• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.12
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• pp.472-477
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• 2015

Purpose: Adherence to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is a critical determinant of asthma control. The objective of this study was to assess factors that determine adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma. Methods: Fifty-eight children with asthma, aged 5 to 16 years, used ICS with or without a spacer for 3 months. Adherence rates as measured from questionnaires and canisters, asthma symptom scores, and inhalation technique scores were assessed every 30 days. The degree of supervision by caregivers was assessed at day 30. Results: Adherence rates measured using canisters were lower at day 60 than at day 30 (P=0.044) and did not change thereafter ($74.4%{\pm}17.4%$ at day 30, $66.5%{\pm}18.4%$ at day 60, and $67.4%{\pm}22.2%$ at day 90). Adherence rates at days 60 and 90 and during the total study period were significantly different when measured by using questionnaires versus canisters (P<0.001, P=0.022, and P =0.001, respectively). In the comparison of adherence rates repeatedly measured at days 30, 60, and 90 and adherence rates during the total study period among the 3 groups, adherence rates in the high-degree supervision group were significantly higher than those in the low-degree supervision group ($82.0{\pm}16.0$ vs. $66.1{\pm}14.5$, $75.4{\pm}14.4$ vs. $56.2{\pm}18.4$, $75.0{\pm}18.3$ vs. $55.0{\pm}19.7$ [P=0.027]; $77.9{\pm}12.2$ vs. $59.1{\pm}11.4$ [P=0.021]) after adjustment for sex and age. Conclusion: The level of caregiver supervision is an important factor affecting adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma. Therefore, a high degree of supervision may be required to increase adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2016

Background: Prevalence of adenoma in males aged 40-49 years in Korea was higher than expected. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of colorectal adenoma in males aged 40-49 years. Methods: Total 1,902 asymptomatic subjects with a mean age of $47.9{\pm}6.7years$, who underwent a screening colonoscopy in a health promotion center of Myongji Hospital from 2010 to 2013 were enrolled in this study. We conducted a case-control study to determine the risk factors for adenoma. The subjects were classified into two groups (adenoma vs. controls). To validate the diagnostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for adenoma, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated. Results: At least one colorectal adenoma was identified in 385 subjects (20.2%). Among these 385 subjects, 372 subjects were found to have a non-advanced adenoma, 13 subjects had an invasive adenoma. One subject had cancer. Male sex, age, smoking, metabolic syndrome, and elevated CEA level were significantly associated with a colorectal adenoma in univariate analysis. However, metabolic syndrome was not significant in multivariate analysis. In the male group, the AUROC of CEA for colorectal adenoma was 0.600 (0.543 to 0.656) in non-smokers under 50 years of age, and 0.615 (0.540 to 0.690) in smokers under 50 years of age. Conclusion: Male sex, smoking, and high levels of CEA seem to be associated with colorectal adenoma. High levels of CEA and smoking may be diagnostic markers for any colorectal adenoma in Korean males aged 40-49 years.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2009

Curcumin is a major active component of the food flovour tumeric. It has been used for the treatment of many diseases such as inflammatory and infectious diseases, cancer and other disease due to its antioxidant properties. Curcumin is a powerful scavenger of many free radicals such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide. The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidative effects of curcumin against hydrogen peroxide on semen quality during in vitro storage of boar semen. The sperm treated with different concentration of curcumin (1, 5 and 10 ${\mu}M$) in the presence or absence of hydrogen peroxide (250 ${\mu}M\;H_2O_2$) were incubated for 3, 6 and 9 hr at $37^{\circ}C$ and analyzed sperm characteristics such as motility, membrane integrity (MI), lipid peroxidation (LPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA fragmentation (DF). The sperm motility and MI in $H_2O_2$ treated group ($47.8%{\pm}6.8$ and $24.8%{\pm}2.2$) were significantly decreased when compare to curcumin treated group ($79.8%{\pm}2.7$ and $34.6%{\pm}1.0$, respectively) irrespective of incubation periods(p<0.05). The LPO of spermatozoal plasma membrane was measured by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactions for malondialdehyde (MDA), MDA level in control ($11.6{\pm}0.6\;nmol/L{\times}10^6$) and curcumin groups ($10.7{\pm}0.3\;nmol/L{\times}10^6$) were lower than those of curcumin plus $H_2O_2$ ($17.1{\pm}0.8\;nmol/L{\times}10^6$) or $H_2O_2$ group ($22.5{\pm}1.9\;nmol/L{\times}10^6$) from 3 to 9 hr incubation periods. The DF by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and ROS production measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence intensity were no significantly difference through all experimental groups (p>0.05). Correlation among evaluation methods for sperm quality, motility vs MI and DF vs ROS was positively correlated while motility vs DF and ROS vs LPO were negatively correlated in all treatment groups. These results demonstrate that curcumin can effectively improve the sperm quality during in vitro storage of boar semen through its hydrogen peroxide scavenging mechanism as an antioxidant.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.13 no.2 s.17
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• pp.107-107
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• 2000

1. Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory was first developed from observation of astronomical phenomena. Natural phenomena were explained and incorporated into the concepts of Yukki(六氣), and Ohaeng(五行, the concept that all matter in the world are comprised of five fundamental elements), during Chon-guk(戰國) and Han(漢) periods. In that period. Kanji(干支, the method to present time with ten and twelve different kinds of symbol's combinations) was used to record Ounyukki(五運六氣). Theoretical study of Un-gi(運氣, the abbreviation of Ounyukki) was almost completed in Un-gichilpyon(運氣七篇) of Naekyong(內經). Un-gi(運氣) theory was further studied and considered to be very important socially, as well as medically, in Tang(唐), Song(宋), Kum(金), and Won(元) periods. Hagan(河間) published various studies based on Un-gi(運氣) theory in Kum won(金元) periods. 2. Hagan(河間) realized the limitation of a remedy method, of Sanghan(傷寒) theory. Therefore, he made an assumption that the prevalence of diseases in his period are closely related to Hwayol(火熱, a fire and a super-heat; two things out of Yukki(六氣)). His new theory was a result of the study on Kyongjon(經典, bibles of the oriental medicine) and the phenomena of nature. 3. Hagan(河間) used a combination of two basic theories of Pimuripsang(比物立象) and Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) to make understood Hwayol(火熱) theory, Pimuripsang(比物立象) theory explains a method to appreciate the essence of things by comparing Sang(象, an expression of how something appears on the outside) and then making another Sang(象) from the comparison. Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) is a theory to emphasize the importance of a balance of Yukki(六氣). It is that, if one of the elements is exceeded, other thing in the other five elements dominate the exceeded thing to control it for the balance between Yukki(六氣). In addition, he articulated P'yobon(標本. inside and outside of a thing) theory to differentiate the disease symptoms. These theories will help to distinguish real and fake symptoms of diseases, on which Hagan(河間) emphasized its importance. 4. Hagan(河間) published a new theory to explain Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory based on the observation of the nature and the experience from medical practice. And he added Chobyonggi(燥病機, course and rule causing disease in dry conditions) to Pyonggishipkujo(病機十九條, nineteen course and rule causing disease), it strengthened Pyonggi(病機, course and rule causing disease) theories. Moreover. he utilized Un-gi (運氣) theory in a real life situation by applying Un-giron(運氣論) to diagnosis like Maekchin(脈診, a method to diagnose by taking the pulse) and to prescription. 5. Modern society is an era in which it is hard to appreciate the principles of the changes due to the various unusual weather. Therefore, it is necessary to make a new paradigm using Un-gi(運氣) theory, like Hagan(河間) did in Kumwon(金元) period. 6. Unusual weather changes and the geriatric diseases such as cancer and diabetes, may have Sang(象) of Hwayol(火熱) theory at the other side. These diseases have been and will create more serious problems in modern society. As a method to solve these problems. it seems to be very important to understand and apply Hagan's(河間) Hawyol(火熱) theory to modern society.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.13 no.2 s.17
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• pp.108-145
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• 2000

1. Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory was first developed from observation of astronomical phenomena. Natural phenomena were explained and incorporated into the concepts of Yukki(六氣), and Ohaeng(五行, the concept that all matter in the world are comprised of five fundamental elements), during Chon-guk(戰國) and Han(漢) periods. In that period. Kanji(干支, the method to present time with ten and twelve different kinds of symbol's combinations) was used to record Ounyukki(五運六氣). Theoretical study of Un-gi(運氣, the abbreviation of Ounyukki) was almost completed in Un-gichilpyon(運氣七篇) of Naekyong(內經). Un-gi(運氣) theory was further studied and considered to be very important socially, as well as medically, in Tang(唐), Song(宋), Kum(金), and Won(元) periods. Hagan(河間) published various studies based on Un-gi(運氣) theory in Kum won(金元) periods. 2. Hagan(河間) realized the limitation of a remedy method, of Sanghan(傷寒) theory. Therefore, he made an assumption that the prevalence of diseases in his period are closely related to Hwayol(火熱, a fire and a super-heat; two things out of Yukki(六氣)). His new theory was a result of the study on Kyongjon(經典, bibles of the oriental medicine) and the phenomena of nature. 3. Hagan(河間) used a combination of two basic theories of Pimuripsang(比物立象) and Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) to make understood Hwayol(火熱) theory, Pimuripsang(比物立象) theory explains a method to appreciate the essence of things by comparing Sang(象, an expression of how something appears on the outside) and then making another Sang(象) from the comparison. Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) is a theory to emphasize the importance of a balance of Yukki(六氣). It is that, if one of the elements is exceeded, other thing in the other five elements dominate the exceeded thing to control it for the balance between Yukki(六氣). In addition, he articulated P'yobon(標本. inside and outside of a thing) theory to differentiate the disease symptoms. These theories will help to distinguish real and fake symptoms of diseases, on which Hagan(河間) emphasized its importance. 4. Hagan(河間) published a new theory to explain Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory based on the observation of the nature and the experience from medical practice. And he added Chobyonggi(燥病機, course and rule causing disease in dry conditions) to Pyonggishipkujo(病機十九條, nineteen course and rule causing disease), it strengthened Pyonggi(病機, course and rule causing disease) theories. Moreover. he utilized Un-gi (運氣) theory in a real life situation by applying Un-giron(運氣論) to diagnosis like Maekchin(脈診, a method to diagnose by taking the pulse) and to prescription. 5. Modern society is an era in which it is hard to appreciate the principles of the changes due to the various unusual weather. Therefore, it is necessary to make a new paradigm using Un-gi(運氣) theory, like Hagan(河間) did in Kumwon(金元) period. 6. Unusual weather changes and the geriatric diseases such as cancer and diabetes, may have Sang(象) of Hwayol(火熱) theory at the other side. These diseases have been and will create more serious problems in modern society. As a method to solve these problems. it seems to be very important to understand and apply Hagan's(河間) Hawyol(火熱) theory to modern society.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2011

Red ginseng is one of the most popular traditional medicines in Korea. In this study, we developed a new technique in which ethanol extract of $\underline{r}$ed $\underline{g}$inseng (HRG) was exposed to the $Co^{60}$ gamma radiation ranging from 1~5 kGy. The irradiated HRG (IHRG) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine any compositional changes of ginsenosides due to irradiation. No appreciable difference was observed in the HPLC pattern of ginsenosides of HRG. Using MTT assay, the cytotoxicity effect was significantly increased by IHRG compared to HRG. The $LD_{50}$ concentration was $30{\mu}g/mL$ for IHRG-1 (1 kGy), and $15{\mu}g/mL$ for IHRG-5 (5 kGy). The evidences of apoptosis, such as nuclei cleavage and Annexin V staining, were observed in the human prostate cancer PC-3 cells treated with the IHRG. Additionally, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was apparently elevated by IHRG. We also studied the inhibitory effect of IHRG on the growth rate of tumor xenografts in BALB/c male mice. The tumor growth rates were inhibited by 56.9 and 76.1% in mice treated with 10 mg/kg of IHRG-1 and IHRG-5, respectively, compared with control group (21.1%). These results suggest that some biologically active and soluble components in HRG can be more effectively enhancement of anti-tumor effects using irradiation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.265-269
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• 2011

Inhibitory effect of useful components from Cheongmoknosang mulberry leaves extracts against Helicobacter pylori were investigated to develope them to a health functional food. It was confirmed that H. pylori bacterial infection occurred after 6 weeks over in C57BL/6 mouse which was caused the infection, and the average number of pathogens was $8{\times}10^5$ CFU/mL. Effects of the prevention and cure against H. pylori were tested by the mouth administration with Cheongmoknosang mulberry leaves extracts include the active ingredient, and number of H. pylori colony in stomach of drug groups were decreased more than control group. The result of testing immuno-glogulin isotype from the separated serum from a mouse, IgG1, IgA produced more in administered group, and it is expected to inhibit the H. pylori infection because of increasing antibody production in the mixture. These results suggest that caffeic acid, rosemarinic acid and chlorogenic acid in Cheongmoknosang mulberry leaves extracts are very effective to prevent or cure against H. pylori infection. So the ratio of infection is increasing and it is regarded to be able to prevent and cure the disease like gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer which are caused by H. pylori.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.5-24
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• 2009

Injinho-tang(IJ) has been used for the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. This study was performed to observe the effect of IJ extract on the hepatocellular carcinogenesis and hepatic cirrhosis induced by Diethylnitrosamine(DENA) and $CCl_4$ in Rats. Experimental groups were divided into two ; 8th and 12th week group, and subdivided into four; normal group(Nor), hepatocellular cancer and hepatic cirrhosis inducing control group(Con), and IJ extract 260mg/kg/day(IJA) or 520mg/kg/day(IJB) administered groups to Con. The results obtained are as follows: The body weight was decreased in the Con, IJA and IJB compared with the Nor from the 2nd week to the 12th week. The weight of liver and the weight of liver/100g body weight were decreased significantly in Con, IJA and IJB compared with the Nor. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) were significantly increased in the Con compared with Nor, but decreased in the IJA and IJB compared with Con from the 8th week group. The activities of alkaline phosphatase(ALP), lactacte dehydrogenase (LDH) and alpha fetoprotein(AFP) were increased significantly in the Con compared with Nor, but decreased in the IJA and IJB compared with Con. The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) were decreased in the IJA and IJB compared with Con, but the activities of catalase were increased in the IJA and IJB compared with Con. According to the light and electron microscopical observation, IJA and IJB improved the morphological and histopathological changes of the liver injured by DENA and $CCl_4$. The number of hepatic p53 positive cells was decreased in the IJA and IJB compared with Con. These results suggest that administration of IJ extract suppress or retard DENA and $CCl_4$-induced hepatocelluar carcinogenesis and hepatic cirrhosis in rats.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.599-605
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Citrus flavonoids have a variety of physiological properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity. We investigated whether bioconversion of Citrus unshiu with cytolase (CU-C) ameliorates the anti-adipogenic effects by modulation of adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Glycoside forms of Citrus unshiu (CU) were converted into aglycoside forms with cytolase treatment. Cell viability of CU and CU-C was measured at various concentrations in 3T3L-1 cells. The anti-adipogenic and lipolytic effects were examined using Oil red O staining and free glycerol assay, respectively. We performed real time-polymerase chain reaction and western immunoblotting assay to detect mRNA and protein expression of adipogenic transcription factors, respectively. RESULTS: Treatment with cytolase decreased flavanone rutinoside forms (narirutin and hesperidin) and instead, increased flavanone aglycoside forms (naringenin and hesperetin). During adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with CU or CU-C at a dose of 0.5 mg/ml. Adipocyte differentiation was inhibited in CU-C group, but not in CU group. CU-C markedly suppressed the insulin-induced protein expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ${\alpha}$ ($C/EBP{\alpha}$) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) as well as the mRNA levels of $CEBP{\alpha}$, $PPAR{\gamma}$, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c). Both CU and CU-C groups significantly increased the adipolytic activity with the higher release of free glycerol than those of control group in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CU-C is particularly superior in suppression of adipogenesis, whereas CU-C has similar effect to CU on stimulation of lipolysis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that bioconversion of Citrus unshiu peel extracts with cytolase enhances aglycoside flavonoids and improves the anti-adipogenic metabolism via both inhibition of key adipogenic transcription factors and induction of adipolytic activity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.6
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• pp.511-519
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• 2011

Dietary intake of whole grains reduces the incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In an earlier study, we showed that Panicum miliaceum L. extract (PME) exhibited the highest anti-lipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells among extracts of nine different cereal grains tested. In this study, we hypothesized that PME in the diet would lead to weight loss and augmentation of hyperlipidemia by regulating fatty acid metabolism. PME was fed to ob/ob mice at 0%, 0.5%, or 1% (w/w) for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, body weight changes, blood serum and lipid profiles, hepatic fatty acid metabolism-related gene expression, and white adipose tissue (WAT) fatty acid composition were determined. We found that the 1% PME diet, but not the 0.5%, effectively decreased body weight, liver weight, and blood triglyceride and total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05) compared to obese ob/ob mice on a normal diet. Hepatic lipogenic-related gene ($PPAR{\alpha}$, L-FABP, FAS, and SCD1) expression decreased, whereas lipolysis-related gene (CPT1) expression increased in animals fed the 1% PME diet (P < 0.05). Long chain fatty acid content and the ratio of C18:1/C18:0 fatty acids decreased significantly in adipose tissue of animals fed the 1% PME diet (P < 0.05). Serum inflammatory mediators also decreased significantly in animals fed the 1% PME diet compared to those of the ob/ob control group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that PME is useful in the chemoprevention or treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders.