• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.555-559
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• 2020

In order to examine the toxicity of palatinose-L (Pal-L) bioconverted from sucrose, we performed a 14-consecutive day toxicity study with male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We recorded clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, organ weights, hematology, blood biochemical, urinalysis, histological changes in organs, such as the liver and kidneys, and clinical chemistry analysis data for all SD rats. There were no significant changes in food/water consumption, body weight, and organ weights during the experimental period. Although there were some hematologic and urinalysis alterations, these changes were not considered toxicologically significant. In addition, histopathological examination of the liver and kidneys revealed no abnormal or toxicological changes between the control and Pal-L-treated rats of both sexes. Collectively, these results suggest that Pal-L was not indicated to have any toxicity in the SD rats when it was orally administered up to a dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.163-168
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• 2009

To understand cytotoxic activity of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae), which has been used as a traditional oriental medicine, the mechanism underlying cytotoxic effect of its extract on human acute Jurkat T cells was investigated. The methanol extract of roots (3 kg) of R. codifolia was evaporated, dissolved in water, and then extracted by dichloromethane. The substances in the chloroform extract showing the most cytotoxic activity were further purified by a series of preparative HPLC. The extracted active substance (65 mg) was designated as CCH1. When Jurkat T cells were treated with CCH1 at concentration ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 ${\mu}g$/ml, apoptotic phenomena of cells companying several subsequent biochemical reactions such as mitochondria cytochrome c release, activation of casapase-8, -9, and caspase- 3, degradation of PARP and DNA fragmentation occurred via mitochondria-dependent pathway. However, abrogation of apoptosis was observed in an ectopic expression of Bcl-xL, which is a suppressor for mitochondrial cytochrome c release. These results demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of CCH1 against Jurkat T cells is attributable to apoptosis mediated by mitochodria-dependent death-signaling regulated by Bcl-xL. In addition, the CCH1 is more potent to leukemia Jurkat T cell than to human peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMC).

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the dietary supplementation of fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus (HE) mushroom on lipid profiles of serum and histological changes of the liver in rats with high fat and cholesterol diet. Five-week old female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of 8 rats each: The normal control diet (NC group), high fat and cholesterol diet (HFC group), and HFC diet supplemented with 5% fruiting powder of Hericium erinaceus (HFC+HE group). In the HFC+HE group, serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly reduced compared with the NC group. Body weight gain of those in the HFC+HE group were lower than those in the HFC group; whereas HFC+HE had no effect on the levels of plasma albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, glucose, and total protein. The enzyme activities related to the liver function, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were lower in the NC group than in the HFC group, but without significance. Feeding the mushroom increased the excretion of total lipid and cholesterol. A histopathological analysis showed that the those in the HFC group developed hepatic steatosis, whereas those in the HFC+HE group developed small fat droplet. In conclusion, these results suggest that 5% HE supplementation to HFC diet provided health benefits by acting on lowering atherogenic lipid profile in rats with high fat and cholesterol diet.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.201-208
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• 1992

A Theileria sergenti soluble merozoite preparation containing the 29, 34, 35 and 105 KD as the immunodominant polypeptides, was evaluated for efficacy, safety and protectivity in Holstein calves against virulent field tick challenge. The soluble antigens (100 mg/dose) were fortified with either complete or incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Twenty naive calves, aged one month, were subcutaneously inoculated with the preparation and a booster dose was administered 4 weeks later. Twenty additional calves served as controls. Five weeks after the booster dose, vaccinates and uninoculated controls were moved to a pasture, a heavily tick infested area in Cheju-do, Korea. The vaccinates showed negligible change in hematocrit and total RBC count whereas control animals showed significant (p<0.05) hematological changes and associated anemia. Only 30% of vaccinates required chemotherapy after the experiment was terminated. All control animals required chemotherapy and 25% received blood transfusion. The highest percent parasitized erythrocytes in vaccinated cattle was 0.4% as compared with 3.6% among controls during the month of July. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the rate of body weight increase. Significant difFerences were also noted in serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein and bilirubin. Significantly more vaccinated cattle maintained normal ranges of hematological and biochemical values as compared with the control group. It is suggested that soluble merozoite T. sergenti antigens may be potential vaccine candidates for developing a genetic vaccine in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.824-831
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• 2011

This study was to investigate 90-day repeated-dose toxicities of 50 kGy irradiated methanol extract powder of red ginseng in ICR mice. The test materials (methanol extract powder of red ginseng with or without 50 kGy irradiation) were administered by gavage to male and female ICR mice at dose levels of 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day for 90 days. In the results, no abnormality was observed in mortality, clinical findings, body weight changes, food consumptions, opthalmoscopic findings, necropsy findings and histopathological findings. Although the minor changes in blood and biochemical parameters were observed, they were not dose dependent and not affected by gamma irradiation. In conclusion, 90-day repeated oral dose of the methanol extract powder of red ginseng and 50 kGy irradiated methanol extract powder of red ginseng to ICR mice did not cause apparent toxicological change at the dose of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.5-15
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• 1989

To compare the health status of rural and urban aged persons(over 65 years old) by an abnormality of a hematologic and some biochemical values as well as urinalysis and chest X-ray, following examinations were done on 8,756(male : 4,339: female 4,417) by hemoglobin, total cholesteol, GOT, and glucose, on 9,207(male: 4,467; female : 4.740) by urinalysis and on 9,148(male : 4,426: female : 4,722) by chest X-ray. The results are as follows: 1) The proportion of outlier of normal range of the GOT(over 40 unit) showed higher in rural aged persons(5.3%) than in urban aged(2.8%). There was no significant difference in both of urban and rual female, but the rural male(7.4 showed significantly higher than the urban male(3.9% ). 2) The proportion of abnormality of the total cholesterol value(over 260 mg/dl) was 7,0% in urban and 1.7% in rural aged persons. In the male, there was no significant difference in both urban(2.2%) and rural(1.4%), however the urban female(10.5%) showed significantly higher than the rural female(2.2%). 3) In the blood glucose level, the proportion of abnormality(over 120 mg/dl) showed 17.1% in urban and 19.3% in rural aged persons. The rural aged persons in both sexes(male : 18.1% : female : 20.7%) were relatively higher abnormality rates than those of the urban aged(male : 15. 3%: female : 18.4% ) respectively. 4) The proportion of abnormality of hemoglobin level(less than 12.0 g/dl in male: less than 11.0 g/dl in female) showed 7.1% in urban and 2.6%J in rural aged persons. The urban aged persons in both sexes(male : 8.3%: female 6.3%) were relatively higher abnormality rates than those of the rural aged(male : 3.0%: female : 2.2%) 5) In the urinalysis by urine stix(Korea Green Cross Co.), the positive rates of urine protein were 1.0% in urban and 0.5% in rural aged per-sons, and there was no any significant differences in both areas by sex. 6) The positive rates of urine glucose in urban aged persons(5.8'% : male : 7.3% : female : 4.7%). showed relatively higher than those of rural aged (3.4% : male : 3.9%: female : 2.8%). 7) The positive findings of pulmonary tuberculosis by indirect X-ray examination were observed in 7.7% of aged persons in both rural and urban areas respectively. However, the positive rates of male in both areas(urban : 12.8% ; rural : 10.0%) showed higher than those of female (urban 4.2% ; rural 5.0%).

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.226-233
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• 2011

Objectives: Being overweight or obese is central to metabolic syndrome, and these characteristics constitute dominant risk factors for chronic diseases. Although behavioral factors, including eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, are considered to be determinants of obesity, the specific childhood factors that contribute to this condition have not been clearly defined. Methods: The subjects consisted of 261 children aged 7- 9 years who were recruited from an elementary school during October 2003. Information was obtained from their parents using a questionnaire focused on eating behaviors and lifestyle factors, additional data were also collected via anthropometric measurements and biochemical examinations, including blood tests. Results: A total of 48 (18.4%) of the 261 children were overweight, and 34 (70.8%) had at least one other component of metabolic syndrome. Eating behaviors emerged as significant lifestyle-related risk factors for being overweight or obese. Those who engaged in overeating more than twice per week had three times the risk of being overweight (odds ratio [OR], 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 6.92), and those who ate rapidly had three times the risk of being overweight (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.41). Those who had fewer family meals (fewer than 2?3/month) had a nine times higher risk of being overweight than those who had family meals more frequently (at least 1/day) (OR, 9.51; 95% CI, 1.21 to 74.82). Conclusions: This study showed that being overweight or obese during preadolescence is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and is related to unhealthy eating behaviors. Thus, weight-control strategies and healthy eating behaviors should be developed early in life to reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2006

