• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• 제26권4호
• /
• 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.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• 제25권1호
• /
• pp.65-74
• /
• 2010

Objectives : Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (ABR) has been used for treating of many symptoms especially osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we determined the effects of water extract of ABR in RANKL (Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor $\kappa$ B Ligand)-induced osteoclast differentiation culture system. Methods : We assayed mRNA expression levels of NFATc1, c-Fos, TRAP, OSCAR, $FcR{\gamma}$, DAP12 and GAPDH in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with ABR. The protein expression levels of NFATc1, c-Fos, MAPKs and $\beta$-actin in cell lysates treated with ABR were analysed by Western blotting. In addition we determined the effects of water extract of ABR on LPS-induced bone-loss mouse. Results : Water extract of ABR showed remarkable inhibition on RANKL-treated osteoclast differentiation without cytotoxicity. ABR down-regulated the induction of c-Fos and NFATc1 by RANKL. ABR suppressed phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and I-${\kappa}B$. ABR rescued bone erosion by LPS induction in vivo study. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that ABR may be a useful remedy for curing of bone-loss disease such as osteoporosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• 제36권1호
• /
• pp.18-22
• /
• 2022

To investigate effects of cognitive function improvement whether against Taegeuk ginseng on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. All experiments were conducted in three groups: the control group (CTR), the scopolamine 0.4mg/kg (SCP), and the scopolamine (SCP+T) treated with Taegeuk ginseng 100 mg/kg. Taegeuk ginseng 100 mg/kg daily was orally administered for one month and treated with scopolamine was only for 7 consecutive days on the Morris water maze task. 3 weeks after oral administration of Taegeuk ginseng, subjects were performed the Morris water maze test for 8 days and then the open-field exploration test which to assessed for cognitive function improvement. After behavioral testing, subjects were sacrificed and microdissected brains for neurochemical analysis. In the cognitive-behavioral test, long-term administration of Taegeuk ginseng improved spatial navigation learning task compared with the impeded by scopolamine treatment. In neurochemistry, the expression of the synaptic marker PSD95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) was increased in the hippocampus compared to the scopolamine group. Also, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was significantly increased in the taegeuk ginseng administration group. These data suggested that long-term administration of taegeuk ginseng might improve cognitive-behavioral functions on hippocampal related spatial learning memory, and it was correlated with neurotropic and synaptic reinforcement. In conclusion, treatment with taegeuk ginseng may positive outcome on learning and memory deficit disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제47권4호
• /
• pp.552-560
• /
• 2023

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• 제66권
• /
• pp.359-368
• /
• 2023

This study aims to explore the impact of Krill Oil (KO, Superba^TM Boost) on skin moisturization regulation. The research involved five groups: an intact control, a reference group (L-AA 100 mg/kg), and KO groups (400, 200, and 100 mg/kg), each comprising ten mice. Oral administration was conducted for 8 weeks (56 days), during which changes in body weight, hyaluronan, collagen type 1 (COL1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), ceramide, and water contents were analyzed in dorsal back skin tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess gene expression related to hyaluronic acid synthesis (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1 synthesis (COL1A1 and COL1A2), and TGF-β1. Results demonstrated that KO administration significantly increased hyaluronan content, hyaluronic acid synthesis (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1 content, COL1 synthesis (COL1A1 and COL1A2), TGF-β1 content, TGF-β1 mRNA expression, ceramide content, and water content in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the intact control. Importantly, no discernible disparities were noted between the KO and L-AA groups, even though they received equivalent oral dosages. This study accentuates the potential utility of exogenous KO in the regulation of skin moisture, thus positioning it as a promising avenue for the development of nutricosmetics. Future research endeavors should delve into the role of KO in safeguarding against both intrinsic and extrinsic aging-related skin manifestations, as well as its potential to ameliorate skin wrinkles, in conjunction with its moisturizing attributes.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• 제21권4호
• /
• pp.84-92
• /
• 2000

Objectives : The water extract of Sebsaeng-eum(SheShengYin) has been used for treatment of ischemic brain damage in oriental medicine, However, little is known about the mechanism by which the water extract of Sebsaeng-eum(SheShengYin) rescues brain cells from ischemic damages. Methods : To elucidate the protective mechanism on ischemic induced cytotoxicity, We investigated the regulation of LPS and PMA induced iNOS expression in $C_{6}$ glial cells. Results : LPS and PMA treatment for 48 h in $C_{6}$ glial cells markedly induced NO, but treatment of the cells with the water extract of Sebsaeng-eum(SheShengYin) decreased nitrite formation. In addition, LPS and PMA treatment for 48 h induced severe cell death in $C_{6}$ glial cells. However treatment of the cells with the water extract of Sebsaeng-eum(SheSheng Yin) did not induce significant changes compared to the control. LPS and PMA induced iNOS activation in $C_{6}$ glial cells caused chromosomal condensation and fragmentation of nuclei. Conclusions : Taken together, We suggest that the protective effects of the water extract of Sebsaeng-eum(SheShengYin) against ischemic brain damages may be mediated by regulation of iNOS during ischemic condition.

• International Journal of Fluid Machinery and Systems
• /
• 제10권1호
• /
• pp.47-53
• /
• 2017

Surface pressure integration and momentum method were respectively performed to evaluate the impeller thrust and the system thrust of a contra-rotating axial flow water jet propulsion, and an interesting phenomenon so-called thrust paradox was revealed. To explain the paradox, the impeller thrust and the system thrust were physically and theoretically analyzed, the results show that the impeller thrust is head involved and is determined by the hydraulic parameters upstream and downstream the impeller, while the momentum method depicted by a classic equation is valid simply under the best efficiency point. Consequently, the role of a water jet propulsion nozzle was deduced that the nozzle is mainly to limit the flow rate that crosses the impeller and to assure the system working under the best efficiency condition apart from its ability to produce momentum difference. Related mathematical formula expressed the nozzle diameter is the dominant variable used to calculate the working condition of the water jet propulsion. Therefore the nozzle diameter can be steadily estimated by the former expression. The system thrust scaling characteristics under various speeds were displayed lastly.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
• /
• 제8권1호
• /
• pp.78-86
• /
• 2023

Here, upon acute (96 h) and chronic (14 days) exposure, ingestion of polystyrene NPs (100 nm) and physiological, biochemical, and cholinergic modulations were analyzed in the water flea Moina macrocopa exposed to different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 ㎍ l^-1). Exposed NPs were observed in the internal organs (e.g., digestive tract and foregut) of the water flea. Chronic exposure to the relatively high concentrations resulted in significant decreases in survival, body length, and the total number of molts, whereas reproduction parameter was not affected. Significant increase in oxidative stress biomarker (malondialdehyde) and decrease in the intracellular content of endogenous antioxidant (glutathione) and enzymatic activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase) were detected in response to relatively high concentrations of NPs. Transcriptional expression of the hsp70 gene was increased in response to relatively high concentrations of NPs, whereas acetylcholinesterase activity was lowered by the same concentrations of NPs. Taken together, NPs exposure would be a significant modulator on physiological and biochemical metabolism of water flea.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제44권6호
• /
• pp.799-807
• /
• 2020

Background: The skin acts as a barrier to protect organisms against harmful exogenous agents. Compound K (CK) is an active metabolite of ginsenoside Rb1, Rb2 and Rc, and researchers have focused on its skin protective efficacy. In this study, we hypothesized that increased expression of the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type-5 (SPINK5) may improve skin barrier function. Methods: We screened several ginsenosides to increase SPINK5 gene promoter activity using a transactivation assay and found that CK can increase SPINK5 expression. To investigate the protective effect of CK on the skin barrier, RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to investigate the expression levels of SPINK5, kallikrein 5 (KLK5), KLK7 and PAR2 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and histological changes associated with the skin barrier were performed in a UVB-irradiated mouse model and a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis-like model. Results: CK treatment increased the expression of SPINK5 and decreased the expression of its downstream genes, such as KLKs and PAR2. In the UVB-irradiated mouse model and the DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model, CK restored increased TEWL and decreased hydration and epidermal hyperplasia. In addition, CK normalized the reduced SPINK5 expression caused by UVB or DNCB, thereby restoring the expression of the proteins involved in desquamation to a level similar to normal. Conclusions: Our data showed that CK contributes to improving skin-barrier function in UVB-irradiated and DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like models through SPINK5. These results suggest that therapeutic attempts with CK might be useful in treating barrier-disrupted diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• 제28권3호
• /
• pp.473-491
• /
• 2007

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the antiproliferative activity of the water extract of Samgibopae-tang (SGBPT) in NCI-H460 and A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines Methods : In this study, we measured the subsistence, form of NCI-H460 and A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cell by hemocytometer and DAPI staining. In each cell, we analyzed DNA fragmentation. reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and measured activity of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9. Results and Conclusions : We found that exposure of A549 cells to SGBPT resulted in growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. butSGBPT did not affect the growth of NCI-H460 cells. The antiproliferative effect by SGBPT treatment in A549 cells was associated with morphological changes. SGBPT treatment partially induced the expression of DR5 cells and the expression of Faswas markedly increased in both transcriptional and translational levels in A549 cells. SGBPT treatment partially induced the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and the expression of Bid was markedly decreased in translational levels in A549 cells. However, SGBPT treatment did not affect the expression of IAP family in A549 orNCI-H460 cells. SGBPT treatment partially induced the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 activity which markedly increased in a dose-dependent manners in A549 cells. The fragmental development of PARP and ${\beta}$-catenin protein was observed in A549 cells by SGBPT treatment. SGBPT treatment induced the expression of PLC-${\gamma}1$ protein which decreased in A549 cells. SGBPT treatment partially induced the expression of DFF45/ICAD which markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner in A549 cells. Taken together. these findings suggested that SGBPT-induced inhibition of human lung carcinoma did not affect NCI-H460 cell growth. However, SGBPT-induced inhibition of human lung carcinoma A549 cell growth was associated with the induction of death receptor and mitochondrial pathway. The results provided important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of SGBPT.