• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4233-4235
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• 2016

Background: Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery were frequently used to palliate patients with brain metastases. It remains controversial which modality or combination of therapy is superior especially in the setting of limited number of brain metastases. The availability of newer medical therapy that improves survival highlighted the importance of reducing long term radiation toxicity associated with WBRT. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the hippocampal sparing technique with whole brain and integrated simultaneous boost Materials and Methods: Planning data from 10 patients with 1-5 brain metastases treated with SRS were identified. Based on the contouring guideline from RTOG atlas, we identified and contoured the hippocampus with 5mm isocentric expansion to form the hippocampal avoidance structure. The plan was to deliver hippocampal sparing whole brain radiotherapy (HSWBRT) of 30 Gy in 10 fractions and simultaneous boost to metastatic lesions of 30 Gy in 10 fractions each. Results: The PTV, hippocampus and hippocampal avoidance volumes ranges between 1.00 - 39.00 cc., 2.50 - 5.30 cc and 26.47 - 36.30 cc respectively. The mean hippocampus dose for the HSWBRT and HSWBRT and SIB plans was 8.06 Gy and 12.47 respectively. The max dose of optic nerve, optic chiasm and brainstem were kept below acceptable range of 37.5 Gy. Conclusions: The findings from this dosimetric study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of treating limited brain metastases with HSWBRT and SIB. It is possible to achieve the best of both worlds by combining HSWBRT and SIB to achieve maximal local intracranial control while maintaining as low a dose as possible to the hippocampus thereby preserving memory and quality of life.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2018

The aim of this study is to compare the anti-inflammatory and immunological activity of different parts (bone, meat, and rind) of Yeonsan Ogye (YO). In order to evaluate cytotoxicity, MTT assay was performed. We investigated the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$, in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. All parts of the YO showed no toxicity at concentrations of 1, 10, and $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Rooster's bone, hen's bone, and rind decreased the production of NO. And rooster's bone, meat, and hen's bone also attenuated TNF-${\alpha}$ production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, all parts of the YO decreased IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they all increased IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production in normal RAW264.7 cells. Rooster exhibited higher immune activation and inhibitory activity on inflammation than a hen, and among different parts of the YO, bone showed the highest activity. Our results demonstrated and compared the anti-inflammatory and immunological activity of different parts of the YO. These results suggest that YO may be developed as a raw material for new health supplement food and medicine to attenuate various symptoms related to inflammation and immunity.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.311-321
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• 2016

Chronic or acute alcohol abuse often leads to liver injury associated with alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In addition to the liver, alcohol abuse also induces a variety of other tissue injuries including pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, neurotoxicity and muscle loss. Chronic skeletal muscle myopathy, independent of peripheral neuropathy, is well recognised in alcoholic patients. Several mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic myopathy. Ethanol is a potent inhibitor of muscle protein synthesis. Gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles are Type II fiber-predominant and usually considered representative of the musculature as a whole. Whereas, soleus muscle is Type I fiber predominant. Shihosogan-san is a traditional Korean medicine that is widely employed to treat indigestion and liver diseases. Muscle diseases are often related to liver diseases and conditions. We therefore tested the hypothesis that treatment with Shihosogan-san could ameliorate the ethanol-induced changes in muscle protein synthesis. Young male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally given 25% ethanol (5ml/kg, body weight) daily with Ethanol for 28 days. Normal group was similarly administrated with saline. In Shihosogan-san treated group, rats were orally administrated Shihosogan-san extract, and rats of EtOH group were given with the vehicle only. After 4 week, the morphology of gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. For comparative purposes, liver function was also investigated. The muscles from rats of EtOH group displayed a significant reduction in average cross section area compared to Normal group. Shihosogan-san treated group had increased fiber compared to the EtOH group. Moreover, Shihosogan-san treated group compared with EtOH group showed significantly decreased pro-apoptotic BAX expression and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, Shihosogan-san extract showed ameliorating effects on chronic alcohol toxicity in skeletal muscle.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.13-30
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• 2005

Objective: Danguieumja-gagambang (DGEJGB), a traditional Korean prescription, has been used as therapeutics for allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we compared with regulatory Effect of Atopic Allergic Reaction by Prescriptions A and by Prescriptions B. Methods : To evaluate and compare the atopic allergic effectiveness of two prescription (A, B) of DGEJGB, the author investigated a possible effect of DGEJGB on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction, cytokine secretion and mRNA expression in vivo and in vitro. Results : Mast cells are a potent source of mediators that regulate the inflammatory response in allergic reaction. In mice orally administered A, B of DGEJGB ( 0.1, 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg) for 1 h, compound 48/80-induced ear swelling was significantly reduced. Significant reduced levels (P < 0.05). of tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ was observed in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) with DGEJGB (A). IL-6 and IL-8 secretion were significantly inhibited by DGEJGB (A, B). In addition, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-8 mRNA expression were reduced by DGEJGB (A) at the dose of 0.01 mg/ml without cell toxicity. Conclusions : These results suggest that DGEJGB (A) contributes to the treatment of atopic allergic reactions rather than DGEJGB (B), and that its action may be due to inhibition of cytokine secretion and mRNA expression HMC-1.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1282-1291
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• 2009

A combined prescription of GGB and CHS (G&C prescription group) was used to investigate its effects on immune related factors and histological changes in atopic dermatitis(AD) induced mice. Significant decrease of atopic dermatitis clinical index in G&C prescription group. In DLN, G&C prescription group significantly modulated the immune cells. G&C prescription group also showed significant effect on the immune cells of the dorsal skin as well as DLN. The group indicated significant decrease of the biosynthesis of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, GM-CSF, cytokines in serum. On the other hand, the biosynthesis of TNF-$\alpha$ was decreased. G&C prescription group significantly decreased the immunoglobulin IgE levels in serum. The results suggest that G&C prescription significantly improves atopic dermatitis through regulation of immune cells and cytokines. Comparative studies with Protopic ointment also showed that G&C prescription showed significant effect in AD patients, and active application of the prescription in clinicals is anticipated. However, the reason for the results that oppose to those of previous studies should be investigated. Also, therapeutic effects of both internal and external applications should be studied individually as well as for any synergistic effects. Safety, toxicity, as well as stability studies should follow to develop G&C prescription into long-term external clinical product.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1-9
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• 2012

The purpose of ecological risk assessment in soil ecosystem is to protect ecological receptors and to provide a scheme of efficient management for soil contaminants. Developed countries have already prepared the methodologies of ecological risk assessment by considering their soil properties, land use, and ecological receptors. In this study, we compared the soil ecological risk assessment processes in the similarity and differences in methodology. Four countries, except for USA, adjusted the toxicological data for ecological risk assessment, based on their representative soil properties because the soil properties affect toxic effects to ecological receptors. The soil ecological risk assessment methodology of Netherlands and UK was based on 'Technical guidance document on risk assessment (TGD)' of European Chemical Bureau (ECB). Australia, USA, and Canada developed their autonomous methodology. In the Netherlands, UK, Australia, and Canada, they employed the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach if sufficient toxicity data are available. The USA determined the ecological soil screening level by obtaining the geometric mean of toxicological data for three species. Furthermore, all countries consider secondary poisoning in their soil ecological risk assessment. The latest risk assessment methodology of soil ecosystem that this study investigated can be used to explore what Korea needs to develop the Korean ecological risk assessment methodology of soil ecosystem in the future.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.195-207
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was performed to confirm whether plasma lead can be used as a chronic biomarker for the biological monitoring of exposure to lead. Methods: Lead concentrations in 66 plasma samples from retired lead workers (G.M. 60.25 years, Median 61.00 years) and 42 plasma samples from the general population (G.M. 53.76 years, Median 56.50 years) were measured using ICP/Mass. Tibia, whole blood, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood zinc protophorphyrin (ZPP) concentrations and urinary ${\delta}$-aminolevulinic acid (${\delta}-ALA$) were measured for correlation analysis with plasma lead. Results: The geometric mean concentration of lead in plasma was $0.23{\mu}g/L$ for the retired lead workers and $0.10{\mu}g/L$ for the general population sample. A simple correlation analysis of biomarkers showed that plasma lead concentration among the retired lead workers was highly correlated with lead concentration in the tibia and with blood lead concentration, and the plasma lead concentration among the general population correlated with ZPP concentration in the blood. The lead concentration in the tibia and the lead concentration in the whole blood increased with length of working period. As the period in the lead workplace increased, the ratio of lead in plasma to lead concentration in whole blood decreased. Conclusion: This study confirmed the possibility of a chronic biomarker of lead concentration in blood plasma as a biomarker. In the future, comparative studies with specific indicators will lead to more fruitful results.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.29-37
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• 2019

Objectives : Bang-poong (Saposhnikovia divaricata; SD) was traditionally used to treat inflammatory disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Bang-poong and related species including SD, Glehnia littoralis (GL), and Peucedanum japonicum (PJ) possess neuroprotective effects and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Methods : Roots of SD, GL and PJ were extracted with distilled water (DW) or 70% ethanol (EtOH). We assessed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities of the extracts. To examine neuroprotective effects, we measured cell viability in PC12 or HT22 cells after treatment of the extracts with $H_2O_2$ or amyloid-beta ($A{\beta}$). To assess anti-neuroinflammatory effects, we measured the nitric oxide (NO) levels after treatment with the extracts and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV2 microglial cells. In addition, we performed AChE inhibition assay to explore effects of the extracts on the cholinergic system. Results : DW and EtOH extracts of SD, GL and PJ showed mild DPPH free radical scavenging activities. Also, DW extracts of GL and PJ showed protective effects against $H_2O_2$-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. In LPS-activated BV2 cells, EtOH extracts of SD, GL and PJ exerted inhibitory effects on NO production. Meanwhile, DW extracts of SD, GL and PJ inhibited the $A{\beta}$-induced cell death in HT22 cells. In addition, DW and EtOH extracts of GL exhibited remarkable inhibitory activities on AChE. Conclusions : We demonstrated that SD, GL and PJ exert anti-oxidative, anti-neuroinflammatory and AChE inhibitory activities. These results indicate that SD, GL and PJ could be potential candidates for neurological disorders.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.84-94
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• 2022

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is a standard therapy used for locally advanced rectal cancer prior to surgery, which can more effectively reduce the locoregional recurrence rate and radiation toxicity compared to postoperative chemoradiotherapy. The response of patients to nCRT varies, and thus, robust biomarkers for predicting a pathological complete response are necessary. This study aimed to identify possible biomarkers involved in the complete response/non-response of rectal cancer patients to nCRT. Comparative proteomic analysis was performed on rectal tissue samples before and after nCRT. Proteins were extracted for label-free proteomic analysis. Western blot and real-time PCR were performed using rectal cancer cell line SNU-503 and radiation-resistant rectal cancer cell line SNU-503R80Gy. A total of 135 up- and 93 down-regulated proteins were identified in the complete response group. Six possible biomarkers were selected to evaluate the expression of proteins and mRNA in SNU-503 and SNU-503R80Gy cell lines. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2, annexin A13, aldo-ketose reductase family 1 member B1, and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide appeared to be potential biomarkers for predicting a pathological complete response to nCRT. This study identified differentially expressed proteins and some potential biomarkers in the complete response group, which would be further validated in future studies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.112-118
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• 2023

Seaweed-derived foods have long been popular in Korea because of their high content of nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. Recently, Korean seaweeds have been used as raw materials to produce new natural products with health benefits. Herein, we compared the antioxidant activity of 16 Korean seaweed extracts to explore their potential utility as health foods. The total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of seaweed extracts were determined. We also investigated their ability to protect human diploid fibroblast (HDF) cells against hydrogen peroxide. The results showed that seaweed extracts at a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL did not cause any cell toxicity. Sargassum thunbergii (Jichung-i) had the highest TPC and radical scavenging effects, followed by Porphyra tenera (Gim), Silvetia siliquosa (Tteumbugi), and Sargassum fusiforme (Tot). Hydrogen peroxide increased the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, while P. tenera (Gim), Saccharina japonica (Dasima), and S. thunbergii (Jichung-i) extracts significantly decreased it. The effect was highest in the S. thunbergii (Jichung-i)-treated HDF cells. These findings indicate that S. thunbergii (Jichung-i) shows promise as a potential antioxidant raw material.