• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.105-117
• /
• 1993

The objective of this investigation was to characterize the subacute toxic potency of orally administered poly(sodium acrylic acid-acrylic acid), super absorbent polymer. Four groups of rats were maintained on diets containing 0, 1.25, 2.5 or 5% of poly(sodium acrylic acid-acrylic acid). The mean dosages of poly(sodium acrylic acid-acrylic acid) were estimated to be 1025 mg/kg/day, 2009 mg/kg/day and 4728 mg/kg/day in the male groups. The estimated average dosages of poly(sodium acrylic acid-acrylic acid) in the female groups were 1011 mg/kg/day, 2088 mg /kg/day and 4576 mg/kg/day, respectively. Few test compound-related toxic effects were observed in body weight gain, clinical signs, hematological parameters and serum biochemical values. Urinalyses, gross necropsy and histopathology revealed no evidence of specific toxicity. Food and water consumption tended to increase in the animals fed the diet of 2.5% and 5%. Our data indicate that no-observed effect level of poly(sodium acrylic acid-acrylic acid) was estimated to be 1.25% in the diet (mean dosage: 1025 mg/kg/day in male rats, 1011 mg/kg/day in female rats).

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.161-165
• /
• 2003

The effects of Saururus chinensis Baill administration on the biochemical parameters of function in liver of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) treated rats were investigated. Saururus chinensis Baill (200mg/kg) was administered into rats intraperitoneally for four weeks, seven days after the injection of TCDD(1 ${\mu}g/kg$). We examined the antioxidative enzymatic activity by measuring the level of AST and ALT in serum and SOD, Catalase, GPx, GSH and GSSG in liver tissue of rats. STT group showed 70.7% of inhibitive effect in AST acrivity compared to TTA group. ALT level of STT group was decreased to the level of NTT group. SOD and Catalase in TTA group were lower than in NTT group, but SOD and Catalase in STT group were increased by 82% and 55.45% respectively compared to TTA group. GSH contents in STT group were 74.20% increased compared to TTA group. GSSG contents in STT group were 61.08% decreased compared to TTA group. These results suggest that Saururus Chinensis Baill has a potent hepathprotective effect against TCDD intoxicated rats.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.149-158
• /
• 2013

We demonstrate enhanced growth, innate immunity and protection against hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced protein oxidation and cellular DNA damage in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus fed a chitosan-coated moist pallet (MP) diet. A chitosan-based biopolymer coated MP as the experimental diet and a non-coated MP (control) was fed to olive flounder fish. Growth, including the average weight gain (g/fish), weight gain (%) and feed intake (g) of the fish group fed a chitosan-coated MP diet increased significantly. The survival rate was reported as 100% throughout the experimental period. Immunological parameters indicated higher mucus lysozyme activity and significantly higher fish skin mucus total protein content was observed in fish fed the chitosan-coated MP diet compared to the control. A blood plasma analysis revealed attenuation of cellular DNA and protein oxidative damage caused by $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in the fish fed the chitosan-coated MP diet compared to the control group. Moreover, blood serum biochemical analysis revealed health-promoting effects, including significantly higher hemoglobin and total cholesterol levels in the fish fed the chitosan-coated MP diet compared to the control group. In conclusion, growth, innate immunity and protection against oxidative stresses were improved by feeding of the chitosan-coated MP diet to olive flounder reared in aquaculture.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.102-106
• /
• 2009

We exposed ICR mice to low-dose (0.2 Gy) and low-dose-rate (0.7 mGy/h) $\gamma$-radiation ($^{137}Cs$) in the Low-dose-rate Irradiation Facility at the Radiation Health Research Institute to evaluate systemic effects of low-dose radiation. We compared the body and organ weights, number of blood cells (white and red blood cells and platelets), levels of biochemical markers in serum, and frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes between low-dose irradiated and non-irradiated control mice. The ICR mice irradiated with total doses of 0.2 and 2 Gy showed no changes in body and organ weights, number of blood cells (white and red blood cells), or frequency of micronuclei in the polychromatic erythrocytes of peripheral blood. However, the number of platelets (P = 0.002) and the liver weight (P < 0.01) were significantly increased in mice exposed to 0.2 and 2 Gy, respectively. These results suggest that a low-dose-rate of 0.7 mGy/h does not induce systemic damage. This dose promotes hematopoiesis in the bone marrow microenvironment and the proliferation of liver cells. In the future, the molecular biological effects of lower doses and dose rates need to be evaluated.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.200-204
• /
• 2009

