• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.124-133
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• 2010

The object of this study was to obtain acute information single oral dose toxicity of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts, with mouse bone marrow cell micronucleus test for detecting possible genotoxicity. In order to observe the 50% lethal dose, approximate lethal dosage, maximum tolerance dosage and target organs, test articles were once orally administered to ICR mice at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 50 mg/kg according to the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines. The mortality and changes on body weight, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored during 14 days after dosing according to KFDA Guidelines with organ weights of 12 types of principle organs. In addition, after twice oral treatment of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts 2000, 1000 and 500 mg/kg, we checked the changes on the number of MNPCE. We could not find any mortality, clinical signs, changes in the body weight and gross findings upto 2000 mg/kg treated group. The limited dosages in rodents except for increases of lymphoid organ weights and hypertrophy encounted as results from pharmacological effects of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts, immune modulator effects with some sporadic accidental findings not toxicological signs. No evidence of increases of MNPCE numbers were also detected in all three different dosages of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts treated mice. The results obtained in this study suggest that the LD50 and ALD of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts in mice were considered as over 2000 mg/kg because no mortalities were detected upto 2000 mg/kg that was the highest dose recommended by KFDA and OECD. And the results of mouse bone marrow micronucleus test of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang extracts is negative results.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.850-855
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• 2007

Leptin is the adipocyte-specific product of the obese gene and plays a major role in food intake and energy metabolism. Leptin research was mainly focused on mammalian species, but understanding of leptin and its function in poultry is very poor. In this study, the duck leptin gene was amplified using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from duck liver RNA. The cDNA fragment was inserted into the pET-28a expression vector, and the resulting plasmid was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Experimental mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg leptin dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), while the control mice were injected with PBS. The effect of leptin on food intake, body weight and fatty deposition in mice was detected. Sequence analysis revealed that duck leptin had a length of 438 nucleotides which encoded a peptide with 146 amino acid residues. The sequence shares highly homology to other animals. The coding sequence of duck leptin was 84 and 86% identical to human and pig leptin nucleotides sequence. Highest identity was with the rat coding sequence (95%). The identity of the amino acid sequence was 84, 82 and 96% respectively compared to that of the human, pig and rat. Results of SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that a fusion protein was specifically expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The purified product was found to be biologically active during tests. Continuous administration of recombinant duck leptin inhibited food intake. Despite the decrease of food intake, leptin significantly induced body weight and fatty deposition. These changes were accompanied by a significant down-secretion of plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin levels in mice. The observations provide evidence for an inhibitory effect of leptin in the regulation of food intake and for a potential role of duck leptin in the regulation of lipogenesis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.127-143
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Chaenomelis Fructus herbal-acupuncture solution (ChF-HAS) at the Joksamni ($ST_{36}$) on arthritis induced by Collagen II in mice. Methods : The author performed several experimental items. The severity of arthritis, changes of mouse weight, size of the spleen and the degree of stenosis, changes of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II, changes of immunocyte count, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed and the conclusions are as follows. Results: 1. In the ChF-HA, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, the degree of joint edema was significantly decreased. 2. In the ChF-HA, weight, spleen size and stenosis rate was low and maintained as the normal group was. 3. In the ChF-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the ChF-HA, on changes of immunocyte count were maintained to the levels of normal group. 5. In histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased. Conclusions: These results suggest that ChF-HA at the $ST_{36}$ has an important role to control the immune reactions and suppress inflammatory response on the collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis. This study can be a significant supporting evidence that ChF-HA is chosen to be the principal therapy for clinical practice of the rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.81-97
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• 2007

Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Cnidii Rhizoma herbal-acupuncture solution(CR-HAS) at Joksamni($ST_{36}$) on arthritis induced by Collagen II in mice. Methods : The author performed several experimental items. The severity of arthritis, changes of mouse weight, size of the spleen and the degree of stenosis, changes of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II, changes of immunocyte count, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed. Results: 1. In the CR-HA, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, the degree of joint edema was significantly decreased. 2. In the CR-HA, weight, spleen size and stenosis rate was low and maintained as the normal group was. 3. In the CR-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the CR-HA, on changes of immunocyte count were maintained to the levels of normal group. 5. In histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased. Conclusions : These results suggest that CR-HA at the $ST_{36}$ has an important role to control the immune reactions and suppress inflammatory response on the collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis. This study can be a significant supporting evidence that CR-HA will be chosen to be the principal therapy for clinical practice of the rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.61-65
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• 2014

