• Title/Summary/Keyword: combined Korean medicine treatment

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Clinicopathologic Characteristics and the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Patients at Both Extremes of Age (양극 연령층 위암 환자의 임상병리학적 특성 및 예후)

  • Song, Rack-Jong;Kim, Sun-Pil;Min, Young-Don
    • Journal of Gastric Cancer
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    • v.7 no.2
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    • pp.67-73
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    • 2007
  • Purpose: There have been several comparative studies that have focused on elderly groups of patients with gastric cancer. However, new criteria are needed for this elderly group because of the longer life span of Korean people. The diagnosis of gastric cancer has sometimes been missed in the young age group. The perioperative risk is high in the elderly age group because of their combined diseases. This study was designed to determine the differences of the clinicopathologic features and the prognosis between young and elderly patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients were divided in two groups and these patients were selected for making comparison between young and elderly groups of patients with gastric cancer. The young age group consisted of 31 patients who were aged 35 years old or less. The elderly age group was made up of 49 patients who were aged 75 years old or above. Results: For the clinicopathologic features, the young age group was characterized by a high incidence of the poorly differentiated type of adenocarcinoma and the diffuse type too, according to the Lauren classification. On the other hand, the elderly group was characterized by a high incidence of poorly to moderate differentiated adenocarcinoma and also the intestinal type according to the Lauren classification. The other clinical differences were unremarkable. Additionally, there was no survival advantage in the young age group compared to the elderly group. Conclusion: There were no clinicopathologic and prognostic differences between both extreme age groups. So, active surgical treatment is recommended even for the elderly patients group.

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Arthroscopic Repair of Acute Posterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture with Autogenous Hamstring Tendon Graft Augmentation - Technical Note (급성 후방 십자 인대 파열의 관절경하 봉합술 및 자가 슬괵 이식건 보강술 - 수술 술기 -)

  • Ahn, Jin-Hwan;Lee, Sang-Hak;Sung, Kee-Lyong
    • Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.70-76
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    • 2005
  • Purpose: We describe a new technique of arthroscopic repair with using autogenous hamstring tendon graft augmentation for the acute posterior cruciate ligament rupture. Operative technique: A routine arthroscopic examination of the knee joint is initially performed, then the posterior trans-septal portal is prepared with the using the posteromedial and posterolateral portals. The torn tibial stump that is retracted to the posterior compartment is repaired by a suture hook that is introduced through the anteromedial portal; visualization during this procedure is done with the arthroscope via the posteromedial portal. Using the retrieved suture, both suture ends are brought out to the anteromedial portal. The torn tibial stump is pulled to the intercondylar notch and then repaired with stitches at the anterior compartment. After the tibial and femoral tunnels are prepared without damaging the remnant PCL bundle, the combined torn PCL fibers and the autogenous single-bundle semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts are passed through the femoral tunnel and fixed together Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of the torn tibial stump and autogenous hamstring tendon graft augmentation after preparing the tibial and femoral tunnels by using the trans-septal portal, without damaging the remnant PCL bundle, seems to be a very effective method for the treatment for acute PCL injuries, and especially for tears at the femoral attachment.

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The Effects of Cholates on Smooth Muscle Strips and Cardiac Muscle (담즙산(膽汁酸)이 수종평골근(數種平滑筋) 및 심근표본(心筋標本)에 미치는 영향(影響))

  • Ro, J.Y.;Cho, T.S.;Hong, S.S.
    • The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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    • v.16 no.1 s.26
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    • pp.41-50
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    • 1980
  • Chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA) has been used as a gallstone dissolving agent since 1972. Recently, ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) has been reported to be effective in dissolving gallstones. Both bile acids increased bile flow. The increase in bile flow associated with an increase in cholesterol level in bile after CDCA or UDCA infusion was reported. In this study, using the smooth muscle strips of guinea pig and fowl, responses of the cholates were observed. In addition, the influence of adrenergic blocking agents on the response of the strips to cholates was investigated. Also the effects of cholates on cardiac function were examined by using isolated atria of rabbit and heart of anesthetized frog. The results are as follows: 1) All cholates, such as UDCA, CDCA, and CA produced a marked inhibitory effect on the motility in isolated duodenal strip of guinea pig and fowl, however, only UDCA showed the contraction in the isolated esophagus of fowl. These effects of cholates were blocked by propranolol. 2) In isolated guinea pig stomach strip and gall bladder, cholates exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on the motility and the effects due to UDCA and CA were blocked by phenoxybenzamine while CDCA was not affected. 3) The spontaneous and ouabain induced arrhythmia was partially abolished by cholates. However, concomitant administration of cholates with ouabain or epinephrine caused a marked prolongation in occurrence of atrial arrhythmia in comparison with ouabain or epinephrine alone in isolated rabbit atria. 4) In the heart of anesthetized frog, the epinephrine-induced arrhythmia was partially abolished by cholates. The combined treatment with cholates and ouabain or epinephrine produced a marked prolongation in occurrence of the arrhythmia in comparison with, ouabain or epinephrine alone. From the above results, it can be suggested that the effects of cholates on the smooth muscle of duodenum and esophagus are produced in response to adrenergic ${\beta}$-receptor and the effect or gall bladder and stomach is more likely due to the direct effect on the muscle. In addition, cholates exhibit a slight antiarrhythmic effect on heart, therefore, cholates can be classified as a nonselective antiarrhythmic drug, such as propranolol.

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The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (두경부에 생긴 선양 낭포암의 치료에 있어서 방사선치료의 역할)

  • Kim, Won-Dong;Park, Charn-Ii;Kim, Kwang-Hyun
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.35-41
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    • 1992
  • Forty eight patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the head and neck treated between 1979 and 1990 were reviewed according to treatment modalities and clinical courses. The common site of origin was minor salivary gland ($69\%$), mostly hard palate and maxillary sinus. 11 patients received radiation therapy (RT) alone and 37 patients received combined surgery and radiation therapy. The follow-up period of the survivors ranged from 4 to 118 months (median 49.5 months). The 5 year local control rate was $69.3\%$, $67.3\%$ and 83.9$\%$ in RT alone, conservative operation (OP)+RT and radical OP+RT group, respectively (p>0.05). The control of local disease was best achieved with radical OP+RT. In postoperative RT, high dose ($\ge$60 Gy) and generous field size($\ge$64 cm$^2$) yielded a better local control rate. Actuarial overall survival rate was $79.0\%$, at 5 years and $19.2\%$ at 10 years. Distant metastases (DM) developed in $40\%$ of patients, mostly in the lung. Disease-free (NED) survival rate was $45.8\%$ at 5 years and significant differences did not exist according to primary sites and treatment options. Survival rate after the onset of DM was $19.5\%$ at 5 years. Occurrence of DM tends to lower survival significantly. In an effort to find the role of RT in the treatment of ACC, our data suggest that a well-planned postoperative RT employing a high dose and generous field size can produce high local control rate and remaining urgent problem of distant metastasis demands more effective chemotherapy for the purpose of improving survival of ACC patients.

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Combination Gene Therapy of Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase and Cytokines in Lung Cancer (폐암에서의 Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase 유전자 치료와 Cytokine 유전자 치료의 복합요법)

  • Kim, Gye-Su;Park, Kyung-Ho;Seal, Ja-Young;Yoo, Chul-Gyu;Lee, Choon-Taek;Kim, Young-Whan;Han, Sung-Koo;Shim, Young-Sao
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.51 no.2
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    • pp.135-146
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    • 2001
  • Background : One of the important mechanisms responsible for a tumor escaping the immune response is an absence of the tumor associated antigen (TAA) on the cancer cell surface. To overcome this, combination gene therapy using a herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSTK) gene, prototype of drug sensitizing gene, was conducted to enhance T AA release by cell destruction, as well as the cytokine genes for immune cell attraction. Methods : We investigated whether or not transduction with the adenovirus-HSTK (Ad-HSTK) enhanced the sensitivity of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) to ganciclovir (GCV) and induced a bystander effect. A Tumor vaccine trial was performed using LLC with ad-HSTK$\pm$ad-GM-CSF$\pm$ad-IL-2 to determine if they exhibit some antitumor effect on established lung cancer xenografts. Results : LLC with ad-HSTK revealed a much higher sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). LLC transduced with ad-HSTK and/or ad-IL-2, ad-GM-CSF showed a lower in vivo tumorigenicity. In the treatment experiment, vaccination with LLC transduced with ad-HSTK, ad-IL-2, or ad-GM-CSF alone modestly suppressed the growth of an established tumor. Combined transduction with HSTK and GM-CSF induced stronger growth suppression of a established lung cancer, while HSTK and IL-2 combination transduction did not have any antitumor effect on individual transduction. Vaccination with LLC-HSTK-GM-CSF increased the infiltration of dendritic cells in the spleen. Conclusion : It was concluded that a tumor vaccine transduced with HSTK and GM-CSF induces strong antitumor immunity by activating the dendritic cells.

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The Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Open Heart Surgery (심장세동의 수술요법)

  • Kim, Gi-Bong;Lee, Chang-Ha;Son, Dae-Won
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.287-292
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    • 1997
  • .Itrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias requiring treatment. About 60% of patients with mitral valvular disease have atrial fibrillation and one third of patients with atrial fibrillation may have the past history of thromboembolic events. Between April 1994 and June 1995, 20 patients with organic heart diseases combined with atrial fibrillation underwent open heart surgery including Cox-maze 111 procedure. There were 6 men and 14 women with an average age of 48 years (range, 31 to 66 years). Nineteen patients had valvular heart diseases and 1 ventricular septal defEct (VSD). Mean duration of atrial fibrillation was 36 months (:42 months) (range, 1 to 132 months). T e past medical history of thromboembolic events was positive in 7 patients (35%) and left atrial thrombus was detected in 9 patients (45%). The concomitant procedures were mitral valve replacement (MVR) and aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 5 patients, MVR in 4, MVd and tricuspid annuloplasty(TAP) in 4, mitral valvuloplasty(Mln) in 3, Mln and Tln in 1, MIW and coronary artery bypass surgery in 1, AVR in 1, and patch closure of VSD in 1. Mean aortic cross-clamping time was 175 minutes (range, 116 to 270 minutes). Atrial fibrillation recurred in 16 patients (80%) during the early postoperative period, but, recurrent atrial fibrillation was converted to regular rhythm at postoperative forty-first day in average. There was no early or late death in this series of 20 patients and postoperative complications were inappropriate tachycardia in 5 patients (25%), low cardiac output syndrome in 3 (15%), aggravated hemiplegic in 1, and acute renal failure in 1. Mean follow-up interval of patient was 16.5 months (range, 10.5 to 24 months) and all patients are currently in regular rhythm. Seventeen patients (85%) are in sinus rhythm and 3 (15%) in junctional rhythm. Right atrial contraction was detected in 95% of patients and left atrial contraction in 63% on postoperative transthoracic echocardiogram. The surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation concomitant with open heart surgery is warranted in the recent clinical setting of improved myocardial protection technique, considering the untoward side-effects of atrial fibrillation.

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CD45RA+ Depleted Lymphocyte Infusion for Treatment of Refractory Cytomegalovirus Disease in Complete DiGeorge Syndrome: A Case Report

  • HyungJin Chin;Young Hye Ryu;Da Yun Kang;Hyun Jin Park;Kyung Taek Hong ;Jung Yoon Choi;Ki Wook Yun;Bongjin Lee;Hyoung Jin Kang;Eun Hwa Choi
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.173-179
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    • 2023
  • Complete DiGeorge syndrome (cDGS) refers to DGS with profound T cell deficiency. Herein, we present the case of an infant with cDGS suffering from refractory cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and who was treated with CD45RA+ depleted lymphocyte infusion. The patient was diagnosed with cDGS by fluorescence in situ hybridization which verified 22q11.2 deletion and as well as by the observed profound T cell deficiency (CD3+ T cells 69/μL, CD4+ T cells 7/μL). On the 45th day of age, CMV viremia was first detected with a plasma viral load (VL) of 120,000 IU/mL. Ganciclovir treatment effectively reduced VL post 56 days of treatment; however, VL subsequently rebounded. A CMV UL97 phosphotransferase M460V mutation conferring ganciclovir resistance emerged and foscarnet was incorporated. Despite this, high titers of CMV viremia (VL 2,820,000 IU/mL) and CMV retinitis were complicated. To restore T cell immunity and treat refractory CMV infection, CD45RA+ depleted CMV-specific lymphocytes from the patient's father were infused twice on the 196th and 207th days after birth. After receiving the second infusion, a decline in CMV VL was observed, with a decrease to 87,100 IU/mL by the tenth day following infusion, despite the failure in maintaining T cell increase. The patient died of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sepsis on the 222nd day after birth. CD45RA+ depleted lymphocyte infusion may be a therapeutic option for refractory CMV disease in cDGS patients.

『황제내경소문(黃帝內經素問)·칠편대론(七篇大論)』 왕빙 주본(注本)을 통(通)한 운기학설(運氣學說) 관(關)한 연구(硏究)

  • Kim, Gi-Uk;Park, Hyeon-Guk
    • The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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    • v.4
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    • pp.109-140
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    • 1995
  • As we considered in the main subjects, investigations on the theory of 'Doctrine on five elements' motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣學說)' through 'Wang Bing's Commentary(王氷 注本)' of 'The seven great chapters in The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic Su Wen' ("黃帝內經素問 七篇大論") are as follows. (1) In The seven great chapters("七篇大論")' Wang Bing supplement theory and in the academic aspects as a interpreter, judging from 'forget(亡)' character. expressed in the 'The missing chapters("素問遺篇")', 'Bonbyung-ron("本病論")' and 'Jabeob-ron(刺法論)', 'The seven great chapters("七篇大論")' must be supplementary work by Wang Bing. Besides, he quoted such forty books as medical books, taoist books, confucianist books, miscellaneous books, etc in the commentary and the contents quoted in the 'Su Wen(素問)' and 'Ling Shu("靈樞")' scripture nearly occupy in the book. As a method of interpreting scripiure as scripture, he edited the order of 'Internal Classic("內經")' ascended from the ancient time and when he compensated for commentary, with exhaustive scholarly mind and by observing the natural phenomena practically and writing the pathology and the methods of treatment. We knew that the book is combined with the study of 'Doctrine on five elements motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣學說)' (2) When we compare, analyze the similar phrase of 'The seven great chapters in The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic Su Wen'("黃帝內經素問ㆍ七篇大論") through 'Wang Bing's Commentary(王氷 注本)', he tells abouts organized 'five elements(五行)' and 'heaven's regularly movement(天道運行)' rather than 'Emyangengsangdae-ron("陰陽應象大論")' in 'The seven great chapters("七篇大論")'. Also the 'Ohanunhangdae-ron("五運行大論")' because the repeated sentences with 'Emyangengsangdae-ron("陰陽應象大論")' is long they are omitted. And in the 'Youkmijidae-ron("六微旨大論")', 'Cheonjin ideology(天眞四象)' based on the 'Sanggocheonjin- ron("上古天眞論")', 'Sagijosindae-ron("四氣調神大論")' is written and in the 'Gigoupyondae-ron("氣交變大論")', the syndrome and symptom are explained in detail rather than 'Janggibeobsi-ron("藏氣法時論")', 'Okgijinjang-ron ("玉機眞藏論")' and in the 'Osangieongdae-ron("五常政大論")', the concept of 'five element(五行)' of the 'Gemgwejineon-ron("金櫃眞言論")' is expanded to 'the five elements' motion concept(五運槪念)' and in the 'Youkwonjeonggidae-ron("六元正紀大論")', explanations of 'The five elements' motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣)' function are mentioned mainly and instead systematic pathology is not revealed rather than 'Emyangengsangdae-ron("陰陽應象大論")'. And in the 'Jijinyodae-ron("至眞要大論")', explanations of the change of atmosphere which correspond to treatment principle by 'The three Yin and Yang(三陰三陽)' as a progressed concepts are revealed. Therefore there are much similarity between the phrase of 'Emyangengsangdae-ron("陰陽應象大論")' and 'chapters of addition(補缺之篇)'. Generally, the doctrine which 'The seven great chapters("七篇大論")' are added by Wang Bing(王氷) is supported because there are more profound concepts rather than the other chapter in 'The seven great chapters("七篇大論")'. (3) When we study Wang Bing's(王氷) 'Pattern on five elements motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣格局)' in 'The seven great chapter("七篇大論")', in the 'Cheonwongi-dae-ron("天元紀大論")', With 'Cheonjin ideology(天眞思想)' and the concepts of 'Owang(旺)'${\cdot}$'Sang(相)'${\cdot}$'Sa(死)'${\cdot}$'Su(囚)'${\cdot}$'Hu(休)' and 'Cheonbu(天符)'${\cdot}$'Sehwoi(歲會)' are measured time-spacially to the concept of 'Three Sum(三合)' the concept of 'Taeulcheonbu(太乙天符)' is explained. In the 'Ounhangdae-ron("五運行大論")', 'The calender Signs five Sum(天干五合)' is compared to the concepts of 'couples(夫婦)', 'weak-strong(柔强)' and in the 'Youkmijidae-ron("六微旨大論")', 'the relationship of obedience and disobedience(順逆關係)' which conform to the 'energy status(氣位)' change and 'monarch-minister(君相)' position is mentioned. In the 'Gikyobyeondae-ron("氣交變大論")', the concept of 'Sang-duk(相得)', 'Pyungsang(平常)' is emphasized but concrete measurement is mentioned. In the 'Osangieongdae-ron("五常政大論")', the detailed explanation with twenty three 'systemic of the five elements' motion(五運體系)' form and 'rountine-contrary treatment(正治. 反治)' with 'chill-fever-warm-cold(寒${\cdot}$${\cdot}$${\cdot}$凉)' are mentioned according to the 'analyse and differentiate pathological conditions in accordance with the eight principal syndromes(八綱辨證)'. In the 'Youkwonjeonggidae-ron("六元正紀大論")', Wang Bing of doesn't mention the concepts of 'Jungwun(中運)' that is seen in the original classic. In the new corrective edition, as the concepts of 'Jungwun, Dongcheonbu, Dongsehae and Taeulcheonbu(中運, 同天符, 同歲會, 太乙天符)' is appeared, Wang Bing seems to only use the concepts of 'Daewun, Juwun, and Gaekwun(大運, 主運, 客運)'. In the 'Jijinyodaeron("至眞要大論")', Wang Bing added detailed commentary to pathology and treatment doctrine by explaining the numerous appearances of 'Sebo, sufficiency, deficiency(歲步, 有餘, 不足)' and in the relation of 'victory-defeat(勝復)', he argued clearly that it is not mechanical estimation. (4) When we observe the Wang Bing's originality on the study of 'the theory of Doctrine on five elements' motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣學說)', he emphasized 'The idea of Jeongindogi and Health preserving(全眞導氣${\cdot}$養生思想)' by adding 'Wang Bing's Commentary(王氷 注本)' of 'The seven great chapters("七篇大論")' and explained clearly 'The theory of Doctrine on five elements' motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣學說)' and simpled and expanded the meaning of 'man, as a microcosm, is connected with the macrocosm(天人相應)' and with 'Atmosphere theory(大氣論)' also explained the meaning of 'rising and falling mechanism(升降氣機)'. In the sentence of 'By examining the pathology, take care of your health(審察病機 無失氣宜)'. he explained the meaning of pathology of 'heart-kidney-water-fire(心腎水火)' and suggested the doctrine and management of prescription. In the estimation and treatment, by suggesting 'asthenia and sthenia(虛實)' two method's estimation, 'contrary treatment(反治)' and treatment principals of 'falling heart fire tonifyng kidney water(降心火益腎水)', 'two class of chill and fever(寒熱二綱)' were demonstrated. There are 'inside and outside in the illness and so inner and outer in the treatment(病有中外 治有表囊)'. This sentence suggests concertedly. 'two class of superfies and interior(表囊二綱)' conforming to the position of disease. Therefore Wang Bing as an excellent theorist and introduced 'Cheoniin ideology(天眞思想)' as a clinician and realized the medical science. With these accomplishes mainly written in 'The theory of Doctrine on five elements' motion and six kinds of natural factors(運氣學說)' of 'The seven great chapters("七篇大論")', he interpreted the ancient medical scriptures and expanded the meaning of scriptures and conclusively contributed to the development of the study 'Korean Oriental Medicine(韓醫學)'.

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Mucin2 is Required for Probiotic Agents-Mediated Blocking Effects on Meningitic E. coli-Induced PathogenicitiesS

  • Yu, Jing-Yi;He, Xiao-Long;Puthiyakunnon, Santhosh;Peng, Liang;Li, Yan;Wu, Li-Sha;Peng, Wen-Ling;Zhang, Ya;Gao, Jie;Zhang, Yao-Yuan;Boddu, Swapna;Long, Min;Cao, Hong;Huang, Sheng-He
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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    • v.25 no.10
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    • pp.1751-1760
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    • 2015
  • Mucin2 (MUC2), an important regulatory factor in the immune system, plays an important role in the host defense system against bacterial translocation. Probiotics known to regulate MUC2 gene expression have been widely studied, but the interactions among probiotic, pathogens, and mucin gene are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MUC2 in blocking effects of probiotics on meningitic E. coli-induced pathogenicities. In this study, live combined probiotic tablets containing living Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus were used. MUC2 expression was knocked down in Caco-2 cells by RNA interference. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR), which enhances mucin-promoted probiotic effects through inducing production of Sadenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), was used to up-regulate MUC2 expression in Caco-2 cells. The adhesion to and invasion of meningitic E. coli were detected by competition assays. Our studies showed that probiotic agents could block E. coli-caused intestinal colonization, bacteremia, and meningitis in a neonatal sepsis and meningitis rat model. MUC2 gene expression in the neonatal rats given probiotic agents was obviously higher than that of the infected and uninfected control groups without probiotic treatment. The prohibitive effects of probiotic agents on MUC2-knockdown Caco-2 cells infected with E44 were significantly reduced compared with nontransfected Caco-2 cells. Moreover, the results also showed that 5-Aza-CdR, a drug enhancing the production of SAMe that is a protective agent of probiotics, was able to significantly suppress adhesion and invasion of E44 to Caco-2 cells by upregulation of MUC2 expression. Taken together, our data suggest that probiotic agents can efficiently block meningitic E. coli-induced pathogenicities in a manner dependent on MUC2.

Sopungsungi-won (SP) Prevents the Onset of Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

  • Kim, Youn-Young;Kang, Hyo-Joo;Ko, Sung-Kwon;Chung, Sung-Hyun
    • Archives of Pharmacal Research
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    • v.25 no.6
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    • pp.923-931
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    • 2002
  • Sopungsungi-won (SP) is a known for\mula for senile constipation and diabetes mellitus, based on traditional Korean medicine. The preventive effect of SP on the development of overt diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats was evaluated. When administered orally through a diet for 8 weeks, diabetic conditions such as hyperglycemia, polydipsia and hypertriglyceridemia were all ameliorated in SP-treated rats. In parallel with the onset and progression of hyperglycemia in the ZDF control rats; there was a marked decline in plasma insulin concentrations from 26.1 $\mu$U/ml, at age 7 weeks, to 14.8 $\mu$U/ml at age 15 weeks. In the SP-treated rats, however, the plasma insulin concentrations did not decline, and SP at a dose of 5 g/kg significantly increased the insulin levels to 31.9 $\mu$U/ml. Early normalization of plasma insulin and a retained ability to subsequently increase plasma insulin were indicative of a pancreatic $\beta$ cell protective action by the SP for\mula. In addition, expressions of an insulin-responsive gene and corresponding protein, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), in skeletal \muscle, were also determined in SP- and rosiglitazone-treated ZDF rats. mRNA and protein levels of GLUT4 in SP-treated rats were upregulated in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, when ZDF rats were treated with 2 g/kg of the SP for\mula, the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase was decreased by 49%, whereas the activity of glucokinase was increased by 196%, compared to the ZDF control rats. Taken together, these data provide evidence that the SP for\mula markedly lowered the plasma glucose levels, probably through an effect not only on improvement of insulin action, but through a combined sti\mulation of glycolysis and an inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver, and also suggest the validity of SP's clinical use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus following further toxicological investigation.