• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.34-59
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the inhibiting effects of Gungguijohyeoleum on the development of experimentally-induced endometriosis in rats. Methods: Endometriosis was induced in rats by autotransplanting uterine tissue to the peritoneum and we divided them into three groups: (1) sham-operated group(n=8), (2) surgically induced endometriosis and untreated control group(n=8), (3) surgically induced endometriosis and Gungguijohyeoleum treated group(n=8), Gungguijohyeoleum was orally administrated for 15 days after operation. Then we measured the body weight, the volumes of endometriotic implants, the weight of uterus and ovary, and investigated the concentrations of cytokines(MCP-1, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6) in peritoneal fluids. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry for COX-2 and VEGF, and histochemistry for mast cell in transplanted uterine tissue were performed. Results: - The volume ($mm^3$) of endometriotic implants in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group ($76.4{\pm}24.5$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($222.1{\pm}109.1$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of MCP-1 in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group ($1060.8{\pm}280.8$) was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared with control group($1412.5{\pm}345.7$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group ($827.5{\pm}219.9$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($1126.2{\pm}139.9$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of $IL-1{\beta}$ in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($83.4{\pm}9.0$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($105.3{\pm}17.6$). - The concentration (pg/ml) of IL-6 in peritoneal fluids in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($108.9{\pm}15.7$) was decreased compared with control group($122.8{\pm}19.3$). - Histopathologically, proliferation of endometriotic epithelia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and angiogenesis in transplanted uterine tissue of Gungguijohyeoleum treated group were weakly observed than those of control group. - The percentage(%) of positive epithelial layers for COX-2 in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($56.8{\pm}12.8$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($75.1{\pm}16.3$). -The VEGF expression of endometriotic epithelia, neovascular endothelia and stromal cells in transplanted uterine tissue of Gungguijohyeoleum treated group was weakly observed than that of control group. - The numbers of mast cells in transplanted uterine tissue in Gungguijohyeoleum treated group($35.4{\pm}18.4$) were significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group ($91.0{\pm}28.3$). Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we concluded that Gungguijohyeoleum has inhibiting effects on the development of transplanted uterine tissue. And these effects may be related with decreased production of MCP-1, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, COX-2, VEGF and mast cells by administration of Gungguijohyeoleum.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.771-781
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• 2013

This study was performed to investigate the anti-photoaging effects of Persimmon leaf tea(PLT) in hairless mice(SKH-1) exposed to UVB irradiation. The animals were divided into non-treated group (normal, N) and UV-radiated groups. UV-radiated groups were divided into only UV-radiated group(control, C) and UV-radiated and PLT treated experimental groups[first extraction treated group(PLT-I), second extraction treated group(PLT-II), and third extraction treated group(PLT-III)]. Three PLT treated experimental groups of mice were treated with both oral administration(300 mg/Kg B.W./day) and topical application (100 ul of 2% conc./mouse/day) for 4 weeks. Anti-photoaging effects of Persimmon leaf were evaluated by anti oxidative reaction, stereomicroscopic and microscopic observations. The expression of photoaging skin related factors including mast cell tryptase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Treatment of PLT-I, -II, -III prevented the wrinkle formation as well as epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cells, disruption of collagen in photoaged skin induced by UVB radiation. It also reduced the PCNA and VEGF expression in the UVB irradiated dorsal skin. Furthermore, it significantly decreased the number of mast cells in the UVB irradiated dermis(p<0.05 and p<0.01). On the effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant function on the treatment with water extract from Persimmon leaf tea(PLT), the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) was significantly increased in PLT-III group(p<0.05), and catalase(CAT) was significantly increased in PLT-I and PLT-III groups(p<0.05), and PLT-II group(p<0.001). These extracts showed relatively antioxidant activity and protective effect on UVB-induced oxidative stress in hairless mice(SKH-1). Our results suggest that Persimmon leaf tea may serve as an useful radical scavenging antioxidant and anti-photoaging skin agents in the UVB irradiated skin.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.48-63
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• 2010

