• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.259-267
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• 2009

Curcumin (CMN) is known to have beneficial role in anorexia, coryza, cough, diabetic wounds, and hepatic disorders apart from its inherent antioxidant effects. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate antioxidant effect of CMN in prevention of nephrolithiasis in rats-induced by ethylene glycol (EG) and Vitamin D3 (Vit. D3). Male Wistar rats (175 - 200 g) were randomized in groups like control, EG + Vit. D3 induced nephrolithiatiatic rats, CMN treated rats, CMN + EG + Vit. D3 treated rats, Vit. E + EG + Vit. D3 treated rats. Urine was collected weekly throughout the experimental protocol and estimated for calcium oxalate (CaO) count. After completion of experimental protocol serum was estimated for blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Both the kidneys were excised and used to evaluate levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress and calcium oxalate crystal deposition by histopathological studies. Administration of EG and Vit. D3 to rats resulted in increased oxidative stress, hyperoxaluria and renal deposition of CaO crystals. Supplementation with CMN improves kidney function, reduces elevated oxidative stress, urinary oxalate level and renal deposition of CaO which shows its protective action in nephrolithiasis. The increased deposition of stone in the kidney and stone forming constituents of nephrolithiatic rats were effectively lowered by treatment of CMN.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.550-557
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• 1996

One of therapeutics in liver disease (morbus wilson) is D-penicillamin (D-pen: D-3-mercapto-valin). Especially the cross-linking of collagen molecules could be inhibited by D-pe n in extracellular space. In this study we investigated the antifibrotic effects of D-pen in rats that were induced the liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S). Rats were treated for 4 weeks with D-pen after BDL/S operation or sham operation. The balance between fibrogenesis-marker (PNIIIP) and the fibrolysis-maker (PNIVP) were observed in sera by RIA (radioimmunoassay), and the parameter of collagen deposition in liver tissue (hydroxyproline: HYP) was measured by colorimetry. The weight of liver in BDL/S operated group was increased significantly in compared with sham operation group (15.2g${\pm}$1.1, vs 11.9g${\pm}$3.9: p<0.005, p<0.05). The rats group treated by D-pen showed the lower level of PNIIIP (6.7ng/ml${\pm}$1.5, vs 9.5ng/ml${\pm}$2.8) and the higher value of PIVCP (14.0ng/ml${\pm}$1.9, vs 7.9ng/ml${\pm}$1.5) in sera that compared to untreated rats. The content of HYP was decreased by 141% in BDL/S with D-pen treated group than that of it in BDL/S group. No correlation was revealed between collagen parameters in sera and HYP in liver tissue of BDL/S operated and D-pen treated rats. The group treated with D-pen showed the lower value of clinical biochemistry parameters (GOT: glutamate oxalacetate transaminase, Total-Bilirubin) in compared with only BDL/S operated rats, but the value of GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) and Alkaline phosphatase in two BDL/S groups was nearly same. In the histological finding, we observed mild bile duct proliferation, weak inflammation and fibrosis in BDL/S with D-pen treated group, but BDL/S operated group showed the formation of septum (island of hepatocytes), massive bile duct proliferation. This result represents that the BDL/S operation induces liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) in 4 weeks, and D-pen inhibits the synthesis of collagen weakly and stimulates the degradation of collagen in the extracellular space. We conclude that the monitoring of PNIIIP, PIVCP in sera is useful parameter for screening of antifibrotic effect, and D-pen delay the liver fibrosis.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.191-200
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• 2004

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element in biological process, however inadequate Zn status in general population have been recognized. To update the knowledge for Zn-cadmium (Cd) interaction, we studied the intestinal uptake and transport, and the expression of metal transporter proteins (divalent metal transporter 1, DMT1 ; metal transporter protein 1, MTP1 ; zinc transporter 1, ZnTl ; metallothionein 1 , MT1) in duodenum after Cd exposure using Zn deficient animal model. Rats were led Zn deficient (ZnD, 0.5-1.0 mgZn/kg) or Zn supplemented (ZnS, 50mg Zn/kg) diet for 4 weeks, and followed single administration of $^{109}$ CdCl$_2$orally. The body Zn flatus and tissue Cd concentration were determined at 24 hrs after Cd administration. Total body burden of Cd and Cd absorption index (AI, %) were estimated based on the tissue Cd analyzed. DMT1, MTP1, ZnTl and MT1 mRNA were analyzed by using RT-PCR method. Feeding of Zn deficient diet for 4 weeks produced a reduced body weight gain and a depletion of body Zn. Tissue Cd concentration, body burden of Cd and Cd absorption index were higher in the ZnD diet fed rats than the ZnS diet red rats. Especially, Cd concentration in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) and the colon of FeD diet fed rats were higher markedly than in the FeS diet group. The expression levels of DMT1, MTP1 and ZnT1 mRNA in FeD diet fed rats were similar to the FeS diet. The level of MT1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the FeD than the FeS diet fed rats. Taken together, theses results indicate that Zn deficiency in diet induce an increased intestinal absorption and tissue retention of Cd, and down -regulate the MT1 expression in the intestine which might be play a part of role in Cd absorption and transport in mammalian. These findings suggest that deficiency of essential metal could be enhanced the toxicity of toxic, non-esstial metals through the metal-metal interaction.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.512-517
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• 1997

Antihyperlipidemic effect of taurine was investigated in the hyperlipidemic rats induced by feeding a diet supplemented with cholesterol (1.5% in diet), vitamin $D_2$(1.25 million IU/kg of diet) and cholic acid (0.5% in diet). The rats were fed the diet containing 1% and 3% of taurine for 8 weeks. The contents of the cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum and liver of the hyperlipidemic rats were increased as compared with those of the control group. Feeding taurine resulted in decreases in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The HDL-cholesterol level in serum was decreased in the hyperlipidemic rats, but by administration of taurine its level was increased. In the aorta of the animals, total cholesterol and triglycerides contents were reduced significantly by treatment with taurine. The contents of calcium in the heart of hyperlipidemic rats were greatly increased as compared with those of the control group. Treatment of taurine produced significant decreases in calcium contents in the heart muscle of the animals. These results showed that the hyperlipidemic states in this model of rats were reversed by treatment of taurine.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.453-462
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• 2020

Chronic joint pain due to loss of cartilage function, degradation of subchondral bone, and related conditions are common plights of an arthritis patient. Antioxidant compounds could solve the problems in arthritic condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of D-carvone against complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. D-carvone was orally administered for 25 days at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg against CFA-induced arthritic rats. Changes in body weight, paw swelling, organ index, hematological parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathology were recorded. Oral treatment of D-carvone significantly improved the body weight, reduced the paw swelling, edema formation, and organ index in arthritic rats. The levels of white blood cells were reduced, red blood cells and hemoglobin levels were improved in D-carvone treated arthritic rats. Lipid peroxidation levels were lowered whereas enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly elevated by D-carvone administration against arthritic rats. D-carvone significantly modulated inflammatory cytokine levels and improved the ankle joint pathology against CFA-induced arthritic inflammation. In conclusion, D-carvone proved significant anti-arthritic activity against CFA-induced arthritis in rats.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.455-461
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• 2007

Objective : It was hypothesized that dopamine agonist administration and subthalamic nucleus (STN) lesion in the rat might have a synergistic effect on the neuronal activities of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) as observed in patients with Parkinson's disease. The effects of SKF38393 (a $D_1$ receptor agonist) and Quinpirole (a $D_2$ receptor agonist) were compared in parkinsonian rat models with 6- hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) after STN lesion. Methods : SKF38393 and Quinpirole were consecutively injected intrastriatally. SNpr was microrecorded to ascertain the activity of the basal ganglia output structure. The effect of SKF38393 or Quinpirole injection on the firing rate and firing patterns of SNpr was investigated in medial forebrain bundle (MFB) lesioned rats and in MFB+STN lesioned rats. Results : The administration of SKF38393 decreased SNpr neuronal firing rates and the percentage of burst neurons in the MFB lesioned rats, but did not alter them in MFB+STN lesioned rats. The administration of Quinpirole significantly decreased the spontaneous firing rate in the MFB lesioned rats. However, after an additional STN lesion, it increased the percentage of burst neurons. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that dopamine agonists and STN lesion decreased the hyperactive firing rate and the percentage of burst neurons of SNpr neurons in 6-OHDA lesioned rats, respectively. Quinpirole with STN lesion increased a percentage of burst neurons. To clear the exact interactive mechanism of $D_1$ and $D_2$ agonist and the corresponding location, it should be followed a study using a nonselective dopamine agonist and $D_1$, $D_2$ selective antagonist.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.546-553
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• 2012

