• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.623-628
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity-induced steatohepatitis accompanied by activated hepatic macrophages/Kupffer cells facilitates the progression of hepatic fibrinogenesis and exacerbates metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance. Heme oxyganase-1 (HO-1) modulates tissue macrophage phenotypes and thus is implicated in protection against inflammatory diseases. Here, we show that the flavonoid quercetin reduces obesity-induced hepatic inflammation by inducing HO-1, which promotes hepatic macrophage polarization in favor of the M2 phenotype. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a regular diet (RD), high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with quercetin (HF+Que, 0.5g/kg diet) for nine weeks. Inflammatory cytokines and macrophage markers were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. HO-1 protein was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Quercetin supplementation decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines ($TNF{\alpha}$, IL-6) and increased that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the livers of HFD-fed mice. This was accompanied by upregulation of M2 macrophage marker genes (Arg-1, Mrc1) and downregulation of M1 macrophage marker genes ($TNF{\alpha}$, NOS2). In co-cultures of lipid-laden hepatocytes and macrophages, treatment with quercetin induced HO-1 in the macrophages, markedly suppressed expression of M1 macrophage marker genes, and reduced release of MCP-1. Moreover, these effects of quercetin were blunted by an HO-1 inhibitor and deficiency of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin reduces obesity-induced hepatic inflammation by promoting macrophage phenotype switching. The beneficial effect of quercetin is associated with Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. Quercetin may be a useful dietary factor for protecting against obesity-induced steatohepatitis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.239-244
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• 1997

Genus Metasonimus has been a subject of taxonomic debates for several years. In morphological aspects, M. vokogawci has been thought to have three subtypes, namely Yokogawa type (M. yokogawai in strict sense) , Miyata type and Koga type. But dif- ferences in the intestinal pathology induced by these subtypes have not been studied yet. In this study we compared the pathological reactions inducted by M. yokoBnwai and Metcgonimus Miyata type using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index. Metacercariae (Mc) of M. yokogcuani were collected by artificial digestion of Plecoslossw oLtiveLis and Mc of Metngonimus Miyata type were collected from Zacco pEntvpus. Three hundreds Mc of each species were infected orally to ICR mice. The mice were sacrificed at 3, 6. 10. 16 and 23 days after infection and the small intestines were resected into three portions (proximal. middle, and distal) . Immunohistochemical staining for PCNA was done using PC-10 (DAKO-PCNA, CA, USA) The PCNA indices in M. Wokosnwci infected group on the 6th and 23rd day after infection were lower than in the control and Miyata type infect ed groups (p < 0.05) from all of the three intestinal regions. On the other hand, the control group and Ifetngonimus Miyata type infected group did not make any differences in PCNA indices. The villus/crypt WIC) ratio was also decreased significantly in M. Wokogcwni infected mice but not in Metagonimus Miyata type infected ones. It is suggested that M. wokogawci induce villous atrophy through a decrease in the cell proliferation at the crypt. The results of this study suggested that M. WokoBnwai induce more serious intestinal pathology than Metcsonimuf Miyata type.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1987

Hantaan virus(HV) 76-118 strain was inoculated into suckling ICR mice by intra-nasal route with an inoculum of $10LD_{50}$. Mortality was 65% at the 3rd week after inoculation, but declined to 35% at the 4th week. Infectivity was determined by the measuring immuno-fluorescent antibody in sera. The peak of infectivity was 80% at the 4'th week after inoculation. Viremia was reached peak level of $1.7{\times}10^4\;PFU/ml$ by day 10. Immunofluorescent antibody and neutralizing antibody appeared by 2 weeks and 15-17 days respectively, but achieved similar titer by 35 days. By using a monoclonal antibody to HV 76-118, viral antigens were initially detected in inguinal and axillary lymph node by 2 days. Viral antigens in bone marrow and lung were delayed much more than in those of lymph node. These were similar with those of intra-peritoneal and intra-muscular route. Immune complex against IgG, IgM and C3 appeared by 16 days, 14 days, and 18 days respectively. The pattern of immunofluorescence in the basement membrane of glomeruli was diffuse membranous. Spotted pattern was also observed in the tissue stained with anti-mouse C3 antibody. By 20 days, control tissue was also shown immune complex in the glomeruli.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 1997

