• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2008

Objective: There is increasing evidence that chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is recognized to be a local inflammatory disease, and there is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Prunella vulgaris has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of scrofula, goiter, and allergy diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris on inflammatory cytokines and cytopathological alternation in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}-estradiol$ treatment. Methods: Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Prunella vulgaris as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelial-stromal ratio for glandular damage, and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including the interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Prunella vulgaris showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Prunella vulgaris over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelial-stromal ratio was lower with Prunella vulgaris when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytokine genes, Prunella vulgaris inhibited the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunella vulgaris may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. From theses results, we suggest that Prunella vulgaris could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.53-58
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• 2012

Objective : Obesity is often defined as a condition associated with accumulations of excessive body fats which resulting from disorder of energy balance in term of energy intake and energy expenditure. Methods : The effects of natural mixture (T) for inhibition of lipid metabolism on the liver, epididymal fat pads and pancreatic zymogen granules of high fat diet (HFD) supplied rats were observed by histopathology and histomorphometry. Results : As results of HFD supply, severe steatohepatitis such as increases of mean diameters of hepatocytes and the percentages regions of fatty changes was detected. In addition, hypertrophy of adipocytes (increase of mean diameters of epididymal fat pads) was also detected with dramatic decreases of pancreatic zymogen granules at histopathological and histomorphometrical observations. However, theses steatohepatitis and hypertrophy of adipocytes induced by HFD supply were inhibited by treatment of 5 % and 10 % T (T5, T10), respectively. Well corresponded as the results of adipocyte hypertrophy and steatohepatitis, the decreases of pancreatic zymogen granules were also dose-dependently inhibited by T treatment as compared with HFD control, respectively. Conclusion : In conclusion, based on the results, it is considered that test materials, T5 and T10, will be showed hepatoprotective and anti-obese effects, may be directly and/or indirectly mediated by pancreatic zymogen granules because they dose-dependently inhibited steatohepatitis, hypertrophy of adipocytes and decreases of pancreatic zymogen granules induced by HFD supply, respectively.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.384-389
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• 2017

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of remote ischemic conditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat muscle flaps histopathologically and biochemically. Methods Thirty albino rats were divided into 5 groups. No procedure was performed in the rats in group 1, and only blood samples were taken. A gracilis muscle flap was elevated in all the other groups. Microclamps were applied to the vascular pedicle for 4 hours in order to achieve tissue ischemia. In group 2, no additional procedure was performed. In groups 3, 4, and 5, the right hind limb was used and 3 cycles of ischemia-reperfusion for 5 minutes each (total, 30 minutes) was applied with a latex tourniquet (remote ischemic conditioning). In group 3, this procedure was performed before flap elevation (remote ischemic preconditoning). In group 4, the procedure was performed 4 hours after flap ischemia (remote ischemic postconditioning). In group 5, the procedure was performed after the flap was elevated, during the muscle flap ischemia episode (remote ischemic perconditioning). Results The histopathological damage score in all remote conditioning ischemia groups was lower than in the ischemic-reperfusion group. The lowest histopathological damage score was observed in group 5 (remote ischemic perconditioning). Conclusions The nitric oxide levels were higher in the blood samples obtained from the remote ischemic perconditioning group. This study showed the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning procedures and compared their usefulness for preventing ischemiareperfusion injury in muscle flaps.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.166-176
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• 2010

Objective : Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is one of the most common diseases among elderly men. In BPH, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acts as a potent cellular androgen and promotes prostate growth. Many reports conclude the component melittin in bee venom has the potential to treat various diseases including prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Bee venom herbal acupuncture with BPH induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with testosterone after castration for induction of experimental BPH. A total of 24 rats were equally divided into four groups: Group 1 was the model group; Group 2 served as control (sham-operated group); Group 3 animals were treated with Bee venom herbal acupuncture as an experimental specimen; Group 4 served as a positive control group and was treated with finasteride at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The drugs were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by prostatic weight, volume, histopathological changes and testosterone levels. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Bee venom herbal acupuncture showed a diminished range of tissue damage and showed significant decrease in their prostatic weights, volume and histopathological examination. Conclusions : These results suggest that Bee venom herbal acupuncture may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation. From theses results, we suggest that Bee venom herbal acupuncture could be a useful remedy agent for treating the benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.66-78
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• 2010

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the possibility of AR for chronic renal injury. Methods : The author first investigated the expression levels of DNA by inducing of chronic renal injury. Then, the author investigated the effects of AR on chronic renal injury induced by combination treatment with Adriamycin and cisplatin in terms of changes in body weights and renal tissues, urine volume, BUN and creatinine levels, creatinine clearance and histopathological changes in renal tissues. Total expression levels of 546 genes were elevated or lowered by induction of chronic renal injury. Genes of which whose expression levels were elevated by induction of chronic renal injury were related to the PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid mechanism, etc. Genes of which expression levels were lowered by induction of chronic renal injury were related to the neuroactive ligand-receptor signaling pathway. Results : Oral administration of AR restored renal mass which was reduced by induction of chronic renal injury. AR also restored creatinine clearance and lowered serum BUN level. In histopathological observation, the AR group has a tendency to prevent tissue damages as shown in the chronic renal injury group. Conclusions : AR can be used to treat patients with chronic renal injury although further study will be needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms in the efficacy of AR on chronic renal injury.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2015

