• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.63 no.6
• /
• pp.1265-1274
• /
• 2021

Two field experiments were conducted to improve the conception rate of Hanwoo cow. The first experiment aimed to investigate the physiological condition of Hanwoo cows on estrus, including metabolic profiles and body condition score (BCS). The second experiment investigated the effect of a novel estrus detector on the artificial insemination (AI) conception rate for Hanwoo cows. For the first experiment, 80 Hanwoo cows (2.5 ± 0.10 of parity), approximately one month before estrus, were housed in 16 pens and offered the experimental diets twice daily with free water access. The BCS were recorded, and blood was collected from the jugular veins just before AI. The collected blood was used to measure physiological conditions, such as metabolite and hormone levels. For the second experiment, each cow was equipped with a neck-mounted estrus detector collar, which had a sensor connected through the internet. Approximately one month before estrus, three hundred sixty Hanwoo cows (2.4 ± 0.21 of parity) were assigned into groups with or without W-Tag collar treatments. The animals were managed the same as in the first experiment. The pregnancy rate reached 55% in the first experiment. The concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) was higher (p < 0.012; 1.56 vs. 1.08 ng/mL) in cows that were not pregnant (NPG) than in cows that were pregnant (PG) after AI. The BCS and other concentrations of metabolites and hormones in the blood were not different in both NPG and PG cows. The ranges of estrogen, LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone for PG cows were 11.9 to 39.0 pg/mL, < 0.25 to 1.98 ng/mL, and < 0.50 to 0.82 ng/mL, respectively. In the second experiment, cows with the estrus detector had lower days open (p < 0.001; 78.1 vs. 84.8 d), insemination frequency (p < 0.001; 1.26 vs. 2.52), and return of estrus (p < 0.001; 70.9 vs. 79.1 d) than those in cows without the estrus detector. In conclusion, the present study indicated that lower LH concentration just before AI potentially increased the pregnancy rate of Hanwoo cows. Furthermore, the application of estrus detectors to Hanwoo cows could improve the conception success rate for AI.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.207-213
• /
• 2016

Although propolis is one of the most popular functional foods for human health, there have been no comprehensive studies of herb-drug interactions through cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition. The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of propolis on the activities of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4 using pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs). Propolis inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 with an $IC_{50}$ value of 6.9, 16.8, and $43.1{\mu}g/mL$, respectively, whereas CYP2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 were unaffected. Based on half-maximal inhibitory concentration shifts between microsomes incubated with and without nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, propolis-induced CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2E1 inhibition was metabolism-independent. To evaluate the interaction potential between propolis and therapeutic drugs, the effects of propolis on metabolism of duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, were determined in HLMs. CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 are involved in hydroxylation of duloxetine to 4-hydroxy duloxetine, the major metabolite, which was decreased following propolis addition in HLMs. These results raise the possibility of interactions between propolis and therapeutic drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.401-408
• /
• 2016

The present study described the isolation of 2-methylbutyric acid (2-MBA) produced from Bacillus pumilus L1, to subsequently investigate its nematicidal activity for the control of the root-knot nematode. The results showed that 2-MBA could be purified by chromatographic techniques and was identified using nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Crude extract and partially purified compounds had a significant effect on the inhibition of egg hatchability and second-stage juvenile (J2) mortality. A dose-dependent effect of 2-MBA was observed for J2 mortality and egg hatchability. Egg hatchability was 69.2%, 59.9%, 32.7%, and 0.0% at 125, 250, 500, and $1000{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$ of 2-MBA after 4 d of incubation, respectively. Meanwhile, J2 mortality was in the range of 24.4%-100.0% after 2 d of incubation, depending on the concentrations of 2-MBA used. A pot experiment also demonstrated that treatment of B. pumilus L1 culture caused a significant reduction in the number of galls, egg masses, and J2 population than that of the tap water (TW) control. However, as the B. pumilus L1 culture concentration was decreased, the efficacy of nematode control by treatment of B. pumilus L1 culture was reduced compared to that of TW. B. pumilus L1 inoculation at different concentrations also promoted cucumber plant growth. Therefore, our study demonstrated the potential of 2-MBA from B. pumilus L1 as a biocontrol agent against the root-knot nematode and a plant growth promoter for cucumber plants.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.209-217
• /
• 2017

