• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.990-996
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• 2003

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Forsythia viridissima Lindl. (FVL) on antioxidative defense system and lipid peroxidation of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100 $\pm$ 10 g were randomly assigned into five experimental groups fed 0.5％ cholesterol ; HC group which was not supplemented FVL extract, 0.05％ methanol extract diet group (MSI group), 0.1％ methanol extract diet group (MS2 group), 0.025％ ethylacetate-souble fraction diet group (ES1 group) and 0.05％ ethylacetate-souble fraction diet group (ES2 group). Experimental diets were fed ad libitum to the rats for 3 weeks. The hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the MS2 group was decreased to 20％ as compared to HC group. The activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were not significantly different among all the high cholesterol diet groups. The hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activity in MS2, ES2 groups were significantly increased as compared to HC group. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the MS2 group was increased to 20％ as compared to HC group. The levels of hepatic TBARS in the MS1, MS2, ES1 and ES2 groups were reduced by 13％, 21％, 13％ and 21％, respectively, as compared with HC group. The contents of lipofuscin in liver tissue was not significantly different among all the experimental groups. The results indicate that FVL extract may reduce oxidative damage by activating antioxidative defense system of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diets.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.289-296
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• 2005

This study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary $\beta$-carotene supplementation on lipid peroxide levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in alcoholic fatty liver rats. Forty five Sprague-Dawley male rats aging 8 weeks were used as experimental animals, which were divided into the control diet (CD) and the ethanol diet (ED) and the ethanol + $0.02\%$ $\beta$-carotene diet (EPD) groups and fed the experimental diet respectively for 5 weeks. After the feeding, rats were sacrificed to get blood and liver to analyze lipid and lipid peroxide levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. The mean body weight and food intake of the ethanol diet group was significantly lower than that of the control diet. The liver index (LI) of the ethanol diet group was significantly higher than those of the control diet and the $\beta$-carotene supplementation group. Serum levels of total lipid, triglyceride of the ethanol diet group were significantly higher than those of the control diet and the $\beta$-carotene supplementation group. Total cholesterol levels were not significantly different among all groups. HDL-cholesterol of the ethanol diet group was significantly lower than those of the control diet and the $\beta$-carotene supplementation group. Liver TBARS of the ethanol diet group was significantly higher than those of the control diet and the $\beta$-carotene supplementation group. Liver lipofuscin and conjugated diene levels were not significantly different among all groups. The superoxide dismutase activity of the ethanol diet group was significantly lower than those of the control diet and the $\beta$-carotene supplementation group. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were not significantly different among all groups. Because v-carotene supplementation significantly decrease the serum total lipid, triglyceride, liver TBARS revels and increase the superoxide dismutase activity in alcoholic ratty liver rats, $\beta$-carotene supplementation seems to give beneficial effect for the alcoholics.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to investigate the main sensory trigeminal nucleus in the aging rat brain by means of electron microscope. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, two (control group) and thirty six (aging group) months of age, were used. These animals were sacrificed by perfusion fixation with 2.5% glutaraldehyde-2.0% paraformaldehyde (0.1M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4) under sodium pentobarbital. The objective area was punched out with a sharp-edged metal cylinder of 0.8 mm in diameter. These blocks of tissue were then washed in 0.1M phosphate buffer, postfixed in 2% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in a graded series of ethyl alcohol, and embedded in Epon 812. Thin sections were cut with Super Nova ultramicrotome, pick up on grids and double stained with lead citrate and uranyl acetate, and observed in JEOL 100B electron microscope. The results were as follows: 1. In the control group, the neuronal cell body of the main sensory trigeminal nucleus was filled with nucleus, Golgi complex, Nissl substance, mitochondria, microfilaments and microtubules. However, few Nissl substances are seen in neuronal cell body. Axoaxonic synapse, axodendritic synapse, axosomatic synapse, axospinous synapse, myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers were well organized around cell bodies. Neurons with abnormal changes were not seen. 2. In the aging group, the neuronal cell body of the main sensory trigeminal nucleus contained large number of lipofuscin granules, dense body and swollen mitochondria. Terminal boutons contained glycogen, crystal-like vesicle and membranous indicating first signs of degeneration. The dendrites were found to be in synaptic contact with altered axon terminals. Frequently axons filled with dark axoplasn and splitted myelin sheath were noticed.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.21-38
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• 1998