The effect of total saponin fraction of Ginseng injected intrathecally (i.1.) or in- tracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) on the antinociception induced by D-$Pen^{2,5}$- enkephalin (DPDPE) ad ministered i.c.v. was studied in ICR mice in the present study. The antinociception was assessed by the tail-flick test. Total saponin fraction at doses 0.1 to 1.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$, which administered i.t. Alone did not affect the latencies of tail-flick threshold, attenuated dose-dependently the inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by i.c.v. administered DPDPE (10 $\mu\textrm{g}$). However, total saponin fraction at doses 1 to 20 $\mu\textrm{g}$, which administered i.c.v. Alone did not affect the latencies of the tail-flick response, did not affect i.c.v. administered DPDPE (10 $\mu\textrm{g}$)-induced antinociception. The duration of antagonistic action of total saponin fraction against DPDPE-induced antlnociception was lasted at least for 6 hrs. Various doses of ginsenosides Rd, but not $\Rb_2$, Rc, Rg1, and $\Rb_1$ and Re, injected i.t. Dose-dependently attenuated antinociception induced by DPDPE administered i.c.v. Our results indicate that total saponin fraction injected spinally appears to have antagonistic action against the antinociception induced by supraspinally applied DPDPE. Ginsenoside Rd appears to be responsible for blocking j.c.v. administered DPDPE-induced antinociception. On the other hand, total ginseng fraction, at supraspinal sites, may not have an antagonistic action against the antinociception induced by DPDPE.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.167-175
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• 2015

A retinal prosthesis is being developed for the restoration of vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Determining optimal electrical stimulation parameters for the prosthesis is one of the most important elements for the development of a viable retinal prosthesis. Here, we investigated the effects of different charge-balanced biphasic pulses with regard to their effectiveness in evoking retinal ganglion cell (RGC) responses. Retinal degeneration (rd1) mice were used (n=17). From the ex-vivo retinal preparation, retinal patches were placed ganglion cell layer down onto an $8{\times}8$ multielectrode array (MEA) and RGC responses were recorded while applying electrical stimuli. For asymmetric pulses, 1st phase of the pulse is the same with symmetric pulse but the amplitude of 2nd phase of the pulse is less than $10{\mu}A$ and charge balanced condition is satisfied by lengthening the duration of the pulse. For intensities (or duration) modulation, duration (or amplitude) of the pulse was fixed to $500{\mu}s$($30{\mu}A$), changing the intensities (or duration) from 2 to $60{\mu}A$(60 to $1000{\mu}s$). RGCs were classified as response-positive when PSTH showed multiple (3~4) peaks within 400 ms post stimulus and the number of spikes was at least 30% more than that for the immediate pre-stimulus 400 ms period. RGC responses were well modulated both with anodic and cathodic phase-1st biphasic pulses. Cathodic phase-1st pulses produced significantly better modulation of RGC activity than anodic phase-1st pulses regardless of symmetry of the pulse.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.9 no.3 s.21
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• pp.105-116
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• 2006

Objectives : To investigate the effect of Ga-mee-Gwui-ryong-tang herbal acupuncture(GR-HA) at GB39 and ST36 and the effect of Yuk-mee-ji-hwang-tang herbal acupuncture(YM-HA) at GB39 and KI10 on growth in mice. Methods : Mice were divided into 7 group(n=10) ; saline-ST36, saline-GB39 and KI10, GR-HA-ST36 group treated with GR-HA at right ST36, GR-HA-GB39 group treated with GR-HA at right GB39, YM-HA-GB39 group treated with YM-HA at right GB39, YM-HA-KI10 group treated with YM-HA at right KI10. Saline-ST36 group, saline-GB39 group and saline-KI10 group were injected with saline at right ST36, GB39, KI10 respectively. Saline injection and HA were performed 3 times a week for 18 days. The length(total height, body length and tail length), weight and the protein efficiency ratio were measured as well as IGF-1 level in serum. Results : 1. GR-HA at GB39 and GR-HA at ST36 promoted growth in weight, tail length and total height but there was no statistical significance. 2. GR-HA at GB39 significantly promoted protein efficiency on the 14th day and GR-HA at ST36 on the 3rd day. 3. GR-HA at GB39 significantly increased serum IGF-1. GR-HA at ST36 increased IGF-1 slightly but with no statistical significance. 4. YM-HA at GB39 and YM-HA at KI10 promoted growth in weight, height, tail length and total height but there was no statistical relevance. 5. YM-HA at GB39 and YM-HA at KI10 significantly promoted protein efficiency on the 14th day. 6. YM-HA at GB39 and YM-HA at KI10 significantly increased serum IGF-1. Serum IGF-1 level of YM-HA-KI10 group was significantly higher than that of YM-HA-GB39 group. 7. Serum IGF-1 level of GR-HA-GB39 group was significantly higher than that of YM-HA-GB39 group. Conclusions : GR-HA and YM-HA both may promote growth. This study suggests that herbal acupuncture at GB39 is more effective with Gwui-ryong-tang than Yuk-mee ji-hwang-tang to promote growth. It also suggests that Yuk-mee ji-hwang-tang herbal acupuncture is more effective at KI10 than at GB39.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.53-70
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• 1993

These experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Taklee Hwangki Tang(THT) on inflammation. THT extract did not affected on the leakage of evans blue into peritoneal cavity and mouse paw edema induced by histamine, but decreased the cottom pellet granuloma formation. Using proliferation of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast cell line as an in vitro model of granulation tissue formation, the ability of THT to stumulate cellular proliferation of fibroblast cells was investigated. When the cells were seeded at $1{\times}10^4$ cells/well, balb/c 3T3 cells are reached to the late expponential phase at 3rd day. Under the conditions established above, THT increased the proliferation of Balb/c 3T3 cells at concentration of $10^-,\;10^{-6}\;and\;10^{-5}g/ml$. The treatment of $10^{-6}g/ml$ of THT did not influence onthe NDA syntesis and proteinsynthesis of the cells. The $10\%$ serum from THT treated mice(500mg/kg/day for 4 days) increased the proliferation of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast markedly, but decreased the DNA synthesis and protein sythesis of the cells. The results suggest that THT may be of practical therapeutic use at the period of the last in. flammation.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.336-340
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• 2017

The present study evaluated the antibacterial effect of Flos syzygii Aromatici methanolic extracts (FSAE). In addition, the effectiveness of FSAE against Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection was studied using ICR female mice. At 24 h after incubation of E. coli O157:H7, FSAE at the concentration of 0.269 (p < 0.05), 0.538 (p < 0.001) and 1.075 mg/mL (p < 0.001) significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli O157:H7 compared to the control group. After single challenge with E. coli O157:H7, forty female ICR mice were divided into four experimental groups which were orally administered with saline (control), 0.538 (group 1), 1.075 (group 2) and 2.15 mg/mL (group 3) of FSAE, respectively. On the 3rd day, the number of fecal E. coli O157:H7 in group 2 (p < 0.05) and group 3 (p < 0.01) was significantly decreased compared to that in the control group. On the 7th day post-treatment, the number of fecal E. coli O157:H7 in all FSAE-treated groups was significantly decreased compared to that in the control group (group 1, p < 0.05; group 2 and 3, p < 0.001). According to the results of the present study, administration of FSAE to mice can reduce the severity of E. coli O157:H7 infection. Therefore, the current study suggests that FSAE could be a good candidate for the treatment of enteric infections in domestic animals.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.107-121
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• 2010

Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the curative effects of Gamisipjeon-tang (GST) used for wound healing on the skin regeneration of deep second degree burns in mice. Material & Methods: In vitro, the $I{\kappa}B$ kinase (IKK) mRNA expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression in the GST concentration from 1 mg/$m{\ell}$ to 10 mg/$m{\ell}$ were measured. In vivo, the mice were divided into four groups : the normal group, the BE group (burn-elicited group, control group), the DC group (Duoderm CGF-treated group after burn elicitation), and the GST group (Gamisipjeon-tang treated group after burn elicitation). To determine the anti-inflammatory effects, nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ p65, iNOS, COX-2 positive reaction were measured by immunohistochemistry. To estimate the skin regenerative effects, change of burn area, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) positive reaction were analyzed. Results: In vitro, the iNOS, IKK, COX-2 mRNA expression decreased according to the increase of GST concentration. The significant decrease of COX-2, iNOS, NF-${\kappa}B$ positive reaction were the highest in the GST group, followed by the DC group and the BE group (p<0.05). The diameter of burn area was significantly decreased in the GST group as compared to that in the DC and BE group (p<0.05). The BrdU and FGF positive reaction increased more significantly in the GST group than in the DC group, and more significantly in the DC group than in the BE group on the 3rd and 7th day after burn (p<0.05). FGF positive reaction increased in the BE and DC group, whereas it decreased significantly in the GST group on the 14th day (p<0.05). The BrdU positive reaction increased in the BE group, whereas it decreased significantly in the DC and GST group on the 14th day (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that GST could decrease the inflammatory response and accelerate the skin regeneration as compared to the duoderm CGF in mice with deep second degree burns.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.59-64
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• 2007

We induced the activation of melanocytes in the epidermis of C57BL/6 mice by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and observed the effect of bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra var. henenis Strapf) leaf extract (BLE) on the formation, and decrease of UVB-induced epidermal melanocytes. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated by $UVB\;80mJ/cm^2(0.5mW/sec)$ daily for 7 days, and BLE was intraperitoneally or topically applied pre-or post-irradiation. For the estimation of change of epidermal melanocytes, light microscopic observation with dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) stain was performed. Split epidermal sheets prepared from the ear of untreated mice exhibited 11-16 $melanocytes/mm^2$, and one week after UV irradiation, the applied areas show an increased number of strongly DOPA-positive melanocytes with stout dendrites. But intraperitoneal or topical treatment with BLE before each irradiation interrupted UVB-induced pigmentation and resulted in a marked reduction in the number of epidermal melanocytes as compared to radiation control skin. The number and size of DOPA-positive epidermal melanocytes were also significantly decreased in intraperitoneally injected or topically applicated group after irradiation with BLE at 3rd and 6th weeks after irradiation. The results of present study indicate that BLE is likely to be useful as inhibitor of UVB-induced pigmentation and depigmenting agent.