• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1064-1071
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• 2018

Purpose: To explore the influence of S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) knockout (KO) on methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Materials and Methods: S100A4 KO mice (n=20) and their wild-type (WT) counterparts (n=20) were randomly divided into KO/MCD, Ko/methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS), WT/MCD, and WT/MCS groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, blood lipid and liver function-related indexes were measured. HE, Oil Red O, and Masson stainings were used to observe the changes of liver histopathology. Additionally, expressions of S100A4 and proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, while hepatocyte apoptosis was revealed by TUNEL staining. Results: Serum levels of aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in mice were increased after 8-week MCD feeding, and hepatocytes performed varying balloon-like changes with increased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fibers; however, these effects were improved in mice of KO/MCD group. Meanwhile, total NAFLD activity scores and fibrosis were lower compared to WT+MCD group. Compared to WT/MCS group, S100A4 expression in liver tissue of WT/MCD group was enhanced. The expression of proinflammatory ($TGF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6) and profibrogenic cytokines ($TGF-{\beta}1$, COL1A1, ${\alpha}-SMA$) in MCD-induced NAFLD mice were increased, as well as apoptotic index (AI). For MCD group, the expressions of proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines and AI in KO mice were lower than those of WT mice. Conclusion: S100A4 was detected to be upregulated in NAFLD, while S100A4 KO alleviated liver fibrosis and inflammation, in addition to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.316-324
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• 2021

Background: Korea Red Ginseng (KRG) has been used as remedies with hepato-protective effects in liver-related condition. Microbiota related gut-liver axis plays key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. We evaluated the effect of KRG on gut-liver axis in patients with nonalcoholic statohepatitis by the modulation of gut-microbiota. Methods: A total of 94 patients (KRG: 45 and placebo: 49) were prospectively randomized to receive KRG (2,000 mg/day, ginsenoside Rg1+Rb1+Rg3 4.5mg/g) or placebo during 30 days. Liver function test, cytokeraton 18, and fatigue score were measured. Gut microbiota was analyzed by MiSeq systems based on 16S rRNA genes. Results: In KRG group, the mean levels (before vs. after) of aspartate aminotransferase (53 ± 19 vs. 45 ± 23 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (75 ± 40 vs. 64 ± 39 IU/L) and fatigue score (33 ± 13 vs. 26 ± 13) were improved (p < 0.05). In placebo group, only fatigue score (34 ± 13 vs. 31 ± 15) was ameliorated (p < 0.05). The changes of phyla were not statistically significant on both groups. In KRG group, increased abundance of Lactobacillus was related with improved alanine aminotransferase level and increased abundance of Clostridium and Intestinibacter was associated with no improvement after KRG supplementation. In placebo group, increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae could be related with aggravation of liver enzyme (p < 0.05). Conclusion: KRG effectively improved liver enzymes and fatigue score by modulating gut-microbiota in patients with fatty liver disease. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of improvement of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. ClnicalTrials.gov: NCT03945123 (www.ClinicalTrials.gov).

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Puerariae Flos ethanol extract (PE) on methionin and choline deficient (MCD)-diet-induced Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in C57BL/6J mice. Methods : In the in vivo experiments, C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups; Normal group, Control group, MCD+PE 100 group, and MCD+PE 300 group. After 4 weeks, body weight, liver weight, biochemical parameters for liver function test, histological changes, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot were assessed. Results : Mice lost body weight with the MCD-diet and the MCD+PE 100 group and MCD+PE 300 groups lost less than the control group, though showed no statistical significance. Liver weights were decreased by the MCD diet, but MCD+PE 300 groups were increased significantly. In the liver function test, all the values were decreased with the MCD-diet, MCD+PE 100 group and MCD+PE 300 groups were increased significance. In histological findings of the livers, MCD-diet induced severe fatty accumulation in the livers, but this fatty change was reduced in the MCD+PE 100 group and MCD+PE 300 groups was inhibited respectively. In lipid accumulation factors (such as SREBP-1c, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, PPAR-${\gamma}$), MCD+PE 100 group and MCD+PE 300 groups showed inhibitory effect on liver lipogenesis by reducing associated gene expressions caused by MCD diet. Conclusions : We were able to know that Puerariae Flos ethanol extract (PE) shown hepatoprotective effects via a decrease on the hepatic lipogenesis factors in the experimental NAFLD Models.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to determine whether Rhus verniciflua Stokes with Latin name Lacca Sinica Exsiccata, and Eucommia ulmoides Oliver with Latin name Eucommiae Cortex Extract Combination (ILF-RE) improves laboratory test results in participants with liver function disorder. Methods : This study was conducted at Woosuk university Korean medicine hospital where participants with high serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels from 45 to 135 U/L were enrolled. Subjects received ILF-RE 3.6 g (1.2 g/day as ILF-RE) or placebo 3.6 g for 12 weeks. It was confirmed that urushiol was not detected in ILF-RE. The primary outcomes were the decrement degree of serum ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels between two groups. The secondary outcomes were the decrement degree of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and fatty liver index (FLI) levels between two groups. Adverse events, skin prick tests, laboratory tests, and vital signs were observed and analyzed to confirm the safety of ILF-RE.1) Results : In the ILF-RE group, the liver function index ALT, GGT, lipid metabolism index TG, and fatty liver index FLI were significantly decreased compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference in ILF-RE group in terms of adverse events, severe adverse events, skin prick test, laboratory test, and vital signs compared with placebo group. Conclusions : ILF-RE was found to be effective in improving liver function. In addition, no clinically significant adverse events or body changes were observed during this study.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.330-339
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• 2012

Background : Hypertension is treated with both lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7), published in 2003, provides a streamlined management approach to hypertension for the primary care physician. The JNC-7 is the gold standard also in Korea. According to the JNC-7, special therapeutic considerations are recommended for high-risk individuals with compelling indications. The presence of compelling indications in any given patient should be considered when selecting specific pharmacotherapy to treat hypertension. However, in patients with compelling indications, it is unknown that hepatotoxicity is caused by Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB), one of 1st anti-hypertensive drugs. Now, the CCB is the most used 1st anti-hypertensive drug in Korea Therefore, we evaluated the changes in blood liver function parameters (ALT, AST, Total bilirubin, serum albumin) for the study group. Methods : We randomly collected and retrospectively analyzed Electronic Medical Record data (n=28,788) of patients, and who took calcium channel blockers(non-dihydropyridines; diltiazem, verapamil, dihydropyridines; amlodipine, barnidipine, benidipine, clinidipine, efonidipine, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine), with having liver function tests (LFTs) from July 1st 2009 to June 30th 2010 at the Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. Control groups are two antihypertensive agents: RAS blockade (ARB; candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan, ACE-I; cilazapril, enalapril, fosinopril, imidapril, perindopril, ramipril) and, Diuretics (loop; furosemide, torsemide, thiazide; hydrochlorothiazide[HCTZ], indapamide). Patients not having LFT results at these three standard points of time(baseline, during, medication, and after finishing medication) were excluded. The collected data were analyzed by using the SPSS (Version12.0) and Microsoft Excel (Version2007). Results : 711 patients who were treated CCB (297), RAS blockade (232) or Diuretics (182) monotherapy were selected for the study. In selected patients, liver damage degree(changes of each LFTs value) was higher in diuretics group than other groups, followed by RAS blockade and CCB. In diuretics group's was loop-diuretics group was higher than thiazide-diuretics group. In CCB group, Nondihydropyridine-CCB's damage degree was higher than Dihydropyrine-CCB's that. Conclusions : Despite the limitations due to the retrospective study, among patients with abnormal LFTs, the use of CCBs led to a less liver damage than other 1st anti-hypertensive agents. It can be recommended CCBs as one of the initial treatments of hypertension in patients with liver disease.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.407-417
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• 1994

Present experiments were undertaken for the purpose of clarifying the effect of repeated halothane anesthesia on the liver and kidney function. Nine mongrel dogs were divided into three groups. The group one dogs were anesthesized once(control group) and the other two groups twice and trice respectively on 10th day of previous anesthesia experimental groups. Hematological examinations and blood chemical assays were undertaken during the period from one hour to 10 days after the anesthesia. From these experiments fellowing results were obtained; 1. No significant changes of erythrocyte count were recognized in both the control and experimental groups after the halothane anesthesia. 2. The total leukocyte counts of experimental groups showed significant decrease on one hour and subsequent increases after the anesthesia. 3. No significant changes were observed in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, BUN and serum glucose values in both the control and experimental groups. 4. The total serum protein values showed a tendency to decrease on the first hour of halothane anesthesia in both the control and experimental groups. From these results it may be concluded that the repeated halothane anesthesia done 10th day of previous anesthesia do not affect the liver and kidney function in dogs.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.75-78
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• 1998

This study was performed to estimate the clinical signs and changes of biochemical parameters in rats with hepatic injury induced by the administration of 2, 2'-azobis(2- amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH) . Minor behavioral change, brittleness of skin hair and decreased volume of water and feed intake were observed in ra% 2 hours after AAPH administration compared to control group. Concentration of serum albumin showed lower than that of control group. However, concentration of total bilirubin has shown higher than that of control group. As time goes on, . serum LDH activity increased significantly compared to control group, but senun CPK activity did not change compared to control group. Passive hemanglutination of $\alpha $-fetoprotein was negative in all the treaDent groups and control group.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.325-333
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• 1986

In order to know the kinds of liver function tests which are applicable to the hepatotoxicity experiment in Korean black goats, 0.3ml of carbon tetrachloride per kilogram body weight was injected intraruminally in 6 Korean black goats and 8 liver function tests were performed sequentially during the 14-day experimental course. Serum total bilirubin concentration, serum alkaline phosphatase activity and BUN concentrotion were suggested not to be applicable to the hepatotoxicity experiment in Korean black goats as they were not altered significantly during the 14-day experimental course. Indocyanine green T 1/2, Serum AST, SDH, gamma-GTP, and OCT activities were suggested to be applicable as sensitive indicators to the hepatotoxicity experiment in Korean black goats.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.219-230
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• 1993

This research aims to study the changes In gastrointestinal function attributed to aging In human. The thresholds for recognition and detection of flavors became elevated and salivary gland acinar cells decreased in the old age. But most esophageal function remained relatively Intact. Although gastric emptying time has been slowed with aging, the total intestinal transit time did not differ. Atropic gastritis due to H. pylori in old man decreased secretion of acid and Intrinsic factor and absorbability of calcium and iron. Pancreatic secretion is droned in older persons. Prevalence of gallstones rised with age. Liver size and portal blood flow decreased significantly with age. Mucosal surface area has been reported to be slightly diminished in the aging man. Glucose transporters decreased and Insulin tolerance Increased. Absorption of aromatic amino acid is diminished with age. Dietary protein In that aging human increased fecal nitrogen excretion. Vitamin A tolerance increased. Vitamin D receptor concentration decreased and resistance to 1,25-(OH)2D3 action increased. Permeability of aging small Intestine Increased. Zinc balance dirt not differ Copper absorption appeared not to be significantly affected by age. Neurotensin secretion decreased thus slowed colonic peristaltic movements and Intestinal mucosal growth.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.410-421
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• 2009

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Injinchunggan-tang (YJCGT) & Injinysaryung-san (YJSRS) on MCD-diet-induced NASH in A/J mice. Methods : A/J mice were divided into 4 groups: Normal group (normal diet without any treatment). Control group (MCD diet only), YJCGT group (MCD diet with YJCGT), and YJSRS group (MCD diet with YJSRS). After 5 weeks, body weight, liver weight, biochemical parameters for liver function test, histological changes, and real-time PCR were assessed. Results : Mice lost body weight with the MCD diet and the YJCGT and YJSRS groups lost less than the control group, though showed no statistical significance. Liver weights were decreased by the MCD diet, but not significantly. In the liver function test, all the values were increased with the MCD diet, though some did not show significance. Alp and ALT levels were significantly less increased by YJCGT compared to the normal (p<0.05). All values were decreased or increased compared to the control by treatment though showed no significance possibly due to insufficient sample numbers. In histological findings of the livers. MCD-diet induced severe fatty change and collagen accumulation in the livers, but this fatty change was reduced in the YJCGT and YJYRS groups and fibrogenesis was inhibited significantly with p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively. In real-time PCR analysis, YJCGT and YJYRS showed inhibitory effect on liver fibrogenesis by reducing associated gene expressions caused by MCD diet. Conclusion : YJCGT and YJSRS are considered to be possible candidates for the treatment of patients with NASH and/or liver fibrosis.