Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lucy Geddes, Efrosyni Themistou, James F. Burrows, Fraser J. Buchanan, Louise Carson
Summary: This study aimed to develop an in vitro protocol for assessing the long-term cytotoxicity of bioresorbable polymers. Results showed that PDLLGA samples exhibited increasing cytotoxicity at later degradation stages, while PLLGA samples demonstrated significantly less cytotoxic behavior. Additionally, a new dynamic flow culture methodology was developed and validated to test the cytotoxicity of these degradable materials, along with profiling of inflammatory cytokines released by cells in response to degraded PDLLGA and PLLGA.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
M. Margarida Cardoso, Ines N. Peca, Telma Lopes, Rui Gardner, A. Bicho
Summary: DWNPs were produced with PLGA and PLLA containing doxorubicin as a model drug. Optical and fluorescence microscopy were used to examine the inner morphology and drug distribution of the double-walled microparticles. The study showed that the double-walled nanoparticles exhibited sustained drug release and the PLLA layer acted as a rate control barrier.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Magda M. Rebanda, Simona Bettini, Laura Blasi, Antonio Gaballo, Andrea Ragusa, Alessandra Quarta, Clara Piccirillo
Summary: Polymeric nanoparticles made of different surfactants were prepared and compared for drug delivery. The results showed that dextran-coated nanoparticles were the most effective carriers for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, exhibiting cytotoxic activity.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Seong-Hwan Ko, Hyeon-Muk Oh, Do-Young Kwon, Jae-Eun Yang, Byung-Jun Kim, Hyun-Ju Ha, Eun-Jin Lim, Min-Seok Oh, Chang-Gue Son, Eun-Jung Lee
Summary: This study systematically estimated the incidence rate of anaphylaxis in response to bee venom acupuncture (BVA). The overall incidence rate was 0.045%, with higher rates observed in women. Skin testing did not significantly affect the incidence, while the publication year showed an influence on the rate.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anton Iemtsev, Fatima Hassouna, Martin Klajmon, Alex Mathers, Michal Fulem
Summary: This study evaluates the compatibility between biodegradable polyesters and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and investigates the physical stability of drug carriers using phase diagrams. The results show varying levels of compatibility between different ratios of PLGA and model APIs, with only the IND-PLGA75 formulation remaining stable after storage.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Shih-Jyun Shen, Ying-Chao Chou, Shih-Chieh Hsu, Yu-Ting Lin, Chia-Jung Lu, Shih-Jung Liu
Summary: In this study, drug-loaded microparticles were successfully prepared using electrospraying technique, and their release behavior was investigated. The results showed that the drugs were sustainably released at the target region in vivo and maintained low concentrations in the blood. This technique has the potential for postoperative pain control.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiantang Fan, Jingwen Qin, Xiao Meng, Jiafeng Li, Qing Liu, Guannan Wang
Summary: PLPG membranes with sc-PLA improved the crystallizing behavior of PLLA segments, increased thermal stability and degradation ability, and showed low cytotoxicity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Soo-Hyun Sung, Hee-Jung Lee, Ji-Eun Han, Angela Dong-Min Sung, Minjung Park, Seungwon Shin, Hye In Jeong, Soobin Jang, Gihyun Lee
Summary: This paper reviews the features of clinical studies on bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for the treatment of neck pain in Korean publications. The most common diagnosis for patients with neck pain was herniated intervertebral discs (HIVDs) of the cervical spine (C-spine), and the concentration and dosage per session were 0.05-0.5 mg/mL and 0.1-1.5 mL, respectively. The visual analog scale was the most commonly used measure for neck pain severity, and all clinical research reported improvements in 16 outcome measures. The study suggests that BVA could be recommended as a treatment for neck pain, especially HIVD of the C-spine, but the adverse effects of BVA need to be examined in future studies.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Soo-Hyun Sung, Gihyun Lee
Summary: Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is a treatment involving injecting bee venom into specific acupuncture points to relieve various pain conditions. Researchers have studied the analgesic effects of BVA on musculoskeletal pain, inflammatory pain, and neuropathic pain through clinical use and experimental evaluation. Further clinical trials are needed to apply experimental results and standardize the use of BVA.
Article
Polymer Science
Steffen M. Weidner, Hans R. Kricheldorf, Felix Scheliga
Summary: Copolymerizations of glycolide (GL) and l-lactide (LA) under different conditions lead to different conversion rates, and the temperature and catalyst significantly affect the structure and characteristics of the reaction products.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yue Zhang, Anthony Henry Harker, C. J. Luo, Maryam Parhizkar, Mohan Edirisinghe
Summary: This study presents a single-step coaxial electrospray technique for co-encapsulation of two drugs treating type 2 diabetes into biodegradable poly (D,L-lactide-co-glicolide) nanoparticles. The formulated nanoparticles exhibit prolonged and regulated drug release profiles, and demonstrate good cytocompatibility. The findings suggest that this hybrid nanoparticle-based drug delivery system is promising for effectively co-encapsulating multiple drugs and achieving controlled release for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qiangqiang Wang, Xiaoke Sun, Xin Huang, Jianmei Huang, Muhammad Waqqas Hasan, RuoFeng Yan, Lixin Xu, Xiaokai Song, Xiangrui Li
Summary: The study demonstrated that using nanoparticles as carriers can significantly enhance the immune response of Haemonchus contortus HCA59 protein, especially when using rHCA59-Chitosan-PLGA nanoparticles. This research provides a new direction for the development of nanovaccines in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianni Pecorini, Simona Braccini, Gianluca Parrini, Federica Chiellini, Dario Puppi
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biopolyesters that can be used as unique scaffolding polymer candidates for tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, environmental sustainability, processing versatility, and mechanical properties. This study explored the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds using a solution-extrusion additive manufacturing technique, called Computer-Aided Wet-Spinning (CAWS), by blending poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). The results showed that the blend composition influenced the morphological, physicochemical, and biological properties of the scaffolds, with increasing PLGA content leading to larger pore size, enhanced wettability, and improved thermal stability. In vitro experiments demonstrated the suitability of the scaffolds for cell colonization and differentiation towards an osteoblastic phenotype, particularly with scaffolds richer in PLGA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jianmei Huang, Siying Chen, Zhouyang Zhou, Xiaoting Sun, Muhammad Haseeb, Shakeel Ahmed Lakho, Yang Zhang, Jiabin Liu, Muhammad Ali A. Shah, Xiaokai Song, Lixin Xu, Ruofeng Yan, Xiangrui Li
Summary: The study showed that PLGA encapsulated rEtTA4 nanoparticles can enhance the protective immunity against Eimeria tenella infection, inducing higher levels of specific antibodies and T-cell responses. This suggests a new potential for preventing coccidiosis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaeik Song, Min-Suk Kook, Byung-Hoon Kim, Young-IL Jeong, Kyung-Jin Oh
Summary: ROS-sensitive nanoparticles were developed for CIP delivery to inhibit UTI, showing potential antibacterial activity in vitro without significant cytotoxicity to cells. Free CIP and CIP-incorporated nanoparticles demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects against bacterial growth, with sustained release properties observed in the nanoparticles. Free CIP and CIP-incorporated nanoparticles showed superior antibacterial activity in a dialysis membrane model compared to free CIP.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-ju Lee, Tae-Ik Choi, Yong-Min Kim, Soonje Lee, Bing Han, In Seon Bak, Sun Ae Moon, Dae-Yeul Yu, Ki Soon Shin, Yunhee Kim Kwon, Cheil Moon, Jae Hwan Ryu, Hyang-Sook Hoe, Cheol-Hee Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: Recent studies have shown that Gng8 is mainly expressed in the MHb-IPN circuit of the mouse brain. Gng8KO mice exhibited deficiencies in learning and memory, as well as significantly reduced long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Furthermore, levels of acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase in the MHb and IPN of Gng8KO mice were significantly decreased, compared to WT mice.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yu Ri Kim, Sun Young Lee, So Min Lee, Insop Shim, Mi Young Lee
Summary: The study results suggest that the extract of Hibiscus syriacus Linnaeus flower (HSF) and its active constituent saponarin have desirable effects on anxiety, wake times, REM sleep time, and the expression of cortical GABA(A) receptor alpha 1 (GABAAR alpha 1) and c-Fos in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO). HSF extract and saponarin also restored sleep rate and sleep bout duration.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Rehabilitation
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Ja Rhie, Insop Shim
Summary: Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasingly prevalent in most countries and is linked to various cardiovascular diseases. Panax ginseng and its saponin fractions have shown efficacy in combating obesity-related issues such as fatigue, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. It is suggested that combining natural products like ginseng with exercise may have synergistic effects in preventing weight gain and obesity.
