• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.625-630
• /
• 2013

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. ED is now considered an early manifestation of atherosclerosis, and consequently, a precursor of systemic vascular disease. Lycii fructus extracts (LFE) were administered for 4 weeks to assess the improving effects on ED. Animals were divided into one normal group and four LFE-treated groups (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg). We induced ED in the study animals by oral administration of 20% ethanol instead of water everyday for 4 weeks. This study was designed to investigate the effects of LFE on the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression; NO levels of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP); blood profile; and erectile response of the corpus cavernosum of the rat penis. The libido of the LFE-administered male rats was higher than that of the ethanol control group. The erectile response of the corpus cavernosum was restored after LFE administration, to a level similar to the normal group. In addition, the iNOS in the corpus cavernosum of the male rats administered LFE decreased. In contrast, compared to the control group, LFE-administered male rats showed increased eNOS, NO and cGMP levels in the corpus cavernosum. These results indicate that LFE effectively restored ethanol-induced ED in male rats.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.679-685
• /
• 2010

Many animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) have been developed, aimed at understanding the long-term progression of OA and difficulty of identifying patients in the initial stage of the disease. In canines, coxofemoral luxation and hip dysplasia are common orthopedic ailments related to OA in the hip joint. Transecting the ligament of the head of the femur (LHF) aids in diagnosis of coxofemoral joint OA. Presently, mobility of this joint was increased by transected LHF in 10 mature, 2-3-year-old (average $2.57{\pm}0.20$ years), healthy male beagles. The animals were normally gaited 1-week post-operatively. During the experimental period, examinations including X-ray, complete blood count and serum chemistry were unremarkable. Proteomic examination revealed protein alterations in synovial fluid, with significant increases in Vitamin D-binding protein precursor (ANOVA, p < 0.004) and Kinogen-1 (ANOVA, p < 0.039). Both proteins correlated with arthritis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.281-285
• /
• 2001

This study was performed to investigate the gross anatomical features and microscopical structures of the hemal nodes and the hemolymph nodes in the sheep. The hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes were observed mainly in periphery of the thoracic and abdominal aortae of the animals. The size of hemal nodes was generally smaller than that of the hemolymph nodes, and the shape of the both organs was spherical or ovoid. The color of the hemal nodes was red, while that of the hemolymph nodes was grary with red bands. The hemal nodes were surrounded by a relatively thick connective tissue capsule and there were extensive subcapsular sinuses distended by a great number of erythrocytes. Although a few number of lymphatic nodules and small areas of diffuse lymphatic tissues were observed in the parenchyma, no typical cortex and medulla were defined in the hemal node. Small numbers of blood vessels were found at the connective tissue capsule but lymph vessel was not observed microscopically in this organ. The hemolymph nodes were covered by a relatively thick connective tissue capsule and there was a hilus in each node. The parenchyma was divided into cortex and medulla. The cortex was composed of a few numbers of lymphatic nodules and some diffuse lymphatic tissues. The medulla comprised medullary sinuses and cords. Afferent and efferent lymph vessels were observed at the periphery of the capsule adn the hilus, respectively. The subcapsular and medullary sinuses were not extensive but filled with small numbers of erythrocytes. The stroma of hemal node and hemolymph node was composed of reticular cells and fibers, and the capsule and trabecula consisted of collagenous fibers with smooth muscle fibers.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.10
• /
• pp.780-783
• /
• 2003

Pacemaker lead-related infective endocarditis is an uncommon, but serious complication. We report a case of a 45-year-old man who had symptom of intermittent high fever and rupture of sinus Valsalva that developed after a redo aortic valve replacement and transvenous permanent pacemaker implantation. Positive blood cultures of streptococcus viridans and transesophageal echocardiography showing a large mobile vegetation on pacemaker lead and tricuspid valve lead to the diagnosis of pacemaker lead-related infective endocarditis. Initial antibiotic therapy followed by surgical extraction of the pacemaker lead and wide debridement of infective tissues including multiple vegetations was required. Postoperative antibiotic therapy was continued for 4 weeks. The postoperative course has been uneventful. The patient is totally asymptomatic and is doing well up to now.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.43-53
• /
• 1999

The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of honey-fried Astragali Radix extract on the nephrotoxicity in rats induced by cyclosporin A(CsA). The experimental rats were divided into three groups of ten. The Normal group was given nothing. The Control group was given only saline water every day for 14 days after the subcutaneous IV injection of 50mg/kg in CsA every other day during a period of 14 days. The sample group was administered 4.8mg/200g of Astragali Radix extract daily for 14 days after the subcutaneous IV injection of 50mg/kg in CsA every other day for 14 days. These groups were observed for 14 days. This experimental research focused on measuring the levels of BUN, creatinine, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, AST and ALT in the serum and specific gravity and creatinine in the urine. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Changes in serum The levels of BUN, creatinine. AST and ALT in the serum were significantly decreased in the sample group as compared with those of the control group. Total Protein level in the serum was significantly increased in the sample group as compared with that of the control group. Sodium and Potassium levels in the serum in the sample group were a little lower than those of the control group but no significance was noted. The chloride level in the serum in the sample group significantly increased as compared with that of the control group on the 7th day but in the sample group was significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group on the 14th day 2. Changes in urine Urinary specific gravity in the sample group showed significant increase, compared to the control group on the 7th day but were a little higher than that of the control group on the 14th day. Creatinine level in the urine were a little higher than that of the control group but no significance was found. These results suggest that honey-fried Astragali Radix might be effective on the nephrotoxicity in rats caused by CsA.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.52-55
• /
• 2002

