• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.190-200
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• 2015

Evaluation Project on Appropriate Prescribing (EPAP) which is analysing prescribing pattern and providing physicians feedback has begun in 2001. EPAP indicators are related to antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections, overuse of injection, polypharmacy (no. of drugs prescribed together, no. of prescriptions with 6 or more drugs), prescribing of specific medication group (drugs for acid related disorders, NSAIDs, corticosteroids) and medication expenditure per prescription day. The aim of this study was to suggest a development plan for EPAP indicators suitable for domestic situation. A consensus group consisting of seventeen health care professionals evaluated significance of each therapeutic class for EPAP indicators expansion considering information such as magnitude of issue, prescribing indicators of foreign countries, reimbursement criteria by each therapeutic class. Based on the data and group survey, 5 classes were selected as candidates for prescribing indicators and we presented 24 indicators regarding 5 classes. The results suggested that we need to augment evaluation indicators of additional area.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

This protocol clarifies a simple and precise method for measuring the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme inhibitor. XO enzyme, which accelerates oxidative stress-related disorders through its capacity to generate hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radicals (O₂^•-), has been found to be inhibited by several plant extracts. Enzyme samples were incubated with a suitable buffer containing adequate amounts of xanthine as a substrate to determine XO activity. The method depends on direct measurements of uric acid and hydrogen peroxide production to test XO with and without interference. The CUPRAC reagent (Cu(Nc)₂²⁺) was used to inhibit enzyme reaction after incubation was complete. The generated urate and peroxide reduced the Cu(II)-neocuproine complex (Cu(Nc)₂²⁺) to a brightly colored Cu(I)-neocuproine complex (Cu(Nc)₂⁺), which was assessed with a spectrophotometer at 450 nm. XO activity was found to be directly related to the increased absorbance of the colored Cu(I)-neocuproine complex (Cu(Nc)₂⁺). To eliminate catalase enzyme interference, the proposed method used sodium azide and was validated against XO activity using the UV method in matched samples with t-test analysis. The proposed assay can determine XO activity with high precision, as indicated by the correlation coefficient (R² = 0.9935) from comparison with the reference protocol.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.3-8
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• 2016

Functional dyspepsia is one of the most common bowel disorders as prevalent of 7.7% Korean population. The cardinal manifestations include bothersome postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric burning or pain. These features are chronic and should be presented recurrently with no other compatible organic disease to explain the symptoms. Even though it is not life-shortening, functional dyspepsia usually make the health-related quality of life worse especially if other functional bowel disorder coexist. The coexistence of functional bowel disorders is called as 'overlap syndrome'. Anxiety, somatization and insomnia is more prevalent in overlap syndrome compared with sole functional bowel disorder. Therefore, it is worthwhile that physician interviews and elucidates whether the dyspeptic patient had other kinds of functional bowel disorders, and manages the underlying psychotic pathology. Placebo effect is large in functional dyspepsia, and there is only four kinds of prokinetics that is proven to be superior to placebo. Adverse events relating prolonged administration of prokinetics sometimes fatal or irreversible, physician willing to describe prokinetics should be familiar to the possible adverse effects and the relating risk factors. Pathologic acid reflux is not uncommon in functional dyspepsia, and acid-suppressant is equivalent to the prokientics in most of dyspeptic patients.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.214-219
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• 2012

This research was designed to determine what components of Gardenia jasminoides play a major role in inhibiting the enzymes related antidepressant activity of this plant. In our previous research, the ethyl acetate fraction of G. jasminosides fruits inhibited the activities of both monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), and oral administration of the ethanolic extract slightly increased serotonin concentrations in the brain tissues of rats and decreased MAO-B activity. In addition, we found through in vitro screening test that the ethyl acetate fraction showed modest inhibitory activity on dopamine-${\beta}$ hydroxylase (DBH). The bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of five bio-active compounds, protocatechuic acid (1), geniposide (2), 6'-O-trans-p-coumaroylgeniposide (3), 3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) heptanes (4), and ursolic acid (5), from the ethyl acetate fraction of G. jasminoides fruits. The isolated compounds showed different inhibitory potentials against MAO-A, -B, and DBH. Protocatechuic acid showed potent inhibition against MAO-B ($IC_{50}$ $300{\mu}mol/L$) and DBH ($334{\mu}mol/L$), exhibiting weak MAO-A inhibition (2.41 mmol/L). Two iridoid glycosides, geniposide ($223{\mu}mol/L$) and 6'-O-trans-p-coumaroylgeniposide ($127{\mu}mol/L$), were selective MAO-B inhibitor. Especially, 6'-O-trans-p-coumaroylgeniposide exhibited more selective MAO-B inhibition than deprenyl, well-known MAO-B inhibitor for the treatment of early-stage Parkinson's disease. The inhibitory activity of 3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) heptane was strong for MAO-B ($196{\mu}mol/L$), modest for MAO-A ($400{\mu}mol/L$), and weak for DBH ($941{\mu}mol/L$). Ursolic acid exhibited significant inhibition of DBH ($214{\mu}mol/L$), weak inhibition of MAO-B ($780{\mu}mol/L$), and no inhibition against MAO-A. Consequently, G. jasminoides fruits are considerable for development of biofunctional food materials for the combination treatment of depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2018

Kefir exhibits antimicrobial activity in vitro against gram-positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as some fungi. The ability of LAB to inhibit the growth of closely related bacteria is well known. This inhibition of pathogenic and spoilage microbes may be due to the production of organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, acetaldehyde, diacetyl, carbon dioxide, or bacteriocins. Lactobacilli are the major contributors to acid production and, hence, a determining factor in the flavor development in kefir. Lactic acid, proteolytic activity, and acetaldehyde are the essential flavor compounds in kefir. Both acid and bacteriocins contribute to the antimicrobial activity of kefir and kefir grains. Kefir is rich in proteins, calcium, vitamin $B_{12}$, niacin, and folic acid. Many studies have investigated the benefits of consuming kefir and have shown that it is a natural probiotic, which when consumed regularly, can help relieve intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence, and improve the overall health of the digestive system. Tibetan kefir, which is different from traditional kefir, is produced in China. It has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity that is nearly identical to that of traditional kefir. Kefir production is considered a rapidly growing food industry in China.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.219-226
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of rhubarb extract on osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Osteoclasts are vital for bone resorption and remodeling. Osteoclast dysregulation can contribute to various bone-related disorders that directly affect oral health. Rhubarb, a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to modulate bone metabolism. Methods: BMMs were isolated from the femurs and tibias of 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice and cultured in the presence of mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) for 3 days. Subsequently, BMMs were treated with M-CSF and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclast differentiation. Results: Rhubarb extract effectively suppressed osteoclast differentiation in BMMs. Furthermore, rhubarb extract inhibited the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K (CTSK), which are essential for osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, it inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1), a crucial transcription factor in osteoclast differentiation. Conclusions: These results suggest that rhubarb extract promotes oral health by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis in BMMs. Thus, rhubarb extract shows promise as a therapeutic agent for bone-related disorders that directly affect oral health, particularly those associated with abnormal osteoclast activity. Further research and exploration of the underlying mechanisms are warranted to fully understand their potential clinical applications.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.128-137
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• 2006

Background: Apoptosis is a physiologic phenomenon involved in development, elimination of damaged cells, and maintenance of cell homeostasis. Deregulation of apoptosis may cause diseases, such as cancers, immune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The mouse myeloma cell P3-X63-Ag8.653 (v653) is an HGPRT deficient $(HGPRT^-)$ mutant strain. High dependency on de novo transcription and translation of aminopterin induced apoptosis of this cell seems to be an ideal experimental system for searching apoptosis-induced genes. Methods & Results: For searching apoptosis-related genes we carried out GE-array (dot blot), Affymetrix GeneChip analysis, Northern analysis and differential display-PCR techniques. The chip data were analyzed with three different programs. 66 genes were selected through Affymetrix GeneChip analyses. All genes selected were classified into 8 groups according to their known functions. They were Genes of 1) Cell growth/maintenance/death/enzyme, 2) Cell cycle, 3) Chaperone, 4) Cancer/disease-related genes, 5) Mitochondria, 6) Membrane protein/signal transduction, 7) Nuclear protein/nucleic acid binding/transcription binding and 8) Translation factor. Among these groups number of genes were the largest in the genes of cell growth/maintenance/death/enzyme. Expression signals of most of all groups were peaked at 3 hour of apoptosis except genes of Nuclear protein/nucleic acid binding/transcription factor which showed maximum signal at 1 hour. Conclusion: This study showed induction of wide range of proapoptotic factors which accelerate cell death at various stage of cell death. In addition apoptosis studied in this research can be classified as a type 2 which involves cytochrome c and caspase 9 especially in early stages of death. But It also has progressed to type 1 in late stage of the death process.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6257-6260
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• 2013

Gallstone disease is a major surgical problem in many populations; it is probably related to diet, especially excessive consumption of meat. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of gallstones and their association with neoplastic changes including cholangiocarcinomas in cholecystectomised patients. The chemical composition of gallstones from 40 patients (8 males and 32 females) was analyzed. This is a prospective study performed in Baquba teaching hospital in the period from 1/10/2012 to 1/1/2013 in which we collected the gallstones for the patients who underwent cholecystectomy, whether open or laparoscopic. The stones were classified according to their chemical composition as a mixed stones (MS), and examined using a stone analysis set (chemical qualitative method) for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, uric acid and oxalate which was used reagent for qualitative determination of main individual components of stones. The results of this study showed the highest incidence of gallstones in the age group 40-49 was 13 cases followed by 11, 8 and 4 cases for age groups 30-39, 50-59, 20-29 and 60 and above, respectively. The chemical analysis showed the majority of gallstones were mixed, 38 containing calcium followed by 37 cases with uric acid, 28 with magnesium, and 25 and 22 stones with oxalate and phosphate, respectively. Microscopically, we confirmed neoplastic changes (17.5%) as cholangiocarcinomas (CCCs) (7.55%) and dysplastic cells of carcinoma in situ in 4 (10%), 31 (77.5%) cases were chronic cholecystitis and 2 (5%) cases were acute cholecystitis with empyema out of bile duct disorders patients. In conclusion, majority of cases had mixed gallstones that involved five and four of inorganic chemicals of calcium, magnesium and phosphate, the highest incidence of gallstones in age group 40-49 years old was 13 cases, and neoplastic changes were confirmed (17.5%) including CCCs, (7.5%) and dysplastic cells of carcinoma in situ (10%), while 31 (77.5%) cases were chronic cholecystitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2013

3,4,5-Trihydroxycinnamic acid (THC) is a derivative of hydroxycinnamic acids, which have been reported to possess a variety of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities. However, biological activity of THC has not been extensively examined. Recently, we reported that THC possesses anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. However, its precise mechanism by which THC exerts anti-inflammatory action has not been clearly identified. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the anti-inflammatory mechanism of THC in BV2 microglial cells. THC effectively suppressed the LPS-induced induction of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-$1{\beta}$. THC also suppressed expression of MCP-1, which plays a key role in the migration of activated microglia. To understand the underlying mechanism by which THC exerts these anti-inflammatory properties, involvement of Nrf2, which is a cytoprotective transcription factor, was examined. THC resulted in increased phosphorylation of Nrf2 with consequent expression of HO-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. THC-induced phosphorylation of Nrf2 was blocked with SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, indicating that p38 MAPK is the responsible kinase for the phosphorylation of Nrf2. Taken together, the present study for the first time demonstrates that THC exerts anti-inflammatory properties through the activation of Nrf2 in BV2 microglial cells, suggesting that THC might be a valuable therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders in the CNS.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.206-213
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• 2004

This study was performed to evaluate the anticonvulsant, antioxidant effect of modified formulas Korean traditional medicine Gungchihwadam-Jeon(GCHDJ). The extract of GCHDJ was administered (p.o.) to mice for 14 days in anticonvulsant and antioxidant tests. The pretreatment of GCHDJ extract prohibited the pentylenetrazol(PTZ)-induced convulsion in PTZ-induced convulsion, lowered level of brain r-aminobutyric acid(GABA) was restored by the pretreatment of GCHDJ. Increased level of brain glutamic acid was lowered to normal state by GCHDJ, and increased activity of brain r-aminobutyric acid transaminase(GABA-T) was reduced by GCHDJ. In PTZ-induced convulsion, increased level of brain lipid peroxide was lowered to normal state by the pretreatment of GCHDJ. Increased activity of brain xanthine oxidase(XOD) was lowered to normal state by GCHDJ, and increased activity of brain aldehyde oxidase lowered to normal state by GCHDJ. In PTZ-induced convulsion, increased activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase in brain were lowered by the pretreatment of GCHDJ, whereas increased level of glutathione and increased activity of gluthathione peroxidase in brain were not changed significantly. Above results suggest that GCHDJ have anticonvulsant. antioxidant effect. That seems to be strongly related with the levels of GABA, glutamate, lipid peroxide and the activities of GABA-T, XOD, aldehyde oxidase, SOD, catalase in brain tissue. From these results, GCHDJ could be applied to various convulsive disorders.