• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.229-237
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hangover cure effects of compound prescription containing Phyllanthus emblica and Azadirachta Indica leaf extract (CP). In vitro experiments, HepG2 cells were induced oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and treated with CP at 50, 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentration. Antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalse (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) activity and glutathione (GSH) content were decreased by hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, but CP was increased that. In vivo experiments, experiment rats were orally administered alcohol 3 g/kg and, after 30 min administered CP 200 mg/kg. After 1 and 3 h of alcohol administration, blood was collected from the tail vein, while after 5 h, blood was collected from the heart. CP modulates alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde level, thereby decreased alcohol level in serum. Also, CP decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These results suggest that CP has antioxidant effects and alleviates alcohol hangover symptoms.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.187-196
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• 2021

Purpose: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity in the past decades has caused non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to become the most common cause of pediatric chronic liver disease worldwide. This study was aimed at determining the effect of vitamin D (Vit D) on ultrasonography and laboratory indices of NAFLD and some blood biochemical indicators in children. Methods: In this interventional study liver ultrasonography was performed in 200 children with overweight and obesity. A 108 had fatty liver among which 101 were randomly divided into two groups of study (n=51) and control (n=50). The study group was treated with Vit D, 50000 U once a week whereas the control group received placebo with the same dose and package, both for 12 weeks. At the end of the intervention lab tests and ultrasound study was performed once again to evaluate the response to treatment. Results: It was found out that Vit D supplementation improved the fatty liver grade in the study group. The mean changes in hemoglobin (Hb), uric acid, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly higher in the study group compared to controls (p<0.05). After the intervention and means adjustment, a significant difference was obtained in HDL-C, insulin, LDL-C and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) between the two groups. Conclusion: Vit D supplementation in addition to improving the fatty liver grade in ultrasonography and increasing the blood Vit D level, increases the HDL and Hb level besides decreasing uric acid, LDL, HOMA-IR, insulin and ALT levels.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.299-304
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• 2021

A 3-year-old female Connemara pony was referred to Jeju National University Equine Hospital because of weight loss and prolonged anorexia. On admission, heart and respiratory rates were slightly elevated while body temperature was within the normal range. The color of the conjunctival and oral mucosa was yellowish pink. The blood chemistry results showed that total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were remarkably elevated while blood urea nitrogen was within the reference range. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged right lobe of the liver with prominently increased parenchymal echogenicity, reduced hepatic vessels, and rounded caudal border. The pony was tentatively diagnosed with chronic hepatitis and icterus; rest and supportive treatments were provided. Clinical signs aggravated on day 2 with hind quarter paresis and cranial nerve signs such as circling, drooping, jerking, and head pressing against walls. Recumbency and generalized ataxia (grade 5/5) were shown on day 3. Plasma ammonia concentration on day 3 was as high as 656 µmol/L. Necropsy and histopathologic examinations strongly supported a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. This case of hepatic encephalopathy exhibited rapid progress from low to terminal grade within 4 days in a Connemara pony. The results provide well-established clinical and pathological data for future application.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2019

Objectives : Alcohol hangover is a common phenomenon which basically occurs after heavy drinking. Moreover, heavy alcohol consumption leads to acute and chronic diseases. We investigated the effect of herbal mixture (SJ) on alcohol metabolism in serum or/and liver. Methods : 5W-old Sprague Dawley rats were used for the study. To overnight fasted rats, 0.9% saline or SJ extract was administrated per os before alcohol treatment. Then, 40% alcohol was orally administrated to all rats in 30 mins. Ethanol, acetaldehyde concentrations, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities were measured by assay kits. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured by analyzer. Results : Ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations lowered in SJ groups compared with CON group. Especially, acetaldehyde concentration significantly decreased in SJ groups compared with CON group. AST and ALT levels tended to increase in SJ groups compared with CON group but there was no significant difference between CON group and SJ groups. ADH activity in serum was higher in SJ groups than CON group but no significant difference in liver. ALDH activity in both serum and liver showed significantly increased in SJ groups compared with CON group. Conclusions : Treatment of SJ extract showed not only reducing concentration of alcohol and acetaldehyde but also increasing activities of ADH and ALDH. These results suggest SJ may influence in alcohol metabolism via control of metabolic enzyme activities and metabolite. Therefore, SJ, herbal mixture, might have a function of preventing hangover after drinking alcohol.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.9-17
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• 2022

Objective : In modern society, liver diseases such as liver fibrosis are on the rise as inflammation and wound healing processes of the liver are repeated due to factors such as drinking, smoking, and stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saenggangeonbi-tang (SGGBT) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Methods : The mice were divided into 4 groups for examination (n=6): Normal group (Nor), distilled water-treated liver fibrosis mice (Con), silymarin 50 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (Sily), SGGBT 200 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (S200). Liver fibrosis was established in the mice via TAA for 8 weeks (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2,3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg, three times a week, intraperitoneal injection) and they were administered silymarin and SGGBT (every day, oral administration) with the TAA. Results : SGGBT significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferanse, ammonia, and myeloperoxidase in serum increased by liver fibrosis. As a result of confirming H&E and MT staining, it was confirmed that SGGBT reduced damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and alleviated changes in collagen fiber deposition and histological fibrosis. Also, it was confirmed through PAS staining that it reduced glycogen deposition in liver tissue. In addition, SGGBT significantly decreased the NADPH oxidases as well as significantly modulated the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Conclusions : These results suggest that SGGBT regulates the expression of MMP/TIMP protein through inhibition of oxidative stress and alleviates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen and glycogen deposition in liver tissue.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.235-241
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immune activation effect of Sasamsaengmaek-san (SSSMS) consisted of a mixture of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, Liriope platyphylla, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and Schisandra chinensis. in Balb/c mice. Measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartic acid transaminase (AST) levels in Balb/c mice was performed to analyze the cytotoxicity. Cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12) which regulate the immune activation in Balb/c mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activated T lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), spleen, lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry using percentages. All tests were compared with red ginseng 100 ㎍/mL (RG 100), which is the most used for immune activity. As a result, cytokine activity was significantly increased at SSSMS 300 group. Activated T lymphocytes in PBMC, spleen, lymph nodes were significantly increased at SSSMS 300 group. These results suggest that there is a possibility of SSSMS activating an immune system by activating the cytokines, and it is confirmed that SSSMS also effective for generation and differentiation of T, B lymphocytes which activate the immune response.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2024

This study evaluated the utilization of a low fish meal (LFM) diet and black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens meal and oil as a fish meal (FM) substitute or functional additive for juvenile olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at the Jeju fish farm. Two experimental diets replaced FM using animal (tankage, poultry byproduct and tuna byproduct meal) and plant (wheat gluten and soy protein concentrate) protein sources, containing 45% (FM45) and 35% (FM35) of FM, respectively. One experimental diet replaced FM with animal, plant, and BSF meal, fish oil using insect meal and oil (FM35+). After the feeding trial ended, no differences in growth performance, feed utilization, survival and biological indices were observed among all experimental groups. Aspartate aminotransferase and cholesterol levels in the FM35 and FM35+ groups were significantly higher than that in the FM70 group. The linoleic acid level in the muscle was significantly higher in the fish fed with the FM70 diet than in those fed with the FM45, FM35, and FM35+ diets. Thus, the LFM diet is suitable for juvenile olive flounder farming during six months.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.538-551
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• 2023

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) causes liver damage. This study aimed to compare the ameliorative activity of the dates flesh extract (DFE) and selenium-nanoparticles (SeNPs) on CCL₄-induced hepatotoxicity and if DFE could be a useful alternative supplement. Twenty-four male albino rats were enrolled and randomly divided into four equal groups (6 rats in each group): control group received only basal diet with no medications. Group II received CCL₄ in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection twice weekly for four weeks. Group III rats were pretreated with SeNPs in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg once a day orally three times/wk for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL₄ for another four weeks. Group IV rats were pretreated with DFE in a dose of 8 ml of the aqueous extract/kg/d orally for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL₄ for another four weeks. The liver damage was assessed by estimation of plasma concentration of albumin and enzymes activities of alanine aminotransferase and tissue genes expression. Liver oxidation levels were assessed by measuring the tissue concentration of the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and the total glutathione. Additionally, inflammatory mediators tumour necrosis factor--α and interleukin-6 were estimated. Detecting the liver's cellular structural damage was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This study suggests that CCL₄-induced liver damage in rats can be protected by administration whether the costly SeNPs or the economical DFE.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.236-245
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• 2024

Purpose: The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing with the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. Although NASH has a high risk of progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, few studies have reported noninvasive markers for predicting hepatic fibrosis in children. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracies of serologic biomarkers and scoring systems for hepatic fibrosis in obese children with NASH. Methods: A total of 96 children were diagnosed with NASH based on liver biopsy findings and divided into two groups according to the degree of liver fibrosis: mild (stage 0-1) or advanced (stage 2-4). Clinical and laboratory parameters and serum levels of hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen were measured. The aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score were calculated. Results: Among the noninvasive markers, only serum type IV collagen level and FIB-4 were significantly different between the two groups. The area under the receiver operating curve of each biomarker and scoring system was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-0.90) for type IV collagen at an optimal cutoff of 148 ng/mL (sensitivity 69.8%, specificity 84.6%), followed by 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57-0.83) for APRI, 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56-0.80) for FIB-4, and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53-0.77) for hyaluronic acid. Conclusion: Type IV collagen as a single noninvasive serologic biomarker for hepatic fibrosis and FIB-4 as a hepatic fibrosis score are beneficial in predicting advanced hepatic fibrosis and determining proper diagnosis and treatment strategies before fibrosis progresses in obese children with NASH.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.256-270
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• 2024

The antidepressant drug trazodone (TRZ) is commonly used for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia, however, it causes cardiotoxicity, which is one of its limitations. The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of sage (Salvia officinalis) in rats against cardiotoxicity induced by TRZ and to investigate the mechanisms involved in its cardio-protective properties through autophagy and oxidative stress. Fifty male albino rats were split randomly into five experimental groups: control group, sage oil group (100 mg/kg), TRZ group (20 mg/kg), protective group, and curative group. Cardiac function biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase-MB [CK-MB], and cardiac troponin T [cTnI]) were assessed in serum. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in cardiac tissue (total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were evaluated. Heart tissues were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations. DNA damage also evaluated. Significant rise in the levels of AST, CK-MB, and cTnI were observed with enhanced autophagy along with marked histopathological changes in the form of interrupted muscle fibers with wide interstitial spaces with areas of hemorrhage and extravasated blood and interstitial mononuclear cellular infiltration in TRZ group. DNA damage was also significantly increased in TRZ group. However, administration of sage in both protective and curative groups show marked improvement of the cardiac alterations. In conclusion, sage ameliorated the alterations in the heart induced by trazadone through modulation of autophagy and oxidative stress.