• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was done to examine how laughter therapy impacts serotonin levels, QOL and depression in middle-aged women and to perform a path analysis for verification of the effects. Methods: A quasi-experimental study employing a nonequivalent control group and pre-post design was conducted. Participants were 64 middle-aged women (control=14 and experimental=50 in 3 groups according to level of depression). The intervention was conducted five times a week for a period of 2 weeks and the data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA and LISREL. Results: Results showed that pre serotonin and QOL in women with severe depression were the lowest. Serotonin in the experimental groups increased after the 10th intervention (p=.006) and the rise was the highest in the group with severe depression (p=.001). Depression in all groups decreased after the 5th intervention (p=.022) and the biggest decline was observed in group with severe depression (p=.007). QOL of the moderate and severe groups increased after the 10th intervention (p=.049), and the increase rate was highest in group with severe depression (p<.006). Path analysis revealed that laughter therapy did not directly affect depression, but its effect was indirectly meditated through serotonin variation (p<.001). Conclusion: Results indicate that serotonin activation through laughter therapy can help middle-aged women by lessening depression and providing important grounds for depression control.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2015

Tolfenamic acid (TA) is a traditional non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and has been broadly used for the treatment of migraines. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) is a sequence-specific transcription factor and plays a key role in the development and progression of inflammation and cancer. We performed the current study to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which TA suppresses inflammation focusing on NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in TNF-${\alpha}$ stimulated human normal and cancer cell lines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophages. Different types of human cells (HCT116, HT-29 and HEK293) and mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) were pre-treated with different concentrations of TA and then exposed to inflammatory stimuli such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and LPS. Transcriptional activity of NF-${\kappa}B$, $l{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$-degradation, p65 translocation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activations were measured using luciferase assay and Western blots. Pre-treatment of TA repressed TNF-${\alpha}$- or LPS-stimulated NF-${\kappa}B$ transactivation in a dose-dependent manner. TA treatment reduced degradation of $l{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ and subsequent translocation of p65 into nucleus. TA significantly down-regulated the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). However, TA had no effect on NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling and JNK phosphorylation in HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. TA possesses anti-inflammatory activities through suppression of JNK/NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in different types of cells.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.183-193
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• 2018

Objectives : In Traditional Korean Medicine, Epimedium koreanum Nakai has diverse pharmacological activities to treat impotence, forgetfulness, cataract and exophthalmos. Present study investigated anti-fibrogenic effects of E. koreanum water extract (EKE) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods : To study anti-fibrogenic effects of EKE, LX-2 cells, a human immortalized HSCs, were pre-treated with $3-300{\mu}g/mL$ of EKE, and then subsequently exposed to 5 ng/mL of transforming growth $factor-{\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$). Expression level of ${\alpha}-smooth$ muscle actin was determined by immunoblot analysis. Phosphorylation of Smad, transactivation of Smad, and expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were monitored to investigate the effect of EKE on $TGF-{\beta}1-mediated$ signaling pathway. Results : Up to $100{\mu}g/mL$, EKE did not show any cytotoxicity on LX-2 cells. Pre-treatment of EKE ($100{\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibited ${\alpha}-smooth$ muscle actin expression induced by $TGF-{\beta}1$. In addition, EKE significantly decreased Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, Smad binding element-driven luciferase activity and PAI-1 expression by $TGF-{\beta}1$. Of three flavonoid compounds found in EKE, only quercertin ($30{\mu}M$) attenuated $TGF-{\beta}1-mediated$ PAI-1 expression. Conclusion : These results suggest that EKE has an ability to suppress fibrogenic process in HSCs via inhibition of $TGF-{\beta}1/Smad$ signaling pathway.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.693-705
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• 2010

Objectives : The water extract of Daechilgi-tang(DCGT) has traditionally been used for treatment of qi stagnation(氣滯), which is considered to be one of the important causes of neuronal disease in oriental medicine. However, little is known about the mechanism by which DCGT protects neuronal cells from brain cell damages. Methods and Results : The author tested the mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of DCGT on glutamate -stimulated rat C6 glial cells. DCGT significantly protected C6 glial cells from glutamate in MTT assay. Pre-treatment of C6 glial cells with DCGT markedly inhibited the DNA fragmentation of C6 cells induced by glutamate. Glutamate increased the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and intracellular calcium level in C6 glial cells. However, pre-treatment with DCGT markedly suppressed the increase of ROS generation and intracellular calcium accumulation induced by glutamate. Among apoptosis signaling mediators, DCGT markedly increased the expression level of Bcl2 in glutamate-treated cells. It also inhibited the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP proteins by glutamate in C6 glial cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that DCGT protects brain cells from glutamate cytotoxicity through inhibition of ROS generation and activation of apoptosis signaling pathway as well as induction of the anti-oxidant system.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.537-551
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• 2017

