Stimulation of keratinocyte differentiation by extract of combined medicinal plant / 동물의과학연구지

Skin is the outermost organ and acts as a barrier between the organism and environment. Skin protects the organism from environmental insults, such as chemicals, pathogens, and UV light. Much of the protective function of skin is dependent on the epidermis, a multi-layered epithelium that is composed of various cell types such as keratinocytes and melanocytes. Keratinocytes produce protective components through a sophisticated differentiation process. Disturbance of keratinocyte differentiation is related to several skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In this study, we prepared extract of combined medicinal plants (ECMP) consisting of Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt, Heartleaf Houttuynia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, and root bark of Ulmus davidiana. We demonstrated that ECMP enhanced keratinocyte differentiation and barrier functionality using an in vitro cell culture system and in vivo animal test. Treatment of cultured keratinocytes with ECMP resulted in induction of keratinocyte differentiation, as evidenced by increased differentiation markers such as involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin. In line with these results, ECMP decreased proliferation of keratinocytes cultured in vitro. ECMP applied topically to tape-stripped mouse skins accelerated reduction of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating fast recovery of barrier function. Immunohistochemistry showed that ECMP increased the filaggrin level in tape-stripped mouse skins. These results suggest that ECMP may be applicable for keratinocyte differentiation-related skin diseases.

Mariannaea samuelsii Isolated from a Bark Beetle-Infested Elm Tree in Korea

During an investigation of fungi from an elm tree infested with bark beetles in Korea, one isolate, DUCC401, was isolated from elm wood. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer and 28S rDNA (large subunit) sequences, the isolate, DUCC401, was identified as Mariannaea samuelsii. Mycelia of the fungus grew faster on malt extract agar than on potato dextrose agar and oatmeal agar media. Temperature and pH for optimal growth of fungal mycelia were 25degrees C and pH 7.0, respectively. The fungus demonstrated the capacity to degrade cellobiose, starch, and xylan. This is the first report on isolation of Mariannaea samuelsii in Korea.

New Record of Mariannaea elegans var. elegans in Korea

A Mariannaea fungus was isolated during investigation of an elm tree infested with unidentified beetles. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequence, the fungus was identified as Mariannaea elegans var. elegans. Fungal growth was better on malt extract agar than on potato dextrose agar and oatmeal agar. Optimal temperature and pH for growth of the fungus were 30degrees C and pH 7.0, respectively. The fungus was found to have the ability to produce extracellular enzymes such as amylase, beta-glucosidase, cellulase, and protease. This is first report on M. elegans var. elegans in Korea.

Elm tree bark extract inhibits HepG2 hepatic cancer cell growth via pro-apoptotic activity

Control of inflammation is widely accepted as an important strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Anti-inflammatory effects of bark extracts of elm tree (BEE) have been amply reported. Therefore, BEE may be a good candidate cancer chemopreventive agent. Considering the high incidence of hepatic cancer and limited therapeutic approaches for treating this disease, it is important to develop liver cancer-specific chemopreventive agents. To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of BEE, we investigated the growth inhibition effect of BEE on the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. We performed a cell counting kit-8 assay to determine cell viability, and 4,6-diamino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry to measure apoptotic cell death. Finally, the expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins were measured. BEE inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Pro-apoptotic activity was promoted via the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, as demonstrated by the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase as well as the down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These results suggest that BEE may have potential use in hepatic cancer chemoprevention by suppressing cancer cell growth via pro-apoptotic activity.

