• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.162-168
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• 2024

The discovery of a novel substance capable of regulating or suppressing platelet aggregation holds significant promise for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Artemisinin, a compound derived from plants like Artemisia or Scopolia, has demonstrated potential across various fields, including anticancer and Alzheimer's disease research. However, its specific role and mechanisms in influencing platelet activation and thrombus formation remain incompletely understood. This study delves into elucidating how artemisinin affects platelet activation and thrombus formation. Results revealed a significant increase in cAMP production with varying doses of artemisinin, alongside notable phosphorylation of VASP and IP₃R-both substrates for cAMP-dependent kinase. This phosphorylation led to the inhibition of Ca²⁺ mobilization from the dense tubular system, consequently reducing platelet activity via αIIb/β₃ inactivation and suppressing fibrinogen binding. Furthermore, artemisinin exhibited inhibition of thrombin-induced thrombus formation. These findings suggest that artemisinin holds promise as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases, specifically targeting abnormal platelet activation and thrombus formation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.54-61
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• 2022

Ginseng has been widely studied due to its various therapeutic properties on various diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular disease has been canonically known to be caused by high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the bloodstream, in addition to the impaired vasodilatory effects of cholesterol. However, current research on CVD has revealed a cascade of mechanisms involving a series of events that contribute to the progression of CVD. Although this has been elucidated and summarized in previous studies the detailed correlation between platelet aggregation and innate immunity that plays an important role in CVD progression has not been thoroughly summarized. Furthermore, immune cell subtypes also contribute to the progression of plaque formation in the subendothelial layer. Thrombus formation and the coagulation cascade also have a vital role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Hence, in this mini review we aim to elucidate, summarize, and propose the potent therapeutic effect of ginseng on CVD, mainly on platelet aggregation, plaque formation, and thrombus formation.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2023

Discovery of new substance that can regulate platelet aggregation or suppress aggregation will aid in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Artesunate is a compound from plant roots of Artemisia or Scopolia, and its effects have shown to be promising in areas of anticancer and Alzheimer's disease. However, the role and mechanisms by which artesunate affects the aggregation of platelets, and the formation of a thrombus are currently not understood. This study examined the ways artesunate affects platelets activation and thrombus formation induced by collagen. As a result, cAMP and cGMP production were increased significantly by artesunate relative to the doses, as well as phosphorylated VASP and IP₃R, substrates to cAMP-dependent kinase and cGMP-dependent kinase, in a significant manner. The Ca²⁺ normally mobilized from the dense tubular system was inhibited due to IP₃R, phosphorylation from artesunate, and phosphorylated VASP aided in inhibiting platelet activity via αIIb/β₃ platelet membrane inactivation and inhibiting fibrinogen binding. Finally, artesunate inhibited thrombin-induced thrombus formation. Therefore, we suggest that artesunate has importance with cardiovascular diseases stemming from the abnormal platelets activation and thrombus formation by acting as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.213-217
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• 2017

A 1-year and 8-month-old male, thoroughbred horse showed fever ($39.8^{\circ}C$), cardiac murmur, tachycardia up to 80 beats/min, anorexia, depression and lameness for about 2 months. The dead horse was referred to pathology laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine in Jeju National University. At necropsy, Severe protruding multiple rough cauliflower-like yellowish red nodules ranged $5{\sim}6{\times}2{\sim}3cm$ in size were attached on the mitral valve of the left heart. A yellowish red long stick-shaped thrombus $15{\times}3.5{\times}1.5cm$ in size was also present inside the right ventricle. Multifocal infarcts were scattered in the myocardium and renal cortex. Histopathologic examination revealed that morphologic diagnosis were vegetative endocarditis, thrombus in right ventricle, infarcts in myocardium and kidney, pulmonary congestion and edema, and splenic congestion. The isolated bacteria from vegetative lesions and thrombus were confirmed as Escherichia (E.) coli based on the bacterial culture and VITEK 2 system. Based on the gross and histopathologic features, and bacterial test, this case was diagnosed as vegetative endocarditis with thrombus formation associated by E. coli in a thoroughbred horse.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.34-44
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• 2020