The present study was performed to determine the effect of cold stress on myocardium of aging rat. Control groups, which aged 6, 12 and 24 months, were compared with age-matched experimental groups that were exposed to moderate cold stress for a hours daily in a week at laboratory cold room $(4{\pm}1^{\circ}C)$. The histological, histochemical and ultrastructural changes of myocardium were observed. The results were summarized as follow: 1. Age-dependent histological change of control groups was observed the formation of contraction band in 24months aged group. The experimental groups submitted to cold stress showed a similar change pattern as seen in control groups. However, the degree of change in the experimental groups was significantly larger than that of control groups. In the 34 months aged group the formation of hypercontraction band was observed. 2. Regarding age-dependent histochemical changes of control groups, we observed the increase activities of PAS and Masson's trichrome. In experimental groups the activities of PAS and Masson's trichrome were also increased with age. Compare with control group, the activities of PAS was increased but the activities of Masson's trichrome was decreased. 3. Age-dependent ultrastructural changes on vacuolization, lysosome were observed. In control groups the structural changes occur at 12 months. The accumulation of lipofuscin, contraction band, hypercontraction band and a component of connective tissue were observed in 24 months. However, the degree of change in the experimental groups was significantly larger than that of control groups. In contract, the myelin body in intercalated discs was observed in 24 months of experimental groups.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2013

This study investigated concentration of metal ions, intersexuality and histological alterations of digestive gland in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Samples were collected from two areas of Gamak Bay in May, 2010. The concentration of metal ions showed that Al ($366.5{\pm}249.7$ mg/kg) was highest and Zn ($179.5{\pm}67.8$ mg/kg) was second high concentration. Co ($1.0{\pm}0.2$ mg/kg) was lowest. The intersexuality was 26.4% and males (38.8%) was higher than the females (12.9%). Intersex type was observed four types. Destruction of digestive tubule epithelium was highest among other biomarker in digestive gland. Distribution of basophilic cell and lipofuscin was 6.1% and 1.5%, respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2015

This study investigated concentration of trace metals, intersexuality and histopathology of digestive gland in Ruditapes philippinarum. Samples were collected from three areas of Gamak Bay in May, 2010. The concentration of trace metals showed that Al was highest, Zn was second high concentration and the lowest concentration was Cd. The intersexuality was 18.5% and female was higher than the male. Intersex type was observed one type. Destruction of digestive tubule epithelium was highest among other biomarkers in digestive gland. Distribution of basophilic cell was 5.8% and lipofuscin was 1.8%.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.346-351
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• 2004

This study was carried out to examine the antioxidant effects of a mixture of mulberry leaves and silkworm powder in plasma and liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100$\pm$10 g were used and their diets were supplemented with $0.4\%$ (4 g/kg) of the mixtures. Experimental groups were diabetic rats without supplements (DM group) or with a combination of the supplements: $100\%$ mulberry leaves (M group), $25\%$ silkworm powder mixed with mulberry leaves (25SM group), $50\%$ silkworm powder mixed with mulberry leaves (50SM group), $75\%$ silkworm powder mixed with mulberry leaves (75SM group) or $100\%$ silkworm powder (100S group). The rats were fed experimental diets and water ad libitum. All animals were injected with streptozotocin at the $3^{rd}$ week for inducing diabetes and were sacrificed on $9^{th}$ day thereafter. Hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity significantly decreased in the mixture supplemented groups compared to the DM group. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not significantly different among any of the experimental groups, but glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activity increased in the mixture supplemented groups compared to the DM group. In particular, it was the highest in the 50SM group. The hepatic TBARS values were lower in all the mixture supplemented groups than in the DM group, and it was as lowest when ratio of mulberry leaves to silkworm powder was highest. Hepatic lipofuscin contents were similar with the TBARS value. In conclusion, the mixtures containing silkworm powder reduced oxidative damage by strengtbening the antioxidative system and suppressing oxidative stress in the STZ-induced diabetic rat. The 1:1 blend of silkworm powder and mulberry leaves was the most effective combination for antioxidant activity.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.10-18
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• 1985

