• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2023

Jukyeo (竹茹; Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam: BCT) is an herbal medicine made from the inner part of the bamboo stem of Phyllostachys nigra Munro var. henonis Stapf ex Rendle or Phyllostachys bambusoides Siebold et Zuccarini. Although medical literature published in China and Korea decades ago introduced BCT as a remedy for reducing vomiting, fever, and hematemesis, decoctions containing BCT as a main herb (君藥) in Korea have been approved only for treating neurologic symptoms. Here, we discuss the anti-inflammatory function of BCT. Combined with the clinical usage of a BCT-containing decoction in treating inflammatory diseases in Japan, we raise the possibility of repurposing the BCT-containing decoctions for treating inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory activity of BCT was mainly assessed by using RAW 264.7 cells. The regulation of NF-κB, Nrf2 and A20 activities was determined by western blot and quantitative RT-PCR. The list of decoctions containing BCT currently approved in Korea was obtained from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KFDA). BCT suppressed the activity of pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB elicited by LPS, activated an anti-inflammatory factor Nrf2, and induced A20 that is known to block several inflammatory pathways simultaneously, suggesting that BCT can suppress inflammation via at least 3 different pathways. KFDA approved 11 decoctions containing BCT as a major herb, including Gamiondam-tang (加味溫膽湯; GOT), for treating neurologic disorders. Interestingly, Jukyeoondam-tang (竹茹溫膽湯; JOT), whose composition is almost identical to GOT except for one herb, has been used to treat inflammatory pulmonary disorders including Covid-19 pulmonary infection in Japan Given the anti-inflammatory function of BCT evidenced by medical literature and experimental results and the clinical usage of JOT in treating inflammatory pulmonary disorders, we suggest a repurposing and extension of the BCT-containing decoctions approved in Korea to treating inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.164-171
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• 2023

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of prehydration solution on hearing thresholds after cisplatin chemotherapy. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the data of patients who underwent ≥3 courses of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancers at a tertiary referral center (n=64). The dextrose solution (DW) group (n=26) received 2 L of normal saline and 1 L of 5% dextrose. The Hartmann solution (HS) group (n=38) received 2 L of normal saline and 1 L of HS. Hearing data were measured 1 day before starting the first course of chemotherapy, and again 20 days after the first, second, and third courses of chemotherapy. The severity of hearing loss was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Results: Thresholds at all frequencies after chemotherapy were greater in the DW group than in the HS group. The increase in thresholds in 1 to 4 kHz after the third course of chemotherapy was greater in the DW group than in the HS group. CTCAE grades after the second and third courses of chemotherapy were greater in the DW group than in the HS group. Logistic regression showed that the odds ratio for CTCAE grade 3 or 4 after the third course of chemotherapy in the DW group was 4.84 on univariate analysis. Conclusion: Prehydration using a solution with salt was associated with a decrease in change in hearing thresholds after cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancers.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2023

This review article explores the psychological characteristics, comorbid mental disorders, and psychosocial assessments throughout the solid organ transplant journey, spanning the pre-transplant, peri-transplant, and post-transplant phases for transplant recipients. The psychological burden and anxiety in the pre-transplant phase are high for organ failure patients with complex physical difficulties who are deciding to undergo transplantation and are on the waiting list. The pre-transplant psychosocial evaluation covers various aspects, including the patient's readiness, awareness of, and commitment to transplant treatment, medical compliance, psychopathological conditions such as cognitive function and personality disorders, lifestyle factors, including substance abuse, as well as various psychosocial factors like social support. During the peri-transplant phase, mental health problems such as postoperative delirium should be carefully recognized and addressed. After transplantation, it is essential to assist patients in coping with the various stressful experiences they encounter, manage psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and improve treatment adherence and quality of life during long-term care for the transplanted organ. Managing psychiatric problems in post-transplant patients requires a deep understanding of immunosuppressant medications and a keen awareness of associated risks, including adverse effects and potential drug interactions. This comprehensive review emphasizes the significance of proactive mental health care and psychosocial evaluation, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the quality of life and overall success of transplant patients throughout all phases of transplantation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2024

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has memory impairment associated with aggregation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Although anti-amyloid β (Aβ) protein antibody and chemical drugs can be prescribed in the clinic, they show adverse effects or low effectiveness. Therefore, the development of a new drug is necessarily needed. We focused on the cognitive function of Panax ginseng and tried to find active ingredient(s). We isolated panaxcerol D, a kind of glycosyl glyceride, from the non-saponin fraction of P. ginseng extract. Methods: We explored effects of acute or sub-chronic administration of panaxcerol D on cognitive function in scopolamine- or Aβ_25-35 peptide-treated mice measured by several behavioral tests. After behavioral tests, we tried to unveil the underlying mechanism of panaxcerol D on its cognitive function by Western blotting. Results: We found that pananxcerol D reversed short-term, long-term and object recognition memory impairments. The decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) or Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in scopolamine-treated mice was normalized by acute administration of panaxcerol D. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caspase 3, NF-kB p65, synaptophysin and brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression levels in Aβ_25-35 peptide-treated mice were modulated by sub-chronic administration of panaxcerol D. Conclusion: Pananxcerol D could improve memory impairments caused by cholinergic blockade or Aβ accumulation through increased phosphorylation level of ERK or its anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, panaxcerol D as one of non-saponin compounds could be used as an active ingredient of P. ginseng for improving cognitive function.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.39.1-39.11
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• 2024

Importance: Salmonella outbreaks linked to poultry meat have been reported continuously worldwide. Therefore, Salmonella contamination of poultry meats in slaughterhouses is one of the critical control points for reducing disease outbreaks in humans. Objective: This study examined the carry-over contamination of Salmonella species through the entire slaughtering process in South Korea. Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 1,097 samples were collected from the nine slaughterhouses distributed nationwide. One hundred and seventeen isolates of Salmonella species were identified using the invA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction, as described previously. The serotype, phylogeny, and antimicrobial resistance of isolates were examined. Results: Among the 117 isolates, 93 were serotyped into Salmonella Mbandaka (n = 36 isolates, 30.8%), Salmonella Thompson (n = 33, 28.2%), and Salmonella Infantis (n = 24, 20.5%). Interestingly, allelic profiling showed that all S. Mbandaka isolates belonged to the lineage of the sequence type (ST) 413, whereas all S. Thompson isolates were ST292. Moreover, almost all S. Thompson isolates (97.0%, 32/33 isolates) belonging to ST292 were multidrug-resistant and possessed the major virulence genes whose products are required for full virulence. Both serotypes were distributed widely throughout the slaughtering process. Pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis demonstrated that seven S. Infantis showed 100% identities in their phylogenetic relatedness, indicating that they were sequentially transmitted along the slaughtering processes. Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides more evidence of the carry-over transmission of Salmonella species during the slaughtering processes. ST292 S. Thompson is a potential pathogenic clone of Salmonella species possibly associated with foodborne outbreaks in South Korea.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.319-327
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• 2023

Purpose: Patients with hematological malignancies are at an increased risk of severe infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, developing an adequate immune response after vaccination is difficult, especially in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Since the long-term effects of the BNT162b2 vaccine are unclear, the humoral immune response 5 months after the two vaccinations in patients with hematological disorders was analyzed. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 96 patients vaccinated twice with BNT162b2 and treated with at least one line of an antitumor or immunosuppressive drug in our hospital from November 2021 to February 2022. Serum anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) antibody titers were analyzed. Patients were age- and sex-matched using propensity matching and compared with a healthy control group. Patients with serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies were defined as 'responder' if >50 U/mL. The patients had B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukemia, etc. Results: Patients had significantly low antibody levels (median, 55.3 U/mL vs. 809.8 U/mL; p<0.001) and a significantly low response rate (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with B-NHL, aged >72 years, were associated with a low response to vaccination. There were no significant differences between patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and healthy controls. Conclusion: Our study shows that patients with hematological disorders are at risk of developing severe COVID-19 infections because of low responsiveness to vaccination. Moreover, the rate of antibody positivity differed between the disease groups. Further studies are warranted to determine an appropriate preventive method for these patients, especially those with B-NHL.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1243-1255
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of enzyme (Viscozyme)-treated garlic extract (EG) in an animal model of acute enteritis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The experiment included four subgroups: normal, control, EG200 (treated with 200 mg/kg EG), and EG400 (treated with 400 mg/kg EG). Drug administration lasted 3 days, followed by the induction of acute enteritis in all groups (except normal) through the intraperitoneal administration of 20 mg/kg of LPS 1 h after the last oral dose. Autopsy was conducted 24 h later to collect serum and colon tissue. Serum was analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and C-reactive protein (CRP), while Western blotting was performed on the colon tissue. Results: After analyzing the ROS and CRP levels in serum, the EG treatment group exhibited a significant decrease compared with the control group. The EG treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB) pathway compared with the control group. EG administration significantly regulated apoptosis-related factors, including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X, cysteine aspartyl-specific protease-3, and cytochrome C. Conclusions: EG treatment in mice with LPS-induced acute colitis reduced the ROS and CRP levels, suppressed the MAPKs/NF-κB pathway in the colon, and effectively alleviated acute enteritis by modulating apoptosis-related factors. Based on these findings, EG emerges as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of acute colitis, showing its potential therapeutic efficacy in this experimental model.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.114-125
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• 2024

Objectives: Network pharmacology is an analysis method that explores drug-centered efficacy and mechanism by constructing a compound-target-disease network based on system biology, and is attracting attention as a methodology for studying herbal medicine that has the characteristics for multi-compound therapeutics. Thus, we investigated the potential functions and pathways of Myrrha on Allergic Rhinitis (AR) via network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking. Methods: Using public databases and PubChem database, compounds of Myrrha and their target genes were collected. The putative target genes of Myrrha and known target genes of AR were compared and found the correlation. Then, the network was constructed using STRING database, and functional enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Gene Ontology (GO) Biological process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathways. Binding-Docking stimulation was performed using CB-Dock. Results: The result showed that total 3 compounds and 55 related genes were gathered from Myrrha. 33 genes were interacted with AR gene set, suggesting that the effects of Myrrha are closely related to AR. Target genes of Myrrha are considerably associated with various pathways including 'Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway' and 'JAK-STAT signaling pathway'. As a result of blinding docking, AKT1, which is involved in both mechanisms, had high binding energies for abietic acid and dehydroabietic acid, which are components of Myrrha. Conclusion: Through a network pharmacological method, Myrrha was predicted to have high relevance with AR by regulating AKT1. This study could be used as a basis for studying therapeutic effects of Myrrha on AR.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 2023

Recent studies have evaluated the association between specific beverage intake and metabolic risks in adults. However, more evidence is needed to examine the association between the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and metabolic factors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HBI and metabolic factors in adults. In this cross-sectional study, 338 overweight and obese individuals living in Tabriz, Iran were selected. Data on beverage consumption, demographics, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using validated standard protocols. The predefined HBI was calculated based on previous studies. The mean value of HBI index among all of the participants was 59.76 ± 6.51. Those at the higher HBI scores had significantly lower waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and weight (p < 0.05). HBI and triglyceride scores also had a significant relationship. It has been shown that at higher HBI scores compared to lower scores, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increase while homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure decrease. HBI scores higher among Iranian adults were associated with a better chance of losing weight and weight loss and a better lipid profile, and lower blood pressure. Therefore, HBI can be a useful and helpful tool for assessing the overall quality of beverages adults consume. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the possible health effects of healthy beverage index.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Exosomes are nano-sized membrane-bound extracellular vesicles containing various biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which can be used to modulate physiological processes. The exosomal molecules secreted by cells can be extensively used as tools for diagnosis and therapy. Exosomes carry specific molecules released by the cells they originate from, which can be transferred to surrounding cells or tissues by the exosome. For these reasons, exosomes can be exploited as biomarkers for diagnosis, carriers for drug delivery, as well as therapeutics. In stem cell technology, exosomes have been an attractive option because they can be used as safer therapeutic agents for stem cell-based cell-free therapy. Recently, studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in alleviating symptoms associated with coronavirus disease 2019 as they have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential. Performing multiple studies on exosomes would provide innovative next-generation options for clinical diagnostics and therapy. This review summarizes the use of exosomes focusing on their diverse roles. In addition, the potential of exosomes is illustrated with a focus on how exosomes can be exploited as powerful tools in the days to come.