• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2015

Background: Sun ginseng (SG), a specific formulation of quality-controlled red ginseng, contains approximately equal amounts of three major ginsenosides (RK1, Rg3, and Rg5), which reportedly has antitumor-promoting activities in animal models. Methods: MTT assay was used to assess whether SG can potentiate the anticancer activity of epirubicin or paclitaxel in human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells, human colon cancer SW111C cells, and SW480 cells; apoptosis status was analyzed by annexin V-FITC and PI and analyzed by flow cytometry; and apoptosis pathway was studied by analysis of caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation, mitochondrial accumulation of Bax and Bak, and cytochrome c release. Results: SG remarkably enhances cancer cell death induced by epirubicin or paclitaxel in human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells, human colon cancer SW111C cells, and SW480 cells. Results of the mechanism study highlighted the cooperation between SG and epirubicin or paclitaxel in activating caspase-3 and -9 but not caspase-8. Moreover, SG significantly increased the mitochondrial accumulation of both Bax and Bak triggered by epirubicin or paclitaxel as well as the subsequent release of cytochrome c in the targeted cells. Conclusion: SG significantly potentiated the anticancer activities of epirubicin and paclitaxel in a synergistic manner. These effects were associated with the increased mitochondrial accumulation of both Bax and Bak that led to an enhanced cytochrome c release, caspase-9/-3 activation, and apoptosis. Treating cancer cells by combining epirubicin and paclitaxel with SG may prove to be a novel strategy for enhancing the efficacy of the two drug types.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.511-518
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• 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a relevant environment factor to induce cellular senescence and photoaging. Both autophagy- and silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1)-dependent pathways are critical cellular processes of not only maintaining normal cellular functions, but also protecting cellular senescence in skin exposed to UV irradiation. In the present studies, we investigated whether modulation of autophagy induction using a novel synthetic SIRT1 activator, heptasodium hexacarboxymethyl dipeptide-12 (named as Aquatide), suppresses the UVB irradiation-induced skin aging. Treatment with Aquatide directly activates SIRT1 and stimulates autophagy induction in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Next, we found that Aquatide-mediated activation of SIRT1 increases autophagy induction via deacetylation of forkhead box class O (FOXO) 1. Finally, UVB irradiation-induced cellular senescence measured by $SA-{\beta}-gal$ staining was significantly decreased in cells treated with Aquatide in parallel to occurring SIRT1 activation-dependent autophagy. Together, Aquatide modulates autophagy through SIRT1 activation, contributing to suppression of skin aging caused by UV irradiation.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.216-220
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• 2011

PURPOSE. Heat of composite polymerization (HP) indicates setting efficacy and temperature increase of composite in clinical procedures. The purpose of this in vitro experimental study was to evaluate the effects of 5 temperatures on HP of two new composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS. From each material (Core Max II [CM] and King Dental [KD]), 5 groups of 5 specimens each were prepared and their total HPs (J/gr) were measured and recorded, at one of the constant temperatures $0^{\circ}C$, $15^{\circ}C$, $23^{\circ}C$, $37^{\circ}C$ and $60^{\circ}C$ ($2{\times}5{\times}5$ specimens) using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyzer. The data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, a Tukey's test, an independent-samples ttest, and a linear regression analysis (${\alpha}=0.05$). RESULTS. No polymerization reactions occurred at $0^{\circ}C$; then this temperature was excluded from statistical analyses. The mean HP of the remaining 20 KD specimens was $20.5{\pm}14.9$ J/gr, while it was $40.7{\pm}12.9$ J/gr for CM. The independent-samples t-test showed that there were significant differences between the HP of the two materials at the temperatures $15^{\circ}C$ (P=.0001), $23^{\circ}C$ (P=.0163), $37^{\circ}C$ (P=.0039), and $60^{\circ}C$ (P=.0106). Linear regression analysis showed statistically significant correlations between environment temperatures and HP of CM ($R^2=0.777$). CONCLUSION. Using CM is advantageous over conventional composite because of its better polymerization capacity. However due to its high HP, further studies should assess its temperature increase in vivo. Preheating KD is recommended. Refrigerating composites can negatively affect their polymerization potential.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.111-119
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• 2000

