• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.361-370
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• 2017

Previous reports have suggested that physical and psychological stresses may trigger fibromyalgia (FM). Stress is an important risk factor in the development of depression and memory impairments. Antidepressants have been used to prevent stress-induced abnormal pain sensation. Among various antidepressants, tianeptine has been reported to be able to prevent neurodegeneration due to chronic stress and reverse decreases in hippocampal volume. To assess the possible effect of tianeptine on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by restraint stress with intermittent cold stress. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relationship between tianeptine and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to that in the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to the control group. However, tianeptine recovered these changes in behavioral tests and protein level. Therefore, this FM animal model might be useful for investigating mechanisms linking BDNF-CREB pathway and pain. Our results suggest that tianeptine might potentially have therapeutic efficacy for FM.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.226-231
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• 2018

Chijabaegpi-tang (CHG) is an oriental herbal medicine that has been used for its various pharmacological effects, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunoregulation activities. In the present study, we investigated which skin inflammations are involved in the $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced HaCaT cells. We investigated the suppressive effect of CHG on $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced HaCaT cell production of the following chemokines: macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)/CCL22; regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5; and interleukin-8 (IL-8); thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17. The pre-treatment of HaCaT cells with CHG suppressed $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced nuclear transcription factor kappa-B ($NF-{\kappa}B$). In addition, CHG inhibited $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38. $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$ suppressed the expression of skin barrier proteins, including filaggrin (FLG), Involucrin (IVL) and loricrin (LOR). By contrast, CHG restored the expression of FLG, IVL and LOR. Taken together, our findings suggest that CHG could be a therapeutic agent for prevention of skin disease, including atopic dermatitis.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.39-66
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• 2015

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Sesamum indicum extracted (SEI) on atopic dermatitis in an in-vitro and in-vivo experiment using a MC/9 murine mast cells and a NC/Nga mouse. Methods In-vitro experiment, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF mRNA expression were evaluated by Real-time PCR, IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$ production by ELISA and manifestations of NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-jun, c-fos, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 transcription factors by western blotting. In-vivo experiment, we measured WBC, Eosinophil, Neutrophil, and serum IL-5, IL-13 in NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-4 in the spleenocyte culture supernatant by ELISA, the absolute cell numbers of CD4+, CD8+, +Gr-1+CD11b, B220+CD23+ in the axillary lymph node (ALN), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dorsal skin tissue, IL-5, IL-13 by Real-time PCR, the distribution of tissue inflammation and cellular infiltration by H&E and toluidine blue. Results SEI decreased IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, GM-CSF, TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression, IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$ production and the expression of transcription factors including NFAT-1, c-jun, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 in MC/9 murine mast cells. SEI orally administration decreased cell number of WBC, Eosinophil, the level of serum IgE, total cell number of ALN and dorsal skin tissue, absolute cell number of CD4+, CD8+, B220+CD23+ in the ALN. SEI orally administration also increased absolute cell number of CD8+/CD3+ and decreased Gr-1+/CD11b+ in PBMCs, decreased CD4+ in dorsal skin tissue, inhibited IL-5, IL-13 mRNA expression. Infiltration levels of inflammatory immune cells, mast cells and thickness of epidermis decreased in dorsal skin tissue. Conclusions SEI can regulate allergic inflammatory response suppressed the gene expression and production of cytokines that mediate allergic reactions, and will be able to be effectively utilized in the treatment of atopic dermatitis future.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.65-73
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• 2004

