• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 1993

In the present study, the effect of $HgCl_2$on the function of human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes(PMNs) was examined. PMNs were isolated from human peripheral blood with density centrifugation in Ficoll-Paque. The cells were then incubated with $0.5{\sim}5{\mu}M\;HgCl_2$and glass adherence, chemotactic activity and erythrocyte-antibody rosette forming activity were measured. $HgCl_2$ decreased the function of PMNs in all three aspects tested. $HgCl_2$significantly diminished glass adherence(40.5 {\mu}M: 92{\pm}12%$ (percentage of control, $mean{\pm}$ S.D.); 41 {\mu}M: 46{\pm}11%,$ P<0.01; $3{\mu}M: 35{\pm}7%,$P<0.01;$5{\mu}M:49{\pm}10%,$ P<0.01). Similarly, significant differences were observed in chemotactic activity after $HgCl_2$treatment compared with control (control: $0.95{\pm}0.14mm; 0.5 {\mu}M: 0.91{\pm}0.11 mm; 1 {\mu}M: 0.77{\pm}0.16mm, P<0.05; 3{\mu}M: 0.61{\pm} 0.06mm, P<0.01; 5{\mu}M: 0.15{\pm}0.03 mm, P<0.01).$ Also, 4HgCl_2$decreased the percentage of rosette-forming PMNs, indicating diminished phagocytic activity of PMNs upon $HgCl_2$ exposure compared with control (control: $58{\pm}4%; 1{\mu}M: 53{\pm}4%, p<0.05; 3{\mu}M: 49{\pm}3%, P<0.01; 5{\mu}M: 46{\pm}3%, P<0.01).$ Cell viability was not antered after $HgCl_2$treatment (483{\pm}5%$ viability in control PMNs versus $81{\pm}8%$ viability in $5{\mu}M$ Hg-treated PMNs), suggesting that the impaired PMN function after $HgCl_2$treatment was not due to nonspecific cytotoxicity induced by $HgCl_2$. $HgCl_2$-induced decrease in the function of PMNs may have some implications in depressed host susceptibilityupon bacterial challenge after mercury exposure.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.123-133
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• 2001

Objective : This study was undertaken to determine whether Cordyceps sinensis Sacc. (CSS) extract exerts the protective effect against oxidant-induced alterations in membrane transport function in renal tubules. Methods : Membrane transport fucntion was estimated by examining alterations in p-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake in rabbit renal cortical slices. For induction oxidative stress, slices were treated with an organic peroxide cumene hydroperoxide for 60 min at $37^{\circ}C$. Cumene hydroperoxide inhibited PAH uptake in a time dependent manner. Results : CSS at 0.5-5% concentrations prevented cumene hydroperoxide-induced inhibition of PAH uptake. CSS at 1% also attenuated LDH release and lipid peroxidation induced by cumene hydroperoxide. When slices were treated with 0.2 mM mercury chloride, PAH uptake was inhibited and lipid peroxidation was increased. These changes by mercury were significantly prevented by CSS. Conclusion : These results suggest that CSS prevents oxidant-induced alterations in membrane transport function in rabbit renal cortical slices. Such protective effect of CSS may be attributed to inhibition of peroxidation of membrane lipid.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.199-208
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• 2002

Objective : This study was undertaken to determine if Carthami Semen Aquacupunc- ture(CSA) exerts protective effect against alterations in membrane transport function rabbits with mercury chloride(HG)-induced acute renal failure. Methods : The administration of Hg at a subcutaneous single dose of 10 mg/kg caused a reduction in GFR and an increase in fractional Na excretion, indicating generation of acute renal failure. When CSA were given for 7 days prior to Hg administration, such changes were significantly attenuated. The fractional excretion of glucose and phosphate was increased in rabbits treated with Hg alone. Results : The increase in rabbits treated with Hg following CSA are significantly lower than that in animals treated with Hg alone. Uptakes of glucose and phosphate in purified isolated brush-border membrane and Na-K-ATPase activity in microsomal fraction were inhibited in rabbits treated with Hg alone. Such changes were prevented by CSA. Uptakes of organic ions, PAH and TEA, in renal cortical slices were inhibited by the administration of Hg, which was prevented by CSA. Exposure of renal cortical slices to Hg in vitro caused an increased LDH release and lipid peroxidation, which was significantly prevented by CSA extract. Conclusions : These results indicate that the administration of Hg causes impairment in reabsorption of solutes in the proximal tubule via the generation of reactive oxygen species. CSA provides the protection against the impairment in proximal reabsorption, and its effect may be resulted from its antioxidant effect.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.482-492
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• 2012

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to produce background data which can be compared with data on vulnerable areas such as industrial complexes in Ulsan, SihwaBanwol, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Pohang, Cheongju and Daesan in Korea. Methods: This study was performed on 1,007 local residents in Gangneung using personal questionnaires and medical check-up. Environmental pollutants including heavy metals in blood and urine were analyzed and the results are as follows. Results: According to the results of medical check-up, 705 subjects were "Normal (A and B)", 232 subjects were "Disease doubtful (R1)" and 70 subjects were "High blood pressure or Diabetes doubtful (R2)". Regarding geometric mean concentration, blood lead was 1.57 ${\mu}g/dL$, urine cadmium was 0.82 ${\mu}g/g-cr$, urine mercury was 0.98 ${\mu}g/g-cr$ and urine arsenic was 15.78 ${\mu}g/g-cr$. In the analysis of 11 kinds of VOCs in blood, vinyl chloride, 1,3-butadiene and dichloroethylene were not detected, while the detection rate of other chemicals was above 70% except chloroform(49.7%) and trichloroethylene(19.0%). In analysis of 16 kinds of PAHs in blood, 10 kinds showed more than 80% in detection rate. Also, detection rate of 4 kinds of PCBs in blood ranged 52 to 78%. Conclusions: Compared with industrial compelxes, the concentration of blood lead was lower, while urine cadmium and mercury levels were similar. Also, urine arsenic ranged at a significant level. Further study is required to find the cause of regional differences in concentrations of environmental pollutants.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 1962

Bench-scale horizontal cation-permeable membrane cells were constructed to study the effect of cell dimensions on the efficiency of electrolytic reduction of uranyl sulphate solutions flowing continuously over a mercury cathode. Current efficiencies were determined for various cells having length-to-width ratios of 10/1 to 40/1, and for catholyte solutions containing from 20 to 100g $U_3O_8/l$ in sulphuric acid. Optimum current density and solution flowrate were determined under these conditions. The effects of the nitrate and chloride ions were briefly examined.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.545-552
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• 1991

A mercury ion-sensitive carbon-paste electrode (CPE) was constructed with l-sparteine. Mercury (II) ion was chemically deposited by the complexation with l-sparteine onto the CPE. The surface of CPEs was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and anodic stripping voltammetry in an acetate buffer solution, separately. Exposure of CPEs to acid solution could regenerate surface and reuse it for deposition. In 5 deposition/measurement/regeneration cycle, the response was reproducible and in licnear up to $2.0\;{\times}\;10^{-6}$ M with linear sweep voltammetry. In case of using the differential pulse technique, we have obtained the linear response up to $7.0 {\times}10^{-7}$ M with relative standard deviation of ${\pm}5.1$%. The detection limit was $5.0{\times}10^{-7}$ M for 20 minutes of the deposition. We have investigated the interference effect of various metal ions, which are expected to form the complex with ligand. Silver (I) ion of these has interfered with the analysis of Hg (II) ions. However, pretreatment of the silver (I) ion with potassium chloride led to no interference on the analysis of mercury ions in aqueous solution.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.68-73
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• 2011

The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay is a microelectrophoretic technique for assessments of DNA damage at the level of the individual eukaryotic cell. The SCGE assay, due to its simplicity, sensitivity and need of a few cells, has advantages compared to other genomic damage assays such as sister chromatid exchange, chromosomal aberration and micronucleus test. In this study, investigated were the levels of DNA damage and the repair kinetics in the coelomocytes of Eisenia fetida treated with HgCl2 and ionizing radiation by means of the SCGE assay. For detecting DNA damage and repair in coelomocytes, earthworms (E. fetida) were irradiated with six doses of ${\gamma}$-rays (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Gy) and in vivo exposed to mercuric chloride at 0, 80 and 160 mg $kg^{-1}$ for 48 hours. Then the Olive tail moments were measured during 0~12 hours after irradiation and 0~72 hours after Hg treatment. The results showed that the more the oxidative stress was induced by mercury and radiation, the longer the repair time was required. Also, the results suggest that the SCGE assay may be used as an important tool for comparison of the sensitivity of different species to oxidative stresses.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.355-364
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• 2000

This study was to find dental materials causing hypersensitivity reactions by carrying out patch tests in the patients with oral mucosal lesions to investigate the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions in etiology of oral mucosal lesions. 31 patients (female 26, male 5, age range 24-72 years) with oral mucosal lesions were classified as patient group, and 41 volunteers (female 24, male 17, age range 23-40 years) without oral mucosal lesion, systemic disease and history of allergy as control group. The obtained results were as follows: 1. There were various dental restorations in most of patient group and control group, 29(94%) in 31 patient group, 35(85%) in 41 control group. 2. Among sites of oral mucosal lesions, buccal mucosa was the most common site with 60%, followed by gingiva with 24%, tongue with 16%. Lesions in contact with restorations were highly 90% in tongue and 89% in buccal mucosa, but comparatively lower 53% in gingiva. 3. The ratio of positive reactions to the patch test in patient group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). 4. Dental materials causing positive reactions to the patch test were mainly mercury(19%), potassium dichromate(16%), cobalt chloride(16%) in patient group, cobalt chloride(17%) in control group. 5. In 20 patients with lichen planus, 8 patients(40%) showed positive reactions to the patch test.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2008

