<i>Prunella vulgaris</i> Suppresses HG-Induced Vascular Inflammation via Nrf2/HO-1/eNOS Activation

Hwang, Sun Mi,Lee, Yun Jung,Yoon, Jung Joo,Lee, So Min,Kim, Jin Sook,Kang, Dae Gill,Lee, Ho Sub Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MD 2012 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES Vol.13 No.1

<P>Vascular inflammation is an important factor which can promote diabetic complications. In this study, the inhibitory effects of aqueous extract from <I>Prunella vulgaris</I> (APV) on high glucose (HG)-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are reported. APV decreased HG-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. APV also dose-dependently inhibited HG-induced adhesion of HL-60 monocytic cells. APV suppressed p65 NF-κB activation in HG-treated cells. APV significantly inhibited the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). HG-stimulated HUVEC secreted gelatinases, however, APV inhibited it. APV induced Akt phosphorylation as well as activation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), eNOS, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which may protect vascular inflammation caused by HG. In conclusion, APV exerts anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of ROS/NF-κB pathway by inducing HO-1 and eNOS expression mediated by Nrf2, thereby suggesting that <I>Prunella vulgaris</I> may be a possible therapeutic approach to the inhibition of diabetic vascular diseases.</P>

Anti-Proliferative Effect of an Aqueous Extract of <i>Prunella vulgaris</i> in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Hwang, Sun Mi,Lee, Yun Jung,Lee, Yong Pyo,Yoon, Jung Joo,Lee, So Min,Cha, Jeong Dan,Choi, Kyung Min,Kang, Dae Gill,Lee, Ho Sub Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2013 Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medic Vol.2013 No.-

<P>The abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in arterial walls is an important pathogenic factor of vascular disorders such as diabetic atherosclerosis. We have reported the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous extract from <I>Prunella vulgaris</I> (APV) in vascular endothelial cell. In the present study, APV exhibited inhibitory effects on high glucose-stimulated VSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion activities, inducing G<SUB>1</SUB> cell cycle arrest with downregulation of cyclins and CDKs and upregulation of the CKIs, p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP> and p27<SUP>kip1</SUP>. Furthermore, APV dose dependently suppressed the high glucose-induced matrix metalloproteinase activity. High glucose-induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, was decreased by the pretreatment of APV. NF-<I><I>κ</I></I>B activation by high glucose was attenuated by APV, as an antioxidant. APV attenuated the high glucose-induced decrease of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) translocation and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Intracellular cGMP level was also increased by APV treatment. These results demonstrate that APV may inhibit VSMC proliferation via downregulating ROS/NF-<I><I>κ</I></I>B /ERK/p38 MAPK pathways. In addition, APV has a beneficial effect by the interaction of Nrf2-mediated NO/cGMP with HO-1, suggesting that <I>Prunella vulgaris</I> may be useful in preventing diabetic atherosclerosis.</P>

서울의 Penicillinase Producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae 발생빈도(1998)

김재홍,김준호,반재용,이정우,황성주,정준규,정성태,강진문,조흔정,홍창의,정혜신,이한승,김이선,이봉길,이종호,선영우,한기덕,윤성필,이성훈,안종성,박석범,문승현,조항래,김형섭,류지호,황재영,박준홍,손상욱 한양대학교 의과대학 2001 한양의대 학술지 Vol.21 No.1

In recent years, gonorrhea has been pandemic and remains one of the most common STDs in the world, especially in developing countries. For the detection of a more effective therapeutic regimen and assessing the prevalence of Penicillinase Producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae(PPNG), we have been trying to study the patients who have visited the Venereal Disease Clinic of Choong-Ku Public Health Center in Seoul since 1980 by menas of the chromogenic cephalosporin method. In 1998, 93 strians of N. genorrhoeae were isolated, among which 60(64.5%) were PPNG. The prevalence of PPNG in Seoul, which had been decreased to 39% in 1996 after a peak of 74.3% in 1993, is increased to 64.5% in 1998.

