• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.7
• /
• pp.800-808
• /
• 2019

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of rare peripheral neuropathies characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy and areflexia in the upper and lower extremities. The most common subtype of CMT is CMT1A, which is caused by a tandem duplication of the PMP22 gene in the 17p12 region. Patients with CMT1A show a loose genotype-phenotype correlation, which suggests the existence of secondary genetic or association factors. Recently, polymorphisms of rs71428439 (n.83A>G) and rs2292832 (n.86T>C) in the MIR149 have been reported to be associated with late onset and mild phenotypic CMT1A severity. The aim of this study was to examine the intrafamilial heterogeneities of clinical phenotypes according to the genotypes of these two SNPs in MIR149. For this study, we selected 6 large CMT1A families who showed a wide range of phenotypic variation. This study suggested that both SNPs were related to the onset age and severity in the dominant model. In particular, the AG+GG (n.83A>G) and TC+CC genotypes (n.86T>C) were associated to late onset and mild symptoms. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was not related to the MIR149 genotypes. These results were consistent with the previous studies. Therefore, we suggest that the rs71428439 and rs2292832 variants in MIR149 may serve as genetic modifiers of CMT1A intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity, as they have a role in the unrelated patients. This is the first study to show an association using large families with variable clinical CMT1A phenotypes. The results will be helpful in the molecular diagnosis and treatment of patients with CMT1A.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.7-18
• /
• 2019

This study aimed to assess the impact of livestock excreta discharged from an Intensive Livestock Farming Area (ILFA) on river water quality during a rainfall event. The Bangcho River, which is one of the 7 tributaries in the Cheongmi River watershed, was the study site. The Cheongmi River watershed is the second largest area for livestock excreta discharge in Korea. Our results clearly showed that, during the rainfall event, the water quality of the Bangcho River was severely deteriorated due to the COD, $NH_4-N$, T-N, $PO_4-P$, T-P, and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Mn) in the run-off from nearby farmlands, where the soil comprised composted manure and unmanaged livestock excreta. In addition, stable isotope analysis revealed that most of nitrogen ($NH_4-N$ and $NO_3-N$) in the run-off was from the ammonium and nitrate in the livestock excreta. The values of ${\delta}^{15}N_{NH4}$ and ${\delta}^{15}N_{NO3}$ for the Bangcho River water sample, which was obtained from the downstream of mixing zone for run-off water, were lower than those for the run-off water. This indicates that there were other nitrogen sources upstream river in the river. It was assumed from ${\delta}^{15}N_{NH4}$ and ${\delta}^{15}N_{NO3}$ stable isotope analyses that these other nitrogen sources were naturally occurring soil nitrogen, nitrogen from chemical fertilizers, sewage, and livestock excreta. Therefore, the use of physicochemical characteristics and nitrogen stable isotopes in the water quality impact assessment enabled more effective analysis of nitrogen pollution from an ILFA during rainfall events.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.11
• /
• pp.872-881
• /
• 2022

In this study, we optimized the composition of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production medium using response surface methodology on Pantoea agglomerans SRCM 119864 isolated from soil. IAA-producing P. aglomerans SRCM 119864 was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. There are 11 intermediate components known to affect IAA production, hence the effect of each component on IAA production was investigated using a Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Based on the PBD, sucrose, tryptone, and sodium chloride were selected as the main factors that enhanced the IAA production at optimal L-tryptophan concentration. The predicted maximum IAA production (64.34 mg/l) was obtained for a concentration of sucrose of 13.38 g/l, of tryptone of 18.34 g/l, of sodium chloride of 9.71 g/l, and of L-tryptophan of 6.25 g/l using a the hybrid design experimental model. In the experiment, the nutrient broth medium supplemented with 0.1% L-tryptophan as the basal medium produced 45.24 mg/l of IAA, whereas the optimized medium produced 65.40 mg/l of IAA, resulting in a 44.56% increase in efficiency. It was confirmed that the IAA production of the designed optimal composition medium was very similar to the predicted IAA production. The statistical significance and suitability of the experimental model were verified through analysis of variance (ANOVA). Therefore, in this study, we determined the optimal growth medium concentration for the maximum production of IAA, which can contribute to sustainable agriculture and increase crop yield.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.471-480
• /
• 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Rumohra adiantiformis extracts fermented with Bovista plumbea mycelium (B-RAE) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid content of B-RAE were 379.26±7.77 mg/g and 50.85±3.08 mg/g, respectively. The results of measuring the antioxidant activity of B-RAE showed that it scavenges 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and superoxide anion radical in a dose-dependent manner. B-RAE inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viability. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-lβ (IL-1β), and IL-6 was measured using real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We found that, compared to the LPS-treated group, B-RAE significantly reduced the mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the phosphorylation of transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway proteins were assessed using Western blot analysis. We found that B-RAE significantly suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2, but their expression was increased by LPS treatment. In addition, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκB, which was increased by LPS treatment, was reduced with B-RAE treatment. The effect of B-RAE on the phosphorylation of the MAPK signaling pathway proteins was measured, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the p38 MAPK proteins decreased in a dose-dependent manner, while the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) increased. These anti-inflammatory effects of B-RAE may thus have been achieved through the high antioxidant activity, the inhibition of NO production through the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression, the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, and the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.325-334
• /
• 2023

