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Purpose: This study was conducted to provide basic data for development of health care programs for cleaners working in hospitals by analyzing job-related injuries among them and related factors. Methods: The study surveyed cleaners working in 6 general hospitals in D metropolitan city. The questionnaire was structurally designed to include items about job-related injuries, working conditions, health related characteristics. For the analysis of the collected data, the SPSS/WIN 21.0 software was used, and t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted. Results: Factors that affect health damages were gender and income levels. Inadequate safety facilities and equipment, noise, and income levels were found to be the factors affecting accident injuries. Conclusion: In order to reduce the job-related injuries, efforts need to be made to improve working conditions to deal with inadequate safety facilities and equipment and control noise. To fulfill this need, not only employers of cleaners but also hospitals in which they work should make efforts to educate those cleaners who have little knowledge of health and medical care, and improve their working conditions.

Background: Artemisia apiacea is a traditional herbal medicine using treatment of eczema and jaundice in Eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. Objective: An accurate and sensitive analysis method using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array ultraviolet/visible detector and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of three phytosterol compounds, campesterol, stigmasterol and daucosterol in A. apiacea was established. Materials and Methods: The analytes were separated on a Shiseido C 18 column (5 μm, 4.6 mm I.D. ×250 mm) with gradient elution of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection wavelengths were set at 205 and 254 nm. Results: Validation of the method was performed to demonstrate its linearity, precision and accuracy. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9994). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were within the ranges 0.55-7.07 μg/mL and 1.67-21.44 μg/mL, respectively. And, the relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were

Gumiganghwal-tang (GT) is a traditional herbal prescription widely used to treat inflammatory diseases in Asia. In this study, we evaluated neuroprotective effect and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of GT and compared with fermented GT (FGT). In order to better understand the neuroprotective mechanism, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was investigated and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis of contents of GT and FGT were conducted. As a result, FGT showed more potent protective effect against glutamate-induced HT22 cell death than GT and inhibited AChE activity. The neuroprotective effect of FGT is associated with inhibition of ROS production. The HPLC-DAD analytical results indicated that FGT contains higher content of bergapten and atractylenolide III than that of GT. In conclusion, FGT have neuroprotective effect and AChE inhibition, and may be useful source for treatment of neurodegenerative disease.

Codonopsis lanceolata has been used as an herbal medicine for several lung inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. Previously, we showed the neuroprotective effect of steamed and fermented C. lanceolata (SFC) in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, the treatment of HT22 cells with SFC decreased glutamate-induced cell death, suggesting that SFC protected HT22 cells from glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. Based on these, we sought to elucidate the mechanisms of the neuro-protective effect of SFC by measuring the oxidative stress parameters and the expression of Bax and caspase-3 in HT22 cells. SFC reduced contents of ROS, Ca(2+) and NO. Moreover, SFC restored contents of glutathione and glutathione reductase as well as inhibited Bax and caspase-3 activity in HT22 cells. These results indicate that steamed and fermented C. lanceolata (SFC) extract protected HT22 cells by anti-oxidative effect and inhibition of the expression of Bax and caspase-3.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ENS on cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine and its potential neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cell and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. ENS (3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), scopolamine (1 mg/kg), and donepezil (1 mg/kg) were administered to mice during a test period. Scopolamine impaired memory and learning in a water maze test and a passive avoidance test. The neuroprotective effect of ENS (10 and 100 μg/mL) was investigated on glutamate-induced cell death in HT22 cells by MTT assay. We investigated acetylcholinesterase inhibition in hippocampus and antioxidant activity, ROS levels, and Ca2+influx in HT22 cells to elucidate the potential mechanisms of ENS. We found that ENS significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairment and inhibited AChE activity in hippocampus.In vitro, ENS showed potent neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the HT22 cell. In addition, ENS induced a decrease in ROS production and intercellular Ca2+accumulation and showed DPPH radical and H2O2scavenging activity. In conclusion, ENS showed both a memory improving effect and a neuroprotective effect. Our results indicate that ENS may be of use in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

