• Proceedings of the Microbiological Society of Korea Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.23-25
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• 2008

Serum complement proteins comprise an important system that is responsible for several innate and adaptive immune defence mechanisms. There were three well described pathways known to lead to the generation of a C3 convertase, which catalyses the proteolysis of complement component C3, and leads to the formation of C3 opsonins (C3b, iC3b and C3d) that fix to bacteria. A pivotal step in the complement pathway is the assembly of a C3 convertase, which digests the C3 complement component to form microbial-binding C3 fragments recognized by leukocytes. The spleen clears microorganisms from the blood. Individuals lacking this organ are more susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Innate resistance to S. pneumoniae has previously been shown to involve complement components C3 and C4, however this resistance has only a partial requirement for mediators of these three pathways, such as immunoglobulin, factor B and mannose-binding lectin. Therefore it was likely that spleen and complement system provide resistance against blood-borne S. pneumoniae infection through unknown mechanism. To better understand the mechanisms involved, we studied Specific intracellular adhesion molecule-grabbing nonintegrin (SIGN)-R1. SIGN-R1, is a C-type lectin that is expressed at high levels by spleen marginal-zone macrophages and lymph-node macrophages. SIGN-R1 has previously been shown to be the main receptor for bacterial dextrans, as well as for the capsular pneumococcal polysaccharide (CPS) of S. pneumoniae. We examined the specific role of this receptor in the activation of complement. Using a monoclonal antibody that selectively downregulates SIGN-R1 expression in vivo, we show that in response to S. pneumoniae or CPS, SIGN-R1 mediates the immediate proteolysis of C3 and fixation of C3 opsonins to S. pneumoniae or to marginal-zone macrophages that had taken up CPS. These data indicate that SIGN-R1 is largely responsible for the rapid C3 convertase formation induced by S. pneumoniae in the spleen of mice. Also, we found that SIGN-R1 directly binds C1q and that C3 fixation by SIGN-R1 requires C1q and C4 but not factor B or immunoglobulin. Traditionally C3 convertase can be formed by the classical C1q- and immunoglobulin-dependent pathway, the alternative factor-B-dependent pathway and the soluble mannose-binding lectin pathway. Furthermore Conditional SIGN-R1 knockout mice developed deficits in C3 catabolism when given S. pneumoniae or its capsular polysaccharide intravenously. There were marked reductions in proteolysis of serum C3, deposition of C3 on organisms within SIGN-$R1^+$ spleen macrophages, and formation of C3 ligands. The transmembrane lectin SIGN-R1 therefore contributes to innate resistance by an unusual C3 activation pathway. We propose that in the SIGN-R1 mediated complement activation pathway, after binding to polysaccharide, SIGN-R1 captures C1q. SIGN-R1 can then, in association with several other complement proteins including C4, lead to the formation of a C3 convertase and fixation of C3. Therefore, this new pathway for C3 fixation by SIGN-R1, which is unusual as it is a classical C1q-dependent pathway that does not require immuno globulin, contributes to innate immune resistance to certain encapsulated microorganisms.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.226-232
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• 2016

In the elderly, a lower muscle mass and higher body fat mass are induced by a lower level of physical activity. A negatively changed body composition with an advanced age can lead to a higher falling risk and rate of diseases. On the other hand, aerobic-type exercise positively influences the body composition and hyperlipidemia in the elderly. Therefore, this study examined the effects of aquarobic training for 12 weeks on the body composition and blood lipid levels in obese old women. The subjects (n = 31, body fat: 33.42%) completed a 12 week water based aerobic training at 12 - 13 of Borg Scale of intensity (three times per week, each session: an hour). The body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody 770-Biospace, Seoul, Korea) and the concentrations of blood lipids (high-density lipids cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipids cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG) total cholesterol (TC)) were determined at pre and post training. A paired t-test was used for data analysis with ${\alpha}=0.05$. In the results, the body composition (% body fat (p < 0.05) and waist circumference (p < 0.05)) were reduced significantly. The LDL (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.001) and TC (p < 0.05) were reduced significantly. In conclusion, a 12 week aquarobic exercise program helps improve the body composition and concentrations of serum lipids. Therefore, aquarobic exercise can enhance lipolysis using fat as energy to induce an improvement of the body composition and induce hyperlipidemia.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.30
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• pp.4.1-4.11
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• 2015

