Young Kyu Kwon

Psychological Profile of Sasang Typology: A Systematic Review

A systematic review of studies related to the psychological characteristics of Sasang types was conducted with the goal of delineating generalizable psychological profiles based on Sasang typology, a traditional Korean medical typology with medical herbs and acupuncture that is characterized as personalized medicine. Journal articles pertaining to Sasang typology were collected using five electronic database systems in Korea and in the USA. As a result, 64 potentially relevant studies were identified and 21 peer-reviewed research articles that employed psychometric inventories were included. Beginning with the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in 1992, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, NEO-Personality Inventory, Temperament and Character Inventory and other personality assessment tools were employed in the identified studies. Because data synthesis could not be carried out due to the heterogeneity of the studies, the present review article sought to delineate the mutual relevance of the studies based on research results pertaining to the correlation between the aforementioned psychological assessment instruments. Results of the review indicate that two super-factors, Extraversion and Neuroticism, serve as the foundation in regards to delineating personality constructs, such that the So-Yang type scored high on the Extraversion dimension and low on the Neuroticism dimension, while the So-Eum type scored low on the Extraversion dimension and high on the Neuroticism dimension. The present systematic review indicates that Sasang typology shares similarities with the Western psychological tradition.

The role of transient receptor potential channel blockers in human gastric cancer cell viability

Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, receptor 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitous divalent-selective ion channel with its own kinase domain. Human gastric cancer cells express the TRPM7 channel, and the presence of this channel is essential for cell survival. Recent studies have suggested that 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors are potent blockers of the TRPM7 channels. The aim of this study was to show the effects of 5-LOX inhibitors on the growth and survival of gastric cancer cells. Among 5-LOX inhibitors, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), 2,3,5-trimethyl-6-(12-hydroxy-5,10-dodecadiynyl)-1,4-benzoquinone (AA861), and 3-[1-(p-chlorobenzyl)-5-(isopropyl)-3-tert-butylthioindol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid (MK886) were potent blockers of TRPM7-like currents in gastric cancer cells and also induced cell death. However, zileuton was ineffective in suppressing TRPM7-like current activity and inducing cell death. Moreover, a specific transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 3 (TRPC3) inhibitor, a pyrazole compound (Pyr3), and a specific melastatin TRP (TRPM4) inhibitor, 9-phenanthrol, did not affect TRPM7-like currents or induce cell death. We conclude that TRPM7 has an important role in the growth and survival of gastric cancer cells and a likely potential target for the pharmacological treatment of gastric cancer.

Involvement of Na+-leak Channel in Substance P-induced Depolarization of Pacemaking Activity in Interstitial Cells of Cajal

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaking cells in the gastrointestinal muscles that generate the rhythmic oscillations in membrane potential known as slow waves. ICCs also mediate or transduce inputs from the enteric nervous system. Substance P (SubP) is a member of the family of mammalian tachykinin peptides that are predominantly released by enteric neurons. This study assessed the relationship of Na+-leak channel (NALCN) in the SubP-induced depolarization in pacemaking activity in the gastrointestinal tract. The patch-clamp technique for whole-cell recording was used in cultured cluster and single ICCs. Electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of SubP in ICC pacemaking activity were similar to those of NALCN. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry all showed abundant and localized expression of NALCN messenger RNA and protein in mouse small intestine. NALCN is involved in the SubP-induced depolarization of intestinal pacemaking activity. The protein is a potential target for pharmacological treatment of motor disorders of the gut.

The role of waixenicin A as transient receptor potential melastatin 7 blocker.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) plays a role in a number of physiological and pharmacological functions in variety of cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the role for TRPM7 channels and the effect of waixenicin A on the pacemaking activity of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and on the cell viability of the human gastric and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines, AGS and MCF‐7, respectively. Waixenicin A decreased the amplitude of pacemaker potentials in cultured ICC clusters and inhibited TRPM7 currents, but had no effect on Ca2+‐activated Cl− conductance (ANO1). Furthermore, waixenicin A was found to inhibit the growth and survival of AGS and MCF‐7 cells. These findings indicate that TRPM7 channel modulates intestinal motility and regulates the pathophysiology of human gastric and breast adenocarcinoma cells. These findings suggest that TRPM7 channel be considered a potential target for the treatment of gut motor disorders and gastric and breast cancer.

Digestive system-related pathophysiological symptoms of Sasang typology: Systematic review

The purpose of this study was to review clinical studies on digestive system-related pathophysiological symptoms of each Sasang type to obtain the generalizable typespecific clinical features, which are important for the diagnosis of the Sasang type and subsequent disease treatment. Sasang typology and digestive system symptom-related keywords were used to search through eight domestic and foreign databases up to March 2012. The results were organized and analyzed based on four categories [digestive function, appetite, eating pattern, and body mass index (BMI)] to elucidate type-specific symptoms. Sasang type-specific digestive system-related symptoms were identified by reviewing 30 related articles that were gathered by searching through the databases. The Tae-Eum (TE) type had the highest digestive functions and the So-Eum (SE) type had the lowest. The TE type appeared to have larger volume with fast eating speed compared with the SE type and individuals in the TE category preferred fatty or salty food, which is responsible for the high occurrence rates of organic digestive diseases such as gastritis. Moreover, BMI was higher in the TE type and lower in the SE type. We systematically reviewed previously published clinical reports on digestive functions, which can be used to meet the objective of Sasang-type differentiation and pathophysiological pattern identification.

Effects of histamine on cultured interstitial cells of cajal in murine small intestine.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal tract, and histamine is known to regulate neuronal activity, control vascular tone, alter endothelial permeability, and modulate gastric acid secretion. However, the action mechanisms of histamine in mouse small intestinal ICCs have not been previously investigated, and thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of histamine on mouse small intestinal ICCs, and sought to identify the receptors involved. Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from small intestines, and the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record potentials (in current clamp mode) from cultured ICCs. Histamine was found to depolarize resting membrane potentials concentration dependently, and whereas 2-PEA (a selective H1 receptor agonist) induced membrane depolarizations, Dimaprit (a selective H2-agonist), R-alpha-methylhistamine (R-alpha-MeHa; a selective H3-agonist), and 4-methylhistamine (4-MH; a selective H4-agonist) did not. Pretreatment with Ca2+-free solution or thapsigargin (a Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor in endoplasmic reticulum) abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and suppressed histamine-induced membrane depolarization. Furthermore, treatments with U-73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) or 5-fluoro-2-indolyl des-chlorohalopemide (FIPI; a phospholipase D inhibitor) blocked histamine-induced membrane depolarizations in ICCs. On the other hand, KT5720 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) did not block histamine-induced membrane depolarization. These results suggest that histamine modulates pacemaker potentials through H1 receptor-mediated pathways via external Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from internal stores in a PLC and PLD dependent manner.

Analysis of Skin Humidity Variation Between Sasang Types

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between variations in skin humidity (SH) induced by perspiration across Sasang types and to identify novel and effective Sasang classification factors. We also analyzed the responses of each Sasang type to sweating-related QSCC II items. The results revealed a significant difference in SH across gender and significant differences in SH before and after perspiration between Tae-Eum and So-Eum men. In addition, Tae-Eum women showed significant differences in SH compared with women classified as another Sasang type. Furthermore, evaluation of the items related to sweating in the QSCC II and their relationship to each constitution revealed a significant difference between Tae-Eum and other Sasang types. Overall, the results of this study indicate that there is a distinct SH difference following perspiration between Tae-Eum and other Sasang types. Such findings may aid in Sasang typology diagnostic testing with the support of further sophisticated clinical studies.

