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Bracho GS, Acosta MV, Altamirano GA, Alcaraz MR, Montemurro M, Culzoni MJ, Rossetti MF, Kass L, Luque EH, Bosquiazzo VL. Uterine histopathology and steroid metabolism in a polycystic ovary syndrome rat model. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 585:112198. [PMID: 38467370 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate uterine lesions, uterine endocrine status and expression of genes involved in uterine differentiation in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The possible involvement of the androgen receptor (AR) was also investigated. PCOS rats showed an increased incidence of uterine epithelial and glandular lesions and elevated serum testosterone level, which was not detected in uterine tissue. Uterine 17β-estradiol, estrone and progesterone were detected in 100%, 75% and 50% of the animals, respectively. This was associated with a decrease in Star and an increase in Hsd17b2, Srd5a1 and Cyp19a1, suggesting that uterine steroids are not synthesized de novo in PCOS and that alterations in these enzymes may explain the absence of testosterone and low progesterone. In addition, ESR2 decreased and AR increased, suggesting possible steroid receptor crosstalk. Genes associated with uterine differentiation, PTEN and WNT5a, also showed reduced expression. PCOS rats treated with flutamide, an AR antagonist, were similar to PCOS rats in terms of uterine lesions, serum steroid levels, ESR2, PTEN and WNT5a expression. However, testosterone, AR and aromatase levels were similar to control rats, with decreased expression of ESR1 and HOXA10, suggesting that these expressions are AR dependent. Our results suggest that the primary cause of the observed uterine lesions in the PCOS rat model is the altered endocrine status and consequently changes in genes related to uterine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Soledad Bracho
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Química General e Inorgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Virginia Acosta
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Anahí Altamirano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mirta Raquel Alcaraz
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Milagros Montemurro
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Julia Culzoni
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Rossetti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Laura Kass
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Verónica Lis Bosquiazzo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Kim M, Kim HS, Oh J, Zhou X, Ahn S, Koo Y, Kim HJ, Jang J. Ameliorative effects of Kyung-Ok-Ko and its mixture with Pueraria lobata Ohwi on postmenopausal osteoporosis by promoting phytoestrogenic activity in rats. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1171346. [PMID: 37435569 PMCID: PMC10332514 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1171346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK) is a popular traditional medicine used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for treating postmenopausal symptoms in Asia. Pueraria lobata Ohwi (P. lobata) is rich in isoflavones and has been traditionally used in combination with other herbs to produce synergistic and pharmaceutical effects via a multi-target approach for disease treatment. We aimed to investigate the phytoestrogenic effects of KOK extract against postmenopausal symptoms in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and confirm its efficacy by mixing KOK and P. lobata extracts. Methods OVX rats were daily oral administrated with KOK and KOK + P. lobata mixture extracts (300-400 mg/kg) and their body weight and tail temperature were monitored for 12 weeks. The biochemical parameters, estradiol levels, and bone turnover markers were measured in the serum samples. Moreover, the estrogen receptor, ER-α and ER-β expression in the uterus and the uterus morphology were evaluated. AMPK, ATG1/ULK1, and mTOR protein expression in the liver were assessed. Results The 12-week treatment with KOK and KOK + P. lobata mixture extracts did not cause liver damage or hormonal changes in the OVX rats. The treatments reduced the high lipid accumulation-related body weight gain and the tail temperature increase that was induced by ovariectomy. Further, it exhibited protective effects against hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis. No significant difference was observed in uterine weight compared to the OVX-treated group, while endometrial thickness reduction inhibition was observed due to ovariectomy. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum osteocalcin levels, which decreased in OVX rats, increased with both treatments. Western blotting analysis showed that ER-α and ER-β were not expressed in the treated rats, whereas these proteins were expressed in Sham-operated rats. No significant differences in the phosphorylation of AMPK were observed; however, the ATG1/ULK1 and mTOR protein phosphorylation levels were upregulated and downregulated in the treated rats compared to those of OVX rats, respectively. Conclusion This is the first in vivo study observing the efficacy and synergistic effects of the mixture of KOK and P. lobata. Our results suggest the potential of KOK and KOK + P. lobata mixture as an alternative therapy for alleviating menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minseo Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Sook Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohee Oh
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiangqin Zhou
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SongHee Ahn
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngtae Koo
- Natural Products Convergence R&D Division, Kwangdong Pharm Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Kim
- Natural Products Convergence R&D Division, Kwangdong Pharm Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Jang
- Natural Products Convergence R&D Division, Kwangdong Pharm Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kim JW, Geum JH, Ha WB, Woo HJ, Han YH, Park SH, Lee JH. The efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of Kyung-ok-ko: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31311. [PMID: 36397335 PMCID: PMC9666190 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Kyung-ok-ko (KOK), a traditional medicinal formula in East Asia, has been recently studied across various fields. However, comprehensive reviews of clinical applications of KOK targeting clinical and experimental studies are lacking. Therefore, the application of KOK is being limited to the range of tonic medicines. To overcome this limitation, we aim to investigate the effectiveness, mechanism, and safety of KOK to obtain evidence regarding its effects in clinical applications. We searched for clinical and experimental articles in 11 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Google Scholar, Research Information Sharing Service, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Koreanstudies Information Service System, Korean Medical Database, DBpia, and ScienceON). We selected 54 studies based on the inclusion criteria. Three clinical studies used KOK for a consumptive disease and health promotion. Fifty-one experimental studies reported the antioxidant activity, neuroprotective activity, anticancer effect, anti-inflammatory activity, immunological activity, growth promotion, impacts on cardiovascular system diseases, gastrointestinal system diseases, respiratory system diseases, and metabolic bone disease, hepatoprotective function, and antifatigue function of KOK, which were considered effective and safe in consumptive, chronic, metabolic, inflammatory, and immune diseases. We identified the effectiveness of KOK in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, further clinical studies are warranted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Woo Kim
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Geum
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Iksan-Jeil Korean Medicine Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Bae Ha
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jun Woo
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Han
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeok Park
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Han Lee
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jung-Han Lee, Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, 895 Muwang-ro, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 54538, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Hu M, Zhang Y, Li X, Cui P, Li J, Brännström M, Shao LR, Billig H. Alterations of endometrial epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MAPK signalling components in women with PCOS are partially modulated by metformin in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:312-326. [PMID: 32202622 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its regulator mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) contribute to endometria-related reproductive disorders. However, the regulation of EMT and MAPK signalling components in the endometrium from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients has not been systematically investigated and remains elusive. In humans, how metformin induces molecular alterations in the endometrial tissues under PCOS conditions is not completely clear. Here, we recruited 7 non-PCOS patients during the proliferative phase (nPCOS), 7 non-PCOS patients with endometrial hyperplasia (nPCOSEH), 14 PCOS patients during the proliferative phase (PCOS) and 3 PCOS patients with endometrial hyperplasia (PCOSEH). Our studies demonstrated that compared with nPCOS, PCOS patients showed decreased Claudin 1 and increased Vimentin and Slug proteins. Similar to increased Slug protein, nPCOSEH and PCOSEH patients showed increased N-cadherin protein. Western blot and immunostaining revealed increased epithelial phosphorylated Cytokeratin 8 (p-CK 8) expression and an increased p-CK 8:CK 8 ratio in PCOS, nPCOSEH and PCOSEH patients compared to nPCOS patients. Although nPCOSEH and PCOSEH patients showed increased p-ERK1/2 and/or p38 protein levels, the significant increase in p-ERK1/2 expression and p-ERK1/2:ERK1/2 ratio was only found in PCOS patients compared to nPCOS patients. A significant induction of the membrane ERβ immunostaining was observed in the epithelial cells of PCOS and PCOSEH patients compared to nPCOS and nPCOSEH patients. While in vitro treatment with metformin alone increased Snail and decreased Claudin 1, N-cadherin and α-SMA proteins, concomitant treatment with metformin and E2 increased the expression of CK 8 and Snail proteins and decreased the expression of Claudin 1, ZO-1, Slug and α-SMA proteins. Our findings suggest that the EMT contributes to the switch from a healthy state to a PCOS state in the endometrium, which might subsequently drive endometrial injury and dysfunction. We also provide evidence that metformin differentially modulates EMT protein expression in PCOS patients depending on oestrogenic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510120 Guangzhou, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 200011 Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, 200011 Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510120 Guangzhou, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linus R Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Chao J, Ko CY, Lin CY, Tomoji M, Huang CH, Chiang HC, Yang JJ, Huang SS, Su SY. Ethnobotanical Survey of Natural Galactagogues Prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacies in Taiwan. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:625869. [PMID: 33679390 PMCID: PMC7928277 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.625869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural medicinal materials have been used to promote breast milk secretion. Here, we investigated the natural medicinal materials prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacies across Taiwan to induce lactation. We collected medicinal materials from 87 TCM pharmacies, identified them in the prescriptions, and analyzed their drug contents. We examined their botanical origins, biological classifications, traditional usage, and modern pharmacological properties. We used the TCM Inheritance Support System to identify core medicinal materials in galactogenous prescriptions. We collected 81 medicinal materials from 90 galactogenous prescriptions. Leguminosae accounted for 12%, whereas Apiaceae accounted for 7% of all materials examined. The primary medicinal plant parts used were roots and seeds. Nineteen frequently used medicinal materials had a relative frequency of citation of greater than or equal to 0.2. According to their efficacy, 58% were warm, 54% were sweet, and 63% were tonifying; 74% of the frequently used medicinal materials have been showed efficacy against breast cancer. The primary core medicinal material was Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, whereas the secondary core medicinal materials were Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch and Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. Most galactogenous prescriptions consisted of multiple materials from Leguminosae and Apiaceae. The mechanisms underlying galactogenous efficacy warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Chao
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Ko
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yu Lin
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Maeda Tomoji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan.,Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Hung-Che Chiang
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Jer Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shyun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Yu Su
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Liu QF, Park SW, Kim YM, Song SJ, Chin YW, Pak SC, Jeon S, Koo BS. Administration of Kyung-Ok-Ko reduces stress-induced depressive behaviors in mice through inhibition of inflammation pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 265:113441. [PMID: 33027642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK), a traditional medicinal formula composed of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, Korean Red Panax ginseng C.A.Mey, and honey, has been used to treat amnesia and dementia. KOK has also been shown to ameliorate transient cerebral global ischemia-induced brain damage, but the antidepressant-like effect of KOK has not been examined. AIM OF THE STUDY This study examined the antidepressant-like effect of KOK in an immobilization-induced stress mouse and its mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS The animals in the stress group were immobilized for two hours a day for two weeks. KOK at a dose of 1 g/kg/day was administered orally to the stressed mice for two weeks in advance of their immobilization. A forced swimming test was performed to analyze their depressive behaviors. To examine the anti-inflammatory or antioxidative effects of KOK, the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells and human neuroblastoma cell, SH-SY5Y cells, were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. RESULT The KOK extract showed no significant toxicity when the cells were treated with a KOK extract at 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL. The KOK ethanol extract reduced LPS-induced TNF-α production, inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) mRNA level, and the levels of MAPK and p38 phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells. KOK also suppressed H2O2-induced cell death and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SH-SY5Y cells. In the forced swimming test, KOK induced a decrease in immobility and an increase in climbing activity. Finally, the administration of KOK reversed the up-regulation of IkB-α phosphorylation in the stressed mouse cortex. CONCLUSION KOK might be useful for the treatment of depression caused by environmental and lifestyle-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Feng Liu
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woo Park
- Yaksan Korean Medical Clinic 302, Dongyang-plaza 533-3, Yatap-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young-Mi Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue-Jin Song
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Won Chin
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
| | - Songhee Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung-Soo Koo
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea; Department of Korean Neuropsychiatry, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, 32, Dongguk-lo, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea.
