• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.197-205
• /
• 2016

Adipose tissue is one of the major endocrine gland. More recently, local production of steroids in adipocytes differentiated from mouse 3T3-L1 cell-line was reported. We hypothesized that rat adipocytes have steroidogenic machinery and the expression patterns of the components might be differentially regulated, depending on the distribution and sex. To verify this hypothesis, we collected the adipose tissues depot-and sex-specifically at postnatal day (PND) 30, and performed quantitative RT-PCRs. In overall aspects, the abundances of the transcripts were lower in the brown adipose of both sexes. $3{\beta}-HSD$ transcript levels in female abdominal and reproductive adipose, CYP17 transcript levels in female reproductive adipose, $17{\beta}-HSD$ transcript levels in female abdominal and reproductive adipose, and CYP19 transcript levels in female abdominal adipose were significantly lower than those of male counterparts. Similar to steroidogenic factors, the abundance of the $ER-{\alpha}$ transcripts were generally lower in the brown adipose of both sexes. $ER-{\beta}$ transcripts were more abundant in male white adipose depots than their female counterparts. The levels of LHR transcripts in female reproductive adipose were significantly higher than those of male counterpart. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the expressions of steroidogenesis-related genes were depot- and sex-specifically occurred in the immature male and female rat adipose tissues. Our study suggested that the adipose tissues are not only targets but de novo synthesizing sites of sex steroid(s), though the synthesizing activities could be much less than in gonads. Further researches in this field will be helpful for understanding the adipose physiology and for medical application such as sex-specific steroid supplement therapies for older populations.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.75-82
• /
• 1993

To investigate the effect of EDTA on the in vitro development of blastomeres isolated from 2, 4, and 8-cell embryos(termed 1 /2, 1 /4 and 1 /8 blastomeres, respectively) of ICR strain mice, those were cultured in vitro in 35 mm culture dishes containing NaHCO$_3$-BMOC-3 medium supplemented with 10, 50, 100, or 500 $\mu$M of EDTA at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 72hrs. under the atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$and 95% air. EDTA supplementation of 10, 50, or 100 $\mu$M to medium significantly(P<0.01) increased blastocyst formation rate compared with controls in 1 /2(58.3, 63.7, and 61.3% vs 21.6%), 1 /4(54.7, 57.5 and 62.2% vs. 2L3%), and 1 /8 blastomeres(46.2, 48.7, and 57.7% vs. 19.1%). Whereas, it was significantly(P<0.01) decreased to 4.5, 2.3, and 2.0% for 1 /2, 1 /4 and 1 /8 blastomeres, respectively by the EDTA supplementation of 500 M Both the nuclear number(P<0.05) and diameter of blastocysts(P<0.01) developed from balstomeres were significantly affected by the origin of blastomeres. The nuclear number of blastocysrs developed from 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 blastomeres ranged 28.3i1.3, 24.18i1.2, and 19.84$\pm$0.9, respectively. And the diameter of those blastocysts was 87.2$\pm$1.1, 56.4$\pm$0.9, and 39.2$\geq$0.8 $\mu$M, respectively.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.201-207
• /
• 2011

The present study was performed to investigate the survival and subsequent embryonic developmental rate of immature and mature oocytes after vitrification and pronuclear stage embryos after slow-freezing and vitrification. We have also tried to examine the dependency of concentrations (7.5, 15%) and exposure time (5, 10, 20 min) of ED cryoprotectant on developmental rate of pronuclear stage embryos. The developmental rates of 2-ce1l and blastocyst embryos at mature oocytes were significantly (p<0.05) higher than immature oocytes. After slow freezing, vitrification and thawing of pronuclear stage embryo, the survival and developmental rates of blastocysts and hatched blastocysts were significantly (p<0.05) higher after vitrification than after slow-freezing. On contrary, the developmental rates of 2-cell embryos were significantly (p<0.05) higher after slow freezing than after vitrification. The cryopreservation methods of pronuclear stage embryos vitrified by exposed to 7.5% ED solution for 5 minutes was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other experimental group. The results of our study suggest 1hat the developmental rates of mature oocytes have been more successful than immature oocytes during vitrification. Vitrification was more efficient than slow freezing in case of pronuclear stage embryos. The effective cryopreservation method of pronuclear stage embryos was vitrified by exposed to 7.5% ED solution for 5 minutes.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.98-103
• /
• 2015

