• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.101-110
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• 2009

Objectives : We developed and proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus(Class 2 medical device). Methods : We drafted the guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus by referring the existing standards and guideline, based on online questionnaire for Korean medical doctors and measurement data from commercially available products. Physical dimension of cups and inner vacuum pressure were acquired for the measurement in order to achieve the purposes. Results : This guideline only can be applied to electric cupping apparatus for enhancing blood circulation by employing negative pressure generated by electricity. Seven items of appearance and label, operation test of pump, variation test of input electricity, vacuum level test, vacuum sustain test, cup-size dependent test, noise level test are suggested for evaluation subjects and methods required for electric cupping devices. Requirements for the design and development of electric cupping devices are suggested: vacuum level indicator, vacuum generation rate, pressure control, valve detachment stability, cup comparability, safety measure, surge protection, user friendliness, instruction for use (IFU). Conclusions : We proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus to improve the quality of relating products and aid the commercialization of them, by aiming higher industrial competitiveness of the medical device sectors in Korea. Discussion with related institutes such as industry, academy and government is further required. Public hearings also need to be held prior to the establishment of a final guideline and standard.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4437-4441
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• 2014

SMAD7 has been identified as a functional candidate gene for colorectal cancer (CRC). SMAD7 protein is a known antagonist of the transforming growth factor beta ($TGF-{\beta}$) signaling pathway which is involved in tumorigenesis. Polymorphisms in SMAD7 may thus alter cancer risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a SMAD7 gene polymorphism (rs2337107) on risk of CRC and clinicopathological features in an Iranian population. In total, 210 subjects including 105 patients with colorectal cancer and 105 healthy controls were recruited in our study. All samples were genotyped by TaqMan assay via an ABI 7500 Real Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems) with DNA from peripheral blood. The polymorphism was statistically analyzed to investigate the relationship with the risk of colorectal cancer and clinicopathological properties. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was no significant association between rs2337107and the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, no significant association between genotypes and clinicopathological features was observed (p value>0.05). Although there was not any association between genotypes and disorder, CT was the most common genotype in this population. This genotype prevalence was also higher in the patients with well grade (54.9%) and colon (72.0%) tumors. Our results provide the first evidence that this polymorphism is not a potential contributor to the risk of colorectal cancer and clinicopathological features in an Iranian population, and suggests the need of a large-scale case-control study to validate our results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3761-3768
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• 2013

Background: The Saudi population has experienced a sharp increase in colorectal and gastric cancer incidences within the last few years. The relationship between gene polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has not previously investigated among the Saudi population. The aim of the present study was to investigate contributions of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from CRC patients and healthy controls and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. Results and Conclusions: $CYP2E1^*6$ was not significantly associated with CRC development (odd ratio=1.29; confidence interval 0.68-2.45). A remarkable and statistically significant association was observed among patients with $CYP1Awt/^*2A$ (odd ratio=3.65; 95% confidence interval 1.39-9.57). The $GSTM1^*0/^*0$ genotype was found in 2% of CRC patients under investigation. The levels of CYP1A1, CYP2E1 and GSTM1 mRNA gene expression were found to be 4, 4.2 and 4.8 fold, respectively, by quantitative real time PCR. The results of the present case-control study show that the studied Saudi population resembles Caucasians with respect to the considered polymorphisms. Investigation of genetic risk factors and susceptibility gene polymorphisms in our Saudi population should be helpful for better understanding of CRC etiology.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2015

This study aimed to investigate the effects of silk fibroin on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized control (OVX), alendronate (OVX+ALEN, 10 mg/kg body weight/d), low silk fibroin (OVX+SF100, 100 mg/kg body weight/d), and high silk fibroin (OVX+SF300, 300 mg/kg body weight/d) groups. All the rats were fed by gavage for 12 wk. At the end of 12 wk, blood and urine were collected for analysis of bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by micro-computed tomography. The results show that the OVX group (p < 0.05) displayed the highest mean body weight gain. Among the five groups, serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urine levels of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were highest in the OVX group (p < 0.05). Bone ALP levels in the ALEN group were significantly lower than that of the silk-treated groups. On the other hand, DPD levels were not significantly different between the ALEN and silk-fibroin-treated groups (p < 0.05). The trabecular BMD was significantly higher in the ALEN and silk-treated groups compared to the OVX group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that silk fibroin has similar effects as alendronate, which is used in osteoporosis medication. Therefore silk fibroin might be a new candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.25-33
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• 2007

