• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.791-796
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• 2004

This study was peformed to screen the biological activities of Pleurotus ferulea (K5 and K8 strains). The cap of K5 strain is well developed than stalk, and vice versa in K8. The ethanol extract of Pleurotus ferulea exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity (35∼36%), suggesting possible effect on many degenerative diseases originated from the reaction of oxygen species. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is proven to be the most effective factor for Alzheimer disease induction, and ethanol extract of Pleurotus ferulea significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity (25∼35%) in uitro. Moreover, ethanol extract of Pleurotus ferulea suppressed liver fibrosis by 3∼12% in uitro. However, Pleurotus ferulea feruled to inhibit glucose uptake in human intestinal cell line. Viability of gastric and colon cancer cells was also not affected by Pleurotus ferulea extract. In conclusion Pleurotus ferulea exhibited significant effect on free radical scavenging, acetylcholinesterase inhibiton and brain cell protection. However, Pleurotus ferulea failed to affect glucose uptake, and cytotoxicity of gastric and cancer cells. In general, K8 revealed more significant effects than K5.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.151-156
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• 2010

Alginates are polysaccharides isolated from brown algae with gel-forming properties composed of 1,4-linked beta-D-mannuronic acid (M), alpha-L-guluronic acid (G), and alternating (MG) blocks. In this study, we have examined the toxic effects of high M-alginate to activate HepG2 human liver cells. Alginate enhanced the NO production and iNOS protein expression in HepG2 cells. In addition, alginates stimulated the HepG2 to induce IL-1 release and expression of TGF-beta1, which could influence the liver inflammation and chirrhosis. These findings suggest that high M-alginate form brown algae may have toxic effects on liver cells.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.643-655
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• 2022

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of Haeganjeon on a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and to determine the Haegan-jeon signaling pathway. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Normal group (Nor), TAA-induced liver fibrosis group (Con), TAA-induced liver fibrosis group administered 50 mg/kg silymarin (S50), TAA-induced liver fibrosis group administered 200 mg/kg Haegan-jeon (H200). The liver fibrosis mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection with TAA three times a week for 8 weeks. During the 8 weeks, mice were orally administered silymarin and Haegan-jeon every day. At the end of the study, serum was collected to measure the levels of AST, ALT, ammonia, and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Liver tissue was harvested and analyzed by western blotting and Masson's trichrome staining. Results: Administration of Haegan-jeon suppressed the increase in serum levels of AST, ALT, ammonia, and MPO due to TAA-induced liver fibrosis. Compared to the Con group, the H200 group showed increases in antioxidant-related factors (Nrf2, HO-1, catalase, and GPx-1/2) and decreases in inflammatory-related factors (NF-κB p65, p-IκB-α, Cox-2, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in western blots. The H200 treatment inhibited the expression of α-SMA and Collagen I. Conclusions: Haegan-jeon showed a hepatoprotective effect induced by activation of antioxidant-related factors, such as Nrf2, and it regulated the inflammation response by suppression of NF-κB.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.9-17
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• 2022

Objective : In modern society, liver diseases such as liver fibrosis are on the rise as inflammation and wound healing processes of the liver are repeated due to factors such as drinking, smoking, and stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saenggangeonbi-tang (SGGBT) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Methods : The mice were divided into 4 groups for examination (n=6): Normal group (Nor), distilled water-treated liver fibrosis mice (Con), silymarin 50 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (Sily), SGGBT 200 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (S200). Liver fibrosis was established in the mice via TAA for 8 weeks (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2,3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg, three times a week, intraperitoneal injection) and they were administered silymarin and SGGBT (every day, oral administration) with the TAA. Results : SGGBT significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferanse, ammonia, and myeloperoxidase in serum increased by liver fibrosis. As a result of confirming H&E and MT staining, it was confirmed that SGGBT reduced damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and alleviated changes in collagen fiber deposition and histological fibrosis. Also, it was confirmed through PAS staining that it reduced glycogen deposition in liver tissue. In addition, SGGBT significantly decreased the NADPH oxidases as well as significantly modulated the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Conclusions : These results suggest that SGGBT regulates the expression of MMP/TIMP protein through inhibition of oxidative stress and alleviates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen and glycogen deposition in liver tissue.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.19-28
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• 2024

