• 감성과학
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.51-60
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• 2014

This double-blind study, as a human experiment of nonlocality, investigated the effects of senders' intention on the central nervous system of a distant human receiver and it explored the roles that motivation might have in modulating these effects. Whole brain activity was measured in the receiver whom was asked to relax in a distant room for 16 minutes; the sending person directed intention of oneness toward the receiver during repeated variable-second epochs separated by variable-second non-intention epochs. The total length of intention epochs and that of nonintention epochs were balanced. Eighteen sessions were conducted. In 9 of those sessions, the sender was the receiver's lover. In another 9 of those sessions, the sender was just acquainted with the receiver before the session. The receiver's whole brain activity recorded during the intention epochs were compared with the same measures recorded during the nonintention epochs used as controls. The statistical difference between the intentions versus controls across 18 sessions was examined by paired-t test. In addition, subgroup analysis for the 9 couple sessions and 9 non-couple sessions were additionally examined by the same test. The effect of distant intentionality decreased slow waves or increased EEG fast waves mainly in frontal regions, and increased EEG coherence during the intention epochs. The effects was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction, but the couple sessions combined showed the largest effect followed by all sessions combined. Non-couple sessions combined showed the smallest effect. The changes in EEG power mean that receiver participants became more alert during the intention epochs and the change in EEG coherence might be evidence of coherent heart influence on EEG activity. Planned comparison with specific hypothesis testing for the suggested changes in this study have to be followed for an evidence of electroencephalographic changes in isolated subjects for the distant mental intention.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제23권10호
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• pp.1357-1364
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• 2013

Human skin is continuously exposed to ultraviolet (UV)-induced photoaging. UVA increases the activity of MMP-1 in dermal fibroblasts through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38, signaling. The irradiation of keratinocytes by UVA results in the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and the stimulation of MMP-1 in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a component of the cell wall of gram-positive Lactobacillus spp. of bacteria. LTA is well known as an anti-inflammation molecule. LTA of the bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum has an anti-photoaging effect, but the potential anti-photoaging effect of the other bacteria has not been examined to date. The current study showed that L. sakei LTA (sLTA) has an immune modulating effect in human monocyte cells. Our object was whether inhibitory effects of sLTA on MMP-1 are caused from reducing the MAPK signal in NHDFs. It inhibits MMP-1 and MAPK signaling induced by UVA in NHDFs. We also confirmed effects of sLTA suppressing TNF-${\alpha}$ inducing MMP-1 in NHDFs.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.259-265
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• 2013

The anti-apoptotic effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) during unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion (TT/D) was established in our previous study. In mice, the smallest inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin, is alternatively spliced into three variants, each suggested to have a unique function. Here, we assessed how EGCG exerts its protective effect through the expression of the different survivin splice variants and determined its effect on the morphology of the seminiferous tubules during TT/D. Three mouse groups were used: sham, TT/D+vehicle and TT/D treated with EGCG. The expression of the survivin variants (140 and 40) and other apoptosis genes (p53, Bax and Bcl-2) was measured with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Histological analysis was performed to assess DNA fragmentation, damage to spermatogenesis and morphometric changes in the seminiferous tubules. In the TT/D+vehicle group, survivin 140 expression was markedly decreased, whereas survivin 40 expression was not significantly different. In parallel, there was an increase in the mRNA level of p53 and the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio in support of apoptosis induction. Histological analyses revealed increased DNA fragmentation and increased damage to spermatogenesis associated with decreased seminiferous tubular diameter and decreased germinal epithelial cell thickness in the TT/D+vehicle group. These changes were reversed to almost sham levels upon EGCG treatment. Our data indicate that EGCG protects the testis from TT/D-induced damage by protecting the morphology of the seminiferous tubules and modulating survivin 140 expression.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.107-115
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• 2017

Human malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer which has been rising at a greater rate than any other cancers. Although various new therapeutic methods have been developed in previous studies, this disease has properties of high proliferation and metastasis rate which remain obstacles that have lead to a poor prognosis in patients. It has been reported that a specific Lactobacillus extract has anti-cancer and -metastasis effect in vitro and in vivo. However, previous research has not specified precisely what effect the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) extract has had on human malignant melanomas. In this study, we showed that the LGG extract has anti-cancer and -metastasis effects on the human malignant melanoma cell lines, A375P and A375SM. At first, it was found that, while the LGG extract affects human neonatal dermal fibroblasts slightly, it induced the dose-dependent anti-cancer effect on A375P and A375SM by a WST-1 proliferation assay. As a result of a real-time PCR analysis, the expression patterns of several genes related to cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis were modulating in a manner that inhibited the growth of both malignant melanoma cell lines after the treatment of the LGG extract. Furthermore, genes related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition were down-regulated, and migration rates were also decreased significantly by the LGG extract. Our study showed that the LGG extract could be used as a potential therapeutic source.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.36-50
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• 2013

Objectives : To clarify the possible effect of Lycium chinese Mill (LC)., Morus alba L (MA)., and Lycium chinese Mill. +Morus alba L. (LC+MA), we have examined their influence on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation in the asthmatic murine model. Methods : Female Balb/c mice (5weeks) were immunized on two different days (21 days and 7 days before inhalational exposure) by intraperitonial injections of 0.2ml alum-precipitated Ag containing $100{\mu}g$ of OVA bound to 4 mg of aluminum hydroxide in PBS. Seven days after the second sensitization, mice were exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin for 30 minutes/day on 3 days/week for 8 weeks (at a flow rate of 250 L/min, 2.5% ovalbumin in normal saline) and, LC, MA, and LC+MA (500 mg/kg) were orally administered 3 times per a week for 8 weeks. Results : The suppressive effect of LC, MA, and LC+MA were demonstrated by the accumulation of eosinophills into airways, with the reduction of eosinophil, total lung leukocytes numbers. These were correlated with the marked reduction of IL-5, IL-13 and IL-4 levels in the BALF and serum. OVA-specific IgE levels were also decreased in serum and BAL from these mice. LC, MA, and LC+MA decreased eosinophil CCR3 expression and CD11b expression in lung cells. Conclusions : These results indicate that LC, MA, and LC+MA have high inhibitory effects on airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in the asthmatic murine model. The suppression of IL-5, IgE, eosinophil CCR3 expression and CD11b expression, and the increase of IFN-${\gamma}$ production in BALF seem to contribute to this effect. Hence, the results indicated that LC, MA, and LC+MA could act as a immuno-modulator which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic property by modulating the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.223-230
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• 1998

The effect of an ethanolic extract of the plant Trianthema portulacastrum L. on the $CCI_4$-induced chronic hepatocellular damage of Swiss albino mice has been investigated. The normal mice received olive oil (0.2 ml/mouse) for five weeks. The $CCI_4$ control mice, on the other hand, received $CCI_4$ (0.05 ml/mouse) in olive oil for five weeks. The extract was administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg for five weeks by gastric intubation in addition to $CCI_4$ treatment. The $CCI_4$ administraction alone caused hepatocellular necrosis, severe anemia, leucopaenia, lymphocytopaenia, neutrophilia, eosinophilia and haemoglobinaemia along with the alterations of plasma albumin and globulin. The administration of plant extract (at 100 or 150 mg/kg) restored the $CCI_4$-induced alterations of the haematological parameters to the normal level. The extract of T. portulacastrum elicited a marked protection against $CCI_4$-induced hepatotoxicity as indicated by the several haematological parameters, related indices of formed elements, and different fractions of plasma protein. We also observed the dose-dependent antihepatotoxic effect of the extraction on these mice. The 150 mg/kg of extract was found to be more effective in normalizing the toxic effects of $CCI_4$ on the above parameters of mice. These results suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of T. poltulacastrum could be caused by its critical involvement in modulating several factors associated with erythropoiesis, and the boosting of general immunity of the host.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.19-27
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• 2002

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the effect of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (HCT) on NO production and the molecular mechanism of NO production modulated by HCT in the primary VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cells). Method : Primary VSMC was established from aorta and cultured VSMC used in this study. NO production of VSMC was assayed by Griess reagent and the expression of iNOS gene was assayed by Western, RT-PCR. Result : $TNF-{\gamma}$ induced NO production, but $IFN-{\gamma}$ or HCT alone did not induce NO production in cultured VSMC. However, $IFN-{\gamma}$ or HCT potentiated NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC in a time- and dose-dependent manner. $TNF-{\gamma}$ induced the iNOS gene expression corresponding to NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC. HCT potentiated NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC by about 20%, but HCT did not increase the level of iNOS mRNA in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC. HCT slightly increased the level of iNOS protein in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC. Calcium ionophore A23187 decreased NO production in $TNF-{\gamma}-treated$ VSMC, but HCT attenuated the effect of A23187. Conclusion : As NO is deeply involved in the development of arteriosclerosis and dilation of blood vessels, drugs or chemicals modulating NO production in VSMC could be used for preventing and treating arteriosclerosis. Considering the effect of HCT on the modulation of NO production in VSMC, MCT has a potential capacity for preventing and treating diseases of the circulation system including arteriosclerosis.

• 가족자원경영과 정책
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.107-125
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• 2008

Aims of this research are as follows. The first is to find out the level of depression according to the types of retirement. The second is to divide the level of satisfaction within a family into two types, satisfaction with children and satisfaction with conjugal relations, and then to examine whether they have any modulating effect on the depression after retirement. The third is to find out ways of social welfare program that can successfully intervene in solving the depression problems retired people may have. The results of this research are as follows. First, the types of retirement are devided into three groups: voluntary retirement, reluctant retirement and retirement due to age limit. People who choose a voluntary retirement have the lowest level of depression. Second, only the level of satisfaction they get fiom their children has an influence on the level of depression. The results suggest that differentiated ways of intervention are needed according to the types of retirement. Especially, there is a greater need to focus or the reluctantly retired group. In case of reluctant retirement, programs should be provided in order to increase the level of satisfaction they get from the children.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2005

Objective: We examined the antimetastatic effect of Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe (CZ) on pulmonary metastasis of B 16 cells. Methods: For 6 weeks, Zedoariae Rhizoma made from dried CZ were dissolved in distilled water and administered to mice 2 weeks before they were injected with B]6 melanoma cells. Mice were given CZ at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, and were compared for lung weight, survival days, and NO production. Results: Intake of CZ throughout the experiment extended the average survival time. Intake after B16 cell injection slightly prolonged survival time, but intake before B]6 cell injection did not influence life span. We examined the effect of CZ on macrophage function by measuring NO production. After the macrophages were given CZ for 6 weeks, the amount of NO generated by the macrophages stimulated with LPS in culture medium increased. NO generated by the macrophages also served as a cytotoxic factor against B16 melanoma cells. B16 melanoma-conditioned medium reduced NO production by macrophages. However, CZ treatment reversed the reduction in NO production by the conditioned medium significantly. Conclusion : These findings may suggest that macrophage function-modulating activity by CZ appears to underlie its antimetastatic activity, which leads to a decrease in the number of lung metastatic surface nodules and the extension of life span.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.95-102
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• 2005

상심자 추출물이 운동에 의한 체내 monoamine oxidase (MAO) 활성 변화에 미치는 영향을 연구하여. 상심자 추출물을 경구투여(0.3g/kg body weight) 한 흰쥐의 뇌와 간에서 MAO-A와 MAO-B의 활성에 중요한 영향을 미치는 사실을 확인하였다. 각 효소활성은 serotonin과 benzylamine을 기질로 이용하여 측정하였다. 운동 전 후 운동의 유형에 따라 효소활성의 변화경향이 서로 다른 경향을 나타내었다. 뇌에서 측정한 MAO-A 활성은 운동에 의해 효소활성이 현저히 감소하였으며 반면, 간에서 측정한 MAO-B의 활성은 운동이 끝나고 60분이 경과할 때까지 증가된 상태를 유지하고 있었다. 운동 시 체내 변화의 지표효소인 혈중 LDH의 활성 변화와 혈중 lactate의 농도변화를 함께 관찰함으로서 MAO 활성과의 상관관계를 비교하였다. 상심자 추출물을 경구투여 하고 운동을 한 동물의 MAO-A 활성은 증가하였고 MAO-B, LDH 활성과 lactate level은 감소하는 것을 확인하였다. 결과적으로 모은 지표들이 운동 전의 정상상태로 회복되는 것으로 확인되었다. 이 연구의 결과들로부터 상심자 추출물이 운동 전후의 MAO 활성을 조절함으로써 운동능력을 향상시키고 피로를 회복하는 효능을 갖는 것으로 추정되며 이러한 기능성을 갖는 건강기능식품의 소재로 활용이 가능할 것으로 생각한다.