- KOREAN
- P-ISSN3022-6805
- E-ISSN3022-6791
- KCI
Vol.15 No.6
Abstract
Modified SOUL-tang (MST) has been known to improve recovery of energy, regulation of body heat, and improvement of qi circulation, but the scientific evidence of MST has not been established. Here, we aimed to determine the energy-regulating effect of MST on performance in the forced swimming test (FST) and on RAW264.7 macrophage activity. MST was administered orally once a day for 28 days. On the 28 days, the immobility time in the FST was significantly decreased in the MST-fed group in comparison with the control group. MST induced a significant increase in serum interferon-γ, interlukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels compared with the control group. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MST significantly increased the expression of TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and inducible NO synthase in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, MST stimulation induced the phosphorylation of IκBα, subsequently promoting the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB. These results indicate that MST enhances energy by boosting immune function, suggesting its potential as an energizer for individuals with energy deficiency.
Abstract
Objective: Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is a critical transcriptional regulator of cell growth and differentiation. BRD4 inhibitors have the potential to curb cancer cell proliferation by downregulating the expression of associated genes. This study investigated the anticancer effects of a novel BRD4 inhibitor, OPT-0010, on human hepatic carcinoma cell lines. Materials and Methods: Two hepatic carcinoma cell lines, SK-Hep1 and Huh-7, were subjected to 48-h OPT-0010 treatment. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and adenosine triphosphate assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle arrest. Apoptotic cell death was evaluated using Annexin V and caspase 3 assays. BRD4 and apoptosis-related genes (e.g., BCL2 and BAX) and proteins (e.g., cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, and BCL2) were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was used to analyze tumor growth, weight, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Results: OPT-0010 significantly decreased cell viability and proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death in both SK-Hep1 and Huh-7 cell lines. OPT-0010 showed substantial anti-tumor efficacy in a mouse xenograft model, affecting tumor growth and the expression of BRD4 and apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, in synergy with sorafenib, OPT-0010 exhibited an enhanced effect, increasing apoptotic cell death, and effectively suppressing tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: This study provided comprehensive insights into the mechanisms and therapeutic effects of OPT-0010 on human hepatic carcinoma cell lines and in vivo mouse xenograft models. These results suggest that OPT-0010 is a promising therapeutic agent for treating human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Abstract
Objective: Obesity is a complex chronic disease linked to over 200 chronic diseases and has increased in prevalence worldwide to date. This absolutely requires drastic lifestyle changes including practice of exercise and intake of low-calorie diet. However, many pharmacotherapies, approved by FDA, have recently been developed to improve obesity. Especially glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone that reduces appetite and promotes insulin secretion, has recently attracted much attention as a promising anti-obesity target. We developed ‘NEXITOP’ consisting of several natural substances that have previously been proven to help with obesity and aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects via GLP-1 modulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Method: After early feeding HFD for 2 weeks, forty of C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: normal diet, HFD control, metformin (200 mg/kg), and NEXITOP (1300 or 2600 mg/kg). And then, NEXTOP and metformin were administered for 8 weeks. Results: Feeding of HFD for 10 weeks dramatically increased both caloric intake and body weight (1.4 and 1.6-fold, respectively). While the administration of NEXITOP significantly improved both elevated caloric intake (19%) and body weight (12%). The administration of NEXITOP also showed reducible effects of abdominal fats (visceral; 2.1-fold, epididymal; 4.8-fold, retroperitoneal; 1.5-fold) in HFD-fed mice. Also, the administration of NEXITOP greatly elevated serum GLP-1 levels at 2, 4 and 6 weeks as well as its effects were superior to metformin at 2 and 4 weeks. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that NEXITOP exerted an anti-obesity effect, and its underlying mechanism may involve regulation of the serum GLP-1 level.
