• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2015

Objectives : In this study, the anti-stress effects of ethanolic extract of Opuntiaficus-indica (OF70E) were investigated. Methods : To determine the effects of OF70E on physical stress, changes in whole-body cortisol level or behavior were monitored in zebrafish. After treatment with 0.9% saline or OF70E for 6 min, all fish underwent net handling stress (NHS), which induced physical stress. And then, we conducted open field test (OFT) or sacrificed fish for collecting body fluid from whole-body. We used the cortisol enzyme-linked immunoassay kit to measure the amount of cortisol in each zebrafish sample. Results : In result, compared with normal group which were not treated by NHS, whole-body cortisol levels were significantly increased in stressed-control group. Compared with control group, pretreatment with OF70E at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/L for 6min significantly inhibited the increase of whole-body cortisol levels induced by NHS(p<0.05). To anti-stress effects of OF70E on behavior, we conducted OFT after the induction of NHS following pretreatment of OF70E. As results of OFT, compared with unstressed-normal group, distance moved was significantly decreased by induction of NHS in stressed-control group (p<0.05). OF70E-pretreatment blocked decreases of distance moved increased by NHS (p<0.05). And meandering movement, immobility and turn angle were significantly increased by NHS in stressed-control group compared with unstressed-normal group (p<0.05). OF70E-pretreatment prevented the increases of meandering movement immobility and turn angle by NHS (p<0.05). Conclusions : In conclusion these results suggest that OF70E-pretreatment may prevent stress responses.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.192-196
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• 2005

A study was conducted to monitor the changes in serum protein profile, cholesterol and blood glucose during endotoxic shock in buffalo calves and also to assess the role of prophylactic supplementation of vitamin E and selenium in alleviating the endotoxic effects. Fifteen male buffalo calves (6-8 months of age) were divided into three groups: Group I (control)-infused with 0.9% saline solution; Group II-infused with E. coli endotoxin at 5${\mu}g/kg$ body weight in normal saline solution; Group III- supplemented prophylactically with 250 mg vitamin E and 7.5 mg selenium by i/m injections at weekly intervals for one month prior to the induction of endotoxic shock. The blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the induction of shock. Endotoxin caused a significant (p<0.05) hypoproteinemia from 3-12 h post infusion in group II but this hypoproteinemia was less pronounced and only from 3-9 h post infusion in vitamin E and selenium supplemented calves. Hypoglycemia was observed in group II from 3-24 h and blood glucose level returned to normal at 72 h. However hypoglycemia was mild in group III and blood glucose returned to normal at 48h. Hypocholesterolaemia and hypoalbuminemia were found in both groups II and III but these changes were less pronounced in group III i.e. vitamin E and Se supplemented calves. Serum electrophoretic protein patterns of group III were quite similar to those of control group but animals of group II had different electrophoretic pattern. It was concluded that the antioxidant effects of vitamin E and Se prevent the liver against oxidative stress during endotoxic shock.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.574-581
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• 2011

A Gram-positive bacterium was isolated from the saline soils of Jangpura (U.P.), India, and showed high-level of radiation-resistant property and survived upto 12.5 kGy dose of gamma radiation. The 16S rDNA sequence of this strain was examined, identified as Bacillus sp. strain HKG 112, and was submitted to the NCBI GenBank (Accession No. GQ925432). The mechanism of radiation resistance and gene level expression were examined by proteomic analysis of whole-cell extract. Two proteins, 38 kDa and 86.5 kDa excised from SDS-PAGE, which showed more significant changes after radiation exposure, were identified by MALDI-TOF as being flagellin and S-layer protein, respectively. Twenty selected 2-DE protein spots from the crude extracts of Bacillus sp. HKG 112, excised from 2- DE, were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) out of which 16 spots showed significant changes after radiation exposure and might be responsible for the radiation resistance property. Our results suggest that the different responses of some genes under radiation for the expression of radiation-dependent proteins could contribute to a physiological advantage and would be a significant initial step towards a fullsystem understanding of the radiation stress protection mechanisms of bacteria in different environments.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5849-5855
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• 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine pretreatment effects of moderate-term endurance training before the various dosages (10 and $20{_{mg.kg}}^{-1}$) of DOX on a heat shock protein ($HSP_{70kda}$) and cardiotoxicity in heart tissue. Methods: Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to nontraining (NT) and training (T) groups and three subgroups; $DOX{_{10mg.kg}}^{-1}$ and $DOX{_{20mg.kg}}^{-1}$ and saline treatment. The training program included treadmill running between 25-39 min/day and 15-17 m/min, 5 days/wk for 3 wk. Result: DOX administration, in particularly with $20{_{mg.kg}}^{-1}$, caused up-regulation of oxidants and cardiac damage (MDA, CK, CPK-MB and CK/CPK-MB) and down-regulation of cardioprotection ($HSP_{70}$, SOD) markers, as compared to NT+saline group. Pretreatment effect of treadmill running endurance exercise in the presence of DOX with $10{_{mg.kg}}^{-1}$ caused a significant increase in $HSP_{70}$, SOD and a significant decrease in MDA and insignificant decrease in CK, CPK-MB and CK/CPK-MB, in comparison $T+DOX_{10}$ with $NT+DOX_{10}$ group. However, there was no significant difference between $T+DOX{_{10mg.kg}}^{-1}$ and $T+DOX{_{20mg.kg}}^{-1}$ in the aforesaid markers. Conclusion: Dox-induced cardiotoxicity is related to oxidative stress. Our study suggests that pretreatment with endurance exercise may be considered as a potentially useful strategy to improve myocardial tolerance against single dose DOX-induced oxidative damage.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.57-70
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• 2012

