• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.187-194
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• 2009

The kidney toxicities of WK-38 used for improvement of the vascular diseases, was examined using male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. The male and female rats were divided into 4 groups for intragastrical treatment with doses of 0, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, respectively. In all male and female rats treated with WK-38, no mortality and gross pathological findings were shown for 13 weeks. There was substantially no change in body weight in all rats with treatment of WK-38. Urine osmolality as renal functional parameters were not exchanged in all rats treated with WK-38. The renal functional parameters including electrolytes excretory rate, creatinine clearance, and solute-free water reabsorption were significantly augmented on account of increase in urinary volume in female rats treated with WK-38, but not male. In summary, this study demonstrates that WK-38 exhibits no toxicity on kidney in all male and female rats.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.141-148
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• 1969

The direct effect of isoproterenol on renal function, when given intravenously, is usually obscured by its potent hypotensive action. To obviate the latter action, isoproterenol was infused directly into one renal artery of the dog, the other kidney serving as a control for the general action. And following results were obtained. In the first series of experiments, the directic action of isoproterenol was ascertained. $1.0\;{\mu}g/kg/min$. reduced on both kidneys the urine flow, clearances of PAH and creatinine, as well as the amount of sodium excreted, but the effect was weaker on the experimental side than on contralateral side. With $0.1\;{\mu}g/kg/min$., two cases among 6 experiments showed marked diuresis, two cases no apparent effect, and another two marked antidiuresis on the experimental kidney, whereas the contralateral kidney exhibited antidiuresis in all cases. Further reducing the dose unmasked the diuretic action on the ,experimental kidney. In another series, the effects of isoproterenol on the blood flow distribution within the kidney and on sodium concentration gradient within the kidney tissue were observed. $0.05\;{\mu}g/kg/min$ isoproterenol markedly increased the medullary plasma flow and slightly increased total renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, along with concomitant increase in the amount of sodium excreted and osmolar clearance, and decrease in reabsorption of free water. Sodium concentration gradient markedly decreased in the experimental kidney, reaching 2/3 of the value observed in the contralateral kidney at the papilla. It is thus concluded that isoproterenol exerts a diuretic action, when infused directly into a renal artery, and the mechanism of the action rests on its hemodynamic action, substantiated as the increase in glomerular filtration and in the medullary blood flow, resulting in washout of hyperosmolality produced by the coutercurrent multiplier system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.588-593
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• 2002