Abstract
This study aims to provide foundational data for understanding the meat-based food culture of the Korean people by analyzing the Joseonwangjosillok to examine the state of livestock species and the perceptions of the ruling class toward meat consumption during the Joseon period. The research analyzed a total of 1,968 volumes and 948 books covering 518 years of records from the Joseonwangjosillok, using frequency analysis. An analysis of the ruling class’s interest in meat consumption revealed that the kings most interested in meat were Seonjo (16th century), Sejong (15th century), Sukjong (17th century), Yeongjo (18th century), and Jungjong (16th century) in that order. The number of extracted words related to meat was 101,042, with livestock-related mentions accounting for 57,988 instances (57%) and references to wild animals appearing 43,709 times (43%). Among mammals, the most frequently recorded animal, comprising 72% of the records, was the horse (馬), followed by the dog (犬). The ratio of livestock to wild animals was recorded at 57:43%, indicating a higher consumption of livestock compared to the records left by sadaebu (scholar-officials). Among the various livestock species, two showed distinct fluctuations across different time periods: the chicken (鷄) and the black cow (黑牛). On the other hand, the species that showed the least variation over time was the dog (犬). A total of 1,137 records of meat-based foods were extracted from the Joseonwangjosillok, with dried meat showing the highest frequency. Additionally, records mentioned dishes such as steamed veal (蒸牛兒), Jeonyak (煎藥), and Tarakjuk (駝駱粥). The references to tarakjuk and jeonyak in the Joseonwangjosillok indicate the Joseon Dynasty’s sikchi (食治) philosophy, which emphasized disease prevention and treatment through food.
Abstract
Objective: This case report focuses on a 65-year-old man who presented with a unique bilateral complaint of pain radiating from the lower back to the ankles and the dorsum of the feet, diagnosed clinically as sciatica, which typically presents unilaterally. Case Report: The patient was treated using a holistic approach that combined the Unani medicine Habb-e-Suranjan and the manipulative therapy Hijama Mutaharrika over a two-month period. At the end of the treatment, the patient reported a pain severity of 2 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), demonstrating the efficacy of the holistic Unani therapeutic approach. Conclusion: Hijama Mutaharrika can relieve symptoms for patients suffering from sciatica.
Abstract
Objective: Diabetes mellitus (Ziabetus Shakri) is chronic metabolic disease, characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose levels either due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. In Unani system of medicine main causes of Diabetes mellitus is Sue-Mizaj haar of kidney (hot morbid temperament of kidney), which causes increases Quwwate jaziba (Absorptive power) and decreased Quwwate masika (Retentive power) of kidney and Zoaf-e-gurda (weakness of the kidney). Case Report: This paper presents, 49-year-old male presented to the Outpatient Department (OPD) of RRIUM, JJ Co Location Centre, Byculla, Mumbai, with complaints of weakness, frequent micturition, and increased thirst persisting for the past five months. The patient was diagnosed as Diabetes mellitus, based on symptoms, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) level. The patient was treated with ‘Qurs Ziabetus Khas, Habb-e-Zahar Mohra, Habb-e-Banafsha’. Assessment of efficacy was done by symptomatic improvement in polyuria, polydypsia, FBS and PPBS level before and after treatment. Conclusion: This Unani formulation effectively improves polyuria, polydypsia, and reduces FBS, PPBS level and may be considered for complimentary management of DM.
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to suggest an alternative to menopausal symptom relief based on the author’s experience. Yongcheunhul (湧泉穴, KI, Kidney Merdian, 足少陰腎經) is known for its excellent spot on the body suitable for acupuncture, which causes energy to spring up like a fountain and relieves various symptoms. Case Report: The method of Yongcheonhyul massaging is first, wash your feet, apply oil, and soften the soles of your feet. It generates heat by rubbing both hands. Gently massage the soles of the feet with that hand. Tap Yongcheonhyul once a second with your fist more than 100 times per second to massage. Finally, massage the entire sole of the foot with the palm of your hand again. By Yongcheonhyul massaging and stimulating the change that caused the feeling of heat that soared upward to go down was surprising. The sweat and heat that flowed from my face subsided and the author became comfortable. Conclusion: As a result, even interpersonal relationships were difficult due to facial fever, but the author’s mind and body stabilized and regained my confidence. In addition, it was a sleepless day due to facial fever, but as the authors slept comfortably, I regained my old health. By constantly performing a Yongcheonhyul massage, menopause symptoms were resolved. The author overcomes menopause healthily and refreshingly without getting a drop of medicine and a single injection. And based on the fact that classical massage is effective not only in pain management but also in autonomous responses, it is suggested as an alternative to menopause management.