• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1263-1269
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• 1998

The maintenance of adequate folate levels in the umbilical cord blood is esential for supplying tissue requirements of fetal growth. However, there is data on folate levels in the cord blood of Korean infant. The present investigation was undertaken to determine folate levels in cord blood and aassess relationships between folate levels and pregnancy outcomes. Dietary and supplementary folate intake was obtained from thirty subjects who were in the third trimester fo pregancy . The umbilical cord blood was drawn at delivery and pregnancy outcomes for the subjects were collected from their medical records. Erythrocyte and plasma folate levels in the cord blood were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups ; high folate (HF, $\geq$654ng/ml) and low folate (LF, <654ng/ml) groups according to erythrocyte folate levels in cord blood. Dietary folate intake and the amount of supplemental folates were not significantly different between the two experimental groups. However, infant birth weight (3540$\pm$295g) and placental weight(910$\pm$85g) for the HF group were significantly higher(p=0.0041 and p=0.109, respectively) than those for the LF group, which were 3127 $\pm$419g and 823$\pm$80g , respectively. Although it was not significant, the gestational weight gain for the HF group was 2.8kg higher than that for the LF group. Thus, the erythrocyte folate level in the cord blood was significantly related to infant birth weight and placental weight. These results confirm that a high erythrocyte folate level in the umbilical cord blood promotes both fetal and placental growth and improves gestational weight gain as well.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.4 s.20
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• pp.238-245
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• 2005

Purpose: Ghrelin, produced primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, has been reported to reflect nutritional status and to control homeostasis by influencing food intake and adiposity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate nutritional status, as well as plasma and gastric tissue ghrelin levels, in patients with gastric cancer who underwent a gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients were analyzed by the degree of weight loss $(weight\;loss{\geq}5%\;or\;<5%)$ and the extent of gastrectomy (subtotal or total gastrectomy). Blood samples were collected from all patients preoperatively and postoperatively especially at seven days. Gastric tissues, including tumor and normal tissues, were obtained from the resected stomach. levels of plasma and tissue ghrelin were measured with a commercial ELISA kit. Results: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and ghrelin levels of plasma, gastric tumor tissue and normal tissue by the degree of weight loss. The ghrelin levels in plasma and tumor tissue showed no correlations with each other while the ghrelin level in tumor tissue was significantly lower than that in normal tissue. The degree of cellular differentiation also had an association with ghrelin production. A gastrectomy proved to decrease significantly plasma ghrelin levels, body mass index, and biochemical markers, regardless of the extent of gastric resection. Conclusion: These results show that gastric cancer affects the production of ghrelin in the gastric mucosa and that ghrelin is mainly produced in stomach even though it could be partially covered by endogenous ghrelin from other organs following a gastrectomy. However, we should further investigate which other factors have an impact on energy consumption, ghrelin secretion, and changes in ghrelin levels after a gastrectomy.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.183-198
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• 1998

This study was designed to investigate the peri-implant tissue reaction in ovariectomized osteoporotic female rats, and to evaluate effects of estrogen, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone on the bone - implant interface in osteoporotic rats. 120 Sprague - Dawley rats were used in this experiments. Osteoporosis was induced by bilateral ovariectomy. They were divided 5 groups : sham-operated control group(Sham), ovariectomized group (OVX), OVX and estrogen treated group (OVX+E), OVX and PTH treated group (OVX+PTH), and OVX and calcitonin treated group (OVX+CT). Eight weeks after ovariectomy, two titanium screw implants were inserted into the left tibia of each rat. Eight weeks after the insertion of the implants, the periotest values (PTV) of implant were examined, and the rats were sacrificed, and examined the reaction of bone tissue surrounding the implant both histologically and histomorphometrically. The bone density and ash weight of opposite right tibia were examined. Over 40 rats were fractured on left tibia that was implant inserted. On histologically finding, all groups were osseointegrated well, especially in OVX+PTH group. In OVX group, tibial cortical bone showed many large harversian canal and microfracture lines. The OVX+PTH group showed the lowest mean PTV (-2.33) (p<0.05), and the hightest mean bone - implant contact percentage (89%) (p>0.05). But the OVX+CT group showed the highest mean bone density ($5.45mg/cm^3$) and ash weight (56.12%) (p<0.05). The results indicate that PTH treatment enhances osseointegration of implant in OVX rats, and CT treatment depresses bone turnover and prevent the development of osteopenia in OVX rats.

• CELLMED
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.25.1-25.8
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• 2013

Homoeopathically prepared Condurango 30C is traditionally used in amelioration of certain types of cancer by homeopathic practitioners. In this study, ability of Condurango 30C in amelioration of the conventional benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced lung cancer in rat has been tested. After one month of scheduled oral feeding of BaP, lung cancer is routinely developed after four months in rats. Tumorbearing rats were then treated with Condurango 30C for the next one ($5^{th}$), two ($6^{th}$) and three ($7^{th}$) months, respectively, and sacrificed. Efficacy of post-cancer treatment by Condurango 30C was evaluated against controls (placebo) by different study parameters like: body and lung weights, number and diameter of lung tumour nodules, lung architecture, DNA damage, anti-oxidant activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Administration of this homeopathic remedy caused increase of body weight and decrease of lung weight, decrease in number and diameter of lung tumour nodules, particularly after one and two months of drug treatment. BaP intoxication significantly increased lipid peroxidase (LPO) with concomitant decrease in activities of different antioxidants, while Condurango 30C administration certainly reduce their levels than normal and cancerous groups, notably after one and two months' of drug treatment. Condurango 30C showed capability to induce ROS-mediated cell death evidenced from the study of ROS activities at different time-points. Further, the remedy possibly achieved its anticancer goal through mediation of DNA-nicks that possibly led cancer cells to the apoptotic pathway. Thus, Condurango 30C has anticancer potential in BaP-induced lung cancer of rats via tissue damage recovery and ROS-mediated programmed cell death.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.198-205
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The anti-diabetic activity of pear through inhibition of ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ has been demonstrated. However, little has been reported about the effect of pear on insulin signaling pathway in obesity. The aims of this study are to establish pear pomace 50% ethanol extract (PPE)-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity and characterize its action mechanism in 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Lipid accumulation, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion and glucose uptake were measure in 3T3-L1 cells. Mice were fed HFD (60% kcal from fat) and orally ingested PPE once daily for 8 weeks and body weight, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum lipids were measured. The expression of proteins involved in insulin signaling pathway was evaluated by western blot assay in 3T3-L1 cells and adipose tissue of mice. RESULTS: In 3T3-L1 cells, without affecting cell viability and lipid accumulation, PPE inhibited MCP-1 secretion, improved glucose uptake, and increased protein expression of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 [p-IRS-1, ($Tyr^{632})$)], p-Akt, and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). Additionally, in HFD-fed mice, PPE reduced body weight, HOMA-IR, and serum lipids including triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, in adipose tissue, PPE up-regulated GLUT4 expression and expression ratio of p-IRS-1 ($Tyr^{632})/IRS$, whereas, down-regulated p-IRS-1 ($Ser^{307})/IRS$. CONCLUSIONS: Our results collectively show that PPE improves glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells and insulin sensitivity in mice fed a HFD through stimulation of the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, PPE-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity was not accompanied with lipid accumulation.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.1 no.1 s.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 1965

There are several methods used for screening and evaluating anti -inflammatory agents. Among these, 'Granuloma pouch' technic introduced by Hans Selye is considered as a simple and reliable method. The procedure of 'Granuloma pouch' technic is as follows: Rats were used as experimental animals. An air pocket was produced in the subcutaneous tissue of the mid-dorsal portion between the shoulders by the injection of 25ml of the air which was immediately followed by injection of 1 ml of 1% croton oil as irritant. Inflammatory exudate accumulated in the pouch during the succeeding 14 days. After sacrificing the rats on the last day of the experiment, the amount of the exudate in the pouch and the weight of the granuloma tissue was measured. The author observed and compared the anti-inflammatory activities of the several steroid compounds when they are given by different methods. 1. In the control rats, the amount of inflammatory fluid and the weight of the granuloma tissue after 14 days were 9ml and 3gm respectively. 2. Injection of hydrocortisone 1.5mg subcutanenusly, 24 hours prior to pouch formation into the area where the pouch is to be formed, successfully prevented the inflammatory processes. 3. Injection of hydrocortisone 1.5mg in the air pocket formed 24 hours prior to croton oil injection was ineffective. 4. Injection of hydrocortisone into the pouch at a distance of 5mm apart from the pouch formation did not prevent the development of inflammation. 5. Anti-inflammatory activities of hydrocortisone administered systematically(injected intramuscularly into the area which is not related to the area of pouch formation) for 10 days were proportional to the doses of hydrocortisone administered. 6. DOCA, testosterone, and progesterone did not show the anti-inflammatory activity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.211-214
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• 2004

This study was carried out to find out the optimum hardening condition for ginseng plantlets redifferentiated by tissue culture method. While a lot of root hair were observed on the root of seedling grown on the soil, few root hair were observed on the root of plantlet redifferentiated in vitro. On the medium solidified with $0.1{\%}$ phytagel, root hair was not observed and root weight, root width and laternal root development were also very poor. While raising the phytagel concentration on the media, root hair began to increase and root weight, root width and latemal root development were improved. Vascular tissue of plantlet grown on the medium with $0.1{\%}$ phytagel was very poor, but that of plantlet grown on the medium with $0.8{\%}$ phytagel was very good.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.63-68
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• 2012

It has been documented that SPA0355 exerts antiinflammatory effects via the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation. In present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of SPA0355 on periodontitis in an animal model. Periodontitis was induced by ligation of the cervix of the 1st molar in the left mandible in rats. After ligature, the rats were randomly divided into four groups and topically applied with SPA0355 (0.5, 1, and 2%) or the vehicle alone once daily for 10 days. Body weight and food intake were measured daily throughout the experimental period. At day 10 post-ligature, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and distance of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) in the distal area of ligatured tooth were estimated histopathologically. No changes in body weight or food intake were found between the control and SPA0355 groups. The degree of inflammation was decreased in all three SPA0355 application groups. A decrease CEJ-ABC distance was observed in the 0.5% and 1% SPA0355 groups. These results indicate that SPA0355 inhibits the infiltration of inflammatory cells and alveolar bone resorption and suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent for periodontitis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.5071-5074
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• 2016

Background: Azoxymethane (AOM) is a well-known colon cancer-inducing agent in experimental animals via mechanisms that include oxidative stress in rat colon and liver tissue. Few studies have investigated AOM-induced oxidative stress in rat liver tissue. Red seaweeds of the genera Hypnea Bryodies and Melanothamnus Somalensis are rich in polyphenolic compounds that may suppress cancer through antioxidant properties, yet limited research has been carried out to investigate their anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant influence against AOM-induced oxidative stress in rat liver. Objective: This study aims to determine protective effects of red seaweed (Hypnea Bryodies and Melanothamnus Somalensis) extracts against AOM-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of AOM, 15 mg/kg body weight, once a week for two consecutive weeks and then orally administered red seaweed (100 mg/kg body-weight) extracts for sixteen weeks. At the end of the experiment all animals were overnight fasted then sacrificed and blood and liver tissues were collected. Results: AOM treatment significantly decreased serum liver markers and induced hepatic oxidative stress as evidenced by increased liver tissue homogenate levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, decreased total antioxidant capacity and glutathione, and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase). Both red seaweed extracts abolished the AOM-associated oxidative stress and protected against liver injury as evidenced by increased serum levels of liver function markers. In addition, histological findings confirmed protective effects of the two red seaweed extracts against AOM-induced liver injury. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that red seaweed (Hypnea Bryodies and Melanothamnus Somalensis) extracts counteracted oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model of colon cancer.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.254-260
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• 2007

Alstonia scholaris (Family: Apocynaceae) has been indicated for the treatment of various diseases, one among which is wound healing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the wound healing effect and antioxidant role of Alstonia scholaris leaves in animal models. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of Alstonia scholaris (EEAS, AEAS respectively) were tested against excision, incision and dead space wound models to evaluate the wound healing activity. In excision wound model, treatment was continued till the complete healing of wound, in incision and dead space wound models, the treatment was continued for 10 days. For topical application, 5% w/w ointment of EEAS and AEAS were prepared in 2% sodium alginate. For oral administration, EEAS was suspended in distilled water using Tween 80 and AEAS was dissolved in distilled water. The wound healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialisation, skin breaking strength, granulation strength, dry granulation tissue weight, hydroxyproline, collagen and histopathology of granulation tissue. Malondialdehyde level was also estimated to evaluate the extent of lipid peroxidation. AEAS and EEAS significantly promoted wound healing activity in all the wound models studied. Increase in the rate of wound contraction, skin breaking strength, granulation strength, dry granulation tissue weight, hydroxyproline and collagen, decrease in the period for epithelialisation and increased collagenation in histopathological section were observed with EEAS and AEAS treated groups. EEAS and AEAS also significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation. The present study is suggestive that EEAS and AEAS promote wound healing activity.