• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1 s.65
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• pp.146-154
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• 2006

Objectives : Siguan points (LI4, LR3) have been most frequently applied for various diseases, especially different digestive disorders such as constipation, abdominal pain or various intestinal inflammatory diseases. The fact that gastrointestina movement is closely connected with physiologic functions or pathologic process of alimentary canal led us to ask the question if Siguan points affects on intestinal motility. Design: To investigate the effect of Siguan acupuncture on the intestinal movement in both physiologic and pathologic conditions, we divided the experimental animals into 12 groups. Six groups were pre-treated with loperamide (0.5 mg/kg, sc) or scoploamine (0.5 mg/kg, sc) to suppress the intestinal movement and another three groups were pretreated with carbachol (0.5 mg/kg, po) to activate it, whereas the rest three groups didn't receive any pretreatment to be kept in the physiological condition. After the administration with charcoal meal, mice were acupunctured bilaterally on sham point or Siguan points as the manner of tap-stimulation, with the exception of no acupuncture groups. Methods : Mice were scarified in twenty minutes after the administration of charcoal to measure the distance of charcoal passage from stomach-duodenal junction. The effect on intestinal movement was presented by calculating the relative distance where charcoal arrived to total length of small intestine. Results : In physiological state, charcoal meal passed around 53%, and there was no significant difference between Siguan points and sham points groups. On the other hand. Siguan points-sitimulation significantly ameliorated loperamide or scoplolamine-induced suppressed travel rate of 17.3 % and 18.6% in sham point into 26% and 26.3% respectively (p<0.05). In carbachol-induced accelerated condition, Siguan points-stimulation didn't affect intestinal motility comparing to sham point group passed about 97.6%. Conclusions : These results postulate that acupuncture at Siguan points have a therapeutic effect by restoring cholinergic activity on pathogenically suppressed intestinal peristalsis, but does not affect the gastrointestinal motility in the normal or accelerated condition.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.320-324
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• 2012

Osteoporosis is an important public health issue in postmenopausal women. It is a major public health concern and is widely believed that osteoporosis results from imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Recently natural products from plants have been extensively studied as therapeutic drugs to treat and prevent various diseases. Hoelen (scientific name, Poria cocos) is a mushroom that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Hoelen exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and has a protective effect on tumor progression. However, the effect of hoelen in osteoclast differentiation remains unknown. Thus, we examined the effect of hoelen in receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Hoelen significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in dose dependent manner without toxicity. Also, we showed that hoelen significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phophatase (TRAP) and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) in BMMs treated with RANKL. In Particular, hoelen greatly inhibited the protein expression of NFATc1. Ectopic expression of NFATc1 partially reverses hoelen-mediated inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that hoelen may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis, reumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.347-354
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• 2014

Larrea nitida is a plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is widely used in South America to treat inflammatory diseases, tumors and menstrual pain. However, its pharmacological activity remains unclear. In this study we evaluated the property of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) of Larrea nitida extracts (LNE) as a phytoestrogen that can mimic, modulate or disrupt the actions of endogenous estrogens, depending on the tissue and relative amount of other SERMs. To investigate the property of SERM of LNE, we performed MCF-7 cell proliferation assays, estrogen response element (ERE)-luciferase reporter gene assay, human estrogen receptor (hER) binding assays and in vivo uterotrophic assay. To gain insight into the active principles, we performed a bioassay-guided analysis of LNE employing solvents of various polarities and using classical column chromatography, which yielded 16 fractions (LNs). LNE showed high binding affinities for $hER{\alpha}$ and $hER{\beta}$ with $IC_{50}$ values of $1.20{\times}10^{-7}$ g/ml and $1.00{\times}10^{-7}$ g/ml, respectively. LNE induced $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2)-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation, however, it reduced the proliferation in the presence of E2. Furthermore, LNE had an atrophic effect in the uterus of immature rats through reducing the expression level of progesterone receptor (PR) proteins. LN08 and LN10 had more potent affinities for binding on $hER{\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$ than other fractions. Our results indicate that LNE had higher binding affinities for $hER{\beta}$ than $hER{\alpha}$, and showed SERM properties in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the rat uterus. LNE may be useful for the treatment of estrogen-related conditions, such as female cancers and menopause.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.421-428
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• 2014