We report one case of an 18-day-old female patient, weighing 3.4 kg, with severe cyanosis. The diagnosis was made with only transthoracic echocardiography, which revealed cor triatriatum with an atretic small opening of fibromuscular membrane, obstructive infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage(TAPVD), severely restrictive interatrial communication, and scanty mitral inflow and aortic forward flow. The preoperative decision-making for biventricular repair was not easy due to collapsed left heart system caused by remarkably reduced blood flow An emergent operation was performed due to severe cyanosis. All left heart structures were somewhat hypoplastic but thought to be adequate for systemic circulation. Biventricular repair was done without specific intraoperative problems. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient has been doing well with no evidence of pulmonary vein stenosis or mitral regurgitation for 4 months after operation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.48-51
• /
• 2002

The conversion of failing Fontan circuit to total cavopulmonary connection(TCPC) is recommended as a therapeutic option in patients with late Fontan complications such as atrial arrhythmia, atrial enlargement, pulmonary venous obstruction, and ventricular dysfunction. Combined TCPC with extracardiac conduit and cryoablation of arrhythmia circuit is preferred for treatment of failing Fontan coulection with atrial lachyarrhythrnia. We report a case of conversion of atriopulmonary connection to extracardiac conduit Fontan and cryoablation of atrial arrhythmia circuit in a patient with tricuspid atresia, who also had ectopic atrial tachycardia, right atrial thrombi, pulmonary venous obstruction, and ventricular dysfunction. This patient and the parents were Jehovah's Witnesses; therefore, the patient underwent the procedure without blood transfusion.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.103-110
• /
• 1999

A thromboembolic event in patients later given a diagnosis of cancer is the result rather than the cause of the cancer. The risk of hidden cancer is significantly higher for patients with recurrent idiopathic thromboembolism compared to those with secondary deep vein thrombosis. Microemboli from hepatic or adrenal metastases and large-sized emboli from the great veins invaded by the tumor are the sources of tumor embolization The intraarterial tumor emboli less likely invade the arterial wall. Thrombus formation and organization may be capable of destroying tumor cells within pulmorlary blood vessels. Therefore, all tumor emboli are not true metastases. The treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer consists of anticoagulation with heparin and warfarin, venacaval filters, appropriate anti-neoplastic agents, and surgical methods(embolectomy, thromboendarterectomy). However, considerable literatures suggest that oral anticoagulant such as warfarin is ineffective in the treatment of those. We report a case of primary unknown squamous cell carcinoma incidentally found in the thrombus after pulmonary embolectomy.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.39-44
• /
• 2001

Objective : This experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of Persicae Semen(PS) and Caesalpiniae Lignum(CL) on the intravascular coagulation which is considered as thrombosis. Methods : Rats were pretreated orally with PS and CL extracts(PS: 8.45mg/100g, CL: 4.4mg/100g), and 1 hour later, to induce thrombosis, were given an endotoxin(0.01mg/100g) injection into the caudal vein. After 4hours we collected blood by cardiac puncture and measured the platelet count, the prothrombin time, the level of fibrinogen and the FDP(fibrinogen degradation product). Results : PS and CL supressed the decrease of the Platelet count and the prolongation of prothrombin time. In these factors, both groups showed significant effect. Both groups supressed the decrease of the fibrinogen level and the increase of the FDP level. But, only the PS group showed a significant effect on the fibrinogen level, and only the Cle CL group showed a significant effect on FDP level. Conclusions : PS had significant effects on the platelet count, the prothrombin time, and the FDP level. CL had significant effects on the platelet count, the prothrombin time, and the fibrinogen level. Therefore, PerSicae Semen and Caesalpiniae Lignum seem to be applicable to treating the diseases related to thrombosis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.3 s.71
• /
• pp.126-137
• /
• 2007

Objectives : Standardization of pattern identification for stroke and development of a diagnostic tool for Korean medicine. Methods : We organized a committee for stroke diagnosis standardization of Korean traditional medicine and submitted the Korean standard differentiation of the symptoms and signs for stroke (KSDSS). We collected cases through a multi-center network consisting of twelve university hospitals and one local hospital. We analyzed the data with discriminant function and logistic regression. Results : 321 cases were confirmed by diagnosis of medical specialists and residents. They were divided into qi deficiency 30.84%, dampness & phlegm 25.55%, fire & heat 22.43%, eum deficiency 18.69% and blood stasis 2.49%. The accordance rate between discriminant function and doctor's diagnosis was calculated. Conclusions : To make a stroke diagnostic program, we must raise the accordance rate between doctor's diagnosis and the program.