The invasive red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is native to south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Recently, it has been being spreading in the wild in South Korea. However, its primary sources, introduction routes, establishment, and expansion in South Korea remain unclear. Here, we analyzed genetic diversity and population genetic structures of its domestic natural populations during early invasion, commercial stock from local aquaria (a suspected introduction source), and original United States population using mitochondrial COI gene sequences for 267 individuals and eight microsatellite markers for 158 individuals. Natural and commercial populations of P. clarkii showed reduced genetic diversity (e.g., haplotype diversity and allelic richness). The highest genetic diversity was observed in one original source population based on both genetic markers. Despite a large number of individuals in commercial aquaria, we detected remarkably low genetic diversity and only three haplotypes among 226 individuals, suggesting an inbred population likely originating from a small founder group. Additionally, the low genetic diversity in the natural population indicates a small effective population size during early establishment of P. clarkii in South Korea. Interestingly, genetic differentiation between natural populations and the United States population was lower than that between natural populations and aquarium populations. This suggests that various genetic types from the United States likely have entered different domestic aquariums, leading to distinct natural populations through separate pathways. Results of our study will provide an insight on the level of genetic divergence and population differentiation during the initial stage of invasion of non-indigenous species into new environments.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.381-387
• /
• 2010

To find offspring of Jeju Black cattle (JBC) produced by embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI), a molecular genetic study was carried out in candidate cattle populations collected from cattle farms in Jeju Island, Korea. The genetic marker set was composed of 11 ISAG microsatellite (MS) markers, 11 SAES MS markers selected by our preliminary analysis for population diversity of JBC and two major coat color related genes: MC1R and ASIP. The results showed a combined non-exclusion probability for first parent (NE-P1) that was higher than that recommended by ISAG (above 0.9995), and a combined non-exclusion probability for sib identity of $5.3{\times}10^{-10}$. Parentage analysis showed that the cases identified the candidate's father only (77.0%), mother only (54.0%), and both parents (40.5%) in the candidate offspring population. The ET and AI calves were identified as 14.7% in the in vitro fertilized eggs provided and 32.4% in total population, respectively. However, the result from ISAG marker analysis showed 3 identical allele-combinations in 7 calves, and that from ISAG/SAES MS marker combination also showed 1 identical allele-combination in 2 calves. Data from MS and coat-color gene analyses provided information for complete identification of all animals tested. Because the present JBC population was mostly bred using small nuclear founders through bioengineering techniques such as AI and ET, the genetic diversity levels obtained from MS analysis in the JBC population were relatively lower than those of other cattle populations, including Hanwoo. The results suggested that the more efficient marker combinations, including coat color related genotypes, should be studied and used for constructing a system for identification and molecular breeding of JBC as well.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.129-139
• /
• 2007