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effects of Agastachis Herba water (AH-W) extract on compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release in human mast cells and also anti-asthmatic effect of AH-W extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : Human mast cells, HMC-1 were treated with AH-W extract in the presence or absence of compound 48/80 (C48/80). Mast cell degranulation was observed by microscope, and the histamine release was measured in culture medium by ELISA. For preparation of asthmatic in vivo model, mice were sensitized (0, 7, and 14 days) with OVA and airway challenged (21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 days). AH-W extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/body weight was orally administered during OVA challenge once per a day. The levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines, IFN-$\gamma$ and IL-4 were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histopathological change of lung tissues was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining. Results : The treatment of AH-W extract significantly decreased the mast cell degranulation and histamine release in C48/80-stimulated HMC-1 cells. In addition, The administration of AH-W extract at does of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the serum levels of OVA-specific IgE compared with those of OVA control group. In H&E and PAS staining, AH-W extract inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation, and inflammatory cells infiltration, and also histopathological damages on lung tissues such as bronchiole epithelial desquamation, goblet cells hyperplasia, and mucin releasing. Conclusions : These results indicate that AH-W extract may improve asthmatic symptoms through mast cell stabilization and inhibiting the lung inflammation in bronchial asthma.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.83-99
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• 2011

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Socheongryong-tang (SCRT) on elastase-induced lung injury. Materials and Methods: The extract of SCRT was treated to A549 cells and elastase-induced COPD mice model. Then, various parameters such as cell-based cytoprotective activity and histopathological findings were analyzed. Results: SCRT showed a protective effect on elastase-induced cytotoxicity in A549 cells. This effect was correlated with analysis for caspase 3 levels, collagen and elastin contents, and gene expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in A549 cells. SCRT treatment also revealed the protective effect on elastase-induced COPD mice model. This effect was evidenced via histopathological findings including immunofluoresence stains against elastin, collagen, and caspase 3, and protein level of Cdc2, cyclin B1, and phospho-Erk1/2 in lung tissue. Conclusion: These data suggest that SCRT has pharmaceutical properties on COPD. This study provides scientific evidence for the efficacy of SCRT for clinical application to patients with COPD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.63-78
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• 2011

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Maekmundong-tang (MMDT) on an elastase-induced COPD model. Materials and Methods: The extract of MMDT was treated to A549 cells and elastase-induced COPD mice model. Then, various parameters such as cell-based cytoprotective activity and histopathological findings were analyzed. Results: MMDT showed a protective effect on elastase-induced cytotoxicity in A549 cells. This effect was correlated with analysis for caspase 3 levels, collagen and elastin contents, protein level of Cdk1, and gene expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in A549 cells. MMDT treatment also revealed a protective effect on the elastase-induced COPD mice model. This effect was evidenced via histopathological finding including immunofluorescence stains against elastin, collagen, and caspase 3, and protein level of Cdc2 in lung tissue. Conclusion: These data suggest that MMDT has pharmaceutical properties on COPD. This study can provide scientific evidence for the efficacy of MMDT for clinical application to patients with COPD.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.172-172
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• 2002

Previously, we reported a novel polymeric micellar solubilizer, Aceporol 330, that showed relatively low toxic effects when it was compared with that of Cremophor EL which is currently being used for paclitaxel. In this study, we have developed a new micellar solubilizer, Aceporol 460, that has 3-4 times higher loding capacity for paclitaxel than Aceporol 330. The single-dose and the repeated-dose toxicity of Aceporol 460 were evaluated in ICR mice. For single dose toxicity test, male and female mice were randomly assigned to one of five study groups to receive, and injected intravenously with dosages of 0, 3, 4mL Cremophor EL/kgbody weight, and 3, 4mL Aceporol 460/kg body weight, respectively. In both male and female mice, LD50 for Aceporol 460 can not he determined even at the maximal administrable dosage, 4mL/kg due to the high viscosity of chemical and there was no significant change in body weight, hematological and serum biochemical analysis, organ weight, and histopathological examination compared with that of Cremophor EL. For the repeated dose toxicity test, male and female mice were given the dosage of 0, 1.6mL Cremophor EL/kgbody weight/day, and 1.6mL Aceporol 460/kg body weight/day for 2 weeks. Results of repeated dose toxicity tests for 2 weeks suggested that Aceporol 460 treated group show no significant toxicological findings with body weight, hematological and serum biochemical analysis, organ weight, urinalysis, and ophthalmoscopic and histopathological examination compared with that of Cremophor EL. These results indicate that Aceporol 460 have higher paclitaxeL-loading capacity than Aceporol 330 and less toxic effects than Cremophor EL in male and female mice.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Tobacco Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.212-218
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• 2005

Cigarette smoking has been known to have a few beneficial effects on some neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer's disease(AD), Parkinson's disease(PD) and prion disease by scrapie agent shows many similar properties with AD. In this respect, we investigated what biological effects are exerted by cigarette smoke exposure(CSE) in the brain of mouse infected by 87V scrapie. The scrapie agent was inoculated through stereotaxic microinjection of the homogenates of the scrapie agent infected brain into the intracerebral system in the 1M mice. The inoculation into mice typically exhibits neurochemical, physiological and histopathological characteristics of prion disease: loss of neurotransmitters and induction of astrocytosis and vacuolation in brain as well as reduction of spatial movement and loss of body weight. CSE led to alleviated the loss of body weight and also improved spatial movement of the infected mice. Most interestingly, CSE attenuated astrocytosis and vacuolation caused by scrapie infection in the brain. In addition, decreased levels of dopamine in striatal and hypothalamic regions as well as serotonin level in hippocampus caused by scrapie infection were also attenuated by exposure to cigarette smoke. These findings suggest that cigarette smoke, by its inhibition of astrocytosis and vacuolation followed by its restoration of levels of some neurotransmitters, may partly contribute to suppression in the progress of neurodegeneration caused by scrapie infection.