• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.568-573
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the analgesic effects on the oral cavity in dogs which are treated with xylazine and electroacupuncture (EA). Furthermore, this study aims to find out its effects on glucose (GLU), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) variation values, vital signs (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) and pain responses to the noxious stimuli. Eight healthy dogs were randomly assigned to receive either xylazine or EA. Xylazine group dogs with weight of 3.6${\pm}$1.0 kg received 1.5 mg/kg of xylazine intramuscularly. EA group dogs with weight of 3.9${\pm}$1.0 kg received 1 volt (10-15 hz) for 5 minutes, and then 1-9 Volts (25-30 hz) for 60 minutes totally. The acupoints used were LI-3 (San Jian), LI-4 (He Gu) and ST-7 (Xia Guan). All dogs were examined before and 10, 25, 40, 55 and 120 minutes after administration of xylazine or EA. The mean rectal temperatures of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 25, 40 and 55 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean heart rates of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 10, 25, 40 and 55 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean respiratory rates of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 55 and 120 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean GLU concentration of the EA group were significantly lower than those of xylazine group after 55 and 120 minutes (p < 0.05). The sum of mean pain scores (SMPS) of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 10, 25 40 and 55 minutes (p < 0.05). In this study, the pain control of the EA group was shown to be better than that of the xylazine group. Also, there do not appear to be any negative physiologic effects associated with acupuncture-induced surgical analgesia. So, it was considered that these acupoints of EA analgesia might be useful for minor oral surgery in weak patients.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.645-653
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• 2011

The aim of this study was to develop a Pulsed Magnetic Fields(PMFs) system which can produce effects locally and simulate muscular tissues equally. To evaluate the PMFs system we caused DOMS(Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) to subjects in biceps of the arm. Then, we stimulated acupoint HT2 using PMFs(20 minutes) and TEAS(20 minutes) for 2 days. The other subjects did not stimulate. Then we checked body surface temperature in biceps of the arm. All subjects had an asymmetrical body surface temperature in biceps after exercise(Non-stimulation group=$2.00{\pm}1.16^{\circ}C$, TEAS group=$1.73{\pm}0.52^{\circ}C$, PMFs group=$1.48{\pm}0.51^{\circ}C$). After 1st stimulation all subjects had decreased temperature differences(Non-stimulation group=$1.37{\pm}0.71^{\circ}C$, TEAS group=$1.08{\pm}0.43^{\circ}C$, PMFs group=$1.23{\pm}0.15^{\circ}C$). PMFs group had a symmetry body surface temperature after 24 hours($0.05{\pm}0.06^{\circ}C$) and TEAS group had that after 48 hours($0.1{\pm}0.08^{\circ}C$). Non-stimulation group did not recovery after 48 hours($0.37{\pm}0.06^{\circ}C$). Therefore, PMFs on acupoint had an therapeutic effect in DOMS.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.39-61
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• 2008

