• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.175-181
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• 2008

As the representative medical scholar at the time of Geumwon(金元) Dynasty, Idongwon(李東垣) deepened and developed the meaning of the diseases on internal injuries. He also proposed the primordial Gi[原氣] and Eum-Fire[陰火] theory in the physiology and pathology. Idongwon(李東垣) defined the pathological metabolism of internal injuries as the hyperactivity against Eum-Fire[陰火] due to the lack of primordial Gi[原氣不足], and he suggested the deficiency of Gi[氣虛] in the Spleen and Stomach and the surge of seven modes of emotion as the causes of the Eum-Fire[陰火] hyperactivity. Additionally, he established the therapy principles of eliminating Heat with Sweet and Warm drug[溫熱藥] and raising yang and spreading fire[升陽散火] based upon the above mentioned pathological metabolism. The Eum-Fire[陰火] that was suggested by Idongwon(李東垣) indicates the Heat syndrome[熱證] developed by internal causes[內因], and the principle reason is the consumption of the Spleen and Stomach Therefore, it is important to recuperate the function of Spleen and Stomach in treating the disease symptoms caused by Eum-Fire[陰火], and the therapies of eliminating Heat with Sweet and Warm drug [溫熱藥] and raising yang and spreading fire[升陽散火] are the corresponding ones. However, since vital Essence could be lacked due to the consumption of Spleen and Stomach, the therapy of replenishing Eum has to be considered. Additionally, the damp removal therapeutic method also has to be considered since Damp could be stagnated by the loss of function in Spleen and Stomach. In other way, Eum-Fire[陰火] developed by the consumption of Spleen and Stomach is somewhat similar aspect to the premier Fire[相火] that is developed by the lack of Eum[陰虛]. But complications could be developed if therapies of enriching the Eum[滋陰] to suppress Fire and replenishing Eum[補陰] are mainly used to control the symptoms developed by the lack of Eum[陰虛]. Namely, the drugs used to replenish Eum[補陰] mostly have the heavy and turbid properties, which contrarily have the possibility to debilitate the functions of Spleen and Stomach by causing Dampness within a body. So, care must be made in their use.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.243-251
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• 2000

In order to provide a basis for studying the molecular mechanism of pharmacological action of local anesthetics and to develop a fluorescence spectroscopic method which can detect the microviscosity of native and model membranes using intramolecular excimerization of 1,3-di(l-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py), we examined the effect of lidocaine HCl on the microviscosity of model membranes of phosphatidylcholine fraction extracted from synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMVPC). The excimer to monomer fluorescence intensity ratio (I'/I) of Py-3-Py in liquid paraffin was a simple linear function of $T/{\eta}.$ Based on this calibration curve, the microviscosity values of the direct probe environment in SPMVPC model membranes ranged from $234.97{\pm}48.85$ cP at $4^{\circ}C$ to %19.21{\pm}1.11$ cP at $45^{\circ}C.$ At $37^{\circ}C,$ a value of $27.25{\pm}0.44$ cP was obtained. The lidocaine HCl decreased the microviscosity of SPMVPC model membranes in a concentration-dependent manner, with a significant decrease in microviscosity value by injecting the local anesthetic even at the concentration of 0.5 mM. These results indicate that the direct environment of Py-3-Py in the SPMVPC model membranes is significantly fluidized by the lidocaine HCl. Also, the present study explicitly shows that an interaction between local anesthetics and membrane lipids is of importance in the molecular mechanism of pharmacological action of lidocaine HCl.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.185-193
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• 2023

Objectives This study was conducted to find out the correlation between lumbar malposition and lumbar disc herniation. Methods Among the patients who visited Gwangju Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine from January 2019 to January 2021, taking 92 patients under age 60 who had the records of X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images as the research subjects, Cobb's angle was measured in anterior-posterior (AP) view and lateral (LAT) view, the number of displacements was scored by listing categories defined by The Korean Society of Chuna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves. The degree of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation was expressed as a percentage according to the method of Kato, etc., and the correlation between each factor was analyzed. Results AP curvature and MRI herniation index showed significant positive correlation in L4-L5 level but there was no significant difference in L5-S1 level. LAT curvature and MRI herniation index had no correlation in L4-L5 level, but there was a significant negative correlation in L5-S1 level. Malposition score and MRI herniation index had a significant positive correlation in L5-S1 level, whereas there was no correlation in L4-L5. Conclusions As a result of the study, AP curvature and MRI herniation index showed a significant positive tendency in L4-L5 lumbar spine, and LAT curvature and MRI herniation index showed a significant negative tendency in L5-S1 lumbar spine. Malposition score and MRI herniation index were found to have a significant positive tendency in L5-S1 lumbar spine.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess visual biofeedback's influence on trunk muscles' (EMG) activity and endurance holding time for correct position during whole-body tilt exercise. For the study, we recruited 14 volunteers who showed no symptom of lumbar disease during medical tests. We measured the EMG activity of their rectus abdominis, external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique and erector spinae muscles, and their endurance holding time for correct position during $40^{\circ}$ anterior and posterior whole-body tilt under two conditions: whole-body tilt with and without visual biofeedback. Resistance with gravitational force on the trunk during whole-body tilt was applied by using a device that had a monitor on which the subjects could check their alignment and that sounded an alarm if a subject's alignment collapsed. The study showed an increase in the EMG activity of external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique/rectus abdominis ratio and endurance holding time for correct position during both $40^{\circ}$ anterior and posterior whole-body tilt with visual biofeedback compared with without visual biofeedback (p<.05). We suggest that the whole-body tilt exercise with visual biofeedback could be a beneficial strategy for selectively strengthening the internal abdominal oblique muscle and minimizing the rectus abdominis muscle's activity while maintaining correct alignment during whole-body tilt exercise.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.751-756
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• 2023

