• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.632-636
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• 2009

Three dogs presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of Konkuk and Hangang Animal Hospital with a history of perineal swelling. No tenesmus, stranguria, or any clinical signs other than the swelling was observed by the owners in three dogs. On physical examination, the swelling was observed unilaterally in two dogs and bilaterally in a dog. Digital palpation to the swelling confirmed reducible perineal herniation in two dogs and irreducible perineal herniation in a dog. Plain radiographs revealed that no pelvic or abdominal contents other than the fat were displaced into subcutaneous perineal region in three dogs. Internal obturator transposition herniorrhaphy was performed for correction of perineal herniation in three dogs. Contralateral herniation involving fat was noted after surgery in a dog. The follow-up information was based on physical examination by veterinarians or telephone interview with owners. The owners reported that there was no evidence of complications related to surgery such as sciatic nerve injury, rectal prolapse, wound dehiscence, or perineal hernia recurrence in all dogs.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.253-258
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• 2008

Somatostatin (SOM) is a widely distributed peptide in the central nervous system and exerts a variety of hormonal and neural actions. Although SOM is assumed to play an important role in spinal nociceptive processing, its exact function remains unclear. In fact, earlier pharmacological studies have provided results that support either a facilitatory or inhibitory role for SOM in nociception. In the current study, the effects of SOM were investigated using anesthetized cats. Specifically, the responses of rostrally projecting spinal dorsal horn neurons (RPSDH neurons) to different kinds of noxious stimuli (i.e., heat, mechanical and cold stimuli) and to the $A{\delta}$ -and C-fiber activation of the sciatic nerve were studied. Iontophoretically applied SOM suppressed the responses of RPSDH neurons to noxious heat and mechanical stimuli as well as to C-fiber activation. Conversely, it enhanced these responses to noxious cold stimulus and $A{\delta}$-fiber activation. In addition, SOM suppressed glutamate-evoked activities of RPSDH neurons. The effects of SOM were blocked by the SOM receptor antagonist cyclo-SOM. These findings suggest that SOM has a dual effect on the activities of RPSDH neurons; that is, facilitation and inhibition, depending on the modality of pain signaled through them and its action site.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.145-152
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• 2002

This study was carried out of to determine effects of high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation on the soleus. target muscle of the sciatic nerve, of white rat two condition. The coditions included normal, and denervated muscle. The histochemical, ultrastructural observations were made. The following results were obtains. 1. The histochemical observations found the inflammatory cells between muscle bundle and muscle fiber since 1-week control group. In addition, nucleus located in the muscle fiber was frequently observed. 2. The experimental group showed a similar phenomenom to the normal muscles in terms of glycogen granules in the 1-week group, where as fiber were not distinguishable in4-weeks group which indicated that the degenerative changes had occured. 3. The NADH-TR reaction showed that the red muscle slightly increased in the 2-weeks group, and the distinguished was impossible the red fiber 4. The ultrastructures of the muscles in both groups were severely bend, and a number of vacuoles were observed due to the destruction of mitochondria..

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.217-225
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• 2021

Neuropathic pain (NP) that contributes to the comorbidity between pain and depression is a clinical dilemma. Neuroinflammatory responses are known to have potentially important roles in the initiation of NP and depressive mood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of paeoniflorin (PF) on NP-induced depression-like behaviors by targeting the hippocampal neuroinflammation through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. We used a murine model of NP caused by unilateral sciatic nerve cuffing (Cuff). PF was injected intraperitoneally once a day for a total of 14 days. Pain and depression-like behavior changes were evaluated via behavioral tests. Pathological changes in the hippocampus of mice were observed by H&E staining. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus were detected using ELISA. Activated microglia were measured by immunohistochemical staining. The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-associated protein expression in the hippocampus was detected by western blotting. We found that the PF could significantly alleviate Cuff-induced hyperalgesia and depressive behaviors, lessen the pathological damage to the hippocampal cell, reduce proinflammatory cytokines levels, and inhibit microglial over-activation. Furthermore, PF downregulated the expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus. These results indicate that PF is an effective drug for improving the comorbidity between NP and depression.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.173-182
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• 2022

