• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.19-24
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• 2018

Objectives : Hedgehog skin is one of the animal medicines in Traditional Korean Medicine for hematochezia and hemorrhoids. In this study, we examined cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects. Methods : Cytotoxicity of hedgehog skin extracts was measured by MTT assay in vitro. We investigated the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was measured by western blot. And we observed the effect of hedgehog skin extracts on the expression of IL-6 genes using real time PCR. Results : As a result of MTT assay for cytotoxicity, there were no significant differences between non-treatment group and hedgehog skin extracts treatment groups. $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of hedgehog skin extracts treatment significantly decreased nitric oxide production in comparison with non-treatment in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In measurement of the phosphorylation of MAPKs using western blot analysis, LPS stimulation increased the phosphorylation of MAPKs and $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of hedgehog skin extracts treatment decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1, ERK2 and p38 significantly. But there were no significant differences the phosphorylation of JNK1 and JNK2. As a result of confirmation of the IL-6 mRNA gene expression using real time PCR, IL-6 mRNA gene expressions were significantly decreased in $50{\mu}g/m{\ell}$, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ hedgehog skin extracts treated groups by comparison with non-treatment group. Conclusion : These results could provide a mechanistic explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of the hedgehog skin.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.55-62
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aims to evaluate the effects of natural herb mixutre (NHM) on atopic dermatitis and skin regeneration using in vivo test. Methods : NHM was prepared with DW. 25% of NHM was applied to skin lesion, where atopic dermatitis was induced by DNCB in NC/Nga mice. The levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-a, and $IFN-{\gamma}$), and IgE in serum were measured by Luminex. Immune cells (WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte) in blood were counted by coulter counter. The gross investigation of atopic dermatitis index score test were performed during the NHM treatment period. Also, the histopathological change of dorsal skin was observed by H&E and M&T staining. Results : NHM showed the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IgE, WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte in serum or blood were significantly decreased. On the contrary, the productions of FGF, and VEGF were increased in the serum. Also, atopic dermatitis index score in NHM-treated mice were observed in the similar levels to those of normal group. Histological examination demonstrated that NHM suppressed immune cell infiltration and thickening of epidermis, meanwhile the extraction induced collagen production in the dorsal skin. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that NHM is appeared to be effective on atopic dermatitis and skin regeneration efficacy based on the observations with hematologic, gross, and histologic examinations. Therefore, we suggest that NHM could be effectively used as an external therapeutics against atopic dermatitis and a consequence skin damage.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2009

Objectives : Inflammation is important event in the development of vascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis. Bodusan (BDS) was a traditional Korean herbal medicine and widely used in treatment of gastrointestinal complaint and stomach ulcer. The aim of this study was to determine whether BDS and its components inhibit production of nitrite, PGE2 and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cytotoxic activity of BDS and its components on RAW 264.7 cells was using 5-(3caroboxymcrophages. eth-oxyphenyj)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were detected by western blot. Results : Our results indicated that BDS and its components significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production. Moreover. BDS and its components inhibited iNOS and COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-11${\beta}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 formation in macrophages. Conclusions: These results indicate that BDS and its components have potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.210-222
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a complex pathological condition that lacks a cure. Certain Chinese medicines, such as melittin, a major component in bee venom, have shown efficacy in treating CRF patients. On the other hand, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of melittin are unclear. MATERIALS/METHODS: A 5/6 nephrectomy model (5/6 Nx) of renal failure was established on rats for in vivo assays, and mouse podocyte clone 5 (MPC5) mouse podocyte cells were treated with angiotensin II (AngII) to establish an in vitro podocyte damage model. The 24-h urine protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were evaluated after one, 2, and 4 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to examine the pathological changes in kidney tissues. A cell counting kit 8 assay was used to assess the cell viability. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels in the cells, respectively. RESULTS: In the rat 5/6 Nx, melittin reduced the 24-h urinary protein excretion and the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the renal pathology was improved in the melittin-treated 5/6 Nx rats. Melittin promoted podocin, nephrin, Beclin 1, and the LC3II/LC3I ratio and inhibited phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR in 5/6 Nx-induced rats and AngII-induced MPC5 mouse podocyte cells. Moreover, inhibiting autophagy with 3-MA weakened the effects of melittin on podocin, nephrin, and the LC3II/LC3I ratio in podocytes. CONCLUSION: Melittin may offer protection against kidney injury, probably by regulating podocyte autophagy. These results provide the theoretical basis for applying melittin in CRF therapy.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.30.1-30.16
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• 2024