The apoptotic process of gastric mucosa triggered by induction of proapoptotic gene expression, such as Bax. Stress-inducing factors may affect Bcl-2/Bax ratio and thus the rate of apoptosis through modulation of the expression of both proteins depending upon the experimental model. TGF-${\beta}$ is believed to be essential in wound healing for regulation of cell growth and differentiation and is known to be involved in tissue repair and remodeling. The polypeptide growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), regulate essential cell functions involved in tissue healing including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the oral administration of $Hwangyeon-tang$ (HYT) would have protect effects on gastric ulcer in rat. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=40) were randomly divided into 4 groups ; Normal, Saline, Cimetidine and HYT group. The saline, cimetidine and HYT extract were orally administrated to each group and gastric ulcer was induced with HCl/EtOH solution. After 1 hour, the stomachs were collected for histological observation and immunohistochemistry. In Results, the wound healing of gastric ulcer was promoted by HYT and the significant alterations of BAX/Bcl-2, TGF-${\beta}1$ and VEGF proteins in gastric mucosa were observed. These results suggest that Fritillaria ussuriensis extract promotes wound healing and has protective effects on gastric ulcer in rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2011

Gastric ulcer has multifactorial etiology, and the development of ulcer is known to be caused by gastric acidity, pepsin secretion, gastric motility and gastric mucosal blood flow. The ulcer results from the tissue necrosis and apoptotic cell death triggered by mucosal ischemia, free radical formation and cessation of nutrient delivery. The gastric mucosa is usually exposed to a wide range of aggressive insults, and has developed efficient mechanisms to repair tissue injury. The apoptotic process of gastric mucosa is triggered by the induction of such proapoptotic gene expression, such as BAX. The Bcl-2 family of proteins plays a pivotal role in the regulation of apoptosis. The maintenance of gastric mucosa integrity depends upon the ratio between cell proliferation and cell death. Stress-inducing factors may affect Bcl-2/BAX ratio and thus the rate of apoptosis through modulation of the expression of both proteins depends upon the experimental model. In addition to the regulation of apoptosis, new vessels have to be generated in order to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the healing gastric mucosa. This events are regulated by several factors. Among them, such polypeptide growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates essential cell functions involved in tissue healing including cell proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this study was carried to investigate whether Rhei Rhizoma administration might protect apoptotic cell death and promote angiogenesis in gastric mucosa. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; normal, saline, cimetidine and Rhei Rhizoma-treated group. The saline, cimetidine and Rhei Rhizoma extracts were orally administrated to each group and gastric ulcer was induced by HCl-EtOH solution. After 1 hour, the stomachs were collected for histological observation and immunohistochemistry. In results, Rhei Rhizoma proves to promote to heal wound in gastric ulcer in conclusion and the significant changes of BAX, Bcl-2 and VEGF quantity in gastric mucosa were observed. These results suggest that Rhei Rhizoma extract may promote incision wound healing and has protective effects on gastric ulcer in rats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.825-831
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritive value of some legume species in salt-affected soils of South-East Anatolian region using chemical composition and in vitro gas production kinetics. In this study, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium alexandrinum, Medicago sativa were sown and tested in four different locations. A 3 by 4 factorial design with 3 legume species and 4 salt levels (non salty electrical conductivity (EC)<4 dS/m; low salt: 4 dS/m>EC<8 dS/m, medium saline: 8 dS/m>EC<16 dS/m and high salt: 16 dS/m>EC) was used in the study. Results indicated that salinity and plants had no significant effect on ash and ether extract. Dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber, digestible dry matter, dry matter intake (DMI) were affected by plant, salinity and plant${\times}$salinity interaction. On the other hand neutral detergent fiber, relative feed value (RFV), and DMI were affected by salinity and plant${\times}$salinity interaction. Mineral contents were affected by plant species, salinity and salinity${\times}$plants interactions. In vitro gas production, their kinetics and estimated parameters such as were not affected by salinity whereas the gas production up to 48 h, organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy lactation ($NE_L$) were affected by plant and plant${\times}$salt interaction. Generally RFVs of all species ranged from 120 to 210 and were quite satisfactory in salty conditions. Current results show that the feed value of Medicago sativa is higher compared to Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium alexandrinum.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.656-661
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• 2006

