Min-Chul Kang

Genetic Analysis of Ancient Bones of Cervidae Animals from Archaeological Site in Jeju, Korea

Abstract DNA extracted from ancient bones of Cervidae animals was examined to identify the species and to determine the phylogenetic relationships to those from extant cervids. Abundant ancient bones were excavated from Kumsung archaeological site in Jeju Island, Korea, and were identified as Cervidae animals based on morphological features of their antlers and lower mandibles. Their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) was partially sequenced and subsequently compared with those previously reported in database. The results confirmed that the ancient sequences are lineage of Cervidae. On the phylogenetic trees constructed using the sequence diversity of the CR sequences of family Cervidae, the ancient DNA sequences were found on distinct clusters. The ancient sequences were located in the subfamily Capreolinae cluster, and six ancient sequences were closely related to those of extant Korean roe deer in Jeju Island and Korean Peninsula. Consequently, the results of this study suggest that the roe deer inhabited Jeju Island in ancient times. However, there is no evidence for the existence of subfamily Cervinae, including Sika deer, while it has been described in several historical records. The results suggest that this finding could contribute to understanding of the origin and phylogenetic relationships of extant and ancient roe deer on Jeju Island.

Lindera erythrocarpa Makino extract reduces obesity induced by high-fat diet in rats

Lindera erythrocarpa Makino (LE) is widely distributed on Jeju Island, where it has been used for various traditional therapies. Effects of a crude extract of LE were examined in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Anti-obesity effects were followed in rats receiving orally administered vehicle, 100mg/kg extract, or 250 mg/kg LE extract, for 56 days. LE extract (250 mg/kg) suppressed increases in body weight and epididymal fat, with amelioration of fatty changes in the liver. Additionally, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total cholesterol were significantly decreased compared with those of vehicle-treated groups (p