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Gisela S B, M Virginia A, Gabriela A A, M Virginia T, Enrique H L, Laura K, Véronica L B. Androgen receptor and uterine histoarchitecture in a PCOS rat model. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110973. [PMID: 32781251 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenemia and uterine abnormalities. Our aim was to investigate the uterine effects of PCOS that are mediated through the androgen receptor (AR). After weaning, female rats were treated with sesame oil (Control), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or DHEA + flutamide (FLU, an AR antagonist) for 20 consecutive days. On postnatal day 41, serum, ovarian and uterine tissues were collected. DHEA and DHEA + FLU rats showed increased testosterone levels. DHEA rats showed increased epithelial height, glandular density, subepithelial stroma and myometrial thickness, associated with decreased nuclei density. These rats also showed increased uterine water content, with decreased aquaporin (AQP) 3, 7 and 8 expression in the uterine epithelium and increased AQP8 expression in the myometrium. DHEA rats also showed decreased uterine collagen remodeling, decreased cell proliferation in the subepithelial stroma, and increased apoptosis in the luminal and glandular epithelium and in the myometrium. They also showed an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 and a decrease in phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase. The uterine stroma of DHEA rats showed no changes in progesterone receptor or estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and increased AR expression. DHEA + FLU rats showed a smaller increase in the myometrial thickness, an increase in the uterine water content without AQP8 induction and a smaller decrease in collagen remodeling. These rats also showed no apoptosis induction and decreased proliferation in the myometrium, decreased ERα in the subepithelial stroma and myometrium and no modifications in AR. Our results demonstrate that the uterine cell turnover and collagen remodeling in DHEA rats are regulated through AR, directly or indirectly associated with ERα expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bracho Gisela S
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Acosta M Virginia
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Altamirano Gabriela A
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Tschopp M Virginia
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luque Enrique H
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Kass Laura
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Bosquiazzo Véronica L
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Kwon CY, Cho IH, Park KS. Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms of Herbal Medicines for Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1192. [PMID: 32903374 PMCID: PMC7434855 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders of endocrinology in reproductive-age women. In this study, we reviewed data on the effects and underlying mechanisms of herbal medicines used in the treatment of PCOS in laboratory studies. Methods Articles published in English up to June 30, 2018 were searched in Medline and EMBASE. We extracted data regarding herbal intervention; target cell (or animal model) usage; method of herbal extraction; route of administration; dosage and periods; and outcomes of the compounds isolated from herbs, individual herbal extracts, and herbal formula decoctions. We summarized the actions and the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on PCOS. Results A total of 27 studies involving 22 herbal medicines reported their efficacy on PCOS. The herbal interventions in the 27 studies comprised four compounds isolated from herbs (6 studies), nine individual herbal extracts (11 studies), and nine herbal formula decoctions (10 studies). Herbal medicines normalized female hormones, diminished male hormones, recovered the estrous cycle, ameliorated insulin resistance, and improved lipid metabolism in PCOS. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on PCOS were found to be associated with anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, inhibition of autophagy and/or apoptosis, and ovarian nerve growth factor reduction. Conclusions Herbal medicines are thought to be promising resources in the development of effective therapeutic agents for PCOS. Further studies that include methodological quality assessment and quantitative synthesis of outcomes are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ik-Hyun Cho
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, and Institute of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Sun Park
- Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, South Korea
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9
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Verification of the Field Productivity of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. Developed Through Optimized In Vitro Culture Method. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9030317. [PMID: 32138268 PMCID: PMC7154825 DOI: 10.3390/plants9030317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC is a perennial plant belonging to the family Scropulariidae. The root of R. glutinosa is used in oriental medicine and mainly grown using rootstock rather than seed cultivation, which gives rise to several problems including root rot, and results in a low productivity and poor quality. To solve the challenges involved in R. glutinosa seed cultivation, our team previously used the formative features and genetic analysis of R. glutinosa to determine the optimal in vitro tissue culture conditions for producing sterile culture seedlings and rootstocks of R. glutinosa. The aim of the present study was to identify differences between R. glutinosa standard rootstock seedlings (SR), R. glutinosa culture rootstock seedlings (CR), and culture seedlings (CS) under field conditions. The reproductive characteristics of the aerial part were more robust while the area and length of leaves were smaller for SR than those for CR and CS. The characteristic that differed the most in SR was flowering, which did not occur in CR and CS. In addition, the fresh and dry weights of the subterranean parts of CR and CS were two-fold greater than those of SR. Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) analysis showed only slight differences between the chemical constituents of SR and its culture products, which was confirmed by measuring the content of catalpol, an indexing substance. Catalpol had a reduced content in the culture products compared to SR. However, this difference was not significant. Our findings will be useful for the identification of the best seedling type of R. glutinosa to enable its mass production.
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10
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Choi JH, Jang M, Lee JI, Chung WS, Cho IH. Neuroprotective Effects of a Traditional Multi-Herbal Medicine Kyung-Ok-Ko in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease: Inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB Pathways and Activation of Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1444. [PMID: 30618742 PMCID: PMC6300575 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK), a traditional multi-herbal medicine, has been widely used in Oriental medicine as a restorative that can enforce vitality of whole organs and as a medicine that can treat age-related symptoms including lack of vigor and weakened immunity. However, the beneficial effect of KOK on neurological diseases such as Parkinson's diseases (PD) is largely unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the protective effect of KOK on neurotoxicity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. Pre-treatment with KOK at 1 or 2 g/kg/day (p.o.) showed significant mitigating effects on neurological dysfunction (motor and welfare) based on pole, rotarod, and nest building tests. It also showed effects on survival rate. These positive effects of KOK were related to inhibition of loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons, reduction of MitoSOX activity, increased apoptotic cells, microglia activation, and upregulation of inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide], and reduced blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and/or striatum after MPTP intoxication. Interestingly, these effects of KOK against MPTP neurotoxicity were associated with inhibition of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways along with up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways in SNpc and/or striatum. Collectively, our findings suggest that KOK might be able to mitigate neurotoxicity in MPTP-induced mouse model of PD via multi-effects, including anti-neuronal and anti-BBB disruption activities through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Therefore, KOK might have potential for preventing and/or treating PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hee Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine and Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minhee Jang
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon-Il Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine and Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Won-Seok Chung
- Department of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ik-Hyun Cho
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine and Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders of reproductive endocrinology in women of reproductive age. Lifestyle intervention and oral contraceptives are the first-line treatments for PCOS. Recent studies have suggested that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mind-body therapy have the potential to alleviate the symptoms and/or pathology of PCOS and to improve the quality of life of women with PCOS. This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively summarize the efficacy and safety of moxibustion combined with oriental herbal medicine (OHM), common CAM therapies, for treating PCOS. METHODS Four databases were searched from their inception to June 22, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs using both OHM and moxibustion as experimental intervention, and western medication (WM) as control intervention were included. Studies involving OHM plus moxibustion combined with WM as the experimental intervention were also included. The quality of included studies was assessed using risk of bias tool. RESULTS Owing to the heterogeneity of reporting, meta-analysis was only performed for pregnancy rate, rate of normal biphasic basal body temperature (BBT), and total effective rate (TER). The results showed that compared to the WM group, the OHM combined with moxibustion group was associated with significantly higher pregnancy rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-2.47; I = 0%), normal biphasic BBT rate (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34-2.05; I = 0%), and TER (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.31; I = 0%). When OHM combined with moxibustion was used as an adjunctive therapy to WM, pregnancy rate (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29-2.11; I = 0%), and TER (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13-1.61; I = 43%) were significantly higher than those of the WM group. CONCLUSION According to current evidence, OHM combined with moxibustion might be beneficial for treating PCOS. Moreover, the treatment might improve the therapeutic effects of conventional WMs including clomiphene citrate, oral contraceptives, and/or metformin. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution, owing to poor methodological quality of the included studies. Further larger, high-quality, rigorous RCTs should be conducted in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul
- Yanggu Public Health Center, Gangwon-do
| | - Boram Lee
- Department of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital at Gangdong
| | - Kyoung Sun Park
- Department of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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12
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Bracho GS, Altamirano GA, Kass L, Luque EH, Bosquiazzo VL. Hyperandrogenism Induces Histo-Architectural Changes in the Rat Uterus. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:657-668. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118783881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Soledad Bracho
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Anahí Altamirano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Laura Kass
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Verónica Lis Bosquiazzo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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13
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Kim EJ, Jang M, Choi JH, Park KS, Cho IH. An Improved Dehydroepiandrosterone-Induced Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Post-pubertal Improve PCOS's Features. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:735. [PMID: 30564195 PMCID: PMC6288467 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete animal models investigating the pathogenesis and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are not completely established. Although dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced pre-pubertal rat model for PCOS has been widely used, the model exhibits weaknesses such as decreased ovary weight. Here, we report an innovative DHEA-induced PCOS model that addresses limitations of the pre-pubertal model. The 21-day-old (pre-pubertal) and 42-day-old (post-pubertal) female rats were subcutaneously injected with DHEA (60 mg/kg body weight) daily for up to 20-30 days. The post-pubertal model showed a steady increase in ovary weight and the number of ovarian cysts as well as uterine weight and thickness, which may be key features of PCOS, compared with the pre-pubertal model. Therefore, a post-pubertal PCOS model induced by DHEA may be an improved model to investigate the etiology of PCOS and development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jeong Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine and Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minhee Jang
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Hee Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine and Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Sun Park
- Department of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ik-Hyun Cho
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine and Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Ik-Hyun Cho
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