• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.82-88
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• 2023

Genomic analysis indicated that the genome of Drosophila melanogaster contains more than 80 cytochrome P450 genes. To date, the enzymatic activity of these P450s has not been extensively studied. Here, the biochemical properties of CYP6A8 were characterized. CYP6A8 was cloned into the pCW vector, and its recombinant enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using Ni²⁺-nitrilotriacetate affinity chromatography. Its expression level was approximately 130 nmol per liter of culture. Purified CYP6A8 exhibited a low-spin state in the absolute spectra of the ferric forms. Binding titration analysis indicated that lauric acid and capric acid produced type I spectral changes, with K_d values 28 ± 4 and 144 ± 20 µM, respectively. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the oxidation reaction of lauric acid produced (ω-1)-hydroxylated lauric acid as a major product and ω-hydroxy-lauric acid as a minor product. Steady-state kinetic analysis of lauric acid hydroxylation yielded a k_cat value of 0.038 ± 0.002 min^-1 and a K_m value of 10 ± 2 µM. In addition, capric acid hydroxylation of CYP6A8 yielded kinetic parameters with a k_cat value of 0.135 ± 0.007 min^-1 and a K_m value of 21 ± 4 µM. Because of the importance of various lipids as carbon sources, the metabolic analysis of fatty acids using CYP6A8 in this study can provide an understanding of the biochemical roles of P450 enzymes in many insects, including Drosophila melanogaster.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.818-824
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• 2003

This study was carried out to select Meju of a good quality through general composition analysis, organoleptic evaluation, and to conduct isolation, identification, and growth characteristics of main strain related to fermentation from selected Meju. Moisture and crude protein of Meju were 7.2∼28.8% and 32.7∼42.3%, respectively. The amino nitrogen contents of Kyongbuk and Chonbuk Mejus were 770.8 mg% and 239.9 mg%, respectively. And also, free amino acid and glutamic acid contents of Doenjangs made from Chonbuk and Kyongbuk Mejus were 4,169.6 mg% and 499.4 mg%, respectively. The result of sensory evaluation of Mejus collected from several regions showed Kyongbuk was the most suitable Meju in items of color, flavor, appearance and overall (p<0.05). The typical properties of B. lichenifomis NH20 strain isolated from Kyongbuk Meju showed gram positive, aerobic rod cell and motility. As major component among its cellular fatty acid composition, $C_{15:0}$ anteiso fatty acid, $C_{15:1}$ iso fatty acid, $C_{17:0}$ anteiso fatty acid, and $C_{17:0}$ iso fatty acid were 30.7, 28.9, 13.3 and 11.2%, respectively. It showed the same identification coefficient (0.653) compared to the standard strain. Therefore, it was identified to be B. licheniformis NH20 according to Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and its fatty acid profiles. The optimum pH, temperature, salt content, and culture time of B. licheniformis NH20 were 7.0, 32$^{\circ}C$, 2%, and 9 hours, respectively.ctively.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.85-93
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• 2021

