• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.60-65
• /
• 2005

The human solute carrier, SLC41Al, is a $Mg^{2}+$ transporter that is regulated by extracellular magnesium. Although intracellular magnesium plays a fundamental role in cellular metabolism, little is known about how $Mg^{2}+$ is taken up and controlled by cells. Magnesium plays a fundamental role in cellular metabolism so that its control within the body is critical. Magnesium homeostasis is principally a balance between intestinal absorption of dietary magnesium and renal excretion of urinary magnesium. The kidney, mainly the distal convoluted tubule, controls magnesium reabsorption. Although renal reabsorption is under the influence of many hormones, selective regulation of magnesium transport is due to intrinsic control involving transcriptional processes and synthesis of transport proteins. Using microarray analysis, identification of the genetic elements involved with this transcriptional control has been begun. SLC41A1(GenBank Accession No. AJ514402), comprises 10 putative transmembrane domains, two of which are highly homologous to the integral membrane part of the prokaryote transports $Mg^{2}+$ and other divalent cations $Sr^2+,\;Zn^2+,\;Cu^2+,\;Fe^2+,\;Co^2+,\;Ba^2+,\;and\;Cd^2+,\;but\;not\;Ca^2+,\;Mn^2+,\;and\;Ni^2+.$ Transport of $Mg^{2}+$ by SLC41Al is rheogenic, voltage dependent, and not coupled to Na or Cl. Expressed SLC41Al transports a range of other divalent cations: $Mg^{2+},\;Sr^{2+},\;Zn^{2+},\;Cu^{2+},\;Fe^{2+},\;Co^{2+},\;Ba^{2+},\;and\;Cd^{2+}$. The divalent cations $Ca^{2+},\;Mn^{2+},\;and\;Ni^{2+}$and the trivalent ion $Gd^{3+}$ did not induce currents nor did they inhibit $Mg^{2+}$ transport. The nonselective cation $La^{3+}$ abolishes $Mg^{2+}$ uptake. Computer analysis of the SLC41Al protein structure reveals that it belongs to MgtE protein family & suggested that the human solute carrier, SLC41Al, might be a eukaryotic $Mg^{2+}$ transporter closely related $(60-70\%)$ protein encoded by SLC41A2 is a $Mg^{2}+$ transporter that might be involved in magnesium homeostasis in epithelial cells also transports a range of other divalent cations: $Ba^2,\;Ni^2,\;CO^2,\;Fe^2,\;or\;Mn^2,\;but\;not\;Ca^2,\;Zn^2,\;or\;Cu^{2+}$ that may have related functional properties.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.50 no.11
• /
• pp.1104-1109
• /
• 2007

Purpose : Since 1998, school urinary screening tests have been performed on Korean school children. We could detect and treat so many asymptomatic chronic renal disease in early stage. We investigated the efficacy of school urinary screening tests from children with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I. Methods : We analyzed the characteristics and prognosis of 18 patients with MPGN type I who admitted after 1996 and received steroid therapy with or without cyclosporine. These patients were divided into two groups. Group A (asymptomatic patients detected by school urinary screening tests) consisted of 7 patients; Group S (symptomatic patients) consisted 11 patients. Results : Mean follow-up duration was 6.3 years (from 2 to 11 years). Urinary protein excretion was 1.1 g/day in group A and 6.6 g/day in group S. 24 hour creatinine clearance (mL/min/$1.73m^2$) was 134.3 in group A and 82.3 in group S. No patients in group A had renal insufficiency, but three patients in group S had renal insufficiency and one patient required peritoneal dialysis. Conclusion : Early detection by school urinary screening tests improves prognosis of MPGN type I.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.1025-1036
• /
• 2008

Objectives : The aim of present study was to investigate recovery effects of gypsum, which has been used clinically in diabetes therapy. Methods : We established three groups, normal, control, and gypsum, and assigned 6 rats to each group. The normal group was not treated by any process and fed normal saline. The control & gypsum groups were administered streptozotocin(STZ) to induce diabetes. Gypsum extract was orally administered to the gypsum group for 10 days. After 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and their body weight, 24hrs urinary protein excretion, glucose, albumin, BUN, creatinine, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride in blood, level of glycation end-product (AGE) and transforming growth factor ($TGF-{\beta}1$) in serum were measured. Morphological profiles and morphometric studies of the kidney cortex. renal transforming growth factor ($TGF-{\beta}1$) expression, macrophage/monocyte antigen (ED-1), and type IV collagen expression were studied. Results : The following results were obtained. The protein amount in urine per 24hrs of the gypsum-treated group as compared to the control was significantly reduced. The BUN and creatinine level in serum of the gypsum-treated group as compared to the control was significantly inhibited. The construction change in the kidneys of the gypsum-treated group as compared to the control was significantly inhibited. The factor of the gypsum-treated group as compared to the control was significantly inhibited. which induced the structural change in the kidneys. Conclusions : The above results suggest that gypsum partially improved kidney function.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.163-180
• /
• 2007

Objective : Oriental medicines have been applied to Membranous nephropathy(MN) for the purpose on increasing renal blood flow and modulating immune activity in according to Oriental medicine theories. Magsungsinyeom-bang (MSSYB) is one of the prescription which is known to show positive results in clinic with lack of laboratorial evidence. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the effects of MSSYB and partially investigate the mechanisms of it. Methods : The effect of MSSYB was evaluated by the morphology for the GBM thickening, protein excretion in urine and biochemical parameters in serum using cBSA-induced MN mice model. Mice were administered with MSSYB(250 or 500 mg/kg) or PBS for control group from experimental week 3 for 4 weeks. Results : 24 hrs proteinuria and the concentrations BUN was significantly decreased in the MS groups compared to the control group while the concentrations of serum albumin was higher in the MS groups than control group. MSSYB didn't affect the ratio of CD3e+/CD or 19CD4+/CD8 in the spleen and kidney, but inhibit the expression of IL-1${\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and production of IgG and IgM. In histological analysis of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM was significantly decreased in the MS group compared to control group. Conclusions : MSSYB showed the positive results on the cBSA-induced membranous nephropathy in mice, thus, it could be a useful candidate for oriental drug for treating the membranous nephropathy in clinic.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.11 no.5
• /
• pp.388-395
• /
• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although Korean fermented foods contain large amounts of salt, which is known to exacerbate health problems, these foods still have beneficial effects such as anti-hypertension, anti-cancer, and anti-colitis properties. We hypothesized that ganjang may have different effects on blood pressure compared to same concentrations of salt. MATERIALS/METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (CT), NaCl (NC), and ganjang (GJ) groups and orally administered with 8% NaCl concentration for 9 weeks. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum chemistry, $Na^+$ and $K^+$ concentrations and renal gene expressions were measured. RESULTS: The SBP was significantly increased in the NC group compared to the GJ and CT groups. In addition, the $Na^+$ concentration in urine was higher in the GJ and NC groups than the CT group, but the urine volume was increased in the GJ group compared to the other groups. The serum renin levels were decreased in the GJ group compared to the CT group, while the serum aldosterone level was decreased in the GJ group relative to the NC group. The mRNA expression of the renin, angiotensin II type I receptor, and mineralocorticoid receptor were significantly lower in the GJ group compared to other groups. Furthermore, GJ group showed the lowest levels of genes for $Na^+$ transporter in kidney cortex such as $Na^+/K^+$ $ATPase{\alpha}1$ ($NKA{\alpha}1$), $Na^+/H^+$ exchanger 3 (NHE3), $Na^+/HCO_3{^-}$ co-exchanger (NBC), and carbonic anhydrases II (CAII). CONCLUSIONS: The decreased SBP in the GJ could be due to decreased renin and aldosterone levels in serum and increased urinary volume and excretion of $Na^+$ with its transporter gene alteration. Therefore, ganjang may have antihypertensive effect despite its high contents of salt.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.539-544
• /
• 2005

We have studied the effects of red wine on brain oxidative stress and nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats with a single intraperitonally injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Two weeks before and four weeks after injection, red wine was given orally in both normal and diabetic rats. Blood samples were taken from the neck vascular trunk in order to determine the glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index (AI), total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, insulin, lipid peroxidation products, reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. As well, we estimated the lipid peroxidtion, GSH and SOD, GSH-Px and catalase activities in brain and renal homogenates, and the excretion of albumin, proteins and glucose in urine over 24 h period. The administration of STZ caused significant increases in levels of glycosuria, proteinuria, albuminuria, glycemia, total cholesterol and AI, as well as in lipid peroxidation products in the brain, plasma and kidney, whereas it decreased the GSH content and SOD, GSH-Px and catalase activities. Treatment with red wine significantly prevented the changes induced by STZ. These data suggested that red wine has a protective effect against brain oxidative stress, diabetic nephropathy and diabetes induced by STZ, as well as it protects against hypercholesterolemia and atherogenic risk.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.94-101
• /
• 2001

Background and Purpose : Relationship between 17-KS.17-OHCS in 24hrs urine and Deficiency Syndrome of the Kidneys had been examined, but the study about 17-KS.17-OHCS in stroke patients was rare6'. In this study, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of 24hrs urine 17-KS.17-OHCS in stroke patients as an index for the Differentiation of Deficiency Syndrome of the Kidneys. Subjects : 66 stroke patients(male : female =2 9 : 37) were selected, they were admitted in the hospital of oriental medicine, Kyunghee university(from November 1 st, 1998 to May 30th, 2000). Their age was over 65 years. The patients who had renal malfunction, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism were excluded and who took chlorpromazine, spironolactone, digoxin, reserpine, hormonal agent were also excluded. Methods : After we selected the patients, we investigated the Differentiation of Syndrome by use of Diagnostic Paper and examined the level of 17-KS.17-OHCS in 24hrs urine. We compared Deficiency Syndrome with non-Deficiency Syndrome of the Kidneys using of 17-KS.17-OHCS in 24hrs urine. Results : 1. Stroke did not affect 17-KS.17-OHCS excretion in 24hrs urine. 2. In 24hrs urine, 17-KS of male stroke patients and 17-OHCS of female stroke patients were lower in patients diagnosed as a Deficiency Syndrome than non-Deficiency Syndrome of the Kidneys(p<0.05). 3. Among Deficiency Syndrome of Yin, Yang, Yang and Yin of the Kidneys group, there was no differentiation of 17-KS.17-OHCS in 24hrs urine(p>0.05).

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study is to develop a new animal model with Kidney-hypofunction for Sasang Constitutional Medicine, especially for partial Soyangin(one of four constitution which has good digestive function and poor renal function) by Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction, and to estimate the factor related to obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Methods: The C57BL/6J mice were divided into 3 groups : normal group, high fat diet(HFD) control group, and HFD group with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction(UUO). Then, the HFD control group and the experimental group were fed with high fat diet for 6 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured at regular time by week. After the final experiment, blood was gathered for bloodchemical examination and organs(liver, fatty tissue) were remoed, weighted, and mRNA was analyzed with real-time PCR. Results: The weight growth rate with High fat diet went down by 8.35% in experimental group and had similar FER with the normal group, while HFD control group had higher weight growth rate and FER than any other groups. Also The experimental group had lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol rate and higher glucose rate in serum. and in mRNA expression, GLUT-9, the protein related to excretion of uric acid and metabolic syndrome, expressed lower rate than that of HFD control group. and IL-6, a kind of cytokine related to obesity and metabolic syndrome, expressed more than HFD control group. Conclusions: It was found that Kidney-hypofunction animal-experimental model is susceptible to metabolic syndrome.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.211-219
• /
• 2000

The therapeutic effect of AS2-006A, a derivative of asiaticoside, has been studied and is being developed as a new wound-healing agent. In the present study, the general pharmacological effects on 1) central nervous system, 2) autonomic nervous system, 3) respiratory system, 4) gastrointestinal system. 5) cardiovascular system. and 6) urinary system were assessed in experimental animals and in in vitro models. 1. In vivo animal study: External applications of the 1 % gel ointment of AS2-006A to rats at the doses of 200. 600 or 2000 mg/kg body weight showed no observable pharmacological effects. The effects on the central nervous system were assessed by observation of behavior, hexobarbital-induced sleeping time, pentetrazole-induced convulsion assay, body temperature measurements, and observations on spontaneous activity and catalepsy. The gel ointment exhibited no effects on the cardiovascular system (i.e. blood pressure and heart rate), renal physiology (i.e. urine volume and electrolytes excretion) and gas-trointestinal physiology (i.e. intestinal charcoal propulsion and gastric mucosal irritation). 2. In vitro experiments: The effects of AS2-006A on the physiology of smooth and cardiac muscles were assessed. Muscle contractions were isotonically and isometrically measured in organ chambers using a physiograph. Cumulative additions of AS2-006A (10$^{-9}$ -10$^{-5}$ M) induced no changes in the tension of isolated guinea pig ileum and tracheal muscles. AS2-006A only slightly increased contractility of rat atrial and papillary muscles at 10$^{-2}$ M, which was not statistically different from control. These data showed that the gel ointment of AS2-006A could be externally applied as a wound-healing agent with no potential side effects.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.165-170
• /
• 1996

Two experiments were conducted to search factor(s) affecting the plasma allantoin concentration in infant calves. In experiment 1, five male Holstein calves aged 1 week were given only milk replacer free from nucleic acids for 28 days Plasma allantoin concentration varied in a reverse proportion to daily amounts of milk replacer, and the concentration when calves received 750 g/d of milk replacer was significantly lower than that when they received 250 g/d. Contrary to plasma allantoin concentration, glomerular filtration rate(GFR) was directly proportional to daily amounts of milk replacer, leading to a constant filtration of allantoin across the glomeruli. Renal handling of allantion was also unaffected by the amount of milk replacer, resulting in the constant urinary excretion of allantoin. These results suggested that GFR, which was affected by the nutritional status, could affect plasma allantoin concentration. In experiment 2, the effect of age-related changes in nutritional status after weaning on GFR was examined in eight calves weaned at 5 weeks of age. The GFR expressed as body weight basis was lower immediately after weaning, but linearly increased up to the 19th week post-weaning. The present results suggested that the changes in GFR in response to nutritional status would be one of the possible causes of atypical plasma allantoin concentration immediately after weaning. We conclude that plasma allantoin concentration would not be a proper estimator of intestinal flow of microbial protein in cattle.