Search Results (1,741)

Background: Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) is widely used in aesthetic facial rejuvenation medicine. The exponential growth in using BoNTA for cosmetic purposes in Korea necessitates an update to the existing practice guidelines, building upon the consensus established by Korean experts in 2013. Aims: This work aims to provide an updated Korean consensus guideline for the safe and effective use of a novel BoNTA product (NEWLUX) for facial expression muscles. Methods: A panel of ten Korean experts in dermatology, plastic surgery, aesthetic medicine, and clinical anatomy convened in February 2024. They reviewed prior guidelines, including the 2013 Korean consensus, and shared their expertise on dosage, injection techniques, and potential complications associated with the use of the novel BoNTA product for facial expression muscles. The recommendations aimed to guide the best practices of the average aesthetic healthcare professional. Results: The panel reached a consensus on various aspects of using the BoNTA product, including recommended injection sites, dosages, and techniques for different aesthetic conditions caused by facial expression muscles. The resulting guideline emphasizes safety and efficacy, with recommendations based on the collective experience of the expert panel. Conclusion: This updated consensus guideline provides practical recommendations from Korean experts on the use of the novel BoNTA product for facial expression muscles. The guidelines will ensure safe and effective treatments while reflecting the latest advancements in the field. Full article

The use of plastics, valued for its affordability, durability, and convenience, has grown significantly with the advancement of industry. Paradoxically, these very properties of plastics have also led to significant environmental challenges. Plastics are highly resistant to decomposition, resulting in their accumulation on land, where they eventually enter aquatic environments, due to natural processes or human activities. Among these plastics, microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles, are particularly concerning when they enter aquatic ecosystems, including rivers and seas. Their small size makes them easily ingestible by aquatic organisms, either by mistake or through natural feeding behaviors, which poses serious risks. Moreover, microplastics readily adsorb other pollutants present in aquatic environments, creating pollutant complexes that can have a synergistic impact, magnifying their harmful effects compared to microplastics or pollutants acting alone. As a result, extensive research has focused on understanding the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms. Numerous studies have demonstrated that aquatic organisms exposed to microplastics, either alone or in combination with other pollutants, exhibit abnormal hatching, development, and growth. Additionally, many genes, particularly those associated with the antioxidant system, display abnormal expression patterns in these conditions. In this review, we examine these impacts, by discussing specific studies that explore changes in phenotype and gene expression in aquatic organisms exposed to microplastics, both independently and in combination with adsorbed pollutants. Full article

Ginseng, a traditional herbal medicine with a long history of use, is known to support human health, particularly by influencing brain function. Recent studies have identified gintonin, a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand derived from ginseng, as a key bioactive. However, the specific LPA receptor subtypes targeted by gintonin in the human brain to exert its anti-Alzheimer’s (AD) effects remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the LPA receptor subtype targeted by gintonin in the human cortex. Using a fluorescent gintonin conjugate, we investigated receptor binding in cortical samples from healthy individuals (n = 4) and AD patients (n = 4). Our results demonstrated that fluorescent gintonin selectively binds to human cortical neurons rather than glial cells and that gintonin-binding sites are co-localized with the LPA4 receptor subtype. Furthermore, the expression of LPA4 receptors was significantly reduced in the cortical neurons of AD patients. These results suggest that the LPA4 receptor may serve as a novel histopathological marker for AD and represent a promising therapeutic target for gintonin-based prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a novel Astragalus extract (Keyfobell powder [KFB]) composed of Astragalus membranaceus, red ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), and Cervi Parvum Cornu as a potential growth hormone (GH) alternative. The primary focus was placed on its impact on longitudinal bone growth through the upregulation of circulatory insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Methods: We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using a hypothalamic cell line and Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to determine growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and ghrelin mRNA expressions in GT1-7 cells. The treatment groups were administered KFB at various dosages, and the positive controls received recombinant human GH. Body weight, bone length, and density were assessed, along with serum levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGF-1. Results: KFB and somatropin exhibited no cytotoxic effect in GT1-7 cells and increased GHRH and ghrelin mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. KFB administration resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in body weight and bone growth (femur and tibia). Changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were comparable to those observed in the GH-treated group. Based on network pharmacological analysis, multiple compounds in KFB ((20S)-20-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine, caproic acid, daidzein, furfuryl alcohol, lauric acid, octanal, and salicylic acid) may synergistically regulate the PI3K-Akt, Ras, and Rap1 signaling pathways linked to growth control and cartilage formation, leading to a possible increase in height. Conclusions: Our results suggest that KFB can function as a GH-mimetic agent that promotes bone growth through IGF-1 upregulation. Full article

