• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.275-281
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• 2019

Polysaccharides produced in microorganisms and plants are known to increase the immune response in the body. We proposed analysis of beta-glucan contents of phellinus linteus fruit body (FB) and mycelium (MC) cultured in cudrania tricuspidata. Also, we examined whether fruit body and mycelium can increase the immune response in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression animal models. We injected cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) twice to produce immunosuppression mice. Then, FB (200 mg/kg) and MC (200 mg/kg) were oral administered for 14 days. In order to confirm the immune-enhancing effect of FB and MC, we analyzed spleen weight, the number of immune cells, cytokines, and immunoglobulins levels. Cyclophosphamide decreased the weight of spleen, the number of immune cells. However, FB and MC have significantly increased the weight of spleen, the number of white blood cell, lymphocyte and monocyte. In addition, they have significantly increased immune-related cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) levels. As a results, phellinus linteus fruit body (FB) and mycelium (MC) cultured in cudrania tricuspidata can be used as effective natural materials for immune-enhancing.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권6호
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• pp.517-523
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• 2021

The present study aims to investigate the impact of hydrogen-rich water on the lactic acid level in metformin-treated diabetic rats under hypoxia. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups, including normal diet group, and diabetes model (DM) group, DM + metformin treatment (DMM) group, DMM + hypoxia treatment (DMMH) group and DMMH + hydrogen-rich water (DMMHR) group. We found that the levels of lactic acid, pyruvate and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly lower in the blood of DMMHR group than DMMH group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels in liver and heart were significantly higher in DMMH group after hydrogen-rich water treatment, while malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione levels were decreased in DMMHR group when compared with DMMH group, which indicates that hydrogen-rich water could reduce oxidative stress. qPCR analysis demonstrated that that pro-apoptotic genes Bax/Caspase-3 were upregulated in DM group and metformin treatment suppressed their upregulation (DMM group). However, hypoxic condition reversed the effect of metformin on apoptotic gene expression, and hydrogen-rich water showed little effect on these genes under hypoxia. HE staining showed that hydrogen-rich water prevented myocardial fiber damages under hypoxia. In summary, we conclude that hydrogen-rich water could prevent lactate accumulation and reduce oxidant stress in diabetic rat model to prevent hypoxia-induced damages. It could be served as a potential agent for diabetes patients with metformin treatment to prevent lactic acidosis and reduce myocardial damages under hypoxic conditions.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.281-296
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• 2021

The beneficial effects of hypoxic preconditioning are abolished in the diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of repeated episodes of whole body hypoxic preconditioning (WBHP) in db/db mice. The protective effects of preconditioning were explored on diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction, cognitive impairment and ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced increase in myocardial injury. Sixteen-week old db/db (diabetic) and C57BL/6 (non-diabetic) mice were employed. There was a significant impairment in cognitive function (Morris Water Maze test), endothelial function (acetylcholine-induced relaxation in aortic rings) and a significant increase in IR-induced heart injury (Langendorff apparatus) in db/db mice. WBHP stimulus was given by exposing mice to four alternate cycles of low (8%) and normal air O₂ for 10 min each. A single episode of WBHP failed to produce protection; however, two and three episodes of WBHP significantly produced beneficial effects on the heart, brain and blood vessels. There was a significant increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in response to 3 episodes of WBHP. Moreover, pretreatment with the BDNF receptor, TrkB antagonist (ANA-12) and NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) attenuated the protective effects imparted by three episodes of WBHP. These pharmacological agents abolished WBHP-induced restoration of p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β ratio and Nrf2 levels in IR-subjected hearts. It is concluded that repeated episodes of WHBP attenuate cognitive impairment, vascular dysfunction and enhancement in IR-induced myocardial injury in diabetic mice be due to increase in NO and BDNF levels that may eventually activate GSK-3β and Nrf2 signaling pathway to confer protection.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.402-407
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• 2019