Objectives : Ephedrae Herba has been used in the East Asian traditional medicine, for treatment of asthma, cold and influenza. Silymarin is an effective antioxidant and its anti-fibrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties have been reported. This study was performed to explore an anti-fibrogenic potential of Ephedrae Herba extract (EHE) + silymarin on immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2 cells. Methods : We studied the anti-fibrogenic effects of EHE + silymarin on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. TGF-β1 signaling-related proteins expression were detected by Western blot. Results : Silymarin 30 ㎍/mL and EHE 100 ㎍/mL showed cytotoxicity on LX-2 cells. Therefore, the concentrations of silymarin and EHE were studied at 10 ㎍/mL, respectively. Silymarin significantly reduced PAI-1 protein expression, Smad binding element (SBE) luciferase activity, and mRNA (PAI-1, MMP2 and 9) expression compared to TGF-β1. EHE significantly reduced SBE luciferase activity and mRNA (PAI-1, MMP2 and 9) expression compared to TGF-β1. More importantly, EHE + silymarin significantly reduced all parameters compared to TGF-β1, and also significantly reduced compared to EHE alone and silymarin alone. Conclusion : The results indicate that EHE + silymarin has anti-fibrogenic effect in LX-2 cells induced by TGF-β1. Additionally, EHE + silymarin shows more effective anti-fibrogenic effect than EHE alone and silymarin alone.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.141-153
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• 2024

Objective : Ephedrae Herba (Ephedra) has been frequently used in the East Asian traditional medicine including Korea, China and Japan in the clinical treatment of asthma, cold and influenza etc. This study was performed to explore an anti-fibrogenic potential of Ephedra Herba water extract (EHE) using immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2 cells. Methods : We examined the anti-fibrogenic effects of EHE on canonical pathway of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling in LX-2 cells. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Proteins expression were detected by Western blot. Results : Treatment of EHE 30 ㎍/ml did not show any cytotoxicity on LX-2 cells. Pre-treatment of EHE (30 ㎍/mL) significantly inhibited α-smooth muscle actin expression induced by TGF-β1. Additionally, EHE significantly decreased Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, Smad binding element-driven luciferase activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 expression by TGF-β1. Furthermore, increases of matrix metalloproteinases 2 genes by TGF-β1 was also attenuated by EHE treatment. Conclusion : These results suggest that EHE has an ability to suppress fibrogenic process in activated HSC via inhibition of TGF-β1-TGFBR mediated canonical (Smad dependent) pathway.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2002

The pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury as well as the modulation of hepatic fibrogenesis is causally associated with involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical reactions. In this study, we investigated whether dried extracts of oriental medicine (LH) have antioxidant and antifibrotic effect under the biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) c ondition. The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in six groups (Normal, N-LH, op-2, op-4, opLH-2, opLH-4) and were observed in 2 weeks or 4 weeks. For this purpose the rats were operated by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S), which induced to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. After surgery, the prepared LH was administered p.o. 2 mι/day/rat in 2 weeks or 4 weeks for opLH groups. During the observation period, jaundices appeared in eyes, ears and tail of all BDL/S operated rats. And at the time of sacrifice, cholestasis was observed in proximal bile duct, especially the color of bile juice and urine in opLH-4 group showed more clear than op-2, op-4 and opLH-2 group. The value of clinical parameters and product of lipid peroxidation (MDA) in sera and the hydroxyproline (hyp) content in liver tissue were significantly increased in all liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) developed rats (p＜0.001~0.05). Among the clinical parameters of sera, value of BUN, ALP in opLH-4 group showed significantly lower than in op-4 group (p＜0.05, p＜0.001). The content of hyp in opLH-2, opLH-4 group (478.0 $\pm$ 134.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g 897.5 $\pm$ 118.2 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) showed lower than in op-2, op-4 group (528.9 $\pm$ 220.7 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g, 1023.8 $\pm$ 277.1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) and then the value of MDA in opLH-4 was also significantly reduced to 59.4% of that in op-4 group (p＜0.001). The histological change (bile duct proliferation, fibrosis, collagen bundle) was similarly observed in op-2 group and in opLH-2 group, but the weak fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were observed in opLH-4 group compared with in op-4 group. Our data indicate that the 4 weeks treatment with LH extract suppressed lipid peroxidation and inhibited fibrotic (cirrhosis) process, and experimental cholestatic liver disease is associated with increased lipid peroxidation in BDL/S operated rats. Hence we concluded that the measurement of MDA and hyp can be useful monitor for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in experimental liver fibrosis (cirrhosis), and LH has been shown to have hepatoprotective effect, antifibrotic effect and antioxidant effect.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.550-557
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• 1996

One of therapeutics in liver disease (morbus wilson) is D-penicillamin (D-pen: D-3-mercapto-valin). Especially the cross-linking of collagen molecules could be inhibited by D-pe n in extracellular space. In this study we investigated the antifibrotic effects of D-pen in rats that were induced the liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S). Rats were treated for 4 weeks with D-pen after BDL/S operation or sham operation. The balance between fibrogenesis-marker (PNIIIP) and the fibrolysis-maker (PNIVP) were observed in sera by RIA (radioimmunoassay), and the parameter of collagen deposition in liver tissue (hydroxyproline: HYP) was measured by colorimetry. The weight of liver in BDL/S operated group was increased significantly in compared with sham operation group (15.2g${\pm}$1.1, vs 11.9g${\pm}$3.9: p<0.005, p<0.05). The rats group treated by D-pen showed the lower level of PNIIIP (6.7ng/ml${\pm}$1.5, vs 9.5ng/ml${\pm}$2.8) and the higher value of PIVCP (14.0ng/ml${\pm}$1.9, vs 7.9ng/ml${\pm}$1.5) in sera that compared to untreated rats. The content of HYP was decreased by 141% in BDL/S with D-pen treated group than that of it in BDL/S group. No correlation was revealed between collagen parameters in sera and HYP in liver tissue of BDL/S operated and D-pen treated rats. The group treated with D-pen showed the lower value of clinical biochemistry parameters (GOT: glutamate oxalacetate transaminase, Total-Bilirubin) in compared with only BDL/S operated rats, but the value of GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) and Alkaline phosphatase in two BDL/S groups was nearly same. In the histological finding, we observed mild bile duct proliferation, weak inflammation and fibrosis in BDL/S with D-pen treated group, but BDL/S operated group showed the formation of septum (island of hepatocytes), massive bile duct proliferation. This result represents that the BDL/S operation induces liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) in 4 weeks, and D-pen inhibits the synthesis of collagen weakly and stimulates the degradation of collagen in the extracellular space. We conclude that the monitoring of PNIIIP, PIVCP in sera is useful parameter for screening of antifibrotic effect, and D-pen delay the liver fibrosis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.270-287
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• 2009

Objective : Yinjinchunggan-tang(YJCGT) is reported previously as having theraputic effects on hepatitis such as anti-implammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-viral(HBV), etc. Though this prescription is not studied on its anti-fibrogenic effect, it is still expected to have the effect in the liver. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of YJCGT on thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Method: Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal TAA injection(150mg/kg) 3 times a week for 5 weeks. After the YJCGT (YJCGT 1g/kg, YJCGT 2g/kg)-treatment, body weight, liver and spleen weights, liver function test, the complete blood count and the portal pressure were studied. In addition, gene expressions of ASMA, procollagen type Ia2, MMP2, TIMP1 and TIMP2, all of which are known to be associated with liver fibrosis, were analyzed by RT-PCR. After YJCGT (YJCGT 1g/kg, YJCGT 2g/kg) treatment, percentages of collagen in TAA-induced rat liver tissue were measured by image analyzer. Results : The body weight of the normal group increased more than that of the control and YJCGT-treated groups. The AST level of the YJCGT lg/kg-treated group significantly decreased compared to that of the control. The ALT and the GGT levels of the YJCGT 2g/kg-treated group significantly increased compared to those of the control. In the YJCGT-treated groups. WBC, RBC and Hgb elevated by TAA injection decreased but platelet count increased. In the YJCGT lg/kg-treated group, the portal pressure elevated by TAA injection significantly decreased. The significant decreases in the gene expressions of procollagen type Ia2, MMP2 and TIMP2 were observed in the YJCGT-treated groups. In histological findings. TAA injections caused severe liver fibrosis, but the YJCGT treatment significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic collagens. Conclusions: These results suggest that YJCGT has beneficial effects on the treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis as well as chronic hepatitis. Further study should be done to decide the optimal concentration of the YJCGT for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.469-489
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Chungganhaeju-tang(Qingganjiejiu-tang) on alcoholic liver damaged by applying proteomics. Materials and Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experiment the rats were divided into the normal group, the control group(alcohol) and the sample group(CGHJT +alcohol). The ethanol was orally administered twice a day for 6 weeks in the control and sample groups. Water instead of ethanol was orally administered twice a day for 6 weeks in the normal group. CGHJT extract was orally administered once a day for 6 weeks in the sample group. The livers of each group were processed and assessed by histology, Western Blot, $Oxyblot^{TM}$, CBB and 2-dimensional electrophoresis. Results : In the histological findings of the liver, CGHJT inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis induced by alcohol. TIMP-1 decreased in the sample group assessed by western blot and statistical significance was noted by dot blotting(p<0.05). In the $Oxyblot^{TM}$, protein oxidation induced by alcohol treatment decreased with CGHJT. In the 2-dimensional electrophoresis finding, increased proteins alcohol such as HSP 60, 60kDa heat shock protein, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase were normalized by CGHJT. CGHJT was considered to normalize the anti-oxidation activity elevated by alcohol. In the 2-dimensional electrophoresis finding, increased oxidized proteins such as actin, prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide, 94kDa glucose regulated protein(GRP94), heat shock protein 90-alpha(HSC86), calreticulin precursor(CRP55), ATP synthase beta chain mitochondrial precursor, caspase-8 precursor, and dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase(E2) decreased with CGHJT. CGHJT was considered to reduce the oxidative stress of alcohol. Conclusion : Chungganhaeju-tang(Qingganjiejiu-tang) exerts an inhibitory effect against the fibrosis and protein oxidation induced by alcohol treatment of rat liver. CGHJT was considered to normalize the elevated anti-oxidation activity by alcohol and to reduce the level of oxidative stress due to alcohol.