• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.436-446
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• 2018

Background: The potential therapeutic values of Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) in autoimmune disorders of nervous system have not been fully investigated. Methods: We used an acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis and determined the effects and mechanism of KRGE on spinal myelination. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE (100 mg/kg, orally) for 10 days before immunization with myelin basic protein $(MBP)_{68-82}$ peptide exerted a protective effect against demyelination in the spinal cord, with inhibited recruitment and activation of immune cells including microglia, decreased mRNA expression of detrimental inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6, interferon-${\gamma}$, and cyclooxygenase-2), but increased mRNA expression of protective inflammatory mediators (insulin-like growth factor ${\beta}1$, transforming growth factor ${\beta}$, and vascular endothelial growth factor-1). These results were associated with significant downregulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathways in microglia/macrophages, T cells, and astrocytes. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that KRGE alleviates spinal demyelination in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through inhibiting the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. Therefore, KRGE might be used as a new therapeutic for autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, although further investigation is needed.

• 대한유전성대사질환학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.98-103
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• 2013

Purpose: MAT-I/III deficiency by MAT1A gene mutation causes isolated hypermethioninemia, which is considered to be a clinically benign disease. But in some patients, mental retardation, developmental delay, myelination disorder may be shown. This study was performed to find out the clinical manifestations and genetic characteristics of patients with isolated hypermethioninemia. Methods: Clinical, biochemical and genetic analysis were done to 10 patients with isolated hypermethioninemia who were referred to department of pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Hospital from March 1999 to March 2012. Results: At first visit, all patients' mean plasma methionine level was 5.5 mg/dL (2.1-14.6) and there were no increase of amino acid levels including homocystine in all patients. Serum homocysteine level was evaluated in seven patients who visited after year 2003, and ranged from 4.96 to $11.15{\mu}mol/L$ (normal < $25{\mu}mol/L$). Methionine restricted diet was started to all patients. Nine patients who managed regularly showed normal development, but one patient whose initial plasma methionine level was 14.6 mg/dL showed language delay at 1 year of age and was diagnosed as mild mental retardation (IQ=66) at 6 years of age. Genetic analysis was done to eight patients, R264H mutation was identified in seven patients. Also, both R299C and R356Q mutation were identified in one patient. Conclusion: Clinical findings in patients with isolated hypermethioninemia were generally good, but one patient showed mental retardation and language difficulty. R264H mutation which usually inherits as an autosomal dominant trait was most frequently found in our patients, and R299C/R356Q mutation were also identified.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제51권11호
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• pp.1205-1210
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• 2008

목 적: 뇌자기공명영상에서 정상소견을 보인 신생아와 뇌실주위 백질연화증을 보인 보인 미숙아와 저산소성 뇌손상 소견이 보이는 만삭아의 뇌량 크기를 비교하고 양적으로 분석하여 뇌량의 크기가 신생아시기에 신경학적 경과에 유용한 지표가 될 수 있는가에 대한 평가를 하고자 하였다. 방 법: 2002년 9월부터 2005년 2월까지 원광대학교병원에서 출생한 신생아에서 경련, 주산기 가사, 소두증, 늘어지는 영아증후군(floppy infant syndrome) 등 신경학적인 이상이 의심되어 뇌자기공명영상을 시행 후 정상소견을 보인 15명의 신생아와 이상소견을 보인 27명의 환아 등 총 42명 신생아의 뇌량 크기를 비교하였다. 선천적인 뇌 기형이 동반된 경우와 염색체 이상, 대사 이상, 신경계 감염이 동반된 예는 연구대상에서 제외 하였다. 각 군의 뇌자기공명 영상에서 시상의 정중면에서 보이는 뇌량 전후의 최장 길이와 뇌량슬부의 수평 최장 두께, 체부의 수직 최장 두께, 팽대부의 수평 최장 두께를 원광대학교병원 영상 분석 시스템의 자동 측량 방법으로 기록하였고 이렇게 얻어진 각 부위의 두께를 다시 뇌량 전후의 최장 길이로 나누어서 뇌량 전후 길이에 대한 뇌량슬, 체부, 팽대부의 두께에 대한 비율을 계산하여 얻어진 측정치를 정상소견을 보인 신생아의 수치와 저산소성 허혈성 뇌증 소견이 보이는 만삭아 19명과 뇌실주위 백질연화증이 있는 미숙아 8명의 뇌량 전후 길이에 대한 뇌량 각 부위 두께의 비를 비교 분석하였다. 결 과: 뇌량 전후의 길이에 대한 뇌량슬부와 팽대부 두께의 비는 정상 소견을 보인 대조군과의 비교에서 저산소성 허혈성 뇌증 소견이 보이는 만삭아와 뇌실주위 백질연화증 소견이 보이는 미숙아에서 각각 통계학적인 의의가 있는 차이는 보이지 않았다. 그러나 뇌량 전후의 길이에 대한 뇌량체부 두께의 비는 P value가 저산소성 허혈성 뇌증 소견이 보이는 만삭아의 경우에서는 0.042, 뇌실주위 백질연화증 소견이 보이는 미숙아의 경우에서는 0.017로 정상소견을 보인 대조군과는 통계적으로 의의 있는 차이를 보였다. 결 론: 뇌량의 크기나 모양은 대뇌백질의 부피나 백질의 수초화 정도를 나타내는 좋은 지표이므로 뇌자기공명영상에서 뇌량의 크기를 양적으로 측정하는 것은 뇌발달의 평가 및 출생 전후의 뇌손상의 정도와 범위를 평가하는데 유용할 뿐만 아니라 뇌성마비나 정신발달지체 등 향후 신경학적인 예후를 추정하는 데에도 큰 도움이 될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.101-108
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• 2006

신경섬유의 수초화의 초기단계에 있어서 마이엘린의 형성에 중요한 역할을 한다고 알려져 있는 마이엘린연합 당단백질(MAG)이 정상적으로 노화된 흰쥐의 대뇌에서도 발현되는지를 알아보고자 하였다. 성숙흰쥐의 대뇌피질에서 MAG가 높은 농도로 발현되었으나 노화흰쥐의 대뇌피질에서는 유의하게 감소하였다. 대뇌에서 MAG면역양성반응 세포는 두 성숙흰쥐의 대뇌피질에서 주로 돌기를 가진 큰 세포였으며 노화흰쥐의 경우에는 주로 세포질과 돌기가 거의 없는 작고 둥근 세포였다. 성숙흰쥐의 백색질내 신경로에서 MAG면역양성 반응 세포는 많이 관찰되었으나 노화흰쥐에서는 거의 관찰되지 않았다. MAG면역반응은 galatocerebroside의 면역반응과 일치하였다. 이상의 결과로부터 노화에 의한 MAG 발현의 변화는 노화시에 나타나는 희소돌기아교세포와 마이엘린 퇴행성 변화와 관계가 있을 뿐만이 아니라 MAG는 노화시에 희소돌기아교세포의 기능 연구를 위한 적절한 marker로서 사용될 수 있음을 의미하며 앞으로 이에 대한 자세한 연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.29-38
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• 1997

A peripheral nerve when approximation of the ends imparts tension at the anastomosis and with a relatively long segment defect after excision of neuroma and neurofibroma cannnot be repaired by early primary suture. The one of the optimistic reconstruction method of severed peripheral nerves is to restore tension-free continuity at the repair site putting an autogenous nerve graft into the neural gap despite of ancipating motor or sensory deficit of the donor nerve area. To overcome the deficit of the autogenous nerve graft, several other conduits supplying a metabolically active environment which is able to support axon regeneration and progression, providing protection against scar invasion, and guiding the regrowing axons to the distal stump of the nerve have been studied. An author have used ipsilateral femoral vein, ipsilateral femoral vein filled with fresh thigh muscle, and autogenous sciatic nerve for the sciatic nerve defect of around 10 mm in length to observe the regeneration pattern in rat by light and electron microscopy. The results were as follows. 1. Light microscopically regeneration pattern of nerve fibers in the autogenous graft group was more abundant than vein graft and vein filled with muscle group. 2. On ultrastructural findings, the proxial end of the graft in various groups showed similar regenerating features of the axons, myelin sheaths, and Schwann cells. The fascicular arrangement of the myelinated and unmyelinated fibers was same regardless of the type of conduits. There were more or less increasing tendency in the number and the diameter of myelinated fibers correlated with the regeneration time. 3. In the middle of the graft, myelinated nerve fibers of vein filled with muscle group were more in number and myelin sheath was thinner than in the venous graft, but the number of regenerating axons in autogenous nerve graft was superior to that in both groups of the graft. The amount of collagen fibrils and amorphous materials in the endoneurial space was increased to elapsed time. 4. There was no difference in regenerating patterns of the nerve fibers of distal end of the graft. The size and shape of the myelinated nerve fbers were more different than that of proximal and middle portion of the graft. From the above results, the degree of myelination and regenerating activity in autogenous nerve is more effective and active in other types of the graft and there were no morphological differences in either ends of the graft regardless of regeneration time.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.9-28
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• 1997

Adequate vascularization is pivotally essential for a successful nerve graft. Theoretically, the immediate vascularization will inhibit fibroblast infiltration and stimulate nerve cell regeneration. In this study, histomorphological and electrophysiological studies were performed to determine if vascularized grafts are functionally superior. In rat model, a 4cm segment of the sciatic nerve was obtained and placed as a non vascularized graft on one side, and as a vascularized graft connected to the inferior gluteal vessels on the opposite side. To determine the compound action potential of the gastrocnemius muscle, electromyography was done after 2, 3 and 4 months. Histomorphologically, the distribution of myelinated nerve fibers and Schwann cell were evaluated after toluidine blue staining, The following resutls were obtained: 1. The electrophysiological studies showed no difference between the nonvascularized and vascularized grafts. 2. Two and three months after grafting, myelinated nerve fibers were more abundant in the vascularized proximal, middle and distal areas in all nerve fibers of varying diameters. 3. In the post-nonvascularized graft 2-month group, a few myelinated nerve fibers were present in the proximal and middle areas, but none distally. In the post-vascularized graft 2 month group, myelinated nerve fibers ranging $2-8{\mu}m$ were present in all three areas. 4. In the post-nonvascularized graft 3 month group, a few myelinated nerve fibers ranging in $2-6{\mu}m$ were present in all three areas, but in the post-vascularized graft 3 month group, many myelinated nerve fibers ranging in $2-10{\mu}m$ were present in all three areas. 5. In the post-graft 4-month group, more myelinated nerve fibers were present in all three areas of the vascularized grafts. However, nerve fibers of less than $2{\mu}m$ in diameter were more abundant in the non vascularized grafts. 6. Schwann cells were more abundant in the proximal, middle and distal areas of the post-vascularized 2, 3 and 4-month grafts. Based on these findings, the immediate restoration of circulation in vascularized nerve grafts allows for the increased number of surviving Schwann cells, rapid healing of the axon and myelin sheath changes which occur during Wallerian degeneration, and thus is able to stimulate a morphologically optimal regeneration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제59권sup1호
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• pp.25-28
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• 2016

Phelan-McDermid syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by the terminal or interstitial deletion of the chromosome 22q13.3. Patients with this syndrome usually have global developmental delay, hypotonia, and speech delays. Several putative genes such as the SHANK3, RAB, RABL2B, and IB2 are responsible for the neurological features. This study describes the clinical features and outcomes of Korean patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Two patients showing global developmental delay, hypotonia, and speech delay were diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome via chromosome analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging of Patients 1 and 2 showed delayed myelination and severe communicating hydrocephalus, respectively. Electroencephalography in patient 2 showed high amplitude spike discharges from the left frontotemporoparietal area, but neither patient developed seizures. Kidney ultrasonography of both the patients revealed multicystic kidney disease and pelviectasis, respectively. Patient 2 experienced recurrent respiratory infections, and chest computed tomography findings demonstrated laryngotracheomalacia and bronchial narrowing. He subsequently died because of heart failure after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation at 5 months of age. Patient 1, who is currently 20 months old, has been undergoing rehabilitation therapy. However, global developmental delay was noted, as determines using the Korean Infant and Child Development test, the Denver developmental test, and the Bayley developmental test. This report describes the clinical features, outcomes, and molecular genetic characteristics of two Korean patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Pain is an unpleasant sensation experienced when tissues are damaged. Thus, pain sensation in some way protects body from imminent threat or injury. Peripheral sensory nerves innervated to peripheral tissues initially respond to multiple forms of noxious or strong stimuli, such as heat, mechanical and chemical stimuli. In response to these stimuli, electrical signals for conducting the nociceptive neural signals through axons are generated. These action potentials are then conveyed to specific areas in the spinal cord and in the brain. Sensory afferent fibers are heterogeneous in many aspects. For example, sensory nerves are classified as $A{\alpha}$, $-{\beta}$, $-{\delta}$ and C-fibers according to their diameter and degree of myelination. It is widely accepted that small sensory fibers tend to respond to vigorous or noxious stimuli and related to nociception. Thus these fibers are specifically called nociceptors. Most of nociceptors respond to noxious mechanical stimuli and heat. In addition, these sensory fibers also respond to chemical stimuli [Davis et al. (1993)] such as capsaicin. Thus, nociceptors are considered polymodal. Recent advance in research on ion channels in sensory neurons reveals molecular mechanisms underlying how various types of stimuli can be transduced to neural signals transmitted to the brain for pain perception. In particular, electrophysiological studies on ion channels characterize biophysical properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. Furthermore, molecular biology leads to identification of genetic structures as well as molecular properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. These ion channels are expressed in axon terminals as well as in cell soma. When these channels are activated, inward currents or outward currents are generated, which will lead to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane causing increased or decreased excitability of sensory neurons. In order to depolarize the membrane of nerve terminals, either inward currents should be generated or outward currents should be inhibited. So far, many cationic channels that are responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons are introduced recently. Activation of these channels in sensory neurons is evidently critical to the generation of nociceptive signals. The main channels responsible for inward membrane currents in nociceptors are voltage-activated sodium and calcium channels, while outward current is carried mainly by potassium ions. In addition, activation of non-selective cation channels is also responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons. Thus, excitability of neurons can be controlled by regulating expression or by modulating activity of these channels.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.333-350
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to research learning based on brain science and the learning methodology of Korean Medicine according to disparity of age. Through this, the study aimed to provide a guideline to related Korean Medicine treatments as well as the common nurturing/educational institutions. Methods: All journals and dissertations on brain science based learning methods studied in Korea to date that could be found in the National Assembly Library and the RISS were implemented in the analysis. The terminology used for search was as follows: 1st search, 'Brain'; 2nd search, 'Learning', 'Education'; 3rd search, 'Baby, 'Infant', 'Child'. For the learning methodology of Korean Medicine according to disparity of age, the related contents were extracted from Donguibogam and Liuyi, Sasang constitutional medicine. Results: A total of 30 studies, were collected as data. In the baby stage, the development and myelination of brain neurons are accelerated by experience and learning, highly influenced by social, cognitive and emotional movement. In infancy, the frontal lobe actively develops, so education for development of the prefrontal cortex is suggested. The brain of the infant at this stage can be developed by arts and physical education. In the child stage, the parietal and temporal lobe develop actively. Thus, programs to stimulate brain activity including brain respiration would be helpful in enhancing learning ability, concentration, etc. As evidence for learning and nurturing methodology according to disparity of age from Korean Medicine prospective, the following are listed: Location and time for sexual intercourse before pregnancy, stabilization during pregnancy, baby nurturing methods for nurturing from Donguibogam. Also Liuyi and Sasanag constitutional medicine can be the learning methodology according to disparity of age. And there are acupuncture points on each head section according to age in Donguibogam. Conclusions: Studies on 'brain-science based learning' are continuously being conducted. Based on these studies, diverse new brain-science based learning will be developed in the future. There is also a need to develop the learning methodology of Korean Medicine according to disparity of age in a more systematic and diverse way.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.310-319
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• 2011

