• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.519-536
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to figure out which acupoints are selected to treat low back pain and attempt to analyze the effectiveness of those acupoints in current clinical trials. Methods : We searched the three electronic databases(PUBMED, RISS, KISS) and manually checked related Korean journals and reference lists up to April 2012. We included randomized controlled trials, clinical controlled trials, and case reports/series using needle type acupuncture( manual acupuncture, electronic acupuncture) to treat low back pain in English and Korean. We investigated the frequency of selected acupoints, change of visual analogue scale of low back pain and statistical significance in each study among trials. Results : We included 37 articles(Domestic 17, International 20) 53 studies(Domestic 28, International 25) in this study. The most frequently adopted acupoints were BL23, BL24, BL25, GB30, BL26, BL60, BL32, BL40, KI3, GV3, ST36 in domestic studies and BL23, BL25, BL40, BL60, GB30, GB34, BL32, BL26 in international studies. There were differential effectiveness of acupoints between domestic and the international studies using statistical significance of visual analog scale for low back pain. Conclusions : These results suggest that both proximal and distal acupoints based on meridian theory were used in clinical trials to treat low back pain. It would be helpful to provide clinical guideline, evaluate the results of clinical trials appropriately, and reveal the effectiveness of acupoints.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.300-314
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• 2012

Objectives : This study is to observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters, such as NO, nNOS, and NE, upon the needle insertion to the sea points, which is one of the five transport points. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on both left and right sides of all sea points, including the LU5, PC3, HT3, LI11, TE10, SI8, SP9, LR8, KI10, ST36, GB34, and BL40, which are the sea points of five transport points for 12 meridian vessels. After insertion, needles were retained for five minutes. 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 NO, nNOS and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in NO production, there was a significant decrease only in the LU5 point, whereas there was a significant increase in the TE10 point alone. In terms of the expression of nNOS within tissues, none of the experimental groups showed significant changes based on the results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Regarding the formation of norepinephrine within tissues, the HT3, SP9, and KI10 point showed a significant decrease, while the PC3 and LR8 point showed a significant increase. Production of plasma norepinephrine was significantly increased at the TE10, SP9, LR8, GB34, and BL40 point. Conclusions : The effect of needles applied at the sea points of five transport points of 12 meridian vessels on the functions of NO, nNOS, and NE could be observed, and it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on nervous system disorders could be studied through additional researches based on this one.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.221-231
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• 2007

목 적 : 본 연구의 목적은 시상하부에서 침처치에 대한 nitric oxide synthase (NOS)발현을 nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d)를 이용한 조직화학 염색법으로 관찰하였다. 실험방법 : 동물은 Balb/c (wild type) 와 Stat 4 knockout (KO) 생쥐를 사용하였다. 염증유도는 1% carrageenan 용액 (20ul/마리)을 발 뒤꿈치 표피에 주사하였고, 침 처치는 족삼리 (ST36)에 시침하였다. 침 처치 후 5시간까지 부종율을 부종측정기로 측정하였으며, 마지막으로 부종을 측정한 후 동물을 희생하여 뇌를 적출하여 고정하였다. 침에 대한 효과를 확인하기 위하여 NADPH-d 반응의 조직염색을 실시하였다. 염증유도와 그룹간의 유의성 검증은 one-way ANOVA를 사용하였다. 결 과 : 대조군인 Balb/c와 실험군인 stat4 KO 생쥐를 carrageenan으로 염증을 유도시에 대조군은 90%이상 유도된 반면, Stat4 KO 그룹은 50% 정도의 염증만이 유도되었다. 염증을 유도한 생쥐의 족삼리에 침 처치시 대조군은 1시간에서 약 40%정도 감소하였고 (P<0.05), Stat4 KO 실험군은 유의한 염증 감소율을 보이지 않았다. 시상하부의 lateral hypothalamic area (LHA)와 paraventricular nucleus (PVN)부위의 침에 대한 효과를 NADPH-d 에 양성으로 반응하는 세포수로 비교하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. (1) 대조군에서 염증 유도시 시상하부의 PVN는 NADPH-d 양성세포수가 감소하였고, LHA에서는 증가하였다. (2) 염증을 유도한 대조군에 침을 처치시 PVN은 세포수가 증가하였고, LHA에서는 감소하는 경향을 보였다. (3) 염증을 유도한 Stat4 KO 군에서는 시상하부의 PVN과 LHA부위 모두에서 NADPH-d 양성세포수가 감소하였고, 염증유도그룹에 침을 처치시 PVN과 LHA부위 모두에서 세포수가 증가함을 관찰 할 수 있었다. (4) 대조군과 실험군 모두에 salicylic acid로 비교하였더니 염증유도 효과 및 NADPH-d 세포 수에서 침 처치와 비슷한 결과를 나타내었다. 결 론 : 침은 염증을 유도한 생쥐에서 염증 감소에 유의한 효과가 있다. 염증을 유도한 Balb/c 와 Stat4 KO 생쥐에 침을 처치 시 시상하부의 NADPH-d 발현이 LHA부위와 PVN에서 서로 다르게 나타나는 것으로 나타난다. 이러한 현상은 침 효과가 시상하부의 위치에 대한 작용이 다르기 때문이라고 생각된다.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.1001-1006
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• 2004

In order to examine the anti-arthritic properties of ShinEumHur(SEH)-herbal acupuncture, an adjuvant-induced arthritic rat was generated by the intra-articular injection of dried cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis emulsified in squalene into the right knee joint. Fifty microliter of SEH extract was injected into Zusanli(ST36) acupoint on the ipsilateral hind paw every other day for 2 weeks. The body weight, knee circumference, squeak threshold, and weight distribution ratio were analyzed as the assessment methods addressing arthritic symptoms such as arthritic pain, edema, and tenderness. The weight distribution ratio was measured by a digital-type analgesia instrument using the dual channel scale that separately measures the weight the arthritic rat distributes to each hind paw, and thus quantifies both of swelling and pain severities at once. The therapeutic effects of SEH-herbal acupuncture, assessed by squeaking threshold and weight distribution ratio, were observed on 8th day after the arthritis induction as compared to saline group and control group. On 10th day, SEH-herbal acupuncture therapy significantly started to alleviate the growing pattern of knee circumference of an arthritic rat in the range of 0.2㎝. However, the loss of body weight was not significantly recovered. Taken together, the SEH-herbal acupuncture exhibited the significant therapeutic efficiency to treat adjuvant-induced monoarthritis in rat.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.74-85
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• 2007

Objective : In this study we wanted to confirm if proper stimulation and de-Qi of traditional Korean medical acupuncture could increase hot flash relief efficacy. Design : A randomized controlled, single blind study. We used two modalities of acupuncture, one with optimal stimulation [Study group; Korean medical acupuncture (TKMA)] and one with minimal stimulation [Control group; Minimal acupuncture (MA)]. Same acupoints [PC6(內關), HT8(少府), HT7(神門), LI4(合谷), ST36(足三里), SP6(三陰交), Ren4(關元)] were used in both groups. Fifty-two patients were treated twice a week for 8 weeks, and follow up was done after 4 weeks from the last treatment. Patients were checked hot flash VAS (visual analog scale), frequency and duration every time they visited. Results : Hot flash relief efficacy by 100mm hot flash VAS was obvious in both groups. Hot flash VAS scores of study group were smaller than the scores of control group at the early stage (3rd, $4^{th}$ and $8^{th}$ visit), but there wasn't a remarkable difference between study and control group at the end of the trial. Besides, diminution of hot flash VAS was faster and more even in the study group than control group by visualization using 'Box plot'. We compared frequency and duration of hot flash, 100mm sweating, palpitation, sleep disturbance VAS, and Kupperman Index, MENQOL, Patient's global assessment score. Both groups showed definite decrease from the baseline, but the difference was not statistically significant. There wasn't any adverse event. Hot flash relief efficacy was kept in most patients after 4 weeks' follow-up. Conclusion : Acupoint combination by Traditional Korean medical theory is effective on hot flashes and hot flash relief efficacy was faster and more even in optimal stimulation than minimal stimulation.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.111-120
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effects of Needle Electrode Electrical Stimulation (NEES) on ischemia-induced cerebrovascular accidents. After obstruction and reperfusion of ${\ast}{\ast}$ arteries in white mice, the amounts of necrosis and inflammation related substances IL-6, Caspase-3, and PARP, C-fos were measured in neurons of the hippocampus. The following results were obtained. Methods : This study used 21 male specific pathogen free (SPF) SD (Sprague Dawley) rats, 8 weeks of age and approximately 300 g in weight, that were given at least 1 week to adapt to the lab environment Each exposed artery was completely occluded with non-absorbent suture thread and kept in that state for 5 minutes. The sutures were then removed to allow reperfusion of blood. Test group is control group for comparison with the common carotid artery occlusion models, a GI group that underwent common carotid artery occlusion, and a needle electrode electrical stimulation (NEES) group that underwent NEES after artery occlusion. The GI and NEES groups were given 12, 24, or 48 hours of reperfusion before NEES. NEES device (PG6, ITO, Japan, 9V, current, 2Hz) was used to stimulate the right and left acupoint ST36 of the SD rats for 30 minutes while they were sedated with 3% isoflurane. An immunohistochemistry test was done on the forebrains of the GI induced rats. All the data collected from this study was symbolized and analyzed using a statistics processing program (SPSS 12.0K/PC). The level of significance was set at ${\alpha}$=0.05 and a T-TEST analysis was used to find out the effects of treatment on each of the groups: the normal group, the CVA induced group, and the treatment after CVA induction group. Results : Both PARP and C-fos immuno-reactive cells, related to apoptosis, were greater in the GI groups than the NEES group. Caspase and IL-6 immuno-reactive cells, related to inflammation, were greater in the GI and NEES groups than the control group. Conclusions : This research was conducted to study the effects of NEES on CVA due to ischemia. Occlusion and reperfusion was performed on the common carotid arteries of white rats, after which amounts of substances related to neuron necrosis and inflammation - PARP, IL-6, Caspase-3, and C-fos - were measured in the Hippocampus

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.23-29
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• 2006

Objectives : The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of automatically controlled rotating acupuncture (ACRA) on thermal allodynia in neuropathic pain rats, and to examine whether the endogenous opioid system mediates the effects of ACRA. Methods : For the neuropathic surgery, the right superior caudal trunk was resected at the level between S1 and S2 spinal nerves innervating the tail. Two weeks after the nerve injury, ACRA stimulation with 4 different stimulation conditions (i.e., angle and frequency of rotation: 90o+1Hz, 90o+1/4Hz, 360o+/1Hz, and 360o+1/4Hz) was delivered to the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint for 15 min. The behavioral signs of thermal allodynia were evaluated by the tail immersion test (i.e., immersing the tail in cold $(4^{\circ}C)$ or warm $(4^{\circ}C)$ water and measuring the latency to an abrupt tail movement) before and after the stimulation. In an additional set of experiments, we examined the effects of naloxone (opioid Results : ACRA stimulations under all of the conditions above significantly relieved thermal antagonist, 2mg/kg, i.p.) on the action of ACRA stimulation. allodynia. There is no difference in the anti-allodynic effects among the 4 stimulation conditions. In addition, the effect of ACRA on thermal allodynia was reversed by naloxone pretreatment. Conclusion : These results indicate that ACRA stimulations have relieving effects on thermal allodynia in neuropathic pain rats, irrespective of stimulation parameters, and that this is mediated by the endogenous opioid system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.117-127
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• 2010

Background : To demonstrate the efficacy of moxibustion therapy, randomized controled trials are required. But, clinical trials of moxibustion had limitations due to the absence of a sham moxibustion model for an appropriate placebo. Objectives : To develop a new sham moxibustion model based on the thermal characteristics of commercial indirect moxibustion, especially temperature, and to evaluate whether it could be applied in clinical trials. Methods : By applying heat insulation, we created a sham moxibustion device that was indistinguishable from a real one with the naked eye. It also stimulated heat but had inert remedial value. A clinical trial was performed on subjects to test double blinding. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, a treatment group and a sham group. Acupoint Zusanli($ST_{36}$) was used in each group for 3 times. A sham acupuncture credibility questionnaire was modified into a moxibustion credibility questionnaire and was filled out after treatment. Results : No major difference was detected in the subjects' baseline data. Most subjects and practitioners could not distinguish the sham moxibustion device from the real one. But, subjects who had experience of moxibustion therapy more likely to distinguish the sham moxibustion device from the real one than subjects who didn't have experience of moxibustion therapy. The treatment group showed a significant difference in the VAS(Visual Analog Scale) for intensity of sensation during treatment than that of the sham group. Conclusions : The sham moxibustion device in this study is proved sufficient and credible to be applied in investigations of the effect of moxibustion. But it is more appropriate for the people who don't have experience of moxibustion therapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.5-13
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• 2014

목적 : 본 연구는 전단계 및 1기 고혈압에 해당하는 폐경 후 여성을 대상으로 침 치료의 유효성과 안전성을 평가하고 적정 치료 횟수를 탐색할 목적으로 실시하는 연구이다. 방법 : 네 군, 무작위 배정, 공개 예비연구가 두 임상연구센터에서 진행될 것이다. 총 60명의 대상자가 두 치료군과 두 대조군에 배정되게 된다. 치료군의 대상자는 통상적 관리와 함께 8개 혈위(양측 풍지, 곡지, 족삼리, 삼음교)에 치료군 A는 4주간 10회, 치료군 B는 8주간 20회 침 치료를 받을 것이다. 대조군의 대상자는 침 치료를 받지 않고 대조군 C는 16주간, 대조군 D는 20주간 통상적 관리를 하게 된다. 각 대상자의 생활습관은 교정될 것이며 혈압에 영향을 줄 수 있는 약물은 금지될 것이다. 치료군 A와 대조군 C는 무작위 배정 4, 8, 12, 16주 후에, 치료군 B와 대조군 D는 무작위 배정 4, 8, 12, 16, 20주 후에 평가를 받을 것이다. 주요결과변수는 무작위 배정 4주 후 이완기 혈압 변화량이다. 보조결과변수는 (1) 무작위 배정 8, 16, 20주 후 이완기 혈압 변화량, (2) 수축기 혈압 변화량, (3) 혈압 조절률, (4) 지질대사지표, (5) 고감도 C-반응단백이다. 결론 : 본 연구의 결과는 혈압 조절에 대한 침의 유효성 및 안전성에 관한 근거 구축에 도움이 될 것이다.