• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.38-44
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• 2015

Objectives: Radix Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of diseases. Radix ginseng has also been used as a traditional medicine for boosting Qi energy and tonifying the spleen and lungs. Traditionally, its effect could be obtained orally. Nowadays, a new method, the injection of herbal medicine, is being used. This study was performed to investigate the single-dose intravenous toxicity of water-soluble ginseng pharmacopuncture (WSGP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: All experiments were carried out at Biotoxtech, an institute authorized to perform non-clinical studies under the regulation of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). At the age of six weeks, 40 SD rats, 20 male rats and 20 female rats, were allocated into one of 4 groups according to the dosages they would receive. The WSGP was prepared in the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute under the regulation of Korea-Good Manufacturing Practice (K-GMP). Dosages of WSGP were 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mL/animal for the experimental groups, and normal saline was administered to the control group. The rat's general conditions and body weights, the results of their hematological and biochemistry tests, and their necropsy and histopathological findings were investigated to identify the toxicological effect of WSGP injected intravenously. The effect was examined for 14 days after the WSGP injection. This study was performed under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of Biotoxtech. Results: No deaths were found in this single-dose toxicity test on the intravenous injection of WSGP, and no significant changes in the rat's general conditions and body weights, the results on their hematological and biochemistry test, and their necropsy findings were observed during the test. The local area of the injection site showed minial change. The lethal dose was assumed to be over 1.0 mL/animal in both sexes. Conclusion: These results indicate that WSGP is safe at dosages up to 1 mL/animal.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.256-261
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Yacon (Samallanthus sonchifolius), a common edible plant grown throughout the world, is well known for its antidiabetic properties. It is also known to have several other pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer effects. To date, the effect of yacon on gliomas has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of yacon on the migration and proliferation of C6 glioma cells stimulated by fetal bovine serum (FBS). MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell growth and proliferation were determined by evaluating cell viability using an EZ-Cytox Cell Viability Assay Kit. FBS-induced migration of C6 glioma cells was evaluated by performing the scratch wound healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay. We also used western blot analysis to determine the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a major regulator of migration and proliferation of glioma cells. Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by performing reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS: Yacon ($300{\mu}g/mL$) reduced both the FBS-induced proliferation of C6 glioma cells and the dose-dependent migration of the FBS-stimulated C6 cells. FBS-stimulated C6 glioma cells treated with yacon (200 and $300{\mu}g/mL$) showed reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibition of MMP 9 expression compared to those shown by the untreated FBS-stimulated C6 cells. In contrast, yacon (200 and $300{\mu}g/mL$) induced TIMP-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, we suggest that yacon may exert an anti-cancer effect on FBS-stimulated C6 glioma cells by inhibiting their proliferation and migration. The most likely mechanism for this is down-regulation of ERK1/2 and MMP9 and up-regulation of TIMP-1 expression levels.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.181-190
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to help the understanding of the housing market through the influence of consumer choice attributes and financial policy on home buyer behavior. The key issue in the analysis is to take into account moderate effect of housing investment demand between different types of housing attribute choice and financial policy. The results of the study are as follows. First, convenience, education location, and neighborhood level have a significant effect on the purchase intention of the housing. Second, government policy have no significant influence on the purchase intention of the house. Third, the moderating effects of real estate investment outlook are that the neighbors level and interaction variables have a statistically significant effect on the purchase intention of the house. Since the government's financial policies do not affect the decision to buy a house, in reality, excessive regulation may reduce the quality of housing welfare for the first time home buyers. As a result of this study, the financial policy of the government does not affect the decision of the purchase of the house. In reality, the excessive regulation may reduce the quality of the housing welfare for the first time home buyer. Only an analysis which combines these aspects of consumer's choice can adequately describe and explain the actual change in demand in the residential market.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.352-359
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• 2011

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is used worldwide as a popular traditional herbal medicine. KRG has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. Up-regulation of a cytoprotective protein, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, is considered to augment the cellular defense against various agents that may induce cytotoxic injury. In the present study, we demonstrate that KRG water extract induces HO-1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and possible involvement of the anti-oxidant transcription factor nuclear factor-eythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). KRG-induced HO-1 expression was examined by western blots, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. Specific silencing of Nrf2 genes with Nrf2-siRNA in HUVECs abolished HO-1 expression. In addition, the HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin blunted the preventive effect of KRG on $H_2O_2$-induced cell death, as demonstrated by terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Taken together, these results suggest that KRG may exert a vasculoprotective effect through Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction in human endothelial cell by inhibition of cell death.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.740-748
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• 2022