This study was performed to evaluate the biological activity and protective effect of Cassia tora ethanol extracts against D-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into normal group, D-galactosamine treated group(control), D-galactosamine plus 0.25% Cassia tora extracts treated group and D-galactosamine plus 0.5% Cassia tora extracts treated group. Normal and control group were fed control diet and Cassia tora extracts treated groups were fed experimental diets containing 0.25% or 0.5% Cassia tora ethanol extracts for 5 weeks. Body weight gain and liver weight of rats were not significantly different between groups. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in serum and liver were significantly lower in rats treated only with D-galactosamine compared to normal group, and improved in Cassia tora extracts supplemented rats. D-galactosamine treatment significantly increased serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase, however, the activities of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were significantly decreased in Cassia tora extracts supplemented rats when compared with D-galactosamine treated control group. Cassia tora extracts significantly suppressed the D-galactosamine-induced elevation of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) contents. Superoxide dismutase activity was decreased by D-galactosamine treatment, however by the supplementation of Cassia tora ethanol extracts, significantly increased in dose-dependent manner. Glutathione peroxidase activity in rats fed diets containing Cassia tora extracts was decreased compared to control. Based on these results, we concluded that Cassia tora ethanol extracts may prevents the D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity probably via an antioxidant mechanism.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.325-332
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• 2018

The mechanism of the previously reported antidiabetic effect of Basella alba is unknown. This study investigated the role of B. alba aqueous leaf extract in the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats, between 8 and 10 weeks old, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and administered the following treatments: Healthy control (H-c) and Diabetic control (D-c) animals received normal saline 0.5 mL/100 g body weight daily, while Healthy Treatment (H-Ba) and Diabetic Treatment (D-Ba) rats received the plant extract 200 mg/kg body weight daily. All treatments were administered by oral gavage. Diabetes was induced in D-c and D-Ba rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body). The body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were recorded every week for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized and samples collected for further analysis. After the experiment, FBS level was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in rats in the D-Ba group, but increased (p < 0.001) in rats in the D-c group. The absolute (H-c and H-Ba vs D-c, p < 0.05) and relative (D-Ba vs H-c, p < 0.05; D-Ba vs H-Ba, p < 0.005) weights of the pancreases were significantly higher after the experiment. The rats in the D-c group had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (p < 0.001 vs H-c; p < 0.05 vs H-Ba and D-Ba) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (p < 0.0001), but lower levels of interleukin-10 (p < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups. Histopathological examination revealed severe interstitial congestion, reduced islet area (p < 0.0001), and increased islet cell density in the D-c group compared with those in the D-Ba group. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of B. alba stimulates the recovery of beta-islet morphology in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats by modulating the peripheral production of inflammatory cytokines.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2004

