• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.380-389
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• 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to a clustering of at least three of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein level, and high serum triglycerides. MS is related to a wide range of diseases which includes obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There remains an ongoing need for improved treatment strategies for MS. The most important risk factors are dietary pattern, genetics, old age, lack of exercise, disrupted biology, medication usage, and excessive alcohol consumption, but pathophysiology of MS has not been completely identified. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) refers to steamed/dried ginseng, traditionally associated with beneficial effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. KRG has been often used in traditional medicine to treat multiple metabolic conditions. This paper summarizes the effects of KRG in MS and related diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on experimental research and clinical studies.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.186-198
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• 2000

Objectives : This experiment was conducted to verify the effects of some oriental herbs(Alny Cortex et Ramulus, Artemisiae Capillaris Herba, Aurantii Nobilis Pericarpium, Giseng Radix, Hoveniae Semen, Puerariae Flos, Puerariae Radix, and Xanthii Fructus) which have been used in the treatment of alcoholic diseases, on alcoholic metabolism, and on alcoholic liver damage. Methods : The effects of the herbs on the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH) were evaluated and their protective effects of liver function and cells from alcoholic damage were analysed. For the evaluation of the protective effects, the levels of glucose, triglyceride, BUN, AST, and ALT in serum of rats were measured. Results and Conclusions : It is concluded that Puerariae Radix interferes with the ADH activity directly, thereby reducing the toxicity of alcohol, resulting in enhancing alcohol-tolerance and protecting liver functions. Also Artemisiae Capillaris Herba interferes both ADH and ALDH activities. Isolation of the biologically active compounds from Puerariae Radix and its detailed characterization are matters for future research.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.159-164
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• 2023

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death recently discovered, characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides in the cell membrane, and it involves a complex network of signaling pathways, including iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and redox regulation. The dysregulation of these pathways can lead to the induction of ferroptosis and the development of liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and liver cancer. Studies have demonstrated that targeting key molecules involved in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and redox regulation can reduce liver injury and improve liver function in different liver diseases by inhibiting ferroptosis. Thus, modulation of ferroptosis presents a promising therapeutic target for treating liver diseases. However, further research is required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the role of ferroptosis in liver diseases and to develop more effective and targeted treatments.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.299-310
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• 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disorder characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. It is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. It is closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can cause liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, the development of effective drugs is essential for NAFLD treatment. In this article, we discuss the experimental models and novel therapeutic targets for NAFLD. Additionally, we propose new strategies for the development of drugs for NAFLD.

• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1064-1071
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• 2018

Purpose: To explore the influence of S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) knockout (KO) on methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Materials and Methods: S100A4 KO mice (n=20) and their wild-type (WT) counterparts (n=20) were randomly divided into KO/MCD, Ko/methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS), WT/MCD, and WT/MCS groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, blood lipid and liver function-related indexes were measured. HE, Oil Red O, and Masson stainings were used to observe the changes of liver histopathology. Additionally, expressions of S100A4 and proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, while hepatocyte apoptosis was revealed by TUNEL staining. Results: Serum levels of aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in mice were increased after 8-week MCD feeding, and hepatocytes performed varying balloon-like changes with increased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fibers; however, these effects were improved in mice of KO/MCD group. Meanwhile, total NAFLD activity scores and fibrosis were lower compared to WT+MCD group. Compared to WT/MCS group, S100A4 expression in liver tissue of WT/MCD group was enhanced. The expression of proinflammatory ($TGF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6) and profibrogenic cytokines ($TGF-{\beta}1$, COL1A1, ${\alpha}-SMA$) in MCD-induced NAFLD mice were increased, as well as apoptotic index (AI). For MCD group, the expressions of proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines and AI in KO mice were lower than those of WT mice. Conclusion: S100A4 was detected to be upregulated in NAFLD, while S100A4 KO alleviated liver fibrosis and inflammation, in addition to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.450-455
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• 2017

Chronic liver disease, one of the most common diseases, typically arises from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, there is a pressing need for improved treatment strategies. Korean Red Ginseng has been known to have positive effects on liver disease and liver function. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge on the beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng on chronic liver disease, a condition encompassing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as supported by experimental evaluation and clinical investigation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.29-40
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• 1990

