• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.1349-1357
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• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Shigyungbanha-tang(SGT) on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced acute lung injury(ALI) in mice. 1 and 24 h before LPS intratracheal instillation, control group was taken distilled water orally. Treated groups was taken each concentrate SGT(2.5 g/kg, 6.7 g/kg) by orally as same times. Normal group was not instilled with LPS and was taken distilled water. 24 h after LPS intratracheal instillation, lung histology was performed in inflated-fixed lungs in 3 mice of each groups. The other mice of each groups, bronchoalveolar lavege fluids(BALF) was obtained to measure proinflammatory cytokines(TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6) and blood sample was obtained to measure white blood cell(WBC). In vitro, the effect of SGT($100\;ug/m{\ell}$, $500\;ug/m{\ell}$, $1000\;ug/m{\ell}$) on the release of RANTES, TARC induced by TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-4 in human alveolar epithelial cell(A549) was examined. Histopathologically, SGT prevented LPS-induced lung injury. SGT decreased protein, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 according to concentrations. In vitro, $500\;ug/m{\ell}$, $1000\;ug/m{\ell}$ concentrate SGT suppressed the expression of RANTES and TARC on A549 cells. On the basis of these results, SGT had a markedly anti-inflammatory effect in a clinically relevant model of ALI. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to determine the potential clinical usefulness of SGT in the adjunctive therapy of ALI.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.177-186
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• 2018

Background and Objectives: Glial scarring and inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) interfere with neural regeneration and functional recovery due to the inhibitory microenvironment of the injured spinal cord. Stem cell transplantation can improve functional recovery in experimental models of SCI, but many obstacles to clinical application remain due to concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of stem cell transplantation for SCI patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) that were genetically modified to express Olig2 in a rat model of SCI. Methods: Bone marrow-derived hMSCs were genetically modified to express Olig2 and transplanted one week after the induction of contusive SCI in a rat model. Spinal cords were harvested 7 weeks after transplantation. Results: Transplantation of Olig2-expressing hMSCs significantly improved functional recovery in a rat model of contusive SCI model compared to the control hMSC-transplanted group. Transplantation of Olig2-expressing hMSCs also attenuated glial scar formation in spinal cord lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that transplanted Olig2-expressing hMSCs were partially differentiated into Olig1-positive oligodendrocyte-like cells in spinal cords. Furthermore, NF-M-positive axons were more abundant in the Olig2-expressing hMSC-transplanted group than in the control hMSC-transplanted group. Conclusions: We suggest that Olig2-expressing hMSCs are a safe and optimal cell source for treating SCI.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.281-296
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• 2021

The beneficial effects of hypoxic preconditioning are abolished in the diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of repeated episodes of whole body hypoxic preconditioning (WBHP) in db/db mice. The protective effects of preconditioning were explored on diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction, cognitive impairment and ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced increase in myocardial injury. Sixteen-week old db/db (diabetic) and C57BL/6 (non-diabetic) mice were employed. There was a significant impairment in cognitive function (Morris Water Maze test), endothelial function (acetylcholine-induced relaxation in aortic rings) and a significant increase in IR-induced heart injury (Langendorff apparatus) in db/db mice. WBHP stimulus was given by exposing mice to four alternate cycles of low (8%) and normal air O₂ for 10 min each. A single episode of WBHP failed to produce protection; however, two and three episodes of WBHP significantly produced beneficial effects on the heart, brain and blood vessels. There was a significant increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in response to 3 episodes of WBHP. Moreover, pretreatment with the BDNF receptor, TrkB antagonist (ANA-12) and NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) attenuated the protective effects imparted by three episodes of WBHP. These pharmacological agents abolished WBHP-induced restoration of p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β ratio and Nrf2 levels in IR-subjected hearts. It is concluded that repeated episodes of WHBP attenuate cognitive impairment, vascular dysfunction and enhancement in IR-induced myocardial injury in diabetic mice be due to increase in NO and BDNF levels that may eventually activate GSK-3β and Nrf2 signaling pathway to confer protection.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.239-249
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• 2021

The present study explored the therapeutic potential of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in restoring aging-induced loss of cardioprotective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) along with the involvement of signaling pathways. The left hind limb was subjected to four short cycles of ischemia and reperfusion (IR) in young and aged male rats to induce RIPC. The hearts were subjected to IR injury on the Langendorff apparatus after 24 h of RIPC. The measurement of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and cardiac troponin served to assess the myocardial injury. The levels of H2S, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) were also measured. There was a decrease in cardioprotection in RIPC-subjected old rats in comparison to young rats along with a reduction in the myocardial levels of H2S, CBS, CSE, HIF-1α, and nuclear: cytoplasmic Nrf2 ratio. Supplementation with sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS, an H2S donor) and l-cysteine (H2S precursor) restored the cardioprotective actions of RIPC in old hearts. It increased the levels of H2S, HIF-1α, and Nrf2 ratio without affecting CBS and CSE. YC-1 (HIF-1α antagonist) abolished the effects of NaHS and l-cysteine in RIPC-subjected old rats by decreasing the Nrf2 ratio and HIF-1α levels, without altering H2S. The late phase of cardioprotection of RIPC involves an increase in the activity of H2S biosynthetic enzymes, which increases the levels of H2S to upregulate HIF-1α and Nrf2. H2S has the potential to restore aging-induced loss of cardioprotective effects of RIPC by upregulating HIF-1α/Nrf2 signaling.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제32권6호
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• pp.418-421
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes of liver function test before and after treatment in patients admitted to Korean medicine hospital. We checked liver function test level (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin) of 147 patient who admitted in Korean medicine hospital from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. The subjects were selected those who took herbal medicine continuously during the admission period and who performed liver function test on admission and before discharge. And the subjects were excluded those who had a history of liver and biliary disease at the time of admission or who took hepatoprotectants. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase significantly decreased compared with the values of admission(p<0.05), but total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were not significantly changed(p>0.05). On admission 31 patients(21.1%) had abnormal liver function and 6 patients(4.1%) had liver injury while 19 patients(12.9%) had abnormal liver function and 6 patients(4.1%) showed liver injury before discharge. This study suggests that herbal medicine may not injure liver function.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.413-423
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• 2021

Apoptosis is proved responsible for renal damage during ischemia/reperfusion. The regulation for renal apoptosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has still been unclearly characterized to date. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of histone acetylation on IRI-induced renal apoptosis and the molecular mechanisms in rats with the application of curcumin possessing a variety of biological activities involving inhibition of apoptosis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four experimental groups (SHAM, IRI, curcumin, SP600125). Results showed that curcumin significantly decreased renal apoptosis and caspase-3/-9 expression and enhanced renal function in IRI rats. Treatment with curcumin in IRI rats also led to the decrease in expression of p300/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) and activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs). Reduced histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation was found near the promoter region of caspase-3/-9 after curcumin treatment. In a similar way, SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), also attenuated renal apoptosis and enhanced renal function in IRI rats. In addition, SP600125 suppressed the binding level of p300/CBP and H3K9 acetylation near the promoter region of caspase-3/-9, and curcumin could inhibit JNK phosphorylation like SP600125. These results indicate that curcumin could attenuate renal IRI via JNK/p300/CBP-mediated anti-apoptosis signaling.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제43권6호
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• pp.925-935
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• 1996

연구목적: ARDS 발병기전의 일단을 알아보기 위하여 실험동물에서 ARDS와 같은 병변을 유도하는 N-nitroso-N-methylurethane(NNNMU)로 흰쥐에서 급성 폐손상을 유도하였다. ARDS에서의 제 II형 폐포세포의 기능 및 형태학적인 변화가 폐포강 내로의 단백질 이동과 관계 있다고 생각되므로 surfactant를 정량하고 동시에 gamma glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT)의 활성도를 측정하였다. 그리고 백혈구와 연관된 free radical의 역할을 알아보고자 phospholipase $A_2$ ($PLA_2$)의 활성도도 측정하였다. 이때 $PLA_2$의 inhibitor인 dexamethasone을 이용하여 $PLA_2$가 ARDS 발병에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자하였다. 방법: NNNMU에 의해 나타나는 폐부종의 확인을 위해 체중에 대한 폐장의 무게의 비를 계산하였고, 제 II형 폐포세포의 기능을 알아보기 위하여 surfactant의 양 및 GGT의 활성도를 측정하였다. 또한 염증세포의 침윤 및 제 II형 폐포세포의 형태학적인 변화를 광학 및 전자현미경을 이용하여 확인 하였으며 $PLA_2$의 활성도도 측정 하였다. 또한 이 모든 실험을 dexamethasone을 투여한 군에서도 시행하여 $PLA_2$의 억제로 나타나는 효과를 관찰하였다. 결과: NNNMU로 유도된 ARDS와 유사한 급성폐손상시 dexarnethasone은 폐부종을 감소시키고 GGT 및 $PLA_2$의 활성도를 감소시켰다. 형태학적으로는 염증세포 침윤의 감소가 관찰되었으며 병리학적인 소견도 호전시켰다. 결론: ARDS의 병인 중 $PLA_2$의 활성화가 염증세포의 침윤을 증가시키고 동시에 resprratory burst에 의한 free radical의 생성과 그 작용이 급성 폐손상의 중요한 기전으로 생각된다. 특히 $PLA_2$는 백혈구 세포막의 NADPH oxidase의 활성화에 따른 free radical의 생성뿐만 아니라 lipid medialor의 생성에도 관여하여 폐부종을 야기하는 중요한 요소가 되는데, 과량의 dexamethasone 은 $PLA_2$를 억제함으로써 이러한 변화를 감소시키는 것으로 생각된다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.164-174
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• 2000