Vasorelaxing Activity of Ulmus davidiana Ethanol Extracts in Rats: Activation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Rehder (Urticales: Ulmaceae) (UD) is a tree widespread in northeast Asia. It is traditionally used for anticancer and anti-inflammatory therapy. The present study investigated the effect of an ethanol extract of UD on vascular tension and its underlying mechanism in rats. The dried root bark of UD was ground and extracted with 80% ethanol. The prepared UD extract was used in further analysis. The effect of UD on the cell viability, vasoreactivity and hemodynamics were investigated using propidium iodide staining in cultured cells, isometric tension recording and blood pressure analysis, respectively. Low dose of UD (10~100microg/ml) did not affect endothelial cell viability, but high dose of UD reduced cell viability. UD induced vasorelaxation in the range of 0.1~10microg/ml with an ED50 value of 2microg/ml. UD-induced vasorelaxation was completely abolished by removal of the endothelium or by pre-treatment with L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. UD inhibited calcium influx induced by phenylephrine and high K+ and also completely abolished the effect of L-NAME. Intravenous injection of UD extracts (10~100 mg/kg) decreased arterial and ventricular pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, UD extracts reduced the ventricular contractility (+dP/dt) in anesthetized rats. However, UD-induced hypotensive actions were minimized in L-NAME-treated rats. Taken together, out results showed that UD induced vasorelaxation and has antihypertensive properties, which may be due the activation of nitric oxide synthase in endothelium.

A Case of Acute Toxic Hepatitis and Acute Kidney Injury after Ingestion of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Extracts / 대한신장학회지

Despite the splendid development of medicine, traditional alternative remedies have been widely used in Korea for a long time. Especially, the extract of elm bark is typical, common and easily obtained in a daily life. A scientific name of elm is Ulmus davidiana var. japonica. Although the study of pharmacologic effect and side effect is underway, the results are not yet enough to be applied in practice. Nevertheless, many people have the extracts of elm bark on expecting the improvement of health. We experienced a case of acute toxic hepatitis and acute kidney injury after complementary medication. She was a 48-year-old female patient who ingested 3-4 cups of extracts per day for 10 days to improve her health until admitted due to nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The case report can suggest that ingestion of complementary medicine (elm bark root extracts) can be a cause of acute toxic hepatitis and acute kidney injury.

Introduction to Distribution and Ecology of Sterile Conks of Inonotus obliquus

Inonotus obliquus is a fungus that causes white heart rot on several broad-leaved species. This fungus forms typical charcoal-black, sterile conks (chaga) or cinder conks on infected stems of the birche (Betula spp). The dark brown pulp of the sterile conk is formed by a pure mycelial mass of fungus. Chaga are a folk remedy in Russia, reflecting the circumboreal distribution of I. obliquus in boreal forest ecosystems on Betula spp. and in meridional mountain forests on beech (Fagus spp.) in Russia, Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. Distribution at lower latitudes in Western and Southern Europe, Northern America, Asia, Japan, and Korea is rare. Infected trees grow for many years without several symptoms of decline. The infection can penetrate through stem injuries with exterior sterile conks developing later. In the Czech Republic, cinder conk is found on birches inhabiting peat bogs and in mountain areas with a colder and more humid climate, although it is widespread in other broad leaved species over the Czech Republic. The most common hosts are B. pendula, B. pubescens, B. carpatica, and F. sylvatica. Less frequent hosts include Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Alnus incana, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus cerris, Q. petraea, Q. robur, Q. delachampii, and Ulmus sp.

Seed germination of three Ulmus species from Turkey as influenced by temperature and light.

The effect of temperature and light on the germination performance of Ulmus minor, Ulmus glabra and Ulmus laevis were studied in this research. Seeds were germinated under constant temperatures of 20 and 25 degrees C and alternating temperatures of 25/15 and 30/20 degrees C. Within each temperature regime, seeds were subjected daily to the following photoperiods: total darkness and 8 hr photoperiod. Temperature and light affected seed germination percentage (GP) and germination rate expressed as peak value (PV) in Ulmus minor and 25 and 30/20 degrees C under light gave the highest GP (>95%) and PV (>23). The temperatures of 25/15 and 30/20 degrees C gave the highest GP (>89%) in Ulmus glabra and light did not significantly affect GP. But the highest PV in Ulmus glabra was found at these temperatures under light. Germination percentage of Ulmus laevis was not affected by temperature and light, but the alternating temperature of 30/20 degrees C produced the highest germination rate under darkness.

Effect of Various Sawdusts and Logs Media on the Fruiting Body Formation of Phellinus gilvus

Present experiments were conducted to determine the possibility of artificial culture with various sawdust of P. gilvus. The pH value was 6.0 of oak sawdust, 6.5 of mulberry sawdust, 6.6 of elm sawdust, 6.3 of acacia sawdust and 6.1 of apple tree sawdust. Mycelial density on elm sawdust and acacia sawdust were lower than those of oak sawdust, and apple sawdust. Weight of fresh fruiting body showed that 179 g on oak tree, 227 g on oak sawdust, 21 g on elm tree, 76 g on elm sawdust, 106 g on apple tree, and 170 g on apple sawdust. Among them, the yield of oak substrates was the highest whereas acacia sawdust was the lowest, and it is concluded that the yields of sawdust substrates were higher than log substrates. P. gilvus grown on various sawdusts and logs used in this study have shown similar in anti-tumor activity against P388.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and its Affecting Factors in Women with Breast Cancer / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This exploratory study was to identify the use of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) in women with breast cancer and to analyze which factor influence CAM use. METHODS: 114 patients with breast cancer were identified and approached. The instrument used to gather data were the common types, main reasons and effects as well as stress, mood states and fatigue. RESULTS: 42.7% of all participants reported the use of CAM. The most common types of CAM used were Phellinus linteus, elm tree, and vitamin C. The main reasons for CAM use were to boost the immune system and to prevent recurrence. Prayer, massage, Shitake mushroom, and Ganoderma lucidum were, identified as being more effective than others. 93.6% of the respondents informed their physicians of their use of CAM. Logistic regression analysis determined that stress, mood states, and duration after diagnosis were factors significantly associated with CAM use. CONCLUSION: CAM use is increasing among patients with breast cancer. Health care professionals are in the main position to identify what treatments patients are using and implement CAM therapies that can be helpful to relieve patient symptoms related to treatment and psychological distress.

Effects of Araliaceae Water Extracts on Blood Glucose Level and Biochemical Parameters in Diabetic Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Aralia elata, Acanthopanacis cortex and Ulmus davidiana water extracts on blood hemoglobin, HbA1c levels and biomarkers in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats divided into normal and diabetic groups. The diabetic groups subdivided into the control group (DM) and Araliaceae water extracts supplemented groups: Aralia elata (AE), Acanthopanacis cortex (AC) and Ulmus davidiana (UD). The extracts were supplemented in diet base on 11.42 g of raw Araliaceae/kg diet for 7 weeks. The diabetes was induced by injecting STZ (55 mg/kg B.W., i.p.) once 2 weeks before sacrifying. Relative weights of liver were significantly lowered in the DM group compared to the normal group, whereas those of kidney and heart were significantly increased in the DM group. Supplementation of the Araliaceae water extracts improved reduced liver weights in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose level was significantly higher in the DM group than in the normal group, whereas insulin contents were significantly lowered in the DM groups. However, these parameters were normalized in the AE, AC and UD supplemented groups, respectively. Blood hemoglobin and HbA(1c) levels were significantly higher in the DM group than in the normal group. When all of Araliaceae water extracts were supplemented to the diabetic rats lowered hemoglobin and HbAI(1c) levels. Red blood cell, white blood cell and lymphocyte were significantly higher in the DM group than in the normal group. The supplementation of Araliaceae family water extracts significantly lowered these parameters compared to the DM group. MCV, MCH contents were declined in the DM group, while the supplementation of Aralia elata, Acanthopanacis cortex and Ulmus davidiana water extracts elevated of these contents in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Accordingly, these results indicate that Aralia elata, Acanthopanacis cortex and Ulmus davidiana water extracts would seem to improve the blood biomarkers in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

