Interaction of <i>Veratrum nigrum</i> with <i>Panax ginseng</i> against Obesity: A Sang-ban Relationship

Park, Jinbong,Jeon, Yong-Deok,Kim, Hye-Lin,Lim, Hara,Jung, Yunu,Youn, Dong-Hyun,Jeong, Mi-Young,Kim, Hyun-Ju,Kim, Sung-Hoon,Kim, Su-Jin,Hong, Seung-Heon,Um, Jae-Young Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2013 Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medic Vol.2013 No.-

<P>Obesity has become a major health threat in developed countries. However, current medications for obesity are limited because of their adverse effects. Interest in natural products for the treatment of obesity is thus rapidly growing. Korean Medicine (KM) is characterized by the wide use of herbal formulas. However, the combination rule of herbal formulas in KM lacks experimental evidence. According to <I>Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica</I>, the earliest book of herbal medicine, <I>Veratrum nigrum</I> (VN) has antagonistic features against <I>Panax ginseng</I> (PG), and the PG-VN pair is strictly forbidden. In this study, we have shown the effects of PG, VN, and their combination on obesity in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese mice and in 3T3-L1 cells. PG, VN, and PG-VN combination significantly reduced weight gain and the fat pad weight in HF diet-induced obese mice. They also significantly decreased lipid accumulation and the expressions of two major adipogenesis factors, PPAR<I><I>γ</I></I> and C/EBP<I><I>α</I></I>, in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, the PG-VN combination had synergistic effects compared with the mixture of extracts of PG and VN on inhibition of PPAR<I><I>γ</I></I> and C/EBP<I><I>α</I></I> expressions at lower doses. These results indicate a new potential anti-obese pharmacotherapy and also provide scientific evidence supporting the usage of herbal combinations instead of mixtures in KM.</P>

Magnetic resonance image-based tomotherapy planning for prostate cancer

Sang Hoon Jung,Jinsung Kim,Yoonsun Chung,Bilgin Keserci,Hongryull Pyo,Hee Chul Park,Won Park 대한방사선종양학회 2020 Radiation Oncology Journal Vol.38 No.1

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the feasibilities of magnetic resonance (MR) image-based planning using synthetic computed tomography (sCT) versus CT (pCT)-based planning in helical tomotherapy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed in 16 patients with prostate cancer who had been treated with helical tomotherapy. MR images were acquired using a dedicated therapy sequence; sCT images were generated using magnetic resonance for calculating attenuation (MRCAT). The three-dimensional dose distribution according to sCT was recalculated using a previously optimized plan and was compared with the doses calculated using pCT. Results: The mean planning target volume doses calculated by sCT and pCT differed by 0.65% ± 1.11% (p = 0.03). Three-dimensional gamma analysis at a 2%/2 mm dose difference/distance to agreement yielded a pass rate of 0.976 (range, 0.658 to 0.986). Conclusion: The dose distribution results obtained using tomotherapy from MR-only simulations were in good agreement with the dose distribution results from simulation CT, with mean dose differences of less than 1% for target volume and normal organs in patients with prostate cancer.

Three Predictive Tests Using Mice for the Identification of Contact Sensitizer

( Jung-hyun Shin ),( Min-geol Lee ),( Sang-wook Jung ),( Mun-eok Park ),( Cheon-koo Lee ),( Seh-hoon Kang ) 대한화장품학회 1996 대한화장품학회지 Vol.22 No.2

