• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 1982

It has been known that retinoids are intrinsically of critical importance for control of premalignant epithelial cell differentiation. In the absence of retinoids, normal cellular differentiation and growth does not occur in epithelia such as those of trachea and bronchi. Furthermore, it was also reported that retinoid deficiency enhanced susceptibility to chemical carcinogenesis in the respiratory system, in the bladder, and in the colon of the experimental animal. In 1974, Bollag examined the effects of synthetic retinoids in prevention of development of cancer and demonstrated synthetic retinoids to have more favorable therapeutic index than retinoic acid for causing regression of skin papilloma in mice. Therefore, it was assumed that this anticarcinogenic effect of vitamin A derivatives could be due to modification of the metabolism of the carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbon, which must first be activated to exert their effect. Hill and Shih reported that vitamin A compounds and analogs had inhibitory effect on drug metabolizing enzyme from liver and lung tissue of mouse and hamster. Lucy suggested that the chemoprevention effect of vitamin A derivatives is due to reaction with molecular oxygen, and it is possible that inhibition of hydroxybenzpyrene formation is a result of this property. On the other hand, butylated hydroxytoluene which is a potent antioxidant strongly inhibited the formation of mammary tumor induced by dimethylbenranthracene. Also, it was observed that this antioxidant inhibited cancer induction in rats by N-2-fluo-renylacetamide. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of vitamin A derivatives such as retinoic acid and retinoid on drug-metabolizing enzyme and to determine whether riboflavin tetrabutylate or vitamin E could prevent of modify any changes induced by vitamin A delivatives in the rats. The results obtained were as followings. 1) Body weight was significantly reduced by retinoic acid, but not by retinoid. 2) Retinoic acid markedly increased liver weight while retincid showed no effect on liver weight. Treatment of riboflavin tetrabutylate did not affect retinoic acid-induced change in both body weight and liver weight. 3) Both retinoic acid and retinoid remarkably decreased the activity of aminopyrine demethylase. Pretreatment of riboflavin tetrabutylate, however, prevented inhibitory effect of retinoic acid on the enzyme activity. 4) No significant effect of vitamin E on aminopyrine demethylase was observed in both groups treated with retinoic acid and retinoid.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.285-298
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• 2001

The effects of dried leaf powders and water and ethanol extracts of persimmon and green tea on lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzyme activity were investigated in 12-month-old rats. Forty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 520$\pm$19g were blocked into seven groups according to body weight. Rats were raised for four weeks with control(no tea leaf powder or extracts) and experimental diets containing either 5%(w/w) dried leaf powders of persimmon(Diospyros kaki Thunb) or green tea(Camellia sinensis O. Ktze), or water or ethanol extract from equal amounts of each dried tea powder. Food intakes of all tea diet groups were higher than that of control. Weight gains and food efficiency ratios of all tea diet groups were not significantly different from those of control. All tea diets decreased plasma triglyceride level, especially, green tea powder and persimmon ethanol diets were more effective than other diet. All the tea diet groups showed decrease in liver triglyceride level, and persimmon powder and ethanol extract increased fecal triglyceride excretion. Plasma cholesterol levels of all the tea diet groups were not significantly different from the control, but control. Fecal cholesterliver cholesterol concegroups were significantlntrations of all tea y lower than that of ol excretions of persimmon powder, green tea ethanol extract, persommon ethanol extract and green tea ethanol extract groups were significantly higher than that of control. Plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance(TBARS) concentrations of all the tea diet groups were lower than that of control. Especially, plasma TBARS concentrations of green tea powder and persimmon ethanol extract groups were sinificantly low. Red blood cell(RBC) superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities of persimmon ethanol extract and green tea water extract groups were increased, and RBC catalase activities of all experimental groups were not significantly different. RBC glutathione peroxidase(GSH-px) activities of persimmon ethanol extract, persimmon water extract and green tea powder groups were increased. Liver SOD activities of all the tea diet groups except green tea ethanol extract group were higher than that of control. Liver catalase activities of all experimental groups were not significantly different, and liver GSH-px activity of green tea powder group was significantly higher than that of control. In conclusion, dried leaf powders, and water and ethanol extracts of persimmon and green tea were effective in lowering lipid level, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxdative enzyme activities in 12-month-old rat. Green tea leaf powder with high contents of flavonoids and water soluble dietar fiber was most effective in lowering plasma triglyceride, cholesterol and TBARS level. (Korean J Nutrition 34(3) : 285~298, 2001)

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 1999

Purpose: Proliferation of bile duct-like structures and fibrosis is a hepatic cellular reaction observed in most forms of human liver disease and in a variety of experimental conditions associated with liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the activation of Ito cells and bile duct proliferation in the rat after common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Methods: Hepatic morphological abnormalities were examined in rats whose bile ducts had been irreversibly ligated for 15, 21, 24 and 28 days. The liver was examined by immunohistochemical staining for ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin, the known marker of activated Ito cells, and light and electron microscopes. Results: After CBDL, the bile canalicular proliferation and interstitial fibrosis were gradually increased in the periportal areas extended to hepatic sinusoids. Ito cells positive for ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin were frequently observed in the periductular space and in perisinusoidal space of Disse. Ito cells and myofibroblasts were gradually increased in the interstitial fibrosis until the 28th day after CBDL. Ito cells and myofibroblasts had microfilaments with dense body at the periphery of the cell. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Ito cells may be fibroblastic or myogenic. It has also been postulated that during the development of hepatic fibrosis, Ito cells become myofibroblasts or fibroblast like cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.684-691
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• 1999

Gamdutang aqua-acupuncture solution (GAS), Gamdutang water-extracted solution (GWS) and Dae-Gamdutang aqua-acupuncture solution (DGAS) were prepared and tested for chemopreventive potentials. GAS was potent inducer of quinone reductase (QR) activity in Heapa1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells in culture, whereas GWS is less potent. GAS, GWS and DGAS were significantly induced QR activity in cultured rat normal liver cell, Ac2F. Glutathione (GSH) levels were increased about 1.8, 1.0 and 1.1 fold with GAS, GWS and DGAS in Hepa1c1c7 cells, respectively. In addition glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was increased with GAS, GWS and DGAS. The effects of GAS, GWS and DGAS on the growth of Acanthamoeba castellanii were tested. Proliferation of A. castellanii was inhibited by GAS, GWS and DGAS at concentrations of 1 $\times$ and 5$\times$. These results suggest that GAS has chemopreventive potential by inducing QR and GST activities, increasing GSH levels and inhibition of polyamine metabolism.

• Mycobiology
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.86-95
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• 2022

Inflammaging in male reproductive organs covers a wide variety of problems, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. In this study, the beneficial effects of cordycepin (COR), isolated from potential medicinal fungi Cordyceps militaris, in aging-associated testicular inflammation and serum biochemical changes in naturally aged rats were investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into young control (YC), aged control (AC), and COR (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) treated aged rat groups. Aging-associated serum biochemical changes and inflammatory parameters were analyzed by biochemical assay kits, Western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) alteration in the total blood cell count, lipid metabolism, and liver functional parameters in AC group when compared with YC group. However, COR-treated aged rats ameliorated the altered biochemical parameters significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Furthermore, the increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tissue necrosis factor-alpha) in aged rat testis was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with YC group. Treatment with COR at 20 mg/kg to aged rats attenuated the increased expression of inflammatory mediators significantly (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies revealed that the potential attenuating effects exhibited by COR in aged rats was mediated by regulation of NF-κB activation and MAPKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38) signaling. In conclusion, COR restored the altered serum biochemical parameters in aged rats and ameliorated the aging-associated testicular inflammation proving the therapeutic benefits of COR targeting inflammaging-associated male sexual dysfunctions.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.1386-1392
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• 2006

Kahweol and cafestol significantly reduced t-BHP-induced oxidative injuries in cultured rat hepatocytes, as determined by cell cytotoxicity, intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, kahweol and cafestol provided good protection from the t-BHPinduced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. The in vivo study showed that pretreatment with kahweol and cafestol prior to the administration of t-BHP significantly prevented the increase in serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and reduced oxidative stress, such as GSH content and lipid peroxidation, in the liver in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathological evaluation of the livers also revealed that kahweol and cafestol reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by t-BHP. Taken together, these results support the anti-oxidative role of kahweol and cafestol and demonstrate that kahweol and cafestol can protect hepatocytes from oxidative stress.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.81-97
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-oxidative effect of electroacupuncture at Kokchi($LI_{11}$) in rats. Methods: A study administer AAPH to the abdominal cavity of rats and stimulate Kokchi($LI_{11}$) of the rat that lead to oxidative stress by electropuncture. And the study survey serum albumin, total bilirubin, LDL-cholesterol, LDH, Glucose, GOT, GPT and measure SOD activity, GSH concentration, catalase activity, NO concentration, MDA concentration. Results: 1. At the analysis of blood chemistry Albumin and Glucose significantly increase at $LI_{11}$-NR group, $LI_{11}$-EA group than at control group and holder group. LDL cholesterol, GOT, GPT decrease meaningfully. 2. As results of measurement at liver, SOD, Catalase represnet significantly increase at $LI_{11}$-NR group and $LI_{11}$-EA group than at control group and holder group. 3. Glutathione has some increases at the $LI_{11}$-NR group and $LI_{11}$-EA group than at the control group and the holder group. 4. As a result of measurement of NO and MDA's content, the content of NO decrease at the $LI_{11}$-NR group than at the control group. That reduces more meaningfully at the $LI_{11}$-EA group than at the control group. MDA has a significant decrease at the $LI_{11}$-NR group and the $LI_{11}$-EA group. 5. At the histological analysis, the study confirm that the density of intracellular cytoplasm in the liver tissue decreases at the control group as compared with the Normal group and the size of cell increases. Conclusions : These results suppose that electroacupuncture at $LI_{11}$ has an anti-oxidant effect in human.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 2015