The Effects of the Ulmus Root-bark Dressing in Tissue Regeneration of Induced Pressure Ulcers in Rats / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the ulmus root-bark dressing on tissue regeneration in experimentally-induced pressure ulcers in rats. METHOD: A randomized pretest/post-test control group time-series study design was used. Thirty-three male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The rats were anesthetized with 100mg/kg of ketamine. Pressure ulcers were induced at 140mmHg for three hours using a personally-designed pressing apparatus. For four weeks, the ulmus root-bark dressing was applied every other day in the experimental group (n=18) and a wet gauze dressing in the control group (n=15). For data analysis, the statistical program SPSS WIN 12 was used. The wounds were examined by light microscopy and electron microscopy. RESULT: There were significant statistical differences in the size of the pressure ulcers as time went by(p=0.006). It should be noted that there were no significant statistical differences in the number of capillaries. Using light microscopy the inflammatory infiltration and neovascularization in the dermis in the experimental group emerged densely in the early stages, but recovered rapidly at the latter stages. In addition, the reepithelization of the epidermis occurred earlier than in the control group. By electron microscopy, the cell organelles of the capillary endothelial cells and the basal lamina of capillaries in the experimental group showed a more rapid maturation during the latter stages, compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: According to this study, it can be concluded that the ulmus root-bark dressing is effective regarding the healing of pressure ulcers.

Removal of chromium [VI] from aqueous solution by Ulmus leaves

The Cr [VI] adsorption characteristics of Ulmus leaves [UL] and their ash were examined as a function of contact time, initial pH, and initial metal ion concentration. Batch adsorption experiments were performed. The effects of Ca[2+], Mg[2+], Na[+]and K[+] on adsorption were studied. Maximum removal was achieved in the pH=7, contact time of 60 minutes and with initial Cr [VI] concentration of 2 mg/L. Because at pH>/=6.5, precipitation of chromium may take place, optimum pH was selected at 6. Maximum adsorption rate values were found at the first 60 min at pH=6. The effect of the adsorbent on COD removal from aqueous solution showed that 2g/L of adsorbent caused 130 and 75 mg/L increase in COD of deionized water in 60 min for UL and its ash, respectively. The chromium adsorption data obtained under the optimum condition were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Studies showed that the Langmuir adsorption model better fitted than Freundlich, with R[2]>0.99. Also UL ash was more efficient than living leaves in removing chromium from aqueous solution

Conservative Treatment of Stage of Pressure Ulcers with Ulmus

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment effect of Ulmus, which has been traditionally used for the treatment of the pressure ulcers in Korea. METHOD: Thirteen cases with stage IV pressure ulcers (according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 1989) were enrolled for the study. Seven cases were treated with Ulmus and 6 cases were treated with wet gauze as a control group. The sizes and stages of pressure ulcers were evaluated every 2 week for 12 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the size of pressure ulcers decreased from 78.17+/-47.77 cm3 to 8.14+/-13.17 cm3 (mean S.D., n=7) in Ulmus treated group, whereas from 62.10+/-40.89 cm3 to 36.69+/-36.23 cm3 (mean+/-S.D., n=6)in wet gauze treated group. The size of pressure ulcers decreased more significantly (p<0.05) in Ulmus treated group than wet gauze dressed group. Among seven cases treated by Ulmus, 2 cases completely healed, 3 cases improved to stage II, and 2 cases remained to stage IV, whereas among 6 cases treated by wet gauze, 1 cases improved to stage II, 1 case to stage III, and 4 cases remained to stage IV. CONCLUSION: Ulmus was more effective in management of pressure ulcers than wet gauze. We suggest that Ulmus can be used as a useful method of conservative treatment for the stage IV pressure ulcers.

Behavior patterns of health care utilization in terminal cancer patients

BACKGROUND: In order to improve the quality of life of dying patients so that they may die with dignity, they need to receive not only the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care, but also systematic and continuous care. However, their is no adequate medical service at present. We studied terminal cancer patients'behavior patterns of health care utilization, the problems of caring for the patient, and medical services that bereaved families suggested for terminal cancer patients and their families. METHODS: From 271 patients'families who participated in our hospice program from March 1991 to February 1996, 108 bereaved families whom we able to had been contact were interviewed by three student nurses with a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The terminal cancer patients received their medical care through admission to hospital(45.4%), outpatient clinic(22.2%), emergency room(16.7%), and oriental medicine(12.0%). But during their terminal phase of the illness, 32.4% of patients never received medical care including oriental medicine, and 28.7% received alternative medicine care such as intake of mushroom and elm tree. 26 bereaved families(24.1%) pointed out the indifference of the medical team as a problem receiving proper hospital care, and 22 bereaved families(20.4%) emphasized emotional strain of their helplessness with the patient's suffering as a problem of caring for the patient at home. Over 90% of bereaved families from their experience suggested needs of continuous care, hospice care, home care, and 24hr telephone service. CONCLUSIONS: There were inappropriate behavior patterns of health care utilization which resulted in large proportion of terminal cancer patients received alternative medicine never receiving proper medical care. Therefore, there is a need to develop the continuous and comprehensive care for terminal cancer patients and their family, such as hospice.)

A Study on Prevalence and Nursing Intervention of Bed Sore Patients who Received Regional Home Care Services / 기본간호학회지

This study was to identify the nursing intervention method in finding out the incidence, risk factor, prevention and treatment of bed sore clients who received regional home care nursing services. The eleven home care nurse practitioners took the survey on 97 patients who received home care nursing service from Seoul City Nurses Association for one month from September 26 to October 26 1996. A modified version of Braden's bed sore assessment tool for bed sore risks and a tool for assessment of bed sore stage and measurement bed sore sizes by Bergstrom, Barden, Laguzza and Holman(1987) were as research tools for this study and a questionnaire with 40 questions and 12 items on nursing activities was used to find out the prevention and treatment of bed sores. Also, two open ended questions were used on current approaches and efforts of the treatment being applied to clients. The finding of the study were summarized as following : 1. The rate of bed sore occurrence was 47.4%. 2. The areas of bed sore occurrence were hip(28.9%), sacrum(18.6%), great trochanter(14.4%) and the average number of sore spots were 2.26. 3. Two groups-one with bed sores and the other without were studied to determine prediction factors for bed sore risks. Sensory function, humidity, level of activity, mobility, nutrition, skin friction and chapping and body temperature turned out to be statistically significant factors for bed sores. Also the age of clients turned out to be a individual characteristic variable significantly affecting the rate of bed sore occurrences. 4. The education for clients and family on systematic skin assessment and bed sores and practice of active/passive R.O.M are mainly used as nursing activities for bed sore care. 5. The treatment method varied by stages of bed sores. Sometimes folk remedies like applying the powders of dried elm tree roots to sores were used. Good nutrition, frequent position change and skin care turned to be the most effective means to fast recovery of sores.

Aerobiological Study for Airborne Plooern and Mold in Kuri-shi, Kyunggi-Do / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

In a large number of a1lergic cases, inhalant allergens, particularly airborne pollens and mo1ds am important causative, triggering agents in respiratory, even in skinanergy. It is essential for diagnosis and treatment of airborne allergy to survey the airborne pollen and mo1d in the patient's living area. Rotorod samp1er was installed on the well-ventilated rooftop of Hanyang Kuri Hospital in Kuri-shi, Kyunggi-do as the vicinity of Seoul. Airborne allergens were collected from October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1996 daily and were stained with Calberla`s fuchsin and were identified, counted under the light microscope (400Xfor pollen, 1000Xfor mold). The data were compared with the local daily weather report. The airborne pollen was found from 12th February to 22nd December. The maximal period for pollen collection was 7th-25th May (Maximal count:492 grains/ August. There were Alnus, Betula, Pinus, Quercus, Acer, Ulmus, PopuluS, Cupressaceae, Ginkgo, Corylus, Salk in the tree season from middle of February to middle of July. The grass season ranged from middle of March to end of November. There were Artemisia, Ambrosia, HumuluS, Chenopodium-Amaranthus, rumex, Plantago, Trifoium, Humulus, Chrysanthemum, Cyperus in the weed season ranged from middle of July to end of December. Airborne molds were collected all through the year except JanuaIgamma but, counted maximally from the middle of June to end l August. There were CladosPorium, Alternaria, ascospore of Leptospheria, Periconia, Myxomycete, Drechs1era, Rust urediniospores, Basidiospore, ToruIa, Xylariaceae, IOidimn, Nigrospom, Stempi1y1ium, Amphispheda, Fusarium, Aspergil1us. In Korea, there are great number of the allergic patients, but we have had a little records and data about study of relationship between the allergic diseases and airborne environmental allergens. we will reported those results completely in future.