• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.1-14
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• 2023

Objectives The anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of Youngseonjeatonguem (靈仙除痛飮, YSJTU) was evaluated in a cellular model using RAW264.7 macrophages, which are involved in osteoarthritis (OA), and an animal model using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and a possible mechanism of anti-arthritic actions of YSJTU was presented. Methods RAW264.7 macrophages were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-𝛼, interleukin [IL]-1𝛽, and IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide [NO] and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]) was determined by ELISA and Griess assay, respectively. Western blot was performed to determine inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. OA was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the right knee joint of SD rats. Results In RAW264.7 macrophages, YSJTU reduced LPS-induced production of TNF-𝛼, IL-1𝛽, and IL-6. In addition, YSJTU inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2 by suppressing iNOS and COX-2 expression. In SD rats, YSJTU improved MIA-induced OA by reducing swelling, skin heat, and cartilage degradation. In addition, YSJTU reduced serum levels of TNF-𝛼, IL-1𝛽, and IL-6, along with its significant decrease in serum levels of NO and PGE2. Conclusions These results suggest that YSJTU may exert anti-arthritic effect, at least in part, by inhibiting macrophage-mediated joint inflammation.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.40.1-40.14
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• 2023

Glucocorticoids suppress the vascular inflammation that occurs under hypercholesterolemia, as demonstrated in an animal model fed a high-cholesterol diet. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects remain poorly understood. Because cholesterol is oxidized to form cholesterol oxides (oxysterols) that are capable of inducing inflammation, we investigated whether glucocorticoids affect the immune responses evoked by 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7αOHChol). The treatment of human THP-1 monocytic cells with dexamethasone (Dex) and prednisolone (Pdn) downregulated the expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as TLR6 and CD14, and diminished 7αOHChol-enhanced response to FSL-1, a TLR2/6 ligand, and lipopolysaccharide, which interacts with CD14 to initiate immune responses, as determined by the reduced secretion of IL-23 and CCL2, respectively. Glucocorticoids weakened the 7αOHChol-induced production of CCL2 and CCR5 ligands, which was accompanied by decreased migration of monocytic cells and CCR5-expressing Jurkat T cells. Treatment with Dex or Pdn also reduced the phosphorylation of the Akt-1 Src, ERK1/2, and p65 subunits. These results indicate that both Dex and Pdn impair the expression of PRRs and their downstream products, chemokine production, and phosphorylation of signaling molecules. Collectively, glucocorticoids suppress the innate immune response and activation of monocytic cells to an inflammatory phenotype enhanced or induced by 7αOHChol, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects in hypercholesterolemic conditions.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.256-261
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• 2024

In the context of aging, the susceptibility to infectious diseases increases, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality. This phenomenon, termed immunosenescence, is characterized by dysregulation in the aging immune system, including abnormal alterations in lymphocyte composition, elevated basal inflammation, and the accumulation of senescent T cells. Such changes contribute to increased autoimmune diseases, enhanced infection severity, and reduced responsiveness to vaccines. Utilizing aging animal models becomes imperative for a comprehensive understanding of immunosenescence, given the complexity of aging as a physiological process in living organisms. Our investigation focuses on Cisd2, a causative gene for Wolfram syndrome, to elucidate on immunosenescence. Cisd2 knockout (KO) mice, serving as a model for premature aging, exhibit a shortened lifespan with early onset of aging-related features, such as decreased bone density, hair loss, depigmentation, and optic nerve degeneration. Intriguingly, we found that the Cisd2 KO mice present a higher number of neutrophils in the blood; however, isolated neutrophils from these mice display functional defects. Through mass spectrometry analysis, we identified an interaction between Cisd2 and Calnexin, a protein known for its role in protein quality control. Beyond this function, Calnexin also regulates calcium homeostasis through interaction with sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA). Our study proposes that Cisd2 modulates calcium homeostasis via its interaction with Calnexin and SERCA, consequently influencing neutrophil functions.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.429-443
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine 1) the bone-regenerative effect of porcine bone block materials with or without collagen matrix incorporation, 2) the effect of a collagen barrier, and 3) the effect of adding recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to the experimental groups. Methods: Four treatment modalities were applied to rabbit calvaria: 1) deproteinized bovine bone mineral blocks (DBBM), 2) porcine bone blocks with collagen matrix incorporation (PBC), 3) porcine bone blocks alone without collagen matrix incorporation (PB), and 4) PBC blocks covered by a collagen membrane (PBC+M). The experiments were repeated with the addition of rhBMP-2. The animals were sacrificed after either 2 or 12 weeks of healing. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histologic, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Results: Micro-CT indicated adequate volume stability in all block materials. Histologically, the addition of rhBMP-2 increased the amount of newly formed bone (NB) in all the blocks. At 2 weeks, minimal differences were noted among the NB of groups with or without rhBMP-2. At 12 weeks, the PBC+M group with rhBMP-2 presented the greatest NB (P<0.05 vs. the DBBM group with rhBMP-2), and the PBC and PB groups had greater NB than the DBBM group (P>0.05 without rhBMP-2, P<0.05 with rhBMP-2). Conclusions: The addition of rhBMP-2 enhanced NB formation in vertical augmentation using bone blocks, and a collagen barrier may augment the effect of rhBMP-2.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.791-794
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• 2000

Two hundred sixteen crossbred ($Landrace{\times}Yorkshire$) castrates with an average weight of $7.4{\pm}0.3kg$ were used in a $3{\times}3$ factorial treatment array. The treatments were three levels of Herb mixture (HM; 0, 0.40 and 0.80 g/kg BW/day) and three levels of dietary nutrient (17.30% CP, Level-1; 17.90% CP, Level-2; and 18.50% CP, Level-3). The influence of HM intake and nutrient level on growth performance and ADG in 0.40- and 0.80-HM pigs increased significantly (p<0.01) as nutritional level was elevated. Although very little enhancement of ADG was observed at Level-1, peak ADG occurred in 0.8-HM treated pigs at Level-3. Feeding of 0.80 g HM/kg/d to pigs consuming Level-1 diet resulted in a 8.7% increase in ADG compared with control pigs, whereas the increase in ADG as a result of 0.80-HM with Level-3 treatment was 39%. ADFI in Level-2 pigs improved linearly (p<0.01) as HM level was increased. Treatment with HM resulted in a 12.0% increase ranging 4.7 to 20% in the ADFI compared with respective controls. ADFI at all nutritional level was significantly higher in 0.80-HM pigs (p<0.02). F/G in Level-2 pigs improved significantly as HM was fed (p<0.01), and in HM-0.80 pigs was also significantly improved as nutritional level was increased (p<0.05). Pigs fed HM had higher bone mineral density (BMD) at Level-1, longer dorsal spine length (DSL) at level-2 (p<0.05) than pigs fed basal diets. Pigs fed HM tended to higher BMD and DSL than those fed basal diets. The level of GH secretion declined with age. There was no difference between treatments (p>0.05) in the serum growth hormone at the same age. The GH was higher in pigs fed HM than those fed basal diets and increased in all pigs after 2wks feeding. A positive effect of added Herb-Mix on growth performance in weaned pigs was demonstrated by measuring the serum growth hormone, bone mineral density and length of dorsal spine.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.1015-1026
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• 2008

The influence of dietary beef tallow (BT) versus sunflower oil (SO) on meat quality and apparent digestibility and deposition of individual fatty acids in the whole carcass was investigated in pigs fed diets containing either BT or SO. The diets contained equal amounts of energy in the form of the variable fats and were fed on an iso-energetic, restricted basis. Crude fat in the SO diet was better digested (p<0.001) than in the BT diet. The dietary fat type had no effect on growth performance, physical properties of the carcass and meat quality. The pigs fed the BT diet showed lower (p<0.001) apparent digestibilities for palmitic and linoleic acid, but those of oleic and ${\alpha}$-linolenic acid were not affected. The ratio of deposition in the carcass to intake of digestible fatty acids for the whole feeding period was decreased (p<0.01) for oleic and linoleic acid in pigs fed the SO diet. The pigs fed the SO diet instead of the BT diet had a lower (p<0.05) deposition:intake ratio for mono-unsaturated fatty acids. The calculated minimum de novo synthesis of saturated fatty acids was increased for the SO diet, but that of mono-unsaturated fatty acids was not different. In conclusion, the iso-energetic replacement of BT by SO had a marked impact on the fatty acid composition of tissues, but did not affect carcass and meat quality traits in spite of the marked difference in the deposition of linoleic acid in adipose tissues, loin muscle and the whole body. In addition, it became clear that the type of dietary fat had marked, specific effects on the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.303-306
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• 2014

