• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.134-139
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• 2000

Angelica gigas Nakai (danggui) is a popular herb which has been used as a blood-building decoction for recovery from weakness in the Chinese medicine. Its demand increased in functional foods and pharmaceutical industries. For its hygiene, fumigation has been used, but the use of fumigants are going to be prohibited for food processing. In order to investigate gamma irradiation technique for hygiene of danggui, the immunomodulation activity of danggui after irradiation was examined. The water extract of irradiated danggui showed a strong mitogenic effect on splenocytes in vitro to the same level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The effect was not different from that of non-danggui. It was tested whether there was any difference between irradiated and non-irradiated danggui in effects on the secretion of antibodies and graft versus host reaction in vivo. It turned out that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the extract of irradiated danggui for 4 days remarkably increased the number of antibody-secreting cells in mice injected with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Splenomegaly, due to graft versus host reacton, was also increased after 7 days i.p. administration of the extract of danggui in mice injected with allogeneic splenocytes. In these two in vivo test, the effect were not different from those of non-irradiated danggui. These results indicated that immunomodulation activity of danggui might be preserved after irradiation. In the other experiments (data not shown), the irradiated danggui was stable in active component analysis and safe in genetic toxicity test. In further research, the stability in other physiological activity of irradiated danggui will have to be proved before practical application of irradiation for hygiene.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1863-1869
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• 2014

The amplification of telomerase component (TERC) gene could play an important role in generation and treatment of haematological malignancies. This present study was aimed to investigate copy number amplification status of TERC gene in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients who were being treated with imatinib mesylate (IM). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of CML-IM Resistant (n=63), CML-IM Respond (n=63) and healthy individuals (n=30). TERC gene copy number predicted (CNP) and copy number calculated (CNC) were determined based on $Taqman^{(R)}$ Copy Number Assay. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed to confirm the normal signal pattern in C4 (calibrator) for TERC gene. Nine of CML patients showed TERC gene amplification (CNP=3), others had 2 CNP. A total of 17 CML patients expressed CNC>2.31 and the rest had 2.31>CNC>1.5. TERC gene CNP value in healthy individuals was 2 and their CNC value showed in range 1.59-2.31. The average CNC TERC gene copy number was 2.07, 1.99 and 1.94 in CML-IM Resistant patients, CML-IM Respond and healthy groups, respectively. No significant difference of TERC gene amplification observed between CML-IM Resistant and CML-IM Respond patients. Low levels of TERC gene amplification might not have a huge impact in haematological disorders especially in terms of resistance towards IM treatment.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.191-199
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• 2010

Acanthopanax Koreanum stem (AK) has been used in Korea as a tonic and sedative as well as a drug with ginseng like activities. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the effects of AK extract (AKE) and Eleutheroside E, major component of AKE on an exacerbated immune function through utilization of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) diet by using forced swimming test (FST). The immobility time were significantly decreased in the AKE or Eleutheroside E-administrated group compared with the control group on the FST (P < 0.05). The level of blood parameters were not changed significantly. PEM-induced weight loss of mice was reduced by oral administration of 500 mg/kg AKE. AKE oral administration improved the nutritional status such as the food efficiency ratio and the adrenal gland weight. AKE treatment significantly increased the production of interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ compared with unstimulated splenocytes but not interleukin (IL)-4. Eleutheroside E also significantly increased the IFN-$\gamma$ production but not IL-2 and IL-4 in T cell line, MOLT-4 cells. These results suggest that AKE and Eleutheroside E may influence to immune-enhancing through increasing the physical endurance capacity and immune cell activation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1235-1243
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• 1998

Although an elevated plasma level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as a protective component against the development of atherosclerosis and ensuing coronary heart diseases, the related mechanisms are still not established . It has been clearly demonstrated in the early stages of atherogenesis that adhesion of monocytes and lymphocytes to the vascular endothelium is enhanced via adhesion molecules, and that monocytes and macrophages accumulate in the subendothelial space. The present study has investigated whether isolated plasma HDL plays a role in protection against atherogenesis by inhibiting the expression of vascular cell adhesioin molecule-1(VCAM-1) on the endothelial cells. Effects of plasma native low density lipoprotein (LDL) and ac ethylated LDL(AcLDL) on VCAM-1 expression were also examined by using an immunocytochemical technique. While plasma HDL did not alter the basal expression of VCAM-1 , lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induction of this adhesion modlecule was markedly inhibited at a phyaiological concentration of HDL. In contrast, 30$\mu\textrm{g}$ protein/ml AcLDL increased sifnificantly both basal VCAM-1 expression and its LPD induction , suggesting that this modified LDL enhances leukocyte adhesiion to endothelial cells. Unlike AcLDL , plasma native LDL inhibited significantly VCAM-1 expression. This indicates that LDL did not undergo oxidative modificantion while incubated with endothelial cells. These results suggest that plasam HDL may inhibit atherogenesis by reducing the expression of adhesion molecules, which is a protective mechanism independent of tis reverse cholesterol transport function . Modified LDL is a potent iducer for adhesion molecules in vascular endothelical cells and could play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by adhering to blood cells.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was aimed to develop and evaluate an obesity-management program for middle-aged obese women. Methods: Two 12 week session of the obesity-management programs constituted of weekly education and exercise such as aquarobic, pilates & yoga, and power-walking during 60 min for 3 days a week from June to December, 2006. The subjects included 47 middle-aged obese women between 30 and 60 yr. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated according to the change of body weight, body component, abdominal circumference, and serum lipid concentration. Data were measured by Inbody, tape measure, and blood test. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and a paired t-test with an SPSS/PC. Results: There were statistically significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, Hemoglobin, abdominal circumference, total cholesterol level, and low density lipoprotein after the program was completed. But there were not statistically significant difference in fat free mass, muscle mass and triglyceride. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that an obesity-management program have positive effects in body composition, abdominal circumference, and lipid metabolism for middle-aged obese women.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.241-249
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• 2009

Various neurotransmitters are involved in regulating stress systems. In this study, we investigated the combination relieving effect of green tea extract(GTE) and L-theanine on the stress induced by electric foot shock. Four week oral administration of GTE (24 mg/kg), L-theanine (4 mg/kg) or their combination reduced the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and corticosterone in blood, brain cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, wherease increased serotonin level. The combination of GTE and L-theanine showed much greater effects than single treatment of each component, and the effects are comparable to diazepam (2 mg/kg). Therefore, this study suggests that the combination of GTE and L-theanine may act effective and be useful for stress relieving treatment.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.563-570
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• 2005

Tamoxifen citrate (TAM), is widely used for treatment of breast cancer. It showed a degree of hepatic carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant capacity of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (GTE) against TAM-induced liver injury. A model of liver injury in female rats was done by intraperitoneal injection of TAM in a dose of $45\;mg\;Kg^{-1}\;day^{-1}$, i.p. for 7 successive days. GTE in the concentration of 1.5%, was orally administered 4 days prior and 14 days after TAM-intoxication as a sole source of drinking water. The antioxidant flavonoid; epicatechin (a component of green tea) was not detectable in liver and blood of rats in either normal control or TAM-intoxicated group, however, TAM intoxication resulted in a significant decrease of its level in liver homogenate of tamoxifen-intoxicated rats. The model of TAM-intoxication elicited significant declines in the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase,glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and reduced glutathione concomitant with significant elevations transaminase) levels. The oral administration of 1.5% GTE to TAM-intoxicated rats, produced significant increments in the antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione concomitant with significant decrements in TBARS and liver transaminases levels. The data obtained from this study speculated that 1.5% GTE has the capacity to scavenge free radical and can protect against oxidative stress induced by TAM intoxication. Supplementation of GTE could be useful in alleviating tamoxifen-induced liver injury in rats.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.536-541
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• 2017

Hyperglycemia found in diabetes mellitus causes several physiological abnormalities including the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress. Accumulation of AGEs and elevation of oxidative stress plays major roles in the development of diabetic complications. Adiponectin secreted from adipocytes is known to improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose level. Curcumin (CCM), a bioactive component of turmeric, has been reported as a potent antioxidant. Present work aimed to elucidate the roles of CCM in high glucose-induced protein glycation and intracellular events in mature adipocytes. The results demonstrated that CCM inhibited the formation of fluorescent AGEs by approximated 52% at 3 weeks of bovine serum albumin (BSA) glycation with glucose. Correspondingly, CCM decreased the levels of fructosamine and ${\alpha}-dicarbonyl$ compounds during BSA glycation with glucose. These data suggested that CCM might be a new promising anti-glycation agent. Also, CCM reduced high glucose-induced oxidative stress in a dose dependent manner, whereas CCM treatment time-dependently elevated the expression of adiponectin gene in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The findings from this study suggested the possibility of therapeutic use of CCM for the prevention of diabetic complications and obesity-related diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.549-561
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• 2018

Ginseng has been traditionally used for several millennia in Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan, not only as a nourishing and tonifying agent but also as a therapeutic agent for a variety of diseases. In recent years, the various effects of red ginseng including immunity improvement, fatigue relief, memory improvement, blood circulation improvement, antioxidation, mitigation of menopausal women's symptoms, and anticancer an effect have been reported in clinical as well as basic research. Around the world, there is a trend of the rising consumption of health functional foods on the level of disease prevention along with increased interest in maintaining health because of population aging and the awareness of lifestyle diseases and chronic diseases. Red ginseng occupies an important position as a health functional food. But till now, international ginseng monographs including those of the World Health Organization have been based on data on white ginseng and have mentioned red ginseng only partly. Therefore, the red ginseng monograph is needed for component of red ginseng, functionality certified as a health functional food in the Korea Food and Drug Administration, major efficacy, action mechanism, and safety. The present red ginseng monograph will contribute to providing accurate information on red ginseng to agencies, businesses, and consumers both in South Korea and abroad.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.353-361
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• 1998

Hypothermia is widely acknowledged as fundamental component of myocardial protection during cardiac operations. Although it prolongs the period of ischemic arrest by reducing oxygen demands, hypothermia is associated with a number of major disadvantages, including its detrimental effects on enzymatic function, energy generation, and cellular integrity. The ideal way to rotect the heart is to electromechanically arrest it and perfus it with blood that is aerobic arrest. However alternative technique has been developed, based on the principles of electromechanical arrest and normothermic aerobic perfusion using continuous warm blood cardioplegia. To determine if continuous warm blood cardioplegia was beneficial in clinical practice during valvular surgery, we studied two groups of patients matched by numbers and clinical characteristics. Group included is 31 patients undergoing valvular surgery who received intermittent cold crystalloid cardioplegia. Group II included 30 patients undergoing valvular surgery who received continuous warm blood cardioplegia. Our results suggest that the heartbeat in 100% of patients treated with continuous warm blood cardioplegia converted to normal sinus rhythm spontaneously after the removal of the aortic cross-clamp, compared to only 31% of the cold cardioplegia group. After operation, pericardial closure rate was 90% area in the warm group, compared to 35% area in the cold group. 12 hours after the operation, the total amount of urine output in the warm group was greater than that in the cold group(2863${\pm}$127 ml versus 2257${\pm}$127 ml; p<0.05). After the operation, left diaphragmatic elevation developed in 55% of the cold group but in 0% of the warm group. CK-MB level in the warm group was significantly lower than cold group(2.28${\pm}$0.62 versus 9.96${\pm}$2.12; p<0.01) 1 hour after operation and CK-MB level in the warm group was significantly lower than cold group(1.80${\pm}$1.01 versus 6.00${\pm}$1.74; p<0.05) 12hours after operation. Continuous warm blood cardioplegia is at least as safe and effective as hypothermic technique in patients undergoing cardiac valvular surgery. Conceptually, this represents a new approach to the problem of maintaining myocardial preservation during cardiac operations.