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Evaluation of the Pull-out Resistance of the SMA Wire Connector (SMA 와이어를 이용한 연결재의 인발저항성능 평가)

  • Jung, Chi-Young;Woo, Tae-Ryeon;Lee, Jong-Han;Cheung, Jin-Hwan
    • Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.130-137
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    • 2019
  • Precast concrete (PC) structure is one of the type of the structures which is made in a facility prior to installing it to a construction field. The contact surfaces between two PC structures should be treated for obtaining enough binding force by inducing prestressing force. However, in the many cases, the contact surface causes the crack and leakage of water. These cracks and water leakage can cause the corrosion of the rebar, and the corrosion of the rebar can severely reduce the long-term durability. In this study, the SMA wire connector is suggested to solve the problem with the contact surfaces between two PC structures. The pull-out resistance of the suggested SMA wire connector is evaluated by conducting the tests to find the effect of the number of wires, shape of connector part, and shape memory effect. As a result of this study, the empirical formula is suggested to estimate the pull-out resistance related with the effects of the shape of the connector, shape memory effect, and the adhesive force. The validity between the estimated pull-out resistance and the measured value is confirmed.

Identification of a conservative site in the African swine fever virus p54 protein and its preliminary application in a serological assay

  • Xu, Lingyu;Cao, Chenfu;Yang, Zhiyi;Jia, Weixin
    • Journal of Veterinary Science
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.55.1-55.12
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    • 2022
  • Background: ASF was first reported in Kenya in 1910 in 1921. In China, ASF spread to 31 provinces including Henan and Jiangsu within six months after it was first reported on August 3, 2018. The epidemic almost affected the whole China, causing direct economic losses of tens of billions of yuan. Cause great loss to our pig industry. As ELISA is cheap and easy to operate, OIE regards it as the preferred serological method for ASF detection. P54 protein has good antigenicity and is an ideal antigen for detection. Objective: To identify a conservative site in the African swine fever virus (ASFV) p54 protein and perform a Cloth-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting the ASFV antibody in order to reduce risks posed by using the live virus in diagnostic assays. Method: We used bioinformatics methods to predict the antigen epitope of the ASFV p54 protein in combination with the antigenic index and artificially synthesized the predicted antigen epitope peptides. Using ASFV-positive serum and specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), we performed indirect ELISA and blocking ELISA to verify the immunological properties of the predicted epitope polypeptide. Results: The results of our prediction revealed that the possible antigen epitope regions were A23-29, A36-45, A72-94, A114-120, A124-130, and A137-150. The indirect ELISA showed that the peptides A23-29, A36-45, A72-94, A114-120, and A137-150 have good antigenicity. Moreover, the A36-45 polypeptide can react specifically with the mAb secreted by hybridoma cells, and its binding site contains a minimum number of essential amino acids in the sequence 37DIQFINPY44. Conclusions: Our study confirmed a conservative antigenic site in the ASFV p54 protein and its amino acid sequence. A competitive ELISA method for detecting ASFV antibodies was established based on recombinant p54 and matching mAb. Moreover, testing the protein sequence alignment verified that the method can theoretically detect antibodies produced by pigs affected by nearly all ASFVs worldwide.

Cigarette Smoke Extract-Treated Mouse Airway Epithelial Cells-Derived Exosomal LncRNA MEG3 Promotes M1 Macrophage Polarization and Pyroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Upregulating TREM-1 via m6A Methylation

  • Lijing Wang;Qiao Yu;Jian Xiao;Qiong Chen;Min Fang;Hongjun Zhao
    • IMMUNE NETWORK
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    • v.24 no.2
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    • pp.3.1-3.23
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    • 2024
  • Cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated mouse airway epithelial cells (MAECs)-derived exosomes accelerate the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by upregulating triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1); however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of CSE-treated MAECs-derived exosomes on M1 macrophage polarization and pyroptosis in COPD. In vitro, exosomes were extracted from CSE-treated MAECs, followed by co-culture with macrophages. In vivo, mice exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) to induce COPD, followed by injection or/and intranasal instillation with oe-TREM-1 lentivirus. Lung function and pathological changes were evaluated. CD68+ cell number and the levels of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β (M1 macrophage marker), and pyroptosis-related proteins (NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-1 recruitment domain, caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, gasdermin D [GSDMD], and GSDMD-N) were examined. The expression of maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), spleen focus forming virus proviral integration oncogene (SPI1), methyltransferase 3 (METTL3), and TREM-1 was detected and the binding relationships among them were verified. MEG3 increased N6-methyladenosine methylation of TREM-1 by recruiting SPI1 to activate METTL3. Overexpression of TREM-1 or METTL3 negated the alleviative effects of MEG3 inhibition on M1 polarization and pyroptosis. In mice exposed to CS, EXO-CSE further aggravated lung injury, M1 polarization, and pyroptosis, which were reversed by MEG3 inhibition. TREM-1 overexpression negated the palliative effects of MEG3 inhibition on COPD mouse lung injury. Collectively, CSE-treated MAECs-derived exosomal long non-coding RNA MEG3 may expedite M1 macrophage polarization and pyroptosis in COPD via the SPI1/METTL3/TREM-1 axis.

