This study was conducted to examine the effect of a diet supplemented with dried Bacillus subtilis culture on broilers' productivity and blood characteristics. Broiler feeding experiments were conducted twice. The diet fed to the control group was supplemented with 0.2% Palm MateⓇ commercially available probiotics (B. subtilis), and the diet fed to the experimental group was supplemented with ThekerⓇ 0.05% dried B. subtilis culture (DBC) in experiment 1, and 0.1% DBC in experiment 2. Treatment was administered for four weeks in both groups. A higher average daily gain was observed in the group treated with 0.05% DBC in experiment 1 compared with the control group, which was significantly higher in the group that received 0.1% DBC in experiment 2 compared with the control group. A higher production index was observed in the groups that received treatment than in the control group and was higher in the 0.1% DBC group than in the 0.05% DBC group. Significantly lower serum triglyceride (TG) was observed with increased DBC content. Although the findings showed no statistical significance, lower total cholesterol (T-C) was observed in the treated group than in the control group. HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) content showed a significant increase in the DBC-treated groups. A significantly opposite outcome was observed for LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) content. These findings demonstrated that the atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factor (CRF) decreased in the DBC-treated groups. Significantly lower serum levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT: aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT: alanine transaminase, ALT) were detected with an increase in DBC content in the treated groups compared with the control groups. To summarize the findings described above, adding ThekerⓇ dried B. subtilis culture to broiler feeds positively improved productivity through weight gain of broilers and the production of healthier functional broilers through the improvement of blood lipids and liver function. It is expected that the findings of this study will be helpful in the effort to increase the profitability of broiler chicken farming and promote human health.

In this study, an experiment was conducted in order to determine what cryopreservatives (CPVs) were more effective in supporting the motility and viability of sperm from experimental animals. The sperm of mice, rats, beagle dogs, and rabbits were frozen using different CPVs, including DMSO, TYB, and Sperm CryoProtec. The results from freezing the sperm of each laboratory animal in Sperm CryoProtec showed a high level of sperm motility and viability in sperm samples from mice, rats, and beagle dogs melted at the end of the first week. For rabbits, a high level of motility was observed in sperm thawed during the first week, whereas a high level of viability was observed in sperm thawed during the second week. The results of analysis of sperm motility and viability using different CPVs according to laboratory animals showed a significantly higher level of sperm motility (26.28%) and viability (36.20%) for mice in Sperm CryoProtec and the lowest levels of motility and viability were observed in DMSO (p < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of motility (27.94%) and viability (37.94%) were observed for rats in Sperm CryoProtec compared with TYB, which showed the lowest levels of motility and viability (p < 0.05). The study findings described above suggest that the selection of appropriate cryopreservatives is required for each experimental animal. This is because there are differences in the levels of sperm motility and viability of experimental animals depending on the CPVs that are typically used for freezing human sperm, including Sperm CryoProtec and TYB.

