• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2009

Acetaminophen (AP) is widely used as an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. AP-induced hepatotoxicity is a common consequence of AP overdose and may lead to acute liver failure. In this study, we investigated the liver damage in mice using single dose (300 mg/kg) of AP and the possible protective effects of administration (50-200 mg/kg body weight) of Joo-Juk on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined in the plasma of mice. The effect of Joo-Juk on lipid peroxidation product thiobarbituric reacting substances (TBARS) and some antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, d-aminolevulinate dehydratase ($\sigma$-ALA-D) activities, and gluthathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated in the mouse liver homogenate. AP caused liver damage as evident by statistically significant increased in plasma activities of AST and ALT. There were statistically significant losses in the activities of SOD, catalase, $\sigma$-ALA-D, and GPx and an increase in TBARS in the liver of AP-treated group compared with the control group. However, Joo-Juk was able to counteract these effects. These results suggest that Joo-juk can act as hepato-protectant against AP toxicity and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective chemotherapeutic agent.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.350-356
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• 2008

Etiological studies of diabetes and its complications showed that oxidative stress might play a major role. Therefore, many efforts have been tried to regulate free oxygen radicals for treating diabetes and its complications. Cheonghyul-san has been known to be effective for the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antiobesitic prescription, and composed of four crude herbs. In male ob/ob mouse with severe obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hypergiycemia, hyperlipidemia, the acting mechanisms of Cheonghyul-san were examined. Mice were grouped and treated for 5 weeks as follows. Both the lean (C57/BL6J black mice) and diabetic (ob/ob mice) control groups received standard chow. The experimental groups were fed with a diet of chow supplemented with 7.5, 15 and 30 mg Cheonghyul-san per 1 kg of body weight for 14 days. The effects of Cheonghyul-san extract on the ob/ob mice were observed by measuring the serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid components, and the kidney levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), MDA+HAE, GSH and also the enzyme activities involved in polyol pathway. Cheonghyul-san lowered the levels of serum glucose and insulin in a dose dependent manner. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels were decreased, while the HDL-cholesterol level was increased, in Cheonghyul-san treated groups. Renal aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities were increased in the ob/ob mice, whereas those were inhibited in the Cheonghyul-san-administered groups. Cheonghyul-san inhibited the generation of ROS in the kidney. Finally, MDA+HAE level was increased and the GSH level was decreased in the ob/ob mice, whereas those were improved in the Cheonghyul-san-administered groups. The results suggested that Cheonghyul-san exerted the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities by regulating the activities of polyol pathway enzymes, scavenging ROS, regulating the MDA+HAE and GSH levels in the ob/ob mice.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.221-228
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• 2000

We performed this study to determine the effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, as a prescription of traditional Oriental medicine, and its major ingredients on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, apopotosis in jejunal crypt cells, lethality and hematological change of mice irradiated with high and low dose of Y-radiation. Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang administration before irradiation protected the jejunal crypts (p<0.0001), increased the formation of endogenous spleen colony (p<0.05) and reduced the frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis (p<0.05). The survival rate and mean survival time of the groups treated with Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang within 30 days after the treatment were far better than the irradiation control group. In the experiment on the effect of ingredients of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, the result indicated that the extract of Rensan (Panax ginseng), Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Shengma (Cimicifuga heracleifolia) and Chaihu (Bupleurum falcatnosa) might have a major radioprotective effect. Although the mechanisms of this inhibitory effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that BU-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang might be a useful radioprotector, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product. Further studies are needed to characterize better the protective nature of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang extract and its ingredients.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.119-131
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• 2024

