• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.416-425
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• 2009

Angiogenesis is important for promoting cardiovascular disease, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. We here investigated the pharmacological effects of Korea red ginseng water extract (KRGE) on angiogenesis and its underlying signal mechanism. This study showed that KRGE increased in vitro proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical endothelial cells, as well as stimulated in vivo angiogenesis. KRGE-induced angiogenesis was accompanied by phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as well as an increase in NO production. Inhibition of PI3K activity by wortmannin completely inhibited KRGE-induced angiogenesis and phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, and eNOS, indicating that PI3K/Akt activation is an upstream event of KRGE-mediated angiogenic pathway. The MEK inhibitor PD98059 completely blocked KRGE-induced angiogenesis and ERK phosphorylation without affecting Akt and eNOS activation. However, the eNOS inhibitor NMA effectively inhibited tube formation, but partially blocked proliferation and migration as well as ERK phosphorylation without altering Akt and eNOS activation, revealing that eNOS/NO pathway is in part involved in ERK1/2 activation. This study first demonstrated the critical involvement of both ERK1/2 and eNOS activation in KRGE-induced angiogenesis, which lie on downstream of PI3K/Akt. Thus, these results indicate that KRGE requires activation of both the PI3K/Akt-dependent ERK1/2 and eNOS signal pathways and their cross-talk for its full angiogenic activity.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.653-659
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• 2014

Surgery remains the preferred treatment for hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis, CE). Various scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of protoscolices during surgery, but most of them are associated with adverse side effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effect of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) essential oil and also its active principle, thymoquinone, against protoscolices of hydatid cysts. Protoscolices were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Various concentrations of the essential oil (0.01-10 mg/ml) and thymoquinone (0.125-1.0 mg/ml) were used for 5 to 60 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. Furthermore, the components of the N. sativa essential oil were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Our study revealed that the essential oil of N. sativa at the concentration of 10 mg/ml and its main component, thymoquinone, at the concentration of 1 mg/ml had potent scolicidal activities against protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus after 10 min exposure. Moreover, thymoquinone (42.4%), p-cymene (14.1%), carvacrol (10.3%), and longifolene (6.1%) were found to be the major components of N. sativa essential oil by GC/MS analysis. The results of this study indicated the potential of N. sativa as a natural source for production of a new scolicidal agent for use in hydatid cyst surgery. However, further studies will be needed to confirm these results by checking the essential oil and its active component in in vivo models.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.393-402
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• 2018

Rice world production is affected due to the growing impact of diseases such as bacterial panicle blight, produced by Burkholderia glumae. The pathogen-induced symptoms include seedling rot, grain rot and leafsheath browning in rice plants. It is currently recognized the entrance of this pathogen to the plant, from infected seeds and from environmental sources of the microorganism. However, it is still not fully elucidated the dynamics and permanence of the pathogen in the plant, from its entry until the development of disease symptoms in seedlings or panicles. In this work it was evaluated the infection of B. glumae rice plants, starting from inoculated seeds and substrates, and its subsequent monitoring after infection. Various organs of the plant during the vegetative stage and until the beginning of the reproductive stage, were evaluated. In both inoculation models, the bacteria was maintained in the plant as an endophyte between $1{\times}10^1$ and $1{\times}10^5cfu$ of B. $glumae.g^{-1}$ of plant throughout the vegetative stage. An increase of bacterial population towards initiation of the panicle was observed, and in the maturity of the grain, an endophyte population was identified in the flag leaf at $1{\times}10^6cfu$ of B. $glumae.g^{-1}$ fresh weight of rice plant, conducting towards the symptoms of bacterial panicle blight. The results found, suggest that B. glumae in rice plants developed from infected seeds or from the substrate, can colonize seedlings, establishing and maintaining a bacterial population over time, using rice plants as habitat to survive endophyticly until formation of bacterial panicle blight symptoms.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1203-1208
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• 2012

Background: Previous studies concerning the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in Asian populations generated conflicting results. A meta-analysis was therefore performed to allow a more reliable estimate of any link. Methods: Relevant studies concerning the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of colorectal cancer were included into this meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed according to a predefined scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for this gene-disease association using fixed or random effect models according to the heterogeneity between included studies. Results: Finally, 21 studies with a total of 6692 cases and 8266 controls were included. Meta-analyses showed that there was an obvious association of the MTHFR 677T allele with decreased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 0.91, 95%CI=0.85-0.98, P=0.011). Subgroup analyses by country further identified this association, with dietary folate as the main source of heterogeneity. Conclusion: The MTHFR 677T allele is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer in Asian populations, and there is effect modification by population plasma folate.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6343-6348
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• 2012

Objective: The NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) rs1800566 polymorphism, leading to proline-toserine amino-acid and enzyme activity changes, has been implicated in bladder cancer risk, but individually published studies showed inconsistent results. We therefore here conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the possible association. Methods: A systematic literature search up to August 27, 2012 was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE and Wanfang databases, and the references of retrieved articles were screened. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed for homozygote contrast (TT vs. CC), additive model (T vs. C), dominant model (TT+CT vs. CC), and recessive model (TT vs. CC+CT) to assess the association using fixed- or random-effect models. Results: We identified 12 case-control studies including 3,041 cases and 3,128 controls for the present meta-analysis. Significant association between NQO1 rs1800566 genetic polymorphism and risk of bladder cancer was observed in the additive model (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01-1.30, p = 0.030). Moreover, in the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, significant associations were observed in Asians (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.08-1.47, p = 0.003 for T vs. C; OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.21-2.32, p = 0.002 for TT vs. CC; OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.13-1.98, p = 0.005 for TT vs. CT+CC) but not in Caucasians. Conclusions: The results suggest that NQO1 rs1800566 genetic polymorphism may contribute to bladder cancer development, especially in Asians.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4325-4328
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• 2013

Introduction: The influence of season at diagnosis on cancer survival has been an intriguing issue for many years. Most studies have shown a possible correlation in between the seasonality and some cancer type survival. With short expected survival, lung cancer is an arena that still is in need of new prognostic factors and models. We aimed to investigate the effect of season of diagnosis on 3 months, 1 and 2 years survival rates and overall survival of non small cell lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The files of non small cell lung cancer patients that were stages IIIB and IV at diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. According to diagnosis date, the patients were grouped into 4 season groups, autumn, winter, spring and summer. Results: A total of 279 advanced non small cell lung cancer patients' files were reviewed. Median overall survival was 15 months in the entire population. Overall 3 months, 1 and 2 years survival rates were 91.0%, 58.2% and 31.2% respectively. The season of diagnosis was significantly correlated with 3 months survival rates, being diagnosed in spring being associated with better survival. Also the season was significantly correlated with T stage of the disease. For 1 and 2 years survival rates and overall survival, the season of diagnosis was not significantly correlated. There was no correlation detected between season and overall survivals according to histological subtypes of non small cell lung cancer. Conclusion: As a new finding in advanced non small cell lung cancer patients, it can be concluded that being diagnosed in spring can be a favorable prognostic factor for short term survival.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4005-4013
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• 2013

Background: Although breast cancer is a major public health worry among Asian women, adherence to screening for the disease remains an obstacle to its prevention. A variety of psycho-social and cultural factors predispose women to delay or avoidance of screening for breast cancer symptoms at the early stages when cure is most likely to be successful. Yet few interventions implemented to date to address this condition in this region have drawn on health behavior theory. Materials and Methods: This paper reviews the existing literature on several cognitive theories and models associated with breast cancer screening, with an emphasis on the work that has been done in relation to Asian women. To conduct this review, a number of electronic databases were searched with context-appropriate inclusion criteria. Results: Little empirical work was found that specifically addressed the applicability of health theories in promoting adherence to the current breast cancer prevention programs Among Asian women. However, a few studies were found that addressed individual cognitive factors that are likely to encourage women's motivation to protect themselves against breast cancer in this region of the world. The findings suggest that multi-level, socio-cultural interventions that focus on cognitive factors have much promise with this issue. Conclusions: Interventions are needed that effectively and efficiently target the personal motivation of at-risk Asian women to seek out and engage in breast cancer prevention. Concerning implications, personal motivation to seek out and engage in individual preventive actions for breast cancer prevention among Asian women is a timely, high priority target with practical implications for community development and health promotion. Further studies using qualitative, anthropologic approaches shaped for implementation in multi-ethnic Asian settings are needed to inform and guide these interventions.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.69-76
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• 2015

We present microscopy based hyperspectral imaging system that successively shows high spatial (micrometer) and temporal resolutions (milisecond), and acquired pseudocolor hemoglobin saturation map a result of various image processing techniques can provide additional information such as oxygen transport, abnormal vascularity and therapeutic effects besides structural and physiological measurements in various diseases. To increase understanding of vascular defects several optical methods of imaging for preclinical/clinical assessment have been developed so far. However, they have some limitations for outcoming resolution and user satisfaction level compared to its cost. A hyperspectral imaging system has shown a wide range of vascular characteristics associated with hypervascularity, aberrant angiogenesis or abnormal vascular remodeling in many diseases. This vascular characteristic is considered as a key component to diagnose and detect a type of disease as evidenced by them.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.2 s.33
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• pp.10-35
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• 2007

Objectives : To investigate the effects of Ohbaesangami (OBSGM) on mucosa and skin diseases, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory tests were performed using several in vitro test models. Results : In anti-microbial test, OBSGM showed the slight inhibitory effect against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In anti-oxidant test, OBSGM showed the potent radical scavenging activity. In anti-inflammatory test, OBSGM weakly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide(NO) release from the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. OBSGM also inhibited the LPS-induced $interleukin-1{\beta}(IL-1{\beta})$ and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions. The inhibitory effects of OBSGM on macrophage activation was via the inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$, evidenced by transient transfection assay. Furthermore, OBSGM markedly inhibited the activation of Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase in RAW 264.7 cells. In skin wrinkle formation assay, OBSGM strongly inhibited collagnease and elastase, whose activities are tightly related with the wrinkle formation. In addition, OBSGM inhibited the activities of MMP-1, MMP-2 on the mRNA levels in RAW 264.7 cells. However, OBSGM did not show an inhibitory potential on tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis, indicating that it could not be applicable for skin whitening. Conclusion : These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of OBSGM may be due to its inhibitory potentials on the macrophage activation. And, the anti-wrinkle effects of OBSGM may be due to its inhibitory potential on the collagnease and elastase activities. Therefore, OBSGM could be applicable for the treatment of mucosa and skin diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.134-146
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• 2013

Objectives : Auklandia Lappa (ALE) is one of the herbs used frequently to treat abdominal pain and diarrhea and reported anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines. This study was designed to investigate whether ALE could show protective activities on experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) models. Methods : Colitis was induced by DSS in Balb/c mice. ALE 10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg were orally administered twice a day for 7 days in DSS model. Mice weight was measured daily. Scoring of clinical findings was measured every other day. Colon length, edema, fecal blood and histological damages were assessed at day 7 in DSS model. In histological analysis, we checked cryptal glands, surface epithelium, submucosa, transmural, stroma and scored degree of inflammatory cell damage by modified histological scoring. We also calculated cytokines concentrations including IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-${\beta}1$ by Biometric Multiplex Cytokine Profiling method. Results : ALE showed the protective effects on DSS-induced experimental colitis. ALE inhibited shortening of colon length and histological damages of colon does-dependently, but it did not inhibit weight loss. ALE also inhibited IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-6 expression, and upregulated cytokines (IL-10, TGF-${\beta}1$) related to regulatory T cell differentiation and proliferation. Conclusions : The current results demonstrate the clinical utility of ALE in traditional medicine and indicate the possibility of potent drug development of inflammatory bowel diseases from natural products. Further investigations for exact mechanisms will be needed.