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the pattern of regimens prescribed for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in a regional community hospital. 226 patients were treated as an outpatient and followed for one year. 88 patients $(38.9\%)$ had gastric ulcer (GU) alone, 6 patients $(2.7\%)$ had duodenal ulcer (DV) alone, 5 patients $(2.2\%)$ had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) alone, 25 patients $(11.1\%)$ had both GU and DU, 88 patients $(38.9\%)$ had both GU and GERD, and 14 patients $(6.2\%)$ had both DU and GERD. During this study period no one was treated for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. The disease showed higher occurrence in male population (139 patients, $61.5\%$) and among the ages of 30 and 40 $(62.4\%)$. The average age of these patients was 41.3 years and there was no difference between the genders. $81.4\%$ of these patients underwent CLO test to check for the existence of Helicobacter and $66.3\%$ of these Patients showed the positive response. $65.6\%$ of patients with GU and $80\%$ of patients with DU showed the positive response and there was no difference between the genders $(65.4\%\;vs.\;67.6\%)$. 184 patients $(81.4\%)$ were deemed to be cured based on the disappearance of their symptoms after completing the regimens. Compliance rate did not differ for gender or different diseases, while showing a difference in age. Patients between the ages of 20 to 30 years old showed the worst compliance rate. In addition, the compliance was lower among the patients who had previous occurrence of the disease, and this was more evident among female patients. Although 184 patients out of the total 226 patients were deemed to be cured, 36 patients $(20.65\%)$ of these returned to the hospital for relapsed diseases within one year. The factors that affected for patients to relapse were the diseases accompanied by ulcer and social environments, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and previous history of the diseases (smoking P<0.001, alcohol consumption P<0.02, previous history of disease P<0.05). The regimen using $H_2$ receptor antagonists+tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate+clarithromycin showed the lower rate of relapse, and the regimens of omeprazole (OMP)+amoxicillin+tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate and OMP+amoxicillin+metronidazole showed better compliance rate. Patient education by pharmacists on the importance of compliance to regimens and the risk factors fer relapse can provide a better patient care. This would ultimately result in more cost-effective treatments by preventing additional cost for treating relapsed symptoms in approximately $20\%$ of patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5349-5357
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women of all ethnic and age groups in Malaysia. Delay in seeking help for breast cancer symptoms is preventable and by identifying possible factors for delayed diagnosis, patient prognosis and survival rates could be improved. Objectives: This narrative review aimed to understand and evaluate the level of in-depth breast cancer knowledge in terms of clinical breast examination and breast self-examination, and other important aspects such as side-effects and risk factors in Malaysian females. Since Malaysia is multicultural, this review assessed social perceptions, cultural beliefs and help-seeking behaviour in respect to breast cancer among different ethnic groups, since these may impinge on efforts to 'avoid' the disease. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of seven databases was performed from December 2015 to January 2015. Screening of relevant published journals was also undertaken to identify available information related to the knowledge, perception and help-seeking behaviour of Malaysian women in relation to breast cancer. Results: A total of 42 articles were appraised and included in this review. Generally, women in Malaysia had good awareness of breast cancer and its screening tools, particularly breast self-examination, but only superficial in-depth knowledge about the disease. Women in rural areas had lower levels of knowledge than those in urban areas. It was also shown that books, magazines, brochures and television were among the most common sources of breast cancer information. Delay in presentation was attributed mainly to a negative social perception of the disease, poverty, cultural and religion practices, and a strong influence of complementary and alternative medicine, rather than a lack of knowledge. Conclusions: This review highlighted the need for an intensive and in-depth breast cancer education campaigns using media and community health programmes, even with the existing good awareness of breast cancer. This is essential in order to avoid misconceptions and to frame the correct mind-set about breast cancer among women in Malaysia. Socio-cultural differences and religious practices should be taken into account by health care professionals when advising on breast cancer. Women need to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer so that early diagnosis can take place and the chances of survival improved.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2008

