• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.711-726
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• 1999

Aging in the life form occurs due to a gradual progression of the body growth and degeneration. Morphological and functional changes in the body decreases the adaptation and prevention capacity leading into the decline of a life force. Various studies have been released to examine the anti-aging effects of herbal prescriptions. This experiment has chosen Boganhwan which is used for the deficiency of the liver function and studied the anti-aging factors by examining the biotransformation enzymes. The following results were obtained in this study: 1. Hepatic lipid peroxide activity was significantly suppressed in the experimental group treated with Boganhwan for 2 weeks at the dosage of 350mg/kg, while other dosage groups did not present much changes. 2. Insignificant changes were shown for the cytochrome P-450 level, aminopyrine demethylase, and aniline hydroxylase (AH) activities. Cytochrome P-450 do not appears to be a part of the detoxification scheme. 3. Boganhwan decoction treated group showed most significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, superoxide, and glutathione activities at the concentration of 350mg/kg and 500mg/kg. 4. Glutathione S-transferase and glutathione made most significant increase at the decoction concentration of 350mg/kg and 500mg/kg compared to the control group. 5. Hepatic glutathione concentration, protein bound-SH, and nonprotein bound-SH made most significant increase at the decoction concentration of 350mg/kg and 500mg/kg compared to the control group. From the above results, Boganhwan decoction played an important role in eliminating foreign substances in the body excluding cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. Thus, Boganhwan decoction can provide substantial aid in preventing and treating senile related illnesses.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2008

Objectives : Cheonggukjang(natto) is known to have anti-hyperlipidemic action in our previous study. This study was designed to investigate the safety of Prototype-cheonggukjang (PC, Herbal-natto). Methods : We investigated the effects of PC on changes in body weights, food uptake, water uptake, levels of AST/ALT, levels of BUN/creatinine and electrolytes in serum from normal mice. PC is made by cheonggukjang added Codonopsis Lanceolata, Houttuynia cordata and Lentinus edodes in indicated concetrations. Results : In this experiment, PC group showed equal levels of body weights, urine volume compared to non-treated control group. Oral administration of PC did not affect food and water uptake too. Levels of AST/ALT, which are markers of liver function, were not changed by administration of PC. In addition, levels of BUN/creatinine, which are markers of renal function, were not affected by PC too. Finally electrolytes in serum were not affected by PC. Conclusions : These results imply that oral administration of PC is safe in the framework of liver and renal function, and electrolytes in serum.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.827-838
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• 2017

Twenty male soccer players volunteered as the experimental subjects. The subjects were randomly assigned to the "Winter training with Cornus officinalis extract intake group"(WCI; n=10) and "Winter training group"(WT; n=10). The variables of blood fatigue substance, muscle damage and liver function where measured in all the subjects before the start of the Cornus officinalis intake after at the end of the 4 weeks winter training. Winter training program was proceeded with 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Exercise intensity was measured using the HRR(70~95%). Changes in the heart rate were also measured with the Polar. WCI group were ingested 80 mL of Cornus officinalis extract after every breakfast and dinner for 4 weeks. The test data were analyzed by paired t-test, and independent t-test(%diff), and the alpha level of p<.05 was set for all tests of significance. Lactate in WCI group had significantly decreased, and the changes between the groups were significantly lower in the WCI group than in the WT group. Ammonia in WCI group had significantly increased. CK in WCI group had significantly decreased. LDH in both group had significantly decreased. AST in WCI group had significantly decreased, and the changes between the groups were significantly lower in the WCI group than in the WT group. ALT in WCI group had significantly decreased. In conclusion, the results of this study show that Cornus officinalis extract seem to have a positive influence on blood fatigue substance, muscle damage and liver function. Therefore Cornus officinalis extract is considered to be able to contribute an ergogenic aids.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.375-380
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• 2006

