BACKGROUND: In recent years, estrogen has also been shown to modulate the development and function of the brain, bur not exclusively in areas involved with sexual behavior. Among the most novel and fascinating effects of estrogen are those on cognitive function and memory process and their alterations during aging and neurodegenarative disease like Alzheimer. Estrogen receptors distributed not only in the hypothalamus but many different areas, like cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal forebrain, midbrain, spinal cord, and the diverse action of estrogen is supported by this fact. Numerous studies suggest thai estrogen may be beneficial in preserving cognitive function, but it is not clear yet. PURPOSE: In this study, we perform the immunohistochemical staining in the hippocampus of normal aged rat, and show the distribution of estrogen receptor compared with the neonatal rat. METHODS: we have used antibodies against a estrogen receptor(ER)-alpha to determine their distribution in neonatal and aged SD rat hippocampus. RESULTS: In neonatal rat hippocampus, ER-alpha immunoreactivity was observed in the nucleus of Purkinje cells, whereas in aged rat hippocampus, ER-a immunoreactivity was found mainly in the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells. CONCLUSION: We showed the age related intracellular differential distribution of ER-alpha immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampus. But, further investigations are required to establish whether functional relations like cognitive ability exist with this different intracellular expression of ER-alpha immunoreactivity.
Aging ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Brain ; Cerebral Cortex ; Cytoplasm ; Estrogens* ; Hippocampus* ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; Memory ; Mesencephalon ; Prosencephalon ; Purkinje Cells ; Rats* ; Receptors, Estrogen ; Sexual Behavior ; Spinal Cord

We examined the associations between adiponectin or leptin and serum ICAM-1 levels in seventy-six hypercholesterolemic patients (mean age 59 yrs, 25 males and 51 females, LDL-cholesterol>=130mg/dL at screening). Blood lipid profiles and HOMA-IR derived from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were determined. Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and ICAM-1 were analyzed using ELISA. The results showed that serum levels of leptin were positively associated with serum levels of ICAM-1 independent of age, sex and BMI (r =0.392, p<0.001). Serum levels of adiponectin were negatively associated with serum levels of ICAM-1 independent of age, sex and BMI (r =-0.343, p<0.005). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum leptin was an independent factor to be associated with serum ICAM-1 levels after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking status, blood lipids such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and HOMA-IR (p<0.001). With respect to adiponectin, its association with serum ICAM-1 was attenuated but still significant when further adjustments were made for age, sex, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking status, blood lipids such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and HOMA-IR (p<0.005). In conclusion, this study suggests that adiponectin and leptin are associated with endothelial derived inflammation.
Adipokines ; Adiponectin* ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fasting ; Female ; Glucose ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Inflammation ; Insulin ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1* ; Leptin* ; Linear Models ; Male ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Triglycerides

Antimicrobials were one of the great invention of modern era. However, the abuse of antimicrobial both in human and animals has led to a high rate of occurrence of antimicrobial resistant microbes. Disease treatment caused by antimicrobial resistant microbes including superbacteria has emerged as critical issue worldwide. Communication and cooperation among researchers in diverse fields are needed to solve the resistance to antimicrobials. Culture Collection of Antimicrobial Resistant Microbes (CCARM) has taken a leadership role an intermediary among various research fields by providing certified antimicrobial resistant microbes with their information since 1999. CCARM collects antimicrobial resistant microbes from clinical, agricultural animals and products, and environmental fields, and classifies and stores them according to their origins, species and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. CCARM is performing the roles (collection, deposit, preservation, distribution, service, and consulting) of Biological Resource Center designated by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Humans ; Inventions ; Leadership ; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development

