• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.76-86
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• 2024

Objectives: This retrospective study attempted to determine whether the treatment effect improves as the longer the medication for obese patients, also, analyzed whether the long medication increases the burden on liver function. Methods: The subjects were 278 overweight and obese female patients who took the herbal medicine Jibangsayak (JBSY) for more than 15 days. The correlation between the duration of medication and the treatment effect was confirmed, and the correlation with the safety was also analyzed. Results: JBSY significantly reduced all obesity-related measures after treatment. All these valuables before treatment were not factors in determining the duration of medication. As the duration increased, the body mass index (BMI) improvement decreased and lean body and muscle mass increased. As the duration was closer to 60 days, BMI improvement increased, and in more than 90 days group, the BMI and body fat percentage improvement stagnated as the duration longer. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase decreased after treatment. Additionally, AST decreased as the duration increased. Conclusions: This result suggests that not only the high obesity-related measures at first visit not lengthen the duration of JBSY medication. And liver function levels did not worsen as the duration increased. This result is different from the general perception that the longer the duration of medication, the greater the burden on patient's drug metabolism. However, the fact that other factors that could affect liver function could not be excluded and that kidney function evaluation should have been performed simultaneously are limitations of this study and require more detailed research in the future.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.215-223
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• 2024

Purpose: Patients who receive frequent blood transfusions are at an elevated risk of developing hepatic fibrosis due to iron overload in the liver. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of transient elastography (TE) (FibroScan^®) for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with pediatric cancer. Methods: We enrolled 106 consecutive cases of acute leukemia in individuals under 21 years of age. The participants were followed for 2 years. Based on their serum ferritin (SF) levels, the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (SF≥300 ng/mL) and group 2 (SF<300 ng/mL). A liver FibroScan^® was performed, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the various parameters in the liver function test (LFT), alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in a subgroup of patients aged 5-8 years in group 2 compared to those in group 1. The indices of liver fibrosis determined by TE, including the FibroScan score, controlled attenuation parameter score, steatosis percentage, and meta-analysis of histological data in viral hepatitis score, as well as indirect serum markers of liver fibrosis such as the aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, Fibrosis 4 score, and AST to platelet ratio index, did not differ significantly between the two groups. The association between the TE results and LFT parameters was only significant for ALT. Conclusion: Transfusion-associated iron overload does not have a significant correlation with severe liver fibrosis. FibroScan^® is not a sensitive tool for detecting early stages of fibrosis in survivors of pediatric leukemia.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2024

Cordyceps militaris L. (C. militaris) has been traditionally used as tonic medicine for metabolic syndrome. Cordycepin, has been reported with immunomodulatory, antitumor, and hepatoprotective effect, is the main extract from C. militaris. This study was conducted to evaluate the alcohol degradation and hepatoprotective effect of cordycepin-enriched C. militaris extract (CM) powder in chronic and binge ethanol (ethanol Lieber-DeCarli diet)-fed male C57BL/6 Mice. Cordycepin-enriched C. militaris extract powder was orally administered once daily at dose levels of 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg·kg^-1·day^-1 for 16 days. For evaluating alcohol degradation, ethanol concentration and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity were measured in serum. Serum ethanol (EtOH) concentration was decreased at CM treated groups, and the activities of ADH and ALDH were increased dose-dependently at CM treated groups compare to EtOH model group. In clinical chemistry, the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in CM treated groups than those in EtOH model group. Additionally, absolute and relative (to body weight) liver weights were statistically decreased in the CM treated groups compared to the EtOH model group. In conclusion, our study showed that cordycepin-enriched C. militaris extract powder exhibits hepatoprotective effect by upregulating the ADH and ALDH enzyme in an alcoholic liver disease model.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.939-948
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• 2008

The effects of goat's beard (Aruncus dioicus var ramtschaticus Hara) ethanol extracts (AD) on the streptozotocin-induced diabetic symptoms and oxidative stress in rats were assessed. Experimental plots were divided into normal controls (NC), diabetes controls (DM), diet with 0.3% AD after diabetes induction (SA), and diet with 0.6% AD after diabetes induction (SB), then fed for 5 weeks. In the SA and SB groups as compared with the DM group, diabetic symptoms including weight loss, increase in feed and water intake, and enlargement of the liver and kidney were improved. The levels of blood glucose and serum fructosamine were reduced by $17.9{\sim}27.2%$ and $25.6{\sim}32.6%$, respectively. The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in the serum were reduced by $25.6{\sim}30.3$, $42.37{\sim}55.51$, $26.85{\sim}30.44$ and $37.29{\sim}39.11%$, respectively, whereas the level of HDL-cholesterol was increased by $37.29{\sim}39.11%$. Hepatic total (T) and O type (O) activities of xanthine oxidoreductase, O/T ratio(%) and level of lipid peroxide were significantly decreased, while the level of glutathione was increased, and also the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase were increased by $56.84{\sim}94.90%$ and $57.14{\sim}68.92%$, respectively. In the above results, it was noted that AD has an antidiabetic effect which alleviated hyperglycemia and the AD reduced and/or prevented the tissue damage caused by diabetes yia the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating systems concurrent with an increase in ROS scavenging.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.855-862
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• 1997

Ivermectin is a synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring avermectin $B_{1a}$ (22, 23-dihydroavermectin $B_{1a}$) and $B_{1b}$ (22, 23-dihydroavermectin $B_{1b}$), It is widely used as antiparasitic and pesticidal agents because of its remarkably potent and broad spectrum of antiparasitic activity. Although the drug has shown excellent anthelmintic effects, development of toxicosis in some animals such as the Collie species of dog is well documented. However, no studies have been reported on the toxic effects of the drug in Korean native animals such as the Jindo dog. The toxic effect of ivermectin was evaluated in 25 Jindo dogs divided into five groups which were orally administered with ivermectin at dosage levels of $200{\mu}g/kg$, $300{\mu}g/kg$, $600{\mu}g/kg$ and $2,500{\mu}g/kg$ of body weight, respectively. Toxic signs were not observed in the groups receiving $200{\mu}g/kg$ and $300{\mu}g/kg$ B.W. ivermectin. One dog developed mild clinical signs of toxicosis in the group receiving $600{\mu}g/kg$ dosage of ivermectin. In the group with $2,500{\mu}g/kg$ dosage, all dogs developed mild (salivation, drooling, vomiting, mydriasis, and/or confusion) and/or moderate (ataxia and tremors) clinical signs of toxicosis. Hematologic changes were not observed in the groups receiving $200{\mu}g/kg$, $300{\mu}g/kg$ and $600{\mu}g/kg$ B.W. ivermectin. In the groups receiving $2,500{\mu}g/kg$ B.W., total erythrocyte counts, total and differential leukocyte counts and hemoglobin levels were not affected by drug. Aspartate aminotransferase levels were increased after administration of ivermectin, while serum cholesterol and blood glucose levels were decreased.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.316-326
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• 2002

This study was carried out on 178 bus drivers in the Masan area to investigate their health and nutritional status. THe nutritional status of the subjects was surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and blood analyses were conducted through annual health examinations in June, 1999. The results were as fellows: About 51% were classified as normal, 33% as health-concerned, and 17% as disease-suspected. The levels of total seam cholesterol were significantly higher in the over 20 year group (194.64 $\pm$ 41.42 mg/dl) than in the under 10 year group (175,00 $\pm$ 31.33 mg/dl) with respect to the length of their driving careers. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in the 51 to 60 age group than in the other groups (p < 0.05) . The total seam cholesterol increased with increasing age (p < 0.001), and SBP increased with increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) (p < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), hemoglobin (p < 0.05) and glutamate-pyruvate-aminotransferase (GPT) (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the BMI of over 20, than in the BMI under 20. The GPT was significantly higher in the BMI over 25 than in the BMI under 25. In The mean daily energy intake was 1912.7 kcal (76.5% of the RDA) ultra the protein intake was 74.3 g (106.2% or the RDA). Compared with the recommended allowance, the energy, calcium, thiamin, and riboflavin intakes were below, and the Fe, vitamin A, vitamin C intakes were above the Korean RDA. The average carbohydrate, protein, fat ratio of energy intake was 66 : 15 : 19, respectively. The length of their driving careers had a positive correlation with their ages and total serum cholesterol levels, and their ages had a positive correlation with their blood pressures, total seam cholesterol and hemoglobin levels and BMI. Their BMI had a positive correlation with their ages, blood pressures, total serum cholesterol, hemoglobin, GPT and GOT levels. The results of this study indicate that bus drivers needed regular exercise, and control of their body weights to prevent chronic diseases, and that their health status should be monitored as the length of their driving careers and ages increase.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.103-108
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• 2002