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin mainly produced by Microcystis aeruginosa. The current study examined the effects of a single intraperitoneal dose of MC-LR in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with MC-LR ($100{\mu}g/kg$ body weight) and they were sacrificed at 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 min, or 12 h after injection. Clinically, animals showed lethargy and had ruffled hair beginning at 40 min post injection. In the gross findings, liver was enlarged and its color was changed into dark red beginning at 40 min post injection. Microscopically, dissociation of centrilobular hepatocytes and hemorrhage was observed in the hepatic central legions and such pathological changes were then extended to the portal regions of liver by time course manner. Interestingly at 80 min after MC-LR injection, the entrapped eosinophilic materials that may be necrotic fragments of dissociated hepatocytes were found in the capillaries of lung and renal glomerulus. Ultrastructurally, microvilli of the hepatocytes were disrupted or lost at all time points. Furthermore, the Disse space and gap junctions were widened beginning at 40 min post injection. These results suggest that liver is the major target organ of MC-LR and isolated hepatocytes by the effects of such hepatotoxin may secondarily reduce the physiological function of lung and kidney.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.535-540
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Propolis has a rich source of bioactive compounds and has renal and hepatic protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of propolis against paracetamol-induced liver damage and impairment of kidney function, as well as hematological changes in rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six groups of rats were used; the first group was served as a control; the second and third groups were treated by propolis extract at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg.B.WT. respectively; the fourth group was treated by paracetamol (200 mg/kg.B.WT.); the fifth group was treated by propolis (50 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days; and the sixth group was treated with propolis (100 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days. All the animals were treated for a period of 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for measurement of the liver enzymes, serum albumin, protein and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hematological parameters, and urine volume, protein and albumin. RESULTS: Paracetamol over dose significantly lowered hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid, while it significantly increased blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, white blood cells, and platelet count as compared to the control. However, these alterations were significantly attenuated by the use of propolis extract and the effect was dose dependent. Interestingly, propolis prevented paracetamol induced proteinuria, low hemoglobin and body weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis significantly prevented paracetamol induced renal, hepatic and hematological toxicity and might be useful in the management of liver and renal diseases particularly proteinuria.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.47-52
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• 2017

Purpose: Renal ultrasonography has been widely used in children with renal disease. However, the relationship of renal echogenicity with renal pathology and function in children is not well known. Method: Ultrasound examination was performed in 75 patients undergoing renal biopsy for suspected renal disease in Konkuk University Medical Center from August 2005 to November 2015. We compared renal echogenicity to pathologic findings and renal function. Renal echogenicity was scored as 0 to 2 by comparing adjacent liver echogenicity. Three histologic characteristics were evaluated: glomerular changes, interstitial infiltration or fibrosis, and tubular atrophy. These were graded as 0 to 3, according to increasing severity. Laboratory results included urine albumin excretion and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: Among pathologic findings, renal echogenicity revealed a positive correlation with interstitial infiltration or fibrosis (r=0.259, P=0.025), and with tubular atrophy (r=0.268, P=0.02). Renal echogenicity and glomerular changes were not correlated. Renal echogenicity showed a positive correlation with microalbuminuria (r=0.283, P=0.014), but a negative correlation with eGFR (r=-0.352, P=0.002). Conclusion: Increased renal echogenicity suggested severe interstitial infiltration or fibrosis and tubular atrophy among the pathologic findings. Moreover, increased echogenicity is correlated with increased urine albumin excretion and decreased eGFR. Echogenicity on ultrasonography is useful for determining the status of renal pathology and function.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2002

Alteration in the syntesis or enhanced inactivation of nitric oxide(NO) can induce impairment of endothelial cell function. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM) is characterized by impaired endothelial function and vascular disease. NO is produced through L-arginine pathway To elucidate the hypothesis that the decreased production on NO in IDDM reflects vascular damage and the NO production can be manipulated by either dietary fat(7% of kg diet) or the oral supplementation with L-arginine(2g/kg bw), plasma markers for vascular endothelial damage and plasma lipid profiles were measured in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic or normal Sprague-Dawley rats were fed 6 different experimental diets for 4 weeks(SO : soybean oil, SOA: soybean oil + L-arginine supplementation, BT : beef tallow, BTA_ beef tallow + L-arginine supplementation, OV olive oil, OVA : olive oil + L-arginine supplementation). Plasma glucose, total cholesterel, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were measured. Endothelial markers, plasma von Willebrand factor(vWf), thromboxane B$_2$, and 6-keto PGF1$\alpha$ of aorta were measured by ELISA. Plasma NO production was evaluated through the measurement of nitrite by EIA. Feeding saturated fatty acid(SFA, BT) increased relative liver size(RLS) in diabetic rats compared to either polyunsatunted fatty acid(PUFA, SO) or monounsaturated fatty acid(MUFA, OV) The supplementation of L-arginine inhibited the liver and kidney enlargement in olive oil find diabetic rats. Plasma glucose was lower in diabetic animal find the olive oil compared to fed beef tallow and the supplementation L-arginine decreased it in diabetic rats find beef tallow significantly(p < 0.05). Plasma TXB$_2$ levels were increased due to diabetes and the value of beef tallow group showed highest value. Plasma vWf concentration of beef tallow group was higher value in normal rats and was elevated more in diabetes. In diabetic groups, the vWf concentration of olive oil group was lower than beef tallow or soybean oil group. The supplementation of L-arginine in diabetic rats decreased plasma TXB$_2$ and vWf levels significantly(p < 0.05). NO production was higher in normal olive oil fed rats and was tend to be decreased in diabetic rats and the supplementation of L-arginine recovered to normal value(p < 0.05), Olive oil supplemented with L-arginine tended to lower plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol after 4 week treatment. These results suggest that generalized vascular endothelial changes based on plasma TXB$_2$and vWf occurs in diabetic rats. and olive oil with L-arginine supplementation contributes to a better control of the hyperglycemia, endothelial changes and hypercholesterolemia accompanying diabetes as compared with beef tallow or soy bean oil in this rat model.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.8-33
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• 1996

