• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.434-440
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• 2017

S-methyl-$\small{L}$-methionine (SMM), also known as vitamin U, is commercially available as skin care cosmetic products for its wound healing and photoprotective effects. However, the low skin permeation expected of SMM due to its hydrophilic nature with a log P value of -3.3, has not been thoroughly addressed. The purpose of this study thus was to evaluate the effect of skin permeation enhancers on the skin permeation/deposition of SMM. Among the enhancers tested for the in vitro skin permeation and deposition of SMM, oleic acid showed the most significant enhancing effect. Moreover, the combination of oleic acid and ethanol further enhanced in vitro permeation and deposition of SMM through hairless mouse skin. Furthermore, the combination of oleic acid and ethanol significantly increased the in vivo deposition of SMM in the epidermis/dermis for 12 hr, which was high enough to exert a therapeutic effect. Therefore, based on the in vitro and in vivo studies, the combination of oleic acid and ethanol was shown to be effective in improving the topical skin delivery of SMM, which may be applied in the cosmetic production process for SMM.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.188-197
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• 2018

Benzidine, a known carcinogen, is closely associated with the development of bladder cancer (BC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical pathophysiological process in BC progression. The underlying molecular mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, especially extracellular regulated protein kinases 5 (ERK5), in regulating benzidine-induced EMT remains unclarified. Hence, two human bladder cell lines, T24 and EJ, were utilized in our study. Briefly, cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay, and cell invasion was determined by Transwell assay. Quantitative PCR and western blot were utilized to determine both gene expressions as well as protein levels of EMT and MAPK, respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected to further determine ERK5 function. As a result, the migration and invasion abilities were enhanced, epithelial marker expression was decreased while mesenchymal marker expression was increased in human BC cell lines. Meanwhile, benzidine administration led to activation of ERK5 and activator protein 1 (AP-1) proteins, without effective stimulation of the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38 pathways. Moreover, Benzidine-induced EMT and ERK5 activation were completely suppressed by XMD8-92 and siRNAs specific to ERK5. Of note, ERK1/2 was activated in benzidine-treated T24 cells, while benzidine-induced EMT could not be reversed by U0126, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, as indicated by further study. Collectively, our findings revealed that ERK5-mediated EMT was critically involved in benzidine-correlated BC progression, indicating the therapeutic significance of ERK5 in benzidine-related BC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1851-1857
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• 2014

Objective: The main purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of berberine hydrochloride (BH) on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of CNE-1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Our results shed light on the functional components of traditional Chinese herbs for potential use in modern medicine. Methods: The CNE-1 cell line was treated with different concentrations of BH and effects on cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Anti-migratory and anti-invasive actions of BH were investigated using wound healing assays and the Millicell Hanging cell culture insert system, respectively. Expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene twist (Twist) was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Apoptosis was estimated with an annexin-V fluorescein (FITC) apoptosis detection kit, as well as with reference to levels of activated caspase-3 of CNE-1 cells before and after treatment with BH utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy. Results: BH was capable of reducing proliferation and viability of CNE-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, also demonstrating anti-migratory and anti-invasive capacities which correlated with reduction in expression of Twist. Finally, BH was able to induce significant amounts of apoptosis in CNE-1 cells, as demonstrated by an increase in the activity of caspase-3 and in annexin-V staining following treatment. Conclusion: BH extracted from rhizoma coptidis demonstrated an ability to block proliferation, induce apoptosis, and impair the migration and invasion of the CNE-1 cell line Considering these properties, our results suggest that BH could be an important compound for consideration in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.289-294
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• 2012

Resveratrol, natural polyphenol in grapes and red wine, is known to have the anti-proliferatory and anti-angiogenic effects in various cancer cells. In this study, we have investigated the effects of resveratrol in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Treatment of resveratrol in different concentrations and time inhibited proliferation of HT-29 colon cancer cells. We explored the effects of resveratrol on HT-29 colon cancer cell motility using a wound healing assay. In the absence of the resveratrol, the HT-29 cells are migrated along the edges of the wound and showed a large-scale migration, whereas dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell flattening and spreading was observed in the presence of resveratrol. Resveratrol inhibited MMP-9 in a dose- and time-dependent on HT-29 colon cancer cells by Western blotting. In addition, resveratrol increased AMPK activity and decreased COX-2, VASP and VEGF expression. Treatment of compound C inhibited AMPK activity, however, the expression of VASP and COX-2 increased thus, COX-2 and VASP are modulated by AMPK. However treatment of celecoxib could not control AMPK activity but decreased VEGF expression. We suggest that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and migration through activation of AMPK and decreased COX-2, VASP and VEGF expression in HT-29 colon cancer cells.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.285-292
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• 2013

Ginseng is a well-known traditional medicine used in Asian countries for several thousand years, and it is currently applied to medicine, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements due to its many healing and energygiving properties. It is well demonstrated that ginsenosides, the main ingredient of ginseng, produce a variety of pharmacological and therapeutic effects on central nerve system (CNS) disorders, cardiovascular disease, endocrine secretions, aging, and immune function. Korean red ginseng extract is a dietary supplement containing ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rg1 extracted from Panax ginseng. While the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the extract have been well established, its toxicological properties remain obscure. Thus, four-week oral toxicity studies in rats were conducted to investigate whether Korean red ginseng extract could have a potential toxicity to humans. The test article was administered once daily by oral gavage to four groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at dose levels of 0, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Neither deaths nor clinical symptoms were observed in any group during the experiment. Furthermore, no abnormalities in body weight, food consumption, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross findings, organ weights, or histopathology were revealed related to the administration of the test article in either sex of any dosed group. Therefore, a target organ was not determined in this study, and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of Korean red ginseng extract was established to be 2,000 mg/kg/day.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.572-574
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• 2006

The Dangguibohyel-tang (DBT) was used to treat anemia in traditional Korean medicine. Acute oral toxicity of DBT was studied in ICR mice. ICR mice were administered orally with dosages of 100 mg/kg (low dosage group), 200 mg/kg (middle dosage group), and 400 mg/kg (high dosage group) of DBT. We daily examined number of deaths, clinical signs, body weights and gross findings for 14 days. DBT did not show any toxic effect in ICR mice and oral LD50 value was over 400 mg/kg in ICR mice.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.15-37
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• 2001

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness and the remedical effect of Aroma therapy and Jaungo as a tool for Atopic dermatitis. Methods : We investigated 20 patients suffering from Atopic dermatitis and on the ground of it analyzed the remedical effect of Aroma therapy and Jaungo Results : 1. In distribution of nursing method, 45% was breast milk and formula, 35% was formular, 20% was breast milk. 2. The proportion of Atopic dermatitis concurred of congenital fever was 53.3%, after a disappearance of congenital fever was 46.7%. 3. That the season of symptom aggravation is not defined is 40%, next is summer 25%. The time of symptom aggravation is at night, 65%. 4. In the causes of symptom worsening, common cold and food was the best at each 33.3%. 5. In distribution of the therapeutic method, 65% was treated with oriental after occidental medicine and 30% only oriental medical care. Additional therapy except medical therapy was 60%. 6. In satisfaction degree of Aroma oil and cream therapy, 60% was not changed, 33.4% was very satisfied and satisfied. In aroma cream therapy, 55% was very satisfied and satisfied 40% was not changed. After using Jaungo therapy, 55.6% was very satisfied and satisfied, 44.4% was not changed. 7. After finishing the healing procedure, 65% was very satisfied and satisfied, 35% was not changed. Conclusions : Considering the above results, we have concluded that Aroma therapy and Jaungo have the remedical effect for Atopic dermatitis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.332-335
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• 1995

The angiogenic activity of Aloe vera (Aloe baradensis), known as a good healing plant, was investigated. We have extracted and fractionated dichloromethane extract (G1M1D1) and methanol soluble fraction of dichloromethane extract (G1M1D1M1) which contain low-molecular weight substances of Aloe vera gel. G1M1D1 and G1D1M1 fractions induced a radially arranged, spoke-sheel-like vasculature in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The angiogenic activity was dose-dependent and the angiogenic pattern in the CAM assay. The angiogenic activity was dose-dependent and the angiogenic pattern in the CAM assay was very similar to that of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) used as a positive control. The modified CAM assay, e simple and accurate quantitating method, was used to quntitate the angiogenic activity of G1D1M1 fraction. Application of G1M1D1M1 fraction ($100\mug/egg$) resulted in much more intense angiogenesis than in control while slightly less intense angiogenesis than in PMA (100 ng/egg).

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2011

Mastic is a bleed resin formed in pistacia lentiscus tree extract form the anacatdiaceae family. Mastic is used as a food ingredient in the Mediteraanean resin, and has been used by local inhabitants as a traditional medicine for relief of upper abdominal discomfort, dyspepsiaand peptic ulcer. Clinically, mastic has been effective in the treatment of benign gastric and duodenal, ulcers, giving symptomatic relief and endoscopically proven healing. In this study, to enhance activiteies of poorly water soluble Mastic with oils, surfactants and cosurfactants and then the mixure was microemulsified in aqueous media under condition of gentle agitation and digestive motility that would be encountered in the gastrointestinal tract. Formulation development and screening were based on phase diagrams and characteristics of resultant microemulsion. For optimum mastic formulation, microemulsions with various ratio (w/w%) of mastics, oils, surfactants and cosurfactants were prepared and their solubility was evaluated by monitoring particles size in their buffer through visual asessment and electrophoretic light scattering spectrophotomerter (ELS). In vitro activity of self microemulsified mastic (SME mastic) was determined by minimum ingibition concentration (MIC) test against a panel of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clinical strains. Additionally, in vivo activity of SME masitc was investigated us mouse infected by CH275 of H. pylori. The mean diameter of SME mastic was less then 100 nm in water and SME mastic was showed similar antiboisis effect compared to tometronidazole, clarithromycin and omeproazole. Consequently, SME mastic would be effective system to exterminate H. pylori. If mastic were dose with combined treatment, mastic might augur well for effect of H. pylori eradication as good remedy.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2015

Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand the research trend of reports on forest therapy so far and analyze the Korean medicine therapy being applied in forest therapy programs. Methods We ran a keyword search on domestic databases with the following keyword 'forest therapy, forest healing, forest treatment, recreational forest, forest bath, forest experience'. The search took place in December 2014 and there was no limit to search time. A total of 334 forest therapy articles have been selected. Results The number of research on forest therapy continued to rise from 1985, with 334 articles being published from 84 journals. When those 188 articles were sorted by their contents and methods, except 146 articles of survey on simple satisfaction, recognition and visting, 94 were clinical studies, 79 were literature studies, 15 were experimental studies. Of the 94 clinical researches, there were 52 CCTs (Controled Clinical Trials), 39 ODs (efficacy studies with either a controlled or an Other than controlled Design) and 3 RCTs (Randomized Clinical Trials). Among the clinical researches, there were a total of 21 studies that used Korean Medicine programs, and meditation was the most popular, being used in 18 studies. Herbal food and tea therapy and Qigong were used in 3 studies each, and Korean medicine music programs were used in 2 studies. Conclusions A systematic and standardized Korean medicine forest therapy program must be developed, and based on the program, more research treating diseases should be conducted.