• Development and Reproduction
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.245-255
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• 2021

The spermatozoa become mature in the epididymis which is divided into initial segment and caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis. The water movement across the epididymal epithelium is important for creating luminal microenvironment for sperm maturation. Aquaporins (Aqps) are water channel proteins, and expression of Aqps is regulated by androgens. The current research was focused to examine expressional regulation of Aqp1 and Aqp9 by an androgenic-anabolic steroid, nandrolone decanoate (ND). The ND at the low dose (2 mg/kg body weight/week) or high dose (10 mg) was subcutaneously administrated into male rats for 2 or 12 weeks. Transcript levels of Aqp1 and Aqp9 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. In the initial segment, level of Aqp1 was decreased with 12 week-treatment, while Aqp9 level was decreased by the high dose treatment for 12 weeks. In the caput epididymis, Aqp9 expression was decreased by the low dose treatment. The 2 week-treatment resulted in an increase of Aqp1 level but a decrease of Aqp9 expression in the corpus epididymis. In the corpus epididymis, the 12 week-treatment at the low dose caused the reduction of Aqp1 and Aqp9 levels, but the high dose treatment resulted in an increase of Aqp1 expression and a decrease of Aqp9 level. In the cauda epididymis, Aqp1 expression was decreased by 2 and 12 week-treatments, while increases of Aqp9 levels was detected with the high dose treatment for 2 weeks and with 12 week-treatment. These findings indicate differential regulation of Aqp1 and Aqp9 expression among epididymal segments by ND.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.46-59
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Aster yomena (Kitam.) Honda (AY) has remarkable bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer activities. On the other hand, the effects of AY against obesity-induced insulin resistance have not been reported. Therefore, this study examined the potential of AY against obesity-associated insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: An obesity model was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a 60% HFD for 16 weeks. The C57BL6/When ethyl acetate fraction from AY (EFAY) at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day was administered orally to mice fed a HFD for the last 4 weeks. Normal and control groups were administered water orally. The body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured every week. Dietary intake was measured every other day. After dissection, blood and tissues were collected from the mice. RESULTS: The administration of EFAY reduced body and organ weights significantly compared to HFD-fed control mice. The EFAY-administered groups also improved the serum lipid profile by decreasing the triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein compared to the control group. In addition, EFAY ameliorated the insulin resistance-related metabolic dysfunctions, including the fasting blood glucose and serum insulin level, compared to the HFD-fed control mice. The EFAY inhibited lipid synthesis and insulin resistance by down-regulation of hepatic fatty acid synthase and up-regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. EFAY also reduced lipid peroxidation in the liver, indicating that EFAY protected hepatic injury induced by obesity. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EFAY improved obesity-associated insulin resistance by regulating the lipid and glucose metabolism, suggesting that AY could be used as a functional food to prevent obesity and insulin resistance.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1-7
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• 2013

Objectives : The root of Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg (Peucedani Japonici Radix; PJR) has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of anti-headache, anti-paralysis, anti-cancer, vascular protection, and blood pressure regulation. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of PJR water extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized at days 1, 8 and 15 with OVA and airway challenged at days 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 to induced allergic asthma. PJR-W extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/body weight (bw) was orally administered during OVA challenge once per a day. The levels of allergic mediators such as immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4) were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : The administration of PJR-W extract significantly decreased the serum levels of IgE, IL-4, and IFN-${\gamma}$ compared with those of OVA control group. In H&E staining, PJR-E extract inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation and the inflammatory cells infiltration in the peribronchial regions of the lung. Conclusions : These results indicate that PJR-W extract has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect on allergic response through the down-regulation of allergic mediators, suggesting that this herb may be used as a useful source for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.296-309
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• 2023

