• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1796-1805
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to identify heat shock protein70-2 (HSP70-2) and protamine-1 (PRM1) mRNA and protein in Madura bull sperm and demonstrate their relation as bull fertility biomarkers. Methods: The Madura bull fertility rates were grouped based on the percentage of first service conception rate (%FSCR) as high fertility (HF) (79.04%; n = 4), and low fertility (LF) (65.84%; n = 4). mRNA of HSP70-2 and PRM1 with peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) as a housekeeping gene were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure protein abundance. In the post-thawed semen samples, sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and sperm DNA fragmentation index were analyzed. Data analysis was performed on the measured parameters of semen quality, relative mRNA expression, and protein abundance of HSP70-2 and PRM1, among the bulls with various fertility levels (HF and LF) in a one-way analysis of variance analysis. The Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between semen quality, mRNA, proteins, and fertility rate. Results: Relative mRNA expression and protein abundance of HSP70-2 and PRM1 were detected and were found to be highly expressed in bulls with HF (p<0.05) and were associated with several parameters of semen quality. Conclusion: HSP70-2 and PRM1 mRNA and protein molecules have great potential to serve as molecular markers for determining bull fertility.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.17-28
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• 2024

Objectives : This study was conducted to reveal the scientific mechanism of the anti-skin aging activity of Kyung-Ok-Ko(KOK), which is highly useful as a Korean traditional medicine and functional food. Methods : The skin wrinkle and aging inhibitory activity of KOK was confirmed through in vitro experiments of human dermal fibroblast neonatal cell(HDFn) and in vivo of C. elegans, and hairless mouse(SKH-1). Results : The amount of the C-terminus of the collagen precursor in the HDFn cell culture medium treated with KOK using an enzymes-linked immunoassay kit. The group treated with KOK 200㎍/㎖ was a 28.3% increase of collagen precursor compared to the control group. KOK showed inhibitory activity of MMP-1 compared to the control group at a concentration of 200㎍/㎖. In addition, KOK 200㎍/㎖ showed significant inhibitory activity of thermal stress and an oxidative stress compared to the control group in C. elegans. Furthermore, KOK showed a concentration-dependent(100mg/kg and 500mg/kg) anti-wrinkle formation effect in UV-irradiated hairless mouse(SKH-1). Additionally, when KOK was administered to UV-irradiated hairless mice, an increase in procollagen -1 and -3 genes expression was observed, and mmp-1 and mmp-9 genes, which increase collagen decomposition, decreased with the administration of KOK. Conclusions : The skin aging inhibition mechanism of Kyung-Ok-Ko(KOK) is presumed to be achieved through suppressing thermal stress and oxidative stress, suppressing mmp-1 and mmp-9 genes, and increasing procollagen-1 and procollagen-3.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.191-198
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• 2001

Purpose: This study was undertaken to investigate the seroepidemiologic pattern of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in children. Methods: A total of 315 serum samples were obtained from healthy children, living in Gwangju and Chonnam area. All serum samples were assayed for H. pylori IgG level using enzyme immunoassay techniques. HAV IgG level in serum were tested by a competitive radio-immunoassay in 215 subjects. The age-specific seroprevalence of H. pylori and HAV was separately analysed. The concordance of seropositivity and seronegativity between H. pylori and HAV infection was examined by the kappa statistic analysis. Results: Seropositivity was found in 17.5% (55/315) and 30.2% (65/215) of the subjects for H. pylori and HAV, respectively. Cross-tabulation of these data showed that 21 subjects (9.8%) were seropositive and 135 (62.8%) were seronegative for both H. pylori and HAV, 15 (7.0%) were seropositive for only H. pylori and 44 (20.5%) for only HAV. The seroprevalence of H. pylori and HAV increased significantly with age. There was a slight agreement between H. pylori and HAV seropositivity (${\kappa}$=0.26). Conclusion: This study shows a slight similarity in the concordance of seropositivity and seronegativity between H. pylori and HAV infection and provides evidence that H. pylori and HAV may share a common mode of transmission.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.274-279
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• 2001

