• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.43-53
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• 1999

The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of honey-fried Astragali Radix extract on the nephrotoxicity in rats induced by cyclosporin A(CsA). The experimental rats were divided into three groups of ten. The Normal group was given nothing. The Control group was given only saline water every day for 14 days after the subcutaneous IV injection of 50mg/kg in CsA every other day during a period of 14 days. The sample group was administered 4.8mg/200g of Astragali Radix extract daily for 14 days after the subcutaneous IV injection of 50mg/kg in CsA every other day for 14 days. These groups were observed for 14 days. This experimental research focused on measuring the levels of BUN, creatinine, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, AST and ALT in the serum and specific gravity and creatinine in the urine. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Changes in serum The levels of BUN, creatinine. AST and ALT in the serum were significantly decreased in the sample group as compared with those of the control group. Total Protein level in the serum was significantly increased in the sample group as compared with that of the control group. Sodium and Potassium levels in the serum in the sample group were a little lower than those of the control group but no significance was noted. The chloride level in the serum in the sample group significantly increased as compared with that of the control group on the 7th day but in the sample group was significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group on the 14th day 2. Changes in urine Urinary specific gravity in the sample group showed significant increase, compared to the control group on the 7th day but were a little higher than that of the control group on the 14th day. Creatinine level in the urine were a little higher than that of the control group but no significance was found. These results suggest that honey-fried Astragali Radix might be effective on the nephrotoxicity in rats caused by CsA.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.73-80
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the immunosuppressants FK506 and cyclosporin A (CsA) on the osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods: The effect of FK506 and CsA on rat MSCs was assessed in vitro. The MTT assay was used to determine the deleterious effect of immunosuppressants on stem cell proliferation at 1, 3, and 7 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was analyzed on days 3, 7, and 14. Alizarin red S staining was done on day 21 to check mineralization nodule formation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was also performed to detect the expressions of bone tissue-specific genes on days 1 and 7. Results: Cell proliferation was promoted more in the FK506 groups than the control or CsA groups on days 3 and 7. The FK506 groups showed increased ALP activity compared to the other groups during the experimental period. The ALP activity of the CsA groups did not differ from the control group in any of the assessments. Mineralization nodule formation was most prominent in the FK506 groups at 21 days. RT-PCR results of the FK506 groups showed that several bone-related genes-osteopontin, osteonectin, and type I collagen (Col-I)-were expressed more than the control in the beginning, but the intensity of expression decreased over time. Runx2 and Dlx5 gene expression were up-regulated on day 7. The effects of 50 nM CsA on osteonectin and Col-I were similar to those of the FK506 groups, but in the 500 nM CsA group, most of the genes were less expressed compared to the control. Conclusions: These results suggest that FK506 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of rat MSCs. Therefore, FK506 might have a beneficial effect on bone regeneration when immunosuppressants are needed in xenogenic or allogenic stem cell transplantation to treat bone defects.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.265-269
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• 1999

Taurine is a major $\beta$-amino acid in various tissues. Taurine transporter (TAUT) is responsible for the transportation of taurine in the cell. The transporter is affected by various stimuli to maintain its cell volume. Macrophage cell volume varies in its activated states. In our experiment, it was found that the murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, expressed TAUT protein in its membrane. Its transportation activities could be blocked by a $\beta$-amino acid such as $\beta$-alanine, but not by $\alpha$-amino acids in this cell line. When assessed in RAW264.7 under the influence of immunosuppressive reagents, the activity of the TAUT was decreased by the treatment of rapamycin (RM) or cyclosporin A (CsA). However when ionomycin (IM) was added to this system, TAUT activity was recovered only in CsA-treated cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In order to inhibit the voltage gated {TEX}$Ca^{+2}${/TEX} channel, calmidazolium was added to the RAW264.7 cell line. Treatment of the cell with calmidazolium completely blocked TAUT. Furthermore, addition of IM to this system recovered the activity of TAUT again. When we added phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to the cell line, secretion of nitric oxide (NO) was increased 4-fold and the TAUT activity was decreased 5-fold. However, the addition of N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, to the PMA-treated cells, resulted in the recovery of TAUT activity. These results showed that the activity of TAUT was sensitive to the intracellular concentrations of both {TEX}$Ca^{+2}${/TEX} and NO.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2012

Patients with gingival overgrowth are easily seen in dental clinics. Cyclosporin-A (CsA), a widely prescribed immunosuppressant induces gingival overgrowth in up to 35% of patients with medical history of organ transplantation. The immunosuppressant CsA can transform genetic expression of gingival fibroblasts, resulting in gingival overgrowth. Meticulous plaque control is recommended for treatment of gingival overgrowth. Substitution of the drug or surgical procedures such as gingivectomy and periodontal flaps should be considered after re-evaluation. Azithromycin is often recommended as a supplementary drug to reduce this side effect. Recent studies show that tacrolimus can be a more economic, efficient and safe substitute for CsA.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.353-361
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• 2005

The interaction of cyclosporine A (CsA), an immunosuppressant, with rat brain Kv1.5 (Kv1.5) channels, which were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, was investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. CsA reversibly blocked Kv1.5 currents at +50 mV in a reversible concentrationdependent manner with an apparent $IC_{50}$ of 1.0μM. Other calcineurin inhibitors (cypermethrin, autoinhibitory peptide) had no effect on Kv1.5 and did not prevent the inhibitory effect of CsA. Fast application of CsA led to a rapid and reversible block of Kv1.5, and the onset time constants of the CsA-induced block were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The CsA-induced block of Kv1.5 channels was voltage-dependent, with a steep increase over the voltage range of channel opening. However, the block exhibited voltage independence over the voltage range in which channels were fully activated. The rate constants for association and dissociation of CsA were $7.0{\mu}M{-1}s^{-1}$ and $8.1s^{-1}$, respectively. CsA slowed the deactivation time course, resulting in a tail crossover phenomenon. Block of Kv1.5 by CsA was use-dependent. CsA also blocked Kv1.3 currents at +50 mV in a reversible concentration-dependent manner with an apparent $IC_{50}$ of $1.1{\mu}M$. The same effects of CsA on Kv1.3 were also observed in excised inside-out patches when applied to the internal surface of the membrane. The present results suggest that CsA acts directly on Kv1.5 currents as an open-channel blocker, independently of the effects of CsA on calcineurin activity.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2001

Purpose : This study is to find out the Ginseng Radix extract on rats nephrotoxicity when the rates were induced by Cs A. Methods : The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups and treated as follows: nothing was given to Sample A, Sample B was given normal saline after an I.V. injection of Cs A, and Sample C was given Ginseng Radix extract after a Cs A injection. The groups were observed for 14 days. After the prescription of the medicines, the following levels were tested: serum BUN, creatinine, total protein, sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. Results : 1. Changes in serum level. The levels of GPT, GOT, and BUN were significantly reduced in the experimental group when compared with those of the control group. The total protein level showed significant elevation when compared with those of the control group. The chloride level in the serum in the sample group was insignificantly reduced. The creatinine level was insignificantly increased. The Potassium level decreased, mildly. The Sodium and The Potassium levels in the serum in the sample group showed insignificantly lower levels than those of the control group. 2. Changes in the urine level. Urine specific gravity showed a significant increase, on the 14th day, in the experimental group when compared with that of the control group. The urinary ceatinine levels showed and insignificant increase, followed by an insignificant decrease. Conclusion : It can be inferred that Ginseng Radix may improve nephrotoxicity and hepatoxicity in rats when induced by Cyclosporin A.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.131-138
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• 2002

The cyclophilins (Cyps) are family members of proteins that exhibit peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase, EC 5.2.1.8) activity and bind the immunosuppressive agent cyclosprin A (CsA) in varying degrees. During the process of random sequencing of a cDNA library made from Giardia intestinalis WB strain, the cyclophilin gene (gicypl) was isolated. An open reading frame of gicyp1 gene was 576 nucleotides, which corresponded to a translation product of 176 amino acids (Gicypl). The identity with other Cyps was about 58-71%. The 13 residues that constituted the CsA binding site of human cyclophilin were also detected in the amino acid sequence of Gicypl, including tryptophan residue essential for the drug binding. The single copy of the gicypl gene was detected in the G. intestinalis chromosome by southern hybridization analysis. Recombinant Gicyp 1 protein clearly accelerated the rate of cis ${\rightarrow}$ trans isomerization of the peptide substrate and the catalysis was completely inhibited by the addition of $0.5{\;}{\mu}M$ CsA.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.441-449
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• 1998

This study was carried out to investigate the fine structural changes of rat hepatocytes by repeated treatment of cyclosporin A that has been widely used for immunosuppressive drug in organ transplantation. Sprague-Dawley rats were kept in experimental circumstances for 2 weeks and 50mg/kg B.W of cyclosporin A was injected once a day subcutaneously for 7 days and sacrificed at 1 hour, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days after the last injection. Fine structural changes were observed by transmission electron microscope (JEM 1200EX II) and the results obtained were as follows. 1. Accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes was prominently increased in 1 hour and 1 day lapse groups, and this finding was slightly reduced in 3 days lapse group and remarkably reduced from 7 days lapse group enough to be recovered completely in 14 days lapse group. 2. Dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticule cisternae, detachment of membrane bound ribosomes, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticula were observed in 1 hour and 1 day lapse groups, and these findings were mild in 3 days lapse group and abruptly reduced from 7 days lapse group enough to be recovered completely in 28 days lapse group. 3. Small myelin figures were observed in 3 days lapse group after CsA-treatment. 4. Swelling of mitochondria and destruction of their cristae were observed in 1 hour and 1 day lapse groups, and these findings were recovered from 3 days lapse group. 5. Dilatation of bile canaliculi and remarkable loss of microvilli in the pericanalicular wall were observed in 1 hour lapse group and the most severe change was shown in 1 day lapse group and lasted to 3 days lapse group, and these findings were reduced gradually from 7 days lapse group enough to recovered completely in 28 days lapse group.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2007

Purpose : Since the first report by Mendoza in 1990, there have been several studies reporting that long-term intravenous methylprednisolone(MP) pulse therapy combined with cyclosporin A(CsA) or cyclophosphamide might be beneficial for the treatment of steroid resistant focal segmental glometulosclerosis(FSGS). We investigated the therapeutic effect of long-term MP pulse therapy without CsA or cyclophosphamide on steroid resistant FSGS. Methods : The medical records of the 10 steroid resistant FSGS patients who were treated with MP pulse therapy by the Mendoza protocol without CsA or cyclophosphamide in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Results : The median age at onset was 2.6 years(range 1.1-10.6 years) and the median age at the initiation of therapy was 5.7 years(range 1.8-20 years). The median duration of follow-up was 35 months(range 4-132 months). At the end of therapy, 5 patients achieved complete remission(50%) and 2 partial remission(20%), one of whom relapsed after the therapy. Three patients did not respond to the therapy, two of whom progressed to end-stage renal failure during the therapy eventually requiring kidney transplantation. Conclusion : Intravenous long-term MP pulse therapy without CsA or cyclophosphamide by the Mendoza protocol may be effective in a subset of patients with steroid-resistant FSGS.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2012

New onset diabetes is a major complication after kidney transplantation. However, the natural course of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the detailed natural courses of PTDM according to the onset and persistency of hyperglycemia, and to investigate risk factors for development of different courses of PTDM in renal allograft recipients. The purpose of this study is to develop novel immune suppressants for PTDM using of action mechanism of them. The use of immunosuppressive drugs in transplanted patients is associated with the development of diabetes, possibly due to ${\beta}$-cell toxicity. To better understand the mechanisms leading to post-transplant diabetes, we investigated the actions of prolonged exposure of ${\beta}$-cells to therapeutical levels of tacrolimus (FK506) or cyclosporin A(CsA). The immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine(CsA) is a potent agent widely used after organ transplantations and various autoimmune disorders. After using CsA, some patients suffer severe complications including renal and vascular toxicity. The renal or vascular toxicity is influenced by the degree of the endothelial damage. FK506(tacrolimus) is a widely used immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of various medical conditions, including autoimmune disease, bone marrow and organ transplantations. We found some interesting clusters and confirmed the feasibility of cDNA microarray in the study of Immunosuppressant. In this study, we investigated gene expression patterns induced by Immunosuppressant in RIN-m5F of rat insulinoma cell line. Gene expressions evaluated using cDNA microarry in two clusters were increased or decreased. this study provides comprehensive comparison of the patterns of gene expression changes induced by CsA and FK506 in ${\beta}$-cells. This study could establish that the mode of action mechanism by which currently used insulin inhibitors inducing PTDM could be elucidated at least in part, which raises the possibility that novel immune suppressive PTDM can be developed. The molecular biological study on PTDM will also contribute the progress in diabetes research field as well as in that of PTDM.