• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.152-159
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• 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, axonal degeneration, and demyelination. Previous studies have reported that 6-shogaol, a major constituent of ginger (Zingiber officinale rhizome), and its biological metabolite, 6-paradol, have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we investigated whether 6-shogaol and 6-paradol could ameliorate against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS elicited by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein ($MOG_{35-55}$) peptide immunization with injection of pertussis toxin. Once-daily administration of 6-shogaol and 6-paradol (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) to symptomatic EAE mice significantly alleviated clinical signs of the disease along with remyelination and reduced cell accumulation in the white matter of spinal cord. Administration of 6-shogaol and 6-paradol into EAE mice markedly reduced astrogliosis and microglial activation as key features of immune responses inside the CNS. Furthermore, administration of these two molecules significantly suppressed expression level of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, a major proinflammatory cytokine, in EAE spinal cord. Collectively, these results demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of 6-shogaol or 6-paradol for EAE by reducing neuroinflammatory responses, further indicating the therapeutic potential of these two active ingredients of ginger for MS.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제24권12호
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• pp.1260-1283
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• 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been extensively applied in the study of multiple sclerosis (MS), substantially contributing to diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and disease monitoring. MRI studies have significantly contributed to the understanding of MS through the characterization of typical radiological features and their clinical or prognostic implications using conventional MRI pulse sequences and further with the application of advanced imaging techniques sensitive to microstructural damage. Interpretation of results has often been validated by MRI-pathology studies. However, the application of MRI techniques in the study of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) remains an emerging field, and MRI studies have focused on radiological correlates of NMOSD and its pathophysiology to aid in diagnosis, improve monitoring, and identify relevant prognostic factors. In this review, we discuss the main contributions of MRI to the understanding of MS and NMOSD, focusing on the most novel discoveries to clarify differences in the pathophysiology of focal inflammation initiation and perpetuation, involvement of normal-appearing tissue, potential entry routes of pathogenic elements into the CNS, and existence of primary or secondary mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제54권6호
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• pp.234-240
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• 2011

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that typically presents as a monophasic disorder associated with multifocal neurologic symptoms and encephalopathy. ADEM is considered an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by an environmental stimulus in genetically susceptible individuals. The diagnosis of ADEM is based on clinical and radiological features. Most children with ADEM initially present with fever, meningeal signs, and acute encephalopathy. The level of consciousness ranges from lethargy to frank coma. Deep and subcortical white-matter lesions and gray-matter lesions such as thalami and basal ganglia on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with ADEM. In a child who presents with signs of encephalitis, bacterial and viral meningitis or encephalitis must be ruled out. Sequential MRI is required to confirm the diagnosis of ADEM, as relapses with the appearance of new lesions on MRI may suggest either multiphasic ADEM or multiple sclerosis (MS). Pediatric MS, defined as onset of MS before the age of 16, is being increasingly recognized. MS is characterized by recurrent episodes of demyelination in the CNS separated in space and time. The McDonald criteria for diagnosis of MS include evidence from MRI and allow the clinician to make a diagnosis of clinically definite MS on the basis of the interval preceding the development of new white matter lesions, even in the absence of new clinical findings. The most important alternative diagnosis to MS is ADEM. At the initial presentation, the 2 disorders cannot be distinguished with certainty. Therefore, prolonged follow-up is needed to establish a diagnosis.

• 척추신경추나의학회지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.21-33
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was to report the improvement of the patient with multiple sclerosis treated by Korean Medical treatment. Methods : The patient diagnosed as multiple sclerosis treated by acupuncture, bee venom pharmacupuncture, chuna manual therapy, and herbal medicine. To evaluate the effects of korean medicine, we used manual muscle test(MMT), the standard for assessment of the effect of stroke treatment, functional system(FS), visual analog scale(VAS). Results : 1. The patient's pain and optic dysfunction were reduced by the above therapy. 2. There was no change in manual muscle test(MMT), but there was mild improvement in finger joints function in the standard for assessment of the effect of stroke treatment. 3. In functional system(FS) scale, there was enhancement in optic function within a range. And there was improvement in expanded disability statue scale(EDSS) from 4.0 to 3.0. 4. In visual analog scale(VAS), there was considerable improvement from 9 to 6. Conclusions : The korean medical treatment was reduced pain and optic dysfunction.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.609-614
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• 2004

Multiple Sclerosis(MS) is an acquired, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Clinically, it is characterized by episodes of focal disorder of the optic nerves, spinal cord, and brain, which remit to varying extent and recur over a period of many years. The average age at diagnosis is 30, typically starting between the ages of 15 and 50. Women are affected at least twice as often as men. It is more common in persons of northern European heritage and those living furthest from the equator. The diagnosis of MS is based on a history of multiple attacks of neurologic lesions over time that affect different parts of the central nervous system. A case of MS was confronted. The patient was treated with Cheongsimyonjaum-gami(淸心蓮字飮加味), YangMyung channel(陽明) and had significant improvement was seen.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.289-300
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• 2017

Objectives: This case report describes the effect of Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture (HPP) on multiple sclerosis. Methods: A multiple sclerosis patient with gait disturbances, tremors, spasms of both lower limbs, and diplopia was treated with only HPP for two weeks. To evaluate the effects of HPP on the balance ability of the patient, the Functional System (FS) scale, Expanded Disability Statue Scale (EDSS), visual analog scale (VAS), manual muscle test (MMT), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used. Results: The HPP treatment reduced the patient's gait disturbance, tremors, spasms of the lower limbs, and diplopia. According to the FS scale, the patient's cerebellar and optic functions were enhanced. In addition, the patient's performance on the EDSS improved from 4.0 to 3.0.3. As shown by the MMT, the lower extremities showed a mild improvement (from F+ to G.4). Furthermore, the VAS showed a considerable improvement, decreasing from 9 to 6.5 post-treatment. The patient's performance on the BBS, which denotes balance ability, showed a considerable improvement, increasing from 38 to 49. Conclusion: Treatment with only HPP could help to ameliorate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

• 한국융합학회논문지
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• 제8권6호
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• pp.275-281
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• 2017

인간 내인성 레트로 바이러스는 약 3~4 천만 년 전 인간게놈에 통합되기 시작했던 화석바이러스로서 인간게놈의 약 8%를 구성하고 있다. 이러한 고대의 레트로 바이러스는 연속된 유전자변이로 인해 본래의 기능을 잃게 됨으로써 "쓸모없는 DNA (junk DNA)"로 여겨져 왔다. 그러나 최근 연구는 모든 인간 내인성 레트로 바이러스가 단지 침묵을 지키는 승객만이 아님을 보여준다. 현재까지는 이들 바이러스가 인간 질병의 직접 원인이 된다는 것은 밝혀지지 않았으나, 다발성 경화증, 정신 분열증 및 근 위축성 측삭경화증을 포함한 신경학적 장애와 인간면 역결핍바이러스 (HIV)나 헤르페스 등의 바이러스 감염, 여러 유형의 암과 같은 질환을 가진 환자에서 인간 내인성 레트로 바이러스의 DNA가 과도발현 됨을 보여주는 연구들이 다양하게 이루어지고 있다. 이 리뷰논문은 신경학적 질환에 대한 인간 내인성 레트로 바이러스의 가능한 관련여부를 다루고 있다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.10.1-10.17
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• 2024

In this review, we will explore the intricate roles of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors in autoimmune diseases (ADs), with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). AD is characterized by self-destructive immune responses due to auto-reactive T lymphocytes and Abs. Among various types of ADs, RA and MS possess inflammation as a central role but in different sites of the patients. Other common aspects among these two ADs are their chronicity and relapsing-remitting symptoms requiring continuous management. First factor inducing these ADs are cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, which play significant roles in the pathogenesis by contributing to inflammation, immune cell activation, and tissue damage. Secondly, vascular endothelial growth factors, including VEGF and angiopoietins, are crucial in promoting angiogenesis and inflammation in these two ADs. Finally, placental growth factor (PlGF), an emerging factor with bi-directional roles in angiogenesis and T cell differentiation, as we introduce as an "angio-lymphokine" is another key factor in ADs. Thus, while angiogenesis recruits more inflammatory cells into the peripheral sites, cytokines secreted by effector cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ADs. Various therapeutic interventions targeting these soluble molecules have shown promise in managing autoimmune pathogenic conditions. However, delicate interplay between cytokines, angiogenic factors, and PlGF has more to be studied when considering their complementary role in actual pathogenic conditions. Understanding the complex interactions among these factors provides valuable insights for the development of innovative therapies for RA and MS, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.40.1-40.15
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• 2020

The protein encoded by the Gene Associated with Retinoid-Interferon-Induced Mortality-19 (GRIM-19) is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is homologous to the NADH dehydrogenase 1-alpha subcomplex subunit 13 of the electron transport chain. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that damages the brain and spinal cord. Although both the cause and mechanism of MS progression remain unclear, it is accepted that an immune disorder is involved. We explored whether GRIM-19 ameliorated MS by increasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells; we used a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to this end. Six-to-eight-week-old male C57BL/6, IFNγ-knockout (KO), and GRIM-19 transgenic mice were used; EAE was induced in all strains. A GRIM-19 overexpression vector (GRIM19 OVN) was electrophoretically injected intravenously. The levels of Th1 and Th17 cells were measured via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical analysis. IL-17A and IFNγ expression levels were assessed via ELISA and quantitative PCR. IL-17A expression decreased and IFNγ expression increased in EAE mice that received injections of the GRIM-19 OVN. GRIM19 transgenic mice expressed more IFNγ than did wild-type mice; this inhibited EAE development. However, the effect of GRIM-19 overexpression on the EAE of IFNγ-KO mice did not differ from that of the empty vector. GRIM-19 expression was therapeutic for EAE mice, elevating the IFNγ level. GRIM-19 regulated the Th17/Treg cell balance.

• International Neurourology Journal
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.268-274
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• 2018

Purpose: To describe a technique for urodynamic diagnosis of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) using urethral pressure measurements and examine potential associations between urethral pressure and bladder physiology among patients with DSD. Methods: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injured (SCI) patients with known DSD diagnosed on videourodynamics (via electromyography or voiding cystourethrography) were retrospectively identified. Data from SCI and MS patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) without DSD were abstracted as control group. Urodynamics tracings were reviewed and urethral pressure DSD was defined based on comparison of DSD and control groups. Results: Seventy-two patients with DSD were identified. Sixty-two (86%) had >20 cm $H_2O$ urethral pressure amplitude during detrusor contraction. By comparison, 5 of 23 (22%) of control group had amplitude of >20 cm $H_2O$ during episode of DO. Mean duration of urethral pressure DSD episode was 66 seconds (range, 10-500 seconds) and mean urethral pressure amplitude was 73 cm $H_2O$ (range, 1-256 cm $H_2O$). Longer (>30 seconds) DSD episodes were significantly associated with male sex (81% vs. 50%, P=0.013) and higher bladder capacity (389 mL vs. 219 mL, P=0.0004). Urethral pressure amplitude measurements during DSD were not associated with significant urodynamic variables or neurologic pathology. Conclusions: Urethral pressure amplitude of >20 cm $H_2O$ during detrusor contraction occurred in 86% of patients with known DSD. Longer DSD episodes were associated with larger bladder capacity. Further studies exploring the relationship between urethral pressure measurements and bladder physiology could phenotype DSD as a measurable variable rather than a categorical observation.