Generally, non-aflatoxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus oryzae, and Aspergillus are main microflora in Korean traditional fermented foods including Meju and soybean paste, but sometimes, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus can be contaminated and accumulated aflatoxins during fermentation and storage. So the screening of aflatoxigenic strains in fermented traditional food is very important to improve the sanitary quality of those foods. In this work, we screened aflatoxin producing fungi from commercial Meju and soybean paste in Western Gyeongnam by immunoassay. Samples were randomly purchased from market of the commercial Meju(10 EA) and soybean paste(20 EA) in nine areas of Western Gyeongnam. Of the samples collected,24 strains and 22 strains of Aspergillus sp. were isolated from Meju and soybean paste, respectively. The isolated strains were cultured on SLS media at $25^{\circ}C$ for 15 days. The cultured broth were extracted with ethyl acetate and were analysed to determine aflatoxin B$_1$(AFB$_1$) by direct competitive ELISA(DC-ELISA). Six strains(25%) isolated from Meju, and 2 strains(9%) isolated from saybean paste, were confined as aflatoxin producing strains. The average range of aflatoxin productivity of isolates from Meju was 54.6 $\pm$ 38.7 ng/ml and that from soybean paste was 11.1 $\pm$ 8.6 ng/ml, respectively. Among them, isolated strain No. M-5-4 produced a high level of AFBl and showed 98.26 ng/ml of AFB$_1$. Every isolates were also re-confined their AFB$_1$productivity by thin layer chromatography(TLC). The TLC results also showed same trend as DC-ELISA results. As the above results, the screening of hazard mycotoxigenic fungi from traditional fermented foods should be necessary for the safety and the application of HACCP system in the food manufactory in Korea.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.11
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• pp.1219-1224
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• 2005

Purpose : The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has been rising rapidly in Korea because of changes of diet and lifestyle. As with adults, obesity in children and adolescents can cause diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases and renal diseases. The aim of the present study is to examine the relation of obesity, glomerular filtration rate(GFR) and serum cystatin C concentration in children and adolescents. Methods : Data of 115 children and adolescents aged between 6 years and 20 years without clinical evidence of renal diseases were included in the study. From May 2004 to December 2004, blood samples were collected from children and adolescents who were seen at the Department of Pediatrics at Chungang University Yongsan Hospital. Obesity degrees and body mass indices(BMI) were measured, and GFRs were estimated from Schwartz's formula. Serum cystatin C was measured by particle enhanced nephelometric immunoassay using Behring Nephelometer II. Results : GFRs were significantly different between the obese group(BMI >95 percentile, $145.79{\pm}23.10mL/min$) and the non-obese group(BMI <95 percentile, $134.61{\pm}26.19mL/min$) divided by BMI (P=0.031). GFRs were not significantly different between the obese group(obesity degree >120 percent, $144.29{\pm}23.08mL/min$) and the non-obese group(obesity degree <120 percent, $134.54{\pm}26.57mL/min$) divided by obesity degree(P=0.051), but were significantly different between severe obese group (obesity degree >150 percent, $155.55{\pm}20.40mL/min$) and the non-obese group(P=0.004). GFRs were correlated positively with BMI($r^2=0.037$, P=0.039), but were not correlated significantly with obesity degree($r^2=0.030$, P=0.066). Serum cystatin C concentrations were not significantly different between the obese group and the non-obese group, divided by BMI as well as by obesity degree(P>0.05). Conclusion : Obesity may lead to an alteration of renal hemodynamics such as hyperfiltration, appropriate control and management for obesity is necessary.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.539-544
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine whether N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) may be used to differentiate acute Kawasaki disease(KD) from other clinically similar diseases. Methods : Using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in the acute phase within 10 days after the onset of KD(n=58) and in the convalescent phase, 60 to 81 days after the onset(n=51), and also in patients with acute febrile disease as a control(n=34). Echocardiography was performed to detect pericardial effusion(PE) and coronary artery lesions(CAL), and to measure the left ventricular dimension at diastole(LVIDd) and ejection fraction(LVEF). The cutoff value of NT-proBNP for separating KD from other diseases was determined. Results : NT-proBNP concentration in the acute phases of KD was significantly higher than that in the control group($1,501.6{\pm}2,132.6$ vs. $139.0{\pm}88.8pg/mL$, P<0.0001). In KD patients, NT-proBNP was elevated in the acute phase and was lowered in the convalescent phase($1,466.0{\pm}2,173.2$ vs. $117.5{\pm}95.5pg/mL$, P<0.0001). The cutoff value of 260 pg/mL discriminated KD patients from other patients, with a sensitivity of 93 percent and a specificity of 88 percent. The NT-proBNP was higher in patients with PE(n=17) compared with those without PE(n=41)($1,784.2{\pm}1,903.1$ vs. $1,384.4{\pm}2,232.6pg/mL$, P=0.52). Comparison of NT-proBNP could not be done between patients with CAL and those without, owing to a small number of patients with CAL(n=3). There was no correlation between NT-proBNP and LVEF index(r=0.104, P=0.46) or LVIDd index(r=0.171, P=0.22). Conclusion : NT-proBNP increases in the acute phase of KD and decreases to within normal range in the convalescent phase. NT-proBNP >260 pg/mL may be highly suggestive of acute KD. NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool for KD.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.617-622
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• 2006

Purpose : High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) has been recognized as a very useful and sensitive predictor of the future risk of myocardial infarction. But the clinical significance of hs-CRP in children remains uncertain. To confirm the existence of obesity-induced vascular inflammation and the association between metabolic syndromes and elevation of CRP in children, we investigated the relationship among CRP, obesity, blood pressure(BP), and serum lipids in schoolboys. Methods : Twenty-eight obese(BMI $29.61{\pm}3.29kg/m^2$) and 93 non-obese(BMI $18.99{\pm}2.21kg/m^2$) boys aged 14 years were examined. Serum CRP levels was measured by the high sensitive latex turbidimetric immunoassay and subjects with CRP levels below 0.3 mg/dL were adopted to avoid the influence of acute infection. Results : Obese children had significantly higher hs-CRP levels than their non-obese group($0.104{\pm}0.075$ vs. $0.054{\pm}0.005mg/dL$). In the obese group, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein B, atherogenic index, and triglyceride were significantly higher than in nonobese. The BMI, diastolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein E, atherognic index, and triglyceride showed positive correlation with log CRP by simple regression. Multiple regression analysis indicated that BMI and apolipoprotein E were strongly related to CRP. Conclusion : This study revealed that obese children tended to have higher levels of serum hsCRP, BP elevation and dyslipidemia than the control group and that BMI and apolipoprotein E were strongly related to CRP. These results indicate that obesity related metabolic syndrome can be developed in children.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.130-141
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• 2002

Objectives : Stress induces alteration of gastrointestinal function in which interleukin (IL) and hypothalamo-pituitary-axis are involved. Depression again is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and interleukins. The author attempted to look into the role of interleukins in the FGID also the association of depression and stress in this context. Methods : Entered were 20 patients with FGID, diagnosed by Rome IT criteria and 20 healthy controls. Depression was measured by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and stress of the last one year by Schedule of Recent Experience (SRE). Serum levels of IL-$1\beta$, IL-2, IL-6 were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay and serum cortisol by Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay. The results were as follows : Results: 1) Serum levels of IL-$1\beta$, IL-2 were significantly lower in the patients with FGID than those in the controls, but level of IL-6 did not differ between two groups. 2) The patient group showed significantly higher level of serum cortisol as well as higher degrees of depression and stress. 3) Positive correlation was noted between depression and serum cortisol, and between depression and IL-2. A trend of negative correlation was seen between depression IL-$1\beta$. Positive correlation was noted between SRE and IL-6 and IL-6 and serum cortisol. Conclusions : It was concluded that FGID might be related to depression and stress. Changes of the interleukins might be involved with elevated cortisol level.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.203-208
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• 2007

