• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.141-146
• /
• 1986

As a fundamental study of fresh water fish on a suitable cooking method and on flavor components from the view point of food science, changes in the free amino acid composition of the muscle extracts of snakehead (Channa argus) during heating in boiling water were investigated. The muscle extract of raw fish was featured a very high content of glycine, taurine, glutamic acid and histidine, and a large amount of urine was also determined in the extract; the former four components comprised about $53\%$ of the total free amino acids. The total extractable nitrogen was greatly increased with the heating time till 120 minutes of heating, while it gradually decreased thereafter. The apparently increased components on heating of 120 minutes were taurine, glycine, alanine, hydroxyproline, and ${\beta}$-aminoisobutyric acid, etc. including urea. After hydrolysis of the extracts, some of the amino acids were increased, the content of ethanolamine, lysine, 1-methyl histidine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid and taurine, etc. were apparently increased.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.539-544
• /
• 2005

We have studied the effects of red wine on brain oxidative stress and nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats with a single intraperitonally injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Two weeks before and four weeks after injection, red wine was given orally in both normal and diabetic rats. Blood samples were taken from the neck vascular trunk in order to determine the glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index (AI), total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, insulin, lipid peroxidation products, reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. As well, we estimated the lipid peroxidtion, GSH and SOD, GSH-Px and catalase activities in brain and renal homogenates, and the excretion of albumin, proteins and glucose in urine over 24 h period. The administration of STZ caused significant increases in levels of glycosuria, proteinuria, albuminuria, glycemia, total cholesterol and AI, as well as in lipid peroxidation products in the brain, plasma and kidney, whereas it decreased the GSH content and SOD, GSH-Px and catalase activities. Treatment with red wine significantly prevented the changes induced by STZ. These data suggested that red wine has a protective effect against brain oxidative stress, diabetic nephropathy and diabetes induced by STZ, as well as it protects against hypercholesterolemia and atherogenic risk.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.99-107
• /
• 2014

Melamine-induced nephrotoxicity is closely associated with crystal formation in the kidney caused by combined exposure to melamine (Mel) and cyanuric acid (CA). However, there are few dosage-finding studies for toxicological evaluation of chronic co-exposure to Mel and CA. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism by which a Mel and CA mixture lead to renal toxicity in rats. Mel and CA were co-administered to rats via oral gavage for 50 days. Nephrotoxicity was determined by measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr) levels. Relative kidney weights were significantly increased in rats after co-exposure to Mel+CA (63/6.3 or 630/6.3 mg/kg) mixtures. BUN and sCr levels were significantly increased after Mel and CA co-exposure. Taken together, significant increase in KIM-1, NGAL, and calbindin levels were observed in the urine of rats exposed to Mel+CA (63/6.3 or 630/6.3 mg/kg) compared with the corresponding control group. Histological analysis revealed epithelial degeneration and necrotic cell death in the proximal tubules of the kidney after co-exposure to Mel+CA (63/6.3 or 630/6.3 mg/kg). Our data suggest that Mel-mediated renal toxicity may be influenced by CA concentrations in Mel-contaminated milk or foods.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.588-593
• /
• 2002