Objectives: Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan (Yan Nian Yi Shou Gu Ben Dan 延年益壽固本丹) is composed of 11 herbs (Polygoni Mutiflori Radix, Lycii Radicis Cortex, Polia, Rehmanniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparat, Asparagi Radix, Liriopis Tuber, Lycii Fructus, Acori Graminei Rhizoma, Angelicae Acutiloba Radix, and Pini Folium) based on Yonryunggobon-dan (Yan Ling Gu Ben Dan 延齡固本丹) and Yonnyuniksoobulrho-dan (Yan Nian Yi Shou Bu Lao Dan 延年益壽不老丹). This study evaluated hair growth promoting effect of Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan on the shaved C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan was treated by oral administration (Sample I) and oral administration plus skin application (Sample II) once a day for 12 days. Hair regrowth was photographically and histologically determined during the experimental period. Hair growth cycle related factors (EGF, TGF-${\beta}1$) and vascular factors (VEGF, iNOS) were also determined with immunohistochemistry. Results: 1. On gross observation of hair regrowth, Sample I and Sample II groups demonstrated acceleration of hair regrowth. 2. The hair regrowth index of the Sample I group increased significantly from 7 days (P<0.05) to 12 days (P<0.01) after the shave while that of the Sample II group significantly increased at 12 days (P<0.05). 3. On histological observation, both Sample I and Sample II groups demonstrated histological improvement and increases of number and diameter of the hair follicles. 4. EGF expressions on the root sheath of hair follicles were up-regulated in both Sample I and Sample II groups. 5. TGF-${\beta}1$ expressions on the root sheath of hair follicles were not regulated in Sample I or Sample II groups. 6. VEGF expressions in the surrounding tissues of hair follicles were up-regulated in both Sample I and Sample II groups. 7. iNOS expressions in the surrounding tissues of hair follicles were down-regulated in both Sample I and Sample II groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan has hair growth-promoting activity and these effects relate to up-regulations of EGF and VEFG expressions and down-regulations of TGF-${\beta}1$ and iNOS expressions on hair roots.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.1890-1894
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• 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, which is angiogenesis dependent. Antibody-based molecular imaging improves targeting, and antibody radiolabeling is useful for monitoring biological events $in$ $vivo$ $via$ PET or SPECT. We investigated the potential of molecular imaging to diagnose arthritis with VEGFR-2 $in$ $vivo$. The $^{123}I$-VEGFR-2 antibody was prepared by the iodogen tube method. The radioligand was injected into arthritic mice, and micro SPECT/CT was performed. The arthritic mice were examined by 4.7-T MRI and immunohistochemistry. The $^{123}I$-VEGFR-2 antibody showed high uptake in the arthritic region at 1 h postinjection on SPECT/CT but no uptake in the control animals after radioligand injection. In MR images, the arthritic tissue of the mice was correlated with regions labeled by the $^{123}I$-VEGFR-2 antibody. Immunohistochemical localization showed markedly increased expression of VEGFR-2 in the endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages of the arthritic mice.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.62-69
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• 2023

Background: Research on the reproductive physiology of Water and Sika deer, an endemic in Korea, still needs to be completed. This study analyzed the ovarian development and morphological characteristics of wild Water deer and Sika deer. Methods: Water deer and Sika deer ovaries were collected from the Korean Peninsula and Russia-Korean Peninsula border during the estrus and pregnancy seasons, respectively. And, morphological and physiological analysis and immunohistochemistry were conducted to confirm the detection of Ca²⁺ and assess the morphological changes in the ovaries. Results: The results of morphological analysis of ovaries during pregnancy and estrus, the development of the corpus luteum and follicles of Water deer showed similar patterns to other mammals. In contrast, the corpus luteum of Sika deer differed in tissue morphology and composition from Water deer. Ca²⁺ related to tissue metabolism was detected in the theca cells zone of Water deer on the estrus and was highly detected in the luteum cells zone during pregnancy. The hormone receptor protein expression patterns were generally higher in the ovaries of Water deer on the estrus and the pregnancy than in Sika deer. The expression of LH receptor was relatively low in the lutein cell zone, unlikely that of Water deer. The expression of VEGF was also different from Water deer, and the response in Sika deer was relatively very low compared to Water deer in expressing all proteins-related development. Conclusions: Therefore, the results of the study were shown that the composition of the corpus luteum of Sika deer is not clear compared to Water deer, and there are many differences in the functional and morphological formation of the corpus luteum.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1881-1895
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• 2015

