• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.9.1-9.5
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• 2020

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum. The abnormal lesions in the digestive system caused by ulcerative colitis and intermittent colitis are of major clinical importance. MDM2 is a phospho-protein that functions as a ubiquitin ligase for p53. Recently, a T>G substitution in the promoter of the MDM2 gene (rs309) has been identified. In this case-control study, 174 ulcerative colitis biopsy samples and 82 control samples were collected from colonoscopy centers, hospitals, and clinics in Mazandaran and Gilan Provinces in Iran from October 2014 to May 2015. This MDM2 polymorphism was investigated in DNA samples (extracted from biopsy samples) by amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. The mean age of patients with ulcerative colitis was 46.5 years (range, 28 to 69 years) and that of control individuals was 45.3 years (range, 26 to 71 years). Seventy-eight patients (44.82%) were men and 96 (55.18%) were women. The distribution of the TT, TG, and GG genotypes was 17.93%, 27.59%, and 34.48%, respectively, in the ulcerative colitis patients and 31.70%, 24.40%, and 43.90%, respectively, in the control individuals (odds ratio of GG for ulcerative colitis, 7.142; 95% confidence interval, 2.400 to 9.542; p = 0.001). It was found that a single-nucleotide polymorphism at rs309 in the MDM2 gene was associated with ulcerative colitis. A direct relationship was found between age and ulcerative colitis, while no relationship was found with sex. This finding is of note because the occurrence of intestinal inflammation and subsequent ulcers can precede the development of cancer.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2010

The leaves of Madhuca (M.) indica J.f.Gmel. (Sapotaceae) have been used traditionally in folk medicine due to its astringent properties and are effective in treatment of eczema and snake bites. Methanolic extract of M. indica is rich in tannins and has been proven experimentally to possess antibacterial activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcer and antioxidant activity of M. indica in rats. The methanolic extract of leaves of M. indica was tested at various doses (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) for its effect on gastric secretion and gastric ulcers in pylorus-ligation and on ethanol- induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. The significant reduction in ulcer index in both the models along with an increase in the pH of the gastric fluid and mucin content of stomach, and the acid secretory parameters such as total acidity and volume of gastric fluid were also significantly reduced along with reduction in the pepsin activity in pylorusligated rats proved the anti-ulcer activity of M. indica. The increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione and decrease in lipid peroxidation in both the models proved the antioxidant activity of M. indica. Thus it can be concluded that M. indica possesses anti-ulcer activity, which can be attributed to its antioxidant mechanism of action.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2011

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is produced from Pistiacia lentiscus L var chia, which grows only on Chios Island in Greece. CGM is a kind of resin extracted from the stem and leaves, has been used for many centuries in many Mediterranean countries as a dietary supplement and folk medicine for stomach and duodenal ulcers. CGM is known to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the alteration of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis following CGM treatment of HL-60 cells. The viability of the HL-60 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis were employed to detect HL-60 cells undergoing apoptosis. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, MMP activity and proteasome activity analyses were also employed. CGM treatment of HL-60 cells was found to result in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability and apoptotic cell death. Tested HL-60 cells showed a variety of apoptotic manifestations and induced the downregulation of G1 cell cycle-related proteins. Taken collectively, our present findings demonstrate that CGM strongly induces G1 cell cycle arrest via the modulation of cell cycle-related proteins, and also apoptosis via proteasome, mitochondrial and caspase cascades in HL-60 cells. Hence, we provide evidence that a natural product, CGM could be considered as a novel therapeutic for human leukemia.

• CELLMED
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.21.1-21.15
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• 2016

In Kenya, traditional knowledge on herbal medicine has remained a mainstream source of maintaining wellbeing for generations in many communities. However, the knowledge has been eroded in the course of time due to sociocultural dynamics virtually advanced by Christianity and formal education especially in the Kikuyu community. The study documented current ethnobotanical knowledge and threat to the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants among the Kikuyu community. A survey was carried out in Mathira, Tetu, Kieni, Othaya, Mukurweini, and Nyeri Town constituencies. Thirty practicing herbalists were purposively sampled; 5 per constituency. Data was obtained through semi - structured questionnaires and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 80 ailments treated using 111 medicinal plant species distributed within 98 genera and 56 families were documented. Prevalent communicable diseases treated using herbal medicine included; gonorrhea (17.5%), malaria (15%), respiratory infections (12%), colds (10%) and amoebiasis (10%). Non-communicable diseases were; joint pains (11.1%), ulcers/hyperacidity (8.7%), high blood pressure (8.7%), intestinal worms (11.1%) and arthritis/gout (10%). Frequently harvested plant materials were; roots, barks and leaves. The study concluded that, traditional medicine practitioners in Nyeri County possessed wide knowledge of herbal medicine but this knowledge was on the verge of disappearing as it was largely a preserve of the aged generation. The study recommended massive campaign about the benefits of using herbal medicine in the study area. Further pharmacological studies are recommended on the mentioned plant species aimed at establishing their efficacy and safety as well as standardization as potential drugs.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.101-115
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• 2004

Objective : The present studies investigated the effects of 120 Hz high frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on the stress-induced stomach dysfunction in relation to its effect on the level of stress hormones and gastric mucosal damages. The gastric mucosal injury was induced by cold-restraint stress and two acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man were used. Methods : Cold-restraint stress produced typical gastric lesions in all rats of the stressed groups, but the number of ulcers as well as the mean ulcer diameter were reduced by 120 Hz EA pre-treatment. Results : The degranulation value of gastric mast cell was significantly higher in cold-restrained rats than in control ones. However, with the significant reduction of degranulation values of gastric mast cells in EA pre-treated rats compared with cold-restrained rats. Cold-restarint stress induced an elevated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory gene such as cyclooxygenases-2 and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, but these expression were down-regulated in EA pre-treated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that while the $inhibitory-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ immunorection in the surface epithelium of the stomach tended to increase, both reactions in the EA pre-treated rats showed similar pattern as observed in controls. Conclusion : These results suggest that 120 Hz EA may act as a therapeutical means for gastric mucosal damages through an activation of pituitary adrenal system. It could be concluded that 120 Hz high frequency electroaucupuncture affords a good protective potential against stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.15-22
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• 2013

Objective: Evaluations of the in-vitro anti-bacterial activities of aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu (L.F.)Willd, Castanea sativa, Ephedra sinica stapf and Shilajita mumiyo against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are reasonable since these ethnomedicinal plants have been used in Persian folk medicine for treating skin diseases, venereal diseases, respiratory problems and nervous disorders for ages. Methods: The well diffusion method (KB testing) with a concentration of $250{\mu}g/disc$ was used for evaluating the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Maximum synergistic effects of different combinations of components were also observed. Results: A particular combination of Acacia catechu (L.F.) Willd, Castanea sativa, Ephedra sinica stapf and shilajita mumiyo extracts possesses an outstanding anti-bacterial activity. It's inhibiting effect on microorganisms is significant when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive microorganism. The highest anti-bacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia) or gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was exerted by formula number 2 (table 1). Conclusion: The results reveal the presence of anti-bacterial activities of Acacia catechu, Castanea sativa husk, Ephedra sp. and Mumiyo against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Synergistic effects in a combined formula, especially in formula number 2 (ASLAN$^{(R)}$) can lead to potential sources of new antiseptic agents for treatment of acute or chronic skin ulcers. These results considering the significant anti-bacterial effect of the present formulation, support ethnopharmacological uses against diarrheal and venereal diseases and demonstrate use of these plants to treat infectious diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4_2
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• pp.967-974
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• 2003

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis(RAS) is inflammatory ulcerative condition of the oral mucosa. The lesions of RAS are self-limited and persist for 1 to 2 weeks, resolved with or without scarring and recurred after periods of remission. It is known that nicotine may protect oral mucosa from aphthous ulcers by keratinization of the oral mucosa. After quitting smoking, a stroke patient who suffered from RAS, used to relapse into RAS unless he didn't gargle with nicotine extract water. We diagnosed his case as heat in the stomach and treated with Chungwie-San(Qingwei-San). After medication with Chungwie-San, RAS was subsided and he stopped smoking during admission period.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.810-814
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• 2008

Most inflammatory disorders are usually treated using anti-inflammatory drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID). Prolonged uses of NSAIDs and SAIDs may frequently cause adverse side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, kidney and liver failure, ulcers, and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery. Thus, it is necessarily required to develop a new anti-inflammatory drug with little side-effects. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) possesses the therapeutic abilities to eliminate body heat and toxins and to remove swelling and inflammation. In order to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of dandelion, TPA(12-O-tetra decanoylphorbol-acetate)-induced or croton oil-induced acute edema was developed in the mouse ears, and dandelion extract dissolved in acetone was applied to both sides of inflamed ears. It was found that dandelion could significantly reduce the ear swelling, compared to that of non-treated control. In the case of $20{\mu}{\ell}$ application of $100mg/m{\ell}$ dandelion solution (DA-100), its anti-inflammatory effect was comparable to that of indomethacin, a non - steroidal anti-anflammatory drug. Taken together, it could be concluded that topically applied dandelion extract exhibited its potentials as a new drug candidate with an effective anti-inflammatory activity.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.37 no.4 s.147
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• pp.266-271
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• 2006

Sophorae Radix, the dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Leguminosae), has been used in oriental traditional medicine for treatment of skin and mucosal ulcers, sores, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, diarrhea, inflammation and arrhythmia. Present study was carried out for the gastroprotective effect of trifolirhizin from Sophora flavescens. This reports were evaluated antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori and HCl ethanol-induced gastric lesion in rats and showed the significant effectiveness. In pylorus ligated rats, the treatments of trifolirhizin showed decrease in the volume of gastric secretion and acid output. Also we evaluated the antibacterial activity against H. pylori treated with methanol extract and trifolirhizin from Sophora flavescens had a equivalent antibacterial activity with ampicillin against H. pylori at the dose of $100{\mu}g/mL$. It may be regarded that the antigastritic effects and antibacterial activity of trifolirhizin from Sophora flavescens are originated from reduction of total acid output identified by gastric secretion reduce, free radical scavenging effects and the antibacterial activity against H. pylori.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2011

A case of Behcet's syndrome found in a 22 years old male was is reported along with the histological and immunohistochemical studiesfindings. He The patient had had received prolonged medical therapy of anti-inflammatory agents for the conjunctival ulcer, genital ulcer, oral ulcer, and intestinal ulcers since the first onset of the Behcet's syndrome about approximately 7 years agoearlier. Recently, he felt the athickening of both corners of his lip causing that caused mouth opening difficultydifficulties. A plastic rReconstructive surgery was performed to enlarge the size of the oral orifice by multiple Z-plasty incisions, and finallywhich resulted in proper enlargement of the circumferential length of the lip. During the operation, a scar-like thick fibrous tissue was obtained and examined pathologically. In theThe microscopic observation the revealed the submucosal lesion was to be diffusely fibrosed with the a distribution of sclerotic collagen bundles. Particularly, sSeveral foci of collagen degeneration were found observed in the deep connective tissue, and the degenerating collagen bundles were gradually lost their fibrillar appearance. In the immunohistochemical observations, the foci of collagen degeneration was were strongly positive for IgK, but almost negative for TNF${\alpha}$ lysozyme, and MMP-3. Taken together, it was presumed that tThe submucosal fibrosis was presumed to have firstly presented in this study was probablybeeninduced by the prolonged anti-inflammatory therapy, which may inhibit the removal of sclerosed collagen bundles by the cell-mediated immunity and proteolytic digestion of macrophages, and that it was secondarily aggravated by the deposition of immunoglobulins derived from an autoimmune origin. Therefore, even after the successful plastic surgery of the lip to ameliorate the mouth opening difficulty, the recurrent submucosal fibrosis of lip should be carefully managed in the follow-up treatment.