• Food Science and Industry
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.84-99
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• 2019

Dietary fiber is defined as soluble and insoluble polysaccharide consisted in the plant cell wall-associated fibers naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables, and cereal products, and of isolated fibers that are added to processed foods which are also artificially modified. There are so many difference types of dietary fibers as arabinoxylan, polydextrose chicory, oligosccharide. inulin, pectin, bran, cellulose, ${\beta}$-glucan, resistant starch and some seaweed polymers as alginate. Most of them provide many biological benefits in the intestine, as lower risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and some of the gastrointestinal disease like as colon cancer. And also lowering cholesterol levels, improves glycemic and insulin sensitivity to non-diabetic and diabetic persons including immune system. Beside of many benefits, average consumers in developed and under developing countries take far less amounts of dietary fiber that international organization recommended. Adequate intake of dietary fiber is 14g/1,000kcal base using the energy guide line of 2,000kcal/day for women and 26,000 kcal/day for men, dietary intake is 28g/day of adult women and 36g/day for adult men. The mechanisms behind the reported effects of dietary fiber on metabolic health are not fully well established. It is suggested that changes in intestinal viscosity resulting mucus increasing, macro-nutrients absorption, rate of passage of large intestinal, production of short chain fatty acids by fermentation. Production of gut hormones and changes of microbiota in intestine. It is necessary to do more research in this field in the future and combined interdisciplinary works together.

• CELLMED
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.6.1-6.7
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• 2021

In situ gelling devices, as they enter the body, are dosage forms in the shape of the sol but turn into gel types under physiological circumstances. Transition from sol to gel is contingent on one or a mixture of diverse stimuli, such as transition of pH control of temperature, irradiation by UV, by the occurrence of certain ions or molecules. Such characteristic features may be commonly employed in drug delivery systems for the production of bioactive molecules for continuous delivery vehicles. The technique of in situ gelling has been shown to be impactful in enhancing the potency of local or systemic drugs supplied by non-parenteral pathways, increasing their period of residence at the absorption site. Formulation efficacy is further improved with the use of mucoadhesive agents or the use of polymers with both in situ gelling properties and the ability to bind with the mucosa/mucus. The most popular and common approach in recent years has provided by the use of polymers with different in situ gelation mechanisms for synergistic action between polymers in the same formulation. In situ gelling medicine systems in recent decades have received considerable interest. Until administration, it is in a sol-zone and is able to form gels in response to various endogenous factors, for e.g elevated temperature, pH changes and ions. Such systems can be used in various ways for local or systemic supply of drugs and successfully also as vehicles for drug-induced nano- and micro-particles. In this review we will discuss about various aspects about use of these in situ gels as novel drug delivery systems.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.365-373
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• 2020

We previously reported the potential of Senna tora L. seeds fermented by Lactobacillus casei (FSL) as a laxative agent in a loperamide-induced constipation rat model. Here, we examine the mechanism of action of FSL and its bioactive compound, revealed herein, on loperamide-induced constipation Sprague Dawley rat model. We identified the compound aurantio-obtusin (AO) using HPLC quantitative analysis. Rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (eight rats each)-normal and constipated groups (loperamide, FSL [100, 300, 500 mg/kg], and AO [1 mg/kg]). The FSL and AO-treated group showed an increase in the frequency, amount, and water content of feces in the constipated rat. Moreover, FSL and AO increased the intestinal transit speed in the constipated rat. Histological analysis revealed that FSL and AO recovered the intestinal mucus, the number of goblet cells, as well as thickness of the mucosa layer and muscle. Furthermore, the protein levels of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3, which is involved in intestine contraction, were recovered in the FSL and AO-treated group. Its downstream signaling pathway (p-protein kinase C) was recovered by FSL and AO treatment. In conclusion, fermentation of S. tora L. seeds increases AO, which improves intestinal function, indicating that FSL is effective for treating constipation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.1289-1299
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• 2020

Background: Hemorrhoid surgery is a frequently performed surgery in Korea, second only to cataract surgery. However, it has serious complications, including bleeding, infection, anal stenosis, and urinary retention, so active conservative therapies are in need at an early stage. Case summary: Thirteen patients with anal disease complained of main symptoms of pain, bleeding, and prolapse, with additional complaints of itching and mucus discharge. An herbal medicine mixture of Eulja-tang and Hwangryeonhaedok-tang was administered twice daily, and dry cupping therapy, acupuncture, and hot pack placements were administered on pelvic and sacral regions once weekly for four weeks. The symptoms were evaluated before and each week after the treatments. The treatments had statistically significant therapeutic effects. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment-effectively alleviating the symptoms of anal disease, such as pain, bleeding, and prolapse-may represent an alternative therapy for conservative treatments in the early stages of anal disease.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.182-187
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• 2021

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a lipid mediator of inflammation that is generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Previous studies have reported that the receptors of LTB4, BLT1, and BLT2 play mediatory roles in the allergic airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA). However, considering that house dust mites (HDMs) are the most prevalent allergen and well-known risk factor for asthmatic allergies, we are interested in elucidating the contributory roles of BLT1/2 in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Our aim in this study was to investigate whether BLT1/2 play any roles in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. In this study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT1/2 [LTB4 and 12(S)-HETE (12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid)] were significantly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after HDM challenge. Blockade of BLT1 or BLT2 as well as of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) or 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) markedly suppressed the production of TH2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and alleviated lung inflammation and mucus secretion in an HDM-induced eosinophilic airway-inflammation mouse model. Together, these results indicate that the 5-/12-LO-BLT1/2 cascade plays a role in HDM-induced airway inflammation by mediating the production of TH2 cytokines. Our findings suggest that BLT1/2 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with HDM-induced allergic asthma.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.123-129
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• 2012