Paraquat, one of the potent herbicides, causes fatal damage to many vital organs, when orally ingested, resulting in circulatory failure, respiratory distress syndrome, and a few other serious problems, but there is no known specific antidote against it. Of the possible problems related to paraquat intoxication, oliguric acute renal failure, which has been known to develop within 24 or 48 hours after intoxication, are notoriously life-threatening. So we attempted to investigate the clinical characteristics and progress of paraquat-induced acute renal failure and the therapeutic possibilities of herbal medicines. All of the fifteen subjects were treated with intravenous fluid injection of 5% dextrose saline or 10% dextrose water in conjunction with herbal medicines which were used for oral administration or gargling. Gamdutang, a decoction of Semen Glycin(黑豆 200g) and Radix Glycyrrhizae(甘草 100g) with addition of other herbs when necessary, was administered orally. At the same time, gargling fluid, consisted of Chinese ink(墨汁), char-frying powder of Rhei Rhizoma(大黃炒炭末), Succus phyllostachyos(竹瀝), was used to detoxify the oral cavity. Serum levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN) and Creatinine reached its peak on the third day of hospitalization, but then decreased and fell within the normal range on the 7th day and remained there. Serum levels of Na+ and K+ decreased down below the lower limits of normal range on the 7th day and on the 3rd day, respectively. Then they returned back within normal limits. Mean urine output on the 1st day of hospitalization was 1,050ml and it continuously increased to reach more than 2,000ml on the 14th day. From that day on, it stayed over 2,000ml. Fifteen cases of acute renal failure caused by paraquat intoxication were treated with combined treatments of oriental and western medicine in our hospital. However, we think that it is necessary to study further about the way to combine oriental and western medicine, to find out a more effective treatment method.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.321-328
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) on the xylene metabolism. Methods : Among 247 workers, 116 were occupationally exposed to xylene and 131 were not. Workers exposed to xylene had different work such as spray, touch-up, mix & assist, and pre-treat. Questionnaire variables were age, sex, use of personal protective equipment, smoking, previous night's drinking and work duration. The urinary methylhippuric acid was measured in the urine collected in the afternoon and corrected by urinary creatinine concentration. The genotypes of CYP2E1 and ALDH2 were investigated by using PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) methods with DNA extracted from venous blood. Results : 1. The urinary concentrations of o-, m-, and p-methylhippuric acid and total methylhippuric acid in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the non-exposed group (p<0.001). 2. In multiple regression analysis, the urinary methylhippuric acid concentration was significantly influenced by exposure grade (Job-exposure matrixes), smoking, drug use and kind of protective equipment (p<0.1). 3. Genetic polymorphism of CYP2E1 and ALDH2 did not affect urinary methylhippuric acid level in the exposed group (p>0.05). Conclusions : Exposure grade, smoking, drug use and kind of protective equipment affected urinary methylhippuric acid level, whereas genetic polymorphism of CYP2E1 and ALDH2 did not. However, further investigation for the effect of genetic polymorphism on the metabolism of xylene with a larger sample size is needed.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2016

The identification of biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) is clinically important. Acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients is closely associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Conventional biomarkers, such as serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), are frequently used to diagnose AKI. However, these biomarkers increase only after significant structural damage has occurred. Recent efforts have focused on identification and validation of new noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of AKI, prior to extensive structural damage. Furthermore, AKI biomarkers can provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms of this complex and heterogeneous disease. Our previous study suggested that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), which is excreted in the urine, is a sensitive biomarker for nephrotoxicity. To appropriately and optimally utilize PKM2 as a biomarker for AKI requires its complete characterization. This review highlights the major studies that have addressed the diagnostic and prognostic predictive power of biomarkers for AKI and assesses the potential usage of PKM2 as an early biomarker for AKI. We summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of biomarkers and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of AKI. This review will elucidate the biological basis of specific biomarkers that will contribute to improving the early detection and diagnosis of AKI.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.23-30
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• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba water extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups ; normal, STZ-control and Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (A) water extract-administrated group. Rats in which diabetic was induced by intraperitonal injection with STZ(60 mg/kg body weight). STZ-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated A extract daily for 5 weeks at doses of 200 or 500 mg/kg. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood urea nitrogen were measured in sera of rats. Total volume of urine and urinary creatinine were also measured. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining for the expression of insulin and ${\alpha}$-SMA in pancreas and kidney were performed, respectively. Results : There were no differences in body and kidney weights between STZ-control and A extract-administrated groups. However, serum triglyceride level was significantly decreased in A extract-administrated groups compared with those of STZ-control group. Histopathological analysis of pancreas and kidney revealed increased the number of islets and insulin-positive beta-cells in pancreas, and decreased morphological changes of glomerulus and ${\alpha}$-SMA expression in kidney after the administration of A extract. Conclusions : These results suggest that Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba has a biological action on STZ-induced diabetes in rats via decreasing the serum levels of total triglyceride, and suppressing the morphological changes of pancreas and kidney.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.349-357
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• 1998

