubular cell vacuolation and necrosis were clearly evident in CsA group, but, were not seen in other groups. Ultrastructural studies revealed thickened glomerular endothelium and basal lamina of capillary, irregular shaped pedicels of podocytes, indistinct slit pores and narrowed bowman's space. The large oval vacuoles with dense debris and phagosome were distributed in apical zone and deformed microvilli and mitochondria were seen in the PCT cell of CsA group. But, glomeruli and PCT cell were relatively preserved in normal apperance in other groups. In conclusion, it is suggested that verapamil has a protective effect on cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in uninephrectomized rats.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.167-173
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• 1997

The embryogenic callus (EC), from which somatic embryos could be induced, was compared with nonembryogenic callus(NE) to study the origin and features of totipotent cell in water dropwort (Oenanthe stolonifera DC). To induce and maintain of EC and the NE, meristematic stem and immature floret were inoculated in MS media supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-D, and with 2.5 mg/L NAA and 5mg/L BA, respectively, The EC was not induced from the NE even after subculturing in MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-D. Plantlets were not regenerated from the NE in hormone-free medium. In histochemical comparison of the EC with the NE by light microscopy, the EC had smaller cells in size, dense cytoplasm, and more starch granules of cells compared to the NE cells. The cell from the EC, as observed by transmission electron microscopy, had smaller vaculoes, well developed ribosomes, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, whereas the cells from the NE had larger vacuoles and underdeveloped organelles. In protein pattern from NE, EC and Somatic embryo (SE), as analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, different proteins specific for tissue were observed: 17 and 28 KD for NE, 50, 52, 57, 66, 68 KD for EC and 20 KD for SE. DNA polymorphism was also observed between EC and NE as analyzed by RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) method. The origin of totipotent stem cell and the relationship between irreversible genomic change arose in differentiation and the loss of totipotency in plant were discussed.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.213-223
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• 2009

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, but their functions remain elusive. The proteins AlLTP2-4 were isolated from three related Allium plants: garlic (A. sativum L.), Welsh onion (A. fistulosum L.), and Nanking shallot (A. ascalonicum L.). These novel proteins comprise a new class of LTPs associated with the Ace-AMP1 from onion (A. cepa L.). The AlLTP genes encode proteins harboring 132 common amino acids and also share a high level of sequence identity. Protein characteristics and phylogenetic analysis suggest that LTPs could be classified into five distinct groups. The AlLTPs were clustered into the most distantly related plant LTP subfamily and appeared to be restricted to the Allium species. In particular, the number of amino acids existing between the fourth and fifth Cys residue was suggested as a conserved motif facilitating the categorization of all the LTP-related proteins in the family. Unlike other LTPs, AlLTPs harboring both the putative C-terminal propeptide and N-terminal signal peptide were predicted to be localized to cytoplasmic vacuoles. When a chimeric GFP protein fused with both N-terminal and C-terminal AlLTP2 signal peptides was expressed in rice cells, the fluorescence signal was detected in the endomembrane compartments, thereby confirming that AlLTPs are an unprecedented intracellular type of LTP. Collectively, our present data demonstrate that AlLTPs are a novel type of LTP associated with the Allium species.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.566-572
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• 2016

Lysosomes are cellular organelles containing diverse classes of catabolic enzymes that are implicated in diverse cellular processes including phagocytosis, autophagy, lipid transport, and aging. Lysosome-associated membrane proteins (LAMP-1 and LAMP-2) are major glycoproteins important for maintaining lysosomal integrity, pH, and catabolism. LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 are constitutively expressed in Salmonella-infected cells and are recruited to Salmonella-containing vacuoles (SCVs) as well as Salmonella- induced filaments (Sifs) that promote the survival and proliferation of the Salmonella. LAMP-3, also known as DC-LAMP/CD208, is a member of the LAMP family of proteins, but its role during Salmonella infection remains unclear. DNA microarray analysis identified LAMP-3 as one of the genes responding to LPS stimulation in THP-1 macrophage cells. Subsequent analyses reveal that LPS and Salmonella induced the expression of LAMP-3 at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Confocal Super resolution N-SIM imaging revealed that LAMP-3, like LAMP-2, shifts its localization from the cell surface to alongside Salmonella. Knockdown of LAMP-3 by specific siRNAs decreased the number of Salmonella recovered from the infected cells. Therefore, we conclude that LAMP-3 is induced by Salmonella infection and recruited to the Salmonella pathogen for intracellular proliferation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.221-228
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice. Methods: Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20-25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments. Results: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01). Conclusion: MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.358-365
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• 2019

This study investigated the effects of dietary cactus Opuntia ficus-indica stem and fruit extract on the growth, flesh quality, lysozyme activity, and histological changes of growing Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. Three replicates of fish (152 g/fish) were fed one of the following diets: containing 0 additions (control); 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0% cactus stem powder; or 1.0% fruit extract for 11 weeks. Growth performance did not differ significantly among treatments, including survival, final weight, feed efficiency, and daily feed intake. The experimental diets did not affect the proximate and fatty acid compositions, plasma biochemistry, or dorsal muscle texture of the fish. However, the plasma lysozyme activity of the fish fed the diet containing 0.1% cactus stem was significantly higher than that of the fish fed the control diet. These fish had variously sized lipid vacuoles in the liver tissue compared with the control. Distinct mucosal folds and mucus-secreting goblet cells developed in the fish fed the diet containing 1% cactus stem compared with the other dietary groups. These results suggest that feeding growing Korean rockfish cactus stem might increase the plasma lysozyme activity and induce histological changes in the gastrointestinal tract that might be related to digestion.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.603-607
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• 2018

This study was carried out to determine the pathogen-causing diarrhoea in sheep Ovis aries in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Area, China. A trophozoite was identified as species of ciliate alveolates infecting the sheep based on morphological characteristics examined by microscope. It was mostly spherical, colourless and transparent, with many vesicles. Macronucleus and contractile vacuoles could not be distinguished. Size of the trophozoite was $80-180{\times}70-150{\mu}m$ and its surface was covered with cilia. Molecular analysis based on sequences of 18S rRNA and ITS genes confirmed the ciliate species as Balantidium coli. According to the literature, there have been many epidemiological investigations of B. coli infection in pigs, monkeys and humans. To our knowledge, this was the first report of B. coli infections in sheep in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Area of China, or eleswhere around the world. Importantly, the sheep case was rare but raised our concern that B. coli may spread across species and expand its host range.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.187-202
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The exposure to sucrose in rats has mimic abnormalities attributed to metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effects of honey bee and "free" glucose and fructose, have not been explored in this context. The aim was to expose Wistar rodents to sucrose solution (SS), honey solution (HS) and fructose/glucose solution (GFS) at 30% to assess their effects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: HS (n = 10), SS (n = 10) and GFS (n = 10) groups were formed. Solutions were ad libitum along 14-weeks. RESULTS: Between solutions consumptions, honey was significantly 42% higher (P = 0.000), while similar consumption was observed among GFS and SS. The feeding pattern of HS consumption was irregular along experiment; while the food intake pattern showed the similar trend among groups along time. Non statistical differences were obtained in any biochemical and anthropometric measure, however, a higher concentration of leptin (721 ± 507 pg/mL), lower concentration of total cholesterol (TC; 48.87 ± 2.41 mg/100 mL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL; 16.47 ± 6.55 mg/100 mL) and triglycerides (82.37 ± 32.77 mg/100 mL) was obtained in SS group. For anthropometric values, HS showed less total adipose tissue (AT; average 26 vs. 31-33 g) and adiposity index (average 6.11 vs. 7.6). Due to sugar-sweetened beverages consumption increases the risk for the development of chronic diseases; correlations between fluid intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. A moderate correlation was obtained in groups with the weight of total AT and solution intake; for the weight gain in GFS group and for triglycerides in HS and GFS. The highest hepatic tissue damage was observed in SS group with multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles, atypia changes, moderate pleomorphism and hepatocellular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the significantly higher consumption of HS, biochemical, anthropometrical and histological effects were not remarkably different in comparision to other sweeteners.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.160-172
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• 2020

To understand on-site feeding traits of Noctiluca scintillans with unprecedented high abundances around Dokdo in spring, 2014, the composition and abundance of food items in the digestive vacuole of the species were analyzed. Abundances of N. scintillans ranged from 4,328~17,791 inds.m^-3 around Dokdo during the study. The incidence of preyed items in the vacuole of N. scintillans ranged by averaged 32% (24~50%) in the surface waters around Dokdo. Diverse preyed items consisted of fecal pellet, protozoans, pollen, diatoms, dinoflagellates, copepods and ichtyoplankton, while fecal pellets were dominantly fed by N. scintillans (43%) and next by protozoans (19%), pollen (18%), diatoms (7%) and dinoflagellates (4%). Fecal pellet, protozoans and pollen were relatively preferred by N. scintillans compared to diatoms, dinoflagellates and ichtyoplankton based on the incidence in the food vacuoles. Present results indicated that high abundance of N. scintillans found around Dokdo was likely associated with non-phytoplankton items rather than previously well-known diatoms as prey during the study.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.49.1-49.15
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• 2023

Background: Hystricomorpha rodents display a similar placentation model to humans. The present study was carried out considering the scarcity of information concerning the placental development in agouti. Objective: Describe the microscopy of the placenta, subplacenta and yolk sac of agoutis in early pregnancy and report on the inversion of the yolk sac. Methods: Fifteen females between the 14^th-32^nd day of gestation were used following euthanasia. Gestational buttons were collected, fixed, processed, stained to optical microscopy or immunohistochemistry. Results: Chorioallantoic placenta (CP) ranged from conical to a half-sphere, as follows: from the 14^th to 17^th day, the CP displays an inverted "V" shape, predominantly formed by cytotrophoblasts; from 20 to 22 days, formed almost entirely by cytotrophoblasts; at 28 days, a half sphere, with distinct lobes and interlobular area, numerous maternal gaps delimited by syncytiotrophoblasts and trophoblast giant cells; at 32 days, globose and undergoing the maturation process. Subplacenta, located between decidua and CP, initially presents septa consisting of simple columnar epithelium and after 17 days, comprising stratified epithelium. Visceral yolk sac (VYS) is attached to two CP projections between 14 and 17 days, formed by a simple cubic epithelium and inverted. Between 20 and 22 days, the epithelium displays apical villous projections with cytoplasmic vacuoles and a vascularized mesoderm. After the 24^th day, the VYS near the placenta is pleated, very vascularized and villous, with decreased villi sizes further away from the placenta. Conclusion: The agouti CP displays similar characteristics to other hystricomorpha, including placenta lobulation, a subplacenta and an inverted vitelline placenta.