Purpose: The 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) serves as a foundation for daily nutrient and energy recommendations aiming to enhance public health and prevent chronic diseases. They act as guidelines for maintaining proper nutrition and overall health.Using KDRIs is crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles and making informed dietary choices. Thus, this study explores the influence of a nutrition education program, based on the 2020 KDRIs, on the nutrition knowledge and dietary habits of undergraduates in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeonggi-do. Methods: The nutrition education program, designed with diverse instructional materials, was executed across a wide range of universities. The education group (n = 75) engaged in the program for a 6-week instructional period, while the control group (n = 53) underwent the survey without participating in the education program. Nutrition Quotient (NQ) and knowledge assessments were administered to both groups immediately before and after the instructional period. Results: Within the education group, the nutrition education program positively impacted responses to NQ practice items, including knowledge of nutrition, daily intake, and portion sizes (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences between the before and after responses of the control group for most survey items. Post-program evaluations showed significantly higher self-assessment scores and increased satisfaction levels (p < 0.05), with the satisfaction rate for the education program using the 2020 KDRIs reaching 99.2%. Conclusion This study has demonstrated the positive impact of an effective nutrition education program. However, there is a need for the continuous development and implementation of nutrition education programs to sustain these outcomes and further enhance the nutritional education experience.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we tested whether the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) would worsen the features of inflammation, plasma omega 3 fatty acid levels and antioxidant potential in treated hypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were classified by the components of MetS: a reference group of treated hypertensive subjects: hypertension (HTN) group (n = 39) and with more than two additional MetS components: HTN with Mets group (n = 40). We further compared the parameters between HTN group and HTN with MetS group. RESULTS: The results showed that age (p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001) were significantly different between HTN group and HTN with MetS group. Age- and BMI-adjusted total radical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower, whereas age- and BMI-adjusted CD (p < 0.05) and interleukin (IL) 6 (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in HTN with MetS group than in HTN group. Moreover, HTN with MetS group had significantly lower levels of age- and BMI-adjusted plasma phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) than HTN group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of age- and BMI-adjusted intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), adiponectin and high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results showed increased inflammatory marker, reduced antioxidant potential and EPA levels in treated hypertensive patients in the presence of MetS, suggesting the importance of changes of therapeutic lifestyle to modify the features of MetS.
Adiponectin/blood ; Age Factors ; Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use ; Antioxidants/*metabolism ; Body Mass Index ; Eicosapentaenoic Acid/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension/*blood/drug therapy/*immunology ; Inflammation/*immunology ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/blood ; Interleukin-6/blood ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/blood/*complications/immunology ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND: Studies on surtuin2 (SIRT2) proteins, particularly those focusing on the nervous system, have not been intensively done. Furthermore, neither the types of neural cells involved nor the changes in SIRT2 expression in each type have been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we used morphological techniques such as the double immunohistochemical study to assess the changes in the expressions of SIRT2 proteins in the rat brain during the aging process. METHODS: The immunohistochemical analyses employing anti-SIRT2, NeuN and GFAP antibodies were performed on 8-week and 24-month post-natal rat brains. Immunostained samples were observed under fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: In the hippocampus of the 8-week old rat brains, most of the SIRT2 immunoreactivities (IRs) were localized in the GFAP-positive astrocytes. Contrastingly, the 24-month old rat brains showed aging-related changes- the SIRT2 IRs were highly increased in the NeuN-positive neurons, unlike in the 8-week old brains, which only showed low SIRT2 IRs. In samples representing the same age, the increase of SIRT2 IRs in the astrocytes was not as remarkable as in the neurons. CONCLUSION: Although previous studies have found increased SIRT2 in aged brains, they could not determine the type of neural cells responsible for such changes. Significantly, the data derived from the present study demonstrated that increased SIRT2 in aged brains was caused mainly by changes to the protein expression in neurons. Considering that SIRT2 is known to be related to the anti-aging process of cells, highly expressed SIRT2 in neurons might play a role in inhibiting the aging of the central nervous system.
Aged ; Aging ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Astrocytes ; Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Hippocampus ; Humans ; Microtubules ; Nervous System ; Neurons ; Proteins ; Rats

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is highly prevalent in hospitals in Korea. The overall rate of MRSA in hospitals in Korea was estimated over 60%. Recently hospital infections caused by MRSA are getting increased and problematic in Korea, Our hospital Seoul Paik Hospital, has been trying to solve this problem. We had not applied exact methods for hospital infection control. Therefore, we adapted strict methods under the control of hospital infection control committee (HICC) and assessed the effectiveness of these methods. METHODS: Every month, the number of MRSA isolates was collected and analyzed; the results of the analysis were reported to every ward. All wards were supplied with Microshild(R) (Johnson & Johnson, Australia), Clean N' Fresh(R) (Carroll, USA), and standard paper towels. Health care workers were regularly educated for hospital infection control. The use of antibiotics was controlled by the HICC. We compared MRSA isolation rate between before and after applying the strict infection control methods under the regulation of HICC. Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: After restricting the uses of antibiotics, glycopeptides and carbapenems were prescribed 15% less (20.3 vs 17.3 DDD /1000 patient-days) and 35% less (9.3 vs 6.0 DDD /1000 patient-days) respectively, compared to before restricting antibiotics. Methicillin resistance rate was decreased from 78% to 69% compared to before the methods(p=0.02). The isolation rate of MRSA was reduced by 31-42% from 2.33 to 1.35-1.60/1000 patient-days compared to before adapting strict infection control methods (p=0.04-0.07). CONCLUSION: This study showed that applying the strict infection control methods in the hospital can be effective to reduce the isolation rate of MRSA.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Carbapenems ; Cross Infection* ; Delivery of Health Care ; Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ; Glycopeptides ; Infection Control ; Korea ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Seoul ; Staphylococcus aureus* ; Staphylococcus*

