• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• 제32권2호
• /
• pp.113-125
• /
• 2018

This study aimed to investigate the latest trends in the relationship between atopic dermatitis(AD) and psychological factors(PF) and to examine it in korean medicine. We searched MEDLINE for this analysis with the title "atopic dermatitis" AND ("psychology" OR "psychological" OR "mental" OR "emotion" OR "anxiety" OR "depression") in recent 5 years and searched OASIS on the title "atopy" OR "psychology" OR "emotion" from 2002 to 2017. We selected 23 papers on MEDLINE, 7 papers on OASIS. In western medicine, Stress causes changes in the adrenal nerves, endocrine, and immunological mechanisms and exacerbates dermatitis, which is explained by HPA axis and sympathetic nerve axis, neurogenic inflammation, and cholinergic signals. In Korean medicine, Stress(神) exacerbates AD by affecting the five organs, especially the heart(心), causing inflammation(火熱). We studied the link between AD and PF in Western and Korean medicine. More research is needed in the future.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• 제16권3호
• /
• pp.201-209
• /
• 2000

In association with the international validation program to establish a rodent uterotrophic assay, we conducted preliminary uterotrophic assay proposed by GECD using immature female rats. In the present study, oral and subcutaneous routes were chosen to compare the effects of estrogenic com-pounds in the two dosing regimens. The reference compound ethinyl estradiol (EE) and the antagonist ZM189154(ZM) were administered by gavage or subcutaneously (s.c.) to immature female SD rats from 20 to 22 days of age. For each study, sixty-six female rats were randomly assigned to eleven groups: Untreated control, EE 0,0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0,3.0 and 10.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, EE 3.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg(gavage)/0.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg(s.c) & ZM 0.1 mg/kg, and EE 3.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg(gavage)/0.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg (s.c) & ZM 1.0 mg/kg. There were no treatment-related changes in clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, and necropsy findings in any groups of two studies. The wet and blotted uterus weights increased dose-dependently. Histopathological examination revealed that diameter of uterine duct, height of uterine luminal epithelium. and height oj vaginal epithelium increased dose-dependently. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactive cells were increased in number dose-dependently. The estrogenic effects observed in the present studies occurred at $\geq$ 0.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg of oral dose and $\geq$ 0.1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg of s.c. dose. An antagonistic effect of ZM against EE was found in both uterus weight and histopathological parameters. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that dose-dependence of the uterotrophic assay using EE and ZM was well demonstrated by gavage and subcutaneous administration and that the estrogenic effects of EE by s.c. dose were higher than those by gavage administration. In addition, blotted uterus weight was more sensitive than wet uterus weight and vaginal epithelial height was found to be the most sensitive parameter among the parameters examined.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
• /
• 제5권3호
• /
• pp.216-221
• /
• 2009

Bisphenol A (BPA) is commonly used in the production of pharmaceutical, industrial, and housing epoxy, as well as polycarbonate plastics. Owing to its extensive use, BPA can contaminate the environment either directly or through derivatives of these products. BPA has been classified as an endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs), and the primary toxicity of these EDCs in males involves the induction of reproductive system abnormality. First, in order to evaluate the direct effects on the Y chromosome associated with reproduction, we evaluated Y chromosome abnormalities using a Y chromosome microdeletion detection kit. However, we detected no Yq abnormality as the result of BPA exposure. Secondly, we performed high-density oligonucleotide array-based comparative genome hybridization (CGH) to assess genomic alteration as a component of our toxicity assessment. The results of our data analysis revealed some changes in copy number. Seven observed features were gains or losses in chromosomal DNA (P-value<1.0e-5, average log2 ratio>0.2). Interestingly, 21 probes of chr7:7312289-10272836 (qA1-qA2 in cytoband) were a commonly observed amplification (P-value 3.69e-10). Another region, chr14:4551029-10397399, was also commonly amplified (P-value 2.93e-12, average of log2 ratios in segment>0.3786). These regions include many genes associated with pheromone response, transcription, and signal transduction using ArrayToKegg software. These results help us to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive effects induced by BPA.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• 제36권3호
• /
• pp.699-707
• /
• 1996

This study was designed to examine the involvement of lead in function of target organ, and the protective effect of selenium in lead-treated guinea pigs for 8 weeks. The effects of exposure to 0.5% lead acetate(lead) and/or 4ppm sodium selenite(selenium) in feed on serveral aspects were evaluated by measuring thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), triiodothyronine($T_3$), thyroxine($T_4$), serum biochemical activities, organ weights, and serum and organ lead concentrations in growing animals. The many indicators of endocrine function(TSH, $T_3$, and $T_4$ in serum), enzyme and biochemical activities(${\alpha}$-glutamyltranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride, creatinine, $Ca^{2+}$ in serum), and organ weights(kidney, spleen and testis) were correlated with lead exposure or showed significantly different mean values between the exposed and controls. These changes on some aspects were reversed by combination-fed of selenium, but did not statistically significant. The organ(kidney, liver, spleen, testis and brain) and serum lead concentrations of lead-fed group were clearly higher than that of controls. Selenium supplementation resulted in a significant protection against lead accumulation in liver and testis. These results suggest that lead can cause a toxic effect on several organ and that selenium seems to has a protective effect on specific reaction by lead-induced organic function toxicity.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• 제33권2호
• /
• pp.165-171
• /
• 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer used in a polymerization reaction in the production of polycarbonate plastics. It has been used in many consumer products, including plastics, polyvinyl chloride, food packaging, dental sealants, and thermal receipts. However, there is little information available on the inhalation toxicity of BPA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine its inhalation toxicity and effects on the estrous cycle, spatial learning, and memory. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 0, 10, 30, and $90mg/m^3$ BPA, 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks via whole-body inhalation. Mortality, clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum chemistry, estrous cycle parameters, performance in the Morris water maze test, and organ weights, as well as gross and histopathological findings, were compared between the control and BPA exposure groups. Statistically significant changes were observed in serum chemistry and organ weights upon exposure to BPA. However, there was no BPA-related toxic effect on the body weight, food consumption, hematology, serum chemistry, organ weights, estrous cycle, performance in the Morris water maze test, or gross or histopathological lesions in any male or female rats in the BPA exposure groups. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) for BPA in rats is above $90mg/m^3$/6 hr/day, 5 days/week upon 8-week exposure. Furthermore, BPA did not affect the estrous cycle, spatial learning, or memory in rats.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• 제52권3호
• /
• pp.306-312
• /
• 2016

Microalgae are the potential bioindicators of environmental changes, for the environmental risk assessment as well as to set limits for toxic chemical release in the aquatic environment. Here, we evaluated the effects of two endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely bisphenol A (BPA) and Aroclor 1016, on the green algae Tetraselmis suecica, diatom Ditylum brightwellii, and dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum. Each species showed wide different sensitivity ranges when exposed to these two EDCs; the 72 h effective concentration ($EC_{50}$) for these test species showed that Aroclor 1016 was more toxic than BPA. $EC_{50}$ values for the diatom D. birghtwellii were calculated at 0.037 mg/L for BPA and 0.002 mg/L for Aroclor 1016, representing it was the most sensitive when compared to the other species. In addition, these results suggest that these EDC discharge beyond these concentrations into the aquatic environments may cause harmful effect to these marine species.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• 제10권2호
• /
• pp.170-178
• /
• 1997

Background: The analgesic efficacy and safety of propacetamol, an injectable prodrug of acetoaminophen, in combination with intravenous morphine PCA were studied in 40 patients after gynecological surgery requiring lower abdominal incision. Methods: Using a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group design, the effects of four(every 6 hr) intravenous injections of 2 g propacetamol(=1 g acetoaminophen) were compared with four injections of placebo(PL) immediately after surgery. Efficacy of cumulative dose of morphine and number of boluses requested was assessed over 24 hours by automated recording on the PCA device. It was assessed on pain scores rated on a ten-point verbal scale along with vital signs, $K^+$, glucose, BUN, creatinine, PT and PTT were measured along with stress hormones(epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol). Results: There were no differences in demographic data between two groups. Propacetamol group demonstrated approximately 21% morphine sparing effect compared to placebo group($33.1{\pm}10.4$ mg vs $41.4{\pm}8.0$ mg). No significant differences noted in $K^+$, glucose, BUN, Creatinine, PT and PTT levels. There were significant increases in norepinephrine and cortisol in placebo group postoperatively, compared to preoperative values. At the same time, propacetamol group also showed significant changes in these hormones. Both group revealed high degree of patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Propacetamol showed significant morphine sparing effect to some degree. Side effects were much less in propacetamol group with subsequently high patient satisfaction. The secretion of stress hormone were not blocked by postoperative propacetamol injections. Authors concluded that propacetamol should be considered as an excellent adjuvant analgesics in postoperative pain control in opioid patient controlled analgesia.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• 제16권1호
• /
• pp.9-18
• /
• 2012

