• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2021

Silkworms have long been bred with human history to produce silk. It has been with humans for longer than other industrial insects, and the silkworm variety has been continuously improved. Silkworms have been developed into the optimal form for producing high quality silk and pupae. Recently, the production of transgenic silkworms has further expanded the possibility of industrial value of silkworms. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), which is a flavin enzyme, is known for its involvement in ommochrome pigment synthesis. In the field of mammals, including humans, previous studies have revealed the function and role of KMO, which is an important enzyme for various immune responses and cell protection. However, in the case of insects, the function of KMO has only been studied to be involved in the formation of pigment, and accordingly, KMO is used exclusively on screening for generation of transgenic insects as a marker. In this study, using KMO-edited silkworms, it was intended to discover the novel functions and roles of KMO in silkworms by identifying changes in the expression of various genes associated with stress and growth. The changes were observed in expressions of genes regulating on stresses to survive and those on ecdysteroid hormone between wild-type (WT) silkworms and kmo mutant silkworms. The loss of KMO, in particular, decreased the expression of the shadow (sad) gene, one of the Halloween genes in the synthesis of ecdysteroid. In conclusion, these results suggest that silkworm KMO is responsible for potential functions regarding stress response and ecdysteroid synthesis.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.183-192
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• 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin factor present in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria and induces various immune responses to infection. Recent studies have reported that LPS induces cellular stress in various cells including oocytes and embryos. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a regulatory hormone of circadian rhythm and a powerful antioxidant. It has been known that melatonin has an effective function in scavenging oxygen free radicals and has been used as an antioxidant to reduce the cytotoxic effects induced by LPS. However, the effect of melatonin on LPS treated early embryonic development has not yet been confirmed. In this study, we cultured mouse embryos in medium supplemented with LPS or/and melatonin up to the blastocyst stage in vitro and then evaluated the developmental rate. As a result of the LPS-treatment, the rate of blastocyst development was significantly reduced compared to the control group in all the LPS groups. Next, in the melatonin only treated group, there was no statistical difference in embryonic development and no toxic effects were observed. And then we found that the treatment of melatonin improved the rates of compaction and blastocyst development of LPS-treated embryos. In addition, we showed that melatonin treatment decreased ROS levels compared to the LPS only treated group. In conclusion, we demonstrated the protective effect of melatonin on the embryonic developmental rate reduced by LPS. These results suggest a direction to improve reproduction loss that may occur due to LPS exposure and bacterial infection through the using of melatonin during in vitro culture.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.603-615
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• 2022

Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) provides plant-derived proteins, soy vegetable oils, and various beneficial metabolites to humans and livestock. The importance of soybean is highly underlined, especially when carbon-negative sustainable agriculture is noticeable. However, many diseases by pests and pathogens threaten sustainable soybean production. Therefore, understanding molecular interaction between diverse cultivated varieties and pathogens is essential to developing disease-resistant soybean plants. Here, we established a pathosystem of the Korean domestic cultivar Kwangan against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a. This bacterial strain caused apparent disease symptoms and grew well in trifoliate leaves of soybean plants. To examine the disease susceptibility of the cultivar, we analyzed transcriptional changes in soybean leaves on day 5 after P. syringae pv. syringae B728a infection. About 8,900 and 7,780 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in this study, and significant proportions of DEGs were engaged in various primary and secondary metabolisms. On the other hand, soybean orthologs to well-known plant immune-related genes, especially in plant hormone signal transduction, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and plant-pathogen interaction, were mainly reduced in transcript levels at 5 days post inoculation. These findings present the feature of the compatible interaction between cultivar Kwangan and P. syringae pv. syringae B728a, as a hemibiotroph, at the late infection phase. Collectively, we propose that P. syringae pv. syringae B728a successfully inhibits plant immune response in susceptible plants and deregulates host metabolic processes for their colonization and proliferation, whereas host plants employ diverse metabolites to protect themselves against infection with the hemibiotrophic pathogen at the late infection phase.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.17-21
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• 2014