목적: ELBWI의 출생과 생존율이 증가함에 따라 그들의 삶의 질의 향상을 위해 신경학적 발달을 예측 및 평가하고 재활 치료를 통해 발달 지연을 최소화하기 위한 많은 연구가 이루어지고 있다. 뇌 손상의 평가 및 신경학적 발달을 예측하기 위하여 뇌 MRI의 촬영이 많이 이루어지고 있고, 연구를 통해 다양한 프로토콜이 개발되고 있다. 저자들은 Childs 등이 제안한 뇌 성숙도를 점수화 하는 방법을 통해 ELBWI의 주산기에 발생하는 위험 인자와 뇌성숙의 관계, 뇌 성숙과 신경학적 발달 지연과의 관계에 대해 확인하고자 한다. 방법: 교정 주령 만삭 근처에 뇌 MRI를 시행한 ELBWI 124명을 대상으로 의무 기록을 후항적으로 분석하여 주산기적 위험인자를 확인하였고, 뇌 MRI에서 뇌 성숙도를 점수화(TMS) 하고, 동반 되는 이상 소견을 판독하였으며, BSID III를 시행하여 신경학적 발달에 대한 평가를 하였다. 주산기적 위험인자와 TMS의 관계, 뇌 MRI에서 관찰 되는 이상 소견과 TMS의 관계, TMS와 BSID III 결과의 관계에 대한 분석을 하였다. 결과: 대상 환자의 평균 출생 재태 주령은 27.1${\pm}$2.1주, 평균 출생 체중은 781.5${\pm}$143.9 g 이었다. 뇌 성숙도 점수의 평균은 10.8${\pm}$2.0점이었다. 주산기적 위험 인자와의 관계 분석에서는 MRI 검사 당일의 PMA만이 통계학적으로 유의한 관계를 보였고 (P<0.001), BSID III에서 확인되는 신경학적 발달 지연이나 뇌 MRI에서 이상 소견과 뇌 성숙도 점수 간에는 통계학적으로 유의한 상관관계가 없었다. 결론: Conventional 뇌 MRI에서 뇌 성숙도를 평가하여 신경학적 발달을 예측하고, 뇌 성숙에 영향을 주는 주산기적 위험인자를 찾고자 하였으나 MRI 검사 당일의 PMA 외에는 통계학적으로 의미 있는 결과가 없었다. 하지만 수초화 등의 뇌 성숙의 정도가 신경학적 발달에 영향을 줄 것으로 추측되므로 향후 더 다양한 교정 주수에 촬영된 영상과 여러 임상 환자군의 영상에 대한 분석 및 BSID III 등 신경학적 발달 검사와의 관계에 대한 연구가 필요하다.