• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.163-180
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• 2007

Objective : Oriental medicines have been applied to Membranous nephropathy(MN) for the purpose on increasing renal blood flow and modulating immune activity in according to Oriental medicine theories. Magsungsinyeom-bang (MSSYB) is one of the prescription which is known to show positive results in clinic with lack of laboratorial evidence. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the effects of MSSYB and partially investigate the mechanisms of it. Methods : The effect of MSSYB was evaluated by the morphology for the GBM thickening, protein excretion in urine and biochemical parameters in serum using cBSA-induced MN mice model. Mice were administered with MSSYB(250 or 500 mg/kg) or PBS for control group from experimental week 3 for 4 weeks. Results : 24 hrs proteinuria and the concentrations BUN was significantly decreased in the MS groups compared to the control group while the concentrations of serum albumin was higher in the MS groups than control group. MSSYB didn't affect the ratio of CD3e+/CD or 19CD4+/CD8 in the spleen and kidney, but inhibit the expression of IL-1${\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and production of IgG and IgM. In histological analysis of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM was significantly decreased in the MS group compared to control group. Conclusions : MSSYB showed the positive results on the cBSA-induced membranous nephropathy in mice, thus, it could be a useful candidate for oriental drug for treating the membranous nephropathy in clinic.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.162-173
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• 2006

Purpose : To report the decreasing indicence of HBV(Hepatitis B virus)-associated membranous nephropathy in children after HBV vaccination and to elucidate the clinical course and treatment strategies of IMN(Idiopathic membranous nephropathy). Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinico-pathological findings of HBV-MN and IMN patients who underwent a renal biopsy from 1986 to 2005. We compared the HBV-MN and the IMN groups and the remission and the non-remission groups of patients with IMN. Results : Among 24 cases of MN patients, HBV-MN comprised 6 cases(25%) and IMN 18 cases(75%). Clinical masnifestations were nephrotic syndrome(3 cases, 50%), nephritic syndrome(1 case, 16.7%), asymptomatic(2 cases, 33.4%) in the HBV-MN group, asymptomatic(10 cases, 55.5%), nephrotic syndrome(5 cases, 27.8%), and gross hematuria(3 cases, 16.7%) in the IMN groups. From 1996 to 2000, there were 2 cases(28%) of HBV-MN and 5 cases(72%) of IMN. After 2001 all 10 cases were IMN. In the HBV-MN group, 4 cases(66.7%) received interferon and 1 cases received methylprednisolone pulse therapy. In the IMN group, 16 cases(88.9%) received methylprednisolone, 8 cases(44.4%) were in complete remission, 2 cases(11.1%) were in partial remission, 2 cases(11.1%) were in chronic renal failure, and 5 cases(27.8%) were lost to follow-up with sustained proteinuria, 1 case(5.6%) continued to have frequent relapse of nephrotic syndrome without renal insufficiency. In the comparison between remission and non-remission groups, nephrotic range proteinuria and hypertension were more significantly common in the non-remission group(P<0.05). Conclusion : With HBV vaccination, HBV-MN has decreased markedly. IMN is a rare glomerular disease in children. Because the prognosis for patients with nephrotic range proteinuria is poor this group needs more aggressive treatment.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.495-509
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• 2009

Objective : Membranous nephropathy(MN) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease and a relatively common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults worldwide. But treatment of MN is not defined. This study was to evaluate the effects of Acasia Catechu extract(ACE) on the MN induced by cBSA in mice. Methods : Mice were divided into 4 groups. The normal group was injected with a saline solution. The control group was treated with cBSA(10 mg/kg i.p.) only. The third group was treated with cBSA (10 mg/kg i.p.) and ACE (250 mg/kg, p.o.). The fourth group was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p.) and ACE (500mg/kg, p.o.). After cBSA and ACE treatment for 6 weeks, we measured change of body weight, 24hrs proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IFN-$\gamma$, IgA, IgM and IgG levels. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope. Results : The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria, total cholesterol, triglyceride, IgG, IgM, IgA, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IFN-$\gamma$ significantly decreased in both ACE groups. The level of albumin significantly increased in both ACE groups. The mRNA expression of IL-$1{\beta}$ in splenocytes considerably decreased in the ACE-500 group. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM decreased in both ACE groups. Conclusions : This study shows that ACE might be effective for treatment of MN. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1063-1072
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• 2009