Objectives The present study was conducted in order to assess whether extracts or isolated compounds from Vigna angularis were able to suppress IL-6 signalling and to show the therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods The effect of V. angularis on IL-6 signalling was studied by measuring Stat3-dependent luciferase activity, expression of inflammation-related genes, and phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) induced by IL-6. CIA was induced by immunizing with bovine type II collagen. V. angularis extract (VAE) was administrated orally at 50 and 100 mg/kg from day 1 to day 28. Induction of arthritis was evaluated with a visual scoring system and histological analysis. Results Extracts or two triterpenoid compounds from V. angularis showed potent inhibitory effects on pSTAT3-inducible luciferase activity, STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation and the expression of inflammation-related genes induced by IL-6. Administration of VAE significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, accompanied by a reduced antibody response to type II collagen and protection from tissue damage in knee joints. Conclusion Administration of VAE has a therapeutic effect on CIA and this effect is associated with the inhibitory activity on IL-6/STAT3 signalling. These results suggest that extracts or compounds from V. angularis could be a useful treatment for diseases related to IL-6, including RA.

Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) traditionally have been used as a tonic and to treat patients with lung abscesses. Recently, it was proposed that the extract and some compounds isolated from C. lanceolata reversed scopolamine-induced memory and learning deficits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the improvement of cognitive enhancing effect of C. lanceolata by steam and fermentation process in scopolamine-induced memory impairment mice models by passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test. The extract of C. lanceolata or the extract of steamed and fermented C. lanceolata (SFCE) was orally administered to male mice at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight. As a result, mice treated with steamed and fermented C. lanceolata extract (SFCE) (300 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) showed shorter escape latencies than those with C. lanceolata extract or the scopolamine-administered group in Morris water maze test. Also, it exerted longer step-through latency time than scopolamine treated group in passive avoidance test. Furthermore, neuroprotective effect of SFCE on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity was assessed in HT22 cells. Only SFCE-treated cells showed significant protection at 500 μg/ml. Interestingly, steamed C. lanceolata with fermentation contained more phenolic acid including gallic acid and vanillic acid than original C. lanceolata. Collectively, these results suggest that steam and fermentation process of C. lanceolata increased cognitive enhancing activity related to the memory processes and neuroprotective effect than original C. lanceolata.

Palmul-tang, a traditional herbal medicine, is composed of eight herbs (Ginseng radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Hoelen, Atractylodis rhizoma, Angelicae gigantis radix, Cnidii rhizoma, Paeoniae radix and Rehmanniae radix) and exhibits various bioactivities, including antiallergic and antitumor effects. In this study, an effective, reliable and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 marker components in Palmul-tang: hydroxymethylfurfural, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, nodakenin, ginsenoside Rg1, decursinol, glycyrrhizin, 6-gingerol, ginsenoside Rg3 and decursin. All calibration curves of the 11 components indicated excellent linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.9997) within the test range. The limits of detection and quantification of each component were in the ranges of 0.08-1.03 and 0.23-3.11 µg/mL, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation values were within 1.65 and 2.71%, respectively. The mean recovery values were 94.49 to 101.10%. The established method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of 11 major components in 12 commercial samples of Palmul-tang. The developed analytical method is simple and suitable for the quality control of Palmul-tang.

