• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.105-110
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• 2018

Objectives : We tried to observe the fluorescence anisotropy and intensity of ethidium ion in the intercalating binding interaction between DNA and ethidium ions in the presence of berberine, and then tried to explain the effect of berberine on the intercalating interaction of ethidium ion with DNA. Methods : DNA(calf thymus DNA), berberine and ethidium bromide(EtBr) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Co. Proper amount of each compound was dissolved in 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer(pH 7.0) containing 100 mM of NaCl to prepare stock solutions. Collections of the fluorescence anisotropy and intensity data were performed on JASCO FP-8300 spectrofluorometer equipped with a polarizer and a Peltier temperature controller. The excitation of ethidium ion was done at 550 nm and the emission data were collected at 600 nm. For Stern-Volmer plot, the fluorescence data were collected at $18^{\circ}C$ and $30^{\circ}C$. Results : According to the results of this research, the weak competitive binding pattern between ethidium ion and berberine appeared in binding with DNA at low ratio of DNA to ethidium ion. But at high ratio of DNA to ethidium ion, this weak competition disappeared. Instead, berberine might bind to DNA by intercalating way. In other words, berberine could de-intercalate ethidium ion from DNA at low concentration of DNA relative to ethidium ion, but could not at high concentration of DNA relative to ethidium ion. In addition, the mechanism of fluorescence quenching of ethidium ion could also proceed differently, depending on the ratio of the amount of DNA to that of ethidium ion. Conclusions : The effect of berberine on the DNA-ethidium ion intercalating interaction could work differently, depending on the relative ratio of the amount of DNA to that of ethidium ion. This study also showed that fluorescence anisotropy analysis is very useful method to obtain detailed information for investigation of the complex binding interactions. In order to fully understand the mechanism of action of the pharmacological effect by berberine, studies on the effect of berberine on the action of proteins such as various enzymes closely related to berberine-induced medicinal effects should be continued.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.426-434
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• 2022

Aim: This study investigates the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (GsRb1) on methamphetamine (METH)-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and METH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. It also examines whether GsRb1 can regulate these effects through the NR2B/ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with GsRb1 (20 mM and 40 mM) for 1 h, followed by METH treatment (2 mM) for 24 h. Rats were treated with METH (2 mg/kg) or saline on alternating days for 10 days to allow CPP to be examined. GsRb1 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h before METH or saline. Western blot was used to examine the protein expression of NR2B, ERK, P-ERK, CREB, P-CREB, and BDNF in the SH-SY5Y cells and the rats' hippocampus, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results: METH dose-dependently reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. Pretreatment of cells with 40 µM of GsRb1 increased cell viability and reduced the expression of METH-induced NR2B, p-ERK, p-CREB and BDNF. GsRb1 also attenuated the expression of METH CPP in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Further, GsRb1 dose-dependently reduced the expression of METH-induced NR2B, p-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the PFC, hippocampus, and NAc of rats. Conclusion: GsRb1 regulated METH-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and METH-induced CPP through the NR2B/ERK/CREB/BDNF regulatory pathway. GsRb1 could be a therapeutic target for treating METH-induced neurotoxicity or METH addiction.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.302-310
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• 2023

Background: The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), is marked by the formation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. The impairments of axons and synapses appear in the process of Aβ plaques formation, and this damage could cause neurodegeneration. We previously reported that non-saponin fraction with rich polysaccharide (NFP) from Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) showed neuroprotective effects in AD. However, precise molecular mechanism of the therapeutic effects of NFP from KRG in AD still remains elusive. Methods: To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of NFP from KRG on AD, we conducted proteomic analysis for frontal cortex from vehicle-treated wild-type, vehicle-treated 5XFAD mice, and NFP-treated 5XFAD mice by using nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS. Metabolic network analysis was additionally performed as the effects of NFP appeared to be associated with metabolism according to the proteome analysis. Results: Starting from 5,470 proteins, 2,636 proteins were selected for hierarchical clustering analysis, and finally 111 proteins were further selected for protein-protein interaction network analysis. A series of these analyses revealed that proteins associated with synapse and mitochondria might be linked to the therapeutic mechanism of NFP. Subsequent metabolic network analysis via genome-scale metabolic models that represent the three mouse groups showed that there were significant changes in metabolic fluxes of mitochondrial carnitine shuttle pathway and mitochondrial beta-oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the therapeutic effects of NFP on AD were associated with synaptic- and mitochondrial-related pathways, and they provided targets for further rigorous studies on precise understanding of the molecular mechanism of NFP.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.25-40
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• 2024

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the effects of clean-diabetes mellitus 3 (C-DM3), a herbal formula with Trichosanthis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Crataegi Fructus, and Cinnamomi Cortex, on the pathological and serological symptoms of diabetes and its related molecular mechanisms in diet-induced obese mice. Methods: We prepared an obese mouse model using a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and then administered the C-DM3 extract for 4 weeks. The changes of pathological and serological biomarkers for diabetes assessment were measured in the mice and histological changes were observed in the liver and pancreas tissues. We also identified the main compounds in the C-DM3 extract using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed the molecular mechanism of the disease condition by network pharmacological analysis. Results: In the in vivo, the administration of C-DM extract to obese mice significantly reduced body weight gain, fatty liver symptoms, and muscle loss, and decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, aspertate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, C-DM extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, protein kinase b (AKT), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and glucose transporter 4 in all pancreatic and liver tissues, with inhibition of histopathological changes in obese mice. HPLC analysis identified hyperoside, berberine, epiberberine, columbamin, coptisine, coumarin, jatrorrhizine, and citric acid as the main compounds. In the network pharmacological analysis, the molecular targets of C-DM3 extract on obesity and diabetes were shown as the insulin, AKT, PI3K, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways with the regulation of inflammatory molecules interleukin 6 (IL-6), jun proto-oncogene, and IL-1β, which matched our in vivo targets. Conclusions: Based on these results, C-DM3 extract is expected to be effective in improving obesity and preventing diabetic progression.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2004

Purpose: Several panoramic indices have been suggested to assess bone quality from the morphology and width of mandibular cortex on panoramic radiography. The purpose of this study was to compare dental implant failure group with control group in panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical index (MCI), and gonion index (GI) and to determine the effect of these panoramic indices on dental implant failure. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was designed. Test group (n=42) consisted of the patients who had their implants extracted because of peri-implantitis. Control group (n=139) consisted of the patients who retained their implants over one year without any pathologic changes and had been followed up periodically. They had dental implants installed in their mandibles without bone augmentation surgery from 1991 to 2001. The following measures were collected for each patients: 1) PMI, MCI, and GI were measured twice at one-week interval on preoperative panoramic views; and 2) age, sex, implant length, implant type, installed location, occluding dentition state, and complication were investigated from the chart record. Results: The PMI showed moderate level of repeatability. The intra-observer agreement of MCI and GI were good. There was statistically significant difference in PMI between two groups. There were significant different patterns of distribution of MCI and GI between two groups. Among the panoramic indices, PMI and MCI showed significant correlation with dental implant failure. Conclusion: Panoramic indices can be used as reference data in estimating bone quality of edentulous patients who are to have implants installed in their mandibles.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.10 no.1_2
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• pp.77-86
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• 1980

The distribution of the secretory ducts, fine structures of the secretory epithelial cells, and the ingredients of the metaplasmic inclusions were studied at light and electron microscopical levels in seeds, stems, leaves, and roots of ginseng. The secretory ducts occurred in the hypocotyl of the embryo, in the cortex of the roots, and also both inside and outside of each vascular bundle in the stems and leaves. Especially, it is considered that the circular layers of the secretory ducts in roots may represent their ages. The epithelial cell has well developed nucleolus, mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Sudanophyl and osmiophilic inclusions were found in the epithelial cytoplasm and duct lumen. But these inclusions were not observed when extracted with pyridin or alcohol. In contrast to the lumen with red color, the epithelial cells were blue in color as stained with nile blue, suggesting that the former inclusions are neutral lipid while the latter are acidic lipid. The electron density of the cell inclusions was quite high as fixed with osmium tetroxide, indicating that most of these secretory materials seem to be unsaturated lipid. Therefore, since ginseng secretory ducts are closely associated with the lipid metabolism, it should be called lipid canal or lipid duct.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.78-86
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• 2015

Objectives Although ginseng has been reported to protect neuronal cells and improve various cognitive functions, relationship between ginseng supplementation and response inhibition, one of the important cognitive domains has not been explored. In addition, effects of ginseng on in vivo human brain have not been investigated using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The purpose of the current study is to investigate changes in intrusion errors and white matter microstructure after Korean Red Ginseng supplementation using standardized neuropsychological tests and DTI. Methods Fifty-one healthy participants were randomly allocated to the Korean Red Ginseng (n = 26) or placebo (n = 25) groups for 8 weeks. The California Verbal Learning Test was used to assess the number of intrusion errors. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured with the Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. The fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured from the brain DTI data. Results After the 8-week intervention, Korean Red Ginseng supplementation significantly reduced intrusion errors after adjusting age, sex, IQ, and baseline score of the intrusion errors (p for interaction = 0.005). Change in FA values in the left anterior corona radiata was greater in the Korean Red Ginseng group compared to the placebo group (t = 4.29, p = 0.04). Conclusions Korean Red Ginseng supplementation may be efficacious for improving response inhibition and white matter microstructure integrity in the prefrontal cortex.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.81-95
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• 1999

Among oriental medicine,s literatures, through Hwang-Je-Nae-Kyung(黃帝內徑) to Chung(淸), I extracted contents related to atrophy syndrome(?證). And studied it,s pathophysiology, therapy and treatment. Then, I concluded that result same below 1. The pathophysiologies of atrophy syndrome are lung heat(肺熱) & decreasing of it,s circulation, making liver and stomach weaken & difficulty it's circulation, injurious to liver and kidney & atrophy of bonemarrow and muscle. 2. The most important point of atrophy syndrome therapy is Yang-Myung(陽明). The Priority of therapy is stomach & liver,s balance. And then we must protect acquired human function & clean humidity & temperature of Yang-Myung(陽明). under the principle of decreasing south organ,s function & protecting north organ,s function, we should Ja-Yeum-Chung-Yeul(滋陰淸熱). so remove temperature of lung & protect liver and kidney & make strong stomach. 3. Among the therapy of atrophy syndrome in literatures Yi-Jin-Tang(二陳湯), Sa-Gun-Ja-Tang(四君子湯), Sa-Mul-Tang-Je(四物湯劑), Ho-Jam-Hwan(虎蠶丸), Dong-Won-Geun-Bo-Hwan(東垣健步丸) and Chung-Jo-Tang(淸燥湯) were many. These make strong spleen & dry humidity organ using Sa-Gun-Ja-Tang(四君子湯)and Yi-Jin-Tang(二陳湯) by Dog-Cheu-Yang-Myung(獨取陽明) method. Sa-Mul-Tang(四物湯), Phellodendri cortex(黃柏), Radix sophorae flavescentis(苦蔘), Carapax Testudinis(龜板) bitter taste make strong Yeum(陰) & decrease Yang(陽) so important human muscle powerful. Ho-Jam-Hwan(虎蠶丸), Dong-Won-Geun-Bo-Hwan(東垣健步丸), Chung-Jo-Tang(淸燥湯) make Chung-Yeul-Jo-Seup(淸熱燥濕), protect liver and kidney & strong muscle and bone. Besides Gum-Gang-Hwan(金剛丸), Yi-Myo-Hwan(二妙丸), Nok-Gak-Geu-Hwan(鹿角膠丸)&Ga-Mi-Sa-Geun-Hwan(加味四斤丸) were used in treatment of atrophy syndrome.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.811-818
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• 2018

This study was performed to investigate the localization and concentration changes of mercury compound in female reproductive organs with time. Methylmercuric chloride was subcutaneously injected weekly into pubescent female mice for 3 weeks. For the concentration changes of mercury with time, the mice were sacrificed at 10, 150, and 300 days post treatment (DPT). Body and organ weights were not significantly different between the control and mercury-treated groups, except for 10 DPT in body weight. Localization of accumulated mercury was identified by the autometallography method. Localization of mercury compounds in the uterus, ovary, and ovum was analyzed with a light microscope. In the uterus, mercury was densely located in the stroma cells and surface epithelium of the perimetrium at 10 DPT. Mercury concentration was decreased at 150 DPT and did not appear at 300 DPT. In the ovary, mercury particles were distributed in the stroma cells of the cortex region, cells of the theca around the follicle, and the corpus luteum at 10 DPT. Mercury was concentrated in the medulla region at 150 DPT and was not distributed at 300 DPT. In the ovum, mercury particles were mainly located in the marginal region at 10 and 150 DPT. Mercury concentration was decreased and evenly distributed at 300 DPT. These results suggest that hormone synthesis, implantation, and developing embryos will be affected by mercury compound in the female mouse.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery Conference
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• 2017.04a
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• pp.164-164
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• 2017

스마트 돈사 환경의 복지 및 생산성 향상을 위하여 정량 분석법을 기반으로 한 모돈 관리의 중요성이 증가하고 있다. 모돈은 교배, 임신, 분만, 포유, 이유를 순환적 반복하여 이루어지는데 모돈의 관리는 돈사 농장의 생산성 및 경제성과 직결된다. 모돈 관리에 필요한 환경 및 계측정보를 획득하고 이 정보로부터 모돈의 개체관리를 극대화시키고 최적의 방안을 찾고자 지속적으로 계측이 가능한 모돈의 돈사 모니터링 시스템이 필요하다. 모돈의 행동특성 계측이 가능한 시스템이 필요한 이유는 모돈의 행동 특성(섭식 및 지제불량 등)에 상응하는 대사 불량, 질병 및 발정 징후 등을 조기에 발견할 수 있기 때문이다. 돈사 내에서 정지 상태로 판별이 되는 모돈의 지제상태(기립상태, 누운 상태, 앉은 상태)와 다르게 연속적인 움직임으로부터 판별되는 모돈의 섭식상태를 분석하기 위해서는 계측 시스템과 이를 분석해주는 시스템간의 시간적 차이를 최소화 할 수 있는 실시간 신호 처리 기술이 필수적이다. 모돈의 섭식을 정량적으로 지수화하기 위한 센서의 최소 SPS(sample per second)는 600 Hz($100Hz{\times}6$개)로서 최소 6개 ADC 채널과 최소 1,200 Hz 이상으로 샘플링 할 수 있는 마이크로 컨트롤러가 필요하다. 또한 16 비트의 분해능으로 1분 동안 연속 계측을 수행할 경우 필요한 정보량은 153,600 KByte ($1,200sample/s{\times}16bit/sample{\times}8Byte/bit$)으로 실시간 처리를 수행하기에 매우 큰 정보량이라 판단할 수 있다. 수행하고자 하는 정보처리 기법에 따라 다소 상이할 수 있으나, 1분을 주기로 모돈의 섭식 분석을 수행하고자 할 경우 최도 150 MByte의 정보량을 처리하기 위한 최소의 클럭수는 단순 대입의 경우 2.5 Mhz (clock/second) ($=1clock/Byte{\times}150MByte/60seconds$) 이며 덧셈(4 clock)의 경우 10 Mhz, 곱셈(16 clock)의 경우 40 Mhz의 클럭이 필요하다. 또한 정보의 저장 및 도시를 위해 필요한 부가적인 회로(LCD, SD메모리) 구동을 위해 필요한 클럭을 고려할 경우 추가적인 클럭이 필요하다. 이를 종합적으로 고려하여 120 Mhz ($= 40Mhz{\times}3$) 이상의 클럭이 필요하다고 판단할 수 있다. 또한 센서 계측 주기의 시간 분해능을 균등하게 유지하기 위해선 계측->도시->저장의 과정을 교차적으로 수행해야 한다. 이러한 과정을 거처 최종적으로 선정한 마이크로 프로세서는 ARM Cortex-M4이며 168 MHz로 연산 수행이 가능하여 목표하고자 하는 신호처리를 수행 할 수 있다. 현장 예비 실험을 통해 기대 성능을 만족하였으며, 시간 복잡도가 높은 연산을 대비하여 최적 시분할 스케쥴링 기법에 대한 보완이 필요하다고 판단되었다.