Pueraiae Radix (PR), Pueratia Folium (PF) and Sorbus commixta (SC) mixture, namely GS-SP (PR (1)/PF (2)/SC (0.5): v/v/v) was developed as hangover-relieving elixir and its effects on alcoholic metabolism have been investigated. The enzymatic activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) of GS-SP was shown higher than those of single treatment with PR, PL, SC, and the positive control group (YM-808). The survival rate of mouse liver cell line NCTC clone 1469 in the presence of acetaldehyde was 30.6, 22.2, and 8.7% at the GS-SP dosage level of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL respectively. Different concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of GS-SP showed efficient activity for ADH and ALDH than YM-808 in rat fed with 25% ethanol. The levels of blood alcohol and acetaldehyde after oral administration of 200 mg/kg of GS-SP showed efficient activity of 11.7% and 37% than those of YM-808. These results have been supported to the potential for GS-SP to serve as an excellent potential in providing hangover relief and liver protection.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.8 no.2 s.9
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• pp.95-107
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• 2002

Yukmijihwang-tang(YM) is a noted herbal prescription in Chinese and Korean traditional medicines, and it has been known to reinforce the vital essence and has been widely used for a variety of disease such as stroke, osteoporosis, anti-tumor, and hypothyrodism. Regarding its traditional use, YM has been known to reinforce the Yin (vital essence) of liver and kidney. Also it has been known to reinforce nutrition and biological function in brain. Recently, studies suggested that YM increase antioxidant activities and exert the protective effect against oxidant-induced liver cell injury. We investigated the high-throughput gene expression analysis on the Yukmijihwang-tang administrated in SD rats. Microarray data were validated on a limited number of genes by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The recent availability of microarrays provides an attractive strategy for elaborating an unbiased molecular profile of large number of genes in drug discovery This experimental approach offers the potential to identify molecules or cellular pathways not previously associated with herbal medicine. Total RNA from normal control brain and Yukmijihwang-tang administrated brain were hybridized to microarrays containing 10,000 rat genes. The 52 genes were found to be up-regulated(twice or more) excluding EST gene. The nine genes were found to be down-regulated(twice or more) excluding EST gene. Gene array technology was used to identify for the first time many genes expression pathway analysis that arecell cycle pathway, apoptosis pathway, electron transport chain pathway, cytoplasmic ribosomal protein pathway, fatty acid degradation pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway. These differentially expressed genes pathway analysis have not previously been iavestigated in the context of herbal medicine efficacy and represent novel factors for further study of the mechanism of herbal medicine efficacy.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.258-268
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• 2004

This study was carried out to investigate preventive effects of extracts of cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, against the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD)-induced toxicity in 7-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats. Thirty five male rats were divided into 5 groups: one normal control group treated with vehicle and saline (G1); one TCDD-treated group by single intraperitoneal injection (G2); three preventive groups (G3, G4, and G5). The last three groups, G3, G4, and G5, were fed on cricket extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) for 2 weeks before TCDD treatment. Various harmful effects were shown by TCDD treatment. The body weights of rats were lost by TCDD. In addition, severe hypertrophy and color change, and the weights gaining were found in the livers of TCDD-treated rats. It was observed that the cytoplasmic vacuolizations and inflammatory cell infiltration around portal triad in the liver. TCDD also elevated the serum activity levels of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate transaminase(AST). However, those losses were compensated by cricket extracts treatment at the level of 200 mg/kg. These findings indicate that cricket extracts may have protective effects against TCDD-induced toxicities in rats.