• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.298-306
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a global health problem of significant importance which increases mortality. In place of anti-obesity drugs, natural products are being developed as alternative therapeutic materials. In this study, we investigated the effect of Brassica juncea L. leaf extract (BLE) on fat deposition and lipid profiles in high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFC)-induced obese rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to diet: normal diet group (ND), high-fat/high-cholesterol diet group (HFC), HFC with 3% BLE diet group (HFC-A1), and HFC with 5% BLE diet group (HFC-A2). Each group was fed for 6 weeks. Rat body and adipose tissue weights, serum biochemical parameters, and tissue lipid contents were determined. The expression levels of mRNA and proteins involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The HFC-A2 group showed significantly lower body weight gain and food efficiency ratio than the HFC group. BLE supplementation caused mesenteric, epididymal, and total adipose tissue weights to decrease. The serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased in rats fed BLE. These results were related to lower glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, acetyl-coA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase mRNA expression, and to higher expression of the cholesterol $7{\alpha}$-hydroxylase and low density lipoprotein-receptor, as well as increased protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\alpha}$. Histological analysis of the liver revealed decreased lipid droplets in HFC rats treated with BLE. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of HFC with 3% or 5% BLE inhibited body fat accumulation, improved lipid profiles, and modulated lipogenesis- and cholesterol metabolism-related gene and protein expression.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2018

Objectives : The current study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of youngyanggak-san (YGS) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Methods : YGS is composed of Glycyrrhizae Radix, Asiasari Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma, Saigae Tataricae Cornu. While N-YGS (non-youngyanggak-san) doesn't include Saigae Tataricae Cornu. Two samples were administrated TAA together for 3 days. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups. Rats except for the normal group were received TAA (200 mg/kg of body weight, I.P) were divided into three groups (n=9/group) : Group 1 (TAA only), Group 2 (TAA + 200 mg/kg YGS) and Group 3 (TAA + 200 mg/kg N-YGS). Acute liver damage confirmed using histological examination, The factors associated with oxidative stress and liver function activity measured in serum. Also, expressions of inflammation related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : Oxidative stress factors such as ROS and $ONOO^-$ in the Group 2 was manifested by a significant rise compared with Group 1. YGS markedly decreased the elevated ROS and $ONOO^-$. Furthermore, YGS significantly reduced the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) The nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activation induced by TAA led to increase both inflammatory mediators and cytokines. While YGS administration remarkably suppressed such the overexpression. In addition, the histopathological analysis showed that the liver tissue lesions were improved obviously in YGS treatment. Conclusion : YGS provided a hepatoprotective effect on acute liver damage through the suppression of oxidative stress. Especially, this effect enhanced markedly when Saigae Tataricae Cornu is included.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.319-324
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• 2011

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Lythrum salicaria L. ethanol extract on anti-obesity effects in rat fed a high fat diet for 8 weeks to induce obese rat model. Male SD rats were divided into normal group, control (high fat diet) group, positive control (Garcinia Cambogia extracts) group, high fat group supplemented with ethanol extracts of Lythrum salicaria L. (EELS). The body weight gain and control (high fat diet) were increased by a high fat diet, but decreased in the EELS. At the end of the experiment, the body weight in high fat diet groups was higher than that of normal diet group, while the body weights of EELS and positive control group were significantly reduced by 16.62%, as compared with that of high fat diet group (p < 0.05). The levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol in EELS group were significantly decreased as compared with high fat diet group (p < 0.05). The liver and mesenteric adipose tissue weights of control (high fat diet) increase than that for normal group, whereas EELS and positive control group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Levels of triglyceride in liver were significantly lower in EELS group than those in high fat diet group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that Lythrum salicaria L. extract may improve lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumulation and body weight.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.55-68
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• 2009

Objectives : To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi pharmacopuncture in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory rat model. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups; LPS control (n=6), LPS+Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi pharmacopuncture at BL23 (n=6, BL23), LPS+Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi pharmacopuncture at CV12 (n=6, CV12), and LPS+Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi pharmacopuncture at GV4 (n=6, GV4). Pharmacopuncture was given every two days for 4 weeks followed by inflammation induction by intraperitoneal LPS injection (5mg/kg). Blood, liver tissue, and peritoneal lavage fluid were taken and proinflammatory cytokines and other related factors were analysed. Results : For proinflammatory cytokines, CV12 pharmacopuncture group was significantly different compared with the control group in plasma IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$, and IL-10 5 h after LPS injection (P<0.05). For plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6, CV12 pharmacopuncture group also showed significant difference at 2 h compared with the control (P<0.05). GV4 pharmacopuncture group was significantly different compared with the control at 5 h in plasma IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-$\alpha$ and at 2 h in IL-10 (P<0.05). Liver cytokines were analyzed at 5 h after LPS injection; only CV12 pharmacopuncture group showed significant difference in IL-$1{\beta}$ (P<0.05) and others including IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$, and IL-10 had no difference compared with the control group. CD4/CD8 ratio and the phagocytic activities of polymorphonuclear neutrophils were not different from those of control group in all pharmacopuncture groups (P>0.05). Plasma NO3-/NO2- and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 of CV12 pharmacopuncture group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). In the plasma concentration of prostaglandin E2, all 3 pharmacopuncture groups had significantly lower values than that of the control group (P<0.05), but there was no difference among pharmacopucnture groups. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and cytokine-induced neutorphil chemoattractant-1 in peritoneal lavage fluid was significantly decreased in CV12 pharmacopuncture group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions : These results indicate that Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi pharmacopuncture at CV12 may have a potent anti-inflammatory effect in an LPS-induced inflammatory rat model.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.114-122
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• 1969

Electron microscopic examination of the liver and heart tissues of methylene blue-treated rats before gamma-irradiation was observed in this study. 1. It was observed severe alteration and degeneration of organelles: accumulation of glycogen particles, severe swollen mitochondria, and broken endoplasmic reticulum in liver tissue of saline-treated rat(control) opposed by emthylene blue-treated rat at 64 and 212 hours following gamma-irradiation. 2. Heart muscles of both methylene blue-treated and saline-treated rats showed no significant alterations, but it was observed that slightly elongated mitochondria with broken cristae and some of vacuoles as well as increased glycogen particles in sarcoplasmic reticulum at 212 hours following gamma-irradiation. 3. It may be considered that methylene blue greatly reduces the sensitivities of rats to gamma-irradiation.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2007

Present study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of propolis feeding on rat tissues damaged by X-ray irradiation. It was shown that the number of white blood cell in X-ray irradiated group supplemented with propolis increased as much to those of the control group and also the GOT activities among the blood components were decreased after propolis feeding. The mineral contents such as Mg, Fe, Ca, Mn, Cu, Mo, Ni, As in liver were increased as compared with those of the control group but maintained lower level than those of only irradiated groups, implying that the propolis feeding elevated the recovery capability of white blood cell effectively and propolis have a potential resistance to cell damage by X-ray. According to histological observations of the testis, intestine and liver tissues which are irradiated after feeding propolis, the numbers of damaged undifferentiated cells were decreased in testis and the shape of the goblet cells and inner and outer muscular layers in intestine were restored to the original state and the hepatocytes and interlobular veins were shown intact in liver, suggesting that propolis has a potential capacity to restore cell shapes or resist deformation of cell.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.319-330
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• 1995

The influence of normal late pregnancy on insulin action and insulin secretion was studied in the Sprague-Dawley female rats. On 20th day after mating, intravenous glucose tolerance test(IVGTT) was performed in non pregnant control and pregnant rats. As results of IVGTT, glucose disappearance rate was not significantly different in both groups, but secretory response of insulin was significantly(p<0.05) increased in pregnant rat. And the ratio of insulin/glucose was significantly higher in pregnant rats, which means existence of insulin resistance. These insulin resistance was overcomed by increased secretory response of pancreatic insulin. Insulinogenic index(${\Delta}$ insulin/glucose - 5 min) was highly significantly (r=0.62, p<0.01) correlated with progesterone concentration. Glycogen level and amounts of $^{14}C$-glucose incorporated into glycogen after IVGTT were significantly(p<0.05) decreased in the liver, but were not changed significantly in soleus. Glycogen synthase activity of soleus and liver was not differ significantly in the both groups. Insulin binding at varying concentrations of insulin to crude membrane of pregnant liver was not significantly different from control. In conclusions, although these pregnant rats were normal glucose tolerance due to increased secretory response of insulin, that was correlated with progesterone concentration, pregnant rat had insulin resistance. The mechanisms of insulin resistance were not related to defect of insulin binding phase and glycogen synthase, but suggest pre-receptor and/or postreceptor phase.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.1000-1010
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• 2008

