• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2005

It is well known that intaking alcohol chronically and heavily causes many formsof physical systemic distress including serious chronic alcoholic liver disease such as alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, liver cirrhosis and hepatoma. Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is known as a specific marker in detecting and monitoring alcohol associated disease. Weanalyzed various alcohol-associated parameters to evaluate the clinical usefulness of CDT. The first patient group consisted of fifty patients, who had been diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease from January 2003 to June 2004 at Chungnam National University Hospital. The second group consisted of 12 patients with non-alcoholic liver disease. The third group consisted of 19 teetotalerswho had visited the hospital for the purpose of routine healthcare checks. Various hepatic parameters such as CDT, $\small{\Gamma}$-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) were compared in the three groups. CDT and AST increased in direct proportion to the amount and duration of alcohol consumption with high significance, but $\small{\Gamma}$-GT and ALT showed arbitrary patterns with no statistical significance. The sensitivities of CDT, $\small{\Gamma}$-GT, AST and ALT were 74 %, 96 %, 68 % and 58 %, respectively and the specificities were 95 %, 74 %, 68 % and 79 % in order respectively. The correlation study of CDT with $\small{\Gamma}$-GT, AST and ALT showed a very low value of correlation coefficients, implying that CDT could be taken as an independent parameter in evaluating alcohol liver disease compared to $\small{\Gamma}$-GT, AST and ALT. This present study suggested that CDT coud be one of the most useful parameters in reflecting the amount and duration of alcohol consumption as well as being another independent parameter in assessing and following up patients with alcoholic liver disease. Moreover we recommend it is the best method of measuring both CDT and $\small{\Gamma}$-GT in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.13-19
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• 2016

Objectives : The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Allium tuberosum (AT) extract on atherosclerosis in LDL receptor knockout (LDLr KO) mouse fed western diet.Methods : The AT was extracted 70% ethanol. The experimental groups were divided with four groups of LDLr KO mice, one group fed a normal diet and the others fed a Western diets for 8weeks. Two Western diet groups were orally administered AT extract at dosage of 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight. The body weight and food intake were measured every day. We measured levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and Glucose in serum. Also, effect of AT extract performed using H&E staining.Results : The AT treatment groups showed decrease in body weight and food efficiency in comparison with control group. Blood biochemistry parameters such as TG, TC, LDL, and glucose levels were increased in control group, while AT treatment groups were reduced. Also, the increased levels of ALT and AST were improved by AT extract. We confirmed that the weights of liver, kidney, subcutaneous fat, epididymal fat, kidney leaf fat, and intraabdominal fat were change in LDLr KO mice treated AT extract. In addition, histopathological changes in liver and aorta were similar to normal group.Conclusions : Based on these results, the AT extract is considered to make prevention of atherosclerosis through reduction and functional improvement of the liver and vascular endothelial cells in the body fat accumulation and lipid content in LDLr ko mouse model.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2491-2494
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• 2013

Background: To evaluate the relative effectiveness of different treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the hepatic artery. Materials and Methods: The study sample group consisted of 418 patients who were randomly selected from 2008 to 2012 with a first diagnosis of HCC and treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or without (TAE) chemotherapy or transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI). We collected data including tumor size preoperative and one month thereafter to compare change in areas across the three groups, along with various laboratory indexes for comparison. Results: The overall average change of areas was $240.8{\pm}72.1mm^2$. In the three groups it was $265.0{\pm}58.0mm^2$ vs. $250.5{\pm}51.9mm^2$ vs. $123.7{\pm}26.2mm^2$. In groups TACE and TAE values were larger than in group TAI (p<0.01), but the difference between the two was not statistically significant (p= 0.191). Additionally, U/L change of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in groups TACE and TAE was greater than in the TAI cases ($24.0{\pm}13.5$ vs. $20.9{\pm}12.1$ vs. $5.47{\pm}8.20$ and $25.6{\pm}13.5$ vs.$23.2{\pm}12.28$ vs.$5.48{\pm}14.3$) on the preoperative day and two days thereafter (p<0.01). Between the two groups there was no significant cariation (p= 0.320 and p= 0.609). However, the AST and ALT recovered to normal levels one month later on therapy with liver protecting drugs. Conclusion: The groups TACE and TAE demonstrated more effective reduction of tumor size than group TAI. While lipiodol caused acute liver function damage, this proved reversible.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.123-130
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• 2014

The A-type lamin deficient mouse line ($Lmna^{-/-}$) has become one of the most frequently used models for providing insights into many different aspects of A-type lamin function. To elucidate the function of Lmna in the growth and metabolism of mice, tissue growth and blood biochemistry were monitored in Lmna-deficient mice, heterozygous ($Lmna^{+/-}$) and wide-type ($Lmna^{+/+}$) backcrossed to C57BL/6 background. At 4 weeks after birth, the weight of various organs of the $Lmna^{-/-}$, $Lmna^{+/-}$ and $Lmna^{+/+}$ mice was measured. A panel of biochemical analyses consisting of 15 serological tests was examined. The results showed that Lmna deficient mice had significantly decreased body weight and increased the ratio of organ to body weight in most of tissues. Compared with $Lmna^{+/+}$ and $Lmna^{+/-}$ mice, $Lmna^{-/-}$ mice exhibited lower levels of ALP (alkaline phosphatase), Chol (cholesterol), CR (creatinine), GLU (glucose), HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and higher levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) (p<0.05). $Lmna^{-/-}$ mice displayed higher AST (aspartate aminotransferase) values and lower LDL (lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol), CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) levels than $Lmna^{+/+}$ mice (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the three groups of mice with respect to BUN (blood urea nitrogen), CK (creatine kinase), Cyc C (cystatin C), TP (total protein), TG (triacylglycerols) and UA (uric acid) levels (p>0.05). These changes of serological parameters may provide an experimental basis for the elucidation of Lmna gene functions.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the analgesic effect of Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture on formalin induced pain in rats and to figure out efficient extraction method. Methods : The subjects were divided into 5 groups ; normal group(treated with normal saline at KI03, and injected normal saline at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), control group(treated with normal saline at KI03, and injected with formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), water group(treated by hot water extraction pharmacopuncture at KI03, and injected with formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), ethanol group(treated with ethanol extraction pharmacopuncture at KI03, and injected with formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), and ultrasound group(treated with ultrasound extraction pharmacacupuncture and injected with fromalin formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes). We conducted a formalin test with ultrasonic vocalization( USV), and after the test checked for substance P, Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), and Alanine aminotransferase(ALT) concentration in the blood for each of the groups. Results : There was a significant analgesic effect of Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture in the early phase of the formalin test, and pharmacopuncture made with an ultrasound extracting method was observed to have a better analgesic effect than other extracting methods in early phases. The substance P concentration decreased significantly in the Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture treated group and no difference was found in the AST and ALT concentration of each group. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture had analgesic effects in noxious nociceptors stimulation. Also pharmacopuncture made with an ultrasound extracting method had a better analgesic effect than others.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.1386-1392
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• 2006

Kahweol and cafestol significantly reduced t-BHP-induced oxidative injuries in cultured rat hepatocytes, as determined by cell cytotoxicity, intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, kahweol and cafestol provided good protection from the t-BHPinduced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. The in vivo study showed that pretreatment with kahweol and cafestol prior to the administration of t-BHP significantly prevented the increase in serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and reduced oxidative stress, such as GSH content and lipid peroxidation, in the liver in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathological evaluation of the livers also revealed that kahweol and cafestol reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by t-BHP. Taken together, these results support the anti-oxidative role of kahweol and cafestol and demonstrate that kahweol and cafestol can protect hepatocytes from oxidative stress.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.164-171
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this case report is to describe the efficacy of Saenggan-tang-gagam treatment in a patient with immune-tolerant chronic hepatitis B who converted to the immune active phase during hospitalization for Intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: A 61-year-old male patient with chronic hepatitis B was hospitalized from July 21, 2016 to October 24, 2016. On September 5, the patient showed fatigue and dyspepsia, and his urine was dark. These symptoms were accompanied by a dramatic elevation of aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. Saenggan-tang-gagam was administered three times a day until the patient was discharged from the hospital. Results: After the Saenggan-tang-gagam treatment, AST and ALP levels decreased significantly, below the upper limit level. In addition, the levels of ALT and GG were significantly decreased. In addition, the fatigue, dyspepsia, and dark urine induced by hepatitis improved after the Saenggan-tang-gagam treatment. Conclusion: This case report suggests that traditional Korean medicine has a beneficial effect on the immune active phase of chronic hepatitis B.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2017

Objectives: The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of YJT on experimental hypothyroidism induced by sodium perchlorate and methimazolein in mice. Methods: 30 one-month-old C57BL6 mice were decided into 4 groups: 1) normal (n=6), 2) sodium perchlorate and methimazolein-induced hypothyroidism control (n=8), 3) hypothyroidism mice treated with low YJT (n=8), 4) hypothyroidism mice treated with high YJT (n=8). Sodium perchlorate and methimazolein were administered for 4 weeks, YJT (low and high) was administered for 2 weeks after sodium perchlorate and methimazolein were initiated for a total duration of 2 week. The changes were observed : weight of body, T3, T4, TSH, follicular cells in the thyroid tissues, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid, FBG, AST, ALT and so on. Results: YJT did not affect body weight gain. YJT restored free T4 level decreased by sodium perchlorate and methimazolein and prevented shrinking of follicles and proliferation of follicular cells in the thyroid tissues. In addition, YJT lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels elevated by sodium perchlorate and methimazolein respectively and ameliorated distribution of fat in liver tissues. In addition, the effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also investigated. Conclusions: These data suggest that YJT can be used to treat woman patients which are accompanied with hypothyroidism relatively safely.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the incidence, associated factors and clinical impact of hyperamylasemia in self-poisoning patients. Methods: This study was based on a toxicology case registry of patients treated from 2009 to 2013 at a tertiary care university hospital. We retrospectively investigated the demographics, clinical variables, laboratory variables and intoxicants. Hyperamylasemia was defined as an elevation in serum amylase level to above the upper normal limit within 24 hours after admission. We analyzed the predisposing factors and clinical outcomes of patients in the hyperamylasemia group. Results: Hyperamylasemia was identified in 49 (13.3%) of the 369 patients. Using multivariate logistic regression, the odds ratios for HA were 3.384 (95% confidence interval, 1.142-8.013, p=0.014), 3.261 (95% confidence interval, 1.163-9.143, p=0.025) and 0.351 (95% confidence interval, 0.154-0.802, p=0.013) for pesticides, multi-drug use and sedatives, respectively. In the hyperamylasemia group, the peak amylase levels during 72 hours were correlated with the peak lipase levels (r=0.469, p=0.002) and peak aspartate aminotransferase levels (r=0.352, p=0.013). Finally, none of these patients had confirmed acute pancreatitis. Conclusion: Hyperamylasemia occurred rarely in these self-poisoning patients, and pesticide and multi-drug use were independent predictors of hyperamylasemia. Peak amylase levels were correlated with the peak lipase and aspartate aminotransferase levels.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1464-1469
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• 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of red ginseng by-product (RGB) on the laying performance, blood biochemistry, and microbial population in laying hens. A total of 120 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (75 weeks old) were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 4 replicates per treatment. A commercial-type basal diet was prepared, and 2 additional diets were prepared by supplementing 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg of RGB to the basal diet at the expense of corn. The diets were fed to hens on an ad libitum basis for 4 weeks. There were no differences in feed intake, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio during 4 weeks of the feeding trial. However, hen-day egg production was significantly greater (p<0.05) for the RGB treatment groups than that for the basal treatment group. There were no differences in triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase during the 4-week feeding trial. However, RGB supplementation increased (p<0.05) the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM content compared with basal treatment group. The total cholesterol was lower (p<0.05) in the RGB treatments groups than that in the basal treatment group. The intestinal Lactobacillus population was greater (p<0.05) for the RGB treatments groups than that for the basal treatment group. However, the numbers of Salmonella and Escherichia coli were not different among dietary treatments. During the entire experiment, there was no significant difference in egg quality among all the treatments. In conclusion, in addition to improving hen-day production, there were positive effects of dietary RGB supplementation on serum immunoglobulin and cholesterol levels in laying hens.