• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.14-19
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• 2014

Objectives : In this report, we investigated the effect of ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum(L.) Merr. & Perry.(SAE) on the RBL-2H3 cell-mediated allergic response and studied its possible mechanisms of action. Methods : Cytotoxicity on RBL-2H3 cell was evaluated by MTT assay. Anti-allergic activity of SAE was assessed by ${\beta}$-Hexosaminidase and Histamine secretion, ${\beta}$- Hexosaminidase and Histamine secretion were measured by ELISA assay. Evaluate the mechanisms of effect of SAE on the secretion of degranulate mediators, we examined the effect of SAE on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases using western blot analysis. Results : SAE had no cytotoxicity on rat basophilic leukemia cell(RBL-2H3). Moreover SAE dose-dependently inhibited RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and histamine release. SAE specifically blocked the IgE-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Conclusions : Our findings provide evidence that Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract inhibits mast cell derived allergic reaction, and also demonstrate the involvement of p38 MAPK phosphorylation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.108-115
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• 2015

Objectives : Acupuncture is frequently used as an alternative therapy for Parkinson's disease(PD) in Korea. Using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model, the present study investigated a possible role of acupuncture stimulation at GB34 in suppressing dopaminergic neuronal death and regulating the phosphorylation of protein kinase B(Akt) in substantia nigra(SN) and striatum(ST). Methods : Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were administered intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg of MPTP at 24-h intervals for 5 days. Acupuncture stimulation at GB34 or SI3 was performed once a day for 12 days consecutively from the first MPTP injection. After the last acupuncture stimulation, pole test was performed to assess the effect of the acupuncture stimulations. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and the ST, dopamine transporter( DAT) and caspase-3 expression in the ST were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The phosphorylations of Akt in the SN and the ST were measured by Western blotting. Results : MPTP administration caused behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and the ST. It also decreased DAT expression and increased caspase-3 expression in the ST. Acupuncture stimulation at GB34 alleviated these MPTP-induced impairments. Moreover, MPTP suppressed Akt phosphorylation in the SN and the ST, whereas acupuncture stimulation at GB34 alleviated the phosphorylation in the SN. Conclusions : These results indicate that acupuncture stimulation at GB34 can inhibit MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death and alleviate the Akt phosphorylation in the SN, suggesting a possible role for acupuncture in the treatment of PD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.99-107
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to obtain basic data for a further large-scale trial as evaluating the efficacy and safety of Geochangmanryeung-dan(GMD) and acupuncture on patient with spinal stenosis treated by epidural steroid injection. Methods: The study is a randomized controlled pilot clinical trial, conducted over 8 weeks. Twenty participants will be recruited and randomly allocated to 2 groups: an experimental(GMD and acupuncture with epidural steroid injection) group and a control(only epidural steroid injection) group. The epidural steroid injection will be administered once per 2 weeks for 6 weeks(3 times in total). GMD will be administered as a dose of 5 pills, 3 times per day, for 6 weeks. Acupuncture will be performed 2 times per week for 6 weeks(12 times in total). The primary outcome will be measured by visual analogue scale and self-rated walking distance. The secondary outcome will be measured by PainVision, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index. Both primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The last assessment(at 8 weeks) will be performed 2 weeks after treatment cessation. Conclusions : This clinical trial, as the pilot study for a future large-scale trial, will provide clinical information for evaluating the efficacy and safety of GMD and acupuncture treatment in combination with epidural steroid injection for the treatment of spinal stenosis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.91-100
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• 2011

Objectives : To classify needling or moxibustion-prohibited acupoints in Emergency Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold (EFWTG) and Supplement to the Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold (SFWTG). Methods : We found needling or moxibustion-prohibited acupoints in EFWTG and SFWTG, then investigated the influences of needling or moxibustion-prohibited acupoints on A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Results : In EFWTG, the needling-prohibited points were LI13, ST17, BL56, TE8, CV8, CV15 and GV24. Acupoints needed careful needling were LU2, ST12, KI2, KI7, TE19, GB3 and jwagak. The moxibustion-prohibited points were LU3, LU8, ST1, ST8, ST9, ST17, ST32, ST33, BL6, BL30, TE18, TE23, GB33, GB42, CV5, CV15, GV6, GV15, GV16 and GV17. Acupoints needed careful moxibustion were ST7, ST30, TE21 and GB22. In SFWTG, the needling-prohibited points were LU2, LI13, ST12, ST17, ST32, BL56, KI2, KI7, TE8, TE19, GB3, CV8, CV15, GV24 and jwagak. The moxibustion-prohibited points were LU3, LU8, ST1, ST7, ST8, ST9, ST17, ST30, ST32, ST33, BL6, BL30, TE18, TE23, GB22, GB33, GB42, CV5, CV15, GV6, GV15, GV16, GV17 and ijung. Conclusions : There were 7 needling-prohibited points, 7 acupoints needed careful needling, 20 moxibustion-prohibited points, and 4 acupoints needed careful needling in EFWTG, and 15 needling-prohibited points and 24 moxibustion-prohibited points in SFWTG. The needling or moxibustion-prohibited acupoints in A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion had a strong influence on those in the two literatures.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2011

목적 : 프리모 모드와 미성숙 간조직에 대한 조직학적 특성을 비교하고자 하였다. 방법 : 흰쥐에서 간절제한 후, 간장기 표면에서 관찰되는 프리모 모드와 그와 유사한 미성숙 간조직을 H&E, Oil red O, Masson trichrome and van Gieson 염색방법을 통해서 비교 연구하였다. 결과 : 상기 실험 연구를 진행한 결과, 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. 조직의 일반적인 특징을 관찰할 수 있는 H&E 염색결과, 프리모 노드에서는 많은 수의 조그마한 동(sinus)이 관찰되었고 적혈구나 영양을 공급하는 혈관의 분포는 관찰되지 않았다. 이와 반대로 미성숙 간조직에서는 동이 관찰되지 않았으며 혈관의 분포와 적혈구가 관찰되었다. 2. 양 조직의 지방성분의 유무를 관찰하기 위한 Oil red O 염색결과, 프리모 노드에서는 지방성분이 관찰되지 않았으나 미성숙 간조직에서는 관찰되었다. 3. 양 조직의 콜라겐성분의 유무를 관찰하기 위한 Masson trichrome and van Gieson 염색결과, 프리모 노드에서는 약간의 콜라겐 성분이 관찰되었으나 elastic 성분은 관찰되지 않았으며, 미성숙 간조직에서는 콜라겐 성분과 elastic 성분이 관찰되지 않았다. 결론 : 상기 결과는 프리모 노드와 간조직과는 조직학적 성질이 다른 것으로 사료되며, 특히 콜라겐 성분의 적은 결과는 프리모 노드가 불규칙한 형태를 이루고 있는 이유에 대한 실마리를 제공하였다. 이러한 결과는 프리모 노드의 특성에 대한 기본 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.23-37
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• 2011

Objectives : The pulse diagnosis is an important method in Oriental Medicine. The aim of this study is to measure the similarity of the diagnosis by a traditional method using doctor's hand for feeling of pulse and by pulse diagnosis apparatus using Hwang-Je (HJ) pulse analyser, Hui-Su (HS) pulse analyser on Chon, Kwan and Chuk. Methods : Four korean medical doctors and HJ pulse analyser, HS pulse analyser have measured the speed (遲數), the size (微細弱緩大), and the depth (浮沈) of pulse waves of 23 volunteers. First, four korean medical doctors measured pulse waves of volunteers. And then, the pulse waves of volunteers were measured by HJ pulse analyser, HS pulse analyser. This was performed on the right Chon, Kwan and Chuk. Results : The traditional method and the HJ pulse analyser method had the 60.9% matches on the values of the pulse speed condition, the HS pulse analyser method had the 78.3% matches on the values of the pulse speed condition. The traditional method and the HJ pulse analyser method had the 56.5% (Chon), 65.2% (Kwan), 78.3% (Chuk) matches on the values of the pulse size condition, the HS pulse analyser method had the 65.2% (Chon), 13.0% (Kwan), 39.1% (Chuk) matches on the values of the pulse size condition. The traditional method and the HJ pulse analyser method had the 43.5% (Chon), 26.1% (Kwan), 47.8% (Chuk) matches on the values of the pulse depth condition, the HS pulse analyser method had the 45.5% (Chon), 30.4% (Kwan), 36.8% (Chuk) matches on the values of the pulse depth condition. Conclusions : According to these results, we suggest that the pulse analyser is necessary to develope for its high similarities with the traditional pulse diagnosis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.171-187
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was performed to determine if Orostachys japonicus A. Berger herbal acupuncture (OjB) provides the protective effect against the loss of cell viability and DNA damage induced by oxidant in renal proximal tubular cells. Methods : The cell viability was evaluated by a MTT reduction assay and DNA damage was estimated by measuring double stranded DNA breaks in opossum kidney (OK) cells, an established proximal tubular cell line. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation. Results : H2O2 increased the loss of cell viability in a time-dependent manner, which were prevented by 0.1% OjB. The protective effect of OjB was dose-dependent over concentration range of 0.05-0.5%. H2O2 caused ATP depletion and DNA damage, which were prevented by OjB and the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase. The loss of cell viability by H2O2 was not affected by the antioxidant DPPD, but lipid peroxidation by the oxidant was completely inhibited by DPPD. Generation of superoxide and H2O2 in neutrophils activated by phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate was inhibited by OjB in a dose-dependent manner. OjB inhibited generation of H2O2 in OK cells treated with antimycin A and exerted a direct H2O2 scavenging effect. Exposure of OK cells to 1 mM tBHP caused a significant depletion of glutathione which was prevented by OjB. OjB accelerated the recovery in cells cultured for 20 hr in normal medium without oxidant following oxidative stress. Conclusions : These results suggest that OjB exerts the protective effect against oxidant-induced cell injury and its protective effect was resulted from radical scavenging and antioxidant activities.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.79-94
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• 2007

Objectives : Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract was identified mainly for diarrhea, stomachache, hemafecia. The source and pathologic mechanism about ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease are still unknown but stress, infection, a genetic factor, environmental factors etc. may be the cause of chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract recently. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of herbal acupuncture with Artemisiae Argyi for the treatment to intestinal disease in the rat with 2, 4, 6 - trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis. Methods : Artemisiae Argyi Herbal acupunctures were infected in HapGok (LI4) which is used to treat for intestinal disease in clinic. All animals were subjected to the injection of saline (300 ${\mu}l$, 500 ${\mu}l$) for a study control and TNBS (300 ${\mu}l$, 500 ${\mu}l$) into the lumen of the colon, 8cm proximal to the anus through the intestine. Artemisiae Agryi' Herbal (20 mg/ml, 0.4 ml) acupunctures were injected to the LI4 (both hands) at the secondary injection time of TNBS in rats. And body weight, RBC count, WBC count, total protein, Paw edema rate, rate of protein leakage into CMC-pouch fluid, IgG levels and IgM levels were observed to study the effects of Artemisiae Argyi' Herbal acupuncture in HapGok (Ll4). Results : Artemisiae Argyi' Herbal acupuncture in HapGok (Ll4) on TNBS-induced colitis inhibit the body weight lose rate but not RBC and WBC count. Furthermore, it inhibited the reduction of total protein concentration, paw edema, rate of protein leakage into CMC-pouch fluid, IgG levels and IgM levels. Conclusions : Herbal acupuncture with Artemisiae Argyi helps recover the TNBS-induced colonic damage and may be an important method for treatment of the colitis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.64-72
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate whether warm-needling is more effective than acupuncture in relieving the pain and improving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis(OA). Methods : 76 volunteers with knee OA participated in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received warm-needling(n=38), while the other group received acupuncture(n=38). Sixteen sessions of warm-needling or acupuncture were conducted on the pain region of each problematic knee over a period of 8 weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC) scores, physical health score based on the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36) and the Global Assessment(PGA) was measured. Results : Compared to the acupuncture group, the warm-needling group showed a significant decrease in pain, function, and total WOMAC scores according to the Mann-Whitney U-test. The PGA scores of the warm-needling group also showed a significant improvement compared to the acupuncture group. Conclusions : Warm-needling showed a greater pain relief effect on knee OA compared to the acupuncture group. These findings suggest that warm-needling may be a promising alternative therapy for treating knee OA.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.56-63
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• 2013

Objectives : Effects of repetitive electroacupuncture(EA) on the pain behavior and activation of spinal glial cells were examined in the rat model of neuropathic pain. Methods : Twenty one adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups(control group, SP6 group, ST36+GB34 group). Neuropathic pain was induced by tight ligation of L5 spinal nerve. Mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of hind paw were tested. Immunohistochemistry was performed in spinal cord L5/6 of all groups. EA was treated once in a day from the $5^{th}$ day after surgery. Results : EA treatments applied to ST36 and GB34 reduced significantly both of mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity after 3 times of treatment throughout the experiments. In the SP6 group, the analgesic effect was also shown after 7 times of treatment. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated inhibition of microglia and astrocyte activation in the spinal cord L5/6 dorsal horn in the ST36+GB34 group. Conclusions : The present results suggest that repetitive EA exert strong analgesic effect on neuropathic pain. These analgesic effects in neuropathic pain are associated with suppressing the activation of microglia and astrocyte.