• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.153-166
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• 2013

Yang deficiency pattern is a representative syndrome differentiation. This article is a study on to which categories of modern diseases yang deficiency is assigned by reference to modern clinical papers and the meaning of yang deficiency interpreted with a perspective of Korean Medicine and a modern perspective. Yang deficiency, yang qi deficiency, lack of yang qi and yang qi debilitation are the words found in "Nei Ching" and yang qi can be interpreted as something to warm, drive and arouse. Zhangzhongjing considered recovery or loss of Yang as the key to life in "Shanghanlun". Danxi proposed "Yang being liable to hyperactivity, Yin being insufficient" and emphasized pathological ministerial fire of Yang exuberance rather than physiological ministerial fire of Yang deficiency. Zhangjingyue proposed "Yang not being in excess, Yin being often deficient" and understood growth and decline of yin qi are all led by yang qi and put emphasis on true yin in addition to yang qi. Diseases of yang deficiency pattern are related with decline of metabolic level, hypofunction of internal secretion, disorder of immune function, disorder of automatic nerve system, sympathetic nerve inhibition, metabolic disorder of microelements, increase of cGMP, change of microcirculation, low speed of blood stream, kidney malfunction. Diseases related with kidney are sterility, polycystic ovary syndrome, spinal stenosis, edema, renal failure, IgA nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, nephritis, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, decrease of adrenal cortical hormone by nephrotic syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome. Disease related with heart are heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pulmonary heart disease. Diseases related with spleen are irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis. Diseases related with liver are hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis ascites, hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis, hepatic diabetes. Diseases related with lung are allergic rhinitis, cough variant asthma, bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema. And diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, aplastic anemia, headache, encephalatrophy, Alzheimer's disease are also related with yang deficiency.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.790-798
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• 2020

Background: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Methods: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepian-drosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IκB, and nuclear p-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.229-239
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate and examine the relationship between dietary habits, food intake patterns, and depression in Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Korean Version was used to determine whether a participant was depressed or not. The dietary habits were assessed by the Min-Dietary Assessment (MDA) method, and food intake data were collected by the 24-hour recall method on two non-consecutive days, at least 7 days apart, and the average of the two days was used to estimate the usual dietary intake. The total MDA scores of the Depression Group was significantly lower than that of the No-Depression Group ($31.5{\pm}6.4$ vs $33.4{\pm}6.0$, p = 0.027). The intake of cereals/potatoes/sugar products, milk and milk products, plant protein, and calcium for the Depression Group were significantly lower compared to the No-Depression Group. The Depression Group had a significantly higher percentage of energy intakes from protein as well as the consumption of fish and shellfish compared to the No-Depression Group. There was a significant inverse relationship between milk and milk products consumption and the prevalence of depression [OR (95% CI) for the highest tertile compared to the lowest: 0.390 (0.177-0.857); p for trend = 0.016]. There were also significant positive relationships between the prevalence of depression and the consumption of the following: fish and shellfish [OR (95% CI) for the highest tertile compared to the lowest: 2.319 (1.128-4.770); p for trend = 0.009], animal protein (p for trend = 0.049), and the percentage of energy intakes from protein [OR (95% CI) for the highest tertile compared with the lowest: 2.546(1.156-5.609); p for trend = 0.025]. Further studies are needed in order to investigate whether the intake of protein and of animal protein is indeed associated with depression in PCOS patients in Korea and the possible mechanisms thereof. The results of our study can be applicable for the development of effective nutrition counseling and education programs regarding PCOS patients with depression as part of their successful treatment regimen.

• Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.210-214
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• 2018

Purpose: Premature adrenarche (PA) often leads to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Higher anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels are reported in PCOS. We studied the androgen profile and AMH profiles in Hispanic girls with PA (aged 5-8 years) and age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. Methods: Retrospective review of electronic medical records of girls who met the inclusion criteria for premature adrenarche were done. Results: PA girls (n=76) were matched to control girls (n=12) for age (mean${\pm}$standard deviation) ($6.7{\pm}1years$ vs. $6.2{\pm}1.3years$) and BMI ($20{\pm}10kg/m^2$ vs. $17.8{\pm}2.7kg/m^2$). Dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate ($63.3{\pm}51.3{\mu}g/dL$ vs. $29.8{\pm}17.3{\mu}g/dL$, P<0.001) and testosterone levels ($11.4{\pm}4.8ng/dL$ vs. $8.2{\pm}2.9ng/dL$, P=0.001) were significantly higher in the PA group than controls. AMH values (<14 years: reference range, 0.49-3.15 ng/mL) were $3.2{\pm}2.2ng/mL$ vs. $4.6{\pm}3.2ng/mL$ respectively in the PA and control groups and were not different (P=0.4). AMH did not show a correlation with bone age (P=0.1), and testosterone (P=0.9) in the PA group. 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels (17-OHP ng/dL) were $39.5{\pm}30.5ng/dL$ vs. $36.8{\pm}19.8ng/dL$ in PA versus control girls. The concentration of 17-OHP was not statistically different between the control and PA groups. Conclusion: Higher AMH was not observed in PA girls and no correlation with BA and androgen levels was observed.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.142-146
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• 2021

