• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.28-38
• /
• 2009

Background : Peripheral nerve injuries are a commonly encountered clinical problem and often result in a chronic pain and severe functional deficits. Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (G. M. Radix) on the pain control and the recovery of the locomotor function that results from the sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. Method : Using rats, we crushed their sciatic nerve, and then orally administered the aqueous extract of G. M. Radix. The effects of G. M. Radix on the recovery locomotor function were investigated by walking track analysis. The effects of G. M. Radix on pain control were investigated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the sciatic nerve, and c-Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG). Result : G. M. RADIX facilitates motor function from the locomotor deficit, and thereby increased BDNF expression and suppressed painful stimuli in the PVN and vlPAG after sciatic crushed nerve injury. Conclusion : It is suggested that G. M. Radix might aid recovery locomotor function and control pain after sciatic crushed nerve injury. Further studies on identifying specific the component in G.M. Radix associated with enhanced neural activity in the peripheral nerve injury may be helpful to develop therapeutic strategies for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
• /
• 2001.11a
• /
• pp.105-105
• /
• 2001

In an attempt to provide useful information on the development of an artifitial nerve tubing, proliferative and migrative properties of two glioma cell lines, C6 rat glioma cells and Hs683 human glioma cells, were examined. The present study shows that C6 cells proliferated more rapidly than Hs683 cells. The Hs683 cells are more adequate for the development of nerve tubing since unlike C6 cells, they are of human origin and known to be non-tumorigenic. In order to enhance proliferative and migrative abilities of Hs683 cells for the application as an artificial nerve tubing, we studied the effect of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on Hs683 cells. Cells were seeded in the scaffolds (polymer constructs), fabricated with type I collegen and alginate modified with cinnamoyl moiety, in the presence or absence of GDNF Stimulatory effect of GDNF on the proliferation and migration of Hs683 cells cultured in the scaffolds is currently under investigation. In addition, possible neuroprotective activities of natural products which inhibit staurosporine-induced apoptosis of glioma cells are also being studied.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.229-233
• /
• 2013

This study was aimed at investigating the possible effects of phytoceramide (Pcer) on learning and memory and their underlying mechanisms. Phytoceramide was orally administered to ICR mice for 7 days. Memory performances were assessed using the passive avoidance test and Y-maze task. The expressions of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured with immunoblot. The incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in hippocampal regions was investigated by using immunohistochemical methods. Treatment of Pcer enhanced cognitive performances in the passive avoidance test and Y-maze task. Immunoblotting studies revealed that the phosphorylated CREB and BDNF were significantly increased on hippocampus in the Pcer-treated mice. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the number of immunopositive cells to BrdU was significantly increased in the hippocampal dentate gyrus regions after Pcer-treatment for 7 days. These results suggest that Pcer contribute to enhancing memory and BDNF expression and it could be secondary to the elevation of neurogenesis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources Conference
• /
• 2005.10a
• /
• pp.334-338
• /
• 2005

식육의 소비형태가 변화함에 따라 생체 기능성물질의 탐색과 이용에 관한 연구가 활성화 되어지고 있다. 식품에 소량 존재하며 지방세포분화를 촉진하는 물질로 밝혀진 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)중 9c-11c(9c)가 3원 교잡종 암퇘지(Yorkshire ${\times}$ Landrace ${\times}$ Duroc)의 어떤 유전자에 영향을 줌으로써 지방세포의 분화를 촉진하는지 DNA chip을 이용하여 분석하였다. 분석도구로는 Genepix 6.0과 Vector Xpression 3.0을 사용하였다. 분석결과 $Na^+,\;K^+$-ATPase, ciliary neurotrophic factor, complement cytolysis inhibitor, prolactin receptor, type II collagen alpha1 등 과 같은 분화 관련 유전자가 나타났다. 이 연구는 나아가 DNA chip을 이용해서 지방세포 분화억제에 관여하는 유전자를 찾아내고, 이 유전자들은 지방세포 분화 조절과 비만관련 연구에 활용될 것이다.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.66-78
• /
• 2010

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries are a commonly-encountered clinical problem and often result in a chronic pain and severe functional deficits. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the descending pain and the recovery of the locomotor function that follows sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. Method: In order to assess the effects of acupuncture on the descending pain and functional recovery, we investigated the walking track analysis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression in the sciatic nerve, and on the expressions of c-Fos and nitric oxide synthase in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region resulting from sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. Results: Acupuncture treatment at Huantiao (GB30), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Weizhong (BL40) facilitated functional recovery. C-Fos and nitric oxide synthase expressions in the brain and BDNF and TrkB expressions in the sciatic nerve were decreased by acupuncture treatment. The most potent effects of acupuncture were observed at the GB30 acupoint. Conclusion: It is possible that acupuncture can be used for pain control and functional recovery from sciatic nerve injury.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.177-193
• /
• 2010

