• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.141-147
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• 2000

Interrelation between the antioxidative activity of hot-water extracts of 130 medicinal plants and their cellular antimutagenic activity was investigated. Antioxidative activity was evaluated by assaying electron-donation to DPPH free radical and scavenging of hydroxyl radical $({\cdot}OH)$ generated through Fenton rection, respectively. All medicinal plants examined in this study exhibited markedly electron-donating ability and radical scavenging ability in each assay system. The results demonstrated the fact that Pilbal (Piper longum L.) is the strongest in electron-donating activity, on the other hand, that Seokgok (Dendrobium moniliforme L.) is the strongest in ${\cdot}OH$ scavenging activity. When evaluated their antioxidative activities, 24 medicinal plants including Jimo (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge) were found to be the medicinal plants carrying strong antioxidative activity, which exhibited more than 50% activity compared to the control group in both electron-donating and free radical scavenging. The experiment was also performed to examine whether 11 medicinal plants having significant antimutagenicity damage DNA in the presence of $Cu^{2+}$, showing the fact that all samples tested, except Taeksa (Alisma canaliculatum All. Br.), Paekjain (Nitraria sibirica Pall) and Ohyak (Lindera strychifolia Sieb. et Zucc. Villar) are capable of inducing DNA strand break. We also found that Taeksa and Paekjain strongly block DNA strand break induced by chemical mutagen mitomycin C.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.205-213
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• 1990

The regulation of neurotoxicants has usually been based upon setting reference doses by dividing a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) by uncertainty factors that theoretically account for interspecies and intraspecies extraploation of experimental results in animals to humans. Recently, we have proposed a four-step alternative procedure which provides quantitative estimates of risk as a function of dose. The first step is to establish a mathematical relationship between a biological effect or biomarker and the dose of chemical administered. The second step is to determine the distribution (variability) of individual measurements of biological effects or their biomarkers about the dose response curve. The third step is to define an adverse or abnormal level of a biological effect or biomarker in an untreated population. The fourth and final step is to combine the information from the first three steps to estimate the risk (proportion of individuals exceeding on adverse or abnormal level of a biological effect or biomarker) as a function of dose. The primary purpose of this report is to enhance the certainty of the first step of this procedure by improving our understanding of the relationship between a biomarker and dose of administered chemical. Several factors which need to be considered include: 1) the pharmacokinetics of the parent chemical, 2) the target tissue concentrations of the parent chemical or its bioactivated proximate toxicant, 3) the uptake kinetics of the parent chemical or metabolite into the target cell(s) and/or membrane interactions, and 4) the interaction of the chemical or metabolite with presumed receptor site(s). Because these theoretical factors each contain a saturable step due to definitive amounts of required enzyme, reuptake or receptor site(s), a nonlinear, saturable dose-response curve would be predicted. In order to exemplify this process, effects of the neurotoxicant, methlenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), were reviewed and analyzed. Our results and those of others indicate that: 1) peak concentrations of MDMA and metabolites are ochieved in rat brain by 30 min and are negligible by 24 hr, 2) a metabolite of MDMA is probably responsible for its neurotoxic effects, and 3) pretreatment with monoamine uptake blockers prevents MDMA neurotoxicity. When data generated from rats administerde MDMA were plotted as bilolgical effect (decreases in hippocampal serotonin concentrations) versus dose, a saturation curve best described the observed relationship. These results support the hypothesis that at least one saturable step is involved in MDMA neurotoxicity. We conclude that the mathematical relationship between biological effect and dose of MDMA, the first step of our quantitative neurotoxicity risk assessment procedure, should reflect this biological model information generated from the whole of the dose-response curve.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.187-194
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• 2001

The oxidative stress causes the cell damage and death and thereby, stimulates membrane lipid peroxidation. In this study, the correlation between the lipid peroxidation product and the parameter of liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) was investigated in cholestasis induced rats. The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (sham: sham operation, BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II : bile duct ligation/scission) and were observed for 2 or 4 weeks. After observation period, the organs were weighed and the ratio of organ weight/body weight was calculated. Sera and liver tissue were used for the measurement of malondealdehyde (MDA), parameter of clinical biochemistry, total collagen content and the staining. The ratio of organ weight/body weight in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II was significantly increased compared to sham operated group. Serological parameters (Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, Alkaline phosphatase and Total bilirubin) in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group were significantly higher than those in sham operated group. Concentration of MDA in BDL/S-I (261%) and BDL/S-II(790%) was significantly increased compared to MDA in sham operated group. And the content of hydroxyproline (hyp) in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group was significantly increased 2~4 times than in sham operated group. The good correlations between hyp in liver tissue and MDA in sera of sham operated group and all operated group were found (r=0.825). The significantly higher value of MDA, hyp and serological parameters in BDL/S-I and BDL/S-II group suggests the stimulation of lipid peroxidation and chronic liver damage. Especially the activation of lipid peroxidation and the stimulation of liver fibrosis was stronger in BDL/S-II group than in BDL/S-I group. The stronger fibrosis, portal-portal septum formation, the more massive bile duct proliferation in portal triads and stroma, and hepatocytes swelling were observed in liver tissue of and BDL/S-II group compared to BDL/S-I group. Conclusively, a good correlation between MDA as a lipid peroxidation marker and hyp as a liver fibrotic parameter could be connected with the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, cholestasis condition may cause jaundice, activation of lipid peroxidation, and collagen accumulation in liver. Additionally, optimal observation period of bile duct obstruction for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in rats would be four weeks.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.365-374
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• 2004