Alagille syndrome (AGS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder, with major clinical manifestations of bile duct paucity, cholestasis, cardiovascular anomaly, ophthalmic abnormalities, butterfly vertebrae, and dysmorphic facial appearance. It is caused by heterozygous mutations in JAG1 or NOTCH of the Notch signaling pathway presenting with variable phenotypic penetrance and involving multiple organ systems. The following case report describes a unique case of a 16-year-old female with AGS who presented with the primary complaint of renovascular hypertension. She had a medical history of ventricular septal defect and polycystic ovary syndrome. The patient had a dysmorphic facial appearance including frontal bossing, bulbous tip of the nose, a pointed chin with prognathism, and deeply set eyes with mild hypertelorism. Stenoocclusive changes of both renal arteries, celiac artery, lower part of the abdominal aorta, and left intracranial artery, along with absence of the left internal carotid artery were found on examination. Whole exome sequencing was performed and revealed a pathologic mutation of JAG1, leading to the diagnosis of AGS. Reverse phenotyping detected butterfly vertebrae and normal structure and function of the liver and gallbladder. While the representative symptom of AGS in most scenarios is a hepatic problem, in this case, the presenting clinical features were the vascular anomalies. Clinical manifestations of AGS are diverse, and this case demonstrates that renovascular hypertension might be in some cases a presenting symptom of AGS.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2009

Experimental induction of polycystic ovary (PCO) resembling some aspects of human PCO syndrome was produced using the long-acting compound estradiol valerate (EV). Our previous study on the role of Korean red ginseng total saponins (GTS) in a steroid-induced PCO rat model demonstrated that electro-acupuncture modulates nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the ovaries. In fact, the involvement of a neurogenic component in the pathology of PCO-related ovarian dysfunction is preceded by an increase in sympathetic outflow to the ovaries. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that therapeutic GTS administration modulates sympathetic nerve activity in rats with PCO. This was done by analyzing NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression involved in the pathophysiological process underlying steroid-induced PCO. EV injection resulted in significantly higher ovarian NGF mRNA expression in PCO rats compared to control rats, and PCO ovaries were counteracted by GTS administration with significantly lower expression of NGF mRNA compared to EV treated ovaries. However, NGF protein was unaffected in both EV and GTS treated ovaries compared to control rats. These results indicate that EV modulates the neurotrophic state of the ovaries, which may be a component of the pathological process by which EV induces cyst formation and anovulation in rodents.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.130-137
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• 2022

This study was conducted to characterise phytochemicals and to explore the biological activities of Vitex negundo leaves. The washed, course powder of V. negundo leaves were extracted with different solvents of increasing polarity. All the extracts were characterized and biological activities were compared. The results revealed that the ethanolic and cold water extracts showed the presence of all phytochemicals studied except protein compared to other extracts. Further, the quantitative estimation of phytochemicals showed that the ethanolic extract had highest yield and maximum amount of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids with the least amount of tannins compared to other extracts studied. Furthermore, the highest total polyphenol content corresponds with the potent biological activities. Indeed, in vitro antioxidant and antisteroidogenic activities were highest in the ethanolic extract than others. To conclude, the present study is the first to report the characterization and antiandrogenic property of V. negundo leaf extracts. The ethanolic extract of V. negundo leaves can be used as an antioxidant and antiandrogenic agent. Hence, it can be considered for the treatment of hyperandrogenic conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.117-126
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• 2023

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for obesity, but its effects on reproductive hormones are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on estrogen and progesterone levels in women with obesity. This was a prospective study that included 87 women with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery and 87 control women with obesity who did not. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up periods to measure reproductive hormones and Adiponectin as well as medical history and physical examination for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study found that sleeve gastrectomy significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the bariatric surgery group compared to the control group at 3 and 6-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in the mean levels of estrogen and progesterone between the two groups at the 3-month follow-up period. Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss in women with obesity, but it does not seem to have a significant impact on estrogen and progesterone levels in the short-term. Future studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to investigate the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on reproductive hormones.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.80-94
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to analyze the domestic study trends of clinical use of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) as a diagnosis instrument on obstetrics and gynecological diseases in Korean literature. Methods: We searched for clinical studies using DITI in the journal of Korean obstetrics & gynecology, National Digital Science Library, Research Information Sharing Service, Korean Medical Database up to May 2020. After searching studies, we selected studies and analyzed according to disease. Results: 18 clinical studies were published in two kinds of academic journals. There were 4 studies about dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms, 2 studies about postpartum disease and hypercryalgesia, 1 study about amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, leukorrhea, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and hot flush. Conception vessel was frequently used for DITI measurement, followed by stomach meridian. The temperatures of abdomen (CV4, CV12), face (HN3), upper and lower limb (PC8, LU4, LR3, ST32) were commonly measured. Conclusions: This study shows that DITI could be one of effective diagnosis instrument for obstetrics and gynecological diseases. More well-designed clinical studies using DITI will be needed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.84-92
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• 2020

Objectives: To observe the effects on liver and kidney of gynecology patients' during long term Korean Medicine. Methods: This research was conducted as a panel study on 29 female gynecology patients at Korean medicine clinic and compares their conditions before, 3 months after, and 6 months after Intake of Korean medicine. This analysis was conducted to frequency(%), repeated measure ANOVA and significantly statistics was p<0.05, confidence interval. Results: The most common conditions among the subjects were polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine myoma. Except in a few instances, liver functions (AST, ALT, γ-GTP) were within the normal range before and after the intake of Korean medicine. Further, while there was a slight change in liver functions when three months and six months after the intake, but there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). As for the kidney functions (BUN, Creatinine, BUN/Creatinine), they were within the normal range before and after the intake of Korean medicine. Further, while there was a slight change in kidney functions three months and six months after the intake, there was no statistical significance(p>0.05) either. Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be concluded that Korean medicine does not have a negative impact on the gynecology patients' liver and kidney.