• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2018

In order to examine the effects of four different light spectra (white, red, green, and blue) on the oocyte maturation, the change of reproductive parameters, via brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG) axis in grass puffer, were investigated. After exposure four different light spectra for 7 weeks, the abundance of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA which is a type of seabream (sbGnRH) and two different subunit of gonadotropin hormones mRNAs, follicle-stimulating hormone ($fsh{\beta}$) mRNA and luteinizing hormone ($lh{\beta}$) mRNA, were analyzed in the brain and pituitary. Histological analysis showed that the mature oocyte ratio in the green spectrum was higher than other light spectra-exposed groups. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and oocyte developmental stage were also investigated in the gonad based on histological observations. GSI value with the presence of yolk stage oocytes was significantly increased in the green spectrum-exposed group when compared to that of the other light-exposed groups (white, red, and blue) (p<0.05). The abundances of sbGnRH mRNA and $fsh{\beta}$ mRNA in the green spectrum-exposed group were also significant higher than those of the other light spectra-exposed groups (p<0.05). These results indicate that the maturation of oocyte in grass puffer can be accelerated by exposure to the spectrum of green. To better understand the molecular mechanism for the maturation of oocyte in grass puffer, further study examining the relationship between oocyte development and its related genes is required.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.362-367
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the effect of lifestyle intervention on NAFLD. Methods: The clinical data of 86 children diagnosed with NAFLD were reviewed retrospectively. Forty-six patients belonged to the elevated ALT group and 40 to the normal ALT group. The clinical parameters of patients with NAFLD were also compared based on the status of ALT levels after lifestyle intervention. Results: Patients with elevated ALT had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) scores than those with normal ALT (P<0.05). Of all the patients with elevated ALT, 89% exhibited moderate or severe degree of fatty change in the liver on ultrasonographic examination, whereas most patients with normal ALT exhibited mild or moderate degree changes. Liver biopsy was performed in 15 children with elevated ALT and all showed mild histological changes. Of all patients with elevated ALT, 49% achieved normal ALT levels after lifestyle intervention. Those with more severe histological changes tended to have continuously increasing ALT levels. There was no correlation between the normalization of posttreatment ALT level and BMI, as well as ultrasonographic findings at diagnosis. Conclusion: ALT elevation in NAFLD is highly associated with higher BMI scores and more severe degree of fatty changes on ultrasonographic examination. Lifestyle intervention can significantly improve ALT in children with NAFLD. The degree of histologic changes appears to be a predictor of the treatment response to NAFLD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.117-137
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Gentianae macrophyllase Radix herbal-acupuncture solution(GR-HAS) at Joksamni(ST36) on Collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) in DBA/1J mice. The author performed several experimental items to analyze arthritis evaluation, change of weight, spleen size and adhesion rate, change of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II , change of immunocyte count, histological change of CIA mouse joint related with RA. Results : 1. In the GR-HA group, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis and joint edema were significantly decreased. 2. In GR-HA group, there were no weight loss and similarly maintained as normal group. Spleen size, adhesion rate and the edema and transformation of knee joint were low and similarly maintained as normal group. 3. In the GR-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the GR-HA, the change of immunocyte count were similarly maintained as normal group. 5. In the histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased in the GR-HA(Hematoxylin and eosin stain). The collagen fiber expressions in the GR-HA were similar with that of the normal group(Masson's Trichrome stain) Conclusions : These results suggest that GR-HA at ST36 has an effect to control immune reaction and suppress inflammation, synovial cell proliferation and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.187-202
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The exposure to sucrose in rats has mimic abnormalities attributed to metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effects of honey bee and "free" glucose and fructose, have not been explored in this context. The aim was to expose Wistar rodents to sucrose solution (SS), honey solution (HS) and fructose/glucose solution (GFS) at 30% to assess their effects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: HS (n = 10), SS (n = 10) and GFS (n = 10) groups were formed. Solutions were ad libitum along 14-weeks. RESULTS: Between solutions consumptions, honey was significantly 42% higher (P = 0.000), while similar consumption was observed among GFS and SS. The feeding pattern of HS consumption was irregular along experiment; while the food intake pattern showed the similar trend among groups along time. Non statistical differences were obtained in any biochemical and anthropometric measure, however, a higher concentration of leptin (721 ± 507 pg/mL), lower concentration of total cholesterol (TC; 48.87 ± 2.41 mg/100 mL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL; 16.47 ± 6.55 mg/100 mL) and triglycerides (82.37 ± 32.77 mg/100 mL) was obtained in SS group. For anthropometric values, HS showed less total adipose tissue (AT; average 26 vs. 31-33 g) and adiposity index (average 6.11 vs. 7.6). Due to sugar-sweetened beverages consumption increases the risk for the development of chronic diseases; correlations between fluid intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. A moderate correlation was obtained in groups with the weight of total AT and solution intake; for the weight gain in GFS group and for triglycerides in HS and GFS. The highest hepatic tissue damage was observed in SS group with multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles, atypia changes, moderate pleomorphism and hepatocellular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the significantly higher consumption of HS, biochemical, anthropometrical and histological effects were not remarkably different in comparision to other sweeteners.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.32-47
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) characterized by an enlarged prostate gland is common in elderly men. Corni Fructus (CF) and Schisandrae Fructus (SF) are known to have various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of CF, SF, and their mixture (MIX) on the development of BPH using an in vivo model of testosterone-induced BPH. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups. To induce BPH, testosterone propionate (TP) was injected to rats except for those in the control group. Finasteride, saw palmetto (SP), CF, SF, and MIX were orally administered along with TP injection. At the end of treatment, histological changes in the prostate and the level of various biomarkers related to BPH were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results showed that BPH induced by TP led to prostate weight and histological changes. Treatment with MIX effectively improved TP-induced BPH by reducing prostate index, lumen area, epithelial thickness, and expression of BPH biomarkers such as 5α-reductase type 2, prostate-specific antigen, androgen receptor, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen compared to treatment with CF or SF alone. Moreover, MIX further reduced levels of elevated serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and prostate-specific antigen in BPH compared to the SP, a positive control. BPH was also improved more by MIX than by CF or SF alone. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, MIX is a potential natural therapeutic candidate for BPH by regulating 5α-reductase and AR signaling pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.303-312
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• 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory pruritic skin disease worldwide, characterized by the infiltration of multiple pathogenic T lymphocytes and histological symptoms such as epidermal and dermal thickening. This study aims to investigate the effect of vinpocetine (Vinp; a phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitor) on a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like model. DNCB (1%) was administered on day 1 in the AD model. Subsequently, from day 14 onward, mice in each group (Vinp-treated groups: 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg and dexamethasone-treated group: 2 mg/kg) were administered 100 µl of a specific drug daily, whereas 0.2% DNCB was administered every other day for 30 min over 14 days. The Vinp-treated groups showed improved Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and trans-epidermal water loss, indicating the efficacy of Vinp in improving AD and enhancing skin barrier function. Histological analysis further confirmed the reduction in hyperplasia of the epidermis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including macrophages, eosinophils, and mast cells, with Vinp treatment. Moreover, Vinp reduced serum concentrations of IgE, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were reduced by Vinp treatment. Reduction of TGF-β protein by Vinp in skin tissue was also observed. Collectively, our results underscore the effectiveness of Vinp in mitigating DNCB-induced AD by modulating the expression of various biomarkers. Consequently, Vinp is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating AD.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.101-115
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• 2023

