• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.306-317
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• 2004

Background & Object : Dyspepsia for which no organic causes are disclosed is referred to as functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia is here studied in connection with a biopsychosocial model. From the aspect of individual response to external environment, in connection with stress response, functional dyspepsia is studied by both the psychology department and the internal medicine departments. The disease is taken as approachable from the aspect of internal injury due to seven emotions and stress as differentiated by Oriental medicine. Materials and Methods : Targeted at 223 patients underwent medical checks and endoscopy at Kangnam Korean Hospital, Kyunghee University. They agreed to join this clinical experiment. Stress response inventory, GARS (global assessment of recent stress scale), GSRS (gastrointestinal symptom rating scale), diagnostic scores for Ki-depression, and Spleen Disease Differentiation of Syndromes were all measured and evaluated. The test group was comprised of functional dyspepsia patients. The control group was comprised of nonsymptomatic chronic gastritis patients who were found to suffer from chronical gastritis in endoscopy and thus could be diagnosed with functional dyspepsia if symptoms would arise, but did not complain of subjective symptoms. Results showed these corelations: Functional dyspepsia patients were found to have more serious Ki-depression compared to nonsymptomatic chronic gastritis patients. The more serious Ki-depression the more serious the dyspepsia symptoms. The higher the stress response inventory the more serious the dyspepsia. Deficiency of spleen Eum, and Deficiency and Sinking of spleen Gi were found to coincide with serious Ki-depression.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.187-195
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is evaluating the effect of Poria cocos pharmacopuncture (PCP) at $SP_6$(Sameumgyo) and $ST_{36}$(Joksamni) on chronic stress model(CSM) rats. Methods : The experimental rats were assigned to five groups: normal, CSM(control), PCP1X, PCP2.5X and PCP5X. The experimental rats in CSM(control), PCP1X, PCP2.5X and PCP5X were put through a timetable to cause CSM. PCP($20{\mu}l$) was administered at $SP_6$, $ST_{36}$ to groups PCP1X, PCP2.5X and PCP5X once every three days for a total of six times. The weight of the rats was measured by an electronic scale after PCP injection, once every three days for a total of six times. Blood samples were taken from the rats for analysis of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT). Serotonin and norepinephrine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kit. Results : The experimental groups(PCP1X, 2.5X, 5X) showed significant body weight increase compared to the control group. Regarding AST and ALT changes in serum, the experimental groups(PCP2.5X, 5X) showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. For Serotonin changes in serum, the experimental group(PCP5X) showed a significant increase compared to the control group. For Norepinephrine changes in serum, the experimental groups(PCP2.5X) showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Conclusions : These data suggest that PCP at $SP_6$, $ST_{36}$ has therapeutic effects on CSM rats.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2024

We investigated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) on immortalized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC/TERT1) in a fibrotic environment. To replicate the increased stiffness characteristic of kidneys in chronic kidney disease, we utilized polyacrylamide gel platforms. A stiff matrix was shown to increase α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, indicating fibrogenic activation in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Interestingly, treatment with BMSC-CM resulted in significant reductions in the levels of fibrotic markers (α-SMA and vimentin) and increases in the levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and aquaporin 7, particularly under stiff conditions. Furthermore, BMSC-CM modified microRNA (miRNA) expression and reduced oxidative stress levels in these cells. Our findings suggest that BMSC-CM can modulate cellular morphology, miRNA expression, and oxidative stress in RPTEC/TERT1 cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential in fibrotic kidney disease.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.552-560
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• 2023

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2019

Background: Increased oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of chronic tendinopathy. Melatonin is an endogenous molecule that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and histopathological effects of exogenous melatonin administrations in supraspinatus overuse tendinopathy. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into the following four groups: cage activity, melatonin treatment, corticosteriod therapy, and control. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; twice a day) and triamcinolone (0.3 mg/kg, subacromial; weekly) were administered to the treatment groups after the overuse period. Biochemical and histopathological evaluations were performed on serum samples and biopsies obtained from rats. Plasma inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were evaluated biochemically. Results: The TAS, TOS, OSI, iNOS, and VEGF values were significantly lower than the pre-treatment levels in rats receiving exogenous melatonin treatment (3 or 6 weeks) (p<0.05). TOS, iNOS, VEGF, and OSI values after 3 weeks of triamcinolone administration, and TOS, VEGF, and OSI levels after 6 weeks of triamcinolone application, were significantly lower than the pre-treatment levels (p<0.05). Conclusions: Exogenous melatonin application in overuse tendinopathy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin might be an alternative potential molecule to corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic tendinopathy.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.77-86
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• 2011

Objectives : These days assaults and other natural and human disasters are increasing. But oriental medical treatment researches in Korea are limited in car accident PTSD patients only. Our object is to explore an oriental medical intervention model for the evidence-based approach to PTSD after diverse trauma including disasters. Methods : Domestic papers for Korean researches are obtained from oriental medical related journals by internet searching. International materials are obtained from PubMed searching and a publication from Department of Veterans' Affairs. After assorting searched articles into RCTs and non-RCTs, we analyzed the articles according to the elapsed time from trauma. Results : We confirmed that acupuncture, CBT, and PMR were effective in acute stage after traumatic event. And EMDR, EFT, and relaxation therapy were effective in chronic stage after traumatic event. Building on the findings, we proposed a model of oriental medicine for Disaster Mental Health. Conclusions : Analyzing previous researches about oriental medicine on PTSD, several interventions were confirmed the effectiveness on specific treatment stage. We could find the possibility of Oriental Medicine as a Disaster Mental Heath and proposed a model of Oriental medicine for Disaster Mental Health.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.15-23
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• 2019

Objective : Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a disease that caused gastric acid reflux and inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter, as increasing worldwide respectively. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Evodiae Fructus (EF) extract on chronic reflux esophagitis in rats. Methods : The EF was measured antioxidant activity, such as total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-enzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Rats were divided into 3 groups; Nor (normal group), Con (chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats treatment with water), EF (chronic acid reflux esophagitis rat treatment with EF 200 mg/kg body weight group). A surgically-induced chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE) model was established in SD rats, and treated with water or EF 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Results : Administration of EF to rats of induction of chronic acid reflux esophagitis was found to reduce esophagus tissues injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and produces peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) levels of esophagus tissues were significantly decreased in EF compared to Con group. As results of esophagus protein analyses, EF effectively reduce inflammatory-related factors ($NF-{\kappa}Bp65$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, iNOS, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6), and increase anti-oxidant enzyme (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, GPx-1/2). Conclusions : These results suggest that EF administration comfirmed that decreased esophagus tissues injury, oxidantive stress, anti-inflammation effect, and increased anti-oxidant effect. Therefore, EF was the potential to be used as a natural therapeutic drug.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2011

Background: This study aimed to evaluate processes from the mutual maintenance model in relation to daily functioning in patients with both chronic pain and a history of a traumatic experience. The mechanism illustrated the structural relations for daily functioning among pain intensity, hyperarousal, re-experiencing, trauma avoidance, and pain avoidance. Methods: Archival data (N = 214) was used for this study and data were analyzed for 142 chronic pain patients reporting a traumatic experience and seeking treatment at a tertiary pain clinic in Korea. Results: The results indicated that pain intensity, hyperarousal, and pain avoidance had significant direct effects on daily functioning. Also, pain intensity showed significant indirect effects on daily functioning through hyperarousal and pain avoidance; and hyperarousal through pain avoidance. Conclusions: Results suggest a direct contribution of high levels of pain, hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, and pain avoidance behaviors to reduced daily functioning. Also, elevated pain as reminders of the trauma may trigger high levels of hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD. Subsequently, avoidant coping strategies may be used to minimize pain so that the trauma would not be re-experienced, thus inhibiting the activation of hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD. However, prolonged use of such strategies may contribute to decline in daily functioning.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.293-308
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• 2013

Objectives : The Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam has been used in traditional oriental medicine to treat a variety of mental disorders including anxiety and depression. The purpose of present study is to observe the changes which take place in the body in stressful situations and to compare the anti-depressive, anxiolytic and anti-stress effect of Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam in different doses. Methods : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam in the immobilization stress model in rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into 5 groups of 5: control, stress, low dose administration (75 mg/kg), medium dose administration (150 mg/kg) and high dose administration (225 mg/kg). The four groups other than the control group were placed in an immobilization stress test, and distilled water (control) or Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam extract was administration orally for 2 weeks. After treatment, the despair and anxiety behavior of rats were measured by open field test, forced swimming test, weight gain, contents of 5-HT in raphe nucleus and adrenal gland weight. Results & Conclusions : As a result of evaluation by measuring five aspects, FST, OFT, weight gain, 5-HT contents and adrenal gland weight, Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam has significant antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-stress effects.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.355-367
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aims to identify factors influencing the health-related quality of life among women merchants at traditional markets. Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional descriptive study included 121 women merchants. Data were collected from May 01 to June 30, 2019 using the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), psychosocial well-being index-short form (PWI-SF), subjective health status, and HRQoL. Selected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression by applying the SPSS/WIN program 22.0. Results: The HRQoL was significantly different by age (F=5.87, p=.001), education (F=2.98, p=.022), working period (F=4.70, p=.004), exercise (t=2.20, p=.030), chronic disease (t=-2.57, p=.011), BMI (F=5.04, p=.008), depression (F=4.70, p=.004), stress (F=7.82, p<.001), and subjective health status (F=7.91, p=.001). Factors influencing the HRQoL for women merchants included BMI (β=-.35, p<.001), subjective health status (β=.33, p<.001), and stress (β=-.18, p=.021). The explanation power of this regression model was 29.8% (F=5.51, p<.021). Conclusion: BMI, subjective health status, and stress affect the HRQoL of the subjects evaluated. Therefore, there is a need for health management programs that may decrease stress, control the BMI, and improve the subjective health status of women merchants at traditional markets.