• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.455-465
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• 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined as a chronic inflammatory-mediated disease that causes ulceration and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Among most patients, the course of chronic inflammation repeatedly shows intermittent exacerbations and alternating remissions. However, despite the various therapeutic options to relieve symptoms, such as corticosteroids, TNF-α inhibitors, and antibiotic drugs, there is no known cure for IBD. Nonetheless, previous research has revealed that the autonomic nervous system is involved in the pathophysiology of IBD. In this study, we reviewed clinical trials confirming the therapeutic effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on IBD in vivo. We searched in vivo and human studies on Pubmed using keywords combined with "vagus nerve stimulation", "VNS", and "inflammatory bowel disease". All studies included in this review reported that direct VNS is effective in relieving symptoms of IBD and has no severe adverse effects. The most frequently stimulated site was the unilateral cervical vagus nerve area, and parameters for stimulation were set as 5-20 Hz. Based on the results, we aim to summarize the evidence for the efficacy of VNS on IBD and suggest the possibility of auricular electroacupuncture treatment as a therapeutic option for IBD.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.893-898
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• 2002

Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium extract(CRVP) have been used in oriental medicine for many centuries as a therapeutic agent for smoothing the liver and regulating the circulation of qi, and promoting digestion and removing stagnated food. The effects of CRVP on the inhibition of brain damage in cerebral ischemia is not known. Therefore, this Study was designed to investigate the cerebral protective effects of CRVP on the transient cerebral ischemia using modern techniques, and further to provide the possibility of scientification of oriental medicine. The size of cerebral infarct size was measured by morphometry, and brain edema was measured by morphometry and brain water content determination. The results were a$ follows ; 1. Water fraction of CRVP was reduced infect area of rats brain slices which were subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 2. Methylene chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly reduced infarct area of rats brain slices which were subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 3. Methylene chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly reduced infarct volume of rats brain which was subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 4. Methylene Chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly decreased brain edema induced by a transient cerebral ischemia in a dose-dependent manner. 5. Methylene chloride fraction and hexane fraction of CRVP was significantly decreased brain water content of rats which were subjected to a transient cerebral ischemia. It is suggested that CRVP has an anti-ischemic effect through the inhibition of brain damage in a transient cerebral ischemia, and that in future further development of main effective constituent in CRVP can provide a novel therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.278-283
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• 2011

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether $^{18}F$-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FOG-PET) can be used to assess the therapeutic response of brain abscess. Methods : A study was conducted on 10 consecutive patients with brain abscess, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffuse-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed at 3 and 6 weeks after surgical treatment and intravenous antibiotics therapy and FOG-PET at 6 weeks after treatment. The extent of the abscess, signal changes on MRI, and FOG-PET standardized uptake values were analyzed and correlated with the response to therapy. Results : Aspiration or craniotomy with excision of the abscess followed by intravenous antibiotics for 6-8 weeks resulted in good recovery with no recurrence. In 10 patients, two had low signal intensity on the DWI; one had no uptake on FOG-PET imaging after 6 weeks antibiotics and discontinued intravenous treatment, but the other patient had diffuse, increased uptake on FOG-PET imaging after 6 weeks antibiotics and underwent an additional 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. The remaining eight patients had high signals on the DWI. Four had no uptake on FOG-PET imaging and the treatment period varied from 6 to 8 weeks (mean, 6.75 weeks). Among the other four patients, FOG was accumulated in a diffuse or local area corresponding to a high signal area within the DWI and 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics was added. Conclusion : MRI plus FOG-PET improved the accuracy of assessing therapeutic responses to antibiotics treatment of brain abscess and aided in optimizing therapy.

