• KSBB Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.383-392
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• 2009

Xanthii fructus which is well known as "Chang-ihjah" in Korea is the dried fruit of Xanthium strumarium L. (or Xanthium sibiricum PATR. Ex WIDD., Asteraceae. XS). Water extract of this fruit has been used for treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as tympanitis, allergic rhinitis, or ozena as alternative therapy material usually by oral administration in far Eastern countries including Korea. In this study, the effect of XS extract (XS-E) or XS-30% acetone fraction layer (XS-30% AFL) on the differentiation of $CD4^+$ T cells isolated from NC/Nga mouse and the production of IL-17 was investigated. The experimental results showed that $100\;{\mu}g$/mL of XS-E could decrease the production of IL-17 by $CD4^+$ Th17 cells by 2 fold and only $20\;{\mu}g$/mL of XS-30% AFL could inhibit 3.5 fold. The amount of IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA determined by real-time PCR was decreased remarkably when XS-E or XS-30% AFL was treated on $CD4^+$ Th17 cells(p<0.01, p<0.001). The amount of IL-17A protein determined by ELISA was also decreased remarkably(p<0.05, p<0.001). To study the effect of XS-E or XS-30% AFL on the proliferation of Th17 cells, $CD4^+$ T cells of a NC/Nga mouse was firstly differentiated by rIL-6/TGF-$\beta$ and then stimulated by rIL-23. The control group of Th17 cells were doubled every each day, while those of XS-E or XS-30% AFL treated group were shown to be delayed remarkably by these extracts. In conclusion, XS can inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells of NC/Nga mouse and the production of IL-17 successfully, which may be a beneficial result for the treatment of atopic skin dermatitis.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.327-333
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• 2009

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Malus micromalus were studied in vitro. Ethanol extract of M. micromalus showed scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals. In addition, ethanol extract of M. micromalus inhibited the generation of superoxide anion ($O_2^-$) radical and uric acid by xanthine oxidase. We also investigated the effect of ethanol extract of M. micromalus on NO production in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Ethanol extract of M. micromalus significantly inhibited NO production and this inhibitory action was not due to the cytotoxicity. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was markedly down-regulated by ethanol extract of M. micromalus. These results indicate that the inhibitory action of ethanol extract of M. micromalus on NO production in LPS-stimulated macropages might be due in part to abrogation of iNOS and COX-2 protein induction. Taken together, this study suggests that ethanol extract of M. micromalus could contribute to the chemoprevention and therapy of oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.223-229
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• 2005

The chemical components of barley (Jinmichapssal, Seodunchal, and Dusan No.8) and wheat (Alchanmil, Tapdongmil, and Olgeurumil) varieties were determined in terms of proximate compositions, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and vitamin. There are significant differences in protein and lipid (p<0.00l, respectively), fiber (p<0.05) of barleys. There are significant differences in lipid contents (p<0.00l) of wheats. The major minerals of barley were Ca 24∼31 mg%, P 117∼129 mg%, Fe 1.7∼2.9 mg%, Na 13∼18 mg%, K 227∼73 mg%, Zn 1.1∼1.2 mg%, and Mg 38∼45 mg%. The content of Ca in Jinmichapssal was significantly higher than those in the other varieties (p<0.00l). The mineral contents of wheat were Ca 39∼67 mg%, P 172∼270 mg%, Fe 3.7∼5.6 mg%, Na 15∼17 mg%, K 537∼558 mg%, Zn 2.1∼2.3 mg% and Mg 106∼127 mg%. There are significant differences in Ca, P, Fe and Mg of 3 kinds of wheat. The barleys contain vitamin B$_1$ 0.27∼0.36 mg%, vitamin B$_2$ 0.07∼0.11 mg% and niacin 1.21∼1.44 mg%. The content of vitamin B$_1$ in Jinmichapssal and Seodunchal was significantly higher than that in Dusan No.8 (p<0.0l). The content of vitamin B$_2$ in Seodunchal (0.11 mg%) was significantly higher than those in the other varieties (p<0.0l). The content of niacin in barleys was no significant differences. The wheats contain vitamin B$_1$ 0.41∼0.52 mg%, vitamin B$_2$ 0.29∼0.39 mg% and niacin 1.86∼2.81 mg%. The contents of vitamin B$_2$ in Olgeurumil (0.39 mg%) and niacin in Tapdongmil (2.81 mg%) were considerably higher than those in the other varieties. The contents of vitamin B$_1$, B$_2$, niacin in wheats were higher than those of barleys. Major fatty acids in barley and wheat varieties were linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid, which comprised of about 90%∼92% of total fatty acid. The contents of lysine, valine, and tryptophan in Dusan No.8 were significantly higher than those in the other varieties. The contents of lysine, isoleucine in Tapdongmil were significantly lower than those in the other varieties. The content of amino acid in wheat was higher than those of barleys.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.593-623
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• 1999

This experimental study was designed to verify the anti-aging efficacy of Eukmigihwangtang (EMGHT) and Rehmannia Radix, and determine the specific role and actions of Rehmannia Radix. Normal rat (2 months old), aging rat (8 months old), and pathologically induced rat (2 months old, injected 30mg/kg of streptozotocin) are observed to study the aging eliciting factors such as peroxide contents and enzyme activities. The following results were obtained in this study: 1. For the body weight changes, normal group given Rehmannia Radix showed decrease in the body weight compared to the control group, aging group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the body weight, and STZ injected group showed suppression to the body weight loss when given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix. 2. For the content changes in serum lipid peroxide, normal group showed increasing level as the rat gets older. Aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the lipid peroxide level compared to the control group. Decrease was more prominant in the group given EMGHT. 3. For the changes in serum hydroxyl radical, normal group did not show significant changes, but aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the hydroxyl radical level compared to the control group. Decrease was more prominant in the group given EMGHT. 4. For the changes in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, normal group did not show significant changes, but aging group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase in the SOD activity compared to the control group. STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the SOD activity compared to the control group. 5. For the content changes in hepatic lipid peroxide, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the lipid peroxide level compared to the control group. 6. For the changes in hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease compared to the control group. Cytochrome b5 activity was significantly decreased only in the STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix. 7. For the changes in hepatic aminopyrine demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activity, aging group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease compared to the control group. STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase in the aminopyrine demethylase activity, and showed significant decrease in the aniline hydroxylase activity compared to the control group. 8. For the content changes in hepatic protein bound-SH and nonprotein bound-SH, againg group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase compared to the control group. 9. For the content changes in hepatic glutathione level, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase compared to the control group. 10. For the changes in hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase and decrease, respectively, compared to the control group. 11. For the changes in hepatic glutathione reductase activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase compared to the control group, while $\gamma$-Glutamylcystein synthetase activity did not show significant changes. 12. For the changes in hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease compared to the control group. From the above results, the antioxidant effects of EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix were proved, as well as the role of Rehmannia Radix, a chief of EMGHT, was examined. In addition, since no change was reconized as the quantity of Rehmannia Radix and the order herbs increased, the reasonableness on EMGHT was proven with respect to its composition and quantity. Thus, the significance of EMGHT could be objectively exmined in terms of its composition and quantity. Considering animals used in the experiment, there were obvious changes in aging rats and pathologically induced rats than in normal rats. Consequently, it was noticeable that EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix were working selectively on the subjects.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.352-362
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine portion sizes and nutritional quality of foods served to children at Community Child Centers (CCCs), July 2014, in Korea. A survey was administered to foodservice employees working at CCCs. Thirty-nine participants completed the self-administered questionnaire regarding CCCs foodservice practices. In the weight test, fifteen volunteers of demonstrated typical portion sizes for $5^{th}$ grade elementary school students. Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly different between foodservice employees with experience taking a foodservice class for one year (6.04 out of 10.0 points) and those without experience (4.58 points). Foodservice employees with experience taking a foodservice class scored significantly higher in performing meal serving practices, e.g., wearing a sanitary cap and apron when serving food, than those without experience. The amount of foods served for children did not meet standard serving sizes; portion sizes of rice, soup, main dish, side dish and kimchi served by foodservice employees were 87.3%, 63.2%, 56.5%, 37.1% and 81.3% of standard serving sizes, respectively. When energy and nutrient intakes from portion sizes were calculated, energy, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin and calcium intakes did not meet standards for nutrition control of school meals. However, protein, vitamin C and iron intakes met more than 100.0% of standards. These findings suggest that foodservice employees with experience taking a foodservice class apply their knowledge to foodservice practices. Although portion sizes can influence energy and nutrient intakes in children, the actual portion sizes served by CCCs foodservice employees were inadequate and did not meet standards for serving size and nutrition. Thus, all CCCs foodservice employees need to receive foodservice education and be provided guidelines regarding portion sizes for children.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.175-184
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• 2008

To screen highly active Bacillus thuringiensis isolates against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), 46 B. thuringiensis was isolated from 115 samples obtained from several crop soils. Especially, B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki CAB133 and CAB162 isolates showed 100% mortality against S. litura. $LD_{50}$ values of CAB 133, CAB162 and HD-1 strains of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki were 0.089, 3.144 and $0.513{\mu}g/ml$ against 2nd larva of S. litura, respectively. The weight of 3rd larva of S. litura which were fed crystal inclusion protein $(1.267{\mu}g/ml)$ with B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki CAB133 was about 30 times lass than control group. CAB133 and CAB 162 strains of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki which were taken a highly toxity against S. litura were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and estimated the molecular weight of the Cry proteins. Their serological identification by H serotypes were showed B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (3abc) type.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.263-268
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• 2016

Metallothionein (MT) family of metal-binding proteins are involved in maintaining homeostasis and heavy metal poisoning. Recently, MT has been considered as a biomarker that can identify a particular species, very similar to the use of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Satsuma myomphala species of land snails have been reported from North-East Asia, including South Korea and Japan. In particular, the land snail species have been known from only a limited area of Geoje Island, Gyeongsangnam-do province of South Korea. Genetic studies of S. myomphala has been limited with only 6 nucleotide, 2 protein registered on the NCBI server. For elucidating the genetic information of S. myomphala, we conducted RNA sequencing analysis using Illumina HiSeq 2500 next-generation platform. We screened the MT gene from the RNA-Seq database to confirm the molecular phylogenetic relationship. After sequencing, the de novo analysis and clustering generated 103,774 unigenes. After annotation against PANM database using BLAST program, we obtained MT sequence of 74 amino acid residues containing the coding region of 222 bp. Based on this sequence, we found about 53 sequences using the BLAST program in NCBI nr database. Using ClustalX alignment, Maximum-Likehood Tree of MEGA program, we confirmed the molecular phylogenetic relationships that showed similarity with mollusks such as Helix pomatia and H. aspersa, Megathura crenulata.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2007.12a
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• pp.57-58
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• 2007

Purpose: Ginseng is a well-known medical plant used in traditional Oriental medicine. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been known to have potent biological activities such as radical scavenging, vasodilating, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic activities. However, the mechanism of the beneficial effects of KRG on diabetes is yet to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of KRG extract in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. Methods: The db/db mice were randomly divided into six groups: diabetic control group (DC), red ginseng extract low dose group (RGL, 100 mg/kg), red ginseng extract high dose group (RGH, 200 mg/kg), metformin group (MET, 300 mg/kg), glipizide group (GPZ, 15 mg/kg) and pioglitazone group (PIO, 30 mg/kg), and treated with drugs once per day for 10 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured once every week. At the end of treatment, we measured Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), adiponectin, leptin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). Morphological analyses of liver, pancreas and white adipose tissue were done by histological observation through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Pancreatic islet insulin and glucagon levels were detected by double-immunofluorescence staining. To elucidate an action of mechanism of KRG, DNA microarray analyses were performed, and western blot and RT-PCR were conducted for validation. Results: Compared to the DC group mice, body weight gain of PIO treated group mice showed 15.2% increase, but the other group mice did not showed significant differences. Compared to the DC group, fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by 19.8% in RGL, 18.3% in RGH, 67.7% in MET, 52.3% in GPZ, 56.9% in PIO-treated group. With decreased plasma glucose levels, the insulin resistance index of the RGL-treated group was reduced by 27.7% compared to the DC group. Insulin resistance values for positive drugs were all markedly decreased by 80.8%, 41.1% and 68.9%, compared to that of DC group. HbA1c levels in RGL, RGH, MET, GPZ and PIO-treated groups were also decreased by 11.0%, 6.4%, 18.9%, 16.1% and 27.9% compared to that of DC group, and these figure revealed a similar trend shown in plasma glucose levels. Plasma TG and NEFA levels were decreased by 18.8% and 16.8%, respectively, and plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were increased by 20.6% and 12.1%, respectively, in the RGL-treated group compared to those in DC group. Histological analysis of the liver of mice treated with KRG revealed a significantly decreased number of lipid droplets compared to the DC group. The control mice exhibited definitive loss and degeneration of islet, whereas mice treated with KRG preserved islet architecture. Compared to the DC group mice, KRG resulted in significant reduction of adipocytes. From the pancreatic islet double-immunofluorescence staining, we observed KRG has increased insulin production, but decreased glucagon production. KRG treatment resulted in stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the db/db mice liver. To elucidate mechanism of action of KRG extract, microarray analysis was conducted in the liver tissue of mice treated with KRG extract, and results suggest that red ginseng affects on hepatic expression of genes responsible for glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In summary, multiple administration of KRG showed the hypoglycemic activity and improved glucose tolerance. In addition, KRG increased glucose utilization and improved insulin sensitivity through inhibition of lipogenesis and activation of fatty acid $\beta$-oxidation in the liver tissue. In view of our present data, we may suggest that KRG could provide a solid basis for the development of new anti-diabetic drug.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.407-417
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• 1999

