• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.111-129
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Coicis Semen Herbal-acupuncture solution (CS-HAS) at the Joksamni (ST36) on the collagen-induced arthritis in the DBA/1J mouse. The author performed several experiments to analyze the effects of CS-HAS on arthritis; change of the weight; the spleen size and adhesion rate; serum cytokine levels; serum antibody levels; changes of immunocyte counts; the histological changes of joint. Results : In the Coicis Semen Herbal-acupuncture (CS-HA), arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, and the degree of joint edema were decreased. In CS-HA, there was no weight loss. The size of the spleen, adhesion rate, and the edema and transformation of joint were lowered. In CS-HA, the levels of IL-1${\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, IgG, IgM, and anti-collagen II in serum and the levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-4, IL-10 in spleen were significantly decreased. In CS-HA, the expression ratios of $CD45^+$ to $CD3e^+$ and $CD8^+$ to $CD4^+$ were decreased. Also, the overall $CD4^+/CD8^+$ cell ratio was lowered in spleen. Ratios of the $CD4^+/CD25^+$, $CD45^+/CD69^+$ cells were decreased in lymph nodes. In addition, ratios of the $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells were also decreased in synovium. In the histological study, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation, and collagen fiber destruction were decreased with CS-HA treated group. Conclusions : From the results mentioned above, it is suggested that CS-HA at the ST36 has several significant effects on the collagen-induced arthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.191-206
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• 2006

Objective & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix herbal-acupuncture solution(APR-HAS) at Joksamni(ST36) on collagen IT induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. The author performed several experimental items to analyze several cytokines and immune cells related with RA. Results : 1. In the APR-HA group, the incidence of arthritis and arthritis index were significantly decreased. 2. In APR-HA group, the levels of IL-6, $INF-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IgG, IgM, $IL-{\beta}$ and Anti-collagen II in serum of the CIA mouse were significantly decreased. 3. In APR-HA group, the level of $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-4 in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture were significantly decreased. 4. In histology, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased in the APR-HA group, and the collagen fiber expressions in the APR-HA group were similar with that of the Normal group. 5. In the APR-HA group, CD3e+/CD19+ and CD4+/CD8+ were similarly maintained as Normal group in the CIA mouse lymph nodes, 6. In the APR-HA group, CD3e+/CD69+ was significantly decreased in the CIA mouse joint. 7. In the APR-HA group, CD11a+/CD19+ and CD11b+/Gr-l+ were significantly decreased in the CIA mouse lymph nodes 8. In the APR-HA group, CD4+/CD25+ was decreased in the CIA mouse spleen cell. 9. In the APR-HA group, CD4+/CD25+ was similarly maintained as Normal group in the CIA mouse lymph nodes.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.63-78
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was carried out to know the effects of Gwan-Jul-Bang-7 (hereafter referred to GJB-7) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on the mouse. Methods: To assess the effects of GJB-7 on mouse with arthritis induced by collagen II, we conducted several experiments such as analysis of cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, total cell number of draining lymph nodes and paw joints, value of immunocyte in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell), DLN (draining lymph node) and paw joint, measurement of cytokine and anti-collagen II, observation of the histological changes of joint. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against HFC (human fibroblast cells) was not observed in any concentration and hepatotoxicity was not observed in the GJB-7 treated group. 2. The incidence of arthritis significantly decreased. 3. Total cell number of draining lymph nodes significantly increased and total cell number of paw joints significantly decreased. 4. The percentage of $CD8^+$ cells in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) significantly increased. The percentage of $CD3^+/CD69^+$, and $CD3^+/CD49b^+$ cells in PBMC significantly decreased. 5. The percentage of $CD19^+,\;CD3^+$, and $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in DLN (draining lymph nodes) significantly increased. The percentage of $B220^+/CD23^+$ cells in DLN significantly decreased. 6. The percentage of $CD3^+,\;CD4^+$, and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in paw joints significantly decreased. 7. The production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, and MCP-1 significantly decreased. 8. Anti-collagen II in serum significantly decreased. 9. With the hematoxylin and eosin stain, inflammation of joint decreased. Under Masson's trichrome stain, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation and the expression of collagen fibers decreased. Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that GJB-7 had immunomodulatory effects. So we expect that GJB-7 could be used as an effective drug for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune diseases.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.117-135
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• 2008

In order to investigate the efficacy of a combination of JBB as topical and HTGMB as internal treatment method, changes in various immune related factors and histological changes in NC/Nga induced animal model was studied. Combined treatment of topical JBB and internal HTGMB significantly reduced the atopic dermatitis clinical index, the number of immune cells such as CD19+, CCR3+, B220+/IgE+, and Gr-1+/CD11b+ in DLN and dorsal skin, compared to the control group. Otherwise increased CD3+, CD4+/CD25+, CD8+ and CD4+ cells in the DLN. And also combined treatment of topical JBB and internal HTGMB suppressed the lymphocytes and mast cells from infiltrating into the skin tissues when stained with H&E and toluidine blue. Based on the results above, it is strongly suggested that the combined treatment of topical JBB and internal HTGMB significantly induced anti-allergic activities through immune modulation. The findings can be applied to developing a more sustainable treatment for atopic dermatitis and be helpful in practicing combined treatments in clinical treatments in the future.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.38 no.3 s.172
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• pp.221-236
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• 2005

In order to investigate the contamination levels and dispersion patterns of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn by urbanization, soils beneath roadside-trees and leaves of Ginkgo biloba were collected from Seoul area during October to November in 2001. All tree leaves were grouped into washed and unwashed ones. The pH of most soil ranges from 6 to 9 indicating a weak acidic and alkaline. The element couples of Cd-Co, Cr-Ni and Zn-Cu-Pb have good correlation in soils, and contamination sources of Cd-Co, Cr-Ni and Zn-Cu-Pb could be similar. High correlation coefficients among Pb, Cu and Zn in G. biloba indicates that these elements show the similar behavior during the metabolism processes. From the results of pollution index calculation for soils, industrialized and heavy traffic area were severly polluted by heavy metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. By the discriminant analysis, industrialized and heavy traffic areas are enriched in the order of Ni> Cr> Pb. Cadmium is useful to discriminate between industrialized and heavy traffic areas, Co and Pb are highly enhanced in heavy traffic area.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.352-357
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• 2001

Cadmium (Cd) has been identified as a potential contaminant in agricultural and environmental soils. Ionic condition in the soils is an important factor to influence Cd availability. In this study, the effect of sulfate or nitrate application on Cd sorption in acidic and calcareous soils was investigated. The Cd, sulfate $(SO_4)$, and nitrate $(NO_3)$ sources were solutions of $CdCl_2$, $K_2SO_4$, and $KNO_3$, respectively. The soil-solution system pH was affected by the application of sulfate or nitrate in both acidic and calcareous soil system, but there was not clear pH difference between pre- and simultaneous applications of sulfate or nitrate (PAS/PAN or SAS/SAN). Solution ionic strength (I) values were similar between the acid and calcareous soil systems after applying the Cd even though it was significantly different in the untreated control soils. However after applying the sulfate or nitrate, the I values increased and were always higher with SAS/SAN treatments. Solution Cd concentration also increased with the application of sulfate or nitrate. However, the Cd concentration in soil solution controlled by Cd sorption in the systems was different between PAS/PAN and SAS/SAN treatments only in the calcareous soil system, but not in the acidic soil system. The difference in Cd concentration between SAS/SAN and PAS/PAN in the calcareous systems may be caused by system pH, ionic strength, complexation, and predominately, competition of the $Cd^{2-}$ with the index $K^+$ ion. Potassium ion-Cd competition in the acidic soil system may be minimized because of the abundance of hydrogen ions.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.168-179
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• 2020

Objective: This study investigated testicular oxidative stress status and physiomorphological function in Wistar rats fed with yaji and cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Methods: Sixty male albino Wistar rats (12 per group) were randomly assigned to five groups: group I (control), group II (300 mg/kg.bw of yaji), group III (500 mg/kg.bw of yaji), group IV (2.5 mg/kg.bw of CdCl₂), and group V (2.5 mg/kg.bw of yaji+4 mg/kg.bw omega-3). Each group was evenly subdivided into two subgroups and treatment was administered for 14 days and 42 days, respectively. Semen quality (sperm count, progressive motility, normal morphology, and gonadosomatic index), hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone), testicular oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonaldehyde) and testicular histomorphological features were examined. Results: Yaji caused significant (p< 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent reductions in semen quality, the gonadosomatic index, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Yaji also caused significant (p< 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as increased testicular malonaldehyde levels. Yaji induced distortions in the testicular histological architecture. CdCl₂ damaged testicular function by significantly (p< 0.05) reducing semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, and oxidative stress markers in albino Wistar rats. CdCl₂ also altered the histology of the testis. Conclusion: This study shows that yaji sauce has similar anti-fertility effects to those of CdCl₂, as it adversely interferes with male reproduction by impairing oxidative stress markers and the function and morphological features of the testis.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2017

Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency is common in Crohn disease (CD). The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and evaluate the association between vitamin D status and growth outcome in Korean pediatric CD patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 17 children younger than 18 years old diagnosed with CD were enrolled and their serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) was checked between 2011 and 2015. We categorized the patients into two groups, Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 included patients with serum 25(OH)D levels below 10 ng/mL, and Group 2 was for patients with a 25(OH)D serum levels between 10 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL. The z-scores for height (Htz), weight (Wtz), and body mass index (BMIz) were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D levels of the total 65 CD patients and 17 enrolled patients were $15.64{\pm}6.9ng/mL$ and $13.1{\pm}5.1ng/mL$, respectively. There was no correlation at the beginning of the study between vitamin D level and growth parameters (Htz, Wtz, BMIz) or other variables including laboratory data and Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index. The Htz, Wtz, and BMIz in Group 1 showed no significant improvement at 6 months and 12 months follow-up. In Group 2, Wtz and BMIz showed significant improvements sustained until 12 months of follow-up. Htz showed no significant improvement at 6 months but there was significant improvement at 12 months. Conclusion: It seems that baseline vitamin D status affects growth outcome in pediatric CD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.137-154
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• 2006

Results: 1. In the AlPR-HA group, the incidence of arthritis and arthritis index were significantly decreased. 2. In the AlPR-HA group, the levels of $IL-6,\;IFN-{\gamma},\;TNF-{\alpha},\;IL-1{\beta},\;IgG,\;IgM,\;Anti-collagen\;II$ in serum of the CIA mouse were significantly decreased. 3. In the AlPR-HA group, the levels of $IFN-{\gamma:,\;IFN-{\gamma}\;/IL-4$ in spleen cell culture of the CIA mouse were significantly decreased. 4. In the Hematoxylin and eosin stain, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased in the AIPR-HA group. 5. In the Masson's trichrome stain, the collagen fiber expressions were similar with that of the Normal group. 6. In the AlPR-HA group, the expression ratio of $CD3e^+$ to $CD19^+$ cell and $CD4^+$ to $CD8^+$ cell were similarly maintained as Normal group in the CIA mouse lymph nodes. 7. In the AlPR-HA group, $CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the CIA mouse joint and $CD11a^+/CD19^+$ cells and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in the CIA mouse lymph nodes were significantly decreased. 8. In the AIPR-HA group, $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells were significantly decreased in the CIA mouse spleen cell and were similarly maintained as Normal group in the CIA mouse lymph nodes. Conclusions: These results suggest that AlPR-HA at 51'36 has an effect to control synovial cell proliferation and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2012

Purpose: Early identification of neonatal sepsis is a global issue because of limitations in diagnostic procedures. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil CD64 and C-reactive protein (CRP) as a single test for the early detection of neonatal sepsis. Methods: A prospective study enrolled newborns with documented sepsis (n=11), clinical sepsis (n=12) and control newborns (n=14). CRP, neutrophil CD64, complete blood counts and blood culture were taken at the time of the suspected sepsis for the documented or clinical group and at the time of venipuncture for laboratory tests in control newborns. Neutrophil CD64 was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: CD64 was significantly elevated in the groups with documented or clinical sepsis, whereas CRP was not significantly increased compared with controls. For documented sepsis, CD64 and CRP had a sensitivity of 91% and 9%, a specificity of 83% and 83%, a positive predictive value of 83% and 33% and a negative predictive value of 91% and 50%, respectively, with a cutoff value of 3.0 mg/dL for CD64 and 1.0 mg/dL for CRP. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for CD64 index and CRP were 0.955 and 0.527 ($P$ <0.01), respectively. Conclusion: These preliminary data show that diagnostic accuracy of CD64 is superior to CRP when measured at the time of suspected sepsis, which implies that CD64 is a more reliable marker for the early identification of neonatal sepsis as a single determination compared with CRP.