• BMB Reports
• /
• 제32권1호
• /
• pp.20-24
• /
• 1999

The first step of the branch pathway in tryptophan biosynthesis is catalyzed by anthranilate synthase, which is subjected to feedback inhibition by the end product of the pathway. The $trpE^{FBR}$ gene from a mutant Escherichia coli strain coding for anthranilate synthase that was insensitive to feedback inhibition by tryptophan has been cloned. To identify the amino acid changes involved in the feedback regulation of anthranilate synthase, the nucleotide sequence of the mutant $trpE^{FBR}$ gene was determined. Sequence analysis of the $trpE^{FBR}$ gene revealed that four bases were changed in the structural gene while alteration was not found in the 5' control region. Among these base changes, only two base substitutions caused the alterations in amino acid sequences. From the results of restriction fragment exchange mapping, the 61st nucleotide, C to A substitution, that changed $Pro^{21}{\rightarrow}Ser$ was identified as the cause of the desensitization to feedback inhibition by tryptophan. Additional feedback-resistant enzymes of the E. coli anthranilate synthases were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis to examine the effect of the $Ser^{40}\;{\rightarrow}\;Arg^{40}$ change found in the $trpE^{FBR}$ gene of Brevibacterium lactofermentum. From the feedback inhibition analysis, the $Pro^{21}{\rightarrow}Ser$ and $Ser^{40}{\rightarrow}Arg$ mutants maintained about 50% and 90% of their maximal activities, respectively, even at the extreme concentration of 10 mM tryptophan. From these results, we suggest that the $Pro^{21}$ and $Ser^{40}$ residues are involved in the tryptophan binding in the E. coli enzyme.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제27권3호
• /
• pp.291-297
• /
• 2009

Apolipoprotein (apo) C-III is a marker protein of triacylglycerol (TG)-rich lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and has been proposed as a risk factor of coronary heart disease. To compare the physiologic role of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) with or without apoC-III, we synthesized rHDL with molar ratios of apoA-I:apoC-III of 1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:2. Increasing the apoC-III content in rHDL produced smaller rHDL particles with a lower number of apoA-I molecules. Furthermore, increasing the molar ratio of apoC-III in rHDL enhanced the surfactant-like properties and the ability to lyse dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine. Furthermore, rHDL containing apoC-III was found to be more resistant to particle rearrangement in the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) than rHDL that contained apoA-I alone. In addition, the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activation ability was reduced as the apoC-III content of the rHDL increased; however, the CE transfer ability was not decreased by the increase of apoC-III. Finally, rHDL containing apoC-III aggravated the production of MDA in cell culture media, which led to increased cellular uptake of LDL. Thus, the addition of apoC-III to rHDL induced changes in the structural and functional properties of the rHDL, especially in particle size and rearrangement and LCAT activation. These alterations may lead to beneficial functions of HDL, which is involved in anti-atherogenic properties in the circulation.

• 생물정신의학
• /
• 제24권2호
• /
• pp.68-74
• /
• 2017

Objectives It is well known that problem drinking is associated with alterations of brain structures and functions. Brain functions related to alcohol consumption can be determined by the resting state functional connectivity in various resting state networks (RSNs). This study aims to ascertain the alcohol effect on the structures forming predetermined RSNs by assessing their cortical thickness. Methods Twenty-six abstinent male patients with alcohol dependence and the same number of age-matched healthy control were recruited from an inpatient mental hospital and community. All participants underwent a 3T MRI scan. Averaged cortical thickness of areas constituting 7 RSNs were determined by using FreeSurfer with Yeo atlas derived from cortical parcellation estimated by intrinsic functional connectivity. Results There were significant group differences of mean cortical thicknesses (Cohen's d, corrected p) in ventral attention (1.01, < 0.01), dorsal attention (0.93, 0.01), somatomotor (0.90, 0.01), and visual (0.88, 0.02) networks. We could not find significant group differences in the default mode network. There were also significant group differences of gray matter volumes corrected by head size across the all networks. However, there were no group differences of surface area in each network. Conclusions There are differences in degree and pattern of structural recovery after abstinence across areas forming RSNs. Considering the previous observation that group differences of functional connectivity were significant only in networks related to task-positive networks such as dorsal attention and cognitive control networks, we can explain recovery pattern of cognition and emotion related to the default mode network and the mechanisms for craving and relapse associated with task-positive networks.