Objectives: This survey was designed to conduct the first nationwide dietary exposure assessment on hazardous substances including the intakes of functional food and herbal medicine. In this paper, we introduced the survey design and the results of the dietary exposure status and internal exposure levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Methods: We selected 4867 subjects of all ages throughout Korea. We conducted a food survey, dietary survey, biomonitoring, and health survey. Results: Pb and Cd were the highest (median value) in the seaweed ($94.2{\mu}g/kg$ for Pb; $594{\mu}g/kg$ for Cd), and Hg was the highest in the fish ($46.4{\mu}g/kg$). The dietary exposure level (median value) of Pb was $0.14{\mu}g/kg$ body weight (bw)/d, $0.18{\mu}g/kg$ bw/d for Cd, and $0.07{\mu}g/kg$ bw/d for Hg. Those with a blood Pb level of less than $5.00{\mu}g/dL$ (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reference value for those 1 to 5 years of age) were 99.0% of all the subjects. Those with a blood Cd level with less than $0.30{\mu}g/L$ (German Federal Environmental Agency, reference value for non-smoking children) were 24.5%. For those with a blood Hg level with less than $5.00{\mu}g/L$ (human biomonitoring I, references value for children and adults, German Federal Environmental Agency) was 81.0 % of all the subjects. Conclusions: The main dietary exposure of heavy metals occurs through food consumed in a large quantity and high frequency. The blood Hg level and dietary exposure level of Hg were both higher than those in the European Union.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.67-79
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• 1984

In an effort to elucidate the physiological characteristics in cardiopulmonary function, electromyogram(EMG), and blood chemistry in athletic high school students, an analysis of electrocardiogram(ECG) and EMG, pulmonary function test, venous blood gas analysis($Pvo_2$ and$Pvco_2$), and measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose and blood lactate were made for 16 to 19 year-old high school students who were divided into athletic (n=19) and non-athletic (n=20) group. The results obtained are summarized as follows. 1) ECG intervals in athletes were longer than in non-athletes, and the difference was significant in R-R, Q-T and T-P intervals. Resting heart rate in athletes was 56.3/min showing a bradycardia compared with 79.8/min in non-athletes. Amplitudes of R and T waves in lead $V_5$ were significantly higher than in non-athletes. 2) Pulmonary function parameters in athletes showed higher values than in non-athletes. Parameters which showed significant differences were FEV 0.5, PEF, FEF 25%, PIF and FEF $200{\sim}1.200\;ml. 3) Heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate after exercise were significantly elevated from resting values. Heart rate and respiratory rate showed greater increase in non-athletes, while blood pressure showed greater increase in athletes. 4) $Pvo_2$ was lowered ana $Pvco_2$ was elevated after exercise, and there was no significant difference between two groups. 5) Blood glucose and lactate levels were elevated after exercise. The difference was significant in blood lactate, and was greater in non-athletes. 6) EMG amplitude was steadily increased with increasing load of exercise, and the increase was greater in athletes than in non-athletes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.651-657
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• 1993

The protective effects of dietary vatamin E and selenium on peroxidative damage and hematopoietic inhibition by lead poisoning were investigated in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150$\pm$5g were divided into six groups according to dietary vitamin E and / or selenium levels, i.e. control(vitamin E, 40mg/kg diet), 0E(without vitamin E, Se), 40E(vitamin E, 40mg/kg diet ; without Se), 200E(vitamin E, 200mg/kg diet ; without Se), 200ES(vitamin E, 200mg/kg diet ; Se, 0.5ppm) and 0Es(without vitamin E ; Se, 0.5ppm) groups. All experimental groups were fed ad libitum 2000ppm lead in diet except control for 4 weeks. Hemoglobin contents and hematocrit values of lead groups were lower than control group except 200ES group and were the lowest in 0E group. Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase(ALAD) activities of blood and liver were sequentially reduced in 200ES, 200E, 0ES, 40E and 0E groups, compared to control, were as urinary aminolevulinic acid (ALA) excretions were increased in the groups which represented low ALAD activity. Heapatic superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities was lower in 0E, and higher in 40E, 200E and 200ES groups, compared with control. Glutathione peroxidase(GPX) activities of liver were reduced in 0E and 40E groups, but those of 0ES, 200E and 200ES groups were significantly increased. Especially GPX activities in 200ES and 200ES groups were not different from control group. The reduced glutathione contents in liver were lowest in 0E and 40E groups, compared with control, whereas levels of the oxidized form were opposite phenomena of that. Liver lipid peroxide values of 0E, 0ES, 40E and 200E groups were 6.4, 2.9, 2.1 and 1.3 fold higher than control, respectively, but 200ES groups was not different from control.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.31 no.1 s.60
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• pp.112-126
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• 1998

To investigate the effectiveness of the interventions in working environment and personal hygiene for the occupational exposure to the lead, the blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentrations of 131 workers (100 exposed subjects and 31 controls) of a newly established battery factory were analyzed. They were measured in every 3 months up to 18 months. Ai. lead concentration (Pb-A) of the workplaces was also checked for 3 times in 6 months interval from August 1987. Environmental intervention included the local exhaust ventilation and vacuum cleaning of the floor. Intervention of the personal hygiene included the daily change of clothes, compulsory shower after work and hand washing before meal, prohibition of cigarette smoking and food consumption at the work site and wearing mask. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the controls was $16.45{\pm}4.83{\mu}g/d\ell$ at the preemployment examination and slightly increased to $17.77{\pm}5.59{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 6 months. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the exposed subjects who were employed before the factory was in operation (Group A) was $17.36{\pm}5.20{\mu}g/d\ell$ on employment and it was increased to $23.00{\pm}13.06{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 3 months. The blood ZPP concentration was increased to $27.25{\pm}6.40{\mu}g/d\ell$ on 6 months (p<0.01) after the employment which was 1 month after the initiation of intervention program. It did not increase thereafter and ranged between $25.48{\mu}g/d\ell$ and $26.61{\mu}g/d\ell$ in the subsequent 4 results. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the exposed subjects who were employed after the factory had been in operation but before the intervention program was initiated (Group B) was $14.34{\pm}6.10{\mu}g/d\ell$ on employment and it was increased to $28.97{\pm}7.14{\mu}g/d\ell$ (p<0.01) in 3 months later(1 month after the intervention). The values of subsequent 4 tests were maintained between $26.96{\mu}g/d\ell$and $27.96{\mu}g/d\ell$. Mean blood ZPP concentration of the exposed subjects who were employed after intervention program had been started (Group C) was$21.34{\pm}5.25{\mu}g/d\ell$ on employment and it was gradually increased to $23.37{\pm}3.86{\mu}g/d\ell$ (p<0.01) after 3 months, $23.93{\pm}3.64{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 6 months, $25.50{\pm}3.01{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 9 months, and $25.50{\pm}3.10{\mu}g/d\ell$ after 12 months. Workplaces were classified into 4 parts according to Pb-A. The Pb-A of part I, the highest areas, were $0.365mg/m^3$, and after the intervention the levels were decreased to $0.216mg/m^3$ and$0.208mg/m^3$ in follow-up test. The Pb-A of part II which was resulted in lowe. value than part I was decreased from $0.232mg/m^3$ to $0.148mg/m^3$, and $0.120mg/m^3$ after the intervention. The Pb-A of part III was tested after the intervention and resulted in $0.124mg/m^3$ in January 1988 and $0.181mg/m^3$ in August 1988. The Pb-A of part IV was also tested after the intervention and resulted in $0.110mg/m^3$ in August 1988. There was no consistent relationship between Pb-A and blood ZPP concentration. The blood ZPP concentration of the group A and B workers in the part of the highest Pb-A were lower than those of the workers in the parts of lower Pb-A. The blood ZPP concentration of the workers in the part of the lowest Pb-A increased more rapidly. The blood ZPP concentration of the group C workers was the highest in part III. These findings suggest that the intervention in personal hygiene is more effective than environmental intervention, and it should be carried out from the first day of employment and to both the exposed subjects, blue color workers and the controls, white color workers.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2022

Purpose: Acute pesticide poisoning is lethal and can lead to death. A few studies about the effects of acute pesticide poisoning have focused on the immune system. In the current study, we preliminarily investigated the changes in blood inflammatory cytokine levels in acute pesticide poisoning patients. Methods: In this study, we prospectively investigated the inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute pesticide poisoning. This study included patients admitted from February 2021 to November 2021 with a diagnosis of intentional poisoning by pesticide ingestion. The inflammatory cytokines measured were IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Results: Totally, 27 patients were enrolled in this study. The types of pesticide ingested were glufosinate (n=6), glyphosate (n=8), organophosphate (n=4), pyrethroid (n=2), and others (n=7). The levels of inflammatory cytokines obtained were as follows: IFN-γ 2.78±8.03 pg/ml, IL-1β 2.62±2.03 pg/ml, IL-6 44.58±80.16 pg/ml, and TNF-α 11.80±15.60 pg/ml. The overall mortality rate was 11.1% (3/27), and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the death group compared to the survival group. Conclusion: Increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in patients with acute pesticide poisoning. IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the death group as compared to the survival group. Our results indicate the occurrence of an inflammatory response due to the activation of immune cells by pesticide poisoning. Future large-scale studies need to be conducted to investigate the application of inflammatory cytokines as predictors and therapeutic targets.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.77-85
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• 2016

