• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.493-498
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• 2018

There has been widespread warming and a general increase in summer temperatures over the Korean peninsula ($0.5^{\circ}C$/10 years from 2001 to 2010). South Korea is transforming into a subtropical region, and the productivity of livestock is affected by the climatic changes. In this study, we investigated whether the summer heat waves affect the developmental competency of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo), a taurine type of cattle with a small portion of indicine varieties. We collected oocytes during the summer (heat stress, HS) and autumn (non-HS condition) and examined the developmental competencies including in vitro maturation and preimplantation embryo development. No significant differences were observed between the HS and non-HS oocytes in nuclear maturation (extrusion of the polar body); however, the cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly lower in the HS group than those in the non-HS group. The lower developmental competence of the HS oocytes compared to the non-HS is, in part, due to insufficient cytoplasmic maturation because of a higher production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels as well as peri/cortical distributed mitochondria in the HS oocytes after in vitro maturation. Next, we examined the ROS and mitochondria distribution and found a significant increase in the levels of ROS in the HS oocytes and a polarized distribution (pericortical cytoplasm) of mitochondria in the HS oocytes. In summary, impaired cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes from exposure to HS affects the preimplantation embryo development by dysfunction of mitochondria. To improve reproductive performance, embryo transfer using cryopreserved embryos/oocytes is recommended in the hot summer season of South Korea.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.504-510
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• 2000

This study was designed to investigate the effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extract (MLE) on oxygen radicals and their scavenger enzymes in liver membranes of rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats (160$\pm$10 g) were fed basic diet (control group), and experimental diets (MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups) added 100 and 300 mg/kg BW/day for 6 weeks. Hydroxyl radical (.OH) levels resulted in a significant decreases (15.2% and 18.1%, 5.6% and 8.0%, respectively) in liver mitochondria and microsomes could be not obtained. These are no significant differences in superoxide radical ($O_2$) levels of liver cytosol in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups compared with control group. Lipid peroxide (LPO) levels were slightly decreased about 13.6% and 6.1% in liver mitochondria and microsomes of MLE-300 group compared with control group. Oxidized protein (OP) levels were remarkably decreased about 16.9% and 27.2% in liver microsomes only of MLE-100 and MLE-300 group compared with control group. Mn-SOD activities in liver mitochondria were remarkably increased (18.2% and 28.7%, respectively) in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups, and Cu,Zn-SOD activities in liver cytosol were also significantly increased (11.3% and 20.2%, respectively) in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups compared with control group. Mn-SOD activities in liver mitochondria were remarkably increased (18.2% and 28.7%, respectively) in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups, and Cu,Zn-SOD activities in liver cytosol were also significantly increased (11.3% and 20.2%, respectively) in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups compared with control group, but significant difference between GSHPx activities in liver cytosol could be not obtained. These results suggest that anti-aging effect of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) may play a pivotal role in attenuating a various age-related changes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.473-480
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• 1999

This study was designed to investigate the effects of pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb et Zucc) needle extract (PNE) on membrane fluidity and oxidative stress in liver membranes of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats as a study on investigation of anti-aging effect and determination of chemical structures of PNE through the animal experiments. Male SD rats were fed basic diets (control group) and experimental diets (0.5% and 1.0%-PNE group) for 6 weeks. Administrations of 0.5% and 1.0%-PNE resulted in a marked decreases (15∼25% and 23∼26%, respectively) in cholesterol accumulations of liver mitochondria and microsomes compared with control group. Membrane fluidities were significantly increased (15∼25%) in liver microsomes of 0.5% and 1.0%-PNE groups compared with control group. Formations of basal and induced oxygen radicals (BOR and IOR) in liver mitochondria were significantly inhibited (11∼12% and 10∼15%, respectively) by administrations of 0.5% and 1.0%-PNE compared with control group. Lipid peroxide (LPO) levels were remarkbly decreased about 20% in liver mitochondria and microsomes of 0.5% and 1.0%-PNE groups compared with control group. Oxidized protein levels calculated with carbonyl group were significantly decreased about 15% in liver mitochondria of 1.0%-PNE group compared with control group. These results suggest that PNE may play a effective role in a attenuating a oxidative stress and increasing a membrane fluidity.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.185-189
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• 1977