• 한국주거학회논문집
• /
• 제25권3호
• /
• pp.13-23
• /
• 2014

This study explores the daily life patterns and housing adjustment behaviors of low-income Korean elderly immigrants residing in affordable housing in the Chicago metropolitan area. Utilizing an intercultural perspective, the study focuses on identifying the immigrants' their cultural attributes of daily living and coping responses to residential misfits. These housing adjustment behaviors are classified into five modes consisting of residential mobility, structural adaptation, residential alteration, normative adaptation, and behavioral adaptation. Two-hour in-depth interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 138 participants from 15 affordable housing complexes. Collected information includes demographic data, immigration experiences and cultural identity, daily life patterns, as well as housing evaluation and housing adjustment behaviors. The study results indicate that many research participants maintained their cultural attributes of daily living accumulated from past experiences (i.e. mostly based upon Korean cultural contexts), but also made adjustments as they complied with their aging body and new living conditions. This also reflects that immigrants' cultural needs are not limited to the use of language and ethnic goods, but are also embedded deeply in their daily life patterns to influence one's uses of the dwellings in a broader sense. All five modes of housing adjustment behaviors were observed with research participants within their residential settings. More importantly, normative and behavioral adaptations along with residential alterations occurred more simultaneously rather than sequentially when the respondents perceived discrepancy between oneself (i.e. including one's attributes, needs, and preferences) and his/her dwelling.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• 제19권2호
• /
• pp.99-118
• /
• 1989

The cardiotoxic effects of acute and chronic administration of adriamycin (ADR) were evaluated in A/J Swiss albino mice. In acute studies, male mice received intravenous ADR, 5mg or 15mg/kg per day for 3 or 1day and were sacrifice 12 hours later. Because the glutathione-glutathione peroxidase system is major pathway for free radical detoxication, glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activity was measured. In acute studies, ADR-treated mice exhibited significantly decreased levels(p<0.05) of total glutathione and unchanged levels of oxidized glutathione and percentage of oxidized glutathione. The earliest myocardial fine structural alterations included swelling and degeneration of mitochondria and dilatation of sarcoplasmic reticulum at all dosage of acute models. In chronic studies, mice received 5mg/kg ADR once a week for up to 16 weeks. Levels of total and reduced glutathione were decreased significantly(p<0.01) and oxidized glutathione and percentage of oxidized glutathione were increased significantly (p<0.05). Chronic myocardial lesions included perinuclear vacuolization, seperation of myofibrils and the fasciae adherens of intercalated disc and hypercontraction band within myocyte. Glutathione peroxidase activity reduced significantly (p<0.01) in any group of acute and chronic ADR-treated animals. Test for lipid peroxidation(malondialdehyde) was increased significantly(P<0.01). Thus, we conclude 1) ADR significantly lowers glutathione levels in heart tissue, and 2) cellular damage progress produced by alteration of this system in mouse models of ADR cardiotoxicity. These results suggest that the glutathione-glutathione peroxidase system may be involved in the modulation of ADR-induced cardiotoxicity.

• 한국임상수의학회지
• /
• 제30권4호
• /
• pp.283-287
• /
• 2013

Canine skin is a highly dynamic organ that is constantly adapted to changes in its environment. It provides structural, sensory, immunologic, and physiologic functions and contributes an essential barrier function against potential environmental insults. We assessed the changes of canine skin hydration, pH, and protein contents by noninvasive method according to the frequency of application with canine commercial shampoo. Canine commercial shampoo was applied topically every other day, 5 days, and 8 days on different sites, respectively in 8 dogs. Saline-applied site was as a control. Skin hydration was increased and skin surface pH was decreased significantly in canine commercial shampoo-applied site every other day (p < 0.05). Also, skin protein concentration measured by D-squame$^{(R)}$ tape stripping method was increased significantly in canine commercial shampoo-applied site every other day (p < 0.05). There were alterations on every 5 days and 8 days, but not significantly. These results may be recognized that the frequent use of canine commercial shampoo cause abnormalities of the skin barrier function and alteration of stratum corneum integrity/cohesion. Consequently it was suggested that bathing the dog with canine commercial shampoo was appropriate every 5 or 8 days.

• 한국운동역학회지
• /
• 제26권1호
• /
• pp.135-142
• /
• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of walking on high heels on the behavior of fascicle length and activation of the lower limb muscles. Methods: Twelve healthy inexperienced high heel wearers (age: $23.1{\pm}2.0yr$, height: $162.4{\pm}4.9cm$, weight: $54.4{\pm}8.5kg$) participated in this study. They walked in high heels (7 cm) and barefoot on a treadmill at their preferred speed. During the gait analysis, the lower limb joint kinematics were obtained using a motion analysis system. In addition, the changes in fascicle length and the level of activation of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) were simultaneously monitored using a real-time ultrasound imaging technique and surface electromyography, respectively. Results: The results of this study show that the MG fascicle operates at a significantly shorter length in high heel walking ($37.64{\pm}8.59mm$ to $43.99{\pm}8.66mm$) in comparison with barefoot walking ($48.26{\pm}9.02mm$ to $53.99{\pm}8.54mm$) (p < .05). In addition, the MG fascicle underwent lengthening during high heel walking with relatively low muscle activation while it remained isometric during barefoot walking with relatively high muscle activation. Conclusion: Wearing high heels alters the operating range of the MG fascicle length and the pattern of muscle activation, suggesting that prolonged wearing of high heels might induce structural alterations of the MG that, in turn, hinder normal functioning of the MG muscle during walking.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• 제27권5호
• /
• pp.524-530
• /
• 2004

