• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.109-117
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• 1999

Thirty two species of coastal plants (mainly halophytes) were investigated for their free amino acids and the total and water-soluble nitrogen contents in leaves. All plants except some species (e.g. Scutellaria and Linaria) contained proline, but only Ageratum. Tetragonia and Raphanus in rather high amounts, that it can be thought to serve as a cytoplasmic osmolyte. In some plant species (Euphorbia. Glehnia. Peucedanum. Raphanus and monocotyledonous Carex and Zoysia), however, hydroxyproline. (OH-Pro) rather than proline were accumulated to a considerable extent. The concentrations of total free amino acids were low in Aster tripolium, Linaria. Lysimachia. Plantago. Rumex, Vitex and especially in the members of the Chenopodiaceae and Crassulaceae. Marked differences also occurred in the nitrogen levels. Aizoaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cruciferae, Euphorbiaceae and Leguminosae usually showed high values of total and soluble amino nitrogen, while the opposite was true for most of the Cyperaceae, Gramineae, Lamiaceae, Plantaginaceae, Scophuriaceae, and Verbenaceae. The free amino acids in the investigated plant species contributed very little to the nitrogen content, but in plants of Euphorbia, Messerschmidia and Orostachys. their amino acid-N made up for 25∼30% of the total nitrogen. In conclusion, only a few cases did proline known as compatible solute constitute a significant proportion of the free amino acid pool in coastal plants.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.589-597
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• 1998

In order to effectively utilize marine processing by-product such as fish scale, chemical compositions for the scale were analyzed. The selected fishes were gray mullet, Mugil cephalus, living in the sea and carp, Cyprinus carpio in the fresh water, having a lot of scales among the fishes living in seawater and fresh water. And we also investigated the difference in the chemical compositions between gray mullet and carp, depending on both living circumstances. The major components of the scales were found to be crude ash and crude protein which were each about 49% for gray mullet and which were about 20% and 79% for carp, respectively, on the basis of dried scales. The proteins extracted from both scales proved to be collagen through amino acid compositions and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterm. Also this scale collagen was assumed to by Type I collagen because the migration rate of $\alpha$1 and $\alpha$2 subunit of the collagen were almost the same those as calf skin Type I collagen. Most of proteins from gray mullet was collagen, however, the collagen content in proteins from carp was estimated to be only about 53%, on the basis of the ratio of hydroxyproline to protein. The crude ashes of both scales identified to be hydroxyapatite through element compositions and X-ray diffraction analysis. In conclusion, both fishes in different living circumstances were almost similar to in the chemical compositions but chemical contents for crude ash and crude protein.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1578-1583
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sea tangle (ST) extracts on formation of collagen and collagen cross-link in ovariectomized rats. From day 3 until 42 after the ovariectomy, Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: sham-operated rats(Sham), ovariectomized control rats (OVX-control), ovariectomized rats supplemented with ST at 50 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-ST50), 200 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-ST200). The ethanol extraxcr of ST was orally administrated at 1 ml/day. The change of collagen content was investigated in bone, cartilage and skin of ovariectomized rats. Effects of ST extract on the amount of collagen was examined by measuring the hydroxyproline, which is a specific amino acid existing in collagen. The ovariectomy resulted in a decrease in the levels of collagen content in bone and cartilage tissues. However, the supplementation with the sea tangle extract prevented the decrease in the collagen level in bone and cartilage tissues. Pyridinoline is pyridinium cross-link formed in the mature form of collagen from lysine and hydroxylysine residues. Although the pyridinoline content in bone collagen declined after ovariectomy, it was recovered to a normal level of Sham group by the supplementation with the ST extracts. In addition, the deoxypyridinoline content in bone collagen, which was reduced after ovariectomy was enhanced to normal level by the supplementation with the ST extract. These results was consistent with the conclusions based on estrogenic activities of ST.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Plant Pathology Conference
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• 1995.06b
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• pp.27-53
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• 1995

In plant pathology there is an increasing necessity for improved cytological techniques as basis for the localization of cellular substances within the dynamic fine structure of the host-(plant)-pathogen-interaction. Low temperature (LT) preparation techniques (shock freezing, freeze substitution, LT embedding) are now successfully applied in plant pathology. They are regarded as important tools to stabilize the dynamic plant-pathogen-interaction as it exists under physiological conditions. - The main advantage of LT techniques versus conventional chemical fixation is seen in the maintenance of the hydration shell of molecules and macromolecular structures. This results in an improved fine structural preservation and in a superior retention of the antigenicity of proteins. - A well defined ultrastructure of small, fungal organisms and large biological samples such as plant material and as well as the plant-pathogen (fungus) infection sites are presented. The mesophyll tissue of Arabidopsis thaliana is characterized by homogeneously structured cytoplasm closely attached to the cell wall. From analyses of the compatible interaction between Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei on barley (Hordeum vulgare), various steps in the infection sequence can be identified. Infection sites of powdery mildew on primary leaves of barley are analysed with regard to the fine structural preservation of the haustoria. The presentation s focussed on the ultrastructure of the extrahaustorial matrix and the extrahaustorial membrane. - The integration of improved cellular preservation with a molecular analysis of the infected host cell is achieved by the application of secondary probing techniques, i.e. immunocytochemistry. Recent data on the characterization of freeze substituted powdery mildew and urst infected plant tissue by immunogold methodology are described with special emphasis on the localization of THRGP-like (threonine-hydrxyproline-rich glycoprotein) epitopes. Infection sites of powdery mildew on barley, stem rust as well as leaf rust (Puccinia recondita) on primary leaves of wheat were probed with a polyclonal antiserum to maize THRGP. Cross-reactivity with the anti-THRGP antiserum was observed over the extrahaustorial matrix of the both compatible and incompatible plant-pathogen interactions. The highly localized accumulation of THRGP-like epitopes at the extrahaustorial host-pathogen interface suggests the involvement of structural, interfacial proteins during the infection of monocotyledonous plants by obligate, biotrophic fungi.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.187-194
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• 2001