Objectives : Jinnoe-san (JNS) is a novel herbal formula consisting of five oriental medicinal herbs including Polygalae Radix, Prunellae Spica, Perillae Herba, Betulae Cortex, and Lonicerae Flos. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of JNS on Parkinson's disease in vitro model. Methods : The effects of JNS on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ($MPP^+$)-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated with a cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and western blots analysis. The effects of JNS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia were determined with a nitric oxide (NO) assay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, and western blots analysis. Result : $MPP^+$-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly reduced by JNS pre-treatment in a dose-dependent manner. JNS inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondria dysfunction, and apoptosis induced by $MPP^+$ in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, JNS significantly activated Akt and ERK in SH-SY5Y cells and the ability of JNS to prevent mitochondria dysfunction by $MPP^+$ was antagonized by pre-treatment of LY294002 and PD98059, an Akt and ERK inhibitor, respectively. In addition, JNS inhibited LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production as well as iNOS expression and secretion of TNF-${\alpha}$, pro-inflammatory cytokines without affecting the cell viability. JNS also suppressed LPS-induced ERK activation. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that JNS has a protective effect on the dopaminergic neurons against $MPP^+$-induced neurotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effect on the LPS-stimulated microglia. These findings provide evidences for JNS to be considered as a new prescription for treating Parkinson's disease.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2001.03a
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• pp.18-18
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• 2001

Despite of importance of integrated events of nucleus and microtubule remodeling in nuclear transferred embryos with somatic cells, little information is available on this subject. In this study we configured chromatin and microtubule organization following somatic cell nuclear transfer in pre- and non-activated bovine oocytes in order to clearify nuclear remodeling process and to demonstrate centrosome inheritance during nuclear transfer. The cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from slaughterhouse and were matured in vitro for 20 h in TCM 199 supplemented hormone. Matured bovine oocytes were enucleated by aspirating the frist polar body and metaphase chromatin using a beveled pipette. Bovine fibroblast cells were fused into enucleated oocyte by electrical stimulation. Reconstructed oocytes were activated with ionomycine and 6-dimethylaminopurin, and then cultured in CRlaa medium. The organization of nuclear and microtubules were observed using laser-scanning confocal microscopy. At 1 hour after fusion, microtubule aster was seen near the transferred nucleus in most oocytes regardless activation condition. While most of fibroblast nuclei remodeled to premature chromosome condensation (PCC) and to the two masses of chromosome in non-activated oocytes, a few number of fibloblasts went to PCC and multiple pronuclear like structures in activated oocytes. Microtubular spindle was seen around condensed chromosome. Gamma-tubulin was detected in the vicinity of condensed chromosome, suggesting this is a transient spindle. The spindle seperated nucleus into two masses of chromatin which developed to the pronuclear like structures. Two pronuclear like structures were than apposed by microtubular aster and formed one syngamy like nuclear structure at 15 h following nuclear transfer. At 17 to 18 h after fusion, two centrosomes were seen near the nucleus, which nucleates micrtubules for two cell cleavage. While 31% of reconstructed oocytes in non-activated condition developed to morulae and blastocysts, a few reconstructed oocytes in pre-activated condition developed to the blastocyst. These results suggested introduction of foreign centrosome during nuclear transfer, which appeared to give an important role for somatic cell nuclear reprogramming.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.274-284
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• 2009

Purpose: This study surveyed how victims with acute traumatic hand injuries received pre-hospital care and how satisfied they were with that care. Method: A total of 100 adults were interviewed using a questionnaire at one microsurgical clinic in Korea. Results: Only 12 patients (12.0%) were transported by the ambulance and the others by private or company's vehicles. Only 9 patients (9.0 %) were able to get appropriate first response from the EMTs or industrial health providers at the scene of the accidents. The mean time required for transportation from the scene of the accident to the operation room of the microsurgical clinic was $372.65{\pm}719.17$ minutes. Most of the patients were satisfied with the pre-hospital care provided by the EMT or industrial health providers but dissatisfied with that provided by lay persons. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a lack in the first response provided at the scene and the activation of EMS (Emergency Medical System) for acute hand injury. It is necessary to educate the public about the appropriate first response and rapid transportation to the appropriate microsurgical clinic.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 2016