This study gathered basic information on the development of Jiu-Jitsu uniforms suitable for players in Korea. Detailed data were collected between December 20^th and December 30^th, 2022 on 21 selected brands sold in online shopping malls. For each, information was recorded on the production country, product type, price, colors, material, and sizing system. A total of 612 datasets were analyzed using frequency analysis, cross-tabulation, and Chi-square tests. Jiu-Jitsu uniforms were classified as either standard or limited edition. Limited edition uniforms were more expensive than regular uniforms. International brands had a higher price range than domestic brands. The most commonly used colors for Jiu-Jitsu uniforms were the regulation colors associated with the sport: white, black, and blue. Domestic brands were more likely to use non-regulation colors than international brands. The material used for the top half of the uniform was predominantly pearl weave, while the bottom half was usually ripstop. International brands used a more diverse range of materials than domestic brands. The Jiu-Jitsu uniform sizing system incorporated a range of sizes between A00 and A6. While sizing designations differed according to the established sizing systems of different countries, the sizes remained the same, as did the range of sizes available. Where size guides were provided, height and weight were used to help the customer determine the appropriate size. The dimensions of each size varied between brands. Overall, we found that international brands offer a more diverse range of Jiu-Jitsu uniform designs than domestic brands.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.359-368
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• 2023

This study aims to explore the impact of Krill Oil (KO, Superba^TM Boost) on skin moisturization regulation. The research involved five groups: an intact control, a reference group (L-AA 100 mg/kg), and KO groups (400, 200, and 100 mg/kg), each comprising ten mice. Oral administration was conducted for 8 weeks (56 days), during which changes in body weight, hyaluronan, collagen type 1 (COL1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), ceramide, and water contents were analyzed in dorsal back skin tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess gene expression related to hyaluronic acid synthesis (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1 synthesis (COL1A1 and COL1A2), and TGF-β1. Results demonstrated that KO administration significantly increased hyaluronan content, hyaluronic acid synthesis (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1 content, COL1 synthesis (COL1A1 and COL1A2), TGF-β1 content, TGF-β1 mRNA expression, ceramide content, and water content in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the intact control. Importantly, no discernible disparities were noted between the KO and L-AA groups, even though they received equivalent oral dosages. This study accentuates the potential utility of exogenous KO in the regulation of skin moisture, thus positioning it as a promising avenue for the development of nutricosmetics. Future research endeavors should delve into the role of KO in safeguarding against both intrinsic and extrinsic aging-related skin manifestations, as well as its potential to ameliorate skin wrinkles, in conjunction with its moisturizing attributes.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.159-177
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• 2008

Objectives : Crohn's disease is a severe chronic inflammation that is treated mainly by immunosuppression, which often has serious side effects. There is need to develop new therapeutic methods or drugs that have few side effects in order to treat this disease. Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at Cheonchu (ST25) has anti-inflammatory properties, but the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory actions is unclear. We investigated the protective effects and speculated the mechanisms of acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in mice which is a well known Crohn's disease animal model. Methods : 5 % TNBS was treated at day 1 and day 7 into rectum of mice. To investigate therapeutic effects of acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25, acupuncture was carried out on day 3, and day 6. For the data analysis, we observed macroscopic and microscopic findings of the colon. Weight and width of the colon, degree of damage, changes of body weight, and myeloperoxygenase (MPO) activity were checked. For analysing protein expression, we carried out immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. For analysing mRNA expression, RT-PCR was carried out. Results : TNBS induced damages on the colon of mice, while acupuncture of Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed TNBS mediated damages similar to those on the colons of mice in the control (not treated with TNBS) group. The average body weight of TNBS treated mice (77.4%) was decreased compared with that of the control mice (105%), and acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed the loss of body weight caused by TNBS (from 77.4% to 95.3%). TNBS induced infiltration of immune cells in all layers of the colon while acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed infiltration of immune cells caused by TNBS. Furthermore, acupunctured with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed macro-, micro- colonic damages caused by TNBS. Acupunctured with Moxi-tar at ST25 dramatically improved the clinical and histopathological symptoms such as the increase in weight of the distal colon and the MPO activity in TNBS-induced colitis. Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 down-regulated the nuclear transcription factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activity and suppressed tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions caused by TNBS. Conclusions : Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 helps recovery from the TNBS-induced colonic damage by down-regulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity and suppressing of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$, and ICAM-1 expressions. This may be an important method for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.39-52
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• 1989