Epilepsy or the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs, seizures) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Shift in the balance of brain between excitatory and inhibitory functions due to different types of structural or functional alterations may cause epileptiform discharges. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor dysfunctions have been implicated in modulating seizure activities. Seizures and epilepsy are clearly dependent on elevated intracellular calcium concentration ([C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ ) by NMDA receptor activation and can be prevented by NMDA antagonists. This perturbed [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ levels is forerunner of neuronal death. However, therapeutic tools of elevated [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ level during status epilepticus (SE) and SREDs have not been discovered yet. Our previous study showed fast inhibition of ginseng total saponins and ginsenoside R $g_3$ on NMDA receptor-mediated [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ in cultured hippocampal neurons. We, therefore, examined the direct modulation of ginseng on hippocampal neuronal culture model of epilepsy using fura-2-based digital $Ca^{2+}$ imaging and neuronal viability assays. We found that ginseng total saponins and ginsenoside R $g_3$ inhibited $Mg^{2+}$ free-induced increase of [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ and spontaneous [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ oscillations in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that ginseng may playa neuroprotective role in perturbed homeostasis of [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ and neuronal cell death via the inhibition of NMDA receptor-induced SE or SREDs.d SE or SREDs..

• 한국의상디자인학회지
• /
• 제2권2호
• /
• pp.113-136
• /
• 2000

Problems and improvemental measures for the historical inquiry of TV drama costumes and for the reproduction of them were investigated. For this study, the MBC historical drama 'The way of the Great King' started on march 24 in 1998 and ended on september 26 in 1998 was selected as the subject. The reasons why the drama was selected are as follows. First, the historical background was the time of King Young ＆ drama introduced various kinds of costumes Joungjo, which is the starting era of traditional costumes peculiar to Korea. Second, the based on the historical inquiry of that time. There is a limitation in the process of historical inquiry about the costumes of that time because we don't have enough research data such as relics, remains, references, literary works, pictures, etc. Although, in some cases, exact historical inquiry about the costumes were made, they could not be reproduced in the original forms due to several reasons: the absence of the materials of that time, structural changes including length and size for convenience of action, alterations of the manufacturing method for the reuse, addition of the gorgeous and various olors for the enhancement of image quality, variations in colors according to the actor's character, modulations of the structures and colors by the producer's intention, and the restraints in time and money for manufacturing. In view of these situations, it seems to be difficult for us to settle the problems occurring between the historical inquiry about the traditional costumes and the reproduction of them in drama. However, the costumes presented in historical drama have the meanings to provide informations of that time with TV audience. Therefore I think that it is necessary to narrow the gap between the historical inquiry of TV drama costumes and for the reproduction of hem, First, It should be restrained that each broadcasting stations show the costumes under the similar situations of the same age in different ways. Second, We need to unify the inquiry systems concerning historical drama costumes, In addition to this, it is also necessary for broadcasting stations to establish internet sites of traditional costumes for communication.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제53권6호
• /
• pp.337-341
• /
• 2013

Objective : After spinal cord injury (SCI), functional and structural reorganization occurs at multiple levels of brain including motor cortex. However, the underlying mechanism still remains unclear. The current study was performed to investigate the alterations in the expression of the main regulators of neuronal development, survival and death, in the brain following thoracic contusive SCI in a mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old female imprinting control region mice (n=60; 30-35 g) were used in this study. We analyzed the expression levels of regulators such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 in the brain following thoracic contusive SCI. Results : The expression of BDNF levels were elevated significantly compared with control group at 2 weeks after injury (p<0.05). The expression of NGF levels were elevated at 2, 4 weeks compared with control group, but these difference were not significant (p>0.05). The GDNF levels were elevated at 2 week compared with control group, but these differences were not significant (p>0.05). The difference of HDAC1 levels were not significant at 2, 4 and 8 weeks compared with control group (p>0.05). Conclusion : These results demonstrate that the upregulation of BDNF may play on important role in brain reorganization after SCI.