• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.133-141
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the association of temperature-fluctuation with freshness quality in various foods. Methods: We investigated the effects of storage conditions on antioxidant activities of cherries and romaine lettuce during storage at $0.7{\pm}0.6^{\circ}C$, $1.2{\pm}1.4^{\circ}C$, and $1.6{\pm}2.8^{\circ}C$. Cherries and romaine lettuce were stored for a period of 9 days and 7 days, respectively. We also analyzed the effects of storage conditions on fresh quality of beef and salmon during storage at $-0.3{\pm}0.8^{\circ}C$, $-0.6{\pm}2.3^{\circ}C$, and $-1.5{\pm}4.4^{\circ}C$. Both of them were stored for a period of 14 days. Results: The amount of water loss was highest in beef, and the microbial count was also the highest at $-1.5{\pm}4.4^{\circ}C$. In the case of salmon, there was no difference in water loss according to storage, and TBA value was significantly increased at $-1.5{\pm}4.4^{\circ}C$. Moisture retention was the highest at $0.7{\pm}0.6^{\circ}C$ in both romaine lettuce and cherry samples. The contents of polyphenol and flavonoid were significantly higher in cherries, and content of polyphenols in romaine lettuce was significantly higher at $0.7{\pm}0.6^{\circ}C$ (p < 0.05). DPPH activity decreased in the order of $0.7{\pm}0.6^{\circ}C$ > $1.2{\pm}1.4^{\circ}C$ > $1.6{\pm}2.8^{\circ}C$ over 7 days. Conclusion: The results indicate that temperature-fluctuation may affect qualities of foods stored in a refrigerator.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.34-41
• /
• 2016

Black chokeberries (scientific name Aronia melanocarpa) have been reported to have major effects due to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer capabilities. In this study, we investigated the anti- wrinkle effects of A. melanocarpa, including collagenase inhibition effects and their molecular biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and activator protein (AP)-1 expression and/or phosphorylation. In collagenase inhibition activity, the ethyl acetate fraction of black chokeberry (AE) was 77.2% at a concentration of 500 μg/ml, which was a significant result compared to that of Epigallocatechin gallate (positive control, 83.9% in 500 μg/ml). In the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, the AE produced 78% of ROS in 10 μg/ml and 70% of ROS in 75 μg/ml, which was a much lower percentage than the ROS production of H₂O₂-induced CCRF S-180II cells. In the MTT assay, cell viability was increased dose-dependently with AE in H₂O₂-induced cells. In protein expression by western blot assay, the AE suppressed the expression and phosphorylation of MMPs (MMP-1, -3, -9), MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38), and AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun), and expressed the pro-collagen type I in H₂O₂-induced cells. These results suggest that black chokeberries have anti-wrinkle and collagen-production effects, and they may be used in applications for material development in the functional food and cosmetic industries.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.20 no.5 s.94
• /
• pp.376-382
• /
• 2005

Avermectin (AVM) $B_{1a}$ produced by Streptomyces avermitilis via polyketide pathway is a secondary metabolite with powerful anthelmintic and insecticidal activities, thus being used as an efficient agent in the field of agriculture and animal health. It has been reported that a precursor for AVM $B_{1a}$ biosynthesis was isoleucine and the biosynthetic pathway of AVM $B_{1a}$ was closely similar to that of fatty acid. Based on understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of AVM $B_{1a}$, we intended to screen various mutants resistant against O-methyl threonine (OMT), an isoleucine-anti metabolite, and/or mutants resistant against p-fluoro phenoxy acetic acid (pFAC), an inhibitor of fatty acid biosynthesis. It was inferred that these mutants could produce AVM $B_{1a}$ more efficiently, due to the acquired capability of not only overproducing isoleucine intracellularly but also channelling metabolized carbon-sources into the polyketide pathway, thus leading to enhanced biosynthesis of AVM $B_{1a}$. The resulting mutant (PFA-1 strain) resistant against 100 ppm of pFAC was able to produce approximately 42 fold higher amount of AVM $B_{1a}$ compared to the parallel mother strain (4,200 vs. 100 units/l). In addition, through the process of continuous strain improvement program carried out by gradually increasing the OMT concentration, it was possible to obtain a more attractive mutant with greater AVM $B_{1a}$ production capacity (9,000 units/l). Notable was that significantly higher producer (12,000 units/l) could be selected through further screening of the resistant mutants, this time, to even higher concentration of PFAC. Meanwhile, through the analysis of AVM Bla production histograms (i.e., number of strains according to their AVM $B_{1a}$ biosynthetic ability) for the earlier strains in comparison with the high producers having the characteristics of resistance to OMT and pFAC, it was found that production stability of the high-yielding producers were remarkably improved, as demonstrated by the fact that larger proportion of the mutated strains had greater capability of AVM $B_{1a}$ biosynthesis ($71\%$ in the range between 5,000 and 7,000 units/L; $47\%$ in the range between 6,000 and 7,000 units/l). Based on these consequences, it was concluded that the rational screening strategy based on the understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of AVM $B_{1a}$ was very effective in obtaining high-yielding mutants with the features of enhanced production stability.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.25 no.7
• /
• pp.801-809
• /
• 2015

Homotypic cell adhesion (homotypic aggregation) in activated monocytes plays a central role in physiological and pathological processes including inflammatory responses, differentiation and migration. The extract of the Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. fruit (Maesil) has potential benefits to human health; such as anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activities. Indeed, Maesil extract may modulate inflammatory responses via interference with homotypic aggregation in monocytes. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic efficacy of Maesil extract in inflammatory diseases were investigated. It was found that Maesil extract inhibited homotypic aggregation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated monocytes. This was mediated by reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production, partly via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. It was confirmed that NO inhibition is a key mechanism in Maesil induced blockade of monocyte aggregation through identification of reversal of this inhibitory effect by the NO-producing agent S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP). In addition, Maesil extract significantly attenuated LPS-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus. In conclusion, Maesil extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of homotypic aggregation of LPS-activated monocytes through mechanisms involving the suppression of NO production and NF-κB activity, suggesting Maesil extract as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.274-283
• /
• 2014

Oxidative stress causes tissue damage and facilitates the progression of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular heart diseases, and obesity. Lipid accumulation and obesity-related complications have been observed in the presence of extensive oxidative stress. As part of an ongoing study to develop therapeutic supplements, Sargassum sp. were tested for their ability to scavenge free radicals and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as to suppress lipid accumulation. Three species, S. hemiphyllum, S. thunbergii, and Sargassum horneri, were shown to scavenge free radicals in a di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) assay. In addition, Sargassum sp. was shown to scavenge intracellular ROS and to decrease nitric oxide (NO) production in $H_2O_2$ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that Sargassum sp. possess huge potential to relieve oxidative stress and related complications, as well as lipid-induced oxidation. They indicate that S. hemiphyllum, S. thunbergii, and S. horneri are potent functional supplements that can produce beneficial health effects through antioxidant and antiobesity activities, with S. hemiphyllum being the most potent among the Sargassum sp. tested. A potential mechanism for the effect of Sargassum sp. on the suppression of lipid accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes through deactivation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ (PPAR ${\gamma}$) is presented.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.9
• /
• pp.1063-1073
• /
• 2016

Male climacteric syndrome, andropause, or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is one of the new health issues in elderly men. It is a natural phenomenon that happens with age in men, which is clinically characterized by a decline in levels of serum testosterone resulting in a significantly decreasing of physical and mental activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative alleviative effects of dandelion extract on the symptoms of TDS by increasing serum testosterone levels and compare the efficacy between dandelion extract (DE) and fermented dandelion extract (FDE). After daily intake of DE and FDE for 4 weeks, serum testosterone levels, muscles of vastus lateralis, forced swimming time, total sperm counts, and motile sperm counts were significantly increased in older rats (22 weeks). Additionally, SHBG, epididymal fat pad, total serum cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased in DE and FDE fed groups. However, PSA levels were not different among all groups. Furthermore, DE and FDE enhanced the expression of genes related to testosterone biosynthesis in TM3 Leydig cells. Overall, these positive effects on andropause were greater in FDE compared to DE. These results suggest the potential of FDE as a safe and efficacious natural material for recovering testosterone levels and reducing andropause symptoms.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.53 no.3
• /
• pp.364-372
• /
• 2010

Purpose : Good adherence of caregivers is essential for successful health outcomes in the treatment of childhood asthma. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors contributing to good adherence of maintenance treatment in children with well-controlled asthma. Methods : Children with well-controlled asthma being treated with a daily controller for at least 3 months in Korea University Anam Hospital were selected. Their caregivers who had good adherence to maintenance treatment were recruited. Qualitative study through in-depth interviews was conducted with 18 caregivers who agreed to the study. Results : The 18 caregivers (mean age, 40.0 years) consisted of 15 mothers, 2 grandmothers, and 1 father. The resulting consensus were identified and grouped into 2 domains: the caregiver/patient aspect with 8 theme factors and the treatment aspect with 4 theme factors. The main theme factors in the caregiver/patient aspect were enabling participation in physical activities and exercise (77.8%), perceptions regarding asthma and the need for long-term treatment (50.0%), and perceived value of the medications outweighing the risk of side effects (38.9%). The main theme factors in the treatment aspect were trust in the physician (77.8%), general satisfaction with the manner and attitude of the physician (77.8%) and verification of the necessity of further treatment by performing tests (38.9%). Conclusion : Efforts to improve caregivers' adherence to the treatment of childhood asthma must include a range of factors related to both caregiver/patient aspects and treatment aspects. Among all of these factors, it may be most important to establish a physician-caregiver partnership.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.414-419
• /
• 2010

Plants extracts are good resources to find functional compounds for human health. The following eight plants were collected and total phenolic contents were determined. Acer psedo-siebolianum showed the highest phenolic contents, 16.4 mg/g, whereas Cercidiphyllum japonica showed the lowest contents, 1.9 mg/g. The DPPH free radical scavenging capacities of the plant extracts showed high activity in following order : Acer ginnala ($21.3\;{\mu}g/mL$) > Cornus walteri ($23.9\;{\mu}g/mL$) > Distylum racemosum ($29.2\;{\mu}g/mL$) > Castanopsis cuspidata var. Thunbergii ($31.7\;{\mu}g/mL$) > Acer psedo-siebolianum ($34.6\;{\mu}g/mL$) > Thuijopsis dolabrata cv. Aurea ($53.1\;{\mu}g/mL$) > Cercidiphyllum Japonica ($115.2\;{\mu}g/mL$). Also the mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activities of total extracts were determined at different concentration. D. racemosum extract showed highest (49.1% at 1,000 mg) in inhibitory activity than other seven extracts. The ethanol fraction $IC_{50}$ value: $118.1\;{\mu}g/mL$) from D. racemosum showed more inhibitory activity than ethyl acetate fraction ($IC_{50}$ value: $203\;{\mu}g/mL$). The ethanol fraction on showed no significant cytotoxicity in B16/F1 cells line up to $60\;{\mu}g/mL$. Over $80\;{\mu}g/mL$ of ethanol fraction showed cytotoxicity in B16/F1 cells. The melanin contents of cells were significantly attenuated by ethanol fraction in a dose-dependent manner. The $IC_{50}$ value of ethanol fraction was $75.4\;{\mu}g/mL$.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.7-14
• /
• 2006

Entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps militaris is famous for its medicinal efficacies. It has been reported to have various pharmacological activities such as anti-tumour, insecticidal, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the effect of the extract of C. militaris (MPUN8501), which was identified by the analysis of the nucleotide sequences of 5.8S ribosomal RNA, on the function of liver. C. militaris powder was extracted using hot water extracts method as time, volume and temperature and using method as differential polarity of organic solvent. Each fraction was tested for the improvement of hepatic enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. The BuOH extracts (CME) had highest activity which was used for the test of toxicity and efficacy of C. militaris. The enhancing effect of CME on the activity of ADH and ALDH was much more than medicine, drink, natural tea etc. Thus CME promoted the resolution of alcohol and acetaldehyde in rats, inducing recovery to normal condition rapidly. Furthermore, oral administration of CME effectively protected the carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury as revealed by the hematological parameters (levels of sGOT and sGPT) and histological observation. CME was ascertained to be safe by regulatory toxicity studies of single dose toxicity and genotoxicity. These results suggest that CME would be useful for the maintaining normal hepatic activity as a functional health food.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.430-435
• /
• 2009

The effects of turmeric and fermented turmeric by Bacillus natto on antioxidant activities, liver function recovery of acute hepatotoxicity mice, and serum lipid parameters in high fat diet fed mice were investigated. In the results of antioxidant activity by DPPH method, fermented turmeric had higher antioxidative activity than turmeric. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by 0.5 mL of carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) per kg of mice. Unlike turmeric, fermented turmeric significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) after 5 days compared to the controls with 0.5% methyl cellulose (p<0.05). In addition, higher recovery of liver damage by $CCl_4$ was observed in mice with fermented turmeric than with turmeric. High fat (20%) diet fed mice were divided into 4 groups to investigate the effects of turmeric and fermented turmeric on serum lipid parameters: C (vehicle), TuL (low dose (80 mg/kg) with turmeric), TuH (high dose (160 mg/kg) with turmeric), FTuL (low dose with fermented turmeric), and FTuH (high dose with fermented turmeric). The levels of LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced and increased in FTuL, FTuH and TuH groups compared to the C group, respectively. However, there was no significant change in triglyceride levels by either turmeric or fermented turmeric compared to those by control. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that fermented turmeric by Bacillus natto could be used as a functional food for enhancement of health with better consumer acceptance.