• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.183-190
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• 2004

Objectives: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation are commonly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and through their defects in homocysteine metabolism, they have been implicated as a risk factor for recurrent spontaneous abortion. Recent report describe that 28-bp tandem repeat polymorphism in thymidylate synthase enhancer region (TSER) that influence enzyme activity would affect plasma homocysteine level. We have investigated the relationship between TSER genotype and plasma homocysteine level in 54 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Methods: Plasma homocysteine level was measured by fluorescent polarizing immunoassay. MTHFR mutation (C677T and A1298C) was identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and TSER mutation was analyzed by PCR method. The data were analyzed using the program SAS 8.2 for Windows. Results: Total homocysteine level was significantly higher in MTHFR 677TT genotype ($9.80{\pm}3.87{\mu}mol/L$) than MTHFR 677CC genotype ($8.14{\pm}1.74{\mu}mol/L$) in Korean patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (p=0.0143). However, the plasma homocysteine level was not significantly different in the MTHFR 1298AA ($8.42{\pm}2.65{\mu}mol/L$) and 1298CC ($6.09{\pm}0.32{\mu}mol/L$; p=0.2058) and, TSER 2R2R ($8.61{\pm}1.68{\mu}mol/L$) and 3R3R ($8.05{\pm}2.81{\mu}mol/L$; p=0.9319) mutant genotypes, respectively. In this study, we found the combination effects of TSER and MTHFR C677T genotypes. Plasma homocysteine levels were the highest ($11.47{\pm}4.66{\mu}mol/L$) in individuals with TSER 3R3R ($8.05{\pm}2.81{\mu}mol/L$) and MTHFR 677TT ($9.80{\pm}3.87{\mu}mol/L$) genotypes. Individuals with a combination of both TSER 2R2R/2R3R and MTHFR 677CC/CT genotypes ($7.69{\pm}1.77{\mu}mol/L$) had lower plasma homocysteine levels than TSER 2R2R ($8.61{\pm}1.68{\mu}mol/L$) and MTHR 677CC ($8.14{\pm}1.74{\mu}mol/L$) genotypes, respectively. The effect of MTHFR polymorphism in the homocysteine metabolism appears to be stronger than that of TSER polymorphism. Conclusion: Although statistically not significant, we found the elevated level of plasma homocysteine in combined genotypes with TSER and MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) in Korean patients with unexplained habitual abortion. In this study, we reported the possibility that TSER polymorphism is a genetic determinant of plasma homocysteine levels in the Korean patients as well as MTHFR C677T polymorphism. A large prospective study is needed to verify our findings.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1325-1335
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• 2013

Working dogs, such as rescue dogs, military watch dogs, guide dogs, and search dogs, are selected by in-training examination of desired traits, including concentration, possessiveness, and boldness. In recent years, genetic information has been considered to be an important factor for the outstanding abilities of working dogs. To characterize the molecular features of the canine genes related to phenotypes for working dogs, we investigated the 24 previously reported genes (AR, BDNF, DAT, DBH, DGCR2, DRD4, MAOA, MAOB, SLC6A4, TH, TPH2, IFT88, KCNA3, TBR2, TRKB, ACE, GNB1, MSTN, PLCL1, SLC25A22, WFIKKN2, APOE, GRIN2B, and PIK3CG) that were categorized to personality, olfactory sense, and athletic/learning ability. We analyzed the chromosomal location, gene-gene interactions, Gene Ontology, and expression patterns of these genes using bioinformatic tools. In addition, variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) or microsatellite (MS) polymorphism in the AR, MAOA, MAOB, TH, DAT, DBH, and DRD4 genes were reviewed. Taken together, we suggest that the genetic background of the canine genes associated with various working dog behaviors and skill performance attributes could be used for proper selection of superior working dogs.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.272-280
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• 2015

A simultaneous official method was developed for the determination of phorate and its metabolites (phorate sulfoxide, phorate sulfone, phorate oxon, phorate oxon sulfoxide, phorate oxon sulfone) in livestock samples. The analytes were quantified and confirmed via liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Phorate and its metabolites were extracted from beef and milk samples with acidified acetonitrile (containing 1% acetic acid) and partitioned with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Then, the extract was purified through primary secondary amine (PSA) and C18 dispersive sorbent. Matrix matched calibration curves were linear over the calibration ranges (0.005-0.5 mg/L) for all the analytes into blank extract with $r^2$ > 0.996. For validation purposes, recovery studies were carried out at three different concentration levels (beef 0.004, 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg; milk 0.008, 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg, n = 5). The recoveries were within 79.2-113.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 19.2% for all analytes. All values were consistent with the criteria ranges requested in the Codex guidelines. The limit of quantification was quite lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (0.05 mg/kg). The proposed analytical method was accurate, effective and sensitive for phorate and its metabolites determination and it will be used to as an official analytical method in Korea.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to develop a simultaneous method of 8 penicillin antibiotics including amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, penicillin G and penicillin V in meat using LC-MS/MS. The procedure involves solid phase extraction with HLB cartridge and subsequent analysis by LC-MS/MS. To optimize MS analytical condition of 8 compounds, each parameter was established by multiple reaction monitoring in positive ion mode. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a $C_{18}$ column with a mobile phase of 0.05% formic acid and 0.05% formic acid in acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for 20 min with a gradient elution. The developed method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision in beef, pork and chicken. The recoveries were 71.0~106%, and relative standard deviations (RSD) were 4.0~11.2%. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.003~0.008 mg/kg and 0.01~0.03 mg/kg, respectively, that are below maximum residue limit (MRL) of the penicillins. This study also performed survey of residual penicillin antibiotics for 193 samples of beef, pork and chicken collected from 9 cities in Korea. Penicillins were not found in all the samples except a sample of pork which contained cloxacillin (concentration of 0.08 mg/kg) below the MRL (0.3 mg/kg).

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.124-130
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• 2018

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is amending its test methods for the use of health functional foods (dietary food supplement), in order to establish regulatory standards and specifications in Korea. In this regard, we continue to pursue and perform our research on the analytical method development for the items being researched and reviewed. In this study, we have developed a sensitive and selective test method that could simultaneously separate and determinate six major bioactive flavonolignans in silymarin, which are based on the use of a liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The standard calibration curves presented a linearity effect with the correlation coefficient ($r^2$) > 0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) were in the range of $0.3{\sim}9.0{\mu}g/L$ and $0.8{\sim}27.3{\mu}g/L$, respectively. The recovery results ranged between 96.2~98.6% at 3 different concentration levels, and its relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 5% as noted in this study. The proposed analytical method was characterized with a noted high resolution of the individual silymarin constituents, and the assay was fully validated as well. Our research can provide a significant scientific evidence that can be useful to amend the silymarin test method for the Health Functional Food Code.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.383-389
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• 2009

The main objective of the research is a feasibility study on the intertidal zone using a X-band radar satellite, TerraSAR-X. The TerraSAR-X data have been acquired in the west coast of Korea where large tidal flats, Ganghwa and Yeongjong tidal flats, are developed. Investigations include: 1) waterline and backscattering characteristics of the high resolution X-band images in tidal flats; 2) polarimetric signature of halophytes (or salt marsh plants), specifically Suaeda japonica; and 3) phase and coherence of interferometric pairs. Waterlines from TerraSAR-X data satisfy the requirement of horizontal accuracy of 60 m that corresponds to 20 cm in average height difference while current other spaceborne SAR systems could not meet the requirement. HH-polarization was the best for extraction of waterline, and its geometric position is reliable due to the short wavelength and accurate orbit control of the TerraSAR-X. A halophyte or salt marsh plant, Suaeda japonica, is an indicator of local sea level change. From X-band ground radar measurements, a dual polarization of VV/VH-pol. is anticipated to be the best for detection of the plant with about 9 dB difference at 35 degree incidence angle. However, TerraSAR-X HH/TV dual polarization was turned to be more effective for salt marsh monitoring. The HH-HV value was the maximum of about 7.9 dB at 31.6 degree incidence angle, which is fairly consistent with the results of X-band ground radar measurement. The boundary of salt marsh is effectively traceable specifically by TerraSAR-X cross-polarization data. While interferometric phase is not coherent within normal tidal flat, areas of salt marsh where the landization is preceded show coherent interferometric phases regardless of seasons or tide conditions. Although TerraSAR-X interferometry may not be effective to directly measure height or changes in tidal flat surface, TanDEM-X or other future X-band SAR tandem missions within one-day interval would be useful for mapping tidal flat topography.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.413-420
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• 2019