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of reduced L-glutathione on the oxidant/antioxidant status(superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GPx), protein carbonyl and lipid hydroperoxide(LPO) concentration), renal function(blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and serum creatinine levels), and microscopy of renal tissues in pigs undergoing unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R). Sixteen Landrace and Yorkshire mixed-breed pigs were divided randomly into two groups: untreated control group and reduced L-glutathione-treated group(4 mg/kg IV). Each group had 8 pigs. Pigs were unilaterally nephrectomized and the kidney was subject to 30 min of renal pedicle occlusion. Blood samples for biochemical assay were collected on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 post nephrectomy. Renal I/R injury were evaluated histopathologically by the microscopic observation of renal tissue sections and biochemically by the measurement of the plasma creatinine and urea levels. Parameters of oxidative stress such as SOD, GPx, CAT, protein carbonyl and LPO were measured. The elevation of creatine and BUN levels was lower in the treated group, compared with the control group. The activities of antioxidant-enzyme were higher in the treated group, compared with the control group. In histological findings, the severity of damage in the reduced L-glutathione treated group was less when compared to the control group.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.79-83
• /
• 2006

We evaluated therapeutic and preventive properties of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a weak androgenic steroid, against isoproterenol-induced cardiomyopathy. The cardiomyopathy was induced by daily i.p. administration of isoproterenol to rats for five days. One group of rats were given with daily s.c. for 5 days during isoproterenol and the other group with daily s.c. DHEA for total 10 days, including 5 days before and during isoproterenol. The animals were killed after each treatment, and cardiac muscle failure was evaluated using histopathologic examination and biochemical indices. DHEA was found to reduce the damaged area and inhibit the elevation in the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), skeletal muscle creatine kinase (CK) and heart creatine kinase (CK-MB) induced by isoproterenol. We also assayed widely used oxidative stress parameters, including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathion peroxidase (GPx). DHEA decreased the escalated level of TBARS and enhanced the anti oxidant defense reaction with an increase in Mn-SOD and Cu/Zn-SOD. On the other hand, the treatment with DHEA did not affect catalase and GPx activity. The present study indicates that DHEA has a therapeutic and preventive effect against isoproterenol-induced cardiomyopathy and its effects may depend largely on the increase in SOD activity.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.51-62
• /
• 2022

Lactobacillus rhamnosus SKG34 (LrSKG34), a potential probiotic strain, was successfully isolated from Sumbawa Mare's milk. Our previous studies showed that the strain is resistant to gastrointestinal conditions, possesses antioxidant activity, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Further clarification of the potential probiotic characteristics and safety assessment are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion of LrSKG34 to Caco-2 cell monolayers and its effect on mucosal integrity in vitro. We also examined the LrSKG34 safety profile based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, haemolytic activity determination, Caco-2 cell monolayer translocation evaluation, and in vivo investigation of the effect of LrSKG34 on the physiology, biochemical markers, and histopathological appearance of major organs in an animal model. LrSKG34 attached to Caco-2 cell monolayers and maintained mucosal integrity in vitro. The typical resistance of lactobacilli to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and metronidazole was confirmed for LrSKG34. No haemolytic activity was observed on blood agar plates, and no LrSKG34 translocation was observed in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Administration of LrSKG34 to Sprague-Dawley rats did not adversely affect body weight. No abnormalities in hematological parameters, serum biochemistry levels, or histopathological structures of major organs were observed in LrSKG34-treated rats. Collectively, the results implicate LrSKG34 as a promising and potentially safe probiotic candidate for further development.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.31-38
• /
• 2020

