• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 1987

Several bacterial isolates capable of degrading 4-chlorobiphenyl or 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid were isolated from industrial wastes by the agar plate method and studied for their biodegradabilities of the hydrocarbons and some biochemical characteristics. The isolates DJ-12, DJ-26 and TP-1 were identified as Pseudomonas spp. and they could not degrade 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The absorption spectra for 4-chlorobiphenyl and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid showed the peaks at 253 and 292 nm, respectively. Biodegradability of the isolates was determined by decrease of the absorbance for the test hydrocarbons with a UV-scanning spectrophotometer. The plasmids of the isolates were studied to examine whether or not the hydrocarbon-degrading genes exist in the plasmids. Antibiotics resistance was also examined to search out a proper marker for the isolates in further experiments, such as curing test and genetic recombination.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.11
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• pp.828-836
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• 2017

Eukaryotic cells consist of a complex network of thousands of proteins present in different organelles where organelle-specific cellular processes occur. Identification of the subcellular localization of a protein is important for understanding its potential biochemical functions. In the post-genomic era, localization of unknown proteins is achieved using multiple tools including a fluorescent-tagged protein approach. Several fluorescent-tagged protein organelle markers have been introduced into dicot plants, but its use is still limited in monocot plants. Here, we generated a set of multicolored organelle markers (fluorescent-tagged proteins) based on well-established targeting sequences. We used a series of pGWBs binary vectors to ameliorate localization and co-localization experiments using monocot plants. We constructed different fluorescent-tagged markers to visualize rice cell organelles, i.e., nucleus, plastids, mitochondria, peroxisomes, golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, and tonoplast, with four different fluorescent proteins (FPs) (G3GFP, mRFP, YFP, and CFP). Visualization of FP-tagged markers in their respective compartments has been reported for dicot and monocot plants. The comparative localization of the nucleus marker with a nucleus localizing sequence, and the similar, characteristic morphology of mCherry-tagged Arabidopsis organelle markers and our generated organelle markers in onion cells, provide further evidence for the correct subcellular localization of the Oryza sativa (rice) organelle marker. The set of eight different rice organelle markers with four different FPs provides a valuable resource for determining the subcellular localization of newly identified proteins, conducting co-localization assays, and generating stable transgenic localization in monocot plants.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7497-7500
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• 2015

Background: Tumor markers, designated as a broad group of substances produced by malignancies, could be in the form of biochemical substances, immunological substances, cell surface changes and genetic alterations. Cancer, a disorder of cellular behavior is characterized by alteration of serum glycoproteins. L-fucose, a hexose, which is the terminal sugar in most of the plasma glycoproteins, may be useful as a tumor marker for the detection, monitoring and prognostic assessment of malignancies. The aim of the study was to ascertain the role of serum fucose as a biomarker for early detection of oral cancer and to compare serum fucose levels in healthy controls, leukoplakia and oral cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 (100.0%) subjects, who were grouped as 20 (33.3%) control subjects, 20 (33.3%) squamous cell carcinoma patients and 20 (33.3%) leukoplakia patients. Fucose estimation was done using UV-visible spectrophotometry based on the method as adopted by Winzler using cysteine reagent. The results were analyzed statistically using ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Results showed a high significance in serum fucose in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and leukoplakia subjects compared to normal controls. There was a gradual increase in the values noted from control to leukoplakia and to squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Estimation of serum fucose may be a reliable marker and can be used as an effective diagnostic biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.8
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• pp.329-334
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• 2020