The aim of this experiments was to investigate the effect of Semen Plantaginis extract on. the renal function, plasma renin activity, plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide and aldosterone in rats. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Water balance decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract. 2. Urine volume increased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract, 0.1ml/200g. 3. Urinary excretion of sodium decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract, 0.1 ml/200 g, 2week. 4. Urinary excretion of potassium decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract, 0.1 ml/200 g, 2week. 5. Urinary excretion of chloride decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract. 6. Free water clearance increased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract 0.1 ml/200 g, 2 week and 0.2 ml/200 g. 7. Urinary excretion of creatinine increased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract. 8. Plasma renin activity decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract, 0.2 ml/200 g. 9. Plasma levels of aldosterone decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract. 10. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) decreased significantly after the administration of Semen Plantaginis extract.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.8
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• pp.301-305
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• 2012

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare inborn error of amino acid metabolism. A defect in the glycine cleavage enzyme system results in highly elevated concentrations of glycine in the plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain, resulting in glycine-induced encephalopathy and neuropathy. The prevalence of NKH in Korea is very low, and no reports of surviving patients are available, given the scarcity and poor prognosis of this disease. In the current study, we present a patient with NKH diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, biochemical profiles, and genetic analysis. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allowed the measurement of absolute glycine concentrations in different parts of the brain that showed a significantly increased glycine peak, consolidating the diagnosis of NKH. In additional, serial MRS follow-up showed changes in the glycine/creatinine ratios in different parts of the brain. In conclusion, MRS is an effective, noninvasive diagnostic tool for NKH that can be used to distinguish this disease from other glycine metabolism disorders. It may also be useful for monitoring NKH treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.233-239
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• 1999

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of lactic acid bacterias (LAB; S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus) aluminum accumulation and function kidney in rats treated with 250 g/g aluminum sulfate for 4 weeks. Fifty male Sprague Dawley strains were divided into five groups according to the types of supplement. the control, S. thermophilus culture group(A), autoclaved S. thermophilus culture(B), L. acidophilus culture group(C) and autoclaved L. acidophilus(D). The weight gain was increased by supplementation of S. thermophilus culture(A), autoclaved S. thermophilus culture(B), L. acidophilus culture(C), autoclaved L. acidophilus culture(D), especially by supplementation of S. thermophilus cultured(A) as compared to control group. The amount of water intake was increased in control group as compared to the LAB supplemented group. The content of aluminum were decreased 19.57%, 31.25%, 37.10%, and 32.40% in kidney after supplementation of non autoclaved culture group (A,C), and autoclaved group(B,D) respectively, as compared to control group. Water balance, urine volume, and excretion of sodium and potassium decreased in LAB supplemented group and control group. Excretion of creatinine increased in control group and tendency to increased in LAB supplemented group. In conclusion, the effect of suppression of aluminum accumulation was more effective in sup plementation of S. thermophilus culture(A), and L. acidophilus culture(C) than autoclaved S. thermo philus culture(B), and L. acidophilus culture(D).

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.187-193
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• 2013

The effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on diabetic renal damage was investigated using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The diabetic rats showed loss of body weight gain, and increases in kidney weight and urine volume, whereas the oral administration of KRG at a dose of 100 or 250 mg/kg of body weight per day for 28 d prevented these diabetes-induced physiological abnormalities. Among the kidney function parameters, elevated plasma levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in diabetic control rats tended to be lowered in KRG-treated rats. In addition, administration of KRG at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight in the diabetic rats showed significant decreases in serum glucose and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), implying that KRG might prevent the pathogenesis of diabetic complications caused by impaired glucose metabolism and oxidative stress. KRG also significantly reduced advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation and secretion from kidney of diabetic rats. Furthermore, KRG decreased the levels of N-(carboxymethyl) lysine and expression of AGE receptor. KRG also reduced the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the kidney via deactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B. We also found that KRG prevented STZ-induced destruction of glomerular structure and significantly suppressed high glucose-induced fibronectin production. Taken together, KRG ameliorates abnormalities associated with diabetic nephropathy through suppression of inflammatory pathways activated by TNF-${\alpha}$ and AGEs. These findings indicate that KRG has a beneficial effect on pathological conditions associated with diabetic nephropathy.