The Definition of Outer Space and the Air/Outer Space Boundary Question (우주의 법적 지위와 경계획정 문제)

  • Lee, Young-Jin
    • The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.427-468
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    • 2015
  • To date, we have considered the theoretical views, the standpoint of states and the discourse within the international community such as the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space(COPUOS) regarding the Air/Outer Space Boundary Question which is one of the first issues of UN COPUOS established in line with marking the starting point of Outer Space Area. As above mentioned, discussions in the United Nations and among scholars of within each state regarding the delimitation issue often saw a division between those in favor of a functional approach (the functionalists) and those seeking the delineation of a boundary (the spatialists). The spatialists emphasize that the boundary between air and outer space should be delimited because the status of outer space is a type of public domain from which sovereign jurisdiction is excluded, as stated in Article 2 of Outer Space Treaty. On the contrary art. I of Chicago Convention is evidence of the acknowledgement of sovereignty over airspace existing as an international customary law, has the binding force of which exists independently of the Convention. The functionalists, backed initially by the major space powers, which viewed any boundary demarcation as possibly restricting their access to space, whether for peaceful or non-military purposes, considered it insufficient or inadequate to delimit a boundary of outer space without obvious scientific and technological evidences. Last more than 50 years there were large development in the exploration and use of outer space. But a large number states including those taking the view of a functionalist have taken on a negative attitude. As the element of location is a decisive factor for the choice of the legal regime to be applied, a purely functional approach to the regulation of activities in the space above the Earth does not offer a solution. It seems therefore to welcome the arrival of clear evidence of a growing recognition of and national practices concerning a spatial approach to the problem is gaining support both by a large number of States as well as by publicists. The search for a solution to the problem of demarcating the two different legal regimes governing the space above Earth has undoubtedly been facilitated and a number of countries including Russia have already advocated the acceptance of the lowest perigee boundary of outer space at a height of 100km. As a matter of fact the lowest perigee where space objects are still able to continue in their orbiting around the earth has already been imposed as a natural criterion for the delimitation of outer space. This delimitation of outer space has also been evidenced by the constant practice of a large number of States and their tacit consent to space activities accomplished so far at this distance and beyond it. Of course there are still numerous opposing views on the delineation of a outer space boundary by space powers like U.S.A., England, France and so on. Therefore, first of all to solve the legal issues faced by the international community in outer space activities like delimitation problem, there needs a positive and peaceful will of international cooperation. From this viewpoint, President John F. Kennedy once described the rationale behind the outer space activities in his famous "Moon speech" given at Rice University in 1962. He called upon Americans and all mankind to strive for peaceful cooperation and coexistence in our future outer space activities. And Kennedy explained, "There is no strife, ${\ldots}$ nor any international conflict in outer space as yet. But its hazards are hostile to us all: Its conquest deserves the best of all mankind, and its opportunity for peaceful cooperation may never come again." This speech seems to even present us in the contemporary era with ample suggestions for further peaceful cooperation in outer space activities including the delimitation of outer space.

"Legal Study on Boundary between Airspace and Outer Space" (영공(領空)과 우주공간(宇宙空間)의 한계(限界)에 관한 법적(法的) 고찰(考察))

  • Choi, Wan-Sik
    • The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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    • v.2
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    • pp.31-67
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    • 1990
  • One of the first issues which arose in the evolution of air law was the determination of the vertical limits of airspace over private property. In 1959 the UN in its Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, started to give attention to the question of the meaning of the term "outer space". Discussions in the United Nations regarding the delimitation issue were often divided between those in favour of a functional approach ("functionalists"), and those seeking the delineation of a boundary ("spatialists"). The functionalists, backed initially by both major space powers, which viewed any boundary as possibly restricting their access to space(Whether for peaceful or military purposes), won the first rounds, starting with the 1959 Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space which did not consider that the topic called for priority consideration. In 1966, however, the spatialists, were able to place the issue on the agenda of the Outer Sapce Committee pursuant to Resolution 2222 (xxx1). However, the spatialists were not able to present a common position since there existed a variety of propositions for delineation of a boundary. Over the years, the funtionalists have seemed to be losing ground. As the element of location is a decisive factor for the choice of the legal regime to be applied, a purely functional approach to the regulation of activities in the space above the Earth does not offer a solution. It is therefore to be welcomed that there is clear evidence of a growing recognition of the defect inherent to such an approach and that a spatial approach to the problem is gaining support both by a growing number of States as well as by publicists. The search for a solution of the problem of demarcating the two different legal regimes governing the space above the Earth has undoubtedly been facilitated, and a number of countries, among them Argentina, Belgium, France, Italy and Mexico have already advocated the acceptance of the lower boundary of outer space at a height of 100km. The adoption of the principle of sovereignty at that height does not mean that States would not be allowed to take protective measures against space activities above that height which constitute a threat to their security. A parallel can be drawn with the defence of the State's security on the high seas. Measures taken by States in their own protection on the high seas outside the territorial waters-provided that they are proportionate to the danger-are not considered to infringe the principle of international law. The most important issue in this context relates to the problem of a right of passage for space craft through foreign air space in order to reach outer space. In the reports to former ILA Conferences an explanation was given of the reasons why no customary rule of freedom of passage for aircraft through foreign territorial air space could as yet be said to exist. It was suggested, however, that though the essential elements for the creation of a rule of customary international law allowing such passage were still lacking, developments apperaed to point to a steady growth of a feeling of necessity for such a rule. A definite treaty solution of the demarcation problem would require further study which should be carried out by the UN Outer Space Committee in close co-operation with other interested international organizations, including ICAO. If a limit between air space and outer space were established, air space would automatically come under the regime of the Chicago Convention alone. The use of the word "recognize" in Art. I of chicago convention is an acknowledgement of sovereignty over airspace existing as a general principle of law, the binding force of which exists independently of the Convention. Further it is important to note that the Aricle recognizes this sovereignty, as existing for every state, holding it immaterial whether the state is or is not a contracting state. The functional criteria having been created by reference to either the nature of activity or the nature of the space object, the next hurdle would be to provide methods of verification. With regard to the question of international verification the establishment of an International Satelite Monitoring Agency is required. The path towards the successful delimitation of outer space from territorial space is doubtless narrow and stony but the establishment of a precise legal framework, consonant with the basic principles of international law, for the future activities of states in outer space will, it is still believed, remove a source of potentially dangerous conflicts between states, and furthermore afford some safeguard of the rights and interests of non-space powers which otherwise are likely to be eroded by incipient customs based on at present almost complete freedom of action of the space powers.

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Plasma G-CSF and GM-CSF Concentrations and Expression of their Receptors on the Granulocyte in Children with Leukocytosis (백혈구 증가증 환아의 혈장내 G-CSF와 GM-CSF의 농도 및 과립구에서의 이들 수용체의 발현)

  • Choi, Won Seok;Ryu, Kyung Hwan;Kim, You Jeong;Kim, So Young;Kim, Hyun Hee;Lee, Wonbae
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.46 no.3
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    • pp.271-276
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    • 2003
  • Purpose : Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) are principal cytokines in granulopoiesis and their physiologic effects are mediated through binding to specific cell surface receptors. Although it is known that the level of serum G-CSF and GM-CSF, and presentation of the receptors are increased in infectious diseases, there have been no studies to find the correlation between the granulopoiesis and leukocytosis. This study was designed to measure G-CSF and GM-CSF in leukocytosis and in control and to demonstrate the possible pathogenesis of granulopoiesis in leukocytosis using quantitative analysis of G-CSF, GM-CSF and their CSFr. Methods : The plasma levels of G-CSF, GM-CSF of 13 children without leukocytosis and 14 children with leukocytosis were measured. Counts of cell surface G-CSFr and GM-CSFr were measured by combining anti G-CSFr and anti GM-CSFr monoclonal antibodies to their respective receptors by using quantitative flow cytometric assay. Results : There was no significant difference betweeen the plasma concentration of G-CSF and GM-CSF in acute leukocytosis and in the control group. However, levels of G-CSFr in acute leukocytosis decreased significantly compared to the control(P=0.012) and the levels of GM-CSFr in both groups revealed no significant difference. Conclusion : Increase in the number of leukocyte in leukocytosis was mediated by increasing the number of neutrophil, and increased plasma concentration of G-CSF may be the cause of neutrophilia. But GM-CSF did not have any influence on leukocytosis.

Sesquiterpenoids Bioconversion Analysis by Wood Rot Fungi

  • Lee, Su-Yeon;Ryu, Sun-Hwa;Choi, In-Gyu;Kim, Myungkil
    • 한국균학회소식:학술대회논문집
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    • 2016.05a
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    • pp.19-20
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    • 2016
  • Sesquiterpenoids are defined as $C_{15}$ compounds derived from farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), and their complex structures are found in the tissue of many diverse plants (Degenhardt et al. 2009). FPP's long chain length and additional double bond enables its conversion to a huge range of mono-, di-, and tri-cyclic structures. A number of cyclic sesquiterpenes with alcohol, aldehyde, and ketone derivatives have key biological and medicinal properties (Fraga 1999). Fungi, such as the wood-rotting Polyporus brumalis, are excellent sources of pharmaceutically interesting natural products such as sesquiterpenoids. In this study, we investigated the biosynthesis of P. brumalis sesquiterpenoids on modified medium. Fungal suspensions of 11 white rot species were inoculated in modified medium containing $C_6H_{12}O_6$, $C_4H_{12}N_2O_6$, $KH_2PO_4$, $MgSO_4$, and $CaCl_2$ for 20 days. Cultivation was stopped by solvent extraction via separation of the mycelium. The metabolites were identified as follows: propionic acid (1), mevalonic acid lactone (2), ${\beta}$-eudesmane (3), and ${\beta}$-eudesmol (4), respectively (Figure 1). The main peaks of ${\beta}$-eudesmane and ${\beta}$-eudesmol, which were indicative of sesquiterpene structures, were consistently detected for 5, 7, 12, and 15 days These results demonstrated the existence of terpene metabolism in the mycelium of P. brumalis. Polyporus spp. are known to generate flavor components such as methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethyl benzoate; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-methyl benzoic acid; 3-hydroxy-5-methyl phenol; and 3-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl phenol in submerged cultures (Hoffmann and Esser 1978). Drimanes of sesquiterpenes were reported as metabolites from P. arcularius and shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Fleck et al. 1996). The main metabolites of P. brumalis, ${\beta}$-Eudesmol and ${\beta}$-eudesmane, were categorized as eudesmane-type sesquiterpene structures. The eudesmane skeleton could be biosynthesized from FPP-derived IPP, and approximately 1,000 structures have been identified in plants as essential oils. The biosynthesis of eudesmol from P. brumalis may thus be an important tool for the production of useful natural compounds as presumed from its identified potent bioactivity in plants. Essential oils comprising eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids have been previously and extensively researched (Wu et al. 2006). ${\beta}$-Eudesmol is a well-known and important eudesmane alcohol with an anticholinergic effect in the vascular endothelium (Tsuneki et al. 2005). Additionally, recent studies demonstrated that ${\beta}$-eudesmol acts as a channel blocker for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, and it can inhibit angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo by blocking the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway (Seo et al. 2011). Variation of nutrients was conducted to determine an optimum condition for the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes by P. brumalis. Genes encoding terpene synthases, which are crucial to the terpene synthesis pathway, generally respond to environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and available nutrients (Hoffmeister and Keller 2007, Yu and Keller 2005). Calvo et al. described the effect of major nutrients, carbon and nitrogen, on the synthesis of secondary metabolites (Calvo et al. 2002). P. brumalis did not prefer to synthesize sesquiterpenes under all growth conditions. Results of differences in metabolites observed in P. brumalis grown in PDB and modified medium highlighted the potential effect inorganic sources such as $C_4H_{12}N_2O_6$, $KH_2PO_4$, $MgSO_4$, and $CaCl_2$ on sesquiterpene synthesis. ${\beta}$-eudesmol was apparent during cultivation except for when P. brumalis was grown on $MgSO_4$-free medium. These results demonstrated that $MgSO_4$ can specifically control the biosynthesis of ${\beta}$-eudesmol. Magnesium has been reported as a cofactor that binds to sesquiterpene synthase (Agger et al. 2008). Specifically, the $Mg^{2+}$ ions bind to two conserved metal-binding motifs. These metal ions complex to the substrate pyrophosphate, thereby promoting the ionization of the leaving groups of FPP and resulting in the generation of a highly reactive allylic cation. Effect of magnesium source on the sesquiterpene biosynthesis was also identified via analysis of the concentration of total carbohydrates. Our current study offered further insight that fungal sesquiterpene biosynthesis can be controlled by nutrients. To profile the metabolites of P. brumalis, the cultures were extracted based on the growth curve. Despite metabolites produced during mycelia growth, there was difficulty in detecting significant changes in metabolite production, especially those at low concentrations. These compounds may be of interest in understanding their synthetic mechanisms in P. brumalis. The synthesis of terpene compounds began during the growth phase at day 9. Sesquiterpene synthesis occurred after growth was complete. At day 9, drimenol, farnesol, and mevalonic lactone (or mevalonic acid lactone) were identified. Mevalonic acid lactone is the precursor of the mevalonic pathway, and particularly, it is a precursor for a number of biologically important lipids, including cholesterol hormones (Buckley et al. 2002). Farnesol is the precursor of sesquiterpenoids. Drimenol compounds, bi-cyclic-sesquiterpene alcohols, can be synthesized from trans-trans farnesol via cyclization and rearrangement (Polovinka et al. 1994). They have also been identified in the basidiomycota Lentinus lepideus as secondary metabolites. After 12 days in the growth phase, ${\beta}$-elemene caryophyllene, ${\delta}$-cadiene, and eudesmane were detected with ${\beta}$-eudesmol. The data showed the synthesis of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons with bi-cyclic structures. These compounds can be synthesized from FPP by cyclization. Cyclic terpenoids are synthesized through the formation of a carbon skeleton from linear precursors by terpene cyclase, which is followed by chemical modification by oxidation, reduction, methylation, etc. Sesquiterpene cyclase is a key branch-point enzyme that catalyzes the complex intermolecular cyclization of the linear prenyl diphosphate into cyclic hydrocarbons (Toyomasu et al. 2007). After 20 days in stationary phase, the oxygenated structures eudesmol, elemol, and caryophyllene oxide were detected. Thus, after growth, sesquiterpenes were identified. Per these results, we showed that terpene metabolism in wood-rotting fungi occurs in the stationary phase. We also showed that such metabolism can be controlled by magnesium supplementation in the growth medium. In conclusion, we identified P. brumalis as a wood-rotting fungus that can produce sesquiterpenes. To mechanistically understand eudesmane-type sesquiterpene biosynthesis in P. brumalis, further research into the genes regulating the dynamics of such biosynthesis is warranted.

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Studies on Changes of the Activity of the Hepatic cells, and Variations of Protein and Nucleic Acid Contents of the Liver Tissue with the Ovarian Development Phase of Female Boleophthalmus pectinirostris(Linnaeus) (자성(雌性) 짱뚱어, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris(Linnaeus)의 난소(卵巢) 발달단계(發達段階)에 따른 간세포(肝細布)의 활성변화(活性變化) 및 간조직(肝組織)의 단백질(蛋白質), 핵산함량(核酸含量)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究))

  • Chung, Ee-Yung;Lee, Keun-Kwang;Oh, Young-Nam
    • Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.48-57
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    • 1991
  • Changes of the activities of the hepatic cells of female mud skipper, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris were investigated under transmission electron microscopy. Monthly changes of gonadosomatic index(GSI) and hepatosomatic index(HSI), variations of protein and nucleic acid contents(total RNA and DNA) of the liver tissues with the gonadal development phase were also studied. GSI began to increase from May(the growing stage), reaching the maximum value in late June(the mature stage), and then it began to decrease from late July(the degenerative stage), reaching the lowest value in late September. Monthly variations of HSI were negatively related to GSI. HSI decreased in the summer season when the ovary was getting mature and reached the maximum in mid October when the ovary was degenerating. In June(the mature stage), the female hepatic cells of the liver tissues became large and nuclei were hypertrophic. The amounts of glycogen particles and lipid droplets in the cells gradually decreased, while a number of granular endoplasmic reticulum increased. It was assumed that well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum binding ribosomes are supposed to play the leading role in protein synthesis and deposition for vitellogenin in the cytoplasm. In July(the spawning period), glycogen particles and lipid droplets gradually increased, and then these substances were still observed in large quantity in August(the degenerative stage). The protein contents of the liver tissues with the gonadal phases of the ovaries were shown the maximum value($4.720{\pm}0.103\;mg/g$) in June, and afterwards gradually decreased being the minimum($3.640{\pm}0.130\;mg/g$) in July, and then gradually increased in August. The mean total RNA contents per gram of the liver tissues appeared the maximum($0.523{\pm}0.040\;mg/g$) in June, and afterwards gradually decreased to the minimum($0.158{\pm}0.006\;mg/g$) in July and slightly increased in August again. From these results, it could be assumed that protein contents were closely related to RNA contents. The mean total DNA contents per weight (gr) of the liver tissues appeared to be similar although there were some monthly fluctuations. The ratio of the mean total RNA/DNA were 0.745 in June, 0.262 in July, 0.341 in August respectively.