BACKGROUND: We tried to see if the change in subcellular distribution of estrogen receptor alpha(ER-alpha) was occurring in the senescent or differentiated cells. And if any, we also tried to observe the similarities or differences of distribution changes in ER-alpha in these two groups. METHODS: By treatment with 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine(AZT, Sigma-Aldrich, USA, 1micrometer) on PC12 pheochromocytoma cells line(ATCC CRL-1721). Immunohistochemistries with anti-ER-alpha antibody were also performed on the cells without treatment of AZT, with treatment of 74 days and 140 days. The same staining was also done on the arti-ficially differentiated cells induced by nerve growth factor(50ng/ml) for 5 days. The distribution of ER-alpha in these two cell groups were compared by confocal laser microscope. RESULTS: Senescent PC12 cells treated with AZT showed the changes in morphologies or cell sizes, comparing with normal counterparts. Subcellular localization of ER-alpha in cytoplasmic compartment increased in the cells treated with AZT during much longer duration. Same change in subcelluar distribution was also identified in the cells treated with NGF. In fully differentiated cells, we could find the presence of ER-alpha mainly in the cytoplasmic compartment. However, as to the organelles expressing ER-alpha, senescent and differentiated cells showed differences; mainly expressed in mitochondria in differentiated cells; but expressed diffused in cytoplasm in senescent cells. CONCLUSION: We could see the similarities in subcellular distribution of ER-alpha in the artificially senescent and differentiated neuronal cells. Increase in cytoplasmic expression of ER-alpha in cytoplasm was found in much senescent or differentiated cells. Considering that cell proliferation decrease both in senescence and differentiation, increase in ER-alpha in cytoplasmic compartment might be caused by decrease in cell proliferation of these two changes. This means that estrogen might play a role in inhibiting cell proliferation via its increased receptors within cytoplasmic compartment. In addition, we also found the differences in organelles expressing ER-alpha in both cases, suggesting that minor differences in mechanism for action of estrogen in both cases of senescent and differentiated cells. Estrogen might play a major role through mitochondria in cell differentiation; but not in cell senescence.
Aging ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Size ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytoplasm ; Estrogens ; Mitochondria ; Nerve Growth Factor ; Neurons ; Organelles ; PC12 Cells ; Pheochromocytoma ; Zidovudine

Although accumulating evidence suggests that microglia-mediated neuroinflammation may be crucial for the initiation and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), and that the control of neuroinflammation may be a useful strategy for preventing the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) projections in the adult brain, it is still unclear what kinds of endogenous biomolecules initiate microglial activation, consequently resulting in neurodegeneration. Recently, we reported that the increase in the levels of prothrombin kringle-2 (pKr-2), which is a domain of prothrombin that is generated by active thrombin, can lead to disruption of the nigrostriatal DA projection. This disruption is mediated by neurotoxic inflammatory events via the induction of microglial Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in vivo , thereby resulting in less neurotoxicity in TLR4-deficient mice. Moreover, inhibition of microglial activation following minocycline treatment, which has anti-inflammatory activity, protects DA neurons from pKr-2-induced neurotoxicity in the substantia nigra (SN) in vivo. We also found that the levels of pKr-2 and microglial TLR4 were significantly increased in the SN of PD patients compared to those of age-matched controls. These observations suggest that there may be a correlation between pKr-2 and microglial TLR4 in the initiation and progression of PD, and that inhibition of pKr-2-induced microglial activation may be protective against the degeneration of the nigrostriatal DA system in vivo . To describe the significance of pKr-2 overexpression, which may have a role in the pathogenesis of PD, we have reviewed the mechanisms of pKr-2-induced microglial activation, which results in neurodegeneration in the SN of the adult brain.
Adult ; Animals ; Brain ; Humans ; Mice ; Microglia ; Minocycline ; Neurons ; Parkinson Disease ; Prothrombin* ; Substantia Nigra ; Thrombin ; Toll-Like Receptor 4

Background: WDR1 is thought to be correlating with polymerization and depolymerization of actin protein. Though WDR1 was found to be within nucleus, in which actin could not be present by previous studies, the exact distribution pattern of WDR1 protein under various circumstances was not elucidated up to the present time. In this regard, we tried to see a change in the distribution of WDR1 protein within artificially induced senescent PC 12 pheochromocytoma cells for the first time. Methods: PC12 pheochromocytoma cells (ATCC CRL-1721) were grown in the culture media including 1 micrometer 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT, Sigma-Aldrich, USA). The senescence of the cells was confirmed by senescence detection kit (Calbiochem, San Diego, CA). Immunocytochemical study by using WDR1 antibody was also performed in the cells treated with AZT during 0, 75 and 153 days. Results: WDR1 protein was mainly observed within the cytoplasm of the cells not treated with AZT. However, the distribution of the same protein was changed into the nucleus after 153 day-AZT treatment. Conclusion: The distribution of WDR1 protein was changed into nucleus in the artificially senescent PC12 cells.
Actins ; Aging ; Animals ; Culture Media ; Cytoplasm ; PC12 Cells* ; Pheochromocytoma ; Polymerization ; Polymers ; Zidovudine