• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 2015

Background: Korean ginseng is a well-known medicinal herb that has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including asthma. Ginseng can be classified as white ginseng (WG) or red ginseng (RG), according to processing conditions. In this study, the authors compared the efficacies of these two ginseng types in a mouse model of acute asthma. Methods: To produce the acute asthma model, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide, and then challenged with OVA. WG and RG extracts were administered to mice orally. The influences of WG and RG on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), immune cell distributions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG1, and IgG2a in serum were investigated. Cytokine production by lymphocytes isolated from peribronchial lymph nodes and histopathological changes was also examined. Results: In OVA-sensitized mice, both WG and RG reduced AHR and suppressed immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar regions. BALF OVA-specific IgE levels were significantly lower in RG-treated OVAsensitized mice than in the OVA-sensitized control group. WG and RG also suppressed inflammatory cytokine production by peribronchial lymphocytes. Histopathological findings showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remodeling (e.g., epithelial hyperplasia) in WG- and RG-treated OVA mice compared with OVA controls. Conclusion: In this study, WG and RG showed antiasthmatic effects in an OVA-sensitized mouse model, and the efficacies of RG were found to be better than those of WG.

• 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 Information Technology Services
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.297-312
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• 2011

Service science has emerged as the key factor in developed economies as it becomes the main driver of productivity and economic growth. MICE industry has also opened up new revenues through improved services and new services which is a more attractive strategy for success. The importance of adoption of service science has recently emerged in MICE industry. However it has not been provided a detail action plan it is needed positive interesting and common endeavor of academy, industry, and government sector. In this context, we analyzed the major issues in adoption of service science in the MICE industry and developed the paradigm model by ground theory approach and proposed a roles of MICE service provider, mediator and consumer for service science adoption which have not been treated as a research topic in the domestic MICE areas sofar.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2022

High-fat diet (HFD)-fed ovariectomized (OVX) female mice were used as an animal model of obese postmenopausal women. We investigated the effects of ascorbic acid on the histological changes induced in the liver. Plasma alanine aminotransferase levels and liver weights were higher in mice fed an HFD for 18 weeks than in mice fed a low-fat diet, effects that were inhibited by ascorbic acid. Similarly, mice fed an ascorbic acid-supplemented HFD had less hepatic lipid accumulation than did mice fed an HFD alone. Moreover, administration of ascorbic acid reduced inflammatory cells, including mast cells and CD68-positive cells, and inflammatory foci in the liver and inhibited hepatocyte ballooning. Hepatic collagen levels were lower in ascorbic acid-treated versus non-treated mice. These results suggest that ascorbic acid inhibits hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in obese OVX mice. Thus, ascorbic acid intake may be useful for postmenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.229-235
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• 2013

Among several animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the more recently developed rd10 mouse with later onset and slower rate of retinal degeneration than rd1 mouse is a more suitable model for testing therapeutic modalities. We therefore investigated the time course of retinal degeneration in rd10 mice before adopting this model in our interventional studies. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings were carried out in postnatal weeks (PW) 3~5 rd10 (n=23) and wild-type (wt) mice (n=26). We compared the amplitude and implicit time of the b-wave of ERG records from wt and rd10 mice. Our results showed that b-wave amplitudes in rd10 mice were significantly lower and the implicit time of b-waves in rd10 mice were also significantly slower than that in wt mice ($20{\sim}160{\mu}V$ vs. $350{\sim}480{\mu}V$; 55~75 ms vs. 100~150 ms: p<0.001) through PW3 to PW5. The most drastic changes in ERG amplitudes and latencies were observed during PW3 to PW4. In multichannel recording of rd10 retina in PW2 to PW4.5, we found no significant difference in mean spike frequency, but the frequency of power spectral peak of local field potential at PW3 and PW3.5 is significantly different among other age groups (p<0.05). Histologic examination of rd10 retinae showed significant decrease in thickness of the outer nuclear layer at PW3. TUNEL positive cells were most frequently observed at PW3. From these data, we confirm that in the rd10 mouse, the most precipitous retinal degeneration occurs between PW3~PW4 and that photoreceptor degeneration is complete by PW5.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.437-442
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• 2015

Aim: To establish a pancreatic cancer stem cell model using human pancreatic cancer cells in nude mice to provide a platform for pancreatic cancer stem cell research. Materials and Methods: To establish pancreatic cancer xenografts using human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990, nude mice were randomly divided into control and gemcitabine groups. When the tumor grew to a volume of $125mm^3$, they treated with gemcitabine at a dose of 50mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection of 0.2ml in the gemcitabine group, while the mice in control group were treated with the same volume of normal saline. Gemcitabine was given 2 times a week for 3 times. When the model was established, the proliferation of pancreatic cancer stem cells was observed by clone formation assay, and the protein and/or mRNA expression of pancreatic stem cell surface markers including CD24, CD44, CD133, ALDH, transcription factors containing Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog and Gli, the key nuclear transcription factor in Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway was detected by Western blot and/or RT-PCR to verify the reliability of this model. Results: This model is feasible and safe. During the establishment, no mice died and the weight of nude mice maintained above 16.5g. The clone forming ability in gemcitabine group was stronger than that of the control group (p<0.01). In gemcitabine group, the protein expression of pancreatic cancer stem cell surface markers including CD44, and ALDH was up-regulated, the protein and mRNA expression of nuclear transcription factor including Oct-4, Sox-2 and Nanog was also significantly increased (P<0.01). In addition, the protein expression of key nuclear transcription factor in Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, Gli-1, was significantly enhanced (p<0.01). Conclusions: The pancreatic cancer stem cell model was successfully established using human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 in nude mice. Gemcitabine could enrich pancreatic cancer stem cells, simultaneously accompanied by the activation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.88-97
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mitigating insulin resistance and hyperglycemia is associated with a decreased risk of diabetic complications. The effect of Daraesoon (shoot of hardy kiwi, Actinidia arguta) on hyperglycemia was investigated using a type 2 diabetes animal model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Seven-week-old db/db mice were fed either an AIN-93G diet or a diet containing 0.4% of a 70% ethanol extract of Daraesoon, whereas db/+ mice were fed the AIN-93G diet for 7 weeks. RESULTS: Consumption of Daraesoon significantly reduced serum glucose and blood glycated hemoglobin levels, along with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance in db/db mice. Conversely, Daraesoon elevated the serum adiponectin levels compared to the db/db control group. Furthermore, Daraesoon significantly decreased both serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, as well as serum total cholesterol levels. Additionally, consumption of Daraesoon resulted in decreased hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hypoglycemic effect of Daraesoon is mediated through the improvement of insulin resistance and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in db/db mice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1827-1831
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• 2015