Objectives : The present study was performed to investigate whether acupuncture stimulation in the rats affected regeneration properties of the injured sciatic nerve. A differential effect of acupuncture stimulation on the one point near the spinal nerve root controlling sciatic nerve activity and the other point in the peripheral area subordinated by injured nerve was compared. Materials and Methods: Rat sciatic nerves were injured by crush, and the effects on axonal regeneration on injured sciatic nerves were evaluated by acupuncture stimulation at two different regions. In proximal acupuncture stimulation group, acupuncture stimulation was performed on Huatuo Jiaji(EX B2) points located from L5 to S1 vertebral levels to stimulate the nearest spinal nerve root that innervates sciatic nerves. In distal acupuncture stimulation group, acupuncture stimulation was performed on Zusanli(ST 36) and Weizhong(BL 40) points to stimulate at peripheral area dominated by injured sciatic nerves. Acupuncture stimulation was given every other days for 1 or 2 weeks. Sciatic nerve tissues collected from acupuncture stimulation experimental groups, injury control group, and intact animal group were used for protein analysis by Western blotting or Hoechst nuclear staining. To determine axonal regeneration, Dil fluorescence dye was injected into the sciatic nerve 0.5 cm distal to the injury site in individual animal groups and Dil-labeled cells by retrograde tracing were measured in the DRG at lumbar 5 or in the spinal cord. DRG sensory neurons prepared from individual animal groups were used to measure the extent of neurite outgrowth and for immunofluorescence staining with anti-GAP-43 antibody. Results : Animal groups given proximal or distal acupuncture stimulation showed upregulation of GAP-43 and Cdc2 protein levels in the sciatic nerve at 7 days after injury. Cdk2 protein levels were strongly induced by nerve injury, but did not show changes by acupuncture stimulation. Phospho-Erk1/2 protein levels were elevated by acupuncture stimulation above those present in the injury control animals. These increase in regeneration-associated protein levels appeared to be related with increase cell proliferation in the injured sciatic nerves. Hoechst 33258 staining of sciatic nerve tissue to visualize nuclei of individual cells showed increased Schwann cell number in the distal portion of the injured nerve 7 and 14 days after injury and further increases by acupuncture stimulation particularly at the proximal position. Measurement of axonal regeneration by retrograde tracing showed significantly increased Dil-labeled cells in proximal acupuncture stimulation group compared to distal acupuncture stimulation group and injury control group. Finally, an evaluation of axonal regeneration by retrograde tracing showed increased number of Dil labeled cells in the DRG at lumbar 5 or in the ventral horn of the spinal cord at lower thoracic level at 7 days after nerve injury. Conclusions : The present data show that the proximal acupuncture stimulation at Huatuo Jiaji(EX B2) points governing injured sciatic nerves was more effective for axonal regeneration than the distal acupuncture stimulation. Further studies on functional recovery or associated molecular mechanisms should be critical for developing animal models and clinical applications.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.56-65
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of laser acupuncture to the 830 nm on the five transport points with the spleen meridian for treatment to intestinal disease in rat with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis. Methods : Colitis was induced by DSS for 20 days. The laser therapy on the five transport points of spleen meridian (Laser Well Point-SP1(L-WE), Laser Brook Point-SP2(L-BR), Laser Stream Point-SP3(L-ST), Laser River Point-SP5(L-RI) and Laser Sea Point-SP9(L-SE) was practiced twice a week for 5 times. Colon length was measured using a measuring point. Histological evaluation of colitis was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was determined using western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results: Colon length increased significantly L-BR and L-ST points after 5 times of therapy. Damage to the colonic mucosa is an integral feature of the DSS model, so control colonic mucosa tissue was damaged in the areas of ulceration resulting in complete epithelial loss. However histological damage decreased on the epithelial lining at all points. Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 concentrations decreased in all points groups and Interferon(IFN)-${\gamma}$ increased in L-WE, L-BR, L-RI and L-SE points but L-ST was decreased when compared with control. White blood cell(WBC) and neutrophils(NE) decreased after the fifth acupuncture on the all points. But hemoglobin(HGB) increased after the fifth acupuncture on the L-WE, L-BR, L-ST and L-RI points. Also Mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH) and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC) decreased after the fifth acupuncture on the all points. Conclusions: The present study indicated that five transport points of the spleen meridian can prevent the development of DSS-induced colitis in rat. Thereby suggesting that should be available for decreasing DSS-induced inflammation in a colonic mucosa of tissue.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.104-121
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• 2020