Objectives : Oriental pear was used as treatment of asthma, control of blood pressure, diabetes in oriental medicine. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of Phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs to treat asthma. Methods : In order to study the effect of oral administration of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs(Platycodon grandiflorum, Prunus armeniaca) on allergic asthma, mice were pre-treated by oral administration of the solution before antigen sensitization four times for 8 days. 2 days later, mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin and 13 days later, they were provoked with ovalbumin aerosols. The animals were divided into four groups; Saline, orally administered saline. PC-A, orally administered Phenolic compound extracted from pear peel 10mg/kg/ml. PC-B, orally administered Phenolic compound extracted from pear peel and flesh 10mg/kg/ml. PC-C, orally administered pear 10m/kg/ml, Platycodon grandiflorum 24.4 mg/kg/ml and Prunus armeniaca 33.3 mg/kg/ml. Serum level of IgE, IL-4, cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine(ACh, $0.1-1000{\mu}M$), KCl were measured. Results : Contractile responses of TSM to ACh were decreased in PC-A group at Ach 0.1, 0.3, 1 ${\mu}M$, decreased in PC-B at 0.1 ${\mu}M$ and decreased in PC-C at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 10, 30 ${\mu}M$. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl was decreased in PC-C group, The cell numbers of eosinophil in BALF were decreased in PC-C group, and those of macrophages in BALF were decreased in PC-A and PC-C group. Interleukin-4 in BALF was decreased in PC-A, PC-B, PC-C group. Conclusion : Based on the above results it is assumed that oral administration of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs can help the treatment of deficiency allergic Asthma.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.21-38
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• 1992

The present study was carried out to investigate morphologic changes in the corpus luteum of the pregnant rat by electron microscope after administration of prostaglandin F2$\alpha$(PGF2$\alpha$). Pregnant rates were treated with PGF2$\alpha$(1,500$\mu\textrm{g}$/rat) and their corpura lutea were observed morphologically. The results obtained in this study were summarized as follows ; 1. The weight of the ovaries and corpura lutea were decreased slightly at 8~24 hours after PGF2$\alpha$ administratin but no significant differences were observed. 2. The number of corpora lutea and luteal cells decreased slightly at 12~48 hours and 18~24 hours after PGF2$\alpha$ tretment but there were no signifciant differences between control and treatment. 3. The weight of uterus and the unmber of embryo decreased slightly at 96 hours and at 18~96 hours after PGF2$\alpha$ administration but no significant differences were obtained. 4. In the electron microscopic observatons, lipid droplets which are electron dense and appear in the cytoplasm moderately increased in number after PGF2$\alpha$ treatment. The lipid droplets were surrounded by mitochodria and appeared in the autophagic vacuoles. 5. Moderated and high electron dense mitochondria which are round or elongated in shape showed pleomorphism from 3 hours after PGF2$\alpha$ treatment. Destruction of tubular of vesicular cristae was observed at 6 hours after the treatment. Dense body and myelin figures in matrix of mitochondria were also appeared. 6. Well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum(sER) showed tubular or vesicular cisternae. A number of whorl membranes containing ribosomes, mitochondria and lipid droplets were observed at 1.5 hour after treatment. sER was abundant in luteal cells at 12 hours were treatment. 7. Well-developed Golgi pparatus appeared obviously 6 hours and more prominently at 12 hours. Those Golgi vesicles were remarkably dilated. 8. Generally, a few rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) were appeared after treatment and cisternae showed slight dilatation. No differences among the treatments were observed. However, slight dilation of cisternae was observed at 1.5 hours after treatment. 9. Ribosomes composed of free and polyribosomes were abundant before treatment but polyribosomes were appeared at 12 to 24 hours after treatment. 10. Intercellular space were slightly extended at 3 hours and markedly extended at 12 hours. Numerous microvillous protrusions were observed at these times. Membranous multivesicular structures and autophagic vacuoles were also appeared in the intercellular space. 11. At 3 hours after the treatment, autophagic vacuoles appeared in the cytoplasm of the cell. They increased in number with time and were observed to transfer to the intercellular space. Lysosomal dense body appeared in the cytoplasm and the inclusion body was also observed in nucleus at 12 to 24 hours after treatment.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.205-216
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• 2009

Objectives : To establish the fundaments for EBM of Traditional Korean Medicine, the papers on Guibi-tang(Guipitang) which were frequently used in medical institutions of Traditional Korean Medicine were analyzed through researching domestic and international literatures. Methods : The papers were classified by the year of publishment, by experimental methods, by laboratory animals used in biological experiment and by the kinds of studies on biological efficacy. Results : Of total 39 papers were registered in domestic journals. Since 1980, publishments of papers have continuously increased. The papers on biological studies were 34 volumes, clinical studies were 5 volumes. Biological studies mainly showed the effects of anti-stress, anti-oxidant, hemostasis, anti-osteoporosis, gastroprotection, reproductive ability, brain cell activity, radioprotection. And clinical studies showed improvements of fearful throbbing, memory and orientation, insomnia, vericose vein, schizophrenia. Conclusions : Guibi-tang(Guipitang) could be used to fortify the spleen, nourish the heart and then control the blood. However biological studies need to be conducted in accordance with clinical study and further clinical studies on randomized controlled trials should be proceeded.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.193-199
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of walking and band exercise for 12 weeks on c-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease risk factor in overweight and obese children. Body composition, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, c-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed before, after 4 weeks and after 12 weeks of combined exercise. Sixteen participants (BMI${\geq}$21.3) were randomly allocated to exercise group (n=8) and control group (n=8). The exercise group participated in 50 minutes of walking exercise and band exercises as resistance training two days a week for 12 weeks. There were significant different on weight (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), fat mass (p<0.001), fat percentage (p<0.001), LBM percentage (p<0.001), TG (p<0.05), HDL-C (p<0.01), insulin (p<0.05), HOMA-IR (p<0.05) in exercise group after intervention. And the change of weight (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), fat mass (p<0.001), fat percentage (p<0.001), LBM mass (p<0.05), LBM percentage (p<0.001), insulin (p<0.05), HOMA-IR (p<0.05) were significant difference between groups after intervention. These findings suggest that 12 weeks of walking and band exercise can be useful intervention in the improvement of cardiovascular disease risk factor in overweight and obese children. But c-reactive protein was no change.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2003

Background: CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 7 and cognate CCR7 ligands, CCL21 (formerly secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine [SLC]) and CCL19 (formerly Epstein-Barr virus-induced molecule 1 ligand chemokine [ELC]), were known to establish microenvironment for the initiation of immune responses in secondary lymphoid tissue. As described previously, coadministration of DNA vaccine with CCR7 ligand-encoding plasmid DNA elicited enhanced humoral and cellular immunity via increasing the number of dendritic cells (DC) in secondary lymphoid tissue. The author hypothesized here that CCR7 ligand DNA could effectively expand memory CD4+ T cells to protect from viral infection likely via increasing DC number. Methods: To evaluate the effect of CCR7 ligand DNA on the expansion of memory CD4+ T cells, DO11.10.BALB/c transgenic (Tg)-mice, which have highly frequent ovalbumin $(OVA)_{323-339}$ peptide-specific CD4+ T cells, were used. Tg-mice were previously injected with CCR7 ligand DNA, then immunized with $OVA_{323-339}$ peptide plus complete Freund's adjuvant. Subsequently, memory CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were analyzed by FACS analysis for memory phenotype ($CD44^{high}$ and CD62 $L^{low}$) at memory stage. Memory CD4+ T cells recruited into inflammatory site induced with OVA-expressing virus were also analyzed. Finally, the protective efficacy against viral infection was evaluated. Results: CCR7 ligand DNA-treated Tg-mice showed more expanded $CD44^{high}$ memory CD4+ T cells in PBL than control vector-treated animals. The increased number of memory CD4+ T cells recruited into inflammatory site was also observed in CCR7 ligand DNA-treated Tg-mice. Such effectively expanded memory CD4+ T cell population increased the protective immunity against virulent viral infection. Conclusion: These results document that CCR7 and its cognate ligands play an important role in intracellular infection through establishing optimal memory T cell. Moreover, CCR7 ligand could be useful as modulator in DNA vaccination against viral infection as well as cancer.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.116-122
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• 2013

This study was conducted to determine whether CD4 T cell responses to citrullinated fibrinogen occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially in HLA-DR4-positive subjects. Whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients and control subjects were stimulated with citrullinated fibrinogen peptides, and T-cell production of proliferation and proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-${\gamma}$(IFN-${\gamma}$) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A), were measured. In addition, CD4 T cells from RA patients were stimulated with the citrullinated fibrinogen peptide, $Fib-{\alpha}$ R84Cit, identified as a DRB1*0401-restricted T cell epitope in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice, and the degree of T cell activation was examined similarly. No proliferative responses to the citrullinated fibrinogen peptides were observed in whole PBMCs or CD4 T cells from RA patients. Furthermore, no increased production of IFN-${\gamma}$ or IL-17A was found in whole PBMCs or CD4 T cells stimulated with the citrullinated fibrinogen peptides, although these cells responded to recall antigen, a mixture of tetanus toxoid, purified protein derivative (PPD) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Candida albicans. The results of this study indicate that anti-citrulline immunity in RA patients may be mediated by fibrinogen because there is no evidence of CD4 T cell-mediated immune responses to citrullinated fibrinogen peptides.