• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.77-81
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• 2013

Objectives : Horse oil (HO) has been used long time as the folk medicine of many Asian countries such as Korea, Mongol, China, India and Japan. HO has been used for anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pruritic purposes in skin. However, it is still largely unknown whether HO modulates the skin condition. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of HO on the 1 % of 2, 4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced contact hypersensitivity in Balb/c mice. Methods : To find the anti-inflammatory effect of HO, contact hypersensitivity, a local inflammatory response of skin, was induced on the back of Balb/c mice by sensitization and repeated application by 1% DNCB and HO treated 2 weeks on the 1% of DNCB-treated Balb/c mice. Excised mice skins were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and serum IgE level was measured by mouse IgE ELISA kit. Results : In this study, we found that HO reduced erythema by 1% of DNCB treated Balb/c mice. Also, HO recovered histopathological features such as the thickening of epidermis, hyperkeratosis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in 1% of DNCB treated Balb/c mice. In addition, HO reduced IgE level on the serum obtained from blood of 1% of DNCB-treated Balb/c mice. Conclusion : Taken together, these results showed that HO could be used as a pharmaceutical material with anti-inflammatory effects by reducing of erythema, IgE level and recovering of histopathological features skin on DNCB-induced contact hypersensitivity in Balb/c mice model.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.33-39
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• 2020

Objectives : Increasing evidence supports the biological and pharmacological activities of essential oils on the central nervous system such as pain, anxiety, attention, arousal, relaxation, sedation and learning and memory. The purpose of present work is to investigate the protective effect and molecular mechanism of cypress essential oil (CEO) against scopolamine (SCO)-induced cognitive impairments in C57BL/6 mice. Methods : A series of behavior tests such as Morris water maze, passive avoidance, and fear conditioning tests were conducted to monitor learning and memory functions. Immunoblotting and RT-PCR were also performed in the hippocampal tissue to determine the underlying mechanism of CEO. Results : SCO induced cognitive impairments as assessed by decreased step-through latency in passive avoidance test, relatively low freezing time in fear conditioning test, and increased time spent to find the hidden platform in Morris water maze test. Conversely, CEO inhalation significantly reversed the SCO-induced cognitive impairments in C57BL/6 mice comparable to control levels. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of memory enhancing effect of CEO we have examined the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. CEO effectively elevated the protein as well as mRNA expression of BDNF via activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Conclusions : Our findings suggest that CEO inhalation effectively restored the SCO-impaired cognitive functions in C56BL/6 mice. This learning and memory enhancing effect of CEO was partly mediated by up-regulation of BDNF via activation of CREB.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.206-217
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The immunomodulatory effect of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) has been reported, but studies on its mechanism are still lacking. This study was undertaken to confirm whether the hydrolyzed and fermented PG extract (HFPGE) obtained by adding hydrolysis and fermentation to the extraction process has an immune-enhancing effect in the in vivo system. MATERIALS/METHODS: Five-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: normal control group (NOR), control group (CON), 150 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day HFPGE-treated group (T150), and 300 mg/kg BW/day HFPGE-treated group (T300). The mice were administered HFPGE for 4 weeks and intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide (CPA, 80 mg/kg BW/day) on day 6, 7, and 8, respectively, to induce immunosuppression. The levels of immunoglobulins (Igs) and cytokines were measured in the serum. In splenocytes, proliferation and cytokine levels were measured. RESULTS: Serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels were observed to decrease after CPA treatment, which was recovered by HFPGE administration. The levels of serum interleukin (IL)-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were also decreased after exposure to CPA but increased after HFPGE administration. Decreased splenocyte proliferation was seen in CPA-treated mice, but was observed to increase in the T150 and T300 groups as compared to the NOR group. Compared to the CON group, splenocyte proliferation stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the HFPGE-treated groups was significantly increased. The cytokines secreted by ConA-stimulated splenocytes (IL-2, IL-12, interferon-γ, TNF-α) were increased in the T150 and T300 groups, and cytokines secreted by LPS-stimulated splenocytes (IL-4, IL-8, TGF-β) were also increased by HFPGE administration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HFPGE stimulates the immunity in immunosuppressed conditions, thereby enhancing the immune response. Therefore, it is expected that HFPGE has the potential to be used as functional food and medicine for immune recovery in various immunocompromised situations.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.935-944
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• 2021

It has been suggested that bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, interferes with the endocrine system, causing reproductive dysfunction. Recently, BPA has been found in waste water due to incomplete sewage purification, possibly threatening health through its ingestion via tap water. In this study, young male mice (6 - 7 weeks old) were administered water containing BPA (50 mg·kg^-1) for four weeks, while control mice consumed water without BPA. Serum, epididymal spermatozoa and testicular sections were assessed after sacrificing the mice on day 28. No significant differences were obtained between the groups in the body, testis and seminal vesicle weights. However, the epididymal sperm motility and count levels were significantly reduced in BPA-fed mice. Significantly higher hepatotoxicity levels were also observed in mice ingesting BPA as compared to the control mice. The level of serum testosterone was reduced, and testicular sections revealed incomplete and irregular spermatogenesis in BPA-ingested mice. The sperm proteasomal-proteolytic activity level has been implicated in sperm function and is measured in motile spermatozoa using fluorometric substrates. High ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase activity levels were observed in the control mice without BPA. During a mating trial, a low pregnancy rate (71.4%) was observed in females mated with males who had consumed BPA (100% in the control mice). Overall, BPA adversely affected spermatogenesis and quality, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, concentration and serum testosterone levels, resulting in reduced fertility competence.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2004

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used extensively in the plastic industry and has been known as an endocrine disruptor. Present study was undertaken to examine whether DBP can induce oxidative stress in mice. In this study, oxidative stress was measured in terms of the modification of lipid peroxidation and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. The serum toxicity index, level of lipid peroxidation and triglyceride (TG), and activity of GGT were measured in male ICR mice after a single administration of DBP (5 g/kg, po). DBP did not alter serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, glucose and cholesterol level. However, the treatment with DBP was found to significantly increase the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and lung. The TG content and activity of GGT in the liver of DBP-exposed animals was also increased. These results indicate that DBP can induce mild oxidative stress in mice. The GGT activity is considered to be increased as one of the adaptive defense mechanisms to oxidative stress induced by DBP.

• Proceedings of the KSR Conference
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• 2010.06a
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• pp.408-414
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• 2010

G20 summit is expected to be held in seoul this coming Nov. 2010 which is a typical case of international meeting in MICE industries have been rising in the world and can be considered as a new marketing paradigm. since IMF crisis in 1997 in korea via financial leeman turmoil in the wall street caused ruins of the middle class as financial resources of korea. it's like saying that we need to look for another practical marketing way not mass marketing any more to get through this comprehensive financial crisis. in this study, we are going to find out new marketing way using MICE industires.

• Food Industry And Nutrition
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.83-87
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• 1999

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulim secretion. The transgenic technology, in which a specific gene can be introduced or deleted to study its function, has been established. A number of transgenic mice, altered the expression of genes potentially involved in insulin action or pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell function, have recently been developed to address questions concerning NIDDM. Thransgenic mice model may help understanding the molecular basis of complex patho-physiologies of NIDDM. This review outlines the new insights obtained from the studies of transgenic mice that overxpress or show decreased expression of putative key genes involved in the regulation of insulin resistance and pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell function, therefore in the control of glucose homeostasis.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.61-74
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• 2018

Meeting, Incentive travel, Convention, Exhibition (MICE) industries recently introduced new information systems, such as the exhibition guide system (EGS), to keep pace with Smart MICE and maximize the effect of exhibition performance. We investigate how persuasive EGS can affect the EGS acceptance of attendees via cognitive and affective response. We analyzed data from 442 EGS users at an exhibition. We found that information accuracy, information relevance, and source credibility were predictors of cognitive response. Source credibility had a significant effect on affective response. Furthermore, cognitive response was found to be a positive predictor of affective response and EGS acceptance. We also found affective response is a predictor of EGS acceptance. The theoretical and practical implications of the study were presented based on the results.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.7 no.2_3
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• pp.155-159
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• 2013

Late effects of chronic exposure to gamma radiation are potential hazards to worker in radiation facilities as well as to the general public. Recently, chronic gamma radiation exposure effects have become a serious concern. Using a total of 60 mice, we studied the biological effects of medium-dose chronic exposure to gamma radiation. Sixty female 6-week-old specific pathogen free Balb/c mice were randomly divided into six groups (five groups irradiated and one non-irradiated control group). Irradiation was carried out for 7 days using gamma rays at dose rates of 119.65, 238.10, 357.14, 476.19 and $595.24mGy\;h^{-1}$ with total doses 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 Gy. After irradiation, we determined survival rate of gamma radiation exposed mice during 1 week and 476.19 and $595.24mGy\;h^{-1}$ exposed group mice showed less 10% of survival rate. Otherwise, 119.65, 238.10 and $357.14mGy\;h^{-1}$ exposed group mice were survived each 100%, 80% and 70%. Half of survived mice after 1 week are immediately sacrifice and counted body and spleen weights. Compared with control non-irradiated group, total body weights and spleen weights isolated from 119.65, 238.10 and 357.14 irradiated group mice showed significant decreased. However, no significant alteration was observed between 119.65, 238.10 and $357.14mGy\;h^{-1}$ irradiated group. Overall, our results show for the first time that medium-dose chronic gamma radiation has the potential to stimulation of biological effects.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.290-298
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• 2013

This study examined the effects of calcium (Ca) gluconate on collagen-induced DBA mouse rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). A single daily dose of 200, 100 or 50 mg/kg Ca gluconate was administered orally to male DBA/1J mice for 40 days after initial collagen immunization. To ascertain the effects administering the collagen booster, CIA-related features (including body weight, poly-arthritis, knee and paw thickness, and paw weight increase) were measured from histopathological changes in the spleen, left popliteal lymph node, third digit and the knee joint regions. CIA-related bone and cartilage damage improved significantly in the Ca gluconate-administered CIA mice. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the paw were reduced in Ca gluconate-treated CIA mice compared to CIA control groups. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the Ca gluconate group. Finally, the production of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$, involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, were suppressed by treatment with Ca gluconate. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca gluconate is a promising candidate anti-rheumatoid arthritis agent, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory effects in CIA mice.