• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.225-231
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• 2020

Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, interact closely with neurons and modulate pain transmission, particularly under pathological conditions. In this study, we examined the excitability of substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of the spinal dorsal horn using a patch clamp recording to investigate the roles of microglial activation in the nociceptive processes of rats. We used xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO), a generator of superoxide anion (O2·-), to induce a pathological pain condition. X/XO treatment induced an inward current and membrane depolarization. The inward current was significantly inhibited by minocycline, a microglial inhibitor, and fluorocitrate, an astrocyte inhibitor. To examine whether toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in microglia was involved in the inward current, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a highly specific TLR4 agonist. The LPS induced inward current, which was decreased by pretreatment with Tak-242, a TLR4-specific inhibitor, and phenyl N-t-butylnitrone, a reactive oxygen species scavenger. The X/XO-induced inward current was also inhibited by pretreatment with Tak-242. These results indicate that the X/XO-induced inward current of SG neurons occurs through activation of TLR4 in microglial cells, suggesting that neuroglial cells modulate the nociceptive process through central sensitization.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.14-35
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• 2024

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most unique joints in the human body that orchestrates complex movements across different orthogonal planes and multiple axes of rotation. Comprising the articular eminence of the temporal bone and the condylar process of the mandible, the TMJ integrates five major ligaments, retrodiscal tissues, nerves, and blood and lymph systems to facilitate its function. Cooperation between the contralateral TMJ and masticatory muscles is essential for coordinated serial dynamic functions. During mouth opening, the TMJ exhibits a hinge movement, followed by gliding. The health of the masticatory system, which is intricately linked to chewing, energy intake, and communication, has become increasingly crucial with advancing age, exerting an impact on oral and systemic health and overall quality of life. For individuals to lead a healthy and pain-free life, a comprehensive understanding of the basic anatomy and functional aspects of the TMJ and masticatory muscles is imperative. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a spectrum of diseases and disorders associated with changes in the structure, function, or physiology of the TMJ and masticatory system. Functional and pathological alterations in the TMJ and masticatory muscles can be visualized using various imaging modalities, such as cone-beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scans. An exploration of potential pathophysiological mechanisms related to the TMJ anatomy contributes to a comprehensive understanding of TMD and informs targeted treatment strategies. Hence, this narrative review presents insights into the fundamental functional anatomy of the TMJ and pathological changes that evolve with TMD progression.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.149-159
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• 2005

Object : The purpose of this study is to arrange the literature about a acupuncture therapy on the gatroduodenal ulcer. Methods : We arrange twenty five kinds of literature about a acupuncture therapy on gastric pain coming within the category of the gatroduodenal ulcer. Results : The cause of gastric pain is disunion of liver and spleen caused by overeating, uncontrolled emotion. The gastric pain is accompanied by lack of appetite, nausea & vomiting, belching, constipation, abdominal discomfort and so on. Therapy methods of the gastric pain are tonifying the spleen, eliminating pathological coldness and alleviation of pain, draining the liver and replenish Ki. Acupuncture point at S36, P6, CV12, B20, B21, B18, B17 used frequently for the acupuncture therapy in the order of frequency of use. Conclusions : Meridians of Conception Vessel, Stomach, Spleen, Bladder and Liver used frequently for the acupuncture therapy. The meridian used for treatment of the gastroduodenal ulcer is related to it passing by a painful place in the body.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.203-206
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• 2013

There have been reports of abnormalities in the lumbosacral region involving a lower-than-normal termination of the dural sac, which is caused by disease or anatomical variation. Inadvertent dural puncture or other unexpected complications can occur during caudal epidural block or adhesiolysis in patients with these variations, but only a small number of case reports have described this issue. We report a case of dural puncture by the introducer needle before attempting caudal epidural adhesiolysis, which occurred even though the needle was not advanced upward after penetrating the sacrococcygeal ligament. Dural puncture was caused by a morphological abnormality in the lumbosacral region, with no pathological condition; the dural sac terminal was located more distally than normal. However, dural puncture could have been prevented if we had checked for such an abnormality in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken before the procedure.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.246-252
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• 2014