In general, Reucedani Radix (Peucedanum japonicum Thunbergis: PJ) is the Korean traditional herbal medicine used to remove dampness, to relieve pain, and spasm. So, PJ folium is believed to have the same effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the alleviation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis in mice by PJ folium. 25 mice were divided into 5 groups: normal, DSS, DSS + 100 mg/kg PJ folium (PJ100), DSS + 500 mg/kg PJ folium (PJ500), and DSS + 150 mg/kg 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) groups. Body weights, colon lengths, histological changes in colon tissue, and spleen weights were observed. Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$ level in plasma were measured by ELISA. IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-a mRNA expression in colon tissue were detected by RT-PCR. In the results, body weight lose was inhibited in PJ100, PJ500, and 5-ASA groups, but it was not different compared with DSS group, significantly. PJ500 group showed the preventive effects of colon length shorten and histological changes in colon tissues as good as 5-ASA group. The weight of spleen was increased in DSS group but it reduced in PJ100, PJ500, and 5-ASA groups. Moreover, IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ cytokine levels in plasma were reduced in PJ500 and 5-ASA groups. IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-a mRNA expression in colon tissue were inhibited in PJ100, PJ500, and 5-ASA groups and it was significantly different compared with DSS group. In conclusion, PJ folium showed the alleviative effect on DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.367-375
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• 2013

Kalopanax pictus has pharmacologically anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is known to respond to treatment of backache, knee pain and etc. In this study, we investigated the effects on gastric lesions of Kalopanax pictus both from Korea (KPK) and China (KPC) compared with their related origin, Znthoxylum ailanthoide both from Korea (ZAK) and China (ZAC), and Korean Bombax malabaricum (BMK). In preliminary screening, KPK and KPC shown effective inhibition of HCI EtOH-induced gastritis in rats. To elucidate their protective effects on gastric lesions, we assessed inhibition of H. pylori colonization, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging activities, reducing power test, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. KPK was the most effective from antioxidant assays. KPK also shown the inhibition of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Gastric secretion in rats, KPK reduced the secretion of gastric juice and total acidity and raised pH. Therefore, it is possible that KPK can be developed as health functional food and natural medicine. In addition, it can contribute to the standardization with objectivity and reliability for KPK through the criteria establishment of the precise origin of medicine, the prevention of indiscriminate distribution of imitation, and the rising rate of dependence on imports of medicinal herbs, and mixing prevention of low-quality goods.

• 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 the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.297-301
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• 2009

Stephania delavayi Diels. (S. delavayi Diels.) has been used as a drug for pain-relieving and acute gastroenteritis treatment in China. Because the major therapeutic mechanism of anti-inflammatory drug is to inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and because COX-2 proteins inhibit apoptosis, COX-2 inhibitor has been thought as the anticancer drug candidate. For this reason, we examined S. delavayi Diels. as an anticancer drug. S. delavayi Diels. was fractionated with methanol and then partitioned with ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power. DPPH radical scavenging activities of the crude fractions at the concentration of $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ were 75.23% (n-butanol), 68.11% (methanol), 63.58% (ethyl acetate), and 50.13% (water). The reducing power increased according to the concentration in dose-dependent manner. Also, when the antiproliferation effects of each fraction against human breast cancer cell-lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 were examined, methanol extract, n-butanol fraction and ethyl acetate fraction exhibited cell proliferative inhibition effects in both cell-lines whereas water fraction did not. Among the crude fractions, the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most potent anti-proliferation effect. In conclusion, fractions from S. delavayi Diels. are promising anticancer drug candidates.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.442-448
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• 1993

Foreign body aspiration, although not an uncommon problem in children, is unusual in adults and is overlooked as a cause of airway obstruction. Small foreign bodies that lodge in the peripheral airway are often asymptomatic initially and can result in respiratory symptoms several years later. Especially in the cases of otherwise healthy subjects, even though manifested overt respiratory symptoms, diagnosis can be delayed due to lack of history of aspiration or unnoticed aspiration. A 57-year-old male was admitted to Yonsei University College of Medicine Severance hospital due to left upper chest pain for five months. on the past history he had been diagnosed as bronchiectasis about 20 years ago. He showed radiologically bead-like bronchostenosis and a calcific density protruding into the lumen of left upper lobar bronchus. Bronchoscopically broncholith was revealed with the finding of endobronchial obstruction of each upper and lingular division of left upper lobar bronchus due to mucoid impaction and surrounding inflammed bronchial mucosa. The preoperative diagnosis was broncholithiasis due to chronic inflammatory process. Lung perfusion scan shows absence of perfusion in left upper lobe. So left upper lobectomy was performed. But from the pathologic specimen an incisor tooth was emerged. Later a history of tooth extraction thirty years ago at dental clinic was found. We report a case of bronchial obstruction due to occult aspiration of a tooth with a review of the literatures.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.197-202
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• 1990

Mechanical obstruction of the common hepatic duct includes the following causes ; choledocholithiasis, sclerosis, cholangitis, pancreatic carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, postoperative stricture, primary hepatic duct carcinoma, enlarged cystic duct lymph nodes, and metastatic nodal involvement of the porta hepatis. Partial mechanical obstruction of the common hepatic duct caused by impaction of stones and inflammation surrounding the vicinity of the neck of the gallbladder had been reported on the "syndrome del conducto hepatico" in 1948 by Mirizzi. Nowadays, this disease was named by Mirizzi syndrome. Mirizzi syndrome is a rare entity of common hepatic duct obstruction that results from an inflammatory response secondary to a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder. It results from an almost parallel course and low insertion of the cystic duct into the common hepatic duct. In a varient of Mirizzi's syndrome, the cause of the common hepatic duct obstruction was a primary cystic duct carcinoma rather than gallstone disease. A 71-year-old man was admitted with a four-day history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Past medical history was unremarkable. On physical examination, the patient had a temperature of $38^{\circ}C$, icteric sclera and right upper quadrant tenderness. Pertinent laboratory findings included WBC 18,000/$cm^2$;albumin 2.6g/dl(normal 3.9-5.1) ; SGOT 183u/L(normal 0-50) ; SGPT167u/L(normal 0-65) ; bilirubin, 8.2mg/dl(normal 0-1) with the direct bilirubin, 4.4mg/dl(normal 0-0.4). Ultrasonography revealed a dilated extrahepatic biliary tree. ERCP showed that the superior margin was angular and more consistent with a calculus causing partial CHD obstruction(Mirizzi syndrome). At surgery a diseased gallbladder containing calculi was found. In addition, there was two calculi partially eroding through the proximal portion of the cystic duct and compressing the common hepatic duct. A cholecystectomy and excision of common bile duct was performed, with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The postoperative course was uneventful.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.229-235
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• 1985

This study was undertaken for the clinical evaluation and statistical analysis on the 88 women with histopathologically confirmed ectopic pregnancies who were admitted and treated from grand opening on May-28, 1983 to Sept.-30, 1985. Incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 1 in 22.2 deliveries and the most common age group was in 30~34 years of age. There was tendency of decreasing incidencies as the gravidity, panty or artificial abortion were over 3. The most common etiologic factor was pelvic inflammatory disease and procedures for family planning were the next common. Common symptoms were lower abdominal pain (85.2%) and vaginal spotting (56.8%). At the admission, hemoglobin level under 10gm% were 44.3%, 69.5% of urine HCG tests were positive. Culdocentesis was positive only in 75.9%. Termination was frequent at 6 ~ 7 weeks of gestation mostly with rupture or abortion. Free blood in the abdominal cavity was averaged 1,224 ml. 4 cases of clinicobiochemically suspected ectopic pregnancies with spontaneous regression were excluded, and there was no fatal case treated in hospital.