• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2010

Objective : Sinapis alba L. (SA) is a korean traditional herbal medicine that is usually used to prevent or treat inflammatory diseases, such as respiratory infection and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effects of SA supplementation in vitro on serum antibody levels, splenocyte and peritoneal macrophage immune responses have not yet been determined. In this study, we examined the effect of SA on the production of Th1/Th2 cytokines. Methods : Splenocytes were isolated from naive C57BL/6 mice. Cells were enriched for CD4+ cell populations by first staining the cells with anti-CD4 (BD PharMingen, Calif, USA). CD4+ T cells were selected on a (CS) column, and the flow-through was collected as CD4+ T cells. Isolated cells were activated by overnight incubation on 24-well plates coated with $1{\mu}g/mL$ anti-CD3, $1{\mu}g/mL$ anti-CD28 and with SA ($100{\mu}g/mL$). Primary macrophages were collected from the peritoneal cavities of mice (8-week-old female C57BL/6). The peritoneal macrophages were washed and plated with RPMI-1640 overnight for the experiments. After 48-hours cultures, samples were centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatants were stored at $-80^{\circ}C$. Mouse IL-4, IFN-$\gamma$ and TNF-$\alpha$ were quantified using ELISA kits (BioSource International, Camarillo, Calif, USA) according to the manufacturer's protocols. Results : SA at 100ug/ml decreased the generation of Th1 cytokine (IFN-$\gamma$) by 0.5-fold. However, SA has no effect on Th2 (IL-4) production. Conclusions : These results suggest that SA may play an important role in the control of T-cell-mediated autoimmunity by down-regulation of Th1 cytokine (especially IFN-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$). These data may contribute to the design of new immunomodulating treatments for a group of autoimmune diseases.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.166-173
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• 2010

Purpose : Genetic and clinical factors can influence the permeability of the peritoneal membrane. The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is helpful in measuring peritoneal permeability in peritoneal dialysis (PD). We investigated the influence of genetic polymorphism of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the PET parameters. Methods : Pediatric patients who underwent PET within 12 months of initiating PD at Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Samsung Medical Center were selected. The patients with positive history of peritonitis before PET were excluded. The VEGF -2578C/A, -14978T/C, -1154G/A, -634G/C, and +936C/T single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. Results : The mean 4-hour dialysate-to-plasma ratio for creatinine (D/P creatinine) and the mean 4-hour dialysate glucose to baseline dialysate glucose ratio (D/$D_0$ glucose) were $0.56{\pm}0.13$ and $0.43{\pm}0.11$, respectively. The patients with haplotype CTGGC showed higher 4-hour D/P creatinine ($0.67{\pm}0.12$ vs $0.50{\pm}0.09$, P=0.007) and lower 4-hour D/$D_0$ glucose ($0.35{\pm}0.12$ vs $0.47{\pm}0.08$, P=0.037) than those without haplotype CTGGC. Conclusion : The VEGF genetic polymorphism may influence the peritoneal solute transport.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.117-128
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• 2001

Gamiseunggal-tang(G-tang) has long been used for the treatment of acute and chronic allergic diseases(especially, urticaria) in oriental medicine. But, It's mechanism of action is not well investigated. Anal therapy is another way of taking medicine, which is not used in common situation but available for the treatment of colon and anal diseases. It is also used in GI tract diseases, Gynecological diseases, and pediatric diseases and so on. It is especially benefitable for patients who are in such situations as coma, severe vomiting, and swallowing difficulty. In this study, the author investigated the effects of G-tang by anal therapy on acute and chronic allergic reactions in murine model. The results obtained are as follows: 1. G-tang(0.01, 0.1 g/kg) inhibited the compound 48/80-induced ear swelling response in mice. Inhibitory effects of G-tang was significant (P<0.05) at the dose of 0.01 g/kg. 2. G-tang(0.001-0.1 g/kg) inhibited the cutaneous allergic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl(DNP) IgE in rats. Especially, G-tang 0.01, 0.1 g/kg inhibited the cutaneous allergic reaction significantly. 3. G-tang(0.01-1 g/L) dose-dependently inhibited the compound 48/80-induced histamine release from the peritoneal mast cells. 4. G-tang(0.001-0.1 g/L) had a inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ production. Above results indicate that anal therapy of G-tang may be beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic allergic diseases.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.176-188
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• 2009

Purpose : Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the major form of dialysis in use for infants and children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the current status of children on PD in Korea. Methods : In May 2008, questionnaires were sent to the pediatric nephrologists via e-mail. Four centers replied and those data were reviewed. Results : A total of 103 patients were included in this study. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Mean age was $11.5{\pm}4.9$ years (0-19 years). Primary renal diseases diagnosed were as follows: primary glomerular disease (34%), chronic pyelonephritis-reflux nephropathy (14.6%), systemic disease (9.7%), renal hypoplasia/dysplasia (8.7%), heredofamilial disease (6.8%), vascular disease (3.9%), drug-induced nephropathy (1.0%), and unknown (12.6%). PD modalities were as follows: CAPD (42.7%), CCPD (27.2%), NIPD (11.7%), and Hybrid (18.4%). Weekly total Kt/V was $2.1{\pm}0.7$ (0.3-4.1). Results of peritoneal equilibrium test were as follows: low 36.8%, low average 31.6%, high average 19.7%, and high 11.8%. Z-score for weight was $-1.00{\pm}1.20$ (-4.54~+2.50). Z-score for height was $-1.55{\pm}1.65$ (-9.42~+1.87). Growth hormone was administered in 24.3% of patients. Anti-hypertensive drugs were administered in 64.0% of patients. Laboratory findings were as follows: hemoglobin $10.5{\pm}1.4$ g/dL, calcium $9.7{\pm}0.7$ mg/dL, phosphorus $5.4{\pm}1.4$ mg/dL, and parathyroid hormone $324.2{\pm}342.8$ pg/mL. Conclusion : Primary glomerular disease was the most common cause of ESRD. CAPD was the most prevalent PD modality. Low and low average peritoneal transport type were common. Growth disturbance were noted in many patients. Some patients had hypertension even with anti- hypertensive drugs. Calcium-phosphorus levels were maintained adequately, but many patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.415-419
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• 2004

Meigs' syndrome is defined as presence of pleural effusion, with ovarian tumor associated ascites, which spontaneously resolve soon after the removal of the tumor. The pathogenesis of the pleural effusion, in patients with Meigs' syndrome, is thought to be the passage of fluid from the peritoneal cavity into the pleural cavity, through small holes in the diaphragm. A case of Meigs' syndrome, in a 63-year-old woman, who had been referred for control of pleural effusion is reported.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.80-88
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• 2012

Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate the characteristics of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) - related peritonitis and to evaluate the effectiveness of the empirical antibiotics recommended by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis in Korean children. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 72 children on peritoneal dialysis at the Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center over the period from March 2000 to February 2012. Results: Seventy-nine episodes of peritonitis occurred in 32 patients. The incidence of peritonitis was 0.43 episodes/patient year. There were no significant differences in the incidence of peritonitis in terms of dialysis modality (P=0.459). Twenty-one patients experienced 51 catheter exit-site infections (0.28 episode/patient year). There were no significant differences in the incidence of peritonitis between those with and without history of exit-site infections (P=0.721). Specific pathogens were isolated from 68.4% (54/79) of the patient with peritonitis episodes, including Gram-positive bacteria (n=34), Gram-negative bacteria (n=25) and fungus (n=1). Among Gram-positive bacteria, 85.3% of the isolates were susceptible to ${\beta}$-lactam antibiotics, among Gram-negative rods, 94.7% of the isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime. Among 25 cases with unknown etiologies, 92.0% of cases demonstrated satisfactory responses to cefazolin and ceftazidime. Conclusions: The incidence of peritonitis was 0.43 episodes/patient year. Initial empirical therapy consisting of cefazolin and ceftazidime was appropriate for 91.1% of the PD-related peritonitis treatment. Continuous monitoring for the emergence of the resistant organisms is an important part of the appropriate managements of PD-related peritonitis.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.405-410
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• 2002

The effect of aqueous extract of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. (Labiatae)(LLAE) on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions was investigated. LLAE (0.01 to 1 mg/g) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80. LLAE (0.001 to 1 mg/g) also dose-dependently inhibited local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. When LLAE was pretreated at the same concentration with systemic anaphylaxis, serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. LLAE (0.001 to 1 mg/mι) dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80. The level of cAMP in human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells, when LLAE (1 mg/mι) was added, significantly was increased, compared with that of normal control. These results provide evidences that LLAE may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic diseases.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.194-196
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• 2004

A 12-year old neutered male Yorkshire terrier dog was presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University with a history of chronic intermittent diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia and weight loss of 2-months duration. On presentation, he was very cachexic and had ascites. Abnormal findings on a complete blood count and chemistry profile included mild anemia, leukocytosis, panhypoproteinemia, hypocholesterolemia, decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and increased serum bile acids. Radiographic findings indicated microhepatica. Peritoneal fluid analysis was consistent with transudates (total protein < 2.5 g/dl, total nucleated cell count = 2,200/ul) and cytologic examination of the fluid revealed neoplastic lymphoblasts. From these findings hepatic dysfunction and protein-losing enteropathy were attributable to abdominal lymphoma. This case suggests that cytologic examination is important in diagnosing underlying diseases of ascites, even if it is transudative effusion.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.498-502
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• 2010

The immune system may play an important role in aging and the changes in the immune status are associated with treatment of various immunomodulators. This study examined the effects of $\beta$-glucans isolated from mushroom fungi, Coriolus versicolor on macrophages functions in young (8-weeks-old) and aged (82-weeks-old) male C57BL/6 mice. When peritoneal macrophages were treated with various concentrations of $\beta$-glucan ($1-100\;{\mu}g/ml$) for 24 hrs, tumoricidal activity, NO production and phagocytic activity were significantly increased in the young mice, whereas there are no effects in the aged mice. These results suggest that $\beta$-glucans has differential effects on the macrophage functions in young and aged mice and age nutrition might need to be considered to select proper immunomodulator. In addition, $\beta$-glucan could be used clinically for the treatment of diseases such as cancer therapy in the young.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2004

The effects of aqueous extract of Artemisia iwayomogi (Compositae) (AIAE) on the mast cell-dependent allergic and inflammatory reactions were investigated. AIAE (0.05 to 1 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in mice. AIAE (0.1 and 1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited local allergic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE. AIAE (0.001 to 1 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80. Moreover, AIAE inhibited the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. These results provide evidence that AIAE may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic diseases.