• 대한한의학원전학회지
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.99-120
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• 2022

Objectives : To analyze symptoms of olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19 from a Korean Medical Perspective. Methods : Previous studies dealing with olfactory dysfunction accompanying COVID-19 were studied and analyzed for general characterization. Physiology and pathology of olfactory functions within the classical texts of Korean Medicine were collected and analyzed, through which symptoms of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 were examined. Results : Olfactory dysfunction manifested in high ratios in the early stages of confirmed COVID-19 cases, at times independent of other nasal symptoms such as blockage or discharge. There was a high chance of loss of taste being accompanied, while mental problems such as a tendency to have difficulty concentrating were present as well. In most cases, recovery took one to two weeks. From a Korean Medical perspective, physiology of olfactory function is closely linked to the Lungs, Ancetral Qi[宗氣], and the Heart, while its dysfunction could be explained by pathological factors such as Wind-Cold, Fire stagnation, Qi deficiency, Wind stroke, etc. Conclusions : In the context of external contraction disease[外感病], olfactory dysfunction could be caused by problems in the Lungs and Stomach that are responsible for breathing, or the Heart which is involved in recognizing and differentiating scent. General characteristics of COVID-19 imply it to be closely related to the Heart. In clinical application, overall symptoms need to be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning, after which further approaches could made to determine the problem to be of the Lung and Stomach, or of the Heart.

• BMB Reports
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• 제56권3호
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• pp.178-183
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• 2023

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, of which pathogenesis is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the amino-terminus of huntingtin gene that resulted in the aggregation of mutant HTT proteins. HD is characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a microtubule-associated deacetylase, has been shown to induce transport- and release-defect phenotypes in HD models, whilst treatment with HDAC6 inhibitors ameliorates the phenotypic effects of HD by increasing the levels of α-tubulin acetylation, as well as decreasing the accumulation of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) aggregates, suggesting HDAC6 inhibitor as a HD therapeutics. In this study, we employed in vitro neural stem cell (NSC) model and in vivo YAC128 transgenic (TG) mouse model of HD to test the effect of a novel HDAC6 selective inhibitor, CKD-504, developed by Chong Kun Dang (CKD Pharmaceutical Corp., Korea). We found that treatment of CKD-504 increased tubulin acetylation, microtubule stabilization, axonal transport, and the decrease of mutant huntingtin protein in vitro. From in vivo study, we observed CKD-504 improved the pathology of Huntington's disease: alleviated behavioral deficits, increased axonal transport and number of neurons, restored synaptic function in corticostriatal (CS) circuit, reduced mHTT accumulation, inflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation in YAC128 TG mouse model. These novel results highlight CKD-504 as a potential therapeutic strategy in HD.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.103-107
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• 1983

This experiment was undertaken to see whether dopamine has any effect on a uterine function and whether the uterus has a dopamine receptor. We used 14 female rats in the diestrus state which was identified by a vaginal smear. Under ether anesthesia, 3 pieces(1 cm length) from each side of the uterus were dissected out and mounted in 3 tissue chambers (4 cm diameter, 10 cm height) that contained Krebs-Ringer solution. The solution was continuously aerated with 95% $O_2$ containing 5% $CO_2$ and kept $37^{\circ}C$ consistantly during the whole experimental period. The spontaneous contractile activity of the isolated uterus was recorded using a force transducer. After a recovery period of 15 min in the chamber, the following experiments were carried out. In 7 rats, each piece of the uterus was received dopamine at concentrations of $10^{-4}$, $10^{-5}$ or $10^{-6}\;M$ for 10 min and then followed by domperidone at a concentration of $10^{-5}\;M$. In another 7 rats, each piece was received domperidone, a specific peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist, was administered at a concentration of $10^{-5}\;M$ for 5 min prior to dopamine at concentrations of $10^{-4}$, $10^{-5}$, or $10^{-6}\;M$. Dopamine inhibited the spontaneous uterine contraction dose-dependently (r=0.99, p<.01). The inhibited contractility by dopomine was significantly (P<.05) resumed by post-treatment of domperidone. Pre-treatment of domperidone also blocked significantly(p<.05) the inhibitory effect of dopamine. It is concluded from these results that dopamine has inhibitory role upon the spontaneous uterine contraction of the rat in the diestrus state and domperidone antagonized the inhibitory effect of dopamine. These results suggest strongly that dopamine may exert the inhibitory effect via the dopamine receptor in the rat uterus.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.67-72
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• 2015

