• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.361-366
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of high voltage pulsed current (HVPC) stimulation on proliferative activities of basal keratinocytes by measured nucleolar organizer region (NOR) expression and thickness of spinous layer in aged rat skin. Fifty-one weeks old twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats (300∼350g) were divided into control and HVPC stimulation groups. Each animal's hair on the back were removed. The HVPC stimulation group received an negative monophasic twin peak pulsed current stimulation with 50 V, while the control group was given the same treatment without electricity. The rats were sacrificed after 3 weeks. The biopsy specimens were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxyline-eosin and silver nitrate. The thickness of basal to granular layer of the epidennis were measured using a light microscope and computerized image analysis system. The number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) were counted using a light microscope and computerized image analysis system and calculated as the mean number of AgNOR per nucleus in the basal keratinocyte. By using a Student's t-test, an increase in the thickness of basal-spinous layer (P<0.001) of epidermis can be observed in HVPC stimulation rats as compared with the control rats, whereas the thickness of the granular layer is not affected. A Student's t-test showed a significantly higher mean NOR number per nucleus of the basal keratinocyte in the HVPC stimulation rats than control rats (P<0.001). There was significantly positive correlation between the NOR number and the thickness of basal-spinous layer (r=0.80, P<0.05). These results suggest that the HVPC stimulation may increase the thickness of spinous layer in the epidennis due to increased proliferative activities of basal keratinocytes in epidennis in aged rat skin.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.376-380
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• 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of traditional korean herbal medicine(Jaumkunbi-tang) therapy on a hyperthyroidism patient. Clinical data was analyzed on a patient with hyperthyroidism whose main symptoms were fatigue, palpitation, up flame, hyperhidrosis, hypersomnia and dyspepsia. The patient visited our hospital 9 times from November 10, 2011 and remianed until January 30, 2012. He was treated with Jaumkunbi-tang, the traditional korean herbal medicine. After treatment, improvement was seen in clinical symptoms(such as fatigue, palpitation, up flame, hyperhidrosis, hypersomnia and dyspepsia) and thyroid function test. The study suggests that Jaumkunbi-tang, one of traditional korean herbal medicines, could be effective on the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.404-410
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• 2017

Benzylideneacetophenone derivative (1E)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) hept-1-en-3-one (JC3) elicited cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cells-radiation resistant cells (MDA-MB 231-RR), in a dose-dependent manner, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $6{\mu}M$ JC3. JC3-mediated apoptosis was confirmed by increase in sub-G1 cell population. JC3 disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced expression of anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 protein, whereas it increased expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein, leading to the cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. In addition, JC3 activated mitogen-activated protein kinases, and specific inhibitors of these kinases abrogated the JC3-induced increase in apoptotic bodies. JC3 increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species and enhanced oxidative macromolecular damage via lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA strand breakage. Considering these findings, JC3 is an effective therapy against radiation-resistant human breast cancer cells.

• Plant Resources
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.75-84
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• 2001

Narcotic drugs generally refer to serious and habitual hidden rash such as opium, heroin, methyphetamin, nabinol, cocaine, and so forth. At present, narcotic drugs are spread unchecked and are causing a big social problem. So many countries and narcotists are making every effort to set up a barricade against narcotic drugs. And there is a limit suitable treatment for them. Thus Tuo Yin Tang Jiang is developed. As indicated by Chinese letters, Tuo Yin Tang Jiang(TYTJ) is a crude drug. It is a traditional chinese medicine developed by the study done from June in 1998 to June in 1999 that Hubeisheng was entrusted with by People's Republic of China. This study is a treatise on etiology and syntomatology of narcotism. TYTJ is a medicine which is in accord with Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of Chinal) in order to remove from the body the toxic materials resulting from narcotic drugs such as opium and heroin. According to the standard diagnosis on narcotism, 105 cases are studied and treated at the Rehabilitation Center attached to Enshi Autonomous Region Hospital in Hubeisheng. 105 cases are divided into 2 groups by double-blind method. One is the experimental group which has 56 cases. The other is the control group which has 49 ones.13 cases among 105 cases are addicted by intravenously injections. 9 cases are by oral takings. It took 10 days for this experiment to be performed. Two groups didn't show a striking individual variation based on the age, gender, period of taking drugs, withdrawal symptoms, complication, and state of health. The experimental group had a higher effect of treatment than the control group had. TYTJ treats diseases effectively and has no side effect, irrespective of the serious or slight addiction to opium and morphine.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.647-653
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• 2017

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is linked with high mortality rate. Several agents have been developed so far to reduce the risk of HIRI. In this study, we investigated the effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (AS) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion. To explore the protective effects of A. senticosus extract injection (ASI) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury rats animal model were used. After the development of HIRI by using clamping method rats were then randomly divided into five groups. Different doses of AS were administered in HIRI rat model. The level of ALT, AST, and MDA content in serum were detected in sham and HIRI groups. The activity of SOD, MPO and $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$, content of MDA, and cAMP in hepatic tissue were also measured. Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein were detected by immunohistochemical staining method. Compared with sham group, ASI has the protective effect on the HIRI model in rats. Blood levels of ALT, AST, SOD, MPO, and MDA were significantly lower in ASI group compared with HIRI. Indeed SOD and $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$ activities, MDA content, and cAMP level were improved in ASI group. Furthermore, Bcl-2 and Bax protein were improved in ASI group compared with only HIRI group. These results suggest that AS may provide potential ameliorative therapy by inhibiting the damage signaling mechanism in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury model.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.333-341
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was to explore the effects of trunk exercise using PNF combined with treadmill training on balance and walking ability in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study included 16 patients with Parkinson's disease. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: an experimental group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). All participants underwent treadmill training for 30 minutes. In addition, the experimental group (trunk exercise using PNF) and control group (conventional training) participated in a 30-minute exercise program. Both groups performed the training 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Disease severity (determined using the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale motor subscale, UPDRS-3), balance (determined using the Berg balance scale, BBS), walking speed (determined using the 10-meter walking test, 10MWT), and walking endurance (determined using the 6-minute walking test, 6MWT) were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results: Pre- to post-intervention improvement was noted on all outcome measures for both groups (p<0.05). Post-intervention, there was a significant improvement in the experimental group as compared to the control group for the following measured outcomes (p<0.05): UPDRS-3 (p=0.03; 95% CI, -5.52 to -0.24), BBS (p=0.04; 95% CI, 0.59 to 6.45), 10MWT (p=0.01; 95% CI, -2.19 to -0.42), and 6MWT (p=0.04; 95% CI, 1.81 to 96.72) Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that trunk exercise using PNF plus treadmill training improves balance and walking ability as compared to conventional training plus treadmill training in patients with Parkinson's disease.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.111-121
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• 2010

In order to investigate the preliminary repeat oral dose toxicity and to determine the highest dosage for further 4-week repeated dose toxicity test, Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan (LMF) has been showed various pharmacological effects, was orally administered to female and male rats, once a day for 14 days at dose levels of 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 0 (vehicle control) mg/kg (body weights) in a volume of 10 ml/kg. The mortality and changes on the body weights, clinical signs, hematology, serum biochemistry and gross observations were monitored with organ weight and histopathology of principle organs. As the results of 14-day repeated oral treatment of LMF, no LMF treatment related mortalities were detected up to 2,000 mg/kg in both male and female rats, respectively. In addition, no noticeable changes on the body weight and clinical signs were detected except for significant decreases on the body weights and gains restricted to male 2,000 mg/kg treated groups as compared with male vehicle control. No meaningful changes on the organ weights, hematological, serum biochemistrical, gross and histopathological findings were observed. Therefore the highest dosage in the 4-week repeated dose toxicity test is suggested as 2,000 mg/kg in both female and male rats, respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.51-62
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• 2001

Objectives : In Oriental Medicine, the improvement of constipation is very important for patients at the acute stage of cerebrovascular accident. For constipation, oral medicine has usually been used but is not available to stroke patients with dysphagia and mental disorder, and may bring about side effects on the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, general enema has been used for assistant therapy, We needed to develop a more effective enema technique on constipation of stroke patients. Methods : Sixty-three patients were researched. We treated 29 patients with Bo-Ryu enema and 34 patients with general enema. To compare the effect of the Bo-Ryu enema group with that of the general enema group, we analyzed general characteristics, bowel movement, abdominal examination and related symptoms. Results : Sixty-three patients comprised the Bo-Ryu (n=29) and general (n=34) enema groups. Between the Bo-Ryu and general enema groups, the Bo-Ryu enema was more effective than the general enema in the number of bowel movements, total and corrected amount of stool, tonus of rectus abdominis muscle and abdominal discomfort. However, there were not significant differences in the power of abdominal muscle, digestion and physical power. Among the subgroups, Bo-Ryu enema group was most effective in the number of bowel movements, total amount of stool and tonus of rectus abdominis muscle, and Bo-Ryu enema group was best in the corrected amount of stool and abdominal discomfort. Conclusions : Bo-Ryu enema should be considered as an effective and safe treatment for patients with constipation during the acute stage of cerebrovascular accident.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.12-25
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• 1994

This research was undertaken to determine the effects of the anticancer and immunosuppressive drug cyclophosphamide (CP) on the epididymis of the male rat in terms of ultrastructural alteration and protein analysis by SDS-PAGE at different groups; control group, 1 week group, 3 weeks group, 5 weeks group were treated with saline (control group) or CP at doses of 20mg/Kg/week, 1 time a week, respectively. In the cytoplasm of the principal cells on the epididymis, the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes were significantly swollen or disrupted. The cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) were also swollen, and a number of Golgi vesicles were increased, respectively. It is suggested that treatment with CP alters the specific cell organelles in all segments of the epididymis. CP caused changes in protein concentrations in cauda of epididymis after CP treatment. Total proteins of 30 to 39 species such as lactate dehydrogenase, carnitine acetyltransferase and acid phosphatase were expressed in the cauda fluid. Then the more CP was increased, the more concentration of proteins caused to decrease, synthesize or increase in epididymal cauda. In contrast to the control group, in particular 29KD and the other 10 proteins in the cauda fluid were decreased or disappeared, respectively, whereas 89KD and the other 6 proteins in the cauda, were increased or synthesized, respectively. The other proteins are not showed distinctive difference. Therefore, it is possible that CP at a high dose accumulation alters epididymal function with dose-related increase or decrease in specific activity of marked proteins for all regions of the epididymis (particularly, specific segment of cauda). These alterations could be mediated by direct, toxic effects of the drug on the epithelium or be secondary to changes in the spermatozoa as a result of the CP treatment.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2018

Objectives : This survey assessed Korean medical doctors' (KMDs') use and perception of smoking cessation therapies in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) and their drawbacks. Methods : A total of 14,485 KMDs affiliated with the Association of Korean Medicine were sent surveys via email. They were asked the use and perception of smoking cessation therapies in TKM and their drawbacks: Present use of Korean medicine treatment for smoking cessation, ideal treatment for smoking withdrawal symptoms, advantages and disadvantages of smoking cessation treatments in Korean medicine were asked with closed-ended questionnaire. Results : Two hundred fifty-three KMDs (1.75%) responded to the questionnaire. According to the results of the study, more than half of KMDs (51.4%) answered that they have practiced smoking cessation therapy. The most frequently used treatments for smoking cessation were ear acupuncture (EA) (74.6%) and acupuncture (15.4%), and the most of TKM doctors said that they were the most effective treatments. The advantages of smoking cessation treatment in TKM were the fewer adverse events (53.4%), availability to stimulate acupoints continuously in everyday life (48.2%), and the possibility of controlling withdrawal symptoms. Disadvantages included the long treatment duration and the necessity of frequent visits to the doctor. The greatest disadvantage was the lack of sufficient evidence for the effectiveness of TKM smoking cessation protocols. Conclusions : Despite of the low response rate, the survey results show that the main treatment modalities for smoking cessation are acupuncture, and this was also estimated effective for stop smoking. However, to improve smoking cessation rate, the more various smoking cessation treatments should be developed.