• BMB Reports
• /
• v.39 no.6
• /
• pp.656-661
• /
• 2006

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a widely used anticancer drug, but at high dose, it can produce undesirable side effects such as hepatotoxicity. Because silymrin has been used to treat liver disorders, the protective effect of silymarin on CDDP -induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Hepatotoxicity was determined by changes in serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST], nitric oxide [NO] levels, albumin and calcium levels, and superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSHPx] activities, glutathione content, malondialdehyde [MDA] and nitric oxide [NO] levels in liver tissue of rats. Male albino rats were divided into four groups, 10 rats in each. In the control group, rats were injected i.p. with 0.2 ml of propylene glycol in saline 75/25 (v/v) for 5 consecutive days [Silymarin was dissolved in 0.2 ml of propylene glycol in saline 75/25 v/v]. The second group were injected with CDDP (7.5 mg /kg, I.P.), whereas animals in the third group were i.p. injected with silymarin at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days. The Fourth group received a daily i.p. injection of silymarin (100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) 1 hr before a single i.p. injection of CDDP (7.5 mg/kg). CDDP hepatotoxicity was manifested biochemically by an increase in serum ALT and AST, elevation of MDA and NO in liver tissues as well as a decrease in GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GSHPx in liver tissues. In addition, marked decrease in serum NO, albumin and calcium levels were observed. Serum ALT, AST, liver NO level, MDA was found to decreased in the combination group in comparison with the CDDP group. The activities of SOD, GSHPx, GSH and serum NO were lower in CDDP group than both the control and CDDP pretreated with silymarin groups. The results obtained suggested that silymarin significantly attenuated the hepatotoxicity as an indirect target of CDDP in an animal model of CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.663-669
• /
• 1992

This experiment was carried out to find out the best condition for the parthenogenetic activation of mouse eggs by treating ethanol and hyaluronidase. For the parthenogenetic activation of eggs with ethanol, cumulus cell enclosed or denuded eggs were treated with 7% ethanol in D-PBS for 5, 7 or 9 minutes. For the activation of eggs with hyaluronidase, the eggs with cumulus masses were released into D-PBS with 100 unit hyaluronidase and treated for 10, 12 or 13 minutes. All of the treated eggs were incubated in BMOC-3 solution for 5 hours at $37^{\circ}C$ at an atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$ in air. The types of parthenogenetic eggs were morphologically classified into haploid, diploid, immediate cleavage eggs under an inverted microscope. The results obtained in this experiment were summarized as follows ; 1. High activation rate(99%) had been achieved by treating the eggs with 7% ethanol for 7 minutes. 2. With 100 IU hyaluronidase, high activation rate (94%) had been achieved by treating for 12 minutes. 3. The most frequent type of parthenogenetic eggs activated with ethanol or hyaluronidase was haploid (p<0.05). 4. The eggs collected from 18 to 22 hours post HCG injection showed higher activation rate than the eggs collected at 16 hours post HCG injection. 5. No significant difference (p>0.05) in activation rate was shown in strain of mouse and in presence of cumulus cells.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.30 no.5
• /
• pp.403-415
• /
• 1998

The CANDU 6 reactor assembly consists of an array of 380 pressure tubes, which are installed horizontally in a large cylindrical vessel, the Calandria, containing the low pressure heavy water moderator. The pressure tube is located inside the calandria tube and the annulus between these tubes, which forms a closed loop with $CO_2$ gas recirculating, is called the Annulus Gas System(AGS). It is designed to give an alarm to the operator even for a small pressure tube leak by a very sensitive dew point meter so that he can take a preventive action for the pressure tube rupture incident. To judge whether the operator action time is enough or not in the design of Wolsong 2,3 & 4, the Leak Before Break(LBB) assessment is required for the analysis of the pressure tube failure accident. In order to provide the required data for the LBB assessment of Wolsong Units 2, 3, 4, a series of leak detection capability tests was performed by injecting controlled rates of heavy water vapour. The data of increased dew point and rates of rise were measured to determine the alarm set point for the dew point rate of rise of Wolsong Unit 2. It was found that the response of the dew point depends on the moisture injection rate, $CO_2$ gas flow rate and the leak location. The test showed that CANDU 6 AGS can detect the very small leaks less than few g/hr and dew point rate of rise alarm can be the most reliable alarm signal to warn the operator. Considering the present results, the first response time of dew point to the AGS $CO_2$ flow rate is approximated.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.15-24
• /
• 2000

Although nociceptive informations are thought to be processed via different neural mechanisms depending on the types of stimuli, sufficient data have not been accumulated yet. We performed a series of experiments to elucidate the possible neural mechanisms as to chemical stimuli such as formalin, capsaicin and ATP. Single unit activity of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons and high threshold cells were recorded extracellularly from the lumbosacral enlargement of cat spinal cord before and after chemical stimulation to its receptive field (RF). Each chemical substance - formalin $(20{\mu}l,\;4%),$ capsaicin (33 mM) or Mg-ATP (5 mM)- was injected intradermally into the RFs and then the changes in the spontaneous activity, mechanical threshold and responses to the peripheral mechanical stimuli were observed. In many cases, intradermal injection of formalin (5/11) and capsaicin (8/11) resulted in increase of the spontaneous activity with a biphasic pattern, whereas ATP (8/8) only showed initial responses. Time courses of the biphasic pattern, especially the late response, differed between formalin and capsaicin experiments. One hour after injection of each chemical (formalin, capsaicin, or ATP), the responses of the dorsal horn neurons to mechanical stimuli increased at large and the RFs were expended, suggesting development of hypersensitization (formalin 6/10, capsaicin 8/11, and ATP 15/19, respectively). These results are suggested that formalin stimulates peripheral nociceptor, local inflammation and involvement of central sensitization, capsaicin induces central sensitization as well as affects the peripheral C-polymodal nociceptors and neurogenic inflammation, and ATP directly stimulates peripheral nociceptors.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.90-94
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Paclitaxel (PTX) as an anticancer drug used against solid cancers, possesses adverse reactions such as neuropathic pain which has confined its use. PTX-induced neuropathic pain is mediated via activation of oxidative stress. Berberine (BER), an isoquinoline phytochemical found in several plants, exerts strong antioxidant and painkilling properties. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate pain-relieving effect of BER in a mouse model of PTX-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: This study was done using 42 male albino mice that were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) as follow: Sham-operated (not treated with PTX), negative control group (PTX-treated mice receiving normal saline), BER 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (PTX-treated mice receiving BER) and positive control group (PTX-treated mice receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg). Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal administration of four doses of PTX (2 mg/kg/day) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Then, on day 7, hot plate test was done to assess latency to heat to measure possible anti-neuropathic pain effect of BER. Results: Four doses of PTX 2 mg/kg/day induced neuropathy that was reduced by BER at all time-points (i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) after injection (P < 0.001 in comparison to control). The statistical analysis of data showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001 in comparison to negative control), at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection of BER 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg; in other words, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after BER administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced as compared to normal saline-treated mice. Conclusion: Altogether, our results showed that PTX could induce neuropathic pain as reflected by hyperalgesia and BER could alleviate PTX-induced thermal hyperalgesia.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.69-74
• /
• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with twin pregnancy following day 3 double embryo transfer (DET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study incorporated data from 16,972 day 3 DET cycles. The participants were women aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at My Duc Assisted Reproduction Technique Unit (IVFMD), My Duc Hospital, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Of the 16,972 day 3 DET cycles investigated, 8,812 (51.9%) resulted in pregnancy. Of these, 6,108 cycles led to clinical pregnancy, with 1,543 (25.3% of clinical pregnancies) being twin pregnancies. Factors associated with twin pregnancy included age under 35 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32 to 1.71; p<0.001) and cycles involving the transfer of at least one grade I embryo. Relative to the transfer of two grade III embryos, the risk of twin pregnancy was significantly elevated following the transfer of two grade I embryos (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.69; p<0.001) or a combination of one grade I and one grade II embryo (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.55; p=0.001). Conclusion: By analyzing a large number of IVF/ICSI cycles, we identified several predictors of twin pregnancy. These findings can assist medical professionals in tailoring treatment strategies for couples with infertility.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.291-299
• /
• 2020

Background: Ginseng (G) and Ligustrum lucidum Ait (LLA) are core traditional Chinese medicines in treating myelosuppression formula. The present study was designed to profile effect of G and LLA herb pair (G-LLA) on myelosuppressed mice. Methods: The mice myelosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide (Cy). Hematopoietic function of bone marrow was measured by hemopoietic progenitor cell culture and peripheral blood count, and serum hemopoietic factors were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone marrow cell cycle was performed by flow cytometry. HPLC was used to measure 20 potential chemical components related to myelosuppression, including ginsenoside Rg₁, Re, Rb₁, Rc, Rb₂, Rb₃, Rd, Rk₃, Rh₄, 20 (S)-Rg₃, 20 (R)-Rg₃, Rk₁, Rg₅, salidroside, and so on. Results: G, LLA, and G-LLA improved the amount of peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells of myelosuppressed mice (P < 0.01). They significantly increased the colony quantity of colony-forming unit-granulocyte macrophage, burst-forming unit-erythroid, colony-forming unit-erythroid, and colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte and amount of G₂/M and S phase cells (P < 0.01). They also significantly decreased the amount of hematopoiesis-related cytokines (P < 0.01). The content of chemical components in G-LLA changed, and the change of rare saponin was the most obvious. Conclusion: These results show that G-LLA herb pair might produce synergistic or complementary compatibility effects on bone marrow suppression after chemotherapy. It suggests that the substance basis of G-LLA for treating bone marrow suppression may be effective chemical components.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.251-259
• /
• 1995

