• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2002

The pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury as well as the modulation of hepatic fibrogenesis is causally associated with involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical reactions. In this study, we investigated whether dried extracts of oriental medicine (LH) have antioxidant and antifibrotic effect under the biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) c ondition. The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in six groups (Normal, N-LH, op-2, op-4, opLH-2, opLH-4) and were observed in 2 weeks or 4 weeks. For this purpose the rats were operated by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S), which induced to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. After surgery, the prepared LH was administered p.o. 2 mι/day/rat in 2 weeks or 4 weeks for opLH groups. During the observation period, jaundices appeared in eyes, ears and tail of all BDL/S operated rats. And at the time of sacrifice, cholestasis was observed in proximal bile duct, especially the color of bile juice and urine in opLH-4 group showed more clear than op-2, op-4 and opLH-2 group. The value of clinical parameters and product of lipid peroxidation (MDA) in sera and the hydroxyproline (hyp) content in liver tissue were significantly increased in all liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) developed rats (p＜0.001~0.05). Among the clinical parameters of sera, value of BUN, ALP in opLH-4 group showed significantly lower than in op-4 group (p＜0.05, p＜0.001). The content of hyp in opLH-2, opLH-4 group (478.0 $\pm$ 134.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g 897.5 $\pm$ 118.2 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) showed lower than in op-2, op-4 group (528.9 $\pm$ 220.7 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g, 1023.8 $\pm$ 277.1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) and then the value of MDA in opLH-4 was also significantly reduced to 59.4% of that in op-4 group (p＜0.001). The histological change (bile duct proliferation, fibrosis, collagen bundle) was similarly observed in op-2 group and in opLH-2 group, but the weak fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were observed in opLH-4 group compared with in op-4 group. Our data indicate that the 4 weeks treatment with LH extract suppressed lipid peroxidation and inhibited fibrotic (cirrhosis) process, and experimental cholestatic liver disease is associated with increased lipid peroxidation in BDL/S operated rats. Hence we concluded that the measurement of MDA and hyp can be useful monitor for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in experimental liver fibrosis (cirrhosis), and LH has been shown to have hepatoprotective effect, antifibrotic effect and antioxidant effect.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.299-310
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza on rat hepatic stellate cells. Materials and Methods : Hepatic stellate cells(HSC-T6) were treated with various concentrations of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract for 24 hours. It was extracted either with distilled water or 50% EtOH. After the treatment, cell viability, proliferation, procollagen levels and the mRNA of the collagen type 1a2 and ASMA were measured Results : The viability and proliferation of the hepatic stellate cells were decreased as concentration increased. The mRNA expression decreased consistently with the volume of the secreted procollagen with the extraction made with distilled water. This indicates the herb has inhibitory effect on fibrogenesis of the liver by regulating one of the fibrosis associated genes in transcription. However it increased in 50% EtOH extraction, which shows that a more stable reaction is expected of the extraction made with distilled water than the extraction made with 50% EtOH. The production of procollagen was decreased by a low-concentration treatment with Salvia miltiorrhiza, but increased by a high concentration. It seemed that the cells were responding to Salvia miltiorrhiza in low- concentration, thus producing smaller amounts of collagen. When the drug was administered in high enough concentration to give direct toxicity to cells, an overproduction of collagen was observed. Conclusion : These results suggest that Salvia miltiorrhiza is a possible candidate for the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as for patients with chronic hepatitis when extracted with water in the proper concentrations.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.125-130
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• 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical significance of T1 high signal intensity on the globus pallidus as a predictor of severe hepatic encephalopathy in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which is a distinct syndrome characterized by multi-organ dysfunction including cerebral failure. Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to April 2014, we retrospectively reviewed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) features of 74 consecutive patients (44 men and 30 women; mean age, 59.5 years) with liver cirrhosis. The chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment score was used to diagnose ACLF. The pallidal index (PI), calculated by dividing the mean signal intensity of the globus pallidus by that of the subcortical frontal white matter were compared according to ACLF. The PI was compared with the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in predicting the development of ACLF. Results: Fifteen patients who were diagnosed with ACLF had higher hepatic encephalopathy grades (initial, P = 0.024; follow-up, P = 0.002), MELD scores (P < 0.001), and PI (P = 0.048). In the ACLF group, the mean PI in patients with cerebral failure was significantly higher than that in the patients without cerebral failure (1.33 vs. 1.20, P = 0.039). In patients with ACLF, the area under the curve (AUC) for PI was 0.680 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.52-0.85), which was significantly lower than that for the MELD score (AUC, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77-0.99) (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The PI can be an ancillary biomarker for predicting the development of ACLF and severe hepatic encephalopathy.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.317-322
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• 2009