Native Kerean lawngrass (Zeysia japonica steud.) and Manilagrass ( Zeysia matrella Merr.) are frequently used as sport turf and lawn in Kerea and ether Asian countries because of its excellent summer qualities and superior winter-hardiness compared to ether warm-season turfgrass . The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the plant growth retardants ( PGR ) en the inhibition (d the growth of the two Kerean native turfgrasses. Kerean lawngrass and Manilagrass were treated with [2 RS , 3 RS] -1- [4- chlorophenyl ] -4, 4-dimethyl -2- [1 H -1, 2, 4- tiazol -1- y] pentan -3- ol ( PP -333) at 93 and 930 gha -j ; 5-[4- chlorphenyl ]-3, 4, 5, 9, 10- peiitaaza - tetracyclo [5, 4, 1, 0 2 6 . o ~'~I -3, 9- diene ( BAS -106) at 16 and 160 gha ; [ E I-] - cyclohexyl -4, 4- dimethyl -2- [1, 2, 4- triazol -1- yl ]-1-pentene - 3- ol ( NTN -821) at 56 and 560 gha ', and 4- chloro -2- [$\alpha$- hydrozybenzy I isonicotin anilide ( CGR -811) at 92 gha in pot study . All PGR treatments were effective in reducing the plant height, with the exception of BAS -106 at 16 gha for Korean lawngrass ; however , all increased quality to some degree , with the exception of PP -333 at 93 gha . The low PGR rates significantly increased Korean lawngrass height during late jtily aitd mid-August . On the other hand , BAS -106 significantly increased Manilagrass height {rom 24 Septeml)er onwards . All PGR treatments haol higher turfgrass quality than untreatments , and also the high rates of PGIt treatments were more effective in increasing quality than the low rates observed on 8 October . Meanwhile , Manilagrass quality was increased to some extent than Korean lawegrass . PP - 333 was significantly effective in reducing clipping yield and the same results were found with the application of NTN -821 at 560 gha -l for both Korean lawngrass and Manilagrass , BAS -106 at 160 gha for Korean lawegrass , and CGR -811 at 92 gha for Manilagrass . The high PGR rates had higher turfgrass shoot weight observed on 8 October than the low rates , and there were little increases obtained with the low rates of PP -333 for Korean lawngrass and BAS - 1 06 for Manilagrass . Effeets on stolon growth varied between growth retardants , and between retardant treatments ; the high rates of PGR as well as the low rate of NTN -821 elongated stolon of Korean lawngrass and manoilagrass . However , PP -333 at 93 gha and BAS -106 at 16 gha - shortened stolons of Korean lawugrass , resulting in inhibition or little difference of stolon dry weight . NTN -821 at 560 gha and CGR -811 had no positive effect on the stolon length of Manilagrass . 101) -333 and the low rate of BAS -106 and NTN -821 decreased root weight of Korean lawng - rass All PGR rates had negative effect on the root weight of Manilagrass with the exception of BAS -106 CR -811 and the high rate of NTN -821 which made no difference in root weight between retarolant treatments and the control .

