• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.54-62
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of the test substance, SU-Eohyeol Pharmacopuncture (SUEP), to induce micronuclei in bone marrow cells of Sprague-Dawley (SD) Rats. Methods : The dose range preliminary study was performed first. 1 ml/animal was selected as the high dose of this study. Two additional lower dose levels (0.5 and 0.25 ml/animal) were produced by applying a geometric ratio of 2. In addition, the positive and negative control groups were set. Then, after intramuscular administration (1 ml/animal) of SUEP to 8-week-old male SD rats, an in vivo micronucleus test was performed to evaluate the induction of micronuclei in SD rat bone marrow cells. Results : As a result of the main study, the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) in the test substance SUEP groups was not statistically significantly different from the negative control group. In addition, the ratio of PCE to total erythrocytes in the test substance SUEP groups was not statistically significantly different from the negative control group. In the positive control group, the incidence of MNPCE in PCE was statistically significantly increased when compared to the negative control group. The ratio of PCE to total erythrocytes in the positive control group was not statistically significantly different from the negative control group. Conclusions : Based on these results, the test substance, SUEP, did not have any potential to induce micronuclei formation in bone marrow cells of rats under the conditions of this study.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.172-183
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• 2022

Objectives : An error was found in the recent standard by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the locations of the Upper arm Route of Lung Meridian (URLM) and its acupoints LU3 and LU4. This possible incorrect information is being taught throughout Korean medicine colleges nationwide, which follow WHO standards. Therefore, an investigation is required to sort out this discrepancy based on the evidence in historical documents. Methods : The location of WHO's URLM and LU3 and LU4 were compared with corresponding information in the classical literature. The anatomical structure mentioned in these classical documents was examined. Finally, an assessment was conducted on whether this structure is reflected in the WHO standards. Results : Classical literature prior to the early 20th century records the locations of the Lung Meridian and LU3 and LU4 of the upper arm to be in the artery on the medial aspect. This artery corresponds to the brachial artery. The location established by the WHO is on the anterolateral side of the upper arm, where no large arteries exist that can be found by haptic search or angiographically. The anterolateral side of the upper arm belongs to the Yang aspect, which does not coincide with the Yin aspect of Lung Meridian. Conclusions : The WHO's URLM and LU3-4 standards do not agree with the classical literature. The correct route must coincide with the brachial artery passing through the medial side of the humerus. The actual location of LU3-4 is on the medial aspect of the arm, just medial to the border of the biceps brachii muscle, on the brachial artery, 3-4 B-cun inferior to the anterior axillary fold.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.43-50
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• 2024

Objectives : Samanhyeol is a combination of acupoints located in the cubital and popliteal fossa. It is commonly used in clinical practice to treat acute illnesses such as summerheat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diseases. There are two types of Samanhyeol in literature: BL40 and LU5, and BL40 and PC3. We investigated which acupoint is representative of Samanhyeol, and more closely fits the definition of Samanhyeol between LU5 and PC3. Methods : We searched for literature related to Samanhyeol, compared the anatomical locations of LU5, PC3, and BL40, examined their indications associated with the effectiveness of Samanhyeol, and checked cases in the literature where LU5 or PC3 was used concurrently with BL40. Results : BL40, one of the Samanhyeol, has been used to treat summerheat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and epistaxis in acupuncture texts, and there are many references in the literature to BL40 being used for bloodletting. And BL40 is located in the midpoint of the traverse crease of the popliteal fossa. From this perspective, LU5 may be a more suitable than PC3 because it is located in the midpoint of the cubital crease. However, Samanhyeol is a combination of acupoints used to treat heat stroke, vomiting and diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diseases. Upon analyzing the literature, it was found that LU5 and PC3 have similar efficacy. However, PC3 was used more frequently in cases of severe fever, unconsciousness or syncope. Conclusions : Literature suggests that BL40 is the representative acupoint for Samanhyeol. And PC3 is more appropriate than LU5 for Samanhyeol because its effects are more stronger on heat stroke although both LU5 and PC3 can treat symptoms related to Samanhyeol.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.282-289
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to construct a model of the possible thermal runaway of electronic moxibustion and to implement an appropriate risk management method. Methods : To reproduce the system error situation of the electronic moxibustion circuit equipped with microcontroller unit, temperature sensor and heater, a code was set to disable the signal input to temperature sensor and maintain "high" heating signal to heater. The temperature change of electronic moxibustion was compared between 3 types of heater module; module 1 consisting of a combination of heater+0 ohm+0 ohm resistance, module 2 consisting of a combination of heater+Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC)+0 ohm resistance, and module 3 consisting of a combination of heater+PPTC+10 ohm resistance. The temperature change was measured using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone phantom. After maintaining surface temperature of the phantom at 31~32℃ for 20 seconds, electronic moxibustion was applied. After operating electronic moxibustion, the temperature change was measured for 660 seconds on the surface and 900 seconds at 2 mm depth. Results : Regardless of the module type, the time-dependent change in temperature showed a rapid rise followed by a gentle curve, and a sharp drop in temperature after reaching the maximum temperature about 10 minutes after the switching the moxibustion on. Temperature measured at the depth of 2 mm below the surface increased slower and to a lesser extent. Module 1 reached highest peak temperature with largest change of temperature at both depths followed by module 2, and 3. Conclusions : Through the combination of PPTC+resistance with the heater of electronic moxibustion, it is possible to limit the rise in temperature even with the software error. Thus, this setting can be used as an independent safety measure for the electronic moxibustion control unit.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to provide information regarding the status and quality of mobile applications (MAs) using self-acupressure by performing a systematic review. Methods : We conducted comprehensive searching on five international databases and two app markets from inception to July 31, 2022 to identify MAs using self-acupressure. We analyzed the characteristics of each MA regarding the name of the MA, registered app markets, target symptoms, developers, the year and country of development, cost, target age, media function, and expertise. We assessed the quality of each MA using Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Results : We identified a total of 30 MAs using self-acupressure (25 MAs from the app market and 6 MAs from clinical studies, with 1 MA in common). 17 out of 24 MAs from the app market provided self-acupressure regimens for various symptoms and the others provided regimens for specific symptoms such as memory, anxiety, depression, asthma, allergy, low back pain, and headache. 14 developers were reported. 23 MAs were developed after 2013. The largest number of MAs were developed in the United States. The target age group of 12 MAs was above the age of 3, and that of 11 MAs was above the age of 12. 14 MAs provided multimedia functions such as videos. 13 MAs provided information of expertise. From clinical studies, only 3 out of 6 MAs were accessible through the app market. 4 MAs were developed by the researchers of the study. In terms of MARS, the score of MAs from the app market was higher than that of MAs from clinical studies in both objective and subjective evaluation areas. Conclusions : This study summarizes the characteristics of MAs using self-acupressure. More MAs using self-acupressure should be developed and further clinical research for MA on each symptom and disease is warranted for the diversification of MA fields using self-acupressure.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.109-127
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• 2023

Objectives : It was conducted to experimentally analyze the effects of acupuncture treatment at CV12, ST25, and ST36 on weight, FBCS, fat metabolism, microbiome, and metabolome changes in the general diet rat and the high-fat diet rat. Methods : It was classified into four groups: general diet & non-treatment group (ND), general diet & acupuncture treatment group (ND+AT), high-fat diet & non-treatment group (HFD), and high-fat diet & acupuncture treatment group (HFD-AT). After acupuncture treatment was performed on CV12, ST25, and ST36, changes in body weight, FBCS, fat metabolism, microbiome, and metabolome were analyzed. Results : Compared to the ND group, acupuncture treatment performed on CV12, ST25, and ST36 in the ND+AT group had no significant effect. Compared to the HFD group, CV12, ST25, and ST36 acupuncture in the HFD+AT group reduced weight, fat weight, inflammatory cytokine IL-6 expression, and lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissue. Acupuncture can promote fat metabolism and relieve inflammatory conditions. Differences in diversity between ND and HFD groups were clear in changes in microbiome, fecal metabolites, and serum metabolites. As a result of some microbiome and metabolites involved in fat decomposition, intestinal lipid absorption, and blood lipid concentration control, such as Intestinimonas, Ruminococcus 1, pyroglutamic acid, tryptophan, and inositol, it was observed that the acupuncture treatment effect was evident in the disease-induced imbalance. Conclusions : Acupuncture treatment performed on CV12, ST25, ST36 clearly observed various regulatory actions on obesity induced by high-fat diet, confirming that the action of acupuncture treatment mainly plays a role in controlling an unbalanced state.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.151-161
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• 2021

Objectives : The effects of a combined stimulation of 658 nm, 830 nm, 904 nm, and 1064 nm laser acupuncture treatment (LAT) and electroacupuncture treatment (EAT) on GB39 and GB34 on neuropathic pain in rats induced by tibial and sural nerve transection were studied in this paper. Methods : To express a neuropathic pain model, surgery was performed to transection rats' tibial and sural nerves. The rats were divided into normal group, control group, and experimental groups. In addition, the experimental groups were divided into 658 nm laser and electroacupuncture (LAT658+EAT), 830 nm laser and electroacupuncture (LAT830+EAT), 904 nm laser and electroacupuncture (LAT904+EAT), and 1064 nm laser and electroacupuncture (LAT830+EAT). For the treatment of the experimental groups, electroacupuncture and different laser wavelengths were alternately applied to GB34 and GB39 twice a week for 3 weeks for 1 minute 30 seconds. The withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by acetone stimulation was observed, as well as the c-Fos in the central gray region in the midbrain of neuropathic rats together with Bax, Bcl2, and mGluR5 expressions associated with apoptosis. Results : Compared with the control group, a significant decrease in the frequency of paw withdrawal in response to acetone allodynia was observed in LAT658+EAT and LAT830+EAT groups in 6th times, LAT904+EAT group in 2^nd, 3^rd, and 6^th times, and LAT1064+EAT group in 2^nd and 6^th times, respectively. For c-fos positive cells in the central gray region, a significant decrease was observed in LAT830+EAT, LAT904+EAT, and LAT1064+EAT groups in comparison with the control group. In Bax expression, LAT1064+EAT group showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. In Bcl-2 expression, the LAT658+EAT,the LAT904+EAT, and the LAT1064+EAT groups increased significantly compared to the control group. LAT830+EAT, LAT904+EAT, and LAT1064+EAT groups showed significantly increased mGlu5 expression compared to the control group. Conclusions : The combination of laser for each wavelength and electroacupuncture alternately performed in this study is thought to be effective in improving neuropathic pain and apoptosis.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.37-47
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-oxidative and the anti-inflammatory effects of Danpitang(DPT) extract in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : The macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells were used and MTT assay was performed to measure the cell viabilities at the various concentrations of DPT($50-400{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). Nitric oxide(NO) was measured in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Expressions of iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were also performed by real-time PCR. Protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 was confirmed by western blot. The anti-oxidant activities of DPT was measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results : 1. There was no cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells treated with DPT compared to the control. 2. DPT treated group significantly inhibited NO production compared to the LPS treated group. 3. DPT treated group significantly decreased mRNA expressions of iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 compared to the LPS treated group. 4. To evaluate the safety of the products for the human body, Adverse events, SCORAD Index Assessment were conducted; There were no severe adverse events during this study. And SCORAD Index showed a statistically significant decrease in treatment group in baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Therefore, it is suggested that products, if used for certain period, should be safe for the human body. 5. DPT was found to have high DPPH free radical scavenging ability. Conclusions : According to the above results, DPT can be used as a therapy in various anti-inflammatory skin diseases.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.90-98
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• 2023

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and is characterized by the loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). In a previous in vitro study, we demonstrated that Sihogyeji-tang (SG), Sihosogan-tang (SS), and Sihocheonggan-tang (SC) have the potential to be candidate medicines for PD. This study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effect of SG, SS, and SC using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg of MPTP for 5 days and orally administered SG, SS and SC for 12 days from the first MPTP injection. Motor function was assessed using the pole test and the rotarod test. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and striatum was evaluated through tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Results : MPTP administration resulted in behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and striatum. In the pole test, treatment with SG, SS, and SC alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction on day 5 and 12. In the rotarod test, SS and SG alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction on day 5, while only SS showed improvement on day 12. SS and SG significantly protected dopaminergic neurons in the SN from MPTP toxicity, and all three compounds (SG, SS, and SC) showed significant protection in the striatum. Notably, SS demonstrated superior efficacy in suppressing MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death compared to SG and SC. Conclusions : These findings suggest that SS is the most effective formula among SG, SS, and SC for PD, indicating its potential role in the treatment of PD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.57-65
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• 2005

대계는 전통 한의학에서 약용 물질로 널리 쓰이고 있으므로, 대계의 약침을 조제하여 항산화적 활성을 검증해 보았다. 실험의 재료로 쓰인 대계는 동국대학교 한의과대학 부속 한방 병원에서 구입하여 사용하였고 (경상북도 경주), 이를 약침액으로 조제한 후 동결 건조 방법으로 5.1 %의 분말을 회수 하였다. 대계 약침액의 항산화 능력을 측정하기 위하여 DPPH자유기의 소거능은 Gyamfi et al. 의 방법을 따랐고, superoxide radicals $(O_2^-{\cdot})$ 소거능은 Gotoh et al.의 방법을 일부 수정하여 사용하였다. Hydroxyl radicals의 직접적인 소거능과 iron ions 사이의 관계는 deoxyribose assay를 통하여 검증하였다. 이상의 실험 결과에서 1) Non-site-specific scavenging assay (hydroxyl radicals, OH) 및 2) Site-specific scavenging assay (chelate iron ions) 그리고 3) 전산화 효과에서 모두 대계 약침액은 농도 의존적인 저해 효과를 보였으며, 특히 pro-oxidant 실험에서는 산화를 촉진하지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 끝으로 hydorxyl radical에 의하여 매개되는 DNA의 분절 효과를 적절하게 방어하는 것을 관찰할 수 있었다. 따라서 대계 약침액은 산화적 스트레스를 직접적으로 방어 하고, 다양한 산화적 손상에 의한 병증을 예방할 것으로 사료된다.