• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2009

Implantation itself is governed by an array of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators, of embryonic and maternal origin. Window of implantation is the unique temporal and spatial expression of factors allows the embryo to implant via signaling, appositioning, attachment, and invasion in a specific time frame of $2{\sim}4$ days. When the embryo has arrived in the uterine cavity, a preprogrammed sequence of events occurs, which involves the production and secretion of a multitude of biochemical factors such as cytokines, growth factors, and adhesion molecules by the endometrium and the embryo, thus leading to the formation of a receptive endometrium. Cytokines such as LIF, CSF-1, and IL-1 have all been shown to play important roles in the cascade of events that leads to implantation. Integrin, L-selectin ligands, glycodelin, mucin-1, HB-EGF and pinopodes are involved in appositioning and attachment. The embryo also produces cytokines and growth factors (ILs, VEGF) and receptors for endometrial signals such as LIF, CSF-1, IGF and HB-EGF. The immune system and angiogenesis play an important role. The usefulness of these factors to assess endometrial receptivity and to estimate the prognosis for pregnancy in natural and artificial cycles remains to be proven. Integrins, pinopodes, glycodelin and LIF (from biopsies) are promising candidates; from uterine flushings, glycodelin and LIF are also candidates. The ideal serum marker is not available, but VEGF, glycodelin and CSF have some clinical implications. Further evaluation that includes larger groups of infertile women and fertile controls are needed to elucidate whether their presence in plasma, flushing fluid, or endometrial samples can be used as some kind of a screening tool to assess endometrial function and prognosis for pregnancy before and after artificial reproductive therapy. A better understanding of their function in human implantation may lead to therapeutic intervention, thereby improving the success rate in reproduction treatment. New molecular techniques are becoming available for measuring both embryonic and endometrial changes prior to and during implantation. The use of predictive sets of markers may prove to be more reliable than a single marker. Ultimately, the aim is to use these tools to increase implantation in artificial cycles and consequently improve live-birth rates.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.31-41
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was to evaluate inhibitory effects of Naegwan-acupuncture($PC_6$) on acute RE(reflux esophigitis) rat induced by pylorus and forestomach ligation operation. Methods : Twenty seven SD rats were divided three groups (intact normal rat; RE control rat; RE control rat respectively stimulated by Naegwan point($PC_6$)). All rats was fasted for 18 h but free water, we induced RE by pylorus and forestomach ligation operation. Six hour after the operation, rats were sacrified, collected bloods in the abdominal vein, dissected a esophagus and stomach. The stomach was washed a 1 ml PBS to research gastric volume, pH, acidity and mucin release of gastric juice, esophagus was cut longitudinally and pictured a innter mucosa area to research damages in esophagus. The proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine including IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 were analyzed by ELISA kit. Results : 1. Significantly, death rate of $PC_6$ acupuncture rat group was decreased compared to that of RE control group. 2. Gastric Volume, gastric injury and esophageal mucosa demage were decreased significantly, too. 3. Compared with RE, all of the proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine analyzed in serum of $PC_6$ were decreased remarkably. Especially, there were significant meanings TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 in serum of $PC_6$ were decreased. Conclusion : The results suggest that antiinflammatory and protecting effects of PC6 could attenuate the severity of reflux esophagitis and prevent the esophageal mucosal damage, and validate its therapeutic use in esophageal reflux disease.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.59-65
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• 2005

Poly-${\gamma}$-glutamic acid (PGA) is an unusual anionic polypeptide and has great potential as an environmentally and industrially significant biodegradable material. A new ${\gamma}$-PGA producer, Bacillus mesentericus MJM1, with high production capacity was isolated from Korean domestic Chungkuckjang bean paste. It produced ${\gamma}$-PGA at the level of 10 g/l in suitable media. The viscosities of 5% initially extracted mucin and purified ${\gamma}$-PGA solutions were 660 cps and 600 cps, respectively. The produced ${\gamma}$-PGA polymer consisted of 2,000 glutamic acid residues with even proportion of L and D types with molecular mass of about 200- 300 kDa. Bacillus mesentericus MJM1 displayed ${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase (${\gamma}$-GTP) activity that is known to play a key role in ${\gamma}$-PGA biosynthesis. The ${\gamma}$-GTP coding region was located on the plasmid of 5.8 kb. The plasmid, named pMMH1, is a rolling-circle replication (RCR) plasmid and additionally contained a replication origin and type I signal peptidase (sipP) coding region.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2015

