<Objective> This study were carried out to study to assess the relationship between job characteristics, general characteristics,　health behaviors, and psychosocial distress and suggested the preventive oriental medicine approaches in occupational health area. <Methods> We measured job characteristics(job demand, job control, jop insecurity) by The Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire, health behaviors(smoking, drinking, exercise, coffee), general characteristics at work by a self-administered questionnaire. Psycho social distress was measured by PWI(Psychosocial Well-being Index), a 18-item selfadministered instrument. 370 data for research were collected through the process of oriental health examination with questionnaire in workplace. Statistical analysis was done by t test, oneway ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis with SPSSWIN (version 10.0) <Results> Among the 152 respondents, the prevalence of high job strain was 27%(41 persons). The Odds ratio of high job strain was 3.11(95 2.12∼4.11), and those of passive group and active group were 2.01(95 0.83∼2.76) and 1.80(95 0.83∼2.76), respectively. Our results supported the association between psychosocial distress and job strain. <Conclusion> The odds ratio of high strain isolated group(high strain group+low social support) was 3.59(95 2.05 5.13), but the odds ratio of high strain collective group was 1.32(95 0.23 2.41). Social support at work was modifing factor of the association between psycho social distress and job strain. Therefore we reviewed the evidence that economic depression was associated with psycho social distress in this study, and that the strength of the social support was important in maintain health.

Background : Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic, inflammatory skin disease. Here, we focused on the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fructus extracts (GFE) in DNCB treated NC/Nga mice. Methods and Results : In an in vivo study, GFE treatment significantly decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokines expression in spleen and serum of treatment groups mice, compared with the negative controls (administered 0.2% DNCB only). Mice treated with GFE had fewer inflammatory cell infiltrates in the dermis and hypodermis compared to the negative controls. In addition, we also studied β-Hexosaminidase release assay and possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of GFE in RBL-2H3 cells. GFE suppressed the expression of COX-2 and TNF-α, the translocation of NF-κβ, and the phosphorylation of Syk, p38, JNK, and Erk1/2 in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusion : These results strongly suggest that GFE inhibits the allergic response by reducing mast cell activation and may have therapeutic potential as an anti-atopic dermatitis agent.

Background : The aloe has been reported to have significant therapeutic effects, such as inhibition of cancer cells' activation and proliferation as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidation properties. However, the phytochemicals analysis and antioxidant activity of the Aloe vera flower extracts have not been widely investigated. In this regard, we investigated the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of the Aloe barbadensis flower in hydrogen peroxide-treated BALB/c mice. Methods and Results : This research highlights the phenolic constituents' profile and antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol extracts of Aloe vera flower for the first time. The ethanol-based extracts showed the inhibition for linoleic acid oxidation and free radical-induced DNA damage. Among about 11 phenolic constituents of the extract, identified by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the content of vanillic acid was highest, corresponding to strong antioxidant activities of the extract. The extracts elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities in the liver tissue of hydrogen peroxide-treated BALB/c mice. The radical-scavenging activities of the extracts were well-correlated to the total phenolic content. Conclusion : In conclusion, Aloe bardadensis flower might be an effective source of natural antioxidant with high level of phenolic constituents.