• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.583-592
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• 2023

Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly used psychoactive drugs. Due to its addictive characteristics, many people struggle with the side effects of alcohol. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herbal medicine that is widely used to treat various health problems. However, the effects and mechanisms of KRG in alcohol-induced responses remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of KRG in alcohol-induced responses. Methods: We investigated two aspects: alcohol-induced addictive responses and spatial working memory impairments. To determine the effects of KRG in alcohol-induced addictive responses, we performed conditioned place preference tests and withdrawal symptom observations. To assess the effects of KRG in alcohol-induced spatial working memory impairment, Y-maze, Barnes maze, and novel object recognition tests were performed using mice after repeated alcohol and KRG exposure. To investigate the potential mechanism of KRG activity, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and western blot analysis were performed. Results: KRG-treated mice showed dose-dependent restoration of impaired spatial working memory following repeated alcohol exposure. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms to alcohol were reduced in mice treated with KRG and alcohol. The PKA-CREB signaling pathway was activated after alcohol administration, which was reduced by KRG. However, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were increased by alcohol and decreased by KRG. Conclusion: Taken together, KRG may alleviate alcohol-induced spatial working memory impairments and addictive responses through anti-neuroinflammatory activity rather than through the PKA-CREB signaling pathway.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.209-214
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• 2023

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was referred to the Jeju National University Equine Hospital with prolonged unilateral nasal discharge for several months. A sinus cyst was suspected based on the history, symptoms, endoscopic findings, and radiographic results. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the cyst (7.5 × 8.0 × 10.0 cm) was located between the rostral maxillary sinus and the frontal sinus, causing distortion and remodeling of the overlying bones, swelling of the overlying cutaneous tissues, and a slight deviation of the nasal septum. Standing surgery under sedation was decided to remove the cyst. A frontonasal bone flap was performed using an oscillating bone saw, and the cyst filled with pus was removed. To support the approach to the maxillary sinus, trephination was performed. The horse was treated with sinus lavage via catheterization, nebulization, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The horse was discharged 18 days after the surgery without signs of any complication. This case showed that a CT scan could be a valuable tool for the diagnosis and subsequent surgical management of paranasal sinus cysts in horses. Also, the frontonasal bone flap was useful for exposing and removing the large-sized of cyst in the paranasal sinus.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2018

The purpose of this report is to describe the diagnosed case of a large colonic impaction in an adult donkey. An adult female donkey (Equus africanus asinus; 6-years-old) was admitted to the Equine Hospital of Jeju Race Park with signs of anorexia, which had started 1 day previously. Clinical examination revealed: weak gut sounds, dehydration, and severe abdominal distension, but normal respiratory and heart rates and no signs of pain. Transrectal palpation identified an impaction in the colon. The patient was treated with nasogastric siphonage, fluid therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Over the course of a day, her condition worsened; she started trembling, could not stand, and 2 hours later she died. Upon necropsy, a vast amount of ingesta was found in the large colon, particularly in the left ventral colon. The cecum and small colon were normal. Eleven days prior to presentation, the stable management and diet of the donkey had changed. We suspect that the change of feed, reduced water consumption, and lack of exercise precipitated the illness. However, the exact cause of the sudden death of the donkey requires further investigation.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.71-76
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• 2024

Background: The rising incidence of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has underscored the need for collaboration between plastic surgeons and nephrologists, particularly concerning preoperative and postoperative management for facial reconstruction. This collaboration is essential due to a scarcity of comprehensive information in this domain. Methods: A study initiated in January 2015 involved 10 ESRD cases on dialysis undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery for facial skin cancer, followed by reconstructive surgery under general anesthesia. To ensure surgical safety, rigorous measures were enacted, encompassing laboratory testing, nephrology consultations, and preoperative dialysis admission. Throughout surgery, meticulous control was exercised over vital signs, electrolytes, bleeding risk, and pain management (excluding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Postoperative assessments included monitoring flap integrity, hematoma formation, infection, and cardiovascular risk through plasma creatinine levels. Results: Adherence to the proposed guidelines yielded a notable absence of postoperative wound complications. Postoperative plasma creatinine levels exhibited an average decrease of 1.10 mg/dL compared to preoperative levels, indicating improved renal function. Importantly, no cardiopulmonary complications or 30-day mortality were observed. In ESRD patients, creatinine levels decreased significantly postoperatively compared to the preoperative levels (p< 0.05), indicating favorable outcomes. Conclusion: The consistent application of guidelines for admission, anesthesia, and surgery yielded robust and stable outcomes across all patients. In particular, the findings support the importance of adjusting dialysis schedules. Despite the limited sample size in this study, these findings underscore the effectiveness of a collaborative and meticulous approach for plastic surgeons performing surgery on dialysis-dependent patients, ensuring successful outcomes.

• CELLMED
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.10.1-10.6
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: As per the available data, 75% peri and postmenopausal women experience hot flashes having negative effect on their quality of life. Using herbal medicines are stepping forward to alleviate hot flashes as the available hormonal medications have been reported the presence of side effects. This study was planned with the intention to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus root in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes in comparison to the placebo. Methods: This prospective patient blinded clinical trial randomly assigned 40 postmenopausal women with symptoms of hot flashes to receive either test drug (n=20) comprising Asparagus racemosus tablet of 1g in the dosage of 2 tablet thrice in a day for the duration of 60 days continuously or to receive placebo tablet prepared from roasted wheat flour in the same dosage and duration as test drug. The efficacy was determined by reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes assessed by daily diary along with the improvement in quality of life assessed through Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale. Statistical analysis was accomplished by student t test and Chi-square/Fisher Exact test. Results: Test drug significantly (p <0.001) reduced the intensity and frequency of hot flashes as well as improved the quality of life without showing any side effect. Discussion & Conclusion: According to Unani scriptures, the treatment is to treat the underlying cause, such as aberrant temperament and psychological and environmental issues. Unani drugs have emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective qualities that can help alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Unani herbs such as C. sativus, Vitex, agnus castus, P. vulgare, N. Jatamansi, M. officinalis, and Z. officinalis have been clinically demonstrated to be effective in PMS. Thus, traditional knowledge authentication and conservation are vital for future research and appreciated for application in the modern day. Furthermore, randomised controlled trials, comprehensive reviews, and meta-analyses are suggested.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.485-496
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• 2002

Background : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful in the chemoprevention of colon cancers. Continuous NSAID use results in a 40% to 50% reduction in the relative risk of colorectal cancer. The precise mechanism by which NSAIDs prevent and/or cause the regression of colorectal tumors is not known. Some investigators have reported that certain NSAIDs induce apoptosis and alter the expression of the cell cycle regulatory genes in some carcinoma cells when administered at a relatively high concentration. However, the possibility of NSAIDs application as chemopreventive agents in lung cancers remains to be elucidated. To address this question, the human lung cancer cell line NCI-H1299 was used to investigate whether or not NSAIDs might induce the apoptotic death of NCI-H1299 cells. Methods : A viability test was carried out using a MTT assay. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometric analysis and unclear staining(DAPI). The talytic activity of the caspase family was measured by the fluirigenic cleavage of biosubstrates. To define the mechanical basis of apoptosis, western blot was performed to analyze the expression of the death substrates(PARP and ICAD). Results : NaSaL significantly decreased the viability of the NCI-H1299 cells, which was revealed as apoptosis characterized by an increase in the $subG_0/G_1$ population and unclear fragmentation. The catalytic activity of caspase-3 protease began to increase after 24 Hr and reached a peak 30 Hr after treatment with 10 mM NaSaL. In contrast, caspase-6, 8, and 9 proteases did not have a significantly altered enzymatic activity. Consistent with activation of caspase-3 protease, NaSaL induced the cleavage of the protease biosubstrate. Conclusion : NaSaL induces the apoptotic death of NCI-H1299 human lung cancer cells via the activation of caspase-3 protease.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.259-264
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• 2010

The majority of chronic gingival ulcerative lesions are known to be due to autoimmune disease such as oral lichen planus, benign mucous membrane pemphigoid or pemphigus vulgaris. Topical or systemic corticosteroids are mainly used and adjuvant drugs like immunosuppressant, anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials or antimetabolites can also be prescribed. Because systemic corticosteroids causes various side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbance, osteoporosis, diabetes or adrenal suppression. So, topical steroid therapy is main treatment for chronic gingival ulcerative lesion confined to small area. However, there's also limitation of topical corticosteroids. The effect of the corticosteroids decreases due to salivary flow and the movement of the tongue, lips, or buccal mucosa. When the lesions are widely distributed or positioned deeply in oral cavity, it is hard to apply the medication on patients' own. Moreover, it can be applied to unaffected mucosa. Although occlusive steroid therapy using stent was reported to minimize taking steroid and overcome the faults of applying topical steroids, it has been used less frequently in the clinical field. Therefore, this report is going to find out the usefulness and the way to utilize clinically through the case which acted satisfactorily by performing topical steroid therapy using stent on chronic ulcerative gingival lesions.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.381-392
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• 2004