Background: Biofilms, such as those from Staphylococcus epidermidis, are generally insensitive to traditional antimicrobial agents, making it difficult to inhibit their formation. Although quercetin has excellent antibiofilm effects, its clinical applications are limited by the lack of sustained and targeted release at the site of S. epidermidis infection. Objectives: Polyethylene glycol-quercetin nanoparticles (PQ-NPs)-loaded gelatin-N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (N,O-CMCS) composite nanogels were prepared and assessed for the on-demand release potential for reducing S. epidermidis biofilm formation. Methods: The formation mechanism, physicochemical characterization, and antibiofilm activity of PQ-nanogels against S. epidermidis were studied. Results: Physicochemical characterization confirmed that PQ-nanogels had been prepared by the electrostatic interactions between gelatin and N,O-CMCS with sodium tripolyphosphate. The PQ-nanogels exhibited obvious pH and gelatinase-responsive to achieve on-demand release in the micro-environment (pH 5.5 and gelatinase) of S. epidermidis. In addition, PQ-nanogels had excellent antibiofilm activity, and the potential antibiofilm mechanism may enhance its antibiofilm activity by reducing its relative biofilm formation, surface hydrophobicity, exopolysaccharides production, and eDNA production. Conclusions: This study will guide the development of the dual responsiveness (pH and gelatinase) of nanogels to achieve on-demand release for reducing S. epidermidis biofilm formation.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Objectives : This study aims to clarify the interpretation of the verse "jinyinhuabohetangxia(金銀花薄荷湯下)" in Zhouxuehai(周學海)'s corrective commentary in the Xiaoeryaozhenzhijue(小兒藥證直訣), by examining traditional pediatric texts in relation to the verse. Methods : For each of the three possible interpretations of the instructive phrase for taking herbal formulas-Lonicera flower with peppermint(金銀花+薄荷), gold and silver with peppermint(金銀+薄荷), and gold coin peppermint(金錢薄荷)-applications of these herbs in the various pediatric books were analyzed to determine the most appropriate interpretation. Results & Conclusions : The formulary composition of Liangjingwan(凉驚丸) and Wusewan(五色丸) seems to sufficiently target the pathology of pediatric convulsion(驚癎) and heart malnutrition(心疳). Furthermore, it seems unnecessary to add Lonicera flower(金銀花) to the gastrointestinal fragility(脾胃虛弱) of the malnourished(疳). Some of the herbal formulas in the pediatrics chapter of the Zhengzhizhunsheng(證治准繩) include Lonicera flower(金銀花) to treat only carbuncles(癰腫, 腫毒), while other books do not include it in their formulas. On the other hand, instructions to take water boiled with gold and silver appear in many texts, including the Xiaoeryaozhenzhijue(小兒藥證直訣), and sometimes include gold leaf(金箔) directly in the formula. Descriptions of gold and silver pots with instructions on how to make herbal formulas were found as well, which supports what Zhouxuehai(周學海) commented on the Xiaoeryaozhenzhijue(小兒藥證直訣). Although gold coin peppermint(金錢薄荷) is currently used as Lianqiancao(連錢草) in China, it was difficult to verify its identity as Jinqianbohe(金錢薄荷), which seems to have been recognized as a type of mint in the past. No reported anticonvulsant studies of Lonicera flower(金銀花), gold and silver(金銀), and Lianqiancao(連錢草) were found. Peppermint(薄荷) was ubiquitous in instructions for taking herbal formulas treating pediatric convulsions. Therefore, the instruction to take water boiled with gold and silver, or to take the herbal medicine in water boiled in a gold and silver pot, rather than using Lonicera flower(金銀花), could be considered as an interpretation closer to the original author's intent.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.19.1-19.8
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• 2024

Blue light in the visible spectrum naturally fights bacteria and effectively deactivates various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi using photodynamic processes. It works against drug-resistant strains within these species and is gentler on mammalian cells than ultraviolet rays or chemicals. This study evaluated blue light as an affordable way to sanitize surfaces in poultry settings, such as eggs and litter. The study used an light-emitting diode array to remove harmful Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus from these items and observed how blue light affected their survival rates. Blue light (455 nm) at 30 mW/cm2 for one hour decreased the survival of S. aureus and E. coli on solid agar plates to 29.88% and 21.04%, respectively, compared to non-irradiated cultures. Similarly, on untreated surfaces (such as plastic used for feeding and drinking), the survival rates dropped to 25.8% and 15.6%, respectively. The survival percentages on treated eggs were 50% (S. aureus) and 36.47% (E. coli) and 49% (S. aureus) and 48.2% (E. coli) on treated litter. Hence, blue light technology offers a promising alternative to traditional antimicrobial methods by leveraging specific wavelengths to target microbial cells. This approach can significantly reduce the microbial load in poultry environments, enhancing food safety and animal health. This paper reports the first use of blue light as an antibacterial within poultry research in Iraq, offering a fresh approach to disinfection in this field.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.605-610
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• 2003

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, leukemia is a malignant disease (cancer) that originates in a cell in the marrow. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of developing marrow cells. There are two major classifications of leukemia: myelogenous or lymphocytic, which can each be acute or chronic. The terms myelogenous or lymphocytic denote the cell type involved. Thus, four major types of leukemia are: acute or chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins. The diseases result from an acquired (not inherited) genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously. In the United States, about 2,000 children and 27,000 adults are diagnosed each year with leukemia. Treatment for cancer may include one or more of the following: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, surgery and bone marrow transplantation. The most effective treatment for leukemia is chemotherapy, which may involve one or a combination of anticancer drugs that destroy cancer cells. Specific types of leukemia are sometimes treated with radiation therapy or biological therapy. Common side effects of most chemotherapy drugs include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, decreased blood counts and infections. Each type of leukemia is sensitive to different combinations of chemotherapy. Medications and length of treatment vary from person to person. Treatment time is usually from one to two years. During this time, your care is managed on an outpatient basis at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center or through your local doctor. Once your protocol is determined, you will receive more specific information about the drug(s) that Will be used to treat your leukemia. There are many factors that will determine the course of treatment, including age, general health, the specific type of leukemia, and also whether there has been previous treatment. there is considerable interest among basic and clinical researchers in novel drugs with activity against leukemia. the vast history of experience of traditional oriental medicine with medicinal plants may facilitate the identification of novel anti leukemic compounds. In the present investigation, we studied 31 kinds of anti leukemic medicinal plants, which its pharmacological action was already reported through many experimental articles and oriental medical book: 『pharmacological action and application of anticancer traditional chinese medicine』 In summary: Used leukemia cellline are HL60, HL-60, Jurkat, Molt-4 of human, and P388, L-1210, L615, L-210, EL-4 of mouse. 31 kinds of anti leukemic medicinal plants are Panax ginseng C.A Mey; Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc; Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc; Aloe ferox Mill; Phorboc diester; Tripterygium wilfordii Hook .f.; Lycoris radiata (L Her)Herb; Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz; Lilium brownii F.E. Brown Var; Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.; Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels; Asparagus cochinensis (Lour. )Merr; Isatis tinctoria L.; Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet; Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.; Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim; Dioscorea opposita Thumb; Schisandra chinensis (Rurcz. )Baill.; Auium Sativum L; Isatis tinctoria, L; Ligustisum Chvanxiong Hort; Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch; Euphorbia Kansui Liou; Polygala tenuifolia Willd; Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth; Chelidonium majus L; Rumax madaeo Mak; Sophora Subprostmousea Chunet T.ehen; Strychnos mux-vomical; Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.et Maxim.)Harms; Rubia cordifolia L. Anti leukemic compounds, which were isolated from medicinal plants are ginsenoside Ro, ginsenoside Rh2, Emodin, Yuanhuacine, Aleemodin, phorbocdiester, Triptolide, Homolycorine, Atractylol, Colchicnamile, Paeonol, Aspargus polysaccharide A.B.C.D, Indirubin, Leonunrine, Acinosohic acid, Trichosanthin, Ge 132, Schizandrin, allicin, Indirubin, cmdiumlactone chuanxiongol, 18A glycyrrhetic acid, Kansuiphorin A 13 oxyingenol Kansuiphorin B. These investigation suggest that it may be very useful for developing more effective anti leukemic new dregs from medicinal plants.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.1-26
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• 1999

