• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.179-186
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• 2002

Objective: Lectins are cell-agglutinating and sugar specific proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin that precipitate glycoconjugates having saccharides of appropriate complementarity. Because of these properties, plant lectins have been used to help characterize the carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins in the zona pellucida (ZP) of several mammalian species including pigs. Treatment of oocytes with various lectins blocks sperm binding to the ZP in various mammalian species. This study was undertaken to examine the distribution of sugar residues in the ZP of pig oocytes matured in vitro and the ability of spermatozoa to bind to ZP and in vitro penetration in oocytes treated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled lectins. Materials and Methods: The lectins of Banderiaea simplicifolia (BS-II, bind to $\beta$-D-N-acetylglucosamine), Canavalin ensiformis (Con A, bind to $\alpha$-D-Mannose), Lens culinaris (LCA, bind to a-D-Mannose), Ricinus communis (RCA-I, bind to $\beta$-D-Galactose) and Ulex europaeus (UEA-I, bind to $\alpha$-L-Fucose) were examined for spermatozoa penetration, binding capacity to ZP and distribution of lectins. Results: The penetration rates were significantry (p<0.05) higher in control oocytes (63%) than those treated with all lectins, but penetration rates ($40{\sim}49%$) were simililar in group treated with lectins. The incidence of monospermy was similar in oocytes untreated and UEA-I, but it was higher in oocytes treated with BS-II, Con A, RCA-I and LCA. The porcine oocytes cultured for 48 h in TC-199 medium were freed from cumulus cells and treated for 30 min with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled lectins. When examined under fluorescein illumination, higher (p<0.001) proportions of oocytes showed fluorescein of zona pellucida after treatment with Con A (93%), LCA (93%) and RCA-I (100%) than BS-II (37%) and UEA-I (50%). All of the oocytes treated with RCA-I exhibited strong fluorescein in the outer region of the zona pellucida while those treated with LCA exhibited strong fluorescein throughout the zona pellucida. BS-II bounded mainly to the outer region and UEA-I bounded mainly to the inner region of the zona pellucida, with either strong or weak fluorescein. At 120 min after insemination in vitro, fewer spermatozoa were bound to the zona pellucida of the oocytes treated with BS-II, Con-A and RCA-I. Of the lectins, Con A most inhibited sperm binding. Conclusions: These results suggest that $\beta$-D-Galactose residues in the porcine zona pellucida may act as primary sperm receptors and inducers of the sperm acrosome reaction and these sugar residues may be involved in the block to polyspermy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2008

Galectins are a group of animal lectins consisting of galectin-type carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD) with relatively minor domains. The biological properties of galectins include the regulation of inflammation, intercellular adhesion, cell differentiation and cell death. The diverse kinds of galectin suggest variety in their biological roles. Galectin-1 is released during adipocyte differentiation and is associated with fat which is one of the important factors for meat quality. To verify expression level, a 0.5 kb clone of galectin-1 was obtained from cDNA prepared from back fat tissue of a Sancheong Berkshire pig with good quality meat, and the galectin-1 gene identified. The deduced amino acid sequence of the galectin-1 gene was compared with those obtained from other species. By using RT-PCR and Real time-PCR, an attempt was made to determine the expression level of galectin-1 and to compare with various tissues (tenderloin and back fat) taken from pigs in different groups. Grouping of pigs was based on growth-stage (weighing 60, 80, and 110 kg) and the sub-speciation (Yorkshire and Sancheong Berkshire pigs). We attempted to determine influences of pig species, growth stages and tissue variations on the expression level of the galectin-l gene and it was revealed that the expression pattern of the galectin-1 gene was significantly different (p<0.01 or p<0.05). Galectin-1 genes were expressed more highly in the back fat tissues of pigs weighing 110 kg than in those weighing 60 kg or 80 kg. However, the lowest expression was seen in the tenderloin tissues of pigs weighing 110 kg. Sancheong Berkshire pigs showed higher expression of the galectin-1 gene compared to Yorkshire pigs. Accordingly, it is considered that the expression pattern of the galectin-1 gene influences the growth of back fat tissues and the pig speciation relationship. Previous studies suggested that different expression of galectin-1 genes represents variety among the breeds and is closely related to fat tissue growth, conjugation and catabolism. Further, this study suggests that the expression of galectin-1 at a specific growth stage and tissue contributes significantly to the overall meat quality of Sancheong Berkshire pigs.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.345-356
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• 2017

We investigated 52 livestock farming complexes in Gyeong-Gi and Incheon provinces based on low, medium, and high livestock density and groundwater quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate a relationship between nitrate N concentration in groundwater and animal factors, such as livestock density and animal species. 2,200 groundwater samples for 3 years from 2012 to 2014 at Gyeong-Gi and Incheon provinces were collected and analyzed for pH, EC, DO, ORP, temperature, major anions and cations, such as $NO_3-N$, ${HCO_3}^-$, ${PO_4}^-$, ${SO_4}^{2-}$, $Cl^-$, $NH_4-N$, $K^+$, $Na^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, T-N, and TOC. Average concentration of total N for generated load density was $23,973g\;day^{-1}\;km^{-2}$ for cattle, $51,551g\;day^{-1}\;km^{-2}$ for pig, and $52,100g\;day^{-1}\;km^{-2}$ for poultry. For animal feeding species, average ratio for generated load over discharge load was 16.1% for cattle, 7.8% for pig, and 7.1% for poultry. Therefore, cattle feeding region is highly vulnerable for water pollution compared to pig and poultry feeding areas. The concentrations of chloride, nitrate, and total N in the groundwater samples were higher at high animal farming regions than other regions. The average concentration of nitrate, and chloride in groundwater samples was $5.0mg\;L^{-1}$, $16.6mg\;L^{-1}$ for low livestock density, $6.9mg\;L^{-1}$, $17.7mg\;L^{-1}$ for medium livestock density and $7.6mg\;L^{-1}$, $22.7mg\;L^{-1}$ for high livestock density and total nitrogen (T-N) was $7.7mg\;L^{-1}$ for low livestock density, $9.4mg\;L^{-1}$ for medium livestock density, $10.7mg\;L^{-1}$ for high livestock density. In conclusion, based on this research, for managing groundwater quality near livestock farming regions, $Ca-(Cl+NO_3)$ group from the Piper diagram is more efficient than using 19 factors for water quality standard.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.489-500
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• 1999

The fatty acid composition of muscle were investigated to compare muscle composition among the 9 domestic animals including cattle. In major domestic animals, analyzed the effects of age, part and sex of the animal on their fatty acid composition. The content of 4 types of major fatty acids of muscle was determined and calculated their ratio. Myristic acid and palmitic acid levels were high in chicken and sheep. Besides dog muscle contained a lot of stearic acid. Linoleic acid content showed evident difference in the content depending on the animal species. The ratios of linoleic acid/palmitic acid (L/P ratio) and linoleic acid/stearic acid(L/S ratio) were characteristically high in horse and pig, whereas the ratio of palmitic acid/stearic acid(P/S ratio) was $0.71{\pm}0.17$, showing very low level in dog. As for the content of stearic acid, in cattle and chicken it was higher in young animal than adults. In duck, the contents of all fatty acids and ratio were increased by the age. As for the content of fatty acids according to the part of chicken, high level was shown in thigh than in breast and wing, while there was no remarkable variation by the part in other animal. The differences in the content of myristic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid among some animal could be verified in muscle lipid composition. The L/P ratio which maintained certain level regardless of age, part, sex shown distinctive pattern between the species.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.649-656
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• 2008

The current study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on proliferation and differentiation of pig preadipocytes. The preadipocytes were isolated from the backfat of new-born female pigs and cultured in serum-deprived medium in the presence and absence of recombinant native IGFs or recombinant mutant IGFs that have reduced affinity for binding to both type-1 IGF receptors and insulin receptors. Fifty ng/ml of either IGF-I, [Leu60]IGF-I, IGF-Ⅱ or [Leu27]IGF-Ⅱ were included in the media in which preadipocytes were cultured for 4 days. IGF-I, [Leu60]IGF-I, IGF-Ⅱ and [Leu27]IGF-Ⅱ stimulated proliferation of pig preadipocytes by 39%, 8%, 25% and 2% respectively, as measured by increased numbers of cells. This indicates that both IGF-I and -II promote replication of pig preadipocytes by actions mediated either by type-1 IGF receptor or insulin receptor. IGF-I, [Leu60]IGF-I, IGF-Ⅱ and [Leu27]IGF-Ⅱ stimulated differentiation of pig preadipocytes by 50%, 17%, 37% and 30%, respectively, measured as glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase activity. Reducing the affinity of IGF-I for type-1 IGF receptors or insulin receptors significantly reduced the differentiation response. However, the differentiation response to [Leu27]IGF-II was not significantly different from the response to IGF-II. This shows that IGF-I and IGF-Ⅱ promote cell differentiation by different receptor-mediated mechanisms. IGF-II promotes differentiation of pig preadipocytes by actions that do not involve either type-1 IGF receptors or insulin receptors. These actions therefore appear to be mediated by binding of IGF-II to type-2 IGF receptors(also known as cation-independendent mannose-6-phosphate receptor[CIM6P/IGF2 receptor]). This is the first study to find evidence that IGF-II promotes differentiation of preadipocytes from any animal species by actions mediated by CIM6P/IGF2 receptors. In summary, this study shows that IGF-I and IGF-Ⅱ promote differentiation of pig preadipocytes by mechanisms that involve different cellular receptors.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2005

To search of a new porcine pheromonal odorants for biostimulation control system technologies to offer a potentially useful and practical way to improve reproductive efficiency in livestock species, the holographic quantitative structure activity relationship (HQSAR) model between odorants, 2-phenoxytetrahydrofurane (A), 2-cyclohexyl-oxytetrahydrofurane (B), derivatives and binding affinity constants (p[Od.]/sub 50/) for porcine odorant-binding protein (pOBP) as receptor of pig pheromones were derivated and disscused. The binding affinity constants of cyclohexyl substituents (A) for pOBP were higher (A>B) than that of phenyl substituents (B). It was revealed that the optimum HQSAR model XI using PLS analyses had a fragment length (5∼8) with chirality at 5 components and hologram length 97 bin, which had a cross-validated q²(predictablities) of 0.916, and a conventional correlation coefficient r² (fitness) of 0.988, respectively. From the atomic contribution, the C3 and C5 atom in 2-oxyfuryl group contributed to binding affinity constants, whereas the central carbon atom in tert-butyl group on the cyclohexyl ring and the C4 atom of furyl group parts showed no contribution.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.244-251
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• 1997

The relationship between structure and biological activity was studied on the three neuropeptides (mammalian, trout- and goldfish-neuropeptide $\gamma$) that were syntheized by the solid-phase method. Circular dichroism spectra showed that mammalian, trout- and goldfish-neuropeptide $\gamma$ adopted an unordered structure in buffer solution. In the-presence of neutral and acidic liposomes, mammalian and trout-neuropeptioe $\gamma$ also took a random structure. However, goldfish-neuropeptide $\gamma$ took an $\alpha-helical$ structure in acidic liposomes. The intestinal motility response was investigated with carp intestines, guinea-pig ileums and rat duodenums. In case of carp intestine, contractile activity was as follows : goldfish-neuropeptide $\gamma\simeq$ trout-neuropeptide $\gamma>$ mammalian-neuropeptide $\gamma$, On the other hand, the contractile activity of mammalian-neuropeptide $\gamma$ was more potent than trout- and goldfish-neuropeptide $\gamma$ in the guinea-pig ileums and rat duodenums. These results suggest that neuropeptide $\gamma$ show the species-specific activity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.1089-1095
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• 2012

Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) gene encodes a receptor that binds the Fc region of monomeric immunoglobulin G (IgG) and is responsible for IgG transport and stabilization. In this report, the 8,900 bp porcine FcRn genomic DNA structure was identified and putative FcRn protein included 356 amino acids. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the porcine FcRn amino acid sequences with their homologies of other species showed high identity. Tissues expression of FcRn mRNA was detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), the results revealed FcRn expressed widely in ten analyzed tissues. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (HQ026019:g.8526 C>T) in exon6 region of porcine FcRn gene was demonstrated by DNA sequencing analysis. A further analysis of SNP genotypes associated with serum Classical Swine Fever Virus antibody (anti-CSFV) concentration was performed in three pig populations including Large White, Landrace and Songliao Black pig (a Chinese indigenous breed). Our results of statistical analysis showed that the SNP had a highly significant association with the level of anti-CSFV antibody (At d 20; At d 35) in serum (p = 0.008; p = 0.0001). Investigation of expression and polymorphisms of the porcine FcRn gene will help us in further understanding the molecular basis of the antibody regulation pathway in the porcine immune response. All these results indicate that FcRn gene might be regarded as a molecular marker for genetic selection of anti-CSFV antibody level in pig disease resistance breeding programmes.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.232-237
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• 1999

The relationship between structure and contractile activity was studied on the three neuropeptide $\gamma$ (mammalian-, bowfin-, shark-NP$\gamma$) that were synthesized by the solid-phase method. Circular dichroism spectra showed that mammalian-, bowfin- and shark-neuropeptide $\gamma$ took an unordered structure in buffer solution and artificial liposome. The intestinal motility response was investigated with guinea-pig ileum, rat duodenum and carp intestine. In case of carp intestine, contractile activity was as follows; bowfin-NP$\gamma$> shark-NP$\gamma$>mammalian-NP$\gamma$, On the other hand, the contractile activity of mammalian-neuropeptide $\gamma$ was more potent than those of bowfin-, shark-neuropeptide $\gamma$ in the guinea-pig ileum and rat duodenum. These results suggest that NP$\gamma$ show the species-specific activity.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in innate immunity against pathogenic infections. AMPs exterminate pathogenic bacteria by disrupting cell membranes or inhibiting intracellular molecules. NK-2, first identified in pigs and derived from NK-lysin, has antimicrobial effects against bacteria and parasites. In this study, chimeric peptides (cpNK) of chicken and pig NK-2 and cpNK-derived peptides (cpNK-a1 and cpNK-a2) were synthesized, and their antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were investigated. The structure of chimeric peptides from chicken and pig NK-2, cpNK, include α-helix like NK-2 and peptide net charge was +9 like porcine NK-2. The cpNK peptide showed powerful bactericidal effects against most bacterial species, including MRSA, especially against gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, cpNK-derived short peptides, cpNK-a1 and a2 also showed bactericidal activity, but the effects were weaker than those of cpNK. Therefore, we conclude that cpNK- and cpNK-derived short peptides have the potential to be used as antibiotic alternatives.