• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.843-848
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• 2011

In Korea, China, and Japan, Paeonia lactiflora Pall (PL) has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and fever for more than 1200 years. It has been reported that PL has protective effects against $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress and LPS-induced liver inflammation. However cellular and molecular mechanism of PL protection against oxidative stress has not fully been elucidated. Here, we describe that the water-soluble extract of PL decreased $H_2O_2$-induced hepatotoxicity. This hepatoprotective effect of PL is reason to decrease the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) which proteins are involved in protecting the cells from stress like as oxidative stress. We also elucidated that hepatoprotective effect of PL was abolished by knock down of HO-1 and HSP72 by siRNA. These results suggest that the increasing of HO-1 and HSP72 protein by PL treatment might be participated in hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress such as $H_2O_2$.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.810-814
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• 2008

Most inflammatory disorders are usually treated using anti-inflammatory drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID). Prolonged uses of NSAIDs and SAIDs may frequently cause adverse side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, kidney and liver failure, ulcers, and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery. Thus, it is necessarily required to develop a new anti-inflammatory drug with little side-effects. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) possesses the therapeutic abilities to eliminate body heat and toxins and to remove swelling and inflammation. In order to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of dandelion, TPA(12-O-tetra decanoylphorbol-acetate)-induced or croton oil-induced acute edema was developed in the mouse ears, and dandelion extract dissolved in acetone was applied to both sides of inflamed ears. It was found that dandelion could significantly reduce the ear swelling, compared to that of non-treated control. In the case of $20{\mu}{\ell}$ application of $100mg/m{\ell}$ dandelion solution (DA-100), its anti-inflammatory effect was comparable to that of indomethacin, a non - steroidal anti-anflammatory drug. Taken together, it could be concluded that topically applied dandelion extract exhibited its potentials as a new drug candidate with an effective anti-inflammatory activity.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.77-84
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• 2010

Objectives : Taraxaci Herba et Radix (THR) is widely used as a food and medicinal herb in Korea. It has been used for treatment of virus inflammatory disease, liver diseases and gastritis. So far, anti-inflammatory effects and constituents of various species in THR has not been studied for comparison. The aim of this study is to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of the aerial part and root from various THR. Also, we have compared the contents of its known constituents with each. Methods : In this study, we estimated anti-inflammatory effect and compared their constituent by HPLC. For the determination of anti-inflammatory effects, we investigated NO and $PGE_2$ production by ELISA. The expressions of iNOS was determined by western blotting in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. And, standard compounds which are methyl gallate, gallic acid, syringic acid and esculetin of THR were analyzed by HPLC using a $C_{18}$ column. Results : Methanol extracts of THR decreased NO and $PGE_2$ production. The expressions of iNOS protein were also decreased in methanol extracts of THR. As a result, HPLC analysis showed that they showed similar patterns. Methyl gallate and esculetin showed the highest content. Methyl gallate was included over 10% content in each aerial part and root of THR. Conclusions : These results indicate that most of THR distributed in Korea might represent therapeutic agent for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.43-61
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was performed to analyse single dose toxicity of Sweet Bee Venom(Sweet BV) extracted from the bee venom in Beagle dogs. Methods : All experiments were conducted under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) at Biotoxtech Company, a non-clinical study authorized institution. Male and female Beagle dogs of 5-6 months old were chosen for the pilot study of single dose toxicity of Sweet BV which was administered at the level of 9.0 mg/kg body weight which is 1300 times higher than the clinical application dosage as the high dosage, followed by 3.0 and 1.0 mg/kg as midium and low dosage, respectively. Equal amount of excipient(normal saline) to the Sweet BV experiment groups was administered as the control group. Results : 1. No mortality was witnessed in all of the experiment groups. 2. Hyperemia and movement disorder were observed around the area of administration in all the experiment groups, and higher occurrence in the higher dosage treatment. 3. For weight measurement, Neither male nor female groups showed significant changes. 4. To verify abnormalities of organs and tissues, thigh muscle which treated with Sweet BV, brain, liver, lung, kidney, and spinal cords were removed and histologocal observation using H-E staining was conducted. In the histologocal observation of thigh muscle, cell infiltration, inflammation, degeneration, necrosis of muscle fiber, and fibrosis were found in both thigh tissue. And the changes depend on the dose of Sweet BV. But the other organs did not showed in any abnormality. 5. The maximum dose of Sweet BV in Beagle dogs were over 9 mg/kg in this study. Conclusions : The above findings of this study suggest that Sweet BV is a relatively safe treatment medium. Further studies on the toxicity of Sweet BV should be conducted to yield more concrete evidences.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.504-510
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• 2017

Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase beta ($IKK{\beta}$) plays a critical role in cell proliferation and inflammation in various cells by activating $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling. However, the interrelationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\alpha}$ ($PPAR{\alpha}$) and $IKK{\beta}$ in cell proliferation is not clear. In this study, we investigated the possible role of $PPAR{\alpha}$ in the hepatic cell death in the absence of $IKK{\beta}$ gene using liver-specific Ikkb-null ($Ikkb^{F/F-AlbCre}$) mice. To examine the function of $PPAR{\alpha}$ activation in hepatic cell death, wild-type ($Ikkb^{F/F}$) and $Ikkb^{F/F-AlbCre}$ mice were treated with $PPAR{\alpha}$ agonist Wy-14,643 (0.1% w/w chow diet) for two weeks. As a result of Wy-14,643 treatment, apoptotic markers including caspase-3 cleavage, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and TUNEL-positive staining were significantly decreased in the $Ikkb^{F/F-AlbCre}$ mice. Surprisingly, Wy-14,643 increased the phosphorylation of p65 and STAT3 in both Ikkb and $Ikkb^{F/F-AlbCre}$ mice. Furthermore, BrdU-positive cells were significantly increased in both groups after treatment with Wy-14,643. Our results suggested that $IKK{\beta}-derived$ hepatic apoptosis could be altered by $PPAR{\alpha}$ activation in conjunction with activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and STAT3 signaling.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.5-32
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was performed to analyse single dose toxicity of pure melittin(Sweet Bee Venom-Sweet BV) extracted from the bee venom by utilizing protein isolation method of gel filtration. Methods: All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech, a non-clinical studies authorized institution, under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Six weeks old female Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen for the pilot study and determined 30㎎/㎏ which is 4285 times higher than the clinical application dosage as the high dosage, followed by 15 and 7.5㎎/㎏ as mid and lose dosage, respectively. Equal amount of excipient to the Sweet BV experiment groups was administered as the control group. Results: 1. No mortality was witnessed in all of the experiment groups. 2. Hyperemia and movement disorder were observed around the area of administration in all groups, and higher occurrence in the higher dosage groups. Hyperemia and movement disorder diminished with elapsed time. 3. For the weight measurement, male groups showed larger reduction in weight in accordance with higher dosage. Female groups didn't s how significant changes. 4. To verify abnormalities of organs and tissues, cerebellum, cerebrum, liver, lung, kidney, and spinal nerves were removed and conducted histological observation with H-E staining. No abnormalities were detected in any of organs and tissues. 5. One female rat in the 30㎎/㎏ group had amputated toe near the administered area and histopathological finding was hemorrhage with inflammation. This is presumed as a secondary infection after the administration of Sweet BV. Conclusion: Above findings suggest Sweet BV is relatively s safe treatment medium. Further studies on the subject should be conducted to yield more concrete evidences.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.18-18
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• 2003