Background: Dianthus superbus L. has been used in Chinese herbal medicine as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. Objective: In this study, we isolated ten bioactive compounds from D. superbus and evaluated their neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced cell death in the hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. Materials and Methods: New compound, (E)-methyl-4-hydroxy-4-(8a-methyl-3-oxodecahydronaphthalen-4a-yl) (1) and, nine known compounds, diosmetin-7-O (2’’,6’’-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-pentyl ester benzenepropanoic acid (3), vanillic acid (4), 4-hydroxy-benzeneacetic acid (5), 4-methoxybenzeneacetic acid (6), (E)-4-methoxycinnamic acid (7), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol (8), hydroferulic acid (9), and methyl hydroferulate (10), were isolated by bioactivity-guided separation. Structures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and two-dimensional NMR spectra, while their neuroprotective properties were evaluated by performing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results: D. superbus extract had a neuroprotective effect and isolated 10 compounds. Among the compounds, compounds 5 and 6 effectively protected HT22 cells against glutamate toxicity. Conclusion: In conclusion, the extract of D. superbus and compounds isolated from it exhibited neuroprotective properties, suggesting therapeutic potential for applications in neurotoxic diseases. SUMMARY D. superbus extract significantly protected on glutamate-induced cell death in HT22 cellsNew compound, (E)-methyl-4-hydroxy-4-(8a-methyl-3-oxodecahydronaphthalen-4a-yl) (1) and, nine known compounds, diosmetin-7-O(2’’,6’’-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-pentyl ester benzenepropanoic acid (3), vanillic acid (4), 4-hydroxy-benzeneacetic acid (5), 4-methoxybenzeneacetic acid (6), (E)-4-methoxycinnamic acid (7), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol (8), hydroferulic acid (9), and methyl hydroferulate (10) were isolated from D. superbus extract4-hydroxy-benzeneacetic acid and 4-methoxybenzeneacetic acid showed significant protective activity against glutamate-induced toxicity in HT22 cells. Abbreviations used: CNS: Central nervous system, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, CHCl3: Chloroform, EtOAc: Ethyl acetate, BuOH: Butanol, HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography, TLC: Thin layer chromatography, MPLC: Middle performance liquid chromatography, MeOH: Methanol, OD: Optical density, COSY: Correlation spectroscopy, HMQC: Heteronuclear multiple-quantum correlation, HMBC: Heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation, HR-MS: High-resolution molecular spectroscopy, MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide.

Inhibiting interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been postulated as an effective therapy in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. In this study, seven flavonoids were isolated from the methanol extracts of Psoralea corylifolia by bioactivity-guided fractionation. The structures of bakuchiol (1), bavachinin (2), neobavaisoflavone (3), corylifol A (4), corylin (5), isobavachalcon (6), and bavachin (7) were determined by spectroscopic analysis (1H-, 13C- NMR and MS). We demonstrated that compounds 1-7 showed an inhibitory effect on IL-6-induced STAT3 promoter activity in Hep3B cells with IC50 values of 4.57 ± 0.45, 3.02 ± 0.53, 2.77 ± 0.02, 0.81 ± 0.15, 1.37 ± 0.45, 2.45 ± 0.13, and 4.89 ± 0.05 µΜ, respectively. These compounds also inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation induced by IL-6 in Hep3B cells. Overall, several flavonoids from P. corylifolia might be useful remedies for treating inflammatory diseases by inhibiting IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and phosphorylation.

우리는 기온의 변화와 기온변동성을 알아보기 위해 한국의 다섯 지점에서 측정한 월평균기온, 일최고기온, 일최저기온에 대한 50년간의 장기시계열을 분석하였다. 그 결과 기온은 1960년대에 비해 2000년대에 월평균기온을 기준으로 울산은 연평균 1.26℃, 서울은 1.19℃ 상승하였으나 추풍령은 0.13℃ 상승하여 지점별로 큰 차이가 있었다. 또 계절별로 다른 현상을 나타내기도 하였다. 그러나 기온변동성에 대한 분석결과, 변동성의 증가는 확인할 수 없었다.

Inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been postulated to be an effective therapy in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. The current study was performed to examine potential effects of manassantin A and B isolated from Saururus chinensis on the IL-6–induced response to human hepatoma cells. We found that manassantin A and B inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) activity stimulated by IL-6. We also found that both compounds decreased IL-6–induced Stat3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Both compounds blocked suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3)-mRNA expression induced by IL-6. In addition, we found that Stat3 inhibitory effects of these compounds could be related to protein tyrosine phosphatase. These findings suggest that manassantin A and B could be useful remedies for treatment of inflammatory diseases by inhibiting IL-6 action. Keywords:: manassantin A and B, interleukin-6, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3)

Background: We previously reported that the extracts of several Korean medicinal plants showed neuroprotective activity in glutamate-injured primary culutres of rat cortical cells. Objective: Among them, the effect of the methanolic extract of Lonicera japonica flower on the glutamate-induced neuronal cell death and its potential mechanism of action was investigated. Results: Treatment by the methanolic extract of L. japonica flower significantly protected neuronal cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. It decreased the calcium influx that accompanies the glutamate induced excitotoxicity of neuronal cells, and inhibited the subsequent overproduction of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and peroxide to the level of control cells. In addition, it preserved cellular activity of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidative enzyme reduced by glutamate insult. Conclusions: According to this data, the methanolic extract of L. japonica flower significantly protected neuronal cells against glutamate excitotoxicity via antioxidative activity.

Background: Tilia amurensis consists of various compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Objective: A simple and reliable high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with the diode array detector (DAD) method has been established for simultaneous determination of epicatechin, nudiposide, lyoniside, and scopoletin isolated from Tilia amurensis. Materials and Methods: Optimum separations were obtained with a SHISEIDO C18 column by gradient eluton, with 0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) water-methanol as the mobile phase. The gradient elution system was completed within 40 minutes. The flow rate and detection wavelength were 1 mL/minute, 205 nm, 250 nm, and 280 nm, respectively. Results: Validation of the analytical method was evaluated by linearity, precision, and the accuracy test. The calibration curve was linear over the established range with R2 > 0.997. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.01-15.20 μg/mL and 0.03-46.06 μg/mL. The method exhibited an intraday and interday precision range of 96.25-105.66% and 93.52-109.92%, respectively (RSD

Codonopsis lanceolata(Campanulaceae) have been traditionally used to treat lung inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. The present study was performed to evaluate the cognitive-enhancing effects of steamed and fermentedC. lanceolatain scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. Cognitive abilities were determined by the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. Mice orally received fermentedC. lanceolataextract at doses of 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg body weight. FermentedC. lanceolataextract (500 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) significantly shortened the escape latency times that were increased by scopolamine on the 4th day of trial sessions in the Morris water maze task. In addition, it exerted longer step-through latency times than those of the scopolamine-treated group in the passive avoidance test. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of fermentedC. lanceolataextract on glutamate-induced neurocytotoxicity were investigated in HT22 cells. FermentedC. lanceolataextract showed a relative protection ratio of 59.62% at 500 μg/mL. In conclusion, fermentedC. lanceolataextract ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairments, exerted neuroprotective effects, and improved activity compared to that found with originalC. lanceolata. Further study will be required to investigate the mechanisms underlying this cognitive-enhancing activity.

Background: Dianthus superbus, one of traditional herbal medicine, is widely used to treat urethritis, carbuncles and carcinoma. Objective: A simultaneous determination method was established for controlling the quality of D. superbus using the eight compounds, (E)-methyl-4-hydroxy-4-(8a-methyl-3-oxodecahydronaphthalen-4a-yl) (1), diosmetin-7-O(2'',6''-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), vanillic acid (3), 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4), 4-methoxyphenyl acetic acid (5), (E)-4-methoxycinnamic acid (6), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol (7), and methyl hydroferulate (8) isolated from D. superbus. Materials and Methods: This analysis method was developed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector with a Shishedo C18 column at a column temperature of 3°C. The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1 ml/min and detection wavelength was set at 205 nm and 280 nm. Validation was performed in order to demonstrate selectivity, accuracy and precision of the method. Results: The calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 > 0.99). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were within the ranges 0.0159–0.6205 μg/ml and 0.3210–1.8802 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were both

Background: Cynanchum paniculatum, belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae and is used to treat various diseases, such as invigorate blood, alleviate edema and to relieve pain and toxicity for a long time. Materials and Methods: 4,5-Dimethoxypyrocatechol was isolated from the 80% methanol extract of C. paniculatum and its neuroprotective effect was evaluated by MTT assay. Results: 4,5-Dimethoxypyrocatechol had neuroprotective effect on the glutamate-induced cellular oxidative death in HT22 cells. Conclusion: Furthermore, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and calcium concentration by oxidative stress were reduced by 4,5-dimethoxypyrocatechol in HT22 cells.

Background: Bozhougyiqi-Tang (BZYQT) is of traditional herbal medicine used for enhancement of digestive capacity. Objective: An accurate and reliable simultaneous determination using a HPLC-DAD and ESI-MS was developed and validated for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of 9 major compounds, ferulic acid (1), naringin (2), hesperidin (3), decursinol (4), glycyrrhizin (5), saikosaponin A (6), 6-gingerol (7), ginsenoside Rg3 (8), decursin (9), in traditional herbal medicine 'Bozhougyiqi-Tang.' Materials and Methods: The chromatographic separation of 9 compounds was performed on a SHISEIDO C 18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., S-5 μm) using gradient elution with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The 9 compounds were identified based on peak retention time and UV spectrum and MS data of these compounds. Results: This developed method showed good linearity (R 2 > 0.999). The LOD and LOQ of the major compounds were less than 0.09 and 0.28 μg/ml, respectively. The intra - day and inter - day RSD values were within 2.06% and 1.64%, respectively. The mean recoveries were from 92.10% to 108.56% with less than 1.88%. The results indicated that established method had good precision and accuracy. Conclusion: The new method was successfully applied to the simultaneous analysis of 9 compounds in Bozhougyiqi-Tangs samples.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a chemoresistant intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma with a poor prognosis. The aims of this study were to identify molecular pathways that enhance sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide (PTL)-induced anticancer effects on CC cells. The effects of PTL on apoptosis and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction were examined in CC cell lines. The enhancement of PTL-mediated apoptosis by modulation of HO-1 expression and the mechanisms involved were also examined in an in vitro cell system. Low PTL concentrations (5 to 10 microM) led to Nrf2-dependent HO-1 induction, which attenuated the apoptogenic effect of PTL in Choi-CK and SCK cells. PTL-mediated apoptosis was enhanced by the protein kinase C-alpha inhibitor Ro317549 (Ro) through inhibition of expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2, resulting in blockage of HO-1 expression. Finally, HO-1 silencing resulted in enhancement of apoptotic cell death in CC cells. The combination of PTL and Ro efficiently improved tumor growth inhibition compared to treatment with either agent alone in an in vivo subcutaneous tumor model. In conclusion, the modulation of HO-1 expression substantially improved the anticancer effect of PTL. The combination of PTL and Ro could prove to be a valuable chemotherapeutic strategy for CC.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is an intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma with a high mortality rate and a poor prognosis. Sarcomatous change/epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CC frequently leads to aggressive intrahepatic spread and metastasis. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic alterations and gene expression pattern that might be associated with the sarcomatous change in CC. Previously, we established 4 human CC cell lines (SCK, JCK1, Cho-CK, and Choi-CK). In the present study, we characterized a typical sarcomatoid phenotype of SCK, and classified the other cell lines according to tumor cell differentiation (a poorly differentiated JCK, a moderately differentiated Cho-CK, and a well differentiated Choi-CK cells), both morphologically and immunocytologically. We further analyzed the genetic alterations of two tumor suppressor genes (p53 and FHIT) and the expression of Fas/FasL gene, well known CC-related receptor and its ligand, in these four CC cell lines. The deletion mutation of p53 was found in the sarcomatoid SCK cells. These cells expressed much less Fas/FasL mRNAs than did the other ordinary CC cells. We further characterize the gene expression pattern that is involved in the sarcomatous progression of CC, using cDNA microarrays that contained 18,688 genes. Comparison of the expression patterns between the sarcomatoid SCK cells and the differentiated Choi-CK cells enabled us to identify 260 genes and 247 genes that were significantly over-expressed and under-expressed, respectively. Northern blotting of the 14 randomly selected genes verified the microarray data, including the differential expressions of the LGALS1, TGFBI, CES1, LDHB, UCHL1, ASPH, VDAC1, VIL2, CCND2, S100P, CALB1, MAL2, GPX1, and ANXA8 mRNAs. Immunohistochemistry also revealed in part the differential expressions of these gene proteins. These results suggest that those genetic and gene expression alterations may be relevant to the sarcomatous change/EMT in CC cells.

To determine the effects of genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, GSTT1, and GSTP on risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Korean population.A total of 258 patients with RA and 400 disease-free controls were enrolled. GST genotypes were determined by RFLP-PCR. HLA-DRB 1 typing and further subtyping of all alleles was performed using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization after PCR. Severity of RA among cases was assessed by Steinbrocker anatomical stage. Risk was assessed by calculating the age and sex adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).The OR for risk of RA with the GSTM1-null genotype was 1.40 (95% CI 1.02- 1.92, p = 0.04), and 1.86 (95% CI 1.12- 3.09, p = 0.005) among individuals without the shared epitope (SE). Among patients with RA, the OR for risk of severe RA for the GSTM1-null genotype was 2.45 (95% CI 1.04- 5.77, p = 0.02). No association was observed between the GSTT1 or GSTP1 genotypes and either risk or severity of RA.These results suggest that the deletion polymorphism of GSTM1 is associated with increased susceptibility for RA, particularly among individuals who are not carriers of the HLA-DRB 1 SE.

A simple high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 14 compounds (chlorogenic acid, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, hyperoside, naringin, hesperidin, ginsenoside Rg1, poncirin, glycyrrhizin, 6-gingerol, atractylenolide III, ginsenoside Rg3, magnolol and atractylenolide I) in Samchulkunbi-tang (SKT). The identification of 14 standard compounds was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The marker compounds in SKT were separated on a Shiseido C18 column at a column temperature of 30 °C. The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile. The detection wavelengths were set at 200, 205, 280 and 330 nm. The developed method had good linearity (R2 > 0.9996). The relative standard deviation (RSD) values of intra- and inter-day testing were less than 3%, with 90.63–109.95% accuracy. The results of the recovery test were 90.40–109.94%. In conclusion, this HPLC-DAD method has been successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of 14 compounds in SKT.

Background: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease related to memory impairments and neuronal cell death. Bozhougyiqi-Tang (BZYQT), a traditional herbal medicine, has been therapeutically used for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluated the neuroprotective effect of the fermented BZYQT and compared with unfermented BZYQT in HT22 cells by MTT assay and tested the beneficial effect on memory impairments induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) using the passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests. Results: Compared with unfermented BZYQT, the neuroprotective effect of fermented BZYQT on glutamate induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells increased at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Fermented BZYQT increased the step-through latency of the passive avoidance response. Furthermore, in Morris water maze test for evaluation of spatial learning and memory, escape latency time was significantly reduced by fermented BZYQT. Conclusion: These results suggest that the fermentation process of BZYQT led to improve neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing effect.

Background: Jaeumganghwa-tang (JEGH) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic bronchitis, nephritis and diabetes mellitus. Objective: A high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed for simultaneous determination of 11 major compounds such as 5- hydroxymethylfurfural, mangiferin, paeoniflorin, nodakenin, naringin, hesperidin, decursinol, berberine, glycyrrhizin, atractylenolide III and decursin, in JEGH. Materials and Methods: The separation was conducted on Shishedo C 18 column with gradient elution of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid-acetonitrile. Detection of wavelength was set at 205, 250, 280 and 330 nm. Results: The developed analysis showed a good linearity ( R 2 >0.9997). The range of limit of detection and limit of quantification were observed from 0.04 to 0.43 and from 0.11 to 1.30, respectively. The intra- and inter-day test relative standard deviations (RSD) were less than 3% and the accuracy was 95.98-108.44%. The recoveries were between 92.75% and 109.19% and RSD range of recoveries was measured from 0.52% to 2.78%. Conclusion: This HPLC-DAD method can be successfully applied for simultaneous determination of 11 major compounds in JEGH samples.

Background: Pyeongwee-San (PWS) has been widely used for treating acute gastritis, chronic, and gastritis. Objective: In this paper, simultaneous determination of five compounds (naringin, hesperidin, glycyrrhizin, atractylenolide III, and magnolol) from traditional medicine PWS using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established for quality control. Materials and Methods: Optimum separations were obtained with a SHISEIDO C18 reverse-phase column by gradient elution with 0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) water-acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection wavelength was set at 205 nm and 250 nm. Validation of the analytical method was evaluated by linearity, precision, and accuracy test. Results: The calibration curves were linear over the established range with R 2 > 0.9978. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.09 to 0.43 and 0.27 to 1.29 μg/mL. The method exhibited intra-day and inter-day precision range between 0.01-1.86% and 0.04-0.35% respectively. The recoveries of five compounds in PWS were in the range between 93.18-106.40%, and 0.20-1.51%. The application of this method was identified through the successful analysis of five compounds in 12 batches of PWS. In addition, identification of five compounds was confirmed by a liquid chromatography method and mass spectrometry. Conclusion: The HPLC method was could be accomplished to the quality control and stable experiment for the preparations consisted of five major compounds.

Background: Cynanchum paniculatum Kitagawa belongs to Asclepiadaceae and was used in traditional medicine to invigorate blood, alleviate edema, relieve pain, and relieve toxicity for a long time. Objective: A novel and reliable high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector method has been established for simultaneous determination of 10 bioactive compounds isolated from Cynanchum paniculatum Kitagawa, one of the herbal medicines. Materials and Methods: The chromatography analysis was performed on a SHISEIDO C 18 column (S-5 μm, 4.6 mm I.D. × 250 mm) at 35 o C with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 1ml/min and UV detection at 210, 230, and 280 nm. Results: The method was validated for linearity, precision, and accuracy. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 > 0.9996). Limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) fell in the ranges 0.01 - 0.28 μg/ml and 0.04 - 0.83 μg/ml, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the intra- and inter- day test, precision test were within 1.92% and 2.43%, respectively. The mean recovery of all ranged from 92.82 to 107.96% with RSD values 0.12 - 2.18%. Conclusion: The results of validation appeared that this established method was very accurate and stabilized for the quantification of 10 bioactive compounds isolated from C. paniculatum.

Background and Objectives:Hyperhomocyt(e)inemia has recently become to be one of the independent risk factors for ischemic heart diseases, although the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in restenosis following coronary intervention is unclear. The relationship between plasma homocysteine level and restenosis following coronary intervention was evaluated in Korean patients. Materials and Method:Eighty three patients underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the follow-up coronary angiographies were divided into two groups according to restenosis. The level of plasma homocysteine was compared between the groups with restenosis (n=35, M:F=27:8, 60.6±13.5 years) and without restenosis (n=48, M:F=40:8, 60.3±12.8 years). Results:The clinical manifestation, atherosclerosis risk factors except for hypertension, and coronary angiographic findings were not significantly different in patients with or without restenosis (p=NS). The value of homocysteine was 9.3±3.1 μmol/L in 35 patients with restenosis and 8.4±2.5 μmol/L in 48 patients without restenosis (p= NS). All 8 patients whose values of plasma homocysteine were more than 13 μmol/L, displayed angiographic restenosis. Plasma homocysteine was not an independent risk factor of restenosis by means of logistic regression analysis. Conclusion:Plasma homocysteine is not a potential risk factor of for restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention. (Korean Circulation J 2001;31(6):560-566)

Background : Tuberculous pleurisy treatments improve symptoms such as fever, chest pain, cough, and prevents the progression to active pulmonary tuberculosis and the development of residual pleural thickening that decrease diaphragm and rib cage movement This study investigated how the degree of residual pleural thickening affects the pulmonary function. Methods : Fifty seven patients who were initially diagnosed as having tuberculous pleurisy, were treated with anti-tuberculous medication for 6 months and had residual pleural thickening between May 1998 and January 2000 at the Eulji university hospital were reviewed. A chest X-ray and pulmonary function test(PFT, Sensormedics 2200) were performed. The predicted value(%) of the forced vital capacity(FVC), forced inspiratory vital capacity(FNC) and total lung capacity(TLC) were measured. The residual pleural thickening was defined the average of the summation in the lateral chest at the level of the imaginary line intersecting from the cardiophrenic angle to the diaphragmatic dome and the lowest part of the costophrenic angle between them. The results were sorted into three grades according to pleural thickness