• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the memory enhancing effect of Poria cocos Wolf (Hoelen cum radix) against scopolamine-induced amnesia in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. To induce amnesia, scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg) was intraperitonically injected into SD rats 30 min before starting behavior tests. We have conducted Morris water-maze and Y-maze tests to monitor learning and memory functions. Poria cocos effectively reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment in SD rats which was represented by an improvement of mean escape latency in water-maze test and spontaneous alterations in Y-maze test. To elucidate possible molecule mechanism, we have measured mRNA as well as protein expression of acetylcholine esterase (AchE), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Poria cocos increased mRNA levels of ChAT and mAchR in rat hippocampus compared with those in the scopolamine-injected amnesic group. In addition, protein expression of ChAT and BDNF was also elevated by Poria cocos intake. Furthermore, as an upstrem regulator, the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. In this immunohistochemical analysis, the phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB) was reduced by scopolamine injection, which was restored back to control levels by administration of Poria cocos. These results suggest that Poria cocos may improve memory and cognitive deficit in amnesia and have therapeutic potentials through up-regulation of ChAT, mAchR, and BDNF, which seemed to be mediated by activation of CREB.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.230-240
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• 2019

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate the effects of Hwangryunhaedok-tang decoction and Hwangryunhaedok-tang Pharmacopuncture at BL10 on cognition and memory impairment in a mouse dementia model induced by scopolamine. Methods : Fifty ICR mice were divided into 6 groups : Normal group (n=5), Control group (n=9), Positive control group for pharmacopuncture group (n=9, Donepezil 0.75 mg/kg), Positive control group for oral administration group (n=9, Donepezil 5 mg/kg), Pharmacopuncture group (n=9, Hwangryunhaedok-tang Pharmacopuncture undiluted solution 10 ml/kg), and Oral administration group (n=9, Hwangryunhaedok-tang 200 mg/kg). For a mouse dementia model, 1 mg/kg scopolamine was intraperitoneally administered to ICR mice. Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture was administered on BL10 for 4 weeks at intervals of 2 days. Hwangryunhaedok-tang decoction was given orally for 4 weeks every day. Morris water maze and passive avoidance test were conducted followed by measurement of acetylcholine concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity, and the amount of BDNF and p-CREB in the brain. Results : 1. In the Morris water maze test, the time spent staying around the platform significantly increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. 2. In the passive avoidance test, the time spent in the bright room significantly increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. 3. The level of acetylcholine in brains increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. Also, the activity of acetylcholinesterase decreased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. 4. The expression of BDNF and p-CREB decreased in the control group, but increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group. Conclusions : These results suggest that Hwangryunhaedok-tang decoction and Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture at BL10 may have cognition and memory-enhancing effect in scopolamine-induced dementia in ICR mice via controlling the content of acetylcholine and the activity of acetylcholinesterase, and activating BDNF and p-CREB.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.129-139
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• 2016

Exercise increases the expression and interaction of major neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at both central and peripheral tissues, which contributes to improved brain and neural plasticity and cognitive function. Previous findings have been to understand the effect of light or moderate intensity aerobic exercise on neurotrophic factors and cognitive function, not that of high intensity aerobic exercise. However, recent findings suggest that high intensity interval training is a safe, less time-consuming, efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and weight control, thus American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM)’s guidelines for exercise prescription for various adult populations also recommend the application of high intensity interval training to promote their overall health. High intensity interval training also enhances the expression of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF at the brain and peripheral tissues, which improves cognitive function. Increased frequency of intermittent hypoxia and increased usage of lactate as a supplementary metabolic resource at the brain and neural components are considered a putative physiological mechanism by which high intensity interval training improves neurotrophic factors and cognitive function. Therefore, future studies are required to understand how increased hypoxia and lactate usage leads to the improvement of neurotrophic factors and what the related biological mechanisms are. In addition, by comparing with the iso-caloric moderate continuous exercise, the superiority of high intensity interval training on the expression of neurotrophic factors and cognitive function should be demonstrated by associated future studies.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.985-991
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological effect of obesity-induced oxidative damage on neurogenesis and early protein expression. Obesity was induced I thirty 4-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats through a high fat diet for 15 weeks. After one week of environmental adaptation, the rats were divided into 2 groups: high fat diet sedentary group (HDS, n=15) and high fat diet training group (HDT, n=15). Exercise training was performed 5 times a week for 8 weeks, with mild-intensity treadmill running for weeks 1-4 and moderate-intensity treadmill running for weeks 5-8. After the 8 week training period, we analyzed lipid profiles, serum 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) related to oxidative damage factors, nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), c-fos, c-jun, and extracellular signal regulated kinase (Erk) in the hippocampus. The results of this study are as follows. There were differences between HDS and HDT in triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) (p<0.05). In high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), the HDT was higher than HDS after treadmill training (p<0.05). In 8-OHdG, the HDT was lower than HDS after treadmill training (p<0.05). Genetic expressions of c-jun, BDNF and MDA in the HDT were higher than in the HDS after treadmill training in hippocampus (p<0.05). Therefore, we conclude that 8 weeks of treadmill training can improve imbalanced lipid profiles, reduce oxidative damage, and activate neurogenesis in obese rats.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1444-1450
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• 2012

The purpose of the present research is to investigate the effects of acute soccer game on serum levels of neurotrophins and neurocognitive function. The subjects of the research were 15 healthy male adolescents. The subjects underwent two experiments: one experiment in the soccer game treatment (SOC) condition, and the other in the self-study treatment (CON) condition. Blood samples were collected at three times: before treatment (Pre), after treatment (Post), and 2 hours post treatment (Post-2 h) for the analyses of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). For the measurements of neurocognitive functions, the Stroop Color-Word test was performed at blood collecting times. The results of the research showed that the serum levels of BDNF, NGF, and IGF-1 were significantly increased after the soccer game (p<0.05), and significantly higher in SOC than CON at Post (p<0.05). In the Stroop Color-Word test, significantly increased scores were observed in SOC at Post (p<0.05), and significantly higher in SOC than in CON at Post and Post-2 h (p<0.05). These results suggest that acute soccer game has positive effects on neurocognitive functions by increasing the neurotrophins.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.79-97
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• 2010

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered clinical problems and often result in severe functional deficit. Bee venom acupuncture has traditionally been used to treat several inflammatory diseases and chronic pain conditions. Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the effects of bee venom (general bee venom, BV) and sweet bee venom (allergen-removed bee venom, SBV) acupuncture on the recovery rate of locomotor function, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the sciatic nerve, and the expression of c-Fos in the brain following sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats, and to evaluate differences due to administration areas. Method: Walking track analysis, Western blot for BDNF and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and immunohistochemistry for c-Fos were performed. In this study, comparative analyses of the effects of BV and SBV acupuncture in relation to administration sites, contralateral side or ipsilateral side, were conducted. Results: In the present result, sciatic function index (SFI) in walking track analysis significantly decreased following sciatic crushed nerve injury. The expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the sciatic nerve increased after induction of sciatic crushed nerve injury. C-Fos expression in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) also increased. BV and SBV acupuncture treatment improved the SFI in walking track analysis. Treatment with SBV at 1mg/kg showed more potent enhancing effect on SFI compared to BV. Treatment with 1mg/kg BV or 1mg/kg SBV acupuncture suppressed the BDNF and TrkB expression in the sciatic nerve. BV and SBV acupuncture treatment also suppressed c-Fos expression in the PVN and vlPAG regions. Treatment with SBV at 1mg/kg showed more potent suppressing effect on c-Fos expression compared to BV when injected into the contralateral side of the injured nerve. Generally we could not find significant difference in the effects between contralateral side and ipsilateral side of the injured nerve. Conclusion: We have shown that BV and SBV acupuncture treatment can be used as the effective therapeutic modality to ameliorate the symptoms of sciatic crushed nerve injury.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.104 no.4
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• pp.657-667
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• 2015

This study examined the effectiveness of 'Forest Therapy (FT)' from the biological, neurocognitive and psychosocial perspectives. Adolescents who were classified as potential internet addicts took part in a FT program for two (once or twice) or three days. Before and after participating the program, Serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Comprehensive Attention Test (CAT), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were measured. It was found that FT led to positive consequences, indicated by increased serum BDNF, improved CAT performance, reduced internet use desire, greater resilience, and better social relationship. In addition, FT was partially effective in alleviating state anxiety level, when the participants were classified in accordance with FT exposure lengths. Overall, this study provides evidence that FT reduces symptoms related to internet addiction and promotes various qualities required for well-being.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.1-17
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• 2008

Objectives : Ohyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqi-san) has been used for many years as a treatment for cerebrovascular diseases in Oriental medicine. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Ohyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqi-san) on cognition and motor function recovery after ischemic brain injury, and also the expression of BDNF in hippocampus. Methods : This study was designed with 4 subgroups to evaluate the effects of Ohyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqi-san). As control groups, group I has no treatment during 1 week after ischemic brain injury and group II has no treatment during 2 weeks after ischemic brain injury. As experimental groups, group III has been treated with Ohyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqi-san) during 1 week after ischemic brain injury and group IV have treated with Ohyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqi-san) during 2 week after ischemic brain injury. Each group has been examined by tests as follows, neurological motor behavioral tests, cognitive motor behavior test and histological test. Neurological motor behavior tests consisted of limb placement test, beam-walking test and horizontal wire test. Cognitive motor behavior test was performed by using Morris water maze. In the histological test, TTC(2,3,5-triphenylteterazolium chloride) staining, hematoxylin & eosin staining, and immunohistochemical staining were used. Results : 1. The tests for motor function recovery change had significantly good result in the experimental groups as compared with control groups(p<.05). 2. The Morris water maze test on cognition also had significantly good result in the experimental groups as compared with control groups(p<.05). 3. In the immunohistochemical staining for the expression of BDNF in hippocampus, more immune reaction was investigated in the experimental groups as compared with control groups. Especially group IV has the greatest immune reaction. Conclusions : Ohyaksungi-san(Wuyaoshunqi-san) has good effects on cognition and motor function recovery after ischemic brain injury, and also the expression of BDNF in hippocampus.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.341-355
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to check the therapeutic effect of the Dendropanax morbifera Pharmacopuncture for insomnia and cognition caused by psychosocial stress. Methods: We separated Wistar rats (older than age 10 weeks, 300 g) into normal, control, positive control (Zolpidem administered, PC), and Dendropanax morbifera Pharmacopuncture experimental groups (DPA). Psychosocial stress such as circadian rhythm change, clammy straw, predator stress, restraint stress, noise bursts, and flashing lights were applied to the control, PC, DPA groups. The Dendropanax morbifera Pharmacopuncture group was given 0.5×, 1× and 2× amount concentration of Dendropanax morbifera Pharmacopuncture, respectively. The levels of Melatonin, Serotonin, Corticosterone, GABA, BDNF and CREB were measured, and the Y-maze test, weight and blood test were performed. Results: In all of the DPA groups, the Melatonin level showed no noticeable difference. In the DPA-2x group, Serotonin increased significantly. In all the experimental groups, Corticosterone decreased significantly and GABA showed increasing tendency. The DPA-1x and DPA-2x groups showed remarkable increase in BDNF and DPA-0.5x and the DPA-2x groups showed significant increase in CREB. The DPA-2x group showed remarkable increase in the Alternation behavior category of the Y-maze test. In all of the experimental groups the weight change showed increasing tendency, whereas no noticeable differences were found among all experimental groups regarding AST, ALT, BUN, Creatinine and CBC. Conclusions: Dendropanax morbifera Pharmacopuncture increases levels of serotonin and GABA, decreases corticosterone, increases levels of BDNF and CREB, and increases the ratio of alternation behavior in the Y-maze test. Thus, I suggest that Dendropanax morbifera Pharmacopuncture has the effect of treating insomnia caused by psychosocial stress, activating the brain, and improving cognition.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.209-220
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• 2019

Objectives: As a general emotion, everyone can temporarily experience depression, but depressive disorder is a disease that excessively affects daily life. Among the various causes of depression, the deficiency of monoamine-based neurotransmitters such as serotonin and epinephrine are considered significant. Thus, antidepressants that target monoamines are used frequently. However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction are observed. Thus, it is necessary to develop a new therapeutic agent with fewer side effects. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant effect of JG02, used to treat depression by normalizing the flow of qi (氣) in Korean medicine. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were selected and randomly divided into six groups: normal, control, amitriptyline, and JG02 (50, 125, 250 mg/kg), respectively. Except for normal, depression was induced by applying restraint stress at the same time for six hours daily for 14 consecutive days. Saline, amitriptyline or JG02 samples were orally administered two hours before applying the stress. After that, a forced swimming test and an open field test were performed. Additionally, serum corticosterone, serotonin mRNA, BDNF mRNA, and protein in the hippocampal region were measured and compared. Results: JG02 decreased immobility time rate in the FST and increased the zone transition number and travel distance in the OFT. Also, JG02 inhibited the release of serum corticosterone, and increased serotonin, BDNF gene expression, and BDNF protein in the hippocampus. Conclusions: In this study, JG02 showed significant antidepressant effects on the chronic restraint stress mice model. When further research is performed based on JG02, the development of a new antidepressant is considered highly possible.