This study evaluates the protective effects of Korean garlic juice against the toxicity of methyl mercuric chloride (MMC) in relation to fetal ossification in pregnant Fischer 344 rats. This study has as its basis, both theory and data that neutral amino acids in garlic juice have protective effects against mercury poisoning. Pregnant rats were dosed in various combination with 20 mg MMC/kg body wt. and 0.5 or 1.0 garlic juice/kg body wt. on the 7th day of gestation. Fetuses were extracted from the dams on 20th day of gestation, and the fetal bones were stained and measured. The results obtained are as follows: 1. Fetal body weights, body lengths, and head length were significantly decreased by as much as 23.5%, 21.3%, 15.5% respectively in 20 mg/wt kg methyl mercuric chloride groups (p<0.05). But in the garlic treated groups, they were almost similar to the controls. 2. The ossification centers were significantly decreased by as much as 35.1% in pelvic phalanges, 53.5% in pectoral phalanges, 74.1% in ternebrae, 76.2% in tail in 20 mg/wt kg methyl mercuric chloride groups (p<0.05). But in the garlic treated groups, they were significantly increased by as much as $81.2{\sim}88.7%$ and $94.8{\sim}98.9%$ of controls. 3. The ossified pectoral girdles were significantly decreased by as much as 66.6% in clavicle, and in other areas $74.2{\sim}87.4%$ in the 20 mg/wt kg methyl mercuric chloride groups (p<0.05). But in the garlic treated groups, they were significantly increased by as much as $81.2{\sim}88.7%$ and $94.8{\sim}98.9%$ of the controls. 4. The ossified pelvic girdles were significantly decreased by as much as 57.1% and 56.1% in two ischium, $67.2{\sim}81.7%$ in metacarpals in the 20 mg/wt kg methyl mercuric chloride groups (p<0.05). But in the garlic treated groups, they were significantly increased by as much as $67.0{\sim}85.6%$ and $90.1{\sim}98.7%$ of the controls. 5. The ossified terenebrae were unchanged or significantly decreased; 0.0% in 5th, 54.1% in 1st, 83.9% in 2nd, 75.0% in 3rd, 72.7% in 4th, 79.8% in 6th of 20 mg/wt kg methyl mercuric chloride groups (p<0.05). But in the garlic treated groups, they were significantly increased by as much as $29.5{\sim}55.1%$ and $54.5{\sim}84.0%$ of the controls. 6. The ossified ribs were significantly decreased by as much as $8.3{\sim}18.0%$ in 20 mg/wt kg methyl mercuric chloride groups (p<0.05). But in the garlic treated groups, they were significantly increased by as much as $87.1{\sim}93.5%$ and $96.3{\sim}99.7%$ of the controls. In conclusion, Korean garlic juice significantly protected against the toxicity of MMC in relation to the fetal ossification in pregnant rats.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.144-152
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• 1993

A bacterium which degrades efficiently synthetic detergents was isolated from the polluted waters, activated sludge of wastewater treatment plants or polluted soil. This bacterium showed considerably higher growth rate in the agar plate containing $2,000{\mu}g/ml$ of synthetic detergents than any other isolated strains, was identified as a Pseudomonas fluorescens or strains similar to it. The strain was named as a Pseudomonas fluorescens S1. Optimum pH and temperature for the growth of the Pseudomonas fluorescens S1 were pH 7.0 and $30^{\circ}C$, respectively. The strain was resistant to streptomycin and gentamycin, but sensitive to kanamycin. The strain was greatly resistant to zinc chloride, lead nitrate and copper sulfate, but unable to grow in the presence of relatively low concentrations of mercury chloride and silver nitrate. This strain utilized benzene, catechol, cyclohexane and xylene as a sole carbon source. The strain was well grown in the medium containing ABS 10,000${\mu}g$/ml. Degradation of ABS was 55% and 60% at 20${\mu}g$/ml and 100${\mu}g$/ml of ABS, respectively. Benzene ring was degraded 45% in 100${\mu}g$/ml of ABS. During the incubation of the strain in the medium containing ABS 100${\mu}g$/ml and COD 10,000${\mu}g$/ml for 4 days, degradation of ABS and COD were reduced to 40${\mu}g$/ml and 3,200${\mu}g$/ml, respectively. Total amino acid content of the Pseudomonas fluorescens S1 grown with 1,000${\mu}g$/ml of ABS was 115mg/g cell, whereas its content was decreased in the bacterium grown without synthetic detergent by 9.4%.