This paper was written in order to understand each constitutional symptoms and diseases with two aspects. The first was to trace the courses to accomplish constitutional symptoms and diseases from that of oriented medicine through "Dongyi Bogam" and the original writing such as "Shanghanlun". The second was to analyze the constitutional diseases with Lee Je-ma's own recognition on human being and the society which was based on the "Dongyi Suse Bowon". The original concepts of 'The Interior Disease' and 'The Exterior Disease' were based on the Nature and the Emotion, the Environmental Frames and the Human Affairs, the Ears Eyes Nose Mouth and the Lung Spleen Liver Kidney. The exterior disease were caused by the abilities of ears to listen, eyes to see, nose to smell, and mouth to taste on the environmental frames which were related one's recognition to society. The interior diseases were caused by the abilities of lung to study, spleen to ask, liver to think, kidney to judge on human affairs which were related the relationship between me and others. So the titles of constitutional diseases were named by these views on his first writing of "Dongyi Suse Bowon" in 1894. So the titles of Taeyangin diseases, 'The lumbar Vertebae Disease Induced by Exopathogen' and 'The Small Intestine Disease Induced by Endopathogen' were still remained as the first writing. But the titles of constitutional diseases were rewritten such as present titles in 1900. In order to express pathology and mechanism of constitutional diseases exactly, he rewrote titles which contained the manifestation sites of diseases, and the symptoms of febrile and cold, and the different congenital formations of organs. The exterior diseases and interior diseases had three characteristics. The first was that the exterior disease injured by the nature which had a tendency to progress slowly and the interior disease injured by the emotion which had a tendency to progress rapidly. The second was not that the interior disease and the exterior disease were separated, but that one influenced the other and these were revealed as a disease together when the diseases continued for a long time. The third was that even though the disease caught together it was included the beginning disease. The symptoms in ordinary times was the origin and clue to recognize the constitutional symptoms and diseases. It enabled to establish the constitutional medicine which treated by different ways according to constitution. It had two characteristics which were different from the Traditional Chinese Medicine in appearance of diseases. The first was that the disease was progressed to the next step from the symptoms in ordinary times. The second was that each constitution had different symptoms which were due to symptoms in ordinary times under the same disease, The third was the manifestation of disease were different from symptoms in ordinary times in the same constitution. But the most important thing was that Lee Je-ma recognized these symptoms in ordinary times as four categories and he presented constitutional symptoms and constitutional disease. The four categories were the method to recognize the human being and the diseases for him As the symptoms and diseases of Sasang Constitutional Medicine were compared to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the constitutional diseases of "Dongyi Suse Bowon" could be classified into two groups. The first group was the unique diseases and symptoms, which were not in the Traditional Chinese Medicine, and which were established by the Lee Je-ma. These contained the diseases of taeyangin, the exterior disease of taeumin, the exterior disease of soyangin. The second group used the unique methods to treat disease, which were not in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and which were established by Lee Je-ma. This contained the interior disease of taeumin, the delirium diseases from the MangYin of soyangin, the treatment to help the Yang-Qi ascend and to supplement the ql In the exterior disease of soeumin. Especially, the diseases of taeyangin and taeumin which were caused by the metabolism disorders of Qi-Yack(氣液) were the great achievement to establish constitutional symptoms and diseases. The discourse of taeyangin diseases presented his original thought to recognize the symptoms and diseases through the Shin Gi Hyul Jeong(神氣血精) and the Qi-Yack, the discourse of taeumin diseases presented the disperse of Qi-Yack through the forward and backward of sweat, the discourse of soyangin disease presented the sweat of hand and feet which was manifested that yin-qi of spleen descended to yin qi of kidney, and the bowel movement which was manifested that yang qi of large intestine ascend to head, face and four extremities, the discourse of soeumin disease presented the Jueyin syndrome without the abdominal pain and diarrhea as the exterior disease and made importance to the nervous mind And the classification of exterior diseases and interior diseases were not due to the pharmacology but due to the symptoms and diseases according to the constitution.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8301-8310
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• 2014

Background: Published data regarding associations between the -765G>C polymorphism in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and digestive system cancer risk have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the genetic risk of the -765G>C polymorphism in the COX-2 gene for digestive system cancer. Materials and Methods: A search was performed in Pubmed, Medline (Ovid), Embase, CNKI, Weipu, Wanfang and CBM databases, covering all studies until Feb 10, 2014. Statistical analysis was performed using Revman5.2. Results: A total of 10,814 cases and 16,174 controls in 38 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that C allele carriers (GC+CC) had a 20% increased risk of digestive system cancer when compared with the homozygote GG (odds ratio (OR)=1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00-1.44 for GC+CC vs GG). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant elevated risks were associated with C allele carriers (GC+CC) in Asians (OR = 1.46, 95% CI=1.07-2.01, and p=0.02) and Africans (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.57-2.87, and p< 0.00001), but not among Caucasians, Americans and mixed groups. For subgroup analysis by cancer type (GC+CC vs GG), significant associations were found between the -765G>C polymorphism and higher risk for gastric cancer (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.03-2.61, and p=0.04), but not for colorectal cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and others. Regarding study design (GC+CC vs GG), no significant associations were found in then population-based case-control (PCC), hospital-based case-control (HCC) and family-based case-control (FCC) studies. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the -765G>C polymorphism of the COX-2 gene is a potential risk factor for digestive system cancer in Asians and Africans and gastric cancer overall.