As circ_UBE2D2 has been confirmed to have targeted binding sites with multiple miRNAs involved in septic acute kidney injury (SAKI), efforts in this study are directed to unveiling the specific role and relevant mechanism of circ_UBE2D2 in SAKI. HK-2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to construct SAKI model in vitro. After sh-circ_UBE2D2 was transfected into cells, the transfection efficiency was detected by qRT-PCR, cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, and expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Cleaved-caspase 3 were quantified by western blot. Target genes associated with circ_UBE2D2 were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. After the establishment of SAKI rat model, HE staining and TUNEL staining were exploited to observe the effect of circ_UBE2D2 on tissue damage and cell apoptosis. The expression of circ_UBE2D2 was overtly elevated in LPS-induced HK-2 cells. Sh-circ_UBE2D2 can offset the inhibition of cell viability and the promotion of cell apoptosis induced by LPS. Circ_UBE2D2 and miR-370-3p as well as miR-370-3p and NR4A3 have targeted binding sites. MiR-370-3p inhibitor reversed the promoting effect of circ_UB2D2 silencing on viability of LPS-treated cells, but shNR4A3 neutralized the above inhibitory effect of miR-370-3p inhibitor. MiR-370-3p inhibitor weakened the down-regulation of NR4A3, Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 and the up-regulation of Bcl-2 induced by circ_UB2D2 silencing, but these trends were reversed by shNR4A3. In addition, sh-circ_UBE2D2 could alleviate the damage of rat kidney tissue. Circ_UBE2D2 mitigates the progression of SAKI in rats by targeting miR-370-3p/NR4A3 axis.

• CELLMED
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.7
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• 2022

Background & Objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine abnormality in women of reproductive age affecting from 4% - 21% of the reproductive women and is characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of majoon idraare haiz in menstrual regulation and morphological changes in ovaries in poly cystic ovarian syndrome. Methods: A Pilot study was carried out in the department of Ilmul qabalat wa amraze niswan, National institute of unani medicine, hospital, Bengaluru. Fifteen Patients of PCOS aged 18-35 diagnosed using Rotterdam criteria were included in the study. Patients with insulin sensitizing treatment within 3 months, hormonal treatment and those with h/o diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pregnant and lactating women were excluded.Majoon idraare haiz was administered orally at a dose of 10 g with 20 ml arqbed mushk once daily from fifth day of cycle for 21 days for three consecutive cycles. Primary outcome measure was menstrual regularity while changes in USG pelvis(normal ovarian morphology) was considered as secondary outcome measure. In addition, duration of flow and changes in basal metabolic index (BMI), modified Ferriman Gallwey (mFG) score, acanthosis nigricanswere observed. Data were analyzed using, ANOVA, paired student 't' test, fisher exact test. Results: Changes in duration of cycle, duration and amount of flow was achieved in 93.3% patients with p<0.0001 and 46.6% patients showed normal findings on pelvic ultrasonography with p=0.006. In addition, significant changes were also observed in BMI, hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans with p value of 0.0001, p=0.003 and p=0.009 respectively Conclusion: Majoonidraare haiz can be used as an effective alternative in management of PCOS patients. It has significant effect on menstrual regulation and changes in polycystic ovarian morphology to normal.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.22-30
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• 2020

Objectives This study was conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of β-glucan on epithelial inflammation induced by atopic dermatitis through Endocannabinoid system (ECS) activity. Methods Six-week-old NC/Nga mice were divided into a control group (Ctrl), atopic dermatitis elicitation group (ADE), and a β-glucan-treated group (β-glucan treatment after atopy dermatitis elicitation, β-GT). After 3 weeks, CB1, CB2, and GPR55 were observed to confirm the regulation of ECS activity, and filaggrin in the stratum corneum and Kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) 7 in the stratum corneum and protease activated receptor (PAR)-2 were observed to confirm the inhibition of the inflammation, Phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK), Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and E-Cadherin were observed to confirm microenvironmental regulation. Results β-GT was significantly increased in CB1, CB2, and GPR55 positive reactions compared to that of the ADE. In positive reaction of the filaggrin in the stratum corneum, β-GT was significantly increased than that of the ADE. For KLK7 positive and PAR2 positive, β-GT was significantly reduced compared to the ADE. The p-ERK-positive and p-mTOR-positive reactions were significantly reduced in β-GT than in ADE. E-cadherin positive reaction was significantly increased in β-GT than in ADE (All p < 0.01). Conclusions It was confirmed that β-glucan has the effect of inhibiting the epithelium induced by atopic dermatitis through the ECS activity.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.1048-1060
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• 2008