Background: The vascular endothelial growth factor family has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The prognostic value of each vascular endothelial growth factor family member, particular VEGF/VEGFR co-expression, in patients with non-small lung cancer remains controversial. Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies evaluating expression of VEGFs and/or VEGFRs by immunohistochemistry or ELISA in lung cancer tissue were eligible for inclusion. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from individual study were pooled by using a fixed- or random-effect model, heterogeneity and publication bias analyses were also performed. Results: 74 studies covering 7,631 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pro-angiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFA (HR=1.633, 95%CI: 1.490-1.791) and VEGFR1 (HR=1.924, 95%CI: 1.220-3.034) was associated separately with poor survival. Especially, VEGFA over-expression was an independent prognostic factor in adenocarcinoma (ADC) (HR=1.775, 95%CI: 1.384-2.275) and SCC (HR=2.919, 95%CI: 2.060-4.137). Co-expression of VEGFA/VEGFR2 (HR=2.011, 95%CI: 1.405-2.876) was also significantly associated with worse survival. For lymphangiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFC (HR=1.611, 95%CI: 1.407-1.844) predicted a poor prognosis. Co-expression of VEGFC/VEGFR3 (HR=2.436, 95%CI: 1.468-4.043) emerged as a preferable prognostic marker. Conclusions: The expression of VEGFA (particularly in SCC and early stage NSCLC), VEGFC, VEGFR1 indicates separately an unfavorable prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Co-expression VEGFA/VEGFR2 is comparable with VEGFC/VEGFR3, both featuring sufficient discrimination value as preferable as prognostic biologic markers.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.361-369
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• 2019

1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) has been used as an industrial solvent and a chemical intermediate, as well as in soil fumigants. Human exposure may occur during its production and industrial use. The target organs of 1,2-DCP are the eyes, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and skin. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. In this study, 1,2-DCP was dissolved in corn oil at 0, 2.73, 5.75, and 8.75 mL/kg. The skin of mice treated with 1,2-DCP was investigated using western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. 1,2-DCP was applied to the dorsal skin and both ears of C57BL/6J mice. The thickness of ears and the epidermis increased significantly following treatment, and the appearance of blood vessels was observed in the dorsal skin. Additionally, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is tightly associated with neovascularization, increased significantly. The levels of protein kinase-B (PKB), phosphorylated PKB, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated mTOR, all of which are key components of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/PKB/mTOR signaling pathway, were also enhanced. Taken together, 1,2-DCP induced angiogenesis in dermatitis through the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway in the skin.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.84-92
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• 2009

This experiment was investigated the effects of fresh and ginger processed Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts on hair growth activity, and its fractions(chloroform, ethyl acetate and water fractions) obtained from fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma on hair growth activity of the normal and spontaneous alopecia areata model of C57BL/6N mice for 16 days. The results were as follows: In fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts treated group, hair growth effect was observed in whole skin area(100%) all the normal mice in whose hair had been clipped on 16th days. In ginger processed Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts treated group, hair growth effect was observed in whole skin area in 25% of normal mice in whose hair had been clipped on 16th days. But in control group, hair growth effect was observed in a part of whole skin area in 25% of normal mice. In fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts treated group, hair follicles of middle stage of anagen phase was observed and it were grown down to subcutaneous tissue of skin in all the mice on 10th day. But in ginger processed Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts treated group and control group, Most of hair follicles of telogen phase was observed in skin. The treatment of extracts of fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma increased the expression of TGF-$\beta$(146%), IGF(107%), and prolactin(115%) in the skin of normal C57BL/6N mice compared to control group(100%). But expression of placenta lactogen(93%) was decreased in the skin of normal C57BL/6N mice compared to control group(100%). In spontaneous alopecia model, The hair growth activity of fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts treated group(100%) was observed to be strong compared with the control group(20%) on 15th day. Hair growth activity on chloroform fractions of fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts was observed in whole skin area in 75% of normal mice on the 9th day. In water and ethyl acetate fractions, hair growth activity was observed in a part of whole skin in 75% and 25% of normal mice, respectively. but hair growth activity of control group was not observed. After application of fractions of fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma extracts for 10 days, hair follicles of chloroform fraction treated group was observed middle stage of anagen phase and hair follicle were grown down to subcutaneous tissue of skin in all the mice. But hair follicles of initial stage of anagen phase were observed in water and ethyl acetate fractions. Most of hair follicles of telogen phase was observed in skin of control group. These experiments suggest that extracts of fresh Pinelliae Rhizoma may stimulate the topical hair growth activity and its chloroform fractions can be useful for treatment of alopecia areata.