Significant advances have been made in understanding the biological underpinnings of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), particularly in the field of genetics and neuroimaging. Association studies in candidate genes related with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, monoamines including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, and proteins including FK506-binding protein 5 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor have provided important insights with regard to the vulnerability factors in PTSD. Genome-wide association studies and epigenetic studies may provide further information for the role of genes in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulated cortex and amygdala have been considered as key structures that underlie PTSD pathophysiology. Future research that combines genetic and neuroimaging information may provide an opportunity for a more comprehensive understanding of PTSD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.349-356
• /
• 2012

Purpose : This study was designed to investigate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field on functional recovery and expression of GAP-43 after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Methods : To confirm the damage of SCI and effects of pulsed electromagnetic field, 20 Sprague-Dawley male rats were used and divided randomly 2groups (SCI, PEMF). Incomplete SCI was induced by using modified NYU drop model. After operation, functional recovery test, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were measured at 1, 2, 3 weeks. Pulsed electromagnetic field were apply three weeks (one times a day, five days a week and twenty minutes a session). Results : In the this study, applications of pulsed electromagnetic field after incomplete SCI induced the significant improvement in functional recovery and expression of neurotrophic factor. The results were as follows; Foot print test, PEMF were significantly decreased than the SCI (p<.05). Expression of GAP-43, PEMF were significantly increased than the SCI at 2 and 3 weeks (p<.05). Conclusion : In conclusion, pulsed electromagnetic field were positive effect in functional recovery and expression of GAP-43 after incomplete SCI in rats.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.28 no.12
• /
• pp.1337-1340
• /
• 2005

A lignan derivative, (-)-(7R, 8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (DHDA), was isolated from Kalopanax septemlobus L. and was observed to have neuritogenic activity. DHDA at 50 $\mu$M caused a marked induction of neurite outgrowth and an enhancement of nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells. However, it did not exhibit any neurotrophic action. At 50 $\mu$M, DHDA enhanced NGF-induced neurite-bearing activity. This activity was partially blocked by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059 and by GF109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. These results suggest that DHDA can induce neurite outgrowth and enhance NGF-induced neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells by amplifying up-stream steps such as MAPK and PKC.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.160-172
• /
• 2022

Background: The authors established an in vitro model of diabetic neuropathy based on the culture system of primary neurons and Schwann cells (SCs) to mimic similar symptoms observed in in vivo models of this complication, such as impaired neurite extension and impaired myelination. The model was then utilized to investigate the effects of insulin on enhancing neurite extension and myelination of diabetic neurons. Methods: SCs and primary neurons were cultured under conditions mimicking hyperglycemia prepared by adding glucose to the basal culture medium. In a single culture, the proliferation and maturation of SCs and the neurite extension of neurons were evaluated. In a co-culture, the percentage of myelination of diabetic neurons was investigated. Insulin at different concentrations was supplemented to culture media to examine its effects on neurite extension and myelination. Results: The cells showed similar symptoms observed in in vivo models of this complication. In a single culture, hyperglycemia attenuated the proliferation and maturation of SCs, induced apoptosis, and impaired neurite extension of both sensory and motor neurons. In a co-culture of SCs and neurons, the percentage of myelinated neurites in the hyperglycemia-treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group. This impaired neurite extension and myelination was reversed by the introduction of insulin to the hyperglycemic culture media. Conclusions: Insulin may be a potential candidate for improving diabetic neuropathy. Insulin can function as a neurotrophic factor to support both neurons and SCs. Further research is needed to discover the potential of insulin in improving diabetic neuropathy.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.148-160
• /
• 2023

Depression is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with persistent stress and disruption of neuronal function. Persistent stress causes neuronal atrophy, including loss of synapses and reduced size of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These alterations are associated with neural dysfunction, including mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and behavioral changes. Synaptic plasticity is the fundamental function of neural networks in response to various stimuli and acts by reorganizing neuronal structure, function, and connections from the molecular to the behavioral level. In this review, we describe the alterations in synaptic plasticity as underlying pathological mechanisms for depression in animal models and humans. We further elaborate on the significance of phytochemicals as bioactive agents that can positively modulate stress-induced, aberrant synaptic activity. Bioactive agents, including flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, and lignans, have been reported to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and release, suppress neuronal loss, and activate the relevant signaling pathways, including TrkB, ERK, Akt, and mTOR pathways, resulting in increased spine maturation and synaptic numbers in the neuronal cells and in the brains of stressed animals. In clinical trials, phytochemical usage is regarded as safe and well-tolerated for suppressing stress-related parameters in patients with depression. Thus, intake of phytochemicals with safe and active effects on synaptic plasticity may be a strategy for preventing neuronal damage and alleviating depression in a stressful life.