Objectives : Since neuropathic pain shows a variety of symptoms via various mechanisms, there are many difficulties in treatment and various treatments have been tried. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Araliae Continentalis Radix pharmacopuncture (ACR) on neuropathic pain. Methods : After dividing the white rats into six groups, the sciatic nerves of five groups except the normal group were excised to induce neuropathic pain. Except normal and control group, the other four groups were given: saline (Saline group), ACR 1.100 mg/kg (ACR 1 group), ACR 2.743 mg/kg (ACR 2 group), and ACR 5.486 mg/kg (ACR 3 group) at GB30, twice a week for a total of six times in three weeks. Withdrawal response react time and force intensity, c-Fos, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ were observed to investigate the efficacy of ACR in each group. Body weight, WBC, RBC, HGB, PLT, AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr changes were observed to check the safety of ACR. Results : Both withdrawal response react time & force intensity were significantly increased in the ACR2 and ACR3 groups at 3 weeks. C-Fos tended to decrease in all ACR groups and significantly decreased in ACR3 group. In blood serum, TNF-α showed a tendency to decrease in all ACR groups and a significant decrease in ACR3 group. But IL-6 and IFN-γ did not change significantly in all experimental groups. In the spinal cord, IFN-γ was significantly decreased in the ACR3 group. But TNF-α and IL-6 were not significantly changed in all experimental groups. Body weight was not changed significantly in all experimental groups. RBC increased significantly in ACR2 group, HGB increased in ACR3 group, and PLT increased significantly in all experimental groups. ALT significantly decreased in ACR1 group, and there were no significant changes in AST, BUN, and Cr in all experimental groups. Conclusions : At high concentrations, ACR pharmacopuncture reduced c-Fos, and TNF-α in the blood serum and IFN-γ in the spinal cord thereby suppressed allodynia. More in-depth studies about pharmacopuncture concentration or mechanism are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.63-75
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• 2020

Objectives : Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and osteoporosis fracture is the leading cause of decreased life. Bisphosphonate and selective estrogen receptor modulators are the best choice of treatment for osteoporosis. However, when used for a long time, they increase the probability of side effect such as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Thus, it is crucial to develop alternative medicine to treat osteoporosis. Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, a herbal medicine, is mainly to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effect of the water extract of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (w-GM) on osteoporosis has not been investigated. Thus, we examine whether w-GM can inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, RAW 264.7 cells were used as an osteoclast differentiation model by treating them with RANKL. Methods : RAW 264.7 cells were used to determine the effect of w-GM on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, TRAP activity and pit formation assay were examined. In addition, protein expressions were measured by western blot and mRNA expressions were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results : Treatment with w-GM inhibited the number of TRAP-positive cells, TRAP activity and pit area. In addition, w-GM decreased protein expression such as mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-κB, c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). It also inhibited the mRNA levels such as c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP, NF-κB, calcitonin receptor and cathepsin K in RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that w-GM has inhibitory effects via osteoclast differentiation, thus it could be a new medication for osteoporosis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.164-171
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to study the effects of acupuncture on Young-gol and Dae-back on night fever and investigate the meridian and collateral aspects of Dong-Si acupuncture through cases of night fever due to Yin deficiency. Methods : Patients have received acupuncture on both sides(Young-gol and Dae-back) at 10 pm. The acupuncture treatment lasted for 15 minutes. Body temperature, pulse, and Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) scores for dryness of mouth were measured for the evaluation. Results : Both patients reported symptomatic reduction including night fever, pulse rate, NRS about dry mouth following the described treatments. The night fever disappeared after acupuncture treatment. The mean of pulse rate changed from 82.6 to 74.8(case 1), from 83.5 to 74.3(case 2). The mean of NRS changed from 4.2 to 1.7(case 1), from 3.3 to 2.4(case 2). Conclusions : In both cases, acupuncture was effective in relieving night fever symptoms. This can be considered from meridian and collateral aspects and the Korean medicine physiological perspective. In the future, systematic and diverse studies related to this will be needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.159-177
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• 2008

