• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2022

Objectives : The process through which mesenchymal cells condense and differentiate into chondrocytes to form new bone is known as endochondral bone formation. Chondrogenic differentiation and hypertrophy are essential steps in bone formation and are influenced by various factors. The stem bark and root bark of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (ES) have been widely used to treat growth retardation and arthritis in traditional Korean Medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the stem bark of ES in the stimulation of chondrogenic differentiation in clonal murine chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. Methods : In ATDC5 cells treated with ES extract, cell viability and extracellular matrix production were determined using CCK-8 assay and Alcian blue staining, respectively, and alkaline phosphatase activity was measured. We also examined mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to chondrogenic expression in ATDC5 cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Results : ES extract increased the accumulation of Alcian blue-stained cartilage nodules and alkaline phosphatase activity in ATDC5 cells. It increased the mRNA expressions of chondrogenic markers including bone sialoprotein (BSP), cartilage collagens, Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2), osteocalcin (OCN), β-catenin, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), as well as the protein expressions of β-catenin, RUNX-2, BMP-2, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Conclusion : Taken together, these results suggest that ES extract exhibits a chondromodulating activity and therefore may be a possible agent for the treatment of bone growth disorders.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.801-811
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• 2008

The principal objective of this study was to assess the effects of soy isoflavone supplementation on bone mineral density in 36 female college students with osteopenia for 12 weeks. The subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of bone mineral density. The experimental groups were provided supplements of either 80 mg of isoflavone (Iso-80) or 40 mg of isoflavone (Iso-40). To the placebo group, 40 mg of powdered glutinous rice was administered. It was determined that many subjects with osteopenia evidenced lower levels of activity as compared to the control group. Isoflavone supplementation was more effective in controlling total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than was observed in the placebo group. We noted no significant differences in serum osteocalcin concentration between Iso-40 and the placebo group, but significant differences in osteocalcin concentration were detected between Iso-80 and the placebo group. Bone quality indices (BQI) were correlated positively with mineral content, lean body mass, muscular mass, and blood components including albumin, Ca, Mg, ALPase, and osteocalcin. Both Iso-40 and Iso-80 supplementation for 12 weeks significantly increased protein and mineral content in the body. As lower intakes of Ca and folate were noted in the subjects, emphasis should be given to adequate intakes of these nutrients in the subjects. In conclusion, 12 week isoflavone supplementation in young females with osteopenia exerted positive effects on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.9-19
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• 2023

Objectives : Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptors, which are bone resorption inhibitors that are currently widely used as osteoporosis treatments, show serious side effects when administered for a long time. Research on bone resorption inhibitors that complement the problems of existing treatments is needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity on the tuberous root of Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino (AM). Methods : After extracting AM using distilled water and ethanol, the inhibitory effects of the two solvents on osteoclast differentiation were compared using the RANKL-induced in vitro experimental model and the TRAP assay kit. The impact of AM on bone resorption was investigated through the pit formation assay, and its effect on F-actin formation was assessed through fluorescent staining. Additionally, protein and mRNA expression levels of osteoclast differentiation markers (NFATc1, c-Fos, TRAP and ATP6v0d2) and resorption markers (MMP-9, CTK, and CA2) were analyzed via western blot and RT-PCR. Results : AM treatment significantly decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells and pit formation area. Furthermore, AM suppressed both the protein and mRNA expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos, key transcription factors involved in osteoclast differentiation and it downregulated the expression of osteoclast-associated genes such as TRAP, CTK, MMP-9, CA2, and ATP6v0d2. Conclusions : These results suggest that AM can inhibit bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation, indicating its potential for use in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.29-40
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the association among bone mineral density (BMD), biochemical bone markers, nutrients, and salt intake in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. We evaluated 431 subjects who visited a health promotion center of a university hospital between January 2008 and July 2009. We excluded those who were taking medications or who had an endocrine disorder affecting osteoporosis. The subjects were divided into premenopausal (n = 283) and postmenopausal (n = 143) women. We evaluated the correlation among BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femoral, as well as biochemical bone markers, hormone, serum profiles, general characteristics, nutrient intakes, and food intake frequencies. From a stepwise multiple regression analysis, lumbar spine BMD was positively correlated with weight (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with osteocalcin (OC)(p < 0.001), Femoral neck BMD was positively correlated with weight (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with C-telopeptide (CTx) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)(p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In premenopausal women, femoral total BMD was positively correlated with BMI (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with CTx (p < 0.001). In postmenopausal women, lumbar spine BMD was positively correlated with calcium intake (p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with sodium intake (p < 0.01). Femoral neck and femoral total BMD were both positively correlated with weight (p < 0.001), and femoral neck BMD was negatively correlated with age and ALP (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). Femoral total BMD was negatively correlated with age and OC (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). These results suggest that reducing sodium intake may play an important role delaying bone resorption and preventing a decrease in BMD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.279-288
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• 1998

This study explored the effect of calcium levels and/or ovariectomy on bone metabolism using female Sprague-Dawley weanling rats as a model . Rats received a low (0.1%) calcium diet for 8 weeks. The rats were then divided into three subgroups that were fed 0.1% ,0.5% and 1.5% calcium diets for 8 weeks after operation. The results of this experiment indicate that body weight gin was higher in ovariectomy groups than in sham groups regardless of calcium level and food intake. Serum Ca and P concentrations were of normal level regardless of calcium level and ovariectomy. Estrogen concentration was low in the ovariectomized group. Serum alkaline phophatase activity and urinary hydroxyproline have been used as markers of bone formation and resorption. These values were increased in ovariectomized groups. The weight, length and breaking force of femur were not significantly different between the groups. Ash, Ca, P and total lipid contents in femur and lumbar were decreased in the groups fed low calcium . Mg content was decreased in the ovariectomy and total protein content was not affected by calcium level and ovariectomy. The effect groups of ovarectomy on calcium contents of bone was more prominent in lumbar than in femur. In conclusion, though low calcium intakes during growth period may retard the attainment of peak bone mass, calcium supplementation after this period increased bone growth and mineral contents, but not significant effect in three calcium levels. Furthermore, calcium intake was shown to have a greater influence on the mineral contents of femur than of lumbar, and removal of endogenous estrogen production by ovariectomy was shown to be more deleterious on the ash and calcium contents of the lumbar than of femur.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2008

