• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.270-278
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• 2020

Background: Although the identification of clinical and laboratory features in pediatric COVID-19 patients is essential in establishing an appropriate treatment plan, a systematic review and meta-analysis on the topic has yet to be reported. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science to access clinical and laboratory characteristics as well as clinical outcomes of children with COVID-19 infection. A meta-analysis using random-effect model was performed to estimate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among the 532 studies initially collected, 12 articles were finally included in the meta-analysis. Among the investigated 320 pediatric patients with COVID-19, fever (48.2%) and cough (39.3%) were the most common symptoms. Almost one third of patients (30.4%) were asymptomatic. In laboratory findings, only 11.4% of pediatric patients experienced lymphocytopenia. Increased inflammatory markers including c-reactive protein (18.6%) and procalcitonin (32.4%) were observed. Only a few patients needed mechanical ventilation and intensive care support, and only one death was reported. Conclusion: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection exhibited milder symptoms and more favorable outcomes compared to adults. However, considering the high rate of asymptomatic pediatric patients, close monitoring is required to prevent community infection in asymptomatic conditions and hidden disease progression.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.31-42
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• 2021

Objectives : This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Spatholobi Caulis water extract (SC) to thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in rats. Methods : The rats were injected intraperitoneally with TAA (200 mg/kg body weight) and orally administered SC (100 or 200 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Liver biomarkers were assessed by serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and ammonia levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured both serum and liver tissue. In addition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, anti-oxidant, and inflammation-related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Histological examination further confirmed though hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results : The SC treatment reduced liver function markers like GOT and GPT and also remarkably decreased ammonia level. Moreover, the elevated MDA level in TAA-induced group was significantly reduced by SC treatment. NADPH oxidase expression associated with oxidative stress including NOX2, NOX4, and p47phox markedly inhibited by SC administration. SC treatment exerted anti-oxidant effect through the increase of anti-oxidant enzyme including superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-�� (TNF-��), IL-6, and IL-1�� induced by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-��B) activation were modulated through blocking the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor ��B�� (I��B)��. SC treatment also improved histological alterations. Conclusion : These findings suggested that SC administration may be a potential candidate for the prevention or treatment of ALI.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.557-564
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• 2021

Macrophages play a key role in chronic inflammation, and are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. We investigated whether an interaction between inflamed prostate cancer cells stimulated with Trichomonas vaginalis and macrophages stimulates the proliferation of the cancer cells. Conditioned medium was prepared from T. vaginalis-infected (TCM) and uninfected (CM) mouse prostate cancer (PCa) cell line (TRAMP-C2 cells). Thereafter conditioned medium was prepared from macrophages (J774A.1 cell line) after incubation with CM (MCM) or TCM (MTCM). When TRAMP-C2 cells were stimulated with T. vaginalis, protein and mRNA levels of CXCL1 and CCL2 increased, and migration of macrophages toward TCM was more extensive than towards CM. Macrophages stimulated with TCM produced higher levels of CCL2, IL-6, TNF-α, their mRNAs than macrophages stimulated with CM. MTCM stimulated the proliferation and invasiveness of TRAMP-C2 cells as well as the expression of cytokine receptors (CCR2, GP130, CXCR2). Importantly, blocking of each cytokine receptors with anti-cytokine receptor antibody significantly reduced the proliferation and invasiveness of TRAMP-C2 cells. We conclude that inflammatory mediators released by TRAMP-C2 cells in response to infection by T. vaginalis stimulate the migration and activation of macrophages and the activated macrophages stimulate the proliferation and invasiveness of the TRAMP-C2 cells via cytokine-cytokine receptor binding. Our results therefore suggested that macrophages contribute to the exacerbation of PCa due to inflammation of prostate cancer cells reacted with T. vaginalis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2022

Background: Neutrophilic asthma (NeuA) is usually resistant to corticosteroids. Tiotropium bromide (TIO) is a bronchodilator that is used as an add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2 agonist in asthma treatment. However, the role of TIO in NeuA is not fully known. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TIO on NeuA compared to that of corticosteroids. Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide to induce neutrophilic inflammation. Dexamethasone (DEX) was administered on days 14, 17, 20, and 23. TIO was inhaled on days 21, 21, and 23. On day 24, mice were sacrificed. Airway hyper-responsiveness, levels of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung homogenates, and lung tissue histopathology were compared between the two groups. Results: Neutrophil counts, T helper 2 cells (T_H2)/T_H17 cytokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokine in BAL fluids were elevated in the NeuA group. TIO group showed lower total cells, neutrophil counts, and eosinophil counts in BAL fluids than the DEX group (p<0.001, p<0.05, and p<0.001, respectively). Airway resistance was attenuated in the TIO group but elevated in the NeuA group (p<0.001). Total protein, interleukin (IL)-5, and IL-17A levels in BAL fluids were lower in the TIO group than in the NeuA group (all p<0.05). Conclusion: TIO showed more potent effects than DEX in improving airway inflammation and attenuating airway resistance in NeuA.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.75-87
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• 2022

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) caused by repeated reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. The present study investigated the protective effect of natural mineral water on esophageal injury induced by gastric acid reflux. The cytotoxicity of mineral water was confirmed using Cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity assay kit. The protective effect of mineral water on esophageal injury was investigated in RE rat model. The results showed that no cytotoxicity of mineral water was observed in RAW264.7 cells. Mineral water decreased the ratio of esophageal damage, inhibited the increase of inflammatory-protein expression levels and increased the mucosa protection and tight junction proteins expression level in RE control rat. The results suggest that mineral water may have the potential to protect esophageal damage caused by gastric acid reflux and the potential to alleviate reflux esophagitis.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2022

Alpha-linolenic acid is an important polyunsaturated fatty acid that exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of alpha-linolenic acid on the cell proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells under essential amino acid-deficient conditions. Different concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid and essential amino acids were added to the growth and differentiation media. The concentrations of 10 µM of alpha-linolenic acid and 2% essential amino acid were chosen for subsequent experiments. Supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid and essential amino acids improved the proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells and significantly increased the mRNA levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, B-cell lymphoma-2, and beclin-1 as well as the protein levels of PPARγ coactivator-1α compared to those in the controls. Moreover, supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid and essential amino acids reduced the levels of phosphorylated H2A.X variant histone, Bcl-2-associated X, p53, and light chain 3 during C2C12 cell proliferation, and increased the expression levels of myogenic factors 4 (myogenin) and 5 during C2C12 cell differentiation. Overall, we determined that alpha-linolenic acid and essential amino acids maintained the cell proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells via their anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic effects.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.383-393
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• 2022

Purpose: Aloe-emodin (AE), a natural anthraquinone abundant in aloe plants and rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum), has long been used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. However, AE's underlying mechanisms in periodontal inflammation have not been fully elucidated. Acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) is a potential biomarker involved in bone remodeling. This study aimed to evaluate AE's effect on periodontitis in rats and investigate AMCase expression. Methods: Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into the following groups: healthy (group 1), disease (group 2), vehicle (group 3), AE high-dose (group 4), and AE low-dose (group 5). Porphyromonas gingivalis ligatures were placed in rats (groups 2-5) for 7 days. Groups 4 and 5 were then treated with AE for an additional 14 days. Saliva was collected from all groups, and probing pocket depth was measured in succession. Periodontal pocket tissues were subjected to histomorphometric analysis after the rats were sacrificed. Bone marrow-derived macrophages and murine macrophages were stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and treated with different concentrations of AE. AMCase expression was detected from the analysis of saliva, periodontal pocket tissues, and differentiated osteoclasts. Results: Among rats with P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis, the alveolar bone resorption levels and periodontal pocket depth were significantly reduced after treatment with AE. AMCase protein expression was significantly higher in the disease group than in the healthy control (P<0.05). However, AE inhibited periodontal inflammation by downregulating AMCase expression in saliva and periodontal pocket tissue. AE significantly reduced RANKL-stimulated osteoclastogenesis by modulating AMCase (P<0.05). Conclusions: AE decreases alveolar bone loss and periodontal inflammation, suggesting that this natural anthraquinone has potential value as a novel therapeutic agent against periodontal disease.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.285-289
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• 2021

