Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) extracted with sterile distilled water on cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Materials and Methods : Two cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, SNU-1079 and SNU-1196, were used in this study. Cells were treated with different concentrations of RVS for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell count, viability, apoptosis, and mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, survivin, caspase-3, and cyclin D1 and P21 were determined with an automatic cell counter (ADAM-MC), MTT assay, apoptosis assay (Annexin-V/PI staining), and RT-PCR. Results : All cells treated with RVS showed decreased cell counts in a dose-dependent manner. RVS inhibited proliferation of SNU-1196 in a dose-dependent manner, but SNU-1079 proliferation was inhibited in the long-time culture group in a dose-dependent manner. The proportion of early and late-stage apoptotic cells was increased by RVS in a dose-dependent manner in SNU-1196. In contrast, it was increased significantly in SNU-1079 treated with high-dose RVS. After treatment with RVS, the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was decreased while Bax was increased in SNU-1079. Cyclin D1 mRNA levels were decreased in SNU-1196 in a dose-dependent manner. P21 expression was increased in all cells after the treatment with RVS. Conclusions : RVS appears to have potential as a therapeutic agent for cholangiocarcinoma.

Objectives : In Korea, Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has been used in traditional medicine for various diseases such as back pain, syndromes of the blood system in women, gastrointestinal disease, and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity have not been clearly elucidated yet. Methods : This study investigated the possible mechanisms by which RVS extract (RVE) exerts its anti-proliferative action in cultured human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells. Results : Treatment with RVE in MCF-7 cells resulted in inhibition of cell viability through G1 arrest of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The induction of G1 arrest by RVE treatment was associated with the inhibition of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 2, retinoblastoma protein (pRB), and mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) expression. Moreover, RVE treatment concentration dependently increased the levels of tumor suppressor p53, which was associated with the marked induction of Cdk inhibitors such as p21 (Waf1/Cip1) and p27 (Kip1). However, the inhibition of p53 function by the wild-type p53-specific inhibitor, pifithrin-α, abolished the above-mentioned effects of RVE, showing that p53 was responsible for the cytotoxicity of RVE Conclusions : These data indicate that a molecular pathway involving p53-dependent G1 cell cycle arrest plays a pivotal role in the cellular response to RVE, and demonstrate the potential applications of RVE as an anti-cancer drug for breast cancer treatment.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to develop a standard tool of pattern identification for chronic cough, which will be applied to clinical research. Methods : The items and structures of the instrument were based on reviews of textbooks and published literature. The advisor committee on this study consisted of 11 Korean respiratory internal medicine professors, one clinical fellow, and five clinicians with 10 years of experience. The questionnaire, which includes the signs and symptoms of chronic cough, was studied by the delphi method. Delphi examination was carried out via email, through evaluating the importance of symptoms included in each pattern. Results : We divided the pattern identification of chronic cough into five patterns: Wind-Cold, Phlegm-Turbidity, Liver-Fire, Lung Deficiency, and Kidney Yang Deficiency. By the Delphi method and a score evaluation, 38 items were chosen for pattern identification of chronic cough. Conclusions : Through this study, we created a Korean instrument for the pattern identification tool for chronic cough. We expect to apply this tool to subsequent research as its validity and reliability are further confirmed.

Objectives : This study is to report the effects of SokPyeonAnGel (SPAG) on patients with reflux esophagitis. Methods : Four patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, who had suffered from different symptoms, were diagnosed with reflux esophagitis by gastroscopy. SPAG was orally administered 30 minutes after each meal, 3 times a day. Analysis of the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) for GERD symptoms and quality of life was performed before and 1~3 weeks after SPAG treatment. Results and Conclusions : The rating scores decreased by 1~4 points after treatment. In particular, there was a 2-point decrease in “How often did you take additional medication for your heartburn and/or regurgitation?” except for one patient who hadn't taken additional medication. This suggests that SPAG could be used to treat symptoms of reflux esophagitis.