Arsenic trioxide($As_2O_3$) was introduced into the treatment of refractory or relapsed acute promyelocytic Ieukemia. Some investigators have reported that arsenic trioxide had induced apoptosis in a variety of solid human tumor cell lines, including non-small cell lung cancer. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) are powerful chemopreventive agents for gastrointestinal cancers and the growth of established tumors are reduced by inducing apoptosis. It's also reported that NSAIDs enhanced tumor response to chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation. In this study, we aimed to determine whether combination of arsenic trioxide with sulindac augmented its apoptotic potential in NCI-H157 human lung cancer cells. The human lung cancer cell line NCI-H157 was treated with arsenic trioxide and sulindac. Cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. Apoptosis was measured by nuclear staining and flow cytometric analysis. The catalytic activity of the caspase families were measured by the fluorogenic cleavage of biosubstrates. The western blotting were also performed to define the mechanical basis of apoptosis. Combination treatment of arsenic trioxide and sulindac decreased the viability of NCI-H157 human lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The catalytic activity of caspase-3, 8 and 9 proteases were increased after combination treatment. Consistently PARP was cleaved from 116kDa to 85kDa fragments, and the expression of ICAD was decreased by time-dependent manner. Also combination treatment increased the expression of Fas and Fas/L. Combination therapy of arsenic trioxide with sulindac augments cell death and induces apoptosis via the activation of caspase cascade in NCI-H157 human lung carcinoma cells.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.278-301
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• 2018

Although more than 80% of living organisms are found in marine ecosystems, only less than 10% of marine resources have been utilized for human food consumptions and other usages. It is well known that marine resources (fish, shellfish and algae) have exceptional nutritional properties; however, their functional characteristic has not been completely discovered. It is believed that metabolites (organic compounds, proteins, peptides, lipids, minerals, etc.) play an important role to show its biological properties. Marine proteins and peptides are considered to be future drugs due to their excellent biological activities with a fewer adverse side effect. Marine peptides show several biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-coagulant, immunomodulatory, appetite suppressing and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical companies have been paid attention to the marine peptides to commercialize into products. This current review mainly focused on the above mentioned biological activities of marine peptides and protein hydrolysates as a functional food and pharmaceutical applications. To commercialize these materials in industrial level required large quantity in high-purity level, and it is complicated to produce huge quantity from the marine resources due to insufficient raw materials, unavailability of raw materials through a year, hinder the growth with geographical variations, and availability of compounds in extreme small quantities. The best solution for these issues is to introduce new modern technologies such as artificial intelligence robots, drones, submersibles and automated raw material harvesting vessels in farming industries instead of man power, which will lead to 4th industrial revolution.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.57-74
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• 2005

Objective : Frutus gardeniae, seed of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is one of the crude drugs used for the treatment of inflammatory condition in oriental medicine. Methodes : The present study aimed to examine the analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory effect of Frutus gardeniae extract (FGE) on a rat model of ankle sprain pain, and the relations between FGE-induced effect and endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and c-Fos protein expression in the spinal cord. As a chronic pain model, ankle sprain pain model was used to test the effect of FCE injection applied to acupuncture point. After the induction of ankle sprain, rats subsequently showed a reduced stepping force of the affected limb for at least the next 4 days. The reduced stepping force of the limb was presumably due to a painful knee. FGE dissolved in normal saline was injected several acupoints. Results : After the treatment, behavioral tests measuring stepping force were periodically conducted during the next 8 hours. FGE produced significant improvement of stepping force of the hindlimb affected by the ankle sprain lasting at least 4 hours. FGE produced the improvement of stepping force of the affected hindlimb in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, FGE injection showed inhibitory effect on the paw edema induced by ankle sprain. Both NO production and iNOS, COX-2 protein expression increased by ankle sprain were suppressed by FGE. FGE on combination with electroacupuncture (EA) produced more powerful and longer lasting improvement of stepping force of the hindlimb affected by the ankle sprain than either FGE or EA did. The present study suggest that FGE produces a potent analgesic effect on the ankle sprain pain model of the rat and that FGE-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of iNOS/COX-2 protein expression.