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of metoprolol, a selective beta-l blocker, were examined for 360 minutes after intravenous bolus administration of metoprolol to 6 dogs. Plasma concentration and excreted amount in the urine metoprolol were measured by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. PR interval and heart rate were measured by ECG monitoring. Blood pressure was monitored through intraarterial catheter in femoral artery and cardiac output by thermodilution method using Swan-Ganz catheter. To analyze the effect site concentration-response relationship, plasma concentration and pharmacological effects were simultaneously fitted to a two pharmacokinetic compartment linked to pharmacodynamic model with NONLIN program. Results are as follows. 1) The plasma concentration of metoprolol after intrvenous injection decreased biexponentially. The terminal half-life estimated was $1.33{\pm}0.40$ hours and the volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) and the total body clearance were $1.04{\pm}0.4\;L/kg,\;6.55{\pm}2.21\;L/hr$, respectively. The central compartment volume of distribution and peripheral compartment volume of distribution were $0.35{\pm}0.14L/kg\;and\;0.69{\pm}0.34L/kg$. The renal clearance and intercompartment clearance were $0.53{\pm}0.25\;L/min\;and\;0.35{\pm}0.19\;L/min$. 2) Simulated biophase concentration-response curve shows hyperbolic relationship and the estimated concentration-effect relationship was best explained by Emax model when the prolongation of PR interval and the reduction of the heart rate were used as pharmacodynamic parameters. Emax and EC50 were estimated to be $26.3{\pm}4.7\;msec\;and\;88.8{\pm}82.3\;g/ml$ for PR interval, and $48.7{\pm}18.8\;beats/min\;and\;113.5{\pm}78.7\;ng/ml$ for heart rate, respectively. 3) The changes of cardiac output-effect site concentration relationship was best fitted by a linear model and the slope of the relationship was $0.005{\pm}0.003$. Diastolic blood pressure-effect site concentration relationship was also explained by the linear model and the slope of the relationship was $0.038{\pm}0.034$.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
• /
• v.36 no.12
• /
• pp.1207-1215
• /
• 2008

Satellite generates a complex electromagnetic noise by conducted and radiated coupling effect of the various electrical instruments. This noise may cause serious problems on the satellite system. To minimize the electromagnetic coupling effects and maintain the system safety margin, system noise reduction technique should be applied from the beginning of the system design. The COMS system is evaluated by measuring the conducted noise on system electrical power leads at PSR(Power Supply Regulator) and verifying a 6 dB system safety margin under the complex noise environment with current injection. The radiated noise due to the complex transmit antenna configuration is evaluated by integrating all unit-level RE measurement results, and the RF compatibility between spacecraft and launch vehicle is analyzed with the above estimations. This paper describes the COMS EMC compatibility analysis with respect to each unit level EMC test results, and RF compatibility analysis between spacecraft and launch vehicle. The analyzed results will be reflected on FM(Flight Model) EMC test.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.686-692
• /
• 2010

Computed tomography (CT) is considered as gold standard in evaluating pancreatitis in human, but there have been only a few studies in veterinary field. Balthazar CT severity index (CTSI) used to assess the severity of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in human could be applicable to dogs, because the severity of acute pancreatitis depends on the area of pancreatic necrosis in dogs more than in human. In this study, 25 adult, clinically healthy beagle dogs were used. CT examinations was performed in normal pancreas, positive control group and acute necrotizing pancreatitis induced by autologous bile injection. Balthazar CTSI was applied to canine acute necrotizing pancreatitis in contrastenhanced CT image and compared with the result of histopathologic examination. The Hounsfield unit (HU) of normal canine pancreas was $52.44{\pm}4.58$ and the density was significantly decreased in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (P < .05). In contrast-enhanced CT examination, pancreatic density was decreased significantly and this area was compatible to pancreatic necrosis. Balthazar CTSI showed positive correlation with histopathologic evaluation with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.89%. Balthazar CTSI can be applied to evaluate the severity of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in dogs.