• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.81-98
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• 2006

Objectives : Acupuncture using a tonification or sedation techniques method is used as a controlling the medication for an early stroke in the Korean medicine. LR3 has indicatons of headache, vertigo, facial paralysis, apoplexy, epiepsy as the source acupoint of a liver meridian. So this study is aims to investigate the anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of acupuncture on the focal ischemia induced by intraluminal filament insertion in rats. Methods : The focal ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into middle cerebral artery. The animals were divided into seven groups (n=8 in each group) : Normal, intactness group; Conrol group, no therapy group after being ischemia induced; MA-l, acupuncture perpendicularly without Tonification or Sedation techniques at LR3 after being ischemia induced; MA-2, acupuncture obliquely towards the knee at LR3 after being ischemia induced; MA-3, acupuncture obliquely towards the toe at LR3 after being ischemia induced; MA-4, acupuncture obliquely towards the knee and rotate 9 times in a clockwise direction at LR3 after being ischemia induced; MA-5, acupuncture obliquely towards the toe and rotate 6 times in a counterclockwise direction at LR3 after being ischemia induced. The anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Acupuncture techniques of tonification or sedation at LR3 are observed by mGluR5, Bax, Cresyl violet, ChAT-stain and NGF. Results : The intensity of mGluR5 and the density of ChAT was increased in MA-1 group. The intensity of Bax was decreased in MA-3, MA-4 group. The density of neurons stained by Cresyl violet and ChAT was increased in MA-2, MA-3, MA-4, MA-5 group. The density of neurons stained by NGF was only increased in MA-4 group. Conclusions : Our study suggests that acupuncture perpendicularly without Tonification or Sedation techniques and obliquely towards the knee and rotate 9 times in a clockwise direction(Tonifying technique) at LR3 after being ischemia induced at LR3 shows anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects on cholinergic neuron in focal cerebral ischemia of the stroke in rats.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.1-23
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• 2010

Objectives and methods : The Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) were published in five journals in 2001 and 2002. These guidelines, in the form of a checklist and explanations for use by authors and journal editors, were designed to improve reporting of acupuncture trials, particularly the interventions, thereby facilitating their interpretation and replication. Subsequent reviews of the application and impact of STRICTA have highlighted the value of STRICTA as well as scope for improvements and revision. To manage the revision process a collaboration between the STRICTA Group, the CONSORT Group, and the Chinese Cochrane Centre was developed in 2008. An expert panel with 47 participants was convened that provided electronic feedback on a revised draft of the checklist. At a subsequent face-to-face meeting in Freiburg, a group of 21 participants further revised the STRICTA checklist and planned dissemination. Results : The new STRICTA checklist, which is an official extension of CONSORT, includes six items and 17 sub-items. These set out reporting guidelines for the acupuncture rationale, the details of needling, the treatment regimen, other components of treatment, the practitioner background, and the control or comparator interventions. In addition, and as part of this revision process, the explanations for each item have been elaborated, and examples of good reporting for each item are provided. In addition, the word "controlled" in STRICTA is replaced by "clinical", to indicate that STRICTA is applicable to a broad range of clinical evaluation designs, including uncontrolled outcome studies and case reports. Conclusions : It is intended that the revised STRICTA, in conjunction with both the main CONSORT Statement and extension for nonpharmacologic treatment, will raise the quality of reporting of clinical trials of acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.95-105
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Bacillus-fermented Scutellariae Radix acupuncture solution (SB) on interleukin(IL) production in mouse macrophage stimulatedby lipopolysaccaride(LPS). Methods : Productions of interleukins were measured y High-throughput Multiplex Bead based Assay with Bio-plex Suspension Array System based on $xMAP^{(R)}$(multi-analyte profiling beads) technology. To begin with, cell culture supernatant was obtained after treatment with LPS(1 ${\mu}g/mL$) and SB for 24 hour. Then, it was incubated with the antibody-conj${\mu}g$ated beads for 30 minutes. And detection antibody was added and incubated for 30 minutes. After incubating for 30 minutes, Strepavidin-conjugated Phycoerythrin(SAPE) was then added. Incubating for another 30 minutes, the level of SAPE fluorescence was analyzed on Bio-plex Suspension Array System. Results : The results of the experiment are as follows. SB significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-3($9.15{\pm}0.35$ pg/mL) by $6.92{\pm}0.05,\;7.21{\pm}0.11,\;6.96{\pm}0.33,\;and\;7.45{\pm}0.74$ pg/mL at the concentration of 25, 50, 100, and 200 ${\mu}g/mL$ in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells (p<0.05). SB significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-5($7.30{\pm}0.48$ pg/mL) by $6.50{\pm}0.29,\;6.30{\pm}0.25,\;6.30{\pm}0.25,\;and\;5.80{\pm}0.25$ pg/mL at the concentration of 25, 50 100, and 200 ${\mg}g/mL$ in RAW 264.7 cells (p<0.05). SB significantly inhibited the LPS-induced productiion of IL-9($17.26{\pm}0.19$ pg/mL) by $15.01{\pm}0.43$ pg/mL at the concentration of 25 ${\mu}g/mL$ in RAW 264.7 cells(p<0.05). SB significantly inhibited the LPS-induced productioh of IL-13($187.80{\pm}2.90$ pg/mL) by $152.80{\pm}4.25,\;172.80{\pm}3.97,\;162.10{\pm}6.67,\;and\;165.30{\pm}11.80$ pg/mL at the concentration fo 25, 50, 100, and 200 ${\mu}g/mL$ in RAW 264.7 cells(p<0.05). SB significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-17($18.30{\pm}0.95$ pg/mL) by $13.30{\pm}1.25,\;13.80{\pm}1.11,\;13.30{\pm}0.75,\;and\;14.00{\pm}1.08$ pg/mL at the concentration of 25, 50 100, and 200 ${\mu}g/mL$ in RAW 264.7 cells(p<0.05). SB significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-23($43.90{\pm}0.83$ pg/mL by $39.50{\pm}1.26,\;38.00{\pm}1.78,\;and\;39.60{\pm}2.49$ pg/mL at the concentration of 25, 100, and 200 ${\mu}g/mL$ in RAW 264.7 cells(p<0.05). Conclusions : These results suggest that SB has anti-inflammatory activity related with its inhibition of IL-3, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, and IL-23 production in macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.129-142
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• 2010

Background : The Bonghan theory is a hypothesis on the anatomical structure of the acupuncture point and meridian system. It has been regarded as a misunderstanding of the lymphatic system, or as a made-up story, for the past 40 years. Since 2002, Many studies have been published either to support the theory or to refute the old viewpoint. Objective : The purpose of this study was to find out the validity of the refutation by reviewing the publications. Methods : Searches were made from online databases (Riss4u.net, Google.com, Sciencedirect.com, Pubmed.com, baidu.com, and ci.nii.ac.jp) from 1960 to 2009. The search terms that were used were "Bonghan," "Bong han," "봉한," "thread-like structure," "KИM БOH XaHOM", "CИCTEMA KEHPAK," "鳳漢," "鳳漢管," and "鳳漢学說." References from the searched publications were also used. Results : Since the 1960s, 107 publications were identified as related works, but only 11 publications sought to refute the Bonghan theory. Two publications were researches, and nine were reviews. In the analysis of the correlation of the arguments with the publication contents, it was found that the research of G. Kellner reviewed the Bonghan system properly but that V. V. Kosmatov did not classify the ear-reflex zone as a traditional acupuncture point. For the review publications, only two reviews contained proper arguments, but seven publications were identified as broad interpretations, wrong translations, etc. Moreover, the two proper reviews were grounded on the research of G. Kellner. Conclusions : We found that the scientific origin of the refutation of the Bonghan theory is only one research by G. Kellner. This result suggest that Bonghan theory was not discussed enough to determine the invention.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.203-216
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of tonifying or sedative manipulation on LI4 and KI7 for sweet deficiency under cold environment. Methods : The participants were divided into 4 groups; intact group without acupuncture(Intact), acupuncture group inserting straightly with LI4 & KI7 method((LI4-straight KI7-straight), acupuncture group inserting twisting with LI4 tonificaton & KI7 tonificaton method(LI4-tonify KI7-tonify) and acupuncture group inserting twisting with LI4 sedation & KI7 sedation method(LI4-purge KI7-purge). We obtained the baseline data under cold condition with the temperature $14{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. After making the participant staying under cold condition for 10 minute, we measured sweating rate on skin surface and biological responses such as body temperature, oxygen saturation, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, deoxy-Hb and oxy-Hb in subcutaneous. Results : The sweating rate on skin surface was not different in all treatment groups compared to the intact group. The body temperature was significantly increased in LI4-straight KI7-straight group compared to the intact group. The oxygen saturation significantly increased in LI4-purge KI7-purge group compared to the intact group. The systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in LI4-purge KI7-purge group compared to the intact group. The deoxy-Hb was significantly decreased in LI4-purge KI7-purge group compared to the intact group. Conclusions : The above results, the effect of LI4, KI7 acupuncture due to the tonifying or sedative manipulation on sweating control could be observed. However, other biological responses with the acupuncture of tonifying or sedative manipulation were giving different expressions. We suggest that continued research of tonifying or sedative manipulation is of importance order to find these expressions.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.149-164
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• 2007

Objectives : Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease in the gastrointestinal tract. The sources and pathologic mechanisms of IBD are still unknown. Moreover conventional therapies for IBD are not always effective, and they often have serious side effects. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Moxi-tar herbal acupuncture in IBD affected mice. Methods : Mice were treated with 5 % 2, 4, 6 - trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) on day 1 and day 7. To assume the preemptive effect and therapeutic effect, herbal acupuncture was practiced with Moxi-tar at BL25 (Daejangsu) on day 0, day 3, and day 6. The end of day in treatment with Moxi-tar herbal acupuncture, the mortality and the inflammatory factors of the colon were measured by the various methods. Results TNBS induced high mortality but herbal acupuncture with Moxi-tar at BL25 sup-pressed the mortality caused by TNBS. TNBS induced infiltration of immune cells in all layers of the colon and increased myeloperoxygenase (MPO) activity, while the treatment with Moxi-tar herbal acupuncture at BL25 suppressed the infiltration of immune cells and the increase of MPO activity caused by TNBS to normal levels, Herbal acupuncture with Moxi-tar regulated $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity, which is an important factor for the pathogenesis of chronic colitis, and reduced the expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and ICAM-1 in the colons of TNBS treated mice. Furthermore herbal acupuncture suppressed macro- and micro- colonic damages caused by TNBS. Conclusions : This study demonstrates that herbal acupuncture with Moxi-tar at BL25 isa potential preemptive and/or therapeutic method targeting the chronic IBD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.165-177
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine effects of acupuncture by needle manipulation at $LR1{\cdot}Kl1$ on the blood pressure, plasma levels of ANP(atrial natriuretic peptide), renin and cardiomegalic index in hypertensive rat Induced by two kidney one clip(2K1C). Material and methods : The groups divided into 7 groups; Control, no treatment. Acu-1,acupuncture at $LR1{\cdot}Kl1$ bilaterally and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the thumb of the right hand 6 times. Acu-2, acupuncture at $LR1{\cdot}Kl1$ bilaterally and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the forefinger of the right hand 6 times. Acu-3, acupuncture at $LR1{\cdot}Kl1$ bilaterally and the needle was inserted in the opposite direction(body direction) as the channel runs, Acu-4, acupuncture at $LR1{\cdot}Kl1$ bilaterally, the needle was inserted in the opposite direction(body direction) as the channel runs and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the forefinger of the right hand 6 times. The acupuncture executed 5times for 2 weeks. Results : Systolic blood pressure was decreased significantly in Acu-2, Acu-3 and Acu-4. Plasma renin was decreased significantly in Acu-2 and Acu-4. Plasma ANP was increased significantly in Acu-2, however was decreased significantly in Acu-4. Cardiac hypertrophy index was decreased significantly in Acu-1, Acu-2, Acu-3 and Acu-4. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture by needle manipulation at $LR1{\cdot}Kl1$ is effective in hypertension by renal blood problem.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.179-204
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Angelicae Radix Pharmacopuncture(AR-P) at Joksamni(ST36) on collagen II induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. The authors evaluated arthritis index, arthritis incidence and joint edema, and measured body weight, spleen size and stenosis rate, serum cytokine level, serum antibody level, immune cell populations In spleen, lymph node, and knee joint, and performed histological analysis of CIA mouse joint. Results : In the AR-P group, arthritis index, arthritis incidence and joint edema were decreased, and the enlargement, malformation and stenosis of spleen and the malformation of joint appeared milder than the control group. In AR-P group, the levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IFN-{\gamma}$ in serum were significantly decreased. And the level of anti-collagen II in serum was maintained lower in AR-P group than in the control group. In AR-P group, the level of $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-10, and $IFN-{\gamma}/IL-4$ ratio were significantly decreased, and the ratios of $CD3e^+$ cells to $CD45^+$ cells, $CD4^+$ cells to $CD8^+$ cells in spleen were similarly maintained as those of the normal group. In the AR-P group, the populations of $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in spleen and lymph nodes, $CD45R^+/CD69^+$ cells in lymph nodes, $CD3^+/CD69^+$ cells and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in knee joint were decreased. In the histological analysis, the cartilage destruction, synovial cell proliferation and the collagen fiber destruction were decreased in the AR-P group Conclusions : The results suggest that AR-P at right ST36 has a therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.205-221
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• 2007

Objectives : Aims of this study is to investigate the effects of $LU8{\cdot}KI7$ in rat induced by experimental focal ischemia. Materials and methods : The focal ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into middle cerebral artery. The groups divided into 6groups, control; no therapy group after ischemia-induced, AT1; acupuncture therapy group at $LU8{\cdot}KI7$ after ischemia-induced, AT2; acupuncture therapy at $LU8{\cdot}KI7$ bilaterally and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the thumb of the right hand 9times, AT3; acupuncture therapy at $LU8{\cdot}KI7$ bilaterally and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the forefinger of the right hand 9times, AT4; acupuncture therapy at$LU8{\cdot}KI7$ bilaterally and the needle was inserted to the direction following the flowing route of the meridian(digital direction), AT5; acupuncture therapy at $LU8{\cdot}KI7$ bilaterally, the needle was inserted to the direction following the flowing route of the meridian(digital direction) and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the thumb of the right hand 9times. Acupuncture therapy was carried out 7times during 2weeks after focal ischemia-induced. The anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of acupuncture are observed by Bax, Bcl-2, mGluR5, cytochrome c, Cresyl violet and ChAT-stain. Results : The intensity of Bax was decreased in AC1, AC4, AC5 group, was increased in AC2, AC3 group. The intensity of Bcl-2 was increased in AC2, AC3, AC4, AC5 group. The intensity of mGluR5 was decreased in AC1 group, was increased in AC4, AC5 group. The intensity of Cytochrome c was increased in ACI, AC2 group, was decreased in AC4, AC5 group. The density of neurons stained by Cresyl violet was increased in all group without control group. The density of ChAT was increased in AC2, ACS group. Conclusions : Our study suggests that AC5 group show anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects on cholinergic neuron in focal cerebral ischemia of the stroke in rats.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.133-145
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to exam the effectiveness of acupuncture using the tonification & sedation manipulation for LI4(Hegu) and KI7(Fuliu) which was known to promote sweating for lack sweating and inhibit for excessive sweating. Methods : The subject of this study was 60 people who agreed with participating. The participants were divided into 6 groups as control group without acupuncture, acupuncture group with needle inserted perpendicularly at LI4, KI7 without manipulation(AT-A), acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 using sedation technique and KI7 using tonificaton technique(AT-B), acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 using tonificaton technique and KI7 using sedation technique(AT-C), acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 and KI7 using tonificaton technique(AT-D) and acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 and KI7 using sedation technique(AT-E). We obtained baseline data at a stable condition with the temperature of $25^{\circ}C$. After having the participant stay at $40^{\circ}C$ for 10 minute and treated with acupuncture for 10 minute, we measured the parameters such as sweating rate, water content in subcutaneous, water content in skin surface, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and body temperature. Results : After the tonification & sedation manipulation at LI4 and KI7, the sweating rate was significantly decreased in AT-B, AT-D and AT-E groups. The water contents in skin surface was significantly decreased in AT-B and AT-E groups. The water contents in subcutaneous was significantly decreased in AT-B, AT-C, AT-D and AT-E groups. However, there were no significant changes in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and body temperature. Conclusions : Acupuncture at LI4 and KI7 is effective in controling sweating, and the effect varies according to the tonification & sedation manipulation technique.