Background: Neurokinin-1 (NK1) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play a vital role in pain pathogenesis, and these proteins' antagonists have attracted attention as promising pharmaceutical candidates. The authors investigated the anti-nociceptive effect of co-administration of the CGRP antagonist and an NK1 antagonist on pain models compared to conventional single regimens. Methods: C57Bl/6J mice underwent sciatic nerve ligation for the neuropathic pain model and were injected with 4% formalin into the hind paw for the inflammatory pain model. Each model was divided into four groups: vehicle, NK1 antagonist, CGRP antagonist, and combination treatment groups. The NK1 antagonist aprepitant (BIBN4096, 1 mg/kg) or the CGRP antagonist olcegepant (MK-0869, 10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Mechanical allodynia, thermal hypersensitivity, and anxiety-related behaviors were assessed using the von Frey, hot plate, and elevated plus-maze tests. The flinching and licking responses were also evaluated after formalin injection. Results: Co-administration of aprepitant and olcegepant more significantly alleviated pain behaviors than administration of single agents or vehicle, increasing the mechanical threshold and improving the response latency. Anxiety-related behaviors were also markedly improved after dual treatment compared with either naive mice or the neuropathic pain model in the dual treatment group. Flinching frequency and licking response after formalin injection decreased significantly in the dual treatment group. Isobolographic analysis showed a meaningful additive effect between the two compounds. Conclusions: A combination pharmacological therapy comprised of multiple neuropeptide antagonists could be a more effective therapeutic strategy for alleviating neuropathic or inflammatory pain.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2024

Background: Skeletal muscle denervation leads to motor neuron degeneration, which in turn reduces muscle fiber volumes. Recent studies have revealed that apoptosis plays a role in regulating denervation-associated pathologic muscle wasting. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has various biological activities and is currently widely consumed as a medicinal product worldwide. Among them, ginseng has protective effects against muscle atrophy in in vivo and in vitro. However, the effects of KRG on denervation-induced muscle damage have not been fully elucidated. Methods: We induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice by dissecting the sciatic nerves, administered KRG, and then analyzed the muscles. KRG was administered to the mice once daily for 3 weeks at 100 and 400 mg/kg/day doses after operation. Results: KRG treatment significantly increased skeletal muscle weight and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle fiber volume in injured areas and reduced histological alterations in TA muscle. In addition, KRG treatment reduced denervation-induced apoptotic changes in TA muscle. KRG attenuated p53/Bax/cytochrome c/Caspase 3 signaling induced by nerve injury in a dose-dependent manner. Also, KRG decreases protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, reducing restorative myogenesis. Conclusion: Thus, KRG has potential protective role against denervation-induced muscle atrophy. The effect of KRG treatment was accompanied by reduced levels of mitochondria-associated apoptosis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.19-51
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• 2003

To demonstrate the effect of massages on the skeletal muscles of immobilization ddY mice models induced by right side sciatic nerve neurectomy, the cross sectional histological profiles of the muscularis (M) gastrocnemius, M. tibialis cranialis and M. tibialis caudalis were observed after 28 days of treatment of massages with the changes of body weight, thickness of hind limb and individual muscle weights. In addition, changes of serum aspartate amino- transferase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels were also demonstrated with diameter of individual muscle fiber and muscle fasciculata, and number of muscle fiber in each of three types of muscles located in the calf. The experimental groups were divided into five groups, 1) Sham-operated group (Sham), 2) Neurectomized but not massage control group (Control), 3) Neurectomized and massage at knee joint regions (T1), 4) Neurectomized and massage at calf regions (T2), and 5) Neurectomized and massages at achilles tendon regions (T3). The experimental animals were used 5 per groups. The results are as follow: 1. No significant changes of body weight were demonstrated in this groups during whole experimental periods compared to that of Sham group. In addition, no significant changes of body weight gains during experimental periods (Day 0 - Day 27: 28 days of treatment) were also observed. 2. The thickness of intact left side hind limb was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the thickness of right side hind limb were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of thickness of hind limb between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups (T1, T2 and T3) compared to that of Sham group. However, the thickness of right side of hind limb were significantly increased and the differences of thickness between both sides of hind limb were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T1 > T3 > T2. 3. Absolute and relative weight of M. gastrocnemius in the intact left side of hind limb was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. gastrocnemius were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of weight of M. gastrocnemius between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. gastrocnemius were significantly increased and the differences of weight between both sides of M. gastrocnemius were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 >. 4. Absolute and relative weight of M. tibialis cranialis in the intact left side was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis cranialis were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of weight of M. tibialis cranialis between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis cranialis were significantly increased and . the differences of weight between both sides of M. tibialis cranialis were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2. 5. Absolute and relative weight of M. tibialis caudalis in the intact left side was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis caudalis were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of weight of M. tibialis caudalis between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis caudalis were significantly increased and the differences of weight between both sides of M. tibialis caudalis were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2. 6. A significant increase of serum AST levels were demonstrated in Control group. However, serum AST levels of massage groups were significantly decreased compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2. In case of 73 group, the values decreased into similar levels compared to that of Sham group. 7. A significant increase of serum CK levels were demonstrated in Control group. However, serum CK levels of massage groups were significantly decreased compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.14-19
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• 2013

Purpose: We analyzed the oncologic characteristics and outcome of patients with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of extremities. Materials and Methods: Among the soft tissue tumor patients who were treated between 1999 and 2012, 5 patients who were pathologically confirmed as the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of extremities were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 1 man and 4 women with mean age of 44 years (37-55 years). The average follow up was 34.6 months (8-87 months). All patients underwent surgical treatment. Only 1 patient had wide resection margin and remaining 4 had marginal (3) or intralesional (1) resection margin. All of 4 patients without wide resection margin developed local recurrence at 10.3 months (8-19 months). Malignant transformation to fibrosarcoma was occurred in 2 patients who developed local recurrence, and 1 patient developed multiple metastases to lung, liver and lymph nodes and expired at 37 months. Three of 5 patients had tumor location abutted to or invasion to major arteries and 1 patient had tumor invading sciatic nerve. Conclusion: It is observed that inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of extremities is usually located near the major neurovascular structure. Wide resection should be considered as the initial surgical treatment because this tumor showed a high local recurrence rate and possibility of malignant transformation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.213-217
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• 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis using ipsilateral distal fibula buttress which had advantages of extended operative field and release of contracted soft tissue. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 4 postraumatic compartment syndrome, 2 residual poliomyelitis, 1 posttraumatic osteoarthritis with subtalar joint infection and 1 posttarumatic sciatic nerve palsy patients who underwent a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis from April, 1996 to March, 2002. Each of the cases was notable for a severe rigid equinovarus, persistent pus drainage of calcaneal area and paralytic foot. The mean duration of follow up was 18 months (range, $13{\sim}42$ months). The pain, function and alignment were evaluated by the modified ankle hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and patients satisfaction clinically. The radiological union were evaluated by plain AP and lateral radiographs. Results: The AOFAS score improved from 58 points (range, $47{\sim}78$) preoperatively to 82 (range, $60{\sim}89$) postoperatively. Patents satisfaction checked at 12 months after operation had favorable results (excellent and good 80%). Union rate was 100% radiographically and the mean duration of union was 12.5 weeks (range $8{\sim}22$ weeks). There was 2 cases of superficial pin tract infection and one protrusion of screw. Conclusion: Tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis using ipsilateral distal fibula buttress was good modality of arthrodesis which provides wide operative field and release of contracted soft tissue in some cases of contracted foot.