Background: We generated a mouse model of prostate cancer based on the adult-prostate-specific inactivation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) using the Cre-loxP system. The potential of our mice as a useful animal model was examined by evaluating the chemopreventive efficacy of the anti-androgen, chlormadinone acetate (CMA). Materials and Methods: Six-week-old mice were treated subcutaneously with $50{\mu}g/g$ of CMA three times a week for 9 or 14 weeks and sacrificed at weeks 15 and 20. Macroscopic change of the entire genitourinary tract (GUT) and histologically evident prostate gland tumor development were evaluated. Proliferation and apoptosis status in the prostate were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: CMA triggered significant shrinkage of not only the GUT but also prostate glands at 15 weeks compared to the control (p=0.017 and p=0.010, respectively), and the trend became more marked after a further five-weeks of treatment. The onset of prostate adenocarcinoma was not prevented but the proliferation of cancer cells was inhibited by CMA, which suggested the androgen axis is critical for cancer growth in these mice. Conclusions: Conditional PTEN-deficient mice are useful as a preclinical model for chemoprevention studies and serve as a valuable tool for the future screening of potential chemopreventive agents.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.87-92
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• 2013

Periodontal inflammation increases the risk of tooth loss, particularly in cases where there is an associated loss of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament (PDL). Histological and morphometric evaluation of periodontal inflammation is difficult. Especially, the lengths of the periodontal ligament and interdental alveolar bone space have not been quantified. A quantitative imaging procedure applicable to an animal model would be an important clinical study. The purpose of this study was to quantify the loss of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament by evaluation with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Another purpose was to investigate differences in infections with systemic E. coli LPS and TNF-${\alpha}$ on E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in loss of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament model on mice. This study showed that linear measurements of alveolar bone loss were represented with an increasing trend of the periodontal ligament length and interdental alveolar process space. The effects of systemic E. coli LPS and TNF-${\alpha}$ on an E. coli LPS-induced periodontitis mice model were investigated in this research. Loss of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and calculated by the two- and three dimensional microstructure morphometric parameters. Also, there was a significantly increasing trend of the interdental alveolar process space in E. coli LPS and TNF-${\alpha}$ on E. coli LPS compared to PBS. And E. coli LPS and TNF-${\alpha}$ on E. coli LPS had a slightly increasing trend of the periodontal ligament length. The increasing trend of TNF-${\alpha}$ on the LPS-induced mice model in this experiment supports the previous studies on the contribution of periodontal diseases in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases. Also, our findings offer a unique model for the study of the role of LPS-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ in systemic and chronic local inflammatory processes and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we performed rapidly quantification of the periodontal inflammatory processes and periodontal bone loss using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) in mice.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.2
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• pp.158-165
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• 2019

Background: A recent study reported that mesenchymal stem cells possess potential cellular therapeutic properties for treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is characterized by emphysema. We examined the potential therapeutic effect of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs), following pretreatment with pioglitazone, in lung regeneration mouse emphysema models. Methods: We used two mouse emphysema models, an elastase-induced model and a cigarette smoke-induced model. We intravenously injected WJMSCs ($1{\times}10^4/mouse$) to mice, pretreated or not, with pioglitazone for 7 days. We measured the emphysema severity by mean linear intercepts (MLI) analysis using lung histology. Results: Pioglitazone pretreated WJMSCs (pioWJMSCs) were associated with greater lung regeneration than non-augmented WJMSCs in the two mouse emphysema models. In the elastase-induced emphysema model, the MLIs were $59.02{\pm}2.42{\mu}m$ (n=6), $72.80{\pm}2.87{\mu}m$ (n=6), for pioWJMSCs injected mice, and non-augmented WJMSCs injected mice, respectively (p<0.01). Both pioWJMSCs and non-augmented WJMSCs showed regenerative effects in the cigarette smoke emphysema model (MLIs were $41.25{\pm}0.98$ [n=6] for WJMSCs and $38.97{\pm}0.61{\mu}m$ [n=6] for pioWJMSCs) compared to smoking control mice ($51.65{\pm}1.36{\mu}m$, n=6). The mean improvement of MLI appeared numerically better in pioWJMSCs than in non-augmented WJMSCs injected mice, but the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.071). Conclusion: PioWJMSCs may produce greater lung regeneration, compared to non-augmented WJMSCs, in a mouse emphysema model.