In this study, 4-week-old rats were fed bread supplemented with Terminalia chebula (TC), Plantago asiatica (PA), Linder obtusiloba (LO), and Capsosiphon fulvescens (CF) ethanol extracts, to determine the decrease in blood glucose levels, as well as the anti-inflammatory and lipid-enhancing effects. Previous studies have demonstrated the antioxidative effects of these ethanol extracts. After sacrifice, the liver tissue, whole blood, and serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, HbA1c level, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p<0.05) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level in rats fed bread supplemented with LO and CF ethanol extracts (p<0.05). Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate that bread supplemented with LO and CF ethanol extracts can potentially affect the blood glucose level and lead to lipid enhancement.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.640-646
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• 2010

Neosporosis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by Neospora caninum, an intracellular protozoan parasite. It causes economic losses due to reproductive failure. The potential relationship between pregnancy outcomes and levels of IFN${\gamma}$, hormones, and antibodies in naturally N. caninum-infected cows was examined in the blood samples collected every 2 or 4 weeks in 26 pregnant cows from 4 different farms. The mean S/P value of seropositive nonaborting animals (n = 14) reached peak levels 15 weeks prior to parturition, and declined thereafter to parturition. The S/P value 13 weeks prior to abortion in seropositive aborting cows (n=3) remained at high levels, and abortions occurred at 20 (142 days), 26 (185 days), and 28 weeks (199 days) after artificial insemination. IFN${\gamma}$ levels in the seropositive non-aborting group varied by individuals and gestational periods; IFN${\gamma}$ levels stayed at elevated levels or increased abruptly close to abortion in seropositive aborting cows. IFN${\gamma}$ level patterns in the seronegative group (n = 9) were similar to the seropositive non-aborting group, although IFN${\gamma}$ amounts were lower than the seropositive group. The mean progesterone levels in the seropositive non-aborting and seronegative groups decreased markedly 7 weeks prior to parturition. The mean progesterone levels 5 and 7 weeks prior to abortion were lower than the other groups 5 and 7 weeks prior to parturition. The mean 17${\beta}$-estradiol levels in the seropositive aborting cows increased close to abortion; the produced amounts were lower than those of seropositive non-aborting and seronegative groups close to parturition. These results suggested that lower levels of progesterone and ${\beta}$-estradiol in Neospora-infected cows may lead to increases in IFN${\gamma}$ production and in turn may result in abortion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2613-2618
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• 2014

Aims: Dysfunction of the host immune system in cancer patients can be due to a number of factors, including lymphocyte apoptosis. Several studies showed that $Foxp3^+T$ cells take part in inducing this process by expressing FasL in tumor patients. However, the relationship between apoptosis, $CD8^+T$ cells and $Foxp3^+T$ cells in HCC patients is still unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the correlation between apoptosis levels and Fas/FasL expression in $CD8^+T$ lymphocytes and $Foxp3^+T$ cells in patients with HCC. Methods: $CD8^+T$ cells and $CD3^+Foxp3^+T$ cells were tested from peripheral blood of HCC patients and normal controls and subjected to multicolor flow cytometry. The expression of an apoptosis marker (annexin V) and the death receptor Fas in $CD8^+T$ cells and FasL in $CD3^+Foxp3^+T$ cells were evaluated. Serum TGF-${\beta}1$ levels in patients with HCC were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between apoptosis and Fas expression, as well as FasL expression in $CD3^+Foxp3^+T$ cells was then evaluated. Results: The frequency of $CD8^+T$ cells binding annexin V and Fas expression in $CD8^+T$ cells, were all higher in HCC patients than normal controls and the proportion of apoptotic $CD8^+T$ cells correlated with their Fas expression. Serum TGF-${\beta}1$ levels correlated inversely with $CD3^+Foxp3^+T$ cells. Conclusions: Fas/FasL interactions might lead to excessive turnover of $CD8^+T$ cells and reduce anti-tumor immune responses in patients with HCC. Further investigations of apoptosis induction in $Fas^+CD8^+T$ cells in vitro are required.