• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.675-702
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• 2023

Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of using Yijung-tang to treat chronic gastritis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The search was conducted using keywords such as "gastritis", "Lizhong", "Yijung", and "Chronic gastritis" on July 31, 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted according to outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), Traditional chinese medicine symptom score (TSS), gastric hormones, and symptom relief time, using the Review Manager website. Results: A total of 11 RCT studies were selected. The treatment group (Yijung-tang-gagam or Yijung-tang-gagam+Western medicine) showed significant improvement effects in terms of TER, TSS, serum gastrointestinal hormones (motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), and somatostatin (SS)), and symptom relief time compared to the control group (Western medicine). TER-RR : 1.20, 95% CI : 1.11 to 1.30, P≤0.00001, RR : 1.21, 95% CI : 1.14 to 1.28, P≤0.00001; MTL-MD : 35.99, 95% CI : 30.79 to 41.20, P≤0.00001); GAS-MD : 103.33, 95% CI : 97.62 to 109.04, P≤0.00001); SS : MD : -37.19, 95% CI : -41.75 to -32.64, P≤0.00001; symptom relief time (nausea)-MD : -1.96, 95% CI : -2.47 to -1.45, P≤0.00001; symptom relief time (colic)-MD : -1.75, 95% CI : -2.31 to -1.18, P≤0.00001. Conclusion: This study suggests that Yijung-tang is effective against chronic gastritis. However, the number of studies was insufficient, and the diagnosis and evaluation criteria were not standardized. Furthermore, because of the low quality of the included studies, more clinical studies need to be conducted to increase the possibility of clinical use.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.161-172
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• 2024

For sustainable development, better performance, and less gas pollution during rumen fermentation, there is a need to find a green and safe feed additive for ruminants. Cysteamine (CS) is a biological compound naturally produced in mammalian cells. It is widely used as a growth promoter in ruminants because of its ability to control hormone secretions. It mainly controls the circulating concentration of somatostatin and enhances growth hormone production, leading to improved growth performance. CS modulates the rumen fermentation process in a way beneficial for the animals and environment, leading to less methane production and nutrients loss. Another beneficial effect of using CS is that it improves the availability of nutrients to the animals and enhances their absorption. CS also works as an antioxidant and protects the cells from oxidative damage. In addition, CS has no adverse effects on bacterial and fungal alpha diversity in ruminants. Dietary supplementation of CS enhances the population of beneficial microorganisms. Still, no data is available on the use of CS on reproductive performance in ruminants, so there is a need to evaluate the effects of using CS in breeding animals for an extended period. In this review, the action mode of CS was updated according to recently published data to highlight the beneficial effects of using CS in ruminants.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.574-589
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• 2023

Radiopharmaceuticals targeting prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMA) are essential for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), particularly metastatic castration-resistant PCa, for which conventional treatment is ineffective. These molecular probes include [⁶⁸Ga]PSMA, [¹⁸F]PSMA, [Al¹⁸F]PSMA, [^99mTc]PSMA, and [⁸⁹Zr]PSMA, which are widely used for diagnosis, and [¹⁷⁷Lu]PSMA and [²²⁵Ac]PSMA, which are used for treatment. There are also new types of radiopharmaceuticals. Due to the differentiation and heterogeneity of tumor cells, a subtype of PCa with an extremely poor prognosis, referred to as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), has emerged, and its diagnosis and treatment present great challenges. To improve the detection rate of NEPC and prolong patient survival, many researchers have investigated the use of relevant radiopharmaceuticals as targeted molecular probes for the detection and treatment of NEPC lesions, including DOTA-TOC and DOTA-TATE for somatostatin receptors, 4A06 for CUB domain-containing protein 1, and FDG. This review focused on the specific molecular targets and various radionuclides that have been developed for PCa in recent years, including those mentioned above and several others, and aimed to provide valuable up-to-date information and research ideas for future studies.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.31 no.1 s.57
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• pp.11-15
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• 1995

Serotonergic neurons in medulla oblongata play an important role in the endogenous descending pain inhibitory system. To illucidate the factors involved in the regulation of medullary serotonergic neurons, we studied the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and agents acting on various second messenger systems on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release from cultured neurons of rat fetal (gestational age 14th day) medulla oblongata. Cultured cells maintained for 10 days in vitro were stimulated for 48 hours with CCK or other neuropeptides at 10 micromolar concentration. CCK ($10{\mu}M$) and substance P ($10{\mu}M$) significantly increased. 5-HT release. However, somatostatin, proctolin, thyrotropin releasing hormone, and interleukin-6 did not have any effects on 5-HT release. Nimodipine ($1{\mu}M$), a calcium channel blocker, almost completely, and calmidazolium ($1{\mu}M$), a calmodulin antagonist, significantly inhibited the CCK-induced 5-HT release. The total 5-HT content (intracellular 5-HT plus released 5-HT) was significantly increased by CCK. However, the intracellular 5-HT content was not significantly changed by CCK. Forskolin ($5{\mu}M$), an adenylate cyclase activiator, but not $2{\mu}M$ phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, significantly enhanced 5-HT release. The total 5-HT content (intracellular 5-HT plus released 5-HT) was significantly increased by forskolin. However, the intracellular 5-HT content was not significantly changed by forskolin. PMA had no effect on intracellular 5-HT levels. These results suggest that CCK regulates serotonergic neurons in the medulla oblongata by enhancing 5-HT secretion through calcium influx and caimodulin, and that cyclic AMP system but not protein kinase C system is involved in 5-HT release.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2009

Objectives : The objective of this study was to compare, the potency of toxicity of Cantharidin containing dried Mylabis phalerata (MP) extract and it's modifier. Methods ： They were monitored at dosage level 2,000, 1,000, 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg, respectively. Changes of body weight, clinical signs, mortality, LD50, macroscopic changes of gastrointestinal tract and liver were observed after single oral dose of test articles with changes of serum Gastrin and Somatostatin levels. Results ： Dosage-dependent decrease of body weight and/or gains were demonstrated in dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, the body weights were significantly increased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. Dosage-dependently detected clinical signs in dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, these clinical signs dramatically were decreased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. Dosage-dependent increase of mortality rates were observed in dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, the mortalities were significantly decreased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. The LD50 of dried MP extract in male mice was dramaticlly increased in their modify, 265.86 vs 426.99 mg/kg. Dosage-dependently increase of number of hemorrhagic and/or erythematous spots detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, these abnormal spots were dramatically decreased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. Dosage-dependently increase of degrees of enlargement and congestion detected in the liver of dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, these abnormal signs were dramatically decreased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. Dosage-dependently increase of serum gastrin levels of dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, these abnormal increase were dramatically decreased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. Dosage-dependently increase of serum somatostatin levels of dried MP extract-dosing groups, were also detected in modified and dried MP extract-dosing groups at 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group. However, below 500 mg/kg-dosing group, these abnormal increase were dramatically decreased compared to that of equal dosage group of dried MP extract-dosing group. Conclusions ： The toxicity of dried MP extract was reduced by their modify.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 1997

Insulin resistance is a prominent feature of diabetic state and has heterogeneous nature. However, the pathogenetic sequence of events leading to the emergence of the defect in insulin action remains controversial. It is well-known that prolonged hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia are one of the causes of development of insulin resistance, but both hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia stimulate glucose uptake in peripheral tissue. Therefore, it is hypothesized that insulin resistance may be generated by a kind of protective mechanism preventing cellular hypertrophy. In this study, to evaluate whether the acutely increased glucose uptake inhibits further glucose transport stimulated by insulin, insulin sensitivity was measured after preloaded glucose infusion for 2 hours at various conditions in rats. And also, to evaluate the mechanism of decreased insulin sensitivity, insulin receptor binding affinity and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein of plasma membrane of gastrocnemius muscle were assayed after hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies. Experimental animals were divided into five groups according to conditions of preloaded glucose infusion: group I, basal insulin ($14{\pm}1.9{\mu}U/ml$) and basal glucose ($75{\pm}0.7mg/dl$), by normal saline infusion; group II, normal insulin ($33{\pm}3.8{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($207{\pm}6.3mg/dl$), by somatostatin and glucose infusion; group III, hyperinsulinemia ($134{\pm}34.8{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($204{\pm}4.6mg/dl$), by glucose infusion; group IV, supramaximal insulin ($5006{\pm}396.1{\mu}U/ml$) and euglycemia ($l00{\pm}2.2mg/dl$), by insulin and glucose infusion; group V, supramaximal insulin ($4813{\pm}687.9{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($233{\pm}3.1mg/dl$), by insulin and glucose infusion. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique. The amounts of preloaded glucose infusion(gm/kg) were $1.88{\pm}0.151$ in group II, $2.69{\pm}0.239$ in group III, $3.54{\pm}0.198$ in group IV, and $4.32{\pm}0.621$ in group V. Disappearance rates of glucose (Rd, mg/kg/min) at steady state of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies were $16.9{\pm}3.88$ in group I, $13.5{\pm}1.05$ in group II, $11.2{\pm}1.17$ in group III, $13.2{\pm}2.05$ in group IV, and $10.4{\pm}1.01$ in group V. A negative correlation was observed between amount of preloaded glucose and Rd (r=-0.701, p<0.001) when all studies were combined. Insulin receptor binding affinity and content of GLUT4 were not significantly different in all experimental groups. These results suggest that increased glucose uptake may inhibit further glucose transport and lead to decreased insulin sensitivity.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 1999

An immunohisochemical study on the cerebral ganglion of the African giant snail, Achatina fulica. was conducted by applying the AB/AY staining and the avidin-bovine-peroxidase complex staining methods. The followings are the results obtained throughout the study. The cerebral ganglion of Achatina fulica is an ellipsoidal body of 2 x 1 mm in size, which is connected by the cerebral commissure of 1 mm in diameter. The cross-section through the cerebral ganglion, shaped like a butterfly, is divided into the medio-dorsal parts, the latero-dorsal parts, the caudo-dorsal parts, and the lateral lobes. In the medio-dorsal and latero-dorsal parts, the LG cells and the DG cells are found mixed, although the LG cells are dominant. In lateral lobe, however, the Y cells are quite dominant, while the LG cells and the DG cells are seldom found. The LG cells are 20-70 $\mu\textrm{m}$ in sizes and circular or ellipsoidal in shapes. They are stained light green with the AB/AY. 1 - 3 nucleoli are found in karyolymph, where granular chromantins are evenly distributed. In cytoplasm, it is found that the secretory granules are evenly developed.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.269-275
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• 1996

