• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.1808-1816
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• 2022

Objective: The study of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) has mainly been focused on meat quality and productivity. Recently the field of microbiome research has increased dramatically. However, the information on the microbiome in Hanwoo is still insufficient, especially relationship between vagina and feces. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the microbial community characteristics by analyzing the 16S rRNA sequencing data of Hanwoo vagina and feces, as well as to confirm the difference and correlation between vaginal and fecal microorganisms. As a result, the goal is to investigate if fecal microbiome can be used to predict vaginal microbiome. Methods: A total of 31 clinically healthy Hanwoo that delivered healthy calves more than once in Cheongju, South Korea were enrolled in this study. During the breeding season, we collected vaginal and fecal samples and sequenced the microbial 16S rRNA genes V3-V4 hypervariable regions from microbial DNA of samples. Results: The results revealed that the phylum-level microorganisms with the largest relative distribution were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria in the vagina, and Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Spirochaetes in the feces, respectively. In the analysis of alpha, beta diversity, and effect size measurements (LefSe), the results showed significant differences between the vaginal and fecal samples. We also identified the function of these differentially abundant microorganisms by functional annotation analyses. But there is no significant correlation between vaginal and fecal microbiome. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between vaginal and fecal microbiome, but no significant correlation. Therefore, it is difficult to interrelate vaginal microbiome as fecal microbiome in Hanwoo. In a further study, it will be necessary to identify the genetic relationship of the entire microorganism between vagina and feces through the whole metagenome sequencing analysis and meta-transcriptome analysis to figure out their relationship.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.631-641
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• 2021

Background: Main bioactive constituents and pharmacological functions of ripened red ginseng berry (Panax ginseng Meyer) have been frequently reported. Yet, the research gap targeting the beneficial activities of transformed green ginseng berries has not reported elsewhere. Methods: Ginsenosides of new green berry cultivar K-1 (GK-1) were identified by HPLC-QTOF/MS. Ginsenosides bioconversion in GK-1 by bgp1 enzyme was confirmed with HPLC and TLC. Then, mechanisms of GK-1 and β-glucosidase (bgp1) biotransformed GK-1 (BGK-1) were determined by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot. Results: GK-1 possesses highest ginsenosides especially ginsenoside-Re amongst seven ginseng cultivars including (Chunpoong, Huangsuk, Kumpoong, K-1, Honkaejong, Gopoong, and Yunpoong). Ginseng root's biomass is not affected with the harvest of GK-1 at 3 weeks after flowering period. Then, Re is bioconverted into a promising pharmaceutical effect of Rg2 via bgp1. According to the results of cell assays, BGK-1 shows decrease of tyrosinase and melanin content in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone challenged-murine melanoma B16 cells. BGK-1 which is comparatively more effective than GK-1 extract shows significant suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and inflammatory target genes, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: These results reported effective whitening and anti-inflammatory of BGK-1 as compared to GK-1.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.8
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• pp.1064-1071
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• 2022

Arabinogalactans have diverse biological properties and can be used as pharmaceutical agents. Most arabinogalactans are composed of β-(1→3)-galactan, so it is particularly important to identify β-1,3-galactanases that can selectively degrade them. In this study, a novel exo-β-1,3-galactanase, named PoGal3, was screened from Penicillium oxalicum sp. 68, and hetero-expressed in P. pastoris GS115 as a soluble protein. PoGal3 belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 43 (GH43) and has a 1,356-bp gene length that encodes 451 amino acids residues. To study the enzymatic properties and substrate selectivity of PoGal3, β-1,3-galactan (AG-P-I) from larch wood arabinogalactan (LWAG) was prepared and characterized by HPLC and NMR. Using AG-P-I as substrate, purified PoGal3 exhibited an optimal pH of 5.0 and temperature of 40℃. We also discovered that Zn²⁺ had the strongest promoting effect on enzyme activity, increasing it by 28.6%. Substrate specificity suggests that PoGal3 functions as an exo-β-1,3-galactanase, with its greatest catalytic activity observed on AG-P-I. Hydrolytic products of AG-P-I are mainly composed of galactose and β-1,6-galactobiose. In addition, PoGal3 can catalyze hydrolysis of LWAG to produce galacto-oligomers. PoGal3 is the first enzyme identified as an exo-β-1,3-galactanase that can be used in building glycan blocks of crucial glycoconjugates to assess their biological functions.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.107-114
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• 2012

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of water extract from leaves of Ligustrum japonicum (WLJ) in db/db mouse. Methods : The db/db mice were treated orally with WLJ (300 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks to examine the long-term effects on hyperglycemia and glomerular tissue as well as biochemical and functional abnormalities in the kidney. Results : WLJ treatment markedly reduced plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, creatinine, and systolic blood pressure in diabetic db/db mouse. Treatment of WLJ significantly increased plasma level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. We also found that overexpressions of vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and endothelin (ET)-1 were observed in aortic tissue of db/db mouse, whereas, WLJ suppressed both expression of VCAM-1 and ET-1 in aorta. In renal tissue, overexpressions of ICAM-1 and TGF-${\beta}1$ were found in untreated db/db mouse, however, significantly decreased those levels by WLJ treatment. The insulin immunoreactivity of the pancreatic islets remarkably increased in WLJ treated db/db mouse compared with untreated db/db mouse. Taken together, WLJ treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia via improvement of insulin secretion and lipid metabolism, respectively. Furthermore, WLJ treatment also ameliorated hypertension via inhibition of inflammatory process in vascular and renal tissues. Conclusions : Ligustrum japonicum has an anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in db/db mouse. Thus, these results suggested a beneficial effect of Ligustrum japonicum in treatment with diabetes and diabetic vasculopathy.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.99-105
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• 2012

Objectives : Korean red ginseng and Morus alba L. are used as a traditional treatment for diabetes. This study was designed to elucidate whether combination with Korean red ginseng and Morus alba L. (MPM) ameliorates metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats. Methods : Animals were divided into four groups; Control receiving tap water, fructose-fed, rosiglitazone-treated fructose-fed rats, and MPM-treated fructose-fed rats both receiving supplemented with 60% fructose (n=10). The MPM or rosiglitazone groups initially received a high-fructose (HF) diet alone for 8 weeks, with supplementation with MPM or rosiglitazone occurring during the final 6 weeks. Results : MPM and rosiglitazone, synthetic $PPAR{\gamma}$ agonist, treatment significantly prevented the increase in fasting serum glucose, leptin, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein in the HF group when comparing with the control group. MPM and rosiglitazone also led to an increase in high density lipoprotein level in the HF group. The administration of MPM and rosiglitazone prevented the development of the metabolic disturbances such as impaired glucose tolerance, and blood pressure. MPM suppressed increased expressions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in HF rat aorta. In addition, MPM significantly increased IR-${\beta}$ and PPAR-${\gamma}$ expression in muscle. Conclusions : Based on these results, we suggest that the administration of MPM improves metabolic syndrome through the alteration in lipid profiles and suppression of insulin resistant and blood pressure.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.25-32
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• 2017

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate candidate materials as anti-inflammatory agent from extracts of Korean medicinal plants in Hwaak mountain. Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) is a Korea medicinal plants that commonly used for robustness and hemostasis. It has been reported that LO has exhibited anti-ischemic, anti-oxidative, anti-hypolipidemic, anti-tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, LO has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of LO and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric Oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 15 extracts of Korean medicinal plants tested, Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. LO reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these data, LO inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LO attenuated the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages involving suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of LO is associated with regulation of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.17-24
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• 2020

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate the gastric protective effect of Curcuma Longae Rhizoma (CLR) in 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol induced gastric ulcer (GU) in mice. Methods : Forty ICR mice were divided into five groups (n=8/Group): Nor group; Normal, Veh group; GU control, SC group; GU + sucralfate 10 mg/kg, CL; GU + CLR 30% ethanol extract 100 mg/kg, CH group; GU + CLR 30% ethanol extract 200 mg/kg. Then, mice were orally administered with 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol and caused GU. After 1 hr, mice were sacrificed, and blood and stomach tissue were collected. Results : CLR showed significance scavenging effects in 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities (DPPH IC₅₀; 78.18 ± 0.60 ㎍/㎖, ABTS IC₅₀; 55.91 ± 1.86 ㎍/㎖). CLR significance reduce inflammatory-related factors such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inactivation. In addition, the activation of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) significantly led to up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzymes including factors heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase-1/2 (GPx-1/2). Conclusions : Our discovery provides that CLR possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, CLR may ameliorate the development of gastric ulcer though the inhibition of NF-κB inflammatory pathway and the elevation of Nrf2 anti-oxidant pathway.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.233-241
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• 2022