Organ transplantation is currently the most fundamental treatment for organ failure, but there is a shortage of organ supply compared to those in need. Regenerative medicine has recently developed a decellularization technique that overcomes the limitations of conventional organ transplantation and attempts to reconstruct damaged tissues or organs to their normal state. Several decellularization methods have been suggested. In this experiment, the decellularization methods were used to find effective decellularization methods for humanlike porcine placenta. The optimal conditions for decellular support are low DNA content and high glycos amino glycans (GAGs) and collagen content. In order to satisfy this condition, SDS and Triton X-100 and SDS + Triton X-100 were used as the detergent used for decellularization in this experiment. The contents were compared according to the decellularization time (0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours), and the concentrations of SDS (0.2, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0%) were mixed in 1.0% Triton X-100 to analyze the contents. When decellularized using SDS and Triton X-100, respectively, it was confirmed that the contents of DNA and GAGs were opposite to each other. And decellularization treatment for 24 hours at 0.5% SDS was able to obtain an effective decellular support. If decellularization studies of various detergents can be obtained an effective decellular support, and furthermore, cell culture experiments can confirm the effect on the cells.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of types of oil (OVOIL vs. OIL) on B6D2F1 mice oogenesis. In this study, B6D2F1 F1 mice were used in order to maximize oogenesis. The expansion rate of cumulus cells (82.0%±0.2 vs. 78.0%±0.1), in vitro fertilization rate (92.0%±0.1 vs. 88.0%±0.1), developmental rate (91.0%±0.1 vs. 87.0%±0.2), blastocysts formation rate (56.0%±0.1 vs. 57.0%±0.1), and zona hatched rate(41.4%±0.2 vs. 24.0%±0.1) were not different between groups (NS; P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in maturation rate; the OVOIL group showed higher maturation rate compared to that of the OIL group (96.0%±0.1 vs. 87.0%±0.1; P<0.05). In the blastocysts cell numbers, the total cell numbers (83.9±26.1 vs. 56.9±23.9), ICM cell numbers (15.7±8.8 vs. 6.3±3.5), TE cell numbers (68.3±25.7 vs. 50.7±24.1), % ICM (21.6%±0.1 vs. 12.7%±0.1), and the ratio of ICM:TE (1:6.2±6.5 vs. 1:10.3±7.0) were significantly higher in the OVOIL group than the OIL group (P<0.05). These results suggested that it is expected to achieve the more developmental ability of B6D2F1 mice depending on the type of oil (OVOIL vs. OIL). In addition, the results can provide essential information for culture condition on B6D2F1 mice. Henceforth, thus, it is expected that these results herein might be used for in vitro culture of human embryos.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of transfer temperature of epididymis on survival rate of semen and development ability of B6D2F1 mice embryos. No significant differences were noted in the survival rate of semen (59.0% ± 0.1 vs. 47.6% ± 0.1), in vitro fertilization rate (90.7% ± 0.1 vs. 90.7% ± 0.1), developmental rate (90.0% ± 0.1 vs. 90.0% ± 0.1), and blastocysts formation rate (53.1% ± 0.2 vs. 52.3% ± 0.2) between groups. (NS; P>0.05). However, the zona hatched rate was significantly higher in the 4°C group compared to those of the 37°C group (47.8% ± 0.1 vs. 25.6% ± 0.2; p<0.05). When it comes to cell numbers of blastocysts, the % ICM (/total cells) was significantly higher in the group of 4°C compared to the 37°C (27.0% ± 0.1 vs. 18.3% ± 0.1; p<0.05). However there were no differences in total cell numbers (72.7 ± 31.6 vs. 62.0 ± 36.6), ICM cell numbers (17.0 ± 7.8 vs. 14.6 ± 8.6), TE cell numbers (55.8 ± 29.8 vs. 64.0 ± 24.4), the ratio of ICM:TE (1:4.2 ± 4.1 vs. 1:6.4 ± 7.2) between two groups (NS; P>0.05).Taken altogether, it is expected to achieve the best developmental ability of B6D2F1 mice embryos in the transfer temperature of epididymis. Also these results can provide fundamental data to maximize culture condition for in vitro fertilization on B6D2F1 mice. In future, therefore, it is expected that results herein might be applied for in vitro culture of human embryos.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different volume (100 μl vs. 2 ml) of microdrop culture on B6D2F1 mice oogenesis. In the present study, B6D2F1/CrljOri F1 mice were utilized in order to maximize oogenesis. Also we used TCM-199, Dulbecco's medified Eagle's medium (DMEM), embryo culture medium (Fertilization medium, Cleavage medium, Blastocyst medium), G series medium and One step medium. Blastulation rate was not different between groups (58.4±2.9% vs. 61.2±4.8%). Zona hatched rate (38±15.4% vs. 27±3.4%) and attached rate (55±13.9% vs. 46±3.9%) did not differ by the volume of culture media. Total cell numbers (59.8±9.7 vs. 70.3±8.7), ICM cell numbers (15.8±0.6 vs. 16.8±1.5), TE cell numbers (44.0±9.7 vs. 53.6±7.3), % ICM (26.4±2.9% vs. 23.8±3.3%) and ICM:TE ratio (1: 2.8±0.4 vs. 1: 3.2±0.6) were not different between groups (i.e., 100 μl vs. 2 ml). These results show that the capacity of the culture medium did not effect the cell numbers of B6D2F1 mice blastocysts. In summary, these results can provide fundamental data to maximize culture condition for in vitro fertilization on B6D2F1 mice.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of type of culture media (BM, G2, OS, TCM, and MEM) on B6D2F1 mice oogenesis. In the present study, B6D2F1/CrljOri F1 mice were utilized in order to maximize oogenesis. Also we used TCM-199, Dulbecco's medified Eagle's medium (DMEM), embryo culture medium (Fertilization medium, Cleavage medium, Blastocyst medium), G series medium and One step medium. In vitro maturation was highest in BM followed by the order of OS, MEM, TCM and G2 (90±2.8% > 88±3.2% > 85±4.9% > 78±10.2% > 64±7.7%, respectively). To note, the G2 group was statistically different compared to other groups (p<0.05). On the other hand the fertilization rate was highest in the G2 group followed by BM, OS, TCM, and MEM (87±7.2% > 85±6.9% > 74±14.0% > 71±13.8% > 2±1.4%, respectively). The MEM group was significantly lower compared to other groups (p<0.05). The developmental rate was highest in the OS group followed by the G2 group and the BM group albeit no statistical significance was noted (73±11.6% > 71±9.2% > 66±10.4%). Of note, all cells of the TCM and MEM groups were died during embryonic development. The zona hatched rate (51±9.8% vs. 50±9.1% vs. 47±7.2% for BM, G2, and OS respectively) and attached rate (45±12.3% vs. 38±16.1% vs. 37±11.5% for BM, G2, and OS respectively) were not different amongst groups. No difference was found in total cell numbers (74±13.9 vs. 64±9.2 vs. 76±6.7 for BM, G2, and OS respectively), ICM cell numbers (20±1.9 vs. 14±1.8 vs. 15±2.1), TE cell numbers (55±12.5 vs. 49±10.7 vs. 61±5.9), % ICM (30±2.8% vs. 24±7.0% vs. 22.8±2.2%) and ICM:TE ratio (1:2±0.5 vs. 1:3.1±0.8 vs. 1:3.1 ±0.5) amongst groups. In summary, these results can provide fundamental data to maximize culture condition for in vitro fertilization on B6D2F1 mice.

JAZF1 (Juxtaposed with Another Zinc Finger gene 1) transcription factor are Zn-finger proteins that bind to the nuclear orphan receptor TAK/TR4 (Nakajima et al., 2004). The nuclear orphan receptor TAK1/TR4 functions as a positive as well as a negative regulator of transcription. It was recently reported that congenital cardiovascular malformations are significantly more frequent in Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) patients with microdeletion syndrome than in those with classical NF1. JAZF1 was expressed in adult heart of patients with microdeletion syndrome. JAZF1 is highly conserved among various species include zebrafish. We hypothesized that the expression of zebrafish Jazf1 may lead to severe forms of congenital heart disease that allow the survival of newborns and adults. In this study, we created Jazf1 transgenic zebrafish which over-express zebrafish Jazf1 cDNA under control of the CMV promoter. Our results suggested that Jazf1 expression may play an important role in zebrafish cardiac development.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been generated from mouse and human somatic cells by etopic expression of transcription factors. iPS cells are indistinguishable from ES cells in terms of morphology and stem cell marker expression. Moreover, mouse iPS cells give rise to chimeric mice that are competent for germline transmission. However, mice derived from iPS cells often develop tumors. Furthermore, the low efficiency of iPS cell generation is a big disadvantage for mechanistic studies. Nonviral plasmid‐based vectors are free of many of the drawbacks that constrain viral vectors. The histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) has been shown to improve the efficiency of mouse and human iPS cell generation, and vitamin C (Vc) accelerates gene expression changes and establishment of the fully reprogrammed state. The MEK inhibitor PD0325901 (Stemgent) has been shown to increase the efficiency of the reprogramming of human primary fibroblasts into iPS cells. In this report, we described the generation of mouse iPS cells devoid of exogenous DNA by the simple transient transfection of a nonviral vector carrying 2A‐peptide‐linked reprogramming factors. We used VPA, Vc, and the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 to increase the reprogramming efficiency. The reprogrammed somatic cells expressed pluripotency markers and formed EBs.