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the oral toxicity of Gami-Jakyak Gamcho buja Decoction (Mecasin) to develop safe treatments. Methods: All experiments were conducted at the Medvill, an institution authorized to perform non-clinical studies, under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations. In order to investigate the oral toxicity of Mecasin, we administered Mecasin orally to rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five male and five female animals per group: group 1 being the control group and groups 2, 3, and 4 being the experimental groups. Doses of Mecasin, 500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg, were administered to the experimental groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, 10 mL/kg, was administered to the control group. We examined the survival rate, weight, clinical signs, and gross findings. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the four groups. Although slight decreases in the weights of some female rats were noted on the third day, no significant changes in weights or gross findings between the control group and the experimental groups were observed. To check for abnormalities in organs, we used microscopy to examine representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed no significant differences in any of the organs. Conclusion: The results showed that administration of 500 - 2,000 mg/kg of Mecasin did not cause any changes in weight or in the results of necropsy examinations. It also did not result in any mortalities. The above findings suggest that treatment with Mecasin is relatively safe. Further studies on this subject are needed to yield more concrete evidence.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.655-666
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• 2023

Purpose: Gestational nutrition has an impact on the growth and development of the fetus. Choline (C) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important and essential nutrients for humans that play a role in the structural integrity of the membranes as well as signalling. C is used in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, and cell membranes are highly enriched with DHA. The dietary intake of C or DHA during pregnancy directly influences fetal development. Currently, there is no evidence to prove the effectiveness of the combined dietary supplementation of both C and DHA during gestation on developmental outcomes in the offspring. Methods: The current study was designed to assess the physical, sensory, and motor development of rat pups born to mothers supplemented with C and/or DHA during the entire gestational period. Pregnant rat dams were divided into the following five groups: Normal control (NC), Saline control (SC), Choline (C), DHA, and Choline+DHA (C+DHA). The NC dams did not receive any supplementation during the entire gestation period. The experimental groups were supplemented with Saline, C, and/or DHA, respectively, during the entire gestation (E0 to delivery). Results: Rat pups (n = 6/group) exposed to combined C and DHA showed significant improvement in birth weight, fur development, eye-opening as well as weight gain on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postnatal day and pinnae detachment (assessed from birth to postnatal day 21) when compared with age-matched NC, SC or C or DHA pups. Further, significant reflex responses were observed in visual placing and bar holding of pups exposed to both C and DHA, whereas the differences in surface righting, negative geotaxis, and grasping reflexes were not significant between the groups. Conclusion: Gestational supplementation of both C and DHA rather than either of them alone is better in enhancing developmental outcomes in rat pups.

• Mycobiology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.204-209
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• 2020

Three hepatic failure poisoning incidents caused by Lepiota brunneoincarnata and Lepiota venenata mushrooms have been occurred in China in 2017, L. venenata has been described as a new species. However, the cyclopeptide toxins of these lethal mushrooms remain poorly understood. In this study, the composition and content of amatoxins in L. brunneoincarnata and L. venenata are analyzed and compared, the analysis of composition and content of amatoxins in L. venenata are reported for the first time. The results showed that β-amanitin (β-AMA), α-amanitin (α-AMA), amanin, and amaninamide were identified in L. brunneoincarnata, and α-AMA, amanin II (an analog of amanin), and an unknown compound were identified in L. venenata. The differences between L. brunneoincarnata and L. venenata in the identified compounds provide chemical evidence for L. venenata as a new species. Quantitative analysis shows that α-AMA concentrations in L. brunneoincarnata and L. venenata were 0.72-1.97 mg/g dry weight, β-AMA concentrations in L. brunneoincarnata were 0.57-0.94 mg/g dry weight, and β-AMA was absent in L. venenata.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.474-480
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• 2013