To develop a new whitening agent for cosmetics from natural products, Pimpinella brachcarpa was selected for its inhibitory effect on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. Crude ethanolic extract of P. brachycarpa and its four fractions-hexane, ethyl acetate(EtOAc), butanol and aqueous were evaluated for antioxidative effects and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. To elucidate the mechanism of active compounds of P. brachycarpa, we investigated the changes in protein level of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 using Western blotting and the changes in mRNA level of tyrosinase using RT-PCR technique. Following UV irradiation, expression of ET-1 in HaCaT keratinocytes was measured by quantitative enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using human ET-1 antibody. Crude ethanolic extract of P. brachycarpa and its four fractions-hexane, EtOAc, butanol and aqueous had free radical scavenging effect by 87.2, 2.5, 97.2, 80.5, 49.8% at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$ and tyrosinase inhibitory effect by 18.3, 15.1, 55.4, 13.1, 0 % at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$. P. brachycarpa EtOAc fraction significantly inhibited melanin production in B16 melanoma cells. Treatment with P. brachycarpa extract for 72 h suppressed the biosynthesis of melanin up to 58 % at 100 ${\mu}g/mL$. Especially, the EtOAc fraction of P. brachycarpa reduced the tyrosinase activity and tyrosinase expression in B16 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA levels of tyrosinase and TRP-1 were markedly reduced by the EtOAc fraction of P. brachycarpa. Moreover, at the concentrations of $12.5{\sim}50{\mu}g/mL$ of the fraction, the production of UV-induced ET-1 in HaCaT keratinocytes(24 h after 8 $mJ/cm^2$ UVB irradiation) was reduced about 40%(p<0.05). P. brachycarpa could be used as a new natural skin-whitening agent due to the inhibitory effect of on melanin biosynthesis and endothelin-1 expression.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.338-345
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• 2002

Background : Coal workers' pneumoconiosis(CWP) is a fibrotic lung disease resulting from the chronic inhalation of coal dust. Various cytokines and growth factors secreted from macrophages and monocytes play a key role in the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and the insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1 secreated from the macrophages and monocytes are believed to stimulate the accumulation of mesenchymal cells and fibrosis of the lower respiratory tract that is observed in fibrotic lung disease. The serum concentraion of PDGF-BB and IGF-1 in 30 CWP patients and 10 healthy controls were measured in order to determine if PDGF-BB and IGF-1 can be used as sensitive biomarkers in CWP. Method : Serum was collected from 30 patients with CWP(13 with simple CWP and 17 with complicated CWP) and 10 healthy controls. The serum concentrations of PDGF-BB and IGF-1 were measured using ELISA (R&D system, Minneapolis, MN). Results : The serum PDGF-BB concentration in patients with complicated CWP($10083.76{\pm}639.07pg/mL$) was significantly higher than in the patients with simple CWP ($8493.88{\pm}848.51pg/mL$) and the healthy controls ($3726.17{\pm}292.20pg/mL$) (p<0.05). Compared to the healthy controls ($413.40{\pm}1.94ng/mL$), there was no significant difference in the serum IGF-1 concentration in patients with simple ($366.77{\pm}183.67ng/mL$) and complicated CWP ($403.18{\pm}15.39ng/mL$) (p>0.05). Conclusion : These results show the important role of the PDGF-BB mediated pathways in the pathogenesis of CWP. These data suggests that the PDGF-BB serum concentration is a useful biomarkers of the fibrotic extent in CWP patients.