Paraquat, one of the potent herbicides, causes fatal damage to many vital organs, when orally ingested, resulting in circulatory failure, respiratory distress syndrome, and a few other serious problems, but there is no known specific antidote against it. Of the possible problems related to paraquat intoxication, oliguric acute renal failure, which has been known to develop within 24 or 48 hours after intoxication, are notoriously life-threatening. So we attempted to investigate the clinical characteristics and progress of paraquat-induced acute renal failure and the therapeutic possibilities of herbal medicines. All of the fifteen subjects were treated with intravenous fluid injection of 5% dextrose saline or 10% dextrose water in conjunction with herbal medicines which were used for oral administration or gargling. Gamdutang, a decoction of Semen Glycin(黑豆 200g) and Radix Glycyrrhizae(甘草 100g) with addition of other herbs when necessary, was administered orally. At the same time, gargling fluid, consisted of Chinese ink(墨汁), char-frying powder of Rhei Rhizoma(大黃炒炭末), Succus phyllostachyos(竹瀝), was used to detoxify the oral cavity. Serum levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN) and Creatinine reached its peak on the third day of hospitalization, but then decreased and fell within the normal range on the 7th day and remained there. Serum levels of Na+ and K+ decreased down below the lower limits of normal range on the 7th day and on the 3rd day, respectively. Then they returned back within normal limits. Mean urine output on the 1st day of hospitalization was 1,050ml and it continuously increased to reach more than 2,000ml on the 14th day. From that day on, it stayed over 2,000ml. Fifteen cases of acute renal failure caused by paraquat intoxication were treated with combined treatments of oriental and western medicine in our hospital. However, we think that it is necessary to study further about the way to combine oriental and western medicine, to find out a more effective treatment method.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.47-56
• /
• 2016

The identification of biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) is clinically important. Acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients is closely associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Conventional biomarkers, such as serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), are frequently used to diagnose AKI. However, these biomarkers increase only after significant structural damage has occurred. Recent efforts have focused on identification and validation of new noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of AKI, prior to extensive structural damage. Furthermore, AKI biomarkers can provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms of this complex and heterogeneous disease. Our previous study suggested that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), which is excreted in the urine, is a sensitive biomarker for nephrotoxicity. To appropriately and optimally utilize PKM2 as a biomarker for AKI requires its complete characterization. This review highlights the major studies that have addressed the diagnostic and prognostic predictive power of biomarkers for AKI and assesses the potential usage of PKM2 as an early biomarker for AKI. We summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of biomarkers and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of AKI. This review will elucidate the biological basis of specific biomarkers that will contribute to improving the early detection and diagnosis of AKI.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.23-30
• /
• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba water extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups ; normal, STZ-control and Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (A) water extract-administrated group. Rats in which diabetic was induced by intraperitonal injection with STZ(60 mg/kg body weight). STZ-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated A extract daily for 5 weeks at doses of 200 or 500 mg/kg. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood urea nitrogen were measured in sera of rats. Total volume of urine and urinary creatinine were also measured. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining for the expression of insulin and ${\alpha}$-SMA in pancreas and kidney were performed, respectively. Results : There were no differences in body and kidney weights between STZ-control and A extract-administrated groups. However, serum triglyceride level was significantly decreased in A extract-administrated groups compared with those of STZ-control group. Histopathological analysis of pancreas and kidney revealed increased the number of islets and insulin-positive beta-cells in pancreas, and decreased morphological changes of glomerulus and ${\alpha}$-SMA expression in kidney after the administration of A extract. Conclusions : These results suggest that Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba has a biological action on STZ-induced diabetes in rats via decreasing the serum levels of total triglyceride, and suppressing the morphological changes of pancreas and kidney.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.187-193
• /
• 2013

The effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on diabetic renal damage was investigated using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The diabetic rats showed loss of body weight gain, and increases in kidney weight and urine volume, whereas the oral administration of KRG at a dose of 100 or 250 mg/kg of body weight per day for 28 d prevented these diabetes-induced physiological abnormalities. Among the kidney function parameters, elevated plasma levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in diabetic control rats tended to be lowered in KRG-treated rats. In addition, administration of KRG at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight in the diabetic rats showed significant decreases in serum glucose and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), implying that KRG might prevent the pathogenesis of diabetic complications caused by impaired glucose metabolism and oxidative stress. KRG also significantly reduced advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation and secretion from kidney of diabetic rats. Furthermore, KRG decreased the levels of N-(carboxymethyl) lysine and expression of AGE receptor. KRG also reduced the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the kidney via deactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B. We also found that KRG prevented STZ-induced destruction of glomerular structure and significantly suppressed high glucose-induced fibronectin production. Taken together, KRG ameliorates abnormalities associated with diabetic nephropathy through suppression of inflammatory pathways activated by TNF-${\alpha}$ and AGEs. These findings indicate that KRG has a beneficial effect on pathological conditions associated with diabetic nephropathy.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.67-75
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of major chronic diseases related to daily oral water intake and to identify the physiological parameters related to dehydration in Korean elderly. Methods: The data were collected from the sixth Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KHANES), which was a nationwide and cross-sectional survey in 2015. We analyzed 1,392 participants using t-test and logistic regression. All participants were divided into the adequate water intake (AWI) group and the non-adequate water intake (NAWI) group based on the dietary reference intakes for Koreans. Results: There was a significant difference in the water intake between the AWI (6.8 cups in a day) and NAWI (2.8 cups) groups (p< .001). There was no statistically significant association between the level of water intake and any of the major chronic diseases. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and BUN/Creatinine (Cr) ratio were significantly higher in the NAWI group. Especially, BUN/Cr ratio shows that the NAWI group reached dehydration status. Older age (adjusted odd ratio, OR= 1.07, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.04-1.10]), female gender (adjusted OR= 1.56, 95% CI [1.05-2.33]), lower body mass index (BMI) (adjusted OR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.92-1.00]), higher BUN (adjusted OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.01-1.08]), and higher urine specific gravity (USG) (adjusted OR= 1.56, 95% CI [1.19-2.05]) were factors associated with the NAWI group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the level of water intake needs to be considered in relation to age, gender, BMI, BUN, and USG. These are sensitive physiological parameters used for predicting dehydration of the elderly according to their daily oral water intake. It would be helpful to develop strategies to prevent dehydration in elderly individuals and enhance their water intake.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.271-276
• /
• 2019

Zingerone (ZGR), a phenolic alkanone isolated from ginger, has been reported to possess pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. This study was initiated to determine whether ZGR could modulate renal functional damage in a mouse model of sepsis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The potential of ZGR treatment to reduce renal damage induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery in mice was measured by assessment of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase activity, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity. Treatment with ZGR resulted in elevated plasma levels of BUN and creatinine, and of protein in urine in mice with CLP-induced renal damage. Moreover, ZGR inhibited nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ activation and reduced the induction of nitric oxide synthase and excessive production of nitric acid. ZGR treatment also reduced the plasma levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, reduced lethality due to CLP-induced sepsis, increased lipid peroxidation, and markedly enhanced the antioxidant defense system by restoring the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in kidney tissues. Our study showed renal suppressive effects of zingerone in a mouse model of sepsis, suggesting that ZGR protects mice against sepsis-triggered renal injury.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.53-57
• /
• 2019

Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is patchy or diffuse ischemic destruction of the renal cortex caused by significantly reduced renal arterial perfusion. It is a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is associated with high mortality. Here, we review the case of RCN in a 15-year-old boy who developed AKI. A 15-year-old boy was referred to our hospital from a local hospital due to a sharp decrease in his renal function. He presented with acute flank pain, nausea with vomiting, and oliguria for the past two days. He had taken a single dose of antihistamine for nasal congestion. At our hospital, his peak blood pressure was 148/83 mmHg and he had a high body mass index of $32.9kg/m^2$. The laboratory data showed a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 28.4 mg/dL, a creatinine of 4.26 mg/dL, and a glomerular filtration rate estimated from the serum cystatin C of $20.2mL/min/1.73m^2$. Proteinuria (spot urine protein to creatinine ratio 1.66) with pyuria was observed. Kidney sonography showed parenchymal swelling and increased renal echogenicity. Due to rapidly progressing nephritis, steroid pulse therapy (750 mg/IV) was done on the second day of his admission and the patient showed complete recovery with normal renal function. However, the kidney biopsy findings revealed renal cortical hemorrhagic necrosis. Multifocal, relatively well-circumscribed, hemorrhagic necrotic areas (about 25%) were detected in the tubulointerstitium. Although RCN is an unusual cause of AKI, especially in children, pediatricians should consider the possibility of RCN when evaluating patients with rapidly decreasing renal function.