• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.89-97
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• 1979

Nonspecific suppressions of the immune responses have been reported to occur in the cancer-bearing patients. The mechanisms responsible for these immunosuppressions remain unclear but some investigators suggested that the immunosuppressions may result from immunosuppressive factors exudated from tumor masses. This study was undertaken to evaluate the in vivo effects of ascitic and pleural fluids from patients with cancers metastatic to peritoneum or pleura on the immune responses of mice. Non-cancerous ascitic and pleural effusions were used as controls. The ascitic fluids from hepatomap atients and pleural fluids from pulmonary carcinoma patients decreased both the delayed-type hypersensitivity and the antibody formation only when these were injected before antigenic stimulation. Control effusions exerted no effect on the immune responses to mice. These results suggested that cancerous fluids suppressed the immune responses by affecting the afferent arc of the immune system.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.423-434
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• 1986

The role of macrophages in the resistance of ICR mice to Candida albicans and Salmonella typhimurium was assessed using silica, agent which selectively inactivates macrophages or poly-2-vinylpyridine-N-oxide(PVNO), a lysosomal stabilizing agent. In addition, effect of silica on humoral and cellular immune responses to sheep red blood cells(SRBC) or polyvinylpyroridone(PVP) was examind. Colonyforming units(CFU) of C. albicans or S. typhimurium in the spleen, livers and kidneys of silica-treated or diluent-treated mice were enumerated at various times after infection. Silica was given i. v. to mice at 4 days or 1 day before infection. Although there was no apparent differences in the number of CFU of C. albicans cultured from the spleens or livers of silica-treated and control mice at every assay period, significant differences in the number of CFU of C. albicans in the kidneys of silica-treated and control mice. Namely, silica given to mice 1 day before infection significantly increased the number of CFU of C. albicans in the kidneys at 2, 4 and 6 days after infection, but did not change the number of CFU at 8 days after infection. Silica given to mice at 4 days before infection significantly increased the number CFU in the kidneys at 2 and 4 days after infection, but rather decreased the number of CFU at 8 days after infection. The number of CFU of C. albians cultured from the kidneys of splenectomized which were experimentally infected mice was similar to the number recovered from sham-operated mice at 4 and 8 days postinfection irrespective of time of infection relative to operation. The pretreatment of mice with PVNO appeared to abrogate the silica-induced susceptibility of mice to C. albicans. PVNO alone showed somewhat protective effect against challenge with C. albicans. In contrast, silica treatment did not alter the number of CFU of S. typhimurium recovered from the spleens and kidneys of mice. The administration of silica to mice at 4 days or 1 day before SRBC immunization significantly suppressed delayed-type hypersensitivity(DTH) reactions to SRBC and antibody production to SRBC, a thymus-dependent antigen and PVP, a thymus-independent antigen. These results provide evidence that macrophages play an important role in susceptibility to Candida infection and strongly demonstrated that macrophages play an essential role in the induction of immune responses in mice.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.922-928
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• 2010

This study was carried out to develop safe and novel anticoagulation agents from oriental medicinal herbs. From 33 medicinal herbs, 40 different ethanol extracts were prepared according to place of origin or extraction parts, and anticoagulation activities were evaluated by determination of thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The average water content and average extraction ratio for the medicinal herbs were $6.85{\pm}2.26%$ and $5.27{\pm}4.25%$, respectively. Evaluation of TT at various concentrations of the extract led to the selection of Mucuna birdwoodiana, Prunus armeniaca, Cacalia ainsliaeiflora, Cinnamonum aromaticum, and Rhus javanica Linneas potent antithrombosis medicinal herbs. Evaluation of PT and aPTT showed that the extracts of R.javanica Linne, M. birdwoodiana, and P. armeniaca have strong anticoagulation activities. Determination of hemolytic activities of 40 different ethanol extracts against human red blood cells, however, showed that only M. birdwoodiana, C. ainsliaeiflora, C. aromaticum, and R. javanica Linnehas strong anticoagulation activity without hemolytic activity at a concentration of 500 mg/ml. Our results suggest that oriental medicinal herbs, which are under a mass-production system, have potentialas a safe and novel source of anticoagulants, as well being a thrombin-specific and coagulation factor-specific inhibitor.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.213-217
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• 2018

Tolaasin secreted by Pseudomonas tolaasii is a peptide toxin and causes brown blotch disease on the cultivated mushrooms by collapsing cellular and fruiting body structure. Toxicity of tolaasin was evaluated by measuring hemolytic activity because tolaasin molecules form membrane pores on the red blood cells and destroy cell membrane structure. In the previous studies, we found that tolaasin cytotoxicity was suppressed by $Zn^{2+}$ and $Ni^{2+}$. $Ni^{2+}$ inhibited the tolaasin-induced hemolysis in a dose-dependent manner and its $K_i$ value was 1.8 mM. The hemolytic activity was completely inhibited at the concentration higher than 10 mM. The inhibitory effect of $Zn^{2+}$ on tolaasin-induced hemolysis was increased in alkaline pH, while that of $Ni^{2+}$was not much dependent on pH. When the pH of buffer solution was increased from pH 7 to pH 9, the time for 50% hemolysis ($T_{50}$) was increased greatly by $100{\mu}M$ $Zn^{2+}$; however, it was slightly increased by 1 mM $Ni^{2+}$ at all pH values. When the synergistic effect of $Zn^{2+}$ and $Ni^{2+}$ on tolaasin-induced hemolysis was measured, it was not dependent on the pH of buffer solution. Molecular elucidation of the difference in pH-dependence of these two metal ions may contribute to understand the mechanism of tolaasin pore formation and cytotoxicity.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.174-181
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• 1991

These experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of glycyrrhizin(GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid(GA) on histamine synthesis, lymphocyte blastogenesis in C57BL/6J mice splenocytes, IL-1 production, $Ca^{2+}$ uptake by macrophage-like P388D$_{1}$ cells and plaque forming cell assay against SRBC. Histamine contents, lymphocyte blastogenesis, IL-1 activity, $Ca^{2+}$ uptake and plaque forming cell were determined by enzyme isotope method, [sup 3/H]-thymidine incorporation, C3H/HeJ mouse thymocytes proliferation, the addition of 5 $\mu$Ci/ml $^{45}$Ca$^{2+}$ to P388D$_{1}$, cell suspension and assay to sheep red blood cell, respectively. Cytotoxicity, which was expressed as 50% mortality, was occurred by the addition of GL(10$^{-3}$M) and GA(10$^{-4}$M). Histamine production in mouse spleen cell culture was significantly increased by the addition of 0.25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml of Con A, after 48 hour incubation. Con A dependent T-lymphocyte proliferation was also enhanced by the addition of 0.25 .mu.g/ml of Con A. The effects of GL on histamine contents and T-lymphocyte proliferation were significantly decreased at high dose (10$^{-5}$M), while IL-1 activity was remarkably suppressed by 10$^{-8}$~10$^{-4}$M of GL. $Ca^{2+}$ uptake was not changed, but antibody production was increased by GL(10 mg/kg). GA inhibited histamine contents at 10$^{-9}$~10$^{-7}$ and depressed Con A (0.25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) dependent T-lymphocyte proliferation at 10$^{-7}$~10$^{-5}$M of GA, but increased suboptimal dose (Con A 0.1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) at 10$^{-9}$~10$^{-7}$M of GA. IL-1 activity was suppressed by 10$^{-8}$~10$^{-4}$M of GA and $Ca^{2+}$ uptake was enhanced by 10$^{-9}$~10$^{-6}$ of GA, but antibody production was not changed by GA. From the above results, it is suggested that GL and GA have immuno-regulatory action. GL decreased cell-mediated immune response, and increased humoral immune response at high dose. On the other hand, low dose of GA enhanced cell-mediated immune response, while high doses of GA decreased humoral immune reaction.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-19
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• 2017

Objectives: The object of this study is to observe the possible ameliorating effects of Nokyongdaebo-tang (NYDBT) on the experimental subacute hemorrhagic anemia (SHA) in rats. Methods: In the present study, SHA in rats was induced by exsanguinations from orbital plexus, and ameliorating effects of NYDBT was observed based on the changes of body and hematopoietic organ (spleen, liver and femur) weights, red blood cell (RBC) related hematological values, smear cytology, histopathological changes and immunohistochemistrical analysis of hematopoietic stem cells in the femur bone marrow, liver and spleen. In addition, the gastrointestinal motility and the surface mucosa thicknesses of remnant fecal pellets in the colon lumen, mucosa thicknesses and the mucous producing cell numbers in the colonic mucosa were analyzed to observe the digestive disorders, especially on the constipation, the major discomfort problems in iron supplement. Results: SHA related abnormal anemic signs were markedly and dose-dependently inhibited by oral administration of NYDBT 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg in a condition of this experiment. In addition, no meaningful changes on the gastrointestinal motilities and mucous component on the colon and remnant feces were noticed in all three different dosages of NYDBT treated rats as compared with intact vehicle and SHA control rats in this study. Conclusions: It, therefore, is expected that NYDBT will be promising as a novel alternative hematopoietic and therapeutic agent for anemia.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.92-96
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• 2014

Dabigatran is the first oral direct thrombin inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Because dabigatran is excreted mainly by the kidneys, serum levels of dabigatran can be elevated to a supratherapeutic range in patients with renal failure, predisposing to emergent bleeding. We describe the case of a 66-year-old man taking dabigatran 150 mg twice daily for atrial fibrillation and cerebral infarction who presented with hematochezia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Laboratory evaluation showed a hemoglobin level of 6.3 g/dL, platelets of $138,000/mm^3$, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 10 s, and an international normalized ratio (INR) of 8.17. Colonoscopy showed a bleeding anal fissure. Hemostasis was provided by hemoclips and packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were transfused. Since then, there was no further hematochezia, however, bleeding including oral mucosal bleeding, hematuria, and intravenous site bleeding persisted. At presentation, his serum creatinine was 4.96 mg/dL (baseline creatinine, 0.9 mg/dL). Dabigatran toxicity secondary to acute kidney injury was presumed. Because acute kidney injury of unknown cause was progressing after admission, he was treated with hemodialysis. Fresh frozen plasma transfusion was provided with hemodialysis. At 15 days from admission, there was no further bleeding, and laboratory values, including hemoglobin, partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombin time were normalized. He was discharged without bleeding. After 2 months, he undergoes dialysis three times per week and no recurrence of bleeding has been observed.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.191-200
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• 2019

Alismatis rhizoma (AR), the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep, is a well-known, traditional medicine that is used for the various biological activities including as a diuretic, to lower cholesterol and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential toxicity of the Alismatis rhizoma aqueous extract (ARAE) following 90-day repeated oral administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. ARAE was administered orally to male and female rats for 90 days at 0 (control), 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day (n = 10 for male and female rats for each dose). Additional recovery groups from the control group and high dose group were observed for a 28-day recovery period. Chromatograms of ARAE detected main compounds with four peaks. Treatment-related effects including an increase in the red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and urine volume were observed in males of the 2,000 mg/kg/day group (p < 0.05). However, the diuretic effect of ARAE was considered, a major cause of hematological and serum biochemical changes. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the ARAE was > 2,000 mg/kg/day in both genders, and no target organs were identified.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects water extract of fermented new korean medicinal mixture, combinations of Mori Folium, Adenophorae Radix, Phllostachyos Folium and Citri Pericarpium (F-MAPC), on adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis and glucose uptake using undiffernentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myoblasts. Methods : Each herb and those mixture were respectively fermented and then extracted with water. We carried on MTT assay for check-up on cell toxicity, Oil Red O staining for determination of cell differentiation and intracelluar adipogenesis. Western blot analysis for measurement of pAMPK and pACC, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, $PPAR{\gamma}$ and Glut-4 protein expressions were performed. Results : F-MAPC showed significant inhibitory activity on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes without affecting cell toxicity as assessed by measuring fat accumulation, and this effect was 2 fold higher in 0.2 mg/ml F-MAPC than that of the same dose of each fermented herbal extract alone. In addition, these effects were associated with modulation of adipogenic transcription factors, such as $C/EBP{\alpha}$, $PPAR{\gamma}$, as well as stimulated phosphorylations of AMPK and ACC. Translocation of Glut-4 was significantly increased by 10.2% in L6 cells treated with 0.2 mg/ml F-MAPC compared with that of control. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that F-MAPC may be an ideal candidate for therapy of obesity and diabetes by disturbing the differentiation into adipocytes, as well as the inducement of intramuscular glucose uptake from blood.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.1 s.45
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• pp.11-24
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• 1994

The studies reported here were undertaken to investigate the effects of mercury chloride on immune system of Balb/c mouse employing a flexible tier of in vitro and in vivo assays. Mercury chloride inhibited the proliferative responses of spleen cells to lipopolysaccharide, pokeweed mitogen, and phytohemagglutinin as a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was observed not only when $HgCl_2$ was added 2nd or 3rd day of 3 days culture period but also when spleen cells was pretreated with $HgCl_2$ for 2 hours. Mercury chloride, however, potentiated the production of IgM and IgG from spleen cells. During the $HgCl_2$ administration by drinking for 3 weeks, the weight gain of mice was significantly blunted than that o control group mice, while no overt signs related to mercury toxicity were noted in any mice of experimental group. There was no change in thymus and spleen weights, and in histological findings of kidney, bone marrow of femur, thymus, spleen, and popliteal lymph node after 3 weeks of mercury exposure. However, $HgCl_2$ induced a significant increase of total serum IgM, IgG including $IgG_1,\;IgG_{2a}\;and\;IgG_{2b}$, and IgE in Balb/c mice. Treatment in vivo with anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody significantly abrogated the $HgCl_2$-induced increase in total serum IgG1 and IgE. Whereas $HgCl_2$ potentiated total serum IgM and IgG, there was no difference in total serum hemagglutinin to SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cell) between experimental and control group mice when these mice were immunized with SRBC. All these findings observed in Balb/c mice suggest that mercury perturbates well-orchestrated regulation of immune responses before developing histopathological changes in lymphoid tissues.