JOURNAL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javeria Zaheer, Hyeongi Kim, In Ok Ko, Eun-Kyeong Jo, Eui-Ju Choi, Hae-June Lee, Insop Shim, Hyun-jeong Woo, Jonghoon Choi, Gun-Ha Kim, Jin Su Kim
Summary: Exposure to microplastics was found to be a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as demonstrated in mouse models through behavioral assessments and various analytical techniques.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Seon-Young Park, HyeJin Yang, Minsook Ye, Xiao Liu, Insop Shim, Young-Tae Chang, Hyunsu Bae
Summary: This study found that adoptive transfer of Tregs can improve neurodegeneration in TMT-intoxicated mice by promoting neurogenesis and modulating microglial activation and polarization.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Insop Shim
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Minsook Ye, Hyunsu Bae, Songyi Park, Jaehwan Lew, Kyung Soo Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: This study conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of water extract of nelumbinis semen (WNS) in improving depressive and stress symptoms. The results showed that the 2.4 g WNS-treated group had significantly improved scores on Beck depression inventory (BDI) and the stress response inventory (SRI), while the 4.8 g WNS-treated group demonstrated increased alpha/beta activity, indicating an improvement in depression symptoms. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness and safety of WNS in reducing depression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hyun-Jung Park, SunYoung Lee, Minsook Ye, Bong Hee Han, Hyun Soo Shim, Daehyuk Jang, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of chitoglucan and its hormonal mechanisms in high-fat diet-induced mice. The results showed that chitoglucan reduced body weight and fat contents, and significantly decreased serum leptin levels. Additionally, it inhibited the increase of serum resistin caused by high-fat diet. These findings suggest that chitoglucan may have therapeutic potential for high diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-Jung Park, Woojin Jeong, Hyo Jeong Yu, Minsook Ye, Yunki Hong, Minji Kim, Ji Youn Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: Grounding is a therapeutic technique that involves activities reconnecting us to the earth, and its effects on sleep and pain have been studied. This study investigated the stress-related behavioral effects of an earthing mat in rats and found that it reduced stress-induced behavioral changes and expression of certain proteins in the brain.
Review
Rehabilitation
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Ja Rhie, Insop Shim
Summary: Chronic psychological or physical stress can lead to depressive behaviors and inflammation in the brain. Postmenopausal women under stress condition worsen neuroimmune systems and mood disorders. Repeated stress in ovariectomized female rats induces depressive-like behaviors, exaggerated corticosterone responses, and changes in proinflammatory cytokine expression. Physical exercise helps reduce stress hormones, improve personal immunity, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance physical and psychological well-being.
JOURNAL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minsook Ye, SunYoung Lee, Hyo Jeong Yu, Kyu-Ri Kim, Hyun-Jung Park, In-Cheol Kang, Soon Ah Kang, Young-Shin Chung, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the antidepressant and sedative effects of Glycine max Merr. (GM) and its biologically active compound, genistein (GE), in an electric foot shock (EFS)-stressed rat model. The results showed that GM and GE increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time and decreased wake time. They also decreased c-Fos and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and increased serotonin (5-HT) levels in the dorsal raphe in the brain. These findings suggest that GM and GE have antidepressant-like effects and promote sleep.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Ja Rhie, Insop Shim
Summary: Factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and sleep disorders are associated with increased body mass and can worsen cardiovascular disease. These obesity-related health problems result from disrupted metabolism and physical and emotional stress. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is an important therapeutic strategy for treating and managing metabolic issues caused by obesity. It not only helps burn fat and increase energy expenditure during and after exercise, but also has numerous other health benefits.
JOURNAL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
SunYoung Lee, Hun-Soo Lee, Minsook Ye, Min-A Kim, Hwajung Kang, Sung Ja Rhie, Mi Young Lee, In Chul Jung, In-Cheol Kang, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the sedative effects of medicinal plants used in Korean medicine for treating insomnia. The results showed that YmP, a modified form of Yukmijihwang-tang, has a sedative effect by activating the central serotonergic systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-Jung Park, Hyun Soo Shim, Ah-Reum Han, Eun-Kyoung Seo, Kyu-Ri Kim, Bong Hee Han, Insop Shim
Summary: The study showed that three isolated compounds from Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii can suppress inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hye-Young Joung, Minsook Ye, Miyoung Lee, Yunki Hong, Minji Kim, Kyung Soo Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the sedative-hypnotic effects of water extracts from five medicinal plants and compared their binding abilities to GABA(A)-BZD and 5-HT2C receptors. The water extract of Coptidis Rhizoma showed high affinity to these receptors and increased the activity of melatonin synthesis enzyme in pineal cells. Animal experiments further revealed that the water extract of Coptidis Rhizoma prolonged sleep time and reduced sleep onset time without altering the architectural profile of sleep.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
James W. Mckeage, Andrew Z. H. Tan, Andrew J. Taberner
Summary: Needle-free jet injection is a promising alternative drug delivery technique that offers rapid, non-invasive, and large-volume injections. The study presents a prototype multi-orifice nozzle and a computational fluid dynamic model to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
