• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2004

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate the effect of acupuncture at the $KI_2\;KI_{10}\;HT_8\;HT_3$, on Aquaporin-2(AQP2) expression related with the renal functions in rats. Methods : Acupuncture was performed during 100-seconds, 6-times, at 150-seconds intervals under anesthesia in rats. We observed rats' mean arterial pressure(MAP), heart rate(HR), renal sympathetic nerve activity(RSNA) during acupuncture and AQP2 expression by western blot method and atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP), renin, norepinephrine of plasma after decapitation. Results : The AQP2 expression was significantly increased in $HT_8$ group, but decreased in $KI_{10}$ group. Average MAP during 6-times acupuncture was significantly increased in $HT_8$ group. Average HR was significantly increased in $HT_8$ group, Average RSNA was increased in $KI_{10}$ group, but that was marginally increased in $KI_{10}$ group. Plasma renin concentration was increased in $KI_2,\;HT_3$, groups. Plasma ANP show a tendency to decrease in $KI_10\;HT_3$ groups, increased in $KI_2,\;HT_3$ but not significant. Plasma norepinephrine concentration was significantly decreased in $KI_{10},\;HT_3$ groups. Conclusions : These results suggested that acupuncture at $HT_8$ activate renal function to reuptake, but $KI_{10}$ show a decline on effect of AQP2 expression, blood pressure, nerve activity and renin.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.199-207
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture therapy with Hominis Placenta pharmacopncture therapy in hospitalized patients with peripheral facial paralysis. Methods : We investigated 34 cases of patients with peripheral facial paralysis who were admitted into the Dept. of Acupuncture & Moxibustion of Dongshin University Suncheon Oriental Hospital from February 1, 2014 to June 31, 2015. Subjects were divided into two groups, Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture group(HR group), and Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture group(JH group). HR group was treated by Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture five times a week and JH group was treated by Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture five times a week. And both groups were treated by acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine therapy, western drug therapy equally. To investigate the effectiveness of treatment, we used House-Brackmann Grading System, Yanagihara's unweighted grading system and Sunnybrook facial grading scale at before admission and after admission. Results : Each scores by 3 evaluation methods improved both in two groups. However, there were no significant differences in improvement between two groups. Conclusions : These results suggest that the Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture therapy is as effective as Hominis Placenta pharmacopuncture therapy to improve symptoms of peripheral facial paralysis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.169-176
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• 2015

Objectives : This study is to investigate the effects of Rhizoma drynariae aqueous extract(RDA) on cell cytotoxicity, Nitric Oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ production and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl ghdrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging capability. Methods : Cell cytotoxicity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. The production of NO was measured by Griess assay. The production of $PGE_2$ was measured by immunoassay. And, the anti-oxidant activity was measured by the DPPH method. Results : Cell cytotoxicity in 50, 100, 200 and $400{\mu}g/ml$ RDA did not increase significantly compared to the RDA untreated group. RDA($200{\mu}g/ml$ and $400{\mu}g/ml$) inhibited NO and $PGE_2$ production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. RDA had high DPPH free radical scavenging capability. Conclusions : This study indicates that RDA inhibits NO and $PGE_2$ production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and improve DPPH free radical scavenging capability. RDA may have an anti-inflammation effect and an anti-oxidant activity.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.160-168
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was intended to observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters, such as nNOS, NO and NE upon the needle insertion at varying depths at the connecting point. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on both left and right sides of the connecting point, including the LI6, SI7 and TE5 acupoints which are three yang meridians of the hand. After insertion, needles were retained for five minutes. Each acupuncture groups were treated acupuncture at each acupoint and at the depths of superficial, middle and deep layer. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each point near meridian vessels were extracted to examine the changes in the expression of nNOS, NO and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in nNO production, there was a significant increase only in the middle and deep layer at SI7 acupoint, but there was no significant change in the expression of NO. Regarding the formation of norepinephrine within tissues, the middle layer on LI6 acupoint, the middle layer and the deep layer on TE5 acupoint showed a significant increase, while production of plasma norepinephrine was significantly decreased at the middle layer and the deep layer on LI6 acupoint and the deep layer on SI7 acupoint. Conclusions : The effect of needles applied at the connecting point of three yang meridians on the activities of nNOS, and NE could be observed, and it can be induced that the effect of needle stimulation on disrupted nervous system can be examined through additional researches based on this one.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.264-271
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• 2013

Objectives : To observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters NO and enzymes that create NO, such as nNOS, iNOS and eNOS, upon the needle insertion on river point, one of the five transport points of three yang meridians on the forefoot. Methods : Based on rats, needle was inserted on both sides of LI5, SI5 and TE6, which are river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot, and were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture and tissues from each point around meridian vessels were extracted to be examined on the changes of the expression of NO, as well as of nNOS, iNOS and eNOS. Results : In terms of the effect on NO creation in tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. In terms of the effect on expression of nNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In iNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In eNOS within tissues, SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. Conclusions : The effect on the function of NO, nNOS, iNOS and eNOS of needle insertion on the river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot could be observed, and based on this study, it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on the changes of nervous system could be found out through additional research.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.220-229
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• 2013

Objectives : Electroacupuncture(EA) has been used effectively in producing analgesia on ankle sprain pain of humans and animals. Currently to examine the underlying mechanisms of the EA-induced analgesia, the effects of EA on weight-bearing forces(WBR) were examined at ankle sprain classified as grade 3 in rats. Methods : The severe ankle sprain classified as grade 3 was induced surgically by ankle ligament injury in the Sprague-Dawley rats. WBR of the affected foot were examined to evaluate effects and mechanism of EA(2 Hz, 1 ms pulse width, 2 mA intensity, for 15 min) which was applied to either SI6, GB34, or GB39 acupoints. The rats were pretreated with naltrexone(10 mg/kg, i.p.) as an opioid receptor antagonist or phentolamine(5 mg/kg, i.p) as an ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptor antagonist at 30 min before EA. Results : The daily repeat EA at either SI6, GB34, or GB39 showed significant analgesic effects on the severe ankle sprain. Particularly, daily EA at GB34 showed more potent analgesic effect than the others. In addition, the naltrexone pretreatment completely blocked the analgesic effect of EA at GB34, indicating the involvement of the endogenous opioid system in mediating the effect of EA at GB34. However, the phentolamine pretreament blocked analgesic effects of EA at either SI6 or GB39, indicating the involvement of ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptors in mediating the effect of EA at either SI6 or GB39. Conclusions : These data suggest that EA-induced analgesia on ankle sprain pain is mediated through either endogenous opioids or ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptors dependant on acupoint specific pattern.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2018

Purpose: Diabetic foot gangrene has a high morbidity rate and a great influence on the quality of life. Amputation is an appropriate treatment if conservative treatment is impossible according to the severity of gangrene and infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the postoperative outcome. Materials and Methods: From February 2013 to April 2016, among 55 patients with diabetic foot gangrene, who require surgical treatment, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed on patients with an ankle brachial index (0.9 and stenosis) 50% on angiographic computed tomography. The study subjects were 49 patients, comprised of 37 males (75.5%) and 12 females (24.5%). The mean age of the patients was $70.0{\pm}9.6years$. The treatment results were followed up according to the position and length of the lesion and the changes during the follow-up period. Results: As a result of angiography, there were 13 cases of atherosclerotic lesions in the proximal part, 11 cases in the distal part and 25 cases in both the proximal and distal parts. As a result of the follow-up after angiography, in 13 patients, the operation was not performed and only follow-up and dressing were performed around the wound. Sixteen patients underwent debridement for severe gangrene lesions and 20 patients, in whom the gangrene could not be treated, underwent amputation (ray amputation or metatarsal amputation, below knee amputation). Conclusion: Preoperative percutaneous angioplasty in diabetic foot gangrene patients with peripheral vascular occlusive disease is simple, and 59.2% of the patients with diabetic foot gangrene could be treated by conservative treatment or debridement.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.140-146
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• 2004

Objectives : this study is to see if there is a significance in thermal differences of acupoints in diagnosis and treatment period of facial paralysis and to substantiate the validity of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for it. Methods : 1. By using DITI, thermal differences of acupoints on the face and the upper limbs of 13 Bell's palsy patients were measured around 3 days after an attack of the disease. These 13 patients, whose treatment progress was monitored up to 6 months after attack, were among the inpatients and outpatients of oriental internal medicine of National Medical Center from July 1 to August 31. 2. The patients were divided into 1month, 2-3months, 4months, 6months groups according to the occasion of improvement and thermal averages of each treatment period measured. Results : When it takes within 1 month for the condition of facial paralysis to change for the better, DITI image shows the temperature of the affected face parts and arms is higher than that of the non-affected parts. However, when it takes more than 4 months, the temperature of the affected face parts and arms on DITI image is lower than that of the non-affected parts. Conclusions : Hereby, prognosis of the disease and necessary time for the treatment can be presumed through DITI screening after an occurrence of facial paralysis. Also, condition of the disease is reflected by thermal differences of acupoints for Bell's palsy treatment that are in accordance with the theory of meridian on the face. This supports the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for this disease.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.85-99
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• 2009