In order to study the effect on liver diseases, Saenggan-tang has been applied to 26 patients of chronic hepatitis, 9 patients of liver cirrhosis, 5 patients of acute hepatitis, 8 patients of alcoholic liver diseases, 1 patient of hepatoma total 49 patients visiting the first internal medicine department of the hospital of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University. The Saenggan-tang was taken every 4 weeks (ecept acute hepatitis every 2 weeks). 1. Saenggan-tang had decrease on activity of SGOTF SGPT, with the passage of time, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, showing statistically significant effect. 2. Saenggan-tang revealed sharp decrease on levels of total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase no showing significance in relation to a few cases 3. Serum protein total and albumin levels were in normal limit before or after Saenggan-tang treatment 4. Triglyceride level was lowered remarkably after Saenggan-tang treatment, showing significance in alcoholic liver disease group whereas no significance in chornic hepatitis Judging from above results, it is proved that Saenggan-tang has curative effect of liver diseases such as acute, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, alcobolic liver diseases and so on.

• Archives of Obesity and Metabolism
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.71-75
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• 2023

Obesity is closely related to chronic diseases and cancer. The present case report aims to discuss the anti-obesity treatment strategy and the evaluation of the clinical progress in a patient with obesity and concurrent fatty liver disease. Following five months of treatment with liraglutide and rosuvastatin, the patient had a weight reduction of 3 kg (4.7%), a decrease in fasting blood sugar by 42 mg/dl (26.6%), a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 82 mg/dl (60.2%), and decrease in alanine transaminase. This case report documented the treatment of a patient with common chronic diseases encountered in the outpatient setting. Based on the therapeutic effects documented in clinical and laboratory indices, the anti-obesity treatment plan significantly aided in managing chronic diseases.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.311-321
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• 2016

Chronic or acute alcohol abuse often leads to liver injury associated with alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In addition to the liver, alcohol abuse also induces a variety of other tissue injuries including pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, neurotoxicity and muscle loss. Chronic skeletal muscle myopathy, independent of peripheral neuropathy, is well recognised in alcoholic patients. Several mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic myopathy. Ethanol is a potent inhibitor of muscle protein synthesis. Gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles are Type II fiber-predominant and usually considered representative of the musculature as a whole. Whereas, soleus muscle is Type I fiber predominant. Shihosogan-san is a traditional Korean medicine that is widely employed to treat indigestion and liver diseases. Muscle diseases are often related to liver diseases and conditions. We therefore tested the hypothesis that treatment with Shihosogan-san could ameliorate the ethanol-induced changes in muscle protein synthesis. Young male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally given 25% ethanol (5ml/kg, body weight) daily with Ethanol for 28 days. Normal group was similarly administrated with saline. In Shihosogan-san treated group, rats were orally administrated Shihosogan-san extract, and rats of EtOH group were given with the vehicle only. After 4 week, the morphology of gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. For comparative purposes, liver function was also investigated. The muscles from rats of EtOH group displayed a significant reduction in average cross section area compared to Normal group. Shihosogan-san treated group had increased fiber compared to the EtOH group. Moreover, Shihosogan-san treated group compared with EtOH group showed significantly decreased pro-apoptotic BAX expression and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, Shihosogan-san extract showed ameliorating effects on chronic alcohol toxicity in skeletal muscle.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.84-93
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• 2003

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the Sungjuchunggan-tang(Xingjiuqinggan-tang), which has been used for alcoholic diseases in Oriental medicine, on alcoholic metabolism and alcoholic liver damage. Methods : We evaluated the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)and aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH), and measured the levels of AST, ALT, glucose, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and phospholipid in serum of guinea pigs. Results and Conclusions : In this experiment, Sungjuchunggan-tang, Pharbitidis Semen and Puerariae Radix significantly suppressed the activity of ADH which is a precursor enzyme of acetaldehyde. Sungjuchunggan-tang and Pharbitidis Semen significantly suppressed the activity of ALDH, which is a catabolic enzyme, and increased its level. Due to alcohol consumption, level of ALT and AST were significantly reduced. These experimental results suggest that Sungjuchunggan-tang and Pharbitidis Semen inhibit the formation of acetaldehyde in the metabolism of alcohol, and affect the recovery of weakened liver functions caused by alcohol.