• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.413-417
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• 2002

Gitelman's syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria that has recently been reported to be linked to thiazide- sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter gene mutation. In this study, we performed renal clearance studies to differentiate Gitelman's from Bartter's syndrome and to confirm the diagnosis in two patients clinically diagnosed with Gitelman's syndrome. Each patient was hydrated by 20 mL/kg body weight of oral water within 30 minutes, which was followed by intravenous half saline. When urinary flow reached 10 mL/min, samples of urine and serum were obtained to calculate the osmolar clearance, free water clearance, chloride clearance, and distal fractional chloride reabsorption. Subsequently, furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide was administered. Samples were collected and the same parameters were calculated. In our patients, chloride clearance was increased more than 10 times after furosemide administration(2.1 : 25.7 and 2.2 : 27.4 mL/min/100 mL GFR), but not increased after hydrochlorothiazide treatment(2.1 : 1.6 and 2.2 : 2.6 mL/min/100 mL GFR). And the distal fractional chloride reabsorption was significantly decreased by furosemide injection (73% : 15% and 75% : 4.6%), whereas hydrochlorothiazide had no effect on it(73% : 63% and 75% : 78%). These findings indicate that our patients have a defect in thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter in the distal tubule, which is compatible with the pathophysiology of Gitelman's syndrome.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2016

Objectives: This study examined the relative efficacies of a derivative of betulinic acid (dBA) and its poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nano-encapsulated form in A549 lung cancer cells in vivo and in co-mutagen [sodium arsenite (SA) + benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)]-induced lung cancer in mice in vivo. Methods: dBA was loaded with PLGA nanoparticles by using the standard solvent displacement method. The sizes and morphologies of nano-dBA (NdBA) were determined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their intracellular localization was verified by using confocal microscopy. The binding and interaction of NdBA with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) as a target were analyzed by using conventional circular dichroism (CD) and melting temperature (Tm) profile data. Apoptotic signalling cascades in vitro and in vivo were studied by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the ability of NdBA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was also examined. The stage of cell cycle arrest was confirmed by using a fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) data analysis. Results: The average size of the nanoparticles was ~ 110 nm. Confocal microscopy images confirmed the presence of NdBA in the cellular cytoplasm. The bio-physical properties of dBA and NdBA ascertained from the CD and the Tm profiles revealed that NdBA had greater interaction with the target DNA than dBA did. Both dBA and NdBA arrested cell proliferation at G0/G1, NdBA showing the greater effect. NdBA also induced a greater degree of cytotoxicity in A549 cells, but it had an insignificant cytotoxic effect in normal L6 cells. The results of flow cytometric, cytogenetial and histopathological studies in mice revealed that NdBA caused less nuclear condensation and DNA damage than dBA did. TEM images showed the presence of NdBA in brain samples of NdBA fed mice, indicating its ability to cross the BBB. Conclusion: Thus, compared to dBA, NdBA appears to have greater chemoprotective potential against lung cancer.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.295-301
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• 2017

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A) is a neurotoxin that selectively attacks the peripheral cholinergic nerve endings. It is produced by Gram -positive, endospore-forming strict anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Since BoNT/A could be a biothreat agent, as well as a contaminator of food and water supplies, the development of sensitive assays for toxin detection and potent antitoxin for the treatment of intoxication is necessary. In this study, for the purpose of producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are capable of neutralizing Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), scFv (single-chain variable domain fragment) libraries from the rabbit antisera against BoNT/A was fused to a human IgG. The resulting recombinant scFvIgG antibody protein was expressed in stable cell lines and was purified using a protein A affinity chromatography. The efficacy of scFvIgG mAb was confirmed by ELISA and was evaluated for the neutralization of BoNT/A in vivo. Such an in vivo toxin neutralization assay was performed using mice. Although scFvIgG antibody proteins (10 ug) failed to fully protect the mice challenged with BoNT/A (100,000 $LD_{50}$), it significantly prolonged the survival time. These results suggest that scFvIgG mAb may be capable of neutralizing BoNT/A single-chain variable domain fragment.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.120-129
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• 2004

Yangkyuk-Sanhwa-Tang(YST) has been widely used as a formula for the Soyangin cerebral infarction (CI) patients according to Sasang constitutional philosophy. Brain cells produce cytokines and chemokines during the inflammatory process after stroke both in animal models and in patients. Previously, regulation of serum cytokine levels by YSThas been observed in individuals at the acute stage of CI disease, but there have not been other scientific investigations on YST. The author investigated the effect of YST on theproduction of various cytokines using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)from the Soyangin (CI) patients, and Soyangin normal group. The cytokine production was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- in culture supernatant significantly increased in the LPS-treated cells compared with unstimulated-cells (P < 0.05). However, in LPS-stimulated PBMCs, cytokines level in CI patients group was higher than that of normal group. YST (1 mg/ml) significantly inhibited IL-1, IL-1, and IL-8 production in PBMCs stimulated with LPS (about 85% for IL-1, 87% for IL-1, and 53% for IL-8, P < 0.05), but did not significantly inhibit IL-6 and TNF- production in the CI patients group. We also show that YST significantly increased LPS-induced IL-1, IL-6, and TNF- production in the normal group. Thesedata suggest that YST has a regulatoryeffect on the cytokine production, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of CI.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.93-99
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• 2010

Herpes zoster (HZ) is the secondary manifestation of an earlier infection with the varicella-zoster virus in one or more dermatomes. As reactivation of the virus is linked to an age-related diminished virus-specific and cell-mediated immunity, HZ develops mainly in elderly people. Acute zoster is painful, but does not incur lasting morbidity. Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the trigeminal nerve (Herpes zoster) occur with severe pain and rash in the oro-facial region. The acute pain decreases as the rash begins to heal. Postherpetic neuralgia(PHN), the most frequent complication of herpes zoster, is usually defined as pain in the involved dermatome that is still present 3 month after rash onset. The clinical characteristics of PHN are, eposodic stabbing pain, burning pain and allodynia, with hypoesthesia and/or dysesthesia. $Neurometer^{(R)}$(neuroselective sensory nerve conduction threshold: sNCT, Automated current perception threshold: CPT, neurotron incorporated. Baltimore, Maryland. 21209 U.S.A.) is convenient, rapid and noninvasive, and allows objective assessment of sensory disturbance. This case is about the postherptic neuralgia patient assessed with $Neurometer^{(R)}$. From this case, we reviewed the pathophysiology and the treatment of PHN and recommend the assessment of pain intensity with $Neurometer^{(R)}$ as quantitative and objective method.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.525-536
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• 2014

Although tobacco use has been known as one of the biggest risk factors on periodontal health, little is known about the effect of smoking cessation on it. The aim of this study was to investigate the change of concentration of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9 and interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of 11 quit-smokers for 1 year after smoking cessation. Eleven male subjects to maintain quit-smoking for 1 year participated the oral examination, GCF and saliva collection without periodontal treatments at baseline, after 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 1 year. To confirm quit-smoking, nicotine and cotinine concentrations in saliva were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. MMP-8, MMP-9 and IL-$1{\beta}$ concentrations in GCF of upper anterior teeth area were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Change of MMP-8 in GCF during smoking cessation showed fluctuation with decrease (5 subjects) or increase (2 subjects) or maintenance tendency (4 subjects). Changes of MMP-9 were decrease (6 subjects), or increase (2 subjects), or maintenance (3 subjects). Change of IL-$1{\beta}$ also showed fluctuation with decrease (5 subjects) or increase (3 subjects) or maintenance tendency (3 subjects). The subjects with increase tendency had the relatively smaller amount concentration of MMP-8 and MMP-9 at the baseline. It was unclear smoking cessation without periodontal treatment could affect MMP-8, MMP-9, and IL-$1{\beta}$ in GCF. Fluctuation of periodontal biomarkers during smoking cessation might result from feedback interaction between environmental factors and periodontal cells.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.93-98
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• 2020

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare X-linked, recessively inherited disorder of purine metabolism, caused by complete absence of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase. This syndrome is characterized by 3 major features: neurological dysfunction, hyperuricemia, and cognitive and behavioral disturbances (e.g., self-mutilation, which begins at 2 to 3 years of age). Uncontrollable self-mutilation begins with biting of the perioral tissues and extends into patterns such as finger biting and head hitting. This report describes the case of a 31-month-old boy who was diagnosed with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome with severe lip injuries caused by self-mutilative behaviors. The behaviors were blocked with a semi-fixed lip bumper for a short period. The device was applied to the patient on the day of the visit without the requirement for an oral impression. It was easy to manage oral hygiene and adjust the device because it was detachable by clinicians and guardians. Therefore, a semi-fixed lip bumper may be useful as an interim appliance to block selfmutilative behaviors in children with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.829-836
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• 2003

Seogakjihwang-tang (SJT) was widely used to treat patients suffering from cerebral infarction. But scientific investigation has been carried out very little. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of SJT on the production of various cytokines in the patients with cerebral infarction (CI). We investigated interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-1 in the sera of 27 patients with cerebral infarction under consciousness disorders and 10 normal controls using an originally devised sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that plasma levels of IL-4 were slightly elevated in patients with cerebral infarction, whereas plasma levels of IL-10 (P<0.001) and TGF-1 were reduced. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from the patient with CI were cultured for 24 h in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). The amount of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-1, in culture supernatant, was significantly increased in the LPS or PHA treated cells compared to unstimulated cells (P<0.05), We also show that increased cytokines IL-4, and IL-10 level was significantly inhibited by SJT in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition rate of IL-4 and IL-10 production by SJT was 45.63.3% and 614.7% for LPS-stimulated cell and 27.31.2% and 83.62% for PHA-stimulated cells, respectively (P<0.05). On the other hand, SJT significantly increased the LPS or PHA-induced TGF-1 production (P<0.05). These data suggest that SJT has a regulatory effect on the cytokines production, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of CI.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1109-1119
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• 2011

In the present study, the pro-apoptotic effects of methanol extract of Prunus mume fruits (MEPM) in human leukemia U937 cells were investigated. It was found that exposure to MEPM resulted in growth inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis. The induction of apoptotic cell death in U937 cells by MEPM was correlated with a down-regulation of inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and survivin, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, up-regulation of FasL and cleavage of Bid. MEPM treatment also induced the proteolytic activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, and degradation of caspase-3 substrate proteins, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and ${\beta}$-catenin. In addition, apoptotic cell death induced by MEPM was significantly inhibited by z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 specific inhibitor, which demonstrates the important role of caspase-3 in the apoptotic process by MEPM in U937 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that P. mume extracts may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human leukemia cells and further studies will be needed to identify the active compounds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3223-3228
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• 2012

HMGN5 is a typical member of the HMGN (high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein) family which may function as a nucleosomal binding and transcriptional activating protein. Overexpression of HMGN5 has been observed in several human tumors but its role in tumorigenesis has not been fully clarified. To investigate its significance for human lung cancer progression, we successfully constructed a shRNA expression lentiviral vector in which sense and antisense sequences targeting the human HMGN5 were linked with a 9-nucleotide loop. Inhibitory effects of siRNA on endogenous HMGN5 gene expression and protein synthesis were demonstrated via real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. We found HMGN5 silencing to significantly inhibit A549 and H1299 cell proliferation assessed by MTT, BrdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that specific knockdown of HMGN5 slowed down the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and decreased the populations of A549 and H1299 cells at the S and G2/M phases. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGN5 is directly involved in regulation cell proliferation in A549 and H1299 cells by influencing signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression. Thus, our finding suggests that targeting HMGN5 may be an effective strategy for human lung cancer treatment.