Objectives : Crohn's disease is a severe chronic inflammation that is treated mainly by immunosuppression, which often has serious side effects. There is need to develop new therapeutic methods or drugs that have few side effects in order to treat this disease. Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at Cheonchu (ST25) has anti-inflammatory properties, but the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory actions is unclear. We investigated the protective effects and speculated the mechanisms of acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in mice which is a well known Crohn's disease animal model. Methods : 5 % TNBS was treated at day 1 and day 7 into rectum of mice. To investigate therapeutic effects of acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25, acupuncture was carried out on day 3, and day 6. For the data analysis, we observed macroscopic and microscopic findings of the colon. Weight and width of the colon, degree of damage, changes of body weight, and myeloperoxygenase (MPO) activity were checked. For analysing protein expression, we carried out immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. For analysing mRNA expression, RT-PCR was carried out. Results : TNBS induced damages on the colon of mice, while acupuncture of Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed TNBS mediated damages similar to those on the colons of mice in the control (not treated with TNBS) group. The average body weight of TNBS treated mice (77.4%) was decreased compared with that of the control mice (105%), and acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed the loss of body weight caused by TNBS (from 77.4% to 95.3%). TNBS induced infiltration of immune cells in all layers of the colon while acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed infiltration of immune cells caused by TNBS. Furthermore, acupunctured with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed macro-, micro- colonic damages caused by TNBS. Acupunctured with Moxi-tar at ST25 dramatically improved the clinical and histopathological symptoms such as the increase in weight of the distal colon and the MPO activity in TNBS-induced colitis. Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 down-regulated the nuclear transcription factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activity and suppressed tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions caused by TNBS. Conclusions : Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 helps recovery from the TNBS-induced colonic damage by down-regulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity and suppressing of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$, and ICAM-1 expressions. This may be an important method for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.125-141
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• 2008

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate the curative effect of Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy for pain and limited R.O.M (range of motion) of shoulder in stroke patients. Methods : The subjects of this study were 6 patients with shoulder pain in stroke sequelae. Routine Oriental Medical programs (Acupunture, moxibustion, herbal medicine and physical therapy) were maintained for each subject throughout this study. Single subject ABABAB design was adopted. Each period was 4 days as a rule. Only during the treatment period, Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy was provided as intervention at the acupoints of LI15(Gyeonu),　TE14(Gyeollyo), GB21(Gyeonjeong), LI14(Bino). The change of pain was measured with a Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The pain threshold was measured using pressure algometer at the same acupoints where Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy was provided. And the R.O.M of shoulder joint (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external rotation, internal rotation) was measured as well. Analysis was performed by Bayesian analysis using WinBUGS for the comparison of treatment(Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy) and non-treatment. Results : The median overall improvement for difference in VAS was -2.219(-3.213, -1.175), for difference in external rotation of shoulder R.O.M was 9.992(-2.298, 18.49), for difference in tenderness score of LI14(Bino) by pressure algometer was 5.05(0.6283, 7.762). 95% credibility intervals being shown in brackets. However, the median overall improvement for difference in the other measurements was not significant. Conclusion : This study suggests that Bee Venom Therapy may be applicable to decrease pain and improve R.O.M of shoulder in hemiplegia patients with stroke. Further elaborated single subject designs need to be accumulated to confirm the effects of Bee Venom Acupunture Therapy on shoulder pain in patients with stroke sequelae.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.897-903
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• 2015

In this paper, the contrast therapy of skin was numerically investigated by solving the conjugate heat transfer problem. A finite volume method based on the SIMPLE algorithm was adopted to solve the axisymmetric incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with an energy equation. These equations are strongly coupled with the Pennes bio-heat equation in order to consider the effect of blood perfusion rate. We investigated the thermal response of skin at some selected depths for various input temperature profiles of a stimulator for contrast therapy. From the numerical simulations, the regions with cold/hot threshold temperatures were found for five input temperature profiles. It was shown that the temperature varies mildly for different input profiles as the depth increases, owing to the Pennes effect. The input temperatures for effective hot/cold stimulation of dermis layer were found to be $47^{\circ}C$ and $7^{\circ}C$, respectively. The present numerical results will be used for finding an optimal temperature profile of a stimulator for contrast therapy.