Pueraiae Radix (PR), Pueratia Folium (PF) and Sorbus commixta (SC) mixture, namely GS-SP (PR (1)/PF (2)/SC (0.5): v/v/v) was developed as hangover-relieving elixir and its effects on alcoholic metabolism have been investigated. The enzymatic activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) of GS-SP was shown higher than those of single treatment with PR, PL, SC, and the positive control group (YM-808). The survival rate of mouse liver cell line NCTC clone 1469 in the presence of acetaldehyde was 30.6, 22.2, and 8.7% at the GS-SP dosage level of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL respectively. Different concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of GS-SP showed efficient activity for ADH and ALDH than YM-808 in rat fed with 25% ethanol. The levels of blood alcohol and acetaldehyde after oral administration of 200 mg/kg of GS-SP showed efficient activity of 11.7% and 37% than those of YM-808. These results have been supported to the potential for GS-SP to serve as an excellent potential in providing hangover relief and liver protection.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.102-107
• /
• 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate protein profiles related to the induction of adipogenesis within the bovine longissimus dorsi muscle (BLDM) by proteomic analysis. We analyzed BLDM proteins at different growth stages to clarify the physiological mechanisms of marbled muscle development in 20 head of Korean native cattle (11 month: 10 head, 17 month: 10 head). BLDM proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and image analysis. Villin 2 was specifically identified by mass spectrometry and a protein search engine. Villin 2 protein expression in BLDM decreased during the fat development stage in test steers. In a Western blot cell culture study of spontaneously immortal bovine muscle fibroblasts, the abundance of Villin 2 was shown to be down-regulated during differentiation into muscle. In 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblasts, Villin 2 was decreased during differentiation into adipocytes. The results suggest that Villin 2 may be related to the induction of transdifferentiation and adipogenesis in bovine longissimus dorsi muscle.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.391-399
• /
• 2011

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are known to have bacteriocidal activity and are important components of the innate immune system. Many FFAs are naturally present in human and animal skin, breast milk, and in the bloodstream. Here, the therapeutic potential of FFAs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is demonstrated in cultures and in mice. Among a series of FFAs, only oleic acid (OA) (C18:1, cis-9) can effectively eliminate Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) through cell wall disruption. Lauric acid (LA, C12:0) and palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) do not have this ability. OA can inhibit growth of a number of Gram-positive bacteria, including hospital and community-associated MRSA at a dose that did not show any toxicity to human sebocytes. The bacteriocidal activities of FFAs were also demonstrated in vivo through injection of OA into mouse skin lesions previously infected with a strain of MRSA. In conclusion, our results suggest a promising therapeutic approach against MRSA through boosting the bacteriocidal activities of native FFAs, which may have been co-evolved during the interactions between microbes and their hosts.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
• /
• 2003.06a
• /
• pp.83-83
• /
• 2003

돼지 난자의 유리화 동결 처리 방법 중 난자를 담는 용기(loading vessel)의 재료로 최근에 알려진 것으로 open-pulled straws(OPS)[Vajta등, Mol Reprod Dev, 51:53-58, (1998)], electron microscope grids(EMG) [Martino등,Biol Reprod, 54:1059-1069, (1996)〕, nylon loop system(NLS) [Lane등, Fertil Steril,72: 1073-1078, (1999)] 등이 보고되고 있다. OPS는 1/4cc straws를 열을 가하여 길게 뽑아 내벽을 얇게 함으로써 filing된 난자나 수정란이 액체 질소와 접촉했을 때 유리화가 신속하게 되도록 하는 방법으로 돼지에서는 별로 보고된 것이 없다. EMG는 열전도가 예민한 전자현미경용 copper grid를 이용한 방법으로 최근 국내 기술진의 연구성적을 포함한 몇몇 학자들에 의하여 보고되었고 NLS는 0.5mm직경의 nylon loop를 이용하여 급속 동결한 성적이 보고되었으나, 돼지 난자에 응용 된 것은 없다. 따라서 이와 같은 동결 재료는 사람과 반추류, mouse외에 돼지 난자에 대하여는 전혀 시도되지 않았지만 유리화 동결기술에서 가장 중요한 실험으로 생각된다. 성공적인 유리화 동결을 위해서는 수정란이 냉각의 전도성이 빠르고, 작은 용액을 수정란과 같이 filling해야 하며 모든 동작이 신속 간편해야 하며 융해 방법도 초급속도의 융해가 요구되므로 이에 부합되어야 한다. 연구 목적은 돼지 난자를 유리화 동결/융해 시 동결 재료-straw/glass, copper grid, nylon 3가지에 대한 제작 방법, 난자 loading, 동결 처리, 보관 방법, 융해 방법 등을 난자의 회수, 수정 후 생존율을 비교 조사하여 가장 우수한 방법을 선택할 목적이었다. 수행 내용은 3가지의 재료의 sample을 제작하고 소독한 다음 준비된 돼지 COCs을 40시간동안 IVM한 후 난자를 5~l5개 정도로 선정 하여 준비된 VS 용액에 평형처리 하였다. 각 재료의 용기에 loading 한 후 동결/보관하였고, 융해는 역순으로 평형하여 maturation 배지에 3~4시간 배양한 다음 경검하고 IVF한 후 NCSU-23 배지에 담아 IVC 배양하면서 cell cleavage상태를 확인하였다.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
• /
• 2003.06a
• /
• pp.17-17
• /
• 2003

