• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.160-168
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• 2016

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a well-characterized medicinal herb listed in the classic oriental herbal dictionary as "Shin-nong-bon-cho-kyung." Ginseng has diverse pharmacologic and therapeutic properties. Black ginseng (BG, Ginseng Radix nigra) is produced by repeatedly steaming fresh ginseng nine times. Studies of BG have shown that prolonged heat treatment enhances the antioxidant activity with increased radical scavenging activity. Several recent studies have showed the effects of BG on increased lipid profiles in mice. In this study report the effects of water and ethanol extracts of BG on hypercholesterolemia in rats. To our knowledge, this is the first time such an effect has been reported. Methods: Experiments were conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with the water and ethanol extracts of BG (200 mg/kg). Their blood cholesterol levels, serum white blood cell levels, and cholesterol-metabolizing marker genes messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were determined. Liver and adipose tissues were histologically analyzed. Results: We found that BG extracts efficiently reduced the total serum cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels with increased food efficiency ratio and increased number of neutrophil cells. It also attenuated the key genes responsible for lipogenesis, that is, acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) acetyltransferase 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, at the mRNA level inside liver cells. Furthermore, the BG extract also reduced the accumulation of fat in adipose tissues, and inhibited the neutral fat content in liver cells stained with hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O. Conclusion: Administration of BG extracts to Sprague Dawley rats fed with high-cholesterol diet ameliorated hypercholesterolemia, which was mediated via modulation of cholesterol-metabolizing marker genes. This data throw a light on BG's cardioprotective effects.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.136-144
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• 2014

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Platycarya strobilacea S. et Z. (PSE) extract on mouse hair growth and to determine the mechanism of action of PSE. PSE was purchased and its antioxidant activities, such as electron donating ability, total polyphenol content, and flavonoid content were tested. Toxicity during topical treatment was determined by the CCK-8 assay, a cell viability test. Fifteen 4-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to receive one of three treatments: dimethyl sulfoxide (negative control), minoxidil (positive control) or PSE. Test materials were topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of each mouse daily for 3 weeks. After 21 days, we observed skin tissue hair follicle morphology and length, mast cell number, and stem cell factor (SCF) expression using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), toluidine blue, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of cytokines involved in hair growth [i.e., insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$] was determined by PCR. PSE was found to have very high antioxidant activity. The cell viability rate of PSE-treated mice was markedly higher than that of mice in the control group. We also observed an increase in hair follicle length, strong SCF staining, and a decrease in mast cell number in the PSE group. In addition, PSE-treated mice had higher IGF-1 and KGF expression and lower TGF-${\beta}1$ expression than mice in the minoxidil-treated group. These results suggest that topical application of PSE promotes hair growth by intensifying SCF, suppressing mast cell production, and increasing hair growth-promoting cytokine expression.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.385-392
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• 2008

Purpose: The most effective methods of harvesting, preparing, and injecting autologous fat grafts have been inconsistent and conflicting. With its limitation as resorption in fat grafting, handling various techniques affect adipocyte survival, and is crucial to optimizing its long-term survival. To improve graft survival, re-implantation of cryopreserved adipocytes was developed. In addition, adipocytes do not induce immune rejection in response to non-self lymphocytes in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the changes in cryopreserved adipocytes so as to determine the most efficient long-term storage period, and to analyze the changes in cryopreserved allografted adipocytes so as to determine the efficacy of cryopreserved adipocytes allografting. Methods: Fat tissues were harvested from the inguinal and retroperitoneal fat pad of mice. After the centrifugation of the harvested fat tissues, they were disintegrated with collagenase. The adipocytes were obtained by centrifugation of the disintegrated fat tissues. The adipocytes were treated as follows: (1) They were examined for weight and then frozen at $-20^{\circ}C$(n=25). For four months, each five frozen samples were taken and examined for weight and histologic changes in the 1st week, the 1st month, the 2nd month, the 3rd month, and the 4th month, respectively. (2) The adipocytes were immediately frozen at $-20^{\circ}C$(n=125). For four months, five frozen samples were taken, and allografted in the same time period as above. Finally, for four months, five cryopreserved allografted adipocytes were taken and examined for histologic changes in the same time period as above. Results: (1) Significant weight changes and histologic findings with inflammatory and destructive changes were observed in the cryopreserved adipocytes in three months. (2) Significant fat necrotic changes in the histologic changes with Hematoxylin and eosin stain were observed in the cryopreserved allografted adipocytes since the first week, independent of the freezing period. Conclusion: The study results show that the adipocytes that were cryopreserved for more than three months underwent obvious weight reductions and necrotic changes, and the adipocytes that were allografted without freezing were viable for four months, but the cryopreserved allografted adipocytes had obvious necrotic changes since the first week regardless of the freezing period.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.115-120
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• 2016

