• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.1136-1145
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• 2015

The diverse microbial communities that colonize distinct segments of the gastrointestinal tract are intimately related to aspects of physiology and the pathology of human health. However, most recent studies have focused on the rectal or fecal microbiota, and the microbial signature of the duodenum is poorly studied. In this study, we compared the microbiota in duodenal and rectal samples to illustrate the characteristic microbial signatures of the duodenum in healthy adults. Nine healthy volunteers donated biopsies and luminal contents from the duodenum and rectum. To determine the composition and diversity of the microbiota, 454-pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA was performed and multiple bioinformatics analyses were applied. The α-diversity and phylogenetic diversity of the microbiota in the duodenal samples were higher than those of the rectal samples. There was higher biodiversity among the microbiota isolated from rectal biopsies than feces. Proteobacteria were more highly represented in the duodenum than in the rectum, both in the biopsies and in the luminal contents from the healthy volunteers (38.7% versus 12.5%, 33.2% versus 5.0%, respectively). Acinetobacter and Prevotella were dominant in the duodenum, whereas Bacteroides and Prevotella were dominant in the rectum. Additionally, the percentage of OTUs shared in biopsy groups was far higher than in the luminal group (43.0% versus 26.8%) and a greater number of genera was shared among the biopsies than the luminal contents. Duodenal samples demonstrated greater biological diversity and possessed a unique microbial signature compared with the rectum. The mucosa-associated microbiota was more relatively conserved than luminal samples.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.325-331
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• 2003

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) inhibits electron transport in mitochondria, leading to a metabolic failure. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying this toxicity, we examined a few biochemical changes possibly involved in the process, such as metabolic inhibition, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA strand breakage, and activation of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Exposure of SK-N-BE(2)C neuroblastoma cells to 3-NP for 48 h caused actual cell death, while inhibition of mitochondrial function was readily observed when exposed for 24 h to low concentrations (0.2${\sim}$2 mM) of 3-NP. The earliest biochemical change detected with low concentration of 3-NP was an accumulation of ROS (4 h after 3-NP exposure) followed by degradation of DNA. PARP activation by damaged DNA was also detectable, but at a later time. The accumulation of ROS and DNA strand breakage were suppressed by the addition of glutathione or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), which also partially restored mitochondrial function and cell viability. In addition, inhibition of PARP also reduced the 3-NP-induced DNA strand breakage and cytotoxicity. These results suggest that oxidative stress and activation of PARP are the major factors in 3-NP-induced cytotoxicity, and that the inhibition of these factors may be useful in protecting neuroblastoma cells from 3-NP-induced toxicity.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2003

We have previously reported that expression of the somatostatin receptor subtypes, sst1-5, is differentially regulated by growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH) and forskolin (FSK), in vitro. GHRH binds to membrane receptors selectively located on pituitary somatotropes, activates adenylyl cyclase (AC) and increases sst1 and sst2 and decreases sst5 mRNA levels, without significantly altering the expression of sst3 and sst4. In contrast FSK directly activates AC in all pituitary cell types and increases sst1 and sst2 mRNA levels and decreases sst3, sst4 and sst5 expression. Two explanations could account for these differential effects: 1) GHRH inhibits sst3 and sst4 expression in somatotropes, but this inhibitory effect is masked by expression of these receptors in unresponsive pituitary cell types, and 2) FSK inhibits sst3 and sst4 expression levels in pituitary cell types other than somatotropes. To differentiate between these two possibilities, somatotropes were sequentially labeled with monkey anti-rat GH antiserum, biotinylated goat anti-human IgG, and streptavidin-PE and subsequently purified by fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). The resultant cell population consisted of 95% somatotropes, as determined by GH immunohistochemistry using a primary GH antiserum different from that used for FACS sorting. Purified somatotropes were cultured for 3 days and treated for 4 h with vehicle, GHRH (10 nM) or FSK ($10{\mu}M$). Total RNA was isolated by column extraction and specific receptor mRNA levels were determined by semi-quantitative multiplex RT-PCR. Under basal conditions, the relative expression levels of the various somatostatin receptor subtypes were sst2＞sst5＞sst3=sst1＞ sst4. GHRH treatment increased sst1 and sst2 mRNA levels and decreased sst3, sst4 and sst5 mRNA levels in purified somatotropes, comparable to the effects of FSK on purified somatotropes and mixed pituitary cell cultures. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GHRH acutely modulates the expression of all somatostatin receptor subtypes within GH-producing cells and its actions are likely mediated by activation of AC.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.75-82
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• 2012

Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) are hydrophilic and water-soluble components in stratum corneum of the skin. NMFs absorb water from outer environment and enhance the water-holding capacity of stratum corneum and thereby, prevent the dryness and increase flexibility and plasticity of skin. NMFs are mainly composed of amino acids and their metabolites that are produced from the degradation of filaggrin. Here we established a simultaneous quantification method for 22 amino acids in tape-stripped stratum corneum samples using UPLC-PDA. With this method, we analyzed amino acid contents from tape-stripped stratum corneum samples of forearm and forehead regions from 15 healthy volunteers. Amino acid contents of inner (or upper) region were higher than outer (or lower) region of stratum corneum. Amino acid contents of stratum corneum of forearm were higher by 1.5 fold than forehead region. Of note, total amino acid contents were significantly and inversely correlated with trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), an index for skin barrier function. Especially, Ser, Glu, Gly, Ala and Thr were determined to positively affect skin mositurizing activities. In conclusion, we could demonstrate that amino acid contents of stratum corneum are closely linked with skin barrier and moisturizing function, providing an important and fundamental methodology for the study of amino acids in skin physiology.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.174-181
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• 1999

The palatine tonsils(tonsils) and pharyngeal tonsils(adenoids) are situated at the entrance of the respiratory and alimentary tracts and represent the first site of contact with a variety of microorganisms and other antigens present in food and inhaled air. They are known as lymphoid organs carrying out the function of cellular and humoral immunity, and so they form a local protective barrier. And the expression of the vascular endothelial adhesion molecules is known to play an important role for the inflammatory reaction in tonsils and adenoids as well as in other inflammatory tissues, by binding with the receptors on the surface of leukocytes. But although several scientific hypotheses on the role of these lympoid tissues have been suggested, their complete functions have remained unknown. The purpose of this study is to present an basic data of the knowledge on the immunologic physiology of the tonsils and adenoids and their role as active immunologic organs that reinforce the mucosal immunity of the entire upper aerodigestive tract. We examined 16 human tonsils and adenoids and the expression of three endothelial adhesion molecules, vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), and E-selection, in tissue sections using immunohistochemistry. We used the inferior turbinate mucosa obtained from 9 patients getting septal surgery as a control group. The expressions of vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were significantly higher in the tonsils and adenoids. But respectively, there were no significant differences between the tonsils and adenoids. The expression of E-selection was significant higher in the tonsils, but not in the adenoids. We observed that tonsils and adenoids showed significantly higher expressions of vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), and E-selection (in the case of E-selection, only in the tonsils). We propose that these adhesion molecules play an important role for the immunologic reaction by the transendothelial migration of lymphocytes and binding with the receptors on the surface of leukocytes.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.45-58
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• 2004

It is well known that both of acupuncture and moxibustion are effective for treatment of human disease. For years, they have been utilizing a electro-acupuncture (EA) and moxibustion in attempt to manage gastric symptom. However, the data of combined EA and moxibustion on clinical effectiveness is conflicting and the action of combineAd acupoints is not well known. BL21 and ST36 which belong to bladder Meridian and stomach meridian are acupuncture points frequently used for healing gastrointestinal disease in oriental medicine. The present study was conducted to see the effects produced by combined electro-acupuncture(EA) and moxibustion using BL21 and ST36 on serum gastrin level in rats. In experiment, male Spraque-Dawley rats(body wt 140-160g) were selected. EA (2 Hz, intensity ; 10 times muscle twitch threshold) was applied for 30 minutes to ST36 under halothane anesthesia. Moxibustion($1.6{\pm}0.3 mg$, 5 times of a day) was applied during 3 days to BL21 under halothane anesthesia. Synergy effects of combined EA and moxibustion might be in according to stimulated method and used acupoints. The change of serum gastrin levels produced by combined EA and moxibustion is shown after vagotomy. These data suggested that many factors, such as the selection of acupoints, the stimulated EA methods, are capable of affecting combined EA and moxibustion effects and those effects may be not related with nervous system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.1085-1091
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• 2002

Chang Chung-ching(張仲景) in the Later Han(Eastern Han) Dynasty of Chinese history wrote the treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold Factors(傷寒論; Shang Han Lun) on the basis of the fundamental theory of Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine(黃帝內經; ECIM) after collecting medical treatment experiences until the Han Dynasty. It had great significance that Shang Han Lun was the origin of treating six-channels(六經) and there showed the peculiar guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of oriental medicine to divide diseases into six-channels. The oriental medical doctors who had studied Shang Han Run thought highly of meridians and until now it was generally known that the chapter of heat in the Plain Questions of ECIM(黃帝內經, 素問ㆍ熱論) was the basis of Shang Han Run. The chapter of heat in the Plain Questions of ECIM was the first text in which the basic theory on six-channels according to the types of illness was introduced. In my point of view, the theory of treating six-channels had close relation to the Chapter of Channels in Miraculous Pivot of ECIM(黃帝內經, 靈樞ㆍ經脈篇) as well as the chapter of heat in the Plain Questions of ECIM. Therefore I took a look at the origin of treating six-channels in Shang Han Lun and illuminated again the meaning to compare the parts of in Shang Han Lun with the Chapter of Channels in Miraculous Pivot of ECIM. Conclusion: The, symptoms divided into six-channels in the chapter of channels in ECIM gave the fundamental basis of diagnosis and treatment basesd on overall analysis of signs and symptoms(辨證論治) an illness in the Zangfu(臟腑) in respect of meridians. Viewed in the light of diagnosis and treatment basesd on overall analysis of signs and symptoms(辨證論治), the symptoms of YangMing-channel(陽明經) in the Chapter of Channels in Miraculous Pivot of ECIM were, for the most part, accord with those of YangMing-disease in Shang Han Lun. Furthermore, the symptoms in Shang Han Lun were explained definitely and in detail. Therefore the theory of Shang Han Lun has been developed on the basis of ECIM with the changes of the times. YangMing-disease in Shang Han Lun implied medical cases in stomach meridian(胃經) and large intestine meridian(大腸經). Therefore Shang Han Lun was the foundation of treatment basesd on overall analysis of signs and symptoms(辨證論治) in respect of meridian as well as the text in which the steps of infectious diseases(外感病) of human bodies were explained.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.217-222
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• 2014