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effects of Agastachis Herba water (AH-W) extract on compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release in human mast cells and also anti-asthmatic effect of AH-W extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : Human mast cells, HMC-1 were treated with AH-W extract in the presence or absence of compound 48/80 (C48/80). Mast cell degranulation was observed by microscope, and the histamine release was measured in culture medium by ELISA. For preparation of asthmatic in vivo model, mice were sensitized (0, 7, and 14 days) with OVA and airway challenged (21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 days). AH-W extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/body weight was orally administered during OVA challenge once per a day. The levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines, IFN-$\gamma$ and IL-4 were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histopathological change of lung tissues was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining. Results : The treatment of AH-W extract significantly decreased the mast cell degranulation and histamine release in C48/80-stimulated HMC-1 cells. In addition, The administration of AH-W extract at does of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the serum levels of OVA-specific IgE compared with those of OVA control group. In H&E and PAS staining, AH-W extract inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation, and inflammatory cells infiltration, and also histopathological damages on lung tissues such as bronchiole epithelial desquamation, goblet cells hyperplasia, and mucin releasing. Conclusions : These results indicate that AH-W extract may improve asthmatic symptoms through mast cell stabilization and inhibiting the lung inflammation in bronchial asthma.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.200-208
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• 2021

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an increasingly recognized form of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is now classified as a human MUC1 mucin protein, and regenerating type II pneumocytes are the primary cellular source of KL-6/MUC1 in the affected lungs of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Serum KL-6/MUC1 levels have been demonstrated to be useful for the evaluation of various ILD. To determine the role of circulating KL-6 in evaluating the disease activity and management of HP. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 51 patients with HP and 20 healthy controls. Serum KL-6 levels were measured in both groups. Patients were further assessed based on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function test, 6-minute walk test, echocardiography, bronchioalveolar lavage, and/or transbronchial biopsy. Patients were divided into the fibrotic and non-fibrotic groups according to the HRCT findings. Results: The median serum KL-6 levels were significantly higher in HP patients as compared to the control group. The median serum KL-6 levels were found to be higher in the non-fibrotic HP group (1,900 IU/mL) as compared to the fibrotic group (1,200 IU/mL). There was a significant inverse correlation between serum KL-6 serum level and the dose of steroids as well as the duration of steroid therapy. Conclusion: The presence of higher KL-6 levels in the non-fibrotic HP group implies its enhanced production by regenerating pneumocytes in response to alveolar injury. The significant association between serum KL-6 levels and the dose and the duration of steroid therapy emphasizes the significant role of steroids in the stabilization of the disease.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.25-29
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• 2000

Secretory carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumor of the ductal origin with a more favorable prognosis than the conventional ductal carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, there are a few reports on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of secretory carcinoma in the English literature and one in the Korean literature. Recently, we experienced a case of secretory carcinoma of the breast performed by FNAC. The cytologic smears revealed several clusters and sheets of cohesive neoplastic cells in eosinophilic secretory background. Individually scattered cells were rarely found. Intracytoplasmic vacuolization and occasional signet rung cells with lacy cytoplasm were detected. To make the diagnosis and differentiation of this rare, tumor, an identification of the secretory background and microcystic spaces filled with bluish mucin and occasional nuclear atypism of tumor cells is crucial.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2003

연구목적: 본 연구에서는 정상 환자와 습관성 유산 질환 환자에서 유래된 융모막 조직 내에서의 면역억제유전자들의 발현 양상에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 연구재료 및 방법: 임신 6주와 8주의 습관성 유산 질환 환자와 정상 환자로부터 융모막 조직을 채취하였다 (Normal N=6; RSA N=6). 면역조직화학적 분석을 통해서 조직을 관찰하고 세포가 살아있음을 확인한 후에, 역전사 중합효소연쇄반응을 통해서 면역억제유전자인 placenta protein 14 (PP14), indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) 그리고 mucin1 (MUC1) 유전자의 발현 정도를 비교하였다. GAPDH 발현에 기준한 면역억제유전자 발현을 정량 분석하여 Student's t-test를 시행하였고, p<0.05를 유의성이 있는 것으로 판정하였다. 결 과: 습관성 유산 질환 환자의 경우, 임신 6주와 8주의 융모막 조직에서의 면역억제유전자 (PP14, IDO, MUC1) 발현이 현저하게 낮은 양상을 보이고 있었다. 습관성 유산과 면역억제유전자의 발현이 통계학적으로 유의성 있는 연관성을 가지고 있다는 것이 확인되었다. 결 론: 면역억제유전자 (PP14, IDO, MUC1)의 발현이 습관성 유산 질환 환자에서 특이적으로 낮게 나타나는 것으로 보아 습관성 유산 질환의 진단과 치료 연구 방안에 이 유전자들의 발현이 이용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