After administering overdosage of vitamin A, D ＆ E to the matured female chicken, the changes of the epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubule were observed and the results were summarized at follows. In the group treated with 2.5 ml of Rovisol, the mitochondria were slightly swollen and free ribosomes were mildly increased. The mitochondria were more swollen, microvilli were somewhat irregular and fused chondriosphere were noted when the chicken were treated with 7.5 ml of Rovisol. When the thicken were treated with 12.5ml of Rovisol the cell sap was markedly edematous so that the cellular organelles seemed to reduce. Also noted were chondriospgere and increased free ribosomes. According to the results of this study it is considered that the changes of the epithelial cells of proximal convoluted tubules of tile matured hens after administering overdosage of vitamin complex are mainly cellular swelling and are reversible ones.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.89-93
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• 2003

The present study observed the ultrastructure of testis of bluespotted mud hopper(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris), and sperrnatogenesis was discussed also. The testis was surrounded by a thin adventitia, inside which spermatocyst composed the parenchyma of testis. Each lobule was enwrapped by many spermatocysts, which were filled with different kinds of spermatogenic cell clusters at the same developmental stage. In the lobule lumen there are large numbers of spermatozoa The thin adventitia(outer wall) of testis was composed of outer epithelium, and the underlying layers, such as collagen fiber layer, and myoid tissue. The myoid tissue elongated into the inside of testis, became the main componentof interstitium between spermatocyst where sperrnatogenesis occurred. In addition interstitial cells containing dense homogeneous nucleus and abundant mitochondria were observed. Spermatogonia contained round nucleus with diffuse chromatin and nucleolus, and dense nuclear bodies surround by mitochondria in cytoplasm. The synaptonemal . complex was observed in primary spermatocytes clearly. Early spermatid presented larger round nucleus composed of granular chromatin, which was located in the center of cytoplasm. The nucleus of mid-spermatid composed of finely granular chromatin lied on one side of spermatid, and abundant mitochondria had migrated another side. A nuclear fossa appeared in the site near mitochondria in late-spermatid, and the centriole was formed in nuclear fossa.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.126-126
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• 2017

Mitochondria are important in wheat, as in all crops, as the main source of ATP for cell maintenance and growth including vitamin synthesis, amino acid metabolism and photorespiration. To investigate the mitochondrial proteome of the roots of wheat seedlings, a systematic and targeted analysis were carried out on the mitochondrial proteome from 15 day-old wheat seedling root material. Mitochondria were isolated by Percoll gradient centrifugation; and extracted proteins were separated and analyzed by Tricine SDS-PAGE along with LTQ-FTICR mass spectrometry. From the isolated the sample, 184 proteins were identified which is composed of 140 proteins as mitochondria and 44 proteins as other subcellular proteins that are predicted by the freeware subcellular predictor. The identified proteins in mitochondria were functionally classified into 12 classes using the ProtFun 2.2 server based on biological processes. Proteins were shown to be involved in amino acid biosynthesis (17.1%), biosynthesis of cofactors (6.4%), cell envelope (11.4%), central intermediary metabolism (10%), energy metabolism (20%), fatty acid metabolism (0.7%), purines and pyrimidines (5.7%), regulatory functions (0.7%), replication and transcription (1.4%), translation (22.1%), transport and binding (1.4%), and unknown (2.8%). These results indicate that many of the protein components present and functions of identifying proteins are common to other profiles of mitochondrial proteins performed to date. This dataset provides the first extensive picture, to our knowledge, of mitochondrial proteins from wheat roots. Future research is required on quantitative analysis of the wheat mitochondrial proteomes at the spatial and developmental level.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.153-157
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• 2008

The objective of the present study was to identify mitochondrial components associated with the damage caused by iron to the rat heart. Decreased cell viability was assessed by increased presence of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum. To assess the functional integrity of mitochondria, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), the Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR), ATP and chelatable iron content were measured in the heart. Chelatable iron increased 15-fold in the mitochondria and ROS increased by 59%. Deterioration of mitochondrial function in the presence of iron was demonstrated by low RCR (46% decrease) and low ATP content (96% decrease). Using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE), we identified alterations in 21 mitochondrial proteins triggered by iron overload. Significantly, expression of the $\alpha$, $\beta$, and d subunits of $F_1F_o$ ATP synthase increased along with the loss of ATP. This suggests that the $F_1F_o$ ATP synthase participates in iron metabolism.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.421-430
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• 2015

The parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes severe malaria and is the most dangerous to humans. However, it exhibits resistance to their drugs. Farnesyltransferase has been identified in pathogenic protozoa of the genera Plasmodium and the target of farnesyltransferase includes Ras family. Therefore, the inhibition of farnesyltransferase has been suggested as a new strategy for the treatment of malaria. However, the exact functional mechanism of this agent is still unknown. In addition, the effect of farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTIs) on mitochondrial level of malaria parasites is not fully understood. In this study, therefore, the effect of a FTI R115777 on the function of mitochondria of P. falciparum was investigated experimentally. As a result, FTI R115777 was found to suppress the infection rate of malaria parasites under in vitro condition. It also reduces the copy number of mtDNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase III. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) and the green fluorescence intensity of MitoTracker were decreased by FTI R115777. Chloroquine and atovaquone were measured by the mtDNA copy number as mitochondrial non-specific or specific inhibitor, respectively. Chloroquine did not affect the copy number of mtDNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase III, while atovaquone induced to change the mtDNA copy number. These results suggest that FTI R115777 has strong influence on the mitochondrial function of P. falciparum. It may have therapeutic potential for malaria by targeting the mitochondria of parasites.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.10
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• pp.742-749
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• 2016

The cancer chemo-preventive effects of equol have been demonstrated for a wide variety of experimental tumours. In a previous study, we found that equol inhibited proliferation and induced apoptotic death of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. However, the mechanisms underlying equol-mediated apoptosis have not been well understood. In the present study, the dual AO (acridine orange)/EB (ethidium bromide) fluorescent assay, the comet assay, MTS, western blotting and flow cytometric assays were performed to further investigate the pro-apoptotic effect of equol and its associated mechanisms in MGC-803 cells. The results demonstrated that equol induced an apoptotic nuclear morphology revealed by AO/EB staining, the presence of a comet tail, the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP and the depletion of cIAP1, indicating its pro-apoptotic effect. In addition, equol-induced apoptosis involves the mitochondria-dependent cell-death pathway, evidenced by the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the cleavage of caspase-9 and the depletion of Bcl-xL and full-length Bid. Moreover, treating MGC-803 cells with equol induced the sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and inhibiting ERK by U0126, a MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor, significantly attenuated the equol-induced cell apoptosis. These results suggest that equol induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells via the sustained activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, equol may be a novel candidate for the chemoprevention and therapy of gastric cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.570-576
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• 2000

This study was designed to investigate the effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extract (MLE) on oxygen radicals and their scavenger enzymes in brain membranes of rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats (160$\pm$10 g) were fed basic diet (control group), and experimental diets (MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups) added 100 and 300 mg/kg BW/day for 6 weeks. Hydroxyl radical (.OH) lecels resulted in significant decreases (13.4% and 21.1%, 12.0% and 13.4%, respectively) in brain mitochondria and microsome of MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups compared with control group. Superoxide radical ($O_2$) levels were significantly decreased about 12% in brain cytosol of MLE-300 group compared with control group. Lipid peroxide (LPO) levels were effectively inhibited (18.1% and 12.3%, respectively) in brain mitochondria and microsomes of MLE-300 groups compared with control group. Oxidized protein (OP) levels were significantly decreased (14.2%, and 10.9%, respectively) in brain mitochondria and microsomes of MLE-300 groups compared with control group. Mn-SOD activities in brain mitochondria were significantly increased (13.5% and 18.6%, respectively) in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups, and Cu/Zn-SOD activities in brain cytosol were also effectively increased (about 17.7%) in MLE-300 groups compared with control group. GSHPx activities in brain cytosol were remarkably increased (17.2% and 23.9%, respectively) in MLE-100 and MLE-300 groups compared with control group. These results suggest that anti-aging effect of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) may play a pivotal role in attenuating a various age-related changes in brain.