An eight-year-old, 3.4 kg, spayed female poodle dog was referred to Gyeongsang National University Animal Medical Center with obstinate bilateral retroperitoneal subcutaneous abscess. The medical history revealed ovariohysterectomy (OHE), lipoma, and mammary gland tumor excision performed two years ago. The dog presented with left retroperitoneal subcutaneous abscess discharge five months back and was treated by abscess drainage and antibiotics in a local veterinary hospital, but a relapse was reported on discontinuing antibiotics. On physical examination, the dog was febrile (40℃) and both retroperitoneal masses showed typical inflammatory reaction and purulent discharge. On serum chemistry analysis, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and elevated levels of C-reactive protein were observed. Cytologic examination showed degenerative neutrophils and phagocytic macrophages. Radiological examination revealed encapsulated hypoechoic subcutaneous masses in bilateral abdominal flank and the left flank mass was connected with the caudal pole of left kidney through fistula. Based on the diagnostic examination, exploratory celiotomy was recommended and left nephrectomy, and resection of bilateral masses were performed. During procedure, fistula between caudal pole of left kidney and left subcutaneous abscess was detected and suture material was identified. Resected tissue was histologically examined and diagnosed as suppurative abscess caused by the suture material. This case report describes chronic suppurative foreign body reaction including caudal pole of left kidney and bilateral retroperitoneal subcutaneous masses induced by the suture material used in OHE two years ago and the necessity of computed tomography examination to identify character of mass and extent of surgical resection.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.283-294
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop a functional beverage by using Caragana sinica extract and Tremella fuciformis Berk, which have high physiological effects such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-lipidemic and anti-inflammatory. To this end, we used various mixing ratios of Caragana sinica extract, Tremella fuciformis Berk, and isomalto oligosaccharide, and measured the physicochemical properties of those beverages. The analyses showed the following: moisture content of those beverages using Caragana sinica extract and Tremella fuciformis Berk was 50.51~67.64%, pH was 5.19~5.38, and crude fat content was 0.28~0.52%, crude protein content was 1.26~1.80%, ash content was 0.47~0.80 and sugar content was 8.55~26.98°Brix. The lightness (L) of the beverages was 37.70~58.11, the redness (a) was 6.88~16.94, the yellowness (b) was 13.72~23.68, the total polyphenol content was 2.07~3.46 mg/g, and the total flavonoid content was 0.37~0.42 mg/g. Based on the results, it was confirmed that the nutritional components and total polyphenols of functional beverage using Caragana Sinica Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Berk and isomalto oligosaccharide were high at a mixing ratio of 1:1.3:25%. These results will increase the use of Caragana Sinica Extract and Tremella Fuciformis Berk, as functional materials in the future, and provide a framework for the manufacturing of diluted beverages comprising mineral water and carbonated water.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.15-28
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the anti-cancer activity by innate immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects of liriopis tuber water extract (LPE). Methods: Cell cytotoxicity was tested with 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cells, spleen cells, macrophage, and RAW264.7 cells. To investigate innate immunomodulating effects of LPE on macrophage, we measured tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). To investigate innate immunomodulating effects of LPE on RAW264.7 cell, we measured TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were measured after treating with LPE to observe innate immunomodulating effect of LPE on RAW264.7 cell. Also, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) were examined by western blot analysis. Results: In an in vitro cytotoxicity analysis, LPE affected tumor cell growth above specific concentration. As compared with the control group, the production of TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-10 were increased in macrophage. As compared with the control group, the production of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in RAW 264.7 cell. The expression of TNF-α and NO induced by LPS after treating LPE was decreased. In addition, treatment of RAW 264.7 cell with LPE increased the phosphorylation levels of p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), p-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and p-p38. Conclusions: LPE might have impact on the anti-cancer effect by activation of innate immune system and inflammation control.