Objective : Despite widespread use of flow diverters (FDs) to treat aneurysms, the exact healing mechanism associated with FDs remains poorly understood. We aim to describe the healing process of aneurysms treated using FDs by demonstrating the histopathologic progression in a canine aneurysm model. Methods : Twenty-one side wall aneurysms were created in common carotid artery of eight dogs and treated with two different FDs. Angiographic follow-ups were done immediately after placement of the device, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. At last follow-up, the aneurysm and the device-implanted parent artery were harvested. Results : Histopathologic findings of aneurysms at 4 weeks follow-up showed intra-aneurysm thrombus formation in laminating fashion, and neointimal thickening at the mid-segment of aneurysm. However, there are inhomogenous findings in aneurysms treated with the same type of FD showing same angiographic outcomes. At 12 weeks, aneurysms of complete and near-complete occlusion revealed markedly shrunken aneurysm filled with organized connective tissues with thin neointima. Aneurysms of incomplete occlusion at 12 weeks showed small amount of organized thrombus around fringe neck and large empty space with thick neointmal formation. Neointimal thickness and diameter stenosis was not significantly different between the groups of FD specification and follow-up period. Conclusion : Intra-aneurysmal thrombus formation and organization seem to be an important factor for the complete occlusion of aneurysms treated using the FD. Neointimal formation could occur along the struts of the FD independently of intra-aneurysmal thrombus formation. However, neointimal formation could not solely lead to complete aneurysm healing.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.117-128
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• 2006

Free flap transplantation with microvascular anastomosis has been successfully performed by development of surgical technique, materials and postoperative monitoring equipments of flap. But success rate of microvascular anastomosis is influenced by various factors, and failure rate is about 5-10%. The most influential factor for success rate is surgical technique and other factors that influence failure of microvascular anastomosis are ischemic time of free flap, thrombus formation of anastomosis region and vascular spasm. Many studies has been published in microvascular anastomosis with histologic effect for irrigating solution. But local irrigation solution has been used clinically in microvascular anastomosis, the comparison with each solution, microhistological study for endothelial cell repair and vascular patency has not been reported. The heparin which is anti-thrombotic agent, and urokinase which is fibrinolytic agent are used for this study. Vascular patency and thrombus formation in experimental micro-arterial anastomosis, and endothelial repair were observed with histologic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopic examination. The results were obtained as follows: 1. In vascular patency test in 30 minute and 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, equal effects of good vascular patency were obtained in group of local irrigation with heparin and urokinase. 2. In thrombus formation in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, equal effects of minimal thrombus formation were obtained in group of local irrigation with heparin and urokinase. 3. In toluidin blue staining in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, local destruction of endothelial cell and inner elastic lamina were seen and endothelial repair was not seen. 4. In scanning electron microscope examination in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, endothelial cell was not seen in peripheral to suture materials, thrombus associated fibrin network was observed. 5. In transmission electron microscope examination in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, inflammatory cell was seen within smooth muscle cells in site of endothelial cell destruction, smooth muscle cell around suture material were arranged irregularly, some collagenous change were seen. From the results obtained in this study, same results of good vascular patency and anti-thrombotic effect of heparin and urokinase were obtained as a local irrigation solution, and repair of endothelial cell was not seen in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.214-220
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• 2019