Objective: This study attempts to increase awareness of hepatotoxicity caused by antipsychotic drugs and to provide updated information on drug-induced liver injury (DILI) to physicians in Korean medicine (KM) clinics. Methods: This study presents a detailed case of a female patient diagnosed with DILI attributed to antipsychotic drugs, highlighting the improvement observed through laboratory findings. Results: A 56-year-old female patient with underlying disorders, including mixed connective tissue disease and depression, was under medical care. One day, she reported experiencing intense fatigue and distressing sensations, prompting the author to order blood tests. The levels of AST and ALT were significantly elevated by more than 2.5-fold, indicating hepatocellular DILI. The RUCAM score for antipsychotic drugs was 9, as no other medications, including herbal medicine, were being taken. Upon discontinuation of the antipsychotic drugs, the patient's laboratory findings returned to normal levels within 2 weeks, accompanied by a recovery of subjective symptoms. Conclusion: This study presents a noteworthy case of hepatotoxicity caused by antipsychotic drugs, serving as an illustrative example that highlights the crucial need for awareness among doctors of KM in clinical settings.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2008

Objective: There is increasing evidence that chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is recognized to be a local inflammatory disease, and there is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Prunella vulgaris has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of scrofula, goiter, and allergy diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris on inflammatory cytokines and cytopathological alternation in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}-estradiol$ treatment. Methods: Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Prunella vulgaris as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelial-stromal ratio for glandular damage, and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including the interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Prunella vulgaris showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Prunella vulgaris over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelial-stromal ratio was lower with Prunella vulgaris when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytokine genes, Prunella vulgaris inhibited the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunella vulgaris may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. From theses results, we suggest that Prunella vulgaris could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.2 s.28
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• pp.212-232
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• 1994

I selected the theory of blood stasis and wetness-phlegm among the major 4 causes of Joong Poong(C.V.A.)(wind. fire. deficiency of vital energy and wetness-phlegm) and recent etiology of blood stasis. An experimental studies were done to investigate the effects of Danggieum (removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation) and Ijintang(dissipating wetness-phlegm) on thrombosis and elevated blood viscosity. The results were as follows; 1. The number of platelets were significantly increased in only Danggieum group. 2. Related to the amount of fibrinogen. only Danggieum group revealed some increase. but both groups revealed no significance. 3. Related to the prothrombin time. Danggieum and Ijintang groups had significant decrease. but Danggieum group revealed more significance. 4. Related to the degree of concentration of FDP, only Danggieum group had significant decrease. 5. Whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity in lower shear rates. both groups of Danggieum and Ijintang had significant decrease. 6. Related to the amount of RBC. both groups of Danggieum and Ijintang had significant decrease. 7. Related to the change of hematocrit. only Danggieum group, and the change of hemoglobin. only Ijintang group had significant decrease. 8. Related to the change of body temperature. only Ijintang group had significant raise. 9. Related to the changes of WBC. glucose, albumin, total protein and body weight. Danggieum and Ijintang groups had each increase or decrease. but no significance. According to the above results, Danggieum had more significant effect than Ijintang on the thrombosis. and Ijintang had more significant effect than Danggieum on the elevated blood viscosity. And it is considered that it might be more effective in treating Joong-Poong(C.V.A) to take medicines regarding patient's constitution and symptoms as well as the causes of Joong-Poong(C.V.A)

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.19-26
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• 2014

