• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.223-227
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• 2016

This study evaluated the levels of cardiac biomarkers in dogs with either pulmonic stenosis or aortic stenosis and the correlation between biomarkers and the severity of stenosis assessed by the echocardiography. To achieve this study goal, 38 dogs (10 healthy control dogs, 15 dogs with pulmonic stenosis and 13 dogs with aortic stenosis) were examined. The jet velocity and pressure gradient in this study population were measured by echocardiographic estimation, after which the study group was subdivided by the severity of stenosis. The plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in this study group. The median concentrations of cTnI and NT-proBNP of the disease group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and these increased gradually as stenosis worsened. The severity of stenosis and the concentrations of cTnI and NT-porBNP were also found to be significantly correlated. Finally, the plasma cTnI and NT-proBNP tests were found to beneficial for differentiating clinical patients, predicting the progression of disease, and monitoring the outcome of interventional therapy for stenosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.183-189
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation, according to postnatal age, between plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and echocardiographic parameters for the assessment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants with respiratory distress. Methods: We enrolled 42 preterm infants with respiratory distress who underwent serial echocardiographic evaluation with simultaneous plasma BNP measurements until ductal closure. The correlations between BNP levels and the following 4 representative echocardiographic parameters were studied: diameter of the ductus arteriosus (DA), ratio of the left atrial diameter to the aortic diameter (LA/Ao), ratio of the PDA diameter to the infant's left pulmonary artery diameter (PDA/LPA), and the antegrade diastolic flow of LPA (DFLPA). Results: BNP levels were significantly correlated to the magnitude of the ductal shunt, comprising the DA diameter, PDA/LPA ratio, LA/Ao ratio, and antegrade DFLPA for the overall study period. The earliest significant correlation, starting from postnatal day 2, was observed between the LA/Ao ratio and BNP levels. The PDA/LPA ratio and the antegrade DFLPA showed significant correlations with BNP levels postnatal day 3 onward, and with the DA diameter, postnatal day 5 onward. Conclusion: BNP levels and echocardiographic parameters showed a positive correlation, but the significance of the correlations differed according to the postnatal age, especially during the first few days of life.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.167-173
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• 2018

Purpose: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome with many causes, including Kawasaki disease (KD). The purpose of this study was to identify the laboratory tests needed to easily differentiate KD with HLH from incomplete KD alone. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with incomplete KD and incomplete KD with HLH (HLH-KD) between January 2012 and March 2015. We compared 8 secondary HLH patients who were first diagnosed with incomplete KD with all 247 incomplete KD diagnosed patients during the study period. The complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count, and serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and ferritin levels were compared. Clinical characteristics and echocardiography findings were also compared between the 2 groups. Results: The total duration of fever was longer in the HLH-KD group than in the KD group. White blood cell and platelet counts were higher in the KD group. Alanine aminotransferase, ferritin, and coronary artery diameter were increased in the HLH-KD group compared with those in the KD group. The median of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in the HLH-KD group than in the KD group at 889.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 384.5-1792.0) pg/mL vs. 233.0 (IQR, 107.0-544.0) pg/mL. Conclusion: The NT-proBNP level may be helpful in distinguishing incomplete KD from KD with HLH. The NT-proBNP level should be determined in KD patients with prolonged fever, in addition to the white blood cell count, platelet count, and ferritin level, to evaluate secondary HLH.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.469-478
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• 2022

WNT signaling plays an important role in cardiac development, but abnormal activity is often associated with cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, remodeling, and heart failure. The effect of WNT signaling on regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Wnt agonist 1 (Wnta1) on ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics in beating rat atria. Wnta1 treatment significantly increased atrial ANP secretion and pulse pressure; these effects were blocked by U73122, an antagonist of phospholipase C. U73122 also abolished the effects of Wnta1-mediated upregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) β and γ expression, and the PKC antagonist Go 6983 eliminated Wnta1-induced secretion of ANP. In addition, Wnta1 upregulated levels of phospho-transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (p-TAK1), TAK1 banding 1 (TAB1) and phospho-activating transcription factor 2 (p-ATF2); these effects were blocked by both U73122 and Go 6983. Wnta1-induced ATF2 was abrogated by inhibition of TAK1. Furthermore, Wnta1 upregulated the expression of T cell factor (TCF) 3, TCF4, and lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1), and these effects were blocked by U73122 and Go 6983. Tak1 inhibition abolished the Wnta1-induced expression of TCF3, TCF4, and LEF1 and Wnta1-mediated ANP secretion and changes in mechanical dynamics. These results suggest that Wnta1 increased the secretion of ANP and mechanical dynamics in beating rat atria by activation of PKC-TAK1-ATF2-TCF3/LEF1 and TCF4/LEF1 signaling mainly via the WNT/Ca²⁺ pathway. It is also suggested that WNT-ANP signaling is implicated in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.255-277
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• 1998

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijiwangtang(六味地黃湯) and Palmijihwang-tang(八味地黃湯) water extracts applied at the meridian points BL 23(賢兪) and GV 4(命門) to test the renal function in normal rats. The results obtained were as follows; 1. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijihwangtang water extract at the merdian point BL 23 group, there were significant changes in water balance and urine volume over a 1 week period; Both decreasing and decreasing trends were exihibited. Urinary excretion of sodium and free water clearance changed significantly over a 2 week period; Both decreasing and increasing trends were exihibited, Urinary excretion of potassium, chloride and creatinine, plasma renin activity, plasma levels of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide showed no significant differences compared to the contral group. 2. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Palmljihwangtang water extract at the merdian point BL 23 group, there were significant changes in water balance and free water clearance over a 2 week period; a decreasing trend. Urinary excretion of creatinine changed significantly over a 2 week period; an increasing trend. Urinary excretion of chloride changed significantly over 1 week period; an increasing trend. The plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide changed significantly over 1 and 2 week period; an increasing trend. Urine volume, urinary excretion of sodium and pottasium, plasma renin activity and plasma level of aldosterone showed no significant differences compared to the control group. 3. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijihwangtang water extract at the meridian point GV 4 group, there was significant decrease in water balance over a 2 week period; there was significant decrease in urine volwne and urinary excretion of sodium and creatinine over a 1 week period, followed by an increasing trend after 2 weeks. Urinary excretion of free water clearance demonstrated significant changes over both 1 and 2 week period; both increasing and decreasing trends were exihibited. Urinary excretion of chloride and plasma levels of aldosterone increased significantly over 1 and 2 week period. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide also decreased significantly. Plasma renin activity showed no significant differences compared to the control group. 4. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Palmijihwangtang water extract at the meridian point GV 4 group, water balance and urinary excretion of chloride, plasma levels of aldosterone decreased significantly over both 1 and 2 week period. Urine volume and urinary excretion of pottasium decreased significantly. Urinary excretion of creatinine and urinary excretion of sodium changed significantly over both 1 and 2 week period. Urinary excretion of free water clearance, plasma renin activity and plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide showed no significant differences compared to the control group. Seeing these results, I come to know that the effects Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijihwangtang and Palmijihwangtang water extracts at the meridian point BL 23 and GV 4 have affected the renal function differently. Seeing the results that BL 23 is a meridian point for Aqua-Acupuncture directly related to the kidney, I think, we can use Aqua-Acupuncture of Yuk-mijihwangtang and Palmijihwangtang water extracts to prevent and to treat the diseases related to kidney.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.5
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• pp.273-279
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• 2010

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is considered as a poor prognosis factor in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There has been reported brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) is related with increased right ventricular (RV) workloads. However, there are few studies that evaluate the relationship between BNP and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), RV function and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score in patients with COPD, and the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) on these parameters. Methods: Pulmonary function test, echocardiography, blood BNP, and SGRQ score were evaluated in stabilized moderate degree COPD patients ($FEV_1$/FVC< 70%, $50%{\leq}FEV_1$ < 80%) aged 45 years and over, without worsening of symptoms within recent 3 months. After treating with ramipril 10 mg for 3 months, the same evaluation was repeated. Results: Twenty-two patients were included in this study. BNP was significantly correlated with PAP (Pearson coefficient ${\rho}=0.51$, p=0.02), but not with RV ejection fraction (EF) and predicted $FEV_1%$. The values for predicted $FEV_1%$ showed significant correlation with SGRQ total score and activity score, but not with BNP or PAP. After ramipril treatment, PAP showed significant decrease ($42.8{\pm}8.1$ vs. $34.5{\pm}4.5mm$ Hg p=0.0003), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion significant increase ($21.5{\pm}3.3$ vs. $22.7{\pm}3.1mm$ p=0.009). BNP showed a tendency to decrease without statistical significance ($40.8{\pm}59.6$ vs. $18.0{\pm}9.1pg/mL$ p=0.55). SGRQ scores showed no significant change. Conclusion: BNP showed significant correlation with resting PAP, which means BNP could be used as markers for pulmonary hypertension. Treatment with ACEI didn't show significant change in the level of BNP, while pulmonary hypertension and RV function were improved.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.148-153
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• 2012

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is associated with the variety of disorders of myocardial function. The effect, however, of myocardial infarction (MI) on ANP has not been fully described. Thus, this study investigated the effect of experimental MI, induced by left coronary artery ligation, on ANP secretion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 60 d underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce MI and were compared with a group that underwent a sham operation. Rats of sham operation had a similar procedure without having the suture tightened around the coronary artery. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 h or 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 30 d after the procedure. MI size was assessed by planimetry and perimetry, and plasma ANP levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Mean infarct size was 39.6-44.5% of the left ventricle after coronary occlusion in experimental groups. No significant differences were observed in infarct size among groups. In contrast, the concentration of plasma ANP was significantly higher at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after left coronary artery ligation than in sham animals. This parameter, however, did not differ significantly at 3, 5, 7, 14, and 30 d after ligation compared with sham-ligated controls. These results demonstrate that plasma ANP levels are markedly increased in the early phase of MI in the male rat and can be a useful biomarker for diagnosis in acute MI.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.565-588
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• 1998

1. Background and Purpose : I intended to investigate the effects of Taeumin Yuldahansotang and Jowisokmyungtang experimentally to hypertension and renal function and contrived to approach these diseases by constitutional medicine. 2. Methods : I adapted two groups, normal rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats, to the same environment for more than 2 weeks and adminstrated water extracts of Yuldahansotang and Jowisokmyungtang. After adminstration of water extracts, I observed significant changes of values of the blood pressure and the urinary excretion of creatininine, electrolytes, osmolarity, renin, atrial natriuretic peptide and the plasma level of aldosterone, triglyceride, phospholipid, cholesterol. 3. Results : Yuldahansotang and Jowisokmyungtang decrease the blood pressure in the spontaneous hypertensive rats, the one by increasing the plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide and decreasing the plasma level of aldosterone, the other by decreasing the plasma level of aldosterone, from which we could detect the therapeutic difference between Yuldahansotang and Jowisokmyungtang.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.137-146
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• 1992

The central tryptaminergic system has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of renal function: $5-HT_1$ receptor mediate diuresis and natriuresis, whereas both $5-HT_2$ and $5-HT_3$ mediate antidiuresis and antinatriuresis. Recently, $5-HT_1$ receptors are further subdivided into many subtypes, and central $5-HT_{1A}$ subtype was shown to mediate diuretic and natriuretic effects. The present study was undertaken to delineate the role of $5-HT_{1B}$ subtype. Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), a selective $5-HT_{1B}$ agonist in doses ranging from 8 to $750\;{\mu}g/kg$ icv elicited diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis in dose-dependent fashion, with the fractional excretion of filtered Na reaching 5.44% with $250\;{\mu}g/kg$ icv. The natriuresis outlasted the transient increases in renal hemodynamics, suggesting humoral mediation in the decreased tubular Na reabsorption. Plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide increased along with the natriuresis. Systemic blood pressure transiently increased. When given intravenously, no diuresis and natriuresis was elicited, indicating the central mechanism. The icv TFMPP effects were not significantly affected by icv methysergide, a nonselective $5-HT_1$ blocker. Both ketanserin and MDL 72222, selective $5-HT_2$ and $5-HT_3$ antagonists, resp., did not abolish the TFMPP effects. Nor did NAN-190, $5-HT_{1A}$ blocker, affect the TFMPP effects. These observations suggest that central $5-HT_{1B}$ receptors may play a role in the central regulation of renal function by exerting diuretic and natriuretic influences, mainly through natriuretic factors.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.311-319
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• 2003

Background : Previous studies have suggested that a B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) test can provide important information on diagnosis, as well as predicting the severity and prognosis of heart failure. Myocardial dysfunction is often observed in critically ill noncardiac patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, and the prognosis of the myocardial dysfunction needs to be determined. This study evaluated the predictability of BNP on the prognosis of critically ill noncardiac patients. Methods : 32 ICU patients, who were hospitalized from June to October 2002 and in whom the BNP test was evaluated, were enrolled in this study. The exclusion criteria included the conditions that could increase the BNP levels irrespective of the severity, such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, and renal insufficiencies. A triage B-Type Natriuretic Peptide test with a RIA-kit was used for the fluorescence immunoassay of BNP test. In addition, the acute physiology and the chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and mortality were recorded. Results : There were 16 males and 16 females enrolled in this study. The mean age was 59 years old. The mean BNP levels between the ICU patients and control were significantly different ($186.7{\pm}274.1$ pg/mL vs. $19.9{\pm}21.3$ pg/mL, p=0.033). Among the ICU patients, there were 14(44----) patients with BNP levels above 100 pg/mL. The APACHE II score was $16.5{\pm}7.6$. In addition, there were 11 mortalities reported. The correlation between the BNP and APACHE II score, between the BNP and mortality were significant (r=0.443, p=0.011 & r=0.530, p=0.002). The mean BNP levels between the dead and alive groups were significantly different ($384.1{\pm}401.7$ pg/mL vs. $83.2{\pm}55.8$ pg/mL p=0.033). However, the $PaO_2/FiO_2$ did not significantly correlate with the BNP level. Conclusion : This study evaluated the BNP level was elevated in critically ill, noncardiac patients. The BNP level could be a useful, noninvasive tool for predicting the prognosis of the critically ill, noncardiac patients.