• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1331-1338
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• 2010

This study was designed to investigate the potentially protective effects of Curcuma longa Linn. extract (CLE) on carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 50 or 100mg/kg of CLE or 100mg/kg of butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT) for 14 days before $CCl_4$ administration. In addition, the CLE control group was pretreated with 100mg/kg CLE for only 14 days. Three hours after the final treatment, a single dose of $CCl_4$ (20mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally to each group. After the completion of this phase of the experiment, food and water were removed 12 h prior to the next step. The rats were then anesthetized by urethane and their blood and liver were collected. It was observed that the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities of the serum, and the hepatic malondialdehyde levels had significantly decreased in the CLE group when compared with the $CCl_4$-treated group. The antioxidant activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, in addition to glutathione content, had increased considerably in the CLE group compared with the $CCl_4$-treated group. Phase II detoxifying enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase, were found to have significantly increased in the CLE group as opposed to the $CCl_4$-treated group. The content of Nrf2 was determined by Western blot analysis. Pretreated CLE increased the level of nuclear translocated Nrf2, and the Nrf2 then increased the activity of the antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes. These results indicate that CLE has protective effects against $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, via activities of antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes, and through the activation of nuclear translocated Nrf2.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2015

Purpose: There is a fair amount of evidence indicating that increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance is associated with postmenopausal state, but can be modulated by diet and exercise. In this study, we explored whether a Pueraria lobata root-based supplement containing Rehmannia glutinosa (PR) and/or aerobic treadmill exercise can modify the metabolic changes associated with estrogen deficiency. Methods: Seventy rats were randomly assigned to the following groups for 8 weeks (n=10 per group): SHAM, sham-operated; PR0, ovariectomized (OVX) control; PR200, OVX with PR200 mg/kg B.W; PR400, OVX with PR400 mg/kg B.W; EPR0, OVX with exercise; EPR200, OVX with exercise and PR200 mg/kg B.W; EPR400, OVX with exercise and PR400 mg/kg B.W. Results: OVX induced significant increases in body weight, food intake, fat mass, LDL-cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose, confirming induction of menopausal symptoms. PR supplementation or exercise significantly suppressed the above mentioned changes through different regulatory elements in adipose tissue: PR supplement upregulated adiponectin gene expression and aerobic exercise upregulated adiponectin and insulin receptor gene expression and a combination of PR supplement and aerobic exercise showed an additive effect on adiponectin gene expression. Conclusion: Taken together, the results of this study suggest that PR supplement has a potential to provide health benefits in OVX rats through leptin and adiponectin secretion. In addition, the data suggest that combination of exercise and PR would have additive effects on metabolic dysfunction associated with estrogen deficiency.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.273-280
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• 1988

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the medial amygdaloid nucleus on the pancreatic exocrine secretion and plasma secretin concentration in 44 male albino rats. Twenty-three rats in which the medial amygdaloid nucleus was damaged bilaterally by radio frequency a.c. through stereotaxically inserted electrodes (medical amygdaloid group, MA) and twenty-one rats which received the same operation without damage (operated control, OC), were prepared. Under urethan anesthesia, 0.01 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) or physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) was infused at a rate of 0.18 ml/min into the duodenum for 20 minutes. Pancreatic jucie was collected for the 20 min infusion period. After collection of pancreatic juice, blood was sampled from the abdominal aorta for the radioimmunoassay of plasma secretin concentration. In the MA group, the exocrine pancreatic secretory response to 0.01 N HCI as well as saline infusion was significantly inhibited compared with that in the OC group. The pancreatic protein output of the MA group significantly decreased after the saline infusion and tended to decrease after the 0.01 N HCI infusion, compared with that of the OC group. However, there was no significant difference in plasma secretin concentration between the two groups. Therefore it is strongly suggested that the rat medial amygdaloid nucleus has a facilitatory influence on both basal and acid-stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion, but the releasing mechanism of secretin appears not to be involved in the influence.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.39-48
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• 1972

Two polyethylene tubes were inserted into the esophagus of anesthetized rabbit in order to record the fluctuation of the intraluminal pressure through the orifices located near the tips of the tubes. The orifice of the first tube was 10 cm apart from the incisor of the rabbit and the orifice of the second tube was 5 cm below that of the first one. The tubes were filled with saline solution running at various rates ranging from 1.5 ml/min. to 4.2 ml/min. The tubes were connected to the pressure transducers and the electrical signals were recorded by the physiograph. When the peristaltic wave approached to the orifice a rise in the pressure was recorded, returning to the base line when the portion of the orifice was quiescent. The frequency of the peristaltic motion and the velocity of the wave were studied in connection with the flow rate of saline solution through the tubes and in the case of massive acute hemorrhage. The results obtained were as follows: 1. There was reflux of fluid induced during the procedure of the experiment. This outwrad flow through the pharynx seemed to elicite swallowing reflexes. Accordingly, the frequency of peristalsis of the esophagus was largely dependent on the flow rate of the fluid through the inserted tubes. By the flow rate of 1.5 ml/min., 2.5 ml/min., or 4.2 ml/min., the frequencies of the peristalsis were revealed to be $8.6{\pm}3.6/10min.,\;14.5{\pm}4.8/10min.\;or\;21.1{\pm}6.3/10min.,$ respectively. The velocity of peristalsis also coincided with the enhanced motility of the esophagus, showing $6.6{\pm}1.5\;cm/sec.,\;8.9{\pm}3.9\;cm/sec.,\;or\;12.4{\pm}4.6\;cm/sec.,$ respectively. 2. By acute hemorrhage, amounting to 2% of the body weight, the frequency of the peristalsis increased to twofold of the control and the propagation velocity also increased by 52 percent. 3. Retransfusion of the shed blood resulted in divergent responses. In some cases there were noticable ameliorations of the effects brought by acute hemorrhage, and in the others there were still increasing tendenies of the motility after the transfusion. 4. Some speculation was made about the possibility of a kind of relationship between the irreversibility of the hemorrhagic shock and the absence of responses by transfusion. 5. The peristalsis persisted even after complete disconnection at the midportion of the esophagus, reaffirming the view of a central regulation of the spatiotemporally coordinated motility, peristalsis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.117-126
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• 2002

Contamination levels of pathogenic microorganisms in 145 cases of beef, which were distributed in Gwangju province, had been investigated in each distributed stage and also monitored by general bacterial count and E coli count index. General bacterial count of beef from the slaughterhouse was 10$^4$cfu/g less than the level of promotion(10 cfu/$\textrm{cm}^2$) and E coli count index was also under the level of 10$^2$cfu/$\textrm{cm}^2$ recommended level of the ministry of agriculture and forestry. Pathogenic microorganisms were detected from 23.2% of samples in the consumption stage, 12.5% in the slaughtering stage and 5.6% in the transporting and processing stage. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in the largest number and its ratio was 9.0%, listeria monocytogenes 5.5% and salmonella spp 1.4%. There were no samples that bacteria had been detected dually. E coli O157:H7 and campylobacter jejuni were not isolated. In raw and chilled beef, isolation rate of pathogenic microorganisms were 13.3% and 16.5% each. Especially in raw beef, L monocytogenes was. isolated in 3 samples among 30 cases (10%) and S aureus in one sample (3.3%). According to a scale of meat store, isolation rates of pathogenic microorganisms were different. It was 28.6% in the small-scale meat store and 16.7% in the large-scale meat store each. Four cases (16.7%) of S aureus were isolated in the large-scale meat store and seven cases (20.0%) of L monocytogenes and 2 cases (5.7%) of salmonella spp were isolated in the small-scale meat store. S aureus was isolated in two places among 10 feeding facilities of the elementary school. This result shows that the sanitation of elementary school feeding facilities is so poor and more careful policy consideration is needed. Eleven strains of S aureus isolated showed ${\beta}$-hemolysis on blood agar, 1 strain ${\alpha}$-hemolysis, and 1 strain ${\gamma}$-hemolysis. Isolated strains of L monocytogenes were reconfirmed in 560 bp by PCR. Conclusively, these results show that the sanitary condition in the stages of slaughtering, transportation-processing and consumption influences the degree of pathogenic microorganisms contamination in beef severely It is necessary to apply thoroughly hazard analysis critical control point in a process of beef distribution and also to develop rapid test methods for microorganism diagnosis. This effort is very important for the supply of safe and clean meat from farm to table and helpful for the improvement of public health.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.138-143
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• 1999

Background: The endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation has been largely accounted for by the release of nitric oxide (NO). Three distinct isoforms of NO synthases (NOS) have been characterized, i.e., brain(bNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial constitutive (ecNOS). Although hypertension hasbeen associated with a vascular endothelial dysfunction, changes in the vascular expression of NOS isoforms have not been established. The present study was aimed at exploring the vascular expression of NOS isozymes in hypertension. Material and Method: Two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension were induced in rats. The expression of different NOS isozymes in the thoracic aorta was determined by Western blot analysis. The vascular tissue contents of nitrites were measured by colorimetric assay. Result: Arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in experimental groups of 2K1C and DOCA-salt rats compared with their corresponding control rats. The vascular expression of bNOS as well as that of ecNOS was decreased in both models of hypertension. iNOS was not changed in DOCA-salt hypertension, but was also decreased in 2K1C hypertension. The vascular contents of nitrites were significantly decreased in DOCA-salt as well as in 2K1C hypertension. Conclusion: These results suggest that 2K1C and DOCA-salt hypertension are associated with decreases in the vascular expression of NOS isozymes and nitrite contents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 2016

Objectives : The objective of this study is to evaluate the analgesic effects of Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture on formalin-induced pain in Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats. Methods : In this experiment there were four groups, each with six SD rats. In the normal group (NOR), normal saline $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right KI3, and normal saline $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right hindpaw 35 minutes later. In the control group (CON), normal saline $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right KI3, and formalin 5 % $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right hindpaw 35 minutes later. In the Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture 3 % group (DP3), Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture 3 % $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right KI3, and formalin 5 % $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right hindpaw 35 minutes later. In the Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture 5 % group (DP5), Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture 5 % $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right KI3, and formalin 5 % $40{\mu}L$ was injected at right hindpaw 35 minutes later. We analyzed ultrasonic vocalization (USV), Substance P, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), and alanine aminotransferase(ALT). Results : In the early phase of USV, both DP3 and DP5 had an analgesic effect. In the late phase, DP5 had an analgesic effect compared to CON. Substance P in DP5 was significantly decreased compared to CON. In regards to blood AST and ALT, there was no significant difference among NOR, CON, DP3 or DP5. Conclusion : These results suggest that Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture helps to reduce formalin-induced pain. It's mechanism is related to substance P, and Drosera rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture has no influence on liver toxicity.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.65-81
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• 2014

Objectives This study was carried out to find out the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Mahwangbujaseshin- tang (Mahuangfuzixixintang ) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injecting MIA ($50{\mu}l$) into the knee joint of rats. Rats were divided into a 3 groups (n=7). The injection did not fit the normal group. A week later, after the injection of MIA, while control group took normal saline 2 ml, the extract of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang (Mahuangfuzixixintang ) (MBST) (200 mg/kg) was injected to treated group. After that, we examined hind paw weight bearing ability, functions of liver and kidney, serum TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, $PGE_2$, $LTB_4$, TIMP-1, MMP-9 and hematology. Volume of cartilage was measured by micro CT arthrography. Injury of synovial tissue was measured by H & E, Safranin-O immunofluorescence. Results 1) DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity of MBST was increased according to concentration of MBST and total phenolic contents were in high level. 2) In RAW 264.7 cells, ROS production was significantly decreased in MBST (at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$) and NO was also decreased but meaningless in MBST (at $100{\mu}g/ml$). 3) In RAW 264.7 cells, IL-6 production was significantly decreased in MBST (at $100{\mu}g/ml$) and TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ production were also decreased but meaningless in MBST (at $100{\mu}g/ml$). 4) In hind legs weight-bearing measurement, level of weight-bearing was increased. 5) Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. 6) TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, $PGE_2$, $LTB_4$, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 production were significantly decreased. 7) In hematology, the levels of neutrophils, monocytes were significantly decreased and the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes were also decreased but meaningless. 8) In micro CT-arthrography, cartilage volume was significantly increased. 9) Histopathologically, injury on cartilage and synovial membrane of MBST group was decreased. Conclusions Based on all results mentioned above, Mahwangbujaseshin-tang (Mahuangfuzixixintang) is believed to be meaningful for suppressing the progress of osteoarthritis. And it is related to inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cytokine and injury of volume in cartilage.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.413-417
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• 2013

