• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.83-90
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• 2013

Objectives : Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an active ingredient in Ligusticum wallichii and has a wide range of neuroprotection effects. This study investigated anti-neuroinflammatory effect of TMP on brain regions in intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated C57BL/6 mice. Methods : TMP was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg at 1 h prior to LPS (3 mg/kg) i.c.v. injection. mRNA level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6, was measured in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus tissue using real-time polymerase chain reaction at 24 h after the LPS injection. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) positive cells in the hypothalamus was also observed using immunohistochemistry at 24 h after the LPS injection. Results : At a dose of 30 mg/kg TMP significantly attenuated up-regulation of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA in the cerebral cortex and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA in the hippocampus. In the hypothalamus, doses of 20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg TMP significantly attenuated up-regulation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 mRNA induced by the LPS injection. In addition, TMP (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of COX-2 positive cells in the hypothalamus. Conclusion : These results indicate that TMP has an anti-inflammatory effect on neuroinflammation, especially in the hypothalamus, induced by LPS i.c.v. injection and suggest that TMP-containing Ligusticum wallichii may play a modulatory role on the systemic responses following hypothalamic inflammation.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.269-284
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• 2019

This study was to investigate whether cultivated ginseng (CG), cultivated wild simulated ginseng (CWG) and cultivated red ginseng (CRG) extracts influences on the obesity. The saponin contents of 3 kinds of ginsengs were analysed by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. Total saponin contents were determined in CG on the most contents and since red ginseng has the highest PD (protopanaxadiol type) / PT (protopanaxatriol type) ratio, there may be differences between ginseng, wild ginseng, and red ginseng with respect to their pharmacological effects. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet(N), HFD (60% Kcal fat, C), HFD with CG, CWG and CRG extracts (800 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. We observed change of total body weight, degree of hepatic lipid accumulation and immunohistochemical change of GLP-1 and insulin-secreting cells. Also this study attempts to use the physiological analysis method to analyze the changes of blood lipids, insulin and leptin concentration. The change of body weight and size of accumulated lipid droplets in liver lobules decreased in all of the experimental groups than the control(C) group. In the pancreas, the immunohistochemical density of insulin-secreting cells were significantly stronger in the CWG and CRG than C group. The levels of serum insulin and leptin significantly decreased 55.6%, 54.3% respectively in CWG and CRG. The changes of triglyceride, total cholesterol in serum decreased in CRG than the C group. Obesity related CG, CWG and CRG extracts might have contribute to improvement of obesity by regulating the levels of blood lipids and biochemical indicator of fat accumulation.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.39-78
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• 2000

Introduction: In order to investigate the effects of partial Cervus elaphus Linne' extract on antitumoral immunological, a group of mice are melanoma-induced and observed reponses in terms of the number of lymphocyte, CD4+ count, CD8+ count, CD4+/CD8+ ratio in blood and spleen, change in body weight, melanoma weight, spleen index, NK cell activity and productivity of IL-2 in each mouse Methodology: Male C57BL/6 mice were chosen as an experimental object and were divided into 5 groups randomly selection. The normal group did not receive any induction. The control group was treated with normal saline in melanoma-induced' mice. Sample I group induced the upper part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract in melanoma-induced mice. Sample II group was induced the middle part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract in melanoma-induced mice. Sample III group was induced the lower part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract in melanoma-induced mice. The dosage of medication was 0.2cc daily for 14days. Results: 1. There was a significant difference in the number of lymphocyte in spleen in the sample I (upper part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract induced) and the sample II (middle part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract induced) compared to the control group and the sample III (lower part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract induced). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in the number of lymphocyte in blood in the control group and all sample groups. 2. In the CD4+ T cell ratio in blood, all three sample groups showed differences compared to the control group, though there was no significant difference between sample groups. In the CD4+ T cell ratio in spleen, there was a difference between the sample I and the control group, while the sample II and the sample III had significant difference to the control group. And also, it has been observed there were differences between the sample I and the other samples. 3. In the CD8+ T cell ratio in spleen, all three sample groups showed significant differences compared to the control group, while there was no difference between groups in the ratio in blood. 4. In the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in blood, the sample I showed a significant difference compared to the control group, while the sample 1I and sample III showed differences compared to the control group. In the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in spleen, all three samples showed a significant difference compared to the control group, when the sample I had a difference to the other sample groups. 5. The spleen index of the sample I and the sample II showed a significant difference compared to the sample III and the control group. In comparison between the sample groups, the sample I and the sample II showed a significant difference to the sample III. 6. In terms of the change in body weight and melanoma weight, all three sample groups showed a significant difference compared to the control group, while the comparison between the sample groups showed the sample and the sample II had a significant difference to the sample Ⅲ. 7. In comparison of NK cell activity, the sample I had a difference compared to the other groups when the effector to target cell ratio was 2.5:1. With the ratio of 5:1, the sample I and sample II showed significant differences compared to the control group, while the sample Ⅲ showed a difference. When the effector to target cell ratio was 10:1, there was no difference between groups. 8. In the productivity of IL-2, all three sample groups showed significant differences compared to the control group. In comparison between sample groups, there were significant differences between each sample groups in order of the sample I , the sample II and the sample Ⅲ. Conclusion: As one can witness from the above results, administration of partial Cervus elaphus Linne extract played important role in antitumoral immune response in melanoma-induced mice, and it could be suggested that sample I and sample II groups have prominent antitumoral immune effect.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to quantitate regional neurochemical profile of regional normal adult mice brain and assess regional metabolic differences by using ex vivo $^1H$ high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ($^1H$ HR-MAS NMRS). The animals were matched in sex and age. The collected brain tissue included frontal cortex, temporal cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus. Quantitative 1D spectra were acquired on 40 samples with the CPMG pulse sequence (8 kHz spectral window, TR/TE = 5500/2.2 ms, NEX = 128, scan time: 17 min 20 sec). The mass of brain tissue and $D_2O$+TSP solvent were 8~14 mg and 7~13 mg. A total of 16 metabolites were quantified as follow: Acet, NAA, NAAG, tCr, Cr, tCho, Cho, GPC + PC, mIns, Lac, GABA, Glu, Gln, Tau and Ala. As a results, Acet, Cho, NAA, NAAG and mIns were showed significantly different aspects on frontal cortex, hippocampus, temporal cortex and thalamus respectively. The present study demonstrated that absolute metabolite concentrations were significantly different among four brain regions of adult mice. Our finding might be helpful to investigate brain metabolism of neuro-disease in animal model.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.255-261
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• 2003