Background Microvascular anastomosis patency is adversely affected by local and systemic factors. Impaired intimal recovery and endothelial mechanisms promoting thrombus formation at the anastomotic site are common etiological factors of reduced anastomosis patency. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin derivative belonging to the flavonoid subgroup and is present in green tea (Camellia sinensis). This study investigated the effects of EGCG on the structure of vessel tips used in microvascular anastomoses and evaluated its effects on thrombus formation at an anastomotic site. Methods Thirty-six adult male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The right femoral artery was cut and reanastomosed. The rats were divided into two groups (18 per group) and were systemically administered either EGCG or saline. Each group were then subdivided into three groups, each with six rats. Axial histological sections were taken from segments 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the microvascular anastomosis site on days 5, 10, and 14. Results Thrombus formation was significantly different between the EGCG and control groups on day 5 (P=0.015) but not on days 10 or 14. The mean luminal diameter was significantly greater in the EGCG group on days 5 (P=0.002), 10 (P=0.026), and 14 (P=0.002). Intimal thickening was significantly higher on days 5 (P=0.041) and 10 (P=0.02). Conclusions EGCG showed vasodilatory effects and led to reduced early thrombus formation after microvascular repair. Similar studies on venous anastomoses and random or axial pedunculated skin flaps would also contribute valuable findings relevant to this topic.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.478-480
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• 2017

A Cocker spaniel (7-year-old, female) was presented with one week of anorexia, halitosis, oral ulcer, intermittent vomiting, acute weight loss and 3-day history of oliguria. The patient was diagnosed with acute on chronic kidney disease and pancreatitis. Hemodialysis was continued three times a week (total 7 sessions) with improved clinical signs and kidney panel, but presented with another episode of abdominal distention, respiratory distress, and large bowel diarrhea. Echocardiography revealed nearly totally occlusive thrombus in the cranial vena cava, as well as a right atrial mass of approximately $2cm{\times}1cm$. The patient was treated with catheter removal, thrombolysis and anticoagulation therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. During anticoagulation therapy, size of atrial thrombus was not changed and heart function was not improved after treatment. Since clinical signs were deteriorated, the patient was euthanized by owner's request. Catheter-related giant thrombus in right atrium is a rare complication and treatment guideline for atrial thrombus does not exist. This case is first report of hemodialysis catheter-induced thrombus in Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.59-68
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• 2021

Arterial thrombosis and its associated diseases are considered to constitute a major healthcare problem. Arterial thrombosis, defined as blood clot formation in an artery that interrupts blood circulation, is associated with many cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is one of many important factors that aggravates the pathophysiological process of arterial thrombosis. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (Ref-1) has a multifunctional role in cells that includes the regulation of oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory function. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of adenovirus-mediated Ref-1 overexpression on arterial thrombosis induced by 60% FeCl3 solution in rats. Blood flow was measured to detect the time to occlusion, thrombus formation was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the expression of tissue factor and other proteins was detected by Western blot. FeCl3 aggravated thrombus formation in carotid arteries and reduced the time to artery occlusion. Ref-1 significantly delayed arterial obstruction via the inhibition of thrombus formation, especially by downregulating tissue factor expression through the Akt-GSK3β-NF-κB signaling pathway. Ref1 also reduced the expression of vascular inflammation markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and reduced the level of ROS that contributed to thrombus formation. The results showed that adenovirus-mediated Ref-1 overexpression reduced thrombus formation in the rat carotid artery. In summary, Ref-1 overexpression had anti-thrombotic effects in a carotid artery thrombosis model and could be a target for the treatment of arterial thrombosis.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1998 no.11
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• pp.227-228
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• 1998

Lumbrokinase, potent fibrinolytic enzyme purified from earthworm, was immobilized onto polyurethane valves using photoreaction, photoreactive polyallyl-amino as a photoreactive linker. For evaluation of blood compatibility, lumbrokinase immobilized polymer valves were assembled into the total artificial heart (TAH). This TAH was implanted to 60kg healthy lamb for 1-3 days with the cardiac output 5 L/min. In the control lamb, the valves were untreated, in ore other, only valves on the right were treated, and in the remaining animal, only those on the left. To facilitate the thrombus formation, low doses of heparin were administered. For evaluation of the immobilized lumbrokinase, thrombus formation, proteolytic and fibrinolytic activity was measured. This data shows that lumbrokinase-treated polyurethane valves lead to decreased thrombus formation in vivo, and that their biocompatibility is therefore higher than that of untreated valves.