• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.10-24
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• 2021

Objectives: Yongdamsagan-tang (YST) and Paljung-san (PJS) in traditional medicine and finasteride in modern medicine are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In recent, the use of combination herbal remedies with conventional drugs has been increasing. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs to treat BPH and the influence of herbal formulas on finasteride metabolism. Methods: The inhibitory effects of the herbal formulas and finasteride on the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines were determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, the influence of herbal formulas on activities of human drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) was assessed using human microsomal enzymes. Results: We observed that YST, PJS and finasteride inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in RAW 264.7 cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of YST on PGE₂ production was calculated to be below 25 ㎍/mL. YST inhibited the activity of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransterase (UGT) 1A4 with an IC₅₀ value of 49.35 ㎍/mL. The activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and UGT1A1 were inhibited by PJS (IC₅₀ < 100 ㎍/mL, each). Although PJS and YST inhibited the activities of CYP3A4 and UGT1A4, respectively, these formulas may not influence the metabolism of finasteride because the IC₅₀ values of herbal formulas on DMEs are too high to affect metabolism. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the combination of finasteride and YST or PJS might not influence their drug metabolism and that the drugs may have synergistic effects against BPH.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.71-84
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• 2010

Purpose: In the theory of traditional medicine, Glenditsia spina(GS) can resolve carbuncle, relive swelling, dispel wind and destroy parasites. This study was designed to investigate the effects of GS on gene expression of ovarian tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) rats. Methods: In this experiment, female rats injected with a single dose of 2 mg estradiol valerate(EV) and GS was given for 5 weeks. The genetic profile for the effects on ovarian tissue in PCOS rats was measured using microarray technique, and the functional analysis on these genes was conducted. Results: 985 genes were increased in control and restored to normal level in GS group. (B), 733 genes were decreased in control group and restored to normal level in GS group. (F). Metabolic pathways related in B group genes were Graft-versus-host disease, Allograft rejection, Autoimmune thyroid disease, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Small cell lung cancer, Type I diabetes mellitus. Metabolic pathways related in F group genes were Antigen processing and present, Adipocytokine signalling pathway, Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Pancreatic cancer, Notch signalling pathway, Tight junction. The network of total protein interactions was measured using cytoscape program, and some key molecules, such as c-Fos, c-Myc, ABL1 related in B group, MAPK8, RASA1, CALR related in F group that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future were identified. Conclusion: These results suggest possibility of GS as anti-cancer and anti-hyperplasia drug in PCOS. In addition, the present author also suggests that related mechanisms are involved in suppression of proto-oncogene such as c-Fos, c-Myc and ABL1, and in regulation of cell cycle such as RASA1.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.84-92
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• 2000

This Study was conducted to assess the single dose toxicity of DA-125, a new anthracycline anti-cancer agent, in rats and mice. The Drug was administered once intravenously to both sexes of rats and mice. Then followed a 14-day period of observation. The $LD_{50}$ Values (95% confidence limit) were estimated to be 60.9 mg/kg (57.5~64.3 mg/kg) for male rats and 60.2 mg/kg (56.2~64.5 mg/kg) for female rats, and 85.8 mg/kg (81.0~90.9 mg/kg) for male mice and 84.5 mg/kg (78.2~91.9 mg/kg) for female mice. Both sexes of rats and mice given the drug revealed the clinical sign of decreased locomotor activity, emaciation, hair loss, red-dish brown urine, salivation, and watery diarrhea. In addition, body weight from the next day to the 7th day tended to be decreased slightly in rats and mice treated with DA-125. Death occurred from the next day after administration to the 12th day. Macroscopically, congestion of gastrointestinal organ, lung, and adrenal glands were found in both sexes on the dead rats and mice. Histopathological examination of dead rats manifested atrophy of spleen, hypoplasia of bone marrow, hypcplasia and necrosis of lymphocyte in thymus, atrophy of villi in small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), hyperplasia of granular epithelium in small intestine, degeneration of germinal epithelium in testis, defer oration of tubular epithelium in kidney, and vacuolation and myolysis of myocardium in heart. Histopathological examination of dead mice revealed hypoplasia of spleen and mesenteric lymph node, local necrosis of liver, atrophy of villi in small intestine, hyperplasia of glandular epithelium in small and large intestine, degeneration of tubular in kidney, degeneration of germinal cells in testis, and slight vacuolar degeneration of myocardium in heart.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.326-331
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• 2012