The antigenicity of nonspecific immunostimulator BARODON$^{(R)}$, a newly developed drug, was investigated by tests for passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) in mice and guinea pigs. In ASA test using guinea pigs, there were no significant clinical symptoms in all individuals of low(0.3%) and high(3%) dose of both groups treated with only BARODON$^{(R)}$ and cotreated with BARODON$^{(R)}$ and adjuvant group. In PCA test, blue spots of Evan's were observed from $2^6$ to $2^{10}$ in homologous group and from $2^2{\sim}2^5$ dilution rate in heterologous group of BSA treated positive control group. However, intradermal sensitization with antiserum obtained from low (0.3%) and high (3%) dose of BARODON$^{(R)}$ only treatment group and treated-with-adjuvant group, followed by intravenous injection of respective antigen and Evan's blue mixture (1:1) showed no blue spot observed. In conclusion, BARODON$^{(R)}$, as showed in ASA and PCA test, did not cause anaphylatic shock when treated 3 and 10 times higher than clinically intended dose, nor induce IgE, so that might not have antigenic properties in mice and guinea pigs.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.55-65
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• 2016

Objectives : Mibyeong is a korea medicine have original concept of the disease. However, no previous report has effect of mibyeong herbal medicine in fatigue types of mibyeong. This study investigated the question of whether Dang Gui Bo Hyul-tang(DGBHT) of effect on fatigue types of Mibyeong. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were randomaly divided into three group (n=10). The mice were then group (1) Nocontrol, (2) Restraunt stress(veh), (3) Dang Gui Bo Hyul-tang 200mg/kg. The administered Dang Gui Bo Hyul-tang 200mg/kg or distilled water (orally) 1 hr prior to daily exposure to repeated restraint stress (2 h) for 15 days. The performed behavior test (Mechanical hyperalgesia test,, Open-field test, Forced swimming test, Sucrose preference test and immunostaining and biochemical measured in serum. Results : Stress fatigue induced mices significantly increased lethargic, hyperalgesia through behavior test (Mechanical hyperalgesia test (decrease 43%), Open-field test ($4,809{\pm} 226.13cm$ vs. $3121{\pm}226.64cm$), Forced swimming test ($11.45{\pm}3.96$ vs. $79.10{\pm}8.12sec$), Sucrose preference test (decrease 58%)). In addition, chronic fatigue model evidently increased corticosterone level ($122.54{\pm}18.88$ vs. $186.94{\pm}18.26ng/ml$), AST level ($46.22{\pm}3.23$ vs. $31.40{\pm}3.86U/L$), ALT level ($38.78{\pm}5.72$ vs. $17.60{\pm}1.30$), liver necrosis, lateral ventricle size. These alterations were significantly ameliorated by DGBHT. DGBHT significantly attend the elevated serum concentrations of corticosterone ($155.90{\pm}6.29ng/ml$), AST ($31.40{\pm}3.86U/L$), ALT ($17.60{\pm}1.30U/L$). Moreover, DGBHT improved lethargic, hyperalgesia when compared the stress fatigue (Mechanical hyperalgesia test (improve 28%), Open-field test ($4,038{\pm}615.81cm$), Forced swimming test ($7.56{\pm}1.88sec$), Sucrose preference test (increase 21%) Conclusions : Theses result suggest that DGBHT have improved lethargic, hyperalgesia and fatigue-associated hormone and liver protective on stress fatigue model. It will be necessary to research to present evidences on benefits and effects of Korean medical treatment for Mibyeong through clinical researches based on benefits and effects of those animal models.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2008

