• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1626-1632
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• 2008

Among patients who are receiving treatments at an oriental medical hospital for various symptoms and diseases, patients whose main disease is accompanied by metabolic syndrome with abnormal liver function. This research was performed in order to observe the progression of changes in the liver function and serum lipid profile after the oriental medical treatments to patients who have been receiving oriental medical treatment for various other diseases and have been diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome at their first visit to the hospital based on NCEP ATP III diagnosis criteria and WHO Asia Pacific region criteria. Total number of subject patients were 39cases(mean age:55.58${\pm}$2.09 years) which had 20 male and 19 female. For the references for hepatic enzyme levels and blood lipid profile were measured in before treatment and four times after treatments(every 2.31${\pm}$06.17 weeks). Serum AST was 48.86${\pm}$7.46 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, 40.63${\pm}$4.69, 43.12${\pm}$5.46, 37.82${\pm}$4.52 IU/L were measured where although the level decreased to the normal level compared to pre-treatment, the value was not significant statistically(P>0.05). ALT was 66.26${\pm}$11.01 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment 62.10${\pm}$8.20, 61.10${\pm}$8.76, 43.79${\pm}$5.68 were measured where although the level decreased, abnormally high level was maintained. The last result was significant statistically(P<0.05) compared to pre-treatment. ALP was 193.06${\pm}$14.20 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, 176.80${\pm}$6.48, 177.46${\pm}$11.81, 162.41${\pm}$9.06 where although compared to pre-treatment the last result was significant statistically(P<0.05), the change was within the normal range. ${\gamma}$-GGT was 87.83${\pm}$12.59 IU/L before oriental medical treatment. After the treatment, progressively near normal level was achieved with 118.73${\pm}$46.45, 85.03${\pm}$17.12, 70.64${\pm}$10.93 and the last result was statistically significant compared to pre-treatment (P<0.05). Blood triglyceride was 217.63${\pm}$32.18 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment. After treatment 215.09${\pm}$22.18, 189.93${\pm}$22.44, 191.22${\pm}$18.51 where abnormal values continued even after treatment although results was not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). Total-cholesterol was 197.28${\pm}$9.24 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 201.55${\pm}$11.13, 186.87${\pm}$8.77 and 186.68${\pm}$7.61 were measured that results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). HDL-cholesterol was 41.88${\pm}$2.38 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 48.75${\pm}$4.22, 44.10${\pm}$1.91, 48.00${\pm}$2.06 the results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). LDL-cholesterol was 111.66${\pm}$13.08 mg/dL before oriental medical treatment, after treatment 109.94${\pm}$10.18, 101.79${\pm}$8.63, 104.00${\pm}$6.98 the results were not statistically significant compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). With such results, even if common oriental medical treatments were given to metabolic syndrome patients with abnormal liver function, the liver function was confirmed not to be aggravated, and the concentration of lipids in the blood was confirmed not to be affected in most patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.29-40
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• 2010

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Gamitaeeumjowi-tang(GTT) prescribed by doctors of korean(KMD) medicine on liver function. Methods For this single-center, prospective, observational study, we enrolled patients who wished to take GTT prescribed by KMD for losing weight. sixty(60) patients took GTT for 33.8 days and completed questionnaires. Liver function tests(LFTs) were performed bofore(first test) and after each GTT treatment(finish test). For LFT, T-bil, ALP, AST, ALT were measured. Result There were no significant changes in LFT data between the first and finish tests. At first test, levels of test seven(7) patients were more than twice of normal range of upper limit, levels of eight(8) patients were more than normal range of upper limit, less than twice of normal range of upper limit. At last test, levels of nine(9) patients were more than normal range of upper limit, less than twice of normal range of upper limit. Conclusion The current study showed that ingestion of GTT prescribed by KMD did not increase the frequency of abnormal LFTs, at least in the short term.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.39-42
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• 2015

Henoch-Sch$\ddot{o}$nlein purpura can result from exposure to an antigen after infection with several types of organisms. However, Henoch-Sch$\ddot{o}$nlein purpura caused by a primary Epstein-Barr virus infection has been rarely reported. Here, we report the case of a 32-month-old female patient who presented with Henoch-Sch$\ddot{o}$nlein purpura. Based on abnormal liver function test results and positive results for Epstein-Barr virus infection markers, a diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis manifesting as Henoch-Sch$\ddot{o}$nlein purpura was made. Treatment with methyl-prednisolone and hydration improved the symptoms, and a switch to oral steroids was effective in completely alleviating the purpura. No recurrence was noted and no liver function abnormalities were detected during the follow up period.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.531-541
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• 2020

From January 2014 to December 2016, 38 out of 153 inpatients admitted to the Korean Medicine Hospital for more than one month underwent follow-up blood tests to evaluate their liver function levels, and one drug-induced liver injury (DILI) patient was observed. 1. At the time of admission, six (15.8%) of the 38 patients had abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and five of them recovered after hospitalization. 2. At follow-up, two (5.3%) patients had a Council for International Organizations of Medical Science (CIOMS)-based liver injury. One was identified as a liver injury accompanied by pneumonia, and one was judged as a liver injury caused by the drug. 3. The patient had a suspected DILI and completely recovered after 13 days while discontinuing the herbal medication and by using Sanggangunbi-tang (生肝健脾湯).

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.451-455
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• 2022

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a group of inherited disorders, which result in the deficiency of enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism, leading to an accumulation of glycogen in various organs. Deficiency of amylo-1-6-glicosidase (debranching enzyme) causes glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III). The main problems that anesthesiologists face in patients with GSD III include hypoglycemia, muscle weakness, delayed awakening due to abnormal liver function, possible difficulty in airway, and cardiomyopathy. In the face of these difficulties, airway preparation and appropriate glucose monitoring and support during the fasting period are important. The doses of the drugs to be used should be calculated considering the increased volume of distribution and decreased metabolic activity of the liver. We present the case of a child with GSD IIIa who underwent dental prosedation under general anesthesia. She was also being prepared for liver transplantation. This case was additionally complicated by the patient's serious allergic reaction to eggs and milk.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.40-48
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate safety of postpartum herbal medicine by assessing the effect of taking herbal medicine of postpartum period on liver function. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 167 mothers who underwent liver function tests (LFT) within 3 months before and after childbirth among mothers who gave birth at ○○ Hospital between January 1, 2016 and May 31, 2018. Mothers with abnormally elevated LFT during pregnancy were excluded. Among 167 women, 6 women are herbal-medicine-group took herbal medicine for 5-6 weeks during postpartum period, and 161 patients are general -group who did not take herbal medicine. LFT Variation of Subjects before and after childbirth were compared between the two groups. And subjects who had elevated liver levels above the normal range after delivery were classified separately, the characteristics and causes of changes in liver levels were analyzed, and the presence or absence of drug-induced liver damage was confirmed. Results: Among a total of 167 subjects, there were 5 women in the herbal-medicine-group and 150 women in the general-group who had changes in liver values within the normal range after childbirth. Aspartate transaminase (AST) change before and after childbirth in the herbal-medicine-group was 3.40±1.82, and AST change in the general-group was 2.92±8.59, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.901). Increase of Alanine transaminase (ALT) before and after childbirth in the herbal-medicine-group was 5.60±3.65, and ALT change in the general-group was 8.01±11.81, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.651). There were 12 subjects who had elevated AST, ALT above the normal range after delivery, including 1 in the herbal-medicine-group and 11 in the normal mothers group. Valuation of 1 Subject of the herbal-medicine-group before and after delivery was 17 IU/L of AST and 52 IU/L of ALT. Because results of AST, ALT is under the standard to diagnose to liver damage, she was observed without any treatment. However the cause of AST, ALT elevation was not found in the chart, she was receiving treatment for diabetes and hyperlipidemia. The general-group had an average increase of AST 35.64±22.67 IU/L and ALT 53.00±26.80 IU/L. As a result of analyzing the cause, there were direct causes such as autoimmune hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B, and acute pyelonephritis. Abnormal elevations in liver levels were also found in mothers with hypothyroidism, diabetes, and fever of unknown cause, although they were not direct causes. Conclusions: To investigate the safety of taking herbal medicines, we assess the variation in AST and ALT within 3 months before and after delivery in the herbal-medicine-group and general-group. There was no significant difference between two groups.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.3 s.51
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• pp.706-714
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• 1995

This is to analyze and compare the distribution of the liver function test and its abnormal rates of the preemployment screening for office workers in asymptomatic young age groups between female and male. Liver function test(SGPT and SGOT) of 8,184 young adults(2,633 in female and 5,551 in male ) were examined during the period from Jan.1, 1994 to Dec.31, 1994. The results were as follows; 1. Mean level of SGPT was $9.1{\pm}7.6(IU/L)$ in female, $21.0{\pm}27.9(IU/L)$ in male, and that of SGOT was $15.1{\pm}6.0(IU/L)$ in female, $20.5{\pm}26.5(IU/L)$ in male. There were significant differences(p<0.01) between female and male in both SGPT and 5G07 And also there was significant increasing trend(p<0.05) by age groups in male for SGPT, decreasing trend(p<0.01) in female for SGOT, 2. In the abnormal rates of liver function test by the level of cut-off value, there were significant differences up to twice between the lowest and the highest cut-off value in both female(0.4% vs 0.7%) and male(6.5% vs 32.4%) 3. Abnormal rate of SGPT was 0.4% in female and 6.3% in male, and that of SGOT was 0.2% in female and 1.2% in male with significant differences between female and male in both tests.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.145-167
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• 2000

Jiu Qi(九氣) was shown at Ju Tong Lun(擧痛論) in Shao Wen(素問) Huang Ti Nei Ching(黃帝內經), and is nine important factors that affect the function of human body. Jiu Qi concludes endogenous, exogenous, non-endo-exogenous factors. I do the bibliographical study on the Jiu Qi, the results were as follows; 1. The Qi of Jiu Qi has two opposite meanings. one is genuine vital energy(正氣), and the other is the factors causing abnormal state in vital energy. Jiu Qi is nine factors concluding coldness-heat(exogenous factors). six emotional factors(endogenous factor), overworking(non -endo-exogenous factor). 2. Anger may lead to abnormal rising of vital energy. Anger causes Qi of the liver to go perversely upward, and perverted flow of exuberant Qi of the liver lead to dysfunction of the spleen, so resulted in hematemesis, diarrhea, indigestion. 3. Joy can promote the harmony of vital energy and blood, so do the circulation of nutrient and defensive energy in physiological state. But an excessive joy may lead to the sluggishness of vital energy. 4. The lung keeps the pathway of air unconstructed, disseminates vital energy, cleanses the inspired air and keeps vital energy flowing downward. Sorrow affects on the function of the lung and the heart, so could result in obstruction of the circulation of nutrient and defensive energy. An excessive sorrow after stagnation may lead to the consumption of vital energy. 5. Fear makes vital energy and essence of the kidney sink to inward and downside, makes Yang-Qi can't go upward, so causes obstruction of triple wanner. An excessive fear can obstructs the ascending of Yang-Qi, so may lead to the abnormal falling of vital energy. 6. Coldness makes the sweat pore be contracted, so obstructs the circulation of triple warmer, causes sluggishness of defensive energy or Qi of the internal organ. 7. Heat makes the sweat pore be open, much amount of sweat is excreted with Yang-Qi, defensive energy, vital energy. Heat may consume vital energy. 8. Sudden fright affects on spirits of the heart and liver, causes disorder of the mental faculties and separation of blood and vital energy. Fright may lead to disorder of Qi. 9. Overwork concludes overfatigue and exhaustion caused by intemperance in sexual life. Overwork renders vital energy consumed, and hence results in lassitude and listlessness. 10. Thinking affects on the function of the heart and the spleen. Over thinking may lead to depression of vital energy. Through the bibliographical study on Jiu Qi, I got smallest amount of it, and this must be more investigated correlating with clinical study.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.275-281
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• 2021

Objectives : This study reports changes in liver function test (LFT) after Korean Medicine treatment in patients admitted to Korean Medicine hospital with abnormal LFT. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the Korean medicine treatment and abonormal LFT to verify safety of Korean medicine treatment by analyzing index of LFT. Methods : From Oct. 2015 to Sep. 2020, the result was analyzed for 91 patients admitted to the Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital and received Korean Medicine treatment. Asparate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TB) were compared at admission and discharge. Results : Comparison between admission and discharge LFT showend AST decreased from 52.72±25.08 to 43.2±19.20, ALT from 70.85±32.40 to 62.13±29.40, and TB from 1.33±0.37 to 0.81±0.29. Conclusions : After Korean medicine treatment, AST, ALT, and TB decreased compared with the values at admission. Further studies on safety of Korean Medicine treatment are warranted.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.27-41
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this research is to understand melanin with both Korean and Western medicine.Methods : We investigated the comprehension of melanin in both western and Korean medicine through literature review and studied relationships between melanin and five viscera(五臟), especially liver(肝), spleen(脾), kidney(腎). We Also studied representative pigmentary disorders(melasma, vitiligo) in western and Korean medicine to figure out how to understand pigmentary disorders in oriental medicine.Results : The results are as follows. 1. Melanin is associate with liver, because free coursing(疎泄) function of liver is the origin of transport melanin to keratinocyte from melanocyte. Also, melanogenesis factors like MITF and CREB are closely associated with liver and pigmentary disorders occur frequently after stress conditions or women. 2. Melanin is absorbed and scattered in keratinocytes by the function of spleen. Pigmentary disorders result from failure of spleen and formation of phlegm-retained fluid(痰飮). 3. Kidney essence(腎精) is the origin of melanin formation. In addition, corticosteroid, the major hormone of melanogenesis is secreted by adrenalin and adrenalin belongs to kidney(腎) in Korean medicine. 4. Melasma is created by disorder of melanin transport and absorbtion, so melasma is associated liver (肝) and spleen(脾). Therefore the treatment for melasma may focus on improvement function of liver and spleen. 5. The destruction of melanocyte or abnormal melanogenesis by disorder of the immune system, metabolic and affective disorders can make vitiligo, so vitiligo is associated with liver and kidney which are major part of melanin formation. Therefore the treatment of vitiligo can focus on improvement function of liver(肝) and kidney(腎).Conclusion : We compared Korean and western medicine to understand melanin. We also interpreted the mechanism of melanin and pigmantary disorders in western medicine and considered the relationship with visceral manifestation theory(臟象論) in traditional Korean medicine. Further studies are needed to apply comprehension of melanin to clinical stage.