• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.104-116
• /
• 2021

In order to reduce the social and economic costs due to the increase in dementia patients, which is a representative senile disease in an aging society, it will be important to prevent dementia and to detect and treat early in high-risk groups. This study reported the results of treatment for the elderly with high risk of dementia and depression who received Korean medicine (KM) treatment in 9 KM clinics. Medical charts were surveyed on 116 patients with high risk of dementia and depression who received KM treatment at 9 KM clinics in Gangseo-gu from September 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The majority of the patients were female(76.72%), the average age was 71.66±7.18 years old, and the average education level was 8.96±3.91 years. The average treatment period was 61.47±10.30 days, the average number of treatments was 15.38±1.06 times, and both acupuncture and herbal medicine were administered. After receiving KM treatment, cognitive assessment scores such as MMSE-DS and MoCA-K, depression-related GDSSF-K score, dementia knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior, blood debilitation scale, and GQOL-D score were improved compared to before. There was no specific adverse reaction except that one patient with elevated AST and ALT levels was observed. This study showed improvement in cognitive function, depression, dementia-related scale, and quality of life in high-risk groups for dementia and depression over 60 years old who received KM treatment. More systematic and large-scale planned clinical studies will be needed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.11-24
• /
• 2021

Objective: Chronic reflux esophagitis (CRE), characterized by esophageal mucosa ulcer, is caused by continuous backflow of gastric acid and consequent inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of an Arecae Semen and Coptidis Rhizoma mixture (AC-mix) on CRE. Methods: CRE was surgically induced in SD rats with three experimental groups used: normal; CRE control; and CRE treatment (200 mg/kg AC-mix). Blood and esophageal tissue were collected after two weeks of drug administration. The anti-oxidant activity of the AC-mix was measured by total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents as well as by radical scavenging activity with protein levels evaluated using western blotting. Results: CRE damage to the esophageal mucosa was significantly reduced in the AC-mix group as compared with the controls, and administration of the AC-mix was seen to inhibit NF-κBp65 activity. Consequently, the inactivation of NF-κBp65 significantly inhibited inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and iNOS. Moreover, the anti-oxidant enzyme HO-1 significantly increased through activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which can break down collagen from the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, was decreased following AC-mix treatment, and elevated levels of MMP-2 were regulated by its tissue inhibitor. Conclusions: These results show that AC-mix can alleviate esophageal mucosa ulcer though inhibition of the NF-κBp65 inflammatory pathway and enhancement of the anti-oxidant Nrf2-Keap1 pathway.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.22-27
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Dental plaque is composed of 700 bacterial species. It is known that some oral microorganisms produce porphyrin, and thus, they emit red fluorescence when illuminated with blue light at a specific wavelength of <410 nm. Porphyromonas gingivalis belongs to the genus Porphyromonas, which is characterized by the production of porphyrin. The aim of this study was to evaluate red fluorescence emission of some oral microorganisms interacting with P. gingivalis. Methods: Five bacterial strains (P. gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Fusobacterium nucleatum) were used for this study. Tryptic soy agar medium supplemented with hemin, vitamin K3, and sheep blood was used as a growth medium. The fluorescence emission of bacterial colonies was evaluated under 405 nm-wavelength blue light using a Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence Digital (QLF-D) camera system. Each bacterium was cultured alone and co-cultured in close proximity with P. gingivalis. The red/green (R/G) ratio of fluorescence image was calculated and the differences of R/G ratio according to each growth condition were compared using the Mann-Whitney test (P<0.05). Results: Single cultured S. mutans, L. casei and A. naeslundii colonies emitted red fluorescence (R/G ratio=$2.15{\pm}0.06$, $4.31{\pm}0.17$, $5.52{\pm}1.29$, respectively). Fusobacterium nucleatum colonies emitted green fluorescence (R/G ratio=$1.36{\pm}0.06$). The R/G ratios of A. naeslundii and F. nucleatum were increased when P. gingivalis was co-cultured with each bacterium (P<0.05). In contrast, the R/G ratios of S. mutans and L. casei were decreased when P. gingivalis was co-cultured with each bacterium (P=0.002, 0.003). Conclusions: This study confirmed that P. gingivalis could affect the red fluorescence of other oral bacteria under 405 nm-wavelength blue light. Our findings concluded that P. gingivalis has an important role for red fluorescence emission of dental biofilm.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.651-657
• /
• 2019

Although smallpox was eradicated in 1980, it is still considered a potential agent of biowarfare and bioterrorism. Smallpox has the potential for high mortality rates along with a major public health impact, eventually causing public panic and social disruption. Passive administration of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is an effective intervention for various adverse reactions caused by vaccination and the unpredictable nature of emerging and bioterrorist-related infections. Currently, vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) is manufactured from vaccinia vaccine-boosted plasma; however, this production method is not ideal because of its limited availability, low specific activity, and risk of contamination with blood-borne infectious agents. To overcome the limitations of VIG production from human plasma, we isolated two human single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), (SC34 and SC212), bound to vaccinia virus (VACV), from a scFv phage library constructed from the B cells of VACV vaccine-boosted volunteers. The scFvs were converted to human IgG1 (VC34 and VC212). These two anti-VACV mAbs were produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) DG44 cells. The binding affinities of VC34 and VC212 were estimated by competition ELISA to $IC_{50}$ values of $2{\mu}g/ml$ (13.33 nM) and $22{\mu}g/ml$ (146.67 nM), respectively. Only the VC212 mAb was proven to neutralize the VACV, as evidenced by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) result with a $PRNT_{50}$ of ~0.16 mg/ml (${\sim}1.07{\mu}M$). This VC212 could serve as a valuable starting material for further development of VACV-neutralizing human immunoglobulin for a prophylactic measure against post-vaccination complications and for post-exposure treatment against smallpox.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.37-44
• /
• 2019

Leaves of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai are used in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and diuretic properties. To ensure efficient utilization of S. quelpaertensis leaf, we previously reported a preparation method for phytochemical-rich extract (PRE) using the leaf residue, which was produced after hot water extraction. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypouricemic potential of S. quelpaertensis leaf PRE in potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic mice. The administration of PRE significantly reduced serum uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine levels and increased urine UA and creatinine levels in the PO-induced hyperuricemic mice. It also reduced liver UA levels and xanthine oxidase (XA) activity. A histological analysis revealed that PRE administration protected against PO-induced liver damage, pointing to anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in PO-induced hyperuricemic mice. We analyzed the transcriptome response to PRE administration in PO-induced hyperuricemic mice using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in kidney tissues. The administration of PRE mainly enriched genes involved in mediating immune and inflammatory responses and the metabolic pathway. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the metabolic pathway, purine metabolism, and antibody biosynthesis were the major pathways altered in the PRE and PO groups. These results suggest a potential role for PRE in the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia with inflammation.

• Journal of Apiculture
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.269-273
• /
• 2017

We investigated whether purified bee venom increases the enzymatic activity of the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). ADH and ALDH assay were tested by in vitro kits. The purified bee venom was assayed by ultra performance liquid chromatography, The contents of melittin, apamin and phospholipase A2, as main component of purified bee venom, were 63.9%, 2.3%, and 10.9%, respectively. The ADH and ALDH acitivity of purified bee venom(at 1mg/ml) were $88.6{\pm}7.34%$ and $94.6{\pm}0.57%$, respectively compared with positive control at 2mg/ml. These results showed that purified bee venom induces the activity of ADH and ALDH which reduce the aldehyde concentration in the blood, suggesting the possibility of purified bee venom as resource of medicine or functional beverage for hangover relieving.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2021

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI), an important cause of acute renal failure (ARF), cause increased renal tubular injury. Jesaeng-sinkihwan (JSH) was recorded in a traditional Chines medical book named "Bangyakhappyeon (方藥合編)". JSH has been used for treatment of diabetes and glomerulonephritis with patients. Here we investigate the effects of Jesaeng-sinkihwan (JSH) in a mouse model of ischemic acute kidney injury. The animals model were divided into four groups at the age of 8 weeks; sham group: C57BL6 male mice (n=9), I/R group: C57BL6 male mice with I/R surgery (n=9), JSH Low group: C57BL6 male mice with surgery + JSH 100 mg/kg/day (n=9) and JSH High group: C57BL6 male mice with surgery + JSH 300 mg/kg/day (n=9). Ischemia was induced by clamping the both renal arteries during 25 min, and reperfusion was followed. Mouse were orally given with JSH (100 and 300 mg/kg/day during 3 days after surgery. Treatment with JSH significantly ameliorates creatinine clearance(Ccr), Creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in obtained plasma. . Treatment with JSH reduced kidney inflammation markers such as Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). JSH also reduced the periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining intensity and picro sirius red staining intensity in kidney of I/R group. These findings suggest that JSH ameliorates tubular injury including renal dysfunction in I/R induced ARF mouse.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.60-73
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The extract from Dendropanax morbifera exhibited diverse therapeutic potentials. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of D. morbifera leaf extract for improving metabolic parameters in human. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A 12-week, double blind, placebo-controlled and randomized trial included a total of 74 adults, and they were assigned to the placebo group (n = 38) or 700 mg/day of D. morbifera group (n = 36). The efficacy endpoints were changes in glycemic, lipid, obesity, and blood pressure (BP) parameters, in addition to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the numbers of MetS components. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level significantly decreased in the D. morbifera group compared to that of the placebo group (difference: -0.13 ± 0.20% vs. 0.00 ± 0.28%, P = 0.031; % of change: -2.27 ± 3.63% vs. 0.10 ± 5.10%, P = 0.025). The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance level also decreased significantly from its baseline in the D. morbifera group. The systolic BP of D. morbifera group decreased significantly than that of placebo group (difference: -3.9 ± 9.8 mmHg vs. 3.3 ± 11.7 mmHg, P = 0.005; % of change: -2.8 ± 7.7% vs. 3.3 ± 10.2%, P = 0.005). However, the lipid parameters and body composition including body weight did not differ between the groups. The prevalence of MetS (36.8% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.022) and the incidence of MetS (10.5% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.027) at 12 weeks was significantly lower in the D. morbifera group than it was in the placebo group. No serious AEs occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with D. morbifera extracts over a 12-week period improved metabolic parameters such as HbA1c and BP and reduced the prevalence of MetS.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.64 no.1
• /
• pp.23-37
• /
• 2022

Thirty-six weaned piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 8.43 ± 0.40 kg (28 days of age, ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments for a 2-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different inorganic zinc (IZ), organic zinc (OZ) or combination of low crude protein diet (LP) and Mixed feed additive (MFA) on diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, zinc utilization, blood profiles, organ weight, and fecal microflora in weaned piglet diet. The pigs were individually placed in 45 × 55 × 45 cm stainless steel metabolism cages in an environmentally controlled room (30 ± 1℃). The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC), positive control (PC; zinc oxide, 1,000 mg/kg), T1 (IZ : OZ, 850 : 150), T2 (IZ : OZ 700 : 300), T3 (IZ : OZ, 500 : 500), and T4 (LP + MFA [0.1% Essential oils + 0.08% Protease + 0.02% Xylanase]). The daily feed allowance was adjusted to 2.7 times the maintenance requirement for digestible energy (2.7 × 110 kcal of DE/kg BW^0.75). This allowance was divided into two equal parts, and the piglets were fed at 08 : 30 and 17 : 30 each day. Water was provided ad libitum through a drinking nipple. The diarrhea score was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in NC treatment compared with other treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the T2 treatment compared with the PC and NC treatments in week 1. In week 2, the ATTD of DM, N, and GE was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the NC treatment compared with other treatments. The T3 treatment had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ATTD and apparent ileal digestibility of zinc than the PC and T1 treatments. The Escherichia coli count in feces was significantly decreased in the T4 treatment compared with the NC and T2 treatments. The Lactobacillus count in feces was significantly increased in the T4 and T1 treatment compared with the T2 and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ : OZ 500 : 500 levels could improve nutrient digestibility and zinc utilization in weaned piglets, Moreover, MFA in LP diets could be used as a zinc alternative.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.439-454
• /
• 2023

Objectives: As Korea transitions into an aging society, the incidence of cerebrovascular disease is expected to increase. Herbal medicine is commonly used in Oriental medicine to treat cerebrovascular disease. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence to actively support the safety of herbal medicine in clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the toxicity and safety of four herbal medicines (Cheongsimyeonja-tang, Dodam-tang, Hyeolbuchukso-tang, and Boshiniknai-tang) in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Methods: This study used electronic medical records to analyze patients admitted to an oriental medicine hospital from April 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. Liver and renal function values at the time of admission and discharge were compared. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in this study. We found no significant differences in various variables, such as complete blood count, liver-renal function test, and urine, before and after the administration of the four herbal medicines. Additionally, no significant adverse events related to herbal medicine were observed. Conclusions: This study confirmed the safety of the four herbal medicines in patients with cerebrovascular disease who were hospitalized in a single Oriental medicine hospital.