Lonicerae Flos containing formulation, Geumeumyoungji-tang (GYT), is an herbal prescription prepared using 5 different herbal drugs, namely, Lonicerae Flos, Ganoderma, Lactucae Herba, Xanthii Fructus, and Smilacis Rhizoma. This study was focused on the investigation of the pharmacological effects of GYT on allergic reactions. As the first step of the study, GYT was administered BALB/c mice which were sensitized by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). As the result GYT ameliorated dermatitis provoked by DNFB. The serum IgE level of the DNFB sensitized-mouse was significantly decreased when GYT was administered. In order to confirm the moderating effect of this prescription on allergic reaction, GYT was pretreated to human mast cells (HMC-1) before they were stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI). GYT suppressed secretion of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, from HMC-1. Additionally, pretreatment of GYT showed regulating effect on COX-2 expression. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the pharmacological actions of GYT as a potential agent for treatment of allergic dermatitis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2016

The discovery and understanding of antigenic proteins are essential for development of a vaccine against malaria. In Plasmodium falciparum, Pf92 have been characterized as a merozoite surface protein, and this protein is expressed at the late schizont stage, but no study of Pv92, the orthologue of Pf92 in P. vivax, has been reported. Thus, the protein structure of Pv92 was analyzed, and the gene sequence was aligned with that of other Plasmodium spp. using bioinformatics tools. The recombinant Pv92 protein was expressed and purified using bacterial expression system and used for immunization of mice to gain the polyclonal antibody and for evaluation of antigenicity by protein array. Also, the antibody against Pv92 was used for subcellular analysis by immunofluorescence assay. The Pv92 protein has a signal peptide and a sexual stage s48/45 domain, and the cysteine residues at the N-terminal of Pv92 were completely conserved. The N-terminal of Pv92 was successfully expressed as soluble form using a bacterial expression system. The antibody raised against Pv92 recognized the parasites and completely merged with PvMSP1-19, indicating that Pv92 was localized on the merozoite surface. Evaluation of the human humoral immune response to Pv92 indicated moderate antigenicity, with 65% sensitivity and 95% specificity by protein array. Taken together, the merozoite surface localization and antigenicity of Pv92 implicate that it might be involved in attachment and invasion of a merozoite to a new host cell or immune evasion during invasion process.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.7-7
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• 2017

Unfavorable weather and soil conditions reduce rice yield and land and water productivity, aggravating existing encounters of poverty and food insecurity. These conditions are foreseen to worsen with climate change and with the unceasing irrational human practices that progressively debilitate productivity despite global appeals for more food. Our understanding of plant responses to abiotic stresses is advancing and is complex, involving numerous critical processes - each controlled by several genetic factors. Knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in signaling, response and adaptation, and in some cases the genes involved, is advancing. Moreover, the genetic diversity being unveiled within cultivated rice and its wild relatives is providing ample resources for trait and gene discovery, and this is being scouted for rice improvement using modern genomics and molecular tools. Development of stress tolerant varieties is now being fast-tracked through the use of DNA markers and advanced breeding strategies. Large numbers of drought, submergence and salt tolerant varieties were commercialized over recent years in South and Southeast Asia and more recently in Africa. These varieties are making significant changes in less favorable areas, transforming lives of smallholder farmers - progress considered incredulous in the past. The stress tolerant varieties are providing assurance to farmers to invest in better management of their crops and the ability to adjust their cropping systems for even higher productivity and more income, sparking changes analogous to that of the first green revolution, which previously benefited only favorable irrigated and rainfed areas. New breeding tools using markers for multiple stresses made it possible to develop more resilient, higher yielding varieties to replace the aging and obsolete varieties still dominating these areas. Varieties with multiple stress tolerances are now becoming available, providing even better security for farmers and lessening their production risks even in areas affected by complex and overlapping stresses. The progress made in these less favorable areas triggered numerous favorable changes at the national and regional levels in several countries in Asia, including adjusting breeding and dissemination strategies to accelerate outreach and enabling changes at higher policy levels, creating a positive environment for faster progress. Exploiting the potential of these less productive areas for food production is inevitable, to meet the escalating global needs for more food and sustained production systems, at times when national resources are shrinking while demand for food is mounting. However, the success in these areas requires concerted efforts to make use of existing genetic resources for crop improvement and establishing effective evaluation networks, seed production systems, and seed delivery systems to ensure faster outreach and transformation.