• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.210-217
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• 2023

Background: Effects of the major ginsenoside Rg1 on mammalian longevity and physical vitality are rarely reported. Purpose: To examine longevity, tumor, and spontaneous locomotor activity in rats consuming Rg1. Methods: A total of 138 Wistar rats were randomized into 2 groups: control (N = 69) and Rg1 (N = 69). Rg1 (0.1 mg/kg per day) were orally supplemented from 6 months of age until natural death. Spontaneous mobility was measured by video-tracking together with body composition (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and inflammation markers at 5, 14, 21, and 28 months of age. Results: No significant differences in longevity (control: 706 days; Rg1: 651 days, p = 0.77) and tumor incidence (control: 19%; Rg1: 12%, p = 0.24) were observed between the two groups. Movement distance in the control group declined significantly by ~60% at 21 months of age, together with decreased TNF-α (p = 0.01) and increased IL-10 (p = 0.02). However, the movement distance in the Rg1 group was maintained ~50% above the control groups (p = 0.01) at 21 months of age with greater magnitudes of TNF-α decreases and IL-10 increases. Glucose, insulin, and body composition (bone, muscle and fat percentages) were similar for both groups during the entire observation period. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest a delay age-dependent decline in physical vitality during late life by lifelong Rg1 consumption. This improvement is associated with inflammatory modulation. Significant effects of Rg1 on longevity and tumorigenesis were not observed.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.217-224
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• 2009

Inhaled inorganic dusts such as coal can cause inflammation and fibrosis in the lung called pneumoconiosis. Chronic inflammatory process in the lung is associated with various cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Expression of some cytokines mediates inflammation and leads to tissue damage or fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of blood cytokines interleukin (IL)-$1\beta$, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and monocyte chemoatlractant protein (MCP)-1 among 124 subjects (control 38 and pneumoconiosis patient 86) with category of chest x-ray according to International Labor Organization (ILO) classification. The levels of serum IL-8 (p= 0.003), TNF-$\alpha$ (p=0.026), and MCP-1 (p=0.010) of pneumoconiosis patients were higher than those of subjects with the control. The level of serum IL-8 in the severe group with the small opacity (ILO category II or III) was higher than that of the control (p=0.035). There was significant correlation between the profusion of radiological findings with small opacity and serum levels of IL-$1\beta$(rho=0.218, p<0.05), IL-8 (rho=0.224, p<0.05), TNF-$\alpha$ (rho=0.306, p<0.01), and MCP-1 (rho=0.213, p<0.01). The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8, however, did not show significant difference between pneumoconiosis patients and the control. There was no significant correlation between serum levels of measured cytokines and other associated variables such as lung function, age, BMI, and exposure period of dusts. Future studies will be required to investigate the cytokine profile that is present in pneumoconiosis patient using lung specific specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), exhaled breath condensate, and lung tissue.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.369-379
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• 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with age, and amyloid beta ($A{\beta}$) is known to cause Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii extract and its fractions against $A{\beta}$-induced neurotoxicity in C6 glial cells. The cells treated with $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ showed a decrease in cell viability and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production compared with the non-treated cells. However, the cells treated with the C. japonicum var. maackii extract and its fractions increased the cell viability and inhibited the $A{\beta}$-induced ROS production. These results demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of C. japonicum var. maackii against $A{\beta}$. To further examine the protective mechanism, we measured inflammation and apoptosis related protein expressions. The cells treated with extract and fractions from C. japonicum var. maackii down-regulated inflammatory related proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, and IL-6, and attenuated apoptosis related proteins including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein/Bcl-2 ratio. In particular, the ethanol and ethylacetate fraction exhibited higher inhibitory effect against ROS production and apoptosis-related protein expressions among the extract and the other fractions. Therefore, this study demonstrated the protective effects of C. japonicum var. maackii extract and its fractions against $A{\beta}$-induced neurotoxicity in C6 glial cells through the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, suggesting that it might have potential as a therapeutic for AD.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.15
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• pp.6375-6379
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammation parameters and assess the utility of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a simple and readily available predictor for clinical disease activity in patients with nenign prostate hyperplasia BPH. We also aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory parameters with ${\alpha}$-blocker therapy response, and evaluate the potential association between NLR and the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: We examined 320 consecutive patients (July 2013-December 2013) admitted to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of the lower urinary tract at Bozok University. The mean age was 60 (range, 51-75) years. Complete blood count (CBC), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Correlations between PSA, CRP, ESR, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and NLR were assessed statistically. Patients were divided into two groups: high and low risk of progression. Results: NLR was positively correlated with IPSS (p=0.001, r=0.265), PSA (p=0.001, r=0.194), and negatively correlated with Qmax (p<0.001, r=-0.236). High-risk patients a had a higher NLR compared with low-risk patients, based on IPSS (p<0.001), PSA (p=0.013), and Qmax (p<0.001); however, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age (p>0.05), and prostate volume (p>0.05). Conclusions: NLR can predict BPH progression. We propose that increased inflammation is negatively associated with clinical status in BPH patients and suggest that NLR can give information along with LUTS severity which may be used as a readikly accessible marker for patient follow-up.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4135-4139
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• 2013