Purpose: This phase II study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of Loubo$^{(R)}$ (Lobaplatin) in combination with pemetrexed in treating patients with metastatic breast cancer who failed to respond to anthracycline or taxanes. Patients and Methods: Metastatic breast cancer cases who had previously received an anthracycline and a taxane in either adjuvant or metastatic settings, were enrolled. All patients were recruited from Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, and were treated with Loubo$^{(R)}$ (Lobaplatin) 35 $mg/m^2$ (intravenous; on day 1) and pemetrexed 500 $mg/m^2$ (intravenous; on day 1) every 21 days. Efficacy and side effects were evaluated after at least two cycles of chemotherapy. Results: All eligible 19 patients completed at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy with pemetrexed and lobaplatin, and were evaluable. Overall, 3 (15.8%) patients achieved partial response, 11 (57.9%) stable disease, 5 (26.3%) progression of disease, with no complete remission. Response rate was 15.8%, disease control rate was 42.1%. The median survival time was 10.3 months. Neutrophil suppression occurred in 36.8% of patients who had grade 2 toxicity, and 26.3% had grade 3, 26.4% had grade 4. Thrombocytopenia was encountered as follows: 21.1% grade 2, 15.8% grade 3 and 5.5% grade 4. Incidences of anemia were 10.5% in grade 2, 5.3% grade 3 and 0% grade 4. Only 5.3% of patients required packed red blood cell transfusion. Grade 3 digestive tract toxicity occurred in 5.5% of patients. Other toxicities included elevated transaminase,oral mucositis and skin rashes. Conclusions: The regimen of lobaplatin and pemetrexed is modestly active in metastatic breast cancer patients who failed anthracycline or taxanes, and the toxicity profile suggesting that the doses of chemotherapy should be further modified.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.187-191
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• 2003

In this study, biomonitoring methods were developed to measure BTEXs exposure level in the air, metabolites of benzene and toluene in human urine, individual susceptibility markers in human blood for evaluation of the health effects about environmental pollution. We have also performed a small-scaled molecular epidemiology study on residents in Chuncheon and workers in workplace for these method applications. The workers in workplace were surveyed as study areas, and the residents in Chuncheon which is in the suburban area were surveyed as comparative areas in this study. Actually, 31 workers in as target group and 33 residences in as control group this epidemiological study. The results obtained from this study were as follows: 1. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, it's median concentrations were 0.00024∼0.02057ppm at suburban area and 0.002∼00.654ppm at work place, These benzene concentrations were not exceed the OSHA(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) threshold benzene level of 1ppm in the states. 2. Metabolites product of benzene(t,t-Muconic Acid) and toluene(Hippuric Acid) were not significant both in suburban and workplace area. The median concentration of t,t-MA and HA were 0.0122, 1.44277g/g creatinine, respectively. 3. In the case of individual susceptibility markers as CYPlAl, 41.8% of them has homozygous wild type(W) and who has heterozygous variant type(H) was 35.4% and 22.8% of homozygous variant type(M) genetic type. In the case of CYP2E1, 62.82% of them has homozygous wild type(D) type, 34.62% of each has heterozygous variant type (DC) and 2.56% of them has homozygous variant type (CC). Who doesn't have GSTM1 gene was 46.25% and who has GSTM1 gene was 53.75％. Who doesn't have GSTT1 gene was 40.0％ in study groups and who has GSTT1 gene was 60.0%. Who has W genetic type, which is homozygous wild type of GSTP1, was 69.18% and H genetic type, which is heterozygous variant type was 28.4%. M genetic type which is homozygous variant type was 2.4%. 4. Concentration differences of metabolites such as t,t-MA and HA in urine, which is generated by individual susceptibility marker of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 gene of Phase I and CYP1A1, CYP2E1 gene of Phase II, was examined. As a result, GSTP1 and GSTM1 indicate slight differences depend on the amount of metabolites in urine, it was not statistically significant.