• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.155-159
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• 2009

Sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss is a disease that develops within several hours to several days. Its etiology has not yet been verified, but the disturbance of the circulation of blood in the inner ear, inner-ear hydrops, and viral infection are considered possible causes of the disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng extract, which is known to have a vasodilatory effect, on sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Sixty-nine patients suffering from sudden sensorineural hearing loss were admitted to Korea University Anam Hospital from March to December 2008. They were divided into the experimental (30 ears) and control (39 ears) groups. Ginseng extract (2700 mg/day, 4 weeks) was added to the therapeutic regimen in the experimental group. The effect of ginseng extract therapy was analyzed according to the factors relating to the prognosis. A considerable hearing improvement was documented in both groups (32.2 dB in the experimental group and 25.8 dB in the control group). However, there was little beneficial effect of ginseng extract on additional hearing improvement compared with control. The total recovery rate of the experimental group (80.0%) was better than that of the control group (58.9%), and the experimental group's high-tone hearing gain at 3 kHz (29.7 dB) was better than that of the control group (21.7 dB). The results of the study suggest that the effects of ginseng therapy tend to be superior to those of the conventional therapy, but the difference between the two is not statistically significant. The hearing gains tend to be in the higher frequencies and may be due to the promotion of cellular differentiation from the supporting cells.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.174-181
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• 1991

These experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of glycyrrhizin(GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid(GA) on histamine synthesis, lymphocyte blastogenesis in C57BL/6J mice splenocytes, IL-1 production, $Ca^{2+}$ uptake by macrophage-like P388D$_{1}$ cells and plaque forming cell assay against SRBC. Histamine contents, lymphocyte blastogenesis, IL-1 activity, $Ca^{2+}$ uptake and plaque forming cell were determined by enzyme isotope method, [sup 3/H]-thymidine incorporation, C3H/HeJ mouse thymocytes proliferation, the addition of 5 $\mu$Ci/ml $^{45}$Ca$^{2+}$ to P388D$_{1}$, cell suspension and assay to sheep red blood cell, respectively. Cytotoxicity, which was expressed as 50% mortality, was occurred by the addition of GL(10$^{-3}$M) and GA(10$^{-4}$M). Histamine production in mouse spleen cell culture was significantly increased by the addition of 0.25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml of Con A, after 48 hour incubation. Con A dependent T-lymphocyte proliferation was also enhanced by the addition of 0.25 .mu.g/ml of Con A. The effects of GL on histamine contents and T-lymphocyte proliferation were significantly decreased at high dose (10$^{-5}$M), while IL-1 activity was remarkably suppressed by 10$^{-8}$~10$^{-4}$M of GL. $Ca^{2+}$ uptake was not changed, but antibody production was increased by GL(10 mg/kg). GA inhibited histamine contents at 10$^{-9}$~10$^{-7}$ and depressed Con A (0.25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) dependent T-lymphocyte proliferation at 10$^{-7}$~10$^{-5}$M of GA, but increased suboptimal dose (Con A 0.1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) at 10$^{-9}$~10$^{-7}$M of GA. IL-1 activity was suppressed by 10$^{-8}$~10$^{-4}$M of GA and $Ca^{2+}$ uptake was enhanced by 10$^{-9}$~10$^{-6}$ of GA, but antibody production was not changed by GA. From the above results, it is suggested that GL and GA have immuno-regulatory action. GL decreased cell-mediated immune response, and increased humoral immune response at high dose. On the other hand, low dose of GA enhanced cell-mediated immune response, while high doses of GA decreased humoral immune reaction.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.608-615
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• 1996

6-[(N-3,4-Difluorophenyl)amino]-7-chloro-5,8-quinolinedione(RCK4) was tested for antifungal activities, against systemic infections with Candida albicans in normal mice. The therapeutic potential of RCK4 had been assessed in comparison with ketoconazole and fluconazole. RCK4 had $ED_{50},\;0.30{\pm}0.14$ but ketoconazole and fluconazole had $ED_{50},\;8.00{\pm}0.73,\;10.00{\pm} 0.43mg/kg$ respectively. Intraperitoneally administered RCK3 at the $ED_{50}$ for 7 days and 14 days reduced Candida albicans colony count in the kidneys and liver as well as ketoconazole and fluconazole at these $ED_{50}$. And administered RCK4 at the $ED_{50}$ for 14 days improved survival rates as well as ketoconazole. Acute oral toxicity studies of RCK4 were carried out in ICR mice of both sexes. These acute oral toxicities of RCK4 were low and $LD_{50}$ values were over 2,850mg/kg in ICR mice. The genotoxicities of RCK4 had been evaluated. RCK4 was negative in Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium and chromosomal aberration test in CHL cells. The clastogenicity was tested on the RCK4 with in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. RCK4 did not show any clastogenic effect in mouse peripheral blood and was negative in mouse micronucleus assay. These results indicate that RCK4 has no genotoxic potential under these experimental conditions.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.427-436
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• 2005

Objective: MMP-8 is a neutrophil enzyme and its level increases in some inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease. We knew that the lipopolysaccharide of E.coli(E-LPS) induced MMP-8 release from human neutrophils. E-LPS is known to induce the production and release of inflammatory cytokines through CD14, Toll-like receptor(TLR). In the present study, we investigated whether MMP-8 release by E-LPS is induced via CD14-TLR pathway and the cellular mechanism of MMP-8 release in human neutrophils. Material and methods: Human neutrophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors and pre-incubated in medium containing antibodies against CD14, anti-TLR2 and anti-TLR4 or several inhibitors of microtubules and microfilaments and then incubated with E-LPS. The cells were treated TPCK and E-LPS simultaneously. The MMP-8amount in the culture medium was determined using ELISA. Results: E-LPS increased MMP-8release from neutrophils and its induction was inhibited by anti-CD14 and anti-TLR4 but not by anti-TLR2 antibodies. The inhibitors of microtubule and microfilament polymerization significantly decreased E-LPS-induced MMP-8release. TPCK inhibited E-LPS-induced MMP-8 release. Conclusion: These results suggest that MMP-8 release is induced by E-LPS via the CD14-TLR4 signal pathway in human neutrophils and may be depedent on microtubule and microfilament systems and $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.335-340
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• 1997

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques allow the enumeration of chromosome abnormalities and from a great potential for many clinical applications. In order to produce quantitative and reproducible results, expensive tools such as a cooled CCD camera and a computer software are required. We have developed a Chromosome Image Processing System (Chips) using FISH that allows the detection and mapping of the genetic aberrations. The aim of our study, therefore, is to evaluate the capabilities of our original system using a black-and-white video camera. As a model system, three repetitive DNA probes (D18Z1, DXZ1, and DYZ3) were hybridized to variety different clinical samples such as human metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei obtained from uncultured peripheral blood lymphocytes, uncultured amniocytes, and germ cells. The visualization of the FISH signals was performed using our system for image acquisition and pseudocoloring. FISH images were obtained by combining images from each of probes and DAPI counterstain captured separately. Using our original system, the aberrations of single or multiple chromosomes in a single hybridization experiment using chromosomes and interphase nuclei from a variety of cell types, including lymphocytes, amniocytes, sperm, and biopsied blastomeres, were enabled to evaluate. There were no differences in the image quality in accordance with FISH method, fluorochrome types, or different clinical samples. Always bright signals were detected using our system. Our system also yielded constant results. Our Chips would permit a level of performance of FISH analysis on metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei with unparalleled capabilities. Thus, it would be useful for clinical purposes.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2006

Tremella fuciformis, one of edible and medicinal mushroom belonging to Tremellaceae of Basidiomycota, has been known to have a curative effect on sarcoma 180 of mice and lowering high blood pressure of human beings. Neutral salt soluble [0.9% NaCl (Fr. NaCl)], hot water soluble (Fr. HW) and methanol soluble (Fr. MeOH) substances were extracted from Tremella fuciformis. In vitro cytotoxicity tests, Fr. HW and Fr. NaCl were not cytotoxic against cancer cell lines such as NIH3T3, Sarcoma 180, and HT-29 at the concentration of $2000{\mu}g/ml$, while Fr. MeOH was cytotoxic to NIH3T3 and Sarcoma 180. Intraperitoneal injection with Fr. NaCl showed antitumor effect with life prolongation of 53% in mice inoculated with Sarcoma 180. Fr. NaCl improved the immunopotentiation activity of B lymphocyte by increasing the alkaline phosphatase activity by $3.0{\sim}8.1$ folds, respectively. Intraperitoneal injection with Fr. NaCl increased the numbers of peritoneal exudated cells and circulating leukocytes by 7.4 folds and 1.6 folds, respectively, than in the control group. The antitumor effect of T. fuciformis against Sarcoma 180 of mice was likely due to immunopotentiation activity.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1981.05a
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• pp.11.2-11
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• 1981

Compared with other medical parts, there are relatively rare cases of the calculi in the Otolaryngologic field. The authors have recently experienced cases of the tonsillolith and huge rhinolith. They were removed successfully under the local anesthesia. Small quantities of calcareous or gritty particles are often found in the center of the caseous plugs filling the crypts of the tonsil in chronic follicular tonsillitis. The patients usually give a history of repeated tonsillitis in the earlier years. The patient may be aware of a constant sensation as of a foreign body in the throat. The breath is often fetid. The tonsillar calculi was found to be the accumulated keratohyalin masses in the crypts. The rhinoliths are rare in nasal cavity. They usualy have a foreign body nucleus of bacteria, blood, pus cells, mucus, crusts, or some foreign material from outside the body. They are largely composed of calcium and magnesium salts, principally carbonate with traces of sodium chloride. The condition is commonly found in adults and in female. They are usualy unilateral and are located, in the majority of instances, in the lower portion of the nasal cavity. The first well documented cases of rhinolithiasis, however, were reported by Bartholin in 1654. Since then over 400 cases have been reported.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.4 s.71
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• pp.513-521
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• 2005

A bacterium producing five fibrinolytic isozymes was isolated from black bean chung kuk. The bacterium was identified as Bacillus subtilis BB-1 by 16s rDNA sequence homology search. A gene out of five fibrinolytic genes in the Bacillus subtilis BB-1 was cloned by shot-gun method. A Cla I DNA fragment of B. subtilis BB-1 chromosome was cloned in to pBluescript II SK(-) and showed the fibrinolytic activity to bacterial cells. The Cla I DNA fragment was sequenced and the sequences did not show homology with gene for protease or fibrinolytic enzyme genes in other organisms. The Cla I DNA fragment was reduced to 2,142 bp by activity-guided PCR cloning method. The optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were 5.0 and $35^{\circ}C$, respectively. Substrate specificity of the fibrinolytic enzyme was detected in skim milk, casein, gelatin and blood agar plates. The activity of the enzyme was not detected with these substrates. Taken together, this enzyme is a new fibrinolytic enzyme and may be used to prevent thrombosis and arteriosclerosis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.12
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• pp.1037-1043
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• 2015

The TAZ activator 2-butyl-5-methyl-6-(pyridine-3-yl)-3-[2'-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine] (TM-25659) inhibits adipocyte differentiation by interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. 1 TM-25659 was previously shown to decrease weight gain in a high fat (HF) diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the effects of TM-25659 remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of TM-25659 on skeletal muscle functions in C2 myotubes and C57BL/6J mice. We studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of TM-25659 to palmitate (PA)-induced insulin resistance in C2 myotubes. TM-25659 improved PA-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in C2 myotubes. In addition, TM-25659 increased FGF21 mRNA expression, protein levels, and FGF21 secretion in C2 myotubes via activation of GCN2 pathways (GCN2-$phosphoelF2{\alpha}$-ATF4 and FGF21). This beneficial effect of TM-25659 was diminished by FGF21 siRNA. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HF diet for 30 weeks. The HF-diet group was randomly divided into two groups for the next 14 days: the HF-diet and HF-diet + TM-25659 groups. The HF diet + TM-25659-treated mice showed improvements in their fasting blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, and inflammation, but neither body weight nor food intake was affected. The HF diet + TM-25659-treated mice also exhibited increased expression of both FGF21 mRNA and protein. These data indicate that TM-25659 may be beneficial for treating insulin resistance by inducing FGF21 in models of PA-induced insulin resistance and HF diet-induced insulin resistance.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.143-152
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• 2007

Sono-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid is widely used, but the aspirated samples are typically not well preserved and low cellularity makes diagnosis difficult in many cases. The object of the current study is to evaluate the adequacy and diagnostic accuracy of the use of $SurePath^{TM}$ liquid-based cytology (SP-LBC) in the sonoguided fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule and to compare its use with that of the use of a conventional smear (CS). A total of 172 sono-guided FNAs of thyroid nodules from April to June, 2006 were prepared by the use of the split method with either SP-LBC or CS; the samples were stained with the use of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Papanicolaou (Pap) stains. A cyto-histological correlation was performed in 69 (30 SP and 39 CS) cases that had been histologically confirmed. The rate of producing unsatisfactory slides by the use of the SP-LBC method (9.3%) was less than that of the use of the CS method (20.9%). The diagnostic accuracy of the SP method (93.3%) was better than that of the CS method (85.3%). The sensitivity and specificity of the SP method (94.4% and 92.3%) was better than that of the CS method (83.3% and 70%), respectively (p < 0.05). The CS of sono-guided aspirated specimens had some unavoidable limitations related to inadequate sampling such as a bloody background, low cellularity and an indication that some clinicians smeared many useless slides (averaging four to ten slides), and that most slides showed only blood that included few follicular cells. The SP method resulted in more thinly smeared slides and showed cleaner background and greater cellularity than the use of the CS method. Each follicular cell shows superior nuclear detail, and more distinct cytoplasmic features than with the use of the CS method. SP-LBC appears to be an easy, highly accurate, and reliable cytological method for employ for a diagnostic approach of thyroid disease and thyroid nodules. The SP-LBC method is a suitable alternative to the CS method to overcome diagnostic difficulties.