• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2 s.70
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• pp.155-165
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• 2007

Objective : The Angelica gigas Nakai ethanol extract (AGE) was investigated to compare nitric oxide (NO) production and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity from RAW 264.7 cells, since NO and nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ $(NF-{\kappa}B)$ have been shown to be factors implicated in inflammatory disease. Method : AGE was prepared by extracting medicinal herb with 70% (v/v) ethanol solution. We investigated production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression by ARE in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. We also investigated inhibition of LPS-induced activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ on western blot. Result : LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells increased NO production and iNOS expression. Upon treatment with AGE, nitrite production was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the untreated control. AGE inhibited this LPS-induced iNOS mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner. AGE markedly inhibited the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein at a concentration of 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells with AGE blocked inhibitory $factor-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation. Conclusion :This study shows that AGE seems to attenuate inflammation through inhibition of NO production and iNOS expression by blockade of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.136-145
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was to examine how acupuncture treatment at Shinmun(HT7) affects the brain activity and the autonomic nervous system(ANS), using electroencephalograms(EEG) and heart rate variability(HRV). Methods : Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in two separate experiments: in each experiment, either real acupuncture(RA) or non-penetrating sham acupuncture(SA) was applied at HT7 in random sequences to each person. The EEG and HRV measurements were conducted simultaneously before and during the acupuncture stimulation for 5 minutes, respectively. Resulting EEG and HRV parameters were compared between RA and SA groups. To assess differences according to the stress levels for participants, subgroup analysis was performed based on the results of the stress response index questionnaire. Results : In the results, acupuncture stimulation at HT7 increased ${\alpha}$ band in EEG. In the HRV analysis, heart rate was decreased significantly but HF and RMS-SD were increased in the RA group, compared with those of the SA group. In the subgroup analysis by stress level, participants in the RA group with high stress exhibited an increased in ${\alpha}$ band in their EEG while the low stress participants showed decrease or little increase in the band. For the SA group, ${\alpha}$ band reported relatively moderate changes in all channels. Conclusions : Our results showed that acupuncture induces changes in brain activation and the ANS. Acupuncture was related to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The brain activities of the participants were different depending on the stress level.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2005

Chemokines are important for the recruitment of leukocytes, which is essential in host defense to the sites of infection. The thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is a CC chemokine which potentially plays a role via a paracrine mechanism in the development of allergic respiratory diseases. Objectives : The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of Ephedrae Herba Herbal Acupuncture Solution(EHS) on the secretion of TARC of human bronchial epithelial cell. Methods : Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the secretion of TARC. The cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay. Results : EHS significantly inhibited the secretion of TARC with a dose-dependant manner. The effective dosage did not have the cytotoxicity on human bronchial epithelial cell. Conclusion : Results of our study imply that EHS would play an important role in modulation of TARC in human bronchial epithelial cells by MTT assay.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2020

Objectives : Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. There is no clear treatment or remedy for Parkinson's disease; therefore, the development of novel therapies related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects is required. This study was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of water extracts from Cervi Cornu (CC) in dopaminergic cells. Methods : We studied effects of CC on apoptosis, cell death and inflammation in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated by methylpyridinium ion (MPP+). SH-SY5Y cell line was treated with CC for 24 hours and then 500 μM MPP+ for 18 hours. Results : Cervi Cornu treatment inhibited the decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and decreased the activation of inflammatory factors mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COX2) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) against MPP+ neurotoxicity. Apoptosis factors BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX) levels were decreased and B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 (BCL2) levels were increased. Conclusions : These results suggest that CC treatment had neuroprotective effects in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells against toxicity induced by MPP+. The results suggest new possibilities of CC for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.169-175
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• 2011

Objectives : The aim of this study is to find a desirable way for acupuncture treatment of Vascular Dementia. Methods : The author reviewed several literatures related with Vascular Dementia. Based on the literatures, the author interpreted the causes and symptoms of Vascular Dementia on viewpoint of three yin and three yang. In addition, research about desirable way for acupuncture treatment was carried out. Results and Conclusions : The cause of Vascular Dementia is thought to be the functional weakness of lesser yin, the heart meridian. Also, the related-factors represent functional excess of reverting yin and greater yin, as well show functional weakness of lesser yin. Accordingly, for the acupuncture treatment of Vascular Dementia, it is necessary to tonify lesser yin. On the other hand, the activation of lesser yang is thought to be helpful.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.415-425
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• 2022

Memory formation in the hippocampus is formed and maintained by circadian clock genes during sleep. Sleep deprivation (SD) can lead to memory impairment and neuroinflammation, and there remains no effective pharmacological treatment for these effects. Myricetin (MYR) is a common natural flavonoid that has various pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of MYR on memory impairment, neuroinflammation, and neurotrophic factors in sleep-deprived rats. We analyzed SD-induced cognitive and spatial memory, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine levels during SD. SD model rats were intraperitoneally injected with 10 and 20 mg/kg/day MYR for 14 days. MYR administration significantly ameliorated SD-induced cognitive and spatial memory deficits; it also attenuated the SD-induced inflammatory response associated with nuclear factor kappa B activation in the hippocampus. In addition, MYR enhanced the mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Our results showed that MYR improved memory impairment by means of anti-inflammatory activity and appropriate regulation of BDNF expression. Our findings suggest that MYR is a potential functional ingredient that protects cognitive function from SD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.1-28
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• 2004

Objectives : Human physiological changes in the state of qigong has been measured using EEG(Electroencephalography), functional MRI(functional Magnetic Resonance Image), EAV(Electro-Acupuncture according to Voll) and SQUID(Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) measurements. Methods & Results : EEGs were measured to study the differences between Qigong masters and Qi receiver on the changes of EEG. During Qigong, an alpha waves were increased. The power spectra indicate that the peak frequency of alpha waves increased during Qigong. Qi receiver's EEG signals seemed to affected by the state of himself. Brain activation did not observed when qigong master concentrates the Qi at Laogong(P8). But a localization of fMRI signal in the sensory cortex was observed by electric acupuncture stimulation at Laogong(P8). Five phase deviation of EAV were clearly changed in the both cases of Qigong master and Qi receiver. When a Qigong master concentrates the Qi at Yintang, Laogong(P8), Qihai(CV6) meridian points during Qigong state, the change of magnetic field around acupoints Yintang, Laogong points has been measured using 40-Channel DROS-SQUID apparatus. After smoothing process of the continuously measured magnetic signal around acupoints for a few minutes, we could observe that a series of peaks, magnitude of -1.0~2.5pT appeared. But there was no significant difference in changes of magnetic signal around acupoints. Physical signals of magnetocardiogram has been measured by using 2-Channel DROS SQUID(Magnetocardiogram). Physical signals of magnetocardiogram were clealy changed at the ST segments after S-wave when qigong master concentrates the Qi.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.264-273
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• 2019

Objectives : Microglia play a crucial role in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia on neuropathic pain. The role of chemokines in producing analgesic effects of EA, however, is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of chemokines in producing analgesic effects of EA in the neuropathic pain model. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups (anesthetized group (ANE), non-acupoint EA group (NAP), and ST36 - GB34 EA group (ACU)). Neuropathic pain was induced by tight ligation of L5 spinal nerve. Mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of hind paw was tested. Western blot tests and immunofluorescence assay for C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) levels and microglia activation were performed on spinal cord L5/6. EA was treated once daily from the 3rd day after surgery for 5 days. Results : EA treatments applied to ST36 and GB34 significantly reduced both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity after two and three times of treatment, respectively. While CCL2 expression significantly increased in neuropathic rats, it was significantly reduced in the ACU. In addition, co-localization of CCL2 and activated microglia significantly decreased in the ACU compared to those of ANE and NAP in the spinal cord L5/L6 dorsal horn. Conclusions : The present results suggest that EA applied to ST36 and GB34 modulates the reduction of CCL2 release from the injured neurons and consequently decreases microglia activation in the spinal cord. Regulation of chemokine induced spinal activation of microglia plays a key role in analgesic effects of EA in the rat model of neuropathic pain.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.647-655
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• 2011

The neurotoxicity of aggregated amyloid ${\beta}$ ($A{\beta}$) has been implicated as a critical cause in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It can cause neurotoxicity in AD by evoking a cascade of apoptosis to neuron. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of cilostazol, which acts as a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, on $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced cytotoxicity in mouse neuronal cells and cognitive decline in the C57BL/6J AD mouse model via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-${\gamma}$ activation. $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ significantly reduced cell viability and increased the number of apoptotic-like cells. Cilostazol treatment recovered cells from $A{\beta}$-induced cell death as well as rosiglitazone, a PPAR-${\gamma}$ activator. These effects were suppressed by GW9662, an antagonist of PPAR-${\gamma}$ activity, indicative of a PPAR-${\gamma}$-mediated signaling. In addition, cilostazol and rosiglitazone also restored PPAR-${\gamma}$ activity levels that had been altered as a result of $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ treatment, which were antagonized by GW9662. Furthermore, cilostazol also markedly decreased the number of apoptotic-like cells and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Intracerebroventricular injection of $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ in C57BL/6J mice resulted in impaired cognitive function. Oral administration of cilostazol (20 mg/kg) for 2 weeks before $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ injection and once a day for 4 weeks post-surgery almost completely prevented the $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced cognitive deficits, as did rosiglitazone. Taken together, our findings suggest that cilostazol could attenuate $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced neuronal cell injury and apoptosis as well as promote the survival of neuronal cells, subsequently improving cognitive decline in AD, partly because of PPAR-${\gamma}$ activation. The phosphodiesterase III inhibitor cilostazol may be the basis of a novel strategy for the therapy of AD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.131-141
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effect of invasive laser acupuncture treatment at Liver Brook (LR2) acupoint and Liver Sea (LR8) acupoint on liver damage induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) in rats Methods : Liver damage was induced by D-GalN. The experimental rats were divided into two groups (control group, Low Level Laser Treatment (LLLT) group). Control groups were classified into small groups. Intact group had no liver damage and no treatment. D-GalN group was induced liver damage induced by D-GalN and not treated. LLLT group were induced liver damage induced by D-GalN and then treated at the LR2 or LR8 acupoint with 532, 658, 904 nm invasive laser acupuncture. The treatment was carried out three days at a time for 15days at both acupoints. To examine mechanism of the effect of invasive laser acupuncture, we measured the contents of ASP, ALT, ALP, TBIL in serum, CBC in blood and SOD in liver tissue. Results : The change of body weight increased in all groups. That change was AST and ALP, the AST activity decreased significantly compared with the control groups and decreased by 532 nm and 904 nm both LLLT groups. But ALP increased at LR8 acupoint by 658 nm. TBIL level significantly decreased in all LLLT groups. The SOD of LLLT groups increased in the liver tissue of rats compared to the control groups. SOD activity indicated that LLLT can help cellular defense mechanism by preventing scavenging hydrogen peroxide. In the change of WBC, it was increased in D-GalN Control group compared to intact group and LLLT groups. Conclusions : These results suggested that invasive laser acupuncture treatment at LR2 or LR8 acupoint reduced activation of hepatic enzyme and damage of liver tissue. Thus, the effect of invasive laser acupuncture was nearly identical to the way of the traditional acupuncture for the treatment of hepatocytotoxicity.