• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.338-344
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• 1994

This study was carried out to investigate the antifibrotic effects of polysaccharides extracted from Garnoderma lucidum. The biliary cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S) in rats. BDL/S rats were dosed 5 mg/rat/day orally for 4 weeks after the operation. Antifibrotic effects were evaluated by serum biochemical values, serum procollagen type III peptide (PIIINP) levels, liver hydroxyproline contents, and light microscopical histology. The results obtained were as follows; 1) PIIINP levels in sera of treated BDL/S group were lowered to 50% of those of untreated BDL/S group. 2) Hydroxyproline contents in the liver of treated BDL/S group were also reduced to 83% of those of untreated BDL/S rats. 3) The hepatic damage such as hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, bile duct proliferation and fibrosis was less severe in the livers of treated rats. These results suggest polysaccharides extracted from Garnoderma lucidum to be a promising agent for the inhibition of hepatic cirrhosis(fibrosis).

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2002

The pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury as well as the modulation of hepatic fibrogenesis is causally associated with involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical reactions. In this study, we investigated whether dried extracts of oriental medicine (LH) have antioxidant and antifibrotic effect under the biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) c ondition. The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in six groups (Normal, N-LH, op-2, op-4, opLH-2, opLH-4) and were observed in 2 weeks or 4 weeks. For this purpose the rats were operated by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S), which induced to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. After surgery, the prepared LH was administered p.o. 2 mι/day/rat in 2 weeks or 4 weeks for opLH groups. During the observation period, jaundices appeared in eyes, ears and tail of all BDL/S operated rats. And at the time of sacrifice, cholestasis was observed in proximal bile duct, especially the color of bile juice and urine in opLH-4 group showed more clear than op-2, op-4 and opLH-2 group. The value of clinical parameters and product of lipid peroxidation (MDA) in sera and the hydroxyproline (hyp) content in liver tissue were significantly increased in all liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) developed rats (p＜0.001~0.05). Among the clinical parameters of sera, value of BUN, ALP in opLH-4 group showed significantly lower than in op-4 group (p＜0.05, p＜0.001). The content of hyp in opLH-2, opLH-4 group (478.0 $\pm$ 134.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g 897.5 $\pm$ 118.2 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) showed lower than in op-2, op-4 group (528.9 $\pm$ 220.7 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g, 1023.8 $\pm$ 277.1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) and then the value of MDA in opLH-4 was also significantly reduced to 59.4% of that in op-4 group (p＜0.001). The histological change (bile duct proliferation, fibrosis, collagen bundle) was similarly observed in op-2 group and in opLH-2 group, but the weak fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were observed in opLH-4 group compared with in op-4 group. Our data indicate that the 4 weeks treatment with LH extract suppressed lipid peroxidation and inhibited fibrotic (cirrhosis) process, and experimental cholestatic liver disease is associated with increased lipid peroxidation in BDL/S operated rats. Hence we concluded that the measurement of MDA and hyp can be useful monitor for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in experimental liver fibrosis (cirrhosis), and LH has been shown to have hepatoprotective effect, antifibrotic effect and antioxidant effect.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.513-521
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• 2001

The chronic cholestasis induce to biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) and the increased products of ROS(reactive oxygen species) cause to the liver damage. In this study ; the antioxidant and antifibrotic effect of dried extracts of oriental medicine (DW) was investigated under the liver fibrotic (cirrhotic) condition. The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in 5 groups (Normal, Op-2, Op-4, OpDW-2, OpDW-4). Except for normal group, the rats were induced to biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) by the operation of bile duct ligation/scission (BDU/S) and were observed in 2 weeks or 4 weeks. And the prepared DW was treated p.o.2 ml/day/rats in 2 weeks or 4 weeks for OpDW groups. At the time of sacrifice, the liver, kidney, spleen were weighed and the ratio of organ weight/body weight was calculated. The MDA, the hyp and biochemical parameters (GOT GTP, ALP, t-bili) were measured in sera and liver tissue of rats. The biochemical change was observed on liver tissue. In the result, the hepatomegaly and spleenomegaly appeared in all BDL/S operated rats, and significantly lower liver weight was observed in OpDW-4 group compared with in Op-4 group (p<0.05). The level of clinical parameters in sera of all liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) developed rats was higher than in normal group. Especial1y, the value of GOT in OpDW-2 group and ALP in OpDW-4 group showed significantly lower than in Op-2 group and Op-4 group (p<0.01, p<0.005). The content of hyp in all operation groups was significantly higher than in normal group (p<0.05∼<0.005), and showed significantly lower value in the OpDW-4 group than in Op-4 group (p<0.05). The product of lipid peroxidationUDA) increased significantly under the fibrotic(cirrhotic) condition (p<0.05∼ <0.005), and the MDA value in OpDW-4 group decreased significantly in Op-4 group (p<0.005). The histological change (bile duct proliferation, fibrosis, collagen bundle) was similarly observed in Op-2 group and in OpDW-2 group, but the weak fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were observed in OpDW-4 group compared with in Op-4 group. In conclusion, lipid peroxidation and severe liver damage were activated by bile duct obstruction, and the measurement of MDA and hap can be useful monitor for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in experimental liver fibrosis (cirrhosis). The 4 weeks treatment with DW extracts suppressed lipid peroxidation and inhibited fibrotic (cirrhotic) process in BDL/S operated rats.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2001.05a
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• pp.136-137
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• 2001