Background: This study examined the hypoglycemic and kidney protective effect of black ginseng in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods and Results: Diabetes was induced by treating mice with streptozotocin (STZ) for four weeks. In vivo studies were performed in order to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of the black ginseng prosapogenin (GBG05-FF) extract. The body weight and blood glucose level were measured. Moreover, after the mice were sacrificed, the kidneys were isolated and histological changes were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were also measured. The results showed that administration of black ginseng increased body weight. Compared to blood glucose levels in STZ mice, blood glucose levels were reduced by 48% in STZ mice supplemented with 300 mg/kg of black ginseng, and by 69% in STZ mice supplemented with 900 mg/kg. Furthermore, histopathological examination of STZ mouse kidneys revealed, changes in the kidneys, epithelial cell damages, inflammatory cell infiltration and glomerulus hypertrophy. However, a significant reduction of glomerular water droplets (indicative of glomerulus hypertrophy) was observed in the kidneys of STZ mice supplemented with black ginseng extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that black prosapogenin (GBG05-FF) ginseng extract has a significant hypoglycemic effect and can be used as an anti-diabetic substance and renal protective agents as part of dietary supplements or novel drugs.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.361-369
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• 2019

1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) has been used as an industrial solvent and a chemical intermediate, as well as in soil fumigants. Human exposure may occur during its production and industrial use. The target organs of 1,2-DCP are the eyes, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and skin. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. In this study, 1,2-DCP was dissolved in corn oil at 0, 2.73, 5.75, and 8.75 mL/kg. The skin of mice treated with 1,2-DCP was investigated using western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. 1,2-DCP was applied to the dorsal skin and both ears of C57BL/6J mice. The thickness of ears and the epidermis increased significantly following treatment, and the appearance of blood vessels was observed in the dorsal skin. Additionally, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is tightly associated with neovascularization, increased significantly. The levels of protein kinase-B (PKB), phosphorylated PKB, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated mTOR, all of which are key components of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/PKB/mTOR signaling pathway, were also enhanced. Taken together, 1,2-DCP induced angiogenesis in dermatitis through the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway in the skin.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.173-186
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• 2021

Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) is a disease that manifests as jaundice after birth and leads to progressive destruction of the ductal system in the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate histopathological changes and immunohistochemically examine the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), synaptophysin, and S-100 protein in the gallbladder of BA patients. Methods: The study included a BA group of 29 patients and a control group of 41 children with cholecystectomy. Gallbladder tissue removed during surgery was obtained and examined immunohistochemically and histopathologically. Tissue samples of both groups were immunohistochemically assessed in terms of GDNF, S-100 protein, and synaptophysin expression. Expression was classified as present or absent. Inflammatory activity assessment with hematoxylin and eosin staining and fibrosis assessment with Masson's trichrome staining were performed for tissue sample sections of both groups. Results: Ganglion cells were not present in gallbladder tissue samples of the BA group. Immunohistochemically, GDNF, synaptophysin, and S-100 expression was not detected in the BA group. Histopathological examination revealed more frequent fibrosis and slightly higher inflammatory activity in the BA than in the control group. Conclusion: We speculate that GDNF expression will no longer continue in this region, when the damage caused by inflammation of the extrahepatic bile ducts reaches a critical threshold. The study's findings may represent a missing link in the chain of events forming the etiology of BA and may be helpful in its diagnosis.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.69-85
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• 2013

Objectives: This study investigated the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Kyejiinsam-tang (hereinafter referred to KIT) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods: Anti-oxidative effects of KIT were measured by scavenging activities of DPPH, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Scavenging activities of anti-oxidation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells were also measured for inhibitory effects against the production of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-$1{\beta}$, interleukin-6). Osteoarthritis was induced in rats by injecting MIA in the knee joint. Rats were divided into a total of 4 groups (n=6). The normal group were not treated at all without inducing osteoarthritis whereas the control group were induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and oral medicated physiological saline per day. The positive comparison group was injected with MIA and after 7 days, 2 mg/kg of Indomethacin. The experimental group was injected with MIA and after 7 days was medicated with 34 mg/kg of KIT. Indomethacin and KIT were orally-medicated for each substance a total of 4 weeks, once per day. Weight-bearing on hind legs was measured every week after MIA injection. At the end of the experiment (5 weeks after MIA injection), micro CT (computed tomography)-arthrography and histopathological examinations on the articular structures of knee joint were performed. The effect on inflammatory cytokines and immunological cells in synovial fluid was measured. Volume of cartilage was measured by micro CT-arthrography. Injury to synovial tissue was measured by H & E (hematoxylin and eosin), Safranin-O immunofluorescence. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against hFCs was insignificant. 2. KIT showed the potent full term for DPPH. 1. NO was significantly reduced by KIT (at 100, $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and ROS was also reduced, but not significantly, by KIT (at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). 2. IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ were significantly reduced by KIT (at 100, $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and TNF-${\alpha}$ was also reduced, but not significantly, by KIT (at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). 1. In hind legs weight-bearing measurement, level of weight increased. 2. Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. 3. IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly reduced and TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 were also reduced but not significantly. 4. PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), LTB4 (leukotriene B4) were significantly reduced in the KIT group. 5. MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9), TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1) and Osteocalcin were significantly reduced in the KIT group. 6. Destruction of cartilage on micro CT arthrography was reduced but had no significant differences. 7. Histopathologically, injury to synovial membrane of the KIT group was decreased and proteoglycan content of KIT group was increased. Conclusions: According to this study, Kyejiinsam-tang has inhibiting effect on the progression of arthritis in MIA-induced osteoarthritis rat. Kyejiinsam-tang has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammation effects, and is related to inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cytokine and injury of volume in cartilage.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.907-931
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to study of the effects of the bioglass and the natural coral on healing process of the alveolar bone defects. Three adult dogs aged 1 to 2 years were used in this study. Experimental alveolar bone defects were created surgically with surgical bur and bone chisel at the furcation area of the buccal surface of the right and left mandibular 3rd, 4th premolars. Twelve experimental alveolar bone defects were devided into four groups according to the type of graft materials. The groups were as follows : 1. flap operation with root planing & curettage(Negative control group) 2. flap operation with autogenous bone(Positive control group) 3. flap operation with bioglass(BG group) 4. flap operation with natural coral(NC group) At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the dogs were serially sacrificed and specimens were prepared with Hematoxylin-Eosin stain for light microscopic evaluation. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The defect areas were filled with granulation tissue at two weeks in negative control group. But in other groups, the appearance of connective tissues around graft materials were formed more densely and the response of inflammation by graft materials itself was not found. 2. In every control and experimental groups at two weeks, there was seen the accumulation of the formation of new bone trabeculae at the bottom of defects and gradually expanded toward the graft materials and in autogenous group there was slightly seen the formation of new cementum. 3. There was seen the erosion of central portion of bioglass particles at two weeks in BG group, and the erosion of the central portion was developed more progressively and was filled with bone-like tissues at eight weeks. 4. The natural coral particles were encapsulated by densely connective tissues and seen the formation of new bone tissues at four weeks and developed more new bone and cementum formation at eight weeks. From the results of this study, the bioglass and the natural coral may be biocompatible and have a weak adverse reaction to the periodontal tissues.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.711-720
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• 2005

황체내 TNF$\alpha$는 큰황체세포를 포함한 황체내 세포들의 사망을 일으키고, 황체내 혈관의 퇴화와 프로게스테론 농도의 감소를 초래하는 등 황체의 구조적 및 기능적 퇴화를 유발하는 것으로 밝혀졌다. 반면 이와는 대조적으로 TNF$\alpha$는 황체발달의 초기에는 황체자극효과를 가지고 있다는 보고도 있다. 황체내에서 TNF$\alpha$의 중요성에도 불구하고, 아직 이 물질의 분비원이 대식세포라는 보고들과 대식세포는 주된 분비원이고 내피세포에서도 소량 분비된다는 보고 등 이견이 있다. 이를 알아보기 위해 저자들은 돼지에서 비임신기와 임신기의 성숙황체와 용해황체를 이용하여 대식세포와 TNF$\alpha$ 면역조직화학을 실시한 결과, 성숙황체내에서 TNF$\alpha$의 주된 분비원은 대식세포이고 내피세포도 일부 분비하는 것을 확인하였으며, 황체용해가 진행되면서 내피세포가 TNF$\alpha$의 분비와 반응에 다양성과 역동성을 보이고 있음을 추정할 수 있었다.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.366-378
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• 1998

Thermocondensation root canal filling technique have been used to fill accessary canals or to obtain homogeneous root caral fillings. But these thermocondensation technique inevitably produce heat in the canal which can be transmitted through the dentin and cementum and consequently damage periodontal ligamental cells and osteoblasts. In this study, System $B^{TM}$(Analytic technology, WA.D.S.A.) was used to evaluate the reaction of periodontal ligament tissue to "Continous Wave condensation technique" introduced by Buchanan, and the transmitted root surface temperature was measured according to measured root thicknesses. 12 Mandibular incisors of two adult dogs were used for the experiment. 6 controls were filled by lateral condensation technique with sealer.3 specimens were apically filled by Continuous Wave technique at $200^{\circ}C$ for 5 seconds and remaining 3 specimens were additionally backfilled using System $B^{TM}$(Analytic technology, WA.D.S.A.) was used to evaluate the reaction of periodontal ligament tissue to "Continous Wave condensation technique" introduced by Buchanan, and the transmitted root surface temperature was measured according to measured root thicknesses. 12 Mandibular incisors of two adult dogs were used for the experiment. 6 controls were filled by lateral condensation technique with sealer.3 specimens were apically filled by Continuous Wave technique at $200^{\circ}C$ for 5 seconds and remaining 3 specimens were additionally backfilled using System $B^{TM}$ at $100^{\circ}C$ for 20 seconds. Six weeks later, the dogs were sacrificed and the teeth stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histologic examination. 6 extracted human teeth were used to measure the transmitted temperature. After cutting off the crown, the canals were prepared and divided into 3 groups with root thickness of 1.5mm, 1.0mm, 0.5mm, 2 teeth in each group. Inside each root canal, System $B^{TM}$ was heated as with the temperature for the apically condensed and the back filled group, and the transmitted heat was measured on the external surface of the root. The temperature of System $B^{TM}$ heat spreader at $200^{\circ}C$ and $100^{\circ}C$ was also measured at root temperature. It can be concluded as follows: 1. In the thin area (200-$250{\mu}m$) of the root, root resorption could be seen even with heating at $200^{\circ}C$ for 5 seconds. 2. When the spreader was heated at $200^{\circ}C$ for 5 seconds and additionally at $100^{\circ}C$ for 20 seconds for backfill, all teeth showed root resorption regardless of their root thickness. 3. The transmitted external root surface temperature was higher as the root thickness decreased and as the heating time increased. In the thermocompaction technique using System $B^{TM}$, the spreader should be heated for the minimal time and used only in the apical area. The heated spreader shouldn't inserted to the binding point of the canal and backfilling should be done with other means of minimally heated gutta percha technique.