• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.3
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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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• v.40 no.3
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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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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.184-193
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to understand the temperature characteristics depending on the thickness and material of the needle used with the Electronic Warm Acupuncture Device (EWAD). Methods : We controlled experimental environment and measured temperature changes of a silicon phantom in which K-type thermocouples were inserted at depths of 2, 7 mm. EWAD perfomed with acupuncture needles of various thicknesses (0.25×60 mm, 0.40×60 mm, and 0.50×60 mm) and materials (Gold 0.40×50 mm). We set non-needle (only heated with EWAD skin heater) group as a control group. Results : The maximum temperature and temperature changes of 0.40 mm, 0.50 mm needle group were significantly higher than the non-needle group. The highest temperature range in all needle groups was 0.50 mm needle group (41.44±0.31℃). However, the 0.25 mm needle group was not significantly different from the non-needle group. Maximum temperature of gold needle group was significantly higher than stainless steel needle group. Temperature changes of gold needle group were higher than stainless steel group at the depth of 7 mm. Conclusions : It was found that needle thickness and material of acupuncture had an effect on the temperature of the EWAD. When performing EWAD treatment, consideration of thickness and material of acupuncture is needed. Future research is needed using phantoms that can reflect actual clinical situations and better mimic the human body.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.141-148
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate on the application of the yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers for acupoints irradiation. Methods : We conducted a systematic search for peer-reviewed studies published from inception to November 2023, in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in English, Science ON, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) in Korean, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang in Chinese, and Japan Science Technology Information Aggregator, Electronic (J-STAGE) and Citation Information by NII (CiNii) in Japanese. Inclusion criteria were original articles including clinical and experimental studies related with YAG lasers for acupoints including Ashi or meridian sinews. Results : Among the 8 selected studies, there were 7 studies on human subjects and 1 study on animals, 7 studies on Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) laser, and 1 study on Er:YAG (2,940 nm) laser. A total of 16 acupoints were used, 15 of which were in the face and 1 of which was located in the foot. In addition, there were two studies using Ashi. 4 studies looked at the effect of pain relief, 2 studies looked at safety, 1 study looked at changes in blood flow, and 1 study looked at the effect of skin care. There were no reported adverse events, and the YAG laser was confirmed to be safe and effective in pain relief, beautifying the skin, and increasing blood flow. Conclusions : We suggest that high intensity YAG lasers can be applied to laser acupuncture or laser moxibustion. YAG lasers are considered to be worth using for various clinical indications of Korean medicine because of photobiomodulation effects, analgesic action, and deep penetration depth. Further scientific research and clinical evidences should be warranted.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.33-42
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• 2024

Objectives : The sigma-1 receptor is implicated in stress, depression, psychostimulant sensitization, and addiction vulnerability. Prior studies have indicated that ethanol exposure modulates sigma-1 receptor activity within the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA). Here, we explore the sub-mechanisms underlying sigma-1 receptor activity induced by HT7 (Shinmun) stimulation in behavioral alterations following acute ethanol (ETOH) administration. Methods : Male Wistar rats were investigated for pro- and anti-inflammatory markers after injection of ETOH (1 g/kg) using cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)s. After confirming that HT7 stimulation changed the total distance traveled in the open field test (OFT), protein changes in the Ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured by Western blotting. The expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after administration of a sigma-1 receptor antagonist (dihydrobromide 1047; BD1047, 10 mg/kg i.p.) and Shenmen (HT7) stimulation was compared. Results : As a result, acute ETOH administration increased proinflammatory marker levels (TNF-𝛼 and IL-6). HT7 stimulation restored the total distance response after acute ethanol administration. In addition, in the VTA, the levels of a microglial marker (iNOS), sigma-1 receptor and protein kinase C, which are predicted to be involved in up- and downregulation, were restored by HT7 stimulation. In particular, HT7 stimulation modulates iNOS expression through effects similar to BD treatment. This study suggests that the stimulatory effect of HT7 may be driven by microglial activation. Conclusions : Microglial activity is regulated by sigma-1 receptor, and sigma-1 receptor activity is regulated by HT7 stimulation. Significantly, we demonstrate that HT7 stimulation ameliorates behavioral alterations induced by acute ETOH administration through microglial activation within the VTA.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.101-109
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• 2024

Objectives : Cervical myofascial pain syndrome (C-MPS), a key aspect of Visual Display Terminals (VDT) Syndrome, leads to acute and chronic pain due to muscle shortening, potentially causing headaches and movement disorders. This study examines the effectiveness of Pharmacoacupuncture at the intersection of the Splenius Capitis (SC), Levator Scapulae (LS), and Serratus Posterior Superior(SPS) muscles under ultrasound guidance, known as the "SLS triangle" in treating C-MPS. Methods : Three patients (aged 30 to 37) with acute C-MPS presented at two Korean medicine clinics with severe neck pain and restricted cervical rotation. The evaluation of symptoms before treatment, immediately after treatment, and one day after treatment was conducted using the cervical rotation Range of motion (ROM) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for cervical pain. Treatments included Acupuncture, Cupping therapy, Chuna manipulation, Physical Therapy, and Pharmacopuncture (Jaha-geo extract, 2cc at the SLS triangle). Results : All three patients showed significant improvement post-treatment. Immediately after treatment, Patient 1's NRS improved from 7 to 2, Patient 2's NRS improved from 4 to 1, and Patient 3's NRS improved from 6 to 2. Directly after the procedure, there were no significant adverse reactions except for one patient experiencing temporary dizziness. When the patients were followed up by phone 24 hours later, no adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions : This study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture can significantly reduce pain and improve cervical rotation in patients with cervical myofascial pain syndrome. The findings suggest this non-invasive treatment is both safe and effective, warranting further research through larger-scale clinical trials to validate its efficacy and establish standardized protocols.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.66-78
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• 2014

Objectives : The specificity of acupuncture point has been a highly controversial subject. Existing researches said that ion-distribution differences are observed on the acupuncture point. This study was conducted under the assumption that multiple ionic changes induced by muscle fatigue would be different between the acupuncture point with non-acupuncture point. Methods : To induce the identical fatigue, twenty subjects performed the knee extension/flexion exercise using the Biodex System 3. ST32 and ST33 as well as adjacent non-acupuncture points were selected. We measured blood lactate and analyzed the median frequency(MF) and peak torque. To obtain the information on the extracellular fluid(ECW), intracellular fluid(ICW) and cell membrane indirectly, we used the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis(MF-BIA) method. Results : MF, peak torque and blood lactate level of all measurement sites were gradually returned to normal. Re resistance of ST32 had a stronger response, but a non-acupuncture point adjacent to ST33 had a larger response up to 20 minutes post exercise. Ri resistances were similar for both acupoints and non-acupoints. The $C_m$ capacitance of ST32 had a stronger response after inducing fatigue, but ST33 had a smaller response than a non-acupuncture point adjacent to it. Conclusions : In comparison with before and after inducing fatigue, the specificity of acupuncture points was not clearly observed. Hence, we concluded that the body composition factors extraction method had the limitation as a method of finding the specificity of acupuncture points by inducing fatigue.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.975-984
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• 2005

This study fulfilled to investigate the feed efficiency, tissue selenium distribution, carcass characteristic and economic value in finishing Hanwoo steers fed organic selenium mix (OSM) which included seleno-yeast, rumen culture and other microbial supplements. Forty five finishing Hanwoo steers were tested for 4 months dividing to three feeding groups: OSM add as 0.5 ppm Se of DM feeds (0.5 ppm OSM), OSM enriched add as 1.0 ppm Se of DM feeds (1.0 ppm OSM) and basal diet without OSM (control). The total weight gains, the average daily gains and the feed intakes were not differ in treatments (p > 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were noted for hot carcass weight, loin eye area, backfat thickness, meat yield index, meat color, fat color, tenderness and maturity. However, the 1.0 ppm OSM showed better performances for feed requirement, TDN per gain, meat yield grade and meat quality grade compared to other groups. Tissue selenium distribution was increased by organic selenium feeding: higher Se concentration in liver and rump of 0.5 ppm OSM (p < 0.05), and kidney, liver, sirloin and rump of 1.0 ppm OSM (p < 0.05) than the tissues of control group. Generally, tissue selenium was the highest value in 1.0 ppm OSM and showed higher concentrate in order; kidney, liver, sirloin and rump. The income over feed cost was 1.06-fold higher in 1.0 ppm OSM than control group. In conclusion, organic selenium mix supplementation and its amounts were not influenced to feed intake, body gain and carcass characteristic but significantly increased tissue selenium. Therefore, these results suggest that finishing Hanwoo steer fed an enriched organic selenium mix with proper probiotics is able to produce “high-Se” beef as high bioavailable form as well as create a beneficial opportunity on Hanwoo farm.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.31-41
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• 2004

Background : The cun measurement system, an essential and convenient method in locating acupoints, has been widely used in the practice of acupuncture. However, traditional cun measurement has been criticized for its lack of reliability. Objectives : The purposes of this study are to determine if one cun measured by the directional methods have a consistency with that of proportional methods and to investigate which factors are related with these differences, especially in forearm. Methods : The distance between the elbow crease and the wrist crease of forearm was compared to a reference value of one cun obtained by the directional method. In this method, one cun is one third of the distance between index finger and small finger of a subject, measured at proximal interphalangeal joint. In addition, to investigate the factors influencing the differences between these two methods, we measured the height and body weight and calculated body mass index (BMI). Finally we analyzed the factors correlated with these lengths by linear regression test. Results : The results showed that one cun obtained by the directional methods were significantly different from one cun by the proportional methods in forearm. It was demonstrated that the length acquired with the directional method was more correlated with body weight and body mass index, while the length obtained by the proportional method was more correlated with the height. Conclusion : These findings suggest that the directional method is less likely dependable in locating acupoints than the proportional method because the influencing factors are different.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.188-199
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to find the desirable remaining time of needle in the acupuncture treatment. Methods : The 21 volunteers were given acupuncture at LU9 vertically and needles were remained for 2 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, respectively. The thermographic change induced by acupuncture was measured with Digital Infrared Thermographic Image at the following acupoints: LU11, LU10, LU9, LU8, LU5, LU1, and PC7. The statistical significance of thermographic change was evaluated using paired t-test and post hoc Wilcoxon test. Results : The most significant changes after acupuncture were produced when needles were remained for 10 min or 15 min. LU11, LU5, LU1, and PC7 were the point at which all of the remaining time produced significant change commonly. At LU11, the biggest change was produced when needle was remained for 15 min, while at LU5, LU1, and PC7, the biggest change was produced when needle was remained for 30 min, and the smallest change was produced when needle was remained for 10 min at all of acupoints of LU11, LU5, LU1, and PC7. The unbalance between left side and right was decreased the most largely in 15 min group. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that the desirable remaining time of acupuncture needle might be 15 min.