• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.23-29
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• 2017

Objective : Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood uric acid levels, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus (AO) belonging to Zingiberaceae is one of well-known traditional medicines in China and Korea, and has been used to treat intestinal disorders, urosis, diuresis, and chronic glomerulonephritis traditionally. However, the effect of AO has not been studied. In this study we investigated the anti-hyperuricemic effect of AO, and the mechanisms underlying the effect in potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic rats. Methods : To examine the anti-hyperuricemic effects of the AO extract, serum uric acid levels were analyzed in normal and PO-induced hyperuricemic rats. The mechanism underlying the effects of the AO extract on uric acid levels was studied through xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity test and uric acid uptake assay in vitro. The chemical finger printing of the AO extract was analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Results : The AO extract significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in normal as well as PO-induced hyperuricemic rats. It also significantly inhibited the uptake of uric acid in oocytyes and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) expressing urate transporter (URAT)1, but not XOD activity in vitro. The chemical finger printing analysis of the AO extract showed nootkatone as a main component. Conclusion : The AO extract exhibits anti-hyperuricemic effects, and these effect were accompanied by increasing excretion of uric acid in kidney. Therefore, the AO extract could be used for prevention or treatment of hyperuicemia and gout.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.47.1-47.10
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• 2021

Background: Due to multiple similarities in the structure and physiology of human and pig skin, the pig model is extremely useful for biological drug testing after subcutaneous administration. Knowledge of the differences between subcutaneous injection sites could have a significant impact on the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic profiles of biological drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of administration site on pharmacokinetics and selected biochemical and hematological parameters after a single subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab in pigs. Drug concentrations in blood plasma were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed based on raw data using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software and ThothPro v 4.1. Methods: The study included 12 healthy, female, large white piglets. Each group received a single dose of ustekinumab given as a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection into the internal part of the inguinal fold or the external part of the inguinal fold. Results: The differences in absorption rate between the internal and external parts of the inguinal fold were not significant. However, the time of maximal concentration, clearance, area under the curve calculated between zero and mean residence time and mean residence time between groups were substantially different (p > 0.05). The relative bioavailability after administration of ustekinumab into the external part of the inguinal fold was 40.36% lower than after administration of ustekinumab into the internal part of the inguinal fold. Conclusions: Healthy breeding pigs are a relevant model to study the pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneously administered ustekinumab.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.464-472
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• 2022

Background: Gut microbiota influence the central nervous system through gut-brain-axis. They also affect the neurological disorders. Gut microbiota differs in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a potential factor that leads to progression of AD. Oral intake of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) improves the cognitive functions. Therefore, it can be proposed that KRG affect the microbiota on the gut-brain-axis to the brain. Methods: Tg2576 were used for the experimental model of AD. They were divided into four groups: wild type (n = 6), AD mice (n = 6), AD mice with 30 mg/kg/day (n = 6) or 100 mg/kg/day (n = 6) of KRG. Following two weeks, changes in gut microbiota were analyzed by Illumina HiSeq4000 platform 16S gene sequencing. Microglial activation were evaluated by quantitative Western blot analyses of Iba-1 protein. Claudin-5, occludin, laminin and CD13 assay were conducted for Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation demonstrated through Aβ 42/40 ratio was accessed by ELISA, and cognition were monitored by Novel object location test. Results: KRG improved the cognitive behavior of mice (30 mg/kg/day p < 0.05; 100 mg/kg/day p < 0.01), and decreased Aβ 42/40 ratio (p < 0.01) indicating reduced Aβ accumulation. Increased Iba-1 (p < 0.001) for reduced microglial activation, and upregulation of Claudin-5 (p < 0.05) for decreased BBB permeability were shown. In particular, diversity of gut microbiota was altered (30 mg/kg/day q-value<0.05), showing increased population of Lactobacillus species. (30 mg/kg/day 411%; 100 mg/kg/day 1040%). Conclusions: KRG administration showed the Lactobacillus dominance in the gut microbiota. Improvement of AD pathology by KRG can be medicated through gut-brain axis in mice model of AD.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.244-253
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• 2022

Background: The indiscriminate use of pesticides in Nigeria may have harmful effects on reproductive health of farmers. Objectives: This study assessed the awareness of reproductive health, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and sperm characteristics of male farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Methods: Eighty four male farmers were recruited for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic data. Blood and semen samples were collected from the subjects in the morning for hormonal assays and semen analysis using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and SQAV sperm quality analyzer. Data were analyzed using chi square, Student's-t-test, and Regression analysis. Results: Serum FSH (p<0.01), LH (p<0.005) and Estradiol (p<0.001) were significantly higher while prolactin (p<0.02) and testosterone (p<0.001) were significantly lower among pesticides exposed farmers than nonexposed subjects. Some 34/84 (40.5%) of the pesticides exposed farmers had serum testosterone levels below the lower limit of the reference range. Those with low testosterone levels (p<0.001), also had FSH (p<0.05), LH (p<0.001) and Estradiol (p<0.002) significantly lower than those with normal testosterone levels. The sperm count among pesticides exposed farmers; total motility and percentage morphology were significantly lower than non-pesticides exposed subjects. Some 14/84 (16.7%) of the pesticides exposed farmers had sperm count below 15 million/mL (oligozoospermia). More than 70% of the farmers were not aware of the reproductive health risks associated with pesticides and only 23.8% of the farmers were using protective devices. Conclusions: Deliberate efforts to improve awareness, knowledge, personal hygiene, and interventions necessary to lessen both pesticides exposure and health risks by adopting safe practices are suggested.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Fisheries Technology Conference
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• 2000.05a
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• pp.530-530
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• 2000

The host defense system or immune system of all modern animals has their roots in very ancient organisms. After analyzing literature data concerning properties of invertebrates and vertebrates lectins we suggest that mechanism of mannans recognition may exist in marine invertebrates, as a universal mechanism for homeostasis maintenance and host defense, and mannan-binding lectins family of vertebrates has ancient precursor, as was shown for another S-type lectins family. We carried out the screening of mannan-binding type lectin among different species of echinoderms inhabiting in Piter the Grate Bay, the sea of Japan. As a result, the C-type lectins (SJL-32) specific for high mannose glycans was isolated from the coelomic plasma of the sea cucumbers Stichopus japonicus by ion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Toyopearl 650M, affinity chromatography on a mannan-Sepharose 6B and gel filtration on a Sephacryl S-200. SJL-32 is homodimer with molecular mass about 32 kDa on SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions. Protein part of the lectin has high conteins Asn, Glu, Ser. Hemagglutination of trypsin-treated O blood group human erythrocytes by SJL-32 was competitively inhibited by high-branched -D-mannan composed of -1,2 and -1,6 linked D-mannopyranose residues. In contrast, a variety of mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides composed of residues of galactose and fucose showed absence or little inhibitory activities. The lectin activity strong depends on Ca2+ concentration, temperature and pH. Monospecific polyclonal antibodies were obtained to the lectin. As was shown by ELISA assay, antibodies to SJL-32 cross-reacted with human serum mannan-binding lectin. This data allows making conclusion about common antigenic determinants and structural homology of both lectins. In our opinion, SJL-32 belongs to evolutionary high conservative mannan-binding lectins (MBLs) family and takes part in the host defense against pathogenic microorganisms.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.401-407
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• 2022

Antimalarial drugs play an important role in the control and treatment of malaria, a deadly disease caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium spp. The development of novel antimalarial agents effective against drug-resistant malarial parasites is urgently needed. The novel derivatives, SKM13-MeO and SKM13-F, were designed based on an SKM13 template by replacing the phenyl group with electron-donating (-OMe) or electron-withdrawing groups (-F), respectively, to reverse the electron density. A colorimetric assay was used to quantify cytotoxicity, and in vitro inhibition assays were performed on 3 different blood stages (ring, trophozoite, and schizonts) of P. falciparum 3D7 and the ring/mixed stage of D6 strain after synchronization. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed that 2 new SKM13 derivatives reduced the cytotoxicity of the SKM13 template. SKM13 maintained the IC₅₀ at the ring and trophozoite stages but not at the schizont stage. The IC₅₀ values for both the trophozoite stage of P. falciparum 3D7 and ring/mixed stages of D6 demonstrated that 2 SKM13 derivatives had decreased antimalarial efficacy, particularly for the SKM13-F derivative. SKM13 may be comparably effective in ring and trophozoite, and electron-donating groups (-OMe) may be better maintain the antimalarial activity than electron-withdrawing groups (-F) in SKM13 modification.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.235-241
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immune activation effect of Sasamsaengmaek-san (SSSMS) consisted of a mixture of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, Liriope platyphylla, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and Schisandra chinensis. in Balb/c mice. Measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartic acid transaminase (AST) levels in Balb/c mice was performed to analyze the cytotoxicity. Cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12) which regulate the immune activation in Balb/c mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activated T lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), spleen, lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry using percentages. All tests were compared with red ginseng 100 ㎍/mL (RG 100), which is the most used for immune activity. As a result, cytokine activity was significantly increased at SSSMS 300 group. Activated T lymphocytes in PBMC, spleen, lymph nodes were significantly increased at SSSMS 300 group. These results suggest that there is a possibility of SSSMS activating an immune system by activating the cytokines, and it is confirmed that SSSMS also effective for generation and differentiation of T, B lymphocytes which activate the immune response.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.92-101
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• 2020

The cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) peptide is well-known as a binding molecule to the integrin α_vβ₃ receptor which is highly expressed on activated endothelial cells and new blood vessels in tumors. Although numerous results have been reported by the usage of cRGD peptide-based ligands for cancer diagnosis and therapy, the distinct mechanisms, and functions of cRGD-integrin binding to cancer cells are still being investigated. In this study, we evaluated the internalization efficacy of different types of cRGD peptides (monomer, dimer and tetramer form) in integrin α_vβ₃ overexpressing cancer cells. Western blot and flow cytometric analysis showed U87MG expresses highly integrin α_vβ₃, whereas CT-26 does not show integrin α_vβ₃ expression. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that all cRGD peptides (0-200 µM) had at least 70-80% of viability in U87MG cells. Fluorescence images showed cRGD dimer peptides have the highest cellular internalization compare to cRGD monomer and cRGD tetramer peptides. Additionally, transmission electron microscope results clearly visualized the endocytic internalization of integrin α_vβ₃ receptors and correlated with confocal microscopic results. These results support the rationale for the use of cRGD dimer peptides for imaging, diagnosis, or therapy of integrin α_vβ₃-rich glioblastoma.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2005

Objective : The heart rate variability is very useful indicator to study the function of the autonomic nervous system(ANS), and the physiologic signals can be observed based on the changes of the ANS of the heart. In order to assay the effects of the laser exposing to healthy subjects, the double blind test has been performed. Methods : This study included 62 healthy adults who have not any ANS disease and had normal sinus rhythm in electrocardiogram. The control group consisted of 31 subjects, laser group consisted of 31 subject. HRV was measured for 5 minutes before laser irradiation, sham and real laser irradiated for 30 minutes and than HRV remeasured for 5 minutes. Statistical significance was evaluated by independent T-test. Results : Mean HRV, Ln(VLF), Ln(HF), Ln(TP) of both groups at post-laser period decreased compared with that of the pre-laser period. Ln(LF) of both groups at post-laser period increased compared with that of the pre-laser period. LF/HF, SDNN of real laser group decreased and sham group decreased. Conclusions : There is no difference between two groups. The reason is presumed that all the studied subjects are healthy adults, and also the short and single transcutaneous laser irradiation would not influence upon changes of the ANS. The further study must be followed.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.54.1-54.13
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• 2023

Background: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines do not provide full cross-protection, mainly due to the virus genetic variability. Despite this, vaccines based on modified-live PRRSV (PRRSV-MLV) reduce the disease impact. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of two commercial vaccines-one based on PRRSV1 (PRRSV1-MLV) and another on PRRSV2 (PRRSV2-MLV)-against a Japanese PRRSV2 field strain. Methods: Two groups of three-week-old piglets were vaccinated (G1: PRRSV1-MLV; G2: PRRSV2-MLV) and two were kept as non-vaccinated (INF and CTRL). One month later, G1, G2, and INF were challenged with a PRRSV2 field strain. Results: After the challenge, clinical signs were only observed in INF. Moreover, the highest rectal temperatures and values for the area under the curve (AUC) were observed in INF. Regarding viral detection, both AUC and the proportion of positive samples in blood were higher in INF. In G1, viremic animals never reached 100%. At necropsy (21 d after the challenge), differences for titers among groups were only found in tonsils (G1 < G2 and INF). One animal (belonging to G1) was negative in all tissues. Regarding humoral responses, G1 and G2 seroconverted after vaccination, as detected in the corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific neutralizing antibodies (NA) against PRRSV1-MLV were already detected at 14 d after vaccination in G1, showing a significant booster after the challenge, while PRRSV2-MLV NA were detected in G2 at the end of the experiment. Conclusions: Despite genetic differences, PRRSV1-MLV has been demonstrated to confer partial protection against a Japanese PRRSV2 strain, at least as good as PRRSV2-MLV.