Predictive tests for the identification of contact sensitizing chemicals have been developed. We measured the sensitization potential with three predictive tests, the in vitro and the in vivo Local Lymph Node Assay(LLNA), ELISA to detect interferon- gamma(IFNjy) from supernatant and flow cytometry to detect change of cell surface proteins, using draining lymph nodes of mice. BALB/c mice were exposed to various chemicals or vehicles on the ears daily for 3 consecutive days in all experiments. With some exceptions of propyl paraben, neomycin sulfate, the in vivo LLNA was able to detect the sensitizing capacity of test chemicals and was more sensitive than the in vitro LLNA for chemicals used in the present study. In another experiment, contact sensitivity was assessed by the ELISA to detect IFN-y from the supernatants of the cultured LNCs after sensitization with chemicals. There was a good correlation between the LLNA and the IFN-7 production for test chemicals. We also examined the change of cell surface proteins on LNCs after sensitization by flow cytometry for some cell adhesion molecules(ICAM-1, E-cadherine, B7 molecule), T cell markers(CD3, CD4, CD8, Taβ, Tγδ) and B cell markers(LR1, CD45R, l-Ad). The number of ICAM-1 positive cells and B cells in LNCs were increased after sensitization with DNCB, TNCB, isoeugenol and 25%, 50% cinnamic aldehyde compared with that of vehicle as a control. In conclusion, the in vivo LLNA could provide more sensitive screening test for moderate to strong sensitizers and some weak sensitizers including cosmetic raw materials than the in vitro LLNA. The production of IFN-γ by allergen-activated LNCs might be a valuable indicators without radioisotopes for the identification of contact allergens. Detection of allergens by testing the increase of ICAM-1 positive cells and B cells in LNCs by flow cytometry might be used as a test method to detect allergens.

HCC : The Comparison of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy vs. Sorafenib Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Invasion

( Sang Jun Suh ),( Hyung Joon Yim ),( Sun Jae Lee ),( Hyun Jung Lee ),( Eileen L Yoon ),( Sun Young Yim ),( Hae Rim Kim ),( Seoung Hee Kang ),( Keun Hee Kang ),( Ji Hoon Kim ),( Yeon Seok Seo ),( Jong 대한간학회 2013 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2013 No.1

Background and aims: Sorafenib is the only approved treatment to advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its efficacy was relatively worse in the Asian-Pacific trial compared with the Global trial and clinical utility is limited by high cost. Several reports suggested survival benefit of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with advanced HCC with main portal vein invasion. This study is aimed to compare the efficacy of HAIC with sorafenib in HCC patients with main portal vein invasion. Methods: Patients of advanced HCC with main portal vein invasion who had received treatment between 2008 and 2012 at Korea University Medical Center were included. Sorafenib was initiated with 400 mg twice daily, and HAIC was performed with infusion of cisplantin 60mg/m2 for 1 day and 5-flurouracil 500mg/m2 for 3 days every 4 weeks. We evaluated overall survival (OS), time-to-progression (TTP), and disease control rate (DCR). Results: Seventy six patients were treated by sorafenib (n=37) or HAIC (n=39). Proportion of patients with Child-Pugh class A liver function (70% vs. 72%, P=1.000), ECOG performance status 0-1 (68% vs. 70%, p=0.431) and lymph node metastasis (41% vs. 36%, P=0.814) was not significantly different. Solid organ metastasis was more common in sorafenib group than HAIC group (46% vs. 7.7%, P<0.001). Median OS was 6.9 months and 11.1 months in sorafenib and HAIC group (P=0.100). TTP was 1.9 months (sorafenib) and 5.3 months (HAIC) (P<0.001). DCR was 34% (sorafenib) and 72% (HAIC) (P=0.006). In patients without solid organ metastasis, OS was 8.8 months (sorafenib) and 11.1 months (HAIC) (P=0.097). TTP was 1.9 months (sorafenib) and 6.0 months (HAIC) (P<0.001). DCR was 29% (sorafenib) and 76% (HAIC) (P=0.031). Conclusions: HAIC can be alternative treatment option for advanced HCC with main portal vein invasion, and could provide favorable disease control rate in those patients without solid organ metastasis.

Original Article : First Record of the Giant Grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus (Perciformes: Serranidae: Epinephelinae) from Jeju Island, South Korea

( Jung Goo Myoung ),( Chung Bae Kang ),( Jae Myung Yoo ),( Eun Kyung Lee ),( Sung Kim ),( Choong Hoon Jeong ),( Byung Il Kim ) 한국수산과학회(구 한국수산학회) 2013 Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Vol.16 No.1

single specimen of Epinephelus lanceolatus, belonging to Epinephelinae of the family Serranidae, was newly collected from Jeju Island, South Korea, in December 2009. Epinephelus lanceolatus is characterized by anterior lateral-line scales with branched tubules, cycloid scales, irregular white spots, and fins with numerous small black spots. We propose a Korean name, “Dae-wangba- ri” for this species.

