Cuscutae Semen has a long-standing history as a traditional herbal medicine widely utilized in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP) exclusively recognizes Cuscuta chinensis Lam. as the authentic source of Cuscutae Semen, whereas other countries also accept Cuscuta australis R.Br. This discrepancy has resulted in imports containing both species, which contravenes local regulations. Furthermore, a significant portion of domestically produced Cuscutae Semen is actually Cuscuta japonica Chois., regarded as an adulterant, which further complicates the market. This situation underscores the urgent need for clear differentiation of the botanical origins of Cuscutae Semen. In this study, a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed to simultaneously differentiate the three origins of Cuscutae Semen: C. chinensis, C. australis, and C. japonica. By utilizing a TLC scanner and TLC-MS interface, the chemical fingerprints of the samples were analyzed in detail. The results revealed that while C. chinensis and C. australis share similar profiles, they can be distinguished by the presence or absence of astragalin and kaempferol. In contrast, C. japonica showed distinct differences, characterized by the presence of chlorogenic acid derivatives. This method demonstrated the ability to rapidly and accurately differentiate between Cuscutae Semen origins, making it a cost-effective and reliable tool for ensuring quality control. It is expected to contribute to improving the standardization and reliability of herbal medicine quality management in the domestic market.

Cuscutae Semen has a long-standing history as a traditional herbal medicine widely utilized in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP) exclusively recognizes Cuscuta chinensis Lam. as the authentic source of Cuscutae Semen, whereas other countries also accept Cuscuta australis R.Br. This discrepancy has resulted in imports containing both species, which contravenes local regulations. Furthermore, a significant portion of domestically produced Cuscutae Semen is actually Cuscuta japonica Chois., regarded as an adulterant, which further complicates the market. This situation underscores the urgent need for clear differentiation of the botanical origins of Cuscutae Semen. In this study, a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed to simultaneously differentiate the three origins of Cuscutae Semen: C. chinensis, C. australis, and C. japonica. By utilizing a TLC scanner and TLC-MS interface, the chemical fingerprints of the samples were analyzed in detail. The results revealed that while C. chinensis and C. australis share similar profiles, they can be distinguished by the presence or absence of astragalin and kaempferol. In contrast, C. japonica showed distinct differences, characterized by the presence of chlorogenic acid derivatives. This method demonstrated the ability to rapidly and accurately differentiate between Cuscutae Semen origins, making it a cost-effective and reliable tool for ensuring quality control. It is expected to contribute to improving the standardization and reliability of herbal medicine quality management in the domestic market.

Cuscutae Semen has a long-standing history as a traditional herbal medicine widely utilized in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP) exclusively recognizes Cuscuta chinensis Lam. as the authentic source of Cuscutae Semen, whereas other countries also accept Cuscuta australis R.Br. This discrepancy has resulted in imports containing both species, which contravenes local regulations. Furthermore, a significant portion of domestically produced Cuscutae Semen is actually Cuscuta japonica Chois., regarded as an adulterant, which further complicates the market. This situation underscores the urgent need for clear differentiation of the botanical origins of Cuscutae Semen. In this study, a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed to simultaneously differentiate the three origins of Cuscutae Semen: C. chinensis, C. australis, and C. japonica. By utilizing a TLC scanner and TLC-MS interface, the chemical fingerprints of the samples were analyzed in detail. The results revealed that while C. chinensis and C. australis share similar profiles, they can be distinguished by the presence or absence of astragalin and kaempferol. In contrast, C. japonica showed distinct differences, characterized by the presence of chlorogenic acid derivatives. This method demonstrated the ability to rapidly and accurately differentiate between Cuscutae Semen origins, making it a cost-effective and reliable tool for ensuring quality control. It is expected to contribute to improving the standardization and reliability of herbal medicine quality management in the domestic market.

Cuscutae Semen has a long-standing history as a traditional herbal medicine widely utilized in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP) exclusively recognizes Cuscuta chinensis Lam. as the authentic source of Cuscutae Semen, whereas other countries also accept Cuscuta australis R.Br. This discrepancy has resulted in imports containing both species, which contravenes local regulations. Furthermore, a significant portion of domestically produced Cuscutae Semen is actually Cuscuta japonica Chois., regarded as an adulterant, which further complicates the market. This situation underscores the urgent need for clear differentiation of the botanical origins of Cuscutae Semen. In this study, a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed to simultaneously differentiate the three origins of Cuscutae Semen: C. chinensis, C. australis, and C. japonica. By utilizing a TLC scanner and TLC-MS interface, the chemical fingerprints of the samples were analyzed in detail. The results revealed that while C. chinensis and C. australis share similar profiles, they can be distinguished by the presence or absence of astragalin and kaempferol. In contrast, C. japonica showed distinct differences, characterized by the presence of chlorogenic acid derivatives. This method demonstrated the ability to rapidly and accurately differentiate between Cuscutae Semen origins, making it a cost-effective and reliable tool for ensuring quality control. It is expected to contribute to improving the standardization and reliability of herbal medicine quality management in the domestic market.

Cuscutae Semen has a long-standing history as a traditional herbal medicine widely utilized in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP) exclusively recognizes Cuscuta chinensis Lam. as the authentic source of Cuscutae Semen, whereas other countries also accept Cuscuta australis R.Br. This discrepancy has resulted in imports containing both species, which contravenes local regulations. Furthermore, a significant portion of domestically produced Cuscutae Semen is actually Cuscuta japonica Chois., regarded as an adulterant, which further complicates the market. This situation underscores the urgent need for clear differentiation of the botanical origins of Cuscutae Semen. In this study, a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed to simultaneously differentiate the three origins of Cuscutae Semen: C. chinensis, C. australis, and C. japonica. By utilizing a TLC scanner and TLC-MS interface, the chemical fingerprints of the samples were analyzed in detail. The results revealed that while C. chinensis and C. australis share similar profiles, they can be distinguished by the presence or absence of astragalin and kaempferol. In contrast, C. japonica showed distinct differences, characterized by the presence of chlorogenic acid derivatives. This method demonstrated the ability to rapidly and accurately differentiate between Cuscutae Semen origins, making it a cost-effective and reliable tool for ensuring quality control. It is expected to contribute to improving the standardization and reliability of herbal medicine quality management in the domestic market.

Few comparative studies on the effects of immunosuppressants in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy have been conducted. Methods: Data from 489 patients who received conservative treatment or immunosuppressants were retrospectively analyzed by propensity score matching. Primary outcomes were complete or partial remission (CR or PR) of proteinuria, and secondary outcomes were renal survival and infection. Results: Of the 489 patients, 357 (73.0%) received immunosuppressants. Propensity score matching identified 82 patients from the conservative group and 82 patients in the immunosuppressant group. CR or PR at 12 months was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group compared with the conservative group for the total population (p = 0.002) and the propensity score-matched population (p = 0.02). The use of immunosuppressants was significantly more effective with respect to achieving a CR or PR at 12 months in patients who were aged <65 years or female, or who had a proteinuria level of ≥4.0 g/g or an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). Renal survival was similar between patients receiving immunosuppressants and conservative treatment in both the total and matched populations. The immunosuppressant group (21.8%) had a significantly higher incidence of infections compared with the conservative group (13.6%) for the total population (p = 0.03), but statistical significance disappeared in the matched population (p > 0.99). Conclusion: The remission rate was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group than in the conservative group, particularly in the subgroup of patients who were young or female, or those with heavy proteinuria loads or good renal function.

Few comparative studies on the effects of immunosuppressants in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy have been conducted. Methods: Data from 489 patients who received conservative treatment or immunosuppressants were retrospectively analyzed by propensity score matching. Primary outcomes were complete or partial remission (CR or PR) of proteinuria, and secondary outcomes were renal survival and infection. Results: Of the 489 patients, 357 (73.0%) received immunosuppressants. Propensity score matching identified 82 patients from the conservative group and 82 patients in the immunosuppressant group. CR or PR at 12 months was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group compared with the conservative group for the total population (p = 0.002) and the propensity score-matched population (p = 0.02). The use of immunosuppressants was significantly more effective with respect to achieving a CR or PR at 12 months in patients who were aged <65 years or female, or who had a proteinuria level of ≥4.0 g/g or an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). Renal survival was similar between patients receiving immunosuppressants and conservative treatment in both the total and matched populations. The immunosuppressant group (21.8%) had a significantly higher incidence of infections compared with the conservative group (13.6%) for the total population (p = 0.03), but statistical significance disappeared in the matched population (p > 0.99). Conclusion: The remission rate was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group than in the conservative group, particularly in the subgroup of patients who were young or female, or those with heavy proteinuria loads or good renal function.

Few comparative studies on the effects of immunosuppressants in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy have been conducted. Methods: Data from 489 patients who received conservative treatment or immunosuppressants were retrospectively analyzed by propensity score matching. Primary outcomes were complete or partial remission (CR or PR) of proteinuria, and secondary outcomes were renal survival and infection. Results: Of the 489 patients, 357 (73.0%) received immunosuppressants. Propensity score matching identified 82 patients from the conservative group and 82 patients in the immunosuppressant group. CR or PR at 12 months was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group compared with the conservative group for the total population (p = 0.002) and the propensity score-matched population (p = 0.02). The use of immunosuppressants was significantly more effective with respect to achieving a CR or PR at 12 months in patients who were aged <65 years or female, or who had a proteinuria level of ≥4.0 g/g or an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). Renal survival was similar between patients receiving immunosuppressants and conservative treatment in both the total and matched populations. The immunosuppressant group (21.8%) had a significantly higher incidence of infections compared with the conservative group (13.6%) for the total population (p = 0.03), but statistical significance disappeared in the matched population (p > 0.99). Conclusion: The remission rate was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group than in the conservative group, particularly in the subgroup of patients who were young or female, or those with heavy proteinuria loads or good renal function.

Few comparative studies on the effects of immunosuppressants in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy have been conducted. Methods: Data from 489 patients who received conservative treatment or immunosuppressants were retrospectively analyzed by propensity score matching. Primary outcomes were complete or partial remission (CR or PR) of proteinuria, and secondary outcomes were renal survival and infection. Results: Of the 489 patients, 357 (73.0%) received immunosuppressants. Propensity score matching identified 82 patients from the conservative group and 82 patients in the immunosuppressant group. CR or PR at 12 months was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group compared with the conservative group for the total population (p = 0.002) and the propensity score-matched population (p = 0.02). The use of immunosuppressants was significantly more effective with respect to achieving a CR or PR at 12 months in patients who were aged <65 years or female, or who had a proteinuria level of ≥4.0 g/g or an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). Renal survival was similar between patients receiving immunosuppressants and conservative treatment in both the total and matched populations. The immunosuppressant group (21.8%) had a significantly higher incidence of infections compared with the conservative group (13.6%) for the total population (p = 0.03), but statistical significance disappeared in the matched population (p > 0.99). Conclusion: The remission rate was significantly higher in the immunosuppressant group than in the conservative group, particularly in the subgroup of patients who were young or female, or those with heavy proteinuria loads or good renal function.

PURPOSE: Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) can induce and trigger airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term DEP exposure on AHR, inflammation, lung fibrosis, and goblet cell hyperplasia in a mouse model. METHODS: BALB/c mice were exposed to DEPs 1 hour a day for 5 days a week for 3 months in a closed-system chamber attached to a ultrasonic nebulizer (low dose: 100 microg/m3 DEPs, high dose: 3 mg/m3 DEPs). The control group was exposed to saline. Enhanced pause was measured as an indicator of AHR. Animals were subjected to whole-body plethysmography and then sacrificed to determine the performance of bronchoalveolar lavage and histology. RESULTS: AHR was higher in the DEP group than in the control group, and higher in the high-dose DEP than in the low-dose DEP groups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes were higher in the high-dose DEP group than in the low-dose DEP group and control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, and interferon-gamma were higher in the low-dose DEP group than in the control group at 12 weeks. The level of IL-10 was higher in the high-dose DEP group than in the control group at 12 weeks. The level of vascular endothelial growth factor was higher in the low-dose and high-dose DEP groups than in the control group at 12 weeks. The level of IL-6 was higher in the low-dose DEP group than in the control group at 12 weeks. The level of transforming growth factor-beta was higher in the high-dose DEP group than in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The collagen content and lung fibrosis in lung tissue was higher in the high-dose DEP group at 8 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that long-term DEP exposure may increase AHR, inflammation, lung fibrosis, and goblet cell hyperplasia in a mouse model.
Airway Remodeling ; Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Collagen ; Fibrosis ; Goblet Cells ; Hyperplasia ; Inflammation* ; Interferon-gamma ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Lung ; Lymphocytes ; Mice* ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Neutrophils ; Plethysmography ; Pneumonia ; Ultrasonics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vehicle Emissions*