This study investigated the lung-protective effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma extracts (the root of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam), known as AJ extracts, in mitigating subacute pulmonary injuries caused by particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) exposure in Balb/c mice. AJ was given orally at concentrations of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg, demonstrating a promising impact by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase α (p38 MAPKα) pathways and reducing mucus overproduction. These protective effects were achieved through the downregulation of p38 MAPKα and PI3K/Akt mRNA expressions, enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and increased mucolytic expectorant effects arbitrated by elevated lung acetylcholine (ACh) and substance P levels, along with decreased mRNA expressions of MUC5AC and MUC5B. Importantly, these outcomes occurred without significant hepatotoxicity. While all AJ dosages provided dose-dependent pulmonary protection, their effects were less pronounced than those of dexamethasone (DEXA) at 0.75 mg/kg. However, AJ uniquely exhibited mucolytic expectorant activities absent in DEXA-treated mice. The results indicate that A. japonica may serve as a potential candidate for creating alternative treatments for respiratory conditions or as an ingredient in functional foods. Full article

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the determinants of healthcare utilization in South Korea’s dual healthcare system, encompassing both Western medicine and Korean medicine, through the Andersen Model. An integrative non-recursive path model of healthcare utilization determinants was proposed and analyzed. Methods: A path analysis using structural equation modeling, followed by mediation analysis, was conducted to determine the magnitude of the effect for each pathway. The 2020 data from the Korea Health Panel were used. Results: Structural equation modeling revealed that need factors, such as chronic diseases, disability, and self-rated health status, were the most significant drivers of both WM and KM utilization, while enabling factors significantly impacted WM utilization. Interestingly, WM and KM utilization were found to positively influence each other, contradicting the assumption of substitutional healthcare use. Mediation analysis further highlighted the interconnected nature of healthcare utilization pathways, with enabling and need factors showing significant indirect effects on utilization via the counterpart system. These findings underscore the importance of considering mutual influences in healthcare policy and resource allocation to enhance accessibility and efficiency. While the cross-sectional nature of the data limits causal inference, this study offers a robust theoretical framework and practical insights for addressing the complexities of healthcare utilization in dual-system contexts. Conclusion: The findings reveal that when traditional medicine functions within the national healthcare system, both Western medicine and traditional medicine are influenced by similar determinants in the same environment. Future research should explore longitudinal data to confirm these findings and investigate potential moderating effects of predisposing and enabling factors on WM and KM interactions. Full article

Caesalpinia sappan L. has exhibited various pharmacological effects, yet its anticancer activities against colorectal cancer (CRC) and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the anticancer properties of an ethanol extract of C. sappan L. (CSE) against CRC cells, focusing on the identification of bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify potential CRC targets and bioactive compounds of CSE, using LC-MS for compound identification. The anticancer effects of CSE were then validated through in vitro and in vivo models of CRC. The network pharmacological approach identified 87 overlapping genes between CSE targets and CRC-related genes, with protein–protein interaction analysis highlighting 33 key target genes. CSE inhibited cell proliferation in human CRC cell lines, including HCT 116, KM12SM, HT-29, and COLO 205, and induced apoptosis via caspase 3/7 activation. Western blot analyses confirmed the modulation of critical signaling pathways, including STAT3, AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Furthermore, CSE significantly suppressed tumor growth in MC38 CRC-bearing mice. These findings suggest that CSE possesses substantial potential as a natural anticancer agent for CRC treatment, highlighting the need for further exploration in therapeutic development. Full article

