• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.2081-2086
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• 2015

Gecko is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with remarkable antineoplastic activity. However, undefined mechanisms and ambiguity regarding active ingredients limit new drug development from gecko. This study was conducted to assess anti-angiogenic properties of the aqueous extracts of fresh gecko (AG) or macromolecular components separated from AG (M-AG). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach was applied to detect the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion of the tumor cells treated with AG or M-AG. The effect of AG or M-AG on vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migratory ability was analyzed by tetrazolium dye colorimetric method, transwell and wound-healing assays. Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays were used to ensure the anti-angiogenic activity of M-AG in vivo. The results showed that AG or M-AG inhibited the VEGF secretion of tumor cells, the relative inhibition rates of AG and M-AG being 27.2% and 53.2% respectively at a concentration of $20{\mu}L/mL$. AG and M-AG inhibited the vascular endothelial (VE) cell proliferation with IC50 values of $11.5{\pm}0.5{\mu}L/mL$ and $12.9{\pm}0.4{\mu}L/mL$ respectively. The VE cell migration potential was inhibited significantly (p<0.01) by the AG (${\geq}24{\mu}L/mL$) or M-AG (${\geq}12\mu}L/mL$) treatment. In vivo, neovascularization of CAM treated with M-AG was inhibited significantly (p<0.05) at a concentration of ${\geq}0.4{\mu}L/mL$. This study provided evidence that anti-angiogenesis is one of the anti-tumor mechanisms of AG and M-AG, with the latter as a promising active component.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.126-131
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• 2015

Pathogenic Escherichia coli is recognized as an important cause of diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence E. coli contamination in the Korean traditional food bibimbap. E. coli were isolated from 84 of 1142 (7.3%) bibimbap investigated from 2005 to 2011. Antibiotic resistance profiling demonstrated that 6 of the 84 isolates (7.2%) showed multiple drug resistance. Fifteen virulence genes specific for pathogenic E. coli such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) were examined by multiplex PCR for mixed bacterial cultures derived from bibimbap samples. The EPEC virulence gene (ent) was detected in 5 strains (5.9%), while ETEC, EAEC, and EIEC were not detected. STEC serotypes O103 (1.2%), O91 (1.2%), and O128 (6.0%) were found, but other serogroups such as O26, O157, O145, O111 and O121 were not detecded. Automated Repetitive-Sequence-Based PCR analysis showed different patterns.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.253-260
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• 2007

Objectives : Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is characterized by breakdown of blood vessels within the brain parenchyma. Fundamental therapeutic strategies for ICH, particularly those aimed at neuroprotection, have to be established. So in this experiment, the effects of Woowhangchongshim-won, a traditional prescription formula for treating Cerebral Apoplexy in Asian countries, were investigated. Methods : After intraperitoneal injection of chloralhydrate, rats were placed in a stereotaxic frame. ICH was induced by injection of 1 U collagenase type IV and drug was administered orally for 10 days. The molecular profile of cerebral hemorrhage in rat brain tissue was measured using micro array technique to identify up- or down- regulated genes in brain tissue. These genes induced by brain damage were mainly concerned with general metabolic process such as primary metabolic process, cellular metabolic process, macromolecule metabolic process, and biosynthetic process. Results : The number of genes increased in control and not-changed in experiment was 374, and decreased in control and not-changed in experiment was 527. We are concerned with genes that can be recovered by treatment with medicine, it is especially interesting to above types of genes. Conclusions : Upon medicine treatment to the rat having cerebral hemorrhage, expressions of some genes were restored to normal level. Further analysis using protein interaction database identified some key molecules that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.238-246
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• 2009

Acrylamide in various food samples in Korea were monitored during the period beginning August 2006 through May 2007. A total of 471 food products that were purchased at local markets were categorized into 17 groups and analyzed for the acrylamide content by using an LC-MS/MS method. Food samples that were selected based on special consideration such as expert consultation, Korean food consumption data and food market shares were considered to be representative. There are very large variations in acrylamide levels within tested foods. Acrylamide content ranged from ND(not detected) to $4,002{\mu}g$/kg with all tested samples. Acrylamide levels are relatively high in 'cereal', 'coffee', 'potato snacks', 'biscuit', 'chocolate', and 'prune juice'. Acrylamide was also detected in fruits, vegetables, Korean traditional cookies which are considered as safe for acrylamide.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.82-92
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• 1997

Cerebrovascular diseases in Korea is an important health problem since mortality and mobidity have been increased rapidly. It marked the 2nd cause of specific death rates in 1993. The subjects of the study were seventeen citizens who are using to the Oriental Medicine. The data were collected from Apr. to Oct. 1996. The researcher as a caregiver and volunteer made confidence of them and asked for their agreement on the purpose of the study. The subjects expressed their experience as openheartedly as possible. The researcher described closely the experiences of using to the Oriental Medicine with there words themselves and under the observation of the reseacher. A tape-recorder was used under the permission of the subjects to prevent the leakage of the spoken information and communication. The analysis of the data was made through the phenomenological analytic method suggested by Van Kaam, which is as follows; as an unit of description which include the subject' expressions and the researcher's observation. The conclusions of this study was as follows : one hundred eighteen descriptive expression found and they were grouped eighteen common factors. These are ${\ulcorner$to effect needle${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$to effect Chinese medicine${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$treatment method${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$attitude of herb doctor${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$recommendation of family and other person${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$what one sold to${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$traditional custom${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$experience of the past use${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$to be desolate${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$negative recognition${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$Ineffective drug${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$Unfaithful of doctor${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$positive recognition${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$Oriental medical hospital surroundings${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$to build up one's health${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$to be clear blood${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$economic burden${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$deficit of profession${\lrcorner}$ Finally. eighteen common factors were grouped under six highter categories. These are ${\ulcorner$Belief to oriental medicine${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$motivation of use${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$distrust to western medicine${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$stability of emotion${\lrcorner}$ ${\ulcorner$Alteration of positive physical function${\lrcorner}$.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.12-16
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• 2002

In this study, the physicochemical properties of warty black and glutinous rice flours were compared. Crude protein content of waxy black rice flour (9.01%) was higher than than of glutinous rice flour (7.54%). Most mineral contents of waxy black rice flour were higher than those of glutinous rice flour. The major fatty acids in the waxy black and glutinous rice flours were oleic acid (38.57% and 36.95%) and linoleic acid (38.60% and 39.10%). The major detected amino acids of both samples were aspartic acid, glutamic acid and arginine. Water binding capacity of waxy black rice flour (93.26%) was higher than that of glutinous rice flour (87.42%) . Swelling powers and solubilities of waxy black rice flour were lower than those of glutinous rice flour in according to increasing temperatures. Maximum absorbance wavelength (λ$_{max}$) and absorbance at 625 nm were similar between both samples. X-ray diffraction patterns of both samples showed traditional A type as Peaks 2$\theta$ at 15.1$^{\circ}$, 17.1$^{\circ}$, 18.0$^{\circ}$and 23.2$^{\circ}$. The relative crystallinities of waxy black and glutinous rice flours were 0.40 and 0.41, respectively.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.27-37
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• 2007

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver worldwide. In-Jin-Ho-Tang(IJHT) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine since ancient time. and today it is widely applied as a medication for jaundice which is associated with inflammation in liver. In this study, I investigated whether methanol extract of IJHT induced HepG2 cancer cell death. Methods: Cytotoxic activity of IJHT on HepG2 cells was using XTT assay. Apoptosis induction by Ros A in HCT116 cells was verified by the induction of cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). and activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. the level of Bcl-2 and Bax and the expression of p53 and p21 were examined by western blotting analysis. Furthermore, MAPKs activation was analyzed by western blotting analysis. Results: IJHT induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. And treatment of IJHT resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and increased pri-apoptotic Bax expression. IJHT markedly inactivated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Sodium orthovanadate (SOV), a phosphatase inhibitor, to reverse IJHT-induced ERK1/2 inactivation and SB203580, a specific p38 MAP Kinase inhibitor efficiently blocked apoptosis of HepG2. Thus, IJHT induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells via MAP kinase modulation. Conclusion: These results indicated that IJHT has some potential for use as an anti-cancer agent.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.91-98
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• 2013

Armeniacae semen (AS) has been considered a toxic herb in the Korean medicine as it contains hydrogen cyanide and amygdalin, especially in its endocarp. Therefore, prebrewed AS that is devoid of endocarp has been traditionally used. In the present study, amygdalin content of the prebrewed AS was significantly lower ($2.73{\pm}0.32{\mu}g/ml$; p<0.01) than the content in the extract that contained the endocarps ($28.50{\pm}6.71{\mu}g/ml$); amygdalin content corresponded to 10% of the extract in the present study. Because of single oral dose toxicity of prebrewed AS according to the recommendation of Korea Food and Drug Administration Guidelines (2009-116, 2009), which was based on single oral dose toxicity study of prebrewed AS, mortality due to toxic principles was significantly reduced. In this study, 2,000 mg/kg of prebrewed AS led to death of 1 female rat and 1 male rat at the end of 2 hr of administration. Based on these results, the 50% lethal dose in both male and female rats was determined to be 9279.5 mg/kg. Seizure, loss of locomotion, and increases in respiration and heart rate were observed as prebrewed AS treatment-related toxicological signs; these signs were restrictedly manifested in the prebrewed AS (2,000 mg/kg)-treated rats. In addition, no changes were observed in body weight, organ weight, gross features, and histopathological parameters with 2,000 mg/kg of AS in both male and female rats. These findings serve as direct evidence that amygdalin in AS is the toxic principle, which can be reduced by the traditional prebrewing method involving the exclusion of endocarp.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.23-39
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• 2007

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of herbal medicine and other associated factors for abnormal liver function tests(especially total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ${\gamma}GT$) levels in outpatients at an oriental medical clinic. Methods : A cross-sectional study based on clinical records was conducted on 1,871 patients at one Oriental medical clinic in Seoul, Korea. 504 patients received a liver function tests for screening and 497 patients ranging from the age of 4 to 74 were chosen for the study. Patients with basal liver disease or DM were excluded during the screening process. Patients were classified into case(abnormal) and control(normal) groups by normal liver function test references. Results and Conclusions : In this study, 33.0% of the patients were females, and 67.0% were males. The mean age was $34.7{\pm}11.9$ years old. The mean total protein value was $6.78{\pm}0.66g/dL$(male $6.79{\pm}0.61$, female $6.76{\pm}0.76$), albumin $3.89{\pm}0.50g/dL$(male $3.94{\pm}0.47$, female $3.81{\pm}0.54$), total bilirubin $0.51{\pm}0.35mg/dL$(male $0.54{\pm}0.39$, female $0.45{\pm}0.23$), AST $23.31{\pm}18.22U/L$(male $26.37{\pm}20.73$, female $17.09{\pm}8.72$), ALT $33.49{\pm}36.36U/L$(male $40.56{\pm}41.77$, female $19.13{\pm}12.64$), LDH $258.07{\pm}74.84mg/dL$(male $263.68{\pm}73.77$, female $246.70{\pm}75.92$), and ${\gamma}GT$ $39.64{\pm}59.16U/L$(male $50.15{\pm}69.43$, female $17.83{\pm}8.36$). The percentage of abnormal total bilirubin levels(>1.0) in these patients was 2.6%, abnormal AST levels(>39m, >29f) 8.5%, ALT levels(>47m, >32f) 18.8%, and ${\gamma}GT$ (>50m, >40f) 19.9%.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.711-717
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• 2013

Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) is a well-known causative agent of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in humans. CCA is very resistant to chemotherapy and is frequently fatal. To understand the pathogenesis of CCA in humans, a rodent model was developed. However, the development of CCA in rodents is time-consuming and the xenograft-transplantation model of human CCA in immunodeficient mice is costly. Therefore, the establishment of an in vivo screening model for O. viverrini-associated CCA treatment was of interest. We developed a hamster CCA cell line, Ham-1, derived from the CCA tissue of O. viverrini-infected and N-nitrosodimethylamine-treated Syrian golden hamsters. Ham-1 has been maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Essential Medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum for more than 30 subcultures. These cells are mostly diploid (2n=44) with some being polyploid. Tumorigenic properties of Ham-1 were demonstrated by allograft transplantation in hamsters. The transplanted tissues were highly proliferative and exhibited a glandular-like structure retaining a bile duct marker, cytokeratin 19. The usefulness of this for in vivo model was demonstrated by berberine treatment, a traditional medicine that is active against various cancers. Growth inhibitory effects of berberine, mainly by an induction of G1 cell cycle arrest, were observed in vitro and in vivo. In summary, we developed the allo-transplantable hamster CCA cell line, which can be used for chemotherapeutic drug testing in vitro and in vivo.