Objective : This study was to review on the prostate disease-related studies with Acupuncture therapy in renowned medical internet site of PubMed, and to make master plan of the study, especially, on Bee Venom Acupuncture(BVA) of Prostate disease and then to devise the idealistic therapeutic ways of it. Method : We made the internet search with the key words of bee venom(bee venom therapy, apitoxin, apitherapy, bee sting, bee sting therapy), acupuncture, prostate, prostatitis, prostrate cancer in Pubmed, from June 1st to July 1st,2004. Results : 1.25 papers were found in 19 publised jounals. of which two named'Urology'and Prostate' had three papars, two called 'JUrology' and 'Cancer Immunol Immunother' had two papers, and the others had a paper respectively. 2. In the classification by papers' types, Review papers were 8 and Original were 17 where there were 5 clinical trials, 11 experimental studies and 1 epidemiologic paper. Of 5 clinical trials, 2 belonged to Randomized Control Study, and of 11 experimental studies, 4 belonged to in vitro and 7 belonged to in vivo with in viro studies, and 1 epidemeologic belonged to meta-analysis. 3. In the classification by prostate diseases, 4 were about prostatitis, 3 were about prostate related symptoms, 16 were about prostate cancer, and two were about the others. 4. In the classification by applied treatment methods, 5 were related with Acupuncture, 10 were related with BVA(Bee Venom, Bee), and 10 were related with the others. Of 5 related with Acupuncture, 3 used general acupuncture, 1 used electrical acupuncture, and 1 used general acupuncture and electrical acupuncture at the same time. 5. In 2 RCTs of Clinical trials, Control group was set up to the group using different compatible treatment method or using meridians not related with treating prostate disease. Single or double blind methods couldn't be found. 6. In the clinical trials, IPSS, NIH, CPSI or subjective global assessment were used as the Index of Evaluation. 7. The Leg Greater Yang Bladder Meridian(B), The Leg Lesser Um Kidney Meridian(K) and Conception Vessel Meridian(CV) were used as major meridians, and B10(Taejo, Dazhu), B23(Shinsu, Shenshu), B28(Panggwangsu, Pangguangshu), B35(Hoeyang, Huiyang), B39(Wiyang, Weiyang), B40(Wijung, Weizhong), B54(chilbyon, Zhibian), K1(Yongchon, Yongquan), K10(Umgok, Yingu), CV3(Chungguk, Zhongji), CV4(Kwanwon, Guanyuan),S6(Hyopko, Jiache) were used as acupoints. Electrical acupuncture(EA) was considered to be more important and CV3(Chungguk, Zhongji), CV4(Kwanwon, Guanyuan) were mainly selected as EA applied acupoints. 8. It is mostly said that Acupuncture appeared to be a safe, effective, and durable treatment alternative in improving symptoms of patients with prostate diseases, refractory to conventional medicine. A larger controlled study was required to confirm these encouraging initial results. Conclusion : Papers about BVA of Prostate cancer or Prostatitis were not found, and low permeability of Prostate is concerned, BVA with the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effect can be adopted as a new alternatives of Prostate disease treatment, so it is thought that Study of how to make access to prostate, animal experiment including in vivo and in vitro and more clinical trials with using acupoints on related meridian should be followed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.807-814
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• 2012

Saururus chinensis has long been widely used in oriental folk medicines to treat diseases. In the current study, organic solvent fractions obtained from the main methanolic extract of S chinensis were evaluated for their antioxidative and related physiological activities. The antioxidant activity of the fractions was measured using DPPH free radical scavenging activity, increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the $ED_{50}$ of the ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a value of 12.84 ${\mu}g/ml$ higher than 27.22 ${\mu}g/ml$ compared to the BHT. Also, the cell viability of S. chinensis on $H_2O_2$-induced HDF cell death ($IC_{50}$) showed the highest cell viability of 89.39% in 50 ${\mu}g/ml$ of ethyl acetate fraction and 67.98% of visible cell survival rate in n-butanolic fraction. Meanwhile, all fractions of the S. chinensis extract led to a slight down regulation of the mRNA expression of fibulin-5, which is related to skin elasticity, and the ethyl acetate fraction having high antioxidant activity showed a markedly inhibitory effect on chick embryonic angiogenesis using the CAM assay. These results suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction of S. chinensis extract could be a good material in therapeutic application for antioxidant and related anti-angiogenesis activities.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.129-153
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• 2001

Background: SMG (升麻葛根湯加味方) is an herbal medicine which has been used in oriental medicine as a traditional therapeutic agent of pruritus and skin disease. Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of SMG on the anti-hypersensitivity and immune response in the murine of type I hypersensitivity induced by the experiment. Materials and Methods: Laboratory rats were primary sensitized with OA (ovalbumin); on day 1, rats of a Control group and Sample group (SMG group) were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of Al(OH)3 in a total volume of 2ml saline. The rats of the sample group were orally administered with an SMG water extract for 14 days after primary immunization. On day 14 after the systemic immunization, rats received local immunization by inhaling $0.9\%$ saline aerosol containing $2\%$(wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, BAL fluid and peripheral blood were collected from the rats. Total cell, lymphocyte, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+\;T\;cell,\;CD4^+/CD8^+$ ratio in the BALF, and IgE, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+$ T cell in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results: SMG showed a suppressive effect on the immune response in the rats. 1. Total Cells in the BALF decreased in the SMG treated group in comparison group, but statistic differences were not observed. 2. Total lymphocytes in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 3. CD4+ T cells in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 4. CD8+ T cells in the BALF were decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group, but statistic differences were not observed. 5. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in the BALF was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 6. The IgE level in serum was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 7. The ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ in peripheral blood showed undetectable differences between each group of rats. From the experiment cited above, this study shows that SMG has both anti-hypersensitivity effects and immunoregulatory effects when administered to rats. Based on this experiment, it is suggested that SMG could be a useful immunomodulator and anti-allergy agent.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.624-632
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• 2011

Water and ethanol extracts of 16 different Korean traditional oriental prescriptions used widely for prevention of degenerative arthritis were prepared and their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were quantified. Additionally, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of water, ethanol and enzyme-treated extracts were determined by in vitro assays. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of three extracts from the 16 different medicinal prescriptions varied from 10.03-78.03 and 0-16.24 mg/g, respectively. Among the three extracts of 16 different medicinal prescriptions tested, 'Mahangeuigamtang' showed the potent full term for DPPH ($RC_{50}$=71.26, 27.33, 63.00 ${\mu}g/mL$) and full term for ABTS ($RC_{50}$=21.11, 27.45, 152.11 ${\mu}g/mL$) radical scavenging activities, and its water and ethanol extracts exhibited significant cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activity (49.10 and 69.06%, respectively). Ethanol and enzyme-treated extracts of 'Euieuiintang' exerted the strongest COX-2 inhibitory activity (68.23 and 75.05%, respectively). 'Mahangeuigamtang' and 'Euieuiintang' may be useful as potential therapeutic agents for treatment of degenerative diseases, such as inflammation and aging.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.87-98
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• 2013