Objectives This study investigated the effects of Hataedock treatment with Douchi on induction of allergic rhinitis in obese induced NC/Nga mice. Methods NC/Nga mice were divided into control group (Ctrl), allergic rhinitis induced obese mice group (ARE), and allergic rhinitis induced obese mice group with Douchi Hataedock treatment (FGT). The 3-week-old mice of the FGT group were given one 10 mg/kg dose of Douchi Hataedock extract and sensitized with allergic antigens at weeks 4, 5, and 6. After 1 week of final sensitization, allergic rhinitis was induced primarily in mice nasal cavities for five days. After one week of the completion with the first induction, the second induction was introduced by the same method. After 1 week, few samples of the nasal mucosal tissues of each group were prepared. The factor of Th2 differentiation and inflammation control such that IL-4, STAT6, CD40, $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$, substance P, MMP-9, $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, p-IkB, iNOS and COX-2 were observed by immunohistochemistry. Also, the difference in nasal mucosal injury was observed by histochemical method (PAS staining). Results The FGT group showed that reduced IL-4 production, STAT6 expression and CD40 expression by regulating excessive Th2 differentiation. Also, production of substance P and MMP-9 and activity of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ in mast cells were decreased. Inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 activity was induced by inhibition of p-IkB, and the production of inflammatory enzymes iNOS and COX-2 were decreased. In addition, the damage of intramural respiratory epithelium was low and excessive mucin secretion in goblet cells was low. Conclusions This study confirmed the possibility of controlling the allergic rhinitis in obese children who are expected to have an overactive inflammation.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2007

Background: Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in controlling asthma in the majority of patients, a subset of asthmatics fails to demonstrate a satisfactory response, even to systemic GC therapy. This population is referred to as being "steroid-resistant". The actual mechanism underlying steroid resistance in asthma remains to be elucidated. Methods: We have investigated how dexamethasone (DEX) regulates asthmatic phenotypes in a murine model of asthma, in which mice received i.p. immunization twice, followed by two bronchoprovocations with aerosolized OVA with a one-week interval, which we have recently described. Results: Pretreatment with DEX resulted in an inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in asthmatic lungs, and also inhibited bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of NF-${\kappa}B$-dependent cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and CC chemokines [eotaxin and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1]. DEX was effective in suppressing airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) at 10 h, Th2-dependent asthmatic phenotypes such as airway eosinophilia, BAL levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13), and mucin production. However, DEX failed to suppress BAL levels of CXC chemokines [macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)] and airway neutrophilia. Conclusion: Airway neutrophilia is among the phenomena observed in patients with severe GC-resistant asthma. This study will provide insight into the molecular basis for airway neutrophila seen in steroid-resistant asthma. Further studies are required to delineate the underlying mechanism of CXC chemokine expression in asthma.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2010

The leaves of Madhuca (M.) indica J.f.Gmel. (Sapotaceae) have been used traditionally in folk medicine due to its astringent properties and are effective in treatment of eczema and snake bites. Methanolic extract of M. indica is rich in tannins and has been proven experimentally to possess antibacterial activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcer and antioxidant activity of M. indica in rats. The methanolic extract of leaves of M. indica was tested at various doses (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) for its effect on gastric secretion and gastric ulcers in pylorus-ligation and on ethanol- induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. The significant reduction in ulcer index in both the models along with an increase in the pH of the gastric fluid and mucin content of stomach, and the acid secretory parameters such as total acidity and volume of gastric fluid were also significantly reduced along with reduction in the pepsin activity in pylorusligated rats proved the anti-ulcer activity of M. indica. The increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione and decrease in lipid peroxidation in both the models proved the antioxidant activity of M. indica. Thus it can be concluded that M. indica possesses anti-ulcer activity, which can be attributed to its antioxidant mechanism of action.