• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.113-122
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• 2018

Objectives : Alcoholic fatty liver is an early and reversible consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. The initial hepatocyte cell death stimulates subsequent inflammatory responses, leading to further liver injury and fibrosis. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of Injinsaryung-san extract on the alcoholic fatty liver by chronic EtOH administration. Method : Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. All animals were randomly divided into Normal group, treated with saline (n=10); EtOH group, treated with ethanol (n=10); EtOH+IS group, treated with ethanol+Injinsaryung-san extract (n=10). For oral administration of ethanol in Control and Sample group, the ethanol was dissolved in distilled water in concentrations of 25%(v/v). Throughout the experiment of 8 week, the rats were allowed free access to water and standard chow. Sample group were administrated by Injinsaryung-san extract daily for 8 weeks. Results : The levels of hepatic marker such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were altered. Histopathological changes were reduced and the expression of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) was markedly attenuated by Injinsaryung-san extract. Conclusion : These data suggest that Injinsaryung-san extract could be effective in protecting the liver from alcoholic fatty liver. The hepatoprotective mechanisms of Injinsaryung-san may be related to attenuation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ protein, as well as to the inhibition of inflammatory response in the liver. Therefore, Injinsaryung-san can be a candidate to protect against alcoholic fatty liver.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.158-167
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• 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of vertebral fracture (VF) in children with chronic liver disease (CLD) with and without liver transplantation (LT) and to determine the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients aged 3-21 years with CLD both before and after LT were enrolled in the study. Lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs were obtained and assessed for VF using Mäkitie's method. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Results: We enrolled 147 patients (80 females; median age 8.8 years [interquartile range 6.0-11.8]; 110 [74.8%] in the LT group and 37 [25.2%] in the non-LT group). VF was identified in 21 patients (14.3%): 17/110 (15.5%) in the LT group and 4/37 (10.8%) in the non-LT group (p=0.54). Back pain was noted in only three patients with VF. In the univariate analysis, a height z-score below -2.0 (p=0.010), pre-LT hepatopulmonary syndrome (p=0.014), elevated serum direct and total bilirubin levels (p=0.037 and p=0.049, respectively), and vitamin D deficiency at 1-year post-LT (p=0.048) were associated with VF in the LT group. In multivariate analysis, height z-score below -2.0 was the only significant associated factor (odds ratio, 5.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-23.76; p=0.012) for VF. All VFs in the non-LT group were reported in males. Conclusion: In children with CLD, VF is common before and after LT. Most patients with VF are asymptomatic. Screening for VF should be considered in patients with a height z-score below -2.0 after LT.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.213-221
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• 1996

In order to develop a suitable secondary renal disease model and diagnostic markers of renal disease in the rat, the change of PIIIP (aminoterminal procollagen III peptide) in serum and hydroxyproline levels in the renal tissue that reflect the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) during development of experimental renal diseases were observed. Two types of experimental primary diseases, diabetes mellitus administrated by streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg/kg, i.p.) and liver cirrhosis produced by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/s) operation, were induced. The hydroxyproline level increased according to the high PIIIP and NCl(carboxyterminal procollagen IV peptide) in Western blot analysis as early as 1 week in the STZ treated-rat kidney. Increased renal ECM was observed at 15 weeks in STZ and BDL/s model under the microscopic examination. High PAS positive reaction was found in capillary basement membrane in STZ treated-rats and mesangium in BDL/s operated rats at this time, showing the histological characteristics of diabetic nephropathy and cirrhotic glomerulonephritis in human, respectively. Such secondary renal failure were supported by additional tests including urinalysis and renal function test. The serum PIIIP detected by ELISA was a useful parameter to estimate synthesis rate of renal ECM during development of renal disease without extrarenal fibrosis i.e. liver cirrhosis in rats. This study is proposed that STZ treatment or BDL/s operation may be a suitable experimental animal model for the induction and development of chronic secondary renal diseases. Morover, it was found that hydroxyproline level in renal tissues was a good parameter of the change of renal ECM at the early stage of the diseases without apparent histological changes. Especially, serum PIIIP could be a choice as a diagnostic or prognostic marker during the development of renal diseases in rats.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2020

Purpose: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic disease that may lead to cirrhosis. The immunopathogenesis of AIH is not fully understood and it mainly involves T-cell mediated mechanism. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that promotes T cell response and its polymorphism may serve as a severity marker of AIH. No previous study has considered investigating MIF polymorphism in children with AIH. Methods: Forty-two children with definite diagnosis of AIH were enrolled along with 100 age and sex matched controls. All participants were tested for polymorphism at -173GC (rs755622) of MIF gene. All patients received the standard protocol of steroid plus azathioprine to achieve remission. Liver biopsy was performed at time of diagnosis for all patients and only 18 of them underwent a second biopsy after treatment. Results: No statistically significant differences in the frequency of the genotypes GG and GC or in allele distribution were found in both patient and control groups (p=0.590, 0.640 respectively). Initial alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at the time of presentation was significantly higher in the GC group than GG group (p=0.020). GC genotype significantly correlated with disease relapse (r=0.41, p=0.007). Regression of necroinflammation and the fibrosis score in the second liver biopsy was statistically significant in the GG group (p<0.0001, p=0.010 respectively). Conclusion: MIF -173GC polymorphism is associated with clinically significant markers of pediatric AIH, including increased initial serum ALT levels, may help predict necroinflammatory/fibrosis regression effectively, following immunosuppressive treatment.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.153-169
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect and the effect on cell growth and apoptosis in YJCGT, YJCGT YSO and YJCGT YSCO on thioacetamide-induced rat liver tissue and the immortalized human hepatic cell line LX2. Materials and Methods : LX2 cells were treated with various concentrations (0, 50, 150, 300 ug/ml) of YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO extract for 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the treatment, cell viability was measured by using MTT assay. Caspase inhibitor assay, and cell viability were determined by a colorimetric assay with PMS/MTS solution. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal thioacetamide injection 150 mg/kg 3 times a week for 5 weeks. After the treatment, body weight, liver & spleen weights, liver function test, the complete blood cell count and the change of portal pressure were studied. After YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO treatment, percentages of collagen in thioacetamide-induced rat liver tissue were measured. Results : The viability of the LX2 cell decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure of LX2 cells to YJCGT, YJCGT+YSO and YJCGT+YSCO induced caspase-3 activation, but co-treatment of YJCGT, YJCGT+YSO and YJCGT+YSCO with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, and the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVE-FMK, blocked apoptosis. There was no difference in rat body weight between the thioacetamide only group and the YJCGT, YJCGT+YSO and YJCGT+YSCO groups. In the YJCGT, YJCGT YSO and YJCGT YSCO groups, the serum level of GPT significantly went down compared with the thioacetamide only group. In the YJCGT, Y+YSO, Y+YSCO groups, white blood cell elevated by thioacetamide injection decreased but RBC, Hgb, and Hct increased. In the Y+YSO group, the portal pressure elevated by thioacetamide injection significantly decreased. In the histological finding, thioacetamide injections caused severe fibrosis, but YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO treatment significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic collagens. Conclusions : YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO inhibit the growth of LX2 cells by inducing apoptosis through caspase activity. YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO have beneficial effects on the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as patients with chronic hepatitis.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.68.1-68.6
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• 2023

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a small wild cat assessed as an endangered wildlife in Korea. There have been very few reports of their diseases. Herein, we describe fibrinous pleuritis caused by Streptococcus canis infection with excessive pleural effusion, hydropericardium, mild ascites, and liver fibrosis in a leopard cat. S. canis is a commensal microflora in domestic cats and often affects the upper respiratory tract inducing chronic and severe respiratory diseases. However, there is no literature regarding the S. canis in leopard cats. Therefore, we first report fibrinous pleuritis associated with an S. canis infection in a leopard cat.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.853-863
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• 2005

Object : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of Artemisiae Capillaris Herba(ACH) on cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. Methods : Hepatic Stellate Cells were obtained from a 350gm Sprague-Dawley rat by tissue perfusion system, and the cells for the study were selected after 3 passages of culture on non-coated plastic culture dishes which enable the cells to activate, thus producing collagens in the cell media. Cells were treated with various concentrations of Artemisia Capillaris Herba(ACH) extract powder for 24 or 48 hours. After the treatment, Soluble collagen, procollagen levels and the mRNA of the procollagen type I C were measured by using assay kit and RT-PCR method. Results : Procollagen production by the hepatic stellate cells decreased after the treatment in a time-dependent dose-dependent manner. The mRNA expression decreased consistently with the volume of the secreted procollagen which indicates the herb hat inhibitory effect on fibrogenesis of the liver by regulating one of the fibrosis associated genes in transcription. Conclusion : These results suggest that ACH is beneficial in the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as for the patients with chronic hepatitis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.606-621
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• 2024

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of fermented Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (FPB) in ethanol-induced liver injury mice. As a result of amino acids in FPB, 18 types of amino acids including essential amino acids were identified. In the results of in vitro tests, FPB increased alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities. In addition, FPB treatment increased cell viability on ethanol- and H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells. FPB ameliorated serum biomarkers related to hepatoxicity including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamine pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase and lipid metabolism including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, FPB controlled ethanol metabolism enzymes by regulating the protein expression levels of ADH, ALDH, and cytochrome P450 2E1 in liver tissue. FPB protected hepatic oxidative stress by improving malondialdehyde content, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels. In addition, FPB reversed mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels. FPB protected ethanol-induced apoptosis, fatty liver, and hepatic inflammation through p-AMP-activated protein kinase and TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, FPB prevented hepatic fibrosis by decreasing TGF-β1/Smad pathway. In summary, these results suggest that FPB might be a potential prophylactic agent for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease via preventing liver injury such as fatty liver, hepatic inflammation due to chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.215-223
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• 2013

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of gadoxetic acid on the measurement of the stiffness value of MR elastography (MRE) used to evaluate hepatic fibrosis (HF). Materials and Methods: MRE was obtained in 32 patients with clinically suspected chronic liver disease, both before and after injection of gadoxetic acid. Two independent reviewers measured the stiffness values of the liver parenchyma on elastograms. The mean liver stiffness values were compared in the pre- and post-contrast MREs using the paired t-test. Intra-rater and inter-rater correlation was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of both pre- and post-contrast MREs was evaluated for the diagnosis of significant HF (${\geq}F2$) using cut off value of 3.1 kPa. Results: There were no significant differences in the stiffness values of the liver parenchyma on pre- and post-contrast MREs (p = 0.15 and 0.38 for each reader, respectively). Regarding intra-rater correlation, excellent agreement was noted on rater 1(ICC = 0.998) and rater 2 (ICC = 0.996). Excellent correlation regarding the measured stiffness values was noted on both pre- and post-contrast MREs (ICC = 0.988 for pre-contrast, ICC = 0.993 for post-contrast). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the pre- and post-contrast MREs for differentiating significant HF (${\geq}F2$) from ${\geq}F1$ were same as 71%, 60%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: As there was no significant difference in the stiffness measurements seen on MREs before and after administration of gadoxetic acids, it is therefore acceptable to perform MRE after contrast injection in order to evaluate HF.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.358-366
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• 2012

Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules leading to loss of liver function. Liver Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease, but has many other possible causes. Some cases are idiopathic disease from unknown cause. Abdomen of liver Computed tomography(CT) is one of the primary imaging procedures for evaluating liver disease such as liver cirrhosis, Alcoholic liver disease(ALD), cancer, and interval changes because it is economical and easy to use. The purpose of this study is to detect technique for computer-aided diagnosis(CAD) to identify liver cirrhosis in abdomen CT. We experimented on the principal components analysis(PCA) algorithm in the other method and suggested texture information analysis(TIA). Forty clinical cases involving a total of 634 CT sectional images were used in this study. Liver cirrhosis was detected by PCA method(detection rate of 35%), and by TIA methods(detection rate of 100%-AGI, TM, MU, EN). Our present results show that our method can be regarded as a technique for CAD systems to detect liver cirrhosis in CT liver images.