• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.76-89
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• 2018

Background: Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been considered one of the main causes of a range of endocrine diseases in modern society. An EDC priority list considering exposure, toxicity, and societal concern should be established for EDC management. Methods: The chemical ranking and scoring (CRS) system for EDCs was based on exposure, toxicity,and societal concern. The exposure score system was based on usage, circulation volume, bioaccumulation, and detection in consumer products. The toxicity score system was based on carcinogenicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity. The societal concern score system was based on domestic or international regulations and mass media reports. Results: A total of 165 EDCs were considered in the CRS system. The top-five priority EDCs were Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Benzene, Bisphenol A, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Trichloroethylene. Phthalates, bisphenols and parabens were identified as priority chemical groups. Conclusion: We developed a CRS system for EDCs to identify priority EDCs for management. This will be a foundation to provide an EDC management plan based on scientific decision-making.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.83-95
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Lung, Shenmen, and Endocrine point which were treated with auricular acupuncture therapy to stop smoking. Methods : 120 volunteers who wanted to be treated with auricular acupuncture therapy to stop smoking were divided into three groups; the treatment method for group A consisted of acupuncturing Lung point, group B consisted of acupuncturing Shenmen point and group C consisted of acupuncturing Endocrine point. The treatment was given twice per week for 8 weeks and the changes in amount of daily smoking, desire to smoking, taste of smoking and nicotine dependence as well as subjective symptoms were studied. Results : Statistically, the study showed that changes in amount of daily smoking, desire for smoking, taste of smoking and nicotine dependence were decreased significantly in all groups. Desire to smoke in group B and taste of smoking in group C were markedly decreased. The study of the subjective symptoms showed an improvement. Many participants said that they breathed easier after the treatment and group A had the highest rate. Group B fell asleep easier and Group C improved the appetite. Conclusion : Acupuncturing Lung, Shenmen, and Endocrine point showed the effects on decreasing smoking rates and the effects of individual characteristics. Therefore the acupuncture treatment with 3 points is expected to decrease smoking and to improve the health of smokers.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.193-198
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• 2023

Several chemicals have been developed owing to the progression of industrialization, among which endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs; essential for plastic production) are used as plasticizers and flame retardants. Plastics have become an essential element in modern life because they provide convenience, thus increasing EDCs exposure to humans. EDCs cause adverse effects such as deterioration of reproductive function, cancer, and neurological abnormalities by disrupting the endocrine system and hence are classified as "dangerous substances." Additionally, they are toxic to various organs but continue to be used. Therefore, it is necessary to review the contamination status of EDCs, select potentially hazardous substances for management, and monitor the safety standards. In addition, it is necessary to discover substances that can protect against EDC toxicity and conduct active research on the protective effects of these substances. According to recent research, Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) exhibits protective effects against several toxicities caused by EDCs to humans. In this review, the effects of EDCs on the human body and the role of KRG in protection against EDC toxicity are discussed.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.109-116
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• 2000

The purposes of our study were to optimize the conditions of the screening and testing methods for endocrine disruptors, to characterize these assays using several compounds with well-defined endocrine activity, and to compare the sensitivity between these assays currently undergoing validation. Two in vitro test systems, MCF-7 cells proliferation (E-screen assay) and competitive binding to estrogen receptors (ER) were selected to evaluate the estrogenic effects. 17$\beta$-Estradiol (E2) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) were used as a positive control in vitro test. Also, E2 and ethinyl estradiol (EE) were used as a positive control in vivo uterotrophic assay. In in vitro test, E2 and DES showed a strong estrogenic response at concentration of 1.0 nM. In uterotrophic assay, E2 (0.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg) and EE (0.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg) produced a significant increase in uterus and vagina weight in both immature and ovariectomized rats. Although we did not com-pared the specificity between in vivo and in vitro assays, these assay systems may serve as a good tool for endocrine disruptors screening methods. Our data indicate that these assay systems exhibit some difference in their sensitivity to the same estrogenic compounds. Therefore, as a first rapid screening assay for estrogenic activity qf unknown chemicals, at least two assay systems should probably be carried out with a view of high sensitivity and standardization conditions. Also, a careful validation tests are necessary to obtain a reasonable degree of reproducibility.

• 한국환경성돌연변이발암원학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.175-182
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• 2002

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are the chemicals that affect endocrine systems through activation or inhibition of steroid hormone response. It is necessary to have a good system to evaluate rapidly and accurately endocrine-disrupting activities of suspected chemicals and their degradation products. The key targets of EDs are nuclear hormone receptors, which bind to steroid hormones and regulate their gene transcription. We constructed a co-expression system of Gal4p DNA binding domain (DBD)- ligand binding domain of human estrogen receptor $\alpha$ or $\beta$, and Gal4p transactivation domain (TAD)-co-activator AIB-1, SRC-1 or TIF-2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a chromosome-integrated lacZ reporter gene under the control of CYC1 promoter and Gal4p binding site (GAL4 upstream activating sequence, GAL4$_{UAS}$). Expression of this reporter gene was dependent on the presence of estrogen or EDs in the culture medium. We found that the two-hybrid system with combination of the hER$\beta$ LBD and co-activator SRC-1 was most effective in the xenoestrogen-dependent induction of reporter activity. The extent of transcriptional activation by those chemicals correlated with their estrogenic activities measured by other assay systems, indicating that this assay system is efficient and reliable for measuring estrogenic activity. The data in this research demonstrated that the yeast detection system using steroid hormone receptor and co-activator is a useful tool for identifying chemicals that interact with steroid receptors.s.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.59-76
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• 1988

In order to know the distribution, relative frequencies, types and morphology, endocrine cells in the intestinal tract of the hedgehog(Erinaceus koreanus) were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Two kinds of endocrine cells were demonstrated with two specific staining methods. Argyrophil cells(reactive cells for Grimelius method) were found most frequently in the intestinal region, and were infrequent in the rectum, whereas argentaffin cells (reactive cells for Masson-Hamperl method) were found most frequently in the rectum and in the other legions were infrequent. These reacting cells were mainly found in the intestinal glands, whereas a small number in the mucosa. 2. Twelve kinds of endocrine cells, gastrin(Gas)-, somatostatin (Som)-, serotonin(5-HT)-, glucagon(Glu)-, bovine pancreatic polypeptide(Bpp)-, cholecystokinin(Cck)-, secretin(Sec)-, motilin(Mot)-, glicentin(Gli)-, gastric inhibitor polypeptide(GIp)-, substance P(Sp)-, and neurotensin(Neu)-immunoreactive cells, were identified by immunohistochemical method. Gas-, Som-, 5-HT-, Glu-, Cck-, Sec-, Mot-, Gli-, Sp-, and Neu-reactive cells were observed in the duodenum, and among these Gas- and 5-HT-reactive cells were moderately found while the others were infrequent. In the jejunoileum Gas-, Som-, 5-HT-, Glu-, Cck-, Mot-, Gli-, GIp-, SP-, and Neu-reactive cells were found, and among these 5-HT- and GIp-reactive cells were moderately found while the others were infrequent. In the colon Sec-reactive cell was not detected. 5-HT-reactive cells were found most frequently and the others were infrequent in this region. 5-HT-, Bpp-, GIi- and Neu-reactive cells were found in the rectum. Among these 5-HT-reactive cells were found most frequently. 3. Electron microscopically, five types of endocrine cells, EC, ECL, D, G, A-like cell, were identified in the intestinal region. EC and ECL cells in the duodenum, EC, D and G cells in the jejuno-ileum, EC and A-like cells in the colon and EC cell in the rectum were observed respectively.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.227-234
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• 2006

There has been increasing concern in recent years about the occurrence, fate and toxicity of pharmaceutical products in aquatic environment. Although these compounds have been detected in a wide variety of environmental samples including sewage effluent, surface waters, ground water and drinking water, their concentrations generally range from the low ppt to ppb levels. It is therefore often thought to be unlikely that pharmaceuticals will have a detrimental effect on the environment. This study was conducted to determine the endocrine disruption effects of the several pharmaceutical residues in water using adult Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). The common antibiotics were used sulfa durgs (sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethazine) and tetracycline drugs (oxytetracycline and tetracycline). Positive control that was induced Vtg (vitellogenin) in male fish was used $17\beta$-estradiol. Vtg was qualified and quantified through Western blotting and ELISA. After SDS gel electrophoresis, the dominant protein band was identified to molecular weight approximately 205 kDa in whole body samples of vitellogenic female. In female medaka exposed to $17\beta$estradiol, there was no significant difference in total protein induction. In contrast, three to five day exposure of male fish to $17\beta$-estradiol resulted in more than 60.0% increase of total protein compared to that of control males (p<0.01). In case of antibiotics, female fish didn't show significant difference, but male fish was showed significant difference. In addition, Vtg induction in male fish was observed with all the test chemicals. On concentrations greater than 0.1 ppm of sulfamethoxazole, 1 ppm of sulfamethazine, 1 ppm of oxytetracycline and 20 ppm of tetracycline, Vtg induction was increased in a dose response manner. This study is one of the early reports suggesting potential endocrine disruption mechanism of antibiotic pharmaceutical products in aquatic ecosystem. Although the effect concentrations obtained from this study were high as unrealistically as in environments, it is endocrine disruption that we should be considered as one of the important consequences of pharmaceutical contamination at water environment, and warrants due attention in future researches.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.321-331
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• 1992

The regional distribution and relative frequency of gastrointestinal endocrine cells were studied immunohistochemically in the gastrointestinal mucosa and pancreas of the fresh water turtle. Ten kinds of endocrine cells were identified in the gastrointestinal tract. Cholecystokinin-8-, bovine pancreatic polypetide-and glucagon-immunoreactive cells were seen throughout the gastrointestinal tract, also among them cholecystokinin-8-immunoreactive cells were most predominant in segment III. Although gastrin- and gastrin/cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells were found from segment III to VI and X, respectively, they were numerous in segment III. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were observed from segment I to VII. 5-hydroxytryptamine- immunoreactive cells were detected in segment I, III, VIII, IX and X. Human pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated in segment V, VI, VIII, IX and X. Insulin-immunoreactive cells were found from segment III to X except for segment VIII, but rare in segment VII. Neurotensin-immunoreactive cells were found to be restricted to segment VIII, IX and X. No porcine chromogranin-, substance P- and bombesin-immunoreactive cells were detected throughout the gastrointestinal tract of the fresh water turtle. Although typical mammalian pancreatic islets encapsulated by connective tissue were not present in this species, five kinds of endocrine cells-glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide and 5-hydroxytryptamine-were found in forming small or large groups and scattered in the exocrine gland region. However porcine chromogranin- and motilin-immunoreactive cells could not be demonstrated in the pancreas.

• 한국환경성돌연변이발암원학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.259-265
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• 2002

Phthalate analogues are a plasticizer and solvent used in industry. Phthalates were reported to be a potential carcinogen classified in the category of suspected endocrine disruptors. Most common human exposure to these compounds may occur with contaminated food. They may migrate into food from plastic wrap or may enter food from general environmental contamination. Since these substances are not limited to the original products, and enter the environment, they have become widespread environmental pollutants, thus leading to a variety of phthalates that possibly threaten the public health. Concern about their use has been mounting. To screen and elucidate the endocrine disrupting activity and their mechanism of phthalate analogues, first of all, E-screen assay was performed in MCF7 human breast cancer cells with seven phthalate analogues. In this cell proliferation assay, only dibutyl phthalate (DBP) showed weak estrogenic activity. Also the yeast-based transcription assay to assess the interactions of DBP with the estrogen, androgen, and progesterone receptors was conducted. DBP in the concentration ranges from 10$^{-16}$ to 10$^{-11}$ M was active in the estrogen transcriptional assay, but it did not show the effect on $\beta$-galactosidase activity in the progesterone and androgen transcriptional assays. These data indicate that DBP shows estrogenic potential and can be classified as weak and/or suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.246-257
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• 1998

Endocrine cells in the thymus of duck(Anas platyrhynchos platyrhyncos, Linne) were studied immunohistochemically from 23 days of incubation to 32 weeks of age. Somatostatin-, growth hormone(GH)-, gastrin/cholecystokinin(Gas/CCK)-, polypeptide YY(PYY)-, S-100 protein(S-100 P)-, dopamine-, serotonin(5-HT)-, and bovine chromogranin (BCG)-immunoreactive cells were detected in the duck thymus by the PAP techniques. These immunoreactive cells were observed in the medulla and in the juxtacortical medulla. No immunoreactivity of calcitonin and bovine pancreatic polypeptide(BPP) antiserum were observed. The argyrophil cells by Grimelius techniques were observed from 23 days of incubation to 32 weeks of age and peaked in 5 weeks of age. In the early develpmental stage, the argyrophil cells were distributed only in the medulla, while these cells were distributed mainly in the medulla and a few cells were distributed in the corticomedullary junction from 3 weeks of age. These immunoreactive cells were generally round, oval and elliptical and occasionally spindle, polygonal and polymorphous with the long cytopslasmic processes in shape. The present study suggests that the intrathymic endocrine cells may associate with the functional maturation of T-lymphocytes on the establishment of immunity. The further study will be needed to elucidate the function of these thymic endocrine cells.