Three Yorkshire Terriers (12-year-old, 13-year-old, and 15-year-old castrated males) with respiratory distress, coughing and anorexia were the subjects of this report. In laboratory examinations, there were no remarkable findings. However, the thoracic radiographic findings included a large mass of soft tissue density in the cardiac base region, tracheal elevation, and aortic bulging in all three Yorkshire Terriers. There were no remarkable findings in the abdominal radiographs. In echocardiography, a homogeneous hyperechoic mass around the aorta and bicuspid valve regurgitation were found in all three dogs. There were no remarkable findings in abdominal ultrasonography. Computed tomographic findings showed a large well -defined heterogeneous mass in the cranial vena cava, which was dominant in the left side in all three Yorkshire Terriers. The mass sizes were about $3{\times}4cm$. In post-contrast scanning, contrast enhancement was evident. These cases were diagnosed as heart-base tumor. Treatments provided to the three dogs were based on symptomatic medical management of cardiac failure and tracheal collapse. Case 1 (12-year-old) survived for 3 months, case 2 (13-year-old) for 5 months, and case 3 (15-year-old) for 32 months after the diagnosis. Our results show that the clinical findings, thoracic radiography, echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) and symptomatic medical management in dogs suspected to have heart base tumor.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.22-29
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• 2013

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze the toxicity of the test substance, anti-inflammatory pharmacopuncture (AIP), when used as a single intramuscular-dose in 6-week-old, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats and to find the lethal dose. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Biotoxtech according to Good Laboratory Practices. Twenty (20) female and 20 male Spague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of five 5 female and 5 male animals per group. The rats in the three experimental groups received single intramuscular injections with 0.1-$m{\ell}$, 0.5-$m{\ell}$ and 1.0-$m{\ell}$/animal doses of AIP, Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and the control group, Group 1, received a single intramuscular injection with a 1.0-$m{\ell}$ dose of normal saline. Clinical signs were observed and body weight measurements were carried out for 14 days following the injections. At the end of the observation period, hematology, clinical chemistry, histopathological tests and necropsy were performed on the injected parts. Results: No deaths occurred in any of the groups. Also, histopathological tests showed that AIP had no effect on the injected parts in terms of clinical signs, body weight, hematology, clinical chemistry, and necropsy. Conclusions: As a result of single intramuscular-dose tests of the test substance AIP in 4 groups of rats, the lethal dose for both males and females exceeded $1.0m{\ell}$/animal. Therefore, AIP is a relatively safe pharmacopuncture that can be used for treatment, but further studies should be performed.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 1999

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of various factors in keratotomy for astigmatism correction on surgical outcomes by finite element method as well as animal experiments. Three kinds of surgical techniques were mechanically investigated : arcuate, straight, and inverse arcuate keratotomy. Among the three techniques the arcuate keratotomy is the most popular one while the other two techniques are being investigated in this area. The arcuate keratotomy was found to be more controllable and effective in reducing the refractive power than the others. In arcuate keratotomy it was found most effective when the incision was located in the middle position between the apex and the edge of the cornea from the results of experiment as well as finite element study. Regarding to the range of the corneal incision in arcuate keratotomy, the incision angle of 90$^{\circ}$ was found th be most effective in reducing refractive power than other angles even it was incised up to 150$^{\circ}$. Therefore, it was concluded that 90$^{\circ}$ of incision angle results in the largest decrease in refractive power in arcuate keratotomy. However, other important findings were that the effect of the surgery decreased with time so the visco-effect of the cornea and auto-healing process. Therefore, these factors should be considered in future studies.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.215-224
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• 1997

Gamijiyu-tang (GJT) described originally in the Dong Eui Bo Gam, a traditional reference for oriental medicine in the Korea, has been clinically used for treatment of chronic liver disease. In order to evaluate scientifcally a hepatoprotective effect of GJT in the liver fibrotic disease, the present study investigated how GJT improves a hepatic function in the dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-treated rat. DMN treatment caused a significant increase of relative liver weight to the body at 28 days after DMN induction. Administration of with a clinical dose decreased significantly the sAST level $(158.8{\pm}7.76\;IU/L)$ elevated by DMN in jection (p<0.01). A similar phenomenon was also observed at change of both Salt and Salt level in the GJT and/or DMN-treated animal (p<0.01, p<0.05, respectively). A remarkable increase of hydroxyproline was observed by treatment of DMN with comparing to the normal rat $(361.9{\pm}7.35\;vs.\;1278.1{\pm}52.9\;{\mu}g/g\;tissue,\;p<0.01)$. This was significantly reduced by a simultaneous treatment of GJT with DMN for 21 days (p<0.05), but not recovered completely to its normal value. In addition. GJT administration ameliorated conspicuously the DMN-induces histopathological changes of liver such as hemorrhage. Cell necrosis and fibrosis. Tak'en together, results described here demonstrated scientifically in first the medicinal efficacy of GJT by using in vivo animal model, indicating that GJT improves the DMN-induced hepatic injury through reducing an excessive accumulation of collagen and histopathological changes. The decreased collagen content may be a pivotal process for GJT to improve hepatic function in the DMN-induced liver fibrosis. The present study suggests that GJT may be useful for and applicable to the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver disease.