Objectives The purpose of this study is to find a literature study of infantile anorexia clinical cases with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to utilize with Korean medicine treatment methods. Methods 5 TCM journals with the highest impact factors were searched and selected among the journals listed in www.cnki.net. The search keywords were, "Children's Anorexia", "Infantile Apositia", "Infantile Anorexia", "Anorexia Nervosa", and "child of anorexia". he search was limited to the publication date from 2000 to 2012. Results Total 20 studies were selected: Acupuncture (5), Herbal medicine (9), Complex Treatment (3), External Application (2) and Moxibustion (1). Among the Acupuncture related studies, 1 study tested the effect of Sifeng (EX-UE10, 四縫), 3 studies tested the effect of Sifeng (EX-UE10, 四縫) and other acupoints treatment together, and 1 study tested the effect of combination of other acupoints. In all these studies, the study groups showed better therapeutic effects compared to the control groups. The Herbal medicine related studies showed the improvement in appetite and weight as a result of Herbal Medicines treatment. Among the Complex Treatment related studies, 2 studies tested the effect of Acupuncture and Chiropractic co-treatment, 1 study tested the effect of Moxibustion and Herbal medicine co-treatment. In all these studies, symptoms of Infantile anorexia showed significantly improved. Other papers related to External Application and Moxibustion treatment were reported improving in appetite and had other the clinical effects as well. Conclusions Clinical studies testing the effect of TCM for the treatment of Infantile Anorexia have been conducted in small scales, and all the studies showed a certain level of symptom improvement of the patients in the study groups. These results implicate that the methods in Korean medicine can be highly potential treatment options for the treatment of Infantile Anorexia. Accurate and well-controlled studies in large scale would be required to prove the effect of Korean medicine for the treatment of patients with Infantile Anorexia.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.208-214
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• 2018

Purpose: Platycodon grandiflorum (a domestic diploid variety, DV-PG) has been used as a food and component of various traditional oriental medicines. Although DV-PG is known to have an anti-allergic effect, little is known about the beneficial health effects of the tetraploid 'Etteum' variety in the Platycodon grandiflorum (TV-PG), which is a recently developed variety. In this study, we investigated the effect of TV-PG on the rat basophilic leukemia mast cell (RBL-2H3)-mediated allergic response. Methods: To examine the effects of TV-PG on the allergic response, RBL-2H3 cells were sensitized with dinitropheny (DNP)-immunoglobin E, treated with various concentrations of TV-PG, and challenged with DNP-human serum albumin. We estimated cell granulation by measuring the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and production of inflammatory mediators by ELISA. Results: TV-PG had no effect on the proliferation or cytotoxicity of RBL-2H3 cells within the concentration range of 0 to $200{\mu}g/mL$. TV-PG inhibited degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells by antigen stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. TV-PG also suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as interleukin-4, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, prostagladin E2, and leukotriene B4 in RBL-2H3 cells by antigen stimulation. Conclusion: These results indicate that TV-PG exhibits anti-allergic activity via inhibition of degranulation as well as suppression of inflammatory mediators and cytokine release. These findings suggest that TV-PG may have potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for the treatment of various allergic diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.309-316
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• 2017

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a non-selective cation channel with modest permeability to calcium ions. It is involved in intracellular calcium signaling and is therefore important in processes such as thermal sensation, skin barrier formation, and wound healing. TRPV3 was initially proposed as a warm temperature sensor. It is activated by synthetic small-molecule chemicals and plant-derived natural compounds such as camphor and eugenol. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC) has diverse pharmacological properties including antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. It is extensively used as an oriental herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, we investigated whether SC fruit extracts and seed oil, as well as four compounds isolated from the fruit can activate the TRPV3 channel. By performing whole-cell patch clamp recording in HEK293T cells overexpressing TRPV3, we found that the methanolic extract of SC fruit has an agonistic effect on the TRPV3 channel. Furthermore, electrophysiological analysis revealed that ${\gamma}$-schisandrin, one of the isolated compounds, activated TRPV3 at a concentration of $30{\mu}M$. In addition, ${\gamma}$-schisandrin (${\sim}100{\mu}M$) increased cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ concentrations by approximately 20% in response to TRPV3 activation. This is the first report to indicate that SC extract and ${\gamma}$-schisandrin can modulate the TRPV3 channel. This report also suggests a mechanism by which ${\gamma}$-schisandrin acts as a therapeutic agent against TRPV3-related diseases.