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Differences in Structural Characteristics and Eu(III) Complexation for Molecular Size Fractionated Humic Acid (분자량별 분류에 따른 휴믹산의 구조적 특성 및 Eu(III)과의 착물 반응 특성 비교에 대한 연구)

  • Shin, Hyun-Sang;Rhee, Dong-Seok;Kang, Kihoon
    • Analytical Science and Technology
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    • v.14 no.2
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    • pp.159-166
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    • 2001
  • A humic acid(HA, Aldrich Co) sample was subjected to ultrafiltration for molecular size fractionation and three fractions of different nominal size($F_1$: 1,000-10,000 daltons; $F_2$: 10,000-50,000 daltons; $F_3$: 100,000-300,000 daltons) were obtained. The structural characteristics of the size-fractionated HA were analyzed using their IR and solid state C-13 NMR spectral data, and the carboxylate group contents of the humic acids were determined using their pH titration data. The $^7F_0-{^5}D_0$ excitation spectra of Eu(III) complexes of the size-fractionated mgHA in aqueous solution were acquired($[Eu(III)]=1.0{\times}10^{-4}mol\;L^{-1}$, $(HA)=470-970mg\;L^{-1}$) at pH 5.0 using a pulsed tunable laser system, in which metal binding properties of the size-fractionated HA were elucidated and compared on another. Characterization of the IR and C-13 NMR spectral data indicated that the fraction($F_3$) with molecules of larger size were primarily aliphatic, while the fractions($F_1$, $F_2$) with smaller molecules of less than 50,000 daltons were predominantly aromatic. Titration data were consistent with an increase in the number of carboxylate groups per unit mass as molecular size became smaller. The $^7F_0-{^5}D_0$ excitation spectral data of Eu(III)-humate complexes showed that the peak maxima on these spectra were shifted toward lower energies with increasing molecular size of HA, indicating the higher degree of bindings of the Eu in the molecules of larger size. We also discussed the relationship of the lower energy shifts of the maximum peaks with increasing the molecular size of HA with the structural differences of the size-fractionated HA.

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Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation and Adipogenesis by Aged Black Garlic Extracts in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes (흑마늘 추출물에 의한 3T3-L1 지방전구세포의 분화 및 adipogenesis 억제에 관한 연구)

  • Park, Jung-Ae;Park, Cheol;Han, Min-Ho;Kim, Byung-Woo;Chung, Yoon-Ho;Choi, Yung-Hyun
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.21 no.5
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    • pp.720-728
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    • 2011
  • Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used as a source food as well as a traditional folk medicine ingredient since ancient times. Aged black garlic is a type of fermented garlic and is expected to have stronger anticancer and antioxidant activities than raw garlic. However, the mechanisms of their inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis are poorly understood. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of water extracts of raw garlic (WERG) and aged black garlic (WEABG) on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were investigated. Treatment with WEABG significantly suppressed terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner as confirmed by a decrease in lipid droplet number and lipid content through Oil Red O staining, however WERG had no such effect. In addition, WEABG reduced accumulation of cellular triglyceride, which is associated with a significant inhibition of key pro-adipogenic transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ (PPAR${\gamma}$), cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer binding proteins ${\alpha}$ (C/EBP${\alpha}$) and C/EBP${\beta}$. Taken together, these results provide important new insight that aged black garlic might inhibit adipogenesis by suppressing the pro-adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and further studies will be needed to identify the active compounds that confer the anti-obesity activity of aged black garlic.