• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.817-826
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• 2005

Recently it has been reported that vitamin A and retinol binding proteins (RBPs) in blood and urine were changed in the condition of diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia. Fruits and vegetables are recommended to consume for the people suffered from these chronic degenerative diseases. The main components of fruits and vegetables are dietary fibers, for example cellulose and pectin, of which function to affect the absorption and excretion of dietary fat and fat-soluble substances. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary fibers on RBPs mRNA expression in liver, small intestine and serum of rat fed high fat diet during 4 weeks. Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 121g on average, were divided into four groups; (Control; $17\%$ fat & cellulose supplement diet, HF0: $25\%$ fat & fiber free diet, B:.Uc: $25\%$ fat & cellulose supplement diet and HF0: $25\%$ fat & pectin supplement diet) . The rats fed high fat diet groups (HF0, HFC, HFP) tended to consume the food less than the control group, but FER of HF0 groups was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05) . The weight of adrenal gland in high fat diet groups (HF0, HFC, HFP) was significantly less than the control. Total lipid in feces daily excreted and in liver did not show any significant differences among the groups. Total cholesterol in HFP group was significantly different from that of HFC group. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride in other group tended to lower than other groups and HDL cholesterol higher. Consequently, AI (atherogenic index) was the lowest in HFP group. Vit A contents in feces daily excreted tended to lower in high fat diet groups (HF0, HFP) compared to the control group. That content in adrenal gland was the lowest in HF0 group, but not in liver. In HFP group were down-regulated cRBPI mRNA in liver and cRBPII mRNA in small intestine and up-regulated RBP and transthyretin expression in serum compared to the other groups. In conclusion, dietary fibers, especially pectin, in high fat diet might down-regulate the expression of CRBP I, CRBP II mRNA in liver and small intestine, but increase the secretion of RBP into serum and therefore inhance the bioavailability of Vit A through the body. (Korean J Nutrition 38(10): 817$\sim$826,2005)

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.307-322
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• 1996

The corpus luteum (CL) is formed by the action of a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) on the pre-ovulatory follicle. Luteal cells derived from granulosa and theca interna cells continue to secrete progesterone for about two weeks. LH in domestic animals is essential for the normal secretion of progesterone at all stages of the luteal phase. For this process in the rodents, 20$\alpha$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20$\alpha$-HSD) is indispensable. 20$\alpha$-HSD is an enzyme to be a biologically inactive steroid. This enzyme plays a critical role in the regulation of the rat luteal function and reported to be present in steroid-producing tissues such as the testis and adrenal gland. We have purified 20$\alpha$-HSD and found two distinct 20$\alpha$-HSD molecules (HSD-1 and HSD-2). Their molecular weights are both estimated to be 33kd.The amino acid compositions of HSD-1 and HSD-2 are mostly similar, but there is a slight difference in the content of lysine. We demonstrated that 1) CL of previous generations contribute more to whole ovarian 20$\alpha$-HSD activity, 2) newly formed corpora lutea contain only 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activity, and 3) old CL express activities of each HSD isozyme as shown in the luteal tissue of cycling rats on the day of diestrus where only degenerating old CL exist. The increase in 20$\alpha$-HSD activity identified seems to be related to the increase in the numbers of 20$\alpha$-HSD-positive cells. Interestingly, 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activities were strongly found in the follicle fluids and theca interna cells by immunohistochemical study. Thus, the activity of 20$\alpha$-HSD may be related to a survival mechanism of those luteal cells and follicles remaining in the ovaries. Luteal cells arise from two sources. The small luteal cells are all of theca cell origin, while the large luteal cells are mainly of granulosa cell origin. CL of Korean Native Cattle, as those of other animal species, contains two morphologycally and functionally distinct luteal cell populations, such as small and large luteal cells as well as nonluteal cells. In all reproductive states except in the late luteal phase, the bovine CL also contained more small luteal cells than large luteal cells. Luteal tissue secretes a variety of growth factors (proteins) and the pattern of secretion changes during all stages of the luteal phase. These growth factors could be important in regulating the function of the bovine corpus luteum and may act in a potential endocrine autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, further work has to be done to elucidate the role of growth factors in the ovary, especially in the corpus luterum. Interest should be focussed on interaction of these growth factors in the regulation of luteal cell and the localization of cytokine synthesis in differnet luteal cells.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.192-198
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• 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown varying results between lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) performed with particulate versus non-particulate corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in pain relief and functional improvement between particulate and nonparticulate lumbosacral TFESIs in patients who had undergone both injections, sequentially. Methods: This was a self-controlled, retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent both a methylprednisolone and a dexamethasone TFESI to the same vertebral level and side. Primary outcomes included pain relief according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional improvement determined by a yes/no answer to questions regarding mobility and the activities of daily living. Post-injection data was recorded at 2, 3, and 6 months. Results: A decrease in VAS scores of -3.4 ± 3.0 (mean ± standard deviation), -3.1 ± 3.1, and -2.8 ± 3.4 was seen for the methylprednisolone group at 2, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Similar decreases of -3.9 ± 3.5, -3.4 ± 2.8, and -2.3 ± 3.4 were seen in the dexamethasone group. There was no significant difference in pain relief at any point between the two medications. The percentage of subjects who reported improved function at 2, 3, and 6 months was 65%, 51%, and 41%, respectively, for the methylprednisolone group and 75%, 53%, and 42% for the dexamethasone group. Conclusions: These findings support the use of non-particulate corticosteroids for lumbosacral TFESIs in the context of documented safety concerns with particulate corticosteroids.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2016

Purpose: Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and induces the release of glucocorticoids. Saccharin is 300 times sweeter than sucrose, but does not increase blood insulin levels. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of saccharin intake in restraint-induced stress response reduction in rats. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats had stress induced by restraint for 2 hours/day for 1 week. Saccharin was provided in sufficient amounts to allow them to intake it voluntarily at 0.1% diluted in water. The Y-maze test and forced swim test (FST) were performed to evaluate cognitive function and the depressive behavior of the rats. The protein expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA) 1 was investigated by using immunohistochemistry. Results: It was found that, the percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test was significantly (p<.01) higher in the Stress + saccharin group than in the Stress group. Immobility time in the FST was significantly (p<.01) lower in the Stress + saccharin group than in the Stress group. Also, the positive cells of GR in hippocampus CA1 were significantly (p<.05) lower in the Stress + saccharin group than in the Stress group. Conclusion: This study showed that there was an effect of saccharin intake in restraint-induced stress response reduction in rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.153-166
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• 2013

Yang deficiency pattern is a representative syndrome differentiation. This article is a study on to which categories of modern diseases yang deficiency is assigned by reference to modern clinical papers and the meaning of yang deficiency interpreted with a perspective of Korean Medicine and a modern perspective. Yang deficiency, yang qi deficiency, lack of yang qi and yang qi debilitation are the words found in "Nei Ching" and yang qi can be interpreted as something to warm, drive and arouse. Zhangzhongjing considered recovery or loss of Yang as the key to life in "Shanghanlun". Danxi proposed "Yang being liable to hyperactivity, Yin being insufficient" and emphasized pathological ministerial fire of Yang exuberance rather than physiological ministerial fire of Yang deficiency. Zhangjingyue proposed "Yang not being in excess, Yin being often deficient" and understood growth and decline of yin qi are all led by yang qi and put emphasis on true yin in addition to yang qi. Diseases of yang deficiency pattern are related with decline of metabolic level, hypofunction of internal secretion, disorder of immune function, disorder of automatic nerve system, sympathetic nerve inhibition, metabolic disorder of microelements, increase of cGMP, change of microcirculation, low speed of blood stream, kidney malfunction. Diseases related with kidney are sterility, polycystic ovary syndrome, spinal stenosis, edema, renal failure, IgA nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, nephritis, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, decrease of adrenal cortical hormone by nephrotic syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome. Disease related with heart are heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pulmonary heart disease. Diseases related with spleen are irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis. Diseases related with liver are hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis ascites, hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis, hepatic diabetes. Diseases related with lung are allergic rhinitis, cough variant asthma, bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema. And diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, aplastic anemia, headache, encephalatrophy, Alzheimer's disease are also related with yang deficiency.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.191-199
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• 2010

Acanthopanax Koreanum stem (AK) has been used in Korea as a tonic and sedative as well as a drug with ginseng like activities. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the effects of AK extract (AKE) and Eleutheroside E, major component of AKE on an exacerbated immune function through utilization of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) diet by using forced swimming test (FST). The immobility time were significantly decreased in the AKE or Eleutheroside E-administrated group compared with the control group on the FST (P < 0.05). The level of blood parameters were not changed significantly. PEM-induced weight loss of mice was reduced by oral administration of 500 mg/kg AKE. AKE oral administration improved the nutritional status such as the food efficiency ratio and the adrenal gland weight. AKE treatment significantly increased the production of interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ compared with unstimulated splenocytes but not interleukin (IL)-4. Eleutheroside E also significantly increased the IFN-$\gamma$ production but not IL-2 and IL-4 in T cell line, MOLT-4 cells. These results suggest that AKE and Eleutheroside E may influence to immune-enhancing through increasing the physical endurance capacity and immune cell activation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.149-154
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• 2004

Objective: To assess the association with autoimmune endocrine diseases and detection rate of autoimmune antibodies and its clinical significance in patients with premature ovarian failure. Methods: Twenty eight patients with primary or secondary amenorrhea manifesting hormonal and clinical features of premature ovarian failure (primary POF: 7, secondary POF: 21) were investigated. We tested them TFT, 75 g OGTT, ACTH and S-cortisol for thyroiditis, IDDM, Addison's disease, and antithyoglobulin antibody, antimicrosomal antibody, antinuclear antibody, rheumatic factor, anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody for non-organ specific autoimmune disorders. Results: Only one patient was diagnosed as IDDM and no patients had abnormal TFT or adrenal function test. More than one kind of autoantibody was detected in 11 patients of all (39.2%): 5 patients (71.4%) of primary POF group and 6 patients (21.4%) of secondary POF group. Eleven patients (39.3%) had antithyroglobulin antibody, 4 (14.3%) had antimicrosomal antibody, 2 (7.1%) had antinuclear antibody, 2 (7.1%) had rheumatic factor, 1 (3.6%) had anti-smooth muscle antibody, 1 (3.6%) had anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. Conclusions: Premature ovarian failure may occur as a component of an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, so patients should be measured with free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, fasting glucose and electrolytes. Measurement of thyroid autoantibodies in POF patients may be important in identifying patients at risk of developing overt hypothyoidism, but other autoantibodies may not be suitable for screening test.

• Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.422-433
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• 2018

Objective: Neuropsychiatric manifestations like depression and cognitive dysfunction commonly occur in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the context of the brain-gut axis model, colitis can lead to alteration of brain function in a bottom-up manner. Here, the changes in the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and inflammation-related markers in the brain in colitis were studied. Methods: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to generate a mouse model of colitis. Mice were treated with DSS for 3 or 7 days and sacrificed. We analyzed the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the expression of GFAP, in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala. Additionally, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum cortisol/corticosterone were measured. Results: Alteration of inflammatory-related markers varied depending on the brain region and exposure time. In the hippocampus, COX-2 mRNA, GFAP mRNA, and GFAP expression were upregulated during exposure to DSS. However, in the hypothalamus, COX-2 mRNA was upregulated only 3 days after treatment. In the amygdala, BDNF and COX-2 mRNAs were downregulated. CRP and corticosterone expression increased with DSS treatment at day 7. Conclusion: IBD could lead to neuroinflammation in a bottom-up manner, and this effect varied according to brain region. Stress-related hormones and serum inflammatory markers, such as CRP, were upregulated from the third day of DSS treatment. Therefore, early and active intervention is required to prevent psychological and behavioral changes caused by IBD, and region-specific studies can help understand the precise mechanisms by which IBD affects the brain.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.109-121
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• 2000

Increasingly nursing science is embracing the concepts and methodology derived from psycho-neuroimmunology. It has been previously shown that stress increases and immune function declines in students undergoing examinations. To date, however, no many studies have been reported on stress levels, immune function and interventions in Korean students undergoing their first clinical nursing rotation. It was proposed that nursing students during their first clinical rotation experience increase in stress because of the novelty of the situation and their lack of clinical knowledge. It was also hypothesized that biofeedback and progressive relaxation, methods of self-regulation of involuntary autonomic nervous system responses, would reduce the stress response. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of progressive muscle laxation using biofeedback The effectiveness of the experimental methods was tested by measuring the degree of symptoms of stress (SOS) and the values of ephinephrine, pulse rate, blood pressure and natural killer cells. The subjects of this study were thirty nursing students divided into two groups: experimental group was progressive muscle relaxation group using biofeedback and control group. This study was conducted for 8 weeks of clinical practice. Biofeedback training was done by software developed by J&J company (1-410 form for progressive muscle training). Progressive muscle relaxation training according to Jacobson's Theory was done by messaged word from biofeedback. The data was analyzed using Chronbach' ${\alpha}$ and t-test of the SPSS program and the significance level of statistics was 5%. The results of the study were : 1) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of symptoms of stress(t=-4.248, p<.001) under clinical practice stress conditions. 2) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was not effective for the values of epinephrine(t=-1.294, p=.206). 3) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of systolic blood pressure (t=-2.757, p=.01). 4) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of diastolic blood pressure (p=-2.032, 0=.05). 5) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was not effective for the reduction of pulse rate(t=-15, p=.988). 6) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the maintenance of natural killer cells (t=2.381, p=02). The first clinical rotation for student nurses is a stressful experience as seen by the rise in the SOS in the control group. Biofeedback using progressive muscle relaxation were effective in preventing the rise of symptoms of stress and the blood pressure means when comparing the pre to post clinical experience, The mean natural killer cell count was depressed in the control group but not significantly different in the experimental groups, It is proposed here that stress via the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal axis suppressed the NK cell count whereas the relaxation methods prevented the rise in stress and the resulting immune depression. We recommend relaxation techniques using biofeedback as a health promotion technique to reduce psychological stress. In summary. the progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of symptoms of stress under clinical practice stress conditions.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.128-136
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• 2023

Background: The authors aimed to compare the effects of a one-time ultrasound (US)-guided subacromial corticosteroid injection and three-time ozone (O₂-O₃) injection in patients with chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to the corticosteroid group (n = 22) or ozone group (n = 22). Injections in both groups were administered into subacromial bursa with an US-guided in-plane posterolateral approach. Primary outcome measure was the change in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score between baseline and 12-weeks post-injection. Secondary outcome measures included visual analog scale and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores. Assessments were recorded at baseline, and 4-weeks and 12-weeks post-injection. Results: Forty participants completed this study. Based on repeated measurement analysis of variance, a significant effect of time was found for all outcome measures in both groups. Both the groups showed clinically significant improvements in shoulder pain, quality of life, and function. Baseline, 4-week post-injection, and 12-week post-injection WORC scores (mean ± standard deviation) were 57.91 ± 18.97, 39.10 ± 20.50 and 37.22 ± 27.31 in the corticosteroid group, respectively and 69.03 ± 15.89, 39.11 ± 24.36, and 32.26 ± 24.58 in the ozone group, respectively. However, no significant group × time interaction was identified regarding all outcome measures. Conclusions: Three-time ozone injection was not superior to a one-time corticosteroid injection in patients with chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy. It might be as effective as corticosteroid injection at 4-weeks and 12-weeks post-injection in terms of relieving pain and improving quality of life and function.