Background: To investigate the neurobiological evidence supporting the adaptogenic effects of Korean Red Ginseng in reducing the harmful consequences of stress using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Method: Sixty-three subjects with high stress levels were randomized to receive an orally administered, double-blind, 6-week treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31). All participants underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation using Beck Depression Inventory and Stress Response Inventory, cognitive evaluation using the continuous performance test, biological evaluation by measuring blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: At baseline, both groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, years of education, Beck Depression Inventory, and Stress Response Inventory. After 6 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly increased within the normal limit in the Korean Red Ginseng group (F = 4.11, p = 0.048), and the epinephrine level was decreased in this group (F = 4,35, p = 0.043). The triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease (B = 0.087, p = 0.041), suggesting that Korean Red Ginseng may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, we detected a significant group by time effect in the visually controlled continuous performance test, suggesting positive effects of Korean Red Ginseng on cognition. Conclusion: Korean Red Ginseng might help to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in individuals with high stress.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.109-115
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• 2019

Aster Yomena (AY) has been used in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes and osteoarthritis. However, protective effect of AY on acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been reported. The present study examined the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of AY on cerulein-induced AP. AP was induced in mice by intraperitoneally injecting cerulein ($50{\mu}g/kg$) hourly for 6 times. 70% ethanol extract of AY (0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 g/kg) was orally administered for 1 week before acute pancreatitis induction. The mouse was killed at 6 hours after the final cerulein injection. The pancreas and lung were rapidly removed for histological examination and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Blood samples were taken to determine serum amylase and lipase activity. In addition real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was also performed to investigate mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$. $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6. Administration of AY significantly ameliorated pancreatic weight to body weight ratio, histological damages and MPO activity during AP. In addition, AY inhibited the serum amylase and lipase activity during AP. Also, mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were inhibited by AY against AP. Our results revealed that pre-treatment of AY reduces the severity of cerulein-induced AP. Therefore, AY may have a protective effect drug against AP.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.91-96
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• 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic restraint stress on the osseointegration of titanium implants. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. After surgical insertion of titanium implants into the metaphyseal part of the tibial bone, rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CNT group) and an experimental restraint stress group (RS group). In the CNT group, titanium implants were inserted surgically, and rats received no further treatment during the 47-day experimental period. In the RS group, restraint stress was applied for 3 hours per day for 45 days, beginning 2 days after implant surgery. Weight of the rats was measured prior to surgery and at the end of the study to analyze the effects of stress. At the end of the experimental period, rats were euthanized, and implants and surrounding bone tissues were used for undecalcified histological analysis. Serum cortisol levels were assessed in cardiac blood samples from the rats following centrifugation. Results: Average weight of rats in the RS group was lower than that of rats in the CNT group after the experimental protocol had been completed (P<0.05). Further, serum cortisol levels were higher in the RS group than in the CNT group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in boneimplant connection levels between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The data analyzed in this study suggest that chronic restraint stress did not adversely affect rats during a 45-day osseointegration period.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.163-168
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• 2019

In order to enhance the 8 principle pattern diagnosis rate comparing with diagnostic method by self-report questionnaire on cold/heat pattern in the clinical practice, a new diagnostic method using form-color-pulse-symptom (FCPS) system is proposed. FCPS system is composed of outputs of cold/heat pattern through the calculation process of contribution degree to the cold, heat pattern and qi, blood, yin, yang deficiency patterns, based on analysis of 16 mechanisms of disease calculated by diagnostic system of oriental medicine (DSOM) first. And second component is an output of differentiated 8 principle patterns in detail through binding and calculating process with digital informations of pulse, color, form, constitution obtained by computerized measurement system. Putting together above two processes consecutively, cold-heat complex or true/false cold/heat patterns and personalized characters of cold/heat patterns of each patient can be subdivided through a computation method of determining each pattern. In conclusion, 8 principle pattern identification can be performed more accurately using FCPS system than existent self report questionnaire method. These hypothetic proposal is needed to be proven by clinical trial for the future and then the accurate numbers used in each calculational function should be revised properly.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.239-248
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• 2019

