• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.183-195
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• 2018

Cryptococcosis, which is caused by the Cryptococcus species complex (including Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii), is well known as one of the most important medical problems. However, the of the Cryptococcus species complex is still limited to pneumonia and meningitis. In particular, the differences in virulence among the five major serotypes of the Cryptococcus species complex are not fully understood. To elucidate the virulence of the Cryptococcus species complex when it is disseminated hematogenously, rats were infected by different strains of the Cryptococcus species serotype, and their histopathological characteristics were compared after infection. The cumulative mortality ratio of rats infected with serotype B strain was slightly higher than in the other experimental groups. In addition, the average recovery of the Cryptococcus species complex from rats infected with serotype B strain was significantly higher than in the other groups in almost all organ samples except spleen. The recovery of the Cryptococcus species complex was associated with the severity of histopathological lesions, including bleeding, inflammation, and tissue damage in all organs. In rats infected with serotype B strain, the virulence was the most severe, especially in the lungs and liver. These results indicate that the pathophysiology of the Cryptococcus species complex infection differs according to serotype.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.290-295
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• 2017

Background: Senna tora is a flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. Its seeds are roasted and consumed as tea in Asia, to reduce inflammation in the liver and improve eyesight. Thus, it has been considered as an important medicinal crops in Asia. However, breeding trials to improve its genetic properties are rare. Mutation breeding by gamma ray is known to be an effective and highly successful approach for the generation of agronomically useful cultivars. Here we analyzed the effects of several dosages of gamma ray on the biological conditions of Senna tora seeds. Methods and Results: The germination rate and growth patterns of Senna tora were examined following irradiation with gamma ray at 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy. The total phenolic compound contents and antioxidant activities of Senna tora were analyzed. Germination increased at 100 and 200 Gy in the M1 and M2 generations compared with that of the control (M0). The total phenolic compound contents and antioxidant activity of the seeds significantly decreased as the radiation dosage increased above 100 Gy in the M1 generation. Conclusions: Senna tora, irradiated with gamma ray at dosages 100, 200, 300, and 400 Gy, showed maximum germination rate at 200 Gy in the M2 generation. Plant height and leaf size gradually decreased with increasing gamma ray intensity in the M2 generation. The total phenolic compound contents decreased significantly at 400 Gy, and the related antioxidant activity was also decreased as the radiation dosage increased.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetic Resonance Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.91-102
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• 2012

Metabolomics is the systematic identification and quantification of all metabolites in an organism or biological sample. NMR has been used as a major application tool in plant metabolomics such as quality control, chemotaxonomy, and analysis of genetically modified plants. Herbal medicines are the important therapeutics and are used to manage common diseases such as cold, inflammation, pain, heart diseases, liver cirrhosis, diabetes and central nerve system diseases. Herb plants include various kinds of species such as geranium, mint, and thyme and so on and contain different kinds of metabolites. We performed NMR-based metabolomics study on the seven different species of herb plants using $^1H$ NMR experiments and OPLS-DA to understand the correlation between the classification of herb plants and their metabolite contents. This study showed clear metabolic discrimination among various herb plants. This metabolmics study found several diagnostic NMR signals which are able to be used as bio-markers for identification of the specific herb plants among various species. Clear metabolic discrimination of herb plants suggests three chemotaxonomic groups of herb species.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1517-1522
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• 2007

Inhibitory effects of allergic contact dermatitis of hot water extract of Duchung (Eucommia ulmoides Oliver) leaf, bark and stem growing at Sancheong-gun were investigated for female BALB/c mouse induced by repeat elicitation of DNCB (2,4-dinitro-chlorobenzene). Skin reactions, consisting of increased ear thickness and the presence of ear inflammation, were observed in mice treated with DNCB and Duchung. Weight of lymph node, spleen and thymus in mice treated with Duchung extracts were lower than that of mouse treated with DNCB. Ear weight of mouse treated with Duchung extracts was decreased by increasing the concentration of sample as compared to control group and dropped as low as control level at 1,000 mg/kg. Ear thickness became thinner as test time on Duchung extract progressed. MDA (malondialdehyde) contents in liver tissue were not different in sample group with DNCB group, but were different in ear tissue. NO (nitric oxide) contents was decreased in Duchung extract groups at serum and ear tissues as compared to 1% DNCB group. In the present study, the results suggested that Duchung extract inhibits inflammatory response and oxidative damage induced DNCB allergen.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.565-574
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• 2021

Background: Saengmaeksan (SMS) is a traditional Korean medicine composed of three herbs, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, and Liriope platyphylla. SMS is used to treat respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. However, whether SMS exerts antihyperuricemic effects is unknown. Methods: Effects of the SMS extract in water (SMS-W) and 30% ethanol (SMS-E) were studied in a rat model of potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia. Uric acid concentrations and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities were evaluated in the serum, urine, and hepatic tissue. Using renal histopathology to assess kidney function and uric acid excretion, we investigated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations, as well as protein levels of renal urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1). The effects of SMS on in vitro XO activity and uric acid uptake were also evaluated. The components of SMS were identified using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). Results: SMS-E reduced serum uric acid and creatinine concentrations, and elevated urine uric acid excretion. SMS-E lowered XO activities in both the serum and liver, and downregulated the expression of renal URAT1 and GLUT9 proteins. SMS-E reduced renal inflammation and IL-1b levels in both the serum and kidneys. SMS-E inhibited both in vitro XO activity and urate uptake in URAT1-expressing oocytes. Using UPLC, 25 ginsenosides were identified, all of which were present in higher levels in SMS-E than in SMS-W. Conclusion: SMS-E exhibited antihyperuricemic effects by regulating XO activity and renal urate transporters, providing the first evidence of its applicability in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.20.1-20.13
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• 2021

Background: Pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection leads to high mortality in swine. Despite extensive efforts, effective treatments against PRV infection are limited. Furthermore, the inflammatory response induced by PRV strain GXLB-2013 is unclear. Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the inflammatory response induced by PRV strain GXLB-2013, establish an inflammation model to elucidate the pathogenesis of PRV infection further, and develop effective drugs against PRV infection. Methods: Kunming mice were infected intramuscularly with medium, LPS, and different doses of PRV-GXLB-2013. Viral spread and histopathological damage to brain, spleen, and lung were determined at 7 days post-infection (dpi). Immune organ indices, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory cytokines, as well as levels of activity of COX-2 and iNOS were determined at 4, 7, and 14 dpi. Results: At 10⁵-10⁶ TCID₅₀ PRV produced obviously neurological symptoms and 100% mortality in mice. Viral antigens were detectable in kidney, heart, lung, liver, spleen, and brain. In addition, inflammatory injuries were apparent in brain, spleen, and lung of PRV-infected mice. Moreover, PRV induced increases in immune organ indices, ROS and NO levels, activity of COX-2 and iNOS, and the content of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and MCP-1. Among the tested doses, 10² TCID₅₀ of PRV produced a significant inflammatory mediator increase. Conclusions: An inflammatory model induced by PRV infection was established in mice, and 10² TCID50 PRV was considered as the best concentration for the establishment of the model.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.323-331
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• 2019

Purpose: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are implicated in secondary osteoporosis, and the resulting fractures cause significant morbidity. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a vital role in bone metabolism. However, few trials have studied the impact of omega-3 PUFA-containing oils against GC-induced osteoporosis. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine whether supplementation with omega-3 PUFA-containing dietary oils such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or soybean oil can impede the development of GC-induced osteoporosis. Methods: The fatty acids (FAs) content of oils was determined using gas chromatography. Male rats were subdivided into 5 groups (8 rats each): normal control (balanced diet), prednisolone control (10 mg/kg prednisolone daily), soybean oil (prednisolone 10 mg/kg + soybean oil 7% w/w), flaxseed oil (prednisolone 10 mg/kg + flaxseed oil 7% w/w), and fish oil (from cod liver; prednisolone 10 mg/kg + fish oil 7% w/w). Results: The study data exhibited a significant depletion in bone mineral density (BMD) and femur mass in the prednisolone control compared to the normal control, accompanied with a marked decrease in the levels of plasma calcium and 1,25-$(OH)_2$-vitamin $D_3$, and elevated levels of C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Supplementation with fish oil, soybean oil or flaxseed oil helped to improve plasma calcium levels, and suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Additionally, bone resorption was suppressed as reflected by the decreased CTX levels. However, fish oil was more effective than the other two oils with a significant improvement in BMD and normal histological results compared to the normal control. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that supplementation with dietary oils containing omega-3 PUFAs such as fish oil, soybean oil or flaxseed oil can play a role in the prevention of bone loss and in the regulation of bone metabolism, especially fish oil which demonstrated a greater level of protection against GC-induced osteoporosis.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.122-122
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• 2019

Protaetia brevitarsis (PB) extracts has been traditionally used as medicinal stuff to treat blood stasis, occlusion of menstruation, tetanus and liver cancer in Asian countries (Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, India and Myanmar). Especially, Donguibogam, which is traditional korean medicinal book, described the PB extracts as traditional medicine to treat hepatic diseases and vascular disorders. The PB extracts has been considered as highly nutritional food. The major constituents of PB extracts are rich in protein, healthy fats, iron, calcium. Recent studies announced that PB extracts has hepatoprotective effect and anti-microbacterial effect. However, the effect of PB on ulcerative colitis has not been uncovered yet. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of PB extracts in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Cytotoxicity of PB was determined by MTT assay and the antiinflammatory effect of PB extract was investigated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production. PB extracts did not show any cytotoxicity. AIso, PB extracts supressed NO production in LPS-stimulated mice peritoneal macrophages. To determine whether PB could be an effective treatment on ulcerative colitis, DSS was administered in BALB/c mice for 10 days. PB extract significantly improved the clinical signs of DSS-induced UC, including body weight loss, colon length shortening, and disease activity index increase, with histological markers of colon injury. These findings indicated the possibility of PB as a therapeutic agent on ulcerative colitis.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.192-198
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• 2018

Background: Chronic inflammation can lower the seizure threshold and have influence on epileptogenesis. The components of red ginseng (RG) have anti-inflammatory effects. The abundance of peripherally derived immune cells in resected epileptic tissue suggests that the immune system is a potential target for anti-epileptogenic therapies. The present study used continuous electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of RG in intrahippocampal kainic acid (IHKA) animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods: Prolonged status epilepticus (SE) was induced in 7-week-old C57BL/6J mice via stereotaxic injection of kainic acid (KA, 150 nL; 1 mg/mL) into the right CA3/dorsal hippocampus. The animals were implanted electrodes and monitored for spontaneous seizures. Following the IHKA injections, one group received treatments of RG (250 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks (RG group, n=7) while another group received valproic acid (VPA, 30 mg/kg/day) (VPA group, n=7). Laboratory findings and pathological results were assessed at D29 and continuous (24 h/week) EEG monitoring was used to evaluate high-voltage sharp waves on D7, D14, D21, and D28. Results: At D29, there were no differences between the groups in liver function test but RG group had higher blood urea nitrogen levels. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that RG reduced the infiltration of immune cells into the brain and EEG analyses showed that it had anticonvulsant effects. Conclusion: Repeated treatments with RG after IHKA-induced SE decreased immune cell infiltration into the brain and resulted in a marked decrease in electrographic seizures. RG had anticonvulsant effects that were similar to those of VPA without serious side effects.

• Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.133-142
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• 2018

This study investigated the characteristics of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HD) over 13 weeks in Rhbdf2 gene knockout (KO) mice. Forty 7-week-old Rhbdf2 wild and KO mice were used and the mice were divided into 4 groups: Wild-ND (n=10, Rhbdf2 wild mice, normal diet (ND)), Wild-HD (n=10, Rhbdf2 wild mice, HD), KO-ND (n=10, Rhbdf2 KO mice, ND) and KO-HD (n=10, Rhbdf2 KO mice, HD). The relative epididymal fat weight in KO-HD was significantly increased compared with that in KO-ND (P<0.01). The relative liver and spleen weights in KO-HD were decreased compared with those in Wild-HD (p < 0.05) and KO-ND (p < 0.01). The mRNA expression of SOD1 in KO-ND was significantly reduced compared with that in Wild-ND (p < 0.05). In Wild-ND and HD, the mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in epididymal fat were significantly increased compared with those in KO-ND and HD (p < 0.01). A significant increase of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 mRNA expression was observed in KO-HD compared with KO-ND (p < 0.01). These results indicated that Rhbdf2 genes may regulate high fat diet-induced obesity damage by anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative roles in fat tissue of mice.