This study investigates the antimalarial potential of extracts and compounds from various plants used in traditional Korean medicine, in response to the increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to standard treatments such as chloroquine and artemisinin. The antimalarial activity screening was conducted on 151 extracts, identifying the top seven candidates, including Geranium thunbergii (50% ethanol and 100% methanol extract), Reynoutria japonica, Amomum villosum (hot water and 50% ethanol extract), Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Platycodon grandiflorum. Among these, G. thunbergii was identified as the top priority for further analysis due to its high antimalarial activity and high yield of bioactive compounds. The plant extracts were fractionated using ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hot water, and their efficacy against P. falciparum was evaluated through IC₅₀ determination and microscopic analysis. The compounds evaluated included ellagic acid, gallic acid, afzelin, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid. Among the tested compounds, ellagic acid showed the most potent antimalarial activity with an IC₅₀ of 1.60 ± 0.09 µM, followed by gallic acid (39.43 ± 1.48 µM) and afzelin (52.77 ± 1.84 µM). In contrast, quercetin (116.8 ± 3.78 µM) and protocatechuic acid (1.23 ± 0.02 mM) exhibited minimal antimalarial effects. Giemsa staining was employed to visualize parasite morphology and confirmed that ellagic acid is effective in inhibiting growth at the late trophozoite stage. These findings suggest that ellagic acid could serve as a promising lead compound for developing a novel antimalarial agent. This study highlights the importance of exploring plant-based compounds as alternative strategies against drug-resistant malaria. Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the antimalarial activity of these compounds is necessary to fully validate their therapeutic potential. Full article

Stroke affects over 12 million people annually, leading to high mortality, long-term disability, and substantial healthcare costs. Although East Asian herbal medicines are widely used for stroke treatment, the pathways of operation they use remain poorly understood. Our study investigates the neuroprotective properties of Astragalus mongholicus (AM) in acute ischemic stroke using photothrombotic (PTB) and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse models, as well as an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Post-OGD treatment with AM improved cell viability in mouse neuroblastoma cells, likely by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mice received short-term (0–2 days) or long-term (0–27 days) AM treatment post-stroke. Infarct size was assessed using a 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining procedure alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuroprotective metabolites including inositol (Ins), glycerophosphocholine+phosphocholine (GPc+ PCh), N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAA+NAAG), creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr+PCr), and glutamine+glutamate (Glx) were analyzed via magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Gliosis was assessed using GFAP and Iba-1 immunohistochemical markers, while neurological deficits were quantified with modified neurological severity scores (mNSS). Motor and cognitive functions were assessed using cylinder, rotarod, and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. AM treatment significantly reduced ischemic damage and improved neurological outcomes in both acute and chronic stages of PTB and tMCAO models. Additionally, AM increased neuroprotective metabolites levels, reduced gliosis, and decreased oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These findings highlight the antioxidant properties of AM and its strong therapeutic potential for promoting recovery after ischemic stroke by alleviating neurological deficits, reducing gliosis, and mitigating oxidative stress. Full article

Activated keratinocytes play a crucial role in skin inflammation through the production of multiple inflammatory mediators; however, little is known about cytokine secretion by activated keratinocytes in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Th1 and Th2 types of cytokines on the production of keratinocyte-derived inflammatory mediators. Canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) were incubated with canine recombinant IL-4, IL-13, an IL4/IL13 mixture, IFN-γ, TNF-α, or an IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture for 24 h following 100% confluency. Culture supernatants were analyzed for cytokine concentration, including chemokine ligand (CXCL) 8, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-12, and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CPEKs incubated with the IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture showed significantly increased IL-6 concentration. In addition, significantly increased concentrations of CXCL8 were detected in CPEKs incubated with TNF-α and with the IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture. CCL2 concentrations increased in cells incubated with IFN-γ, TNF-α, and the IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture. The IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture synergistically enhanced CCL2 production. Dose-dependent elevations were also observed in IL-6 in response to the IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture, and in CCL2 in response to IFN-γ, TNF-α, and the IFN-γ/TNF-α mixture. These findings indicate that IFN-γ and TNF-α synergistically increase pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secreted by canine keratinocytes. This in vitro culture system could be useful to investigate cytokine-mediated crosstalk between keratinocytes and immune cells and new therapeutic strategies for keratinocyte-mediated inflammatory skin diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medical therapies that apply biodegradable materials, such as polydioxanone, are widely used to treat various disorders. Thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) is a unique form of acupuncture that exerts long-lasting therapeutic effects by inserting absorbable threads at specific acupuncture points, and is widely used to treat various diseases. However, there is currently a lack of research regarding the safety of TEA. This prospective observational trial aims to evaluate the safety of TEA by collecting and analyzing data related to adverse events in patients receiving TEA in actual practice. Methods: A total of 350 eligible participants who undergo TEA at one of three university-affiliated hospitals and two traditional Korean medicine clinics will be systemically observed for post-treatment adverse reactions. The patients will be monitored at three time points: 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-treatment. Safety evaluations will assess the incidence of adverse events and treatment discontinuation rates during the 3-month post-treatment period. Conclusions: This study will evaluate the safety of TEA and provide information for decision-making in clinical practice as well as basic data for future large-scale research. Full article