Carbon monoxide prevents TNF-α-induced eNOS downregulation by inhibiting NF-κB-responsive miR-155-5p biogenesis

Choi, Seunghwan,Kim, Joohwan,Kim, Ji-Hee,Lee, Dong-Keon,Park, Wonjin,Park, Minsik,Kim, Suji,Hwang, Jong Yun,Won, Moo-Ho,Choi, Yoon Kyung,Ryoo, Sungwoo,Ha, Kwon-Soo,Kwon, Young-Guen,Kim, Young-Myeong Nature Publishing Group 2017 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.49 No.11

<P>Heme oxygenase-1-derived carbon monoxide prevents inflammatory vascular disorders. To date, there is no clear evidence that HO-1/CO prevents endothelial dysfunction associated with the downregulation of endothelial NO synthesis in human endothelial cells stimulated with TNF-α. Here, we found that the CO-releasing compound CORM-2 prevented TNF-α-mediated decreases in eNOS expression and NO/cGMP production, without affecting eNOS promoter activity, by maintaining the functional activity of the <I>eNOS</I> mRNA 3′-untranslated region. By contrast, CORM-2 inhibited MIR155HG expression and miR-155-5p biogenesis in TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells, resulting in recovery of the 3′-UTR activity of <I>eNOS</I> mRNA, a target of miR-155-5p. The beneficial effect of CORM-2 was blocked by an NF-κB inhibitor, a miR-155-5p mimic, a HO-1 inhibitor and siRNA against HO-1, indicating that CO rescues TNF-α-induced eNOS downregulation through NF-κB-responsive miR-155-5p expression via HO-1 induction; similar protective effects of ectopic HO-1 expression and bilirubin were observed in endothelial cells treated with TNF-α. Moreover, heme degradation products, except iron and <I>N</I>-acetylcysteine prevented H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB>-mediated miR-155-5p biogenesis and eNOS downregulation. These data demonstrate that CO prevents TNF-α-mediated eNOS downregulation by inhibiting redox-sensitive miR-155-5p biogenesis through a positive forward circuit between CO and HO-1 induction. This circuit may play an important preventive role in inflammatory endothelial dysfunction associated with human vascular diseases.</P>

Validation of the oxford classification of iga nephropathy: A Single-Center Study in Korean Adults

( Ho Young Lee ),( Sul Hee Yi ),( Mi Seon Seo ),( Jin Nam Hyun ),( Jin Seok Jeon ),( Hyunjin Noh ),( Dong Cheol Han ),( Seung Duk Hwang ),( So Young Jin ),( Soon Hyo Kwon ) 대한내과학회 2012 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.27 No.3

Background/Aims: The recently published Oxford classification of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) proposed a split system for histological grading, based on prognostic pathological features. This new classification system must be validated in a variety of cohorts. We investigated whether these pathological features were applicable to an adult Korean population. Methods: In total, 69 adult Korean patients with IgAN were analyzed using the Oxford classification system at Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. All cases were categorized according to Lee`s classification. Renal biopsies from all patients were scored by a pathologist who was blinded to the clinical data for pathological variables. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18 years and at least 36 months of follow-up. We excluded cases with secondary IgAN, diabetic nephropathy combined other glomerulopathies, less than 36 months of follow-up, and those that progressed rapidly. Results: The median age of the patients was 34 years (range, 27 to 45). Mean arterial blood pressure was 97 ± 10 mmHg at the time of biopsy. The median follow-up period was 85 months (range, 60 to 114). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant prognostic predictions for M, E, and T lesions. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis also revealed prognostic predictions for E and T lesions. Conclusions: Using the Oxford classification in IgAN, E, and T lesions predicted renal outcome in Korean adults after taking clinical variables into account.

