• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.5
• /
• pp.1347-1355
• /
• 2004

In this study, the immunological effect of a traditional Korea herbal acupuncture, that has been widely used for the treatment of various immunological disorders including inflammation in Korea, was examined in vitro and in vivo. In our previous study demonstrated that BV increased the expression of IFN-γ mRNA, that plays pivotal role in T cell response. This study was designated to evaluate the effect of BV on helper T cell development by monitoring Th1/Th2 specific cytokine secretion patterns in artificially induced Th1/Th2 polarized condition and in vivo. The results demonstrated that BV didn't have mitogenic effects on the unstimulated CD4+ T cell, but increased the CD4+ T cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibody. The Th1 cells were over-populated dramatically in Th1 driven condition with BV treatment, while the Th2 cells were increased slightly in Th2 skewed condition. Furthermore, under Th1-skewed conditions, the level of IFN-γ was considerably increased with BV treatment. Besides, the expression of T-bet, a transcription factor that plays pivotal role in Th1 lineage programming, was increased with BV treatment. The expressions of IFN-γ and T-bet were also significantly increased in vivo. The results that Th1 specific cytokine secretion were considerably increased and Th2 specific cytokine secretion were not significantly changed in vitro and in vivo indicated that BV enhances Th1 lineage development, Therefore, these results suggest that BV might be desirable agent for correction of Th1 dominant pathological disorders.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
• /
• 2003.10b
• /
• pp.93.1-93.1
• /
• 2003

Bee Venom (BV) has been treated in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Bee venom contains several biologically active non-peptide substances as well as two major known peptides; the hemolytic peptide melittin (50%) and the neurotoxic peptide apamin, and a number of minor peptides. Previous our study showed that BV blocked LPS and SNP-induced production of NO and PG through inactivation of NF-kB which regulates expression of COX-2 and iNOS. (omitted)

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.139-152
• /
• 2000

This study was designed to evaluate the analgesic effect of bee venom (BV) Acupuncture into different treatment points, Chok-samni (ST36) and blank loci of the gluteal muscle and back. We investigated the changes in formalin-induced pain behavior according to the pretreatment with different concentrations of BV, thirty minutes before the formalin injection. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The formalin-induced pain behavior was suppressed by pretreatment with BV into Chok-samni (ST36) in a dose dependent manner. During the early phase, 0.08mg/kg of BV showed a statistically significant suppression in the formalin-induced pain behavior. Moreover, 0.008mg/kg, 0.016mg/kg, and 0.08mg/kg of BV, except 0.0016mh/kg of BV, had significant suppresive effects on the formalin-induced pain behavior during the late phase. Therefore, these data indicated that the suppressive effect of BV acupuncture on the formalin-induced pain behavior was stronger in the late phase rather than the early phase 2. In order to investigate the analgesic effect of BV acupuncture into different treatment points, the experimental animals were divided into three groups: Chok-samni (ST36) group, gluteal group and back group. In the Chok-samni (ST36) group, the formalin-induced pain behavior during all the phases was significantly reduced as compared with that of the back group. However, as compared with that of the gluteal group, the formalin-induced pain behavior in the Chok-samni (ST36) group was decreased only in the late phase, not in the early phase. The formalin-induced pain behavior in the gluteal group was significantly reduced as compared with that of the back group in the late phase, not in the early phase. We suggested that the analgesic effect of BV acupuncture into Chok-samni (ST36) was most effective among Chok-samni (ST36), gluteal, and the back groups in formalin-induced pain behavior.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.845-857
• /
• 2009

Background and Objectives : Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album coloratum agglutinin, VCA) and bee venom (BV) have been reported to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines in vitro and to show antitumor activity against a variety of tumors in animal models. However, the comparative effect of VCA and BV on the anti-cancer effect and mechanisms of action has not been determined. In this study, the effect in a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2 cells, was examined. Methods : Cytotoxic effects of VCA and BV on Hep G2 cells were determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in litro. The apoptotic cell death was then confirmed by propidium iodide staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. The mechanisms of action were examined by the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. The involvement of kinase was examined in VCA or BV-induced apoptosis by using kinase inhibitors. Results : VCA and BV killed Hep G2 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. Treatment of Hep G2 cells with VCA activated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) known as a marker of apoptosis, and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways including MAPK/ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK. BV also activated PARP-1, MAPK/ERK. and p38 MAPK but not JNK. The expression level of anti-apoptotic molecule, Bcl-X, was decreased by VCA treatment but not by BV. Finally, the phosphorylation level of ERM proteins involved in the cytoskeleton homeostasis was decreased by both stimuli. VCA-induced apoptosis was partially inhibited by in the presence of JNK and p38 inhibitor, but BV only by p38 inhibitor. Conclusions : VCA-induced apoptosis is dependent on the activation of p38 and JNK. while BV-induced apoptosis is mediated by p38 activation in Hep G2 cells.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.119-138
• /
• 2000

