• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.56-62
• /
• 2000

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and histologic changes of interferon-alfa therapy on chronic hepatitis B virus infection in children. Patients and Methods: Thirty five children aged 3~16 years who were seropositive for HBV DNA, HBsAg and HBeAg were enrolled. Interferon-alfa 2a ($3.4\;MU/m^2$) were given for 6 months. Serologic markers of viral replication was evaluated 1 year after therapy. Post treatment liver biopsy was performed in 18 patients who showed serologic response. Results: Serum HBeAg and viral DNA became negative in 22 (63%) of treated children at 12 months after therapy. Serum aminotransferase levels normalized in all of the responders and HBsAg became negative in one responder. Horizontal transmission, serum aminotransferase levels more than twice normal, and active inflammation on liver biopsy were predictive factors for response to interferon therapy. Periportal piecemeal necrosis, lobular activity, portal inflammation, fibrosis, and total histologic activity index were reduced in responders. Conclusion: In children with chronic hepatitis B, interferon alfa promotes loss of viral replication and improves aminotransferase. Serologic response is associated with improvement in hepatic histology.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.414-420
• /
• 2011

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of the combined stressor induced by high stocking density with feed restriction on immunological parameters such as leukocyte differential counts and cytokine expression in laying hens. A total of forty White Leghorn laying hens were randomly allotted into the control (12 kg of body weight/$m^2$) and the stress (44 kg of body weight/$m^2$) groups, and then birds of the stress group were given 75% of voluntary intake of the control birds for 12-d on a daily basis. There was a significant decrease in body weight without affecting the relative weights of the liver and spleen after 12-d of the combined stressor. In hematological values, no significant difference in leukocyte differential counts including heterophils (H), lymphocytes (L), monocytes and H:L ratio was observed between the two groups. In cytokines, hepatic lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (LITNF-${\alpha}$) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels in the stress group were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared with those in the control group. However, the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 in the liver were not affected by the combined stressor. Splenic LITNF-${\alpha}$ expression in the combined stressor group was significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated compared with that in the control birds. However, the combined stressor did not affect splenic IL-4, IL-6 and iNOS expression. In conclusion, the combined stressor caused by high stocking density with feed restriction enhanced some pro-inflammatory cytokines including LITNF-${\alpha}$ and iNOS in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs of birds, suggesting that altered cytokine expression to given stressors can be another parameter that can be used in assessing stress responses of birds.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.265-277
• /
• 2008

In order to investigate the protective effects of Gami Yugan-tang on liver damage in rats induced by $CCl_{4}$ and d-galactosamine, the serum transaminase(ALT & AST), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase, glutathione S-transferase(GST), glutathione peroxidase(GPX) for enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation were measured. All animals were divided into 4 groups: normal group (untreated), control group (treated with 0.9% saline solution), sample I group (treated with 740mg/kg Gami Yugan-tang), and sample II group (treated with 1,480mg/kg Gami Yugan-tang). The results were as follows : 1. The results of liver damage in rats induced by $CCl_4$ : The protective effects of ALT were displayed in sample I and sample II, and AST, ALP, LDH, SOD, catalase, GST, GPX, and lipid peroxidation were noted in sample II group. It showed slight necrosis of hepatic cell and pathologic changes, for example, inflammatory cells infiltration were improved in sample II group compared to the control group. 2. The results of liver damage in rats induced by d-galactosamine : The inhibitory effects of AST, ALT, LDH, and ALP activities were noted in both sample I and sample II groups. The findings from this experiment suggests that Gami Yugan-tang has protective effects against liver damage in rats induced by $CCl_{4}$ and d-galactosamine.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.125-131
• /
• 2012

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly acute and fatal viral disease caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Since first outbreak in Korea 1987, RHDV has been continually affected in the country, but the pattern of outbreak seem to be changed. In this study, to understand the pathogenesis of the new RHDVa serotype, we therefore carried out to inoculate RHDVa to rabbits, and to examine the sequential histopathologic changes and viral distribution. Macroscopically, various sized dark red or white spots or appearance were observed in the liver, lung, kidney uterus and ureter. In euhanized rabbits, significant pathologic findings such as infiltration of heterophils and mononuclear cells were observed at 24 hours after inoculation (HAI), and these were sequentially extended periportal to centrilobular area. However, in dead rabbits, severe hepatic degeneration and/or necrosis with relatively weak inflammatory responses were observed. RHDV antigens began to detect in liver, spleen, and lung from 12 HAI by PCR. Immunohistochemically, RHDV positive cells were seen in only liver from 24 HAI, and the degree of immunogen reactivity was stronger in dead rabbits than in euthanized ones. In conclusion, RHDVa caused the subacute or chronic infection accompanying low mortality and moderate to severe inflammatory reaction in rabbits, suggesting the possibility that RHD could become endemic.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.177-183
• /
• 2008

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of dandelion water extract (DWE) on liver injury induced by D-galactosamine (GalN) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups; normal control (C), DWE-control (DWE-C: saline injection after feeding 3% DWE diet), GalN-control (GalN-C: GalN injection after normal diet), DWE I (GalN injection after feeding 1.5% DWE diet), and DWE II (GalN injection after feeding 3% DWE diet). After 2 weeks, the acute hepatitis was induced by GalN (650 mg/kg, i.p.) and 24 hrs later, all rats were sacrificed. The DWE supplement ameliorated the serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, ALT) as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$. Hepatic antioxidative enzyme activities, such as catalase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) were slightly or significantly elevated by the treatment of DWE. Moreover, the histological examination corresponded with these biochemical observations. According to these findings, dandelion could be used as a potential therapeutic material for treating chemically induced acute hepatitis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.208-213
• /
• 2007

A 15 kg 6-year-old intact male Jindo dog with a history of a respiratory distress, hindlimb paralysis with necrosed skin of dorsal digit for three weeks was referred to Animal Medical Center, Chonbuk National University. Heartworm infection was identified by kit examination. In plain thoracic radiographs, dilated pulmonary arteries reverse D sign and focal interstitial pattern was compatible with heartworm infection and possible pulmonary thromboembolism. Abdominal radiographs showed poor serosal detail indicating fluid accumulation within peritoneal cavity. No evidence of musculoskeletal abnormalities was found. Ultrasonography presented focal wedge-shaped hyperechogenecity on the both poles of left kidney, weak or absent pulse on the distal to the external iliac artery as well as ascites and irregular liver margin. Multi-organ failure was strongly supposed by blood profile including leukocytosis, anemia, hemoglobinuria bililubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, imbalance of electrolytes, and increased hepatic and renal function values. Interestingly, the glucose level is remarkably lower in pelvic limb compared to thoracic limb. Suspected pulmonary thromboembolism, renal infarction and femoral arterial embolization causing hindlimb paralysis and dermatic necrosis were confirmed by 3D reconstructed CT imaging. Prior to taking a consideration of euthanasia, interventional radiology was experimentally attempted but failed due to not recovered from general anesthesia. Early and accurate diagnosis of thromboembolism is valuable and 3D reconstructed CT images might be very useful to show the correct way to treat effectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.37 no.9
• /
• pp.1126-1135
• /
• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of genistein in BALB/c mice injected with lopopolysaccharide (LPS), called endotoxin. Mice (10 weeks of age) weighing approximately 20 g were divided into 4 groups. Endotoxin shock was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (100 mg/kg BW). LPS and genistein+LPS groups were injected with LPS 30 min after phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and genistein (200 mg/kg BW) injections, respectively. Genistein group was injected with genistein, followed by PBS, while PBS group received two injections of PBS. Superoxide anion generation of peritoneal macrophage cells was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the genistein+LPS group than in the LPS injection group at 8 h after intraperitoneal injection, while SOD activity was significantly higher in genistien+LPS group than LPS group. Tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ levels of plasma were significant lower (p<0.05) in the genistein+LPS injection group than LPS group at 8 h after intraperitoneal injection. Plasma TBARS was lower in genistein+LPS group than LPS group, while hepatic TBARS were not different among groups. Hepatic glutathione concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activities were ignificantly higher in the genistein+LPS group than in the LPS group at 1 h and 8 h after intraperitoneal injection. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) transactivation was significantly (p<0.05) inhibited in LPS group. These results demonstrate genistein may ameliorate inflammatory diseases through inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ transactivation and oxidative stress, which may be mediated partially by anti-oxidative effect of genistein.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.782-788
• /
• 2010