Objective : Hypothyroidism is a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as cold intolerance, or weight gain. Because of side effects of Western medicine treatment, interest in oriental medicine has been increasing. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of Evodiae fructus and histological modification in hypothyroidism rat model induced by PTU(6-propyl, 2-thiouracil). Methods : After inducing hypothyroidism in the rats by PTU injections, we divided the rats into four groups, the Evodiae fructus 100 500, control, and $LT_4$ (levothyroxine) groups. After 2 weeks Evodiae fructus and $LT_4$ were administered, respectively. The weight was measured once a week. After sampling the blood for biochemical analysis to check the levels of $T_3$, $T_4$ and TSH, the thyroid tissue was removed, stained with H&E, and an image was obtained using an optical microscope. Results : Compared with normals, controls showed low $T_4$ and high TSH. The Evodiae fructus group showed a statistically meaningful $T_3$ increase to be dose related. But the levels of TSH showed no meaningful difference between the Evodiae fructus group and normals. About the biochemical tests(liver, kidney etc) and weight change, there was no meaningful difference between the Evodiae fructus group and controls. In the biopsy, the Evodiae fructus group showed thyroid tissue improvement compared to controls. Conclusions : These results show that Evodiae fructus stimulates the decreased functions of the thyroid, and also has thyroid cell protecting effects. The lab results also showed that Evodiae fructus is a safe substance that doesn't cause hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Therefore it is an effective substance in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.81-88
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of an aqueous extract from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (TCE) in Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. Methods : Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into the following four groups (n=6 per group): Normal (saline control), MIA (MIA-induced OA with vehicle), TCE (MIA-induced with TCE treatment), and IM (MIA-induced with indomethacin treatment). Rats in which OA was induced by MIA were treated with TCE (200 mg/kg) or indomethacin (1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Weight-bearing on the hind legs and body weights were measured weekly. At the end of the experiment (3 weeks after MIA injection), serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured to assess the liver toxicity induced by TCE. Its effects on serum inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue histopathology were also evaluated. Results : TCE restored the hind limb weight-bearing distribution. Serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were significantly higher in the MIA group than in the Normal group, but serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the TCE group. In the TCE group, the synovial membrane was protected in hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O staining, respectively. Conclusions : TCE recovered the hind paw weight bearing distribution, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokine, and protected synovial tissue and cartilage in the OA rat model. Therefore, TCE appears to be an effective therapeutic agent for treating OA and OA-related symptoms.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.141-150
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• 2005

1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) is known as chloride chemicals and causes severe hepatotoxic agent. The Ito cells and Kupffer's cells of the liver in the 5 old F344 Rats were exposed to 1,3-DCP gas chamber for 6 hours/ a day, 5 days/ a week, and 13 weeks, in the 0, 5, 20, 80 ppm, respectively. After then the body weights, liver weights, and relative liver weight to body weight were measured, and the hepatic tissues were prepared by the routine and Immunostain method, and observed by the LM, and EM. In the results, there were severe body weight decrease (p<0.05) in the 80 ppm of the male and female rats. The relative liver weights to the body weight were increased relate with exposed 1,3-DCP concentration (P<0.001). Inflammatory cells, infiltration was observed at the perivascular area in the 20 ppm exposed group, and bilirubin pigment infiltration, bile duct hyperplasia, inflammation hepatocytic necrosis, fibrosis were observed in the 80 ppm exposure group. In the 80 ppm exposure group, disarrangement of the endothelial cells, erythrocytes and hepatic cell fragment in the Disse space and numerous migration macrophages were observed in the necrotic area by EM observation. In the immunostained hepatic tissues positive stained ED1 cells were extremely increased (P<0.05) in central vein area, but ED2 was weakly positive immunostained in the 80 ppm exposed group. Immunostained desmin was observed in the Ito cell. It was no difference in the low and medium exposed group but it was typical increase in the necrotic area. In conclusion, These results suggest that NOAEL of 1,3-DCP may be 5 ppm in rats and the Immunostained of desmin, ED1 and ED2 positive cells activated in the inflammatory liver were related to the exposure volume and density. The increase of the Ito cells were related to the severe phagocytosis of the Kupffer's cells.