• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.125-137
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• 2006

Objectives : The effect of water extract of the pilose antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe (Nokyong), a traditional immuno-suppressive and immuno-activating Korean oriental medicine, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model was studied. Identification of common Nokyong capable of affording protection or modulating the onset and severity of arthritis may have important human health implications. Methods : Nokyong has shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties in experimental animals. In this study we determined the effect of DAE on collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Results : In three independent experiments mice given DAE in water exhibited significantly reduced incidence of arthritis (33% to 50%) as compared with mice given no DAE in water (84% to 100%). The arthritis index also was significantly lower in DAE-fed animals. Western blot analysis showed a marked reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), $Interferon-{\gamma}\;(INF-{\gamma})$, and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ in arthritic joints of DAE-fed mice. The neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity was approximately 6-fold higher in arthritic joints of non-DAE-fed mice in comparison to nonarthritic joints of nonimmunized mice whereas it was only 2-fold higher in the arthritic joints of DAE-fed mice. Additionally, total IgG and type II collagen-specific IgG levels were lower in the arthritic joints of DAE-fed mice. Conclusion : Taken together our studies suggest that DAE may be useful in the prevention of onset and severity of arthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.65-75
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of warm needling at $GB_{30}{\cdot}GB_{34}$ on Complete Freund's Adjuvant(CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injecting CFA subcutaneously into the left knee joint and paw. Acupuncture(AT) and warm needling(W-AT0.5, W-AT1.0) were injected at $GB_{30}{\cdot}GB_{34}$, every other day for a total of 5 times beginning on day 10 after the CFA injection. Thereafter, external shape, paw edema, serum aminotransferase and anti-inflammatory factors were assessed, and hematological and histological observations were made. Results : In paw edema volume all 3 groups(AT, W-AT0.5, W-AT1.0) showed significant decrease compared to the CFA control group. In TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6, all 3 groups showed significant decrease compared to CFA control group. In AST and ALT all 3 groups showed no significant change. In IL-$1{\beta}$, W-AT0.5 and W-AT1.0, groups showed significant decrease compared to the CFA control group. Leucocyte, erythrocyte and thrombocyte, all 3 groups showed no significant change. In histological observations, all 3 groups were similar to the intact group in terms of synoviocyte, cartilage lacuna and cartilage cells. Conclusions : The results suggest that warm needling at $GB_{30}{\cdot}GB_{34}$, has the effect of suppressing inflammation of CFA-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.41-53
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Akebiae Lignum herbal acupuncture(AL-HA) at $KI_{10}$ in acute nephritis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in rat. Methods : Rats were divided into 5 groups and 4 groups were injected LPS to induce acute nephritis. Normal group was normal SD rat, LPS group was injected LPS, AL-HA group was treated with AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ three times for a week, needle prick(NP) group with 26 gauge needle and saline group with normal saline. To evaluate the effects of AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ on acute nephritis in rats, WBC, neutrophil in blood, BUN, TNF-${\alpha}$, CINC-1 in serum and urinary volume, total protein in urine, renal MPO were measured and renal tissue was analyzed. Results : AL-HA group significantly reduced WBC, neutrophil in blood, BUN in serum, total protein in urine and renal MPO. And AL-HA group reduced concentration of neutrophil on glomerulus than LPS group in histological analysis. Conclusions : AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ has a therapeutic effect on acute nephritis in LPS stimulated rat. Therefore, it is suggested that AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ may be an useful therapeutics for acute nephritis in clinical field after further researches.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2017

Objectives : The present study was designed to determine the effects of mixture of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. The mixture was composed of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex extracts. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injection of MIA into knee joints of rats. At the end of experiment, gross examination on the articular structures of knee joints were performed. Proteoglycan (PG) contents in articular cartilages were analysed as well. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) contents in synovial fluids were measured by ELISA method and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) mRNA were measured by a realtime PCR. Results : The surfaces of the articular cartilage were observed. The severity of osteoarthritis in the treated group were alleviated compared with control group. PG contents in articular cartilages of the treated group were increased compared with control group. $IL-1{\beta}$ contents in synovial fluids of the treated group were significantly decreased compared with control group. MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA contents in articular cartilages were significantly decreased compared with control group and TIMP1 mRNA contents were increased compared with control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, we concluded that Achyranthis Japonicae Radix-containing mixture treatment has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats. And the effects were related with the reduction of $IL-1{\beta}$ in synovial membranes and the consequent reduction of MMP2 and MMP9 expressions.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.17-34
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was carried out to know the effects of Gwanjul8-bang(here in after reffered to GJ8) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on DBA/1J mice. Methods : For this purpose, GJ8 was orally administered to mouse with arthritis induced by collagen II. Cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, value of immunocyte in draining lymph node(DLN) and paw joint, cytokine in serum were measured in vivo. Results : 1. The arthritis index was decreased significantly. 2. In total cell counts of DLN and paw joint, the cells in DLN increased significantly while there was a significant decrease in paw joint. 3. In lymph nodes, $CD19^+$, $CD3^+$, $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells increased significantly, and $B220^+/CD23^+$ cells decreased significantly. 4. In joints, $CD3^+$, $CD4^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells decreased significantly. 5. The levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-17, MCP-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in serum was significantly decreased compared with control. 6. Anti-collagen II in serum was significantly decreased compared with control. 7. The degree of arthritis induced damage of joint of GJ8 group is slight compared with control group in histopathologic observation(hematoxylin & eosin(H&E), Masson-Trichrome(MT) staining). Conclusions : Comparison of the results for this study showed that GJ8 had immunomodulatory effects. So we expect that GJ8 should be used as a effective drugs for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune disease. Therefore there seems to be many clinical research needed in the future.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.473-479
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were compared in galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatitic ICR mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male ICR mice (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 groups: normal control, GalN/LPS, luteolin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside groups. The latter two groups were administered luteolin or luteolin-7-O-glucoside (50 mg/kg BW) daily by gavage for 3 weeks after which hepatitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of GalN and LPS (1 g/kg BW and $10{\mu}g/kg\;BW$, respectively). RESULTS: GalN/LPS produced acute hepatic injury by a sharp increase in serum AST, ALT, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels, increases that were ameliorated in the experimental groups. In addition, markedly increased expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and its transcription factors, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ and activator protein (AP)-1, were also significantly attenuated in the experimental groups. Compared to luteolin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin more potently ameliorated the levels of inflammatory mediators. Phase II enzymes levels and NF-E2 p45-related factor (Nrf)-2 activation that were decreased by GalN/LPS were increased by luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside administration. In addition, compared to luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside acted as a more potent inducer of changes in phase II enzymes. Liver histopathology results were consistent with the mediator and enzyme results. CONCLUSION: Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside protect against GalN/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity through the regulation of inflammatory mediators and phase II enzymes.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.284-293
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• 2018

Objectives: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the active ingredients of herbal plants such as Nigella sativa L. (NS) which has beneficial effects on the body. The beneficial effects of TQ on the cardiovascular system have reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on cardiac fibrosis and permeability, serum and tissue concentration of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress status in chronic lipopolysaccharide exposure in male rats. Methods: Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (1) control; (2) LPS (1 mg/kg/day); (3-5) LPS + TQ with three doses of 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg (n=14 in each group). After 3 weeks, serum and cardiac levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and cardiac levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, permeability of heart tissue (evaluated by Evans blue dye method) and myocardial fibrosis were determined, histologically. Results: LPS administration induced myocardial and perivascular fibrosis and increased cardiac oxidative stress (MDA), inflammatory markers and heart permeability, while, reduced anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD and CAT) and the total thiol group. Administration of TQ significantly attenuated these observations. Conclusion: TQ improved myocardial and perivascular fibrosis through suppression of chronic inflammation and improving oxidative stress status and can be considered for attenuation of cardiac fibrosis in conditions with chronic low-grade inflammation.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.120-120
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• 2019

Allergic inflammatory disease has been increased by abnormal lifestyle and food habits. Especially, prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been elevated and treatment of AD has not been unclear. Red sweet pepper (RSP), named as Capsicum annuum L, has been known as having pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, detoxification and antibacterial effects. However, the beneficial effect of ethanolic extract of RSP on AD has not been partly examined yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of RSP on AD in vitro and in vivo models. The treatment of RSP inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$-stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT cell). Also, RSP extract regulated 2,4-dinitroflorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Oral administration of RSP ameliorated DNFB-induced AD-like symptoms. In presented results indicated that RSP inhibited inflammatory cytokines in HaCaT cell and ameliorated AD-like skin lesion through suppression of symptom of DNFB-induced skin inflammation. Thus, RSP might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.358-368
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• 2019

Purpose: Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is directly related to growth and has a high probability of requiring surgical intervention(s); therefore, more active treatment for CD is required for children. This study investigated the impact of biologics on growth and disease course associated with surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients diagnosed with CD at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital (Seoul, Korea) between January 2006 and October 2017. The aim was to determine the characteristics of pediatric patients with CD and whether biologics affected growth and the surgical disease course. Results: Among patients who underwent surgery for CD, the mean number of operations per patient was 1.89. The mean time from initial diagnosis to surgery was 19.3 months. The most common procedure was fistulectomy (34%), followed by incision and drainage (25%). In all patients, the use of biologics increased the height (p=0.002) and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.005). Among patients who underwent surgery, height (p=0.004) and BMI (p=0.048) were increased in the group using biologics. Patients who used biologics exhibited a low operation rate only within 2 years after diagnosis, with no differences thereafter (p=0.027). Conclusion: Although biologics could not mitigate the operation rate in pediatric patients who underwent surgery for CD, biological therapy delayed disease progression within 2 years of disease onset. Additionally, biologics conferred growth and BMI benefits in this window period. Therefore, it may be helpful to use biologics for optimal growth in pediatric patients with a high probability of undergoing future surgery.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.51-62
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the macrophages polarization of traditional Korean medicine on cardiac pain about Geum-Gwe-Yo-Ryak's two prescriptions including Kwaruhaebaekbanha-tang (KHB) and Kwaruhaebaekpaekju-tang (KHP). Materials and methods: Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the changes in the ratio of M1 type and M2 type macrophages. Protein expression of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were measured by Western Blot, and ABCA1 and SR-B1 were detected by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Intracellular lipid accumulation was measured by Oil Red O staining (ORO staining). Results: KHB and KHP increase anti-oxidative activity related protein levels including Nrf2 and HO-1. Furthermore, KHB and KHP inhibit lipid accumulation on intracellular levels through induction of ATP binding receptor cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) and scavenging receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1), respectively. Finally, KHB and KHP also blocked pro-inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF{\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), iNOS and COX-2 expression. Conclusion: This study suggests that KHB and KHP potently regulate the M1/M2 macrophage polarization.