Objectives : Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang) one of important herbal medicines in oriental medicine, is defined as the dried root of Aucklandia lappa (Asteraceae). Owing to the similarities in the morphology and name, Inulae Radix (Tu-Muxiang) and Vladimiriae Radix (Chuan-Muxiang) as well as Aristolochiae Radix (Qing-Muxiang) originated from other medicinal plants are often used as substitutes and/or adulterants of Aucklandiae Radix. Therefore, a reliable authentication of these herbal medicines is necessarily for the public health and prevention of misuse. Methods : 32 samples of medicinal plants supplying Aucklandiae Radix, Inulae Radix, Vladimiriae Radix, and Aristolochiae Radix were collected in Korea and China. The ITS (Internal transcribed spacer) nucleotide sequences of samples were determined. The PCR primers to amply DNA marker of each herbal medicine were designed basing on the specific ITS regions showing differences in the sequences among medicinal plants. Results : Primer set Al R/IS F designed in this work amplified 220 bp PCR product only in samples of Aucklandiae Radix. In contrast, primer set Ih F/IS R, Vs R/IS F, and AcR F1/Ac R amplified 250 bp product, 356 bp prouct, and 516 bp product respectively to identify Inulae Radix, Vladimiriae Radix, and Aristolochiae Radix. Conclusions : The primers designed basing on the nucleotide sequences of ITS regions appearing differenced in the sequences among medicinal plants amplified the DNA markers for the identification of Aucklandiae Radix, Inulae Radix, Vladimiriae Radix, and Aristolochiae Radix. These herbal medicines were more efficiently identified by multiplex PCR method using all primers in a single PCR process.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.61-78
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• 2004

Objective : This study was undertaken to determine whether Gamibaegi-eum (BGU) in vitro and in vivo exerts a beneficial effect against cell injury induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human intestine. Methods : Effects of BGU in vitro on cell injury were examined using Caco-2 cells, cultured human intestinal cell line. Exposure of cells to H₂O₂ induced increases in the loss of cell viability in a time and dose-dependent fashion. Results : BGU prevented H₂O₂-induced cell death and its effect was dose-dependent over a concentration range of 0.05­1%. H₂O₂-induced cell death was prevented by catalase, the hydrogen peroxide scavenger enzyme, and deferoxamine, the iron chelator. However, the potent antioxidant DPPD did not affect H₂O₂-induced cell death. H₂O₂ increased lipid peroxidation, which was inhibited by BGU and DPPD. H₂O₂ caused DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner, which was prevented by BGU, catalase, and deferoxamine, but not DPPD. BGU restored ATP depletion induced by H₂O₂. BGU inhibited generation of superoxide and H₂O₂ and scavenged directly H₂O₂. Oral administration of mepirizole in vivo at a dose of 200mg/kg resulted in ulcer lesions in the stomach and the proximal duodenum. Pretreatment of BGU(0.1%/kg, orally) and catalase (800Units/kg, i.v.) significantly decreased the size of ulcers. Mepirizole increased lipid peroxidation in the mucosa of the duodenum, suggesting an involvement of ROS. Pretreatment of BGU and catalase significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by mepirizole. Morphological studies showed that mepirizole treatment causes duodenal injury and its effect is prevented by BGU. Conclusion : These results indicate that BGU exerts a protective effect against cell injury in vitro and in vivo through antioxidant action. The present study suggests that BGU may playa therapeutic role in the treatment of human gastrointestinal diseases mediated by ROS.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.42-50
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• 2001

Objectives : Dysphagia is common and severe problems of acute stroke determining the prognosis of stroke only second to mental change, and results in secondary fatal complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, etc. Therefore, we were to investigate the clinical characteristics of dysphagia accompanied by acute ischemic stroke. Methods : We selected subjects through clinical notes retrospectively, whose main problems included dysphagia resulted from acute stroke within 72 hours from onset who were admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of Wonkwang Oriental Medicine Hospital from Jan. 2000 to Apr. 2001. We assessed the severity of dysphagia from admission to discharge using a staging method : stage 0 is normal without dysphagia, stage 1 is nearly normal except for intermittent dysphagia, stage 2 is compensated abnormal swallowing requiring adjusted diets or delayed feeding time, stage 3 is uncompensated abnormal swallowing resulted in weight loss down to 10% of initial and daily aspiration, coughing, and vomiting, stage 4 is uncompensated abnormal swallowing resulting in weight loss beyond 10% and recommended for non-oral feeding, and stage 5 is 100% non-oral feeding by L-tube, or gastrostomy or NPO state. Results : Dysphagia was improved statistically significantly from the mean stage of $3.6{\pm}0.29$ on admission to $1.88{\pm}0.32$ on discharge (P<0.05). On average $7.1{\pm}1.48$ days were required for improving more than one stage level. As patients were older and the stage of dysphagia was worse on admission, severity of dysphagia was more difficult to improve (correlation coefficiency was 0.55 and 0.77 respectively, P<0.05). Aspiration pneumonia was complicated in 13 patients of the total 25 at mean dysphagia stage of $3.36{\pm}0.37$. However, any specific values such as lesion size, lesion site, sex, age, past history and NIH Stroke Scale on admission did not affect it (P>0.05). Conclusion : Clinical course of dysphagia was determined about I week from the onset. Aspiration pneumonia was mainly complicated during oral feeding periods. If there were no improvement of dysphagia over 2-3 weeks, then non-oral feeding such as Levin tube or gastrostomy must be considered.