Membranous nephropathy(MN) is the most common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome worldwide. But treatment of MN is not defined. This study was to evaluate the effects of Lonicerae Flos Extract(LFE) on the MN induced by cBSA in mice. Mice were divided into 4 groups. The first group named for 'Normal' was injected with a saline solution. The second group named 'Control' treated with cBSA(10 mg/kg i.p) only. The third group named 'LFE-250', treated with cBSA(10 mg/kg i.p) and LFE(250 mg/kg, p.o). The fourth group named 'LFE-500'treated with cBSA(10 mg/kg i.p) and LFE(500 mg/kg, p.o). After cBSA and LFE treatment for 4 weeks, we measured change of body weight, 24hrs proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-10, IFN-$\gamma$, IgA, IgM and IgG levels. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope. The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria, total cholesterol, IgG , IgM, IgA, IL-6 were significantly decreased in both LFE groups. The level of triglyceride, IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly decreased in LFE-500 group. The level of Albumin was significantly increased in LFE-250 group. The level of TNF-$\alpha$, IFN-$\gamma$ were significantly decreased in LFE-250 group. The mRNA expression of IL-$1{\beta}$ in splenocytes was consideraly decreased in LFE-500 group. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM decreased in both LFE groups. This study shows that the LFE might be effective for treatment of MN. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.93-107
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• 2009

Objective: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. However, there is not a satisfactory treatment for MN. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Houttuyniae Herba Extract (HHE) on MN induced by cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA). Methods: Mice were divided into 4 groups. The first group, Normal, was injected with saline. The second group, Control, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) only. The third group, HHE-250, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) and HHE (250mg/kg, p.o). The fourth group, HHE-500, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) and HHE (500mg/kg, p.o). After treatment for 4 weeks, we measured change of body weight, 24 hrs proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, IgA, IgM, IgG, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ levels and the mRNA expression of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, and IL-10. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope and an electron microscope. Results: The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria and serum triglyceride, BUN, IgG, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ significantly decreased in both HHE groups, while the level of serum albumin significantly increased in both HHE groups. The mRNA expression of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-6 in splenocytes considerably increased in both HHE groups. The mRNA expression of IL-10 in splenocytes considerably decreased in both HHE groups. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM decreased in both HHE groups. Conclusions: This study shows that HHE might be effective for treatment of acute stage MN. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.104-116
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• 2008

Objective : Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome worldwide. MN has been defined as granular subepithelial deposition of IgG immune complexes along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). We aimed to identify the effects of Chungyeolmaksungbang (CYMSB) treatment on cBSA-induced in MN mouse model. Methods : The effect of Chungyeolmaksungbang treatment was studied on the morphology and protein excretion in the cationized bovine serum albumin (cBSA)induced mouse chronic serum sickness nephritis model. One group of mice was given intra-peritoneal (i.p.) immunizing doses of cBSA and complete Freund's adjuvant. One week later, these animals began a single i.p. injection of cBSA for 4 weeks. A second group followed the same injection protocol, but was given CYMSB p.o. Results : Proteinuria significantly was decreased and serum albumin was increased in the group treated with cBSA and CYMSB extract compared with the control. Serum BUN was significantly decreased on CYMSB compared with control. CD3e+/CD19 cells ratio of peripheral blood was decreased and CD4+/CD8 cells was increased. Level of $IL-1{\beta}$ was significantly decreased, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ was significantly increased. Concentration of IgG and IgM was significantly decreased compared with control. Thickness of GBM was decreased on histological analysis of kidney. Deposition of CD4 and CD8 was decreased on immunohistochemical staining of kidney. Conclusions : We conclude that CYMSB treatment may could be a useful remedy agents for treating the MN with cBSA.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.632-638
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• 2009

The patient was hospitalized for treatment of cerebral infarction (Lt. BG). He was a 61-year-old man who was diagnosed with membranous nephropathy (MN) in 2000. Before admission, he was admitted for treatment for cerebral infarction at another hospital. During that admission, his MN symptoms went from bad to worse, and medication for MN was started (steroid and cyclophosphamide therapy). In our hospital, we started herbal medicine and western medicine combination therapy as well as oriental rehabilitation therapy. Our main herbal medicine was Magsungsinyeom-bang(Moxingshenyanfang). After 5 months, levels of 24 hrs proteinuria, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride decreased, levels of serum albumin, total protein increased, and clinical symptoms (lower limb edema, general body weakness) improved.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.115-124
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• 2011

Objective : Membranous nephropathy(MN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. MN has been defined as granular subepithelial deposition of IgG immune complexes along the glomerular basement membrane(GBM). However, there is not a satisfactory treatment for MN. We aimed to identify the effect of Impatiens balsamina Linne(IBL) treatment on cationic bovine serum albumin(cBSA)-induced MN in a mouse model. Methods : Mice were divided into 4 groups. The normal group was injected with saline. The Control group was treated with cBSA(50 mg/kg i.p) only. The third group IBL-100, was treated with cBSA(50 mg/kg, i.p) and IBL(100 mg/kg, p.o). The fourth group IBL-400, was treated with cBSA(50 mg/kg, i.p) and IBL (400 mg/kg, p.o). After cBSA and IBL treatment for 6 weeks, we measured change of body weight, proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, IgA, IgM, IgG, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ levels. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope. Results : The level of proteinuria significantly decreased and serum albumin increased in groups treated with cBSA and IBL extract compared with the control. The levels of serum triglyceride, BUN, IgG, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ significantly decreased in both IBL groups. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM decreased in both IBL groups. Conclusions : This study shows that IBL might be effective for treatment of acute stage MN. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.61-76
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• 2009

Background: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome worldwide and has been defined as granular subepithelial deposition of immune complexes along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). MN has few known treatments and gives rise to side effects under treatment with steroids and immunosuppressives. Objective: The purpose of this experimental study was to demonstrate the effects of Scutellariae Radix extract (SRE) treatment on MN mouse model induced by cBSA. Methods: We divided mice into 4 groups. The Normal group had no treatment. We induced MN mouse model to the other 3 groups by injecting cBSA into the abdominal cavity. The control group was treated with cBSA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) only. The second group, 'SRE-250', was treated with cBSA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and SRE (250 mg/kg, p.o.). The third group, 'SRE-500', was treated with cBSA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and SRE (500 mg/kg, p.o.). After cBSA and SRE treatment for 4 weeks, gain in body weight, 24hrs proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN and creatinine of all groups were measured. TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-1$\beta$, IL-10, IFN-$\gamma$, IgA, IgM and IgG levels of all groups were gauged. H&E staining and electron microscopy of the kidney were observed. Results: SRE showed significant decrease in the 24hrs proteinuria, serum triglyceride, BUN, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, serum IgA, IgM and IgG levels compared with the control group. SRE showed increase in the serum IL-10 and IFN-$\gamma$ levels compared with control on RT-PCR. SRE considerably decreased in the thickening of the GBM on H&E staining and deposition of electron-density on electron microscopy of the kidney compared with the control. Conclusions: According to the above results, it is suggested that SRE decreases the symptoms of MN induced by cBSA in mouse model. Therefore, SRE seems to be applicable to MN in clinical practice.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.212-227
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• 2009

Objective : Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most commonest forms of glomerular disease in man and the most frequent cause of the adult idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Some investigators recommend no treatment, while others propose aggressive therapy, including prednisolone plus an immunosupressant such as chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide. But a more effective way to treat MN is not defined yet. This study was to evaluate the effects of Patriniae Radix extract (PRE) on the MN induced by cBSA in mice. Methods : Mice were divided into 4 groups. The first group (normal) was injected with saline. The second group (control) was treated with cBSA (10 mg/kg i.p) only. The third group, named PRE-2S0, was treated with cBSA (10 mg/kg i.p) and PRE (250 mg/kg, p.o). The fourth group, PRE-500, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) and PRE (500mg/kg, p.o). After cBSA and PRE treatment for 4 weeks, we measured change of body weight, 24hrs proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, IgG, IgA, IgM, $TNF-\alpha$, $IL-1\beta$, and $IFN-\gamma$ levels and the mRNA expression of $IFN-\gamma$, IL-6, and IL-10. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope and an electron microscope. Results : The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria and serum triglyceride. BUN. IgG. $TNF-\alpha$, and $IL-1\beta$ significantly decreased in both PRE groups, while the level of serum albumin significantly increased in both PRE groups. The mRNA expression of IL-10 in splenocytes considerably increased in both PRE groups. The mRNA expression of $IFN-\gamma$ and IL-6 in splenocytes considerably increased in both PRE group. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM decreased in both PRE groups. Conclusions : The present study suggests that PRE is effective when treating mice with MN induced by cBSA. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.