• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.201-207
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• 2021

We have previously reported that Acer tegmentosum extract, which is traditionally used in Korea to reduce alcohol-related liver injury, suppresses liver inflammation caused by excessive alcohol consumption and might improve metabolism. The active ingredient, 6-O-galloylsalidroside (GAL), was isolated from A. tegmentosum, and we hypothesized that GAL could provide desirable pharmacological benefits by ameliorating physiological conditions caused by alcohol abuse. Therefore, this study focused on whether GAL could ameliorate alcoholic fat accumulation and repair liver injury in mice. During chronic alcohol consumption plus binge feeding in mice, GAL was administered orally once per day for 11 days. Intrahepatic lipid accumulation was measured in vivo using a noninvasive method, ¹H magnetic resonance imaging, and confirmed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured using a Konelab system, and the triglyceride content was measured in liver homogenates using an enzymatic peroxide assay. The results suggested that GAL alleviated alcohol-induced steatosis,e as indicated by decreased hepatic and serum triglyceride levels in ethanol-fed mice. GAL treatment also correlated with a decrease in the Cd36 mRNA expression, thus potentially inhibiting the development of alcoholic steatosis via the hepatic de novo lipogenesis pathway. Furthermore, treatment with GAL inhibited the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 and attenuated hepatocellular damage, as reflected by a reduction in ALT and AST levels. These findings suggest that GAL extracted from A. tegmentosum has the potential to serve as a bioactive agent for the treatment of alcoholic fatty liver and liver damage.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.177-187
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• 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MBS) is a widespread disease that has strongly related to unhealthy diet and low physical activity, which initiate more serious conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of morin, as one of the flavonoids constituents, which widely exists in many herbs and fruits, against some metabolic and hepatic manifestations observed in MBS rats and the feasible related mechanisms. MBS was induced in rats by high fructose diet feeding for 12 weeks. Morin (30 mg/kg) was administered orally to both normal and MBS rats for 4 weeks. Liver tissues were used for determination of liver index, hepatic expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) as well as both inflammatory and fibrotic markers. The fat/muscle ratio, metabolic parameters, systolic blood pressure, and oxidative stress markers were also determined. Our data confirmed that the administration of morin in fructose diet rats significantly reduced the elevated systolic blood pressure. The altered levels of metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, serum insulin, serum lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers were also reversed approximately to the normal values. In addition, morin treatment decreased liver index, serum liver enzyme activities, and fat/muscle ratio. Furthermore, morin relatively up-regulated GLUT2 expression, however, down-regulated NF-κB, TNF-α, and TGF-β expressions in the hepatic tissues. Here, we revealed that morin has an exquisite effect against metabolic disorders in the experimental model through, at least in part, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.315-326
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• 2019

This study is a review of research articles on the characteristics of probiotics. Probiotics are effective at ameliorating immune disease, alleviating glucose intolerance, and improving constipation and diarrhea. Furthermore, they have anticancer and antitumor effects, preventive effects against cardiovascular disease, antidiabetic effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial effects, and they produce useful metabolites. It has been demonstrated that oral probiotics are effective in eliminating halitosis and forming a favorable oral ecosystem, by creating an environment that is not readily inhabited by harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which produces lactic acid and causes tooth decay, or Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes gum disease.As a result, oral probiotics are being considered not only as therapeutics against diseases, but also as preventive agents for the maintenance of a healthy oral balance. In spite of some limitations, clinical trials are currently underway, and this study can provide evidence to support the use of probiotics to improve oral health conditions, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and Candida colonization.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2019

Previous studies have shown that spinosin was implicated in the modulation of sedation and hypnosis, while its effects on learning and memory deficits were rarely reported. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of spinosin on the improvement of cognitive impairment in model mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ and determine the underlying mechanism. Spontaneous locomotion assessment and Morris water maze test were performed to investigate the impact of spinosin on behavioral activities, and the pathological changes were assayed by biochemical analyses and histological assay. After 7 days of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of spinosin ($100{\mu}g/kg/day$), the cognitive impairment of mice induced by $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ was significantly attenuated. Moreover, spinosin treatment effectively decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ accumulation in hippocampus. $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ induced alterations in the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), as well as inflammatory response in brain were also reversed by spinosin treatment. These results indicated that the ameliorating effect of spinosin on cognitive impairment might be mediated through the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory process, apoptotic program and neurotrophic factor expression,suggesting that spinosin might be beneficial to treat learning and memory deficits in patients with AD via multi-targets.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.95-101
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• 2019

Objectives: Angiotensin II (AngII), a major product of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has important role in induction of hypertension and antihypertensive effect of several medicinal plant was mediated by effect on this agent. Therefore, this study examined the possible effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) on hypertension induced by AngII. Methods: Six groups (n = 6) of rats were used as follow: 1) Control, 2) AngII (300 ng/kg), 3) Losartan (Los, 10 mg/kg) + AngII and 4-6) C. sativus extract (10, 20 & 40 mg/kg,) + AngII. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for recording cardiovascular parameters and drugs administration, respectively. All drugs were injected intravenously (i.v). Los and all doses of C. sativus injected 10 min before AngII. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout the experiment and those peak changes (${\Delta}$) were calculated and compared to control and AngII. Results: AngII significantly increased ${\Delta}MAP$, ${\Delta}SBP$ and ${\Delta}HR$ than control (P < 0. 01 to P < 0.001) and these increments were significantly attenuated by Los. All doses of C. sativus significantly reduced peak ${\Delta}MAP$, ${\Delta}SBP$, and ${\Delta}HR$ than AngII group (P < 0. 05 to P < 0.001). In addition, peak ${\Delta}MAP$, ${\Delta}SBP$ in doses 10 and 20 were significant than Los + AngII group (P<0.05 to P< 0.01) but in dose 40 only MAP was significant (P<0.05). Peak ${\Delta}HR$ in all doses of C sativus was not significant than Los+ AngII. Conclusion: Regarding the improving effect of the C. sativus extract on AngII induced hypertension, it seems that this ameliorating effect partly mediated through inhibition of RAS.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2019

Objectives : The objective of present study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Perilla(Perilla frutescens; Labiatae, PF), the roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum(PP) and the root of Scutellaria baicalensis(SB) in vitro and anti-asthmatic effects of mixture of PF, PP and SB(PS) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in BALB/c mice. Methods : Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects were observed on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS) treated RAW 264.7 cells through Nitric Oxide(NO) production and RBL-2H3 cells through ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase. Anti-asthmatic effects were observed on the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and the level of IgE in serum on OVA-induced BALB/c mice. Results : The treatment of PF, PP and SB(12.5, 25, 50, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) resulted in a significant inhibition of NO production in RAW 264.7 cells and mast cell degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Oral administration of PS(400mg/kg/day) resulted in a significant reduction in the numbers of eosinophils in BALF and level of IgE in serum. Conclusion : The oral administration of PS is effective in ameliorating the eosinophilic infiltration in vivo and thus can be a good therapeutic candidate for allergic asthma.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.49-57
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• 2019

The street trees increase the liveability of cities by reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, storing carbon, providing shade, and ameliorating the urban heat-island effect. In this study, the health status of street trees in Suwon was evaluated, and the factors affecting the growth of the trees were also derived. In order to evaluate the growth and health of street trees, field survey was carried out on a total of 125 trees in 25 sections of the Deogyeong-daero where is through the city. During the field survey, the following items were examined: Street trees health status (i.e. species, height, DBH (diameter at breast height), planting types, vigor, etc.), soil factors (i.e. soil temperature, humidity, pH, hardness, etc.), and environmental factors (i.e. landuse, road width, etc.). As the results of field survey, the main species of the street trees was Zelkova serrata, which was healthy in most of the sections. The factors such as planting types, soil temperatures, tree root cover, road extension, distance from the road were derived to affect the growth and health of street trees, and the differences were significant. The results of this study were derived the following conclusions for vigorous street trees: First, it is important to install and maintain the protection facilities like tree root cover for the growth of trees. Second, it is necessary to discuss how to plant multiple trees in narrow spaces like a street green space. Third, it is important to provide appropriate soil conditions continuously for growth of threes. Finally, it should be utilized as a mitigation measure of urban heat island effects.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2021

Purpose: Demand for genetic counseling on cancer predisposition syndrome is increasing. We evaluated the psychological effect on counselees after genetic counseling at a clinic in a single center. Materials and Methods: We surveyed a total of 72 enrolled participants who visited a genetic counseling clinic at the Samsung Medical Center (SMC). The initial survey was conducted before the first genetic counseling session, and the second survey was conducted after the second genetic counseling session. A total of 43 participants completed both the initial and second surveys. Results: The initial survey of 72 participants indicated higher feelings of guilt in the group with religion, higher depression and anxiety in the group with a diagnosis of self, and higher anxiety in the group on self-referral to the genetic counseling clinic. In the completed survey of 43 participants, overall decreased depression was observed after the second genetic counseling session (P=0.013). Risk perception and anxiety decreased in the group diagnosed with benign variant/variant of uncertain significance (BV/VUS, 25/3) and increased in the group diagnosed with pathogenic variant (PV, 15). Risk perception and anxiety differed between the BV/VUS and PV groups (P<0.001 and P=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: The genetic counseling clinic at the SMC was effective in ameliorating the depression score. Assessment of survey results revealed different depression scores, feelings of guilt and anxiety, and different effects of the genetic counseling clinic, depending on the subgroups. Understanding the needs and psychological characteristics of different groups is necessary for improving genetic counseling services.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.66-88
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• 2021

Objectives : This study aims to report 3 cases of systemic atopic dermatitis improved by Korean medicine hospitalization care. Methods : Unlike outpatients, inpatients were supervised their lifestyle including dietary habits by physicians every morning and daily treated with acupuncture, herbal medicine including Bangpungtongseongsan-gagam, and Hwangryunhaedok-tang wet dressing therapy during all week. For dressing preparation, Hwangryunhaedok-tang was used to skin lesion except face. Mixed decoction of Lonicerae Flos and Forsythiae Fructus was used to facial lesion. Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture was injected to 2 patients. Western oral medicine and injection such as antihistamine or corticosteroids were prescribed by physician depending on each patient's condition. Symptoms were assessed with SCORAD index, IGA, and taking photos. Results : All patients showed the decrease in SCORAD index, IGA, skin lesion amelioration, and patient-subjective improvement. As time passes, dependence on western treatment also decreased and patients were able to endure pruritus without antihistamine injection during hospitalization. Conclusions : This study suggests that Korean medicine hospitalization care including acupuncture, herbal medicine, external therapy is effective for improving atopic dermatitis through decrease SCORAD index, IGA and ameliorating skin lesion.

• Journal of English Language & Literature
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.1163-1191
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• 2009

As many critics do, this article starts from the premise that Charles Waddell Chesnutt wrote The Conjure Woman with a distinct socio-ethical view to ameliorating white readers' racism. For this purpose of social activism, first, the author uses a racially submissive genre and narrator- antebellum plantation-dialect fiction and an old ex-slave Julius-in order to win the attention of white racists, who constituted the majority of the reading public of postbellum America. Chesnutt then allows this seemingly submissive ex-slave consecutively to wage narrative battles against a Northern white capitalist, John. This fiction's structure is thus based on interracial narrative conflict. Granted, the result of these narrative battles is Julius's defeat. Even though he sometimes has narrative success through his manipulation of either his white female auditor's sentimentalism or the white capitalist's racial prejudice, it does not lead to any fundamental change in the white audience members' awareness: John still regards Julius's tacitly reformoriented tales merely as nonsensical ghost stories invented by the absurd imagination of a subservient, entertaining, and exploitable black coachman. Admitting his defeat, Julius relinquishes his original goal of deterring John's capitalist exploitation of both racial Others and the natural environment of the South and finally decides to serve the economic power of white capitalism. This self-defeating conclusion, however, should not be identified with Chesnutt's failure as an author. Rather, it should be understood as an interim result of the black author's earnest experiment with literary media best suited to his reform project. In fact, this narrative failure reveals Chesnutt's accurate diagnosis of the postbellum literary world: a black voice is still feebly heard and even easily buried by the whites' capitalist ambition and consequently intensifying racism. Conclusively, Julius's narrative failure should be positively evaluated as Chesnutt's one step further in his gradual and lifelong progress to a narrative goopher effectively to engage whites' imagination and sympathy for a vision of equal interracial coexistence.