• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.938-943
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• 2009

Purpose : We performed this study in order to investigate the effect of direct renin inhibition on an experimental animal model with nephrotoxic serum nephritis and tried to give useful information for clinical research and renin inhibitor treatment. Methods : Thirty BALB/c 6-week-old male mice were divided into 4 groups: control group (CO, n=5), control-treatment group with aliskiren (CT, n=5), disease group (DO, n=10), and disease treatment group with aliskiren (DT, n=10). Nephritis was induced by an intravenous injection of 0.25 mg/g weight of rabbit anti-GBM immunoglobulin G. Model 2002 Alzet mini-osmotic pumps (Durect Corp.) for aliskiren infusion were implanted into CT and DT. Each group strain was sacrificed serially one at a time on day 14. We estimated the protein-creatinine ratio in 12-hour-collected urine (UP/Cr) and measured the mesangial matrix score in the PAS-stained kidney of each strain. Results : One strain at CT and DT died on day 6 and 7, respectively. Each group strain was sacrificed serially at a time on day 10 because DO were seriously ill. The UP/Cr of each group is as follows: CO, $31.24{\pm}6.54mg/mg$, CT, $23.38{\pm}13.60mg/mg$, DO, $112.72{\pm}10.97mg/mg$, DT $114.07{\pm}32.30mg/mg$. There was no significant difference between DO and DT. The mesangial matrix score of each group was CO, $0.23{\pm}0.10$; CT, $0.13{\pm}0.03$; DO, $1.90{\pm}0.48$; and DT, $1.28{\pm}0.41$, respectively, and there was a significant difference between DO and DT in the extent of mesangial matrix expansion (P=0.008). Conclusion : We found that renin inhibition was able to suppress the mesangial matrix expansion in experimental mice with acute nephritis, although there were no significant differences in UP/Cr.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.779-784
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of herbs on memory improvement by focusing on their cholinergic functions in Tg2576 mice. Seven herbs were used to obtain extracts by using alcohol and water. In screening test for cholinergic activities of the extracts, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was highly inhibited in Oenanthe javanica alcohol extract (OJAE, 18.76%) as compared with the others. The OJAE-treated Tg2576 (Tg-OJAE) groups showed the statistically significant increases of latency time in passive avoidance test. Also, it was found that the concentration of $A{\beta}1-42$ was significantly reduced in Tg-OJAE groups compared to non-treated Tg2576 groups. In the additional enzyme test, it was found that $IC_{50}$ of OJAE was $991.77{\mu}g/mL$ and OJAE acted as an uncompetitive inhibitor of AChE. Therefore, it seemed that OJAE can be used for the development of processed foods for memory improvement.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2016

Objective : We tried to know the improvement and neurological effect of diabetes when the complex exercise training was applied on diabetes that delayed the recovery of the ischemic brain injury. Methods : We performed this study in a animal lab which located in Gyengsangbukdo. We used 10 diabetes rats with ischemic brain injury, which is induced by STZ. We applied the complex exercise training on the rats for 4 weeks. We executed the maze test to confirm the recovery of the brain function and checked the blood sugar to know the improvement. Results : As a result of applying the complex exercise on diabetes rats with ischemic brain injury, there was a significant reduce of error and escape time in 3 weeks and 1 weeks, respectively. There was no difference of the blood sugar in control but there was a significant improvement in experiment group after applying the exercise training in 4 weeks. Conclusion : The senile disease like stroke and diabetes was increased currently. It is important for rehabilitation to improve the quality of life during the remainder of their life. In the study, we've known the improvement of diabetes and the recovery of the brain function when the complex exercise training was applied the rats with both diabetes and the ischemic brain injury.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.679-685
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• 2010

Many animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) have been developed, aimed at understanding the long-term progression of OA and difficulty of identifying patients in the initial stage of the disease. In canines, coxofemoral luxation and hip dysplasia are common orthopedic ailments related to OA in the hip joint. Transecting the ligament of the head of the femur (LHF) aids in diagnosis of coxofemoral joint OA. Presently, mobility of this joint was increased by transected LHF in 10 mature, 2-3-year-old (average $2.57{\pm}0.20$ years), healthy male beagles. The animals were normally gaited 1-week post-operatively. During the experimental period, examinations including X-ray, complete blood count and serum chemistry were unremarkable. Proteomic examination revealed protein alterations in synovial fluid, with significant increases in Vitamin D-binding protein precursor (ANOVA, p < 0.004) and Kinogen-1 (ANOVA, p < 0.039). Both proteins correlated with arthritis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2002

Alteration in the syntesis or enhanced inactivation of nitric oxide(NO) can induce impairment of endothelial cell function. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM) is characterized by impaired endothelial function and vascular disease. NO is produced through L-arginine pathway To elucidate the hypothesis that the decreased production on NO in IDDM reflects vascular damage and the NO production can be manipulated by either dietary fat(7% of kg diet) or the oral supplementation with L-arginine(2g/kg bw), plasma markers for vascular endothelial damage and plasma lipid profiles were measured in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic or normal Sprague-Dawley rats were fed 6 different experimental diets for 4 weeks(SO : soybean oil, SOA: soybean oil + L-arginine supplementation, BT : beef tallow, BTA_ beef tallow + L-arginine supplementation, OV olive oil, OVA : olive oil + L-arginine supplementation). Plasma glucose, total cholesterel, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were measured. Endothelial markers, plasma von Willebrand factor(vWf), thromboxane B$_2$, and 6-keto PGF1$\alpha$ of aorta were measured by ELISA. Plasma NO production was evaluated through the measurement of nitrite by EIA. Feeding saturated fatty acid(SFA, BT) increased relative liver size(RLS) in diabetic rats compared to either polyunsatunted fatty acid(PUFA, SO) or monounsaturated fatty acid(MUFA, OV) The supplementation of L-arginine inhibited the liver and kidney enlargement in olive oil find diabetic rats. Plasma glucose was lower in diabetic animal find the olive oil compared to fed beef tallow and the supplementation L-arginine decreased it in diabetic rats find beef tallow significantly(p < 0.05). Plasma TXB$_2$ levels were increased due to diabetes and the value of beef tallow group showed highest value. Plasma vWf concentration of beef tallow group was higher value in normal rats and was elevated more in diabetes. In diabetic groups, the vWf concentration of olive oil group was lower than beef tallow or soybean oil group. The supplementation of L-arginine in diabetic rats decreased plasma TXB$_2$ and vWf levels significantly(p < 0.05). NO production was higher in normal olive oil fed rats and was tend to be decreased in diabetic rats and the supplementation of L-arginine recovered to normal value(p < 0.05), Olive oil supplemented with L-arginine tended to lower plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol after 4 week treatment. These results suggest that generalized vascular endothelial changes based on plasma TXB$_2$and vWf occurs in diabetic rats. and olive oil with L-arginine supplementation contributes to a better control of the hyperglycemia, endothelial changes and hypercholesterolemia accompanying diabetes as compared with beef tallow or soy bean oil in this rat model.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2012

Objectives : We investigated the effects of mountain cultivated ginseng water boiled extract(MCG) on blood glucose and insulin levels, and examined whether lipid metabolism are improved by it in male db/db mice(a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus). Methods : 9 weeks old, male db/db mice were divided into 5 groups : C57BL/6J normal, control, MCG-250mg/kg (MCG-1), MCG-500mg/kg(MCG-2) and MCG-1000mg/kg(MCG-3). After mice were treated with MCG for 8 weeks, we measured body weight, food intake, fat weight, visceral organ weight and blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Results : 1. We found no difference in body weight, food intake, fat weight and visceral organ weight among the animal groups. 2. Compared with controls, MCG-treated mice had lower blood glucose level and higher blood insulin levels, the magnitude of which was prominent in MCG-2. 3. Compared with controls, MCG-treated mice had lower LDL-cholesterol and higher HDL-cholesterol levels. 4. Compared with controls, MCG-treated mice had blood triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, the magnitude of which was prominent in MCG-2. 5. Blood AST and ALT concentrations were not changed by MCG, indicating MCG do not show any toxic effects. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that MCG effectively increases blood insulin level and decreases blood glucose level, blood lipid levels, and prevents and improves diabetic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.222-230
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• 2012

Background : Interstitial cystitis is a disorder of the bladder characterized by urgency and frequency of urination, and pelvic pain. The cause of interstitial cystitis is not clear. Modern medical treatments include behavioral therapy, medication, intravesical infusion therapy, and surgical treatment, but the goal of treatment is based on symptom relief rather than a cure. According to a recent report, in an animal model, oriental medicine treatment, Yukmijihwang-tang improved the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. However, clinical studies and experimental research are lacking. Objectives : In this study, We investigated Chuknyojetong-tang, acupuncture, moxibustion and bee venom effect on interstitial cystitis. Methods : We targeted 25 patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis at the university hospital and treated them for more than one month. We used acupuncture, Chuknyojetong-tang, and bee venom. The effects were evaluated using ICSI and ICPI at the begin of treatment and at the end of treatment. Results : All of the 25 patients were female, average age was $53.3{\pm}13.5$ years, and the average month of disease-duration was $69.0{\pm}59.8$. The duration of treatment was $8.0{\pm}5.4$ months, and 60% of patients were improved. After treatment, we used correlation coefficient method, multiple regression analysis. ICSI difference increased as treatment period increased. ICPI difference increased as age decreased. Total difference also increased as treatment period increased. These results imply that treatment effect was improved. Conclusions : These findings suggest that oriental medicine therapy using Chuknyojetong-tang, acupuncture, moxibustion, and bee venom would be very effective on interstitial cystitis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.123-130
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• 2013

Purpose: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a neurodegerative disease due to persistent measles virus infection. We investigated the role of programmed death-1 (PD-1) molecule which is related with chronic viral infection in developing SSPE in mouse. Methods: We adopt the $PD-1^{-/-}$, $PD-1^{-/+}$, and wild type BALB/c 3 week old mice to make an animal model of SSPE by injecting measles virus (SSPE strain) intraventricularly. Three months after infusion of virus, the mice were sacrificed and examined if the typical pathologic lesions had been progressed. The sera were collected from each group of mice and the serum level of IL-21 was measured with ELISA kit. Results: The necrotic lesions on white matter and gliosis were found in focal areas in wild type BALB/c. The extent of lesion was smaller in heterotype BALB/c. Scanty lesions were found in $PD-1^{-/-}$ mice. The sera level of IL-21 was not elevated in all three groups. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the PD-1 molecule may play a role in persistent viral infection.

• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.12.1-12.7
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• 2010

The National Bio Resource Project-Rat (NBRP-Rat) comprises the largest bank of laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) strains in the world. Its main focus is to develop infrastructure that will facilitate the systematic collection, preservation, and provision of rat strains. To breed effectively more than 180 rat strains in living stock, we establish the genetic control system in which a systematic set of genetic diagnoses and genetic monitoring are included. Genetic monitoring is performed by using 20 polymorphic markers. Monitoring is carried out when a living animal stock is re-established by using cryopreserved embryos or sperm or when a rat strain is first introduced to the NBRP-Rat by a depositor. Additional monitoring is then carried out on each strain every two years. Genetic diagnosis is performed largely by employing the Amp-FTA method. Protocols which detail how to perform a genetic diagnosis of 11 transgenes and 24 mutations have been made. Among the mutations, nine can be detected by simple gel electrophoresis of the PCR products, 11 by restriction enzyme treatment of the PCR products, and four by direct PCR product sequencing. Using this genetic control system, the NBRP-Rat can guarantee the genetic quality of its rat strains.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2012

Toxoplasmic encephalitis is caused by reactivation of bradyzoites to rapidly dividing tachyzoites of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis of this life-threatening disease is problematic, because it is difficult to discriminate between these 2 stages. Toxoplasma PCR assays using gDNA as a template have been unable to discriminate between an increase or decrease in SAG1 and BAG1 expression between the active tachyzoite stage and the latent bradyzoite stage. In the present study, real-time RT-PCR assay was used to detect the expression of bradyzoite (BAG1)- and tachyzoite-specific genes (SAG1) during bradyzoite/tachyzoite stage conversion in mice infected with T. gondii Tehran strain after dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DXM) administration. The conversion reaction was observed in the lungs and brain tissues of experimental mice, indicated by SAG1 expression at day 6 after DXM administration, and continued until day 14. Bradyzoites were also detected in both organs throughout the study; however, it decreased at day 14 significantly. It is suggested that during the reactivation period, bradyzoites not only escape from the cysts and reinvade neighboring cells as tachyzoites, but also converted to new bradyzoites. In summary, the real-time RT-PCR assay provided a reliable, fast, and quantitative way of detecting T. gondii reactivation in an animal model. Thus, this method may be useful for diagnosing stage conversion in clinical specimens of immunocompromised patients (HIV or transplant patients) for early identification of tachyzoite-bradyzoite stage conversion.