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic disease, and the demand for herbal medicines in this field has increased in recent years. The new findings highlight the role of the gut-lung axis in the pathophysiology of asthma. Hence, this study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Glasthma syrup, an herbal formula based on Persian medicine, in improving asthma and regulating intestinal permeability. The formula consists of five herbal ingredients that have anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory tract, also known as gut tonics. Methods: The study will be conducted as a placebo-controlled, triple-blind, randomized trial. It will consist of a 4-week intervention followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The target sample size is 20 patients with moderate asthma aged 18 to 60 years. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group in equal numbers. Patients in the experimental group will take Glasthma syrup (7.5 mL, twice a day), while patients in the control group will take a matching placebo. Both groups will receive a 4-week combination of a long-acting beta2 agonist and a leukotriene modulator as standard of care. Inhaled corticosteroids can be used as rescue medication as needed. Results: The primary outcomes are asthma symptom scale, lung function, and intestinal permeability. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, symptom recurrence rates, and blood tests. A safety assessment will also be conducted during the trial. Conclusion: In this trial, the effects of Glasthma syrup in patients with moderate asthma will be examined. The study will also assess the effects of the formulation on the gut-lung axis by simultaneously monitoring the gut permeability index, asthma symptoms, and lung function.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.521-528
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• 2023

Objective: This study investigated the effects of surgical castration on behavior, physiological and inflammatory indicators, and leukocyte cytokine mRNA levels in Korean cattle bull calves. Methods: Nineteen Korean cattle bull calves (average body weight, 254.5 kg; average age, 8.2 months) were divided into two treatment groups: control (n = 9) and castration (n = 10). Surgical castration was performed using Newberry knives and a Henderson castrating tool. Blood was obtained just before castration (0 h) and at 0.5 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d after castration. Plasma cortisol (PC), saliva cortisol (SC), plasma substance P, and plasma haptoglobin concentrations, and the leucocyte mRNA levels of the interleukin-1-alpha (IL1A), interleukin-1-beta (IL1B), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), and interleukin-6 (IL6) genes were analyzed. Results: Castration decreased (p<0.01) the average daily gain and gain/feed ratio. Castration reduced the time spent eating (p<0.001) and the eating frequency (p<0.01) and increased (p<0.001) the lying frequency. Castration temporarily increased (p<0.05) circulating PC and SC concentrations at 0.5 h after castration. Castration temporarily increased (p<0.05) plasma substance P concentrations at 1 d after castration. Castration increased (p<0.05) plasma haptoglobin concentrations at 1 and 3 d after castration. Castration increased (p<0.05) leukocyte mRNA levels of the IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN, and IL6 genes at 6 h after castration. Conclusion: Castration temporarily induced stress and expression of leucocyte inflammatory cytokine genes in Korean cattle bull calves.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2003.03a
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• pp.81-81
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• 2003

The stochiometric mixture of evaporating materials for the CuGaSe$_2$ single crystal thin films were prepared from horizontal furnace. Using extrapolation method of X-ray diffraction patterns for the polycrystal CuGaSe$_2$, it was found tetragonal structure whose lattice constant no and co were 5.615$\AA$ and 11.025$\AA$, respectively. To obtains the single crystal thin films, CuGaSe$_2$ mixed crystal was deposited on throughly etched GaAs(100) by the Hot Wall Epitaxy(HWE) system. The source and substrate temperature were 61$0^{\circ}C$ and 45$0^{\circ}C$ respectively, and the growth rate of the single crystal thin films was about 0.5${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$/h. The crystalline structure of single crystal thin films was investigated by the double crystal X-ray diffraction(DCXD). Hall effect on this sample was measured by the method of van der pauw and studied on carrier density and mobility depending on temperature. From Hall data, the mobility was likely to be decreased by pizoelectric scattering in the temperature range 30K to 150K and by polar optical scattering in the temperature range 150K to 293K. The optical energy gaps were found to be 1.68eV for CuGaSe$_2$ single crystal thin films at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the photocurrent peak energy is well explained by the Varshni equation then the constants in the Varshni equation are given by a=9.615$\times$ 10$^{-4}$ eV/K, and $\beta$=335K. From the photocurrent spectra by illumination of polarized light of the CuGaSe$_2$ single crystal thin films. We have found that values of spin orbit coupling ΔSo and crystal field splitting ΔCr was 0.0900eV and 0.2498eV, respectively. From the PL spectra at 20K, the peaks corresponding to free bound excitons and D-A pair and a broad emission band due to SA is identified. The binding energy of the free excitons are determined to be 0.0626eV and the dissipation energy of the acceptor-bound exciton and donor-bound exciton to be 0.0352eV, 0.0932eV, respectively.