The overall purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of level of isoflavones supplementation on bone metabolism in growing female rats. Forty-five rats divided into three groups; Control, l/2IF, and lIF. Serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) crosslinks value were measured to monitor bone formation and resorption at the ninth week after feeding. Hormones related to bone metabolism were determined, included parathyroid hormone (PTH) , calcitonin, estradiol, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The results of this study were as follows: the isoflavones intake level did not affect weight gain, mean food intake and food efficiency ratio. The serum concentration of osteocalcin and the activity ofALP were not significantly different by different levels of isoflavones supplementation. The urinary DPD crosslinks value was not significantly different by different levels ofisoflavones supplementation. There were no significant differences in serum PTH, estradiol and IGFI among all groups. However, calcitonin was shown significantly higher in the groups of lIF and l/2IF than control group. And growth hormone was shown significantly higher in the groups of lIF than control group. (Korean J Nutr 2008; 41(3): 199~205)

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.253-257
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• 2002

This study was performed to investigate therapeutic effects of Achyranthis Radix extract and chitosan on the growth and differentiation of rat calvarial cells. it was found that treatment of methanol extract of Achyranthis Radix for 2 days caused 2.4-fold increase in the growth of rat calvarial cells. However, chitosan treatment caused only 1.9-fold increase in the cell growth. Treatment of methanol extract of Achyranthis Radix for 14 days caused 2-fold increase in the growth of rat calvarial cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity, one of the markers for bone cell differentiation, was increased approximately by 1.7-fold and 2.9-fold by the treatment of methanol extract of Achyranthis Radix for 2 days and 14 days, respectively. These results suggest that Achyranthis Radix extract could be beneficial for bone regeneration.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.193-196
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• 2010

Multiplex PCR-based short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is considered as a good tool for monitoring bone marrow engraftment after sex-mismatched allogeneic transplantation and provides a sensitive and accurate assessment of the contribution of both donor and/or recipient cells in post-transplantation specimens. Forensic STR analysis and quantitative real time PCR are used to determine the proportion of donor versus recipient each contained within the total DNA. The STR markers were co-amplified in a single reaction by using commercial $PowerPlex^{(R)}$ 16 system and $AmpFISTR^{(R)}$ $Identifiler^{(R)}$ / $Yfiler^{(R)}$ PCR amplification kits. Separation of the PCR products and fluorescence detection were performed by ABI $PRIS^{(R)}$ 3100 Genetic Analyzer with capillary electrophoresis. The $GeneMapper^{TM}$ ID software were used for size calling and analysis of STR profiles. Extracted DNA was quantified by the $Quantifiler^{TM}$ Human DNA / Y Human Male DNA Quantification Kit The intent of this study was to analyze the ratio of donor versus recipient cells in the post-transplant peripheral blood, spleen, lung and kidney specimens. Specimens were taken from the traffic accident male victim who had been engrafted from bone marrow female donor. Blood and spleen specimens displayed female donor DNA profile. Kidney specimen showed male recipient DNA profile. Interestingly, lung tissue showed mixed profiles. The findings of this study indicate that the forensic STR analysis using fluorescence labeling PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis is quick and reliable enough to assess the ratio of donor versus recipient cells and to monitor the mixed chimeric patterns.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.614-619
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• 2001

Inhibitory effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver against osteoporosis were studied with ovaryectomized rats. The diet mixture A of calcium, vitamin D$_3$, and vitamin K$_1$and the additional mixture B with extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver were fed for 7 months to ovaryectomized rats. The urine content of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline was used as bone biochemical markers. Concentrations of deoxypyridinoline of ovaryectomized rats fed with the mixture A and B decreased 9.0% and 26.9%, respectively, when they were compared to the ovaryectomized control. The trabecular bone areas of proximal tibias of ovaryectomized rats were measured and compared to the ovaryectomized control. The areas fed with the mixture A and B increased 9.9% and 42.0%, respectively, that proved the inhibitory effect of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver against osteoporosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.5379-5383
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• 2013

Therapeutic effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on giant cell tumour of bone (GCT) have been proven. Apoptosis induction was considered to be one of the mechanisms of ZOL tumour inhibition. In this study, we presented the possibility of an osteogenic differentiation stimulation mechanism of ZOL and further investigated dosage and time effects. We treated stromal cells of GCT (GCTSC) with ZOL for 48 hours at different concentrations ($0{\mu}M$, $0.01{\mu}M$, $0.1{\mu}M$, $1{\mu}M$, 5${\mu}M$, $30{\mu}M$) and assessed apoptotic and osteogenic differentiation markers with immunohistochemical techniques and real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Our results suggested that ZOL enhanced mRNA expression of Cbfa-1, osterix and osteocalcin genes with a maximum effect at $1{\mu}M$ in GCTSC. Time course experiments indicated a time dependent osteogenic differentiation effect. In conclusion, ZOL may be considered as an adjuvant in the treatment of GCT not only by inducing apoptosis but also by stimulating osteogenic differentiation of remaining tumor stromal cells after surgery.