The present experiment was designed to understand the effect of Boganhwan on the cardiovascular system in experimental animals. And thus the Blood pressure, isometric movement of atrium,Mg++-Ca++-ATPasc activity of sarcoplasmin reticulum. liver function, prothrombin time, and changes of blood composition were measured in the presence of Boganhwan. The results obtained here were as following: 1. The blood pressure decreased in the presence of SAMOOLTANG, and the decreasing effect was more stimulated by adding Bangpoong and Ganghwa(Boganhwan) 2. The oral administration of the drug for 7days also demonstrated the decreasing of blood pressure and the effect was stimulated by adding Bangpoong and Kanghwal. 3. The autonomic nerve blocking agents such as atropine and regitine did not demonstrate the effect on the drug action. 4. Boganhwan inhibited the cardiac isometric movement and rate by stimulating the Mg++-Ca++-ATPase activity of the heart sarcoplasmins reticulum. 5. Boganhwan increased the number of red blood cell, hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin concentration, and prothrombin time. 6. The drug stimulated the liver metabolism by stimulating the total ATPase activity. According to the results. Boganhwan demonstrated the decreased blood pressure and it also increased the hemoglobin concentration and the hematocrit percent. These effects stanches the hypertension. anemia, and cerebrovascular accident.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.32-35
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic changes of verapamil in rabbits with hepatic disorder induced by carbon tetrachloride. The plasma concentrations of verapamil were increased significantly (p<0.05, in slight group; P<0.01, in moderate and severe group) in all groups of hepatic disorder compared to the control group. Morover, the $C_{max}\;in\;slight\;(77.9\%$ increase), moderate ($110\%$ increase), and severe ($174\%$ increase) hepatic disorder groups were significantly (p<0.05, in slight; p<0.01, in moderate and severe) higher than that in control rabbits. These resulted in significantly (p<0.05, in slight; p<0.01, in moderate and severe) greater area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) in moderate ($49.8\%$ increase), moderate ($95.0\%$ increase), and severe ($144\%$ increase) hepatic disorder groups than that in control rabbits. Hence, the relative bioavailability values were 149, 195, and $244\%$ for slight, moderate, and severe hepatic disorder groups, respectively. This could be due to decrease in metabolism of verapamil in the liver because of suppressed hepatic function in the hepatic disorder groups because verapamil is mainly metabolized in the liver.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.87-104
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• 1983

It has been well documented that animals exposed to cold show increased activity of thyroid gland. The calorigenic action of thyroid hormone has been demonstrated by a variety of in vivo and in vitro studies. According to Edelman et al., the thyroid thermogenesis is due to activation of energy consuming processes, especially the active sodium transport by the hormone in target tissues. If so, the increase in thyroid activity during cold exposure should induce increased capacity of sodium transport in target tissue and the change in tissue metabolism should be precisely correlated with the change in Na+_K+_ATPase activity of the tissue. This possibility was tested in the present study: in one series, changes in oxygen consumption and Na+_K+_-ATPase activity of liver preparations were measured in rats as a function of thyroid status, in order to establish the effect of thyroid hormone on the tissue respiration and enzyme system in another series, the effect of cold stimulus on the serum thyroid hormone level, hepatic tissue oxygen consumption and Na+_K+_ATPase activity in rats. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The Na+_dependent oxygen consumption of liver slices, the oxygen consumption of liver mitochondria and the Na+_K+_ATPase activity of liver preparations were significantly inhibited in hypothyroidism and activated in hyperthyroidism. Kinetic analysis indicated that the Vmax. of Na+_K+_ATPase was decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperth)'roidism. 2. In cold exposed rats, the serum triiodothyronine (T₃) level increased rapidly during the initial one day of cold exposure, then declined slowly to the control level after two weeks. The serum thyroxine (T₄) level decreased gradually throughout the cold exposure. Accordingly the T₃/T₄ratio increased. The mitochondrial oxygen consumption and the Na+_dependent oxygen consumption of liver slices increased during the first two days and then remained unchanged thereafter The activity of the Na+_K+_ATPase in liver preparations increased during cold exposure with a time course similar to that of oxygen consumption. Kinetic analysis indicated that the Vmax. of Na+_K+_ATPase increased. 3. Once the animal was adapted to cold, induction of hypothyroidism did not significantly alter the hepatic oxygen consumption and Na+_K+_ATPase activity. These results indicate that: 1) thyroid hormone increases capacities of mitochondrial respiration and active sodium transport in target tissues such as liver; 2) the increased T₃level during the initial period of cold exposure facilitates biosynthesis of Na+_K+_ATPase and mitochondrial enzymes for oxidative phosphorylation, leading to enhanced production and utilization of ATP, hence heat production.