• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2014

Purpose: Our goals were to evaluate the effect of high dose radioiodine treatment for thyroid cancer by taking in laxatives. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients(M:F=13:7, age $46.3{\pm}8.1\;yrs$) who underwent high dose radioiodine treatment were seperated into Group 1 taking $^{131}I$ 5,500 MBq and Group 2 with the use of laxatives after taking $^{131}I$ 5,500 MBq. The whole body was scanned 16 hours and 40 hours after taking radioactive iodines by using gamma camera, the ROIs were drawn on the gastro-intestinal tract and thigh for calculation of reduction ratio. At particular time during hospitalization, the radioactivity remaining in the body was measured in 1 meter from patient by using survey meter (RadEye-G10, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). Schematic presentation of an Origin 8.5.1 software was used for spatial dose rate. Statistical comparison between groups were done using independent samples t-test. P value less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: The reduction ratio in gastro-intestinal 16 hours and 40 hours after taking laxatives is $42.1{\pm}6.3%$ in Group 1 and $72.1{\pm}6.4%$ in Group 2. The spatial dose rate measured when discharging from hospital was $23.8{\pm}6.7{\mu}Sv/h$ in Group 1 and $8.2{\pm}2.4{\mu}Sv/h$ in Group 2. The radioactivity remaining in the body is much decreased at the patient with laxatives(P<0.05). Conclusion: The use in combination with laxatives is helpful for decreasing radioactivity remaining in the body. The radioactive contamination could be decreased at marginal individuals from patients.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.234-246
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• 2007

The combination of chloral hydrate and hydroxyzine is one of the safest and most commonly used drug regimens for sedating young, uncooperative pediatric dental patients. Midazolam IM or IN and $N_2O/O_2$ inhalation is sometimes administered with chloral hydrate and hydroxyzinecombination when deeper and longer sedation is needed. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome and safety of chloral hydrate, hydroxyzine and $N_2O/O_2$ in the sedation of a large number of uncooperative pediatric dental patients and to identify variables associated with their effectiveness. In a nine-month retrospective study, 171 records of sedation performed in 94 healthy children(male 46, female 48) with mean age of $30{\pm}8$ months were reviewed. The authors analyzed several variables such as age, sex, weight, methods of drug delivery, waiting time after drug delivery, treatment rendered, treatment time, adverse events, sedation outcome. Eighty five percent of sedation had success behavioral outcome. Sedation sessions rated success used more $N_2O/O_2$ administration and had longer treatment duration than sedation sessions rated failure. A children patient under 36 months of age had enough sleep by only oral administration and the mean waiting time of this case was significantly shorter than that of a children patient over 36 months of age. There was a clear correlation between age and $N_2O/O_2$ using tine, but no correlation between weight and $N_2O/O_2$ using time. There was no statistically significant difference among variables of treatment duration, $N_2O/O_2$ administration and adverse event.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.159-165
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• 2013

Objectives Mechanisms of clinical synergistic effects, induced by co-treatments of lithium and valproate, are unclear. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been suggested to play important roles in mechanisms of the action of mood stabilizers. In this study, effects of co-treatments of lithium and valproate on the ERK1/2 signal pathway and its down-stream transcription factors, ELK1 and C-FOS, were investigated in vitro. Methods PC12 cells, human pheochromocytoma cells, were treated with lithium chloride (30 mM), valproate (1 mM) or lithium chloride + valproate. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was analyzed with immunoblot analysis. Transcriptional activities of ELK1 and C-FOS were analyzed with reporter gene assay. Results Single treatment of lithium and valproate increased the phosphorylation of ERK and transcriptional activities of ELK1 and C-FOS, respectively. Combined treatments of lithium and valproate induced more robust increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and transcriptional activities of ELK1 and C-FOS, compared to those in response to single treatment of lithium or valproate. Conclusions Co-treatments of lithium and valproate induced synergistic increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and transcriptional activities of its down-stream transcription factors, ELK1 and C-FOS, compared to effects of single treatment. The findings might suggest potentiating effects of lithium and valproate augmentation treatment strategy.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 1992

The water extract of Gamidaebo-Tang depressed the lethal toxicity of cis-platin$(45{\mu}M/kg,\;s.c.)$, and mitomycin C (6mg/kg, s.c.). Significant depression of renal toxicity(indicated by an increased blood urea nitrogen value and creatinine value) of cis-platin $(35{\mu}M/kg)\;s.c.)$, was observed in mice treated with Gamidaebo-Tang. In rats treated with mitomycin C and Gamidaebo-Tang, the increased LDH activity and reduced total protein and albumin contents by mitomycin C were significantly depressed. The number of WBC was significantly increased in rats treated with mitomycin C but in the rats treated with mitomycin C and Gamidaebo-Tang, the number of WBC was increased and the hematocrit value and the number of RBC and Hgb were significantly increased in the dose-dependent manner. Therefore, bone marrow toxicity of mitomycin C in the rats treated with Gamidaebo-Tang was depressed. In the end, alleviative effects of the side actions of cis-platin and mitomycin C were acknowledged by combined usage of Gamidaebo-Tang and these anti-neoplastic drugs.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.57-65
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• 2011

There are numerous drug interactions related to many psychotropic and cardiovascular medications. Firstly, the principles in predicting drug interactions are discussed. Cytochrome P (CYP) 450 plays a significant role in the metabolism of these drugs that are substrates, inhibitors, or inducers of CYP450 enzymes. The two most significant enzymes are CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. The ability of psychotropic drugs to act as inhibitors for the enzymes may lead to altered efficacy or toxicity of co-administered cardiovascular agents as a substrate for the enzymes. The following is also a review of the known interactions between many commonly prescribed cardiovascular agents and psychotropic drugs. Most beta blockers are metabolized by CYP2D6, which may lead to drug toxicity when they use in combination with potent CYP2D6 inhibitors including bupropion, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and quinidine. Concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics may increase serum lithium concentrations and toxicity. Calcium channel blockers and cholesterol lowering agents are subject to interactions with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as amiodarone, diltiazem, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, and verapamil. Prescribing antiarrhythmic drugs in conjunction with medications are known to prolong QT interval and/or inhibitors on a relevant CYP450 enzyme is generally not recommended, or needs watchful monitoring. Digoxin and warfarin also have warrant careful monitoring if co-administered with psychotropic drugs.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.79-89
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• 1998

Purpose: Though many antiviral or immunomodulatory agents have been used in patients with chronic HBV hepatitis, interferon is considered to be the only effective therapeutic agent so far. Among immunomodulatory agents, thymodulin, the oral form of thymosin, is currently in clinical trial. We compared the efficacy of alfa-interferon therapy alone with a combined therapy of alfa-interferon and thymodulin in children with chronic active hepatitis B. Method: Twenty three children aged 4.4~13.7 years who were known to be positive for HBsAg and HBeAg in serum for at least 6 months and who had biopsy-proven chronic active hepatitis were given either combined therapy of alfa-interferon and thymodulin or alfa-interferon alone, and all children were HBV DNA positive in their serum at the beginning. Follow-ups have been done for at least 1 year after a 6 month course of therapy and clearance of viral replication markers has been evaluated. Results: 1) During follow up period, 11 (48%) children were seroconverted to anti-HBe and were cleared of HBV DNA from their serum. However, 2 of them relapsed after discontinuance of interferon therapy. 2) Seroconversion occurred more frequently among those who had not been vertically transmitted, had elevated serum ALT levels and low HBV DNA levels before interferon therapy. 3) There was no significant advantage of the combined therapy with thymodulin compared to interferon therapy alone. Conclusion: Combined therapy of alfa-interferon and thymodulin failed to demonstrate synergistic effect. We think that combination therapies of alfa-interferon with other antiviral or immunomodulatory agents need to be studied in order to achieve better therapeutic responses.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.190-198
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• 2001

Purpose : It was reported that Captopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) had an effect to reduce the pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis induced by radiation in rat. We peformed this study to investigate the radioprotective effect and mechanism of Captopril. Methods and Materials : The comparison was made between the radiation only group and the combined Captopril and radiation group by examining histopathologic findings and immunohistochemical stains $(TNF\alpha\;and\;TGF\beta1)$ at 2 and 8 weeks after irradiation. Each group has 8 to 10 rats (Sprague-Dawley). 12.5 Gy of X-ray was irradiated to the left hemithorax in a single fraction. Captopril (50 mg/kg/d) mixed with water was given per oral and continuously from 1 week prior to irradiation up to 8th week of the experiment. Result : In the combined Captopril and radiation group, the histopathologic changes which were hemorrhage into alveolar space, changes of alveolar epithelium, bronchial epithelium and blood vessels, and perivascular edema were less severe than in the radisation only group at 2 weeks. At 8 weeks, the alveolar epithelial changes and perivascular edema were less prominant in the combined Captopril and radiation group. At 2 weeks, the $TNF\alpha$ expression of the combined Captopril and radiation group was markedly decreased at the alveolar epithelium (p<0.01), lymphoid tissue (p=0.06) and the macrophage of alveolar space (p<0.01) compared with the radiation only group. Furthermore the $TGF\beta1$ expression was significantly prominant at the alveolar epithelium (p<0.02) and the macrophage in alveolar space (p<0.02). At 8 weeks, the expression of $TNF\alpha\;and\;TGF\beta1$ of most sites, except $TGF\beta1$ of the macrophage of alveolar space (p=0.09), showed no significant difference between 2 groups. Conclusion : This study revealed that early lung damage induced by irradiation was reduced with the addition of Captopril in the latent and early pneumonitis phase. The expression of $TNF\alpha\;and\;TGF\beta1$ at 2 weeks and $TGF\beta1$ at 8 weeks was further decreased in the combined Captopril and radiation group than the radiation only group. From these results, it may be concluded that the proinflammatoy cytokine $(TNF\alpha)$ and fibrogenic cytokine $(TGF\beta1)$ probably play the role of the radioprotective mechanism in Captopril.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.165-170
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• 2003

The clinical efficacies of Korean Red Ginseng for improving sexual function has been reported only by self-reporting questionnaires.AVS-Penogram is a method evaluating natural penile blood flow changes by Gamma-camera after intravenous injection of Techmetium 99$\^$m/-RBC and also stimulating by erotic video tape. To more objectively evaluate the efficacies of Korean Red Ginseng for erectile function, we applied AVS-Penogram as a objective diagnostic tool. AVS-Penogram studies were done in 28 patients with erectile dysfunction after administration of Red Ginseng(19) or placebo(9) group. The pattern of AVS-Penogram before medication were normal type in 4, impossible in 2, unstable in 20, delayed in 1, and mixed in 1. The unstable type were the most prevalent observed in 71.4% of all patients. The patterns of AVS-penogram were 2.2. 13.1 in Red Ginseng group, while in placebo group normal 2, unstable 7. After 4 weeks in Red Ginseng group, there were 3 cases of improved penogram findings, while only 1 in placebo group. There were no statistical significancies in the type of penogram changes on both group. But the maximum radioactivity were improved in 11 patients(57.9%) in Red Ginseng group, while 2(22.2%) in placebo group. There were statistical significancies in comparing the maximal radioactivity of penogram on both group. These AVS-Penogram findings shows, encouraging results of by increased penile blood flow Korean Red Ginseng our medication. Further study is more needed to reconfirm these results by more concentrated active formulations of sapanonin St other active ginsenosides. These promising results will lead to develop a new remedy for erectile dysfunction by Korean Red Ginseng

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2009

Purpose : In adults, valproate (VPA) has been reported to be associated with thrombocytopenia. However, few studies have investigated this association in children, and the factors affecting platelet counts remain controversial. This study was undertaken to investigate changes in platelet counts following VPA therapy and related factors in children with epilepsy. Methods : Our subjects comprised 75 epileptic children who had received VPA monotherapy for at least 1 year between January 2000 and December 2005. We regularly examined platelet counts at intervals of 6 to 12 months after baseline platelet counts before VPA treatment. We analyzed changes in platelet counts according to several factors such as sex, seizure type, underlying causes of epilepsy, age at the start of medication as well as at the last follow up, duration of VPA administration, VPA dose, serum VPA level, and body weight at the last follow up. Results : Overall, the platelet counts decreased significantly after VPA therapy. The average baseline platelet count was $312.5{\pm}109.1{\times}10^6/mL$. At the last follow up, the average platelet count was $261.7{\pm}72.2{\times}10^6/mL$. We observed the relationship between platelet counts and serum levels of VPA; while children with serum VPA <$75{\mu}g/mL$ showed no change in platelet counts (P=0.102), children with serum VPA >$75{\mu}g/mL$ showed a significant decrease in platelet counts. Conclusion : VPA may cause a significantly decreased platelet count in children with epilepsy. High serum VPA levels were associated with development of thrombocytopenia.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.280-287
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• 2008

We investigated the effect of dietary mulberry leaf powder (MP) on loperamide-induced constipation in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given MP in their diets at a concentration of 0% 5% and 10% for 33 days. Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal diet group (NOR), normal diet and loperamide treated group (MPL0), 5% MP and loperamide treated group (MPL5), and 10% MP and loperamide treated group (MPL10). Constipation was induced by subcutaneous injection of loperamide (1.5 mg/kg body weight/day) for the final 5 days of the experiment Supplemental MP had no effect on the food efficiency ratio, but it reduced body weight gain and food intake in a concentration dependent manner. Administration of loperamide decreased food intake. MP had a concentration-dependent effect on decreasing total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and on increasing HDL-cholesterol. Loperamide had no significant effect on serum lipid profiles. Loperamide decreased the number and wet weight of fecal pellets and fecal water content MP increased the number and wet weight of fecal pellets and fecal water content in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, MP increased gut transit time and transit speed, and the guts of mts treated with MP plus loperamide were longer than those of mts treated with loperamide alone. These results indicate that MP is an effective treatment for constipation.