In this study, expanded poly(tetrafluoro ethylene) (ePTFE) graft was modified to be used as a hemodialysis vascular access. Biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-$co$-glycolide) (PLGA) was coated onto the inner surface of ePTFE graft with paclitaxel, which is often used as an anti-cancer agent and for reducing neointimal hyperplasia. Surface characterization before and after PLGA coating was carried out by SEM and ATR-FTIR. Porous sturcture of ePTFE was maintained after coating of PLGA solution. The amounts of coated PLGA and paclitaxel determined by ATR-FTIR and HPLC were 1.96 and 0.263 mg/$cm^2$, respectively. Young's modulus was decreased and tensile strength was increased by PLGA coating. Released paclitaxel as a function of incubation time was monitored by HPLC. Approximately 35% of coated paclitaxel was released steadily for 4 weeks with the biodegradation of PLGA. From these results, it is expected that the effect of paclitaxel on reducing neointimal hyperplasia and stenosis is maintained for a long time.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.19-35
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was carried out to find the effects of Changchuldoin-tanggamibang (hereinafter referred to CDIT) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on DBA/1J mouse. Methods: The experimental mice were divided into four groups: normal group (Nr), control group (CIA-CT), methotrexate group (CIA-MTX), and Changchuldoin-tanggamibang group (CIA-CDIT). Cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, value of immunocytes in draining lymph node and paw joint, and rheumatoid factor (IgG, IgM) in serum were measured in vivo. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against hFCs was not shown in any concentration. 2. Hepatotoxicity was low in the CDIT-treated group compared with the MTX group. 3. The arthritis index decreased significantly. 4. In total cell counts of DLN and paw joint, the cells in DLN increased significantly while there was a significant decrease in paw joint. 5. In lymph nodes, CD19+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+/CD8+, CD3+/CD69+, CD4+/CD25+, CD3+/CD49b+, and CD4+/CD44+ cells increased significantly, while B220+/CD23+, and CD11c+/MHCII+ cells decreased significantly. 6. In joints, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD25+, and CD11b+/Gr-1+ cells decreased significantly. 7. The level of IgG decreased and the level of IgM significantly decreased compared with the control. 8. Anti-collagen II in serum decreased compared with the control. 9. Around the joint of the CDIT group, infiltration of inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, invasion of cytokine, of cartilage, deposition of collagen and synovial injury decreased compared with the control in histopathologic observation (HE, MT staining). Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that CDIT had immunomodulatory effects. We expect that CDIT could be used as a effective drug for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune diseases. Therefore, we have to survey continuously, looking for effective substances and mechanisms in the future.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.134-142
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• 2010

Although BinSo-San(BSS), a mixed herbal formula consisted of 11 types of medicinal herbs and have been used as anti-inflammatory agent, In the present study, the acute toxicity (single oral dose toxicity) of lyophilized BSS aqueous extracts was monitored in male and female mice after oral administration according to Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) Guidelines (2005-60, 2005). In order to observe the 50% lethal dose ($LD_{50}$), approximate lethal dosage (ALD), maximum tolerance dosage (MTD) and target organs, test articles were once orally administered to female and male ICR mice at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 500, 250 and 0 (control) mg/kg (body wt.) according to the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines (2005-60, 2005). The mortality and changes on body weight, clinical signs and gross observation were monitored during 14 days after dosing according to KFDA Guidelines (2005-60, 2005) with organ weight and histopathology of 12 types of principle organs. We could not find any mortality, clinical signs and changes in the body weights except for dose-independent increases of body weight and gains restricted in 1000 mg/kg of BSS extracts-dosing female group. Hypertrophic changes of lymphoid organs.thymus, spleen and popliteal lymph nodes were detectedat postmortem observation with BSS extracts dose-dependent increases of lymphoid organ weights, and hyperplasia of lymphoid cells in these all three lymphoid organs at histopathological observations. These changes are considered as results of pharmacological effects of BSS extracts or their components, immunomodulating effects, not toxicological signs. In addition, some sporadic accidental findings such as congestion spots, cyst formation in kidney, atrophy of thymus and spleen with depletion of lymphoid cells, and edematous changes of uterus with desquamation of uterus mucosa as estrus cycles were detected throughout the whole experimental groups including both male and female vehicle controls. The significant (p<0.01) increases of absolute weights of kidney and pancreas detected in BSS extracts 1000 mg/kg-treated female group are considered as secondary changes from increases of body weights. The results obtained in this study suggest that the BSS extract is non-toxic in mice and is therefore likely to be safe for clinical use. The LD50 and ALD of BSS aqueous extracts in both female and male mice were considered as over 2000 mg/kg because no mortalities were detected upto 2000 mg/kg that was the highest dose recommended by KFDA and OECD. In addition, the MTD of BSS extracts was also considered as over 2000 mg/kg because no BSS extracts-treatment related toxicological signs were detected at histopathological observation except for BSS or their component-related pharmacological effects, the immunomodulating effects detected in the present study.