Background: A schwannoma is a benign, slow-growing peripheral nerve sheath tumor that originates from Schwann cells. Orbital schwannomas are rare, accounting for only 1% of all orbital neoplasms. In this study, we retrospectively review orbital schwannomas and characterize clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of this rare entity. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with histologically confirmed orbital schwannoma, among a list of 437 patients who had visited our hospital with soft tissue masses within the orbit as the primary presentation between 2010 and 2014. Patient charts and medical records were reviewed for demographic information, relevant medical and family history, physical examination findings relating to ocular and extraocular sensorimotor function, operative details, postoperative complications, pathologic report, and recurrence. Results: Five patients (5/437, 1.1%) were identified as having histologically confirmed orbital schwannoma and underwent complete excision. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were not consistent in predicting histologic diagnosis. There were no complications, and none of the patients experienced significant scar formation. In two cases, patients exhibited a mild postoperative numbness of the forehead, but the patients demonstrated full recovery of sensation within 3 months after the operation. None of the five patients have experienced recurrence. Conclusion: Orbital schwannomas are relatively rare tumors. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because of its variable presentation and location. Appropriate early assessment of orbital tumors by CT or MRI and prompt management is warranted to prevent the development of severe complications. Therefore, orbital schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing orbital masses.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.1-17
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• 2001

Background and Objetive : Lack of uniformity in reporting facial nerve recovery in patients with facial nerve paralysis has been a major disadvantage in comparing treatment modalities. The objective evaluation of facial nerve function is a complex procedure. The House and Brackmann grading system, the Yanagihara grading system has been recommend as a universal standard for assessing the degree of facial nerve palsy. However, clinical studies for treatment of facial palsy have rarely used this universal standard in oriental medicine. That is the reason for analysing this facial nerve grading system. Material and Method : We choose 10 scales reported from 1955 till 1995. These facial nerve grading systems may be classified as Gross system, Regional system and Specific system. Result and Conculsion : The scales of Botmann and Jonkees, May, Peitersen, and House and Brackmann are the gross facial nerve grading systems with which we grossly assess the facial motor dysfunction and the secondary defect. Among these scales, H-B scale is the most widespred The scales of Yanagihara(若杉文吉), Smith, Adour and Swanson, Jassen, FEMA are the regional facial nerve grading system in which we weight, or unweight the facial motor dysfunction and the secondary defect. For example, the scales of Yanagihara(若杉文吉) and Smith are the unweighted regional scale, the scale of Adour and Swanson, Jassen, FEMA are the weighted regional grading system. The scale of Stennert is the Specific facial nerve grading system in which we respectively assess the grade of facial dysfunction at rest, in motion and the secondary defect. For the objective evaluation of the oriental medicine treatment for facial palsy, we must use the universal standard scale, i.e. the H-B scale, the Yanagihara scale.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.13-22
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• 2020

Background: The continuous search for a novel neuropathic pain drug with few or no side effects has been a main focus of researchers for decades. This study investigated the antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects of bromelain in sciatic nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain in Wistar rats. Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats randomly divided into eight groups comprised of six animals each were used for this study. Peripheral neuropathy was induced via chronic constriction of the common sciatic nerve. Thermal hyperalgesic and mechanical allodynia were assessed using a hotplate and von Frey filaments, respectively. The functional recovery and structural architecture of the ligated sciatic nerve were evaluated using the sciatic functional index test and a histological examination of the transverse section of the sciatic nerve. The neuroprotective effects of bromelain were investigated in the proximal sciatic nerve tissue after 21 days of treatment. Results: Bromelain significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated both the thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynic indices of neuropathic pain. There were improvements in sciatic function and structural integrity in rats treated with bromelain. These rats showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in sciatic nerve nuclear transcription factors (nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-related factors-1 [NrF-1] and NrF-2), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione), and reduced membranelipid peroxidation compared with the ligated control group. Conclusions: This study suggest that bromelain mitigated neuropathic pain by enhancing the activities of nuclear transcription factors (NrF-1 and NrF-2) which increases the antioxidant defense system that abolish neuronal stress and structural disorganization.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.423-435
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm the clinical efficacy of Gyeongok-go. Methods: Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), ScienceON, Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal (KTKP), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials administering Gyeongok-go as an intervention, published from inception to December 31, 2021. The risk-of-bias of the included trials was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials version 2. From the experimental and control groups of the selected trials, the mean value (or rate) of each outcome was extracted and statistically compared. Results: Statistically significant mean differences were in VO₂max (MD 6.82), post-exercise heart rate (MD -8.76 at 5 min, -11.58 at 30 min, -14.6 at 60 min), senescence scale (MD -6.52), Th1 cells and Th2 cells in pulmonary tuberculosis (MD 2.79 and -1.64), yin-deficient and qi-deficient score (MD -9.64 and -9.76), and phlegm-dampness score (MD 5.56). Overall risk-of-bias was 20% low risk, 80% some concerns, and 0% high risk. There were no reports of adverse events. Conclusions: Gyeongok-go is likely to have the effect of improving cardiorespiratory endurance, increasing fatigue recovery ability, reducing senescence, and enhancing immune function in tuberculosis patients. Also, it is more suitable for those who are yin-deficient or qi-deficient, and those with phlegm-dampness probably need caution.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권5호
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• pp.601-610
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• 2024

Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is metabolized through hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP), specifically CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C11. Prolonged administration of rheumatoid arthritis medications is generally associated with an increased risk of renal toxicity. Loganin (LGN), an iridoid glycoside, has hepatorenal regenerative properties. This study investigates the potential of LGN to mitigate acute kidney injury (AKI) and its effects on the pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib in rats with cisplatin-induced AKI. Both intravenous and oral administration of tofacitinib to AKI rats significantly increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC) compared with control (CON) rats, an increase attributed to the decelerated non-renal clearance (CL_NR) and renal clearance (CL_R) of tofacitinib. Administration of LGN to AKI rats, however, protected kidneys from severe impairment, restoring the pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, CL_NR, and CL_R) of tofacitinib to those observed in untreated CON rats, with partial recovery of kidney function, as evidenced by an increase in creatinine clearance. Possible interactions between drugs and natural components should be considered, especially when co-administering both a drug and a natural extract containing LGN or iridoid glycosides to patients with kidney injury.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.97-109
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• 2020

Membrane fouling is the main drawback of membrane technology. Frequent membrane cleaning and membrane replacement are, therefore, required to reduce membrane fouling that causes permeate flux reduction, lower rejection, or higher operating pressure. Studies have proved that the alteration of membrane properties is the key controlling factor in lessening membrane fouling. Among stimuli-responsive membranes, thermo-responsive membrane is the most popular, with a drastic phase transition and swelling-shrinking behavior caused by the temperature change. In this study, the thermo-responsive ability of two commercial membranes, PolyCera® Titan membrane and PolyCera® Hydro membrane, at different temperatures was studied on the antifouling function of the membrane in palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment. The evaluation of the membrane's thermo-responsive ability was done through three cycles of adsorption (fouling) and desorption (defouling) processes in a membrane filtration process. The experimental result depicted that PolyCera® Hydro membrane had a higher membrane permeability of 67.869 L/㎡.h.bar than PolyCera® Titan membrane at 46.011 L/㎡.h.bar. However, the high membrane permeability of PolyCera® Hydro membrane was compensated with low removal efficiency. PolyCera® Titan membrane with a smaller mean pore size had better rejection performance than PolyCera® Hydro membrane for all tested parameters. On the other hand, PolyCera® Titan membrane had a better hydrodynamic cleaning efficiency than PolyCera® Hydro membrane regardless of the hydrodynamic cleaning temperature. The best hydrodynamic cleaning performed by PolyCera® Titan membrane was at 35℃ with the flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 99.17 ± 1.43%. The excellent thermo-responsive properties of the PolyCera® Titan membrane could eventually reduce the frequency of membrane replacement and lessen the use of chemicals for membrane cleaning. This outstanding exploration helps to provide a solution to the chemical industry and membrane technology bottleneck, which is the membrane fouling, thus reducing the operating cost incurred by the membrane fouling.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.133-140
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• 1989

초기배양과정에서 일어나는 간세포의 회복, 성장, 활동상황등을 추적하기 위하여 세포의 생존과 기능에 꼭 필요하고 서로 깊은 연관관계를 가진 골지체, 사립체, 생체막의 표지효소를 일령별로 추적 하였다. 골지체의 표지효소인 thiamine pyrophosphatase는 배양 4일경부터 장기 배양시의 강도에 접근하였으며 사립체의 표지효소인 succinate dehydrogenase는 시일이 지나며 강도가 감소하여 4일부터는 일정한 강도를 유지하였다. 형질막의 표지효소인 alkaline phosphatase은 2일째부터 반응강도가 강해져 5일째 이후로는 아주 강한반응을 보였다. 이같은 결과를 종합해볼때 1차 배양에 있어 간세포는 세포 분리후 4일경이 지나면서 안정상태에 접어들고 제 기능을 수행하나 배양 상태에서는 분비세포로서의 고유기능은 감소되는 것으로 사료된다.