목적 : Signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (Stat 6) 유전자는 면역세포의 발달에 있어서 중요한 유전인자이며, IL-4와 같은 사이토카인에 의해 유전자 발현이 조절된다. 본 연구에서는 Stat 6 유전자 제거 생쥐와 정상 (wild type, W/T) 생쥐에 carrageenan으로 염증을 유도한 후 족삼리에 침치료를 시행하여 시상하부에서의 유전자 발현 양상을 분석하고자 하였다. 방 법 : BALB/c (W/T, n=12) and BALB/c-Stat 6 유전자 제거 생쥐 (n=12)의 발뒤꿈치 표피에 1% carrageenan을 30 ul 주사하여 염증을 유도하였다. 침은 염증 유도 30분 후에 족삼리(ST36)에 시침하였으며, 염증유도에 의한 부종 증가율을 매 시간마다 측정하여 총 5시간동안 측정하였다. 마이크로에러이는 Stat 6 유전자 제거 생쥐를 염증 유발 군과 염증유발 후 침을 처치한 군으로 나누고, 시상하부를 적출하여 RNA를 분리한뒤 마이크로어레이 프로파일을 분석하였다. 결 과 : 염증에 의한 부종증가율을 비교한 결과, Stat 6 유전자 제거 생쥐 그룹의 부종증가율이 W/T 생쥐의 부종 증가율보다 약 50 % 정도 감소하였으며, 각 3, 4, 5시간째에 유의한 차이를 나타내었다. (각 p<0.05). W.T생쥐군과 Stat 6 유전자 제거 생쥐군 모두에서, 침 처치군이 염증 유발 군에 비해, 염증 유발 2시간 후부터 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 시상하부의 유전자 발현을 관찰한 결과, 39개의 유전자가 3배 이상 감소하였으며, 19개의 유전자는 3배 이상 증가하였다. 결 론 : W/T 생쥐군과 Stat 6 유전자 제거 생쥐 모두에서 침의 진통효과는 나타나며, 이의 기전에는 시상하부에서의 침 치료에 의한 염증관련 유전자들의 감소와, 항염증과 관련된 유전자들이 증가가 관여하는 것으로 보인다., 10, 11), 내측전완피신경(TE5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), 후상완피신경(TE12, 13), 상외측상완피신경(TE13), 외측쇄골상신경(TE14, 15),대이개신경(TE16, 17, 18, 19), 소후두신경(TE19, 20), 이개측두신경(TE20, 21, 22), 안면신경측두지(TE22, 23), 관골측두신경(TE23), 중층에 견갑상신경(TE15), 견갑배신경(TE15), 경상설골근신경(TE17), 후이개신경(TE18, 19, 20), 안면신경측두지(TE20, 21, 22), 심층에 후골간신경(TE5, 6, 7), 요골신경심지(TE8, 9, 12, 13), 견갑상신경(TE14), 액와신경가지(TE14), 부신경(TE16), 안면신경과 부신경가지(TE17), 설인신경(TE17), 설하신경(TE17), 경신경고리(TE17), 미주신경(TE17), 안면신경 (TE18). 3) 혈(血) 관(管) : 천층에 척측정맥배측지(TE1, 2), 고유수장지동맥배측지(TE1), 배측중수골동맥배측지(TE2), 배측중수골정맥(TE3), 척측피정맥(TE4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), 배측정맥궁(TE4), 부요측피정맥(TE6, 8, 9),요측피정맥(TE10, 11), 후견봉정맥가지(TE13, 14), 후이개동 ${\cdot}$ 정맥(TE16, 17, 18, 19, 20), 전이개동 ${\cdot}$ 정맥(TE20), 천측두동 ${\cdot}$ 정맥(TE22, 23), 중층에 후상완회선동맥(TE14), 견갑배동맥(TE15), 견갑상동맥(TE15),천측두동 ${\cdot}$ 정맥(TE21), 관골측두동 ${\cdot}$ 정맥(TE23), 심층에 배측중수골동맥(TE3), 배측수근동맥궁(TE4), 후골간동맥(TE4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), 전골간동맥(TE6, 7, 9)

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.40 no.6
• /
• pp.767-774
• /
• 2011

Defatted green tea seed was extracted with 100% ethanol for 4 hr and then fractionated with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and butanol. The ethanol and butanol extracts showed greater increases in antiproliferation potential against liver cancer cells than petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, $H_2O$, and hot water extracts did. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the anti-proliferative actions of defatted green tea seed ethanol extract (DGTSE) in HepG2 cancer cells. The DGTSE contained catechins including EGC ($1039.1{\pm}15.2\;g/g$), tannic acid ($683.5{\pm}17.61\;{\mu}g/g$), EC ($62.4{\pm}5.00\;{\mu}g/g$), ECG ($24.4{\pm}7.81\;{\mu}g/g$), EGCG ($20.9{\pm}0.96\;{\mu}g/g$) and gallic acid ($2.4{\pm}0.68\;{\mu}g/g$), but caffeic acid was not detected when analyzed by HPLC. The anti-proliferation effect of DGTSE toward HepG2 cells was 83.13% when treated at $10\;{\mu}g$/mL, of DGTSE, offering an $IC_{50}$ of $6.58\;{\mu}g$/mL. DGTSE decreased CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Quinone reductase and antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase activities were increased about 2.6 and 1.94-fold at a concentration of $20\;{\mu}g$/mL compared to a control group, respectively. Enhancement of phase II enzyme activity by DGTSE was shown to be mediated via interaction with ARE sequences in genes encoding the phase enzymes. DGTSE significantly (p<0.05) suppressed prostaglandin $E_2$ level, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) protein expressions, and NF${\kappa}$B translocation, but did not affected nitric oxide production. From the above results, it is concluded that DGTSE may ameliorate tumor and inflammatory reactions through the elevation of phase II enzyme activities and suppression of NF${\kappa}$B translocation and TNF-${\alpha}$ protein expressions, which support the cancer cell anti-proliferative effects of DGTSE in HepG2 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.10
• /
• pp.784-791
• /
• 2022

This study observed changes in the body composition of Protaetia brevitarsis sinulensis larvae when reared with feed that included noni and nipa palm. Compared to the control group, the death rate and product yield of the treatment group were improved after the larval fasting process. The brightness of the larval powder of the treatment group increased, but the redness decreased. The crude fat content of the treated group was slightly increased according to the assays of the general components, but the mineral content was significantly increased. The total structural amino acids of the treatment group decreased, but the total free amino acids increased. The structural amino acids generally tended to decrease in the treatment group. However, the free amino acids showed no specific differences. Among the free amino acids, tryptophan, phosphoserine, and methylhistidine were highly increased in the treatment group, whereas threonine, methionine, and asparagine showed the opposite results. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) of omega-3 was increased in the treatment group, but the omega-6 series was decreased. Since minerals, total free amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment group were increased compared to the control group, we suggest that noni and nipa palm can potentially be applied to the production of functionally improved substances as additional sources of feed for Protaetia brevitarsis sinulensis larvae.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.11
• /
• pp.5469-5475
• /
• 2012

Background and Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a complex genetic disease involving many fusion oncogenes (FO) having prognostic significance. The frequency of various FO can vary in different ethnic groups, with important implications for prognosis, drug selection and treatment outcome. Method: We studied fusion oncogenes in 101 pediatric ALL patients using interphase FISH and RT-PCR, and their associations with clinical features and treatment outcome. Results: Five most common fusion genes i.e. BCR-ABL t (22; 9), TCF3-PBX1 (t 1; 19), ETV6-RUNX1 (t 12; 21), MLL-AF4 (t 4; 11) and SIL-TAL1 (del 1p32) were found in 89/101 (88.1%) patients. Frequency of BCR-ABL was 44.5% (45/101). BCR-ABL positive patients had a significantly lower survival ($43.7{\pm}4.24$ weeks) and higher white cell count as compared to others, except patients with MLL-AF4. The highest relapse-free survival was documented with ETV6-RUNX1 (14.2 months) followed closely by those cases in which no gene was detected (13.100). RFS with BCR-ABL, MLL-AF4, TCF3-PBX1 and SIL-TAL1 was less than 10 months (8.0, 3.6, 5.5 and 8.1 months, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first study from Pakistan correlating molecular markers with disease biology and treatment outcome in pediatric ALL. It revealed the highest reported frequency of BCR-ABL FO in pediatric ALL, associated with poor overall survival. Our data indicate an immediate need for incorporation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of BCR-ABL+ pediatric ALL in this population and the development of facilities for stem cell transplantation.