Background: Evidence for effective management of scapular downward rotation syndrome is limited. The present study was performed to compare the scapular muscle activation through 4weeks wall slide exercise and sling slide exercise in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome participated in the study. Surface electromyography data were collected from the upper and lower trapezius, serratus anterior and pectoralis major during shoulder flexion of $60^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$ and $120^{\circ}$ in the sagittal plane. The alignment of the scapula was measured using radiographic analysis. Subjects were assessed pre and post a 4 weeks exercise (wall slide, sling slide). The significance of the difference in pre- and post-exercise within each groups was assessed using a paired t-test. The significant difference between wall- and sling-exercise was used a independent t-test. Results: In the wall slide group, the muscle activity of upper trapezius decreased significantly during shoulder flexion at $60^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$ and $120^{\circ}$ after 4 weeks, and the muscle activity of serratus anterior increased significantly at all angles. Also, the muscle activity of pectoralis major decreased significantly at $90^{\circ}$ and $120^{\circ}$. Conclusions: Based on such results, it can be said that wall slide exercise is effective than sling slide exercise for the subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.186-195
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• 2006

The present study was carried out to determine the involvement of opioid and non-opioid receptor and the effect of pH and enzymes on the recently reported antinociceptive activity of aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius (AECO) leaves using the abdominal constriction test. The extract was prepared by soaking the dried powdered leaves of Corchorus (C.) olitorius in distilled water overnight, and the supernatant obtained was considered as a stock solution with 100% concentration/ strength. The extract, administered subcutaneously in the concentrations/ strength of 10, 50 and 100%, was found to show a significant concentration-independent antinociception. The 50% concentration AECO were further used to study on the above mentioned parameters. The extract exhibited: significant (P < 0.05) decreased in activity when pre-treated (s.c.) against 10 mg/kg naloxonazine, bicuculine (10 mg/kg), phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg), 10 mg/kg pindolol, and 5 mg/kg mecamylamme, but not 10 mg/kg naltrindole, 10 mg/kg atropine, respectively; significant (P < 0.05) decreased in activity after pre-treatment against 10% a-amylase, but not 1 % protease or 10% lipase and; significant (P < 0.05) decreased in activity after exposure to alkaline condition (pH between 9 and 13) while maintaining the activity at acidic condition, respectively. The C. olitorius leaves antinociception, which involved, at least in part, activation of $\mu-opioid,\;\alpha-and\;\beta-adrenergic$, and nicotinic receptors, was found to decrease under alkaline condition and in the presence of $\alpha-amylase$.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.185-192
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• 2015

Background: Neuropathic pain is a global clinical problem; nevertheless, nerve injury treatment methods remain limited. Olanzapine has antinociceptive and anti-nueropathic properties; however, its preventive effects have not been assessed in nerve injury models. Methods: We prepared a partial sciatic nerve ligation (Seltzer model) or sham-operated model in male Sprague-Dawley rats under isoflurane anesthesia. In a pre-treatment study, we administered olanzapine (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 1 h before nerve ligation. In post-treatment and dose-dependent studies, we injected 3 different doses of olanzapine intraperitoneally 1 h after nerve ligation. Mechanical allodynia was measured before and 7 days after surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-Iba-1 antibody was used to assess the effect of olanzapine at the spinal level. Results: In the pre-treatment study, median withdrawal thresholds of the normal saline groups were significantly lower than those of the sham-operated groups; however, those of the olanzapine (10 mg/kg) and sham-operated groups were not different. In the post-treatment and dose-dependent studies, the median withdrawal thresholds of the olanzapine (2.5 mg/kg) and normal saline groups were not different; however, those of the olanzapine (10 and 50 mg/kg) groups were significantly higher than those of the normal saline groups. Olanzapine did not have a significant effect on the density of Iba-1 staining. Conclusions: Olanzapine attenuated mechanical allodynia dose-dependently in the Seltzer model. This anti-allodynic effect of olanzapine was observed even when injected 1 h after nerve ligation. This effect of olanzapine appeared to be unrelated to microglia activation in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord.