• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.149-158
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• 2019

Objectives This study was performed to research the trends of Korean traditional medicine treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods Clinical studies about Korean traditional medicine of CSM were searched in 7 online databases. We extracted the characteristics of selected studies according to author, publication year, country, research design, treatment methods, evaluation tools, and adverse events. Results Nineteen studies were selected in online databases. The included studies consist of 8 uncontrolled trial, 7 case reports, 3 randomized controlled trials and 1 non-randomized controlled trials. In these studies, various Korean traditional medicine treatments were performed, and herbal medicine was the most common. The most commonly used outcomes was effective rate. Conclusions This study showed that Korean traditional medicine could be an effective treatment for CSM. It was suggested that various studies should be conducted to provide objective evidence of the therapeutic effects of Korean traditional medicine treatment for CSM.

• 혜화의학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the latest trend of studies on treatments of postoperative rotator cuff tear patients which are published in Korea. Methods : We investigated the studies on the treatments of postoperative rotator cuff tear patients via searching 6(six) Korean web databases(NSDL, RISS, Korean traditional knowledge portal, OASIS, KISTI, KCI). As a result, 16(sixteen) studies were found. We classified the papers by publication date, published journal, method of study, type of treatment, evaluation scale and referencing research ethics. Results : 16(sixteen) papers were published from 2006 to 2017. The papers were published in The journal of Korean shoulder & elbow society, The journal of korean acupuncture & moxibustion medicine, etc. 5(five) randomized controlled trials, 5(five) non-randomized controlled trials, 4(four) case reports and 2(two) Retrospective report have been found. For types of treatment, 6(six) exercise therapies, 3(three) Korean medicine treatments and 7(seven) other treatments have been found. Main evaluation tools were VAS, ROM, NRS and Muscle strength. Conclusions : In this study, we analyzed the latest trend of studies on treatments of postoperative rotator cuff tear patients. Reviewing the international trends of studies on treatments for postoperative rotator cuff tear are essential for the future studies.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• 제3권2호
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• pp.60-66
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• 2014

Background: Medically unexplained symptoms (MUSs) are common in primary care. Atpresent, there are no proven, comprehensive treatments available in primary care forpatients with MUSs. However, MUS has parallels with "subhealth" or Mibyeong from tradi-tional East-Asian medicine, and thus, Mibyeong interventions could be effective in treatingMUS. Unfortunately, studies on Mibyeong and its intervention methods are relatively rare.Methods: We administered a web-based survey to 17,279 Korean medicine (KM) practitionersregistered with the Association of Korean Medicine. The response rate was 4.9% (n = 849).Based on the responses received, we assessed how much they agreed with concepts relatedto Mibyeong on a 7-point scale from "do not agree" to "strongly agree." Respondents werealso asked to indicate how frequently they encountered various subtypes and patterns ofMibyeong, and how frequently they use listed intervention methods.Results: Data from 818 respondents were analyzed after excluding those with no clinicalexperience. On average, respondents were male general practitioners aged between 30 yearsand 49 years, working or living in metropolitan areas such as Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do. Responses did not differ by demographics. Respondents generally thought that Mibyeongreferred to subjective or borderline findings without certain disease, and that Mibyeong hasvarious subtypes and patterns. Subtypes included fatigue, pain, and digestion problems; pat-terns were either deficiencies (e.g., qi, blood, and yin deficiency) or stagnations (e.g., liver qidepression and qi stagnation). Decoction was the most frequently used type of interventionfor Mibyeong of all items listed, followed by acupuncture and moxibustion. Patient educa-tion was also recommended, suggesting healthy eating, promoting healthy environment,and exercise.Conclusion: We were able to provide preliminary results on KM practitioners' recognition ofand interventions for Mibyeong, but further research is needed to develop a detailed defi-nition of Mibyeong and its myriad subtypes and patterns, and evaluations of the efficacy ofMibyeong interventions.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.72-81
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• 2021

Objectives: We compared research characteristics of western medicine, Chinese medicine and Korean medicine on causes, mechanisms, types, treatments and prevention of psoriasis. Methods: For western medicine, "Psoriasis" was used as keyword on Pubmed, for Chinese medicine, "銀屑病" and "中医" on CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure" and for Korean medicine, "건선" on OASIS. Keyword searches were done for papers and books published after 2010. For Chinese medicine, there were more in-depth searches done for "從血論 (血熱, 血瘀, 血燥)" and "陽虛症". Results: Western medicine puts an emphasis on the foci, and approaches it from molecular and genetic levels based on molecular biology; while it views psoriasis as a disease with multiple possible causes, it ultimately sees it as an inflammation that is immunity-mediated. Western medicine seeks to suppress cytokine in order to prevent and eliminate inflammation at each stage of treatment While they are effective short-term, psoriasis recurs shortly after. Chinese and Korean medicines categorize psoriasis as an internal comprehensive systemic diseases that encompasses the patient's physical and mental characteristics, and defines it as a disease that has many causes and mechanisms such as "血熱, 血瘀, 血燥" and "陽虛". They use herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle interventions to improve the overall health of the patient in addition to treating psoriasis. Treatments are effective, but it takes relatively longer to see results, and can recur. Conclusion: In order for more progress to happen on psoriasis treatment, each branch of medicine must exchange knowledge and information more frequently.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.435-443
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• 2022

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disease that develops following exposure to a traumatic event and is a stress-associated mental disorder characterized by an imbalance of neuroinflammation. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is the herbal supplement that is known to be involved in a variety of pharmacological activities. We aimed to investigate the effects of KRG on neuroinflammation as a potential mechanism involved in single prolonged stress (SPS) that negatively influences memory formation and consolidation and leads to cognitive and spatial impairment by regulating BDNF signaling, synaptic proteins, and the activation of NF-κB. Methods: We analyzed the cognitive and spatial memory, and inflammatory cytokine levels during the SPS procedure. SPS model rats were injected intraperitoneally with 20, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day KRG for 14 days. Results: KRG administration significantly attenuated the cognitive and spatial memory deficits, as well as the inflammatory reaction in the hippocampus associated with activation of NF-κB in the hippocampus induced by SPS. Moreover, the effects of KRG were equivalent to those exerted by paroxetine. In addition, KRG improved the expression of BDNF mRNA and the synaptic protein PSD-95 in the hippocampus. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that KRG exerts memory-improving actions by regulating anti-inflammatory activities and the NF-κB and neurotrophic pathway. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that KRG is a potential functional ingredient for protecting against memory deficits in mental diseases, such as PTSD.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.45-59
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• 2023

Objectives: This study investigated the role of Korean medicine doctors in the national quarantine system and the status of their duties through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews with Korean medicine staff who participated in COVID-19 work. Methods: We developed a questionnaire survey to investigate the status and perception of Korean medicine doctors' participation in responding to infectious diseases, and the results were derived by conducting frequency analysis and T-test using SPSS program. The measurement variables of this study were the status of COVID-19 related work participation and perception of Korean medicine doctors' role in infectious diseases, and the maximum significance level was 0.05. Results: There were 300 respondents to the survey, and as for the COVID-19 related work, Korean medicine treatment for COVID-19 patients accounted for the most(52.7%), and various preventive and treatment tasks such as epidemiological investigations and specimen collection were conducted. Conclusion: According to this study, it was confirmed that there are sufficient legal and administrative grounds for Korean medicine doctors to perform specimen collection and epidemiological investigations. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a policy framework to solidify the status of Korean medicine doctors in national infectious diseases in the future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.99-108
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• 2023

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative characteristics of pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pressure depth (PD) at the abdominal conception vessel (CV) acupoints according to subjective digestive status and digestive discomfort levels, accomplished by comparing a large group of healthy men and women, using the modified digital algometer. Methods : A total of 1,504 healthy adults aged 19 years or older participated in this study. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate participants' digestive status and discomfort. PPT (kgf/cm²/s) and PD (mm) measurements were obtained at CV14, CV12, and CV4 acupoints using a modified digital algometer. General characteristics were analyzed using the chi-square test, and differences in PPT and PD were assessed using two-sample t-tests and ANCOVA. Results : Significant difference in PPT was found based on digestive status at CV14 and CV12 for both sexes, and in PD at CV14 for women. Women exhibited significant difference in PPT based on digestive discomfort at CV14, CV12, and CV4, while men showed significant difference at CV14 and CV12. Significant difference in PD was observed at CV14 and CV4 among women. Even after adjusting for age and body mass index, significant difference persisted in PPT based on digestive discomfort at CV14 and CV12 for both sexes. PD exhibited significant differences at CV14, CV12, and CV4 among women. Conclusions : Using the modified digital algometer, this study showed the significant difference of pressure pain threshold at the CV14 and CV12 acupoints for subjective digestive discomfort levels in healthy men and women.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.128-133
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• 2023

Objectives : There are many variations in the ST36 acupoint location. The purpose of this article is to suggest a method of locating the ST36 acupoint. Methods : Based on the available research and the neuroanatomical characteristics of the underlying acupoint, we summarized the proper procedure for finding the ST36 acupoint. Results : ST36 is 3 B-cun inferior to ST35 and is vertically situated on the line that connects ST35 and ST41. The ST36 acupoint corresponds to the deep peroneal nerve, which is situated in the tibialis anterior muscle's back. The neurovascular bundles that are located on the interosseous membrane between the interosseous crests of the tibia and fibula include the deep peroneal nerve, anterior tibial artery, and anterior tibial vein. According to both classical and modern literature, this acupoint can be found horizontally between the two muscles, tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. Conclusions : Based on a review of the literature and neuroanatomical features, we suggest that ST36 can be positioned horizontally between tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. Additional imaging studies and clinical proof are required to determine ST36 acupoint.

• International Journal of Oncology
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.1540-1550
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• 2020

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), gefitinib, is an effective therapeutic drug used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring EGFR mutations. However, acquired resistance significantly limits the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs and consequently, the current chemotherapeutic strategies for NSCLCs. It is, therefore, necessary to overcome this resistance. In the present study, the anticancer potential of natural extracts of Coptis chinensis (ECC) against gefitinib-resistant (GR) NSCLC cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. ECC inhibited the viability, migration and invasion, and effectively induced the apoptosis of GR cells. These effects were associated with the suppression of EGFR/AKT signaling and the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2, which were overexpressed in GR NSCLC cells. Combination treatment with ECC and gefitinib enhanced the sensitivity of GR cells to gefitinib in vitro, but not in vivo. However, ECC increased the survival of individual zebrafish without affecting the anticancer effect to cancer cells in vivo, which indicated a specific cytotoxic effect of ECC on cancer cells, but not on normal cells; this is an important property for the development of novel anticancer drugs. On the whole, the findings of the present study indicate the potential of ECC for use in the treatment of NSCLC, particularly in combination with EGFR-TKI therapy, in EGFR-TKI-resistant cancers.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.169-183
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• 2005

Cobrotoxin의 항암효과를 알아보고자 암세포인 PC-3 cell에 cobrotoxin을 처리한 후 cell viability, cell death, apoptosis, cell cycle 및 관련단백질, Adk, 및 MAP kinase 관련 단백질의 변화를 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. PC-3 세포에 각각 cobrotoxin을 각각 0-16 nM까지 투여시 대조군에 비하여 모두 농도 의존적으로 세포들의 모양이 길죽한 나선형 모양에서 둥글게 응축되는 모습으로 변하였으며 고농도로 갈수록 세포들의 성장이 억제를 보였다. 2. MTT assay를 이용하여 세포 생존력을 측정 한 결과, 0.1, 1 및 4nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군은 정상군에 비하여 세포활성의 감소를 나타내었고, 8, 16nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군은 정상군에 비하여 세포활성의 유의한 감소를 보였다. 3. PC3-cell에 cobrotoxin을 처리한후 FACS analysis를 통하여 세포주기를 측정한 결과 세포주기 중 S phase에서 0.0lnM cobrotoxin 처리군은 변함이 없지만, 1, 2, 4, 8 및 16 nM 의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서는 정상군에 비해 감소를 보였다. G2-M phase에서 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 8 및 16M의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군 에 비하여 증가를 보였다. 4. Cobrotoxin 처리후 Cox-2의 발현을 48시간 관찰한 결과 12시간에서 최대치를 이루었고, 6, 12 및 24시간후에서 대조군에 비하여 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 5. G1 phase에서 활성을 이루는 Cdk4, cyclin Dl의 발현을 살펴본 결과 Cdk4는 cobrotoxin 1, 2, 4 및 8nM 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 농도 의존적으로 감소하였고, cobrotoxin 4, 8nM 처리군은 정상군에 비하여 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. Cyclin Dl은 cobrotoxin 1, 2, 4 및 8nM 처리 군에서 정상군에 비하여 농도 의존적으로 감소하였다. Cycline E는 cobrotoxin 1, 2, 4 및 8nM 처리 군에서 정상군에 비해 큰 변화가 없었다. G2/M phase에 관여하는 단백질인 Cyclin Bl 은 cobrotoxin 1, 2, 4 및 8nM 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 농도 의존적으로 감소하였고, cobrotoxin 2, 4, 8M 처리군은 정상군에 비하여 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 6. 세포성장 단백질인 Akt의 발현을 살펴본 결과 1, 2, 4 및 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 농도 의존적으로 감소하였고, 4, 8nM친 cobrotoxln 처리군은 정상에 비하여 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 7. MAP kinase에 관여하는 단백질인 ERK, p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK p38, p-p38에 미치는 영향을 살펴본 결과, ERK은 1, 2nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 증가를, 4, 8nM의 cobrotokin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 감소를 나타내었다. p-ERK은 1, 2, 4nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 증가를, 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 감소를 나타내었다. JNK와 p-JNK는 1, 2, 4 및 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 증가를 나타내었다. p38는 1, 4, 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 감소를, 2nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서는 정상군에 비하여 감소를 나타내었다. p-p38는 1nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 증가를, 2, 4, 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서는 정상군에 비하여 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 8. PC 3-cells 성장의 억제 역시 세포사멸을 유도한 세포성장억제 인지를 알아보기 위해 DAPI staining을 통한 세포의 핵을 염색하여 그 모양을 관찰한 결과, 정상세포가 동글동글 하고 균일한데 비하여 세포사멸이 일어난 세 포는 핵이 응축되고, 여러 조각으로 나뉜 모습을 관찰할 수 있었다. 또한, 세포사멸을 살펴본 결과 1, 2, 4, 8 및 16nM cobrotoxin 처 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 유의한 변동을 나타내지 않았다. Bcl-2 는 1, 2, 4 및 8nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비해 농도 의존적으로 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 9. 세포사멸 관련 유전자인 caspase family (caspase 3, 9)와 Bcl-2 family (Bcl-2, Bax), p53의 발현을 살펴본 결과, Bax는 1, 2, 4 및 Caspase 3과 9는 1, 2, 4nM의 cobrotoxin 처리군에서 정상군에 비하여 유의한 변동을 나타내지 않았으나, 8nM cobrotoxin 처리군에서는 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. 이상의 결과를 종합해보면, 일정수준(pico 또는 namo molar 수준)의 cobrotoxin이 prostate cancer cell의 성장을 억제하고, 세포사멸을 유도 하여 항암 효과가 있음을 확인할 수 있었으며 향후 cobrotoxin의 항암 효과를 실제 임상에 활용할 수 있게 되기를 기대한다.