Background: Neuropathic pain is generally defined as a chronic pain state resulting from peripheral and/or central nerve injury. There is a lack of effective treatment for neuropathic pain, which may possibly be related to poor understanding of pathological mechanisms at the molecular level. Curcumin, a therapeutic herbal extract, has shown to be effectively capable of reducing chronic pain induced by peripheral administration of inflammatory agents such as formalin. In this study, we aimed to show the effect of curcumin on pain behavior and serum COX-2 level in a Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. Methods: Wistar male rats (150-200 g, n = 8) were divided into three groups: CCI vehicle-treated, sham-operated, and CCI drug-treated group. Curcumin (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg, IP) was injected 24 h before surgery and continued daily for 7 days post-surgery. Behavioral tests were performed once before and following the days 1, 3, 5, 7 after surgery. The serum COX-2 level was measured on day 7 after the surgery. Results: Curcumin (50 mg/kg) decreased mechanical and cold allodynia (P < 0.001) and produced a decline in serum COX-2 level (P < 0.001). Conclusions: A considerable decline in pain behavior and serum COX-2 levels was seen in rat following administration of curcumin in CCI model of neuropathic pain. High concentration of Curcumin was able to reduce the chronic neuropathic pain induced by CCI model and the serum level of COX-2.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.41-50
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• 2010

Pain originating from the sacroiliac joint(SIJ) has been associated with poor performance, yet specific diagnosis of sacroiliac dysfunction(SID) has been difficult to achieve. Clinical presentation of SID appears that pain and poor performance is responsive to local analgesia of periarticular structures with poorly defined pathology, and poor performance with bony pathological changes present as a result of chronic instability. Previous research indicates that physical examination cannot diagnose SIJ pathology. Earlier studies have not reported sensitivities and specificities of composites of provocation tests known to have acceptable inter-examiner reliability. Tests based on mechanics as manual provocation for SIJ pain have formed the basis of tests used to diagnose SIJ dysfunction. In this review summary, the purpose of this study was to describe the sacroiliac tests with a model of examination, diagnosis, and management of SID. Further research is warranted to determine whether SIJ tests is reliable means of evaluating innominate impairments.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.96-99
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• 1993

The pathological basis for cervicogenic headache may lie within the cervical spine. Clinically patients with cervicogenic headache complain of unilateral pain radiating in an atypical fashion from the occipital region. Our clinic has successfully treated post-traumatic cervicogenic headache with C2 spinal ganglion block. The technique of fluoroscopic guided injection was used to locate the C2 spinal ganglion. This technique is facilitated by the constancy of the anatomical relationship between the C2 ganglion and the midpoint of the atlanto-axial joint. There are no major structures near the proximity of the ganglion.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.221-227
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• 1991

Regardless of the age, Low back pains are appeared to the highest occurrence ratio and every one meet with the disease once at least through life. In order to treat a pain, therefore, it make a accurated treatment program by the accurated a cause and evaluation and can expected to effects of treatment. In order to do the perfected physical therapy, futhermore, it is nessessary more systematic studies not a cause and physical diagnosis but pathological aspects.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.109-115
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• 2010

Background: The pathophysiological and neurochemical changes following spinal injury are not yet elucidated. This study was designed to evaluate the morphological changes of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and profiles of pain behaviors following intraspinal injection of NMDA in rats. Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: a sham-operated control group and groups where the rats received 10 mM or 100 mM N-methyl-D-aspatate (NMDA) injected into their spinal dorsal horn. Following injection, hypersensitivity to cold and mechanical stimuli and excessive grooming behaviors were assessed serially for four weeks. Morphological changes of the spinal cord were evaluated four weeks after intraspinal injection. Results: Few animals in the NMDA groups developed hypersensitivity to cold and mechanical stimuli. The number of groomers and the severity of excessive grooming were significantly higher in the 100 mM NMDA group than those values of the control and 10 mM NMDA groups. The size of the neck region (lamina III-IV) was significantly smaller in the 100 mM NMDA group than in the control and 10 mM NMDA groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, intraspinal injection of NMDA in rats leads to the pathological sequela in the spinal cord and to excessive grooming behavior. These results support the use of NMDA and excessive grooming behavior after excitotoxic SCI as a model to study chronic pain after SCI.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.147-158
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• 2004

In the wide view as human, males and females can be same. But in pathological view, they have big differences. Compared to that males mostly follow the pathological process according to the paticular abnormal organs. Females could show pathological state totally apart from the abnormal organs when connected to delivery. For example, Postpartum abnormal pain, fever, edema, etc show totally different aspects when regardless of delivery. Here, We'll analyze postpartum edema that generally apppears after delivery from historical books, and find out previous conception of that in the oriental medicine, and summary them to be helpful to the cause, differentiation, and treatment. Result 1. A cause of postpartum edema is a bad blood that originate in poor postpartum care weakness of spleen and stomach and trouble of body flood metabolism. 2. General symptom of postpartum edema is edema of face, eye, arm, leg but postpartum edemas not edema of face, eye, arm, leg but asthma, red lighted skin and difficulty of urine. 3. edema is classified by Gi-Jong, Su-Jong and Hyul-Jong.