There are no published data on Gyeongokgo (GOK) safety or efficacy despite being commonly use. The Gyeongokgo (GOK) is commonly used in traditional Korean medicine to promote a health qi and blood, but their objective data was not sufficient in clinical field. To investigate the safety and efficacy of GOK with hematologic and serologic testing and the change of the quality of life in healthy individuals. Randomized, subject-assessor-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center pilot study Participants and Interventions 29 healthy volunteer subjects were randomly placed into the GOK group (n = 20) or placebo control group (n = 9) and instructed to take one treatment packet (GOK or placebo) twice daily for 4 weeks. Subjects were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and underwent hematologic and serologic tests and body composition analysis. The FSS total score (p = 0.093) and SF-36 general health index (p = 0.002) were improved following treatment in the GOK group. Post-treatment thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were increased in the GOK group compared with pre-treatment levels (p = 0.0042). C-reactive protein levels decreased (p = 0.0256) in the GOK group compared with that the placebo group. In time-series tests, GOK did not affect post-prandial serum triglycerides, glucose, insulin, or C-peptide levels. Notably, elevations in serum fasting triglycerides at 2- (p = 0.0333) and 4-hours (p = 0.0414) post-prandial were lower than those in the placebo group. GOK reduced fatigue levels and did not significantly affect laboratory test results performed to measure safety, serum glucose, and lipid profiles. Post-meal triglyceride levels were effectively reduced with treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.403-409
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• 2019

Free fatty acid (FFA) intake regulates blood pressure and vascular reactivity but its direct effect on contractility of systemic arteries is not well understood. We investigated the effects of saturated fatty acid (SFA, palmitic acid), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, linoleic acid), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, oleic acid) on the contractility of isolated mesenteric (MA) and deep femoral arteries (DFA) of Sprague-Dawley rats. Isolated MA and DFA were mounted on a dual wire myograph and phenylephrine (PhE, $1-10{\mu}M$) concentration-dependent contraction was obtained with or without FFAs. Incubation with $100{\mu}M$ of palmitic acid significantly increased PhE-induced contraction in both arteries. In MA, treatment with $100{\mu}M$ of linoleic acid decreased $1{\mu}M$ PhE-induced contraction while increasing the response to higher PhE concentrations. In DFA, linoleic acid slightly decreased PhE-induced contraction while $200{\mu}M$ oleic acid significantly decreased it. In MA, oleic acid reduced contraction at low PhE concentration (1 and $2{\mu}M$) while increasing it at $10{\mu}M$ PhE. Perplexingly, depolarization by 40 mM KCl-induced contraction of MA was commonly enhanced by the three fatty acids. The 40 mM KCl-contraction of DFA was also augmented by linoleic and oleic acids while not affected by palmitic acid. SFA persistently increased alpha-adrenergic contraction of systemic arteries whereas PUFA and MUFA attenuated PhE-induced contraction of skeletal arteries. PUFA and MUFA concentration-dependent dual effects on MA suggest differential mechanisms depending on the types of arteries. Further studies are needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms of the various effects of FFA on systemic arteries.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.75-81
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• 2019

In order to research the pathological entity of Jueyin disease in ${\ll}Shanghanlun{\gg}$, some sharing concept of three-yin-three-yang used in ${\ll}Neijing{\gg}$ and ${\ll}Shanghanlun{\gg}$ were investigated first, and then the meaning of jueyin and jueyin disease were analyzed. In cold damage disease, time-space factor is important because the pathological change is rapid and the symptoms along path are similar, therefore three-yin-three-yang having complex meaning of time and space can be used as an appropriate pathological concept. So to speak, it is able to be interpreted as various modes like variations of yin-yang, qi-blood, change of pulse condition, theories of opening, closing, pivot or exuberance and debilitation of form and qi manifested in the six districts of the human body following disease process. Jueyin is between front taiyin and rear shaoyin, and it's attribution is inherent in qi stagnation and yin exuberance in relative to the location of flank and liver. Putting together above descriptions, pathological entity of jueyin disease is that the symptoms mingled with cold and stagnant heat competing each other when a subject having qi stagnation in flank with cold in extremities and lower abdomen in particular is seized with cold influenza.