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1755-1762
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• 2020

Objective: Thyroid hormone responsive spot 14 alpha (THRSP) has been used to investigate the regulation of de novo lipogenesis because the variation of THRSP mRNA content in the tissue affects directly the ability of that tissue to synthetize lipids. Also, this gene responds to thyroid hormone stimulation and high level of carbohydrate feeding or insulin-injection. This study was carried out to investigate variations within THRSP and their effects on body and carcass weights in Korean native chicken (KNC). Methods: A total of 585 chickens which represent the five lines of KNC (Black, Gray-Brown, Red-Brown, White, and Yellow-Brown) were reared and body weight data were recorded every two weeks from hatch until 20 weeks of age. Polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism, DNA chips for Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, and Fluidigm Genotyping Technology, were applied to genotype selected markers. A linear mixed-effect model was used to access association between these single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and growth-related traits. Results: A total of 30 polymorphisms were investigated in THRSP. Of these, nine SNPs for loci were selected to perform association analyses. Significant associations were detected between g.-49G>T SNP with body weight at 20 weeks of age (BW20), g.451T>C SNP with growth at 10 to 12 weeks of age (GR10-12), and g.1432A>C SNP with growth at 14 to 16 weeks trait (GR14-16) and body weight at 18 weeks of age (BW18). Moreover, diplotype of the THRSP gene significantly affected body weight at 12 weeks of age (BW12) and GR10-12 traits. Diplotype of ht1/ht2 was favorable for BW12 and GR10-12 traits. Conclusion: These results suggest that THRSP can be regarded as a candidate gene for growth traits in KNC.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.478-485
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• 2017

The effect of high carbon dioxide and ethylene treatment on postharvest ripening regulation of red kiwifruit (Actinidia melanandra) was investigated during cold storage. Physio-chemical properties such as weight loss, firmness, SSC, acidity, and market quality were analysed in red kiwifruit held at $10^{\circ}C$ compared to the fruit treated with carbon dioxide and ethylene during 75 days of storage. No significant weight loss was detected in red kiwifruit treated with carbon dioxide until 75 days of storage while the most rapid loss was found in fruit treated with ethylene. In ethylene-treated fruit, the firmness was dramatically reduced from 4.2kg on the first day to 1.2 kg after 27 days of storage at $10^{\circ}C$. However, the firmness of the carbon dioxide-treated fruit was 1.8kg after 54 days of storage. The highest level of SSC(%) was investigated within the 27 storage days at $10^{\circ}C$ for fresh red kiwifruit treated with exogenous ethylene, whereas the carbon dioxide-treated fruit exhibited a greatly increased SSC after 64 days. The carbon dioxide-treated red kiwifruit maintained statistically(p<.01) higher levels of acidity compared to the control and the exogenous ethylene-treated ones during 41 days of storage at $10^{\circ}C$. The SSC/Acid ratio of fruit treated with carbon dioxide was significantly lower (p<.01) maintained than the other two treatments (ethylene-treated and control fruit)throughout the 75-day experiment. Based on the quality characteristics of postharvest red kiwifruit, it could be concluded that the carbon dioxide treatment significantly delayed the ripening process and maintained the market quality of harvested red kiwifruit, which can be a potential application for commercial use in the kiwi industry.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.81-88
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of present study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of Scutellariae Radix (SR) and Scutellariae Radix EtOH-heated at 200℃ (SR200) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated intestine of mice.Methods : Extract of SR and SR200 were orally administrated. Their effects were compared with vehicletreated LPS and normal groups. Subsequently, we measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide in the serum and western blotting in the intestine.Results : The average weight in LPS treated (Vehicle) group was lowered significantly compare to that in non-treated normal group and this weight loss in the vehicle group was effectively prevented by the administration of SR and SR200 respectively. The increased oxidative stress biomarker levels such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in the serum was markedly decreased by treated with SR200. The decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) induced by LPS injection were significantly restored by both SR and SR200 treatment. Moreover, increased inflammatory mediators and cytokines such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the LPS treated vehicle mice were significantly decreased through down-regulation c-JUN through reduction of oxidative stress.Conclusions : SR and SR200 could have benefit effect through down-regulation of abnormal oxidative stress in LPS induced intestine injury mice. Moreover, The anti-inflammatory activity of SR200 extract was better than SR extract in the LPS induced intestine injury mice.