We have investigated the effects of the solvent fractions from the aleurone layer of Oryza sativa cv. Heugjinmi on plasma glucose and lipid levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups, normal, diabetic control, and four experimental groups. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of streptozotocin(45 mg/kg body weight) into tail vein, and fraction of Oryza sativa cv. Heugjinmi was administered orally in experimental rats for 14 days. The body weight, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid level, and aminotransferase activities were analyzed. It was identified that acetone and anthocyanin fractions significantly reduced the levels of glucose, triglyceride, and free fatty acid in plasma of diabetic rats. And HDL-cholesterol levels of acetone and anthocyanin groups were higher than those of diabetic control group. From these data, it can be postulated that acetone and anthocyanin fractions might possess rather potent hypoglycemic and hypotriglyceridemic properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.225-231
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• 2004

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Trolox, a hydrophilic analogue of vitamin E, on the alteration of vasoregulatory gene expression during hepatic ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Rats were subjected to 60 min of hepatic ischemia in vivo. The rats were treated intravenously with Trolox (2.5 mg/kg) or the vehicle as a control 5 min before reperfusion. Liver samples were obtained 5 h after reperfusion for a RT-PCR analysis on the mRNA for the genes of interest. These mRNA peptides are endothelin-1 (ET -1), potent vasoconstrictor peptide, its receptor $ET_A$ and $ET_B$, vasodilator endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It was seen that serum alanine aminotransferase and lipid peroxi-dation levels were markedly increased after I/R and Trolox significantly suppressed this increase. In contrast, the glutathione concentration decreased in the I/R group, and this decrease was inhibited by Trolox. ET-1 mRNA expression was increased by I/R, an increase which was prevented by Trolox. The mRNA levels for $ET_A$ receptor was significantly decreased, whereas ET$_{B}$ receptor transcript increased in the I/R group. The increase in $ET_A$ was prevented by Trolox. The mRNA levels for iNOS and HO-1 significantly increased in the I/R group and Trolox attenuated this increase. There were no significant differences in eNOS mRNA expression among any of the experimental groups. The mRNA levels for COX-2 and TNF-$\alpha$ significantly increased in I/R group and Trolox also attenuated this increase. Our findings suggest that I/R induces an imbalanced hepatic vasoregulatory gene expression and Trolox ameliorates this change through its free radical scavenging activity.y.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.479-491
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• 2024

Improving liver regeneration (LR) remains a medical issue, and there is currently a lack of safe and effective drugs for LR. Rhizoma Dioscoreae (SanYak, SY) is a traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying action mechanism of SY treatment for LR is yet to be fully elucidated. To explore the mechanism by which SY affects LR, we have conducted a series of methods for network pharmacological analysis, molecular docking, and in vivo experimental validation in mice. Overall, 9 compounds and 30 predicted target genes of SY were found to be associated with the therapeutic effects of LR. Compared with the model group, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that the mice with preoperative drug intervention possessed fewer postoperative hepatocyte bubbles and relatively regular morphology. Furthermore, the serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were reduced, immunohistochemistry revealed elevated proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity rate, and Western blotting demonstrated that the phospho-protein kinase B (AKT)/AKT ratio was downregulated and that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression levels were upregulated. This study explored dioscin, the main active ingredient of SY, and its potential therapeutic effects on LR. It repairs damaged liver following surgery and promotes liver cell proliferation. The action mechanism comprises reducing AKT phosphorylation levels and upregulating VEGFA expression levels. Thus, this study provides a new direction for further research on the mechanism of SY promoting LR.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 1997

This study was done to investigate the effect of vitamin C on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced hepatic injury ul isolated perfused rat liver. Isolated livers from rats fasted 18 hours were subjected to 45 min of hypoxia followed by reoxygenation for 45 min. The perfusion medium used was Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) and 0.5 mmol/L of vitamin C was added to the perfusate. Alanine aminotransferase (ALI) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly increased by hypoxia/reoxygenation. These increases were augmented by vitamin C. Glucose output and bile flow were markedly decreased by hypoxia/reoxygenation. Vitamin C aggavated the decrease of glucose output but had little effect on bile flow. Our findings suggest that hypoxia/reoxygenation diminishes hepatic metabolic and secretory functions, and vitamin C significantly aggravates these changes.