Characteristics of the Cholecystokinin-Induced Depolarization of Pacemaking Activity in Cultured Interstitial Cells of Cajal from Murine Small Intestine

Background/Aims: In this study, we studied the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) on pacemaker potentials in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) from mouse small intestine using the whole cell patch clamp technique. Methods: ICCs are pacemaker cells that exhibit periodic spontaneous depolarization, which is responsible for the production of slow waves in gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and generate periodic pacemaker potentials in current-clamp mode. Results: Exposure to CCK (100 nM-5 µM) decreased the amplitudes of pacemaker potentials and depolarized resting membrane potentials. To identify the type of CCK receptors involved in ICCs, we examined the effects of CCK agonists and found that the addition of CCK1 agonist (A-71323, 1 µM) depolarized resting membrane potentials, whereas exposure to CCK2 agonist (gastrin , 1 µM) had no effect on pacemaker potentials. To confirm these results, we examined the effects of CCK antagonists and found that pretreatment with CCK1 antagonist (SR 27897, 1 µM) blocked CCK-induced effects. However, pretreatment with CCK2 antagonist (LY 225910, 1 µM) did not. Furthermore, intracellular GDPβS suppressed CCK-induced effects. To investigate the involvements of phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), and protein kinase A (PKA) in the effects of CCK in cultured ICCs, we used U-73122 (an active PLC inhibitor), chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor), SQ-22536 (an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase), or mPKAI (an inhibitor of myristoylated PKA). All inhibitors blocked the CCK-mediated effects on pacemaker potentials. In addition, we found that transient receptor potential classical 5 (TRPC5) channel was involved in CCK-activated currents in cultured ICCs. Conclusion: These results suggest that the CCK induced depolarization of pacemaking activity occurs in a G-protein-, PLC-, PKC-, and PKA-dependent manner via CCK1 receptor and TRPC5 channel is a candidate for CCK-activated currents in cultured ICCs in murine small intestine. Therefore, the ICCs are targets for CCK and their interaction can affect intestinal motility.

Effects of ginsenoside on pacemaker potentials of cultured interstitial cells of Cajal clusters from the small intestine of mice

Ginsenoside, one of the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, has a variety of physiological and pharmacological actions in various organs. However, little is known about the effects of ginsenosides on gastrointestinal (GI) motility. We studied the modulation of pacemaker potentials by ginsenoside in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) using the whole-cell patch clamp technique in the current clamp mode. Among ginsenosides, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1, Rg3 and Rf. While externally applied Rb1 and Rg3 had no effects on pacemaker potentials, Rf caused membrane depolarization. The application of flufenamic acid or niflumic acid abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and inhibited the Rf-induced membrane depolarization. Membrane depolarization induced by Rf was not inhibited by intracellular application of guanosine 5′-[β-thio]diphosphate trilithium salt. Pretreatment with a Ca2+-free solution, thapsigargin, a Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum, U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, or 2-APB, an IP3 receptor inhibitor, abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and suppressed Rfinduced actions. However, treatment with chelerythrine and calphostin C, protein kinase C inhibitors, did not block Rf-induced effects on pacemaker potentials. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rf modulates the pacemaker activities of ICCs and therby regulates intestinal motility.

Effects of Lizhong Tang on cultured mouse small intestine interstitial cells of Cajal

AIM To investigate the effects of Lizhong Tang, an herbal product used in traditional Chinese medicine, on mouse small intestine interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). METHODS Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from mouse small intestine tissues. The ICCs were morphologically distinct from other cell types in culture and were identified using phase contrast microscopy after verification with anti c-kit antibody. A whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record potentials (current clamp) from cultured ICCs. All of the experiments were performed at 30-32 °C. RESULTS ICCs generated pacemaker potentials, and Lizhong Tang produced membrane depolarization in current-clamp mode. The application of flufenamic acid (a nonselective cation channel blocker) abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials by Lizhong Tang. Pretreatment with thapsigargin (a Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor in the endoplasmic reticulum) also abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials by Lizhong Tang. However, pacemaker potentials were completely abolished in the presence of an external Ca²⁺-free solution, and under this condition, Lizhong Tang induced membrane depolarizations. Furthermore, When GDP-β-S (1 mmol/L) was in the pipette solution, Lizhong Tang still induced membrane depolarizations. In addition, membrane depolarizations were not inhibited by chelerythrine or calphostin C, which are protein kinase C inhibitors, but were inhibited by U-73122, an active phospholipase C inhibitors. CONCLUSION These results suggest that Lizhong Tang might affect gastrointestinal motility by modulating pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal.