2025, Vol.15, No.2

CELLMED 2025 KCI Impact Factor : 0.18

pISSN : 3022-6805 / eISSN : 3022-6791
https://journal.kci.go.kr/cellmed

Bangpungtongsung-san (BTS) is a traditional prescription that has been used for inflammation and bronchial diseases. Coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19), which occurs due to a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is a respiratory inflammatory disease, and mast cells are one of the key cells involved in the cytokine storm. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effects and mechanisms of BTS and its active compound, α-pinene, on coronavirus infections and inflammatory responses. BTS and α-pinene decreased the expression of not only angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) but also transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2) in stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Additionally, BTS and α-pinene significantly suppressed the release of key inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and tumor necrosis factor-α, without compromising cell viability. Furthermore, BTS and α-pinene decreased the expression of transcription factors c-Fos and c-Jun in activated HMC-1 cells. In conclusion, the results of the study indicated that BTS inhibited the c-Jun/c-Fos signaling pathway, leading to a decrease in the levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and inflammatory cytokines. This suggests that BTS may be an effective agent in mitigating the cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This study explores learners' emotional experiences in Korean language education, focusing on positive emotions. It examines the application of the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale (FLES) and how the survey itself can foster positive feelings. A survey was conducted with 291 Korean learners from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Taiwan, using a Korean-adapted 21-item FLES. Participants responded on a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and raincloud plots. Most participants reported experiencing positive emotions during Korean language learning, particularly in relation to teacher support, kindness, and encouragement. The overall enjoyment scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.5. Many participants also enjoyed the survey process, suggesting that the survey itself contributed to positive emotional experiences. This study highlights the importance of positive emotions in language learning, particularly through teacher support. It suggests that reflecting on positive experiences can enhance learners' emotional engagement. The findings also reinforce the value of positive emotion research and FLES development in language education, while also presenting important considerations for the creation of related scales.

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one or more years of regular, unprotected coitus. According to the World Health Organization, male factor infertility accounts for 40 to 50 percent among the 60 to 80 million infertile couples worldwide. Semen analysis is a vital tool in the assessment of male infertility. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, a condition in which a semen sample comprises oligospermia/oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, is common among men from infertile couples. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old married man sought treatment for six years of infertility. His seminal fluid analysis revealed oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Internally, Mucuna purulence seed powder and Withania somnifera root powder, 5 g each, were prescribed twice daily after meals with milk, while Nigella sativa seed powder was administered 2.5 g twice daily after meals. Following three months of treatment, his seminal fluid analysis revealed a consistent improvement in the sperm parameters. Sperm volume increased from 1.3 ml to 1.7 ml, sperm concentration rose from 1.3 million/ml to 3 million/ml, overall sperm motility increased from 15% to 24%, progressive motility from 00% to 04%, and non-progressive motility from 15 to 20%, while non-motile sperm decreased from 85% to 76%. Conclusion: The seminal fluid analysis findings reveal that herbal medicine can be beneficial in managing male factor infertility by avoiding primary methods of treatment that are expensive and have a variety of undesirable side effects despite their inadequate efficacy rates, as well as secondary measures.