The oxidative stress causes the cell damage and death and thereby, stimulates membrane lipid peroxidation. In this study, the correlation between the lipid peroxidation product and the parameter of liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) was investigated in cholestasis induced rats. The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (sham: sham operation, BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II : bile duct ligation/scission) and were observed for 2 or 4 weeks. After observation period, the organs were weighed and the ratio of organ weight/body weight was calculated. Sera and liver tissue were used for the measurement of malondealdehyde (MDA), parameter of clinical biochemistry, total collagen content and the staining. The ratio of organ weight/body weight in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II was significantly increased compared to sham operated group. Serological parameters (Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, Alkaline phosphatase and Total bilirubin) in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group were significantly higher than those in sham operated group. Concentration of MDA in BDL/S-I (261%) and BDL/S-II(790%) was significantly increased compared to MDA in sham operated group. And the content of hydroxyproline (hyp) in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group was significantly increased 2~4 times than in sham operated group. The good correlations between hyp in liver tissue and MDA in sera of sham operated group and all operated group were found (r=0.825). The significantly higher value of MDA, hyp and serological parameters in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group suggests the stimulation of lipid peroxidation and chronic liver damage. Especially the activation of lipid peroxidation and the stimulation of liver fibrosis was stronger in BDL/S-II group than in BDL/S-I group. The stronger fibrosis, portal-portal septum formation, the more massive bile duct proliferation in portal triads and stroma, and hepatocytes swelling were observed in liver tissue of and BDL/S-II group compared to BDL/S-I group. Conclusively, a good correlation between MDA as a lipid peroxidation marker and hyp as a liver fibrotic parameter could be connected with the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, cholestasis condition may cause jaundice, activation of lipid peroxidation, and collagen accumulation in liver. Additionally, optimal observation period of bile duct obstruction for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in rats would be four weeks.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.222-228
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• 1990

The development of histomorphometric and histodynamic investigations has permitted the description of a specific and complex osteopathy in hyperthyroidism. The increased bone turnover rate in hyperthyroid patients may be accompanied by a considerable bone loss. These features are associated with both inclosed osteoclastic bone resorption and increased osteoblastric bone formation, with an accelerated calcification rate. Conventional biochemical markers of bone metabolism, i.e. serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline and calcium are normal in most patients with hyperthyroidism. However, the correlation between serum BGP and serum concentration of thyroid hormon suggests that serum BGP may be a sensitive marker of increased bone formation due to the hypersecretion of thyroid hormones. Any increase in bone turnover, whether focal or diffuse, will result in an increase in $^{99m}Tc-methylenediphosphonate$ uptake (MDP). The measurement of this uptake in hyperthyroid patients by bone provides a sensitive and objective means of quantifying skeletal metabolism. Using a standard shadow-shield whole-body monitor and radioimmunoassay kit, we have measured whole-body retention of $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ up to 24hr and concentration of serum Osteocalcin in 20 patients with hyperthyroidism and in 42 normals. The results were as follows; 1) The average of serum Osteocalcin level in 42 patients with normals was $9.90{\pm}4.87(ng/ml)$ and in 20 patients with hyperthyroidism was $19.54{\pm}5.7(ng/ml)$. Both the averages of serum Osteocalcin and 24hr $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes in hyperthyroid patients were higher than those in normals. 2) $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes in skeletal system increased in proportion to normal ageing after 40 yrs old in 42 patients with normals. The average of $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes in hyperthyroid patients were higher than those in normals without related ageing. 3) A significant relationships between the $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes and serum Osteocalcin level were peformed (r=0.55, $y=17.58+6.7\times$). From the above results we concluded that the measurement of serum Osteocalcin and 24hr $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes can be used for evaluation of bone turnover as a specific marker in hyperthyroid patients.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.134-139
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• 1996