There are growing concerns regarding the safety of long-term treatment with opioids of patients with chronic non-cancer pain. In 2017, the Korean Pain Society (KPS) developed guidelines for opioid prescriptions for chronic non-cancer pain to guide physicians to prescribe opioids effectively and safely. Since then, investigations have provided updated data regarding opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain and have focused on initial dosing schedules, reassessment follow-ups, recommended dosage thresholds considering the risk-benefit ratio, dose-reducing schedules for tapering and discontinuation, adverse effects, and inadvertent problems resulting from inappropriate application of the previous guidelines. Herein, we have updated the previous KPS guidelines based on a comprehensive literature review and consensus development following discussions among experts affiliated with the Committee on Hospice and Palliative Care in the KPS. These guidelines may assist physicians in prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in adult outpatient settings, but should not to be regarded as an inflexible standard. Clinical judgements by the attending physician and patient-centered decisions should always be prioritized.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1132-1138
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• 2009

Vascular inflammation is an important event in the development of vascular diseases such as tumor progression and atherosclerosis. This study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of WK-38, a new herbal prescription for the treatment of atherosclerosis, on vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). WK-38 is composed of Rhei Rhizoma, Magonoliae Cortex, Moutan Cortez Radicis. Pretreatment with WK-38 was significantly blocked TNF-$\alpha$-induced expression level of cell adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin) in a dose-dependent manner. TNF-$\alpha$-induced cell adhesion in co-cultured U937 and HUVEC was also blocked by pretreatment with WK-38. Moreover, WK-38 significantly suppressed p65 NF-${\kappa}B$ translocation into the nucleus by TNF-$\alpha$ as well as the phosphorylation and degradation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$. In conclusion, the present data suggested that WK-38 could suppress TNF-$\alpha$-induced vascular inflammatory process, though inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in HUVEC.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.171-182
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• 2008

The aqueous extract of Schisandra chinensis, Evodia rutaecarpa and meal (SEM-Ex) has been traditionally used in the Oriental countries as an astringent. However, little is known about the effects of aqueous extract of SEM-Ex on dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SEM-Ex on DSS-induced colitis in mice. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% DSS. SEM-Ex was orally administered from day 2 of DSS treatment in the different dose (10-50 mg/kg body weight). SEM-Ex reduced significantly clinical sign of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, increased disease activity index (DAI), and histological colon injury. Moreover, SEM-Ex suppressed significantly not only the serum haptoglobin levels and the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), but also the colon tissue expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in DSS-induced mice. In contrast, SEM-Ex increased significantly the colon tissue expression levels of granular colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) well known as anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results suggest that SEM-Ex administration could reduce significantly the clinical signs and regulate of chemokine and anti-inflammatory cytokine in DSS-induced model mice. Therefore, these properties may contribute to the strong anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) response effect of SEM-Ex.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.89-107
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• 2012

Objectives: This study was performed to develop therapeutic prescription that is more significant than existing ones through extraction method and formulation changes. Methods: Yukmijihwangtang(YMJHT) was extracted in 80% ethanol, and their relative anti-oxidant activities as well as anti-inflammatory effects through immune modulation were measured. Results: Both water and ethanol extracted YMJHT showed does-dependent DPPH elimination activities. ROS inhibition activity was greater in water extracted YMJHT except for Moutan Cortex. NO inhibition assay results indicated that all groups showed higher NO inhibition activities in RAW 264.7 cells in dose dependent manner. Water extracted group showed higher NO inhibition activity than that of ethanol extracted group. TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion inhibition assay using RAW 264.7 cells, water extracted YMJHT showed higher activity than ethanol extracts. Growth rate of spleen cells was greater in all tested groups, with higher rate in YMJHT-EtOH than YMJHT-DW. Suppression of gene expression of IFN-r in spleen cells stimulated by Con A was higher in YMJHT-EtOH than YMJHT-DW. Suppression of gene expression of IL-10 in spleen cells stimulated by Con A was highest in YMJHT-DW with 40%. Suppression of gene expression of IL-4 in spleen cells stimulated by Con A were significant with 90% or higher in all groups and that of IL-12p35 were also higher than 90% in all cases. Conclusions: From the results, it shows that YMJHT has anti-inflammatory effects through immune modulation. However, the difference between YMJHT-EtOH and YMJHT-DW was not that significant. Further studies are needed to find out effective extraction methods of herbal medicine.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.121-133
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out the clinical possibility of Bufonis Venenum used without toxicity and side effect. Methods : We investigated the pharmacological effects, toxicity and processing of Bufonis Venenum through the literatures and studies. Results : Bufonis Venenum is made by parotid gland of dermato gland of Bufo bufo gargarizns or B. melanostictus Schneider, and it is dried for using. The medical ation of Bufonis Venenum are cardiotonic, respiration stimulation, anticancer, topical anesthesia. The toxic symptoms of Bufonis Venenum are relative with digestive, circulatory, nervous system similared with digitalis toxicity. It is important to take 0.015-0.03g by mouth, external use about 1-4% 0.5-3ml and 2-8ml injections by 20ml mix to 5% dextrose fluid. Bufonis Venenum is processed to prevent toxicity and evaluate efficacy by alcohol and milk. There are 68 prescription consisted by Bufonis Venenum in KTKP(Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal). They usually use for antiabcess, anticancer with Moschus moschiferus(麝香), Cinnabar(朱砂). Conclusions : The results from above literary studies show that internal, external medicine and Aqua-acupuncture of Bufonis Venenum could be clinically used to sedative, antiinflammatory, anticancer and topical ataralgesia without toxity through optimum dose and processing.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2010

Bojungbangdocktang (BJBDT), a formula of eight Oriental herbs, is a modified herbal prescription of Bangdoktang and Bojungbangamtang. Recently, BJBDT was demonstrated to inhibit angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, enhance hematopoiesis and protect cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in normal MCF-10A breast cells. Nevertheless, there is no safety study of BJBDT before clinical trial so far. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the toxicity about ethanol-extracted BJBDT. Male and female Spraque Dawley (SD) rats were given orally by BJBDT at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Mortality, clinical signs and measured change of body weight, food consumption and water consumption were observed. In addition, we performed ophthalmologic, urinary, hematological, blood serum biochemical and histopathological examination. Any general toxicity was not found in BJBDT treated group. Also, there were no significant differences in the parameters such as body weight, food consumption and water consumption, a lot of urine and blood factor levels except HCT, MCHC, Ca, TG, Glucose and T-Bilirubin level compared with control group. Although HCT was elevated and TG was decreased in male rats, and MCHC, Glucose and T-Bilirubin were elevated and Ca and HCT were decreased in female rats, these were within normal ranges. Finally, we determined that maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 1000 mg/kg and no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 500 mg/kg. Taken together, these results demonstrated that BJBDT is very safe to SD rats.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2011

Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with multiple brain metastases and to investigate prognostic factors related to treatment outcome. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed clinico-radiological and dosimetric data of 36 patients with 4-14 brain metastases who underwent GKRS for 264 lesions between August 2008 and April 2011. The most common primary tumor site was the lung (n=22), followed by breast (n=7). At GKRS, the median Karnofsky performance scale score was 90 and the mean tumor volume was 1.2 cc (0.002-12.6). The mean prescription dose of 17.8 Gy was delivered to the mean 61.1% isodose line. Among 264 metastases, 175 lesions were assessed for treatment response by at least one imaging follow-up. Results : The overall median survival after GKRS was $9.1{\pm}1.7$ months. Among various factors, primary tumor control was a significant prognostic factor ($11.1{\pm}$1.3 months vs. $3.3{\pm}2.4$ months, p=0.031). The calculated local tumor control rate at 6 and 9 months after GKRS were 87.9% and 84.2%, respectively. Paddick's conformity index (>0.75) was significantly related to local tumor control. The actuarial peritumoral edema reduction rate was 22.4% at 6 months. Conclusion : According to our results, GKRS can provide beneficial effect for the patients with multiple (4 or more) brain metastases, when systemic cancer is controlled. And, careful dosimetry is essential for local tumor control. Therefore, GKRS can be considered as one of the treatment modalities for multiple brain metastase.