• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.125-132
• /
• 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, induces toxicity in cells and in experimental animals. Ginseng extracts were evaluated to determine whether they can inhibit BPA-induced toxicity. The antioxidant activity of fresh ginseng extract (WGE), dried white ginseng extract (DGE), and dried red ginseng extract (RGE) was measured using the DPPH assay. WGE and RGE increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Cell viability was measured in HepG2 cells following treatment with BPA and ginseng extracts using the MTT assay. DGE and RGE increased HepG2 cell viability following treatment with $200{\mu}M$ BPA. RGE reduced levels of biochemical markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that increased in mice following treatment with BPA. In addition, the regeneration and proliferation of damaged liver cells were significantly increased in RGE-treated mice. Moreover, RGE inhibited hepatic fibrosis in the surrounding area and in the central vein of the liver microstructure. RGE also significantly inhibited BPA-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, RGE protected liver damage and regenerated liver tissues in BPA-treated animals. These results show that RGE may represent a potential candidate drug for the treatment and prevention of liver damage caused by environmental toxins.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.48 no.5
• /
• pp.390-397
• /
• 2015

Purpose: In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic alcohol and excessive iron intake on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and the progression of alcoholic liver injury in rats. Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups (Control, EtOH, Fe, and EtOH + Fe), and fed either control or ethanol (36% of total calories) liquid diet with or without 0.6% carbonyl iron for eight weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, liver malondialdehyde concentrations were measured by colorimetric assays. Liver histopathology was examined by Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the fixed liver tissues. The integrity of the hepatic mtDNA and nuclear DNA was measured by long-range PCR. The gene expression levels of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (Nd4) were examined by real-time PCR. Results: Serum ALT and AST activities were significantly higher in the EtOH+Fe group, as compared to the Control group. Similarly, among four groups, liver histology showed the most severe lipid accumulation, inflammation, and necrosis in the EtOH + Fe group. PCR amplification of near-full-length (15.9 kb) mtDNA showed more than 50% loss of full-length product in the liver of the EtOH + Fe group, whereas amounts of PCR products of a nuclear DNA were unaffected. In addition, the changes in the mtDNA integrity showed correlation with reductions in the mRNA levels of mitochondrial gene Cox1 and Nd4. Conclusion: Our data suggested that the liver injury associated with excessive iron and alcohol intake involved mtDNA damage and corresponding mitochondrial dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.207-214
• /
• 2016

This study determined the effect of Lespedeza Caneata extract on the livers and kidneys of lead-administered mice. The experimental groups were divided into a normal group, Pb 4W group, Pb-LC 4W group, Pb 8W group, and Pb-LC 8W group. The normal group was supplied single distilled water, and the pb group was provided distilled water in which lead acetate was dissolved at 1,000 ppm. The Pb-LC group was provided with lead as drinking water, and the Lespedeza Caneata was orally medicated at a concentration of 500 mg/kg daily. AST, ALT, and BUN enzyme activities and histological experiments on the livers and kidneys resulted in the following conclusions. AST, ALT, and BUN activities increased in the experimental group compared to the normal group and decreased more in the Pb-LC group than the pb group during the same period. The histological results reveal that portions of the livers and kidneys were deformed in the Pb 4W group, and most of the Pb 8W group experienced necrosis and deformation. pb-LC4W and Pb-LC 8W groups experienced less deformation than the Pb 4W and Pb 8W groups. During the same period, the Pb-LC group experienced less histological changes than the Pb group. These results suggest that Lespedeza Caneata extract may have some protective effect on hepatic tissue and renal tissue damage with lead-administered in mice.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.207-221
• /
• 2018

Objectives : Present study investigated hepatoprotective effect of Haegan-jeon extract (HE) and tried to elucidate molecular mechanism involved. According to molecular mechanism, present study optimized herbal composition of HE (op-HE) and compared in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of op-HE to HE. Methods : For in vitro experiments, HepG2 cells were exposed to arachidonic acid (AA, $10{\mu}M$) and iron ($5{\mu}M$) for inducing oxidative stress. Cell viability, GSH contents, $H_2O_2$ production, mitochondrial membrane potential, immunoblot and reporter gene assay were performed to investigate cytoprotective effects and responsible molecular mechanisms. For in vivo experiments, hepatoprotective effect of HE and op-HE were assessed on $CCl_4-induced$ liver injury mice model. Results : HE pretreatment prevented AA+iron-mediated hepatocytes apoptosis. In addition, AA+iron-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, $H_2O_2$ production, glutathione depletion were reduced by HE pretreatment. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation, antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven reporter gene activity, and antioxidant genes expression were increased by HE. Based on reporter gene and MTT assays, we found that op-HE consisting three medicinal herbs also significantly increased transactivation of Nrf2 and reduced the AA+iron-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, in $CCl_4-induced$ liver injury mice model, HE-op had an ability to ameliorate $CCl_4-mediated$ increases in serum alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, hepatic degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. Hepatoprotective effects of op-HE were comparable to those of HE. Conclusions : Present study suggests that op-HE as well as HE exhibit hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress-mediated liver injury via Nrf2 activation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.62 no.5
• /
• pp.421-426
• /
• 2007

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is a clinically and pathophysiologically distinct complication of advanced liver disease. PPHTN is characterized by the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in association with advanced hepatic disease-related portal hypertension. A characteristic feature of PPHTN is an obstruction to the pulmonary artery flow caused by vasoconstriction, the proliferation of the endothelium and smooth muscle components of the vascular wall, as well as in situ thrombosis. This disorder is commonly underdiagnosed but the clinical implications are significant because it has substantial effects on survival and requires special treatment. We report a case of portopulmonary hypertension in a 53-year-old woman with primary biliary cirrhosis who presented with exertional dyspnea.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.243-250
• /
• 2009

Fifty percent ethanol extract of Lythrum salicaria Linne root (LSR) was tested in vitro on antioxidant activity, and furthermore was investigated on antioxidative and fibrosis protecting activities in $CCL_4$-induced liver fibrosis rat model. Ratio of hepatic GSH/GSSG (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione) as bio-parameter of antioxidant level in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats for 6 weeks significantly increased from 2.8- to 5.7-fold than that of $CCL_4$-treated rats at p < 0.05. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats ranged from 1.57- to 2.19-fold of normal rats and were lower than those in $CCL_4$ plus silymarin-treated rats ($1.78{\sim}2.46$-fold of normal rats) (p < 0.05). Amounts of hydroxyproline of liver tissue showing the content of total collagen, a parameter of fibrosis, in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-administrated rat livers were $4.9{\sim}8.8{\mu}g$/mg ($-47{\sim}-71%$, compared with that in $CCL_4$-treated rat livers ($16.6{\mu}g$/mg tissue), which were significantly lower than those in $CCL_4$ plus silymarin-administrated rats being $8.4{\sim}11.7{\mu}g$/mg ($-30{\sim}-50%$). This collagen reducing effect of liver tissue in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats was supported by histological observation using microscopy assay. From the results, we conclude that the root of L. salicaria have efficient antioxidant potential and effective antifibrotic activities.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.183-191
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary mushroom powder on blood glucose levels, seam lipid levels, glucose 6-phosphtase (G6Pase), thiobarbituric arid reactive substance (TBARS) and glutathione enzymes in diabetic rats treated with streptozotocin (STZ). Four groups of rats (Sprague-Dawley male rats, 180-200 g) were fed as follows: normal rats were fed a control diet (C), diabetic rats were file a control diet (CD), normal fats were fed a mushroom powder diet (M), and diabetic rals were find mushroom powder diet (MD). Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg B.W.). The animals were fed ad libium each of the experimental diets for five weeks. Food and water intake was determined every day. Blood glucose and serum total cholesterol levels were determined every week. After five weeks, the rats were sacrificed and blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and glutathione enzymes were measured. HDL-cholesterol levels were analyzed and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were calculated by equation. There was body weight loss in the diabetic rats, but the MD group showed less body weight loss than the CD group. Blood glucose and serum total cholesterol level of the MD group were lower than those of the CD group (p < 0.05). Also, serum total cholesterol of the M group was lower than that of the C group (p < 0.05). But the serum triglyceride level of the diabetic rats (CD and MD) was higher than that of the normal rats (C and M). However, there was no significant difference between the control diet group and the mushroom diet group. Serum HDL-cholesterol levels of the C group and CD group were higher than that of the M group (p < 0.05), and the MD group was not significantly different. But the serum LDL-cholesterol levels of the M group were lower than those of the C group (p < 0.05). Activity of hepatic microsomal G6Pase significantly increased in the CD and MD, reaching levels higher than those of the C and M groups. Hepateic gutathione S-transferase (GST, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was not significant. But renal GST, GR and GPX activity in the MD group was lower than that of the CD group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary mushroom reduces renal disorders such as oxidation and aging of tissue. In conclusion, dietary mushroom groups reduced blood glucose and cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats and renal glutathione enzymes activity was averted in diabetic rats.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.30 no.5
• /
• pp.253-265
• /
• 1986

Among 230 species of herbal drugs screened, thirty one show the anthelmintic activities in vitro against Clonorchis sinensis, the chinese liver fluke. The active substances have been isolated and their structures identified. Some of the active substances and their derivatives have been synthesized, followed by anthelmintic activity tests. The extracts from the active drugs cause damages in organs of the adult worm in the hepatic duct of rabbit. Some fresh water fish, which function as bad hosts for the fluke, excrete defense substances against the cercaria of the fluke. The defense substances have been isolated from Cyprinus carpio and Cyprinus carpio nudus, followed by structural identification. The results are summarized as follows: l) The bark of Machilus thunbergii as well as the seed of Schizandra chinensis contain meso-dihydro-guaiaretic acid as the anthelmintic component. Among derivatives synthesized, 4-phenyl-1-((3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-, 4-phenyl-1-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy phenyl)-and 4-phenyl-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl)-2, 3-dimethyl butanes show considerable activities. Administration of the bark extract mainly damages the bladder of the adult worm. 2) The active substance from the roasted fruit of Prunus mume is 2-hydroxymethylfurfural. This substance is produced during the roasting process. Administration of the fruitextract causes a damage of the bladder of the adult worm. 3) The active substance from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis is 5.2'-dihydroxy-6, 7, 8, 6'-tetramethoxyflavone. 4) Beside alantolactone, a very strong anthelmintic component is contained in the root of Inula helenium. Administration of the root extract causes irreversible damage on the worm, affecting mainly the reproductive organs. 5) The cercaricidal substances from the epidermis of C. carpio and C. carpio nudus are ethyl linoleate and linoleic acid, respertively. 6) The cercaricidal substances from various kinds of fresh water fish have different $R_f$ values, implying that the defense substances are species-specific. Unexpectedly, the fish with good host function, for example Pseudorasbora parva, excrete the defense substances, too. The defense substances are possibly organ-specific in individual species; the organs essenstial for the existence of the species excrete the defense substances, allowing other parts to be invaded by the cercaria. 7) The cercaricidal fraction of Carassius carassius is detected only in the fish which have been collected during the summer time from May to September, Its secretion is not dependent on water temperature. Thus, it seems to be possible that the secretion of the defense substance would be stimulated through a contact between the fish and cercaria.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.145-161
• /
• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at Joksanmi($ST_{36}$) on Rat's aging by experimental methods. Methods : The author performed several experimental procedures to observe the effects of the EC-HAS at the arthritis. First, I measured the cell survival rate of the mice lung fibroblasts. Second, the incidence rate of arthritis and arthritis index of CIA were analyzed. Third, the levels of IL-6, $INF-{\gamma}$ , $INF-{\alpha}$ , $IL-1{\beta}$, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were measured in serum and the level of $INF-{\gamma}$, $INF-{\gamma}$/IL-4 ratio in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture. Fourth, histological analysis of the mice joint was performed. Fifth, the expression ratio of $CD3e^+$ cells to $CD19^+$ cells, $CD4^+$ cells to $CD8^+$ cells, $CD11a^+CD19^+$ cells, $CD4^+CD25^+$ cells, $CD3^+CD69^+$ cells, and $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cells were checked. Results: 1. The hematocrit was meaningfully (p<0.01, p<0.05) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control and sham group. 2. The glucose, ALP were meaningfully (p<0.05, p<0.05) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control group. 3. In the activation of hepatic antioxidase, the catalase was meaningfully (p<0.01) increased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control group. 4. In the liver, the NO formation was meaningfully (p<0.001) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the nomal, control and sham group. 5. In the activation of splenetic antioxidase, the GSH was meaningfully (p<0.01) increased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the sham group, and the catalase was meaningfully (p<0.001) increased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control group. 6. In the spleen, the MDA formation was meaningfully (p<0.01, p<0.05) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control and sham group. 7. In the spleen cell culture, the levels of IL-6 was meaningfully (p<0.05) decreased in comparison with the sham group, $INF-{\gamma}$( was meaningfully (p<0.05) increased in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: According to the results, it is considered that electroacupuncture at Joksamni($ST_{36}$) is effective in increasing the activities of antioxidative enzyme and inhibiting lipid peroxides, and has an immunomodulatory reaction. In conclusion, it han an significant anti-aging effect and need more experimental study.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.291-298
• /
• 2004

Kimchi contains various antioxidative components, therefore it is expected that kimchi have the inhibitory activity on aging. Among the many factor related to aging, UV radiation is the easiest way to induce skin aging. This experiment was designed to demonstrate the antioxidative activity of dietary kimchi with and without UV radiation in tissues. Lyophilized Korean cabbage kimchi, mustard leaf kimchi and buchu kimchi were used for measurement of the contents of antioxidative components. Chlorophyll contents in buchu and mustard leaf kimchi were higher than cabbage kimchi, and the contents of carotene and ascorbic acid were higher in the mustard leaf kimchi. To clarify the antioxidative activity of various kimchi diets in vivo system, hairless mice were fed the diet containing 10% lyophilized kimchi for 20 weeks. Contents of superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical in liver were not shown significant differences, however hydrogen peroxide were significantly decreased in mustard leaf and buchu kimchi diet groups. Supplementation of all kinds of kimchi diets attenuated the hepatic NDA accumulation, especially in mustard leaf and leek kimchi group. In the skin, the contents of MDA were decreased in kimchi groups compared to control group, especially the buchu kimchi diet significantly inhibited the lipid peroxidation. To elucidate the effect of kimchi diets on photooxidation, the extent of oxidative damage in liver and skin was measured after UVB radiation treatment. The contents of lipid peroxides was decreased in mustard leaf kimchi group and cabbage kimchi group compared to control, while lipid peroxidation was increased in buchu kimchi diet group. It suggests that chlorophylls and other antioxidative nutrients in the various kimchi diets are related to antioxidation or photooxidation and it might be needed further study to certify the exact mechanisms.