Inflammation is potential risk factor of various human malignancies. Inflammatory bowel syndromes such as ulcerative colitis are well known as risk factors for colon cancer. Here, we examined enhancing effects of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-associated inflammation on X-irradiation induced colonic tumorigenesis in Min and wild-type (WT) mice. Animals were X-irradiated at 1.5 Gy at 5 weeks of age (at 0 experimental week) and 2% DSS in drinking water was administered at 5 or 11 experimental weeks. Mice were sacrificed at 16 weeks and incidence and multiplicity of colonic tumors were assessed. Incidence of colonic tumors in Min mouse was increased from 33.3% to 100% (p<0.05) with X-irradiation alone, whereas no tumors were developed in WT mice. In DSS-treated Min mice, X-irradiation increased the number of colonic tumors. Total number of colonic tumors was increased 1.57 times to $30.7{\pm}3.83$ tumors/mouse with X-irradiation+DSS at 5 weeks comapared to $19.6{\pm}2.9$ in corresponding DSS alone group (p<0.05). When the duration of inflammation was compared, longer period of DSS effect promoted more colonic tumorigenesis. Collectively, we conclude that X-irradiation and DSS-induced inflammation act synergistically for colonic tumorigenesis.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.56-63
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• 2019

Aging is a complex and progressive process characterized by physiological and functional decline with time that increases susceptibility to diseases. Aged-related functional change is accompanied by a low-grade, unresolved chronic inflammation as a major underlying mechanism. In order to explain aging in the context of chronic inflammation, a new integrative concept on age-related chronic inflammation is necessary that encompasses much broader and wider characteristics of cells, tissues, organs, systems, and interactions between immune and non-immune cells, metabolic and non-metabolic organs. We have previously proposed a novel concept of senescent (seno)-inflammation and provided its frameworks. This review summarizes senoinflammation concept and additionally elaborates modulation of senoinflammation by calorie restriction (CR). Based on aging and CR studies and systems-biological analysis of Omics big data, we observed that senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) primarily composed of cytokines and chemokines was notably upregulated during aging whereas CR suppressed them. This result further strengthens the novel concept of senoinflammation in aging process. Collectively, such evidence of senoinflammation and modulatory role of CR provide insights into aging mechanism and potential interventions, thereby promoting healthy longevity.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Stroke is the second cause of death worldwide, although the survival period is increasing after the occurrence of stroke, severe physical disability is caused with aftereffect. Oral inflammation is not limited to the oral cavity, it can cause malignant changes in other tissues and organs. In previous studies, we confirmed the relationship between tooth loss and stroke due to periodontal inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health and stroke such as oral hygiene behavior, tooth loss and periodontal disease among Korean adults over 40 years of age. This study was analyzed using the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. A total of 3,389 adults over 40 years of age were analyzed as final subjects. Socioeconomic statuses and oral health status was analyzed using a complex sample analysis technique. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship of oral health and stroke, and 95% confidence intervals were computed using SPSS. When the prevalence of stroke according to oral hygiene behavior was checked, the prevalence of strokes was lower in subjects who had a lot of brushings per day and subjects who used oral hygiene products (p<0.05). The risk of stroke was 2.17 times (95% confidence interval, 1.43~3.28) higher in the group with less than 19 remaining teeth, but it was not statistically significant as a result of adjusting for age and sex, income level, education level, drinking and smoking (p>0.05). Loss of teeth was found to be associated with the risk factor of stroke. Therefore, loss of teeth due to periodontal disease is an additional issue that should be considered as a risk factor for stroke.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.59-63
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• 2019

