• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.326-339
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• 2019

Objectives: Minamata disease was an environmental health disaster of worldwide notoriety that occurred in Japan. The acknowledged patients total roughly 3,000, and the relieved victims currently include 77,099 cases. Still, many cases await acknowledgment or relief. The humidifier disinfectant issue is an environmental health catastrophe that took place in Korea. Over 9.98 million products spanning 43 brands of humidifier disinfectant have been sold and 835, cases have been recognized to date as relevant victims by the government. So far, 2,144 cases have been relieved by the fund of the producing companies. Four million consumers and 560,000 victims are estimated. Finding hints as to how to develop solutions in terms of fact-finding and prevention are the objectives of this study. Methods: Fields visits, interviews, and workshops as well as reference reviews have been conducted. A comparison was attempted to show the similarities and differences between the two disasters on 38 items. Results: Apparent similarities in the two disasters are the failure of industrial safety measures and governmental safety systems as well as relief systems for the victims. No comprehensive investigation was performed for all of the affected areas in Japan and all of the consumers in Korea. Both governments have tried to hide the faults and responsibilities of the companies and minimize the scale of the victims. Only after the government was changed through a general election did the new governments apologize and attempt to find political and social solutions through special relief laws. Conclusions: Over the process of each event, in the beginning, debates took place regarding the cause and the heath damages involved. For both, medical and toxicological relations are the keys while afterward finding a social solution became the subsequent issue.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.562-571
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenosides have been widely used clinically for many years and were regarded as very safe. However, a few researches on the toxicities of these kinds of agents showed that some ginsenosides may have side-effect on the rats or dogs. So it is extremely necessary to further clarify the potential toxicity of ginsenosides. This study was carried out to investigate long-term toxicity and genotoxicity of 25-methoxydammarane-3, 12, 20-triol ($25-OCH_3-PPD$), a new derivative of ginsenoside, in beagle dogs. Methods: Twenty-four beagle dogs were divided randomly into four treatment groups and repeatedly orally administered with $25-OCH_3-PPD$ capsule at 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg/day for 91 consecutive days. Ames, micronucleus, and chromosomal aberration tests were established to analyze the possible genotoxicity of $25-OCH_3-PPD$. Results: There was no $25-OCH_3-PPD$einduced systemic toxicity in beagle dogs at any doses. The level of $25-OCH_3-PPD$ at which no adverse effects were observed was found to be 240 mg/kg/day. The result of Ames test showed that there was no significant increase in the number of revertant colonies of $25-OCH_3-PPD$ administrated groups compared to the vehicle control group. There were also no significant differences between $25-OCH_3-PPD$ administrated groups at all dose levels and negative group in the micronucleus test and chromosomal aberration assay. Conclusion: The highest dose level of $25-OCH_3-PPD$ at which no adverse effects were observed was found to be 240 mg/kg per day, and it is not a genotoxic agent either in somatic cells or germs cells. $25-OCH_3-PPD$ is an extremely safe candidate compound for antitumor treatment.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.395-402
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• 2019

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) accumulation is a constitutional disorder resulting from metabolic syndrome. Although surgical and non-surgical methods for reducing SAT exist, patients remain non-compliant because of potential adverse effects and cost. In this study, we developed a new minimally-invasive approach to achieve SAT reduction, using a microneedle (MN) patch prepared from gelatin, which is capable of regulating fat metabolism. Four gelatin types were used: three derived from fish (SA-FG, GT-FG 220, and GT-FG 250), and one from swine (SM-PG 280). We applied gelatin-based MN patches five times over 4 weeks to rats with high-fat diet (HD)-induced obesity, and determined the resulting amount of SAT. We also investigated the histological features and determined the expression levels of fat metabolism-associated genes in SAT using hematoxylin and eosin staining and western blotting, respectively. SAT decreased following treatment with all four gelatin MN patches. Smaller adipocytes were observed in the regions treated with SA-FG, GT-FG 250, and SM-PG 280 MNs, demonstrating a decline in fat accumulation. The expression levels of fat metabolism-associated genes in the MN-treated SAT revealed that GT-FG 220 regulates fatty acid synthase (FASN) protein levels. These findings suggest that gelatin MN patches aid in decreasing the quantity of unwanted SAT by altering lipid metabolism and fat deposition.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.140-146
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• 2019

Objectives: Venomous fishes have different pharmacological effects and are useful. Among the venomous fish, stonefishes; especially Pseudosynanceia melanostigma has various pharmacological effects on the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular system of humans. In this study, toxicological characteristics, some blood effects, pharmacological and enzymatic properties of Pseudosynanceia melanostigma venom was investigated. Methods: Crude venom purified by using gel filtration chromatography and the molecular weights of the venom and its fractions were estimated. The approximate LD values of this venom were determinedand the effects of LD50 dose on the blood of rabbits were studied. Hemolytic and Hemorrhagic activity of the venom sample was determined. In this case coagulation tests were performed. Results: The LD50 of the Pseudosynanceia melanostigma crude venom was also determined to be $194.54{\mu}g/mouse$. The effect of two doses of LD50 showed a non-significant differences decrease in RBCs and MCV. In other cases, the results showed significant differences in WBC, Plt, Hb, MCH, MCHC and HCT; also it's showed a significant decrease. WBC count showed a significant increase with two doses of LD50 groups. The prothrombin time and partial prothrombin time were increased after venom treatment. As well as bleeding and clotting time were increased. According to the results, a minimum dose for Haemorrhagic effect $40{\mu}g$ was obtained. Conclusion: Venom of Pseudosynanceia melanostigma has inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation that can be used to design and develop of anticoagulant drugs.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.114-121
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• 2019

Background: The photolithography process in the semiconductor industry uses various chemicals with little information on their constitution. This study aimed to identify the chemical constituents of photoresist (PR) products and their by-products and to compare these constituents with material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and analytical results. Methods: A total of 51 PRs with 48 MSDSs were collected. Analysis consisted of two parts: First, the constituents of the chemical products were identified and analyzed using MSDS data; second, for verification of the by-products of PR, volatile organic compounds were analyzed. The chemical constituents were categorized according to hazards. Results: Forty-five of 48 products contained trade secrets in amounts ranging from 1 to 65%. A total of 238 ingredients with multiple counting (35 ingredients without multiple counting) were identified in the MSDS data, and 48.7% of ingredients were labeled as trade secrets under the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Act. The concordance rate between the MSDS data and the analytical result was 41.7%. The by-product analysis identified 129 chemicals classified according to Chemical Abstracts Service No., with 17 chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances. Formaldehyde was found to be released from 12 of 21 products that use novolak resin. Conclusion: We confirmed that several PRs contain carcinogens, and some were not specified in the toxicological information in the MSDS. Hazardous chemicals, including benzene and formaldehyde, are released from PRs products as by-products. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a systematic management system for chemical compounds and the working environment.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2021

Objectives: Phthalates, which are widely used as plasticizers, have been recognized as endocrine disruptors. In the present study, we provided information on the regulation of these chemicals and summarized the information available on their detection and toxicity in children's products and those of their alternatives. Methods: The regulatory frameworks related to phthalates in children's products in Korea, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) were compared. Data on the detection concentration of 16 phthalates and seven phthalate alternatives that could be used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products for children as well as on their toxicity classification and endocrine disruption toxicity were collected from the literature. Results: Korea adopted US and EU chemical standards for six phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP), but not others (e.g., DIBP, DPP, DHP, and DCHP). Among the ten phthalates and seven substitutes for which regulatory standards were not determined, DIBP, DHP, DEHA, DIBA, DINA, and DEHT were detected in children's products made from PVC plastic. DIBP and DHP, which have a reproductive toxicity classification of 1B, were frequently detected in PVC toys. The reproductive toxicity, estrogenicity, and anti-androgenic activity of the unregulated phthalates and their alternatives have been reported in diverse in vitro and in vivo assays. Conclusion: The use of unregulated phthalates and their substitutes in children's products is increasing. Further monitoring and toxicological information on phthalate alternatives is required to develop proper management plans.

• Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.230-239
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• 2018

Objective The suicide rate in South Korea is very high and is expected to increase in coming years. Intoxication is the most common suicide attempt method as well as one of the common reason for presenting to an emergency medical center. We used decision tree modeling analysis to identify predictors of risk for suicide by intentional intoxication. Methods A single-center, retrospective study was conducted at our hospital using a 4-year registry of the institute from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016. Demographic factors, such as sex, age, intentionality, therapeutic adherence, alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical disease, cancer, psychiatric disease, and toxicological factors, such as type of intoxicant and poisoning severity score were collected. Candidate risk factors based on the decision tree were used to select variables for multiple logistic regression analysis. Results In total, 4,023 patients with intoxication were enrolled as study participants, with 2,247 (55.9%) identified as cases of intentional intoxication. Reported annual percentages of intentional intoxication among patients were 628/937 (67.0%), 608/1,082 (56.2%), 536/1,017 (52.7), 475/987 (48.1%) from 2013 to 2016. Significant predictors identified based on decision tree analysis were alcohol consumption, old age, psychiatric disease, smoking, and male sex; those identified based on multiple regression analysis were alcohol consumption, smoking, male sex, psychiatric disease, old age, poor therapeutic adherence, and physical disease. Conclusion We identified important predictors of suicide risk by intentional intoxication. A specific and realistic approach to analysis using the decision tree modeling technique is an effective method to determine those groups at risk of suicide by intentional intoxication.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2013

Objectives : To evaluate the safety of KOB, a polyherbal medicine for allergic rhinitis, we conducted a subchronic toxicology study. Methods : Dried extract of KOB(Lot. No. 11003, yield : 41.1%) was prepared from GLP company (Hanpoong Pharm & Food Co., Ltd). KOB was repeatedly administrated orally of male SD rats at daily dose levels of 500 (G2), 1250 (G3) and 5000 (G4) mg/kg/day for 13 weeks. We recorded the clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, food intake/consumption, optometry, urine analysis, organ weights, hematology, and conducted serum biochemical analysis, necropsy, gross and histological changes in target organs of Sprague-Dawley rats, and clinical chemistry analysis. Results : Neither death nor any toxicological signs were obserbed in KOB at all doses of 500, 1250 and 5000 mg/kg/day during the administration period for thirteen-week. Furthermore, there was no difference in body weight and food-take consumption, optometry, necropsy, organ weight, gross pathological findings, and urine analysis among the groups of rats treated with different doses of KOB, during at the observation period for thirteen-week. The hematological analysis and clinical blood chemistry data were revealed no toxic effects from repeated-dose administration of KOB in rats during the observation period. Conclusions : Based on these results, the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) of KOB was considered to be 5000 mg/kg/day for male rats under these study conditions.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.54-62
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of the test substance, SU-Eohyeol Pharmacopuncture (SUEP), to induce micronuclei in bone marrow cells of Sprague-Dawley (SD) Rats. Methods : The dose range preliminary study was performed first. 1 ml/animal was selected as the high dose of this study. Two additional lower dose levels (0.5 and 0.25 ml/animal) were produced by applying a geometric ratio of 2. In addition, the positive and negative control groups were set. Then, after intramuscular administration (1 ml/animal) of SUEP to 8-week-old male SD rats, an in vivo micronucleus test was performed to evaluate the induction of micronuclei in SD rat bone marrow cells. Results : As a result of the main study, the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) in the test substance SUEP groups was not statistically significantly different from the negative control group. In addition, the ratio of PCE to total erythrocytes in the test substance SUEP groups was not statistically significantly different from the negative control group. In the positive control group, the incidence of MNPCE in PCE was statistically significantly increased when compared to the negative control group. The ratio of PCE to total erythrocytes in the positive control group was not statistically significantly different from the negative control group. Conclusions : Based on these results, the test substance, SUEP, did not have any potential to induce micronuclei formation in bone marrow cells of rats under the conditions of this study.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.348-356
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• 2023

Objectives: Neuralgia-pharmacopuncture (NP) was recently developed as a water-soluble type of pharmacopuncture inspired by CS (care special pain)-pharmacopuncture. I aimed to evaluate the toxic response and approximate lethal dose of when NP when administered intramuscularly to Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: The experimental group was divided into the NP test substance group and the saline control group and administered at a dose of 1.0 mL/animal to the posterior thigh muscles on both sides using a 1 mL syringe; each group consisted of five males and five females. Each rat was monitored for clinical signs and changes in body weight for 14 days after a single intramuscular injection. After completing observation, necropsy findings and localized tolerance at the injection site were assessed via gross necropsy and histopathological examination. Results: No deaths occurred in the NP or control group, regardless of sex. During the observation period, no changes (such as general symptoms, weight change, or visual observation results at the time of autopsy) were judged to be due to the test substance. Histopathological examination showed no changes at the administration site judged to be caused by the test substance in either the male or female test substance administration groups. In addition, mononuclear cell infiltration of the outer membrane of the femoris muscle at the administration site was observed at the same frequency and extent in the control and NP groups, and was judged to be caused by physical stimulation by the injection needle; therefore, it had no toxicological significance. Conclusion: Based on the above results, the approximate lethal dose for a single intramuscular administration of the test substance NP in Sprague-Dawley rats was judged to be > 1.0 mL/animal, and there were no findings that were judged to be due to the test substance at the administration site.