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the bee venom(BV) aqua-acupuncture on the neuronal activities of serotonergic(5-HT) system in the brainstem. After the BV aqua-acupuncture was applied on Chok-Samni(ST36) and the gluteal part(Blank locus) in rats, the number of Fos immunoreactive neurons was counted by using computerized image analyzing system. Also, the number of colocalization between 5-HT containing neurons Fos immunoreactive neurons were analyzed by using the double immunohistochemical technique. The results of the experiments were summarized as follows : 1. In almost every neucli, the Chok-Samni group and Blank locus group showed more increase in the number of Fos immunoreactive neurons than the control group. Especially, in Arc, DR, LC, RMg, Gi, PAG Rost and PAG LV, the Chok-Samni group showed more significant increase than the control group. Also, in PAG LV Mid and Arc, Chok-Samni group showed more significant increase than the Blank locus group. 2. In DR and PAG LV Mid, Chok-Samni group and the Blank locus group showed more significant increase in the number of colocalization between 5-HT containing neurons and Fos immunoreactive neurons than the control group after the BV aqua- acupuncture. Also, the Chok-Samni group showed more significant increase than the Blank locus group. Consequently, the BV aqua-acupuncture increased more potent the number of Fos immunoreactive neurons and the activity of serotonergic neurons. Furthermore, the BV aqua-acupuncture was more effective on Chok-Samni than Blank locus group. These results indicate that the BV aqua-acupuncture is very effective therapy to control pain. The therapeutic effect of BV aqua-acupunture may associated with the endogenous modulatory system such as serotonin Those data from the study can be applied to establish the effective treatment of the BV for pain control in the clinical field.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.136-148
• /
• 2002

본 연구는 osteoblastic cells에서 estogen 의 생합성을 유도하는 aromatase의 activity에 대한 봉독(蜂毒)작용을 측정하여, 봉독치료시 Arthritis의 진행 억제 및 estogen의 의한 bone formation의 효과여부를 검증하기 위해 실행하였다. 사용된 세포주로는 Osteoblastic phenotype으로 분화가 유도되는 Human leukaemic cell line FLG 29.1 및 the primary first-passage osteoblastic cells (hOB cells)이며, 이들을 각각 배양하고 각각의 RNA를 isolation한 뒤 PCR 증폭을 하였다. Aromatase에 대한 활성인자인 TPA와 TGF-${\beta}1$ 및 봉독을 이용하여 aromatase의 expression 및 activity에 대해 미치는 영향을 측정한 바, aromatase expression은 FLG 29.1 cell와 hoB cells에서, 50nM TPA 24시간 처리, 봉독 2 ~ 4시간 처리와 TGF-${\beta}1$ 3시간 처리로 유도한 결과 TPA와 TGF-${\beta}1$의 경우는 서로 유사하였고, 봉독에서 상대적으로 높게 나타났다. Aromatase activity는 FLG 29.1 cell, hoB cells에서 24시간 incubation한 결과, 모든 실험에서 일정하게 선상증가를 보였다. $5{\mu}{\ell}/m{\ell}$ BV에서 TPA와 TGF-${\beta}1$보다 뚜렷하게 증가하였으며, 0.5mM Bt2-cAMP, 50nM dexametasone처리에서는 유의성이 없었다. Estrogen 생합성을 촉매하는 aromatase activity BV가 처리에서 현저하게 증가하였기에, Rheumatis arthritis의 bone destruction에 대해 BV가 효과적인 역할을 할 것으로 보여진다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.220-229
• /
• 2019

Background: The therapeutic potential of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture (BVP) on acute ischemic cerebral infraction was determined in mice in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Analysis of acute ischemic cerebral infraction was performed using 7 week old male ICR mice (n = 20) and microglial BV-2 cells. Bee venom ($5{\mu}g/kg$) was injected into the caudal vein of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) mice (1 hour after reperfusion, 3 hours after MCAo probe insertion), and also used to treat LPS-stimulated microglial BV-2 cells (1, 2, $5{\mu}g/mL$). Markers of inflammation were monitored. Results: NO declined statistically significantly in BVP treated MCAo mice compared to the untreated MCAo group (p < 0.05). Compared to the MCAo group, the BVP-treated MCAo group showed a decreased production volume of malondialdehyde, but an increased glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. Compared to the untreated MCAo group, the BVP treated MCAo group showed a statistically significant decline in TNF and $IL-1{\beta}$ levels (p < 0.05). BVP inhibited the levels of p65, p50, $p-I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$, and levels of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK2, p-P38 declined. Conclusion: BVP is effective at dampening the inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro and may supplement rt-PA treatment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.63-72
• /
• 2003

Objective : he purposes of this study are to evaluate the efficacy of Bee Venom therapy(BV) on HNP(Herniation of Nucleus Purposus) of Lumbar spine by use of Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Pain Rating Scale(PRS) and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI), and to investigate their correlation. Methods : We researched 20 patients who were diagnosed by MRI as having a HNP, and treated them by Oriental medical therapy(including BV) for 4 weeks. The evaluation was peformed twice(admission day and after treatment for 4 weeks), and we compared the results. Results : 1. VAS, PRS and ${\Delta}t$(by DITI) were decreased after BV for 4 weeks significantly(p<0.01). 2. There was significant correlation between VAS and PRS(p<0.05). 3. There was significant correlation between PRS and ${\Delta}t$(p<0.05). 4. There was no significant correlation between VAS and ${\Delta}t$. Conclusions : BV improved HNP subjectively and objectively, and correlation was found between VAS and PRS and between PRS and ${\Delta}t$. Further study is needed for investigating their correlation.

• Journal of Oriental Medical Thermology
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.43-51
• /
• 2004

Objective : The purposes of this study are to evaluate the efficacy of Bee Venom therapy(BV) on HNP(Herniation of Nucleus Purposus) of Lumbar spine by use of Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Pain Rating Scale(PRS) and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI), and to investigate their correlation. Methods : We researched 20 patients who were diagnosed by MRI as having a HNP, and treated them by Oriental medical therapy(including BV) for 4 weeks. The evaluation was peformed twice(admission day and after treatment for 4 weeks), and we compared the results. Results : 1. VAS, PRS and ${\Delta}t$(by DITI) were decreased after BV for 4 weeks significantly(p<0.01). 2. There was significant correlation between VAS and PRS(p<0.05). 3. There was significant correlation between PRS and ${\Delta}t$(p<0.05). 4. There was no significant correlation between VAS and ${\Delta}t$. Conclusions : BV improved HNP subjectively and objectively, and correlation was found between VAS and PRS and between PRS and ${\Delta}t$. Further study is needed for investigating their correlation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.140-146
• /
• 2019

Background: This study investigated the effects of Vipera lebetina turanica snake venom (SV) on cerebral infarction induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Methods: Following cerebral infarction, SV was injected intravenously or added to BV2 cell culture. Tissue injury was detected using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit score, NO, ROS, and GSH/GSSG assays, qPCR, Western blot, and cell viability. Results: Cerebral infarction caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion as observed by TTC staining, showed SV inhibited cell death, reducing the number of brain cells injured due to infarction. SV treatment for cerebral infarction showed a significant decrease in abnormal behavior, as determined by the neurological deficit score. The oxidation and inflammation of the cells that had cerebral infarction caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (NO assay, ROS, GSH/GSSG assay, and qPCR), showed significant protection by SV. Western blot of brain infarction cells showed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, p-IkB-${\alpha}$, P38, p-JNK, p-ERK to be lower in the SV group. In addition, the expression of IkB increased. BV2 cells were viable when treated with SV at $20{\mu}g/mL$ or less. Western blot of BV2 cells, treated with 0.625, 1.5, $2.5{\mu}g/mL$ of SV, showed a significant decrease in the expression of p-IkB-${\alpha}$, p-JNK, iNOS, and COX-2 on BV2 cells induced by LPS. Conclusion: SV showed anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects against cerebral infarction and inflammation.