Objectives : Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can cause a number of symptoms, such as tiredness, poor ability to tolerate cold, and weight gain. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical effects of herbal medicine on hypothyroidism. Methods : We employed oriental medical treatments; herbal-medication (Saenggangeonbi - tang gamibang), acupuncture and moxibustion. At the same time, the patient started to exercise. We treated the patient two or three times a week with oriental therapy method. She took medicine three times a day after a meal. During taking medicine, we let the patient avoid fatty food, flour based food, and alcohol. The symptoms and normalization of the thyroxine and TSH levels are important points of evaluating the patient's condition. So the patient measured the body weight and took a blood test a time per two months and compared the results with previous results. Results : After taking treatment - acupuncture and moxibustion during 6 months - and taking herbal-medicine, the level of TSH, fT4, T4 and T3 became normalized. The body weight was decreased about 18 pounds. In advance, the symptom of tiredness, edema was much improved. Conclusion : Herbal medicine (Saenggangeonbi-tang gamibang) was effective in the treatment of hypothyroidism and it helped to normalize the level of TSH, fT4, T4 AND T3.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.87-93
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• 2018

Objectives : The prevalence of infertility is reported to be 23.3%, which is a serious social problem. Habitual abortion is one of the important complications during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to help the treatment of habitual abortion by observing and reporting the process in which four women who did not have children due to habitual abortion make healthy birth through treatment. Methods : We administered Jokyungjongok-tang gamibang as a herbal medicine treatment method and treated with acupuncture, moxibustion and uterine steam treatment. Treatment was done once or twice a week but it was also varied depending on the patient's circumstances. The herbal medicines were taken 30 minutes after meals and 3 times a day. While taking the Korean medicine, they were prohibited from eating flour, pork, liquor, tobacco and coffee. Patient status was assessed by consultation through pulse, tongue and abdomen. A detailed questionnaire was performed for each treatment. In some cases, they have tested hormone levels at the hospitals to know ovulation dates. The diagnosis of pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at hospitals and the treatment for habitual abortion was judged based on healthy birth. Results : As a result of herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and uterine steam treatment, the coldness of the body became weak, the fatigue decreased and the digestive condition gradually began to improve. The bad condition of the uterus caused by the repeated administration of heritage has been improved with Boheosaenghwa-tang gamibang. After administration of Jokyungjongok-tang gamibang, they became pregnant and overcame the condition of addictive abortion and gave birth to healthy children. Conclusion : Jokyungjongok-tang gamibang is effective in overcoming the symptoms of habitual abortion and giving birth to a healthy child for a woman who had no children due to her habitual abortion

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2022

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulfatase B due to mutations in the ARSB gene. Here, we report the case of a Korean female with a novel variant of MPS VI. A Korean female aged 5 years and 8 months, who is the only child of a healthy non-consanguineous Korean couple, presented at our hospital for severe short stature. She had a medical history of umbilical hernia and recurrent otitis media. Her symptoms included snoring and mouth breathing. Subtle dysmorphic features, including mild coarse face, joint contracture, hepatomegaly, and limited range of joint motion, were identified. Radiography revealed deformities, suggesting skeletal dysplasia. Growth hormone (GH) provocation tests revealed complete GH deficiency. Targeted exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the ARSB genes c.512G>A (p.Gly171Asp; a pathogenic variant inherited from her father) and c.1157C>T (p.Ser386Phe; a novel variant inherited from her mother in familial genetic testing). Quantitative tests revealed increased urine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels and decreased enzyme activity of arylsulfatase B. While on enzyme replacement therapy and GH therapy, her height increased drastically; her coarse face, joint contracture, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea improved; urine GAG decreased; and left ventricular mass index was remarkably decreased. We report a novel variant-c.1157C>T (p.Ser386Phe)-of the ARSB gene in a patient with MPS VI; these findings will expand our knowledge of its clinical spectrum and molecular mechanisms.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.378-386
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• 2023

The CYP707A family genes encoding ABA 8'-hydroxylase catabolize abscisic acid (ABA), a plant stress hormone that plays an important role in stress condition, such as drought, heat, cold and salinity. Phaseic acid (PA) is a catabolic product of ABA. Recent studies have shown that PA is important for the physiological functions in plants. It is also a neuroprotective molecule that protects against ischemic brain injury in mice. To obtain enzymes for the PA production, four CaCYP707A genes (CaCYP707A1, CaCYP707A2, CaCYP707A3 and CaCYP707A4) were isolated from hot pepper. They were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Among them, CaCYP707A2 showed significantly higher expression levels in both the membrane fraction and the soluble fraction. Preferred redox partners were investigated to improve the efficiency of CaCYP707A2's catalytic reaction, and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) from hot pepper (CaCPR) was preferred over other redox partners (i.e., rat CPR and ferredoxin reductase/ferredoxin). The production of 8'-hydroxy ABA and PA by ABA hydroxylation activity was confirmed in CaCYP707A2 from both membrane and soluble fractions. Therefore, CaCYP707A2 is the first identified plant CYP protein that is expressed a soluble form in cytosolic fraction having stable activity. Taken together, we propose a new CYP707A protein with industrial applications for PA production without additional modifications in E. coli heterologous expression.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.20-31
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• 2023

Purpose: As more newborns have received expanded newborn screening (NBS) for metabolic disorders, the overall number of false-positive results has increased. The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological impacts experienced by mothers related to the NBS process. Methods: An online parenting community in Korea was selected, and questions regarding NBS were collected using web crawling for the period from October 2018 to August 2021. In total, 634 posts were analyzed. The collected unstructured text data were preprocessed, and keyword analysis, topic modeling, and visualization were performed. Results: Of 1,057 words extracted from posts, the top keyword based on 'term frequency-inverse document frequency' values was "hypothyroidism," followed by "discharge," "close examination," "thyroid-stimulating hormone levels," and "jaundice." The top keyword based on the simple frequency of appearance was "XXX hospital," followed by "close examination," "discharge," "breastfeeding," "hypothyroidism," and "professor." As a result of LDA topic modeling, posts related to inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) were classified into four main themes: "confirmatory tests of IEMs," "mother and newborn with thyroid function problems," "retests of IEMs," and "feeding related to IEMs." Mothers experienced substantial frustration, stress, and anxiety when they received positive NBS results. Conclusion: The online parenting community played an important role in acquiring and sharing information, as well as psychological support related to NBS in newborn mothers. Nurses can use this study's findings to develop timely and evidence-based information for parents whose children receive positive NBS results to reduce the negative psychological impact.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.385-389
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• 2023

Background: Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases and for general health maintenance. Previously, we showed that ginseng did not demonstrate estrogenic property in ovariectomized mouse model. However, it is still possible that disruption of steroidogenesis leading to indirect hormonal activity. Methods: The hormonal activities were examined in compliance with OECD guidelines for detecting endocrine disrupting chemicals: test guideline (TG) No. 456 (an in vitro assay method for detecting steroidogenesis property) and TG No. 440 (an in vivo short-term screening method for chemicals with uterotrophic property). Results: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) and ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3 did not interfere with estrogen and testosterone hormone synthesis as examined in H295 cells according to TG 456. KRG treatment to ovariectomized mice did not show a significant change in uterine weight. In addition, serum estrogen and testosterone levels were not change by KRG intake. Conclusion: These results clearly demonstrate that there is no steroidogenic activity associated with KRG and no disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by KRG. Additional tests will be performed in pursuit of cellular molecular targets of ginseng to manifest mode of action.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.299-306
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• 2022

In this study, derivatives of trimethoxybenzene were investigated as inhibitors of melanogenesis. We examined the effects of methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (MTB), ethyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (ETB), methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate (MTC), and ethyl 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate (ETC). First, the inhibitory effects of these agents on melanin production were evaluated using α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. We found that all derivatives decreased α-MSH-induced melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells; ETC showed a strong inhibitory effect at half of the concentration of the other derivatives. As tyrosinase is considered a key enzyme of melanogenesis, we also examined whether the derivatives inhibited tyrosinase activity. MTC and ETC reduced mushroom tyrosinase activity and expression levels of α-MSH-induced B16F10 cellular tyrosinase protein. Inhibitory effects of all derivatives on α-MSH-induced B16F10 cellular tyrosinase activity were shown in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the derivatives were exposed to diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical to examine their antioxidant characteristics. All derivatives showed considerable antioxidant activity, which was 2-fold higher than that of arbutin. In conclusion, the trimethoxybenzene derivatives, including MTB, ETB, MTC, and ETC exerted anti-melanogenic and antioxidant effects on α-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis, demonstrating their potential for use as novel hypopigmenting agents and antioxidants.