• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.825-834
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• 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global disease that is in increasing incidence. The gut, which contains the largest amount of lymphoid tissue in the human body, as well as a wide range of nervous system components, is integral in ensuring intestinal homeostasis and function. By interacting with gut microbiota, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system, the intestinal barrier, which is a solid barrier, protects the intestinal tract from the external environment, thereby maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. Destruction of the intestinal barrier is referred to as developing a "leaky gut," which causes a series of changes relating to the occurrence of IBD. Changes in the interactions between the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota are particularly crucial in the development of IBD. Exploring the leaky gut and its interaction with the gut microbiota, immune cells, and the neuroimmune system may help further explain the pathogenesis of IBD and provide potential therapeutic methods for future use.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 2021

With the recent rapid improvement in the standards of life and westernization of dietary lifestyles, the consumption of high-calorie diets such as high-fat and high-protein red meat and instant foods has increased, while less vegetables containing dietary fiber are consumed. In addition to that, stress, erroneous dietary behaviors, and contaminated environments are linked to the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, which is on the rise. Another cause of ulcerative colitis is that involve laxative abuse, including repeated, frequent use of laxatives, and include such conditions as deteriorated bowel function, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, etc. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative evaluation of pharmacological efficacy between sulfasalazine alone and combination with herbal medicine on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Balb/c mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): group I-normal group, group II-DSS control group, group III-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg), group IV-DSS + sulfasalazine (60 mg/kg), group V-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg) + Radish Extract mixture (30 mg /kg) (SRE). DSS-treated mice developed symptoms similar to those of human UC, such as severe bloody diarrhea and weight loss. SRE supplementation, as well as sulfasalazine, suppressed colonic length and mucosal inflammatory infiltration. In addition, SRE treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules through suppression both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and prevented the apoptosis of colon. Moreover, SRE administration significantly led to the up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme including SOD and Catalase. This is the first report that Radish extract mixture combined with sulfasalazine protects against experimental UC via the inhibition of both inflammation and apoptosis, very similar to the standard-of-care sulfasalazine.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.684-691
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• 2010

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of resistant starch (RS) on the large bowel function and plasma lipids in rats with constipation induced by Loperamide. Animals were divided into six groups: normal control-5% cellulose, constipation-5% cellulose, constipation-5% pectin, constipation-5% RS-type 2 (RS2), constipation-8% RS2 and constipation-5% RS type 3 (RS3) groups, and fed experimental diets for five weeks. The results from RS groups were compared with those from other dietary fiber groups. The groups supplemented with RS3 or high level of RS2 showed significantly increased counts of bifidobacteria in the cecum than the other groups. The production of total short chain fatty acids in the cecal contents was significantly high in pectin, RS3 and high RS2 groups. The pH in the cecal contents of the RS supplemented groups was significantly decreased compared with the cellulose supplemented groups. The production of prostaglandin E2 in the colon mucus of the RS groups was higher than the normal group; however, it was significantly decreased compared to the cellulose or pectin supplemented constipated groups. The thickness of the mucus layer and the production of mucus from epithelial cells were significantly increased in RS3 group compared to the constipated cellulose group. Supplementation of resistant starch significantly elevated the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol and significantly lowered plasma atherogenic index compared with cellulose or pectin supplementation in constipated rats. The results of the present study demonstrated that resistant starch supplementation may help in improving the large bowel environment by stimulation of bifidobacterial proliferation, reduction of pH and inflammation factor and by increased production of mucus. It has also been found that an additional health benefit is improvement in lipid levels of serum.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.10
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• pp.327-331
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• 2018

Purpose: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly increasing, and several reports have described the renal complications of IBD. We sought to evaluate the clinical manifestations of renal complications in children with IBD in order to enable early detection and prompt treatment of the complications. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 456 children and adolescents aged <20 years who had been diagnosed with IBD since 2000. We analyzed patient age, sex, medication use, IBD disease activity, and clinical manifestations of renal symptoms. Results: Our study comprising 456 children with IBD included 299 boys (65.6%) and 157 girls (34.4%). The study included 346 children with Crohn disease and 110 children with ulcerative colitis. The incidence of kidney-related symptoms was 14.7%, which was significantly higher than that in normal children. We observed 26 children (38.8%) with isolated hematuria, 30 children (44.8%) with isolated proteinuria, and 11 children (16.4%) with hematuria and concomitant proteinuria. A renal biopsy was performed in 7 children. Histopathological examination revealed immunoglobulin A nephropathy in 5 children (71.4%). All children presented with mild disease and well-controlled disease activity of IBD. Conclusion: Children with IBD are more likely to show kidney-related symptoms than healthy children and adolescents are. Therefore, regular screening of urine and evaluation of renal function in such children are necessary for early detection of renal complications.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2006

Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) in rats are an unique autonomic ganglia, containing both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons related with the function of bladder, penis and bowel. It has been widely known that ionotropic $GABA_A$ receptors are the molecular target of $\gamma$-aminobutric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in central nervous system. However, their functions and regulations of $GABA_A$ receptors expressed in autonomic ganglia have been poorly understood. 1 examined the modulatory role of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A(PKA) on $GABA_A$-induced inward currents in the neurons of rat MPG. $GABA_A$ receptors were identified using immunofluorescent labeling in the rat major pelvic ganglion. Electrophysiological experiments were performed to record the activities of $GABA_A$ receptors. $GABA_A$ receptors were expressed only in sympathetic neurons. GABA induced marked inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner. Mucimol ($5{\mu}M$), a $GABA_A$ receptor agonist induced inward currents were significantly reduced in the presence of SQ 225361 $20{\mu}M$, a AC inhibitor and myristoylated PKA inhibitor 100 nM. In addition, forskolin ($1{\mu}M$), AC activator, augmented the GABA induced currents. The activation of AC/PKA-dependent pathway could involve in the regulation $GABA_A$ receptors, expressed only in sympathetic neurons of rat MPG. These findings are helpful for the better understanding the function of various pelvic organs innervated by MPG.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2001

Current scintigraphic tests of gastrointestinal motor function provides relevant pathophysiologic information, but their clinical utility is controversial. Many scintigraphic methods are developed to investigate gastrointestinal motility from oral cavity to colon. These are esophageal transit scintigraphy, oropharyngeal transit study, gastric emptying test, small bowel transit time measurement, colon transit study and gastroesopahgeal reflux scintigraphy. Scintigraphy of gastrointestinal tract is the most physiologic and noninvasive method to evaluate gastrointestinal motility disorders. Stomach emptying test is regarded as a gold standard in motility study. Gastrointestinal transit scintigraphy also has a certain role in assessment of drug effect to GI motility and changes alter therapy of motility disorders. Scintigraphy provides noninvasive and quantitative assessment of physiological transit throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and it is extremely useful for diagnosing gastrointestinal motor dysfunction. This article reviews the current procedures, indications, significance and guidelines for gastrointestinal motility measurements by scintigraphy.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2005

Health care providers working with IBS patients are challenged in that the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly defined and treatments are not universally effective (American College of Gastroenterology Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Task Force, 2002). Nurses often work with patients to identify factors provoking or alleviating symptoms and based on these observations hone strategies to manage symptoms. Understanding stress induced alterations in sleep and ANS function may provide important clues as to additional self-management strategies to test.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.63-66
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• 2005

The authors report a case of Currarino triad which had a congenital anorectal stenosis associated with a sacral defect and a presacral mass. A 1-year-old female presented with constipation since birth. Neurological deficits were not found on admission. She had had a diverting colostomy due to anorectal stenosis at another hospital before admission. Lumbar X-ray films showed bony defect caudal to the third sacral vertebra. Magnetic resonance image demonstrated a round cystic pelvic mass which was connected with a dural sac via anterior sacral defect. Posterior approach with Intradural removal of the presacral cystic mass was performed and followed by anoplasty by a pediatric surgeon. The cystic mass was verified histologically as mature teratoma with cystic change. Postoperatively, the urinary function and bowel movement remained intact. Currarino triad should be suspected and evaluated physically and radiographically in a case of congenital anorectal stenosis. Prompt recognition and close cooperation between pediatric surgeons and neurosurgeons is advisable to ensure adequate surgical treatment.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2005

Functional constipation is regarded as a long-standing symptomatic manifestation of abnormal defecation expressed by either a reduced frequency of bowel movements and /or an altered act of evacuation. Patients with constipation can be treated with laxatives, diets and regular habits. Thorough evaluation of functional constipation is considered in those in whom conservative treatment with dietary advice and use of laxatives fails. Patients with normal colonic transit and normal anorectal function may only need reassurance, education and dietary advice with fiber supplementation. For constipated patients in whom such treatment modalities fail, laxatives including bulk-forming and osmotic agents may be used Although most laxatives, if used intermittently, are relatively safe, they must be chosen bearing in mind possible side effects, patient compliance and their action mechanisms. A subgroup of patients with slow transit through the colon ay be unresponsive to conventional laxatives, and, in these subjects, a trial with enteroprokinetics and sometimes stimulant laxatives should be attempted. This article presents our view of the assessment and pharmacologic treatment of functional constipation.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.123-127
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• 2014

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is a cytokine inducing crucial inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}(TNF{\alpha})$ and IL-6 and its expression is elevated in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, as well as viral infections. IL-32 gene was first cloned from activated T cells, however IL-32 expression was also found in other immune cells and non-immune cells. IL-32 gene was identified in most mammals except rodents. It is transcribed as multiple-spliced variants in the absence of a specific activity of each isoform. IL-32 has been studied mostly in clinical fields such as infection, autoimmune, cancer, vascular disease, and pulmonary diseases. It is difficult to investigate the precise role of IL-32 in vivo due to the absence of IL-32 gene in mouse. The lack of mouse IL-32 gene restricts in vivo studies and restrains further development of IL-32 research in clinical applications although IL-32 new cytokine getting a spotlight as an immune regulatory molecule processing important roles in autoimmune, infection, and cancer. In this review, we discuss the regulation and function of IL-32 in inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.