• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.11 no.1_2
• /
• pp.41-47
• /
• 1996

1, 2, 4-Trichlorobenzene (1, 2, 4-TCB) is used as a dye carrier, as an intermediate in the synthesis of herbicides, as a flame retardant, and for other purpose. After a single oral administration of 1, 2, 4-TCB (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) in rats, toxic effects were studied by means of serum biochemical and heatological analysis, and liver calcium concentration. Administration of 1, 2, 4-TCB resulted in dose-dependent liver and kidney damage as estimated by increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, liver calcium concentration and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pretreatment with DL-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 2 mmol/kg, i.p. ) considerably decreased liver glutathione concentration, which was accompanied by markedly elevated serum ALT activites. It is well-known that toxicity of halogenated benzene such as bromobenzene, 1, 4-dichlorobenzene is increased by pretreatment of henobarbital (PB), and protected by pretreatment of cytochrome P450 inhibitor including metyrapone (MP). However, there was no obvious alterations in toxicity of 1, 2, 4-TCB by pretreatment of phenobarbital or metyrapone. In comparison with control group, treatment groups exhibited significant changes in some parameters of hematological analysis but all hematological values remined within normal ranges.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.114-121
• /
• 2004

We investigated the effects of healthful decoction utilizing Phellinus linteus(HDPL) for suppression in the process of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄4)-induced inflammation(50% CCl₄ : olive oil=1:1, 1 ㎖/KgㆍB.W.) of rat using biochemical, Western, histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Biochemical analysis of serum showed that the level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate Dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and triglyceride were significantly decreased by pretreatment of HDPL, but albumin and nitric oxide were increased. Immunoblot analysis of the liver showed that CCl₄-induced expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) was inhibited by pretreatment of HDPL. More severe histopathological changes of the liver such as Kupffer cell reaction, inflammatory cell infiltration and focal necrosis were demonstrated in the rats challenged with CCl₄ compared with normal. Fewer scores of these changes were observed in the HDPL pretreated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis of the liver showed that while the expression of IL-1β, iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, COX(cyclooxygenase)-1 and COX-2 tended to increase, a decline of these immunoreaction of HDPL pre-treated groups were observed in the hepatocytes, especially in the focal necrotic sites. These results suggest that HDPL may act as a therapeutic agent for liver disease through a regulation of inflammation-related proteins.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.315-323
• /
• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Available data suggest that seasonal changes may influence the nutritional status and overall health of elderly individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of seasonal changes and related factors on energy and nutrient intake of older adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Individuals aged 65 years or over were prospectively enrolled in this single-center study (male: 11, female: 20). Data were collected between May 2013 and February 2014 during winter, spring, summer and autumn. Food consumption and biochemical parameters were taken during each season to assess the seasonal nutrition status of the elderly. Upon analysis of biochemical parameters (retinol, vitamin D and vitamin C), an high-performance liquid chromatography device was utilized whereas an Immulite 2000 device was utilized during analysis of serum folic acid and parathyroid hormone. RESULTS: Fruit, fat, egg and bread consumption varied seasonally in males and females (P < 0.05). During winter, daily energy intake was found to be greater than in other seasons in males (557 kcal) and females (330 kcal) (P < 0.05). Additionally, carbohydrates, vegetable protein, n-3 fatty acid and sodium intake increased in winter, while the n-6/n-3 ratio increased in summer among males (P < 0.05). Dietary fiber and sodium intake in winter, vitamin C, iron and zinc intake in spring, and cholesterol, retinol, vitamin D and niacin intake in autumn were found to be higher in females when compared to other seasons (P < 0.05). Serum parathyroid hormone level was higher in winter, and vitamin D level was higher in autumn in both genders (P < 0.05). In males, blood folic acid level was higher in winter, while vitamin C level was higher in females, and there was no seasonal variation in retinol concentration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Food consumption and biochemical parameters showed significant seasonal variations in older adults. It is not clear if nutrition plans in older adults will benefit from consideration of seasonal changes in eating habits.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.139-145
• /
• 2012

RFLP of PGC-$1{\alpha}$ gene of 285 Korean women was analyzed by PCR and HpaII restriction. We evaluated the correlation between PGC 1 genotypes and biochemical results, using the results of RFLP. Study subjects were divided into 3 groups: normal group (who has been average value of serum biochemical analysis), upper group (who has been higher value than average value), and low group (who have been lower value than average value). The frequencies of $H_1H_1$, $H_1H_2$, and $H_2H_2$ genotypes were 92 (32%), 85 (32%), and 108 (38%) respectively, and the ratio between $H_1$ and $H_2$ alleles was 1:1.1. There were no meaningful differences between biochemical results and PGC-$1{\alpha}$ genotypes in the normal group. But, in upper group, there was significant difference in total cholesterol (P=0.04) level. In the result of Turkey multiple comparison test, the P value of $H_1H_1$ and $H_2H_2$ was 0.059. In upper group, there were noticeable differences also in triglyceride (P=0.034) level and glucose (P=0.043) level, respectively. There were important differences between $H_1H_1$ type and $H_1H_2$ type in triglyceride (P=0.029) level and between $H_1H_2$ type and $H_2H_2$ type in glucose (P=0.040) level. This study may provide the PGC-$1{\alpha}$ genotype patterns for the amounts of lipid and glucose in the serum. $H_2$ allele (Ser482) of PGC-$1{\alpha}$ gene may be related with upper group in Korean women.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2012

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different patterns of bone loss between the lumbar spine and the femur after ovariectomy in rats. Methods : Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a sham operation (the sham group) or bilateral ovariectomy (the ovariectomized group). Four and eight weeks after operation, six rats from each of the two groups were euthanized. Serum biochemical markers of bone turnover including osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which are sensitive biochemical markers of bone formation, and the telopeptide fragment of type I collagen C-terminus (CTX), which is a sensitive biochemical marker of bone resorption, were analyzed. Bone histomorphometric parameters of the 4th lumbar vertebrae and femur were determined by micro-computed tomography. Results : Ovariectomized rats were found to have higher osteocalcin, ALP and CTX levels than sham controls. Additionally, 8 weeks after ovariectomy in the OVX group, serum levels of osteocalcin, ALP and CTX were significantly higher than those of 4 weeks after ovariectomy. Bone loss after ovariectomy was more extensive in the 4th lumbar spine compared to the femur. Bone loss in the 4th lumbar spine was mainly caused by trabecular thinning, but in the femur, it was mainly caused by trabecular elimination. Conclusion : The present study demonstrates different patterns of bone loss between the 4th lumbar spine and the femur in ovariectomized rats. Therefore, when considering animal models of osteoporosis, it is important that bone sites should be taken into account.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.113-119
• /
• 2011

This study was designed to determine the effects of larval extracts from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis shade dried larva from Korea and China on liver tissues of hepatic injury groups. The experimental groups are divided into five groups; Normal, carbon tetrachloride single injection ($CCl_4$), Pb-CHI ($CCl_4$ + P. brevitarsis shade dried larva from China), Pb-KOR ($CCl_4$ + P. brevitarsis shade dried larva from Korea) and SIL ($CCl_4$ + 0.35% silymarin) groups. Sprague Dawley rats were oral injected with $CCl_4$ at a dose l mg/kg (20% in corn oil) for induction of liver damage for 4 weeks. Each experimental group was fed with a dose 50 mg/kg of larval extracts based on medicinal preparations from 3 weeks to 4 weeks after $CCl_4$ treatment. At the end of 4 weeks, we evaluated the serum levels of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transferase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum and the cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$) (TNF-${\alpha}$) and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) in the cells isolated from spleen and liver. The histological analysis was also conducted. The $CCl_4$ injection reduced body weight, induced congestion of middle lobe and hepatocytic degeneration, resulting in disintegration of hepatic cords, and increased biochemical markers of blood related to hepatic injury. On the other hand, the Pb-CHI and Pb-KOR group decreased the levels of biochemical markers in blood and cytokine levels in spleen and liver. Especially, the Pb-KOR group facilitated the recovery of biochemical values of blood related to hepatic injury, hepatic lesions and fibrosis. Taken together, larval extract from P. brevitarsis might prevent acute hepatotoxicity and enhance the recovery of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis induced by $CCl_4$, and the ingredients could be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of hepatic disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.25 no.2 s.38
• /
• pp.127-140
• /
• 1992

This study was done to identify the association between serum copper and zinc levels and the cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), and to evaluate its diagnostic value on liver diseases. Sixty-three healthy persons, 60 patients with cirrhosis and 33 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were rendomly selected and investigated for their general characteristics from October 1990 to August 1991. For analysis of the biochemical markers in liver function test and the serum copper and zinc levels, their fasting venous blood were sampled at 9:00 to 11:00 in the morning and centrifuged to separate the serum within one hour. All the samples were immediately analysed for biochemical markers and stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ in polypropylene tubes further copper and zinc analysis. Mean of serum coppper levels was $91.97{\pm}4.76{\mu}g/dl$ in control, $106.21{\pm}2.73{\mu}g/dl$ in cirrhosis and $127.05{\pm}0.77{\mu}g/dl$ in HCC. The value of HCC was statistically significantly higher than that of the control and cirrhosis(p<0.05). Serum zinc levels were $110.82{\pm}7.24{\mu}g/dl$ in control, $68.10{\pm}5.43{\mu}g/dl$ in cirrhosis and $63.78{\pm}2.20{\mu}g/dl$ in HCC. The values of cirrhosis and HCC were statistically significantly lower than that of control(p<0.05). The Cu/Zn ratio was statiatically significantly different among three groups(p<0.05). Test total protein, albumin, ALP and total bilirubin of biochemical markers of liver function were statistically significantly different among three groups(p<0.05). Differences between cirrhosis and HCC for ALT and AST, and between the control and HCC for direct bilirubin were not statistically significant. Biochemical markers statistically significantly correlated with serum copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn ratio(p<0.05), were variable in three groups. In multiple logistic regression, odds ratio of serum copper level and Cu/Zn ratio had no statistical significance on the cirrhosis and the HCC, but that of serum sinc was statistically significant as 0.951 and 0.952(p<0.05). Serum copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn ratio were not statistically significantly different between the cirrhosis and HCC. H\Albumin, ALP, zinc, total bilirubin and age among all variables were selected as main variables for three-group discriminant analysis. Percentage of 'grouped' cases correctly classified by these five variables was 98.4 for control, 73.4 for cirrhosis, 75.7 for HCC and 84.0 for all subjects. This study suggests that zinc level is considered to play a role as diagnostic marker on the hepatic disorders and be more useful than serum copper level and Cu/Zn ratio in diagnosis of the liver diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.54-63
• /
• 2003

Objectives : This study aimed to elucidate the effects of TBE on hyperlipidemia. Methods : We studied the effects of TBE on hyperlipidemia through gene expressions related with lipid metabolism and serum triglyceride as well as total and HDL-cholesterol levels, and perceived histological changes. Results : The present studies demonstrate that TBE can reduce the rise in plasma cholesterol and TG levels induced by a high-cholesterol diet and also reverse pre-established hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglycemia. In the TBE group total cholesterol levels decreased, TG levels decreased, but HDL-cholesterol levels also decreased. In the analysis of absolute and relative liver weight, TBE inhibited the weight gain induced by a high-cholesterol diet. In the histological observations, lipid droplet and apoptotic change in the TBE treated group were less compared with the control group. In the serum biochemical analysis, a difference of serum AST and ALT changes among groups was not shown, but TG and total cholesterol levels were less and HDL level decreased compared with the control group. In the gene expression related with TG and cholesterol metabolism, DGAT decreased slightly but ACAT decreased more as compared with control and Lipidil groups. Conclusion : From this study, we can infer that TBE possesses a hypolipidemic effect by inhibiting the intestinal absorption and storage of exogenous and endogenous cholesterol.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.29-34
• /
• 1996

1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) is used as a dye carrier, an intermediate in the syn[hesis of herbicides, aflame retardant, and for other purpose. After a single oral administration of 1,2,4-TCB (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) in rats, toxic effects were studied by means of serum biochemical and hematological analysis, and liver calcium concentration. Administration of 1,2,4-TCB resulted in dose-dependent manner liver and kidney damage being suggested by increased serum alanine aminbtransferase (ALT) activities, liver calcium concentration and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pretreatment with DL-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 2 mmol/kg, i.p.) considerably decreased liver glatathione concentration, which was accompanied by markedly elevated serum ALT activites. It is well-known that toxicity of halogenated benzene such as bromobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene is increased by pretreatment of phenobarbital, and protected by pretreatment of cytochrorn P450 inhibitor including metyrapone. However, there were no obvious alterations in toxicity of 1,2,4-TCB by pretreatment of phenobarbital or metyrapone. In comparison with control group, treatment groups exhibited significant changes in some parameters of hematological analysis but all hematological values remained within normal ranges.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.323-328
• /
• 1998

The liver extract of chicks, Gallus domesticus, suffering from hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) was inoculated intraperitoneally into healthy chicks to produce HPS. After inoculation the blood serum and the pericardial fluid of the newly infected chicks were analyzed, at regular intervals for a total period of 72 hours for concentration of proteins, $K^+$ ions, $Na^+$ ions and the LDH activity. The protein content was significantly decreased both in the blood serum (30%) and the pericardial fluid (39%) within 24 hours of inoculation, which was then maintained during the subsequent period. The $K^+$ ions and the LDH activity, on the other hand, were significantly increased in the blood serum (26% and 169%, respectively) as well as the pericardial fluid (131% and 217%, respectively) within 24 hours of inoculation. After 72 hours this increase was, respectively, 43% and 191% in blood serum, and 153% and 200% in the pericardial fluid. Accumulation of $K^+$ ions, and decrease of protein and $Na^+$ ions in the pericardial fluid indicate homoestatic imbalance, which may prove fatal. The increased LDH activity is indicative of heptocytic damage.