In order to effectively utilize marine animal skin wastes in marine processing manufacture, conger eel skin, file fish skin and arrow squid skin as raw material of edible gelatin were screened. Conger eel skin was the highest in the collagen content, followed by Ole fish skin and arrow squid skin, in the order named. In the fish skins, the soluble and insoluble collagens occupied $67.4%{\sim}72.3%\;and\;27.7{\sim}32.6%$, respectively, and in the arrow squid skin, 30.4ft and 69.6ft, respectively. No difference in the amino acid composition between soluble and insoluble collagens was detected. Collagen from the marine animal skin catched in coasted and offshore water in Korea consisted ${\alpha}$ chain and ${\beta}$ chain, and ${\alpha}$ chain were hetero type. The sum of proline and hydroxyproline contents in conger eel skin collagen was higher than that in the other skin collagens, while was lower than that pork skin collagen. Conger eel skin collagen exhibited a higher denaturation temperature in solution and a higher degree of proline hydroxylation, compared with skin collagen of the respective species. The physical properties such as gel strength, melting point and gelling point of conger eel skin gelatin were superior to those of file fish skin and arrow squid skin gelatins.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.85-93
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• 1994

The fish skin gelatin hydrolysates were produced using a continuous two-stage membrane (MWCO 10,000, MWCO 5,000) reactor, and molecular weights, amino acids and functional properties of the hydrolysates were investigated. The major molecular weights distribution of the major fractions were $8{\sim}10\;KDa$ and $4.5{\sim}6.5\;KDa$ in the 1st-step hydrolysates, $2{\sim}6\;KDa$ and $0.5{\sim}2\;KDa$ in the 2nd-step hydrolysates. Among the amino acids in the hydrolysates, glycine, proline, serine, alanine, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid and aspartic acid having sweet taste were responsible for $68{\sim}72%$ of the total amino acids. But valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and histidine having a bitter taste were only $23{\sim}25%$ Taste evaluations show that the gelatin hydrolysates have a brothy and sweet taste, 2nd-step hydrolysate have more a favorable taste than 1st-step hydrolysate. The hydrolysates were completely soluble and clear over the entire pH range. Moisture sorption at intermediate water activities of the 2nd-step hydrolysate was much higher than the unmodified fish skin gelatin, but foaming and emulsification properties were poor. Buffer capacity of the 2nd-step hydrolysate was higher than the fish skin gelatin and 1st-step hydrolysate, while viscosities of the hydrolysates were lower than the fish skin gelatin.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.655-663
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• 2002

Liver fibrosis is a prepathological state wherein damaged liver tissues in chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis, are not repaired to normal tissues, but converted to fibrous tissue. 5-(2-Pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiol-3-thione (oltipraz), a cancer chemopreventive agent, is effective against a wide variety of chemical carcinogens. Recently, we reported that oltipraz inhibits liver fibrogenesis (Kang et al., 2002). In the present study, the effects of oltipraz in combination with dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylene dioxybiphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylate (DDb) on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrogenesis were assessed in rats. Oltipraz (30 mg/kg body weight, po, 3 times per week for 4 weeks) was found to inhibit the increases in plasma ALT, AST and bilirubin by DMN, whereas DDB (30 mg/kg body weight, po, 3 times per week for 4 weeks) attenuated the increases in the plasma ALT and bilirubin. The lowered plasma protein and albumin contents in DMN-treated rats were completely restored by oltipraz, but not by DDB. DDB decreases liver cell injury and inflammation through inhibition of nuclear factor-kB. DMN increased the accumulation of liver collagen, as indicated by the increase in the 4-hydroxyproline content in liver homogenates, which was reduced by treatment with oltipraz, but not by DDB. Given the differential effect between oltipraz and DDB, the potential enhancement of antifibrotic efficacy by the drugs was assessed in the animal model. Despite the minimal effect of DDB on DMN-induced fibrogenesis, DDB (5-25 mg/kg), administered together with oltipraz (25-5 mg/kg), showed an additive protective effect against hepatotoxicity and fibrosis induced by DMN, which was shown by the blood chemistry parameters and histopathological analysis. The adequate composition ratio of oltipraz to DDB was 5:1. These results provide information on the pharmaceutical composition, comprising of oltipraz and DDB as the active components, for the treatment and/or prevention of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 2008

This study was designed to investigate the effect of hybridization of synthetic/natural materials for annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The synthetic/natural hybrid scaffolds were prepared using PLGA (poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid), SIS (small intestinal submucosa) and DBP (demineralized bone particles). PLGA, PLGA/SIS(20%), PLGA/DBP(20%) and PLGA/SIS (10%)/DBP (10%) scaffold were manufactured by solvent casting/salt leaching method. Compressive strength was measured. Rabbit AF cells were isolated, cultured and seeded into experimental groups. Hydroxyproline production and DNA quantity of AP cells on each scaffold was measured at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after in vitro culture. Cell-scaffold composites were implanted subcutaneously into athymic mice. After 1,4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, specimens were taken and H&E, Safranin-O and type I collagen staining were carried out concerning formation of cartilagenous tissue. In vitro PLGA/SIS scaffold was evaluated for total collagen content (bydroryproline/DNA content) and PLGA scaffold was evaluated for compressive strength.