The effects of the estrogenic compound 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on vitellogenesis in juvenile olive flounder ($Paralichthys$ $olivaceus$) and rockfish ($Sebastes$ $schlegeli$) exposed continuously at 10, 50 and $100{\mu}g{\ell}^{-1}$ levels for 7 days were compared. The expression of VTG mRNA level and protein using specific probes were examined. The levels of plasma estradiol-17 ${\beta}(E_2)$ and testosterone (T) were assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Plasma $E_2$ concentrations increased significantly in two female fish species exposed to $100{\mu}g{\ell}^{-1}$ of 4-NP over concentrations in control fish. Plasma T concentrations increased in $P.$ $olivaceus$. Four days after exposure, the level of VTG mRNA expression increased in $P.$ $olivaceus$ and $S.$ $schlegeli$ exposed to $20{\mu}g{\ell}^{-1}$ of 4-NP. In addition, plasma VTG protein expression was seen in $P.$ $olivaceus$ and $S.$ $schlegeli$. In $S.$ $schlegeli$ and $P.$ $olivaceus$ exposed to 4-NP, the changes were noticed mainly in hepatocytic vaculation after 7 days of exposure. Thus, 4-NP may disrupt vitellogenesis in immature fish both directly and indirectly via disrupted steroidogenesis and liver pathology. Immature $S.$ $schlegeli$ were the most sensitive to 4-NP exposure in vitellogenesis.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제22권2호
• /
• pp.189-197
• /
• 2006

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone involved in various physiological processes, including lactation, mammary development, and immune function. To further investigate the in vivo and comparative endocrine roles of PRL, mouse PRL cDNA fused to the cytomegalovirus promoter, was introduced into muscle by direct injection. Previously we studied the function of rat PRL using the same protocol. PRL mRNA was detected in the muscle following injection by RT-PCR and subsequent Southern blot analysis. PRL was also detected and Western blot analysis revealed a relatively high level of serum PRL. In the pCMV-mPRL-injected female mice, the estrous cycle was extended, especially in diestrus stage and the uterus thickening that was shown in normal estrous stage was not observed. In the pCMV-mPRL-injected male mice, new blood vessels were first found at 5 weeks of age and fully developed blood vessels were found after 8 weeks in the testis. The number of Leydig cells increased within the testis and the testosterone level in serum was observed high. Finally, the number of white blood cells (WBCs) increased in the pCMV-mPRL-injected mice. The augmentation of WBCs persisted for at least 20 days after injection. When injection was combined with adrenalectomy, there was an even greater increase in number of WBCs, especially lymphocytes. This increase was returned normal by treatment with dexamethansone. Taken together, our data reveal that intramuscularly expressed mouse PRL influences reproductive functions in female, induces formation of new blood vessels in the testis, and augments WBC numbers. Of notice is that the Leydig cell proliferation with increased testosterone was conspicuously observed in the pCMV-mPRL-injected mice. These results also suggest subtle difference in function of PRL between mouse and rat species.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
• /
• 제28권3호
• /
• pp.151-165
• /
• 1985

The morphological changes of the midgut epithelium during the metamorphosis of pine caterpillar are observed with light and electron microscope, being divided into 5 stages from the 8th instar larva to just after pupation. The midgut epithelium of 8th instar larva is composed of columnar cell, goblet cell, regenerative cell, and endocrine cell. The secretorials are arranged on the nuclear membrane in the columnar cell of the midgut epithelium in the 8th instar larva, and lysosomes are augmented in the apical portion. Cytoplasmic extrusions are observed in the apical surface of columnar cell but they have no cell organells. Nucleus, mitochondria, rER, Golgi complex, and free ribsomes are observed in the regenerative cell. Regenerative cells are differentiated into the form of goblet cell, and vacuoles are gradually increased in the cytoplasm. Just pupa stage, the materials, which appears to be mainly composed of Ca, are observed in the circular form and goblet cavity of regenerative cell are detached to lumen. As a result, it reflects the process of the degeneration of the midgut epithelium that lysosomes are gradually augmented in the columnar cell, that nuclear materials are removed to cytoplasm, and that cytoplasmic extrusions are observed in the apical surface. And though regenerative cells are differentiated into the form of the goblet cell, it is believed that goblet cavity is detached from regenerative cell to the lumen and midgut epithelium of pupa stage is formed.