• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.15-18
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• 2001

Silk fibroin (SF) derided from the domestic silk worm, bombyx mori, is the natural protein and widely used as bio-functional materials as well as apparels. We studied the livers protective effect of SF from alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in the alcohol preference mouse. To increase more absorption of SF in experimental animals, molecular weight of SF was lowered by 2N of HCI aqueous solution at 10$0^{\circ}C$ for 48 hrs. SF was added to liquid diet with alcohol and fed to the alcohol preference mice for 4 weeks. To assess the liver function, the concentration of alanine aminotransferase (AlT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cholesterol present in either blood or liver tissue were measured. As compared with non-SF treated groups the SF-treated showed significantly low concentrations of ALT, AST, cholesterol and triacylglycerol values, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed that the extent of hepatocyte injury in the SF-treated group was reduced when it was compared with non SF-treated group. These results suggest that SF may have liver protective effects against alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.90-96
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• 1997

Purpose : Recently a shift in hepatitis A incidence from children to adults has been well noted. We experienced under 15-years old 31 patients who presented hepatitis A infection. In order to prepare for the prevention on hepatitis A outbreak in the future, we studied the clinical and epidemiologic manifestations of these patients. Methods : We enrolled patients from July to December in 1996 (6 months) and evaluated the monthly incidence, geographical distribution, age and sex, and clinical manfestations, including laboratory fadings. Results : Many cases of hepatitis A occured in the summer months, especially August (16/31 cases). Most of patients (87%) were living in the Seo-Ku area (northwest district of the city). In age distribution, there were no cases under 3 years of age, 3 cases from 4~5 years, 13 cases from 6~10 years, 15 cases from 11~15 years. Clinical profiles showed that dark urine, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue were the common presenting symptoms. The initial presenting laboratory tests included total bilirubin 3.3mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase of 856units/L, and serum asparate aminotransferase and alanine aminolransferase levels of 910IU/L and 1239IU/L, respectively. No patient presented atypical clinical courses or complications. Conclusions : Hepatitis A in children shows benign clinical features. This study showed that the possibility of another outbreak of Hepatitis A in the TaeJon area or elsewhere in the near future Korea will be possible. To prevent an outbreak we will be concerned about the anti-HAV IgG prevalance rate in children and preventive modalities including vaccination against hepatitis A.