Environmental factors impact oyster growth, condition, and gonadal development, which is linked to gamete characteristics observed through histology. The reproductive cycle of bivalves is related to energy storage and utilization. Therefore, in this study, the year-round growth change and gonadal development of oysters were observed using histological analysis, and the biochemical composition changes were confirmed. The oysters used in this study are being nurtured in Gadeok-do, and 40 oysters were randomly sampled monthly from March 2021 to February 2022. Result of histological analysis of gonads, oysters were showed early development from December to February, late development from March and April, mature and ripe from May to July, spawned from August to October, and spent from November to December. Condition index values of oysters decreased in summer and autumn and increased again when entered the spent after spawning. The protein content of oysters was high in May, the maturity period, and the lipid content decreased during the spawning period. In addition, EPA and DHA, the major fatty acids of oysters, were low during the spawning period and high during the maturation period. As a result, this study suggested a close relationship between changes in oyster growth, biochemical composition, and the reproductive cycle.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.68-76
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• 2024

Background/Aims: We aimed to evaluate the histologic features predictive of prognosis and correlate them with endoscopic findings in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) having complete or partial mucosal healing (MH). Methods: We prospectively collected and reviewed data from patients with UC who underwent colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy with biopsy. Complete and partial MH were defined as Mayo endoscopic subscores (MESs) of 0 and 1, respectively. Histologic variables, including the Nancy index (NI), predicting disease progression (defined as the need for medication upgrade or hospitalization/surgery), were evaluated and correlated with endoscopic findings. Results: Overall, 441 biopsy specimens were collected from 194 patients. The average follow-up duration was 14.7 ± 7.4 months. There were 49 (25.3%) and 68 (35.1%) patients with MESs of 0 and 1, respectively. Disease progression occurred only in patients with an MES of 1. NI ≥ 3 was significantly correlated with disease progression during follow-up. Mucosal friability on endoscopy was significantly correlated with NI ≥ 3 (61.1% in NI < 3 vs. 88.0% in NI ≥ 3; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Histological activity can help predict the prognosis of patients with UC with mild endoscopic activity. Mucosal friability observed on endoscopy may reflect a more severe histological status, which can be a risk factor for disease progression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.11-25
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• 2002

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Yijin-tang and GamiYijin-tang on the gastrointestinal functions of rats Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were used as experimental animals, and were administered Yijin-tang (Sample I group, 47.5 mg/ml) and GamiYijin-tang(Sample II group, 38.37 mg/ml, Sample ill group, 85.3 mg/ml) water extract once a day. Changes of gastric juice volume and intestinal mobility index were measured. The effects on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium in the rats were also observed. Results: 1. Gastric juice volume was decreased significantly in the sample I group (P<0.05) compared to the control group; there was not significant effect in the sample II and sample III groups. 2. The moving distance of carbon bolus was increased significantly in the sample n (p<0.05) and sample II (p<0.05) groups compared to the control group; there was not significant effect in the sample I group. 3. The intestinal mobility index was increased significantly only in the sample II group (P<0.05) compared to the control group. 4. The feces consistency was increased significantly on the 3rd and 5th day of the sample I group (P<0.05), on 3rd, 4th, and 5th day of the sample II (p<0.05) and the sample III (p<0.05) groups compared to the control group. 5. The feces property index was increased significantly only on the 5th day of the sample III group (p<0.05) compared to the control group. 6. The number of WBC and RBC, levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit were not changed in all sample groups compared to the control group. 7. The number of the type B Goblet cells were increased significantly in the sample II (p<0.05) and the sample III (P<0.05) groups, but the number of the type C Goblet cells were decreased significantly only in the sample ill group (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusions: According to the above results, GamiYijin-tang compared to the Yijin-tang were decreased hight significantly in gastrointestinal mucose and histological antidiarrheal function with protection of the goblet cell more excellently were observed.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.385-392
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• 2004

Gonadal development, gametogenesis, reproductive cycle, gonad index, and flesh weight rate of the murex shell (Ocenebra japonica) collected from the rocky intertidal zone of Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Korea were investigated by means of histological method from January to December 2002. O. japonica had separate sexes, and was oviparous. The gonad was widely situated on the surface of the digestive gland located in the rear of the spiral flesh part in the shell. The male penis was located near the two tentacles. The ovary was composed of a number of oogenic follicles, and the testis was composed of several spermatogenic tubules. The size of ripe oocyte was approximately $140{\mu}m$ in diameter. The gonad index (GI) began to increase in March $(33.24{\pm}2.33)$ and reached the maximum in June $(47.77{\pm}1.90)$ Thereafter, the values decreased from July $(45.12{\pm}3.60)$ to October $(19.32{\pm}2.91)$. The flesh weight rate (FWR) began to increase in January $(25.93{\pm}1.32)$ and reached the maxium in May $(31.78{\pm}1.09)$ Thereafter, the values decreased from June $(31.50{\pm}0.66)$ to October $(24.09{\pm}1.60)$. The reproductive cycle could be classified into five successive stages: early active (October to April), late active (January to June), ripe (May to September), spawning (July to September) and recovery (September to February). The reproductive cycle was closely related to the seawater temperature.