• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 2008

Purpose: Patients with chronic gastrointestinal disease are at risk for trace element deficiency due to impaired absorption and gastrointestinal loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trace element status of patients with gastrointestinal disease by blood and hair analysis, and to determine the usefulness of hair mineral analysis for diagnosing trace element deficiency not detected by a blood test. Methods: An analysis of hair minerals was performed and compared with blood mineral analysis in 13 patients with chronic gastrointestinal disease. The concentration of each element in the hair and blood was compared in the subgroups based on parenteral nutritional support or clinical symptoms. Results: Almost all patients had trace element deficiency. The trace elements deficient in the blood or hair analysis included zinc, selenium and copper. The hair zinc concentration was significantly lower in the group receiving parenteral nutritional support. The hair selenium concentration was statistically associated with the clinical symptoms of hair loss, brittle hair and loss of hair pigmentation. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that patients with chronic gastrointestinal disease should receive adequate zinc and selenium replacement to avoid trace element deficiency especially when treated with long-term parenteral nutrition. Hair mineral analysis is useful as a complementary tool for the detection of a trace element deficiency.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.51
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• pp.18.1-18.12
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• 2021

Hair, having distinct stages of growth, is a dynamic component of the integumentary system. Nonetheless, derangement in its structure and growth pattern often provides vital clues for the diagnosis of systemic diseases. Assessment of the hair structure by various microscopy techniques is, hence, a valuable tool for the diagnosis of several systemic and cutaneous disorders. Systemic illnesses like Comel-Netherton syndrome, Griscelli syndrome, Chediak Higashi syndrome, and Menkes disease display pathognomonic findings on hair microscopy which, consequently, provide crucial evidence for disease diagnosis. With minimal training, light microscopy of the hair can easily be performed even by clinicians and other health care providers which can, thus, serve as a useful tool for disease diagnosis at the patient's bedside. This is especially true for resource-constrained settings where access and availability of advanced investigations (like molecular diagnostics) is a major constraint. Despite its immense clinical utility and non-invasive nature, hair microscopy seems to be an underutilized diagnostic modality. Lack of awareness regarding the important findings on hair microscopy may be one of the crucial reasons for its underutilization. Herein, we, therefore, present a comprehensive overview of the available methods for hair microscopy and the pertinent findings that can be observed in various diseases.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.920-928
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• 2023

Objective: Angora rabbits fed a low-protein diet exhibit decreased hair production performance. This study was set out to evaluate the effects of methionine on hair properties and nitrogen metabolism in Angora rabbits fed a low-protein diet and to investigate the gene expression related to hair follicle development to determine the possible molecular mechanism of methionine effects on hair follicle development. Methods: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of DL-methionine addition on a low-protein diet on hair development in Angora rabbits. Angora rabbits were divided into 5 groups: fed a normal diet (control), fed a low-protein diet (LP), or fed an LP supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.6% DL-methionine (Met). Results: The results showed that rabbits in the LP group had lower wool yield than the control rabbits, but the addition of 0.4% to 0.6% Met to LP attenuated these effects (p<0.05). Dietary addition of 0.4% to 0.6% Met to LP increased the apparent nitrogen digestibility, nitrogen utilization rate, and feed efficiency (p<0.05). Feeding LP decreased the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), keratin-associated protein (KAP) 3.1, and KAP 6.1 mRNA levels compared with the control, but the addition of 0.4% Met in LP attenuated these effects (p<0.05). Relative to the LP or control group, dietary addition of 0.4% Met increased versican mRNA levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of Met to LP could improves wool production performance and feed efficiency and reduce nitrogen emissions in Angora rabbits. Met can promote hair follicle development, which may be associated with IGF1, KAP, and the versican signaling.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.587-596
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• 2012

Alopecia is usually presented as patchy, no scarring hair loss. It seems to be a hormonal imbalance or an immune mediated disease, whereas genetic predisposition, environmental and psychological factors may be involved in its etiology. Many treatments of alopecia disease have been widely applied, but their side effects are also well known. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate efficacy and safety of a food supplement containing medicinal plant extracts, amino acid and vitamin complex on the prevention of hair loss in human. A total of 20 subjects aged between 29-50 years with subjective hair loss complaint were recruited for this study. Each subject took 1 g/day supplement for 3 months. 5-Scale self-assessment test, hair loss count and measurement of hair thickness were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplement on the improvement of hair loss. Subjective hair loss was decreased and hair damage and thickness were improved in self-assessment test. After 3 months of supplementation, hair loss counts were decreased (P<0.05) while hair thickness was increased(P<0.001) significantly. There was no side effect observed during the study. These results suggest that the supplement consist of medicinal plant extracts, amino acid and vitamin complex might be useful for the improvement of hair loss with no significant side effects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.1 s.32
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• pp.228-238
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• 2007

Objectives ; Sasang Constitional Medicine is a part of Korean traditional Medicine, and classify human constitution into four types. Scalp and hair is a part of skin. Skin is one of constitutional charasteristic element. So we researched a correlation between Sasang constitutions and Korean adult scalp and hair condition. This is a basic study to find constitution can be a important factor to care scalp and hair. Methods ; We examined Sasang constitutions and scalp and hair condition of 80 human who aged from 20-50. Scalp disease, dandruff was observed by video micro scope and sebum tape diagnosis. Thickness of hair was measured by Laser Scan Micrometer(LSM-3100). Itching sense and life habit was also investigated. Constitution diagnosis and scalp, hair diagnosis was investigated seperately as a blind test and the data was statistically analyzed with chi-square test, correlation analysis, one-way analysis of varience. Results ; 1. In Sasang Constitution, Taeumin group had significant tendency of oilily scalp. 70% of Taeumin group had oilily scalp. 2. The group of dry or oilily scalp had more itching sense and more sensativity of scalp compaired to neuter scalp group. 3. There was no correlation between height, weight, thickness of hair, itching sense, scalp disease and Sasang constitution. 4. There was correlation between loss of hair and drinking alcohol, obesity, curly hair, soft scalp. Conclusions ; Korean adult scalp and hair condition had correlation with Sasang constitution.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.2-10
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• 2022

Metabolomics makes it possible to analyze the interrelationships between various signaling molecules based on the metabolic pathways involved by using high-resolution devices. This approach can also be used to obtain large-scale metabolic information to identify the relevant pathways for disease diagnosis and prognosis and search for potential biomarkers. In the fields of medicine and forensics, hair analysis is used to detect various metabolites in the body. Hair can be harvested readily in a noninvasive manner and is easier to transport and store than blood and urine. Another advantage from a forensic viewpoint is that hair reflects all the components of body fluids. In addition, because of the unique coating structure of hair, it can be used for measurements without changing or destroying its adsorbed components. In this review, the pretreatments for hair analysis, instrumental conditions and clinical applications are discussed. Especially, the clinical use of hair metabolomics in the diagnosis of various diseases and the limitations of the technique are described.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1 s.69
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• pp.249-259
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• 2007

Objectives : We performed this study to analyze correlation among hair tissue minaral ratio, autonomic function and obesity. Methods : Subjects were gathered from January 2005 to March 2007. This study was carried out on 263 subjects who had visited Garosero oriental clinic and had no previous cardiovascular disease and thyroid disease. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, tissue mineral ratio and obesity degree were statistically compared with correlation and T-test analysis. Results : The results of this study are summarized as follows : 1. Normal group were predominant over obesity group in HRV parameters(SDNN, RMSSD, VLF, LF, HF). 2. Ca/P, Ca/K, Na/K and Fe/Cu, Na/Mg ratio in hair tissue mineral ratio have correlation with BMR, BMI and waist circumference. 3. Ca/P ratio has correlation with LF norm in HRV, and Na/K with HF, Na/Mg with LF, equally. Conclusions : Taken together these results may suggest that there are significant relationships between hair tissue mineral analysis and HRV.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.11-26
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• 2006

Hair tissue mineral analysis is widely accepted for assessing essential and toxic elements which can give information about disease, metabolic disorder, nutritional imbalance, drug abuse, environmental exposure and so on. In Oriental Medicine, hair have been used as a diagnostic method which reflects the physiological and pathological status of body, especially kidney system(腎臟) and blood(血) like the quotations from Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑), 'hair belongs to kidney system(髮屬腎)' and 'hair is the remainder of blood(髮者血之餘)' Therefore we have suggested that HTMA have possibility to be utilized for screening and treatment for obesity, growth disorder, general deficiency syndrome(諸虛證), etc. in Oriental Medicine.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.12a
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• pp.4-15
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• 2005

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system. The major exposure route of MeHg to humans is via consumption of fish and shellfish which accumulate the chemical through the food web in an aquatic environment. Hair mercury level is an excellent marker for MeHg exposure. We have been conducting a survey on hair mercury contents among general populations from 14 districts to estimate the current Japanese MeHg exposure level. Total mercury levels of all hair samples collected (12923 in total) were analyzed by the oxygen combustion-gold amalgamation method using an atomic absorption mercury detector. Multiple regression analysis revealed that mercury levels were significantly correlated with several covariates, such as sex, age, the amount of daily intake of total fish/shellfish, a preference for certain fish such as tuna or bonito, and artificial waving. The geometric means for the population without artificial waving were 2.47 and 1.65 ${\mu}g/g$ for males (n = 5623) and females (n = 3470), respectively. Hair mercury levels varied with age, and the variations were more significant in males. Since the difference between sexes was not evident at younger ages, some hormonal control might also be involved in the mercury uptake by human hair. The average mercury levels in our hair samples varied among the sampling districts. Tuna is a major carnivorous fish with high mercury accumulations that is often consumed in Japan. The amount of fish consumption and the preference rate far tuna would appear to be responsible far the regional variation in hair mercury levels in Japan. Recently, a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of MeHg was revised by 61st JECFA to 1.6 ${\mu}g/kg/week$, which was about half that of the Japanese standard, and corresponded to a hair level of 2.2 ppm. The distribution of hair mercury levels in Japanese populations in the present study indicated that 25% of the Japanese females of child-bearing age were estimated to be exposed to MeHg over the PTWI level. This would reflect the high Japanese consumption of marine products. However, not only mercury contamination, but also the nutritional benefit may have to be considered when discussing the risk involved in the current level of fish and shellfish consumption in Japan.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.181-187
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• 2020

On a farm with 6 Korean beef cattle, an adult cow and a calf suddenly died while eating. At that time, hair was pressed upon the stanchion facilities where the adult cow was fed. Two dead cattle were submitted to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for disease diagnosis. Grossly, the mouth of the adult cow was full of feed that had been eaten before death, and there was a foamy fluid in the calf's trachea. Both hemorrhages were observed in the muscles, as well as in the internal organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart. Ruminal mucosa was easily peeled off. Histopathologically, both muscles and internal organs showed severe hemorrhages. In particular, affected muscles were shown segmental and band-like patterns of myonecrosis, disappeared some myocytes, burned hair follicles, and irregular surface of skin. Severe hemorrhages of muscles and internal organs were consistent with previous reports. Easily separated mucosa of rumen and muscle lesions were very characteristic. We determined electrocution according to the pathological findings, laboratory results, and traces of accidents. This report will help to understand of pathological lesions of electrocution. Furthermore, this case suggests that the electrical wires and devices must be installed and handled carefully during the construction of the cowsheds care.