Objectives : The purpose of this report is to investigate the effect of Taeeumin Cheonghyeolgangki-tang on chronic contact dermatitis caused by cement. Methods : A 52-year-old male patient was diagnosed with contact dermatitis with the Questionnaire for Sasang Constitutional Classification-II (QSCC-II) as well as the four methods of diagnosis (四診), and treated with Taeeumin Cheonghyeolgangki-tang (qīngxuèjiàngqí-tāng). We observed redness and scaling on both palms, and recorded photographs of any changes during the inpatient and outpatient treatment period. Results : The symptoms of contact dermatitis on both palms were significantly improved. Scaling and cracked skin disappeared and the redness almost resolved. Conclusions : Therefore, Taeeumin Cheonghyeolgangki-tang ( qīngxuèjiàngqí-tāng ) is effective on chronic contact dermatitis caused by cement.

목 적: 소세포 폐암 및 전이성 폐암은 폐암 중에서도 가장 예후가 불량하고 생존율도 상대적으로 낮은 암으로 알려져 있다. 난치성 폐암 환자에 대해 한방치료가 생존 기간 연장 및 삶의 질 관리면에 있어서 효과가 있음을 보여주고자 한다. 연구방법 및 대상: 본원에서 입원 및 통원치료를 병행한 소세포폐암 환자 1명과 원발성 간암에서 폐로 전이된 전이성 폐암 환자 1명에 대하여 한방치료의 효과 및 임상경과를 후향적으로 조사하였다. 치료기간은 각각 2000년 1월-2009년 12월과 2004년 9월-2014년 2월이었으며 한약치료는 평균 1개월 간격으로 행해졌으며 입원기간 동안에는 한약치료를 포함한 침구치료를 추가로 시행하였다. 치료효과 및 경과 판정을 위해 흉부 방사선 검사 및 혈액검사를 평균 1개월 간격으로 시행하였으며 내원시마다 환자의 증상 및 상태를 확인하였다. 결 과: 2명의 폐암 환자 모두 꾸준한 한방치료를 받으며 진단시점부터 9년 이상의 상당히 오랜 기간 동안 비교적 좋은 삶의 질을 유지하면서 종양으로 인한 임상경과 또한 완만하게 진행이 되었다. 결 론: 본 증례는 한방치료가 불응성 폐암 환자에 대해 삶의 질을 양호하게 유지하고 증상 조절 및 종양의 진행양상을 완화시켜 주며 나아가 생존기간 연장에도 효과가 있음을 보여준다.

본 증례보고는 퇴행성 관절염으로 양방병원에서 치료를 받던 중에 발생한 약인성 간손상으로 한방병원에서 진단 및 치료 받은 73세의 여성 환자의 증례를 소개하고자 한다. 환자는 약 3개월 동안 양방병원에서 비스테로이드성 소염제와 근육이완제 등을 처방 받아 오던 중 점차적으로 피로감과 오심 구역감 등의 위장장애를 호소하였다. 양방 의원에서 수 차례 약물치료를 하였으나 호전되지 않고 점차 극심한 피로감과 무기력감 및 위장증상으로 한방병원을 찾게 되었다. 한방병원에서 혈액검사상에 급성감염(AST 90 IU/L, ALT 100 IU/L, ALP 191 IU/L, GGT 614 IU/L) 소견을 보였다. 초음파 검사상 정상적 소견과 다른 기저질환의 배제 및 RUCAM score가 9로서 약인성 간손상으로 진단이 되었다. 15일간의 뜸치료와 침치료 및 한약물 (청간플러스시럽)의 복용으로 주관적 증상은 완전히 소실되었으며 GGT를 제외한 간기능 검사도 정상으로 회복되었다. 그동안 한약물과 관련된 약인성 간손상에 대한 연구가 주로 양의학계에서 이루어지다보니 한약물의 안전성에 대한 부정적 평가가 많았었다. 그러한 의미에서 본 증례보고는 양약에 의한 약인성 간손상에 대한 전형적인 증상의 특성을 보여주고 약인성 간손상에 대한 한의학적 관리 및 치료의 향후 연구에 대한 의미있는 증례를 제시한다고 하겠다.

This is a clinical report of one patient with mental disorientation, abnormal behavior, spasm, and other symptoms caused by poisoning with Xanthii Fructus, who recovered completely with treatment. The patient was treated with Korean medical treatments, such as herbal medicine and acupuncture. After treatment, various symptoms caused by the Xanthii Fructus poisoning disappeared completely and laboratory findings, such as liver function tests (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase), were also close to the normal ranges. This case shows that Korean medicine therapy can be applicable in treating various symptoms caused by Xanthii Fructus poisoning. It is considered that further research is needed to confirm the safe use of Xanthii Fructus.