Inhalation toxicity, mutagenicity, and immunotoxicity tests were performed using a smoke generation system to investigate the safety of Herbrette, a tobacco substitute made with the leaves of Perilla frutescens. ICR mice were exposed to nicotine-free Herbrette smoke with concentrations of 0 (control), 4.08 $\pm$ 1.32 mg/$m^3$ (low dose), 7.72 $\pm$ 2.14 mg/$m^3$ (medium dose) and 12.83 $\pm$ 1.69 mg/$m^3$ (high dose) total particulate matters (TPM) for 4 weeks. When compared to the control group, the body weights, organ weights in the exposed groups did not show any significant differences. However, certain change of several serum chemical data and biochemical parameters were observed, however, the changes were within normal physiological ranges. Moreover, no changes in organ weight, and no gross/microscopic changes were observed between the exposed and control groups. Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation, in vivo chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assays revealed that Herbrette did not induce mutagenicity. Upon evaluation of peripheral cellular immunity of mice through in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay, no significant difference was observed in mean stimulation index between the exposed and control groups. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that Herbrette may not cause toxicity on mice under current condition.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.217-233
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• 1992

This study was performed to determine the toxic effects of graded dose levels of SKI 2053R after repeated administration. Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats(10M and 10F per group) were given a total of 25 i.v. injections of SKI 2053R (1.50,3.75,9.38mg/kg/day). In order to compare the toxic effects of SKI 2053R with those of cisplatin, one group of Sprague-Dawley rats (10M and 10F per group) were given a total of 25 i.v.injections of cisplatin (1.70mg/kg/day). The dosing schedule was divided into five courses of 5 consecutive days with 16-day dose-free intervals between each course. No drug-related toxicity occurred in low dose level group (1.50mg/kg/day) of SKI2053R. From the results of hematological examination, peripheral WBC counts, RBC counts and hemoglobin of high dose level group(9.38mg/kg/day)of SKI 2053R were significantly lower than those of no-treated group. Other toxicities including reduced final body weight, proteinuria and hematuria were observed in high dose level group of SKI 2053R. But, no change was detected in serum biochemical values of SKI 2053R treated groups. All of the rats in cisplatin treated group were died between 3 and 13 weeks, while rats treated with SKI2053R survived to the end except one rat of middle dose level group(3.75mg/kg/day). In histopathological examinations, rats that received cisplatin manifested severe tubular damage in kidney and hemosiderosis in spleen, but no critical pathological lesion was observed in rats of other groups. Considering the results of this study, it was concluded that non-toxic dose of SKI 2053R in this treatment schedule was estimated to be 3.75 mg/kg/day and the maximum tolerated dose was to be higher than 9.38mg/kg/day. The toxic profiles fo SKI 2053R were different from those of cisplatin, and its toxicity was considerably lower than that of cisplatin.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.235-253
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• 1992

A subacute toxicity study of cis-Malonato[(4R,5R)-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-2-isopropyl-1,3-dioxolane]platinum(II)(SKI 2053R) was carried out to obtain information on its toxicological profiles, and to determine the maximum tolerated dose in beagle dogs. Four groups of beagle dogs (2M and 2F per group, 0,0.5,1.0,2.0mg/kg/day)were given 15 i.v. injections of SKI 2053R. In order to compare the toxic effects of SKI 2053R with those of cisplatin, one group was treated with cisplatin(0.7mg/kg/day)according to the same treatment schedule. The dosing schedule was divided into 3 courses of 5 consecutive days with 23-day dose-free intervals between each course. After completion of the treatments, remaining dogs were necropsied under established guidelines. Three of four dogs in the high dose group and one of four dogs in the middle dose group treated with SKI 2053R died of hypovolemic shock secondary to hemorrhagic and ulcerative enterocolitis. No toxicity-related mortality occurred in the low dose group of SKI 2053R. No survivor was observed in the group of cisplatin. Clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and loss body weight were apparent in dogs given either cisplatin or high and middle doses of SKI 2053R. Severe thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia were observed in the high dose group of SKI 2053R and cisplatin-treatment group, while toxicities as bone marrow suppression were reversible. The significant elevation of serum ALP values in group of SKI 2053R(2.0 mg/kg/day and 1.0mg/kg/day) and cisplatin(0.7mg/kg/day)was observed. Slight proteinuria waa observed in high and middle dose level groups of SKI 2053R. In histopathological examinations, pathological alterations of liver, kidney and spleen were noted dose-dependantly in dogs treated with SKI 2053R, and there was no overt sign of toxicity in low dose group of SKI 2053R. Compared to SKI 2053R, more severe durg-related toxicities occurred in dogs treated with cisplatin. It waw estimated that maximum tolerated dose of SKI 2053R in this treatment schedule was 0.5~0.7mg/kg/day. In conclusion, overall toxic potential of SKI 2053R was approximately 3 times lower than that of cisplatin with respect of lethality.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.273-284
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• 1992

It is well known that phenytoin (PHT), a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant, has teratogenicity in experimental animals and human. The major malformation induced by PHT in mouse is cleft palate. The mechanisms of the embryotoxic effects of PHT are unknown. However, PHT and synthetic glucocorticoids share several features with respect to their teratogenicity, and it was known that PHT increased maternal corticosterone level. Therefore PHT-induced cleft palate may be mediated indirectly by elevated maternal corticosterone. Recently it was reported that secalonic acid Dinduced cleft palate and elevated endogenous corticosterone level, and that such effects were antagonized by DMSO. The purpose of this work was to investigate whether the elevated maternal corticosterone is associated with the teratogenicity of PHT in the ICR mouse fetuses by treatment with PHT or PHT plus DMSO. PHT (74mg/kg, BW) was daily administered intraperitoneally on day 10~12 of gestation with and without DMSO(2ml/kg, BW), and the fetal malformation was observed on day 18. Maternal serum corticosterone and fetal PHT levels were determined by HPLC. The results are summarized as follows. 1)The percentage of cleft palate incidense in fetuses following treatment with PHT on day 10~12 of gestation was 51.7%. 2)There was a significant decrement in the cleft palate incidence in fetuses to 30.8% in the group treated with PHT plus DMSO compared with 51.7% in that with PHT alone. 3) Maternal serum corticosterone levels following treatment with PHT on day 10~12 of gestation increased by 116~343% compared with that of vehicle control. Such effect was antagonized by DMSO. 4)PHT concentration in the fetuses was not affected by DMSO. These results suggest that PHT-induced cleft-palate in fetuses seems to be closely associated with the elevation of maternal corticosterone level.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.46-54
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• 2006

The methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic environmental pollutant, causing serious neurological and developmental effects in humans. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that ingestion of MeHg in fish during pregnancy can result in neuroethological effects in the offspring. However, the mechanism underlying the MeHg-toxicity is not fully understood. To elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity of MeHg and of defense against MeHg, we searched for factors that determine the sensitivity of yeast cells to MeHg, and found that overexpression of Cdc34, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) that is a component of the ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) system, induces a resistance to MeHg toxicity in both yeast and human cells. The UP system is involved in the intracellular degradation of proteins. When Cdc34 is overexpressed in cells, ubiquitination reactions are activated and the degradation of certain proteins by the UP system is enhanced. Therefore, it seems likely that certain as-yet-unidentified proteins that increase MeHg toxicity might exist in cons and that toxicity might be reduced by the enhanced degradation of such proteins, mediated by the UP system, when Cdc34 is overexpressed. SCF ubiquitin-ligase is a component of UP system and consists of Skpl, the scaffold protein Cdc53, the RING-finger protein Hrt1, and one member of the family of F-box proteins. The F-box proteins directly bind to the substrates and are the determinants of substrate specificity of SCF. Therefore, we searched for the f-box protein that cofers resistance to MeHg, and found that overexpression of Hrt3 or Yi1224w induced resistance to MeHg toxicity in yeast cells. Since the protein(5) that enhance toxicity of MeHg might plausibly be induced in substrates of both f-box proteins, we next searched for substrate proteins that are recognized by Hrt3 or Y1r224w using two-hybrid screen. We found that Did3 or Crsl interacts with Hrt3; and Eno2 interacts with Yir224w. The yeast cells that overexpressed each those proteins showed hypersensitivity to MeHg, respectively, indicating that those proteins enhance the MeHg toxicity. Both Dld3 and Eno2 are proteins involved in the synthesis of pyruvate, and overexpression of both proteins might induce increase in interacellular levels of pyruvate. Deletion of Yi1006w that transports pyruvate into the mitochondria induced aresistance to MeHg. These results suggest that the promotion of the pyruvate irdlowinto the mitochondria might enhance MeHg toxicity. This study providesimportant keyfor the elucidauon of the molecular mechanism of MeHg toxicity.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.65-74
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• 2006

Modem drug discovery requires rapid pharmacokinetic evaluation of chemically diverse compounds for early candidate selection. This demands the development of analytical methods that offer high-throughput of samples. Naturally, liquid chromatography / tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is choice of the analytical method because of its superior sensitivity and selectivity. As a result of the short analysis time(typically 3-5min) by LC-MS/MS, sample preparation has become the rate- determining step in the whole analytical cycle. Consequently tremendous efforts are being made to speed up and automate this step. In a typical automated 96-well SPE(solid-phase extraction) procedure, plasma samples are transferred to the 96-well SPE plate, internal standard and aqueous buffer solutions are added and then vacuum is applied using the robotic liquid handling system. It takes only 20-90 min to process 96 samples by automated SPE and the analyst is physically occupied for only approximately 10 min. Recently, the ultra-high flow rate liquid chromatography (turbulent-flow chromatography)has sparked a huge interest for rapid and direct quantitation of drugs in plasma. There is no sample preparation except for sample aliquotting, internal standard addition and centrifugation. This type of analysis is achieved by using a small diameter column with a large particle size(30-5O ${\mu}$m) and a high flow rate, typically between 3-5 ml/min. Silica-based monolithic HPLC columns contain a novel chromatographic support in which the traditional particulate packing has been replaced with a single, continuous network (monolith) of pcrous silica. The main advantage of such a network is decreased backpressure due to macropores (2 ${\mu}$m) throughout the network. This allows high flow rates, and hence fast analyses that are unattainable with traditional particulate columns. The reduction of particle diameter in HPLC results in increased column efficiency. use of small particles (<2 urn), however, requires p.essu.es beyond the traditional 6,000 psi of conventional pumping devices. Instrumental development in recent years has resulted in pumping devices capable of handling the requirements of columns packed with small particles. The staggered parallel HPLC system consists of four fully independent binary HPLC pumps, a modified auto sampler, and a series of switching and selector valves all controlled by a single computer program. The system improves sample throughput without sacrificing chromatographic separation or data quality. Sample throughput can be increased nearly four-fold without requiring significant changes in current analytical procedures. The process of Bioanalytical Method Validation is required by the FDA to assess and verify the performance of a chronlatographic method prior to its application in sample analysis. The validation should address the selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision and stability of the method. This presentation will provide all overview of the work required to accomplish a full validation and show how a chromatographic method is suitable for toxirokinetic sample analysis. A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method developed to quantitate drug levels in dog plasma will be used as an example of tile process.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.32-33
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• 2006

There is compelling evidence that chronic inflammation predisposes to biliary tract cancer. Previously we found that aspirin use and variants in the PTGS2 gene, both of which are closely linked to inflammation, were associated with biliary tract cancer risk in a population-based study in China. To test the inflammation hypothesis further, we examined the associations of variants in 20 genes involved in the inflammation pathway with risk of biliary tract cancer and stones in a large population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China. We genotyped 56 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)from 20 inflammation genes in 411 biliary tract cancer cases (237 gallbladder cancers, 127 extrahepatic bile duct cancers, and 47 ampullary cancers), 895 subjects with biliary stones, and 786 population controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) for the association of individual SNPs and haplotypes with biliary stones and biliary tract cancer risk. Of the 56 SNPs examined, 20 showed some associations with biliary cancer and stones. Specifically, variants of the IL8, IL8RB, RNASEL, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha genes were associated with gallstone risk, while variants in the IL1A, IL10, VEGF, and RNASEL genes were associated with gallbladder cancer risk. Adjustment for multiple comparisons did not materially change these results. Of the 10 genes with multiple SNPs, we inferred halotypes; only one haplotype in the IL8RBgene was associated with gallstones. The haplotype frequency was significantly different between bile dict cancer cases and control (p=0.007). A haplotype comprising 3 SNPs in the IL8RB gene (rs2230054, rs1126579, rs1126580) was associated with a 54% increased risk of bile duct stones (95% CI 1.14-2.07, p=0.02), relative to the most frequent haplotype. In summary, common variants in immune-related genes influencing inflammatory responeses were associated with gallstones and biliary tract cancer, lending further support to the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of biliary stones and biliary tract cancer. Future larger studies with more complete gene coverage are needed to confirm these results.