• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.51-55
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• 2013

Licorice, Glycyrrhizae radix, is one of the oldest and most frequently used botanicals in the oriental medicine. Our previous study showed that dehydrolyasperin C (DGC) isolated from licorice had antioxidant activity and induced phase 2 detoxifying enzymes in mouse hepatoma cells. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of exposure time to DGC on quinone reductase (QR), one of the anticarcinogenic biomarkers, and antioxidant potential of plasma using animal model. ICR mice were divided into 7 groups, in which mice in each group were injected with DGC (5 mg/kg b.w.) for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours respectively. Following the treatment the organs including liver, kidney, lung, stomach, large intestine, small and large intestines were collected and subjected to QR activity assay, western blotting, and FRAP assay. Exposure to DGC caused a significant induction of QR activity in stomach and large intestine of mice. Ferric reducing activity of plasma, a typical biomarker for antioxidative potentialshowed that DGC improved antioxidant potential in mice. However, no significant effect of DGC was observed in the other organs.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.320-327
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• 2020

In current study, we aimed to investigate whether the gentiopicroside (GPS) derived from Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa could block the progression of alcoholic hepatic steatosis to fibrosis induced by chronic ethanol intake. C57BL/6 mice were fed an ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli diet for 4 weeks. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were treated with GPS 1 h prior to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stimulation, and murine hepatocyte AML12 cells were pretreated by GPS 1 h prior to ethanol treatment. GPS inhibited the expression of type I collagen (collagen I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1 in ethanol-fed mouse livers with mild fibrosis. In addition, the imbalanced lipid metabolism induced by chronic ethanol-feeding was ameliorated by GPS pretreatment, characterized by the modulation of lipid accumulation. Consistently, GPS inhibited the expression of collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β. Inhibition of lipid synthesis and promotion of oxidation by GPS were also confirmed in ethanol-treated AML12 cells. GPS could prevent hepatic steatosis advancing to the inception of a mild fibrosis caused by chronic alcohol exposure, suggesting GPS might be a promising therapy for targeting the early stage of alcoholic liver disease.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.691-695
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• 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glycoprotein isolated from Morus indica L. (MIL) on plasma cholesterol levels and on the activities of hepatic detoxicant enzymes in ICR mice. MIL glycoprotein evidenced good scavenging activities against lipid peroxyl radicals. When the mice were treated with Triton WR-1339, the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in plasma increased significantly by 53.9 and 47.5 mg/dL, respectively, as compared to the controls. However, when pretreated with MIL glycoprotein $(100{\mu}g/mL)$, ICR mice showed marked reductions to 55.4 and 47.0 mg/dL, as compared to Triton WR-1339 treatment alone. Interestingly, high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were unchanged. These results indicate that the MIL glycoprotein is capable of scavenging lipidperoxyl radicals, lowering plasma lipid levels, and increasing the activities of detoxicant enzymes in the mouse liver.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.241-250
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• 2017

Objectives : This study was performed to examine the toxicity of Aconitum ciliare Decaisne pharmacopuncture(ADP). Methods : The toxicity was evaluated for lethal dose for 50 percent kill(LD50), single dose and repeated dose for 4 weeks. Toxic symptoms, weight measurement, hematological test, blood biochemical test, visual examination and weight measurement of major organs and histopathological test were observed for 4 weeks. Dose of 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 3,600, 4,800, 6,000, 7,200 mg/kg in the LD50 experiment, 300, 600, 1,200 mg/kg/day in the single experiment, 150, 300, 600 mg/kg/day in 4 weeks experiments were injected into BALB/c mice. The ADP was injected into ST36 of the right leg. Normal saline solution of same volume was used for control group. In 24 hours after the last treatment, blood samples were taken after anesthesia by inhalation of ethyl ether. After that, the BALB/c mice were euthanized. Their heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs were removed and weighed. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. Results : ADP's LD50 was measured at 6,000 mg/kg. In both single and repeated dose toxicity test, no BALB/c mouse died during the experiments. ADP treatment for 4 weeks did not show any significant changes in toxic symptoms, weight measurement, hematological test, blood biochemical test, visual examination and weight measurement of major organs and histopathological test. Conclusions : As a result, ADP's LD50 was 6,000 mg/kg and repeated dose at a concentration of 600 mg/kg or less is considered to be not harmful for clinical treatment.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.148-152
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• 2000

The antioxidative activities of water-soluble extracts from leaves and stem bark of Morus alba and Cudrania tricuspidata were compared in vitro experimental models. Antioxidative activities were measured by inhibition activity against lipid peroxidation of mouse liver microsome, and they were showed in the following order; stem bark of C. tricuspidata(53%)>stem bark of M. alba(43%)>leaves of C. tricuspidata(38%)>leaves of M. alba(43%). In antioxidative activities determined by thiocyanate method and TBA method, the water-soluble extract of stem bark of C. tricuspidata showed the highest antioxidative activity. The water-soluble extracts of leaves were slightly stronger than other extracts in DPPH$({\alpha},{\alpha}'-diphenyl-{\beta}-picrylhydrazyl)$ method. The concentrations of total polyphenolic compound from water-soluble extracts of leaves and stem bark of M. alba and C. tricuspidata were 1.32%, 1.28%, 1.34% and 1.30% respectively. In these results, the water-soluble extract of stem bark from Cudrania tricuspidata showed the highest antioxidative activity.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.101-105
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• 1999

N-Methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) removes N-methylpurine and other damaged purines in DNA. RT-PCR analysis revealed MPG mRNA expression at various tissues of fetal development from day 8 to day 18 fetus and day 400 mature adult. The MPG transcripts were abundant during fetal development in mice. In placenta, the MPG mRNA was continuously decreased from day 8 post coitum (p.c) to day 18 p.c. fetus. The high level of mRNA in fetal brain and liver was drastically declined in day 400 mature adult. The expression of MPG, originally characterized by its highest level of expression in the epididymis of adult mouse, was detected with high level in several other reproductive organ, including the ovary, oviduct, testis, vas deference, uterus, and seminal vesicles. These results demonstrate developmental stage- and tissue-specific variation of MPG gene expression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.184-199
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• 2012

Objectives: There is a steady increase in the prevalence of obesity worldwide and obesity is often accompanied by inflammation. Although much emphasis has been placed on the adipose tissue inflammation in obesity, a study with herbal medicine is few. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effect of a complex herbal medicine (CHM) composed of Cornus officinalis, Dioscorea rhizoma, Aurantii fructus, and Mori Foliumon on obese type 2 diabetes mice. Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were induced by Surwit's high fat, high sucrose diet for 8 weeks. Mice were divided into ND (normal diet, n=10), HFD (high fat and high sucrose diet, n=10), CHM (high fat and high sucrose diet with complex herbal medicine, n=10) and Met (high fat and high sucrose diet with metformin, n=10) groups. The body weight, fructosamine and OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) were measured. After 8 weeks the blood samples of all mice were taken from the heart, and lipid profiles were measured. Epididymal fat pad, histological size of the adipocyte tissue and liver weights were measured. Inflammatory markers such as leptin and adipocyte tissue macrophage were measured to evaluate the effect of CHM on adipocyte tissue inflammation. Results: Compared with the HFD group, there was an improvement in OGTT and epididymal fat decreased in the CHM group. White adipocyte size and adipocyte tissue macrophage decreased in CHM group. Conclusions: These results suggest that CHM has antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in high fat, high sucrose diet induced obese mice.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.15-35
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• 2015