MDA(malondialdehyde) is the parameter of lipid peroxidation. The change of MDA value was investigated in normal and in fibrotic rats by bile duct ligation and scission operation. In order to know how does lipid peroxidation play under the fibrotic condition we studied whether MDA as lipid peroxidation marker has correlation with one of the liver fibrotic parameters.(omitted)

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1995.04a
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• pp.110-110
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• 1995

This study was carried out to investigate the dose dependent antifibrotic effects of G009, the water-soluble fraction of polysaccharide extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. The experimental hepatic cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S) in rats. BDL/S rats in each group were dosed 0.5, 2, 5 or 10mg/rat/day orally for 4 weeks after the operation. Antifibrotic effects were evaluated by serum biochemical values, hydroxyproline contents, and light microscopical histology.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.119-129
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• 1998

The dose-response effect of polysaccharide extracts(PS-1) from Artemisia iwayomogi was inves-tigated under various hepatic disease models. Silymarin, DDB and UDCA were used as reference compounds. We found that the maximal effective dose of PS-1 was 100 mg/kg b.wt. in $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity, D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis, in ANIT-induced cholestasis and 300 mg/kg b.wt. in $CCl_4$-induced chronic liver disease, 30 mg/tg b.wt. in chronic bile duct ligation and chronic ethanol fatty liver. These findings suggest that PS-1 fraction protects the hepatocyte against various hepatic injuries, and this fracton might be of therapeutic value.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.550-557
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• 1996

One of therapeutics in liver disease (morbus wilson) is D-penicillamin (D-pen: D-3-mercapto-valin). Especially the cross-linking of collagen molecules could be inhibited by D-pe n in extracellular space. In this study we investigated the antifibrotic effects of D-pen in rats that were induced the liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S). Rats were treated for 4 weeks with D-pen after BDL/S operation or sham operation. The balance between fibrogenesis-marker (PNIIIP) and the fibrolysis-maker (PNIVP) were observed in sera by RIA (radioimmunoassay), and the parameter of collagen deposition in liver tissue (hydroxyproline: HYP) was measured by colorimetry. The weight of liver in BDL/S operated group was increased significantly in compared with sham operation group (15.2g${\pm}$1.1, vs 11.9g${\pm}$3.9: p<0.005, p<0.05). The rats group treated by D-pen showed the lower level of PNIIIP (6.7ng/ml${\pm}$1.5, vs 9.5ng/ml${\pm}$2.8) and the higher value of PIVCP (14.0ng/ml${\pm}$1.9, vs 7.9ng/ml${\pm}$1.5) in sera that compared to untreated rats. The content of HYP was decreased by 141% in BDL/S with D-pen treated group than that of it in BDL/S group. No correlation was revealed between collagen parameters in sera and HYP in liver tissue of BDL/S operated and D-pen treated rats. The group treated with D-pen showed the lower value of clinical biochemistry parameters (GOT: glutamate oxalacetate transaminase, Total-Bilirubin) in compared with only BDL/S operated rats, but the value of GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) and Alkaline phosphatase in two BDL/S groups was nearly same. In the histological finding, we observed mild bile duct proliferation, weak inflammation and fibrosis in BDL/S with D-pen treated group, but BDL/S operated group showed the formation of septum (island of hepatocytes), massive bile duct proliferation. This result represents that the BDL/S operation induces liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) in 4 weeks, and D-pen inhibits the synthesis of collagen weakly and stimulates the degradation of collagen in the extracellular space. We conclude that the monitoring of PNIIIP, PIVCP in sera is useful parameter for screening of antifibrotic effect, and D-pen delay the liver fibrosis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.163-172
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• 2004

Mast cells (MCs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. However, the role of MC in the development of liver fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. Stem cell factor (SCF) is known to recruit MCs to the liver following injury as it induces mast cell proliferation, survival and differentiation from resident tissue precursors. This study examines the interaction between activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and MCs in rat fibrotic liver, and SCF production by HSCs during culture in vitro. Rats were studied 4, 7, 14 and 21 days after bile duct ligation (BDL). Fibrogenesis was assessed by a measurement of collagen stained with sirius red F3B. Activated HSCs and MCs were identified by ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}-SMA$) immunohistochemical and alcian blue staining and measured by a computerized image analysis system. SCF production was determined in rat HSC cultures using Western blotting. Mild fibrotic changes were noted in BDL rat livers as early as 4 days after induction of cholestasis. Significant expansion and organization of fibrous tissue has occurred in day 14 BDL rats which progressed to bridging fibrosis by day 21. In BDL rats, both a large number of activated HSCs and MCs were detected in portal tracts and fibrous septa. Both area of activated HSCs infiltration and density of MCs were significantly higher in all BDL group compared with Shams. In BDL rats, both areas of activated HSCs infiltration and density of MCs were no significant difference between day 4 and 7 and were significantly higher in day 14. However, the areas of activated HSCs infiltration were significantly lesser in day 21 and the densities of MCs were significantly higher in day 21 compared with day14 BDL. In BDL rats, both areas of activated HSCs infiltration and density of MCs were highly correlated with areas of fibrosis. Western blotting showed that SCF protein was consistently produced in activated HSCs by culture on plastic and freshly isolated HSCs expressed relatively little 30kD SCF compared to late primary culture activated HSCs (day 14) and passaged HSCs. These results suggest that HSCs activated in vitro produce SCF, and may play an important role in recruiting mast cells to the liver during injury and fibrosis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 1997

The experimental hepatic cirrhosis was induced either by bile duct ligation (BDL) or by pretreatment with dimethyinitrosamine (DMNA). The pharmacokinetics of theophylline were studied after a single intravenous or a single oral administration. Using the ultrafiltration method, protein-drug binding experiments were also carried out. The bilirubin level was several-fold increased by BDL, but not by DMNA treatment. The albumin content was decreased in both cirrhotic groups. The total clearance (Clt, ml/kg/hr) of theophylline in both hepatic cirrhosis groups significantly decreased and the terminal half-life $(t_{1/2})$ in the cirrhotic rats was increased about two-fold after intravenous and oral administration. The volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss, ml/kg) was increased slightly in the cirrhotic groups. Protein binding in BDL $(8.67{\pm}4.85%)$ decreased about four-folds, but in DMNA $(73.00{\pm}9.85%)$ similar result war observed as compared with the control. Increased free fraction of theophylline did not increase the volume of distribution in BDL. Therefore decreased total body clearance of theophylline was mainly due to decreased intrinsic clearance of theophylline in the liver. The absolute bioavailability of theophylline in these experiments was between 63.8 and 72.8%(66.1% in BDL, 63.8% in Sham operated and Control, 72.8% in DMNA). These results suggest that in the experimental hepatic cirrhosis model, administration route does not affect the disposition of theophylline.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.154-167
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• 2023

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) associated with liver failure is accompanied by hyperammonemia, severe inflammation, depression, anxiety, and memory deficits as well as liver injury. Recent studies have focused on the liver-brain-inflammation axis to identify a therapeutic solution for patients with HE. Lipocalin-2 is an inflammation-related glycoprotein that is secreted by various organs and is involved in cellular mechanisms including iron homeostasis, glucose metabolism, cell death, neurite outgrowth, and neurogenesis. In this study, we investigated that the roles of lipocalin-2 both in the brain cortex of mice with HE and in Neuro-2a (N2A) cells. We detected elevated levels of lipocalin-2 both in the plasma and liver in a bile duct ligation mouse model of HE. We confirmed changes in cytokine expression, such as interleukin-1β, cyclooxygenase 2 expression, and iron metabolism related to gene expression through AKT-mediated signaling both in the brain cortex of mice with HE and N2A cells. Our data showed negative effects of hepatic lipocalin-2 on cell survival, iron homeostasis, and neurite outgrowth in N2A cells. Thus, we suggest that regulation of lipocalin-2 in the brain in HE may be a critical therapeutic approach to alleviate neuropathological problems focused on the liver-brain axis.