To combat influenza A virus (IAV) infection, it is vital to develop effective therapeutic strategies, including immunomodulators. In this study, we examined the antiviral effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. honey (HDH) against IAV using RAW 264.7 cells. HDH treatment significantly reduced IAV infection and viral protein expression. Moreover, it enhanced the production of interferon (IFN)-β, activated the innate immune response through the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, and upregulated IFN signaling through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1/2 phosphorylation and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression. In addition, HDH decreased IAV-induced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by upregulating the expression of antioxidant proteins, such as Sirt3 and SOD2. The results suggest that HDH is a potential therapeutic agent inhibiting viral replication and boosting host antiviral immunity. Full article

Ischemic stroke, caused by blocked cerebral blood flow, requires prompt intervention to prevent severe motor and cognitive impairments. Despite extensive drug development efforts, the failure rate of clinical trials remains high, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a natural herbal extract mixture of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (AM) and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB), traditionally used in Eastern Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) for ischemic stroke treatment. Using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and photothrombotic (PTB) mouse models, oral administration of the AM-SB mixture was evaluated during both acute and chronic phases. Results showed that AM-SB significantly reduced infarction volume, inflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α), and pyroptosis-related markers (NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, Caspase-1), while decreasing gliosis and improving cerebral metabolites. Behavioral assessments revealed that early and sustained AM-SB intervention enhanced motor and cognitive functions, as measured by mNSS, Rotarod, Novel Object Recognition, and Passive Avoidance tests. These findings suggest that AM-SB extract is a promising alternative therapy for ischemic stroke management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a key factor in metabolic syndrome (MetS) development. Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) accelerates the onset of obesity and associated metabolic complications. Protaetia brevitarsis (PB) has been traditionally utilized in Korean medicine for its antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. However, specific effects of PB hydrolysate on skeletal muscles have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study sought to assess the influence of PB on HFD-induced MetS, focusing on the lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase activation. Methods: To induce obesity, 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice were maintained on an HFD for 8 weeks, after which PB hydrolysate was orally administered for 16 weeks while the HFD regimen was sustained. A glucose tolerance test was conducted orally to evaluate glucose regulation, and forelimb grip strength was assessed upon completion of the experimental period. Histological assessments, serum biochemical analysis, lipid extraction, Western blot analysis, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed following euthanasia. Results: PB significantly reduced ectopic lipid deposition in skeletal muscles, enhanced muscle strength, and improved insulin sensitivity by increasing fatty acid oxidation via AMP-activated protein kinase/carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 activation and inhibiting lipogenesis via stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene downregulation. Furthermore, PB alleviated HFD-induced low-grade chronic inflammation by decreasing systemic monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels, thereby reducing ectopic fat deposition. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of PB as a nutraceutical to mitigate MetS in HFD-fed mice. Full article

Background: Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is a vegetable with various therapeutic uses, one of which is its ability to prevent diabetes. The present study examined the insulin secretion effect related to the mechanism of action of ice plant extract (IPE) and its active compound D-pinitol in a rat insulin-secreting β-cell line, INS-1, as well as in diabetic rats. Methods: The glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) test and Western blotting were used to measure GSIS. The glucose-stimulated index (GSI) and expression levels of insulin-related pathway factors, including insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), were measured in INS-1 cells. Results: The results showed that the GSI values were found to be 8.17 ± 0.22 and 12.21 ± 0.22 for IPE (25 μg/mL) and D-pinitol (100 μM), respectively. GSI values increased statistically significantly. In addition, IPE and D-pinitol upregulated the expression of insulin-related pathway factors. These findings indicate that insulin secretion was significantly stimulated by IPE and D-pinitol in the INS-1 cells, partly by upregulating the expression of IRS-2, PI3K, Akt, and PDX-1. Additionally, IPE administration significantly reduced excessive weight gain and improved glucose tolerance by decreasing the OGTT-AUC. It demonstrated liver-function-improving and lipid-lowering effects by reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride levels, and total cholesterol levels. Mechanistically, IPE enhances insulin signaling by increasing insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation and improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: These results offer important new information on the potential of D-pinitol and IPE as functional foods for improving insulin secretion and managing metabolic dysregulation associated with diabetes. Full article