Objectives : Jakyakgamcho-tang has been used as analgesic and spasmolytic for muscle pain. It has reported to anti-diabetes, anti-inflammation, and neuro-protective effects. A clinical study of muscle fatigue and pain improvement effect of Jakyakgamcho-tang has been reported with increasing frequency of clinical use. However, the anti-fatigue effect of Jakyakgamcho-tang in animal model has not been studied. In this study, we compared anti-physical fatigue effects of water and 30% ethanol extract of Jakyakgamcho-tang. Methods : The amounts of components contained in water and 30% ethanol extract of Jakyakgamcho-tang were compared by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Anti-physical fatigue effects were evaluated using weight-loaded forced swimming test. We also investigated the effects of Jakyakgamcho-tang on the change of fatigue parameters by blood biochemical analysis. Results : The relative amount of components of Jakyakgamcho-tang were about 19-53% higher in the 30% ethanol extract than in the water extract. In the swimming test, 30% ethanol extract showed a significantly greater anti-fatigue effects than conventional water extract of Jakyakgamcho-tang. The 30% ethanol extract of Jakyakgamcho-tang improved the exhausted swimming time (54%), and serum lactate dehydrogenase (48%) and lactic acid (60%) levels compared with water extract of Jakyakgamcho-tang. Conclusions : These results showed that differences in the amounts of components by different extraction were associated with differences of anti-fatigue effect of Jakyakgamcho-tang. Thus, the 30% ethanol extraction method could be applied to dose-reducing formulations of traditional herbal medicines.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.102-111
• /
• 2024

Objective: Given the noteworthy implications of alcohol consumption and its association with male infertility, there has been a notable focus on investigating natural alternatives to mitigate its adverse effects. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the potential protective effect of phycocyanin extract derived from the blue algae Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis against ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances in testicular morphology, and alterations in sperm production. Methods: Male rats were divided into four groups (five rats each): the control group received a saline solution, the ethanol exposed group (EtOH) was subjected to intraperitoneal injections of 10 mL/kg of ethanol solution at a concentration of 38% (v/v), the phycocyanin alone treated group (P) received oral administration of phycocyanin at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, and the phycocyanin-cotreated group (PE) was given oral phycocyanin followed by ethanol injections. All treatments were administered over a period of 14 days. Results: Our findings demonstrated that ethanol exposure induced reproductive toxicity, characterized by reduced sperm production and viability, alterations in testicular weight and morphology, increased lipid peroxidation levels, and elevated oxidative enzyme activity. In addition, the ethanol-intoxicated group showed perturbations in serum biochemical parameters. However, the simultaneous exposure to ethanol and phycocyanin exhibited a counteractive effect against ethanol toxicity. Conclusion: The results showed that supplementation of phycocyanin prevented oxidative and testicular morphological damage-induced by ethanol and maintained normal sperm production, and viability.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.83-88
• /
• 2015

The present study was devised to determine the effects of vitamin E and selenium (Selevit) on body weight, organ weight, hematological values and biochemical parameters in the orchidectomized (Orch) rats. Intact group (n=15) received no treatment and operation. Orch+Selevit received operation and Selevit. The body weights of each group increased, but that of the Orch＋Selevit group were significantly lower than those of all the other groups. There were significantly different decreased (p<0.001) of body weights between Orch＋Selevit group and all the other groups. Also, organ weights such as heart, liver, spleen, kidney, lung and skeletal muscle were measured. The heart and liver weights in the Orch＋Selevit group were significantly different decreased (p<0.001) in comparison with those in the Intact and Sham groups. The kidney weights in the Orch＋Selevit group were significantly different decreased (p<0.01, p<0.001) in comparison with those in all the other groups. The number of white blood cell (WBC) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the Orch＋Selevit group than in all the other groups. The hematological values of 12 parameters were not significantly different in any of the groups. The concentrations of serum total protein, albumin and alkaline phosphatase only increased significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) in the Orch＋Selevit group as compared to that in the Orch group. We conclude that Selevit was significantly decreased the body weight in the Orch rats. Our findings suggest that Selevit may influence the process of lipid packaging and absorption in the Orch rats.