• International Journal of Costume and Fashion
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.35-48
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• 2009

Therapeutic garments are an undeveloped area and yet they have the potential to generate considerable profit for the fashion industry. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are spots and pathways on the body through which energy flows and practitioners consider that disease results when this energy flow is hindered. Clothes which stimulate the spots can therefore potentially help to cure disease. In addition, clothes are worn every day and can therefore offer prolonged treatment certainly in comparison with other treatments. Obesity is a big problem nowadays and one which is caused by poor energy circulation (according to TCM). A garment which stimulates the spots can assist energy flow and therefore cause the wearer to lose weight. In the process, it can also alleviate side effects of obesity such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The was to stimulate spots include acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion etc. There are lots of products to press spots which improve energy flow both in the Western and Chinese markets. The basic principle of circulation is in fact the same in both Western and Chinese medicine. However, most of these are products are footwear ones because they can easily provide the necessary stimulation to reduce tiredness and improve circulation. For garments, to press the spots effectively it is best to use tight clothes such as corsets and leggings. The important point is to tighten the body and to make energy flow and yet feel comfortable at the same time. Choice of fabric is therefore an important issue. Although the idea has been introduced, it will be necessary to develop a technique which will allow the necessary amount of pressure to be applied. It could be concluded that this area has a lot of possibility for the future but further research will need to be done before the idea becomes workable.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.227-233
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• 2011

We previously reported the protein isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma (CRP), which has antifungal activity against a fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. In the current study, we investigated what portion in the CRP is responsible for the antifungal activity. For the investigation, the CRP was fractionated on a Shepadex G-50 column. Data resulting from the fractionation, seven fractions were obtained. Fractions (Fr.) I, II, and III eluted initially from the column showed no inhibitory effect on the growth of C. albicans, whereas Fr. IV, V, and VI eluted later revealed inhibition of the growth, and Fr. IV and VI showed potent antifungal activity by broth susceptibility analysis. However, Fr. VI was contained in the CRP more than Fr. IV, which led us to select the VI for the following experiments. In a murine model of a subcutaneous candidiasis caused by C. albicans, the Fr. VI displayed a therapeutic effect on nude mice pretreated with anti-neutrophil monoclonal antibody (RB68C5) and then infected subcutaneously with live C. albicans. At day 16, these mice were healed almost up to 78% of the infected area when compared to infected area of control nude mice that received diluent (Dulbecco's Phosphate-Buffered Saline; DPBS), instead of the Fr. VI (P<0.01). The Fr. VI blocked hyphal formation from blastoconidial form of C. albicans (P<0.01), which might prevent penetration of hyphae to the deeper site of skin and thus helps the healing. In the ionic strength test, the effect of Fr. was influenced by $Ca^{2+}$ ion just like other known antimicrobial peptides, but the influence was affected at an extremely high concentration such as 500 mM. Thus, such ion-concentration is considered to be meaningless in the clinical situation. Considering all data together, Coptidis Rhizoma is appeared to produce an antimicrobial peptide that has therapeutic effect on subcutaneous infection caused by C. albicans.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 1994

The clinical features and treatment outcomes of 20 patients with Kimura's disease treated from 1981 to 1993 were analyzed to determine proper therapeutic modalities. The mean age was 36.3 yrs old (range l4-53yrs) and the male to female ratio was 1.5:1 (male:female=12:8). Among 20 patients, 13 had multiple lesions and the remaining 7 had single lesion. Almost all lesions were found in the head and neck area(41 lesions) and only 7 in the other sites. The initial treatment modalities were excision, excision with immunotherapy, radiotherapy with immunotherapy, or immunotherapy(steroid, azathioprine). Among 17 patients who could be followed up, a recurrent or persistent disease was found in 13 patients. The retreatment modalities for patients with recurrent lesions were excision, excision with immunotherapy, or immunotherapy. The retreatment outcomes were also disappointing. The proper therapeutic modality of the Kimura's disease is not established yet, but the radiotherapy after excision or immunotherapy seems to be more effective than others.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.644-657
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects and safety of the Zeo lyung tang (ZLT) on primary glomerulonephritis (PGN). Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CENTRAL, CNKI, RISS, NDSL, KISS, and OASIS databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of ZLT on PGN. The Cochrane collaboration bias risk assessment scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis. Results: Ten RCTs involving 781 patients were included in the review. Compared with conventional Western medicine (WM) therapy alone, a combination treatment of ZLT and WM improved the total effective rate (RR=1.24; 95%CI [1.16, 1.33]; p<0.00001), reduce the blood urea nitrogen (BUN; MD=-1.05; 95%CI [-1.32, -0.78]; p<0.00001) and the 24-hour urinary protein (MD=-0.38; 95%CI [-0.46, -0.29]; p<0.00001). Conclusions: The combination of ZLT with WM has therapeutic effects on PGN, and it has advantages over WM treatment alone in reducing BUN and 24-hour urinary protein. However, due to the low quality of the included studies and the small sample sizes, additional research is needed in this area.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.177-188
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• 2001