Background: After an injury to tissue such as the skin, hyperalgesia develops. Hyperalgesia is characterized by an increase in the magnitude of pain evoked by noxious stimuli. It has been postulated that in the mechanism of hyperalgesia (especially secondary hyperalgesia) and allodynia, a sensitization of central nervous system such as spinal dorsal horn may contribute to development of hyperalgesia. However, the precise mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the roles of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and nitric oxide (NO) system in the mechanism of hyperalgesia, and their relations with c-fos expression Methods: Inflammation was induced by injection of complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) into unilateral hindpaw of Sprague-Dawley rat. Behavioral studies measuring paw withdrawal responses by von Frey filaments and paw withdrawal latencies by radiant heat stimuli and stainings of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase and c-fos immunoreactivity were performed. The effects of MK-801, an NMDA receptor blocker and $N^\omega$-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor were evaluated. Results: 1) Injection of CFA induced mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia. And it increased the number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons and c-fos expression neurons. 2) MK-801 inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by CFA and reduced the number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons and c-fos expression neurons. 3) L-NNA inhibited the thermal hyperalgesia and reduced the number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons, but did not affect the number of c-fos expression neurons. Conclusions: These results suggest that in the mechanism of mechanical hyperalgesia, NMDA receptor but not NO-system is involved and in the case of thermal hyperalgesia both NMDA receptor and NO system are involved. NO system did not affect the expression of c-fos, but c-fos expression and NOS activity were dependent on the activity of NMDA receptor.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.85-93
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• 2022

Objectives : This study investigated anti-inflammatory effects of Nardotidis seu Sulculii Concha water extract (NSCE) against restraint-induced stress. Methods : In vivo, NSCE was orally administered to male white mice at concentrations of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 3 days, and then restraint-induced stress was induced for 6 hours. The level of liver damage was measured by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The stress-related hormones such as cortisol and corticosterone were measured by ELISA assay. Also, western blot analysis was performed to detect expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the liver tissue, and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to examine liver inflammation through macrophage infiltration. Results : The AST, ALT, LDH and the stress related hormones such as cortisol and corticosterone were significantly decreased in the NSCE treated group compared with stress group. In histological analysis, H&E staining of liver tissues did not detect the hepatic injury or damage in all groups. As a result of IHC staining, it was confirmed that infiltration of macrophages was increased in the stress-induced group, but decreased in the group treated with NSCE. The COX-2 and MAPK proteins expression was significantly increased by restraint-induced stress, but these proteins were decreased in the NSCE treated group. Conclusions : These results suggest that NSCE has the anti-inflammatory activity in restraint-induced stress model, and it is believed that NSCE can be used for the prevention of liver inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.11-18
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• 2020

The present study was aimed to explore the neuroprotective role of imatinib in global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury along with possible mechanisms. Global ischemia was induced in mice by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 20 min, which was followed by reperfusion for 24 h by restoring the blood flow to the brain. The extent of cerebral injury was assessed after 24 h of global ischemia by measuring the locomotor activity (actophotometer test), motor coordination (inclined beam walking test), neurological severity score, learning and memory (object recognition test) and cerebral infarction (triphenyl tetrazolium chloride stain). Ischemia-reperfusion injury produced significant cerebral infarction, impaired the behavioral parameters and decreased the expression of connexin 43 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in the brain. A single dose administration of imatinib (20 and 40 mg/kg) attenuated ischemia-reperfusion-induced behavioral deficits and the extent of cerebral infarction along with the restoration of connexin 43 and p-STAT3 levels. However, administration of AG490, a selective Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 inhibitor, abolished the neuroprotective actions of imatinib and decreased the expression of connexin 43 and p-STAT3. It is concluded that imatinib has the potential of attenuating global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury, which may be possibly attributed to activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway along with the increase in the expression of connexin 43.