• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.15-23
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• 2003

Objective : The role of high frequency 120 Hz electroacupuncture(EA) in carrageenan-induced pain was studied by examining the alnalgesic effects, and prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ levels measurement and spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor expression. Inflammation was induced by an intraplantar injection of 1% carrageenan into the right hind paw. Method : Bilateral EA stimulation with 120 Hz were delivered at those acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man via the needles for a total of 30 min duration in carrageenan-injected rats. Results : EA stimulation showed significant analgesic effects as measured by analgesy-meter at all time points tested compared with controls. Three hours after carrageenan injection, PGE2 levels were measured by commercial kit. EA significantly inhibited PGE2 production in the right paw. The number of NR1 and NR2A, NMDA receptor, immunoreactive neurons was significantly increased in the superficial dorsal horn(laminae I-II) and nucleus proprius(laminae III-IV) of ipsilateral spinal cord at L4-5. But the number of carrageenan-induced NR1 and NR2A immunoreactive neuron, especially NR1 immunoreaction in the superficial dorsal horn, was reduced by 120 Hz EA stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that NMDA receptors may mediate transmission of nociceptive information originating in tissue inflammation of hind paw and high frequency 120 Hz EA stimulation have an alleviating action against local inflammatory pain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2003

Objective: Hapkok(L14) and Taechung(Liv3) are acupuncture points located on both sides of each foot and hand of the human body. These two points are called sakwan points. Matching these acupuncture points have a significant reason in pints of not only regulating the circulation of Yin-Yang as a source point of each meridian, but also playing a basic role of twelve meridian by controlling circulation of ki and blood in the whole body. There are already related documents and studies on stimulating sakwan points. Since those papers mostly studied on either hapkook or taechung, we came to have a doubt of stimulation the two point at the same time when an unbalance of Yin-Yang and ki-blood appears. Accordingly, we got to investigate how thermogram of body changes after applying an acupuncture on sakwan points. Our study is as follows ; Method : Our study was performed on 30 normal cases(M:F=17:13) with no past history to observe the effects of the acupuncture. We measured temperature of abdomen and the back of both hands by D.I.T.I(Digital infrared Thermographic Imaging) before and after acupuncture on sakwan points. Results and Conclusions: The thermographic change on abdomen was $0.51{\pm}0.71^{\circ}C$. Temperature of abdomen after acupuncture was higher than before acupuncture with high validity(p<0.01). And the thermographic changes on the back of both hands were right hand $0.54{\pm}1.17^{\circ}C$, left hand $0.56{\pm}1.28^{\circ}C$. Temperature on the back of both hands after acupuncture was higher than before acupuncture, but the difference between them had little validity(p<0.01). In addition, we found that it doesn't necessarily follow that the thermographic changes on abdomen and back of both hands after acupuncture on sakwan points happen concurrently.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.117-126
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was an analysis of the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and skin whitening properties of Gamioncheong-decoctione(GMOCD) extract. Methods : GMOCD(96 g) and 2 L of distilled water were heated at $100^{\circ}C$ for four hours and then concentrated, frozen, freeze-dried, dissolved in distilled water and filtered. The following analysis was completed: cell cytotoxic effect using MTT assay, oxidative products of NO by griess assay, concentration of prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ by commercially competitive enzyme immunoassay, and cytokines($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$) by Bio-Plex$^{(R)}$ Suspension Array System's Bio-Plex Pro$^{TM}$ mouse cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor assay. Anti-oxidative effect was measured using the DPPH method and skin whitening effect using tyrosinase inhibition assay. Results : GMOCD water-extract did not show any toxicity at all doses and cell viability was more than 90 % at all doses. GMOCD water-extract significantly inhibited NO production at doses of 100, 200, $400{\mu}g/ml$, significantly inhibited $PGE_2$ production at doses of 200 and $400{\mu}g/ml$ and reduced the LPS-induced IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production in a dose-dependent manner. $IL-1{\beta}$ production was significantly reduced at a dose of $400{\mu}g/ml$ and IL-6 production was significantly reduced at doses of 200 and $400{\mu}g/ml$. DPPH free radical scavenging capability had a skin whitening effect rate of more than 50%. Tyrosinase inhibition activity was apparent in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : This study suggests that GMOCD water-extract suppressed NO and $PGE_2$ production and inhibited cytokines($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$). GMOCD also improved DPPH free radical scavenging capability. GMOCD water-extract increased tyrosinase inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner but this was not a statistically significant result.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2017

Objectives : Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus (AOF) is an herbal medicine, which has been used for the treatment of fatigue, chills, and poor physical conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of AOF hot aqueous extract. Methods : The cytotoxicity of AOF extract was evaluated using the MTT assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by the Griess reaction. Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production was measured by a commercial competitive enzyme immunoassay. Cytokine production (IL-1tion co6, and TNF- F- was measured by ELISA. The anti-oxidative effect of AOF extracts was measured by the DPPH method. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol reagent and aluminum chloride, respectively. Results : AOF hot aqueous extract did not show toxicity at doses of 25, 50, 100, and $200{\mu}g/mL$. AOF extract significantly inhibited NO production at doses of 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL.PGE_2$ production was inhibited by AOF extract treatment at doses of 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$. AOF extracts reduced IL-6 production in a dose-dependent manner. IL-1ent maTNF- F- 1ent mannerd IL-6 production in uction at doses of 100 and ${\mu}g/mL$. The DPPH free radical scavenging capability was above 50% at $200{\mu}g/mL$. Conclusion : This study suggests that AOF hot aqueous extract may exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies are required for validating the safety and efficacy of AOF.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.33-46
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• 2006

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disease associated with aging in the human population. This disease is characterized by the extracellular deposition of beta-amyloid peptide $(A{\beta})$ in cerebral plaques. $A{\beta}$ is derived from the ${\beta}-amyloid$ precursor protein (APP) by the enzymes, ${\beta}-$ and ${\eta}o-secretase$. Compounds that ${\beta}-$ or ${\eta}o-secretase$ inhibit activity, can reduce the production of $A{\beta}$ peptides, and thus have therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD. Increasing body of evidence has been demonstrated that Bee Venom(BV) Acupuncture could compete with complex protein involving in multiple step of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and exert the anti-inflammatory potential of combined inhibition of the prostanoid and nitric oxide synthesis systems by inhibition of IKK and $NF-{\kappa}B$. In this study, I investigated possible effects of BV on memory dysfunction caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and $A{\beta}$ through inhibition of secretases activities and $A{\beta}$ aggregation. I examined the improving effect of BV on the LPS (2.5 mg/Kg, i.p.)-induced memory dysfunction using passive avoidance response and water maze tests in the mice. BV (0.84, $1.67\;{\mu}g/ml$) reversed the LPS-induced memorial dysfunction in dose dependent manner. BV also dose-dependently attenuated LPS-induced ${\beta}$ and ${\eta}o-secretase$ activities in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the mice brain. This study therefore suggests that BV acupuncture method may be useful for prevention of development or progression of AD.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.139-157
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• 2006

In the present study, I have investigated the bee venom (BV) and melittin (a major component of BV) -mediated anti-proliferative effects, and defined its mechanisms of action in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). BV and melittin $(0.4{\sim}0.8\;{\mu}g/ml)$ effectively inhibited 50 ng/ml platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)-induced VSMCs proliferations. The regulation of apoptosis has attracted much attention as a possible means of eliminating excessively proliferating VSMCs. In the present study, the treatment of BV and melittin strongly induced apoptosis of VSMCs. I examined the effects on $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation to investigate a possible mechanism for anti-proliferative effects of BV and melittin, the PDGF-BB-induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ phosphorylation and its degradation were potently inhibited by melittin, and DNA binding activity and nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p50 subunit in response to the action of PDGF-BB were potently attenuated by melittin. In further investigations, melittin markedly inhibited the PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of Akt but not ERK1/2, upstream signals of $NF-{\kappa}B$. Treatment of melittin also potently induced pro-apoptotic protein p53, Bax, and caspase-3 expression, but decreased anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression. These results suggest that the anti-proliferative effects of BV and melittin in VSMCs through induction of apoptosis via suppressions of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and Akt activation, and enhancement of apoptotic signal pathway. Based on these results, BV acupuncture can be a candidate as a therapeutic method for restenosis and atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.77-93
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• 2020

Objectives This study was conducted to investigate randomized controlled trial studies about clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for chondromalacia patellae. Methods We searched randomized controlled trial studies about traditional Chinese medicine treatment for chondromalacia patella through China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). 27 articles published from 2015-2019 were finally chosen and analyzed by published year, number of samples, evaluation criteria, treatment duration, treatment method. Results Various treatments such as acupuncture therapy, herbal medicine, moxibustion therapy, manipulation, external treatment were practiced in China. Most of them were combined with western medicine or injection, rehabilitation therapy. Conclusions There were diverse studies about traditional Chinese medical treatment for chondromalacia patellae in China. In Korea, more clinical research about chondromalacia patellae is still needed. This study will be helpful for future research on Korean medicine for chondromalacia patellae.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.245-255
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• 2000

After observing a patient diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the September 21, 2000 to the January 13, 2001, the following results are obtained. Method and Result: We treated one case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with the Korean Bee Venom Therapy and the other Oriental Medical treatments. In acupuncture therapy, Korean Bee-venom Therapy is believed to be outstanding way to treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Korean Bee Venom Therapy is treated on the following acupuncture points: ST36(B23(Shinsu:腎兪), BL26(Guanyuanshu:關元兪), ST36(Chok-Samni:足三里), LI4(Hapkok:合谷), LV3(Taechung), SP10(Hyolhae:血海) SP6 (Samumgyo;三陰交). In addition, CFC(Carthami Flos;紅花 and Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu;) Herbal-Acupuncture was applied on the acupucture points of GB20(Pungji: 風池), GB21(Kyonjong:), as well as BUM(It was made of Boviscalculus(牛黃), Moschus and Fel ursi Herbal-Acupuncture was given on CV17(Chonjung). In herbal medication, based on the Sasang Constitution, Taeyumin Chungsimyunja-Tang was given to the patient. As the results of these treatments, general conditions of this patient improved drastically. Conclusion: Based on the clinical results, traditional Korean Medical treatment is believed to be effective for treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and futher studies should be carried out to provide more valuable information.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.7 no.1 s.12
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• pp.63-69
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• 2004

Objective : This study was designed to find out whether NS(normal saline) is able to be constituted as an appropriate control group for CC(Cervi Cornu Parvum herbal acupuncture), CF(Carthami-Flos herbal acupuncture) and BV(bee venom herbal acupuncture). Method : NS and three herbal acupuncture were inserted into Quchi(LI 11) of the subjects. After 5 minutes the subjects completed a questionnaire rating the intensity of 21 kinds of acupuncture sensation; hurting, penetrating, sharp, aching, intense, spreading, radiating, tingling, pricking, stinging, pulling, heavy, dull, numb, electric, shocking, hot, burning, cool, pulsing, and throbbing. We compared subjective evaluations of acupuncture sensation between or among the groups. Results : As for CC half items of the acupuncture sensation were significantly different from NS. As for CF all items were not significantly different from NS. As for CC all items were significantly different from NS except one item. In general the score of CF acupuncture sensation was lower than the others and the score of BV acupuncture sensation was higher than the others from comparison of sensation among herbal acupunctures(CC, CF, BV). Conclusion : We found that NS is able to be an appropriate placebo herbal acupuncture for CF. Further study is needed for new placebo herbal acupuncture for CC and BV.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.10 no.2 s.23
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• pp.5-18
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to obtain an objective differentiating method for various types of Panax ginseng: ginseng, cultivated wild ginseng, and natural wild ginseng which are distinctive according to their growing environment. Methods : The roots, stem, and leaves of several types of ginseng were collected and comparative analysis of proteome was conducted on each part using 2-DE and the results examined. Results : 1. Proteome images of the respective parts within the samples showed spot-matching in most cases, suggesting that they are genetically identical panax ginseng. 2. Similar distribution patters were seen within the different parts of the Panax ginseng: ginseng, Chinese cultivated wild ginseng, and the 5 and 10 years old Korean cultivated wild ginseng. 3. For a quantitative evaluation of spots showing differences among the samples, 102 spots from the roots, 109 spots from the stems, and 132 spots form the leaves which showed a difference were selected and centrifugal identification was conducted. 4. Peculiar proteins from each respective part of the Panax ginseng were identified and the top 20 spots with significant differences were selected and analyzed in order to provide a differentiation rate among the samples. The accuracy rate ranged between 23.0-38.8%. 5. Differentiation rate of the top 10 spots with significant differences showed a 50-85% accuracy rate, and the differentiation rate was especially high for the stem of Chinese cultivated wild ginseng and Korean cultivated wild ginseng.