Background: Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels may have a predictive role in the identification and prevention of hypoxic disorders, as they increase in cases of ischemia of the liver, heart, brain, bowel, and kidney. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the value of IMA levels as a diagnostic marker for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: Sixty newborns who fulfilled 3 or more of the clinical and biochemical criteria and developed HIE as defined by Levene staging were included in our study as the asphyxia group. Neonates with congenital malformation, systemic infection, intrauterine growth retardation, low-birth weight, cardiac or hemolytic disease, family history of neurological diseases, congenital or perinatal infections, preeclampsia, diabetes, and renal diseases were excluded from the study. Sixty healthy neonates matched for gestational age and with no maternal history of illness, established respiration at birth, and an Apgar score ≥7 at 1 and 5 minutes were included as the control group. IMA was determined by double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of a cord blood sample collected within 30 minutes after birth. Results: Cord blood IMA levels were higher in asphyxiated newborns than in controls (250.83±36.07 pmol/mL vs. 120.24±38.9 pmol/mL). Comparison of IMA levels by HIE stage revealed a highly significant difference among them (207.3±26.65, 259.28±11.68, 294.99±4.41 pmol/mL for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively). At a cutoff of 197.6 pmol/mL, the sensitivity was 84.5%, specificity was 86%, positive predictive value was 82.8%, negative predictive value was 88.3%, and area under the curve was 0.963 (P<0.001). Conclusion: IMA levels can be a reliable marker for the early diagnosis of neonatal HIE and can be a predictor of injury severity.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.273-278
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• 2006

Objectives : Biochemical markers can provide an objective evidence of heavy alcohol drinking. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the usefulness of biological markers detecting alcohol dependence, such as mean corpuscular volume(MCV), gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT), and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin(CDT) in the patients of an alcohol counseling center. Methods : This study was done with 64 patients with alcohol dependence and 36 healthy subjects. Relative values(%) of CDT were determined in their sera with turbidimetric immunoassay(Bio-Rad %CDT assay, Axis-Shield ASA, Oslo, Norway), and were compared with conventional markers of alcohol consumption, GGT and MCV. Results : Among the patients with alcohol dependence, 78.1% showed abnormal %CDT levels compared with GGT(61.9%) and MCV(20.7%). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves(95% confidence interval) for %CDT, GGT, and MCV were 0.934(0.866-0.973), 0.871(0.789-0.930), and 0.575 (0.472-0.673), respectively. Conclusion : %CDT seems to be the most reliable biological marker for the detection and monitoring of alcohol consumption in the patients with alcohol dependence of the alcohol counseling center.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.105-111
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• 2005

End-stage renal disease is a fatal and devastating disease that is caused by progressive and irreversible loss of functioning nephrons in the kidney. Dialysis and renal transplantation are the common treatments at present, but these treatments have severe limitations. The present study investigated the possibility of reconstructing renal tissues by transplantation of renal precursor cells to replace the current treatments for end-stage renal disease. Embryonic renal precursor cells, freshly isolated from metanephroi of rat fetus at day 15 post-gestation, were seeded on biodegradable polymer scaffolds and transplanted into peritoneal cavities of athymic mice for three weeks. Histologic sections stained with hematoxylin & eosin and periodic acid-Schiff revealed the formation of primitive glomeruli, tubules, and blood vessels, suggesting the potential of embryonic renal precursor cells to reconstitute renal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a marker of proliferating cells, showed intensive nuclear expression in the regenerated renal structures, suggesting renal tissue reconstitution by transplanted embryonic renal precursor cells. This study demonstrates the reconstitution of renal tissue in vivo by transplanting renal precursor cells with biodegradable polymer scaffolds, which could be utilized as a new method for partial or full restoration of renal structure and function in the treatment of end-stage renal disease.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2007

The effects of mulberry-leaf powder Tofu(MPT) on anthropometric measurements, including bone mineral density(BMD) in the right carpus, biochemical bone turnover markers, serum levels of lipids and macrominerals, were investigated in 30 smoking male adults who lived in Choongnam were given MPT(100 g/day) for 4 weeks. The average ages, number of smoked cigarettes and packyear were 22.38 years, 15.12/day and 3.54 years, respectively. The nutrient contents per 100 g MPT were 86.10 kcal energy, 8.98 g protein, 0.53 mg fiber, 211.33 mg Ca and 1.59 g fat. Anthropometric measurements, including dietary intake using the 24-hours recall method, carpal BMD using DEXA, serum levels of protein, albumin and glucose, lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) with Al(atherosclerosis index), HTR, CRF, LHBt, some biomarkers of BMD(serum alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin, urinary DPD), and serum macrominerals(Ca, Ca/P ratio, Mg) and Pb were analyzed before and after consumption of MPT. After MPT consumption, dietary intakes of plant protein, total Ca and plant Ca increased significantly, but there were no significant differences in anthropometric measurements, BMD with bone metabolism markers, serum levels of protein, albumin or glucose, lipid profiles with AI, HTR, LHR and CRF.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.365-374
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• 2021

White rot or stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most destructive fungal diseases that have become a serious threat to the successful cultivation of oilseed Brassicas. The study was designed with an aim to investigate the association between the pathogenic aggressiveness and pathogenicity determinants of this pathogen specifically in Brassica for the first time. For this, a total of 58 isolates of S. sclerotiorum from different geographical regions were collected and purified. These isolates were inoculated on a Brassica juncea cv. RL-1359 and they exhibited high level of variation in their disease progression. The isolates were grouped and then 24 isolates were selected for the biochemical analysis of pathogenicity determinants. The isolates varied significantly with respect to their total organic acids, oxalic acid production and pectin methyl esterase and polygalacturonase activity. The oxalic acid production corresponded to the disease progression of the isolates; the isolates with higher oxalic acid production were the more aggressive ones and vice-versa. This is, in our knowledge, the first study to establish a correlation between oxalic acid production and pathogenic aggressiveness of S. sclerotiorum on B. juncea. However, the pectinases' enzyme activity did not follow the trend as of disease progression. These suggest an indispensable role of oxalic acid in pathogenicity of the fungus and the potential to be used as biochemical marker for preliminary assessment of pathogenic aggressiveness of various isolates before incorporating them in a breeding program.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.526-537
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• 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide and its eradication is mandatory. Direct acting HCV polymerase inhibitors, such as Sofosbuvir (SOF), is an effective regimen. However, it has some side effects like mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and the impairment of testicular function. It is important to evaluate the safety of SOF on the ovary, as there are no studies yet. Increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causes oxidative stress, which affects ovulation process, female reproduction, and fertility. Accumulation of SOF in the cells was demonstrated to promote ROS generation. Vitamin E (Vit E) is an antioxidant agent that has an essential role in the female reproductive system, its deficiency can cause infertility. We explored the effect of SOF treatment alone and co-treated with Vit E on ovarian ROS level and ovarian morphology experimentally using biochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Significant changes in oxidative stress markers; nitric oxide and malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes; catalase, super oxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione, proliferating markers; proliferation cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 antigen and caspase 3 apoptotic marker were demonstrated. It was shown that where SOF induced oxidative stress, it also aggravated ovarian dysfunction. The essential role of Vit E as an antioxidant agent in protecting the ovarian tissue from the effect of oxidative stress markers and preserving its function was also displayed. This could be guidance to add Vit E supplements to SOF regimens to limit its injurious effect on ovarian function.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.322-327
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• 2011

The effects of green tea consumption and/or exercise for 12weeks on body weight and select biochemical markers in plasma were evaluated in obese adolescents with a fat ratio of greater than 25%. The subjects were randomly divided into a control group (n=9), green tea consumption group (n=9), exercise group (n=9) and green tea consumption with exercise group (n=9). Subjects in both green tea consumption group and green tea consumption with exercise group were given more than five cups of green tea extract in hot water ($90^{\circ}C$) daily, equivalent to 1.5-1.7 g dry green tea, for 12 weeks. Subjects in both the exercise group and green tea consumption with exercise group participated in a training program (HRmax 60-70%, 60 min/day) for 12 weeks. Control subjects were only given water equal to the quantity of green tea being given to the subjects of green tea consumption. No significant changes body weights were seen in any of these treatments, but the waist to hip ratio was reduced with treatments of both green tea and exercise. The control group showed no significant changes in TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and leptin levels. Green tea consumption reduced leptin (p<0.05), TNF-$\alpha$, and leptin levels. Exercise lowered TNF-$\alpha$ (p<0.05), IL-6 (p<0.01), and leptin (p<0.05) concentrations. Meanwhile, a combination of green tea consumption and exercise lowered TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 (p<0.05) and leptin (p<0.05) levels. These results indicate that green tea consumption and exercise both had a positive effect on the reduction of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and leptin, in obese adolescents, but no synergistic effect on the reduction of these cytokines.