Effects of natural raw meal (NRM) on high-fat diet and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Colitis is a serious health problem, and chronic obesity is associated with the progression of colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of natural raw meal (NRM) on high-fat diet (HFD, 45%) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2% w/v)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Body weight, colon length, and colon weight-to-length ratio, were measured directly. Serum levels of obesity-related biomarkers, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were determined using commercial kits. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Histological study was performed using a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining assay. Colonic mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: Body weight and obesity-related biomarkers (TG, TC, LDL, HDL, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin) were regulated and obesity was prevented in NRM treated mice. NRM significantly suppressed colon shortening and reduced colon weight-to-length ratio in HFD+DSS induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice (P < 0.05). Histological observations suggested that NRM reduced edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by HFD and DSS. In addition, NRM decreased the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 and inhibited the mRNA expressions of these cytokines, and iNOS and COX-2 in colon mucosa (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that NRM has an anti-inflammatory effect against HFD and DSS-induced colitis in mice, and that these effects are due to the amelioration of HFD and/or DSS-induced inflammatory reactions.

A Study on the Nutrient Intake, Health Risk Factors, Blood Health Status in Elderly Korean Women Living Alone / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This purpose of this study was to investigate the nutrient intake, the health status as determined self-assessment checklist, biochemical indicators of elderly Korean women. We interviewed and 55 female subjects living alone in the Urban aged over 65 years. Information on their dietary intake was collected by 24-hour Recall method. Their health status was determined by a NSI checklist. Biochemical indicators were performed in whole blood and plasma of subjects. Except for protein, Fe, all of the elderly subjects belonged to over moderate nutritional risk. The average daily nutrient intake of the elderly was below the level of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Koreans. A relationship between their health risk score and nutrient intake was observed negatively (not significantly). They had a risk of anemia as hemoglobin and hematocrit of subjects were under the normal value. Therefore, the reason that health risk score and health status badly was thought for lower nutrient intake.

Improve Effects of Saengshik on Patient with Fatty Liver and Hyperlipidemia in Murine

To examine the effect of Saengshik on parameters related to hepatoprotective, anthropometric, blood pressure, serum lipid and blood related indices, nonalcoholic fatty liver subjects were treated with two meal portion of Saengshik in the replacement of meals for a period of three months. Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure were significantly decreased after the treatment. Chronically elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-Glutamyl transferase (r-GTP) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels showed reduction to the near normal range. Serum total triglyceride level were reduced following the treatment. Whereas, there were no changes of serum total cholesterol with Saengshik consumption. Also, additional study was conducted to investigate the effect of Saengshik supplementation to high cholesterol and fat diet on lipid metabolism in rats. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were administrated hyperlipidemiainducing diet containing 1% cholesterol and 10% lard to induce hyperlipidemia for 4 weeks and were fed on diet containing Saengshik (30%, w/w) for 7 weeks. The feeding of diet containing 30% Shaengshik significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) contents and total triglyceride. These results demonstrate Saengshik may be beneficial for fatty liver patients in improving their lipid metabolism.

The Effects of Dehydration, Preservation Temperature and Time on the Hair Grafts

BACKGROUND: Careful manipulation of hair grafts is essential for a good yield of transplanted hair. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate some of the factors responsible for poor graft yield, such as dehydration of the graft and the temperature and duration of preservation. METHODS: First, for the dehydration study, isolated single hair follicles were left on dry gauze for 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes at room temperature. Secondly, to evaluate the effect of preservation temperature and time on the hair graft, follicles were preserved in saline for 5 minutes as a control, then for 6, 24, and 48 hours both at room temperature and at 4℃, respectively. Viability of preserved follicles was judged based on organ culture. RESULTS: Elongation of hair folliciles was seen in 96%, 94%, 94%, 83%, and 68% for 0-, 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-minute air-exposed groups, respectively. Survival was seen in 95%, 92%, 40% and 34% at room temperature and 96%, 94%, 76% and 50% at 4℃ for follicles preserved in saline for 5 min (control), then for 6, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that, alone with careful manipulation of hair units, high survival can be achieved with the avoidance of graft dehydration and preservation of the grafts at low temperatures if the operation time extends for more than 6 hours.

A Case of Bilateral Herpes Zoster / 대한피부과학회지

Noncontiguous bilateral herpes zoster is very rare, especially in a child. Herpes zoster duplex bilateralis means that both halves of the body are involved with the disease. A 4-year-old female, previously healthy, was presented with painful grouped papulovesicles on an erythematous base on both sides of the trunk (left T5 dermatome and right T7,8 dermatomes). Tzanck smear showed multinucleated giant cells and the histopathologic findings were consistent with herpes viral infection. She was treated with oral acyclovir for 7 days without any significant complication.

Comparison of Clinical Manifestations and Distribution of Malassezia Species in Patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are clinically different diseases, but symptoms and signs of both seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis often can be found simultaneously in one patient. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to (1) investigate if patients with either seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis have the symptoms and signs of both disease entities at the same time, and (2) study the relationship between Malassezia species on the scalp and each of the diseases. METHOD: Eighty five patients with seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, the Pityriasis sicca type, and 79 patients with atopic dermatitis and 76 normal subjects were observed clinically by the dermatologist and studied statistically using questionaires. A mycological study of Malassezia species was also performed by direct smearing. RESULT: Among the 21 items of questionaires regarding the symptoms and signs of seborrheic dermatitis, the patients with atopic dermatitis showed higher incidences in 7 items compared with normal subjects, and among the 22 items of questionaires regarding the symptoms and signs of atopic dermatitis, the patients with seborrheic dermatitis showed higher incidences in 2 items than the normal subjects. The patients regarded their skin conditions as follows : the mixed state of dried and oily skin was in 32.9% of the patients with atopic dermatitis, 42.4% of those with seborrheic dermatitis, and 43.4% of the normal subjects. On clinical grading by the Kligman's scale, the most common grade was below grade II(no scaling) in patients with atopic dermatitis and grade III(slight scaling) in patients with seborrheic dermatitis, respectively. The spores of Malassezia species were found in 83.6% of the patients with atopic dermatitis, 96.2% of those with seborrheic dermatitis, and 90.6% of the normal subjects. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, the patients with atopic dermatitis showed higher incidences of symptoms and signs of seborrheic dermatitis than normal subjects and there was no difference in the number of spores and hyphae of Malassezia species among the three groups. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the relationship between sebonheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect on Bundle Hair Grafting in 52 Cases of Androgenetic Alopecia / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: There have been numerous methods to treat androgenetic alopecia but few methods to treat it effectively and permanently. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate bundle hair grafting as an effective treatment for patients with androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: Bundle hair grafiing was performed on 52 patients with androgenetic alopecia who had visited the department of dermatology, Kyungpook National University Hospital and Fatima Hospital. Questionaires regarding cosmetic satisfaction, side effects and general efficacy were recorded by patients themselves one year after hair grafting. RESULTS: The results are as follows : 1. The loss of transplanted hair was most common during the third week(48.1%) after hair grafting. 2. The regrowth of the hair on the recipient site was most common during the 4th month(59.6 %) after the hair graft. 3. Bundle grafting afforded excellent cosmetic satisfaction even after one session in the alopecic area, 4. Facial edema, temporary sensory loss on the donor site, folliculitis and small pitted scarring were seen 19.2%, 5.8%, 1.9% and 3.8% of patients, respectively. 5. The disadvantages were the time necessary to carry out the procedure and the need for an experienced operator and assistants. CONCLUSION: We concluded that bundle hair grafting was an effective and safe therapeutic method for patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Influence of Ultrasound on the Percutaneous Absorption of Methyl Nicotinate / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of enhancing effect of ultrasound on the percutaneous absorption of a drug is unclear. But thermal, chemical and mechanical effects are assumed to play a role in enhancing transdermal drug delivery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if ultrasound enhances percutaneous absorption of methyl nicotinate(MN) without raising the skins surface temperature. METHODS: Treatment consisted of the application of ultrasound massage(1.0 MHz, 1.0 watt/cm2, continuous output) or placebo massage(0 MHz) for 3 min to the forearms of the volunteers, followed by a standardized application of MN at intervals of 15 sec and 10 min postmassage. Percutaneous absorption of MN was monitored using laser doppler flowmetry. RESULTS: 1. Data from the ultrasound treated sites after 15 sec showed significant decrease(p<0.05, paired t-test) in the T(0)(time between MN application and its initial response), T(MAX)(time between MN application and maximuvi response) and increase in the LDF(MAX) .(maximum cutaneous blood flow) compared to those of the control sites. 2. Data from the ultrasound treated sites after 10 min showed no difference in the T(0) and T(MAX) but significant increase in the LDF(MAX) compared to those of the control sites. 3. Data from ultrasound trvated sites both after 15 sec and 10 min showed significant increase in basal cutaneous blood flow(LDF(DH2O)) compared to those of the control sites. 4. There was no difference between the ultrasound treated sites and the control sites in the skins surface temper ature. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that ultrasound may affect the skin structure to provide skin penetration enharcement even without raising the skins surface temperature.

A Case of Cutaneous Ossification in Pseudohypoparathyroidism / 대한피부과학회지

A 6-month-old female infant pre~sented with multiple, slightly depressed pea-sized erythematous macules on. the abdomen and the chest since birth, which together with obese, short stature, short neck, and round face suggested Albrights hereditary osteodystrophy(AHO). Some of the lesions were palpable as hard nodules or plaques in deep dermis. After 3 months follow up, the erythem- atous hue faded out, subcutaneous nodules and plaques enlarged. Skin biopsy specirnen demonstrated a bone formation in deep dermis. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were lower and upper normal ranges, respectively and serum parathyroid hormone was increased in 69.1 pg/ml (normal, 9-55pg/ml). As pseudohypoparathyroidism including this case mostly exhibit characteristic morphologic features of AHO, the subcutaneous ossification may be a presenting feature.

An experimental study on the effect of maltol against oxygen toxicity / 예방의학회지

Since the widespread application of hyperbaric oxygenation in clinical medicine, the problems of oxygen toxicity have been attracting a deep interest from the researchers on hyperbaric medicine as a practical issue. Among extensive research trials, the study on the protective agents oxygen toxicity occupied one of the most challenging field. As the mechanisms of oxygen toxicity, the role of the oxygen free radicals produced by peroxidation process are strongly accepted by the leading researchers on oxygen toxicity, the probable protective effects of antioxidant against oxygen toxicity are sustaining a sufficient rational. Maltol(2-methyl-3-hydroxy-gamma-pyrone) which is known to be a component of Korean red ginseng has been reporting to have an antioxidant action. But, further study is needed to provide definite evidence for this compound to be an antioxidant, since the action was based on the results which were obtained under in vitro experiment. In this study, the author attempted to evaluate the effect of maltol as protective agent against oxygen toxicity through the observation of death rate, convulsion rate, time to convulsion and microscopic pathological changes in some organs of experimental rats exposed to various conditions. The findings observed are as follows: 1) The death rate, convulsion rate, time to convulsion, lung/weight ratio and microscopic pathological finding of lung were identified as reliable objective and quantitative indices for oxygen toxicity. 2) Maltol showed excellent protective effect against pulmonary oxygen toxicity as an antioxidant.

A Study on Morbidity of Chuncheon Citizen / 예방의학회지

A Health Interview Survey at Chuncheon city was conducted to assess level of illness by stratified random sampling method. Sample size was 6,007 and the prevalence of illness in period of 15 days was studied. 1) Prevalence rate of illness among Chuncheon citizen was 20.8 percent, and that of acute condition was 10.8 percent and chronic condition, 10.0 percent. 2) There was significant difference in prevalence rate by sex, especially the prevalence rate of chronic illness. 3) High positive correlation was noted between aging and prevalence rate of chronic illness. But negative correlation was noted in case of acute illness. 4) Multiple regression analysis on morbid state by socioeconomic variables was not seen to be appropriate for this survey, especially the analysis of acute illness. 5) Estimation of annual prevalence rate could not be possible because of seasonal variation of disease prevalence.