The uptake of cadmium in animals is mainly accumulated in and affected to the liver and kidney by binding with red blood cells and serum albumin. The process accounts for more than 50% of the total accumulated cadmium in the body. The kidneys may be damaged without regarding the pathway uptake of cadmium. In a group of rats on supplements of 1% chlorella and 40 ppm cadmium, the concentration of cadmium in urine greatly decreased by 66% compared to control group, and the total synthesis of metallothionein decreased by 48.6% compared to control group. However, no previous study has assessed the protective effect on kidney damage induced by cadmium uptake through supplementation with chlorella. This study analyzed the biochemical marker for kidney damage in the rats after uptake of 40 ppm $CdCl_2$ and supplementation of the diet of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with 1%, 5%, and 10% chlorella during 4 weeks. In a group of SD rats on supplementation with 1% chlorella and uptake of 40 ppm $CdCl_2,\;\beta_2$ microglobulin in the urine was found to be $3.1\pm0.6\;{\mu}g/L$, a decrease of 58% compared to a group of Sp rats on uptake of $CdCl_2$ only, in which the $\beta_2$ microglobulin was found to be $4.9\pm0.7\;{\mu}g/L$. According to the results of histopathological observation, the accumulation of mild and localized chronic inflammatory cells in kidney tissues was observed in 50% of the SD rats on uptake of cadmium only. In contrast, only 30% of the SD rats on supplementation with 1% chlorella and uptake of 40ppm $CdCl_2$, representing a histopathological abnormality, and there were no histopathological abnormalities at all in groups of SD rats on supplementation with 5% or 10% chlorella and uptake of 40 ppm $CdCl_2$. In conclusion, protein, calcium, and iron, which account for more than 50% of the total dried chlorella composition, may contribute to the reduction nephrotoxicity by stimulating both inhibited absorption of cadium and increased excretion of accumulated cadmium in kidneys.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.425-436
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• 2010

Objectives : Hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrinologic disease, especially among older women. Western medical doctors treat hypothyroidism with levothyroxine, however there are several side effects, including thyrotoxicosis, atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, etc. Therefore, traditional Korean medicine(TKM) offers an appealing alternative therapy for hypothyroidism. In this study, Cuscuta Semen was used to analyze its possible effect on a hypothyroidism rat model induced by propylthiouracil(PTU). Methods : 24 two-month-old Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were divided into 4 groups: normal (n=6), PTU-induced hypothyroidism control(n=6), hypothyroidism rat treated with Cuscuta Semen (n=6), and hypothyroidism rat treated with levothyroxine(n=6). PTU was administered for 4 weeks, Cuscuta Semen and levothyroxine was administered 2 weeks after PTU was initiated for a total duration of 2 weeks. Blood samples from all the rats were taken from their hearts and analyzed. Results : When compared to the normal group, the PTU-induced control group showed significantly lower $T_4$, $T_3$ levels and significantly higher TSH level, which is indicative of hypothyroidism. The Cuscuta Semen group had significantly higher $T_4$ and significantly lower TSH than the control group(p<0.05). There was no significant difference in biochemical labs and weight between the Cuscuta Semen and control groups. Conclusions : These results suggest that Cuscuta Semen could be effective in increasing thyroid hormone production, and be powerful enough to affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Also, no adverse effects related with Cuscuta Semen were found, suggesting that it is relatively safe to administer. In conclusion, it seems that Cuscuta Semen is a safe alternative medicine for hypothyroidism.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.955-970
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this observational study was to identify and analyze the patterns to compare the characteristics of asthma patients. Methods: The subjects were 40 asthma patients who had satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into deficiency syndrome and excess syndrome groups, and cold syndrome and heat syndrome groups. Their quality of life was measured by the quality of life questionnaire for adult Korean asthmatics (QLQAKA) and VAS. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured, and the degree of obesity was evaluated by body mass index (BMI). Hematological, biochemical, and immunoglobulin (Ig) E laboratory tests were included. Results: Based on pattern identification, the 40 asthma patients could be divided into two categories of groups: 1) the deficiency syndrome (N=18) and the excess syndrome (N=22) groups: 2) the cold syndrome (N=35) and the heat syndrome (N=5) groups. The mean value of HF differed significantly between the deficiency and excess syndrome groups. The mean value of IgE in blood tests of asthmatics was greater than four times the reference value. For BMI, the subjects were classified into three groups: normal weight (N=12), overweight (N=12), and obese (N=16). Conclusions: Development of a more accurate asthma-specific pattern identification tool could play a crucial role in asthma control. In addition, good control of asthma can improve the quality of life. Obesity is one of the factors associated with asthma exacerbation.