Objectives : This study aimed to understand the influence of acupuncture on the human body by comparing changes within human bodies before and after people in normal health are treated with acupuncture at the acupoints HT7 and PC9, which are related to mental functions. Methods : The study was performed from January 3, 2008 to March 5, 2008 on 60 healthy males and females in their 20s. HRV, EEG, skin conductance response, respiration and peripheral skin temperature were measured for 5 minutes before acupuncture simulation was applied to the acupoints HT7 and PC9. During 20 minutes of acupuncture treatment, the same items were continuously measured to determine whether there had been any changes, and they were then measured for 5 minutes after the removal of the acupuncture needles in order to implement a comparative analysis. Results : 1. The HRV measurement showed that in the course of before, during and after acupuncture stimulation, heart rate, HF and HF norm decreased significantly (P<0.05) at HT7. LF, LF norm, and LF/HF ratio increased significantly (P>0.05), while heart rate, HF and HF norm decreased significantly (P<0.05) at PC9. 2. Skin conductance response increased significantly (P<0.05) at PC9 during and after the acupuncture simulation periods, compared with the pre acupuncture period. 3. the peripheral skin temperature increased significantly (P<0.05) both at HT7 and PC9 in the course of before, during and after acupuncture stimulation. 4. Compared with the pre-acupuncture period, respiration rate increased both at HT7 and at PC9 during and after the acupuncture simulation periods, but not in a statistically significance. 5. In the EEG measurement, when compared with the pre-acupuncture period at HT7, mid ${\beta}$ wave decreased significantly (P<0.05) during acupuncture treatment. Compared with the measurements during acupuncture treatment at PC9, low ${\beta}$ wave increased significantly (P<0.05) after the acupuncture needles were removed. Conclusions : When acupuncture treatment is applied at the acupoints HT7 and PC9, the activation of parasympathetic nerves decreases and the activation of sympathetic nerves increases in the HRV measurement. It was determined that PC9 makes the sympathetic nerves become highly activated in a skin conduction response. The effect of stability in the brain wave seemed to bo shown at HT7 than PC9.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.77-92
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• 2003

Objective; This study was investigated to test the anti-anemic effects of Danggwibohyeol-tang for herbal acupuncture on rat with anemia induced by phenylhydrazine according to composition ratio. Methods; Danggwibohyeol-tang herbal-acupuncture was administered into Kyoksu(膈兪穴, BL17) and RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet, MPV, PDW, indirect bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase were tested. Results; The obtained results are summarized as follows: (1) In control group RBC was significantly reduced in comparison with normal group. And in Danggwibohyeol-tang group A, B, C there was significant inhibitory effect on reduction in comparison with control group. The effect of Danggwibohyeol-tang group C was similiar to that of Danggwibohyeol-tang group B and was higher than that of Danggwibohyeol-tang group A. (2) In control group hemoglobin was significantly reduced in comparison with normal group. And in Danggwibohyeol-tang group A, B, C there was significant inhibitory effect on reduction in comparison with control group but there was no significant difference between Danggwibohyeol-tang group A, B, C. (3) In control group hematocrit was significantly reduced in comparison with normal group. And in Danggwibohyeol-tang group A, B, C there was significant inhibitory effect on reduction in comparison with control group. The effect of Danggwibohyeol-tang group C was higher than that of Danggwibohyeol-tang group A or B. (4) In case of MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW there was no significant anti-anemic effect. (5) Danggwibohyeol-tang group significantly inhibited the growth of platelet. In case of Danggwibohyeol-tang A and B group there was more inhibitory effect than Danggwibohyeol-tang C group but there was no significant difference between Danggwibohyeol-tang A and B group. (6) In case of MPV, PDW and indirect bilirubin there was no significant difference between Danggwibohyeol-tang group and control group. (7) Danggwibohyeol-tang group significantly inhibited the growth of lactate dehydrogenase. In case of Danggwibohyeol-tang C group there was more inhibitory effect than Danggwibohyeol-tang B group and Danggwibohyeol-tang B group showed more inhibitory effect than Danggwibohyeol-tang A group. Conclusion; From above results Danggwibohyeol-tang for herbal acupuncture showed significant anti-anemic effect in some parameters. Further study is needed for the effect of Danggwibohyeol-tang according to different composition ratio.