• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.222-227
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• 1992

Unlike carbohydrats and fats, alcohol is essentially foreign to the body and it is known that the body get rid of it by oxidizing alcohol maily in the liver. Acetaldehyde is produced during ethanol metabolism and is known to be oxidized mainly by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). ALDH activity was found mainly in the mitochondrial fraction but a significant ALDH activity was also present in microsomal and cytosol fraction. Wistar rats (150~200 g, male) were given freely with 12% ethanol (Control) and/or 12% ethanol containing 0.1% ginseng saponins (Test) instead of water for 6 days and the liver was analyzed. ALDH activities of both control and test group were lower than that of normal group but test AkDH was less inhibited than control. ADH activies of both control and test were slightly higher than that of normal group but our previous data showed that it became gradually steady after prolonged ethanol feeding. MEOS activities of both control and test group were much higher than that of normal group. MEOS enzymes are inducible but the activity of test group was greatly higher than that of control. Ethanol containing [1-i4C] ethanol (5 $\mu$Ci) was injected to the above three groups and 30 min later, the distribution of radioactivity of hepatic lipids was investigated. Radioactivities of hepatic lipids of both control and test group were higher than that of normal group, however, that of test group was much lower than that of control. Analysis of individual lipids showed that phospholipid biosynthesis was significantly impaired and fatty acid and triglycerides biosynthesis were greatly stimulated. However, it was realized that the saponin prevented phospholipid biosynthesis depression and the increase of triglyceride biosynthesis considerably. It seemed that the saponin might stimulate ADH, ALDH and MEOS and the acetaldehyde formed would be removed faster. The excess hydrogen can be shunt more quickly into lipid biosynthesis. Electron microscopic observation showed that the hepatic cell of control group was si gnificantly damaged. Mitochondria were swollen and rough endoplasmic reticulum were dilated, however, hepatocytes of test group were not damaged.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.141-147
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• 2015

Background: Adipocytes, which are the main cellular component of adipose tissue, are the building blocks of obesity. The nuclear hormone receptor $PPAR{\gamma}$ is a major regulator of adipocyte differentiation and development. Obesity, which is one of the most dangerous yet silent diseases of all time, is fast becoming a critical area of research focus. Methods: In this study, we initially aimed to investigate whether the ginsenoside Rf, a compound that is only present in Panax ginseng Meyer, interacts with $PPAR{\gamma}$ by molecular docking simulations. After we performed the docking simulation the result has been analyzed with several different software programs, including Discovery Studio, Pymol, Chimera, Ligplus, and Pose View. All of the programs identified the same mechanism of interaction between $PPAR{\gamma}$ and Rf, at the same active site. To determine the drug-like and biological activities of Rf, we calculate its absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxic (ADMET) and prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) properties. Considering the results obtained from the computational investigations, the focus was on the in vitro experiments. Results: Because the docking simulations predicted the formation of structural bonds between Rf and $PPAR{\gamma}$, we also investigated whether any evidence for these bonds could be observed at the cellular level. These experiments revealed that Rf treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes downregulated the expression levels of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and perilipin, and also decreased the amount of lipid accumulated at different doses. Conclusion: The ginsenoside Rf appears to be promising compound that could prove useful in antiobesity treatments.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.489-495
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• 2002

In this study, we determined distribution status of organonitrogen pesticides such as trifluralin, atrazine, metribuzin, alachlor, malathion, nitrofen, permethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, and parathion accumulated in the fresh water fishes and amphibians. We collected those samples at 31 sites from the basin of major rivers, and separated the muscular tissue as a final sample for analysis. In the pretreatment process, lipid was eliminated by using acetonitrile and n-hexane, and pesticides were reextracted with dichloromethane. The extract was dehydrated and concentrated, and then cleaned it up by passing the Florisil column, and pesticide content was finally determined by using a GC-MS system after introducing isotope labelled references. The accumulation level was observed in the range of $0.17{\sim}6.8{\mu}g/kg$ in amphibians and $0.26{\sim}16{\mu}g/kg$ in fishes including cypermethrin as $16{\mu}g/kg$.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.553-561
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• 2019