The protective effects of a powder mixed with solid-cultured and liquid-cultured Lentinus edodes mycelia (2 : 1, w/w) (designate LED) with different doses of carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) on induced hepatotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was investigated. The rats were divided into seven groups (6 rats/group) and the following substances were administered orally to each group: Vehicle (0.2 ml distilled water), Control (0.2 ml distilled water), LED (LED 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg BW in 0.2 ml distilled water), and Silymarin (200 mg/Kg BW in 0.2 ml distilled water). After two weeks of daily administration, all groups except for the Vehiclegroup were subjected to abdominal injection with $CCl_4$ ($CCl_4$ : corn oil, 1 : 1 v/v; 0.5 ml/kg BW). One day later, blood and liver samples were collected to analyze biomarkers. All LED treatments elevated hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase) activities, and reduced thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), resulting in the reduction of glutamate-oxalate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in plasma. These results indicate that LED effectively protected SD rat hepatotoxicity induced by $CCl_4$ through its antioxidative activity and reduction of some cytokines. The highest efficacy was found in LED 200 mg/kg BW, showing potential as a useful material for protection from hepatotoxicity in humans.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.491-496
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-enhancing effects of Daebong persimmon (DP) and Bansi (BS) in vivo. Two types of astringent persimmons (DP and BS) were used for this experiment. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following groups: 1) lean control, 2) high-fat diet control (HF), 3) A region DP (3% wt/wt) with HF diet (A-DP), 4) B region DP with HF diet (B-DP), 5) C region DP with HF diet (C-DP), 6) D region BS with HF diet (D-BS), and 7) E region BS with HF diet (E-BS). All mice were sacrificed after 4 weeks of treatment, after which blood and tissues were collected. Antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory markers, and immune factors were evaluated. DP and BS treatments did not alter food intake or body weight, compared with HF. Administration of B-DP increased catalase activities in serum. Hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, were significantly lower in A-DP mice than in the HF group. A-DP had down-regulatory effects against inflammation induced by high-fat diet feeding, as shown by significant reduction of interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. Additionally, A-DP treatment exerted an immuno-stimulatory effect, as shown by increasing levels of immunoglobulin G. DP treatment improved the level of insulin-like growth factor-1. These results indicate that DP has beneficial health effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunity in vivo.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.59 no.3
• /
• pp.179-188
• /
• 2016

This study is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Gastrodiae rhizoma and steamed, dried & fermented Gastrodiae rhizoma on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic injury in the mice model. Sample was selected to GR0F0 (not processed gastrodia rhizome) and GR6F4 (fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae before steamed and dried 6 times) based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and High-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups - Normal group, vehicle group (LPS treated), GR0F0 group (fed GR0F0 before LPS treated) and GR6F4 group (fed GR6F4 before LPS treated) with 6 mice in each group. GR0F0 group and GR6F4 group were fed each extract 200 mg/kg/day during 8 days. LPS 20 mg/kg injected to the experimental groups as abdominal injection. We measured aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino-transferase in serum. GR0F0 and GR6F4 showed a significant decrease compared to the vehicle group. As a result of measuring the ROS, GR6F4 group showed a significant reduction in both the serum and liver tissues compared to the vehicle group. GR0F0 group showed a significant reduction only in the liver tissues. Activator protein-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and Inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly decreased GR0F0 group and GR6F4 group. But tumor necrosis factor alpha only showed a significant reduction in GR6F4 group. GR0F0 and GR6F4 groups against liver damage in mice with LPS. That showed significant effects on anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The effects of GR6F4 group showed superior results compared to GR0F0 group. Therefore, Steamed, dried & fermented Gastrodia rhizoma was might have a protective effect on liver injury.