• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제27권2호
• /
• pp.82-90
• /
• 2024

Objectives: Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods: Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results: The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in nondiabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• 제37권1호
• /
• pp.73-83
• /
• 2024

Background: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a chronic condition that is characterized by persistent back pain following one or more spinal surgeries. Pharmacological interventions, such as the use of opioids and gabapentinoids, are frequently used in the treatment of FBSS. However, prolonged and excessive use of these medications can lead to dependence and adverse effects. This study investigates trends in opioid and gabapentinoid prescriptions among patients with FBSS in Korea from 2016 to 2020. Methods: Data from the Health Insurance and Review Agency were analyzed, and claims listing FBSS were selected for the study. Prescription patterns of opioids and gabapentinoids were classified based on the number of days prescribed per year. Results: Of the 390,095 patients diagnosed with FBSS, 41.6% of the patients were prescribed gabapentinoids, and 42.0% of them were prescribed opioids, while 10.6% of the patients were classified as long-term gabapentinoid users, 11.4% as long-term opioid users, and 7.4% of the patients were found to have long-term prescriptions for both drugs. The proportion of patients who received both gabapentinoid and opioid prescriptions increased annually. The doses of opioids prescribed have also increased along with the increase in the number of patients receiving opioid prescriptions. Conclusions: The prescription rates of opioids and gabapentinoids among patients with FBSS in Korea continue to increase steadily, posing potential risks of addiction and adverse effects. Further research is needed to better understand the actual status of addiction in patients with FBSS.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제39권3호
• /
• pp.37-47
• /
• 2024

Objectives : Because predicting the potential efficacy and mechanisms of Korean medicines is challenging due to their high complexity, employing an approach based on network pharmacology could be effective. In this study, network pharmacological analysis was utilized to anticipate the effects of YunPye-Hwan (YPH) in treating Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods : Compounds and their related target genes of YPH were gathered from the TCMSP and PubChem databases. These target genes of YPH were subsequently compared with gene sets associated with COPD to assess correlation. Next, core genes were identified through a two-step screening process, and finally, functional enrichment analysis of these core genes was conducted using both Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathways. Results : A total of 15 compounds and 437 target genes were gathered, resulting in a network comprising 473 nodes and 14,137 edges. Among them, 276 genes overlapped with gene sets associated with COPD, indicating a significant correlation between YPH and COPD. Functional enrichment analysis of the 18 core genes revealed biological processes and pathways such as "miRNA Transcription," "Nucleic Acid-Templated Transcription," "DNA-binding Transcription Factor Activity," "MAPK signaling pathway," and "TNF signaling pathway" were implicated. Conclusion : YPH exhibited significant relevance to COPD by modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and cell death pathways. This study could serve as a foundational framework for further research investigating the potential use of YPH in the treatment of COPD.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제34권2호
• /
• pp.138-144
• /
• 2024

Crocin은 여러 가지 요리에 향미와 색깔을 주는 치자 열매나 사프란에 함유되어 있는 적노란색의 수용성 색소이다. 사프란과 치자는 전통의학 분야에서 부종, 해열, 해독 작용이 있어 바이러스성 간염, 식도염, 관상동맥심장병, 신경쇠약, 불면증, 퇴행성 신경질환, 호흡기 질환, 비뇨기 질환 등을 치료하는데 사용되어 왔다. Crocin (C₄₄H₆₄O₂₄)은 카로테노이드의 복합체로, dicarboxylic acid crocetin과 disaccharide gentiobiose로 이루어진 diester이다. Crocin은 혈액학적인, 병리학적인 독성이나 유전독성이 없다. 현재까지 수많은 생체 내 및 생체 외 연구들을 통해 Crocin의 생물학적인 약리작용이 밝혀지고 있다. 본 총설에서는 염증성 장질환, 위염, 천식, 동맥경화, 류머티스 관절염, 다발성 경화증, 당뇨, 알츠하이머병, 파킨슨병, 우울증 등의 염증 관련 질환에서 Crocin의 보호 효과를 요약한다. Crocin은 다양한 작용 기전을 통해 항염, 항산화, 세포 자살 방지 기능을 함으로써 이들 질환을 개선하는 것으로 추론된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제28권3호
• /
• pp.229-237
• /
• 2024

Cough is a common symptom of several respiratory diseases. However, frequent coughing from acute to chronic often causes great pain to patients. It may turn into cough variant asthma, which seriously affects people's quality of life. For cough treatment, it is dominated by over-the-counter antitussive drugs, such as asmeton, but most currently available antitussive drugs have serious side effects. Thus, there is a great need for the development of new drugs with potent cough suppressant. BALB/c mice were used to construct mice model with cough to investigate the pharmacological effects of pectolinarigenin (PEC). Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were used to assess lung injury and airway remodeling, and ELISA was used to assess the level of inflammatory factor release. In addition, inflammatory cell counts were measured to assess airway inflammation. Airway hyperresponsiveness assay was used to assess respiratory resistance in mice. Finally, we used Western blotting to explore the potential mechanisms of PEC. We found that PEC could alleviate lung tissue injury and reduce the release of inflammatory factors, inhibit of cough frequency and airway wall collagen deposition in mice model with cough. Meanwhile, PEC inhibited the Ras/ERK/c-Fos pathway to exhibit antitussive effect. Therefore, PEC may be a potential drug for cough suppression.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제38권1호
• /
• pp.16-21
• /
• 2024

Haepyoijin-tang and its main components have been used for phlegm, cough and dyspnea. Using a respiratory inflammation model, we intend to reveal the anti-inflammatory effect and pharmacological mechanism of Haepyoijin-tang. We induced the respiratory inflammation model by Aspergillus oryzae protease and ovalbumin administration. Female Balb/c mice (8 weeks old) were classified into four groups as follows: saline control group, aspergillus oryzae protease and ovalbumin induced respiratory inflammation group (vehicle), inflammation with Haepyoijin-tang (200 mg/kg) administration group, inflammation with dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) administration group (n=7). To identify the anti-inflammatory effects of Haepyoijin-tang water extracts, we measured the inflammatory cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and total live lung cell number. In addition, we checked eosinophil ratio and number in BALF. And Interleukin (IL)-5 level was also measured in lung cell culture supernatant. To confirm the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects, we analyzed the activated helper T cell (CD4⁺CD25⁺ cell) and Th2 cell (CD4⁺GATA3⁺ cell) ratio and number in lung by using flow cytometry. Finally, we attempted to confirm the immune mechanism by measuring the ratio and number of regulatory T cells (CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ cell). Haepyoijin-tang extracts treatment diminished inflammatory cell, especially, eosinophil number in BALF and total live lung cell number. Moreover, IL-5 level was reduced in Haepyoijin-tang treated group. Surprisingly, Haepyoijin-tang extracts administration not only decreased the activated helper T cell but also Th2 cell population in lung. Additionally, regulatory T cell population was increased in Haepyoijin-tang administration group. Our findings proved that Haepyoijin-tang extract have anti-inflammatory efficacy by suppressing Th2 cell activation and promoting regulatory T cell population.

• 대한치매학회지
• /
• 제23권1호
• /
• pp.44-53
• /
• 2024

Background and purpose: The anti-aging standard forest healing program (ASFHP), which uses forest therapy, was reported to be effective in improving psychological, physical, and cognitive functions. However, there are several challenges to directly visiting the forest. This study aimed to investigate the impact of multi-session ASFHP with forest visit on the mental and physical health of the older people with visits to forest facilities and compared them with those of the same program conducted indoors. Methods: Individuals aged over 70 years with concerns about cognitive decline were recruited at dementia relief centers and divided into control and experimental groups. A total of 33 people were administered ASFHP under the supervision of a forest therapy instructor. The control group stayed indoors, while the experimental group visited a forest healing center and repeated the program 20 weeks. Results: The multiple-session ASFHP positively affected cognitive impairment screening test (CIST) total scores (p=0.002), memory (p=0.014), Korean version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status total scores (p<0.001), immediate recall (p=0.001), visuospatial/construction (p<0.001), language (p<0.001), forest healing standard questionnaire total scores (p=0.002), and cognitive function (p=0.019), regardless of location. The forest visits during the ASFHP showed positive effects on orientation (p=0.035), delayed recall (p=0.042), emotional stability (p=0.032), physical activity (p=0.005), and health (p=0.022). The CIST scores of the memory domain were the strongest indicator of the multiple-session ASFHP effects. Conclusions: The 20-week multi-session ASFHP with forest visit showed effects on cognitive improvement and physical and emotional stability compared to indoor education.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• 제34권2호
• /
• pp.387-398
• /
• 2024

Euphorbia humifusa Willd (Euphorbiaceae) is a functional raw material with various pharmacological activities. This study aimed to validate the inhibitory effect of Euphorbia humifusa extract (EHE) on adipocyte differentiation in vitro and in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced mouse model to evaluate the E.a humifusa as a novel anti-obesity and lipid metabolism enhancer agent. EHE effects on obesity and lipid metabolism were assessed in HFD-induced obese mice after 4-week treatments. Results were compared among four treatment groups (n = 7/group): low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD), and HFD-induced obese mice treated with either 100 or 200 mg/kg/day EHE (EHE100 and EHE200, respectively). EHE (50 to 200 ㎍/ml) and quercetin (50 ㎍/ml) significantly reduced 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation (p < 0.001), in a concentration-dependent manner. EHE affected lipid metabolism, as evidenced by changes in serum lipid components. The HFD-EHE100 and HFD-EHE200 groups exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) reduced triglycerides (TG, 97.50 ± 6.56 and 82.50 ± 13.20 mg/dL, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c: 40.25 ± 4.99 and 41.25 ± 6.36 mg/dL, respectively) compared to the HFD group (TG: 129.25 ± 19.81 mg/dL; LDL-c: 51.75 ± 11.59 mg/dL). Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Oil red O staining showed that EHE markedly reduced lipid accumulation and inhibited lipogenesis in the liver. Interestingly, EHE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the expression of adipogenic transcription factors in liver tissue. Our results indicated that EHE has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for addressing obesity and lipid metabolism.

• 생물정신의학
• /
• 제6권2호
• /
• pp.240-245
• /
• 1999

Object : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of olanzapine on the schedule-induced polydipsia(SIP) which is one of animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder in rats. We administered olanzapine as a serotonin and dopamine blocking agent, fluoxetine as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and haloperidol for the dopamine antagonist to rats which showed schedule-induced polydipsic behavior. Methods : Spraque-Dawley rats weighing 200-250gm were individually housed and maintained and allowed free access to water. The rats were placed on a restricted diet. To induce polydipsia, rats were placed in the cage where a pellet dispenser automatically dispensed 90mg pellets on a fixed-time 60 seconds(FT-60s) feeding schedule over 150 minute test session per day. Water was available at all times in the cage. After 4 weeks of daily exposure to the FT 60s feeding schedule, experimental rats met a predetermined criterion for polydipsic behavior(greater than 3 times of water per session on average). 5 groups of rats were administered olanzapine(3mg/kg, i.p), olanzapine(10mg/kg, i.p), fluoxetine(5mg/kg, i.p.), haloperidol(0.1mg/kg, i.p.), and vehicle(1cc/kg, i.p.) for 3 weeks. The rats were tested once a week to access schedule induced polydipsic behavior. Water bottles were weighed before and after the 150-minute test session. The chronic effects of administration of experimental drugs on schedule induced polydipsic behavior were analyzed with ANOVA and Scheffe test as a posthoc comparison. In order to measure water consumption in non-polydipsic food-deprived rats, a separate group of rats(N=8) were individually housed and given a single bolus(14.5gm) of food per day which maintained them at their average body weight. Results and Conclusion : The results were as follows ; 1) After 4 weeks of scheduled feeding procedure, the experimental group showed significant differences than the bolus control in the amount of water consumption as compared with their average water intakes for 4 weeks. At the same periods, there were no differences between the experimental group and the bolus control in the body weight. 2) The fluoxetine group showed significant decrease in the amount of water intake over the 3 weeks of drug treatment as compared with their average amount of polydipsic water intakes. The olanzapine 3mg group showed significant decrease in the amount of water intake at 3rd weeks of drug treatment as compared with their average amount of polydipsic water intakes. The olanzapine 10mg group showed significant decrease in the amount of water intake at 2nd and 3rd weeks of drug treatment as compared with their average amount of polydipsic water intakes. However, the haloperidol group and the vehicle control group showed no changes of amounts of water intake for 3 weeks of treatment as compared with their average amount of polydipsic water intakes. 3) The fluoxetine group showed significantly lower amounts of water intake than the haloperidol group at 2nd weeks of drug treatment. And also the fluoxetine group showed significantly lower amounts of water intake than the haloperidol group and the vehicle control at 3rd weeks of drug treatment. The olanzapine 3mg group and the olanzapine 10mg group showed significantly lower amounts of water intake than the haloperidol group and the vehicle control at 3rd weeks of drug treatment. Above findings suggest that the fixed time feeding procedure for schedule-induced polydipsia as an animal model of obsessive compulsive disorder was effective to the evaluation of pharmacological challenge study. The authors assume that the serotonin hypothesis and the serotonin-dopamine interaction hypothesis are preferred to the dopamine hypothesis in the biological etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• 제8권2호
• /
• pp.129-137
• /
• 2004

목적: 일차성 야뇨증에 여러 가지 치료법이 시도되고 있는데 이 중 일반적으로 사용되는 imipramine와 desmopressin 등의 약물요법은 치료효과가 빠르고 비교적 양호하기 때문에 선호하는 치료 방법이다. 그러나 효과가 매우 다양하고 때로는 약물에 의한 부작용으로 인해 사용이 어렵게 되는 경우도 있다. 본 연구에서는 이들 약물을 단독으로 투여한 경우에 비하여 복합투여 할 경우에 치료 효과와 안정성을 비교 평가하여 보다 나은 야뇨증 치료 방법을 제시하고자 하였다. 방법: 2002년 4월부터 2002년 12월까지 내원한 5-l5세 사이의 환자로서 1) 일차성 단일성 야뇨증, 2) 주 2회 이상의 야뇨증, 3) 5세 이상의 연령, 4) 비뇨기과적 이상이 없고, 5) 정신적 또는 신경학적인 증상이 없으며, 6) 내분비 질환이 없고, 7) 최근 2개월 동안 야뇨증 약물치료를 받지 않은 환아로서, 8) 부모의 동의를 받은 경우를 대상으로 하였으며 조건을 만족하는 환자들을 무작위로 선택하여 imipramine 단독투여군, desmopressin 단독투여군과 imipramine과 desmopressin 복합투여군의 3군으로 나누어 야뇨횟수, 부작용과 약물 중단 후 1개월 후 야뇨증 빈도를 확인하였다. 결과: 대상 환아들은 남, 녀 각각 78명과 90명이며, 5-10세가 119명이었고 11-16세는 49명이었다. 치료 시작 4주 이후에서부터 모든 군에서 유의하게 야뇨 횟수가 감소하였다. 치료 종료 시의 imipramine 단독투여군, desmopressin 단독투여군과 imipramine과 desmopressin 복합투여군의 치료율은 각각 68.6%, 74.4%와 86.1%로서 imipramine와 desmopressin 복합투여군의 치료율이 가장 높았으나 통계학적인 차이는 없었다. 치료 종료 후 4주의 야뇨 빈도는 imipramine 단독투여군은 주당 1.9회, desmopressin 단독투여군은 1.3회이고 imipramine와 desmopressin 복합투여군은 1.0회로 세군 사이에는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 약물에 의한 부작용은 imipramine 단독투여군은 20명, desmopressin 단독투여군은 12명, imipramine와 desmopressin 복합투여군13명에서 총 45례에서 나타났는데 이중 imipramine 투여로 인한 식욕 감퇴가 가장 많았다. 결론: 일차성 단일 증상성 야뇨증 치료를 위한 imipramine 단독용법, desmopressin 단독요법, imipramine과 desmopressin 복합요법의 치료효과와 단기간 동안 관찰한 재발 빈도에서는 의미있는 차이는 없어서, 두 약제의 복합요법이 desmopressin 단독 요법에 비해 치료효과, 재발정도와 부작용 빈도에서 차이가 없어 치료 효율성의 우월성을 발견하지 못하였다. 다만 약물 부작용 발생은 imipramine 단독요법이 다른 치료 방법에 비해 발생 빈도가 유의하게 높은 것으로 나타나서 imipramine 단독요법을 할 때에는 부작용 발생유무를 유의해서 관찰하여야 할 것으로 생각된다.