Objectives : Iron (Fe) is an essential element in biological processes; however excessive Fe is harmful to human health. Some air pollutants contain a high level of Fe, and the human lung could therefore be over-exposed to Fe through inhaled air pollutants. This study was performed to investigate the role of metal transporters (divalent metal transporter 1, DMT1, and metal transporter protein 1, MTP1) in the lung under the environments of Fe deficiency in the body and Fe over-exposure in the lung. Methods : Rats were fed Fe deficient (FeD, 2-6 mg Fe/kg) or Fe supplemented (FeS, 120 mg Fe/kg) diet for 4 weeks, followed by a single intratracheal instillation of ferrous sulfate at low (10 mg/kg) or high (20 mg/kg) dose. Fe concentration was analyzed in the serum, lung and liver, and histopathological findings were observed in the lung at 24 hours after Fe administration. The level of DMT1 and MTP1 expression in the lung was analyzed by RT-PCR. Also, the effect of Fe deficiency in the body was evaluated on the level of Fe concentration and metal transporters compared to FeS-diet fed rats at the end of 4-week FeD or FeS diet. Results : The 4-week FeD diet in rats induced an Fe deficiency anemia with decreased serum total Fe, increased unsaturated Fe binding capacity and hypochromic microcytic red blood cells. The concentration of Fe in the lung and liver was lower in the FeD-diet fed rats than in the FeS-diet fed rats. The level of metal transporters mRNA expression was higher in the FeD-diet fed rats than in the FeS-diet. The concentration of Fe in the lung was increased in a dose-dependent pattern after intratracheal instillation of Fe into the rats, while the level of Fe in the serum and liver was not increased in the low-dose Fe administered rats. Therefore, DMT1 and MTP1 mRNA was highly expressed in both FeD-diet and FeS-diet fed rats, after intratracheal instillation of Fe. Conclusions : DMT1 and MTP1 mRNA were more highly expressed in FeD-diet fed rats than in FeS-diet fed rats. The over-exposure of Fe intratracheally induced high expression of metal transporters and increased Fe deposition in the lung in both FeD-diet and FeS-diet fed rats, but did not increase the Fe level of the serum and liver in low-dose Fe administered rats. These results suggest that the role of metal transporters in the lung might be different in a part from the duodenum under the environment of over-exposure to Fe.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.390-410
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• 1995

This study was attempted to investigate the effects of Composite Preparation (Samulchungkan-Tang) extract (SCTE), Scutellarias Radix extract (SRE), Artemisiae iwayomogii Herba extract (AIHE), Artemisia capillaris Flos extract (ACFE), Paeaniae Radix extract (PRE) and Gardeniae Fructus extract (GFE) on the activities of GOT, GPT, ALP and LDH, and Content of total cholesterol in serum of $CCl_4$ and ${_D}-galactosamime$ intoxicated rats, and bile flow in rats. 1) In $CCl_4-intoxicated$ rats-The activities of S-GOT and S-GPT which were elevated by $CCl_4$ were significantly decreased in dose of SCTE 450 mg/kg, ACFE 600 mg/kg and GFE 300 mg/kg, respectively as compared to $CCl_4$ intoxicated rats. ALP activity increased by $CC1_4-treatment$ was markedly decreased in dose of SCTE 450 mg and 600 mg/kg, SRE 400 mg/kg, AIHE 400 mg/kg, ACFE 600 mg/kg and PRE 300 mg/kg, and LDH activity in SCTE 450 mg and 600 mg/kg, ACFE 600 mg/kg and GFE 300 mg/kg, respectively compared to $CCl_4$ treated rates. ACFE 400 mg/kg and PRE 300 mg/kg decreased the content of total cholesterol increased by $CCl_4$, the liver weight in all sample administered groups was decreased significantly as compared to $CCl_4$ treated groups. 2) In ${_D}-galactosamine$ intoxicated rats-Sample of SCTE 450 mg and 600 mg/kg, SRE 400 mg/kg, AIHF 400 mg and 600 mg/kg, ACFE 600 mg/kg, PRE 300 mg/kg and GFE 300 mg and 500 mg/kg decreased the activities of S-GPT, ALP and LDH which was increased by ${_D}-galactosamine$ intoxication, compared to ${_D}-galactosamine$ intoxicated groups. In S-GOT activity elevated by ${_D}-galactosamine$ was significantly decreased by SCTE 450 mg/kg, ACFE 600mg/kg, AIHE 600 mg/kg, PRE 300 mg/kg, GFE 300 mg and 500 mg/kg. However, SCTE 600 mg/kg, SRE 400 mg/kg, and AIHE 400 mg/kg were not effected significantly. 3) In bile secretion-SCTE 450 mg and 600 mg/kg, ACFE 600 mg/kg and GFE 500mg/kg increased significantly the amount of bile secretion as compared to normal groups, but AIHE 400 mg/kg, SRE 400 mg/kg, and PRE 300 mg/kg did not effected significantiy.