• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.81-84
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• 2004

Gingival hyperpigmentation may cause esthetic problems and embarrassment. Especially in patients with a gummy smile. Melanin pigmentation is related to estiologic factor such as hormon, systemic factor, drug, smoking and gingival inflamation. During our search for new inhibitory components on melanogenesis from natural resources, MeOH extracts of more than 100 higher plants were tested for the inhibitory effect on melanogenesis in cultured B-16 mouse melanoma cell lines, and methylene chloride soluble part extract of Cnidii Rhizoma MeoH extraction was found to have potent activity. Cnidii Rhizoma, the root of Cnidium officinale Makino (Umbelliferae), is used for the treatment of abdominal pain, arthralgia, headache, hypertension, intestinal colic and for menstrual disorders and uterine cramps for its anti-blood stagnation effect. Two compounds were isolated and their chemical structures were determined as linoleic acid methyl ester(1), 1,3-dilinoleoyl-2-stearoyl glycerol(2), on the basis of physical and spectral data.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.13-20
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• 2019

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate the use experience of other medical institution of outpatients of Korean medical institution. Methods : Cross-sectional study using the 2017 Korean Medicine Utilization and Herbal Medicine Consumption Survey was conducted. Demographic variables and frequent diseases were analyzed according to the experience of using other medical institutions. The proportions of experience of using other medical institutions of patients with frequent diseases of Korean medical outpatient were analyzed. Results : Fifty-three percent of outpatient had experiencing using other medical institutions for the same symptoms. The frequent diseases of the two groups were similar. The proportion of single use of Korean medicine for injury of lumbar and pelvic, rhinitis, and menstrual disorders were relatively high. Conclusions : There was no notable difference in the frequent diseases according to use experience of other medical institution. Further studies on this topic are needed.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.21-27
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• 2009

Objectives: Spatholobi Caulis is the stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn., which has been used for treating menstrual disorders, anemia, and rheumatic arthralgia in traditional Oriental medicine, This study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Spatholobi Caulis extract (SCE) on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated Raw264,7 cells. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MIT assay. Relative levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA Expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins were determined by western blotting. Results : NO production and iNOS expression were increased by incubation with LPS for 24 h. However, the augmented NO was reduced by SCE in a dose-dependent manner. Expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were inhibited by the treatment with SCE, SCE also suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta and IL-6. Conclusions : These results indicate that the MeOH extract of Spatholobi Caulis warrant further development as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.40.1-40.19
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• 2024

Importance: The creation of robust maternal-embryonic interactions and implantation models is important for comprehending the early stages of embryonic development and reproductive disorders. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems often fail to accurately mimic the highly complex in vivo conditions. The employment of three-dimensional (3D) organoids has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations in recent years. The advancements in the field of organoid technology have opened new avenues for studying the physiology and diseases affecting female reproductive tract. Observations: This review summarizes the current strategies and advancements in the field of 3D organoids to establish maternal-embryonic interaction and implantation models for use in research and personalized medicine in assisted reproductive technology. The concepts of endometrial organoids, menstrual blood flow organoids, placental trophoblast organoids, stem cell-derived blastoids, and in vitro-generated embryo models are discussed in detail. We show the incorportaion of organoid systems and microfluidic technology to enhance tissue performance and precise management of the cellular surroundings. Conclusions and Relevance: This review provides insights into the future direction of modeling maternal-embryonic interaction research and its combination with other powerful technologies to interfere with this dialogue either by promoting or hindering it for improving fertility or methods for contraception, respectively. The merging of organoid systems with microfluidics facilitates the creation of sophisticated and functional organoid models, enhancing insights into organ development, disease mechanisms, and personalized medical investigations.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2016

Objective : Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is known to reduce the quality of sleep and is associated with various psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of PMS with depression, sleep qulity and sleep pattern in Korean female adolescents. Methods : Out of 867 high school female students, 400 female subjects were included in this study. All participants completed self-report questionnaires that included demographic variables, shortened premenstrual assessment form (SPAF), patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), insomnia severity index (ISI) and Korean translation of composite scale (CS). A total of 394 individuals who completed the questionnaires were analyzed. Results : As score of SPAF, 143 subjects was defined PMDD group. They had more prevalence of eveningness, more depressive symptom, poorer sleep quality, and more excessive sleepiness than non-PMDD groups. Although the PMDD groups showed more menstrual dysmenorrhea, no difference was found in bleeding duration and cycle. PMS symptom had correlations with depression, poorer sleep quality and excessive sleepiness during the daytime. There was no difference in sleep duration between two groups, but PMS might have a relationship with eveningness of chronotype. Conclusions : Among Korean female high school students, the PMS might have an association with depression and poor sleep quality, and it might lead to daytime impairment due to excessive sleepiness. An appropriate evaluation of PMS could be helpful in determining the mental health condition of adolescents.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.126-149
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• 2011

Purpose: KCDO-3(Korean Classification of Diseases(Oriental Medicine)-third edition) being used in January, 2010 accepted the KCD(Korean Classification of Diseases) and added disease pattern and syndrome of oriental medicine. But, the diagnoses of oriental medicine are too uncertain to express in A00-Z99(KCD). In this case, you should choose in U codes under the KCD use guidelines, but U codes are not capable of representing the symptoms too. So, we suggest the use criteria and consider the weakness of the U codes with medical records of patients who visited with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Methods: We referred medical records of patients who visited oriental obstetrics and gynecology from January 1st to December 31st, 2010. From among them, we set up 122 patients who related with emmeniopathy as target group and searched codes distribution based on medical records. And we described that the process of choosing appropriate codes based on the medical records of 49 amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea patients. Results and Conclusions: The emmeniopathy is divided into menstrual disorder, amenorrhea and systemic disorders at the period of menstruation. And emmeniopathy is expressed in some codes such as N91, N92, N93, N94, U321, U77. When a patient visit hospital, a doctor should choose causal codes when there is confirmed diagnosis. Otherwise, a doctor chooses symptom codes. And if there are more than two diagnosis consistent with definition of chief condition, a doctor should code the first listed diagnosis as a chief condition. Because KCD-5 is classified according to western medical diagnosis, it is difficult to choose in KCD-5 when we diagnosed with disease pattern and syndrome of oriental medicine. But U codes are also deficient to express various condition of emmeniopathy. So we should add 'deficiency and detriment of the thoroughfare and conception vessels', 'prolonged menstruation' and various systemic disorders at the period of menstruation.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.103-115
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• 1999

Objectives : A large of studies have found an association between premenstrual syndrome and affective disorder, in particular, depression. Some studies have reported that women with depressive disorders may experience menstrual cycle-associated changes in the severity of their symptoms. This study was designed to compare the characteristics of premenstrual changes between control group and affective patient group, and to assess possible risk factors for premenstrual changes in patients. Methods : Eighty normal controls and eighty outpatients given maintenance therapy with fixed dose for at least more than four weeks were asked to complete questionnaires on menstrual history, obstetric-gynecological history, and functional impairment. In addition, to compare the characteristics of premenstrual changes, 16 items based on DSM-IV criteria A for premenstrual dysphoric disorder were rated on the following scale : 0(no change), 1(mild), 2(moderate), 3(severe). Moderate or severe change in each item was considered as premenstrual change and the subjects who reported more than one premenstrual change were defined as premenstrual change group. Results : The results were as follows : 1) The percentage of premenstrual change group was 32.6% in patient group and 50% in control group. 2) Frequently reported premenstrual changes were as follows in control group : breast tenderness; anger ; affective liability ; lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy ; abdominal pain or discomfort. In patients, the mood or behavioral changes were frequently reported. The changes were as follows : lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy ; change in appetite; affective liability ; sense of difficulty in concentrating : hypersomnia or insomnia. 3) In the premenstrual change group, the patients with only mood or behavioral changes were significantly more than those with only physical changes or both changes. 4) The severity of functional impairment was significantly correlated with the frequency of mood or behavioral changes in patients. 5) There were no significant differences in menstrual characteristics between patients with premenstrual changes and patients without them except the severity of dysmenorrhea. And the severity of dysmenorrhea was correlated with the frequency of premenstrual change. Conclusion : The proportion of patients with affective disorder, who reported moderate-to-severe premenstrual changes, experiencing mood or behavioral changes larger than those experiencing physical changes during premenstrual period. It is possible that some patients with affective disorder, who reported premenstrual mood or behavioral changes, suffer from coexisting premenstrual syndrome with affective disorder or premenstrual exacerbation of affective disorder. Since the more premenstrual changes, the severer functional impairment, the patients reporting mood or behavioral disturbance in premenstrual period should be carefully evaluated, and appropriate therapeutic stategies might be considered.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.178-185
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• 2014