Cirsii Japonici Herba(CJ) is a wild perennial herb found in many areas of Korea as well as China and Japan, which has been used to treat bleeding and inflammation. Silibinin is the main flavonoid extracted from milk thistle (Cirsii Japonici Herba). It exhibits potent antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, the effect of CJ and silibinin extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation was investigated using MTS assay, RT-PCR, western blot, and nitric oxide detection on mouse BV2 microglial cell lines. In the present results, CJ and silibinin extract suppressed nitric oxide production by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated enhancement of COX-2 and iNOS gene expression in BV2 cells. Moreover, CJ and silibinin also repressed some lipopolysaccharide-induced signaling molecules. Importantly, catalase-induced COX-2 and iNOS expression needed activations of $NF-{\kappa}B$, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, which were important for the transcriptional up-regulation of COX-2 and iNOS. CJ and silibinin interaction on BV2 cells down-regulated $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent proinflammatory cytokine (IL-2,IL-6) expression. They are involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. These data shows that CJ and silibinin exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, probably by suppression of COX-2 and iNOS synthase expression in BV2 microglial cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2001

Studies were carried out to explore the influence of dietary protein level on bone metabolism in uninephrectomized rat (experimental renal failure model) when dietary Ca and P contents were equal. Male rats were uninephrectomized or sham operated and fed 8%, 15% and 40% casein diets for 24 weeks. Ca and P contents of the all diet were 0.4% and 0.6% respectively. The results are summarized as follows. We did not found any significant difference in PTH and Ca level of the serum, Ca intake and Ca excretion among the experimental groups. There was significant positive correlation between the PTH and phosphate level. There was significant inverse correlation between serum Ca and creatinine level. The effect of the dietary protein level and renal mass loss on density and Ca contents of the bone were small and different according to the kinds of the bone. Low protein diet was associated with a significant enhancement of scapular density. Femur and vertebra density, however, were not influenced by dietary protein level and uninephrectomy. Light microscopic examination showed several calcified foci in the kidney in all experimental groups. Low protein diets have been used for a long time in the conservative management of chronic renal failure as they have a beneficial effect in preventing the appearance of symptoms. This study elucidated that part of beneficial effects of the low protein diet related to the suppression of the hyperphosphatemia. And these results, even though uninephrectomized rats fed high protein diet, the secondary hyperparathyroidism is supressed by the regulation of the P level. Therefore this study emphasized the need to pay more attention to the regulation of dietary P level as well as dietary protein content in chronic renal failure. (Korean J Nutrition 34(4): 359∼366, 2001)

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.36-47
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• 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of skin application with Gelidium amansii extract on skin with deep second degree burns in mice. Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: normal (NOR) group; burn-elicited mice (CON) group, Silmazine-treated mice after burn elicitation (ST) group, and Gelidium amansii-extract treated mice after burn elicitation (GT) group. To examine the skin recovery effect after burn, changes of burn area, angiogenesis and histologic structure were analyzed. To measure effect of edema regulation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was analyzed. To estimate the skin regenerative & stable effect, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and substance P were analyzed. Results: 2 weeks later, 1. The size of burn area decreased in the GT and ST groups more than the CON group. 2. Alleviation of angiogenesis appeared in the GT and ST groups more than in the CON group. 3. Blood clot, epithelial cell hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration declined in the GT and ST groups more than in the CON group. 4. MMP-9, BrdU, and substance P positive reaction decreased in the GT and ST groups more than in the CON group 5. In the comparative study, the GT group was superior to the ST group. Conclusion: The skin application of Gelidium amansii extract could lessen skin damage by the medium of regulation MMP-9 activation. This skin stabilization was induced in mice with deep second degree burns.