Hyunji Kim

Effects of Lead Exposure on Nitric Oxide-associated Gene Expression in the Olfactory Bulb of Mice

Lead (Pb) is known to have toxic effects on the brain; however, data regarding its specific toxic effects on the olfactory bulb are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between acute Pb exposure and alterations in gene expression associated with the nitric oxide signaling pathway in the olfactory bulb of mice. After administration of Pb (intraperitoneal injections of 1 or 10xa0mg/kg Pb(CH3CO2)2u2009·u20093H2O once per day for 4xa0days), body weight, motor activity, and gene expression in the olfactory bulb of mice were examined. High doses of Pb resulted in significant decreases in body weight, but motor coordination was not significantly altered until 11xa0days after the end of Pb treatment. The expression patterns of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (Ddah1), superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), and superoxide dismutase (Ccs) were increased, whereas expression of the Stratifin (Sfn) gene was significantly decreased following treatment with 10xa0mg/kg Pb. The expression patterns of nitric oxide synthases at the mRNA and protein levels, however, were not significantly altered by treatment with 10xa0mg/kg Pb. These findings indicate that Pb-induced neurotoxicity may be modulated in part by the expression of Ddah1, Sod1, Ccs, and Sfn in the olfactory bulb.

Effect of lavender oil on motor function and dopamine receptor expression in the olfactory bulb of mice.

AIM OF THE STUDYnAlthough treatment with the essential oil of lavender induces neuroemotional changes, there is a lack of data regarding its specific effects on neurotransduction, especially dopaminergic neurotransduction. We investigated the relationship between altered motor activity and changes in the expression of dopamine receptors (DR), particularly the receptor subtypes D2 and D3, in lavender oil-treated mice.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnAfter the administration of lavender oil (intraperitoneal injections of 10-1000 mg/kg lavender oil once per day for 5 days), motor coordination and dopamine receptor expression were examined in the olfactory bulb and the striatum of the mouse brain.nnnRESULTSnAfter 5 days, mice treated with 1000 mg/kg lavender oil showed significantly increased rotarod activity when compared to controls. Although DRD2 expression showed no change in the olfactory bulb or striatum of lavender-treated mice, DRD3 expression increased significantly in the olfactory bulb; this increase was dose-dependent and was observed at both the mRNA and protein levels.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThese data indicate that altered dopamine D3 receptor subtype homeostasis in the olfactory bulb may contribute to lavender oil-induced behavioral change.

Evaluation of an Amniotic Membrane-Collagen Dermal Substitute in the Management of Full-Thickness Skin Defects in a Pig

Background To minimize the inflammatory reaction and improve healing, a new modified dermal substitute composed of an atelocollagen, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and amniotic membrane (AM) was applied to full-thickness skin defects in a pig. Atelocollagen was extracted from bovine skin, and two modified dermal substitutes were generated according to the cross-linking type. Methods The AM-collagen dermal substitutes were characterized and compared with currently used dermal substitutes in a pig skin defect model. There were five experimental groups: dehydrothermal (DHT) cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT), DHT and chemical cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT/chemical), Terudermis, Integra, and AlloDerm. After 3×3 cm full-thickness skin defects on the back of a pig were created, each dermal substitutes dermal substitutes was randomly grafted on the defects. Two weeks after grafting, autologous partial-thickness skin was over-grafted on the neodermis. The take rate of the dermal substitutes, skin, and histological sections were all assessed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Results More rapid healing and a higher take rate were evident in the AM-DHT and Terudermis groups. Histological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and more fibroblast hyperplasia in these two groups. Four weeks after surgery, the amount of newly formed collagen was significantly more appropriate in the AM-DHT group. Conclusions These observations provide supporting evidence that a newly developed amniotic-collagen dermal substitute may inhibit inflammatory reactions and promote wound healing.

Prevalence of potent skin sensitizers in oxidative hair dye products in Korea

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the present study was to elucidate the prevalence of potent skin sensitizers in oxidative hair dye products manufactured by Korean domestic companies. Methods: A database on hair dye products made by domestic companies and selling in the Korean market in 2013 was used to obtain information on company name, brand name, quantity of production, and ingredients. The prevalence of substances categorized as potent skin sensitizers was calculated using the hair dye ingredient database, and the pattern of concomitant presence of hair dye ingredients was analyzed using network analysis software. Results: A total of 19 potent skin sensitizers were identified from a database that included 99 hair dye products manufactured by Korean domestic companies. Among 19 potent skin sensitizers, the four most frequent were resorcinol, m-aminophenol, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), and p-aminophenol; these four skin-sensitizing ingredients were found in more than 50% of the products studied. Network analysis showed that resorcinol, m-aminophenol, and PPD existed together in many hair dye products. In 99 products examined, the average product contained 4.4 potent sensitizers, and 82% of the products contained four or more skin sensitizers. Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that oxidative hair dye products made by Korean domestic manufacturers contain various numbers and types of potent skin sensitizers. Furthermore, these results suggest that some hair dye products should be used with caution to prevent adverse effects on the skin, including allergic contact dermatitis.