Glycosaminoglycans from earthworms (Eisenia andrei)

Im, A-Rang,Park, Youmie,Sim, Joon-Soo,Zhang, Zhenqing,Liu, Zhenling,Linhardt, Robert J.,Kim, Yeong Shik Springer-Verlag 2010 GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL Vol.27 No.2

Effects of Poria cocos Water Extract on DNCB-induced Atopic Dermatitis

Im, Lee-Rang,Ahn, Ji-Young,Kim, Jun-Ho,Xin, Mingjie,Yoo, Jae-Soo,Song, Bong-Suk,Song, Bong-Jun,Kim, Dae-Keun,Kim, Ok-Jin,Lee, Hyun-A,Kim, Dae-Ki,Lee, Young-Mi 대한한약학회 2009 Journal of oriental pharmacy Vol.2 No.2

Poria cocos has been traditionally used for the treatment of edema, scanty urine, dizziness due to retention of fluid, reduced appetite due to asthenia of spleen, loose stool, diarrhea, distraction, sudden palpitation and insomnia in East Asia. The aim of this study was to confirm whether Poria cocos wonfire whethe(PCWE) and Poria cocos ointment (PCO) have a preventive e of ter Pthe development of afire wdethe(PCWE (AD) in 2,4-Diniwhochlorobenzene (oria)-applied Balb/ wme e. Oral administration (12.5wmg/kg, 25wmg/kg) of PCWE and fire al application (O.5wmg/mouse, 1.0mg/mouse) of PCO decreased the development of AD-like skin lesions, ear swelling, spleen weight, total serum IgE. PCWE and PCO significantly also inhibited the infiltration of mast cells in the dorsal skin.

Wound healing and antibacterial activities of chondroitin sulfate- and acharan sulfate-reduced silver nanoparticles

Im, A-Rang,Kim, Jee Young,Kim, Hyun-Seok,Cho, Seonho,Park, Youmie,Kim, Yeong Shik IOP Pub 2013 Nanotechnology Vol.24 No.39

<P>For topical applications in wound healing, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted much attention as antibacterial agents. Herein, we describe a green-synthetic route for the production of biocompatible and crystalline AgNPs using two glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and acharan sulfate (AS), as reducing agents. The synthetic approach avoids the use of toxic chemicals, and the yield of AgNPs formation is found to be 98.1% and 91.1% for the chondroitin sulfate-reduced silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) and the acharan sulfate-reduced silver nanoparticles (AS-AgNPs), respectively. Nanoparticles with mostly spherical and amorphous shapes were observed, with an average diameter of 6.16 ± 2.26 nm for CS-AgNPs and 5.79 ± 3.10 nm for AS-AgNPs. Images of the CS-AgNPs obtained from atomic force microscopy revealed the self-assembled structure of CS was similar to a densely packed woven mat with AgNPs sprinkled on the CS. These nanoparticles were stable under cell culture conditions without any noticeable aggregation. An approximately 128-fold enhancement of the antibacterial activities of the AgNPs was observed against <I>Enterobacter cloacae</I> and <I>Escherichia coli </I> when compared to CS and AS alone. In addition, an <I>in vivo</I> animal model of wound healing activity was tested using mice that were subjected to deep incision wounds. In comparison to the controls, the ointments containing CS-AgNPs and AS-AgNPs stimulated wound closure under histological examination and accelerated the deposition of granulation tissue and collagen in the wound area. The wound healing activity of the ointments containing CS-AgNPs and AS-AgNPs are comparable to that of a commercial formulation of silver sulfadiazine even though the newly prepared ointments contain a lower silver concentration. Therefore, the newly prepared AgNPs demonstrate potential for use as an attractive biocompatible nanocomposite for topical applications in the treatment of wounds.</P>

<i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i> Extracts and Flavonoids Protect Rat L6 Cells from Antimycin A-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Im, A-Rang,Kim, Young-Hwa,Uddin, Md. Romij,Lee, Hye Won,Chae, Seong Wook,Kim, Yun Hee,Jung, Woo Suk,Kang, Bong Ju,Mun, Chun Sun,Lee, Mi-Young Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2012 Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medic Vol.2012 No.-

<P>Antimycin A (AMA) damages mitochondria by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS formation, aging, and reduction of mitochondrial biogenesis contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study sought to investigate extracts of <I>Scutellaria baicalensis</I> and its flavonoids (baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin), whether they could protect mitochondria against oxidative damage. The viability of L6 cells treated with AMA increased in the presence of flavonoids and extracts of <I>S. baicalensis</I>. ATP production decreased in the AMA treated group, but increased by 50% in cells treated with flavonoids (except wogonin) and extracts of <I>S. baicalensis</I> compared to AMA-treated group. AMA treatment caused a significant reduction (depolarized) in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), whereas flavonoid treatment induced a significant increase in MMP. Mitochondrial superoxide levels increased in AMA treated cells, whereas its levels decreased when cells were treated with flavonoids or extracts of <I>S. baicalensis</I>. L6 cells treated with flavonoids and extracts of <I>S. baicalensis</I> increased their levels of protein expression compared with AMA-treated cells, especially water extracts performed the highest levels of protein expression. These results suggest that the <I>S. baicalensis</I> extracts and flavonoids protect against AMA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing ATP production, upregulating MMP, and enhancing mitochondrial function.</P>

Wrinkle reduction using a topical herbal cream in subjects with greater yin (Tae- eumin) type: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Im, A-Rang,Nam, Jiho,Cha, Seongwon,Seo, Young Kyoung,Chae, Sungwook,Kim, Jong Yeol Elsevier 2018 EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Vol.20 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Introduction</B></P> <P>Skin aging can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary environmental factor which causes skin aging. Sasang constitutional medicine(SCM) is a unique type of traditional Korean medicine. In SCM, patients are treated with herbal drugs categorized according to their Sasang constitutional type based on the Yin-Yang theory. <I>Scutellaria baicalensis</I> and <I>Raphanus sativus</I> are herbal drugs exclusively used for Tae-eumin (TE)-type subjects. These drugs are constituents of the TE formula, which is effective for managing skin diseases such as urticaria and acne. This study investigated the potential of <I>S. baicalensis</I> and <I>R. sativus</I> (SR) herbal mixtures as active ingredients in wrinkle-care cosmetics.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>The expression of matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) was measured <I>in vitro</I> with significant difference (<I>p </I>< 0.05). A 12-week placebo randomised double blind controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of a cream containing SR mixtures for application to human skin. Women between the ages of 43 and 58 years who were TE-type subjects according to SCM were selected and cream containing SR mixtures was applied for 12 weeks.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>The application of SR mixtures showed there was a significant improvement in both visual assessment and evaluation of wrinkle parameters (Rt; skin roughness, Rm; maximum roughness, Rz; average roughness, Rp; smoothness depth, and Ra; arithmetic average roughness) comparing the treatment group with the control group (<I>p </I>< 0.05).</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>The results of this study indicate that the cream containing SR mixtures may improve skin wrinkles in TE-type subjects.</P>

Potential for tyndalized Lactobacillus acidophilus as an effective component in moisturizing skin and anti-wrinkle products

Im, A-Rang,Kim, Hui Seong,Hyun, Jin Won,Chae, Sungwook Spandidos Publications 2016 Experimental and therapeutic medicine Vol.12 No.2

Orally administered betaine reduces photodamage caused by UVB irradiation through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in hairless mice

IM, A-RANG,LEE, HEE JEONG,YOUN, UI JOUNG,HYUN, JIN WON,CHAE, SUNGWOOK SPANDIDOS PUBLICATIONS 2016 MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS Vol. No.

Wrinkle reduction using a Sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in So-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Im A-Rang,Ji Kon-Young,Nam Jiho,Yoon Jiwon,Cha Seongwon,Seo Young Kyoung,Chae Sungwook,Kim Jong Yeol 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.1

Background: Skin aging is caused by exogenous and endogenous factors and is commonly manifested as wrinkling, sagging, and looseness of the skin. The herbal extract including Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Atractylodes chinensis (Bunge) Kodiz, Curcuma longa L., and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl (ZACC extract), is widely used for So-eum (SE) Sasang constitutional type individuals. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of the ZACC extract against skin aging in 21 SE type subjects. Methods: The safety and clinical efficacy of herbal cream were evaluated after application on human skin in a split-face randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Sasang Constitution Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used to select 21 SE type subjects, who applied herbal cream and placebo cream for 12 weeks. Visual assessment, wrinkle parameters, questionnaires, and skin safety were evaluated. Results: The visual assessment score was decreased by using of the herbal cream, but there were no significant differences between groups. Among the wrinkle parameters, R1 (skin roughness) and R4 (smoothness depth) values were significantly improved after the application of the herbal cream compared to those observed after application of the placebo cream for 12 weeks. No significant differences were observed in evaluation of the product efficacy and usability by questionnaires. There were no adverse dermatologic reactions in the SE type subjects during the evaluation period. Conclusion: The ZACC herbal cream may be used to prevent or slow skin aging, including wrinkle formation, in SE type individuals. Background: Skin aging is caused by exogenous and endogenous factors and is commonly manifested as wrinkling, sagging, and looseness of the skin. The herbal extract including Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Atractylodes chinensis (Bunge) Kodiz, Curcuma longa L., and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl (ZACC extract), is widely used for So-eum (SE) Sasang constitutional type individuals. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of the ZACC extract against skin aging in 21 SE type subjects. Methods: The safety and clinical efficacy of herbal cream were evaluated after application on human skin in a split-face randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Sasang Constitution Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used to select 21 SE type subjects, who applied herbal cream and placebo cream for 12 weeks. Visual assessment, wrinkle parameters, questionnaires, and skin safety were evaluated. Results: The visual assessment score was decreased by using of the herbal cream, but there were no significant differences between groups. Among the wrinkle parameters, R1 (skin roughness) and R4 (smoothness depth) values were significantly improved after the application of the herbal cream compared to those observed after application of the placebo cream for 12 weeks. No significant differences were observed in evaluation of the product efficacy and usability by questionnaires. There were no adverse dermatologic reactions in the SE type subjects during the evaluation period. Conclusion: The ZACC herbal cream may be used to prevent or slow skin aging, including wrinkle formation, in SE type individuals.

Isolation and Characterization of Chondroitin Sulfates from Sturgeon (<i>Acipenser sinensis</i>) and Their Effects on Growth of Fibroblasts

Im, A-Rang,Park, Youmie,Kim, Yeong Shik Pharmaceutical Society of Japan 2010 Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin Vol.33 No.8

<P>Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan that composed of hexosamine (<SMALL>D</SMALL>-galactosamine) and hexuronic acid (<SMALL>D</SMALL>-glucuronic acid) unit arranged in an alternating unbranched sequence. CS is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissue. It is mainly covalently attached to core proteins in the form of proteoglycans so that it exhibits specific interactions with proteins for cell growth, differentiation, division and migration. In this study, CSs were purified from the cartilage and backbone of sturgeon (<I>Acipenser sinensis</I>). To characterize their biochemical properties, we performed disaccharide compositional analysis after chondroitinase ABC digestion, high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and <SUP>1</SUP>H-NMR spectroscopy. We also investigated the effects of CSs on fibroblast proliferation and adhesion to determine whether wound healing was accelerated <I>in vitro</I> and proliferation of different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways was facilitated. The CS purified from sturgeon cartilage was primarily composed of 4-sulfated CS (88.8%) and sturgeon backbone CS contains more than 60% 6-sulfated CS. The average molecular weights of CSs obtained from sturgeon cartilage and backbone were found to be 8 and 43 kDa, respectively. Our results showed that both CSs are able to increase cell adhesion, induce proliferation and migration on fibroblasts and may accelerate wound healing by inducing MAPK signaling pathways.</P>

Bacterial Contamination of Digital Panoramic Dental X-Ray Equipment

Lee-Rang Im,Ji-Hyun Min,Ki-Rim Kim 한국치위생과학회 2023 치위생과학회지 Vol.23 No.4

Background: Digital panoramic dental X-ray equipment (PDX) is frequently used by patients and dental workers for diagnosis and examination in dental institutions; however, infection control has not been properly implemented. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to systematically review the potential risk of cross-infection in the dental environment by investigating the contamination level of general aerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus, which are important in hospital infections, in PDX areas that people mainly contact. Methods: This survey was conducted from March to May 2023 and covered one general hospital, three dental hospitals, and nine dental clinics equipped with PDX. Bacteria samples were collected from the left-handle, right-handle, forehead support, and head side support as the patient’s contact areas, as well as the X-ray exposure switch and left-click mouse button as the dental hygienist’s contact areas of the PDX. The collected bacteria were spread on Petrifilm, and colonies formed after 48 hours of culture were counted. Results: General aerobic bacteria and S. aureus were detected in all areas investigated. Significant differences in bacterial counts between different regions of the PDX were observed in both groups (p<0.001). The detection rates of general aerobic bacteria (p<0.001) and S. aureus (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the contact areas of patients than those of dental hygienists. A positive correlation was observed between the forehead and the temple region in terms of general aerobic bacteria and S. aureus detection (r=1) (p<0.01). Conclusion: Taken together, the presence of many bacteria, including S. aureus, detected in PDX indicates that PDX has a potential cross-infection risk. Our results therefore highlight the need for the development of appropriate disinfection protocols for reusable medical devices such as PDX and periodic infection prevention training for hospital-related workers, including dental hygienists.