Dyslipidemia is the multiple lipid metabolic disorders which is one of the high risk factors for the atherosclerotic diseases. It increases the morbidity and mortality and therefore, must be treated with antilipidemic agents. HMG-Co A reductase inhibitors (statins), one of many antidyslipidemic agents, have shown to be significant improvement from the various cholesterol levels. Especially, data from many comparative trials suggest that rosuvastatin is more effective than atorvastatin among many other statins. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety between rosuvastatin and atorvastatin in the treatment of Korean patients with dyslipidemia. Currently the Korean Society of Lipidology and Atherosclerosis based on the Korean health screening data suggests that Korean patients with dyslipidemia should be treated by the target cholesterol levels according to the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines of the US National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP III). We reviewed retrospectively all medical histories of the total 392 dyslipidemic patients with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin from June 1st, 2004 to August 31st, 2006 in Chungbuk National University Medical Center. Patients were classified as total 4 groups by the NCEP-ATP III Guidelines. The numbers of enrolled patients were each 5 mg atorvastatin (n=34), 10 mg atorvastatin (n=148), 5 mg rosuvastatin (n=94) and 10 mg rosuvastatin (n=82). In comparison between groups, rosuvastatin groups in the lowering LDL-C had better efficacies, and the results were each 22% (5 mg atorvastatin), 33.3% (10 mg atorvastatin), 35% (5 mg rosuvastatin) and 41.3% (10 mg rosuvastatin) with the dose relationship (P=0.000). Rosuvastatin groups also have shown to be more significantly reducing Total Cholesterol levels compared to atorvastatin groups with the no dose relationship (P=0.000). In the lowering of non-HDL cholesteroles, rosuvastatin groups showed significantly better efficacies than atorvastatin with the dose-relationship (P=0.000). Each medication groups did not demonstrate the differences in the changing of HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P=0.096, 0.309, respectively). In conclusion, rosuvastatin was better efficacious than atrovastatin in reducing LDL-C Total Chol, and Tg. Therefore, rosuvastatin is a good antilipidemic agents for Korean patients with dyslipidemia and it can use to minimize the morbidity and mortality related to the cardiovascular diseases in Korean.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2009

As one of the new areas of 'omics' technology, there is increasing interest in metabolomics, which involves the analysis of low-molecular-weight compounds in cells, tissues, and biofluids, and considers interactions within various organisms and reactions of external chemicals with those organisms. However, metabolomics research is still at a fundamental stage in Korea. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish a strategic long-term plan to revitalize the national metabolomics approach and obtain the elementary data necessary to determine a policy for effectively supporting metabolomics research. These investigations clarified the state of metabolomics study both in Korea and internationally, from which we attempted to find the potentiality and fields where a metabolomics approach would be applicable, such as in medical science. We also discuss strategies for developing metabolomics research. This study revealed that promoting metabolomics in Korea requires cooperation with metabolomics researchers, acquisition of advanced technology, capital investment in metabolomics approach, establishment of metabolome database, and education of metabolome analysis experts. This would reduce the gap between the national and international levels of metabolomics research, with the resulting developments in metabolomics having the potential to greatly contribute to promoting biotechnology in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.48-56
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• 1994

In order to study the factors influencing upon right medication of antibiotic for the consumers who can easily buy antibiotic from pharmacy, the study carried out questionnaires to 568 consumers who bought antibiotics from pharmacies located in Seoul And Kyung-gi do from the 1st of February, 1994 to the 28th of the same month. Materials have been analyzed with $X^-test$ of SAS, and its results are as follows. 1. Among 568 objects of this study, the group which can medicare antibiotic properly (the right use group of antibiotic) is 45.5% with 258, while the group which does not recognize correctly the use of antibiotic or does not have any information about it (the abuse group of antibiotic) is 54.6% with 310. 2. Knowledge for advantage of antibiotic the right use group has is high in comparing with that of the abuse group (p<0.001), and also in case of pregnancy, understanding for an adverse reaction of antibiotic is high (p<0.001). The right use group has had many chances to take health education (p<0.001), and the way to buy antibiotic is very safe (p<0.001). But there is no outstanding difference for recognition of an adverse reaction of antibiotic between two groups. 3. In comparing with the abuse group, the right use group keeps well taking time of antibiotics as directions (p<0.001), and keeping rate of antibiotic dosage is high (p<0.001). Also the experiences of an adverse reaction of antibiotic is low (p<0.001). 4. In comparing with the abuse group, the right use group has high educational backgrounds (p<0.001) and many experiences of the education for health promotion (p<0.001), while there is no difference in age, sex, and economic status. 5. In comparing with the abuse group, the right use group has taken antibiotic many times (p<0.001), and there are many antibiotic takers of his/her family (p<0.01). 6. In comparing with the abuse group, the right use group has made much effort not only to check blood pressure and the pulse (p<0.05) but also for food habits (p<0.05). But there is no outstanding difference in the effort to get health information and the effort for regular exercises between these two group. 7. In comparing with the abuse group, the right use group has made an exertion in buying foodstuffs (p<0.001). But there is no big difference in efforts to keep the good attitude for physical health and mental heath, and sleeping hours between these two group.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.64-72
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• 2004

Purpose: This research aims to assess the effect of a single session of group education of hospice program at Seoul National University Hospital for the advanced and terminal cancer patients and their family members. Methods: Response to questionnaires from 89 participants were evaluated using SAS and CHISQ analysis. The questionnaires included the following items: 1) the characteristics of participants; 2) the characteristics of patients; 3) the difficulties of patient care; 4) the satisfaction with the program Results: The participants consist of 33 patients (37.5%) and 56 family members (56.2%). Diagnosis included mainly stomach, lung, breast, and colon cancer. Participants of family members consisted of spouse, parent, children, daughter-in-law, and siblings (in decreasing order). The participants were interested in the medical information, nutrition, pain and symptom management, and psychosocial adaptation. They had difficulties in emotional problem, nutrition and symptom management. Even though it was a single session of group education, the level of satisfaction was high (95%). Conclusion: This research shows that even the single session of the group education for the advanced and terminal cancer patients and their family members is very helpful by giving them the necessary information. In order to develop comprehensive care-giving services, more specific informations, more opportunities to participate in such sessions and longer question-answer time is required.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2011

The elderly is a target group for health functional foods (HFFs). We surveyed 825 Korean elderly (71.4- years-of-age) for HFF use and significant variables for HFF use including demographic characteristics, health related variables, and nutritional beliefs. The prevalence of HFF use was 48.7%, and among all types of HFF, red ginseng products were eaten most frequently, followed by ginseng products, nutritional supplements, and mushroom products. The mean age of users of HFFs was lower than nonusers (p<.01). HFFs were eaten more frequently by subjects from families living with a spouse or unmarried children (p<.01) and those with higher levels of monthly pocket money (p<.001). HFFs were also eaten more frequently by subjects or their spouses with a higher education level (p<.001). The social activity participation ratio (p<.01) of subjects and the HFF usage ratio by the spouse (p<.001) were higher in users of HFF than in nonusers. Dietary assessment scores were not different between the two groups, and users had a more positive view concerning the potential health benefits of HFFs than did nonusers (p<.001). Most users of HFF ate HFFs "when they were healthy" (52.2%) and experienced some effect through HFF use (45.8%). Most users of HFFs received information on HFFs through their families or relatives (38.1%) and most purchased HFFs at the pharmacy or oriental medicine clinic (44.8%). HFF users preferred multivitamin- and Ca-supplements most among the vitamin and mineral supplements belonged to HFFs. The above results show that HFF use is widely spread among subjects, and that use of HFF is influenced by various factors. Thus, practical guidelines for HFF use should be provided for the elderly through elderly focused-nutrition education based upon significant variables and consumption behaviors for their HFF use of present study.