• Toxicological Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.277-283
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• 2003

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been widely used as plasticizer, insulator, lubricant, paint and ink. The persistence of PCBs in the environment and their bioaccumulation in living organism make a raise concerns regarding their toxic effects in immune system and subsequent effects on human health. However little has been known about effect of PCB, an endocrine disrupter, on splenocytes. In this study, for identifying the effect on the organs and immune cell of mice by the concentration and time of commercial PCB mixture (Aroclor 1254), each 3 mice were tested at the concentration of 3, 30, 300, 1,000 mg/kg respectively, and their organ's weight were measured in 4, 7, 14 days, respectively. Also according to concentration and time, PCB was evaluated for the effects on splenocyte viability and lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and concanavaline A (Con A)-induced splenocyte proliferation on mice spleen. In liver and lung, there were significantly defferent by concentration and time of PCB (p < 0.0001). In respect of concentration of PCB, no significant effects on mice's liver by Aroclor 1254 concentration below than 300 mg/kg were observed except at the concentration of 1,000 mg/kg doses (p < 0.0001). But there was not significant different change in mice spleen by concentration and time of PCB (p=0.2206) and the mode of weight change of spleen was different to of liver and of lung. Viabilities of splenocytes were decreased following treatment with high concentration of PCB. Also, LPS and Con A-induced cell proliferations were decreased by Aroclor 1254 at 1,000 mg/kg. These data suggest that Aroclor 1254 is the immunotoxic compound that may have an effect on mouse immune system.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.165-172
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• 2012

Raphanus sativus (Cruciferaceae), commonly known as radish is widely available throughout the world. From antiquity it has been used in folk medicine as a natural drug against many toxicants. The present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of radish (Raphanus sativus) enzyme extract (REE) in vitro and in vivo test. The $IC_{50}$ values of REE in human liver derived HepG2 cells was over 5,000 ${\mu}g/ml$ in tested maximum concentration. The effect of REE to protect tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. REE showed their hepatoprotective activities on tacrine-induced cytotoxicity and the $EC_{50}$ value was 1,250 ${\mu}g/ml$. Silymarin, an antihepatotoxic agent used as a positive control exhibited 59.7% hepatoprotective activity at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. Moreover, we tested the effect of REE on carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver toxicity in rats. REE at dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg and silymarin at dose of 50 mg/kg were orally administered to $CCl_4$-treated rats. The results showed that REE and silymarin significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum enzyme markers induced by $CCl_4$. The biochemical data were supported by evaluation with liver histopathology. These findings suggest that REE, can significantly diminish hepatic damage by toxic agent such as tacrine or $CCl_4$.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.69-81
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• 2000

Etiology and pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia are considered as 'difficiency in origin' of liver, spleen and kidney combined with 'excess in superficiality' of phlegm stagnancy and blood stasis. The prescription of Semyung-Gangji-tang, designed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, consists of herbs effective at treating blood stasis and phlegm stagnancy. It invigorates the liver, kidney and spleen. Its medical nature is not too cold or too hot and it increases human vital energy. The purpose of this study is to examine the currative effects of Semyung-Gangji-tang on hyperlipidemia in rabbits. Twenty-four male NZW rabbits, around 2kg of B.W., were divided into 3 groups. Group I was served as the normal group. Group II was served as the hyperlipidemic control group fed with 1 % cholesterol diet for 8weeks and with normal diet for the next 4weeks. Group III was served as the treatment group, treated the same as the control group and medicated with Semyung-Gangji-tang for the last 4weeks. Blood samples were collected from each of the animals at a, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks and used for the blood chemical analysis. Animals were sacrificed at 8 and 12weeks and chemical analyses were performed on the collected liver samples. The serum total cholesterol value of treatment group ($938.60{\pm}95.07{\;}mg/dl$) at l2weeks was significantly decreased (P<0.00l) compared with the value of control group ($1375{\pm}37.82{\;}mg/dl$) at 12weeks. The serum LDL-cholesterol value of the treatment group ($838.00{\pm}89.52 mg/dl$) at l2weeks was significantly decreased(p<0.00l) compared with the value of the control group ($1249.60{\pm}37.63{\;}mg/dl$) at l2weeks. These results indicate that Semyung-Gangji-tang has the effects of lowering serum lipid in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic rabbits.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.5
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• pp.1-13
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• 1996

This study was done in order to investigate the protective effects of A.G.R.(Angelicae gigantis Radix) aqua-acupuncture on acetaminophen induced liver damage in rats. The liver damage was induced by acetaminophen (500mg/kg) injection into the peritoneum. The A.G.R. aqua-acupuncture solution was injected into the corresponding loci to Ganshu($BL_{18}$) and Qimen($LR_{14}$) of human body and a blank locus of the root of tail on four consecutive times at 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours after acetaminophen injection. And the serum GOT, GPT, LDH, ALP activities, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin levels were measured in the rats. The serum GOT, GPT, LDH ALP activities and bilirubin level were decreased comparing with that of a control group in case of A.G.R. aqua-acupuncture treated group, specially Ganshu and Qimen aqua-acupuncture treated groups showed an obvious significant decrease.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.401-412
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• 2018

Oxymatrine (OMT) often used in treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in clinic. However, OMT-induced liver injury has been reported. In this study, we aim to investigate the possible mechanism of OMT-induced hepatotoxicity in human normal liver cells (L02). Exposed cells to OMT, the cell viability was decreased and apoptosis rate increased, the intracellular markers of oxidative stress were changed. Simultaneously, OMT altered apoptotic related proteins levels, including Bcl-2, Bax and pro-caspase-8/-9/-3. In addition, OMT enhanced the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress makers (GRP78/Bip, CHOP, and cleaved-Caspase-4) and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), as well as the mRNA levels of GRP78/Bip, CHOP, caspase-4, and ER stress sensors (IREI, ATF6, and PERK). Pre-treatment with Z-VAD-fmk, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, partly improved the survival rates and restored OMT-induced cellular damage, and reduced caspase-3 cleavage. SP600125 or NAC reduced OMT-induced p-JNK and NAC significantly lowered caspase-4. Furthermore, 4-PBA, the ER stress inhibitor, weakened inhibitory effect of OMT on cells, on the contrary, TM worsen. 4-PBA also reduced the levels of p-JNK and cleaved-caspase-3 proteins. Therefore, OMT-induced injury in L02 cells was related to ROS mediated p-JNK and ER stress induction. Antioxidant, by inhibition of p-JNK or ER stress, may be a feasible method to alleviate OMT-induced liver injury.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.187-194
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• 2009

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, and it is a key enzyme responsible for the metabolic activation of many smallmolecular-weight compounds such as alcohol, which is classified as a human carcinogen. In this study, we identified 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP2E1 in Korean population. In these SNPs, we examined possible genetic association of CYP2E1 polymorphisms with HBV clearance and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Five common polymorphic sites were selected, CYP2E1 polymorphisms at rs381-3867, rs3813870, rs2070673, rs2515641 and rs2480257, considering their allele frequencies, haplotype-tagging status and LDs for genotyping in larger-scale subjects (n=1,092). Statistical analysis demonstrated that CYP2E1 polymorphisms and haplotypes show no significant association with HBV clearance, HCC occurrence and onset age of HCC (p>0.05). Previous studies, however, have shown contradictory findings on associations of CYP2E1 polymorphisms with CYP2E1 activities and HCC risk. Comparing the contrasting results of previous researches suggest that CYP2E1 polymorphism is associated with CYP2E1 activity induced by ethanol, but is not directly associated with HCC risk. CYP2E1 variation/haploype information identified in this study will provide valuable information for future studies on CYP2E1.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.408-411
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• 2019

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of bioactive Yeonsan Ogye peptides (YOPs) intake on changes in the hepatic anti-oxidant indexes in male rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 3 groups and given a casein-based AIN-93G diet and distilled water ad libitum without any added YOPs (control), distilled water with 250 mg of YOPs (Y250), or 500 mg of YOPs (Y500) per kg of body weight for 4 weeks. YOP dose was decided as referred to in the referenced study where toxicity did not occur. The hepatic anti-oxidant indexes were determined using a commercial kit. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 and are expressed as $mean{\pm}standard$ error of mean. Differences among the groups were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Duncan's multiple comparisons test. Results: There were no differences in the body weights, weight gain, food intake, food efficiency ratio, or organ weight, including liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, and epididymal fat, among all of the groups. The hepatic nitric oxide (NO) level in the Y500 group was lower than that in the control and Y250 groups, and the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level was lower in the Y500 group than in the Y250 group. The differences in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were not statistically significant between the groups. From these results we speculated that YOPs may have anti-oxidative abilities to regulate NO and MDA production without affecting SOD and CAT activities. Conclusion: YOPs are presumed to act as anti-oxidants in the animal or human body.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.49-53
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• 2019

Contaminated liver fluke egg in the environment has led to the high prevalence of human opisthorchiasis associated with cholangiocarcinoma in Southeast Asia. To find the effective lessening methods of Opisthorchis viverrini eggs in the contaminated environment, we investigated the temperature conditions for killing of these trematode eggs in vitro. Numerous O. viverrini eggs were obtained in the proximal part of uteri of adult worms from experimental hamsters. Mature eggs with miracidium were allocated by experimental groups (2 control: positive and negative and 4 treatment: 50, 60, 70, and $80^{\circ}C$) with 0.85% saline, and treated by the experimental plan. Eggs in each experimental groups were observed under the confocal microscope after stain with Propidium Iodide (PI) to evaluate the effect of temperatures. Eggs in 70 and $80^{\circ}C$ groups were all killed after over 10 min heated. Majority of eggs in $60^{\circ}C$ (10, 15, and 30 min heated), 70 and $80^{\circ}C$ (5 min heated) groups were inactivated. However in $50^{\circ}C$ group, below half of eggs were to be killed in all time lapse (10, 15 and 30 min). In order to prevent O. viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma, direct treatment of sewage by heating at 70 or $80^{\circ}C$ at least 10 min is essential. Therefore, treatment of O. viverrini eggs at a high temperature is a potential method for controlling egg contamination in sewage.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.189-225
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• 2021

The use of albendazole and mebendazole, i.e., benzimidazole broad-spectrum anthelmintics, in treatment of parasitic infections, as well as cancers, is briefly reviewed. These drugs are known to block the microtubule systems of parasites and mammalian cells leading to inhibition of glucose uptake and transport and finally cell death. Eventually they exhibit ovicidal, larvicidal, and vermicidal effects on parasites, and tumoricidal effects on hosts. Albendazole and mebendazole are most frequently prescribed for treatment of intestinal nematode infections (ascariasis, hookworm infections, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis, and enterobiasis) and can also be used for intestinal tapeworm infections (taeniases and hymenolepiasis). However, these drugs also exhibit considerable therapeutic effects against tissue nematode/cestode infections (visceral, ocular, neural, and cutaneous larva migrans, anisakiasis, trichinosis, hepatic and intestinal capillariasis, angiostrongyliasis, gnathostomiasis, gongylonemiasis, thelaziasis, dracunculiasis, cerebral and subcutaneous cysticercosis, and echinococcosis). Albendazole is also used for treatment of filarial infections (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, mansonellosis, and dirofilariasis) alone or in combination with other drugs, such as ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine. Albendazole was tried even for treatment of trematode (fascioliasis, clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, and intestinal fluke infections) and protozoan infections (giardiasis, vaginal trichomoniasis, cryptosporidiosis, and microsporidiosis). These drugs are generally safe with few side effects; however, when they are used for prolonged time (>14-28 days) or even only 1 time, liver toxicity and other side reactions may occur. In hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, possibly Ascaris lumbricoides, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Giardia sp., there are emerging issues of drug resistance. It is of particular note that albendazole and mebendazole have been repositioned as promising anti-cancer drugs. These drugs have been shown to be active in vitro and in vivo (animals) against liver, lung, ovary, prostate, colorectal, breast, head and neck cancers, and melanoma. Two clinical reports for albendazole and 2 case reports for mebendazole have revealed promising effects of these drugs in human patients having variable types of cancers. However, because of the toxicity of albendazole, for example, neutropenia due to myelosuppression, if high doses are used for a prolonged time, mebendazole is currently more popularly used than albendazole in anti-cancer clinical trials.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.282-291
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• 2024

Purpose: Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are at a high risk of developing severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study examined the dietary intakes and compared the risks of NAFLD-related complications in Korean patients with T2DM and obesity. Methods: Data from the Korean National Diabetes Program cohort were used to study patients with T2DM. Two hundred and sixty-five obese patients with T2DM (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m²) were classified into NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. The nutrient intake was analyzed using a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Anthropometric and biochemical data were also obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significant differences between the 2 groups. Results: The serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels in obese patients with T2DM and NAFLD were significantly higher than in obese T2DM patients without NAFLD (p < 0.05). The serum glucose and lipid profiles showed no significant differences between the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. The carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels also did not differ significantly. The results showed that the fiber intake of the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups was 14.11 ± 3.86 g/100 kcal and 15.70 ± 4.56 g/1,000 kcal, respectively, showing that the dietary fiber intake of the non-NAFLD group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). A correlation was observed between total fiber intake and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in either patient group. In addition, the odds ratio of developing NAFLD was 0.29× lower when the fiber was consumed at 125% of adequate intake. Conclusions: A higher dietary fiber intake may reduce the risk of NAFLD in obese patients with T2DM. The dietary intake of Korean obese patients with T2DM should include and be enriched in dietary fiber to aid in preventing and treating NAFLD.