In this study, a sample preparation method and a simultaneous determination method by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for 9 isomers of chlorogenic acid and arbutin in fruits were developed. The samples were extracted using 90% methanol (pH 3.0), with the solutions being shaken and then sonicated for 10 min each. After centrifugation at 4,000 rpm for 10 min, the extraction was concentrated under a vacuum at $40^{\circ}C$ using a vacuum evaporator. The residue was dissolved in 5 mL of 5% methanol and filtered through a $0.45{\mu}m$ membrane before UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. The separations were performed on a C18 column with gradient elution of water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and methanol (containing 0.1% formic acid). The specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, and precision of the proposed methods were also evaluated.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.157-165
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• 2008

In the previous study, the anti-oxidant activity of oxtract/fraction of Sueada aspparagoides(SA) and the stability test for the cream containing SA extract were investigated respectively[1,2]. In this study, the components of SA extract were analyzed by TLC, HPLC, and LC/ESI-MS/MS, $^1H$-NMR. TLC chromatogram of ethyl acetate fraction of SA extract revealed 5 bands $(SA1{\sim}SA5)$. HPLC chromatogram of aglycone fractions obtained from deglycoylation reaction of ethyl acetate fraction showed 2 bands (SAA 2 and SAA 1), which were identified as quercetin (composition ratio, 16.88%) and kaempferol (83.12%) in the order of elution time. Among 5 bands of TLC chromatogram, 4 bands $(SA2{\sim}SA5)$ also were Identified as kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (SA 2), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (SA3), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (SA 4), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (SA 5) by LC/ESI-MS/MSMS/MS. respectively. The spectrum generated for SAA 1 by LC/ESI-MS/MS in the negative ion mode also gave the ion corresponding to the deprotonated aglycone $[M-H]^-$ (285m/z), the $^1H$-NMR spectrum contained signals [${\delta}$ 6.19 (1H, d, J=1.8Hz, H-6), ${\delta}$ 6.44 (1H, d, J=1.8Hz, H-8), ${\delta}$ 6.92 (2H, d, J=9.0Hz, H-3', 5'), ${\delta}$ 8.04 (2H, d, J=9.0Hz, H-2', 6', thus SAA 1 was identified as kaempferol. SAA 2 yielded the deprotonated agycone ion $[M-H]^-$ (301m/z), $^1H$-NMR spectrum showed signals [${\delta}$ 6.20 (1H, d, J=2.0Hz, H-6), ${\delta}$ 6.42 (1H, d, J=2.0Hz, H-8), ${\delta}$ 6.90 (1H, d, J=8.6Hz, H-5'), ${\delta}$ 7.55 (1H, dd, J=8.6, 2.2Hz, H-6'), ${\delta}$ 7.69 (1H, d, J=2.2Hz, H-2', thus SAA 2 was Identified as quercetin. In conclusion, with the anti-oxidant activity and the stability test reported previously, component analysis of SA extracts could be applicable to new cosmeceuticals.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.283-290
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: Pesticide residue analysis is an essential activity in order to establish the food safety of agricultural products. Analytical approaches to the food safety are required to meet internationally the guideline of Codex (Codex Alimentarius Commission, CAC/GL 40). In this study, we developed a liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) method to determine the herbicide clopyralid in food matrixes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clopyralid was extracted with aqueous acetonitrile containing formic acid and the extracts were mixed in a citrate buffer consisted of magnesium sulfate anhydrous, NaCl, sodium citrate dihydrate and disodium hydrogencitrate sesquihydrate followed by centrifugation. The supernatants were filtered through a nylon membrane filter and used for the analysis of clopyralid. The method was validated by accuracy and precision experiments on the samples fortified at 3 different levels of clopyralid. LC-MS/MS in positive mode was employed to quantitatively determine clopyralid in the food samples. Matrix-matched calibration curves were inearranged from 0.001 to 0.25 mg/kg with r2 > 0.994. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 0.001 and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. There covery values of clopyralid for tified at 0.01 mg/kg in the control samples ranged from approximately 82 to 106% with relative standard deviations below 2 0%. CONCLUSION: The method developed in this study meets successfully the Codex guideline for pesticide residue analysis in food samples. This, the method could be applicable to determine pesticides in foods produced domestically and internationally.