• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.45-49
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• 2013

In tissue engineering application, a fibrous structure of scaffolds has been issued as an alternative system to regulate cell survival and tissue regeneration, and electrospinning technique has been popularly used to generate fibrous meshes or sheets mimicking the structure of native extracellular matrix (ECM). However, recent strategy in the scaffold development is expanded to provide the structural property as well as a biological property of native ECM, a variety of surface modification techniques have been used to introduce biological property. In this study, we developed biomimetic poly(L-lactide-co-${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) (PLCL) nano- and micro-fibrous scaffolds as a unique platform with structural and biological properties with native ECM using electrospinning method and gamma-ray irradiation. Surface morphology of the scaffolds was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and alteration of surface property was evaluated with toluidine blue O staining, water contact angle measurement and ATR-FTIR analysis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.16-27
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• 2011

Objective : To investigate the effects of Pyeongwi-san-gamibang on atopic dermatitis, this study measured TEWL(transepidermal water loss), observed scratching behaviors and checked levels of Total IgE, IL-4, IFN-${\gamma}$ and conducted skin biopsy on NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis. Methods : NC/Nga mice were challenged with DNCB during 5 weeks to develop atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. The NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis were divided into three groups of control group, PW-d, PW-e group. Once a day for 22 days, Pyeongwi-san-GamiBang extract with water was administered for the PW-d group and the extract with 80% ethanol was administered for PW-e group compared with saline solution for control group. During drug administration, sensitization by DNCB had lasted for three times per week. Results : 1. TEWL had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 2. The scratching behaviors had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 3. The levels of Total IgE in PW-d, PW-e group had a statistically significantly higher than that of the control group although difference between the control group and the PW-d, PW-e group were similar. 4. The level of IL-4 had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 5. The level of IFN-${\gamma}$ had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 6. As the observation of toluidine blue stained lesion, both PW-d and PW-e group had lower level of histamine releasement compared with the control group. Conclusion : Result based on these experiments, Pyeongwi-san-GamiBang on atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice is not effective. But, as the study showed significantly individual differece, we need to repeat these study after supplementing the object number and modified indicator of clinical severity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.66-78
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• 2019

Purpose: Thallium (TI+) autometallography is often used for the imaging of neuronal metabolic activity in the rodent brain under various pathophysiologic conditions. The purpose of this study was to apply a thallium autometallographic technique to observe changes in neuronal activity in the forebrain of rats following acute carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. Methods: In order to induce acute CO intoxication, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 1100 ppm of CO for 40 minutes, followed by 3000 ppm of CO for 20 minutes. Animals were sacrificed at 30 minutes and 5 days after induction of acute CO intoxication for thallium autometallography. Immunohistochemical staining and toluidine blue staining were performed to observe cellular damage in the forebrain following intoxication. Results: Acute CO intoxication resulted in significant reduction of TI+ uptake in major forebrain structures, including the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and striatum. In the cortex and hippocampal CA1 area, marked reduction of TI+ uptake was observed in the cell bodies and dendrites of pyramidal neurons at 30 minutes following acute CO intoxication. There was also strong uptake of TI+ in astrocytes in the hippocampal CA3 area following acute CO intoxication. However, there were no significant histological findings of cell death and no reduction of NeuN (+) neuronal populations in the cortex and hippocampus at 5 days after acute CO intoxication. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that thallium autometallography can be a new and useful technique for imaging functional changes in neural activity of the forebrain structure following mild to moderate CO intoxication.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.287-294
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1), one of the major active compounds in Panax ginseng, has already been shown to reduce inflammation in various diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been considered a degenerative disease with degradation of joint articular cartilage. However, recent studies have shown the association of inflammation with OA. In the present study, we investigated whether Rb1 had an antiinflammatory effect on monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA in ovariectomized rats as a model of postmenopausal arthritis. Methods: G-Rb1 at a dosage of 3 and 10 ㎍/kg body weight was administered every 3 days intraarticularly for a period of 4 weeks to observe antiarthritic effects. Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) served as a positive control. Results: The administration of Rb1 significantly ameliorated OA inflammatory symptoms and reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, G-Rb1 administration considerably enhanced the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and collagen 2A and reduced the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-13 genes, indicating a chondroprotective effect of G-Rb1. G-Rb1 also significantly reduced the expression of several inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (interferon gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/CCL-2, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6). Histological analysis demonstrated that G-Rb1 significantly attenuated the pathological changes in MIA-induced OA in ovariectomized rats. Safranin O and toluidine blue staining further demonstrated that G-Rb1 effectively prevented the degradation of cartilage and glycosaminoglycans, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that G-Rb1 exerts cartilage protective effect on MIA-induced ovariectomized OA rats, by inhibiting inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1/CCL-2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2). These results shed a light on possible therapeutic application of G-Rb1 in OA.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.76-103
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• 2021

Objectives This study was designed to examine the effect of Gleditsiae Fructus n-hexane (GSF_Hx) on two different groups (on the LPS-induced activation of Raw264.7 cells in vitro, and on the DNCB-induced activation of atopic dermatitis NC/Nga Tnd mice in vivo) to find index components and active components of Gleditsiae Fructus. Methods GSF_Hx was analyzed by HPLC profiling and confirmed echinocystic acid (EA), oleanolic acid (OA) as index components of Gleditsiae Fructus. Using GSF_Hx, EA, OA, we investigated IL-6, TNF-α, NO production by ELISA analysis and evaluated manifestations of MAPKs transcription factors and NF-κB p65 translocation by western blotting. During In vivo study, atopic dermatitis was induced on NC/Nga Tnd mice by DNCB and administered GSF_Hx, EA, OA orally, and checked skin lesions and measured skin clinical score. Serum IgE level, Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and modulating molecular mediators and immune cells in the spleenocyte culture supernatant, PBMCs, ALN and dorsal skin were also measured by real-time PCR. Then, skin rash was evaluated and mast cell distribution was verified by H&E and toluidine blue staining on dorsal skin. Results It is possible that GSF_Hx, EA and OA reduce inflammation and allergic response of atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and modulating molecular mediators and immune cells. They also had moisturizing effect by raising vitality of ceramide in dorsal skin of atopic dermatitis NC/Nga Tnd mice. However, EA particularly had better overall activity data than OA, that EA could be a more effective active component of Gleditsiae Fructus than OA. Conclusions Based on the inflammatory reduction property with moisturizing effect, GSF_Hx may play a role in effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.855-869
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity. MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 ㎍/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant. Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 1989

This study was performed to observe the role of Pneumocystis carinii as an etiologic agent of interstitial pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts. Total 90 male Sprague-Dawley rats, approxi. mately 150-180 g, were used. Fifteen of them were used as control group and remaining 75 (5 groups) were as immunosuppression groups; group 1 received prednisolone (25 mg/kg twice weekly) only; group 2 Prednisolone and tetracycline (75 mk/kg/day) ; group 3 Prednisolone, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole (50~250 mg/kg/day) : group 4 prednisolone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole; and group 5 prednisolone and griseofulvin (300 mg/kg/day) until death. The survival days of each group rat were calculated, and upon death their lungs were removed immediately and then stamp smears were prepared and stained by Giemsa or toluidine blue O. For histopathologic observation, lungs were fixed in 10% formalin, cut into sections and stained with Gomori's methenamine silvei, hematoxylin-rosin, and Brovkn & Brenn stain. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The mean survival time of each group rat was 19.3$\pm$5.2 days (group 1), 41.1$\pm$14.0 days (group 2), 50.5$\pm$18.4 days (group 3), 43.0$\pm$22.9 days (group 4) or 21.8$\pm$5.1 days (group 5). Significant differences were noted between group 1 and group 2(p<0.01), group 1 and group 3 (p<0.01), and group 1 and group 4 (p<0.01), which represented bacterial infections were most fatal in immunocompromised rats. Group 5 revealed no difference in the survival day from group 1, while significant differences were noted between group 2 and group 5(P<0.01), group 3 and group 5(p<0.01), and group 4 and group 5(p<0, 01), which represented little importance of fungal infection as the cause of death of the rats. 2. The first fatality due to p. carinii pneumonia occurred 17 days after the beginning of the immunosuppression. The occurrence rate of P. carinii pneumonia in the decreasing order was 92.9% (group 3), 80.0% (group 2 and group 5), 78.6% (group 4) and 33.3% (group 1). With regard to the pathological stage of P. carinii pneumonia, the stage 1 was 11.3%, the stage 2, 28.3%, and the stage 3, 60.4%. 3. Viewing from the duration of immunosuppression, bacterial pneumonia chieay appeared in 1 month, mixed infections (P. carinii and bacteria, or p. carinii and fungi) in 1~2 months, and pure P. carinii pneumonia after 2 months. The present study revealed that P. carinii pneumonia was the most important cause of death of immunocompromised rats later than 1 month after the start of immunosuppression.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2010