Objectives This study was performed to investigate the effects of Bujasasim-tang ethanol extract (BST) on oxidative stress, inflammation and osteoarthritic rat model. Methods To ensure safety of BST, heavy metal levels were measured and cytotoxicity test was done. In vitro, To evaluate antioxidative effects of BST, total phenolic contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured. Also, to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of BST treated group, total nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$) levels were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo, We injected MIA $50{\mu}l$ (60 mg/ml) into knee joints of rats to induce osteoarthritis. Rats were divided into total 3 groups (normal, control, BST treated group, each n=7). Normal group was not treated at all without inducing osteoarthritis and taken normal diet. Control group was induced osteoarthritis by MIA and taken with 2 ml of distilled water once a day for 4 weeks. BST treated group was induced osteoarthritis by MIA and taken BST 2 ml (200 mg/kg/mouse) once a day for 4 weeks. We evaluated dynamic weight bearing with the Incapacitance Test Meter. At the end of experiment, the rats were sacrificed to observe the functions of liver and kidney, changes of WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte levels in blood, to evaluate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tissue inhibitor of metallopreteinases-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), leukotriene $B_4$ ($LTB_4$) within serum. We observed change of articular structures by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), safranin-O staining method and measured amount of cartilage by micro CT-arthrography. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired student's t-test with significance level at p<0.05 in SPSS 11.0 for windows. Results 1. Safety of the BST was identified. 2. AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine levels of BST treated group were within normal limit. In vitro, 1. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities of BST showed dose-dependent increase. 2. ROS production were significantly decreased. 3. Total nitric oxide (NO) and IL-$1{\beta}$ production were decreased. 4. IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production were significantly decreased. In vivo, 1. Weight bearing ability was significantly increased. 2. WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte levels in blood were decreased. 3. IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ levels in serum were significantly decreased. and the IL-6 level was decreased. 4. TIMP-1, MMP-9, $LTB_4$, $PGE_2$ levels in serum were significantly decreased. 5. Cartilage volume of BST treated group was significantly increased. Also changes of cartilage, synovial membrane, fibrous tissue were suppressed. Conclusions The results obtained in this study Bujasasim-tang have effects of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, relieve pain and protection of cartilage. Therefore we expect that Bujasasim-tang is effective treatment for osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 1989

To obtain the basic data for protective roles and first-aid of radiation hazard, the present studies were carried out to evaluate the decontamination of radiostrontium by the First-Aid drugs. Each mouse was administered intraperitoneally dose of sodium alginate 5mg, $CaNa_3DTPA$ 8.4mg and saline 5ml following the internal contamination with 1 $\mu$Ci of strontium as $^{85}SrCl_2$. $^{85}Sr$ was determined by the radioactivity of body burden, urinary excretion, fecal excretion and organ distribution by Ge-detector and MCA. The results are summarized as follows. 1. Effective half life on whole body retention $^{85}Sr$ was determined at 33 hours. 2. The decontamination effect of First-Aid durgs on the body $^{85}Sr$ burden were increased $CaNa_3DTPA$ (4.7 times), sodium alginate (1.7 times) and saline (2.4 times) respectively. 3. Strontium were excreted through urine (35.4%), feces (64.4%) and other (0.2%). But on the $^{85}Sr$ excretion routes following First-Aid drugs treatment, strontium-85 mainly were excreted through urine after $CaNa_3DTPA$ and saline treatment, and was excreted through feces after sodium alginate treatment. 4. The organ distribution of strontium-85 is vertebra, femur, sternum and liver in order Finally, the extrapolations from these data to victims were suggested that the rapid administration of $CaNa_3DTPA$, sodium alginate and saline simultaneously were markedly increased the decontamination effects on the internal contamination of radiostrontium.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.769-773
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• 2006

This study was to investigate the biological activities of green tea seed methanol extract (GTSME) and compared those of green tea methanol extract (GTME) for using green tea seed as the functional food material. The hydrogen-donating activity of GTSME was over 50% at the $100 {\mu}g/mL$ concentration the activity of GTME was 21.86% at the $1000{\mu}g/mL$ concentration compared with that of control. The MDA (malondialdehyde) production was 60 Mol/g and 50 Mol/g in the mouse liver homogenate teated with GTME and GTSME of $1000{\mu}g/mL$ concentrations, respectively, and the values were lower than 86 Mol/g of control. GTME and GTSME of $1000{\mu}g/mL$ concentration inhibited the proliferation of over 50% and over 20% in A549 and SW480 human cancer cells, respectively. The morphology transformation was shown in the cancer cells treated with GTSME of $500{\mu}g/mL$ with the decrease of cell numbers lower than that of control cells numbers. The NO production was increased in a dose dependent manner in the RAW264.7 macrophage cells treated with GTME and GTSME of 1, 10, 100 and $1000{\mu}g/mL$ concentrations, and the NO production by GTSME was $2.04{\mu}M$ at $100{\mu}g/mL$ concentration, and the value was higher than $0.77{\mu}M$ by GTME.