Rab25, a member of the Rab11 small GTPase family, is central to achieving cellular polarity in epithelial tissues. Rab25 is highly expressed in epithelial cells of various tissues including breast, vagina, cervix, the gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Rab25 plays key roles in tumorigenesis, mainly by regulating epithelial differentiation and proliferation. However, its role in skin physiology is relatively unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Rab25 knock-out (KO) mice show a skin barrier dysfunction with high trans-epidermal water loss and low cutaneous hydration. To examine this observation, we investigated the histology and epidermal differentiation markers of the skin in Rab25 KO mice. Rab25 KO increased cell proliferation at the basal layer of epidermis, whereas the supra-basal layer remained unaffected. Ceramide, which is a critical lipid component for skin barrier function, was not altered by Rab25 KO in its distribution or amount, as determined by immunohistochemistry. Notably, levels of epidermal differentiation markers, including loricrin, involucrin, and keratins (5, 14, 1, and 10) increased prominently in Rab25 KO mice. In line with this, depletion of Rab25 with single hairpin RNA increased the expression of differentiation markers in a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. Transcriptomic analysis of the skin revealed increased expression of genes associated with skin development, epidermal development, and keratinocyte differentiation in Rab25 KO mice. Collectively, these results suggested that Rab25 is involved in the regulation of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.195-207
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• 2013

Objectives This study aimed to examine differences in the hepatic function disorders and prevalence rates of liver diseases in accordance with the Sasang constitutional type, and to analyze whether Sasang constitution is a significant risk factor for fatty liver. Methods A total of 1211 patients who underwent health check-up at the Ilsan Hospital of Dongguk University and had their physical constitutions diagnosed by a specialist in Sasang constitutional medicine from October 31, 2011 to September 28, 2012 were used as the subjects of this study. Presence of hepatobiliary diseases was analyzed from the results of the hepatic function test, lipid test and viral hepatitis infection marker test in the biochemistry tests, and abdominal ultrasonography. Results & Conclusion Subjects of the study were composed of 691 males and 520 females and, in terms of Sasang constitution distribution, 550 Taeeumin, 343 Soeumin and 318 Soyangin. As the results of analysis of prevalence rates in accordance with Sasang constitutions, significant differences were observed in the prevalence rates of abnormal groups in the cases of AST, ALT, GGT, Triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and all of their prevalence rates were in the descending order of Taeeumin, Soyangin and Soeumin. Soeumin displayed significantly higher positive rate for HBs Ab in comparison to Taeeumin and Soyangin. In the results of abdominal ultrasonography, the prevalence rates of fatty liver displayed significant differences and were in the descending order of Taeeumin, Soyangin and Soeumin. And as the result of logistic regression analysis in order to find the risk factors of fatty liver, the Sasang constitution was found to be a significant risk factor for fatty liver. The odds ratio of Taeeumin in fatty liver was found to be 1.634 higher than Soeumin and 1.773 higher than Soyangin

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.575-582
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• 2021

Background: In ginseng, there exists a glycolipoprotein complex with a special form of lipid LPAs called Gintonin. The purpose of this study is to show that Gintonin has a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis through LPA2 receptors. Methods: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with Gintonin and stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β. The antioxidant effect of Gintonin was measured using MitoSOX and H₂DCFDA experiments. The anti-arthritic efficacy of Gintonin was examined by analyzing the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 into the nucleus through western blot. Next, after treatment with LPAR2 antagonist, western blot analysis was performed to measure inflammatory mediator expression levels, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Carrageenan/kaolin-induced arthritis rat model was used. Rats were orally administered with Gintonin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) every day for 6 days. The knee joint thickness, squeaking score, and weight distribution ratio (WDR) were measured as the behavioral parameters. After sacrifice, H&E staining was performed for histological analysis. Results: Gintonin significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2. Gintonin prevented NF-κB/p65 from moving into the nucleus through the JNK and ERK MAPK phosphorylation in FLS cells. However, pretreatment with an LPA2 antagonist significantly reversed these effects of Gintonin. In the arthritis rat model, Gintonin suppressed all parameters that were measured. Conclusion: This study suggests that LPA2 receptor plays a key role in mediating the anti-arthritic effects of Gintonin by modulating inflammatory mediators, the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.316-324
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• 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. The genetics of PCOS is heterogeneous with the involvement of number of genes in the steroid synthesis pathway. The CYP11B2 encodes aldosterone synthase and the genetic variants might increase aldosterone secretion in PCOS cases. CYP1A1 is known to enhance the intraovarian catechol estrogen production and thus the propensity for PCOS. The present case-control study analyzed a total of 619 females for CYP11B2 (rs1799998) and CYP1A1 (rs4646903) polymorphisms. Obesity was examined according to body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) categorization. Biochemical (lipid profile) analysis was performed in PCOS females. BMI (P=0.0001) and WHR (P=0.0001) revealed a statistically significant difference between PCOS cases and controls. The overall levels of triglycerides were higher in PCOS females. The genotype frequency distribution of CYP11B2 (rs1799998) polymorphism revealed statistically significant difference between PCOS cases and controls (P=0.017). However, CYP1A1 (rs4646903) polymorphism did not showed any association with PCOS. The present case-control association analysis is first from our region for CYP1A1 and CYP11B2 polymorphisms and is suggestive of genetic predisposition of steroidogenic genes among PCOS patients in the North-Indian Punjabi females.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.13-30
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• 2024

