• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.121-130
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• 2019

Glutamate toxicity-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal cell death are involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases as well as acute brain ischemia/stroke. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of dieckol (DEK), one of the phlorotannins isolated from the marine brown alga Ecklonia cava, against glutamate toxicity. Primary cortical neurons ($100{\mu}M$, 24 h) and HT22 neurons (5 mM, 12 h) were stimulated with glutamate to induce glutamate toxic condition. The results demonstrated that DEK treatment significantly increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner ($1-50{\mu}M$) and recovered morphological deterioration in glutamate-stimulated neurons. In addition, DEK strongly attenuated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial overload of $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}_m$) disruption, adenine triphosphate depletion. DEK showed free radical scavenging activity in the cell-free system. Furthermore, DEK enhanced protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an important anti-oxidant enzyme, via the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2). Taken together, we conclude that DEK exerts neuroprotective activities against glutamate toxicity through its direct free radical scavenging property and the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway activation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.41-47
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• 2022

Objectives : Terminalia chebula (TC) has been used as a traditional remedy to treat gastrointestinal infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, its protective effects and mechanisms against skin inflammation have not been well-elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of the TC water extract and also to suggest a putative mechanism of TC against skin injury on human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. Methods : HaCaT cells were pre-treated with TC for 1 h and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (10 ng/mL each) to induce skin inflammation and injury. After 24 h, the cells were harvested to evaluate the expression of Th2 chemokines, such as C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5, also known as RANTES), C-C chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17, also known as TARC) and C-C chemokine ligand 22 (CCL22, also known as MDC). To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of TC, we also assessed the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathways in HaCaT cells. Results : Treatment of TC decreased the mRNA levels of RANTES, TARC and MDC with a concentration dependent manner against co-stimulation of TNF-α and IFN-γ. In addition, TC significantly reduced TNF-α and IFN-γ induced phosphorylation of STAT1. Conclusions : In summary, we propose that TC may be a promising candidate for anti-inflammatory skin protector through the inhibition of chemokines via STAT1 deactivation.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.400-408
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare EMG activity during horticulture motion and upper limb rehabilitation motion, to confirm whether horticulture motion is suitable for upper extremity rehabilitation of hemiparesis. Design: Three-group cross-sectional design. Methods: The 45 subjects were divided into three groups: hemiparesis (n=15), elderly (n=15) and healthy (n=15). We have recorded EMG signals of six upper limb muscles Upper trapezius (UT), Middle deltoid (MD), Anterior deltoid (AD), Biceps brachii (BB), Triceps brachii (TB), Brachioradialis (BR) during horticultural motions and three upper limb rehabilitative motions. The dependent variables were peak EMG, integral EMG, co-contraction ratio. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the horticultural motion and rehabilitation motion of the three groups. Results: The peak EMG was significantly different in MD, AD, BB, TB according to the motion(p<0.05), and the UT, BB were significant differences according to the group(p<0.05). The integral EMG was significantly different in MD, AD, BB, TB, BR according to the motion(p<0.05), and the BB were significant differences according to the group(p<0.05). The co-contraction ratio was significantly different in TB/BB according of the motion, and there was no difference between the groups. Conclusions: As a result of this study, horticultural motion alone was insufficient for upper arm rehabilitation, and horticultural motion alone was insufficient to induce continuous activity of the forearm.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.221-226
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• 2023

Proper activation and aggregation of platelets are necessary, but excessive or abnormal aggregation can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, identifying a substance that can regulate or inhibit platelet aggregation is important for preventing and treating these diseases. Several studies have shown that certain ginsenoside compounds in Panax ginseng can inhibit platelet aggregation. Among these compounds, Rk3 (G-Rk3) from Panax ginseng needs to be further explored in order to reveal the mechanisms of action during inhibition. G-Rk3 significantly increased amounts of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and led to significant phosphorylation of cAMP-dependent kinase substrates vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. Furthermore, the effect of G-Rk3 extended to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt phosphorylation resulting in the reduced secretion of intracellular granules. Ultimately, G-Rk3 effectively inhibited platelet aggregation. Therefore, we suggest G-Rk3's potential as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases caused by faulty platelet aggregation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.1580-1591
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• 2024

Menopause is induced by spontaneous ovarian failure and leads to life quality deterioration with various irritating symptoms. Hormonal treatment can alleviate these symptoms, but long-term treatment is closely associated with breast and uterine cancer, and stroke. Therefore, developing alternative therapies with novel anti-menopausal substances and improved safety is needed. In our study, heat-killed Bifidobacterium breve HDB7040 significantly promoted MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner under estrogen-free conditions, similar to 17β-estradiol. This strain also triggered ESR2 expression, but not ESR1, in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, administrating HDB7040 to ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats reduced estrogen deficiency-induced weight gain, fat mass, blood triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels. It also recovered collapsed trabecular microstructure by improving trabecular morphometric parameters (bone mineral density, bone volume per tissue volume, trabecular number, and trabecular separation) and decreasing blood alkaline phosphatase levels with no significant changes in uterine size and blood estradiol. HDB7040 also significantly regulated the expression of Tff1, Pgr, and Esr2, but not Esr1 in uteri of OVX rats. Heat-killed B. breve HDB7040 exerts an anti-menopausal effect via the specific regulation of ERβ in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential as a novel substance for improving and treating menopausal syndrome.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.223-228
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• 1990

The contribution of endogenous transport systems to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport of basic and acidic drugs was studied by using a carotid injection technique in rats and an isolated bovine cerebrovascular disease state were compared between the normotensive rats (WKY) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) which have been well established as an animal model with pathogenic similarities to humans. Basic drugs such as eperisone, thiamine and scopolamine inhibited, in a concentration dependent manner the in vivo uptake of $[{^3}H]choline$ through BBB, whereas amino acids and acidic drugs such as salicylic acid and valproic acid did not inhibit the uptake. The uptake of $[^3H]choline$ by B-CAP increased with time and showed a remarkable temperature dependency. The uptake of $[^3H]choline$ by B-CAP showed the very similar inhibitory effects as observed in the in vivo brain uptake, and was competitively inhibited by a basic drug, eperisone. The in vivo BBB uptakes of $[^3H]acetic$ acid and $[^{14}C]salicylic$ acid were dependent on pH of the injectate and the concentration of drugs. Several acidic drugs such such as salicylic acid, benzoic acid and valproic acid inhibited the in vivo uptake of $[^3H]acetic$ acid, whereas amino acid, choline and a basic drug such as eperisone did not inhibit the uptake. The uptake of acetic acid by B-CAP was competitively inhibited by salicylic acid. The permeability surface area product (PS) through BBB for $[^3H]choline$ in SHRSP was significantly lower than that in WKY. The concentration of choline in the brain dialysate in SHRSP was about half of that in WKY, while no significant difference was observed in the plasma concentration of choline between SHRSP and WKY. No significant difference was observed in the transport of monocarboxylic acids, glucose and neutral amino acid through BBB between SHRSP and WKY. From these results, it was concluded that BBB transport system of choline contributes to the transport of basic drugs through BBB, that acidic drugs can be transported via a moncarboxylic acid BBB transport system and that the specific dysfuntion of the BBB choline transport in SHRSP was ascribed to the reduction of the maximum velocity of choline concentration in the brain interstitial fluids.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.791-798
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• 2021

Objective : The period of mechanical ventilator (MV)-dependent respiratory failure after cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) varies from patient to patient. This study aimed to identify predictors of MV at hospital discharge (MVDC) due to prolonged respiratory failure among patients with MV after CSCI. Methods : Two hundred forty-three patients with CSCI were admitted to our institution between May 2006 and April 2018. Their medical records and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Level and completeness of injury were defined according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) standards. Respiratory failure was defined as the requirement for definitive airway and assistance of MV. We also evaluated magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the cervical spine. These characteristics included : maximum canal compromise (MCC); intramedullary hematoma or cord transection; and integrity of the disco-ligamentous complex for assessment of the Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification (SLIC) scoring. The inclusion criteria were patients with CSCI who underwent decompression surgery within 48 hours after trauma with respiratory failure during hospital stay. Patients with Glasgow coma scale 12 or lower, major fatal trauma of vital organs, or stroke caused by vertebral artery injury were excluded from the study. Results : Out of 243 patients with CSCI, 30 required MV during their hospital stay, and 27 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 48.1% (13/27) of patients had MVDC with greater than 30 days MV or death caused by aspiration pneumonia. In total, 51.9% (14/27) of patients could be weaned from MV during 30 days or less of hospital stay (MV days : MVDC 38.23±20.79 vs. MV weaning, 13.57±8.40; p<0.001). Vital signs at hospital arrival, smoking, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Associated injury with Injury Severity Score, SLIC score, and length of cord edema did not differ between the MVDC and MV weaning groups. The ASIA impairment scale, level of injury within C3 to C6, and MCC significantly affected MVDC. The MCC significantly correlated with MVDC, and the optimal cutoff value was 51.40%, with 76.9% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MCC >51.4% was a significant risk factor for MVDC (odds ratio, 7.574; p=0.039). Conclusion : As a method of predicting which patients would be able to undergo weaning from MV early, the MCC is a valid factor. If the MCC exceeds 51.4%, prognosis of respiratory function becomes poor and the probability of MVDC is increased.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.69-75
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• 2010

Objectives : The root and rhizome of "Gangwhal" have been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of cold, fever, headache, swelling, arthritis, rhinitis, and cardiovascular diseases in Korea and china. In china, Gangwhal is well known as a useful oriental medicinal plant that treats cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, headache and hypertension, but little research exists about the effect of O. koreanum on cardiovascular disease. Therefore we investigated the vasorelaxant effects of O. koreanum and compared the vasorelaxant effects of four species of Gangwhal. Methods : The vasorelaxant effects of the ethanol extracts of Ostericum koreanum (NK and BK), Notopterygium incisium (NI), and N. forbesii (NF) on phenyleprine ($1{\mu}M$) or KCl (60mM) pre-contracted rat thoracic aorta rings were compared. The vasorelaxant effects of the water extract and ethanol extract of NK on phenyleprine ($1{\mu}M$) or KCl (60mM) pre-contracted rat thoracic aorta rings were compared. And the vasorelaxant effects of chloroform, ethylacetate and water fraction of ethanol extract of NK on phenyleprine ($1{\mu}M$) or KCl (60mM) pre-contracted rat thoracic aorta rings were compared. Results : Ethanol extracts of NK, BK, NI and NF relaxed rat thoracic aorta rings with a concentration-dependent manner, and NK showed the greatest vasorelaxant effect. And ethanol extract of NK was much more effective than water extract of NK. Finally, chloroform, ethylacetate and water fraction of ethanol extract of NK also relaxed rat thoracic aorta rings, and chloroform fraction showed the greatest vasorelaxant effect.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.183-202
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• 1996

This study was designed out to develop a home health care service for nurses working in community care services. This study investigates actual conditions at welfare institutions related to health needs the demands of clients, and the state of home health care services we hope that this study will improve upon the current service system. In Korea home health care services are still developing and only new becoming a part of the health care supply system. The data was collected by recording the client home nursing assessments modified to the situation of UTMB home health agency. In this study 107 clients were selected for home care who needed care for physical and mental deficits. The study lasted from March to November of 1995 at one of the welfare service institutions in Chunchon city. The results show that those who most frequently needed care services were over 50 years old with a health deficit of 80.3%, followed by sex as women who needed care at 59.8%. 50.5% of the clients had very little education. 99.1% of the clients live with their family, and a medical diagnostic analysis reveals that 73.9% of the 5 year period of illnesses were the following : 38.8% - muscular -skeleton system disorder, 24.4% - hypertension and stroke, 25.7% sole disease of arthritis. For behavioral conditions 43.3% of the patients were without care services, 56.6% of the patients were taking treatment that 73.5% of those were taking medication. The most main complaint of patients were 22.4% of pain in the extremities, next were 16.8% of a limitation of body activities, 15.0% was lumbo-sacralgia. According to the investigator who was a senior student nurse, the following suggestions were made: 32.7% for curative medical services, 29.9% for physical exercise, 19.6% for emotional support. Consultation nursing services consisted of 67.2% for physical therapy, 11.2% for the maintaining healing, 9.4% for counseling. The patients at home, required assistance most frequently for muscular-skeleton problems under the category of physical systems (33.3%). But, on the other hand, 49.5% of the patients required care givers at home, 28.2% had a knowledge deficit, 21.0% had malnutrition, 18.4% had bad impaired communication. The character of health problems were devided into chronic disease(67.0%), accidents(I3.1%), and general disease(15.9%). 86% of the disabled client had an impairment of the physical system. Eating (86.9%) , Toileting(77.6%), and personal care showed much the same of ADL condition, the level and range of achievement of mobility, the most frequently self performed was 81.3% only in a room size area, and 40.2% were completely dependent when going out. Although there were a large number of home care services in th community at these welfare institutions, many clients needed a variety of curative services. As policy changes have gathered momentum, responsibility for the development of a more suitable program was demanded by the clients from the community.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2005

It is not clear whether $Ca^{2+}-induced$ $Ca^{2+}$ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is involved in the regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release. Previously, we have shown that nifedipine increased ANP release, indicating that $Ca^{2+}$ entry via voltage-gated L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel activation decreases ANP release. The purpose of the present study was two-fold: to define the role of SR $Ca^{2+}$ release in the regulation of ANP release and whether $Ca^{2+}$ entry via L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel is prerequisite for the SR-related effect on ANP release. Experiments were performed in perfused beating rabbit atria. Ryanodine, an inhibitor of SR $Ca^{2+}$ release, increased atrial myocytic ANP release ($8.69{\pm}3.05$, $19.55{\pm}1.09$, $27.31{\pm}3.51$, and $18.91{\pm}4.76$% for 1, 2, 3, and $6{\mu}M$ ryanodine, respectively; all P<0.01) with concomitant decrease in atrial stroke volume and pulse pressure in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of thapsigargin, an inhibitor of SR $Ca^{2+}$ pump, ryanodine-induced increase in ANP release was not observed. Thapsigargin attenuated ryanodine-induced decrease in atrial dynamic changes. Blockade of L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel with nifedipine abolished ryanodine-induced increase in ANP release ($0.69{\pm}5.58$% vs. $27.31{\pm}3.51$%; P＜0.001). In the presence of thapsigargin and ryanodine, nifedipine increased ANP release and decreased atrial dynamics. These data suggest that $Ca^{2+}$-induced $Ca^{2+}$ release from the SR is inversely involved in the regulation of atrial myocytic ANP release.