Biosynthesis and secretion of anterior pituitary hormones are under the control of specific hypothalamic stimulatory and inhibitory factors. Among them, Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) is the major stimulator of pituitary somatotrophs activating GH gene expression and secretion. Human GHRH is a polypeptide of 44 amino acids initially isolated from pancreatic tumors, and the gene for the hypothalamic form of GHRH is organized into 5 exons spanning over 10 kilobases (kb) on genomic DNA and encodes a messenger RNA of 700-750 nucleotides. Several neuropeptides classically associated with the hypothalamus have been found in the extrahypothalamic regions, suggesting the existence of novel sources, targets and functions. GHRH-like immunoreactivity has been found in several peripheral sites, including placenta, testis, and ovary, indicating that GHRH may also have regulatory roles in peripheral reproductive organs. Furthermore, higher molecular weight forms of the GHRH transcripts were identified from these organs (1.75 kb in testis; 1.75 and >3 kb in ovary). These tissue-specific expression of GHRH gene suggest the existence of unique regulatory mechanism of GHRH expression and function in these organs. In fact, placenta-specific and testis-specific promoters for GHRH transcripts which are located in about 10 kb upstream region of hypothalamic promoter were reported. The use of unique promoters in extrahypothalamic sites could be refered in a different control of GHRH gene and different functions of the translated products in these tissues. Somatotrophs and lactotrophs have been thought to be derived from a common bipotential progenitor, the somatolactotrophs, which give origins to either phenotypes. Although the precise mechanism responsible for the lactotroph differentiation in the anterior pituitary gland has not been yet clalified, there are several candidators for the generation of lactotrophs. In human, the presence of GHRH peptides with different size from authentic hypothalamic form in the normal anterior pituitary and several types of adenoma were demonstrated. Recently our group found the existence of immunoreactive GHRH and its transcript from the normal rat anterior pituitary (gonadotroph> somatotroph> lactotroph), and the GHRH treatment evoked the increased proliferation rate of anterior pituitary cells in vitro. The transgenic mouse models clearly shown that GHRH or NGF overexpression by anterior pituitary cells induced development of pituitary hyperplasia and adenomas particularly GH-oma and prolactinoma. Taken together, we hypothesize that the pituitary GHRH could serve not only as a modulator of hormone secretion but as a paracrine or autocrine regulator of anterior pituitary cell proliferation and differentiation. Interestingly enough, the expression of Pit-1 homeobox gene (the POU class transcription factor) was confined to somatotrophs, lactotrophs and somatolactotrophs in which GHRH receptors are expressed commonly. Concerning the mechanism of somatolactotroph and lactotroph differentiation in the anterior pituitary, we have focused following two possibilities; (1) changes in the relative levels or interactions of both hypothalamic and intrapituitary factors such as dopamine, VIP, somatostatin, NGF and GHRH; (2) alterations of GHRH-GHRH receptor signaling and Pit-1 activity may be the cause of lactotroph differentiation or pituitary hyperplasia and adenoma formation. Extensive further studies will be necessary to solve these complicated questions.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.223-231
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• 2018

Regulation of gastrointestinal hormones have been reported in animal models for constipation undergoing laxative therapy when administered herbal products. We undertook to investigate whether the laxative activity of gallotannin-enriched extracts isolated from Galla Rhois (GEGR) affects the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones, by examining the concentration of four hormones and the activation of their receptors in the loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation model. Stool parameters, including number, weight and water content, were significantly recovered in the Lop+GEGR treated group, relative to the Lop+ vehicle treated group; however, food intake and water consumption were maintained at a constant level. Also, a similar recovery was detected for thickness of mucosa, muscle and flat luminal surface in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Furthermore, concentration of the four gastrointestinal hormones evaluated, namely, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin (GAS), somatostatin (SS) and motilin (MTL), were lower in the Lop+vehicle treated group than the No treated group, but were remarkably enhanced in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Moreover, the downstream signaling pathway of MTL and SS receptors were recovered after GEGR administration. Results of the present study therefore indicate that the laxative effects of GEGR treatment may be tightly related with the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the Lopinduced constipation model.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.516-523
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise and/or L-arginine on abdominal fat, IGF-1 on GH/IGF-1 axis, fibrinogen, and PAI-1 in aged and obese rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a D-galactose aging inducing agent (50 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated and divided into four groups: aging-high fat diet group (AG+HF), AG+HF with L-arginine intake group (AG+LA), AG+HF with exercise group (AG+EX), and AG+EX with L-arginine intake group (AG+LA+EX). The experimental rats underwent treadmill training (60 min/day, 6 days/week at 0% gradient) for 12 weeks. L-arginine was given orally (150 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. After the experiment, blood was collected from the left ventricle and abdominal fat was extracted. The results showed that GH was significantly increased in AG+EX and AG+AL+EX. IGF-1 was significantly increased in both the AG+AL+EX and AG+EX group ($p$<0.05), while fibrinogen and PAI-1 were not significantly different among the groups. Abdominal fat was significantly decreased in the AG+LA, AG+EX, and AG+LA+EX groups ($p$<0.05) compared with the AG+HF group. In conclusion, this study suggests that exercise alone or L-arginine alone or a combination not only increases the GH and IGF-1 concentration, but also decreases the abdominal fat mass.