Swietenia mahagoni is one of the commercial timbers in Indonesia. Mahogany heartwood is an important characteristic as it relates to the natural durability and aesthetics of the wood. Lipophilic extractives are known to be involved in the heartwood formation process. Therefore, this study aims to determine the lipophilic compounds associated with heartwood formation. The n-hexane extract from sapwood and heartwood samples (1 to 5 years) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the content of n-hexane extract ranged from 0.76% to 2.45% based on dry wood. The main group of compounds identified in the lipophilic fraction consisted of sterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campasterol, and cyclolaudenol), fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and stearic acid), and hydrocarbons (pentadecane, 1-octadecane, hexadecane, cyclotetracosane, cycloeicosane, and cyclooctacosane) after heartwood formation. In addition, the hydrocarbon fraction was the largest, followed by sterols, fatty acids, and 1-heneicosanol. In the radial variation, the distribution of fatty acids was greater in the sapwood than in the heartwood (4-year-old). However, the reverse pattern was found at the age of 5 years. The lipophilic fraction was generally more abundant in the heartwood compared to the sapwood, especially at 5 years of age, with much higher levels than when the heartwood was forming (4 years). These findings show that when the heartwood formation begins, the lipid composition was not fully metabolized at the beginning of heartwood formation compared to 5-year-old trees.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.136-142
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• 2012

Sogokju, a Korean glutinous rice wine and one of the oldest Korean traditional wines, is famous for its unique taste acquired from a 100-day incomplete fermentation process. This study investigated the effects of the degree of rice milling on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Sogokju. It evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, pasting and color properties, and structural properties of starch using four different degrees of milled rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Dongjinchalbyeo. Samples of brown rice with milling yields of 92%, 84%, 76%, and 68% were produced using both abrasive and friction whiteners. This study showed that the protein, lipid, and ash content of milled rice decreased as the degree of milling increased. The lower hardness of the kernel below milling yield 92% suggested that milling may be related to the lower protein content of the kernel. The pasting curve showed a significant increase in viscosity properties as the degree of milling increased. This is due to the decrease in protein and lipid content, the increase in starch content, and the difference in amylopectin chain-length distribution. Further milling of white rice, based on 92% milling yield, had an effect on the amylopectin chain-length distribution due to the degree of polymerization (DPn) of 37~60. The long chain of amylopectin also contributed to the viscosity. The increase in the degree of milling decreased the glucose and total sugar content of Sogokju. However, it increased the total acidity of Sogokju. Moreover, the lightness of Sogokju decreased while its yellowness increased. These results indicate that the degree of milling can alter the taste and color of Sogokju. The sensory evaluation showed that the increase in the degree of milling decreased consumer preference for Sogokju. The sensory score for Sogokju was positively correlated with its brix degree, glucose content, pH, and protein content of raw rice.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 1989

It has been debated whether postischemic reperfusion is necessarily beneficial to salvage the myocardium after ischemic insult or not. Therefore, this study was undertaken to compare the ultrastructural changes as well as the distribution of $Ca^{2+}$ in the ventricular myocardial cells after transient ischemia and after postischemic reperfusion, and to suspect to what extent the postischemic reperfusion is beneficial. After 10 minutes of ischemia, the heart developed wide I bands, glycogen depletion, intramyofibrillar edema, mitochondrial swelling, clumping and migration of chromatin, ghosts of lipid droplets, disintegration of cell junctions, sarcolemmal disruption, and loss of $Ca^{2+}$ binding capacity of the sarcolemma and the mitochondria. In spite of reperfusion, in a large number of cells, the ultrastructure was more severely damaged, however, $Ca^{2+}$ binding capacity of the sarcolemma and the mitochondria restored. These results suggest that postischemic reperfusion may help the myocardial cells to restore their function to control $Ca^{2+}$ to a certain extent, but that it could aggravate the ischemic insult.