Guide wire fracture during percutaneous coronary intervention / 영남의대학술지

Guide wire fracture during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare. It can cause fatal complications such as thrombus formation, embolization, and perforation. Guide wire fracture could occur during intervention for severely calcified stenotic lesions, and rarely from distal small branches of stenotic lesions. There are several methods for its management depending on the material character, position, length of the remnant, and the patient's condition. If percutaneous retrieval was not achieved, the surgical procedure should be considered for prevention of potential risks, although the remnant guide wire does not usually cause complications. We experienced a patient with a guide wire fracture during PCI, and managed to prevent its complications through surgical removal of the remnant wire. We report this case here.

Prolonged oral administration of Gastrodia elata extract improves spatial learning and memory of scopolamine-treated rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Gastrodia elata (GE) is traditionally used for treatment of various disorders including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. To investigate the neuroprotective effect of GE, amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta)-treated PC12 cells were cultured with GE aqueous extract. In vitro assay demonstrated that 50 microM of pre-aggregated Abeta was lethal to about a half portion of PC12 cells and that Abeta aggregate-induced cell death was significantly decreased with GE treatment at < or =10 mg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. To further examine in vivo cognitive-improving effects, an artificial amnesic animal model, scopolamine-injected Sprague-Dawley rats, were orally administered the extract for 6 weeks followed by behavioral tests (the passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test). The results showed that an acute treatment with scopolamine (1 mg/kg of body weight) effectively induced memory impairment in normal rats and that the learning and memory capability of scopolamine-treated rats improved after prolonged administration of GE extract (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight for 6 weeks). These findings suggest that a GE regimen may potentially ameliorate learning and memory deficits and/or cognitive impairments caused by neuronal cell death.

Pseudo-Renal Failure with Severe Hyponatremia due to Spontaneous Bladder Rupture / 대한내과학회지

Spontaneous bladder rupture is rare. Such an occurrence may appear similar to renal failure because the resulting urine leakage into the peritoneal cavity and absorption across the peritoneum increases serum creatinine although glomerular filtration rate is normal. A 46-year-old man presented with abdominal distension for 7 days after consuming a large volume of alcohol. Initial laboratory tests showed a blood urea nitrogen level of 174.3 mg/dL, serum creatinine of 11.49 mg/dL, and serum sodium of 105 mmol/L. Abdominal distension resolved after draining 5,200 mL of urine through a bladder catheter. Computed tomography cystography revealed intraperitoneal leakage of contrast dye from the left dome of the bladder, suggesting an intraperitoneal bladder rupture. Azotemia was completely normalized on the third day of hospitalization. This case shows that pseudo-renal failure should be considered when caring for a patient with unexplained azotemia and ascites.

Effects of pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extracts in high-fat diet-fed obese mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Red ginseng and its extracts have been used as traditional medicines and functional foods in countries worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the bioavailability of pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extracts (GS-E3D), and the effects of GS-E3D on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well as on metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver in high-fat diet fed obese C57BL/6 mice. Mice were divided into 5 groups: normal diet group, high fat diet-vehicle group, high fat diet + 0.1 g/kg GS-E3D (0.1-GS-E3D), high fat diet + 0.3 g/kg (0.3-GS-E3D), high fat diet + 1.0 g/kg (1.0-GS-E3D). Treatment of GS-E3D reduced differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with low cytotoxicity. In the animal model, compared to the high fat diet control, serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, and leptin level were reduced in treatment animals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that GS-E3D could decrease total hepatic lipid droplets. These results suggest that GS-E3D, as a dietary supplement, has beneficial effects on obesity and may have useful effects in health-care products.

Red ginseng extract increases the functional components of silkworm Bombyx mori L. used as an anti-diabetes medicinal resource / 동물의과학연구지

The anti-diabetes mechanism of silkworm Bombyx mori L. powder and extracts was found to inhibit the activity of alpha-glycosidase. The major functional component of silkworm powder was 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), which exerts a blood glucose-lowering effect. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of the supplements, including red ginseng extract on the functional components of silkworm. Fifty silkworm larvae were divided into the control group (Con, N=50), group A (A, artificial diet 95% and mulberry leaf powder 5%), group B (B, artificial diet 95% and mulberry powder 5%), group C (C, artificial diet 95% and Rubus coreanus remainders 5%), group D (D, artificial diet 95% and red ginseng extract 5%), and group E (E, artificial diet 95% and yeast powder (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Body weights and length of silkworm larvae showed significant improvement in group A, D. In particular, the growth rate in group D (artificial diet 95% and red ginseng extract 5%) was larger than that of Con. In addition, the results showed that 1-DNJ concentration was significantly largest in group D. From these results, it is concluded that the addition of red ginseng extract may be effective for larval growth and 1-DNJ accumulation in silkworm rearing with an artificial diet.

Treatment of eggshell with casein phosphopeptide reduces the severity of ovariectomy-induced bone loss / 한국실험동물학회지

It has been generally accepted that calcium intake prevents bone loss, and frequent fracture resulted from osteoporosis. However, it is still elusive as to how effective sole calcium intake is in preventing or attenuating the severity of osteoporosis. Here, we demonstrate the effects of eggshell-casein phosphopeptide (ES-CPP), and compared these effects those of calcium supplement, for restoring ovariectomy-mediated bone loss. CPP, synthesized from the hydrolysis of casein (0.5%) using trypsin, was added to the grinded ES and was then administered to the ovariectomized (OVX) rat at 100 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Urine and feces from each group were collected each day, and were used to calculate the apparent calcium absorption rate in a day. After 4 weeks incubation, blood and femoral bones were isolated for the analysis of parameters representing osteoporosis. The apparent calcium absorption rate was significantly increased in the ES-CPP treated groups, in comparison to both the OVX and the commercial calcium supplement (CCS) treated group. Notably, treatment with ES-CPP markedly enhanced the calcium content in femoral bone and the relative weight of femoral bone to body weight, though calcium content in serum was barely changed by treatment with ES-CPP. Parameters of osteoporosis, such as osteocalcin in serum and bone mineral density, were rescued by treatment with ES-CPP, compared to treatment with commercial calcium supplement. This finding strongly suggests the possible use of ES-CPP in preventing or attenuating the severity of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Usefulness of a Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test for diagnosing H. pylori infected C57BL/6 mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Among several diagnostic tests, a Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test may offer a useful noninvasive method for diagnosing infection without sacrificing animals. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice (n=6) were infected with H. pylori ATCC 49503 (1x10(8) CFU/mouse) by intragastric inoculation three times at 2-day intervals, and H. pylori infected stool specimens were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 days after infection to assess reliability of the HpSA test. Five of six specimens were positive at 5-21 days after infection, and the sensitivity of the HpSA test was 83.33%. The presence of H. pylori infection was confirmed by the rapid urease test and genomic DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and showed the same results as the HpSA. However, the rapid urease test and genomic DNA PCR are invasive tests and require animal sacrifice to detect H. pylori in gastric biopsy samples. We suggest that an HpSA test kit would be useful and effective for monitoring H. pylori in various laboratory animals, as H. pylori can be easily monitored without sacrificing animals.

Effects of male silkworm pupa powder on the erectile dysfunction by chronic ethanol consumption in rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. ED is now considered an early manifestation of atherosclerosis, and consequently, a precursor of systemic vascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the effects of male silkworm pupa powder (SWP) on the levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, nitrite, and glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation; libido; and erectile response of the corpus cavernosum of the rat penis. We induced ED in the study animals by oral administration of 20% ethanol over 8 weeks. The SWP-treated male rats were divided into 3 groups that were orally administered 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. The libido of the SWP-administered male rats was higher than that of the ethanol control group. In addition, the erectile response of the corpus cavernosum was restored in males on SWP administration, to a level similar to that of the normal group without ED. The testosterone concentration did not increase significantly. The lipid peroxidation in the corpus cavernosum of the male rats administered SWP decreased significantly. In contrast, compared to the ethanol group, SWP-administered male rats showed increased GSH levels in the corpus cavernosum. The level of nitrite and NOS expression in the corpus cavernosum of SWP-administered male rats increased significantly. These results indicated that SWP effectively restored ethanol-induced ED in male rats.

Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet / 한국실험동물학회지

Yerba Mate, derived from the leaves of the tree, Ilex paraguariensis, is widely-used as a tea or as an ingredient in formulated foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Yerba Mate extract on weight loss, obesity-related biochemical parameters, and diabetes in high-fat diet-fed mice. To this end, by using in vivo animal models of dietary-induced obesity, we have made the interesting observations that Yerba Mate has the ability to decrease the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and to reduce the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes, both of which contribute to a lower growth rate of adipose tissue, lower body weight gain, and obesity. Our data from in vivo studies revealed that Yerba Mate treatment affects food intake, resulting in higher energy expenditure, likely as a result of higher basal metabolism in Yerba Mate-treated mice. Furthermore, in vivo effects of Yerba Mate on lipid metabolism included reductions in serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and glucose concentrations in mice that were fed a high fat diet. In conclusion, Yerba Mate can potentially be used to treat obesity and diabetes.

Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles / 한국실험동물학회지

Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.

Skin Whitening Effects of Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus / 한국실험동물학회지

This study is aimed to evaluate skin whitening effects of Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus for cosmeceutical ingredients. The extract of Stichopus japonicus showed 61.78% inhibition of tyrosinase activity, and the mixture of Sanguisorba officinalis extract and Stichopus japonicus extract showed 59.14% inhibition of tyrosinase activity. On the clone M-3 cell meloanocyte, the mixture of Sanguisorba officinalis extract and Stichopus japonicus extract showed remarkable inhibition of melanogenesis. Also, those extracts were not irritable in ocular irritation test. It is concluded from these results that Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus have skin whitening effect. It could be used as natural depigmental material in cosmeceutical ingredients.

Skin Whitening Effects of Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus / 한국실험동물학회지

This study is aimed to evaluate skin whitening effects of Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus for cosmeceutical ingredients. The extract of Stichopus japonicus showed 61.78% inhibition of tyrosinase activity, and the mixture of Sanguisorba officinalis extract and Stichopus japonicus extract showed 59.14% inhibition of tyrosinase activity. On the clone M-3 cell meloanocyte, the mixture of Sanguisorba officinalis extract and Stichopus japonicus extract showed remarkable inhibition of melanogenesis. Also, those extracts were not irritable in ocular irritation test. It is concluded from these results that Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus have skin whitening effect. It could be used as natural depigmental material in cosmeceutical ingredients.

In vitro and in vivo Antibacterial Activities of Cinnamomum cassia Extracts Against Helicobacter pylori / 한국실험동물학회지

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is strongly associated with duodenal and gastric ulcers. Substantial epidemiological data has revealed that high rates of H. pylori infection might be related to high rates of gastric cancer and gastric adenocarcinoma. In this study, a medicinal herbal plant, Cinnamomum cassia, was examined and screened for anti-H. pylori activity. Seventy percent ethanol was used for herbal extraction. For anti-H. pylori activity screening, inhibitory zone tests as an in vitro assay and in vivo study using a Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) model were performed. Also, the safety of herbal compounds was evaluated by animal study. As a result of inhibitory zone test, Cinnamomum cassia extract demonstrated strong anti-H. pylori activities. Also, as results of in vivo animal studies, Cinnamomum cassia demonstrated strong therapeutic effects against H. pylori infection according to the criteria of histological examination and rapid urease test. As results of the safety study, after 28 days treatment of the Cinnamomum cassia extract, the animals were not detected any grossly and histological changes. These results demonstrate that it can be successfully cured against H. pylori infection and protected from H. pylori-induced pathology with Cinnamomum cassia. It could be a promising native herb treatment for patients with gastric complaints including gastric ulcer caused by H. pylori.

Antioxidant Activities of Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus / 한국실험동물학회지

This study is designed to apply for cosmeceutical ingredients with Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus distributed all over the country. The antioxidizing effect of the ethanol extract of Stichopus japonicus displayed stronger inhibition than the Sanguisorba officinalis ethanol extract and mixture of Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus extract. They used in the experiment as 63.28% with the density of 50 microgram/mL, and compared with the ascorbic acid used as positive counterpart. Since the physiological activating ingredient generating the antioxidizing effect was confirmed with the Sanguisorba officinalis and Stichopus japonicus with the experiment results, the possibility for natural antioxidants was implied.

Antibacterial Activity of Sanguisorba officinalis against Helicobacter pylori / 한국실험동물학회지

In this study, a medicinal herbal plant, Sanguisorba officinalis, was examined and screened for anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity. Seventy percent ethanol was used for herbal extraction. For anti-H. pylori activity screening, inhibitory zone tests as an in vitro assay and in vivo study using a Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) model were performed. Also, the safety of herbal compounds was evaluated by animal study. As a result of inhibitory zone test, Sanguisorba officinalis extract demonstrated strong anti-H. pylori activities. Also, as results of in vivo animal studies, Sanguisorba officinalis extract demonstrated strong therapeutic effects against H. pylori infection according to the criteria of histological examination and rapid urease test. As results of the safety study, after 28 days treatment of the Sanguisorba officinalis extract, the animals were not detected any grossly and histological changes. These results demonstrate that it can be successfully cured against H. pylori infection and protected from H. pylori-induced pathology with Sanguisorba officinalis extract. It could be a promising candidate herb treatment for patients with gastric complaints including gastric ulcer caused by H. pylori.

Antibacterial Activity of Sanguisorba officinalis against Helicobacter pylori / 한국실험동물학회지

In this study, a medicinal herbal plant, Sanguisorba officinalis, was examined and screened for anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity. Seventy percent ethanol was used for herbal extraction. For anti-H. pylori activity screening, inhibitory zone tests as an in vitro assay and in vivo study using a Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) model were performed. Also, the safety of herbal compounds was evaluated by animal study. As a result of inhibitory zone test, Sanguisorba officinalis extract demonstrated strong anti-H. pylori activities. Also, as results of in vivo animal studies, Sanguisorba officinalis extract demonstrated strong therapeutic effects against H. pylori infection according to the criteria of histological examination and rapid urease test. As results of the safety study, after 28 days treatment of the Sanguisorba officinalis extract, the animals were not detected any grossly and histological changes. These results demonstrate that it can be successfully cured against H. pylori infection and protected from H. pylori-induced pathology with Sanguisorba officinalis extract. It could be a promising candidate herb treatment for patients with gastric complaints including gastric ulcer caused by H. pylori.