Objectives : Allergy has been described as an inflammatory with hypersensitivity resulting from seasonal or perennial responses to specific allergens. The root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC.(Platycodi Radix; Campanulaceae) has been traditionally used to treat chronic diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we examined the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Platycodi Radix (PR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized and challenged by OVA inhalation to induced chronic airway inflammation, and then were intragastrically administered PR-E extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg/day from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and cytokines such as IL-4 and IFN-${\gamma}$ were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : PR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and Th2 cytokine, IL-4 compared with those in the OVA-induced group. PE-E extract significantly increased the serum level of Th1 cytokine, IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on lung histopathological studies, inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion were inhibited by PE-E extract administration compared to that in the OVA-induced group. Conclusions : These findings indicate that PE-E extract may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.833-845
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• 2022

Although asthma is a common chronic airway disease that responds well to anti-inflammatory agents, some patients with asthma are unresponsive to conventional treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases owing to their immunomodulatory properties. However, the target cells of MSCs are not yet clearly known. This study aimed to determine the effect of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) on asthmatic lungs by modulating innate immune cells and effector T cells using a murine asthmatic model. Intravenously administered hUC-MSCs reduced airway resistance, mucus production, and inflammation in the murine asthma model. hUC-MSCs attenuated not only T helper (Th) 2 cells and Th17 cells but also augmented regulatory T cells (Tregs). As for innate lymphoid cells (ILC), hUC-MSCs effectively suppressed ILC2s by downregulating master regulators of ILC2s, such as Gata3 and Tcf7. Finally, regarding lung macrophages, hUC-MSCs reduced the total number of macrophages, particularly the proportion of the enhanced monocyte-derived macrophage population. In a closer examination of monocyte-derived macrophages, hUC-MSCs reduced the M2a and M2c populations. In conclusion, hUC-MSCs can be considered as a potential anti-asthmatic treatment given their therapeutic effect on the asthmatic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model by modulating innate immune cells, such as ILC2s, M2a, and M2c macrophages, as well as affecting Tregs and effector T cells.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2024

Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectal wall protrudes outside the anus. While it is a rare condition, it can cause discomfort for patients due to the protrusion of the rectal structure, discharge of mucus and blood, fecal incontinence, constipation, and other inconveniences. In this review, we analyzed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study that used the herbal medicine Bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) as a complementary therapy to improve the weaknesses and side effects of the standard treatment, surgical therapy, for rectal prolapse. The analysis included 12 RCT studies, and in all studies, the prescription involved the use of Astragali Radix at the highest dosage. Among the 11 studies that evaluated efficacy, 7 studies showed a significant effect compared to the control group. In all 3 studies that evaluating recurrence rates and all 5 studies investigating complications after surgery, the experimental group showed significant effects. Based on these findings, this study could be considered as a foundational evidence for the application of bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) in clinical practice in Korean medicine for patients with rectal prolapse. It could also serve as foundational data for future research.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.341-360
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• 2023

Background : To investigate the effect of Hwanggeumjackyak-tang (HJT) on Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis. Methods : The experimental animals were divided into three groups; group 1, normal group(Normal); group 2, DSS-induced colitis and untreated group(UT+DSS); group 3, DSS-induced colitis and HJT 200 mg-treated group(HJT200+DSS). We evaluated cytotoxicity after HJT administration and confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect by histological changes in the intestine and genetic analysis of mucosal cells after HJT administration for each group. In addition, microbiological weapons and metabolites in faeces were examined, and the correlation between gut microbiome and metabolites was also investigated. Result : HJT was not observed to be cytotoxic, even at relatively high concentrations, and was effective in protecting the barrier and preventing intestinal inflammation by suppressing the increase in mucus secretion and the expression of inflammatory factors in mucosal cells. HJT treatment affected the increase in the amount and diversity of the gut microbiome in faeces and the increase in metabolites thought to be involved in alleviating inflammation in the gut. Conclusion : This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of HJT in ulcerative colitis. Further studies should be carried out to confirm our findings.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.700-709
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• 2023

Mucus hyperproduction and hypersecretion are observed often in respiratory diseases. MUC8 is a glycoprotein synthesized by epithelial cells and generally expressed in the respiratory track. However, the physiological mechanism by which extracellular nucleotides induce MUC8 gene expression in human airway epithelial cells is unclear. Here, we show that UTP could induce MUC8 gene expression through P2Y2-PLCβ3-Ca²⁺ activation. Because the full-length cDNA sequence of MUC8 has not been identified, a specific siRNA-MUC8 was designed based on the partial cDNA sequence of MUC8. siRNA-MUC8 significantly increased TNF-α production and decreased IL-1Ra production, suggesting that MUC8 may downregulate UTP/P2Y2-induced airway inflammation. Interestingly, the PDZ peptide of ZO-1 protein strongly abolished UTP-induced TNF-α production and increased IL-1Ra production and MUC8 gene expression. In addition, the PDZ peptide dramatically increased the levels of UTP-induced ZO proteins and TEER (trans-epithelial electrical resistance). These results show that the anti-inflammatory mucin MUC8 may contribute to homeostasis, and the PDZ peptide can be a novel therapeutic candidate for UTP-induced airway inflammation.