• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.600-610
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• 2017

It was common that the classification of itching was classified into four categories according to the neurophysiological mechanisms of pruritoceptive itching, neuropathic itching, neurogenic itching and psychogenic itching. Recently it was classified by clinical criteria. The neurotransmission pathway of itch is divided into histamine-dependent pathway and histamine-independent pathway. Different receptors and neuropeptides act on each itch mediator. Itch mediators such as histamine, BAM8-22, and chloroquine are transmitted through the histamine-dependent pathway. Cowhage spicule, protease, and TSLP (Thymic stromal lymphopoietin) have been reported to be related to the histamine-independent pathway. These itch mediators, receptors, and neuropeptides are the targets of treatment for itching. Although itching and pain are typical noxious stimuli, and in the past, it was argued that two senses were transmitted through one noxious stimulus receptor. It has recently been shown that itching and pain have an independent neurotransmitter system and both neuronal systems inhibit each other. In addition, the mutual antagonism between itching and pain is explained by various mechanisms. Recently, many new mediators and receptors are being studied. The studies on histamine 4 receptor (H4 receptor) have been actively conducted. And the H4 receptors are expressed in immune cells such as T cells. The therapeutic agent for blocking the H4 receptor can inhibit the inflammatory reaction itself, which is important for the itching and chronicization. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of itching and studying new itch mediators will lead to the development of effective therapies, and this is what I think the itching study will go on.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2012

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent neurological complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, related with diverse etiologies including inflammation, opportunistic infection and side effects of medications. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate characteristics of HIV associated neuropathy according to the stage of HIV infection. Methods: In reviewing the medical records of HIV patients who underwent electrodiagnostic studies between 1997 and 2011, total 11 patients (all males; median age, 47 years; range, 28-71 years) with comorbid neuropathy were enrolled. Stage of HIV infection was categorized according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. Classification of peripheral neuropathy was based on clinical and electrophysiological features. Results: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy was observed in 8 patients (72.7%), inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in 2 patients (18.1%), and polyradiculopathy in 1 patient (9.1%). Median CD4+ T cell count was $123/mm^3$ (range, $8-540/mm^3$) and 7 patients (60%) had the most advanced HIV disease stage (CDC-C3). There was no neuropathy caused by CMV infection. Conclusions: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy was the most common type of neuropathy in HIV infection, but various forms of neuropathy such as inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and polyradiculopathy were also present. HIV associated neuropathy is more frequently associated with advancing immunosuppression, although it can occur in all stages of HIV infection.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.559-565
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• 2000

This studies were to investigate the effects of low power Helium-Neon Infra-Red (He-Ne IR) laser on the healing of the peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats. The twenty one Spraque-Dewley adult male rats were assigned to the 3 groups: the control group (7), the diabetic group (7) and the laser group (7). The diabetic group was induced with a single intravenous injection of 50mg/kg body weight streptozotocin dissolved to 0.01mol/L citrate buffer, pH 4.5. The experimental laser group was irradiated low power He-Ne IR laser for 5 minutes every day during 21 days to the diabetic group. The results were as follows: For on and two weeks with laser treatment, there were significantly increased the terminal latencies of the laser treatment group than those of diabetic group, but that was significantly decreased to be similar to the control group on the laser treatment group for three weeks. The change of the amplitude on the laser treatment groups for three weeks was significantly increased to be similar to normal group than that of the diabetic group. As the result, we thank that there were activately effected of lower power He-Ne IR laser on the heeling of the peripheral neurophathy in diabetic rats.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.384-404
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• 2013

Objectives : Effects of Bogijetong-tang (BJT) on peripheral nerve regeneration have been reported in a previous study on BJT but additional study on a damaged peripheral neuropathy where its damage level is physically and chemically more severe was needed. Plus, this study was conducted because there haven't been any studies for BJT on central nerve regeneration. Methods : In order to check the effect on central nerve regeneration, the study on cerebellum cells was started and the sciatic nerve was used to observe the effects on a peripheral nerve which was severely damaged both physically and chemically. Nerve recovery effects were observed by analyzing target proteins such as phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, ${\beta}1$ integrin, neurofilament 200, growth-associated protein-43, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, phospho-vimentin, phospho-Smad, and caspase 3. Results : The significant changes of target protein in cerebellum neurons have been observed. The changes of index protein on the axon regeneration and the nerve recovery in the sciatic nerve have been observed and the effects on cell protection were observed, as well. Conclusions : This study confirmed that BJT made a significant influence on nerve protection and recovery of a damaged peripheral neuropathy and it also made a possibility of its regeneration in a damaged central nerve injury.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.127-136
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• 2009

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the current status of treatments and patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and then map out of a strategy for development of generalized-treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Traditional Korean Medicine. Methods: We selected research materials from various databases such as PubMed, Google, KStudy, KoreanTK, OIM, KOMS and books. Also, to understand current tendencies of medical examination and treatment related with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, we requested Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service clinical data from 2003 to 2007. Results: It is reported that the incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is increasing in an aging society. The medical fees of National Health Insurance related with diabetic peripheral neuropathy show a year-on-year increase. There are no particularly effective therapies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Western medicine, and in some papers, it was reported that treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy using Traditional Korean Medicine was effective. However, patients usually visit on Western medical center rather than seek Traditional Korean Medicine. To take charge of clinical fields related with diabetic peripheral neuropathy by Traditional Korean Medicine, we need more studies and experiments of diabetic peripheral neuropathy using Traditional Korean Medicine and should make a standardized protocol. Conclusion: Various studies related with diabetic peripheral neuropathy using Traditional Korean Medicine will have to be undertaken hereafter. We expect that Traditional Korean Medicine will play a vital role in treating of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.195-199
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• 2014

The X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a peroxisomal disease by defects of ABCD1 gene on chromosome Xq28 leading to accumulation of saturated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), progressive demyelination and adrenal insufficiency. A 4-year-old boy was visited hospital with the chief compliant of hyperpigmentation beginning at 2-years old. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol concentration were compatible with adrenal insufficiency. The elevated plasmatic concentration of VLCFA and genotype analysis with sequencing of ABCD1 gene established the diagnosis of X-ALD. Brain MRI showed no abnormal high signal intensity on the white matter. Steroid replacement was started with good response. He initiated Lorenzo's oil with restriction of VLCFA by reducing the intake of fatty foods. The author highlight the importance of suspecting of X-ALD in the etiology of primary adrenal insufficiency as the first sign of the disease.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.460-463
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• 2014

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) which is one of the common chemotherapy related toxicity poses a significant clinical challenge. Here we conducted a prospective pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on CIPN. Patients with CIPN were administered acupuncture procedure with continuation of previous conventional medication. Acupuncture procedures were conducted three times per week for 3 weeks. We assessed patients with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) at the time of baseline and every week after the acupuncture procedures. Total 5 patients were included and treated with acupuncture. CTCAE grades were the same of 2 in all patients. VAS mean value changed from 5.2 to 3.2, and FACT/GOG-Ntx total score that suggests the higher relates to better quality of life changed from 93.3 to 110 as mean value at the end of the 3rd week, though this index difference did not show any statistically significant difference. This pilot study suggests that acupuncture procedure may have a role for CIPN treatment. Launching a more larger and properly controlled study will be required to ascertain the efficacy of acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.289-297
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• 2013

Objectives : Diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN), generally considered to be the most symptomatically distressing complication of diabetes, affects more than 50% of people with diabetes. However, no consistently effective treatment for DPN is available and patients are forced to struggle with medications that provide only partial relief. In this pilot study, we evaluated the clinical effects of Saam acupuncture for the treatment of painful DPN. Methods : A total of 10 patients with painful DPN were included in the study; 6 subjects with Saam acupuncture treatment and 4 subjects without it. Subjects were defined as having painful DPN if they had at least 2 points using total symptom score(TSS). Treatments were delivered three times a week for 4 weeks. Vitamin $B_{12}$ was orally administrated in the all subjects. At initial(0 week) and follow-up after 4 weeks and 8 weeks, all subjects underwent TSS, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI), and nerve conduction test. Results : After initial(0 week) and follow-up(8 weeks), TSS and MNSI were not significantly different between the two groups(p=0.400 and p=0.830, respectively). However, in both two groups, according to time, there was a significant difference in TSS as well as MNSI(p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusions : Saam acupuncture may be considered as the effective treatment for the patients of DPN although the changes of the symptoms were of limited significance in this study. Further investigations are required to elucidate the role of Saam acupuncture for the pain control of DPN.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.1689-1693
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• 2005

In this case, it is considered that the cause of the lower limb Flaccidity-syndrome is the peripheral neuropathy accompanied with inflammation and in oriental medicine, it is understood that the factors such as lung fluid consumption caused by heat-evil, wetness-heat evil cause the lower limb Flaccidity-syndrome. Because the peripheral neuropathy is regarded as a neuropathy with a series of inflammation reaction producing inflammatory neuropeptides such as substance P, prostaglandin ect., in western medicine, nonsteroidal antiinflammation drug;NASID, lidocaine, capsaicine are prescribed to control this neuropathy. In the view of treatment of the lower limb weakness, Wooseul-tangkami is used to remove the wetness-heat evil and we had a electronic acupuncture on the Yangmyung channel(陽明經) selected in The Yellow Emperor's of internal Medicine and also on Panggwang channel(膀胱經) considered as painful lesion. We experineced a case of the lower limb Flaccidity-syndrome diagnosed as the peripheral neuropathy the patient was treated by wooseul-tangkami, a acupuncture on Yangmyung channel and also Panggwang channel and had a significant improvement in gait ability and the range of motion.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.631-644
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of an instrument for pattern identification and evaluation in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).Methods: The study consisted of 66 patients with CIPN (visual analog scale ≥30 mm, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ≤2). The test-retest reliability of the instrument for pattern identification and evaluation in CIPN was tested twice with the same patients in one week.Results: Pearson’s coefficient test-retest reliability of the instrument was 0.601-0.777. The internal reliability of each part was 0.619-0.811. To confirm the validity of the instrument for pattern identification and evaluation for CIPN, the correlation between the score for each identification pattern and that of other CIPN instruments was analyzed. The results revealed a positive correlation between the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and CIPN-20.Conclusion: The reliability of the instrument for pattern identification and evaluation in CIPN was moderate, and the validity analysis revealed a positive correlation.