Hepatic fibrosis is one of chronic liver diseases which spread in worldwide and it has high risk to turn advanced cirrhosis and hepatocellualr carcinoma. Brassica family has been produced for commercial purpose and in Korea Brassica rapa (Turnip) is cultivated in Ganghwa County, Gyeonggi-do Korea and used for making Kimchi. Recently pharmacological effects of turnip have been known; diabete mellitus modulation, alcohol oxidization, and fibrosis inhibition. In previous study we found antifibrogenic effect of turnip water extract and in this study we made turnip nanoparticle to promote turnip delivery into liver. At the same time we assessed the biological safety of turnip nanoparticle. Thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatic nodular formation and fibrosis (mean of fibrosis score: 4). However, 1% turnip nanoparticle inhibited TAA-induced hepatic nodular formation and fibrosis (mean of fibrosis score: 2-3). Activities of serum enzymes (aspartic acid transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and total bilirubin (T-Bil)), complete blood count (CBC), and the appearance of organs were not different from control and 1% turnip nanoparticle treatment. Conclusively 1% turnip nanoparticle significantly reduced TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis and was safe in 7-weeks feeding.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.177-188
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of Artemisiae Capillaris Herba on cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. Materials and Methods : Hepatic stellate cells(HSC-T6) were treated with various concentrations of Artemisiae Capillaris Herba extract for 24 hours. The extraction was done either with distilled water or 50% EtOH. After the treatment, cell viability, proliferation, procollagen levels and the mRNA of the collagen type 1a2 and ASMA were measured by using MTT assay, BrdU assay, RT-PCR, and Procollagen Type I C-peptide EIA Kit. Results : The viability and proliferation of the hepatic stellate cells were decreased as the concentration increased. The mRNA expression decreased consistently with the volume of the secreted procollagen with the extraction made with distilled water, which indicates the herb has inhibitory effect on fibrogenesis of the liver by regulating one of the fibrosis associated genes in transcription. However, it increased in 50% EtOH extraction, which shows that a more stable reaction is expected of the extraction made with distilled water than the extraction made with 50% EtOH. The production of procollagen was decreased by a low-concentration treatment with Artemisiae Capillaris Herba, but increased by a high concentration. It seemed that the cells were responding to Artemisiae Capillaris Herba in low- concentrations, thus producing small amounts of collagen. When the drug was administered at high enough concentration to give direct toxicity to cells, the ability of cells to produce collagen was activated, and the overproduction of collagen was observed as an undesirable results. Conclusion : These results suggest that Artemisiae Capillaris Herba is beneficial in the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as for the patients with chronic hepatitis when extracted with water in the proper concentrations.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Veterinary Pathology Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.146-146
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• 2002

Hepatic disease has been noted and reported for involvement various detrimental factors. Among many detrimental injury factors, alcohol has been noted for hepatitis, fatty liver, fibrosis, and hepatic cirrhosis. The purpose of this study is to develop animal model for hepatic fibrosis in pig with ethanol, and to search new anti-fibrogenic agent. Twelve male Landrace pigs were divided into 3 groups of 4 animals each. Group 1, 2 and 3 were fed with ceramic water only, ceramic water + liquid diet containing 20％ ethanol and normal tap water + containing 20％ ethanol for 12 weeks, respectively. At week 12, all pigs were immediately sacrificed for collection each tissue and blood. Serologically, serum ALT and AST levels were significantly reversed in group 2, comparing to group 3. They were normal range in pigs of group 1. Microscopically, macrovesicular lipid droplets and moderate necrosis were evident in the tap water + ethanol fed group 3. However, ceramic water intake group 1 showed normal. Moreover, in group 3, little fatty changes and mild necrosis were observed. Collagen fibers were detected in the spaces of surrounding periportal and interlobular areas in the group 3 of tap water + ethanol, but collagen synthesis and its thickness of fibrotic septa connecting portal tracts was markedly reduced in the group 2 of ceramic water + ethanol. In immunohistochemistry, myofibroblasts were detected in the ethanol and tap water treated group 3. No or a few myofibroblasts were observed in groups 1 and 2. CYP 2E1 was rarely detected in group 1 fed ceramic water. However, group 2 showed slightly activation of CYP 2E1 in the area of pericentral, while CYP 2E1 was significantly activated in group 3 fed tap and ethanol. Taken together above, alcohol fibrosis model in pig was established. Furthermore, ceramic water had an inhibitory and protecting ability for alcohol-induced hepatic damages.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.117-121
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• 2001

Pleural effusion due to hepatic cirrhosis with ascites is well known, although hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites is a rare condition, the pathogenesis of which is still unknown. We report a case of hepatic hydrothorax without ascites confirmed by the intraperitoneal injection of Tc-99m mecroaggregated serum albumin (Tc-99m MAA) that demonstrated the passage of Tc-99m MAA into the right pleural cavity.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.74-84
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of Injinchunggan-tang on cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. Materials and Methods : Hepatic stellate cells(HSC-T6) were treated with various concentrations of Injinchunggan-tang extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The extraction was done with distilled water. After the treatment, cell viability, proliferation, procollagen levels and the mRNA of the TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and ASMA were measured by using MTT assay. BrdU assay, procollagen type I C-peptide EIA kit and RT-PCR. Results : The proliferation, mRNA expression and synthesis of collagen of the hepatic stellate cells were inhibited by Injinchunggan-tang treatment in a dose-dependent manner. This indicates the prescription has inhibitory effect on fibrogenesis of the liver by regulating the fibrogenesis associated genes in transcription. Cell viability was inhibited in time- and dose-dependent manners. It seemed that the drug should be used with sufficient dose to acquire treatment effect. Conclusion : These results suggest that Injinchunggan-tang is beneficial in the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as for the patients with chronic hepatitis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.202-202
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• 1994

G009의 hepatic cirrhosis animal model중 bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S) rat에서의 항섬유화 효과를 조사하였다. BDL/S 수술 후 4주간 투약군에는 G009 saline soln.(5mg/rat/day)을, 대조군에는 saline을 경구투여하였다. fibrosis가 최고에 달하는 4주후 rat를 도살하여, 혈청중 N-terminal procollagen type III peptide(PIIINP) level, 간 조직중 hydroxy proline content, serum biochemical value(ALT, AST, choleterol, total bilirubin, creatinine) 측정 및 간조직검사를 실시하였다. 그 결과 1) 혈청중 PIIINP의 경우, 투약군 BDL/S group(10.3ng/ml$\pm$2.2)이 대조군 (20.5ng/m1$\pm$3.9)에 비해 약 50%정도 유의성 있게 감소하였다(p<0,01). 2) 간 조직중 hydroxy proline치 측정 결과, 투약군 BDL/S group(471$\pm$160$\mu\textrm{g}$/g liver)이 대조군(566$\pm$42.9$\mu\textrm{g}$/g liver)에 비하여 약 13%정도 유의성있게 감소하였다(p<0.05). 3) 간조직검사 결과 투약군의 BDL/S op. group이 대조군보다 necrosis, inflammetion, bile duct proliferation, connective tissue 침착 등이 약화되었다. 위 실험을 종합한 결과 G009는 biliary cirrhosis model에서 antifibrotic effect가 있음이 사료된다.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.25-38
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• 1986

This paper was intented to charily the cause of an increase of serum guanase activity in rats following injection of $CCI_4$. The cause of increasing serum guanase was focused on the change of guanase activities in both serum and liver, and additionally, these results were compared with the previously known alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Concomitantly the microscopic investigation on the histologic changes, and the determination of lipid peroxides of liver were combined in this experiment for a correlation to observe that the activity of guanase would be effected by the various degree of hepatic injury induced by $CCI_4$. The serum levels of guanase were increased about 2 fold in the fatty change stage (3-12 days), 5.2 fold representing the peak value in necrosis stage (21days), 4.5 fold in early cirrhosis stage (48 days), and 2 fold in severe cirrhosis stage (92 days). These changes of serum guanase activity showed similar patterns to those of ALT activity and lipid peroxides in liver cell. The changes of liver guanase activities showed an increase, whereas ALT activities in liver were markedly decreased. It is likely that the increase of serum guanase activity is based on the excess leaking of guanase into blood by the result of accelerated enzyme synthesis in liver cell of $CCI_4$ intoxicated rats. In addition, the possibility could not be ruled out, however, that the increase of serum guanase activity would be caused by the alteration of membrane permeability.