Background : Atopic Dermatitis is thought to be a common and chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease that probably results from allergic reaction. Because it make some serious problems in children, it is needed to treat and at least subside symptoms. Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of GamiYeoldahansotang(加味熱多寒少湯) for treating Atopic Dermatitis and survey the general characteristics in children with Atopic Dermatitis. Method : Atopic Dermatitis with typical clinical symptoms were included in this study. Forty two patients were treated with hot water extract of GamiYeoldahansotang(加味熱多寒少湯) for four weeks. Clinical evaluation were made by Jacob T scoring system before and after treatment. Total Serum IgE, Eosinophil count were also conducted. Results : Reduction in body surface area was not observed. But significant reductions of severity scores before and after adminstration of GamiYeoldahansotang(加味熱多寒少湯) were observed in all of three groups: mind, moderate, severe. specially severe intensity group was very statistically significant.(p<0.05) Conclusion : We speculate that GamiYeoldahansotang(加味熱多寒少湯) has some therapeutic effects in mitigating the symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis.

• 대한핵의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1999.05a
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• pp.228-241
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• 1999

Percutaneous coronary angioplasty is well established therapeutic modality in the management of coronary artery disease. However, the high restenosis rate of 30 to 50% limits its usefulness. The principal mechanism of restenosis, intimal hyperplasia, is the proliferative response of vessel wall to injury, which consists largely of smooth muscle cells. A large body of animal investigations and a limited number of clinical studies have established the ability of ionizing radiation to reduce neointimal proliferation and restenosis rate significantly. Human studies have been reported that intravascular radiation after first restenosis inhibits a second restenosis. Encouraged by these reports, we are also conducting a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate this new therapeutic modality in patients with coronary artery stenosis. The objective of our trial is to determine the safety and efficacy of catheter-based solutional beta emitting radioisotope system in preventing restenosis after angioplasty. This review describes the vascular brachytherapy systems and isotopes that have been utilized in the initial clinical trials performed in this area of post PTCA coronary restenosis. The results of many worldwide ongoing clinical trials will determine whether this new technology will change the future practice of vascular intervention.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.171-174
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• 2004

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from existing vessels, increases oxygenation and nutrient supply to ischemic tissue and allows tumor growth and metastasis. As such, angiogenesis targeting provides a novel approach for cancer treatment with easier drug delivery and less drug resistance. Therapeutic anti-angiogenesis has shown impressive effects in animal tumor models and are now entering clinical trials. However, the successful clinical introduction of this new therapeutic approach requires diagnostic tools that can reliably measure angiogenesis in a noninvasive and repetitive manner. Molecular imaging is emerging as an exciting new discipline that deals with imaging of disease on a cellular or genetic level. Angiogenesis imaging is an important area for molecular imaging research, and the use of radiotracers offers a particularly promising technique for its development. While current perfusion and metabolism radiotracers can provide useful information related to tissue vascularity, recent endeavors are focused on the development of novel radioprobes that specifically and directly target angiogenic vessels. Presently available proges include RGD sequence containing peptides that target ${\alpha}_v\;{\beta}_3$ integrin, endothelial growth factors such as VEGF or FGF, metalloptoteinase inhibitors, and specific antiangiogenic drugs. It is now clear that nuclear medicine techniques have a remarkable potential for angiogenesis imaging, and efforts are currently continuing to develop new radioprobes with superior imaging properties. With future identification of novel targets, design of better probes, and improvements in instrumentation, radiotracer angiogenesis imaging promises to play an increasingly important role in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cancer and other angiogenesis related diseases.