Leonuri Fructus, a semen of Leonuri Herba, has been used for the treatment of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and leukorrhea and for the remedy of hyperemia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Leonuri Fructus extract (Leonurus japonicus Houtt. EtOH extract; LJE) in vivo and in vitro. In vitro study, the MTT assay for cell viability was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentration of LJE treatment in media. The levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA method. The inflammation-related proteins of this study were detected by immunoblot anlaysis. The increases of NO production and iNOS expression were detected in LPS-treated cells compared with control, but LJE attenuated the increases of NO and iNOS by LPS. LJE reduced the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ induced by LPS stimulation. LJE suppresses the signaling pathways of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In vivo study, carrageenan-induced hind paw acute edematous inflammation rat model was used for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of LJE. LJE significantly inhibited the increases of hind paw swelling, skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations, and decreased the numbers of mast cell induced by carrageenan injection. These results suggest that LJE has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which is mediated through modulating NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Inhibition of the rat paw edema induced by carrageenan is considered as direct evidence that LJE may be a useful source to treat inflammation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2021

Background: To evaluate the demographics, clinical and radiographic features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population, specifically focusing on the incidence of coexisting rotator cuff tear. Methods: Between October 2014 and January 2015, we performed a prospective multicenter study with 506 patients from 11 training hospitals in Korea. We collected data of demographics and radiographic analysis based on simple radiographs, clinical assessments based on visual analog scale (VAS) and the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and treatment modalities that are used currently. We also evaluated coexisting rotator cuff tear by ultrasonography (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Results: There were 402 female patients (79%) with mean age of 55 years (range, 31-87 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 16 months. Mean size of calcific materials was 11.4 mm (range, 0-35 mm). Mean value of VAS and ASES scores were 6.5 (range, 1-10) and 47 (range, 8-95), respectively. Of 383 patients (76%), 59 (15%) had rotator cuff tear including 15 full-thickness tears on US or MRI. Patients with rotator cuff tears were significantly associated with older age, recurrent symptoms, menstrual disorders in females, and having undergone calcification removal surgery and rotator cuff repair (all p<0.05). Conclusions: This study reported demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in Korean population, which were not different from those of Western population. Coexisting rotator cuff tear was found with 15% incidence in this large series, suggesting that further radiographic study to evaluate rotator cuff tear might be needed in some calcific tendinitis patients of older age and presenting with recurrent symptoms.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1128-1141
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• 2021

'Angelica' is one of the most traditionally consumed medicinal herbs around Northeast Asia including Korea for treatments of various diseases or health care purposes like hematopoiesis, blood circulation for women, sedative, analgesic, and a tonic medicine etc. Angelica gigas Nakai, a Korean native species of Angelica, is clearly different from the others in containing a high concentration of active ingredients like pyranocoumarines including decursin, decursinol, and decursinol angelate. These compounds have various kinds of positive effects such as anti-tumor activity including the precaution of neutropenia occurred during anticancer drug administration, improvements of metabolic disorders, menstrual irregularity, impairment of renal function, respiration improvement, cognition-enhancement, anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidative effect, enhancing fertility and so forth. Thus it implies incredible potentialities in future development for foods and drugs. However, certain purity-related qualities and/or overdose in food products can cause side effects like toxicities; therefore, their safety profiles should also be considered. This review focuses on the positive and negative effects of three pyranocoumarines in Angelica gigas Nakai and some possibilities and considerations for future food and drug products development.