• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.609-616
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SR-HA(Stemonae Radix-herbal acupuncture) at Joksamni(ST36) on ovalbumin-induced asthma in mice. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA(ovalbumin) for 12 weeks(once a week). One of the two experimental groups was just treated with needle-prick on Joksamni(ST36) and the other group was treated with 1% concentrations of SR-HA at Joksamni(ST36) for the later 8 weeks (3times/week). The weight of lung of the mice group treated with SR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group, and significantly increased compared with those of normal group. The total cells of lung of the mice group treated with SR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated wtih SR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. Eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated wtih SR-HA in Photomicrographs decreased significantly compared with those of control group. According to histological analysis of lung sections, adhesion of collagen in SR-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group. The concentration of IgE, IL-4, IL-5 in BALF of the mice group treated with SR-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group, and significantly increased compared with those of normal group. The concentration of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in serum of the mice group treated with SR-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group, and significantly increased compared with those of normal group. The number of Gr-1+/CDl1b+, CO3-/CCR3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3e+/CD69+ cells in the lungs of the mice group treated with SR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. These results suggest that Stemonae Radix Herbal-acupuncture at Joksamni(ST36) in 057B146mice may be an effective part to OVA-induced asthma in C57BL/6 mice.

• 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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.145-161
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at Joksanmi($ST_{36}$) on Rat's aging by experimental methods. Methods : The author performed several experimental procedures to observe the effects of the EC-HAS at the arthritis. First, I measured the cell survival rate of the mice lung fibroblasts. Second, the incidence rate of arthritis and arthritis index of CIA were analyzed. Third, the levels of IL-6, $INF-{\gamma}$ , $INF-{\alpha}$ , $IL-1{\beta}$, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were measured in serum and the level of $INF-{\gamma}$, $INF-{\gamma}$/IL-4 ratio in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture. Fourth, histological analysis of the mice joint was performed. Fifth, the expression ratio of $CD3e^+$ cells to $CD19^+$ cells, $CD4^+$ cells to $CD8^+$ cells, $CD11a^+CD19^+$ cells, $CD4^+CD25^+$ cells, $CD3^+CD69^+$ cells, and $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cells were checked. Results: 1. The hematocrit was meaningfully (p<0.01, p<0.05) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control and sham group. 2. The glucose, ALP were meaningfully (p<0.05, p<0.05) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control group. 3. In the activation of hepatic antioxidase, the catalase was meaningfully (p<0.01) increased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control group. 4. In the liver, the NO formation was meaningfully (p<0.001) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the nomal, control and sham group. 5. In the activation of splenetic antioxidase, the GSH was meaningfully (p<0.01) increased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the sham group, and the catalase was meaningfully (p<0.001) increased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control group. 6. In the spleen, the MDA formation was meaningfully (p<0.01, p<0.05) decreased in $ST_{36}$ group in comparison with the control and sham group. 7. In the spleen cell culture, the levels of IL-6 was meaningfully (p<0.05) decreased in comparison with the sham group, $INF-{\gamma}$( was meaningfully (p<0.05) increased in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: According to the results, it is considered that electroacupuncture at Joksamni($ST_{36}$) is effective in increasing the activities of antioxidative enzyme and inhibiting lipid peroxides, and has an immunomodulatory reaction. In conclusion, it han an significant anti-aging effect and need more experimental study.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.107-112
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• 2014

