Oral language comprehension (OLC) and vocabulary depth are widely recognized as key predictors of reading comprehension. However, research has either provided a limited representation of OLC or failed to acknowledge the distinctive predictive nature of vocabulary depth. This study investigates the combined contributions of OLC, conceptualized as a unified composite of foundational language variables and compares its effects on reading comprehension to vocabulary depth, while accounting for writing abilities. A total of 169 advanced Korean university EFL students were tested on listening comprehension, grammar knowledge, vocabulary breadth, vocabulary depth, and reading comprehension in English. SEM analyses revealed that both OLC and vocabulary depth made unique contributions to reading comprehension, with OLC demonstrating relatively stronger predictive power. Writing abilities did not show significant effects when OLC and vocabulary depth were considered in the same model. These findings underscore the independent predictive roles of OLC and vocabulary depth in L2 reading comprehension and highlight the importance of integrating these constructs into EFL pedagogical practices.

Three strains (KCOM 2191, KCOM 2668, and KCOM 2812) of Capnocytophaga sp. isolated from a Korean population were initially classified by 16S rDNA sequence comparison. This study aimed to resolve their species-level identity using whole genome sequencing and to assess their taxonomic characteristics. Genomes of the three strains were sequenced using PacBio RS II and Illumina platforms. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis was employed for species-level identification. Cellular fatty acid (CFA) compositions were determined using the MIDI/Hewlett Packard Microbial Identification System. ANI values for KCOM 2191, KCOM 2668, and KCOM 2812 were 96.43%, 96.33%, and 96.33%, respectively, compared with the type strain Capnocytophaga ochracea DSM 7271T. CFA profiling showed a predominance of iso-C15:0 (57.9%, 67.2%, and 64.9%, respectively), consistent with DSM 7271T (51.5%). These findings confirm that KCOM 2191, KCOM 2668, and KCOM 2812 are strains of C. ochracea . These strains may serve as valuable models for investigating the role of C. ochracea in oral and systemic pathogenesis.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for over 90% of malignancies in the oral cavity, is associated with a poor prognosis, with a 5-year mortality rate reaching of up to 44%. The incidence of OSCC continues to rise annually, and current treatment typically involves a combination of surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In recent years, there has been growing interest in targeted therapies that exploit molecular markers involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Among these targets, immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand, programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), have garnered significant attention. Therapies that inhibit these immune checkpoints have been approved for various malignancies, offering new avenues for treatment. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, has emerged as a promising therapuetic option for OSCC. However, its clinical response rate in OSCC patients remains below 20%, highlighting the need for combination strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy. One such approach involves non-thermal plasma (NTP), a novel modality that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells. In this study, the authors evaluated the combined effect of Keytruda and NTP in an OSCC xenograft mouse model. The combination therapy demonstrated the tendency of suppressed tumor growth compared to Keytruda monotherapy. This effect was accompanied by increased apoptosis, as indicated by elevated cleaved caspase-3 expression, and reduced proliferation, as shown by decreased Ki-67 expression. Although preliminary, these findings may support the potential clinical application of Keytruda-NTP combined therapy as a novel treatment strategy for OSCC.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major storage medium for intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺). Changes in ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), which, in turn, activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This paper investigates the pathways involved in ER stress, ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis, Ca²⁺ channels, and related oral diseases. A systematic search of the literature up to April 8, 2025, was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar with specific terms for ER stress, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and oral disease. The findings are summarized in both graphical and narrative forms. Disruption of ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis leading to ER stress and UPR can cause cellular dysfunction and inflammation in oral tissues. Understanding the relationship between ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis and ER stress in oral diseases could provide new targets for oral disease treatment.

본 연구는 대전광역시 대덕구 비래동에서 전승되어 온 당산제를 중심 으로, 그 의례적 구조와 상징체계, 전승과 변화 양상을 구술채록을 통해 심층적으로 분석하였다. 상징인류학과 구술사 이론을 바탕으로 당산제를 하나의 상징적 실천이자 공동체 기억의 문화로 해석하고, 참여자의 경험 과 감정을 통해 제의의 내면 구조를 드러내고자 하였다. 제의 절차, 공간 구성, 제물의 상징성, 감정 구조 등을 종합적으로 고찰하였으며, 당산제 가 기억과 서사를 통해 현재에도 문화적 자산으로 기능하고 있음을 밝혔 다. 이를 통해 민속신앙의 지속 가능성과 공동체 정체성 재구성 가능성 에 대한 통합적 해석을 제시하였다.

이 연구의 목적은 일부 외국인 환자의 구강건강 및 치과치료 현황을 분석하고 외국인의 구강건강증진안 개발에 필요한 기초 데이터를 제공하 고자 한다. 연구자료는 2019년 12월부터 2023년 4월까지 서울 C치과를 방문한 외국인 환자 305명의 치과 차트에서 수집 및 분석되었다. 우식경 험영구치, 치조골, 기능 치아, 치과치료 필요 및 수요를 IBM SPSS 28.0 프로그램을 사용하여 분석했다. 연구결과 우식치아는 상악, 하악의 2대구 치에서 높게 나타났고 충전치아는 상악 중절치, 상악 우측 2대구치, 하 악 1대구치에서 높게 나타났으며 상실치아는 상악과 하악 1대구치가 가 장 높게 나타났다. 충전치료가 필요한 우식치는 3.83개, 신경치료가 우식 치는 4.60개, 상실 치아는 1.27개, 치료치아는 1.18개로 나타났다. 하악 구치부에서 치조골 흡수율이 높았고, 기능치아는 25.7개로 나타났다. 환 자의 국적에 따라 치주 치료와 임플란트 치료의 필요성은 유의한 차이가 있었다(p <0.05). 또한 보험가입 유무에 따른 치주치료와 발치율에 유의한 차이가 있었다(p <0.05). 결과적으로 저작기능이 높은 구치부는 우식 발생 률이 높았고, 국가별, 보험 가입별로 치료 요구도에 차이가 있었다. 구강 건강을 개선하기 위해서는 정기검진을 통해 질병을 조기에 발견하고 치 료하는 것이 요구되었다.

Oral cancer has a high mortality rate, making early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment and prognosis. Unlike other cancers, oral cancer develops in the oral cavity, enabling direct contact between saliva and cancer cells. Therefore, saliva is a more useful diagnostic tool than serum or tissue. When DNA, RNA, or proteins produced by cancer cells enter the saliva, they can be easily detected as tumor markers. Therefore, salivary biomarkers can serve as a noninvasive alternative to serum- or tissue-based biomarkers. Early diagnosis is essential for increasing the treatment success rate, improving prognosis, and enhancing post-treatment recovery, ultimately improving the quality of life. Proteins are essential molecules involved in key processes, such as the development, growth, death, and metastasis of oral cancer. Recent advancements in molecular biology and salivary proteomics have enabled the detection and analysis of numerous proteins in saliva. Many of these protein molecules are currently the focus of extensive research. This article aims to review the potential of saliva as a diagnostic tool, techniques for detecting protein biomarkers, and salivary protein biomarkers for oral cancer diagnosis.

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease, with the reticular type being the most common among its subtypes, while the erosive type is known to have a relatively higher risk of malignant transformation. The reticular subtype of OLP has a low risk of malignancy, whereas the erosive subtype has a higher risk, leading to a debate on whether OLP should be considered a precancerous lesion. On the other hand, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor occurring in the oral cavity. It often originates from precancerous lesions, and due to its often unclear early symptoms, there is a growing need for early diagnosis. This study aims to identify salivary biomarkers associated with malignant transformation from OLP to OSCC through a literature review. The review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on the last 20 years. The search keywords used were "Oral lichen planus reticular," "Oral lichen planus erosive," "Oral squamous cell carcinoma," and "Biomarker." Compared to healthy controls, a total of 48 biomarkers showed increased or decreased expression in OLP-reticular, 43 in OLP-erosive, and 54 in OSCC. There were 27 common biomarkers between OLP-reticular and OLP-erosive, and 11 common biomarkers between OLP-erosive and OSCC. Nine biomarkers were common across OLP-reticular, OLP-erosive, and OSCC. Among the 27 biomarkers showing a shift from OLP-reticular to OLP-erosive, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TBARS were observed to increase in expression as the condition progressed from OLP-reticular to OLP-erosive. The nine biomarkers involved in the transition from OLP-reticular to OLP-erosive and subsequently to OSCC were TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, CD44, MMP-9, Catalase, and Survivin. Notably, Survivin was found to decrease in expression in both OLP-reticular and OLP-erosive compared to healthy controls, but its expression increased in OSCC, making it the most noteworthy biomarker.

Hyperoxaluria is a disorder associated with an increased risk of renal stones, one of the most common conditions. For people with hyperoxaluria, there are a limited number of effective therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to examine whether an oxalate-degrading enzyme, oxalate decarboxylase (OxdC), can inhibit crystallization of calcium oxalate (CaOx) in vitro, and whether it can prevent nephrolithiasis caused by CaOx induced by ethylene glycol (EG) in rats. When OxdC was applied at various concentrations to CaOx in vitro, there was a significant reduction in the crystallization of CaOx. The OxdC was found to inhibit crystal formation as well as the formation of crystals that had sharp edges. In animal experiments, rats that had been treated with EG showed impaired renal filtration functions, as well as increased deposition of CaOx crystals and the creation of kidney stones. It has been found that oral administration of OxdC to rats with chronic EG-induced nephrolithiasis that is characterized by CaOx intratubular crystal deposits with hyperoxaluria dramatically reduces the severity of the disease. The results of this study point to a potential therapeutic approach for treating human hyperoxaluria as well as CaOx nephrolithiasis that could be achieved by the oral administration of OxdC.

The oral microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining oral and overall health and affects immune responses, digestion, and pathogen suppression. While most studies focus on age groups prone to specific conditions, such as dental caries in children or periodontal disease in older adults, limited data exist on preschool-aged children and young adults. This study investigates the composition and diversity of the oral microbiome between these age groups for enhanced understanding of a healthy oral microbiome. Microbial samples from the supragingival regions of 41 children and 31 young adults in Korea were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity were assessed, and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified taxa with significant differences in abundance between the groups. No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between children and young adults however, beta diversity analysis revealed notably compositional differences. At the phylum level, Firmicutes were more abundant in children, whereas Actinobacteria were more prevalent in young adults. Genera such as Veillonella and Lautropia were more abundant among children, whereas Haemophilus and Rothia were more common among young adults. LEfSe analysis identified Veillonella rogosae and Lautropia mirabilis as more abundant in children, whereas Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Rothia dentocariosa were more prevalent in young adults. The observed differences suggest that children’s microbiomes are associated with biofilm development, while young adults’ microbiomes involve biofilm maturation and immune modulation. These findings highlight the age-related shift in oral microbiome composition, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these changes to support long-term oral health.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused by the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins, activates the unfolded protein response to maintain cellular homeostasis and is implicated in bacterial infections. This study investigated ER stress activation in THP-1-derived macrophages infected with oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis , Prevotella intermedia , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , and Streptococcus oralis at an multiplicity of infection of 50 for 4 hours. mRNA and protein expressions related to ER stress were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, while pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. P. gingivalis induced the highest mRNA expression of XBP1 and PERK, whereas A. actinomycetemcomitans showed elevated GRP78, ATF6, IRE1α, ATF4, and CHOP. P. intermedia strongly expressed PERK, while S. oralis showed higher GRP78, PERK, ATF4, and CHOP expression. Protein analysis revealed S. oralis had the highest phosphorylation levels of eIF2α and IRE1α, while CHOP was most highly expressed in P. intermedia . Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression showed P. intermedia and P. gingivalis elicited the most TNF-α, while P. gingivalis induced the highest IL-1β levels. These findings suggest oral bacteria induce varying levels of ER stress, influencing the progression of oral infectious diseases. Targeting ER stress could offer therapeutic potential for managing inflammatory conditions like periodontitis.

본 연구는 포천노인복지센터에서 2022년도에 경기특화사업으로 실행한 ‘융복합 재가노인 맞춤형영 양지원사업’의 연속으로 고령재가노인을 대상으로 집합교육 및 치과내원, 재가서포터즈단을 활용한 재택멘토링 교육 등 구강관리사업 수행 사전, 사후 측정과 비참여집단과의 비교 결과를 정량적으로 검증하고 정성적으로 도출하는 것을 목적한다. 연구대상은 포천노인복지센터 재가노인지원서비스 수혜자 중 사례관리를 통해 30여명을 선정하여 먼저 참여자의 사회인구학적 요인의 정규분포성으로 Shapiro-Wilk 활용 결과 연구가설이 채택되었다. 자료의 수집은 10개월 사업기간 전후반에 설문을 통해 실행되었으며, 비 참여자의 경우 사업 종료후 에 설문자료를 수집하였다. 첫 번째 연구문제의 실험1에서는 참여 전체집단(N=30)은 고령으로 인한 정규분포성 불안정과 소수 집단으로 비모수통계 Wilcoxon(W)로 사용 척도에 대해 사전/사후 차이 정도를 확인하였다. 실험2에서 참여 틀니집단(N=17)과 비틀니집단(N=13)의 사전비교와 사후비교 차이는 동질성 Levene(F) 확인 후 두 독립표본의 Mann-Whitney(U)를 활용한 결과로 확인하였다. 두 번째 연구문제에서는 구강관리사업 참여 전체집단(N=30)과 비참여 집단(N=30)에 대한 추후 구 강보건인식 척도를 동질성 Levene(F) 확인 후 두 독립표본의 Mann-Whitney(U)를 활용하여 확인하였다. 이에 추가하여 정성적인 평가로 각 단위프로그램별 진행과 성과에 대해 FGI를 기술하였다. 본 연구 결과 저소득 고령재가노인의 구강관리 인식 미흡으로 표본집단의 정규분포성이 불안정하 며 위드코로나 고려 소수 재가서포터즈단이 재택멘토링을 수행하였기에 비모수통계방식 적용 및 일 부 영가설이 기각되지 않아 효과크기(Effect Size)를 적용한 검증으로 사업에 효과가 있음을 정량적으로 도출하였다.

마비성 패류독소 중독증(paralytic shellfish poisoning; PSP)은 삭시톡신과 그 유사체로 오염된 패류를 섭취했을 때 발생하며, 저림, 구토 등의 증상에서부터 근육 마비와 심각한 경우 호흡 마비로 이어져 사망에 이를 수 있다. 독 성등가계수(toxic equivalency factors; TEFs)는 다양한 마 비성 패류독소의 독성을 표준화하여 위험성을 평가하는 데 사용된다. 마비성 패류독소를 검출하기 위해 사용되던 마우스 생체 실험(mouse bioassay; MBA)에 대한 윤리적 문제가 제기되면서 고성능액체크로마토그래피와 같은 기 기 분석법으로의 전환이 시도되고 있지만, 유사체들의 적절 한 TEF를 설정하기 위해서는 여전히 동물 모델을 통한 생 체 내 독성 데이터가 필수적이다. 본 연구에서는 동물 수를 줄이면서도 신뢰할 수 있는 경구투여 독성 결과를 얻기 위 해 삼단계 반응표면-경로 (three-level RSP) 설계를 사용했다. 인증 표준 물질을 이용하여 각 독소의 초기 용량과 조정 계 수를 결정하고 시험을 진행했으며, STX.2HCl, NeoSTX, dcSTX, GTX1&4, GTX2&3, dcGTX2&3의 반수치사량 (및 TEF) 값은 각각 451.3 (1.00), 306.5 (1.47), 860.9 (0.52), 644.5 (0.70), 915.3 (0.49), 2409.3 (0.19)로 나타났다. 도출된 TEF 값은 2016년 WHO에서 권고한 TEF 값뿐만아니라, 이 전에 보고된 경구 투여 반수치사량을 기반으로 한 TEF 값 과 강한 상관관계를 보였다. 본 연구는 마비성 패류독소 뿐 만 아니라 신규 미관리 해양생물독소에 대해 적절한 TEF를 설정하는 데 있어 삼단계 반응표면경로 설계를 윤리적 우 려와 신뢰할 수 있는 독성 데이터의 필요성 사이에서 효과 적으로 균형을 맞출 수 있는 방법으로 제안한다.

이 연구는 대학생의 생활패턴과 구강건강 관련성을 분석하여 생활패턴 별 구강보건교육안을 기획하는데 필요한 기초자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 2024년 5월 한 달 동안 K 대학교 재학 중인 학생 121명의 온라인 설문 조사 자료를 SPSS 프로그램으로 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 생활패턴 은 저녁형이 많았고 치과 정기검진자는 여자가 많았다. 생활패턴별 일상 생활구강건강영향지수 분석결과 구강건조감은 저녁형과 스트레스 상위집 단이 유의하게 높게 나타났다. 생활패턴, 스트레스, 구강건조감, 악관절 장애 및 OIDP 상관성 분석 결과 생활패턴은 구강건조감과 양의 상관관계 (.284, p <0.01), 스트레스는 구강건조감과 양의 상관관계(.316, p <0.01), 구강건조감은 OIDP와 양의 상관성(.281, p <0.01)이 있는 것으로 나타났 다. 생활패턴별 스트레스 경험 수준과 구강 관리습관, 구강증상 경험, 일 상생활구강건강영향지수는 차이가 있어 구강보건교육시 이를 반영하여 교육한다면 개인 특성에 따른 구강건강증진을 도모할 수 있을 것으로 사 료된다.

Periodontal disease (PD) is strongly linked to increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); however, the specific mechanism through which the development of PD and OSCC is simultaneously promoted remains unclear. This study explored the impact of periodontal pathogens on OSCC progression and the contribution of periodontal pathogen-stimulated OSCC to PD development. The expression of osteoclastogenesis-inducing factors was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis following stimulation of OSCC with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a pathogen commonly responsible for PD. The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to determine the effects of Pg-LPS on OSCC proliferation and drug resistance to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The effects of conditioned medium (CM) derived from Pg-LPS–stimulated OSCC on osteoclastogenesis was evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Pg-LPS administration in SCC-25 and YD-8 OSCC cell lines induced a significant increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand mRNA expression; however, it did not affect cell proliferation. Treatment with CM derived from Pg-LPS–stimulated SCC-25 or YD-8 cells markedly enhanced the formation of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells during osteoclast differentiation of BMMs. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that Pg-LPS–stimulated OSCC promoted osteoclastogenesis through a paracrine mechanism.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, including fatal outcomes. This study aims to review gustatory and salivary secretion dysfunctions and determine their potential pathogenic mechanisms. Gustatory impairment and salivary dysfunction are prevalent among patients with acute COVID-19 and those recovering from the disease. The mouth serves as a critical entry route for SARS-CoV-2. The cells within the oral epithelium, taste buds, and minor and major salivary glands express key entry factors for SARS-CoV-2, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin. The co-occurrence of gustatory and salivary secretion dysfunctions possibly has pathogenetic association with the following factors: the expression of SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry receptors in the taste buds and salivary glands and SARS-CoV-2–induced zinc deficiency, which is crucial for normal taste perception and saliva secretion. Furthermore, the cytokine storm triggered by COVID-19 contributes to secondary damage affecting gustatory and salivary functions.

Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases that can occur in calves, causing severe diarrhea. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of oral administration of single-domain antibodies, single variable domain of heavy chain of HCAb (VHH), on the prevention and treatment of rotavirus-induced diarrhea in calves. Thirty calves were divided into five experimental groups (negative control, positive control, group A, group B and group C). Except for the negative control group, the experimental groups were inoculated with BRV on the 4th day after birth. The VHH supplementation groups were fed with a substitute milk containing different concentrations of VHH (1%, 2.5% and 7.5%). Changes in body weight, clinical symptoms, serum antibodies, and virus detection in feces were observed for a total of 10 days in each experimental group. The results showed a higher survival rate in the VHH supplementation groups compared to the positive control group. Clinical symptoms caused by rotavirus were alleviated in the VHH supplementation groups. The detection rate of rotavirus in feces also decreased. Gross findings indicated that the severity of disease in the VHH supplementation groups was milder than that in the positive control group. Therefore, VHH could be proposed as a useful alternative for the prevention and treatment of rotavirus-induced diarrhea in calves.

최근 국내외 화장품과 식품산업에서 다양하게 사용되어 지고 있는 콜라겐 단백질 제품은 점차 그 용도와 특성에 따라 보다 고도화, 기능화 되어 가고 있다. 피부 건강의 지표인 콜라겐은 다양한 용도로 개발되어 사용되고 있으 며, 콜라겐의 소비가 증가함에 따라 용도에 적합한 최적 화된 콜라겐 제품의 개발이 중요한 연구 분야이다. 특히 여러 기업과 연구기관들에 의해서 콜라겐의 흡수율을 높 이기 위한 다양한 노력이 이루어지고 있다. 따라서 본 연 구에서는 프란즈(Franz) 세포 시스템을 이용하여 국내에서 판매되는 다양한 분자량별 콜라겐 제품의 경피 및 구강 상피세포 투과성을 비교하였다. 그 결과, 피부 표피/진피 조직과 비교하여 구강점막 조직의 콜라겐 흡수율이 분자 량 500달톤과 1,000달톤의 경우 모두 통계적으로 유의하 게(각각 약 10배, 2배) 높은 것으로 확인되었다. 또한, 분 자량별 구강점막 조직 흡수율을 비교한 결과, 분자량 500 달톤의 콜라겐이 분자량 1,000달톤 제품에 비해 흡수율이 2-3배 증가함을 확인하였다. 분자량 500달톤의 경우 Cmax 와 AUCt 값이 가장 높게 나타났으며, 피부 표피/진피 세 포에 비해 구강점막세포 시험군의 모든 지표가 높은 것으 로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과는 피부 흡수보다는 구강 점막 세포를 통한 콜라겐의 흡수방법이 콜라겐 체내 흡수증가 에 유효한 수단임을 시사하며, 분자량 1,000달톤 이하에서 도 보다 더 작은 500달톤의 저분자 콜라겐의 흡수율이 증 가되는 것으로 보아 콜라겐의 분자량이 흡수율 증가의 주 요한 요소임을 확인할 수 있었다.

Oral verruciform xanthoma (OVX) is an uncommon benign lesion of the oral mucosa, clinically mimicking various verrucous lesions. This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of OVX. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with OVX were collected. The patients’ age, sex, medical history, clinical features, and treatment were reviewed. Archived slides were reviewed, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with CD68, CD1a, and S-100 were performed. OVXs affected 13 males and 8 females (M: F=1.6:1) with a mean age of 52 ± 21 years. The most prevalent site was the gingiva (57.1%), followed by the hard palate (28.5%). The lesions presented as an asymptomatic solitary lesion with verrucous or granular surface, with exception of one case with multiple papules on the hard palate. PAS-positive granules were found in xanthoma cells in 14 (66%) specimens. IHC revealed that xanthoma cells were positive for CD68 and negative for CD1a and S-100 in all specimens. Most lesions were successfully excised, and none of the lesions have recurred. Clinicians should include OVX in the differential diagnosis of various verrucous lesions in the oral cavity to provide appropriate management.

Traditional medicine and herbal remedies are gaining popularity worldwide, comprising a significant portion of healthcare research, advancements, and market demand. Growing scientific evidence supports their substantial efficacy as pharmaceutical ingredients and dietary supplements in preventive healthcare. When developing pharmaceuticals, it is crucial to ensure that ingredients are free from side effects and toxicity in order to prioritize safety. Geckos, known as shou gong, are a diverse group of lizards that are widely utilized for treating various diseases in Korean Medicine. This study was conducted to assess the potential acute toxicity of a water extract Gekko gecko by a single oral dose in Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty rats of each sex were randomly assigned to four groups (5 rats each). Test articles were administrated once by oral gavage to rats at dose levels of 0, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg body weight. Mortality, changes of body weight, and clinical signs of gross observation were monitored for 14 days after dosing. At the end of a 14-day observation period, all animals were sacrificed and complete macroscopic and hematological examinations were performed. There was no dead animal or test article-related effect on clinical signs, body weight, or gross finding. Other specific changes were not found between control and treated groups in hematology. Results showed no adverse effect at a dose of 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg in rats. The minimal lethal dose was considered to be over 2,000 mg/kg body weight in rats.