• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.213-220
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• 2016

Mast cells are primary mediators of allergic inflammation. Beta-1,3-glucan (BG) protects against infection and shock by activating immune cells. Activation of the BG receptor induces an increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$, which may induce exocytosis. However, little is known about the precise mechanisms underlying BG activation of immune cells and the possible role of mitochondria in this process. The present study examined whether BG induced mast cell degranulation, and evaluated the role of calcium transients during mast cell activation. Our investigation focused on the role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in BG-induced degranulation. Black mouse (C57) bone marrow-derived mast cells were stimulated with $0.5{\mu}g/ml$ BG, $100{\mu}g/ml$ peptidoglycan (PGN), or $10{\mu}M$ A23187 (calcium ionophore), and dynamic changes in cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium and membrane potential were monitored. BG-induced mast cell degranulation occurred in a time-dependent manner, and was significantly reduced under calcium-free conditions. Ruthenium red, a mitochondrial $Ca^{2+}$ uniporter blocker, significantly reduced mast cell degranulation induced by BG, PGN, and A23187. These results suggest that the mitochondrial $Ca^{2+}$ uniporter has an important regulatory role in BG-induced mast cell degranulation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.531-546
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• 2017

Activation of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) in articular chondrocytes increases the catabolic compartment and leads to matrix degradation during the development of osteoarthritis. In this study, we determined the proteomic and genomic alterations in human chondrocytes during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and consequences of TLR-4 activation. Human chondrocytes were cultured with LPS for 12, 24, and 36 h to induce TLR-4 activation. The TLR-4-induced inflammatory response was confirmed by real-time PCR analysis of increased interleukin-1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$) expression levels. In TLR-4-activated chondrocytes, proteomic changes were determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectroscopy analysis, and genomic changes were determined by microarray and gene ontology analyses. Proteomics analysis identified 26 proteins with significantly altered expression levels; these proteins were related to the cytoskeleton and oxidative stress responses. Gene ontology analysis indicated that LPS treatment altered specific functional pathways including 'chemotaxis', 'hematopoietic organ development', 'positive regulation of cell proliferation', and 'regulation of cytokine biosynthetic process'. Nine of the 26 identified proteins displayed the same increased expression patterns in both proteomics and genomics analyses. Western blot analysis confirmed the LPS-induced increases in expression levels of lamin A/C and annexins 4/5/6. In conclusion, this study identified the time-dependent genomic, proteomic, and functional pathway alterations that occur in chondrocytes during LPS-induced TLR-4 activation. These results provide valuable new insights into the underlying mechanisms that control the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.175-180
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• 2012

Yoga has been known to have stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the metabolic parameters and to be uncomplicated therapy for obesity. The purpose of the present study was to test the effect of an 8-week of yoga-asana training on body composition, lipid profile, and insulin resistance (IR) in obese adolescent boys. Twenty volunteers with body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile were randomly assigned to yoga (age $14.7{\pm}0.5$ years, n=10) and control groups (age $14.6{\pm}1.0$ years, n=10). The yoga group performed exercises three times per week at 40~60% of heart-rate reserve (HRR) for 8 weeks. IR was determined with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). After yoga training, body weight, BMI, fat mass (FM), and body fat % (BF %) were significantly decreased, and fat-free mass and basal metabolic rate were significantly increased than baseline values. FM and BF % were significantly improved in the yoga group compared with the control group (p<0.05). Total cholesterol (TC) was significantly decreased in the yoga group (p<0.01). HDL-cholesterol was decreased in both groups (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed between or within groups for triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Our findings show that an 8-week of yoga training improves body composition and TC levels in obese adolescent boys, suggesting that yoga training may be effective in controlling some metabolic syndrome factors in obese adolescent boys.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.26-35
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• 2010

Objective : The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of the acute stroke patient who take Gwakhyangjeonggisan, and provide the basis of Gwakhyangjeonggisan prescription Method : We studied hospitalized patients within 4 weeks after their ictus who were admitted at Kyunghee University Oriental Medical Center, Kyunghee University East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyungwon University Oriental Medical Center, Semyung University Oriental Medical Center from February 2010 to July 2010 We compared the general characteristics of acute stroke patient according to herb medicine Result : The patient who take Gwakhyangjeonggisan show significant difference for sex, family history of Stroke, Face color, Tongue color, Pulse condition, HDL Cholesterol, Fastfood eating, Waist circumference. Conclusion : The above result show that Gwakhyangjeonggisan can be prescribed to stroke patient whose complaining gastrointestinal symptoms, & Oriental Medical Diagnosis is Cold & Deficiency type. Further studies will be needed to better understand the difference between Gwakhyangjeonggisan group and Other herb medicine among acute stroke patients.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.36-45
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• 2010

Objective : The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of the acute stroke patient who took Chungpyesagan-tang, and provide the basis of Chungpyesagan-tang prescription. Method : We studied hospitalized patients within 4 weeks after their occur who were admitted at Kyunghee University Oriental Medical Center, Kyunghee University East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyungwon University Oriental Medical Center, Semyung University Oriental Medical Center from February 2010 to July 2010. We compared the general characteristics of acute stroke patient with herbal medicine. Result : The patient who took Chungpyesagan-tang showed significant difference for age, family history of hypertension, ALT, coffee drinking, fastfood eating, stool, Oriental Medical Diagnosis. Conclusion : The above result show that Chungpyesagan-tang can be prescribed to stroke patient whose stool is hard, whose Oriental Medical Diagnosis is fever type. Further studies will be needed to better understand the difference between Chungpyesagan-tang group and Other herbal medicine among acute stroke patients.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.46-54
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• 2010

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the acute stroke patient who take Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang, and arrange the indication of Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang. Method : We studied hospitalized patients within 4 weeks after their accident who were hospitalized at Kyunghee University Oriental Medical Center, Kyunghee University East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyungwon University Oriental Medical Center, Semyung University Oriental Medical Center from February 2010 to July 2010. We classified and found out the characteristics of acute stroke patient according to herb medicine. Result : The patient who take Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang show meaningful difference for TG, HDL-cholesterole, total lipid, AST, homocysteine, chest burning sensation, and oriental medical diagnosis. Conclusion : The result of this study show that Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang can be applied to acute stroke patient who feels chest burning sensation, and whose oriental medical diagnosis is fever type. Additory evaluations would be needed to better understand the difference between Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang group and other herb medicine group on acute stroke patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.413-420
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• 2008

Objective : To investigate the therapeutic effect of scalp acupuncture on dysarthria after stroke. Methods : A-B model in single subject research. The experimental group of 7 members received scalp acupuncture and the control group of 5 nothing for dysarthria itself. Five single vowels were recorded by voice recorder and measured for 1st & 2nd formant. By the formants, a vowel space was made according to each one of the patients. Praat program was used for evaluation. Results : 4 cases in the experimental group showed significant change and just 1 case of the none-operated group got better. Conclusion : In this study, it's proven that acupuncture treatment might have positive efficacy on dysarthria cases. At this moment, more clinical reports are needed for objective oriental medical study.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.521-532
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• 2018

Dementia, characterized by a progressive cognitive decline and a cumulative inability to behave independently, is highly associated with other diseases. Various cardiovascular disorders, such as coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, are well-known risk factors for dementia. Currently, increasing evidence suggests that sex factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and dementia. Recent studies show that nearly two-thirds of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are women; however, the incidence difference between men and women remains vague. Therefore, studies are needed to investigate sex-specific differences, which can help understand the pathophysiology of dementia and identify potential therapeutic targets for both sexes. In the present review, we summarize sex differences in the prevalence and incidence of dementia by subtypes. This review also describes sex differences in the risk factors of dementia and examines the impact of risk factors on the incidence of dementia in both sexes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.681-690
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether nutrition counseling could lead to a beneficial outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease(CVD). Fifty CVD patients(23 men and 27 women) participated in a dietary counseling program which was based on serum lipid management. Various markers of disease risk including lifestyles, anthropometric indices, eating behaviors, serum lipids, antioxidants, lipid peroxides were measured before and after the program. The program lasted 3-11 months depending on individuals. Waist/hip ratio decreased after nutrition counseling only in women. Smoking and alcohol drinking status did not change significantly after counseling. Food habit score increased significantly in both men and women(p<0.05), and patients consumed mixed cereal rice, fruits, seaweeds, legumes more frequently and snacks less frequently after nutrition counseling (p<0.05). Although intakes of energy, carbohydrate and vitamin B1 were reduced significantly after nutrition counseling, nutrient densities of calcium and iron of diets have increased significantly after nutrition counseling, and those of other micronutrients were not different Serum total cholesterol decreased significantly in men and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly in women. In women lipid peroxide level decreased and $\alpha$-tocopherol level increased significantly, while there was no significantly change in men. We conclude that well-planned nutrition counseling would reduce risks of cardiovascular disease through improving dietary behavior, lipid profile and antioxidant status.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.136-142
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• 2017

Background: Dementia is one of important social and economic healthcare issues in the aging age. Therefore, it signifies to analyze the relationship between chronic disease or cardiovascular drug use and the incidence of dementia to establish a basis for increasing or preventing the risk of dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the prevalence of chronic diseases and the use of cardiovascular drugs in patients diagnosed with dementia. Methods: In this study, we used data from sample of elderly patients from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. We analyzed by logistic regression analysis with age, gender, and medication as covariates. KCD-7 was used to diagnosis of the disease, and drugs were analyzed using ATC codes and Korean standardized drug classification codes. Results: A total of 1,276,331 patients were analyzed in the sample of the elderly population, of which 532,075 (41.7%) were male and 744,256 (58.3%) were female. The patients have the higher risk of dementia in the older, women, and lower socioeconomically status. Cerebral infarction and ischemic heart disease increases risk of dementia. Patients taking statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARB) showed low incidence of dementia. Conclusion: This study has been shown that ACEI, ARB, and statin drugs may associate with lower incidence of Alzheimer's and other dementia except vascular dementia.