This study aimed to prove the effects of acupuncture treatment on acupoint Joksamni(ST36) related to gastrointestinal movement. Electrogastrogram (EGG) data were obtained in 11 healthy subjects treated by real or sham needle in single-blinded condition for 40 min, including before, during acupuncture treatment, and after removing needle. According to frequency analysis of EGG, median frequency(MF) was increased by real needle in 4 subjects, MF for another 2 subjects were increased by real and sham needle and no trend shift in MF showed in other 5 subjects. Our result showed that acupuncture treatment on Joksamni has some effects on gastrointestinal movement. In this study we have applied both real acupuncture and sham acupuncture on the same subjects. So its blinding was regarded as good but was effective in about 36%~55%. Two subjects were assumed that they showed placebo effects on both real and sham acupuncture. Therefore it is necessary to perform further study on case-control and a larger number of subjects with functional dyspepsia, in order to confirm our findings.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.127-143
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Chaenomelis Fructus herbal-acupuncture solution (ChF-HAS) at the Joksamni ($ST_{36}$) on arthritis induced by Collagen II in mice. Methods : The author performed several experimental items. The severity of arthritis, changes of mouse weight, size of the spleen and the degree of stenosis, changes of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II, changes of immunocyte count, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed and the conclusions are as follows. Results: 1. In the ChF-HA, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, the degree of joint edema was significantly decreased. 2. In the ChF-HA, weight, spleen size and stenosis rate was low and maintained as the normal group was. 3. In the ChF-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the ChF-HA, on changes of immunocyte count were maintained to the levels of normal group. 5. In histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased. Conclusions: These results suggest that ChF-HA at the $ST_{36}$ has an important role to control the immune reactions and suppress inflammatory response on the collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis. This study can be a significant supporting evidence that ChF-HA is chosen to be the principal therapy for clinical practice of the rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.111-129
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Coicis Semen Herbal-acupuncture solution (CS-HAS) at the Joksamni (ST36) on the collagen-induced arthritis in the DBA/1J mouse. The author performed several experiments to analyze the effects of CS-HAS on arthritis; change of the weight; the spleen size and adhesion rate; serum cytokine levels; serum antibody levels; changes of immunocyte counts; the histological changes of joint. Results : In the Coicis Semen Herbal-acupuncture (CS-HA), arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, and the degree of joint edema were decreased. In CS-HA, there was no weight loss. The size of the spleen, adhesion rate, and the edema and transformation of joint were lowered. In CS-HA, the levels of IL-1${\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, IgG, IgM, and anti-collagen II in serum and the levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-4, IL-10 in spleen were significantly decreased. In CS-HA, the expression ratios of $CD45^+$ to $CD3e^+$ and $CD8^+$ to $CD4^+$ were decreased. Also, the overall $CD4^+/CD8^+$ cell ratio was lowered in spleen. Ratios of the $CD4^+/CD25^+$, $CD45^+/CD69^+$ cells were decreased in lymph nodes. In addition, ratios of the $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells were also decreased in synovium. In the histological study, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation, and collagen fiber destruction were decreased with CS-HA treated group. Conclusions : From the results mentioned above, it is suggested that CS-HA at the ST36 has several significant effects on the collagen-induced arthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.171-183
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Erythrinae Cortex herbal-acupuncture solution(EC-HAS) at the Joksamni($ST_{36}$) of mice with collagen II-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods : The author performed several experimental procedures to observe the effects of the EC-HAS at the arthritis. The severity of arthritis, changes of cytokine level and antibody level, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed. Results : 1. The incidence of arthritis and arthritis index were significantly decreased in the cases which were treated with the EC-HA. 2. Cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were reduced, and the expression of the collagen fibers was similar with that of the normal group. 3. The levels of IL-6, $IFN-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ in serum of the CIA mice which were treated with the EC-HA were significantly decreased compared with those of the normal group. 4. The levels of IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II in serum of CIA mice when they treated with the EC-HA were significantly decreased compared with those of the normal group. 5. The expression ratio of $CD4^+$ to $CD8^+$ cells in the EC-HA treated mice were maintained as much as the normal group of the lymph nodes in the CIA mice. 6. The $CD3e^+CD69^+$ and $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cell populations in the knee joint were significantly decreased in the EC-HA treated group. Conclusions : These results suggest that the EC-HA at the ST36 may be responsible roles to control on the synovial cell proliferation and to prevent the cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. These results will be important supporting evidence for the practical use of the EC-HA at rheumatoid arthritis clinic in the future.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.81-97
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• 2007

Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Cnidii Rhizoma herbal-acupuncture solution(CR-HAS) at Joksamni($ST_{36}$) on arthritis induced by Collagen II in mice. Methods : The author performed several experimental items. The severity of arthritis, changes of mouse weight, size of the spleen and the degree of stenosis, changes of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II, changes of immunocyte count, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed. Results: 1. In the CR-HA, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, the degree of joint edema was significantly decreased. 2. In the CR-HA, weight, spleen size and stenosis rate was low and maintained as the normal group was. 3. In the CR-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the CR-HA, on changes of immunocyte count were maintained to the levels of normal group. 5. In histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased. Conclusions : These results suggest that CR-HA at the $ST_{36}$ has an important role to control the immune reactions and suppress inflammatory response on the collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis. This study can be a significant supporting evidence that CR-HA will be chosen to be the principal therapy for clinical practice of the rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.117-137
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Gentianae macrophyllase Radix herbal-acupuncture solution(GR-HAS) at Joksamni(ST36) on Collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) in DBA/1J mice. The author performed several experimental items to analyze arthritis evaluation, change of weight, spleen size and adhesion rate, change of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II , change of immunocyte count, histological change of CIA mouse joint related with RA. Results : 1. In the GR-HA group, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis and joint edema were significantly decreased. 2. In GR-HA group, there were no weight loss and similarly maintained as normal group. Spleen size, adhesion rate and the edema and transformation of knee joint were low and similarly maintained as normal group. 3. In the GR-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the GR-HA, the change of immunocyte count were similarly maintained as normal group. 5. In the histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased in the GR-HA(Hematoxylin and eosin stain). The collagen fiber expressions in the GR-HA were similar with that of the normal group(Masson's Trichrome stain) Conclusions : These results suggest that GR-HA at ST36 has an effect to control immune reaction and suppress inflammation, synovial cell proliferation and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate effects of Lumbricus pharmacopuncture (LP) on the lipid lowering, anti-oxidative activity and concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in rat fed high fat diet. Methods : Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed high fat diet for 8 weeks and experimental groups were divided into 4 groups as follows : Control, Lumbricus Jungwan ($CV_{12}$) pharmacopuncture (T I), Lumbricus Joksamni ($ST_{36}$) pharmacopuncture (T II), Lumbricus Jungwan ($CV_{12}$) and Joksamni ($ST_{36}$) pharmacopuncture (T III). Results : The levels of plasma FFA, TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, TBARS, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$ and liver total cholesterol, TG, TBARS, SOD, catalase, IL-6 in more than one LP group were significantly lower than those of Control groups. The level of IL-10 in one of LP groups was significantly higher than that of Control group. Conclusions : As the results were shown, LP treatment have considerable effects on lipid lowering, anti-oxidative activity and concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in rat fed high fat diet.