In the enduring investigation of the bioactive microbes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain (referred to as CGK-KS-1 (ICTB-315)), isolated from Chumathang hot spring, Ladakh, and India, was identified to possess a major bioactive fraction with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. This bioactive metabolite was purified through bioactivity-guided fractionation. The chemical structure of this major compound was elucidated as phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN) based on $^1H$ and $^{13}C$ NMR, FT-IR, EI-HR-MS and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. In the current study, PCN exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging between $1.9-3.9{\mu}g/ml$ against various test human pathogens and Xanthomonas spp. PCN showed the anti-biofilm property with the $IC_{50}$ values ranging from 17.04 to $60.7{\mu}M$ against different test pathogens. The in silico docking studies showed PCN strongly interacted with various proteins of different Xanthomonas spp. with high binding energies. We report herein for the first time the anti-biofilm property and the docking studies of PCN. The extrolite from P. aeruginosa strain CGK-KS-1 showed promising bioactivities and may be considered as a potential candidate for application in various biocontrol strategies.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.17
• /
• pp.7195-7200
• /
• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how CYP2C19 affects icotinib and metabolite' exposure, and to determine whether the exposure and EGFR genotype influences survival time, tumor metastasis and adverse drug reactions. Materials and Methods: 274 NSCLC patients who accepted 125mg icotinib/t.i.d. were chosen from a phase III study. Blood samples were obtained in $672^{nd}$ ($4^{th}$ week) and $1,680^{th}$ hours ($10^{th}$ week), and plasma was used to quantify the concentration of icotinib and blood cells were sampled to check the genotypes. Clinical data were also collected at the same time, including EGFR genotypes. Plasma concentrations were assessed by HPLC-MS/MS and genotype by sequencing. All data were analyzed through SPSS 17.0 and SAS 9.2. Results: CYP 2C19 genotypes affected bio-transformation from icotinib to M24 and M26, especially in poor-metabolisers. Higher icotinib concentrations (>1000 ng/mL) not only increased patient PFS and OS but also reduced tumor metastasis. Patients with mutant EGFR experienced a higher median PFS and OS (234 and 627 days), especially those with the 19del genotype demonstrating higher PR ratio. Patients who suffered grade II skin toxicity had a higher icotinib exposure than those with grade I skin toxicity or no adverse effects. Liver toxic reactions might occur in patients with greater M20 and M23 plasma concentrations. Conclusions: CYP2C19 polymorphisms significantly affect icotinib, M24 and M26 exposure. Patients with mutant EGFR genotype and higher icotinib concentration might have increased PFS and OS and lower tumor metastasis. Liver ADR events and serious skin effects might be respectively induced by greater M20, M23 and icotinib concentrations.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.12
• /
• pp.1364-1370
• /
• 2014

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a multifunctional metabolite in plants that is essential for plant development and growth. We examined the effect of AA, an antioxidant, on the gravitropic response of primary roots in maize. The application of $10^{-3}$ M AA to the elongation zone did not affect the gravitropic response and slightly inhibited the root growth. However, treatment with both $10^{-5}$ M and $10^{-3}$ M AA at the root tip increased the gravitropic response and inhibited root growth. Differences in indole-3- acetic acid (IAA) activity between the upper and lower hemispheres of the root resulted in differential elongation along the horizontal root. Roots are extremely sensitive to IAA, and increasing the amount of IAA in the lower hemisphere of the root inhibited elongation. Therefore, we examined the effect of IAA in the presence of AA. The inhibitory effect of AA on the gravitropic response was greater in combination with IAA. To understand the role of AA in the regulation of root growth and the gravitropic response, we measured ethylene production in the presence of AA in the primary roots of maize. AA stimulated ethylene production via the activation of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase gene, which regulates the conversion of ACC to ethylene. These results suggest that AA alters the gravitropic response of maize roots through modification of the action of ethylene.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.95-104
• /
• 2019

Background: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes vascular endothelial cell inflammatory response and apoptosis and plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a metabolite produced by the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Rb1, possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether or not CK protects ox-LDL-damaged endothelial cells and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. Methods: In our study, cell viability was tested using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl-)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression levels of interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) was detected using JC-1. The cell apoptotic percentage was measured by the Annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) assay, lactate dehydrogenase, and caspase-3 expression. Apoptosis-related proteins, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways protein expression were quantified by Western blotting. Results: Our results demonstrated that CK could ameliorate ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inflammation and apoptosis, $NF-{\kappa}B$ nuclear translocation, and the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, anisomycin, an activator of p38 and JNK, significantly abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of CK. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CK prevents ox-LDL-induced HUVECs inflammation and apoptosis through inhibiting the $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling pathways. Thus, CK is a candidate drug for atherosclerosis treatment.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.18-25
• /
• 2008

Pseudomonas sp. PRGB06, a bacterial strain isolated from diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) gut, was examined for its plant growth promotion and biofertilizing traits. The bacteria growth was observed under various conditions of carbon sources, temperature, pH and salt concentrations. In addition, the mechanisms of antagonism and phosphate solubilization were investigated. The bacterial strain PRGB06, grew well using most of the tested carbon sources. The best growth was observed at $30^{\circ}C$ and pH 7. The inhibition of the pathogenic fungi was likely due to the volatile antifungal metabolite and ammonia gas produced by the bacteria. A significant positive relationship was found between the phosphate solubilization and acid production. When inoculated with PRGB06 in vitro and in gnotobiotic condition, red pepper and maize showed increase in root length, seedling vigor and dry bio-mass.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.135-140
• /
• 2008

Cigarette smoke (CS) induces oxidative and nitrosative stress to the respiratory tract (RT) via both oxidants contained in CS and by CS-induced activation of RT inflammatory-immune pro-oxidant processes. CS exposure has been associated with reduced levels of plasma micronutrient antioxidants, in part due to an increased utilization and turnover of alpha-tocopherol (AT). It has been suggested that gamma-tocopherol (GT) may have an expanded spectrum of antioxidant activation compared to alpha-tocopherol (AT). In order to investigate effects of high GT supplementation as compared to AT, C57 BL/6 mice were fed control AT (35 mg/kg diet) or high GT (1,000 mg/kg diet) diet for 8-10 weeks and then exposed to 60 $mg/m^3$ CS, 6 hr/day for 3 days. AT and GT levels and their metabolites were measured at endpoints. High GT supplementation significantly reduced AT levels in plasma, liver and lung compared to AT. CS increased levels of AT and GT in plasma and lung of control AT group but decreased GT levels in lung of high GT supplemented group. Moreover, CS significantly decreased GT metabolite, gamma-CEHC. The results suggest that high GT supplementation have selective modulation of concentrations of vitamin E and its metabolite in plasma and lung but not in liver against in vivo CS exposure.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.1 no.4
• /
• pp.305-312
• /
• 2007

A group of 101 women, aged 40-65 years consisted of 48 premenopausal subjects and 53 postmenopausal ones living in Daegu and Gyeongbuk area in Korea were evaluated with their general characteristics, lifestyle factors, nutrient and phytoestrogen intakes, blood and urinary indices concerning antioxidant status and bone metabolism. Body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the postmenopausal women were significantly higher (23.8, 0.86, and 126.9 mmHg, respectively) than those of the premenopausal women (22.6, 0.82, and 115.9 mmHg; respectively). Nutrient intakes of the postmenopausal and premenopausal groups were not different except lower fat intake and higher dietary fiber and iron intakes in the postmenopausal group. Daily total phytoestrogen intake was significantly higher in the postmenopausal group (48.54 mg) than the premenopausal (31.41 mg) and was resulted mostly from higher intakes of daidzein and genistein from soy and soy products (45.42 mg vs 28.91 mg). Serum genistein level and excretion of enterolactone, major lignan metabolite, were not very different between the two groups. Serum retinal and ${\alpha}$- tocopherol levels were higher in the postmenopausal group but TBARS levels were not different between the two groups. Serum osteocalcin (7.18 ng/mL) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (7.15 nmol/mmol creatinine), in the postmenopausal group were significantly higher than those in the premenopausal group (4.80 ng/mL, 5.95 nmol/mmol creatinine). Urinary excretion of enterolactone was positively correlated with serum osetocalcin in premenopausal women and serum genistein negatively correlated with the urinary DPD in postmenopausal women. Dietary phytoestrogen intake was negatively correlated with serum level of TBARS in all subjects. It is concluded that the effect of total phytoestrogen intake is beneficial on body antioxidant status in all middle-aged women regardless of menopause but the effect on bone metabolism appears different by the type of the phytoestrogen and the menopausal state.