Anti-diabetic effects of blue honeyberry on high-fed-diet-induced type II diabetic mouse

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The blue honeysuckle berry (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis L.) is a small deciduous shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family that is native to Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. The berry of this shrub is edible, sweet and juicy and is commonly known as the blue honeyberry (BHB). This study examined the anti-diabetic potential of BHB on high-fat-diet-induced mild diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic, and nephroprotective effects of the 12-week oral administration of blue honeyberry extract were analyzed. MATERIALS/METHODS: The hypoglycemic effects were based on the observed changes in insulin, blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Furthermore, the changes in the weight of the pancreas, including its histopathology and immunohistochemical investigation were also performed. Moreover, the nephroprotective effects were analyzed by observing the changes in kidney weight, its histopathology, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine levels. RESULTS: The results showed that the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced control mice showed a noticeable increase in blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, BUN, and creatinine levels. Furthermore, growth was observed in lipid droplet deposition related to the degenerative lesions in the vacuolated renal tubules with the evident enlargement and hyperplasia of the pancreatic islets. In addition, in the endocrine pancreas, there was an increase in the insulin-and glucagon-producing cells, as well as in the insulin/glucagon cell ratios. On the other hand, compared to the HFD-treated mice group, all these diabetic and related complications were ameliorated significantly in a dose-dependent manner after 84 days of the continuous oral administration of BHBe at 400, 200 and 100 mg/kg, and a dramatic resettlement in the hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities was observed. CONCLUSIONS: By assessing the key parameters for T2DM, the present study showed that the BHBe could act as a potential herbal agent to cure diabetes (type II) and associated ailments in HFD-induced mice.

Evaluation of in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean and Chinese Lonicera caerulea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The honeysuckle berry (HB) contains ascorbic acid and phenolic components, especially anthocyanins, flavonoids, and low-molecular-weight phenolic acids. In order to examine the potential of HB as a hepatoprotective medicinal food, we evaluated the in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean HB (HBK) and Chinese HB (HBC). MATERIALS/METHODS: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts were examined in HepG2 and RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. The anti-oxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, SOD, CAT, and ARE luciferase activities. The production of nitric oxide (NO) as an inflammatory marker was also evaluated. The Nrf2-mediated mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (Nqo1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) were measured. The concentrations of HB extracts used were 3, 10, 30, 100, and 300 µg/mL. RESULTS: The radical scavenging activity of all HB extracts increased in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). SOD (P < 0.05) and CAT (P < 0.01) activities were increased by treatment with 300 µg/mL of each HB extract, when compared to those in the control. NO production was observed in cells pretreated with 100 or 300 µg/mL of HBC and HBK (P < 0.01). Treatment with 300 µg/mL of HBC significantly increased Nqo1 (P < 0.01) and Gclc (P < 0.05) mRNA levels compared to those in the control. Treatment with 300 µg/mL of HBK (P < 0.05) and HBC (P < 0.01) also significantly increased the HO-1 mRNA level compared to that in the control. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the Korean and Chinese HBs were found to possess favorable in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nrf2 and its related anti-oxidant genes were associated with both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in HB-treated cells. Further studies are needed to confirm these in vivo effects.

Single-dose oral toxicity of fermented rice extracts [FREs]: a 14-day observation

The aim of present research was to determine the acute oral toxicity of fermented rice extracts [FREs], in female and male ICR mice. To investigate the toxicity and identify target organs, FREs were orally administered once to male and female ICR mice at doses of 0 [vehicle control], 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight [BW]. Effects on mortality, BW, and clinical signs were monitored over 14 days, including changes in the weights and histopathological characteristics of 14 organs, as described in the Korea Food and Drug Administration [KFDA] Guidelines [2009-116, 2009]. No treatment-related mortality was observed during the 14-day observation period in either gender. In addition, no FRE-related change was observed in BW or organ weight [OW], clinical indicators, or histopathological findings in this study. Our results suggest that the FRE is non-toxic in mice and is therefore likely to be safe for clinical use. The approximate LD and LD[50] in mice after single oral dose of FRE are greater than 2000 mg/kg in female and male ICR mice. Additionally, no specific target organ or negative clinical indicator was detected in this study.

Single oral dose toxicity test of polycalcium, a mixed composition of polycan and calcium lactate-gluconate 1:9 [G/G] in SD rat

The object of this study was to obtain acute oral toxicity information of Polycalcium, a mixed composition of Polycan and Calcium lactate-gluconate 1:9 [g/g], in Sprague-Dawely [SD] rats. In order to investigate the toxicity and identify target organs, Polycalcium were once orally administered to female and male SD rats at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 500 and 0 [control] mg/kg body weights. The mortality, changes on body weight and clinical signs were monitored during 14 days after treatment with gross observation, changes on the organ weights and histopathology of principle organs and treatment sites based on the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines [2009-116, 2009]. As the results of single oral treatment of Polycalcium, no treatment related mortalities were observed within 14 days after end of treatment up to 2000 mg/kg, the limited dosage of rodents in the both genders. In addition, no Polycalcium treatment related changes on the body and organ weights, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings were detected. The results obtained in this study suggest that the Polycalcium is non-toxic in rats. The LD[50] and approximate LD in rats after single oral dose of Polycalcium were considered over 2000 mg/kg in both female and male, respectively

Effects of Calcium Gluconate, a Water Soluble Calcium Salt on the Collagen-Induced DBA/1J Mice Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study examined the effects of calcium (Ca) gluconate on collagen-induced DBA mouse rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). A single daily dose of 200, 100 or 50 mg/kg Ca gluconate was administered orally to male DBA/1J mice for 40 days after initial collagen immunization. To ascertain the effects administering the collagen booster, CIA-related features (including body weight, poly-arthritis, knee and paw thickness, and paw weight increase) were measured from histopathological changes in the spleen, left popliteal lymph node, third digit and the knee joint regions. CIA-related bone and cartilage damage improved significantly in the Ca gluconate- administered CIA mice. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the paw were reduced in Ca gluconate-treated CIA mice compared to CIA control groups. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the Ca gluconate group. Finally, the production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha, involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, were suppressed by treatment with Ca gluconate. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca gluconate is a promising candidate anti-rheumatoid arthritis agent, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory effects in CIA mice.

Assessment of Intravenous Route Status in Preanesthetic Patients / 대한마취과학회지

Intravenous and/or "intracath" or "extracath" needles are used routinely for almost all undergoing anesthesia, no matter how minor. This preoperative intravenous puncture is usually performed by registered nurses in inpatient wards and the maintenance of these is very important to induce general/regional anesthesia even up to emergence from anesthesia. But sometimes they are likely to become dislodged/extravasated/disconnected just after arrival to operative theater, and then smooth and rapid anesthesia induction might be very difficult and delayed. Also, adhesive tape for reinforcement of the connection is not properly applied frequently. This article is to assess of injection site, type and size of needle, maintenance of indwelling needle, relationship of injection site with dominant extremity, and use of adhesive tape to reinforce the connection for anesthetic patients. Subjects are 267 adult and 45 pediatric patients. The results were as follows: 1) Injection site was forearm and dorsum of hand in 78% of adult patients while dorsum of hand and joints in 76% in pediatric patients. There is little difference to choose left/right extremity for intravenous routeQeft side in 52.8% of adult and 37.8% of pediatric patients). 2) Adult patients have mainly right-dominant arm(84.3%) and overall percentage of injection on dominant arm is 61.8%. 3) Extracath needles are mainly used in 96.6% of adult and 80% of pediatric patients except 20% of butterfly needle in newborn babies. 4) 18G and 20G needles are used in 29.6% and 66.7% of adult respectively while 20G and 22G in 13.3% and 71.1% of pediatric respectively except 23-24G mainly in newhorn babies. 5) Loose connection between needle hub and distal end of intravenous set is 85.8% of adult and 27.8% of pediatric patients. 62.2% of pediatric cases are needed variable sized armboard to fix the intravenous line. 6) Number of adhesive tape to reinforce the connection is 5-6 in over 60% in both adult and pediatric patients. 7) If the standard area of total adhesive tape is presumed 30 cm(2), 97% of adult and 100% of pediatric patients are over this value. With the above results, the authors recognized that selection of needle type and size are adequate but the maintenance, puncture site and use of adhesive plaster are inadeguate. So we should improve intravenous techniques for the patients.

The Effect of Pentaspan on The Vascular Tone of The Isolated Rat Abdominal Aorta and Renal Artery / 대한마취과학회지

The Pentaspan is a high molecular weight(250,000), hyperosmolar(320 mOsm/l) colloid solution and blood volume expander in clinical practice. Many researches revealed the decreasing of systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance after Pentaspan administration in vivo. Some colloid solution is contraindicated in acute renal failure. We tried to confirm the direct effects of the Pentaspan and its mechanism on the abdominal aorta and renal artery in vitro. The rat abdominal aorta and renal artery were precontracted with norepinephrine(10(-7) M/1) in 50 ml Krebs solution and 5 ml Pentaspan was infused. Ten mininutes after, changes of the vascular tones were obtained. The results were as follows. 1) The vascular tones were significantly decreased in both vessels. 2) Abdominal aorta group, renal artery group and with or without endothelium group were not significant different each other. 3) The vascular tones were not affected by with or without endothelium, indomethacin and methylene blue pretreatment. Smooth muscles were induced relaxation by the Pentaspan infusion and the relaxation were not dependent to endothelium derived relaxing factor, prostanoid and cyclic guanosinemonophosphate.

Current Status of Anesthesia for Emergency Surgical Patients / 대한마취과학회지

Emergency surgical patients are more frequently critical to anesthesia and surgery more than elective cases. They are not ready to anesthesia and surgery, because they have not enough time for physical and laboratory examinations. In addition, they are usually exposed to operative situations to anesthetists and/or surgeons who made little assessments of patient's pathological and physical conditions. The goal of preoperative preparation is to assess the degree and process of disease with physiological changes and to improve them before surgery as possible and to get the better outcome of anesthesia and surgery. The outcome of emergency operation influenced by good or poor physiological states and many factors, that is , preanesthetic assessment, laboratory examination, operation time(day time or night), operative personnel(professor or trainee)and coorperating system in operating theater. We analized 1406(male 704, female 702) emergency surgical patients from March 1990 to February 1991 in order to find out andy problems in procedures of emergency anesthesia and/or surgical patients. The results were as follows. 1) The rate of emergency operation was over-all 19.1 percent. The was no sexual difference in number of patients and third and fourth decade of age group were highest candidates for emergency operation(52.9%). 2)Emergency patients were prevalent in obstetic(28.6%) and general surgery department(25.2%) and acute appendicitis was most common emergency disease in both sex, if excluding Cesarean section. 3)Over-all rate of cesarean section was 33.9%, of which 54.4% were managed in emergency situation. 4)Physical status by ASA classification was mainly in 1E and 2E status(72.7%). 5)Almost of cases(87.7%) were operated under endotracheal inhalational anesthesia and enflurane was mainly administered for them as inhalation anesthetics(84.4%). 6)Anesthesis was started in day-time(47.2%) and in extr-day time(52.8%). With above results, we recognized that these emergency cases resulted in good outcomes because they were in mostly good physical status(1E and 2E), relatively healthy adults, and noncomplicated disease process. However we hope that anestheslologists as well surgeons should always be careful to check and manage emergency operating patients in the perioperative period.

Seroepidemiological survey of Tsutsugamushis disease in Korea, 1990

No abstract available.

Changes of EKG and Arterial Blood Gas during PEEP by Venous Air Embolism in Rabbits / 대한마취과학회지

Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been used to prevent and treat venous air embolism in patients in the sitting position undergoing neurosurgical operations However, the safety of PEEP has recently been questioned, because of concern that PEEP might incresae right atrial pressure more than left atrial pressure, thereby predisposing patients with a probe-patent foramen ovale to paradoxical air embolism. But it is controversial and needs further evaluation. In a prior study in rabbits with various venous air volume, the authors found that suddenly decreased mean arterial pressure and arterial PO2 showed peaked P wave, arrhythmias, ST depression and premature ventricular contraction on the EKG. In the present study, the authors examined the effects of 0, 3 and 5 cmHO PEEP (PEEP0, PEEP3, and PEEP5,) in 30 rabbits positioned supine with intravenous 0.5 mg/kg of air injection. In a prior study, we found that 0.5 mg/kg of air injection has serious change but showed low mortality. The measurements were obtained by the precordial doppler ultrasound, end tidal PCO2, mean arterial pressure, arterial PCO2, arterial PO2, and EKG. The results were as follow; 1) Doppler ultrasound was the most sensitive device even with PEEP and end tidal PCO2 was higher with PEEP5 than with PEEP3 and PEEP0 after suddenly decreased by the air injection. In PEEP statistic singnificance was observed (p<0.05). 2) The mean arterial pressure was significantly decreased by the air injection in PEEP0 PEEP3 and PEEP5 but there were no significant differences in all groups. It seemed likely due to low PEEP. 3) In PaCO2, slightly higher PaCO2 was observed in PEEP5 than in PEEP3 and PEEP. No statistic significance was obaerved. In PaO2, significant decrease was observed in all group but in PEEP3 small decrease was observed. 4) The incidence of bradycardia and ST depression was less in PEEP3 and PEEP5 than in PEEP0. In PEEP5, PVC was appeared relatively short duration than other group due to the air lock phenomenon. It was suspeeted that air was more freely passed according to increased right ventricular pressure after air lock. Authors conclude that PEEP has a benefit effect for the prevention of venous air embolism but after the occurence there is little benefit in the treatment.