In human, sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) is synonyms for the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an infant. The incidence of SIDS has been estimated to be from 1 to 3%. Cloning has a relatively high rate of late abortion and early postnatal death, particularly when somatic cells are used as donors of nuclei and rates as high as 40 to 70% have been reported. However, the mechanisms for SIDS in cloned animals are not known yet. To date, few reports provide detailed information regarding phenotypic abnormality of cloned pigs. In this study, most of the cloned piglets were alive at term and readily recovered respiration. However, approximately 82% of male cloned piglets (81/22) died within a week after birth. Significant findings from histological examinations showed that 42% of somatic cloned male piglets died earlier than somatic cloned female piglets, most probably due to severe congestion of lung and liver or neutrophilic inflammation in brain, which indicates that unexpected phenotypes can appear as a result of somatic cell cloning. No anatomical defects in cloned female piglets were detected, but three of the piglets had died by diarrhea due to bacterial infection within 15 days after birth. Although most of male cloned piglets can be born normal in terms of gross anatomy, they develop phenotypic anomalies that include leydig cell hypoplasia and growth retardation post-delivery under adverse fetal environment and depigmentation of hair- and skin-color form puberty onset. This may provide a mechanism for development of multiple organ system failure in some cloned piglets. Th birth weights of male cloned pig in comparison with those of female cloned piglets are significantly reduced(0.8 vs 1.4kg) and showed longer gestational day(120 vs 114). In conclusion, brain meningitis and hepatopneumonic congestion are a major risk factor for SIDS and such pregnancy in cloned animals requires close and intensive antenatal monitoring.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.141-144
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• 2013

Hyperplastic gastric polyps (HPPs) are the most common type of gastric polyps. They are assumed to be caused by chronic inflammation and regenerative proliferation, although this has not been clearly investigated yet. Many studies suggested the development of fundic gland polyps and carcinoid during long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, but the relationship between PPIs and HPPs is still unclear. We encountered a patient who showed aggravation of HPPs after long-term use of PPIs. A 58-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis visited our hospital because of hematemesis. We started PPI medication after confirming esophageal variceal bleeding and duodenal ulcer with blood clot in its base via emergency endoscopy. He took PPIs for three years because of an intractable duodenal ulcer. There was a marked increase in the size of the pre-existing polyps and in the development of new polyps. We presumed that the PPIs caused the aggravation of the HPPs, so we stopped their administration. After five months, the HPPs shrank and the polyps were partially degraded. More prospective studies are needed to investigate the relationship between HPPs and PPIs.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.18.1-18.10
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• 2016

In this study, to clarify the function of $PoPLC-{\beta}1$, in response to stress challenge, we examined the $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ expression pattern in response to external stress (pathogen-associated molecular pathogen challenge and environmental challenge including temperature and salinity). $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ expression analysis of tissue from olive flounder showed that the messenger RNA (mRNA) was predominantly expressed in the brain, heart, eye, liver, spleen, and stomach. We also tested the mRNA expression of the $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ in the spleen and kidney of olive flounder by RT-PCR and real-time PCR following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concanavalin A (ConA), or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) and compared with the inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-6 in the stimulated flounder tissues. Each of the spleen and kidney and mRNA transcripts of $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ were increased 30- and 10-fold than normal tissue at 1-6 h post injection (HPI) with PolyI:C when the expression of $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ transcript was similar to LPS and ConA. We also tested the expression of $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ in response to temperature and salinity stress. The expression of $PoPLC-{\beta}1$ also was affected by temperature and salinity stress. Our results provide clear evidence that the olive flounder $PLC-{\beta}1$ signal pathways may play a critical role in immune function at the cellular level and in inflammation reactions. In addition, $PLC-{\beta}1$ appears to act as an oxidative-stress suppressor to prevent cell damage in fish.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.96-103
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• 2012

Obesity-induced disorders contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluated whether the Aloe QDM complex could improve metabolic disorders related to blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of Aloe QDM complex or pioglitazone (PGZ) or metformin (Met) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Dietary Aloe QDM complex lowered body weight, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, and leptin levels, and markedly reduced the impairment of glucose tolerance in obese mice. Also, Aloe QDM complex significantly enhanced plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activity in muscles. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ and scavenger receptors in white adipose tissue (WAT). Dietary Aloe QDM complex reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ but also by enhancing AMPK activity in the WAT and muscles, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The Aloe QDM complex could be used as a nutritional intervention against T2D.