Silkworm pupae have been utilized as a food source and have high-quality proteins and fatty acids. However, studies on the nutritional composition of pupae according to their variety, developmental stage, and sex have not been conducted. In this study, the nutritional composition of four Korean silk varieties (Baegokjam, BG; Goldensilk, GS; Juhwangjam, JH; and YeonNokjam, YN) were analyzed according to developmental stage and sex. The main ingredient of the pupa was protein, and the protein levels were higher in females than in males. Fat levels were high in males and increased in YN and GS during the late stage but decreased in BG. Fiber content rapidly increased in the late stages, and the lowest content was observed in BG. The pupae contained all essential amino acids, which were detected at higher ratios in females with a high protein content. Fatty acids had a different predominance depending on the variety. Oleic acid level was high in BG, linoleic acid and linolenic acid levels were high in GS, and palmitic acid and stearic acid levels were high in JH. In the mineral analysis, zinc was dominant in BG, whereas calcium and iron levels were relatively low. Zinc level was low in GS, and calcium and magnesium levels were high in JH. Potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels were low in YN. The silkworm pupae showed differences in components according to their variety, sex, and developmental stage; therefore, selecting a variety suitable for its purpose is necessary.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.240-252
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• 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary nicotinic acid (NA) on apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbiota in uncastrated Xiangzhong black cattle. Methods: Twenty-one uncastrated Xiangzhong black cattle (385.08±15.20 kg) aged 1.5 years were randomly assigned to the control group (CL, 0 mg/kg NA in concentrate diet), NA1 group (800 mg/kg NA in concentrate diet) and NA2 group (1,200 mg/kg NA in concentrate diet). All animals were fed a 60% concentrate diet and 40% dried rice straw for a 120-day feeding experiment. Results: Supplemental NA not only enhanced the apparent nutrient digestibility of acid detergent fiber (p<0.01), but also elevated the rumen acetate and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (p<0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of rumen microbiota revealed that dietary NA changed the diversity of rumen microbiota (p<0.05) and the abundance of bacterial taxa in the rumen. The relative abundances of eight Erysipelotrichales taxa, five Ruminococcaceae taxa, and five Sphaerochaetales taxa were decreased by dietary NA (p<0.05). However, the relative abundances of two taxa belonging to Roseburia faecis were increased by supplemental 800 mg/kg NA, and the abundances of seven Prevotella taxa, three Paraprevotellaceae taxa, three Bifidobacteriaceae taxa, and two operational taxonomic units annotated to Fibrobacter succinogenes were increased by 1,200 mg/kg NA in diets. Furthermore, the correlation analysis found significant correlations between the concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the rumen and the abundances of bacterial taxa, especially Prevotella. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that dietary NA plays an important role in regulating apparent digestibility of acid detergent fiber, acetate, total volatile fatty acid concentrations, and the composition of rumen microbiota.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.412-424
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• 2024

Lairage, a part of the animal welfare practices, has been known to mitigate pre-slaughter stress in animals. However, research investigating the relationship between lairage and pork meat quality remains scarce. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the physicochemical quality and storage stability of pork from pigs subjected to immediate slaughter (CON) and those provided with a 24 h lairage before slaughter (LRG) over a 7-day storage period. The loins from 20 castrated pigs in each group, respectively, were collected at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days and used for analysis of meat quality and storage stability, including pH, meat color, moisture, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity, and electrical resistance. Overall, there were no significant differences in physicochemical meat quality parameters between CON and LRG groups. Similarly, no differences were observed in the storage stability of pork including 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and electrical resistance. However, the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in LRG compared to CON. In conclusion, 24 h lairage for castrated pigs had limited impact on meat quality and storage stability but led to an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid proportion.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.156-162
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• 2024

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the inhibitory effects of extracts from Bombyx batryticatus (BBE) and Bombyx mori (BME) on α-glucosidase, DPP-4, and LDL oxidation activities, focusing on their potential applications in managing postprandial hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome. The results demonstrated that both BBE and BME effectively inhibited α-glucosidase and LDL oxidation, with BBE exhibiting higher inhibitory activity than BME. HPLC analysis identified linolenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid ethyl ester, pheophorbide a, and pyropheophorbide a as key compounds contributing to these effects. Notably, the identified unsaturated fatty acids and pheophorbides showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, surpassing that of acarbose, a standard diabetic drug. These results suggest that, in addition to the previously reported 1-DNJ and fibroin proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and chlorophyll-derived pheophorbides may play significant roles in glycemic control. Compounds, particularly those from BBE, present promising opportunities for the development of natural therapeutic agents for diabetes management. The study concludes that BBE and BME have strong potential as functional ingredients in future diabetes treatment strategies, possibly offering enhanced efficacy over conventional inhibitors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.249-254
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• 2013

As part of a study on insects as food, the nutritional and harmful components in the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) were analyzed. In addition, due to a recent introduction of live Chinese mealworms in the Korean market, components between Korean and Chinese mealworms were compared. Analysis of general composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, crude fiber, and carbohydrates) showed that crude protein (50.32~52.79%) was abundant in both Korean and Chinese mealworm powders, with the protein content in the Chinese mealworm powder higher than that in the Korean mealworm powder by 2.67%. The amino acid compositions were similar, but the fatty acid compositions differed in the Korean and Chinese mealworm powders. The unsaturated fatty acid contents were 76.80~80.55% of the total fatty acid content in the mealworms. The linoleic acid contents in the Korean and Chinese mealworms were $20.8{\pm}1.1%$ and $34.69{\pm}1.9%$; the linolenic acid contents were 0.47% and 1.31%; and the oleic acid contents were $51.40{\pm}0.9%$ and $40.20{\pm}1.5%$, respectively. With respect to harmful components, such as heavy metals and bacteria that cause food poisoning, bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. were not detected in both Korean and Chinese mealworms, and the mercury content was below the standard values for common foods (Korea, 0.03 mg/kg; China, 0.08 mg/kg).