This study was performed to investigate the effects of high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) treatment on the recovery efficiency and characteristics of porcine placenta hydrolysates. The placenta hydrolysates were characterized by solubility, free amino acid contents, gel electrophoresis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and amino acid composition. Placenta was treated at 37.5 MPa of pressure combined with various temperatures (150, 170, and $200^{\circ}C$) or various holding times (0, 30, and 60 min at $170^{\circ}C$). Insoluble raw placenta collagen was partially solubilized (> 60% solubility) by the HPHT treatment. Free amino group content of placenta collagen was increased from 0.1 mM/g collagen to > 0.3 mM/g collagen after HPHT treatment, reflecting partial hydrolysis of collagen. The molecular weight ($M_w$) distribution showed evidence of collagen hydrolysis by shifting of $M_w$ peaks toward low molecular weight when treated temperature or holding time was increased. Alanine (Ala), glycine (Gly), hydroxyproline (Hyp), and proline (Pro) contents increased after the HPHT treatments compared to a decrease in the others. In particular, the increase in Gly was obvious, followed by Hyp and Pro, reflecting that placenta hydrolysates were mainly composed of these amino acids. However, increasing temperature or holding time hardly affected the amino acid compositions. These results indicate that the HPHT treatment is advantageous to hydrolyze collagen derived from animal by-products.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.439-446
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• 2020

Purpose: The evidence for an association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obesity is conflicting. Therefore, we set out to review the body mass index (BMI) at presentation of IBD to understand if the rise of the obesity rate in the general population, lead to an increase of obesity in patients with IBD at the time of diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients with IBD seen at Children's Hospital and Medical Center from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2014. From the initial visit and endoscopy, we obtained: age; sex; BMI; disease phenotype; disease severity. Results: We had a total of 95 patients, 35 patients were excluded due to incomplete data or referral being made after diagnosis was made. 28 were males and 32 were females, Age range was 2-17 years. A 37 had Crohn's disease, 19 ulcerative colitis, and 4 indeterminate colitis. Disease severity in 19 cases was mild, 29 moderate and 12 severe. BMI distribution was as follows-obese (5.0%), overweight (6.7%), normal weight (65.0%), mild malnutrition (8.3%), moderate malnutrition (15.0%), severe malnutrition (1.7%). Conclusion: Our data is consistent with other series. Showing most children had a normal BMI, regardless of disease severity or phenotypes. One confounding factor is the possibility of delay in referral to GI. This could mean some obese children may fall in the normal BMI range at the time of diagnosis due to ongoing weight loss. Future studies should include prospective cohort studies, comparing incidence of IBD in obese and non-obese patients, severity at presentation, duration of symptoms, and clinical outcomes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1685-1690
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• 2018

Objective: The pituitary specific transcription factor-1 (Pit-1) gene is responsible for pituitary development and growth hormone expression and is regarded as a pivotal candidate gene for growth and production in chickens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of Pit-1 polymorphisms with growth and feed efficiency traits in yellow meat-type chickens. Methods: In the present study, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Pit-1 were selected and genotyped by high-throughput matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in 724 meat-type chickens. Results: Association analysis showed that rs13687126 of Pit-1 was strongly associated with body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) (p<0.05), and that rs13687128 was significantly correlated with body weight at 70 days of age (BW70), BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p<0.05). SNP rs13905622 was strongly related to BW70 and FCR (p<0.05). Furthermore, birds with the GG genotype of rs13687126 had larger BWG and FI than those with the AG genotype (p<0.05). Individuals with the TT genotype of rs13687128 were significantly higher BW70 and BWG than those of the CT and CC genotype, while FCR was just the opposite (p<0.05). For rs13905622, the AA chickens showed strongly larger BW70 and lower FCR compared with the AT and TT chickens (p<0.05). Additionally, an ACA haplotype based on rs13687126, rs13687128, and rs13905622 had significant effects on BW70 and FCR (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our studies thus provide crucial evidence for the relationship between polymorphisms of Pit-1 and growth and feed efficiency traits which may be useful for meat-type chicken breeding programs.