The posterior hypothalamus of the hibernating greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum korai Kuroda) were observed with an electron microscope. The posterior hypothalamus is known to be closely related to the reflex responses activated by cold, and the following observations were obtained in the cellular type of nerve cells: there are three types of neurons in the posterior hypothalamus. 1. The first type of neuron was the largest, ovoid or conical in shape, the nucleus was elliptic and the nuclear envelope had many deep invaginations. The cell organelles were well developed, in particular there was an abundance of variously shaped mitochondria, and the Golgi complex and the polysomes were observed in the cytoplasm. 2. The second type of neuron was moderate in size, ovoid or elliptic in shape, the nucleus was located nearer to the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope had. a few invaginations. The cytoplasm was rich in amount compared with that of the third type of neuron, and the cell organelles, especially the rough endoplasmic reticulum were well developed. Also lipofuscin pigments were observed. 3. The third type of neuron was the smallest in size and round in shape. The nucleus and the nucleolus were observed in the central portion of the cell body and the nuclear envelope had a few invaginations. The cytoplasm was small compared with those of the first and second types, but the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the mitechondria and the polysomes were relatively well developed. The cytoplasm was characterized by the presence of membrane-bound small bodies with a single membrane containing a fine particular substance around the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complexes.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.291-297
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• 2022

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a type of progressive blindness that is primarily due to dysfunction and the loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The accumulation of N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), a by-product of the visual cycle, causes RPE and photoreceptor degeneration that impairs vision. Genes associated with dry AMD have been identified using a blue light model of A2E accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium and transcriptomic studies of retinal tissue from patients with AMD. However, dry macular degeneration progresses slowly, and current approaches cannot reveal changes in gene transcription according to stages of AMD progression. Thus, they are limited in terms of identifying genes responsible for pathogenesis. Here, we created a model of long-term exposure to identify temporally-dependent changes in gene expression induced in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) exposed to blue light and a non-cytotoxic dose of A2E for 120 days. We identified stage-specific genes at 40, 100, and 120 days, respectively. The expression of genes corresponding to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the early stage, glycolysis and angiogenesis during the middle stage, and apoptosis and inflammation pathways during the late stage was significantly altered by A2E and blue light. Changes in the expression of genes at the late stages of the EMT were similar to those found in human eyes with late-stage AMD. Our results provide further insight into the pathogenesis of dry AMD induced by blue light and a novel model in vitro with which relevant genes can be identified in the future.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.71-90
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• 1996

There is considerable current interest in the effect of regular vigorous exercise and in particular endurance-running as a possible measure in improving myocardial function. Some data indicate that the aging heart may actually suffer from vigorous endurance exercise. On the contrary appropriate exercise in aged animals improves myocardial function and aerobic energy metabolism. So far there is relatively little data to indicate that endurance exercise is in fact beneficial in improving myocardial function or damaging to heart of aged animals. The present investigation aimed to study the possible effect of a long range treadmill training program on the heart in aging rats. Male rats aged 3, 10, and 20 months were divided at random into a control (sedentary) and an exercise group. The training group was exercised for 5 days a week on an automated treadmill for 20minutes at 18m/min over a period of 5 months. The exercise regimen of our experiments did not cause any significant changes in the tissues and ultrastructural as com-pared with sedentary age-matched control. Tissues and ultrastructures of myocardial cells in trained group aged 8 months are intact and well organized as well as sedentary control group. Age associated tissue and ultrastructural changes of trained group aged 15 months included : an increase in transformed mitochondria, vacuoles, lysosomes, lipid droplets and early lipofuscin. But the trained heart did not show significant difference in tissue and ultrastructural properties from those of sedentary controls. Endurance-trained group aged 25 months showed significant qualitative tissue and ultrastructural difference as compared with age-matched controls. In addition to those found in 25 months control group, focal necrosis, myofibril fraying, hypercontraction band, seperation of intercalated discs, degenerating nucleus and infiltration of collagenous fiber into myocyte were noted in trained 25 months group. The stereological examination of the mi-crographs disclosed no significant difference in the myoflbril, mitochondrion, sarcotubule and in-terstitium volume density and surface density of mitochondrial cristae and numerical density of mitochondria between trained and control group aged 8 and 15 months. In the trained 25 months group, significant increase in volume density of interstitium, lipofucsin granule were shown as compared to untrained age-matched control. On the other hand, significant decrease in mitochondrion volume density was shown. The myofibril volume density did not differ between trained and control group although trained group showed slight increase. From the data obtained a reduced mitochondria/myofibrils ratio was found in trained rat heart aged 25 months and there was no difference between trained and control rat aged 15 months. But a slight but not significant increase was found in the trained group aged 8 months as compared with same age control group. Such increase in the ratio in young animals is considered to be of great importance to cardiac pumping and adaptability. Whereas such adaptations don't seem to occur in aged heart muscle. This study proposed that repeated endurance exercise do not cause any significant qualitative and quantitative ultrastructural change of heart muscle in young(3months) and adult (10months) suggesting that the heart is able to adapt to the exercise. On the contrary, the repeated endurance exercise stress may actually induce degenerative changes in the aged heart muscle(20months).