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.656-663
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was aimed to compare the nutritional content of the life stages of Tenebrio molitor. Methods: Nutritional element analysis comprised 12 minerals, 18 amino acids, 4 vitamins, and 12 fatty acids in larval, pupal, and adult stages. Nutritional element content was expressed as a percentage of 100 g of sample and determined in raw and freeze-dried samples to assess the food value of the insect. Results: Moisture, crude protein, and crude fat contents in raw samples were 63.5%, 23.19%, and 3.96%, respectively. Moisture content was significantly higher in the adult stage than in larval and pupal stages, whereas crude fat and crude ash contents were lower. Mineral composition of the mealworm showed K, P, and Mg in decreasing order of content, with no differences among life stages. Total amino acid content increased from adult, pupal to larval stages, in order with each stage's growth, without difference in amino acid composition. Seventy-six to 78% of total fatty acid corresponded to unsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid as the most abundant. In addition, fatty acid content was high in the adult stage, and clear differences were observed between life stages. Finally, vitamins B1 and B3 showed similar content between life stages, whereas vitamin B2 showed a higher content the adult than larval and pupal stages. A higher folate content was observed in pupal and adult stages than in the larval stage. Although freeze-dried samples showed a higher nutritional content than raw samples, both samples were similar in composition and content between life stages, suggesting the suitability of freeze-dried samples for use as food materials. Conclusion: These results may provide a basis for more diversified industrial applications of the Tenebrio molitor.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.419-428
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• 2018

Background: Despite the large number of studies on ginseng, pharmacological activities of ginseng seed oil (GSO) have not been established. GSO is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, mostly oleic and linoleic acids. Unsaturated fatty acids are known to exert a therapeutic effect in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of GSO against NAFLD using in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: In vitro lipid accumulation was induced by free fatty acid mixture in HepG2 cells and by 3 wk of high fat diet (HFD)-feeding in Sprague-Dawley rats prior to hepatocyte isolation. The effects of GSO against diet-induced hepatic steatosis were further examined in C57BL/6J mice fed a HFD for 12 wk. Results: Oil Red O staining and intracellular triglyceride levels showed marked accumulation of lipid droplets in both HepG2 cells and rat hepatocytes, and these were attenuated by GSO treatment. In HFD-fed mice, GSO improved HFD-induced dyslipidemia and hepatic insulin resistance. Increased hepatic lipid contents were observed in HFD-fed mice and it was lowered in GSO (500 mg/kg)-treated mice by 26.4% which was evident in histological analysis. Pathway analysis of hepatic global gene expression indicated that GSO increased the expression of genes associated with ${\beta}$-oxidation (Ppara, Ppargc1a, Sirt1, and Cpt1a) and decreased the expression of lipogenic genes (Srebf1 and Mlxipl), and these were confirmed with reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase-chain reaction. Conclusion: These findings suggest that GSO has a beneficial effect on NAFLD through the suppression of lipogenesis and stimulation of fatty acid degradation pathway.

• ALGAE
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.197-203
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• 2012

A eukaryotic microalga, Asterarcys quadricellulare KNUA020, was isolated from garden soil at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea and its biotechnological potential was assessed. Optimal growth was obtained when the culture was incubated at $25^{\circ}C$ and around pH 7.0. The total lipid content of the isolate was 15.5% of dry weight and its most abundant fatty acid was nutritionally important C18:3 ${\omega}3$ (${\alpha}$-linolenic acid, ALA). In addition, a high-value fatty alcohol, hexadecenol ($C_{20}H_{40}O$), was also identified in this photosynthetic microorganism. Hence, A. quadricellulare KNUA020 appears to be promising for use in the production of microalgae-based biochemicals.