The milk of transgenic animals may provide an attractive vehicle for large-scale production of hEPO. Since glycosylation is cell type specific, recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) produced in different host cells contain different patterns of oligosaccharides, which could affect the biological functions. However, there have been no reports on the characteristics of rhEPO derived from milk of transgenic animals. To address this objective, several transgenic mice by using pWAPhEPO and/or pBC1hEPO expression vector were produced. However, 2 lines of pWAPhEPO founder female mouse died during late gestational day (day 18) before offspring could be obtained. They showed a severe splenomegaly, Unlike those of pWAPhEPO, mammary gland epithelial cells from biopsies of lactating pBC1hEPO transgenic mice had marked immunoreactivity to EPO and any activity was not detected in other tissues. The expression level of rhEPO is about 0.7% of mammary gland cellular total soluble proteins and an amount of 300~500 mg/L rhEPO is secreted into milk. Furthermore, the pBC1hEPO transgenic mice transmitted this character to their progeny in mendelian manner. In order to determine the extent of glycosylation variation, N-linked oligosaccharide structures present in the milk-derived rhEPO were characterized. Most of milk-derived rhEPO is fully glycosylated. the biological activity of milk-derived rhEPO was comparable to that of purified CHO-derived rhEPO, and milk-derived rhEPO showed relatively stable after freezing and thawing. Taken together, the results illustrate the potential of transgenic animals in the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.23-30
• /
• 2004

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been used as a raw material in many traditional preparations since the ancient time. As a component of traditional health products, Ginger is known to be effective as appetite enhancer, anticold and anti-inflammation. This study was performed to investigate the immunomodulative effects of Ginger in mouse, using in vitro and ex vivo experiments. In vitro experiment, the mice splenocytes proliferation and three kinds of cytokines (IL-1 $\beta$, IL-6, and TNF-$\alpha$) prodution by peritoneal macrophages cultured with ethanol and water extracts of Ginger were used to indicate the immunomodulative effect. In order to elucidate the immunomodulative effects of Ginger ex vivo, water extract of Ginger was orally administrated into mice, and isolated splencytes and macrophages were used as experimental model. Ex vivo experiment, six to seven week old mice were fed ad libitum on a chow diet, and water extract of finger was orally administrated every other day for four weeks at two different concentractions (50 and 500 mg/kg B.W./day). In vitro study, the splenocytes proliferation was increased when water extract was supplemented in the range of 50-500 $\mu$l/ml concentration. In case of cytokines production, IL-1 $\beta$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$ released by activated peritoneal macrophages were augmented by the supplementation of water extract of the Ginger. Ex vivo experiment, the highest proliferation of splenocytes and production of cytokines by activated peritoneal macrophages were seen in the mice orally administrated at the concentration of 500 mg/kg B.W./day. In conclusion, this study suggests that Ginger extracts may enhance the immune function by regulating the splenocytes proliferation and enhancing the cytokine prodution capacity by activated macrophages in mice.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.58-63
• /
• 2009

Background: T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing 3 protein (Tim-3) expressed on terminally differentiated Th1 cells plays a suppressive role in Th1-mediated immune responses. Recently, it has been shown that N-glycosylation affects the binding activity of the Tim-3-Ig fusion protein to its ligand, galectin-9, but the binding properties of non-glycosylated Tim-3 on $CD4^+CD25^+$T cells has not been fully examined. In this study, we produced recombinant Tim-3-Ig fusion proteins in different cellular sources and its N-glycosylation mutant forms to evaluate their binding activities to $CD4^+CD25^+$T cells. Methods: We isolated and cloned Tim-3 cDNA from BALB/C mouse splenocytes. Then, we constructed a mammalian expression vector and a prokaryotic expression vector for the Tim-3-Ig fusion protein. Using a site directed mutagenesis method, plasmid vectors for Tim-3-Ig N-glycosylation mutant expression were produced. The recombinant protein was purified by protein A sepharose column chromatography. The binding activity of Tim-3-Ig fusion protein to $CD4^+CD25^+$T cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: We found that the nonglycosylated Tim-3-Ig fusion proteins expressed in bacteria bound to $CD4^+CD25^+$T cells similarly to the glycosylated Tim-3-Ig protein produced in CHO cells. Further, three N-glycosylation mutant forms (N53Q, N100Q, N53/100Q) of Tim-3-Ig showed similar binding activities to those of wild type glycosylated Tim-3-Ig. Conclusion: Our results suggest that N-glycosylation of Tim-3 may not affect its binding activity to ligands expressed on $CD4^+CD25^+$T cells.