HBV : Early Virologic Response of Tenofovir Treatment in Korean Patients with Treatment-na?ve Chronic Hepatitis B

( Jung Yoen Lee ),( Sang Heun Lee ),( Beom Kyung Kim ),( Seung Up Kim ),( Jun Yong Park ),( Do Young Kim\ ),( Hye Jin Ku ),( Chae Yoon Chon ),( Kwang Hyub Han ),( Sang Hoon Ahn ) 대한간학회 2013 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2013 No.1

Background/Aims: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has demonstrated high antiviral efficacy in treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the western world. However, the data of TDF efficacy on rapid viral suppression is not reported in Korean patients with CHB and HBV genotype C. Therefore, we investigated the viral kinetics and outcomes in Korean CHB patients treated with TDF monotherapy. Methods: From December 2012 to April 2013, 47 CHB treatment- naive patients were treated with TDF as a first line and followed up at least 12 weeks. The HBV DNA reduction rate and virologic response (HBV DNA concentration < 20 IU/mL) were analyzed 12 weeks after treatment. Results: 47 treatment-naive patients were consecutively treated with TDF and enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The median age was 49 years (range: 26-67) and males were 28 (59.6%). The patients with cirrhosis were 25 (53.2%) and HBe- Ag positive were 29 (61.7%). After TDF monotherapy, the median values of HBV DNA decreased over the 12weeks. The HBV DNA level was changed 6.4 log10IU/mL of baseline to 0.8 1og10IU/mL at Week 12 with significant reduction and the mean change of HBV DNA level between baseline and Wee 12 was 5.5 (range: 2.8-7.9) (P<0.001). Virologic response was achieved in 8 (17.0%) patients at Week 12 of TDF treatment. Conclusion: TDF monotherapy showed strong and rapid viral suppression in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B in Korea

High-mobility anthracene-based X-shaped conjugated molecules for thin film transistors

Jung, Ki Hwa,Bae, Suk Young,Kim, Kyung Hwan,Cho, Min Ju,Lee, Kwangyeol,Kim, Zee Hwan,Choi, Dong Hoon,Lee, Dong Hoon,Chung, Dae Sung,Park, Chan Eon Royal Society of Chemistry 2009 Chemical communications Vol.2009 No.35

<P>New anthracene-based X-shaped conjugated molecules 1 and 2 for use as highly soluble p-type organic semiconductors were developed and exhibited large field-effect mobilities of 0.04 cm<SUP>2</SUP> V<SUP>−1</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP> (<I>I</I><SUB>on</SUB>/<I>I</I><SUB>off</SUB> = 2.8 × 10<SUP>5</SUP>) and 0.24 cm<SUP>2</SUP> V<SUP>−1</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP> (<I>I</I><SUB>on</SUB>/<I>I</I><SUB>off</SUB> = 5.4 × 10<SUP>6</SUP>) for devices of 1 and 2, respectively.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>Highly soluble anthracene-based X-shaped conjugated molecules were synthesized. They exhibited a large field-effect mobility of 0.24 cm<SUP>2</SUP> V<SUP>−1</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP> with <I>I</I><SUB>on</SUB>/<I>I</I><SUB>off</SUB> = 5.4 × 10<SUP>6</SUP>. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=b911780f'> </P>

Stemness Evaluation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Placentas According to Developmental Stage: Comparison to Those from Adult Bone Marrow

Sung, Hwa Jung,Hong, Soon Cheol,Yoo, Ji Hyun,Oh, Jee Hyun,Shin, Hye Jin,Choi, In Young,Ahn, Ki Hoon,Kim, Sun Haeng,Park, Yong,Kim, Byung Soo The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences 2010 JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE Vol.25 No.10

<P>This study was done to evaluate the stemness of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) derived from placenta according to the development stage and to compare the results to those from adult bone marrow (BM). Based on the source of hMSCs, three groups were defined: group I included term placentas, group II included first-trimester placentas, and group III included adult BM samples. The stemness was evaluated by the proliferation capacity, immunophenotypic expression, mesoderm differentiation, expression of pluripotency markers including telomerase activity. The cumulative population doubling, indicating the proliferation capacity, was significantly higher in group II (<I>P</I><0.001, 31.7±5.8 vs. 15.7±6.2 with group I, 9.2±4.9 with group III). The pattern of immunophenotypic expression and mesoderm differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes were similar in all three groups. The expression of pluripotency markers including ALP, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, Oct-4, and telomerase were strongly positive in group II, but very faint positive in the other groups. In conclusions, hMSCs from placentas have different characteristics according to their developmental stage and express mesenchymal stemness potentials similar to those from adult human BMs.</P>

High incidence of subsequent re-operation following treatments for medial meniscus tears combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: second-look arthroscopic study

( Sang-gyun Kim ),( Soo-hyun Kim ),( Jung-heum Baek ),( Jae-gyoon Kim ),( Ki-mo Jang ),( Hong-chul Lim ),( Ji-hoon Bae ) 대한슬관절학회 2019 대한슬관절학회지 Vol.31 No.1

Background: The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) group recently reported that medial meniscus (MM) repairs are associated with more frequent re-operations when compared to lateral meniscus (LM) repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare the meniscal healing and the incidence of subsequent reoperation of medial and lateral meniscal tears that occurred concurrently with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent second-look arthroscopy after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between June 2005 to December 2016. The healing of meniscal tears following repair or left in situ, and re-tear following partial meniscectomy, were evaluated via second-look arthroscopy and compared between medial and lateral meniscus. Moreover, the incidence of subsequent meniscal re-operation after the index ACLR were investigated and compared between medial and lateral meniscus. Subsequent meniscal re-operation was performed in cases of the following three symptomatic meniscus tears: re-tears at the meniscectomy site; new tears; and failed healing of repaired or left in situ meniscus. Results: There were 148 meniscal tears in 121 patients at index ACLR. There were 62 MM tears, 38 LM tears, and 24 bilateral meniscus tears. At second-look arthroscopy, the “successful healing” rate for tears following repair was higher in LM tears (91.2%) compared to MM tears (80.0%), although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the healing of left in situ tears or re-tear of meniscectomy site between medial and lateral meniscus. Patients with MM tears combined with ACL injuries had a higher incidence of subsequent meniscal re-operation compared to patients with LM tears (25.6% vs 16.1%, p = 0.025). Conclusions: There was a trend for the successful healing rate to be higher in LM repairs than MM repairs. Subsequent meniscal re-operations after ACLR were more frequent in patients with medial meniscal tears concurrently with ACL injuries in comparison to patients with lateral meniscal tears. Level of study: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Clinical applications of interferon-γ releasing assays for cytomegalovirus to differentiate cytomegalovirus disease from bystander activation: a pilot proof-of-concept study

( Sung-han Kim ),( Ho-su Lee ),( Hyun-jung Lee ),( Sun-mi Kim ),( Sung Shin ),( Sang-hyoung Park ),( Kyung-jo Kim ),( Young-hoon Kim ),( Heungsup Sung ),( Sang-oh Lee ),( Sang-ho Choi ),( Suk-kyun Yan 대한내과학회 2017 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.32 No.5

Background/Aims: We evaluated the proposed clinical application of the com-bined interpretation of host factors and viral factors in two different cytomegalo-virus (CMV) co-infection models. Methods: We prospectively enrolled all human immunodeficiency virus non-in-fected patients with confirmed Pneumocystitis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and those with suspected gastrointestinal CMV disease in a tertiary hospital. All patients underwent CMV interferon-γ releasing assay (IGRA) for CMV (T-track CMV, Lophius Biosciences). We created the 2-axis model with the CMV IGRA results as the x-axis and the results for CMV virus replication as the y-axis, and hypoth-esized that cases falling in the left upper quadrant (high viral load and low CMV- specific immunity) of the model would be true CMV infections. The CMV IGRA results were concealed from the attending physicians. Results: Of 39 patients with PCP, four (10%) were classified as combined CMV pneumonia, 13 (33%) as bystander activation, and the remaining 22 (56%) as no CMV infection. The data for all four patients with PCP and CMV pneumonia fell in the left upper quadrant of the 2-axis model. Of 24 patients with suspected gas-trointestinal CMV disease, 12 (50%) were classified as gastrointestinal CMV dis-ease and the remaining 12 (50%) as bystander activation with no gastrointestinal CMV disease. The data for 11 of the 12 patients (92%) with gastrointestinal CMV disease were located in the left upper quadrant of the 2-axis model. Conclusions: Cases yielding low CMV IGRA results and high CMV viral repli-cation appear to be true CMV infections. Further studies with large number of cases in different types of CMV disease should be proposed.