• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.202-210
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• 2012

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (MPG-EPO), a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, is a new erythropoiesis-stimulating agent with a long half-life. The purpose of this prospective study is to assess the effects of once-monthly subcutaneous MPG-EPO on hematological responses and nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. Forty four patients undergoing stable peritoneal dialysis were enrolled into the study. Darbepoetin alfa therapy, in peritoneal dialysis patients, was converted to the monthly administration of subcutaneous MPG-EPO for 6 months. The starting dose of MPG-EPO was based on the previous weekly dose of darbepoetin alfa. The dose adjustments were performed to maintain the hemoglobin (Hb) levels in a target range of 10.5-11.0 g/dL. If the Hb levels exceeded 11.0 g/dL, MPG-EPO was temporarily interrupted for 1 month. The mean Hb levels were stable with the values of $9.5{\pm}1.1$ g/dL at baseline, and $10.4{\pm}0.9$ g/dL at the 6th month after conversion. The mean differences in the changes of Hb levels between the baseline and the 6th month were $0.9{\pm}1.4$ g/dL, which was statistically significant. However, the mean differences of iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin concentrations were not significant. It did not show significant differences in the changes of the nutritional parameters. These results suggest that the once-monthly subcutaneous administration of MPG-EPO for 6 months effectively maintains the Hb levels and nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. Taken together, the once-monthly subcutaneous administration of MPG-EPO was practical and might improve the clinical compliance for the management of renal anemia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.70-74
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• 2003

This study investigated the relationship of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection to iron-deficiency anemia in high school girls. Four hundred and fourty-five subjects resided in Ulsan City in Korea were evaluated by questionnaire or blood analysis for serum indicators of iron status, daily nutrient intakes, symptoms of anemia, and H. pylori IgG antibody status. In H. pylori infected subjects, total energy intake of was 1534.14±350.81 kcal (73.0% of the Korean RDA), the iron intake of subjects was 11.38±3.90 mg (71.1% of Korean RDA) and calcium intake was 467.63±175.96 mg (58.3% of the Korean RDA). Carbohydrate (p < 0.05), vitamin A (p < 0.05), vitamin C (p < 0.01) intakes were significantly lower in infected subjects than in non-infected subjects. The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dL.) in H. pylori infected subjects was 22.7% as compared to 14.7% in non-infected subjects. The mean serum ferritin of infected subjects (21.71±21.50 ng/mL) was significantly lower than in non-infected subjects (p < 0.05) (as was the mean Hb concentration (12.54±1.51 g/dL) and hematocrit (37.99±3.64%)). Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) of H. pylori infected subjects (449.09±78.23 ㎍/dL) was significantly higher than that of non-infected subjects (432.99＋76.15 ㎍/dL) (P < 0.05). The levels of iron, red blood cell (RBC) and transferrin saturation were similar in infected and non-infected subjects. Two symptoms of anemia, 'pale face (p < 0.01)' and 'decreased ability to concentrate (p < 0.005)', were significantly higher in H. pylori infected subjects than in non-infected subjects. High school girls are known to be more vulnerable to iron deficiency than other age groups, and this research demonstrates that infection with H. pylori increases their risk of iron-deficiency anemia.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.457-463
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• 2020

Purpose: To analyze risk factors and various nutrients associated with stunting among children aged 6-60 months. Methods: This is a case-control and cross-sectional study between 40 stunting cases and 40 controls. Data on possible risk factors associated with stunting were obtained through direct interviews and using a questionnaire. Examination of vitamin D, zinc, albumin, and ferritin levels was performed on both groups. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA) to determine risk factors for stunting and to assess the relationship between nutritional levels and stunting. Results: The incidence of stunting was highest in children aged 12-36 months. Children with low weight and very low weight for age comprised of 55% and 22.5%, respectively, of the study participants. The highest mother's educational level was junior high school (40%). History of low birth weight (LBW) was more commonly observed in the stunting group than that in the control group (25.0% and 7.5%, respectively; p=0.034, odds ratio, 0.310 [95% confidence interval, 0.122-0.789]). Approximately 7.5% of cases had premature birth. Exclusive breast feeding was found to be not correlated with stunting. The mean zinc level in the stunting group was 34.17 ng/mL, which was different from that in the control group (50.83 ng/mL) (p=0.023). Blood ferritin, vitamin D, albumin, and calcium levels were not strongly correlated with stunting. Conclusion: LBW is the main risk factor contributing to stunting and is strongly associated with low zinc level.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.96-101
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• 1998

The prevalence of iron deficiency in later infancy and the toddler years(25% to 40% at 1 year of age) has not decreased remarkably , except in Western countries. The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the relationship between current feeding practices and iron status, and 2) assess compliance to infant feeding instructions. Two groupsof infants were examined. The first group of 302 infants aged 6 to 24months was seen at a well baby clinic while the second group of 135 infants of the same age group was assessed by venipuncture. Cutoff values for laboratory tests were as follows ; hemoglobin<11g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <72fl ; red cell distribution width(RDW)>15% ; serum ferritin level<10ng/ml ; and transferrin saturation (serum iron(TIBC)<10%. The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was made when a low hemoglobin level was associated with either low ferritin orlow transferrin saturation . Of the 302 children brought to the well baby clinic , 12.3%(n=37) were found to have anemia (hemoglobin<11.0/dL). In terms of children grouped according to feeding practices, it was found that children with anemial comprised 32.0% (24/75) of the prolonged breast-fed group (Group A), significantly more than the 4.0%(7/176) of the artificial milk feeding group(Group B). and 3.9%(2/51) of the switched from breast milk to iron -fortified weaning foods group(Group C).Among the 107 children with IDA , iron deficiency in 105 children(98.1%) was suggested by their dietary histories ; exclusive or prolonged breast-feeding for more than 6 months without iron fortification in 98 infants ; cow's milk consumption> 500ml/day without iron fortification during infancy(n=12), or >800ml without iron-fortified foods after infancy(n=15) ; and the use of unfortified forumula or unbalanced diets, mainly limited to rice gruel. Despite the relatively high (79.6%) motivation on the part of the infants mothers and supervison by professional personnel, the poor results in the infants receiving iron fortified foods were due to poor compliance(85.75). Among the mothers of 98 IDA patients who were contacted by telephone , it was revealed that 29% did not give the oral iron preparation for more than 2 months. Furthermore, negligence or disregard by the parents occurred in 14% of the case , discontinuance of the oral iron preparation by the parents due to side effects occurred in 6%, and the children's refusal or poor oral intake and no further trial occurred in 6%. The dietary history of a large group of infants was highly predictive of their risk for anemia . Continued consumption of breast milk until the age of 1 year is not warranted unless iron-fortified foods are given concomitantly. Because there is a problem with compliance, more successful and safe strategies for preventing iron deficiency woold included dual coverage in the from of therapeutic iron supplementation as well use of iron-fortified foods for teddlers who are at risk of iron deficiency.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.241-246
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• 2003

Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen(BCL) has been used to relieve the cough and asthma, and remove the phlegm in traditional Oriental medicine. In recent years, it was studied for its antiinflammatory, antiallergenic, immune-modulating, and anticarcinogenic capabilities. This experiment was performed to evaluate the microarray profiles of CD genes in human mast cells before and after BCL treatment. The results are as follows: The expression of 51 of the genes studied was up-regulated in the Bel-treated group; they include the genes coding L apoferritin, beta-2-microglobulin, ferritin light polypeptide, CD63, monocyte chemotactic and activating fact, heme oxygenase 1, CD140a, integrin alpha M, colony stimulating factor 2 receptor, eukaryotic translation elongation factor, CD37, interleukin 18, NADH dehydrogenase 1 beta, CD48, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, interleukin 4, ribosomal protein L5, GABA(A) receptor-associated protein, beta-tubulin, integrin beta 1, CD162, CD32, lymphotoxin beta, alpha-tublin, integrin alpha L, CD2, CD151, CD331, 90 kDa heat shock protein, CD59, CD3Z, microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2, CD33, CD162R, cyclophilinA, CD84, interleukin 9 receptor, interleukin 11, CD117, CD39-Like 2, and so forth. The expression of 7 of the genes studied was down-regulated in the BCL-treated group; they include the genes coding con, CD238, SCF, CD160, CD231, CD24, and CD130. Consequently, the treatment of BCL on the human mast cells increased the expression of 51 genes and decreased the expression of 7 genes. These data would provide a fundamental basis to the traditional applications of Bambusae Caulis in Liquamen.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.549-567
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Danggui buxue decoction (DBD) for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) by systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Randomized controlled trials on the treatment of DBD for IDA patients were selected from among the literature published from the beginning of each database to May 30, 2023 in nine domestic and foreign databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Chinese Academic Journals (CAJ), CiNii Research, J-STAGE, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and ScienceON). The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Cochrane ROB tool 2.0 (ROB2) and GRADE method. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4. Results: A total of 636 patients with IDA were finally selected from the 7 RCTs. The meta-analysis showed that the treatment groups that underwent both DBD and conventional treatment were statistically higher than the control groups that performed only conventional treatment in all indicators that showed effectiveness of DBD such as red blood cell (mean difference (MD) 0.38×10¹²/L, 95% CI: 0.16-0.60), hemoglobin (MD 12.45 g/L, 95% CI: 10.27-14.63), serum ferritin (MD 3.50 ㎍/L, 95% CI: 1.71-5.29), and total effective rate (relative risk (RR) 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.21). The incidence of adverse events was 0.39 times lower in the DBD group than in the conventional group (RR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.70). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of DBD with conventional treatment and further provided a basis for administering DBD to patients with IDA in clinical treatment.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.466-476
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• 2008

We have developed the tablet formulation of Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) and investigated clinically, its effects in patients suffering from b-thalassemia (major) at K. T. Children Hospital, Civil Hospital, Rajkot. The tablets (wheatgrass powder 250 mg.) were given 3 times in a day for 9 months. Blood samples were collected at the start, after 6 months and 9 months and analyzed for various biochemical and hematological parameters. Treatment with wheatgrass formulation for 9 months produced significant decrease in hemoglobin, total RBC, eosinophil and reticulocyte counts. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly increased was significantly increased. The serum ferritin was also significantly decreased. There was no influence on serum magnesium, serum iron and Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS). Our data indicate that treatment with wheatgrass on patients with $\beta$-thalassemia (major) may have beneficial effects in the form of a decrease in ineffective erythropoiesis, stimulation of hemoglobin synthesis in RBC, decrease in iron load and decrease in eosinophil count.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.422-431
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• 2003

The use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), a stimulator of erythropoiesis, banned in sports because of the medical risk associated with thrombosis. Due to analytical difficulties to differentiate between natural human EPO (hEPO) and rhEPO, blood parameters of erythropoiesis such as contents of hemoglobin (cut-off value <17.5 g/d l for man, and < 16.0 g/dl for women), hematocrit and reticulocytes (cut-off value <2.0%) were measured to focus the misuse of rhEPO. We conducted anti-doping test for 122 blood samples of the World Cup athletes. The mean values of key parameters are as follows; 14.5$\pm$1.0 g/dl for hemoglobin, 41.7$\pm$2.8% for hematocrit, and 1.3$\pm$0.4% for reticulocyte. Blood sample was found to be stable up to 8 hours for the reticulocyte measurement. In addition, the soluble transferrin receptor and ferritin levels were measured by immunoassay methods using plasma samples (n=28) in which the mean value was 0.8$\pm$0.5 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ and 54.6$\pm$33.7 ng/$m\ell$, respectively. The results indicate that all samples tested were negative for the blood parameters of indirect anti-doping test for hEPO misuse. The statistical evaluation suggest that several other parameters such as red blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and white blood cell could be considered as factors influencing hEPO function in addition to five parameters mentioned.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.201-224
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Gwibi-tang (GBT) on renal anemia. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to investigate changes in anemia levels before and after oral administration of GBT in patients with renal anemia. Relevant literature published up to May 25, 2023, was searched in 10 academic electronic databases. Results: Data from 489 patients from 7 RCTs were obtained and analyzed. All participants were receiving erythropoietin-stimulating agent treatment, and most of them were under hemodialysis. Additional administration of GBT to the participants significantly increased the hemoglobin concentration (10.55 g/L, 95% CI 6.99 to 14.11) compared to the control group. Hematocrit, red blood cell count, serum ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation, and the total effective rate for anemia was also significantly higher in the GBT-treated group than in the control group. Conclusions: This study suggests that GBT may be considered to be a promising option for the effective management of patients with renal anemia under conventional treatment. However, the limitations of this study, including the quantitative and qualitative weakness of the RCTs, the lack of safety-related evidence, and the absence of long-term follow-up data, should be taken into account when interpreting the results of this study.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.5
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• pp.715-721
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• 1998

This study was performed to investigate how milk supplementation can benefit the elderly by increasing bone density but possibly harming the iron status concomitantly. Forty one elderly subjects over 65 years of age(male : 9, female : 32) participated. All subjects were apparently healthy, home staying and attending meal service for lunch at the welfare center. They were from low income area of Puchon city. One cup of milk per day was served for 10 months. The mean intake of calcium was significantly increased for females after milk supplementation. Males showed significantly increased means of triceps skinfold thickness, suprailiac skinfold thickness and waist circumference. Females showed significantly increased measurements fo three kinds of skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and hip circumference. There were no significant change in the mean bone density of lumbar spine$(L_2~L_4)$, femoral neck, ward's triangle and torchanter, but the proportion of osteopenia estimated by the T score of lumbar spine bone density was lowered from 50.0% to 34.6% for females. The mean Hb level was significantly for males. The proportion of anemia estimated by Hb(<12g/dl), Hct(<36%) and serum ferritin(<15mg/ml) were increased from 17.2% to 51.7%, from 20.7% to 44.8% and from 10.3% to 17.2%, respectively for females. It looks like milk supplementation can effect the intakes of several nutrients considered to be commonly deficient in the Korean diet fo elderly people, increase some anthropometric measurements, and decrease the proportion of osteopenia. However it can have adverse effects on iron status of females.