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a widely used anticancer drug, but at high dose, it can produce undesirable side effects such as hepatotoxicity. Because silymrin has been used to treat liver disorders, the protective effect of silymarin on CDDP -induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Hepatotoxicity was determined by changes in serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST], nitric oxide [NO] levels, albumin and calcium levels, and superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSHPx] activities, glutathione content, malondialdehyde [MDA] and nitric oxide [NO] levels in liver tissue of rats. Male albino rats were divided into four groups, 10 rats in each. In the control group, rats were injected i.p. with 0.2 ml of propylene glycol in saline 75/25 (v/v) for 5 consecutive days [Silymarin was dissolved in 0.2 ml of propylene glycol in saline 75/25 v/v]. The second group were injected with CDDP (7.5 mg /kg, I.P.), whereas animals in the third group were i.p. injected with silymarin at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days. The Fourth group received a daily i.p. injection of silymarin (100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) 1 hr before a single i.p. injection of CDDP (7.5 mg/kg). CDDP hepatotoxicity was manifested biochemically by an increase in serum ALT and AST, elevation of MDA and NO in liver tissues as well as a decrease in GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GSHPx in liver tissues. In addition, marked decrease in serum NO, albumin and calcium levels were observed. Serum ALT, AST, liver NO level, MDA was found to decreased in the combination group in comparison with the CDDP group. The activities of SOD, GSHPx, GSH and serum NO were lower in CDDP group than both the control and CDDP pretreated with silymarin groups. The results obtained suggested that silymarin significantly attenuated the hepatotoxicity as an indirect target of CDDP in an animal model of CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.16-24
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• 2014

Objectives: Alcohol abuse is a public issue and one of the major causes of liver disease worldwide. This study was aimed at investigating the protective effect of Ganoderma lucidum pharmacopuncture (GLP) against hepatotoxicity induced by acute ethanol (EtOH) intoxication in rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each: normal, control, normal saline pharmacopuncture (NP) and GLP groups. The control, NP and GLP groups received ethanol orally. The NP and the GLP groups were treated daily with injections of normal saline and Ganoderma lucidum extract, respectively. The control group received no treatment. The rats in all groups, except the normal group, were intoxicated for 6 hours by oral administration of EtOH (6 g/kg BW). The same volume of distilled water was administered to the rats in the normal group. Two local acupoints were used: Qimen (LR14) and Taechung (LR3). A histopathological analysis was performed, and the liver function and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Results: GLP treatment reduced the histological changes due to acute liver injury induced by EtOH and significantly reduced the increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme; however, it had an insignificant effect in reducing the increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme. It also significantly ameliorated the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the catalase (CAT) activities. Conclusion: The present study suggests that GLP treatment is effective in protecting against ethanol-induced acute hepatic injury in SD rats by modulating the activities of ethanol-metabolizing enzymes and by attenuating oxidative stress.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2019

Objectives: Paclitaxel (PTX) as an anticancer drug used against solid cancers, possesses adverse reactions such as neuropathic pain which has confined its use. PTX-induced neuropathic pain is mediated via activation of oxidative stress. Berberine (BER), an isoquinoline phytochemical found in several plants, exerts strong antioxidant and painkilling properties. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate pain-relieving effect of BER in a mouse model of PTX-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: This study was done using 42 male albino mice that were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) as follow: Sham-operated (not treated with PTX), negative control group (PTX-treated mice receiving normal saline), BER 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (PTX-treated mice receiving BER) and positive control group (PTX-treated mice receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg). Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal administration of four doses of PTX (2 mg/kg/day) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Then, on day 7, hot plate test was done to assess latency to heat to measure possible anti-neuropathic pain effect of BER. Results: Four doses of PTX 2 mg/kg/day induced neuropathy that was reduced by BER at all time-points (i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) after injection (P < 0.001 in comparison to control). The statistical analysis of data showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001 in comparison to negative control), at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection of BER 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg; in other words, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after BER administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced as compared to normal saline-treated mice. Conclusion: Altogether, our results showed that PTX could induce neuropathic pain as reflected by hyperalgesia and BER could alleviate PTX-induced thermal hyperalgesia.