• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.131-140
• /
• 2022

Objectives This study aimed to investigate whether the concurrent use of conventional and herbal medications affects liver and kidney function, by examining blood test data. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 590 inpatients with musculoskeletal diseases between 2013 and 2017. We investigated cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) according to the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method criteria and cases of drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definition. Results One case (0.17%) of DILI and one case (0.17%) of DIKI were identified. Significant improvements in serum laboratory data were observed after the concurrent use of both types of medications (p<0.05). The kappa coefficients ranged from 0.26 to 0.72, indicating that the values after the concurrent use of conventional and herbal medications showed a fair similarity to the baseline values of the patients. The linear regression test showed that female sex and high body mass index (BMI) were risk factors for an increase in the serum blood levels of liver function parameters. Conclusions The concurrent use of conventional and herbal medications for musculoskeletal disorders is relatively safe; however, clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing these medications to female patients and patients with a high BMI because of their potential effect on hepatic function.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.348-353
• /
• 2012

L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) is a cysteine prodrug that maintains glutathione in tissues. The present study was designed to investigate anti-fibrotic and anti-oxidative effects of OTC via modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in an in vivo thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis model. Treatment with OTC (80 or 160 mg/kg) improved serum liver function parameters and significantly ameliorated liver fibrosis. The OTC treatment groups exhibited significantly lower expression of ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$, and collagen ${\alpha}1$ mRNA than that in the TAA model group. Furthermore, the OTC treatment groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic malondialdehyde level compared to that in the TAA model group. Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression increased significantly in the OTC treatment groups compared with that in the TAA model group. Taken together, these results suggest that OTC restores the anti-oxidative system by upregulating Nrf2; thus, ameliorating liver injury and a fibrotic reaction.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.12 no.6
• /
• pp.535-540
• /
• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Propolis has a rich source of bioactive compounds and has renal and hepatic protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of propolis against paracetamol-induced liver damage and impairment of kidney function, as well as hematological changes in rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six groups of rats were used; the first group was served as a control; the second and third groups were treated by propolis extract at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg.B.WT. respectively; the fourth group was treated by paracetamol (200 mg/kg.B.WT.); the fifth group was treated by propolis (50 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days; and the sixth group was treated with propolis (100 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days. All the animals were treated for a period of 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for measurement of the liver enzymes, serum albumin, protein and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hematological parameters, and urine volume, protein and albumin. RESULTS: Paracetamol over dose significantly lowered hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid, while it significantly increased blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, white blood cells, and platelet count as compared to the control. However, these alterations were significantly attenuated by the use of propolis extract and the effect was dose dependent. Interestingly, propolis prevented paracetamol induced proteinuria, low hemoglobin and body weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis significantly prevented paracetamol induced renal, hepatic and hematological toxicity and might be useful in the management of liver and renal diseases particularly proteinuria.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.22.1-22.15
• /
• 2023

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is caused by chronic alcohol overconsumption and might be linked to dysregulated immune responses in the gut-liver axis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on levels and functions of innate lymphocytes including mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, NKT cells, and NK (NK) cells in ALC patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the levels and function of these cells, evaluate their clinical relevance, and explore their immunologic roles in the pathogenesis of ALC. Peripheral blood samples from ALC patients (n = 31) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 31) were collected. MAIT cells, NKT cells, NK cells, cytokines, CD69, PD-1, and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) levels were measured by flow cytometry. Percentages and numbers of circulating MAIT cells, NKT cells, and NK cells were significantly reduced in ALC patients than in HCs. MAIT cell exhibited increased production of IL-17 and expression levels of CD69, PD-1, and LAG-3. NKT cells displayed decreased production of IFN-γ and IL-4. NK cells showed elevated CD69 expression. Absolute MAIT cell levels were positively correlated with lymphocyte count but negatively correlated with C-reactive protein. In addition, NKT cell levels were negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, log-transformed absolute MAIT cell levels were negatively correlated with the Age, Bilirubin, INR, and Creatinine score. This study demonstrates that circulating MAIT cells, NKT cells, and NK cells are numerically deficient in ALC patients, and the degree of cytokine production and activation status also changed. Besides, some of their deficiencies are related to several clinical parameters. These findings provide important information about immune responses of ALC patients.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.911-916
• /
• 2003

The effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (OF) administration on the biochemical parameters of function in liver tissue and serum of $CCl_4$ treated rats were investigated. Opuntia ficus-indica (200 mg/kg) was administered into rats intraperitoneally for two weeks. $3.3m\ell$ of $CCl_4$$_4$ (50% $CCl_4$ : Olive oil = 1 : 1) was treated to rats on the 14th day and 15th day and they were operated on 15th day. We examined the antioxidative enzymatic activity by measuring the level of AST (Aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), GSH (Glutathione reduced form), GSSG (Glutathione oxidezed form), GPx (GSH-peroxidase), SOD (Superoxide dismutase) and CAT (Catalase) in serum and liver tissue of rats. OFC administered group showed 24.8% of inhibitory effect in AST activity compared to $CCl_4$ -treated abnormal group (CTA). ALT level of OF administered group was decreased by 60.7% to the level of CTA. GSH, GSSG and GPx of OFC administered group were significantly higher than those of CTA group. SOD and CAT in OFC administered group were increased by 28.3% and by 16.9% respectively compared to those of CTA group.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.1093-1102
• /
• 2018

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate parameters that predict radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify the clinical significance of RILD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 HCC patients who were treated by SBRT from March 2011 to February 2015. RILD was defined as elevated liver transaminases more than five times the upper normal limit or a worsening of Child-Pugh (CP) score by 2 within 3 months after SBRT. All patients were assessed at 1 month and every 3 months after SBRT. Results: Median follow-up was 22.5 months (range, 3 to 56) after SBRT. RILD was developed in 29 of the 117 patients (24.7%). On univariate analysis, significant predictive factors of RILD were pretreatment CP score (p < 0.001) and normal liver volume (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that CP score was a significant predictor of RILD (p < 0.001). The incidence of RILD increased above a CP score of 6 remarkably. The rate of recovery from RILD decreased significantly above a CP score of 8. Survival analysis showed that CP score was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival (p = 0.001). Conclusions: CP score is a significant factor to predict RILD in patients with chronic liver disease. RILD can be tolerated by patients with a CP score ${\leq}7$. However, careful monitoring of liver function is needed for patients with a CP score 7 after SBRT.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.254-259
• /
• 2003

$^{99m}Tc-galactosyl$ human serum albumin (Tc-GSA) is a radiopharmaceutical that binds to asialoglycoprotein receptors, which are specifically present in the hepatocyte membrane. Because these receptors are decreased in hepatic parenchymal damage, the degree of Tc-GSA accumulation in the liver correlates with findings of liver function test. Hepatic images were performed with Tc-GSA in patients with acute hepatic dysfunction by Amantia Subjunquillea poisoning, and compared with these of liver ultrasonography (USG). Tc-GSA (185 MBq, 3 mg of GSA) was injected intravenously, and dynamic images were recorded for 30 minutes. Time-activity curves for the heart and liver were generated from regions of interest for the whole liver and precordium. Degree of hepatic uptake and clearance rate of Tc-GSA were generated by visual interpretation and semiquantitative analysis parameters (receptor index : LHL15 and index of blood clearance : HH15). Visual assessment of GSA scintigraphy revealed mildly decreased liver uptake in all of subjects. The mean LHL15 and HH15 were 0.886 and 0.621, graded as mild dysfunction in 2, and mild to moderate dysfunction in 1 subject. In contrast, liver USG showed no remarkable changes of hepatic parenchyme. Tc-GSA scintigraphy was considered as a useful imaging modality in the assessment of the hepatic dysfunction.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.357-364
• /
• 1992

Artemisia Iwayomogi Compositae) has been used clinically for jaundice, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis etc. The purposes of present study were to examine pharmacological effects of Artemisia Iwayomogi water extract(AIWE) on biochemical parameters (activities of ALP and LAP, contents of glucose, total bilirubin, total protein and albumin in serum, A/G ratio, and levels of hepatic glycogen) against hepatic injury by carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$) in rats. The results were as follows ; 1. Increased ALP activities by $CCl_4$ were very significantly(p<0.001) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 72 hours and significantly(p<0.05) decreased in AIWE pretreatment groups at 72 hours. Increased LAP activities by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 72 hours. A little increased total bilirubin contents by $CCl_4$ were very significantly (p<0.001) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 24, 48 and 72 hours. 2. Increased glucose contents by $CCl_4$ were decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups. Decreased hepatic glycogen levels by $CCl_4$, were significantly (p<0.05) increased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48 and 72 hours. 3. Decreased total protein contents by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05) increased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48, 72 hours. Decreased albumin contents by $CCl_4$ were increased in proportion to numbers of AIWE treatments in AIWE pre- and posttreatement groups. Decreased A/G ratios by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05) increased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48 hours. In conclusion, AIWE did not affect normal liver function and had hepatoprotective effects rather than direct preventive effects to $CCl_4$-induced cholestasis, damages in metabolisms of glucose, protein and bilirubin.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.181-190
• /
• 2019

Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) is an edible wild mushroom with tough fruiting body that belongs to the family Polyporaceae. It is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of ulcer, anaemia, cough and fever. Recent studies have demonstrated its anticancer, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. However, little or no information is available regarding the bioactive components and toxicological study of wild dried L. squarrosulus. Therefore, this study investigated the bioactive components of aqueous extract of boiled wild dried L. squarrosulus and its toxicological effects in rats. The extract of L. squarrosulus was subjected to GC-MS analysis. The acute toxicity test was performed by oral administration of a single dose of up to 5,000 mg/kg extract of L. squarrosulus. In subacute study, the rats were orally administered extract of L. squarrosulus at the doses of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days. The haematological, lipid profile, liver and kidney function parameters were determined and the histopathology of the liver and kidney were examined. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds; 1-tetradecene, fumaric acid, monochloride, 6-ethyloct-3-yl ester, 9-eicosene, phytol, octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine and 3-trifluoroacetoxypentadecane. In acute toxicity study, neither death nor toxicity sign was recorded. In the sub-acute toxicity study, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed on creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Whilst no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed on packed cell volume, heamoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell and alkaline phosphatase, in all the tested doses. No histopathological alterations were recorded. Our findings revealed that aqueous extract of L. squarrosulus may have antimicrobial, antinocieptive and antioxidant properties based on the result of GC-MS analysis. Results of the toxicity test showed no deleterious effect at the tested doses, suggesting that L. squarrosulus is safe for consumption at the tested doses.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.347-356
• /
• 1992

In oriental medicine, Artemisia Iwayomogi(Compositae) has been used clinically for jaundice, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis etc. The purposes of present study were to examine pharmacological effects of Artemisia lwayomogi water extract(AIWE) on weights of body, liver, kidney, spleen and adrenal, and on biochemical parameters (activities of AST, ALT and LDH, contents of cholesterol and triacylglycerol, and levels of hepatic lipid peroxide) against hepatic injury by carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$) in rats. The results were as follow; 1. Body weights were reduced by $CCl_4$. In AIWE pretreatment groups, reduction of body weights was inhibited at 48 hours. Increased liver weights by $CCl_4$ were reduced in proportion to numbers of treatment of AIWE in AIWE pre- and posttreatment groups. Increased kidney weights by $CCl_4$ were reduced in AIWE pretreatment groups at 72 hours. Increased weights of spleen and adrenal by $CCl_4$ were not affected by AIWE treament. 2. Increased AST activities by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48 and 72 hours. Increased ALT activities by $CCl_4$ were significantly(p<0.05) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48 hours. Increased LDH activities by $CCl_4$ were very significantly (p<0.01, p<0.001) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. 3. Increased cholesterol contents by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 24 and 48 hours. Decreased triacylglycerol contents by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05) increased in AIWE posttreatment at 48 and 72 hours. 4. Increased hepatic lipid peroxide levels by $CCl_4$ were significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) decreased in AIWE posttreatment groups at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. In conclusion, AIWE did not affect normal liver function and had property of antioxidant, due to reduced lipid peroxidation by $CCl_4$. AIWE seems to have hepatoprotective effects rather than direct preventive effects to $CCl_4$-induced necrotic degeneration of liver cell, cholestasis and damages in metabolism of lipid.