• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.192-200
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• 2020

Natural products have received revived interest via traditional remedies or alternative medicine used for the treatment of various diseases. Zanthoxylum piperitum (ZP) has been utilized in traditional medicine for various medicinal purposes. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether ZP modulates allergic inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. We examined the pharmacological effects of ZP on 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms in mice. Additionally, in order to clarify the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ZP, we elucidate the effect of ZP on the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). The results demonstrated that ZP attenuated AD clinical symptoms such as erythema, edema and dryness as well as histamine and IgE serum levels in DNCB-induced AD model mice. Additionally, ZP suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and activation of NF-κB in AD-like skin lesions and stimulated HMC-1. These results provide experimental evidence that ZP may be useful candidate for treating allergic inflammation including AD.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.123-131
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• 2003

Inflammation appears to have a major role in the development of atherosclerosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in the inflammatory response via the generation of prostanoids that, in turn, are involved in the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study hypothesized that a vascular infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) may induce a chronic inflammatory reaction and activated inflammatory cells may express inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9). To confirm the hypothesis, the immunohistochemical stains for CMV late antigen, COX-2, MMP-9, macrophage, and T-lymphocyte were performed on CMV-infected atherosclerotic lesions. The immunoreactivity for COX-2 and MMP-9 was evident in all cases of atherosclerosis along with plaques, mainly in macrophages/foamy cells, intimal and medial smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells of the intima. Within the intima, the increased immunoreactivity for COX-2 and MMP-9 was colocalized to the area stained with CMV late antigen. Sections from control specimens showed no immunoreactivity for CMV late antigen, COX-2 and MMP-9. These data seem to support the hypothesis that CMV may participate in a pathogenetic mechanism for atherogenesis or progression of atherosclerosis.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics of South Korean pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a children's hospital over the past 5 years, with a specific focus on comparing the features observed between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Additionally, it aimed to examine the nursing diagnoses given to patients. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of Korean pediatric patients under 18 years of age who were diagnosed with IBD and hospitalized at a children's hospital in Seoul, South Korea, from January 2017 to December 2021. Results: The number of pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD steadily increased. This finding was particularly prominent for CD patients, the majority of whom were male. Pediatric patients with CD had significantly higher rates of abdominal pain and perianal lesions, while pediatric patients with UC had a higher rate of bloody stool. Laboratory findings indicated that CD patients had higher levels of inflammatory markers and lower albumin levels than UC patients. The nursing diagnoses given during hospitalization mostly related to safety and protection, physical comfort, and gastrointestinal function. Conclusion: This study provides insights into Korean pediatric IBD patients, enabling early detection and the development of nursing intervention strategies. From a comprehensive perspective, nursing care should not only address patients' physical needs but also their psychosocial needs.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1056-1069
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Grifola frondosa, commonly referred to as the maitake mushroom, has been studied extensively to explore its potential health benefits. However, its anti-inflammatory effects in skin disorders have not been sufficiently elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory role of the ethanol extract of G. frondosa in atopic dermatitis (AD) using in vivo and in vitro models. MATERIALS/METHODS: We investigated its impact on skin and spleen inflammatory responses in Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)/1-chloro-2,4 dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in a mouse model. Additionally, we determined the immunosuppressive response and mechanism of G. frondosa by inducing atopic-like immune reactions in keratinocytes through tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ stimulation. RESULTS: Our study revealed that G. frondosa ameliorates clinical symptoms in an AD-like mouse model. These effects contributed to the suppression of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 immune responses in the skin and spleen, leading to protection against cutaneous inflammation. Furthermore, G. frondosa inhibited the production of antibodies immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG2a in the serum of AD mice. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of G. frondosa on inflammatory cytokines in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated AD-like keratinocytes was associated with the suppression of MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of G. frondosa as a novel therapeutic agent for AD treatment and prevention.

• Molecular Medicine Reports
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.3321-3329
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• 2019

Cuscuta chinensis Lamak (CCL) has traditionally been used in Korea to treat sexual disorders and skin problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CCL extract on surgical injury-induced ischemia in the hind limbs of mice. Specifically, female C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized, and their hind-limb vessels were ligated with surgical silk (6-0) and excised. CCL (150 or 450 mg/kg/BW) was then administered to the mice for 3 weeks, and the blood flow rate was evaluated using a laser Doppler system at -7, 0, 7, 14 and 21 days following hind-limb ischemia. The serum expression profiles of angiogenic and inflammatory mediators were measured using an antibody array, and the transcript levels were reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The rate of hind limb blood flow was normalized to non-ischemic lesions and revealed to be markedly elevated at 14 and 21 days following ischemia when compared with the vehicle group. The density of capillaries in the hind limbs was also significantly increased following treatment with CCL in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the transcriptional expression of angiogenetic factors were upregulated, whereas that of inflammatory cytokines were downregulated. Finally, vascular endothelial cell migration and tube formation were evaluated in vitro using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and identified to be significantly increased following treatment with CCL. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that CCL extract exhibits therapeutic potential for the treatment of hind-limb ischemia as it promotes peripheral angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.162-166
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• 2003

Purpose : We evaluated the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) on level of laboratory parameters examined serially according to the existence of coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease. Methods : Children with Kawasaki disease(n=63), treated with IVIG at a dose of 2.0 g/kg, were classified as a group with coronary artery lesions(CALs+ group, n=9) or a group without coronary artery lesions(CALs- group, n=54). Levels of various laboratory parameters were determined three times during admission; before, 24 hrs after and 7 days after IVIG administration. Results : There were no significant differences in laboratory parameters performing at, before and 7 days after IVIG administration. However WBC and neutrophil counts, and CRP were significantly higher, and the level of albumin was significantly lower at 24 hrs after IVIG administration. Conclusion : Approximately 15% of patients with Kawasaki disease showed CALs in the acute stage. Kawasaki disease patients with CALs were associated with persistent elevated levels of inflammatory parameters including WBC count, neutrophil count and CRP examined 24 hours after IVIG administration.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.996-1003
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• 2004

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin induce severe gastric mucosal damage in humans and rodents. In the present study, the in vivo protective effect of astaxanthin on indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in rats was investigated. The test groups were injected with indomethacin (25 mg/kg) after the oral administration of astaxanthin (25 mg/kg) for 1, 2, and 3 days, while the control group was treated only with indomethacin. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the gastric mucosa, as an index of lipid peroxidation, increased significantly after indomethacin administration and this increase was inhibited by oral administration of astaxanthin. In addition, pretreatment with astaxanthin resulted in a significant increase of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px). Histologic examination clearly revealed acute gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin in the stomach of the control group, but were not observed in that of the test group. These results indicate that astaxanthin activates SOD, catalase, and GSH-px, and removes the lipid peroxides and free radicals induced by indomethacin. It is evident that astaxanthin acts as a free radical quencher and antioxidant, and is an effective molecule in the remedy of gastric mucosal lesions.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2020

Irritation fibroma is a reactive hyperplastic lesion caused by chronic stimuli with low intensity in the oral cavity. Irritation fibroma is common in middle-aged females but it may also occur at any age and sex. Clinical characteristics of irritation fibroma are similar to other reactive lesions or benign tumors, therefore, histological examination is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. This case report presents two cases of irritation fibroma occurred on the gingiva in young males. Two male patients in their 20s and 30s of age visited the clinic for the evaluation and treatment of painless gingival overgrowth in the anterior region. Clinically, the lesions were well-defined and firm, with similar color and texture to the adjacent normal gingiva. Excisional biopsy under local anesthesia was conducted with a scalpel, and the lesions were completely removed. Histopathologically, connective tissue consisting of dense collagen bundles, proliferation of fibroblasts and minor infiltrated inflammatory cells were observed. Based on the clinical and histopathological findings, the diagnosis of irritation fibroma was confirmed in both cases.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 1989

The purpose of this study was to clarify that scintigram was a more effective method than radiogram in the early detection of periapical lesion. Periapical lesions were produced artificially by the opening of the pulp chambers of the lower right 3rd and 4th premolars in 6 dogs. The serial bone scintigrams using 99m-Tc-MDP and periapical radiograms were taken weekly. The uptake counts of the 99-Tc-MDP in the experimental side were compared with those in the control side. The periapical radiograms were interpreted with the joint evaluation by three dental radiologists. The following results were obtained; 1. The radioactivity in the experimental side was increased at the Ist week except one animal in which the radioactivity was increased at the 2nd week. 2. It was observed that increasing amount of radioactivity per week was prominent from the 1st day of experiment to the Ist week, and the 3rd week to the 4th week. 3. The radiographic evidence of the periapical lesions was observed at the 3rd week and became more apparent at the 4th week. 4. Histologically, proliferation of blood vessels and infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells were observed at the 1st week and osteoblasts were found after the 3rd week.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.82-87
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• 2015

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat a host of malignancies. But recently, MTX has also been used as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, MTX is an antimetabolite that affects rapidly dividing normal cells such as oral mucosal epithelial cells, gastrointestinal epithelial cells, and bone marrow cells-which explains why oral mucositis is often an initial manifestation of MTX toxicity. Because oral lesions are frequently initially presented in dental clinics, dentists should consider the possibility of adverse drug reactions in the differential diagnoses of oral lesions through a meticulous collection of patients' medical histories. In this report, we examine patients who suffered from oral ulcerative lesions upon diagnosis of MTX-induced oral mucositis. Then, we suggest approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of MTX-induced oral mucositis through a review of literature.