Mitochondria diseases have been reported to involve structural and functional defects of complex I-V. Especially, many of these diseases are known to be related to dysfunction of mitochondrial proton-translocating NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). The dysfunction of mitochondria complex I is associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Mammalian mitochondrial proton-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is largest and consists of at least 46 different subunits. In contrast, the NDI1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a single subunit rotenone-insensitive NADH-quinone oxidoreductase that is located on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae NDI1 gene using a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV-NDI1) was successfully expressed in AML12 mouse liver hepatocytes and the NDI1-transduced cells were able to grow in media containing rotenone. In contrast, control cells that did not receive the NDI1 gene failed to survive. The expressed Ndi1 enzyme was recognized to be localized in mitochondria by confocal immunofluorescence microscopic analyses and immunoblotting. Using digitonin-permeabilized cells, it was shown that the NADH oxidase activity of the NDI1-transduced cells was not affected by rotenone which is inhibitor of complex I, but was inhibited by antimycin A. Furthermore, these results indicate that Ndi1 can be functionally expressed in the AML12 mouse liver hepatocytes. It is conceivable that the NDI1 gene is powerful tool for gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases caused by complex I deficiency. In the future, we will attempt to functionally express the NDI1 gene in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell.

The experimental manipulation of protooncogenes and their gene products is a valuable research tool for the study of human neoplasia. In this study, the recently identified human cervical cancer protooncogene (HccR-2) was expressed in transgenic mice under the control of the tetracycline regulatory system. The phenotype observed was similar in many respects to human chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). Thus, the HccR-2 transgenic mouse model is important not only for investigating the biological properties of the HccR-2 protooncogene in vivo, but also for analyzing the mechanisms involved in the progression of CNL.

The experimental manipulation of protooncogenes and their gene products is a valuable research tool for the study of human neoplasia. In this study, the recently identified human cervical cancer protooncogene (HccR-2) was expressed in transgenic mice under the control of the tetracycline regulatory system. Mice expressing the HccR-2 transgene showed an altered myeloid development characterized by an increased percentage of mature and band-form neutrophils in the peripheral blood, liver and spleen. This phenotype is similar to human chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) in many ways, which is a rare chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMD) that presents as a sustained leukocytosis of mature neutrophils with a few or no circulating immature granulocytes, an absence of peripheral blood monocytosis, basophilia, or eosinophilia, and an infiltration of neutrophils into the liver, spleen and kidney. Thus, the HccR-2 transgenic mouse model is imperative not only for investigating the biological properties of the HccR-2 protooncogene in vivo, but also for analyzing the mechanisms involved in the progression of CNL.

Mitochondria diseases have been reported to involve structural and functional defects of complex I-V. Especially, many of these diseases are known to be related to dysfunction of mitochondrial proton-translocating NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). The dysfunction of mitochondria complex I is associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Mammalian mitochondrial proton-translocating NADH–quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is largest and consists of at least 46 different subunits. In contrast, the NDI1 gene of is a single subunit rotenone-insensitive NADH-quinone oxidoreductase that is located on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The gene using a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV-NDI1) was successfully expressed in AML12 mouse liver hepatocytes. The NDI1-transduced cells were able to grow in media containing rotenone. In contrast, control cells that did not receive the gene failed to survive. The expressed Ndi1 enzyme was recognized to be localized in mitochondria by confocal immunofluorescence microscopic analyses and immunoblotting. Using digitonin-permeabilized cells, it was shown that the NADH oxidase activity of the NDI1-transduced cells was not affected by rotenone which is inhibitor of complex I, but was inhibited by antimycin A. Furthermore, these results shown that Ndi1 can be functionally expressed in the AML12 mouse liver hepatocytes. It is conceivable that the gene is powerful tool for gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases caused by complex I deficiency. In the future, I will attempt to functionally express the NDI1 gene in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell.