• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.322-326
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• 2009

Glutathione is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent and a popular nutritional supplement for liver disease and oxidative stress. Our previous studies reported the suppressive effects of the glutathione-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae FF-8 (FF-8) strain on carbon tetrachloride- and alcohol-induced oxidative stress in rats. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of the FF-8 strain on lipid peroxidation in tissues of rats with orotic acid (OA)-induced fatty liver. OA treatment showed a significant decrease in body weight gain compared to the normal diet, and simultaneous addition of FF-8 and OA had the same effect. OA treatment produced an increase in liver weight, however, this also increased with simultaneous addition of FF-8 and OA. Liver lipid peroxidation was significantly increased by OA, but was significantly decreased by FF-8 strain treatment. This same tendency was found in the kidney and heart. Concentration levels of hepatic glutathione and zinc are known to be closely associated with the antioxidant system, and OA treatment led to reductions in liver glutathione and zinc concentrations, whereas these were significantly increased by FF-8 strain treatment in OA feeding rats. These results suggest that the glutathione-enriched S. cerevisiae FF-8 strain may positively mediate orotic acid-induced oxidative stress by enhancing glutathione and zinc levels in rat livers.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.313-323
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• 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia, and it corresponds highly with exercise intensity. Here, we induced AF in mice using acetylcholine (ACh)-CaCl₂ for 7 days and aimed to determine the appropriate exercise intensity (no, low, moderate, high) to protect against AF by running the mice at different intensities for 4 weeks before the AF induction by ACh-CaCl₂. We examined the AF-induced atrial remodeling using electrocardiogram, patch-clamp, and immunohistochemistry. After the AF induction, heart rate, % increase of heart rate, and heart weight/body weight ratio were significantly higher in all the four AF groups than in the normal control; highest in the high-ex AF and lowest in the low-ex (lower than the no-ex AF), which indicates that low-ex treated the AF. Consistent with these changes, G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K⁺ currents, which were induced by ACh, increased in an exercise intensity-dependent manner and were lower in the low-ex AF than the no-ex AF. The peak level of Ca²⁺ current (at 0 mV) increased also in an exercise intensity-dependent manner and the inactivation time constants were shorter in all AF groups except for the low-ex AF group, in which the time constant was similar to that of the control. Finally, action potential duration was shorter in all the four AF groups than in the normal control; shortest in the high-ex AF and longest in the low-ex AF. Taken together, we conclude that low-intensity exercise protects the heart from AF, whereas high-intensity exercise might exacerbate AF.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Emotion and Sensibility Conference
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.98-104
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• 2000

The conventional model did not take momentum conservation into consideration when the electron absorbs and emits the photons. II-ray provides momentum conservations on any directions of the entering photons, and also the electrons have radial momentum conservations and fully elastic bouncing between two atoms, in the new atom model. Conventional atom model must be criticized on the following four points. (1) Natural motions between positive and negative entities are not circular motions but linear going and returning ones, for examples sexual motion, tidal motion, day and night etc. Because the radius of hydrogen atom's electron orbit is the order of 10$^{-11}$ m and the radia of the nucleons in the nucleus are the order of 10$^{-14}$ m and then the converging $\pi$-gamma rays to the nucleus have so great circular momentum, the electron can not have a circular motion. We can say without doubt that any elementary mass particle can have only linear motion, because of the $\pi$-rays'hindrances, nearthenucleus. (2) Potential energy generation was neglected when electron changes its orbit from outer one to inner one. The h v is the kinetic energy of the photo-electron. The total energy difference between orbits comprises kinetic and potential energies. (3) The structure of the space must be taken into consideration because the properties of the electron do not change during the transition from outer orbit to inner one even though it produces photon. (4) Total energy conservation law applies to the energy flow between mind and matter because we daily experiences a interconnection between mind and body. Conventional Concept of Electric Field must be extended in the case of the direct and alternating current. Conventional concept is based on coulomb's force while the electric potential in the direct and alternating current is from Gibb's free energy. And also conventional concept has not any consciousness with human being but the latters has a conscious sensibility. The cell emf is from the kinetic energy of the open $\pi$-rays flow through the conducting wire. The electric potential in alternating current is from that the trans-orbital moving of the induced change of magnetic field in the wire produces flows of open $\pi$-rays, which push the rotating electrons on the orbital and then make the current flow. Human consciousness can induce a resonance with the sensibility of the open $\pi$-rays in the electric measuring equipment. Specially treated acupunctures with Nasucon is for sending an acupunctural effect from one place to another via space by someone's will power.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Opioid receptors have been pharmacologically classified as ${\mu}$, ${\delta}$, ${\kappa}$ and ${\varepsilon}$. We have recently reported that the antinociceptive effect of morphine (a ${\mu}$-opioid receptor agonist), but not that of ${\beta}$-endorphin (a novel ${\mu}/{\varepsilon}$-opioid receptor agonist), is attenuated by whole body irradiation (WBI). It is unclear at present whether WBI has differential effects on the antinociceptive effects of ${\mu}-$, ${\delta}-$, ${\kappa}-$ and ${\varepsilon}$-opioid receptor agonists. In our current experiments, male ICR mice were exposed to WBI (5Gy) from a $^{60}Co$ gamma-source and the antinociceptive effects of opioid receptor agonists were assessed two hours later using the hot water ($52^{\circ}C$) tail-immersion test. Morphine and $D-Ala^2$, $N-Me-Phe^4$, Gly-olenkephalin (DAMGO), [$D-Pen^2-D-Pen^5$] enkephalin (DPDPE), trans-3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide (U50,488H), and ${\beta}$-endorphin were tested as agonists for ${\mu}$, ${\delta}$, ${\kappa}$, and ${\varepsilon}$-opioid receptors, respectively. WBI significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and DAMGO, but increased those of ${\beta}$-endorphin. The antinociceptive effects of DPDPE and U50,488H were not affected by WBI. In addition, to more preciously understand the differential effects of WBI on ${\mu}-$ and ${\varepsilon}$-opioid receptor agonists, we assessed pretreatment effects of ${\beta}$-funaltrexamine (${\beta}$-FNA, a ${\mu}$-opioid receptor antagonist) or ${\beta}$-$endorphin_{1-27}$ (${\beta}$-$EP_{1-27}$, an ${\varepsilon}$-opioid receptor antagonist), and found that pretreatment with ${\beta}$-FNA significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and ${\beta}$-endorphin by WBI. ${\beta}$-$EP_{1-27}$ significantly reversed the attenuation of morphine by WBI and significantly attenuated the increased effects of ${\beta}$-endorphin by WBI. The results demonstrate differential sensitivities of opioid receptors to WBI, especially for ${\mu}-$ and ${\varepsilon}$-opioid receptors.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.1407-1414
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• 2011

This study is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris (CM${\alpha}$) strain on orotic acid (OA)-induced fatty liver in rats. OA treatment induced the retardation of body weight gain and enlargement of the liver. The activities of liver marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Alk. phosphatase and Cholinesterase were increased when treated with OA, but these parameters were significantly decreased in the CM${\alpha}$ group. The current study observed significant elevations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels. However, among the OA groups, the CM${\alpha}$ group showed significantly low TBARS levels of hepatic homogenate. The OA group resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of plasma and hepatic glutathione, but these reductions were significantly increased in the CM${\alpha}$ group. These effects were more pronounced in the CM${\alpha}$ group than in the PJ or CM groups in Orotic acid treated rats. Accordingly, Cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris (CM${\alpha}$) may be an ideal candidate for hepatoprotective effects in animal models.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1257-1262
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• 2008

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment utilizing the generation of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), which selectively accumulated in target cells. Genistein, soy-derived phytoestrogen, is one of the anticancer agents found in soybean. In the current study, we investigated the effect of photofrin-induced PDT and genistein on apoptotic cell death in head and neck cell line (AMC-HN3) to confirm the photodynamic therapy of genistein. It was determined by MTT assay that the combination group had more cytotoxicity effect than PDT group alone. Combination of photofrin PDT and genistein induced apoptosis more when comparing with PDT alone. Our data also showed that ROS was increased in combination therapy, indicating apoptosis by mitochondrial damage. These results indicated that the combination of photofrin PDT and genistein showed more cytotoxic effect and induced apoptosis in head and neck cancer cell line.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2018

Objectives : The current study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of youngyanggak-san (YGS) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Methods : YGS is composed of Glycyrrhizae Radix, Asiasari Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma, Saigae Tataricae Cornu. While N-YGS (non-youngyanggak-san) doesn't include Saigae Tataricae Cornu. Two samples were administrated TAA together for 3 days. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups. Rats except for the normal group were received TAA (200 mg/kg of body weight, I.P) were divided into three groups (n=9/group) : Group 1 (TAA only), Group 2 (TAA + 200 mg/kg YGS) and Group 3 (TAA + 200 mg/kg N-YGS). Acute liver damage confirmed using histological examination, The factors associated with oxidative stress and liver function activity measured in serum. Also, expressions of inflammation related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : Oxidative stress factors such as ROS and $ONOO^-$ in the Group 2 was manifested by a significant rise compared with Group 1. YGS markedly decreased the elevated ROS and $ONOO^-$. Furthermore, YGS significantly reduced the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) The nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activation induced by TAA led to increase both inflammatory mediators and cytokines. While YGS administration remarkably suppressed such the overexpression. In addition, the histopathological analysis showed that the liver tissue lesions were improved obviously in YGS treatment. Conclusion : YGS provided a hepatoprotective effect on acute liver damage through the suppression of oxidative stress. Especially, this effect enhanced markedly when Saigae Tataricae Cornu is included.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.99-110
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• 2009

Objectives : The current treatment regimens for patients with nephrotic syndrome due to membranous nephropathy(MN) are based on steroids or immunosuppressive therapy with the aim of reducing proteinuria and improving outcome. Although these treatments attenuate the deterioration of renal function in MN patients, it has been suggested that all are burdened by significant toxicity. Therefore, more specific and less toxic therapies are needed. This study was to evaluate the effects of Coptidis Rhizoma Extract(CRE) on the MN induced by cBSA in mice. Methods : Mice were divided into 4 groups. One group named for 'Normal' was injected with a saline solution not to be immunized. The rest groups were treated as follows; After mice were immunized with 0.2 mg of cBSA and Freund's complete adjuvant one time every two weeks for 6 weeks, they received intra-peritoneal injection of 10 mg/kg of cBSA daily for 4 weeks. Also, they were divided into 3 groups. The first named for 'Control' was not given CRE. The second for 'CRE-250' was given oral administration of 250 mg/kg of CRE daily for 4 weeks. The third for 'CRE-500' was given 500 mg/kg of CRE. All of mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after the first immunization. We measured a body weight and 24hrs proteinuria as well as serological analysis. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope and an electron microscope. Results : The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria, triglyceride, IgG, IL-6 were significantly decreased in both CRE groups. And the level of IgM was significantly decreased in CRE-250 group. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM and deposition of electron-density were consideraly decreased in both CRE groups. Conclusions : The present study suggests that CRE is highly effective when treating mice with MN induced by cBSA. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.214-227
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• 2013

Computed tomographic scan as a screening procedures in asymptomatic individuals has seen a steady increase with the introduction of multiple-raw detector CT scanners. This report provides a brief review of the current controversy surrounding CT cancer screening, with a focus on the radiation induced cancer risks and clinical efficacy. 1. A large study of patients at high risk of lung cancer(the National Lung Screening Trial[NLST]) showed that CT screening reduced cancer deaths by 20%(1.33% in those screened compared with 1.67% in those not screened). The rate of positive screening tests was 24.2% and 96.4% of the positive screening results in the low-dose CT group were false-positive. Radiation induced lung cancer risk was estimated the most important in screening population because ERR of radiation induced lung cancer does not show the decrease with increasing age and synergistic connection between smoking and radiation risk. Therefore, the radiation risk may be on the same order of magnitude as the benefit observed in the NLST. Optimal screening strategy remain uncertain, CT lung cancer screening is not yet ready for implementation. 2. Computed tomographic colonography is as good as colonoscopy for detecting colon cancer and is almost as good as colonoscopy for detecting advanced adenomas, but significantly less sensitive and specific for smaller lesions and disadvantageous for subsequent therapeutic optical colonoscopy if polyps are detected. The average effective dose from CT colonography was estimated 8-10 $mS{\nu}$, which could be a significant dose if administered routinely within the population over many years. CT colonography should a) achieve at least 90% sensitivity and specificity in the size category from 6 and 10 mm, b) offer non-cathartic bowl preparation and c) be optimized and standardized CT parameters if it is to be used for mass screening. 3. There is little evidence that demonstrates, for whole-body scanning, the benefit outweighs the detriment. This test found large portion of patient(86~90.8%) had at least one abnormal finding, whereas only 2% were estimated to have clinically significant disease. Annual scans from ages 45 to 75 years would accrue an estimated lifetime cancer mortality risk of 1.9%. There is no group within the medical community that recommends whole-body CT. No good studies indicate the accuracy of screening CT, at this time. The benefit/risk balance for any of the commonly suggested CT screening techniques has yet to be established. These areas need further research. Therefore wild screening should be avoided.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2001.06d
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• pp.97-103
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• 2001

The effects of the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow and turbulent diffusion on the collection efficiency of a model ESP composed of the plates with a cavity were studied through numerical computation. The electric field and ion space charge density were calculated by the Poisson equation of the electrical potential and the current continuity equation. The EHD flow field was solved by the continuity and momentum equations of the gas phase including the electrical body force induced by the movement of ions under the electric field. The RNG $k-{\varepsilon}$ model was used to analyze the turbulent flow. The particle concentration distribution was calculated from the convective diffusion equation of the particle phase. As the ion space charge increased, the particulate collection efficiency increased because the electrical potential increased over the entire domain in the ESP. The collection efficiency decreased and then increased, i.e. had a minimum value, as the EHD circulating flow became stronger when the electrical migration velocity of the charged particle was low. However, the collection efficiency decreased with the stronger EHD flow when the electrical migration of the particle was higher relatively. The collection efficiency of the model ESP increased as the turbulent diffusivity of the particle increased when the electrical migration velocity of the particle was low. However, the collection efficiency decreased for increasing the turbulent diffusivity when the electrical migration of the particle was higher relatively.