Platycodon grandiflorum root-derived saponins attenuate atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions via suppression of NF-kB and STAT1 and activation of Nrf2/ARE-mediated heme oxygenase-1

( Jae Ho Choi ),( Sun Woo Jin ),( Eun Hee Han ),( Bong Hwan Park ),( Hyung Gyun Kim ),( Tilak Khanal ),( Yong Pil Hwang ),( Minh Truong Do ),( Hyun Sun Lee ),( Young Chul Chung ),( Hee Suk Kim ),( Tae 영남대학교 약품개발연구소 2014 영남대학교 약품개발연구소 연구업적집 Vol.24 No.0

Purpose: The consequences of precipitously rising allergic skin inflammation rates worldwide have accelerated the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). Natural product-based agents with good efficacy and low risk of side effects offer promising prevention and treatment strategies for inflammation-related diseases. We have already reported that Platycodon grandiflorum root-derived saponins (Changkil saponins, CKS) have many pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, but its influence on AD remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of CKS, mainly platycodin D, on AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the possible mechanisms in cells. Methods: Mice were sensitized and challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Four weeks after challenge, mice were treated with oral administration of CKS for 4 weeks. In addition, cells were used to evaluate the effect of CKS, mainly platycodin D, on the TARC expression regulated mechanism. Results: CKS attenuated DNCB-induced dermatitis severity, serum levels of IgE and TARC, and mRNA expression of TARC, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in mice. Histopathological examination showed reduced thickness of the epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells in the ears. Moreover, CKS and platycodin D inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression through the suppression of NF-κB and STAT1 and induction of Nrf2/ARE-mediated hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in cells. Conclusion: We suggest that CKS and platycodin D inhibited the development of AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine mediators and may be an effective alternative therapy for AD-like skin symptoms.ⓒ2014 Elsevler Gmbh. All rights reserved.

한랭작업 근로자들의 건강위해에 관한 연구

박호추,정설미,문덕환,이종태,김대환,김정호,최재일,황용식,이용희,이채언 大韓産業醫學會 1999 대한직업환경의학회지 Vol.11 No.1

In order to evaluate the status of cold exposure and its health hazards of workers at cold storage workplaces and to provide basic data for effective health care, the author measured core temperature and also observed clinical symptoms and signs, past and present history, and general health examination data on 99 cold exposed workers for exposure group and 96 non-exposed workers for control group working at 2 food refrigerating companies in Pusan area from January 6, 1998 to February 24, 1998. The results were as follows: 1. There was statistically significant difference in water intake between the exposure and control group and increased urine volume, urine frequency in exposure group without statistically significant difference. 2. Past and present illness in exposure group were hypertension (18.2%), hepatopathy (8.1%), gastro-intestinal disease(7.1%), arthritis (4.0%), intervertebral disc herniation(4.0%), and so on, and hypertension, arthritis was statistically significant difference compared to control group. 3. Symptoms in exposure group were fatigue(89.9%), headache (64.6%). drowsy(63.6%), neck stiffness(59.6%), excessive food intake(59.6%). general weakness(58.6%), hunger(58.6%), numbness(54.5%), and so on, and there was statistically significant difference between the exposure and control group except fatigue, drowsy. 4. As results of clinical test abnormality rate of the systolic, diastolic blood pressure and electrocardiogram were significantly higher in exposed group than control. 5. Core temperature in exposure group was statistically significantly lower than control group and the highest statistically significant inverse correlation with the working hours and working frequency of daily mean cold storage. As above results, the author suggested that the further studies should be conducted to evaluate the health status of workers about chronic health effects in cold workplaces and to establish effective health care methods for them.

황토 기포콘크리트를 이용한 식생용 인공토양골재의 이화학적 특성 평가

황인혁(Hwang, In-Hyuk),이경호(Lee, Kyung-Ho),양근혁(Yang, Keun-Hyeok) 대한건축학회 2016 大韓建築學會論文集 : 構造系 Vol.32 No.10

This study examined the practical application of cement foamed concrete with natural hwang-toh to develop artificial soil aggregates for vegetation. The soil aggregates with the particle size between 1 and 10 mm were produced from the fragmentation of the foamed concrete. The physiochemical properties, including apparent density, pH value, particle distribution, coefficient of permeability, EC, CEC, C/N and total amount of organic matter, of the produced soil aggregates were tested and compared with the requirements for vegetation recommended in the landscape specification. The produced artificial soil aggregates achieved the apparent density, coefficient of permeability, and CEC value satisfying the requirements of the landscape specification, whereas pH, EC, C/N values, and total amount of organic matter of the soil aggregates did not satisfy the specification requirements. To utilize the foamed concrete as soil aggregates for vegetation, the additional approaches such as compulsory neutralization and the addition of organic fertilizers would be required for appropriate values of EC, CEC, and C/N.

크롬(Ⅵ)의 체내 흡수와 소실속도에 관한 연구

김현영,이성배,임철홍,이권섭,정용현,이종성,한정희,전윤석,황호순,이용묵 한국산업위생학회 2003 한국산업보건학회지 Vol.13 No.1

The CrO3 mostly used in plating. metal surface disposal, leather, cosmetic manufacturing, as an experiment material by repeatedly inhaling and exposure the male S.D. rats at a 0.00, 0.2., 0.50, 1.25 mg/㎡ concentration(particle size: 0.5-0.5 aerosol)6hours a day, 5day a week in 13weeks comparing with 2weeks, 8weeks of recovery group about the noxiousness of the experiment animal and the reduce scale of the CrO3 in the internal organ especially in blook and respiratory organ with the period of convalescent and clearance. The experiment results which we received are as follows. 1. In blood the RBC, HGB and HCT experiment, rats with 0.20, 0.50 mg/㎡ concentration showed that there were some decreases but not dependent. The kidneys absolute weight compared with control group was reduced intentionally(p〈0.05) and the lungs absolute weight compared with control group showed intentional increase(p〉0.05). 2. After the exposure of the experiment material, the whole blook, l\blood plasma and red blood cell in blood by (x): the period of convalescent, per (y); the decreasing of Cr concentration, was y=66.51 e -0.057x, y=67.2 e-0.101x, y=70.01 e-0.030 in 0.50 mg/㎡ exposure concentration by calculating the clearance coefficient of correlation, and the half life (day)was estimated 12.0, 6086, 23.0 each. 3, After the exposure of the experiment material, the experiment animals lung, liver and kidneys by(x); the period of convalescent, per (y); the decreasing of Cr conentration, was y=1808 e-0.00493x, y=12.02e-0.0297x, y=67.61 e-0.0292x in 0.50mg/㎡ exposure concentration by calculating the clearance coefficient of correlation, and the half life(day)was estimated 140.6, 23.3, 23.7, each, and including lung, liver with all of the experiment internal organs, the Cr clearance decreased as the exposure concentration increased.

서울의 Penicillinase Producing Neisseria Gonorrhoeae 발생빈도(1996)

김재홍,황동규,전재홍,김윤석,김중환,김용준,이창균,임동진,김현수,조창근,김경문,박상훈,전우형,김희성,이호정,차명수,김갑형,김형석,김석우,황지환,박병순,권오상,이민수,송기훈,성소영,이인섭,부태성 대한화학요법학회 1999 대한화학요법학회지 Vol.17 No.2

Background : In recent years, gonorrhea has been panedemic and remains one of the most commom STDs in the world, especially in developing countries. Objective & Methods: For the detection of a more effective therapeutic regimen and assessing the prevalence of PPNG, we have been trying to study the patients who have visited the VD Clinic of Choong-Ku Public Health Center in Seoul since 1980 by means of the chromogenic cephalosporin method. Results: In 1996, 139 strains of N. gonorrhoeae were isolated, among which 53(39.0%) were PPNG. Conclusion: Our results suggests that after a peak of 74.3% in 1993, the prevalence of PPNG in Seoul is gradually declining.