• Title/Summary/Keyword: General pharmacology

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Matrix Metalloproteinases, New Insights into the Understanding of Neurodegenerative Disorders

  • Kim, Yoon-Seong;Joh, Tong-H.
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.133-143
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    • 2012
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a subfamily of zinc-dependent proteases that are re-sponsible for degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix proteins. The activity of MMPs is tightly regulated at several levels including cleavage of prodomain, allosteric activation, com-partmentalization and complex formation with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In the central nervous system (CNS), MMPs play a wide variety of roles ranging from brain devel-opment, synaptic plasticity and repair after injury to the pathogenesis of various brain disorders. Following general discussion on the domain structure and the regulation of activity of MMPs, we emphasize their implication in various brain disorder conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion and Parkinson's disease. We further highlight accumu-lating evidence that MMPs might be the culprit in Parkinson's disease (PD). Among them, MMP-3 appears to be involved in a range of pathogenesis processes in PD including neuroinflamma-tion, apoptosis and degradation of ${\alpha}$-synuclein and DJ-1. MMP inhibitors could represent poten-tial novel therapeutic strategies for treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.

Antioxidant activity and nitrite scavenging ability of each fractions from Phyllostachys bambusoides ethanolic extract

  • Lim, Jin-A;Oh, In-Kyo;Kim, Hyung-Min;Baek, Seung-Hwa
    • Advances in Traditional Medicine
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    • v.5 no.3
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    • pp.209-215
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    • 2005
  • This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of antioxidative activity and nitrite scavenging ability of each fractions from Phyllostachys bambusoides S. et Z. (P. bambusoides) trunk ethanolic extract using reverse-phase flash chromatography. Among the each fractions, fraction 3 $(H_2O\;:\;MeOH\;=\;1:1)$ showed high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (81.33%) at $80\;{\mu}g/mL$ concentrations and strongly inhibited autooxidation of pyrogallol by superoxide dismutase-like activity (45.8 %) at 0.46 mg/mL concentrations compared with different fractions. The fraction 3 was also increased to 76.62% cell viability against hydrogen peroxide-mediated cytotoxicity. Nitrite scavenging ability was the most remarkable under pH 1.2 condition among various pH regions examined and effectively exhibited to 65.6% by treatment of the fraction 3 with a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. In general, nitrite scavenging ability decreased with higher pH condition. These results suggest that fraction 3 from P. bambusoides ethanolic extract can be used for bioacitve and functional materials.

Constituents and Effects of Ginseng Leaf

  • Xie, Jing-Tian;Wu, Ji-An;Lin, Elaine;Wang, Chong-Zhi;Yuan, Chun-Su
    • Advances in Traditional Medicine
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.1-8
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    • 2004
  • Ginseng root has been used as a tonic remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Modern studies have demonstrated that ginseng root has complex components and multiple pharmacological properties. The effects of ginseng leaf, however, are not well known. Recent studies show that compared to ginseng root, ginseng leaf and stem exhibit a higher content of active compositions such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, triterpene flavonoids, volatile oil, polyacetylenic alcohols, peptides, amino acids and fatty acids. Ginseng leaf possesses multiple pharmacological effects in the central nervous, cardiovascular, growth and metabolism systems. Additionally, the leaf has anti-fatigue, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant, and anti-aged effects. In general, ginseng leaf is quite safe, but adverse effects may occur if it is abused or is of poor quality. Thus, attention must be paid to dosages, quality, and standardization of ginseng leaf products.

An Analysis of Nursing Practice in an Oriental Medicine Hospital (일 대학부속 한방병원 간호사의 직무내용 및 직무량분석)

  • Ahn, Yang-Heui
    • Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.54-61
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    • 1997
  • This study was directed at analysing nursing practice in one oriental medicine hospital. In this study, the nurses were chosen from two units at one oriental medicine hospital. Using the worksampling method, a total of 780 series of nursing actions were collected over thirteen days. this study had two findings. First, the percentage for the amount of actual nursing practice was 79.5% which is lower than the amount of actual nursing practice in other western style general hospitals. Second, the content of nursing practice included nursing actions(43.8%), nursing management (35.5%), and education /research (0.1%), indicating that only the special care of oriental nursing and education /research were not observed in nursing practice. These findings indicate a deficit knowledge in oriental medicine and oriental nursing care by nurses in oriental medicine hospitals. Since Oriental Nursing has not been included in Nursing curriculum, there is a need for research to develop basic education in Oriental Medicine and pharmacology as well as the development of a sgstematized approach to Oriental Nursing so as to provide an appropriate background for nurses working in this field. Further research is needed to define nursing in the Oriental Medicine system.

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Assessment of Problem Based Learning Application in Clinical Pharmacy Education (임상약학 교육에서의 문제중심학습 수업 방법 적용 평가)

  • Kim, Jung Tae;Kim, Jong Yoon;Kim, Myung Chun;Rhew, Ki Yon
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.65-70
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    • 2013
  • Background: Colleges of Pharmacy in Korea have increased the number of years required for the degree from 4 years to 6 years in 2009. These changes are demanding revolution of education in pharmacology. The center of gravity is moving from medicine to application, theory to work. Problem-Based Learning is "learn to learn" working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real problems. PBL process cheers students to think critically to find optimal solution using appropriate learning resources. Method: Eighteen students in college of pharmacy are selected to participate in PBL lecture and take part in the survey about the effect of PBL in clinical pharmacy education. Results: General satisfaction score was high as four on a five-point scale, and students have improved on anxious about communication since the PBL classes compared to before of the lecture (P=0.037). Conclusion: PBL could be applied in clinical pharmacy education to progress student's participation and satisfaction. In addition this is improved communication skill in medical team during pharmacy practice.

Teratogenicity Study of SKI 2053R, a New Platinum Anticancer Agent, in Rabbits (새로운 백금착물 항암제 SKI 2053R의 토끼 최기형성시험)

  • 김종춘;김갑호;박종일;김형진;정문구
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.7 no.3
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    • pp.292-299
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    • 1999
  • SKI 2053 R, cis-Malonato [(4R, 5R)-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-2-isopropyl-1,3-dioxolane] platinum(II), is a newly developed antitumor platinum complex derived from cisplatin. Preclinical studies suggest that it may have greater antitumor activity and lower toxicity than cisplatin. Effects of test agent on general toxicity of does and embryonic development of Fl fetuses were investigated in rabbits. Sixty eight New Zealand white rabbits were distributed among three treated groups and a control group. SKI 2053R was administered intravenously to pregnant rabbits from days 6 to 18 of gestation at dose levels of 0, 0.67, 2.0, or 6.0 mg/kg/day. The pregnant does were subjected to the caesarean section on day 28 of gestation. No treatment-related changes in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, and necropsy findings were observed in all groups. Fl fetuses showed no changes related to the treatment of SKI 2053R, except that an increase in the incidence of skeletal variations were observed at 6.0 mg/kg. There were no signs of material toxicity or embryotoxicity at 0.67 and 2.0 mg/kg. The results show that the administration of 6.0 mg/kg SKI 2053R induces skeletal variations in fetuses and that the no observed adverse effect levels(NOAELS) of SKI 2053R are considered to be over 6.0 mg/kg for does and 2.0 mg/kg for Fl fetuses in rabbits.

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Dose Intensity of Oxaliplatin in 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin Regimens in Pretreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin과 병용 투여된 Oxaliplatin의 Dose Intensity가 재발된 전이성 대장암 치료에 미치는 영향)

  • Jeong, Kyong-Ju;Choi, Seung-Ki;Oh, Jung-Mi
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.1-10
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    • 2004
  • Studies of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer showed that oxaliplatin dose intensity is important prognostic factor for objective response rates and progression-free-survival (PFS). To evaluate response rates, PFS and toxicity according to oxaliplatin dose intensity, we retrospectively analyzed data from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received oxaliplatin,5-fluorouracil, leucovorin regimens. Sixty-three patients were reviewed in this study, 42 patients received low dose intensity oxaliplatin (LDI: $\leq85\;mg/m^2/2wks$) and 21 patients high dose intensity oxaliplatin (HDI: $>85\;mg/m^2/2wks$). Objective responses occurred in 10 $(47.7\%)$ HDI patients and 9 $(21.4\%)$ LDI patients (p = 0.014). Median PFS was 24.7 weeks in HDI group, with $45.1\%$ of HDI patients progression free at 6 months, and 20.5 weeks in LDI group, with $33.5\%$ of LDI patients progression free at 6 months (p = 0.344). Increased oxaliplatin dose intensity was not associated with neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, nausea and vomiting. This study showed that oxaliplatin dose intensification significantly improves objective response rate in pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer without increasing severe toxicity.

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Potential health effects of emerging environmental contaminants perfluoroalkyl compounds

  • Lee, Youn Ju
    • Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.156-164
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    • 2018
  • Environmental contaminants are one of the important causal factors for development of various human diseases. In particular, the perinatal period is highly vulnerable to environmental toxicants and resultant dysregulation of fetal development can cause detrimental health outcomes potentially affecting life-long health. Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs), emerging environmental pollutants, are man-made organic molecules, which are widely used in diverse industries and consumer products. PFCs are non-degradable and bioaccumulate in the environment. Importantly, PFCs can be found in cord blood and breast milk as well as in the general population. Due to their physicochemical properties and potential toxicity, many studies have evaluated the health effects of PFCs. This review summarizes the epidemiological and experimental studies addressing the association of PFCs with neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity. While the relationships between PFC levels and changes in neural and immune health are not yet conclusive, accumulative studies provide evidence for positive associations between PFC levels and the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and reduced immune response to vaccination both in children and adults. In conclusion, PFCs have the potential to affect human health linked with neurological disorders and immunosuppressive responses. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the effects of PFCs on human health is still in its infancy. Therefore, along with efforts to develop methods to reduce exposure to PFCs, studies on the mode of action of these chemicals are required in the near future.

Cellular Pathways in Agonist-induced Gallbladder Muscle Contraction in the Cat (고양이의 담낭근 수축에 있어서 세포내 기전)

  • Rhim, Byung-Yong;Kim, Chi-Dae;Kim, Dong-Heon;Biancani, Piero;Behar, Jose
    • The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.67-74
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    • 1996
  • Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), acetylcholine (ACh) and KCl caused a dose dependent contraction in muscle cells enzymatically digested from cat gallbladder. Maximal contraction was obtained at concentration of $10^{-9}M$ for CCK-8, $10^{-5}M$ for ACh and 20mM for KCl. CCK-8 induced contraction was unaffected in calcium free physiological salt solution (PSS) and was completely blocked by strontium substitution for calcium (p<0.001). In contrast, KCl evoked contraction was blocked in calcium free PSS (p<0.01) but was unaffected by strontium replacement of calcium. The contraction elicited by ACh was only slightly reduced in calcium free PSS (p<0.05) and was unaltered by strontium. Muscle cells permeabilized with saponin contracted in response to inositol 1,4.5-trisphosphate $(IP_3)$ and CCK-8. The contraction was blocked by the calmodulin antagonist CGS 9343B (p<0.001), whereas heparin completely blocked the effect of $IP_3$ (p<0.001). The protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist H7 had no effect on either agonist. We conclude that CCK-8 induced gallbladder muscle contraction is mediated by $IP_3$ dependent intracellular calcium release from intracellular stores and a calmodulin dependent pathway; ACh may utilize both extracellular and intracellular calcium. KCl causes muscle contracrion through influx of extracellular calcium and a calmodulin independent machanism.

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A Study for a Curriculum for the Oriental Clinical Nurse Specialist Program (한방전문간호사 교육과정 개발 연구)

  • 이향련;김귀분;조결자;신혜숙;김광주;왕명자;김숙영;김정아;김현실
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.30 no.6
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    • pp.1467-1478
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    • 2000
  • The purpose of this study was to develop a curriculum for the oriental clinical nurse specialist program based on the understanding of Korean human beings so as to develop nursing as a profession and promote the client's health. The design of this study was based on literature review and nominal group study. The research was managed by East-West Nursing Research Institute of nursing science college at Kyung Hee University. The research team was composed of 17 professors of nursing departments of oriental medical colleges. We obtained opinions from Oriental Nurses Association, Oriental Nursing Research Association, and professors in oriental medical college. We reviewed articles, curriculums of other clinical nurse specialist programs, medical laws and the curriculum development plan for the oriental clinical nurse specialist program from Korean Nurses Association. We discussed a curriculum thoroughly in numerous meetings. We developed a following curriculum: 1. Educational philosophy was founded on the oriental human view which was based on Chun-In union theory. It was founded on the oriental health view which recognized health being in harmony with nature and the balance of body function with the harmony of Yin-Yang in the five elements. In addition, it was founded on oriental nursing view to promote these health states. 2. Educational goals were to train oriental clinical nurse specialists, oriental nursing educators and oriental nursing researchers who developed knowledge of oriental nursing theory, nursing practice and created a leadership. 3. Curriculum consisted of 48 credits, of which 36 credits are based on lectures and laboratory classes and 12 credits are based on clinical practice. 36 credits consisted of 5 general subject credits and 31 core subject credits. General subjects consisted of nursing theory, nursing research, law and ethics. Students who had earned master's degrees are not required to take the general subjects. Core subjects consisted of 11 subjects such as advanced physical examination and laboratory, oriental nursing theory, original text of oriental nursing, oriental medical nursing, oriental pediatric nursing, oriental gynecologic nursing, oriental gerontologic nursing, oriental pharmacology, oriental constitutional nursing, advanced nursing of channels and acupuncture points and laboratory and oriental rehabilitation nursing and laboratory. In addition, clinical practice in a hospital ward, out patient department, herb prepation room, department of physical therapy and health promotion center in oriental medical hospitals for 12 weeks. To admit this program, students should complete prerequisites of introduction to oriental nursing and nursing of channels and acupuncture points. 4. Course contents of each subjects were developed to include the course's goal and objectives and specific items. 5. Evaluation involved lecture, laboratory and in field practice. We applied various evaluation systems and methods that were based on both knowledge and skills of the students to ensure full credibility and validity.

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