Cigarette smoke (CS) induces oxidative and nitrosative stress to the respiratory tract (RT) via both oxidants contained in CS and by CS-induced activation of RT inflammatory-immune pro-oxidant processes. CS exposure has been associated with reduced levels of plasma micronutrient antioxidants, in part due to an increased utilization and turnover of alpha-tocopherol (AT). It has been suggested that gamma-tocopherol (GT) may have an expanded spectrum of antioxidant activation compared to alpha-tocopherol (AT). In order to investigate effects of high GT supplementation as compared to AT, C57 BL/6 mice were fed control AT (35 mg/kg diet) or high GT (1,000 mg/kg diet) diet for 8-10 weeks and then exposed to 60 $mg/m^3$ CS, 6 hr/day for 3 days. AT and GT levels and their metabolites were measured at endpoints. High GT supplementation significantly reduced AT levels in plasma, liver and lung compared to AT. CS increased levels of AT and GT in plasma and lung of control AT group but decreased GT levels in lung of high GT supplemented group. Moreover, CS significantly decreased GT metabolite, gamma-CEHC. The results suggest that high GT supplementation have selective modulation of concentrations of vitamin E and its metabolite in plasma and lung but not in liver against in vivo CS exposure.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A high-fat diet (HFD) induces obesity, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer, while a calorie-restricted diet can extend life span by reducing the risk of these diseases. It is known that health effects of diet are partially conveyed through epigenetic mechanism including DNA methylation. In this study, we investigated the genome-wide hepatic DNA methylation to identify the epigenetic effects of HFD-induced obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed control diet (CD), calorie-restricted control diet (CRCD), or HFD for 16 weeks (after one week of acclimation to the control diet). Food intake, body weight, and liver weight were measured. Hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels were determined using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Changes in genome-wide DNA methylation were determined by a DNA methylation microarray method combined with methylated DNA immunoprecipitation. The level of transcription of individual genes was measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The DNA methylation statuses of genes in biological networks related to lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis were influenced by HFD-induced obesity. In HFD group, a proinflammatory Casp1 (Caspase 1) gene had hypomethylated CpG sites at the 1.5-kb upstream region of its transcription start site (TSS), and its mRNA level was higher compared with that in CD group. Additionally, an energy metabolism-associated gene Ndufb9 (NADH dehydrogenase 1 beta subcomplex 9) in HFD group had hypermethylated CpG sites at the 2.6-kb downstream region of its TSS, and its mRNA level was lower compared with that in CRCD group. CONCLUSIONS: HFD alters DNA methylation profiles in genes associated with liver lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis. The methylation statuses of Casp1 and Ndufb9 were particularly influenced by the HFD. The expression of these genes in HFD differed significantly compared with CD and CRCD, respectively, suggesting that the expressions of Casp1 and Ndufb9 in liver were regulated by their methylation statuses.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Objectives : Although the anti-obesity effect of Schizandrae Fructus water extract has been demonstrated, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Schizandrae Fructus water extract through the p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), sirtuin1 (Sirt1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) signaling in 60% high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods : Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups. The Normal group was fed a normal diet and the obese groups were fed 60% HFD. Except for the Control group, the GG group was supplemented with 0.5% Garcinia gummigutta and the SCW group was supplemented with 0.5% Schizandrae Fructus water extract. After 6 weeks, obesity-related biomarkers in serum were measured and the expressions of protein for lipid-related factors in liver tissue were analyzed by western blot. Results : Treatment with SCW significantly down-regulated body weight compared to the Control group. SCW down-regulated levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in serum and significantly increased p-AMPK, Sirt1, and PGC-1α in liver tissue. In addition, the expressions of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT-1A), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) were significantly up-regulated. However, fatty acid synthesis-related proteins including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), phospho-Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (p-ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were significantly down-regulated. Conclusions : Taken together, SCW treatment showed anti-obesity effect by regulating both fatty acid oxidation-related and fatty acid synthesis-related proteins through AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling in 60% HFD-induced obese mice.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.491-496
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-enhancing effects of Daebong persimmon (DP) and Bansi (BS) in vivo. Two types of astringent persimmons (DP and BS) were used for this experiment. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following groups: 1) lean control, 2) high-fat diet control (HF), 3) A region DP (3% wt/wt) with HF diet (A-DP), 4) B region DP with HF diet (B-DP), 5) C region DP with HF diet (C-DP), 6) D region BS with HF diet (D-BS), and 7) E region BS with HF diet (E-BS). All mice were sacrificed after 4 weeks of treatment, after which blood and tissues were collected. Antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory markers, and immune factors were evaluated. DP and BS treatments did not alter food intake or body weight, compared with HF. Administration of B-DP increased catalase activities in serum. Hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, were significantly lower in A-DP mice than in the HF group. A-DP had down-regulatory effects against inflammation induced by high-fat diet feeding, as shown by significant reduction of interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. Additionally, A-DP treatment exerted an immuno-stimulatory effect, as shown by increasing levels of immunoglobulin G. DP treatment improved the level of insulin-like growth factor-1. These results indicate that DP has beneficial health effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunity in vivo.