Purpose: This study evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of maxillary antroliths using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans performed for maxillofacial diagnostic purposes. Materials and Methods: CBCT scans of 13,946 patients over the age of 20 were reviewed for maxillary antroliths, and prevalence according to sex, age, and the side of the jaw was calculated. The relationships of single or multiple antroliths with sex, side, and the degree of sinus inflammation were evaluated. The shape and dimension of antroliths were also assessed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square or Fisher exact tests, and Kendall's tau-b. Results: A total of 138 (0.99%) of the 13,946 patients showed an antrolith in at least 1 sinus. Only 18 patients presented a bilateral manifestation, which brought the total number of sinuses containing an antrolith to 156 (0.56%). Multiple antroliths were observed in 36 sinuses, and the total number of antroliths was 207: 110 punctate, 65 linear, and 32 amorphous. The antrolith dimensions varied from $1mm^2$ to $91mm^2$ (average, $10.2{\pm}15.5mm^2$). No statistically significant differences were found according to sex, side, and age group (P>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the multiplicity of antrolith and the degree of sinus inflammation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Cone-beam computed tomography is an effective modality for the detection of incidental antroliths. Maxillary antroliths were found to be very rare and were usually asymptomatic. Dentists should have a comprehensive understanding of their diagnosis and treatment in light of possible associated dental problems.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.259-269
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• 2010

Resistance training (RT) is associated with reduced risk of low grade inflammation related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The majority of the data studying cytokines and exercise comes from endurance exercise. In contrast, evidence establishing a relationship between RT and inflammation is more limited. This review focuses on the cytokine responses both following an acute bout, and after chronic RT. In addition, the effect of RT on low grade systemic inflammation such as individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes is reviewed. Cytokines are secreted proteins that influence the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of immune cells and other organ systems. Cytokines function as intracellular signals and almost all cells in the body either secrete them or have cytokine receptors. Thus, understanding cytokine role in a specific physiological situation such as a bout of RT can be exceedingly complex. The overall effect of long term RT appears to ameliorate inflammation, but the specific effects on the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha are not clear, requiring further research. Furthermore, it is critical to differentiate between chronically and acute Interleukin-6 levels and its sources. The intensity of the RT and the characteristics of the training protocol may exert singular cytokine responses and as a result different adaptations to exercise. More research is needed in the area of RT in healthy populations, specifically sorting out gender and age RT acute responses. More importantly, studies are needed in obese individuals who are at high risk of developing low grade systemic inflammatory related diseases. Assuring adherence to the RT program is essential to get the benefits after overcoming the first acute RT responses. Hence RT could be an effective way to prevent, and delay low grade systemic inflammatory related diseases.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2023

Background: Although microbial infection is direct cause of periodontal disease, various environmental factors influence the disease severity. Aging is considered a risk factor for oral diseases, with the prevalence of periodontal diseases increasing with age. Moreover, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expressed in age-related diseases is a key marker of chronic inflammation and aging phenotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the relevance of senescent cells to periodontal health and disease, investigate the possibility of regulating the expression of aging- and osteolysis-related factors in gingival fibroblasts, and investigate the effect of senescence induction in gingival fibroblasts on osteoclast differentiation in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Methods: After stimulation with 400 nM hydrogen peroxidase, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were examined for senescence-associated β-galactosidase. Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to assess the expression of SASP. Osteoclast formation was assessed in BMMs using a conditioned medium (CM) from hydrogen peroxide-stimulated HGFs. Osteoclastic differentiation was investigated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and activity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The expression of senescence-related molecules, including p53, p16, and p21, and the expression of osteolytic factors, including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17, were found to be significantly higher in the hydrogen peroxide-stimulated HGF than in the control group. Regarding the indirect effects of senescent gingival cells, the number of osteoclasts and TRAP activity increased according to the differentiation of BMM cultured in CM. Conclusion: Our results on the of between osteolytic factors and cellular senescence in gingival fibroblast cells helped to reveal evidence of pathological aging mechanisms. Furthermore, our results suggest that the development of novel therapies that target specific SASP factors could be an effective treatment strategy for periodontal disease.