• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.42-52
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• 2010

Purpose: This report aims to administer methodologic issues around recently conducted multicenter study for evaluating the effects of acupuncture on menopusal hot flashes and discuss practical issues for further implementation of acupuncture clinical trial for hot flashes. Methods: Study process were mentioned, and issues related to avoiding risk of bias, designing appropriate control group, optimal outcome measurement, potential different effects of menopausal status on study outcomes, and suggestions for developing future clinical trials are discussed. Results: Shortcomings of our multicenter study include lack of allocation concealment and assessor blinding, subjective outcome measurement, short-term follow-up, and fixed acupuncture regimen despite pragmatic purpose of this study. Improving trial design, using objective or validated outcomes, assessing long-term effects of acupuncture, and individualizing acupuncture regimen are needed in future clinical trials. Conclusion: We expect these practical discussions to enable researchers to plan and develop future well-designed clinical trials for evaluating the effects of acupuncture on hot flashes or other women's health issues.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 1977

Breast cancer is one of the most feared health problems in women ; Recent studies revealed that it had come up to be the second most in this country and high prevalent disease in the western countries among breast disease in women. However, early detection of the cancer mass is known to be easier than in many other malignancies. This study was performed to investigate the various characteristics of patients of breast cancer ; by the structural variables, menstrual, marital, and child bearing, and also their understandings and attitude towards the disease. A hundred any in- and out- patients of 51. Mary's Hospital and National Atomic Institute, Seoul were sampled. Data were gathered through direct interview by the researcher from February 1976 to January 1977 and the clinical records were used as references. Results are as follows ; 1. Breast cancer revealed to be most prevalent in the forties ; average age of 45.2 years. 2. The average age of menarche revealed to be 15.4 years ; the largest group were the 16-20 years (N=75, 68.2%). In 55 cases (50%) menstruation were normal, 38 (34.5%) postmenopausal and only in 17 (15.5%), menstruation revealed irregularity. 3. The average marital age revealed to be 22.3 years ; the largest group were 21-25 group (N=43, 39.1%). The average duration of marital life revealed to be 24.7 years ; 11-20 years group were the largest (M=34, 30.9%). 4. Most of the patients revealed to have pregnancy experiences(N=100, 90.9%) ; the average rate of experience were 5, 3 times the largest group were 3.4 times group(N= 32, 29.1%). 54 patients (49.1%) revealed to have had abortion experience ; the average were 3.4 times. 5. The largest group(N=77, 70%) had been breast feeding : followed by mixed feeding (N=12, 10.9%) and artificial feeding(N=10, 9.1%). 6. Personal health history revealed that in 20 patients (18.2%) revealed to have the past history of Purulent mastitis, 5 patients(4.5%) of breast cancer and 3 patients(2.7%) of uttering cancer family history. 7. In the one half (N=56, 50.9%, they had some information about breast cancer :27 (24.5%) by mass media, 12 (10.9%) through personal contacts and 17 (15.5%) were not able to classify the source of information. 8. In 55 cases (50%) the canoe, mass were discovered incidentally, in 39 cases (35.5%) by manual detection by self, in 10 cases (9%) by others and in 6 cases(5.5%) by observing subjective symptoms. 9. The average duration lapsed between the discovery of cancer mass and the visit to the hospital revealed to be 9.4 month. Chief reason for the delay revealed to be the non-chaplaincy due to the absence of pain(N=50, 45.5 %) followed by the administration of herb and commercial medication (N=19, 17.3%). 10. The left side breast was more affected than the right side breast, represent by 60 cases in the left and 39 cases in the right. The most frequent site of the breast cancer was the upper- outer quadrant in 53 cases (47.7%), and followed by the center in 20 cases(18 %), and the upper inner quadrant, in 19 cases (17.1%). There was / cases of bilateral carcinoma. The most prominent symptom was painless mass.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.12
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• pp.1680-1687
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• 2012

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease, primarily due to dyslipidemia that accompanies the loss of estrogen secretion. This study was performed to investigate the effects of Opuntia humifusa seed extracts on blood flow and serum lipid level in ovariectomized rats. Twenty-eight 9-week old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups as sham-operated rats (SHAM), ovariectomized rats (OVX-CON), and ovariectomized rats that were treated with Opuntia humifusa seed extracts (OVX-OHS 2% and OVX-OHS 6%). The diets were fed to the rats for 7 weeks after operation. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride contents decreased in the SHAM group compared to the OVX-CON group. Seven weeks of feeding of Opuntia humifusa seed extracts resulted in significant (p<0.05) lowering of serum triglyceride and a decreasing tendency in total cholesterol levels. The level of HDL-cholesterol in serum increased significantly by feeding diets containing the 2% and 6% Opuntia humifusa seed hot-water extract (p<0.05). Blood passage times were shorter in the Opuntia humifusa seed extract-supplemented groups than in the untreated group (OVX-CON). The platelet aggregation ability was lower in groups treated with Opuntia humifusa seed extracts than in the OVX-CON group. These results suggest that Opuntia humifusa seed extracts may have benefits in improving metabolic syndrome in menopausal women.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.99-111
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors related to sexual function of women with coronary artery disease, and to determine the predictors of sexual function. The study design, a descriptive correlational study, was done through structural questionnaire and interview. A total of 50 subjects from C University Hospital at Kwang-ju city who have undergone coronary angiography at department of cardiology were observed and interviewed from Feb. 22, 1999 to March. 23, 1999. The number of affected vessels, the level of total serum cholesterol, and the ejection fraction of 2-D echo cardiography were analyzed to evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease. And also type A behavior pattern, health behavior, Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) were measured. The data obtained were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis via SPSS PC+. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The mean age of the subjects were 58.1 and 72.0% of those have been married over 30 years. Seventy two percentage were unemployed and monthly family income of 56.6% was less than 1,000,000 won (approximately $ 840). Eighty percent were in their postmenopausal state, and the frequency of sexual intercourse of 84.0% were two to three times per month. 2. The scores of type A behavior pattern were from 16 to 38(mean 24.94) and health behavior ranged from 21 to 43(mean 31.2). Abstinence from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine were best compliant factors and weight control and exercise were least abided ones. The result of 2D-ECHO EF showed that the half of the subjects were abnormal, and 24% had more than 240mg/dl of total serum cholesterol. The coronary angiography showed that 64% of the subjects had more than one affected vessels. 3. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'orgasm' were number of health examination, the pre- or post-menopausal state, protestant, number of coronary vessel affected, level of serum total cholesterol, and comorbid group of hypertension and diabetes, and it's total variance accounted for 52.4%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual activity' were comorbid group of hypertension and diabetes and type A behavior pattern, which accounted for 22.4% of total variance. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual satisfaction' were type A behavior pattern, no religion, exercise, level of serum total cholesterol, and pre or post menopausal state, which accounted for 52.1%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual desire' were the period of marriage, type A behavior, employment or unemployment, and weight control, which accounted for 43.2%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'external force of sexual functioning' were physical overload and exercise, which accounted for 41.1%. The predictors to explain the factor score of 'sexual activity' were family monthly income, catholics, and exercise, and which accounted for 35.4%. Above results lead us to some consensus that sexual function of women with coronary artery disease is related to various factors including vasogenic factors such as total serum cholesterol level, number of coronary vessel affected, an endocrinal factor such as menopausal state, and type A behavior pattern as a sociopshychological factor. And also health behaviors such as fitness care, overwork, weight control, and emotional tension are contributed to sexual function.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.29-37
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• 2014

Objectives Osteoporosis is an impending problem in the rapidly aging society. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) on osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in rats. Methods 24 rats were randomly assigned to a SHAM group, a control group, and a Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group (n=8). Ovaries were extracted and for 8 weeks, the rats were given dry feeds and Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group were given a mixture of dry feeds and Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$). At 8 weeks, their body weight, femur mass, tibia ash per body ratio, overall surface area and thickness of the trabeculae, overall surface area of the osteoblasts, and the number of osteoclasts were measured and levels of albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total-cholesterol, calcium and estradiol were recorded. Results There was no significant difference in the weight of the femur and the tibia ash per body ratio. The Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group had significantly thicker trabeculae than the control group and showed a minimal increase of overall surface area of the trabeculae. The overall surface area of the osteoblasts and the number of osteoclasts decreased in the Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group. There were no statistically significant differences in AST, ALT, ALP, total cholesterol, phosphorus, and estradiol levels. On the contrary the Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) group had significantly higher levels of Albumin, triglyceride, and calcium. Conclusions It can be concluded that oral intake of Yoohyangheukho-dan ($R{\check{u}}xi{\bar{a}}ngh{\bar{e}}ih{\check{u}}-d{\bar{a}}n$) prevents the thinning process of the trabeculae. Thus, it may have positive effects on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2010

Sex and its tropic hormones influence the lacrimal system, corneal anatomy and disease, aqueous humor dynamics and glaucoma, crystalline lens and cataract, and retinal disease. Dry eye occurs especially frequently during pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and after menopause, during which androgen levels decrease. Androgen control development, differentiation, and lipid production of sebaceous glands throughout the body, and androgen deficiency also leads to meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye. On the other hand, estrogen causes a reduction in size, activity, and lipid production of sebaceous glands. Sex and its tropic hormones also influence the corneal anatomy and disease, and corneal thickening occurred on the second day of the menstrual cycle and around the time of ovulation and appeared to be related to estrogen levels. Fuchs' dystrophy is more commonly seen in postmenopausal women than men and may be linked to hormonal changes that occur with aging. In addition, overexpression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the conjunctiva of vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients. Serum progesterone levels also may be associated with intraocular pressure especially in pregnant women, and for the women. For women with cataracts, hormone levels were typical of menopause, and there was a significant negative correlation between estradiol and follicular stimulating hormone levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels are associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. Although the role of sex hormones on the eye is largely unknown, and the results should be interpreted with caution until replicated, the functions of sex hormones in ocular disease remains to be investigated, because they may be involved in structure and function of the ocular components, which are important in the pathogenesis of ocular disease.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.70-86
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• 2022

Objectives: This study attempted to provide prescriptions that can be used according to the classification of menopausal disorders in order to increase the clinical utilization of CaPSPI (Diagnostic System for Climacteric and Postmenopausal Syndrome Pattern Identification). Methods: Delphi method survey was conducted for expert consensus on the Pattern Identification that could be used for each prescription by selecting frequent prescriptions based on the literature researched on the prescription of Korean medicine used for women with menopausal disorders. 11 experts participated in the questionnaire for posterity and 7 experts for sasang constitution. The survey was divided into the main prescription that can be mainly used for the patterns and the minor prescription that can be used although the suitability is somewhat low. Expert consensus was obtained through the second survey, and the pattern classification of prescriptions that were not confirmed here was confirmed through a face-to-face meeting. Results: There were 56 prescriptions mainly used for treatment for menopause, 45 for posterity and 11 for Sasang constitution. There were 69 identifications of 45 posterity prescriptions and 17 classifications of 11 Sasang constitutional prescriptions including major and minor patterns. By pattern identifications, the number of major/minor prescriptions was as follows. 肝鬱 14/5, 腎陰虛 8/2, 腎陽虛 4/1, 肝腎陰虛 2/7, 腎陰陽兩虛 3/1, 心腎不交 6/3, 心脾兩虛 15/2, 心火 7/6. Conclusions: In the future, by accumulating and analyzing the data on the diagnosis and treatment using CaPSPI, the clinical status of Korean medicine for menopausal disorders can be reviewed, and it can be used as the basis for the clinical practice guidelines for menopausal disorders. In addition, it is thought that analyzing the results of the diagnosis of pattern identifications and the prescription of Sasang constitution can be helpful in research on the posterity and Sasang constitution.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.320-324
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• 2012

Osteoporosis is an important public health issue in postmenopausal women. It is a major public health concern and is widely believed that osteoporosis results from imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Recently natural products from plants have been extensively studied as therapeutic drugs to treat and prevent various diseases. Hoelen (scientific name, Poria cocos) is a mushroom that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Hoelen exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and has a protective effect on tumor progression. However, the effect of hoelen in osteoclast differentiation remains unknown. Thus, we examined the effect of hoelen in receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Hoelen significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in dose dependent manner without toxicity. Also, we showed that hoelen significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phophatase (TRAP) and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) in BMMs treated with RANKL. In Particular, hoelen greatly inhibited the protein expression of NFATc1. Ectopic expression of NFATc1 partially reverses hoelen-mediated inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that hoelen may be useful treatment option of bone-related disease such as osteoporosis, reumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.1008-1013
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• 2011

Osteoporosis is the leading underlying cause of fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women, due to the loss of estrogen-mediated suppression of bone resorption. More than 50% of adults 50 years of age or older are estimated to have osteoporosis. Osteoclast which is main target for treatment of osteoporosis is originated from hematopoietic cell line. Aloe has been widely used in worldwide country as a coadjuvant medicine. Extracts of the leaves of Aloe have been used in condition to improve dermatologic problem such as seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus and has been known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor effects. However, despite the popularity of aloe as a plant food supplements, the evaluation of its efficacy as a possible therapeutic option for osteoporosis remains scarce. Thus, we evaluated the effect of Aloe on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Here we found that Aloe significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Aloe suppressed the activation of p38 pathway and $NF{\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with RANKL. Also, Aloe significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 and cathepsin K in BMMs treated with RANKL. Particularly, Aloe greatly inhibited the protein expression of c-fos and NFATc1. Taken together, our results suggested that Aloe may be useful tool for treatment of osteoporosis by inhibition of osteoclast differentiation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.24 no.2 s.62
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• pp.166-171
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• 2006

To elucidate the effect of phytoestrogens on the prevention of neurodegenerative disease in postmenopausal women, the expression of occludin which build up the blood-brain barrier was examined in hippocampus following oral administration of estrogen (E2), genistein, diadzein or combination of genistein and diadzein in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. E2 significantly increased occludin mRNA level in OVX rat hippocampus, suggesting that estrogen is a physiological regulator for structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier in hippocampus. Following isoflavone diet for 4 weeks, there was significant increase in occludin mRNA level in hippocampus, suggesting that isoflavone diet may be effective for protection of structural integrity of blood-brain barrier in hippocampus from degenerative changes in estrogen deficiency.