• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.199-208
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• 1987

The chemotherapeutic efficacy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole ($Bactrim^{\circledR}$) in mice experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gcndii was evaluated. The average survival days and survival rate of mice infected intraperitoneally with $1{\times}10^5$ trophozoites and treated with $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ were compared with those of untreated group. The hematologic findings of blood samples of experimental mice were observed for comparison of side elects between $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ and pyrimethamine ($Daraprim^{\circledR}$), the latter of which has been one of the favorable drugs for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. The results are summarized as follows: 1. $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ showed a strong evidence of potent anti-Toxoplasma activity. The survival rate of mice administered with 24 mg of $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ per mouse per day for 7 days, was 83.3%, and the rate was increased to 100% in mice administered with two-fold concentrated dose of the drug. 2. The average numbers of white blood cells (W.B.C.) in the mouse groups treated with $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ or $Daraprim^{\circledR}$ were more increased than those only infected with T. gondii. The mice treated with $Daraprim^{\circledR}$ however, showed remarkably decreased numbers of W.B.C. as compared with those treated with $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ . 3. The average numbers of red blood cells (R.B.C.) and platelets both in the drug-treated and untreated T. gondii-infected mice were decreased as compared with normal mice. The numbers of R. B. C. in $Daraprim^{\circledR}-treated$ mice, however, were more decreased than in $Bactrim^{\circledR}-treated$ mice. 4. The average levels of hemoglobin both in the drug.treated and untreated T. gondii-infected mice were decreased, compared with normal mice. But there was no difference in the levels of hemoglobin between $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ and $Daraprim^{\circledR}-treated$ groups. In conclusion, trimethoprim.sulfamethoxasole ($Bactrim^{\circledR}$) was proven to be effective and safe for the treatment of murine toxoplasmosis. The efficacy was comparable with pyrimethamine ($Daraprim^{\circledR}$), but bone marrow depression was less severe with $Bactrim^{\circledR}$ treatment.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.143-148
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• 2009

Objectives : Anxiety and depression are stress-related disorders. Their prevalence are increasing rapidly. Ginseng is the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) which has been used for many centuries in asian region. Anxiolytic effect is one of the popular effects of ginseng. Several studies reported saponin fraction of ginseng, including ginsenoside, is a major ingredient of anxiolytic effect. In present study, we investigated anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effect of non-saponin fraction in mice. Material and Method : Mice were divided into five groups. Experimental groups were administered non-saponin fractions (25 mg/kg; nsp25, 50 mg/kg; nsp50, 100 mg/kg; nsp100) respectively once a day in the morning at 9am for 1 week. Then, we performed elevated plus-maze (EPM) test for investigating the anxiolytic-like effect and forced swimming test (FST) for investigating the antidepressant-like action. Results : Non-saponin fraction 50 mg/kg group increased frequency and time spent (p<0.05) in open arm on EPM test and decreased immobility time (p<0.05) on FST compared with control group. Conclusions : We suggest that non-saponin fraction has anxiolytic-like effect and antidepressant like effect in mice.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-117
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• 2023

Modern industrial society demands socially-prescribed perfectionism from office workers and causes self-discrepancy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to propose a counseling strategy that integrates the divided self based on Fairbairn's psychological structure and reduces self-discrepancy by changing interpersonal relation patterns. 14 sessions were conducted once a week from March 2022 to July 2022. T-test was used as a research method to compare the level of self discrepancy by conducting the Self Questionnaire before and after. During the initial stage, the client was in conflict with his boss and showed anger, depression, somatic symptoms such as gastrointestinal disorder, strict judgement on himself and others, and high self-discrepancy. This research showed that the client's libidinal ego and anti-libidinal ego were de-repressed and integrated into his central ego, and his self-discrepancy level was decreased, which was confirmed through the pre-post test. This research, as a case study applying Fairbairn's psychological structure, has a meaning that it confirmed a change in the interpersonal relation patterns of a socially-prescribed perfectionistic client.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1467-1474
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• 2023

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.1-17
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• 2013

Objectives: In this research, the effect of samul-tanggahyangbuja on depression and learning in ovariectomized rats subjected to repetitive stress were assessed. Samul-tanggahyangbuja is the prescription consisting of Samul-tang and Cyperi Rhizoma. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed over a 2-week period. After being orally medicated with samul-tanggahyangbuja (100 or 400 mg/kg), rats performed the Morris water maze test and forced swimming test, and social exploration was assessed in a behavior test. As well, sucrose intake was measured and measurements of blood serum corticosterone and the change of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in blood samples were made. Results: 1. In the Morris water maze test, rats medicated with 100 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja mastered the maze in a shorter time on the 4th day in comparison with the control group, while rats medicated with 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja mastered the maze more quickly (p<0.05 on the 3rd day ; p<0.01 on the 4th day, as compared to control). 2. Immobility time in the forced swimming test was significantly decreased in rats receiving 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja compared with the control group (p<0.05). 3. Sucrose intake and active social behavior of rats receiving 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja were markedly increased in comparison with the control group (p<0.01). 4. Blood serum corticosterone measurements revealed decreased blood serum corticosterone level after medicating with samul-tanggahyangbuja. But it was not statistically significant. 5. Treatment with either dose of samul-tanggahyangbuja significantly reduced IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that samul-tanggahyangbuja possesses the anti-depressant and cognitive-enhancing activities related to menopause.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.14-29
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• 2013

Objectives: Samul-tang and Rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L. have been frequently used in gynecologic disease. The purpose of the present study is to explore the behavioral and neurobiological effects of Samul-tanggahyangbuja (SGH) on ovariectomized rats and to form a basis for clinical treatment. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed for over 2 weeks. After orally medicated with SGH (200 or 400 mg/kg/day), the anxiety response was tested using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) in rats. The serum levels of estradiol and IL-4, and immunohistochemical changes of IL-4 in the Locus coeruleus (LC) and Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN) were measured. Results: 1. In the EPM, SGH 400 mg significantly increased time spent on the open arms and decreased time spent on the closed arms, compared with the control group (p<0.05). 2. SGH tended to increase numbers of crossings in the open and closed arms in the EPM. However, it did not reach statistical significance. 3. SGH significantly increased the serum levels of estradiol compared with the control group (p<0.05). 4. SGH 400 mg significantly increased the serum levels of IL-4 compared with the control group (p<0.05). 5. IL-4 immunoreactivity was reduced in the control group compared with the normal group (p<0.05). However, SGH groups (200 and 400 mg) did not produce any significant effects on levels of IL-4 in the LC and PVN. Conclusions: These results suggest that SGH possesses the anti-depressant and immuno-modulatory effects on ovariectomized rats.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2018

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) could be one of risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between PLMS and blood pressure changes during sleep. Methods: We analyzed data from 358 adults (176 men and 182 women) aged 18 years and older who were free from sleep apnea syndrome (Respiratory Disturbance Index < 5) and sleep disorders such as REM sleep behavior disorder or narcolepsy. Demographic characteristics, polysomnography records, and clinical variable data including blood pressure, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, and current medications were collected. In addition, self-report questionnaires including the Beck Depression Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were completed. Blood pressure change from bedtime to awakening was compared between the two periodic limb movement index (PLMI) groups [low PLMI ($PLMI{\leq}15$) and high PLMI (PLMI > 15)]. Blood pressure change patterns were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Systolic blood pressure in the high PLMI group was lower than that in the low PLMI group (p = 0.036). These results were also significant when adjusted for gender and age, but were not statistically significant when adjusted for BMI, alcohol, smoking, anti-hypertension medication use and sleep efficiency (p = 0.098). Systolic blood pressure dropped by 9.7 mm Hg in the low PLMI group, and systolic blood pressure in the high PLMI group dropped by 2.9 mm Hg. There was a significant difference in delta systolic blood pressure after sleep between the two groups in women when adjusted for age, BMI, alcohol, smoking, antihypertensive medication use and sleep efficiency (p = 0.023). Conclusion: PLMS was significantly associated with a decreasing pattern in nocturnal BP during sleep, and this association remained significant in women when adjusted for age, BMI, alcohol, smoking, antihypertension medication use and sleep efficiency related to blood pressure. We suggest that PLMS may be associated with cardiovascular morbidity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.202-210
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• 2020

Fluoxetine is used widely as an antidepressant for the treatment of cancer-related depression, but has been reported to also have anti-cancer activity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of fluoxetine to human gastric adenocarcinoma cells; as shown by the MTT assay, fluoxetine induced cell death. Subsequently, cells were treated with 10 or 20 µM fluoxetine for 24 h and analyzed. Apoptosis was confirmed by the increased number of early apoptotic cells, shown by Annexin V- propidium iodide staining. Nuclear condensation was visualized by DAPI staining. A significant increase in the expression of cleaved PARP was observed by western blotting. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was used to detect the extent of caspase-dependent cell death. The induction of autophagy was determined by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), which was visualized by acridine orange staining, and the increased expression of autophagy markers, such as LC3B, Beclin 1, and p62/SQSTM 1, observed by western blotting. The expression of upstream proteins, such as p-Akt and p-mTOR, were decreased. Autophagic degradation was evaluated by using bafilomycin, an inhibitor of late-stage autophagy. Bafilomycin did not significantly enhance LC3B expression induced by fluoxetine, which suggested autophagic degradation was impaired. In addition, the co-administration of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and fluoxetine significantly increased fluoxetine-induced apoptosis, with decreased p-Akt and markedly increased death receptor 4 and 5 expression. Our results suggested that fluoxetine simultaneously induced both protective autophagy and apoptosis and that the inhibition of autophagy enhanced fluoxetine-induced apoptosis through increased death receptor expression.

• Korean Security Journal
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• no.31
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• pp.125-155
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• 2012

Terrorist organization has shown the trend of secret organization and it is harder to cope with terrorism because of uncertainty of terrorism. Homegrown terrorism is the one, whose preparation, execution and effect are restricted to domestic area. By the way, in the worldwide economic depression, violence and radical demonstration have shown the expansion trends as in Middle East, political revolution of Africa, anti-social resistance of Europe and Wall Street Occupation of USA. Homegrown terrorism is occurring in various countries such as UK and Spain as well as USA. Specialists warn homegrown terrorism in Korea. The purpose of this study was to prospect the possibility of homegrown terrorism that can be generated in the transfer to multi-culture society as various foreigners come to Korea rapidly and suggest the method to cope with the trend. The study analyzed environment and analysis of homegrown terrorism that Korea faces now. The methods to cope with homegrown terrorism are as follows. First, distribution of radical homegrown terrorism via internet should be prevented. Second, the connection between terrorist organization and homegrown terrorist should be prevented. Third, there should be a cooperation among government, residents and religious group. Fourth, there should be an open approach against multi-culture society. Fifth, there should be a systematic control for cause of new conflict. Finally, there should be a long-term approach to cause of new conflict. If we do not make an effort to prevent homegrown terrorism, terrorism environment may face new aspect and national and social cost for it will increase.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2010

Purpose: These studies were undertaken to evaluate the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of Gamisoyo-san(GMSYS). Materials and Methods: We studied the antioxidant effects of GMSYS by assessing the DPPH free radical and the ABTS radical cation inhibition activities, the total polyphenolic contents(TPC). To evaluate the effects of GMSYS in the human neuroblastoma cells, we measured the cell viabilities in SH-SY5Y cells treated with GMSYS. Then we observed the protective effects of GMSYS against 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. To confirm the neuroprotective effects of GMSYS in the primary culture of mesencephalic dopaminergic cells, we counted the TH-immunopositive cells and measured the NO and TNF-$\alpha$ after the treatment of GMSYS and 6-OHDA. Results: The DPPH free radical and the ABTS radical cation inhibition activities were increased in a dose dependent manner and the IC50 were $133.60{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and $106.20{\mu}g/m{\ell}$, respectively. The TPC was 0.78%. There were no differences between the various concentrations of GMSYS and the control in the cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells. The neuroprotective effects of GMSYS were shown in the co-treatment group at the low concentrations of $25{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and the post-treatment group at all concentrations. After the treatment of GMSYS and 6-OHDA in the primary culture of dopaminergic cells, the TH-immunopositive cells were significantly increased in $0.2{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of GMSYS than the 6-OHDA group. The NO and TNF-$\alpha$ were significantly decreased in $0.2{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of GMSYS than the 6-OHDA group. Conclusions: This study shows that GMSYS has the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, especially in the mesencephalic dopaminergic cells. We suggest that GMSYS could be useful for the treatment of postmenopausal depression related with the degeneration of dopamine neuron.