Objective: Mammalian follicle cells are the most important somatic cells which help oocytes grow, mature and ovulate and thus are believed to provide oocytes with various functional and structural components. In the present study we have examined whether cumulus or granulosa cells might playa role in establishing the plasma membrane structure of mouse oocytes during meiotic maturation. Design: In particular the differential resistances of mouse oocytes against chymotrypsin treatment were examined following culture with or without cumulus or granulosa cells, or in these cell-conditioned media. Results: When mouse denuded oocytes, freed from their surrounding cumulus cells, were cultured in vitro for $17{\sim}18hr$ and then treated with 1% chymotrypsin, half of the oocytes underwent degeneration within 37.5 min ($t_{50}=37.5{\pm}7.5min$) after the treatment. In contrast cumulus-enclosed oocytes showed $t_{50}=207.0$. Similarly, when oocytes were co-cultured with cumulus cells which were not associated with the oocytes but present in the same medium, the $t_{50}$ of co-cultured oocytes was $177.5{\pm}13.1min$. Furthermore, when oocytes were cultured in the cumulus cell-conditioned medium, $t_{50}$ of these oocytes was $190.0{\pm}10.8min$ whereas $t_{50}$ of the oocytes cultured in M16 alone was $25.5{\pm}2.9min$. Granulosa cell-conditioned medium also increased the resistance of oocytes against chymotrypsin treatment such that $t_{50}$ of oocytes cultured in granulosa cell-conditioned medium was $152.5{\pm}19.0min$ while that of oocytes cultured in M16 alone was $70.0{\pm}8.2min$. To see what molecular components of follicle cell-conditioned medium are involved in the above effects, the granulosa cell-conditioned medium was separated into two fractions by using Microcon-10 membrane filter having a 10 kDa cut-off range. When denuded oocytes were cultured in medium containing the retentate, $t_{50}$ of the oocytes was $70.0{\pm}10.5min$. In contrast, $t_{50}$ of the denuded oocytes cultured in medium containing the filtrate was $142.0{\pm}26.5min$. $T_{50}$ of denuded oocytes cultured in medium containing both retentate and filtrate was $188.0{\pm}13.6min$. However, $t_{50}$ of denuded oocytes cultured in M16 alone was $70.0{\pm}11.0min$ and that of oocytes cultured in whole granulosa cell-conditioned medium was $156.0{\pm}27.9min$. When surface membrane proteins of oocytes were electrophoretically analyzed, no difference was found between the protein profiles of oocytes cultured in M16 alone and of those cultured in the filtrate. Conclusions: Based upon these results, it is concluded that mouse follicle cells secrete a factor(s) which enhance the resistance of mouse oocytes against a proteolytic enzyme treatment. The factor appears to be a small molecules having a molecular weight less than 10 kDa.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.3 s.47
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• pp.393-397
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• 2004

L-Carnitine $({\beta}-hydroxy-{\gamma}-trimethyl-ammoniumbutyric{\;}acid)$ is a small water-soluble molecule important in mammalian fat metabolism. It is essential for the normal oxidation of fatty acids by the mitochondria, and is involved in the trans-esterification and excretion of acyl-CoA esters. In this paper, to investigate the relationship between aging and L-carnitine, we investigated the effects of in vitro matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition and activity and expression of UYA-induced MMPs in human skin fibroblasts. Also, we studied to develop as anti-aging cosmetics with L-carnitine. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. ELISA (enzyme linked immune sorbent assay), gelatin-substrate zymography, RT-PCR ELISA techniques were used for the effects of L-carnitine on MMP expression, activity, and MMP mRNA expression in UVA irradiated fibroblast $(5\;J/cm^2)$, respectively. In addition, we performed clinical study with L-carnitine cream. L-carnitine inhibited the activities of MMP-1 in a dose-dependent manner and the $IC_{50}$ values calculated from semi-log plots were 2.45 mM, and L-carnitine showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 (gelatinase) activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. Also, UVA induced MMP-1, 2 expression was reduced $43\%,\;53\%$ by treated with L-carnitine at 1.25 mM, and MMP-1 mRNA expression was reduced dose-dependent manner. Therefore L-carnitine was able to significantly inhibit the MMP activity, and regulate MMP expression in protein and mRNA level. The results of clinical study showed that $1.0\%$ L-carnitine treated group reduced wrinkle significantly compared with placebo treated group (P<0.05). All these results suggest that L-carnitine may be useful as new anti-aging cosmetics for protection against UVA induced Mm expression and activity.