This study is to observe the bacteriocidal effect of the Low Level Laser (LLL) against oral microorganisms which are related to the occurrence of periodontal diseases and oral malodors. The Porphyromonas gingivalis 2561 (P. gingivalis 2561) and Prevotella intermedia (Pr. intermedia) were treated with photosensitizing substance-toluidine blue O (TBO; C.I. 52040) and then radiated with the LLL which has 650nm wavelength for 1, 2, 3 and 5mins. continuously upon varying distances of 1, 2 and 3cm for each experimental groups. The results are as follows; 1. The P. gingivalis 2561 which was treated with TBO and then radiated with LLL at a distance of 3cm for 1min. showed 99.99% higher antibacterial effect in comparison to the experimental group treated only with TBO. 2. The Pr. intermedia which was treated with TBO and then radiated with LLL at a distance of 3cm for 1min. showed 99.8% higher antibacterial effect in comparison to the experimental group treated only with TBO. 3. The bacteriocidal effect of the P. gingivalis 2561 treated with TBO was found to gradually increase as the radiation time of LLL extended from 1min. to 3min. at 1min. intervals. 4. A slight decrease in bacteriocidal effect of the P. gingivalis 2561 was found as the radiation distance of LLL increased from 1cm to 3cm at 1cm intervals. 5. The bacteriocidal effect of the Pr. intermedia was found to slightly decrease as the radiation distance of LLL increased from 1cm to 3cm at 1cm. intervals. As the results shown above suggest, the bacteriocidal effect of LLL was found to increase as the radiation time extended and the distance shortened. Moreover, even the experimental group radiated with LLL at 3cm distance for 1min. which showed the lowest level of bacteriocidal effect, was found to have 99.8% higher bacteriocidal effect than the experimental group which was treated only with TBO and, therefore, this clearly shows the bacteriocidal effect of LLL against oral microorganisms. Thus, the use of LLL is thought to become very useful for suportive treatment for periodontitis and implantitis, and controlling oral malodors as long as it is used within the limits where there is no side effect.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.851-859
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• 2014

The present study was designed to investigate whether ethanol extracts of Sophora flavescens (GS), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GC), Dictamnus dasycarpus (BSP), and their mixtures (GGB-1, -2, -3, and -4) inhibit 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in a mouse model. DNCB was topically applied on the dorsal surface of Balb/c mice to induce AD-like skin lesions. The pathological phenotypes of AD, such as erythema, ear thickness, edema, scabs, and discharge, were significantly decreased in the GGB (DNCB + GS:GC:BSP = 3:1:1 mixture)-1-treated groups compared with the other treated groups. The weight of the spleen in immune organs was significantly decreased in the GGB-1-treated groups, whereas the weight of the liver in a control group was similar to that of the groups treated with the samples. Furthermore, toluidine blue staining analysis, a method used to specifically identify mast cells, showed that master cell infiltration into the dermis of the GGB-1-treated group was significantly decreased. The immunoglobulin E concentration was lower in the GGB-1-treated group. In addition, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interferon-${\gamma}$, interleukin-1, 4, 5, 6, and 13, $1{\beta}$, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$) were also significantly reduced in the GGB-1-treated group. Taken together, these results suggest that a mixture of GS, GC, and BSP in a proportion of 3:1:1 (GGB-1) may contribute to the relief of AD symptoms and may be considered an excellent candidate for an AD therapeutic drug.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.36-53
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of DOGO phreatic water containing sulphur on Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga mouse. Methods : We made DOGO phreatic water removed sulphur using Twin Alternating Sulfate Eater. After making atopic dermatitis caused by sensitizing NC/Nga mouse to DNCB(dinitrochlorobenzene), we made mouse swim in tanks each filled with distilled water, tap water, DOGO phreatic water(contain sulphur), DOGO phreatic water(remove sulphur) for 30minutes everyday. 3weeks later, we analyzed skin clinical score, total IgE levels(by ELISA), WBC differential counting(Neutrophils, Monocytes), absolute cell number of $Neutrophil^+Gr-1^+$, CCR3 mRNA expressions(by Real-time PCR), IL-4, IFN-${\gamma}$ production levels(by ELISA), histologic test(by H&E staining, toluidine blue staining). Results : The results of making NC/Nga mouse induced atopic dermatitis swim in tanks filled with DOGO phreatic water(contain sulphur) are as follows. 1. Skin clinical scores were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 2. Total IgG levels were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 3. WBC differential counting(Neutrophils, Monocytes) were decreased significantly in c.mparison to control group. 4. Absolute cell number of $Neutrophil^+Gr-1^+$ were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 5. CCR3 mRNA expressions were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 6. IL-4, IFN-${\gamma}$ production levels were decreased significantly in comparison to control group. 7. The epithelial tissue thickness, leucocytes infiltration, erythema, edema, excoriation, scaling, mast cells infiltrations in dorsal skin were decreased in comparison to control group. Conclusions : These results indicate that DOGO phreatic water(contain sulphur) can be used for helping treat atopic dermatitis.