Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Tanghwajitongsan(THJTS) through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK. Methods : We evaluated cell survival rate by MTT assay, NO production by nitrite content in the culture medium. We quantified TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and PGE₂ of the cultured supernatant by ELISA. And we evaluated the effect of THJTS on protein expression of NF-κB, MAPK, iNOS and COX-2 by Western blot analysis. THJTS ameliorates LPS-activated alterations in protein expression of NF-κB, p-38, iNOS and COX-2 and production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE₂. Also, THJTS ameliorates LOX, PGN and FLA-activated alterations in protein expression of NO, iNOS. THJTS ameliorates only PGN-activated alterations in protein expression of COX-2. Results : THJTS ameliorates LPS-activated alterations in protein expression of NF-κB, p-38, iNOS and COX-2 and production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE₂. Also, THJTS ameliorates LOX, PGN and FLA-activated alterations in protein expression of NO, iNOS. THJTS ameliorates only PGN-activated alterations in protein expression of COX-2. Conclusions : This study can provide scientific evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of THJTS.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Goihwa-san water extract(GHS) in vitro & in vivo. Methods : In vitro, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of GHS by comparing the Raw 264.7 cells with 10, 30, 100, 300㎍/㎖ of GHS for 1 hour before Lipopolysaccharide(LPS) to the single LPS treated group. We examined the relative cell viability by MTT assay and the relative level of LPS, Loxoribine(LOX), Peptidoglycan(PGN), Flagellin(FLA)-induced NO production by using Griess reagent and measured relative iNOS protein level and COX-2 protein level by using western blot and Image analyzing system. We measured the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by each ELISA kits and then measured the relative levels of IκBα, p-IκBα in whole-cell lysate fraction and NF-κB in nuclear fraction by using western blot and Image analyzing system. In vivo, we induced the paw edema by subcutaneous injection of 100㎕/rat CA and measured the swelling volume of paw by using a plethysmometer and then measured the relative iNOS protein level by using western blot. Results : As a result, in vitro, LPS, PGN-induced NO production was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with GHS. GHS reduced LPS, PGN-induced iNOS expression, PGN-induced COX-2 expression and LPS-induced production of cytokine(TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Expression of IκBα was increased by pretreatment with GHS 100㎍/㎖. And the expression of p-IκBα and NF-κB were decreased by pretreatment with GHS 100㎍/㎖. In vivo, CA-induced inflammation rat model was used for the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of GHS. 0.3 or 1.0g/kg of GHS significantly reduced the increases of paw swelling and iNOS expression in paw tissues. Conclusions : These results show that GHS can decrease inflammatory response via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in vitro. And in vivo, the anti-inflammatory effect suggest the clinical basis of GHS for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Objectives : This study was conducted to confirm the skin anti-aging effect of Chungpyesagan-tang(CPSGT) extract. Methods : We performed MMT assay to confirm the cytotoxicity of CPSGT. After inducing matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) with tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), we investigated mRNA expression and protein secretion of MMP-1 by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. In addition, we measured the protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) and transcription factors by western blot. Results : CPSGT was not cytotoxic at 25-800㎍/㎖. The mRNA expression and protein secretion of MMP-1 decreased when treated with CPSGT. The protein expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38 was decreased by CPSGT. In addition, the protein expression of p-c-jun and p-NF-κB, which are transcription factors, were also decreased. Conclusion : This suggests that CPSGT can inhibit MMP-1 and thus be a potential anti-aging substance.

Objectives : This study used a network pharmacology approach to explore the active compounds and therapeutic mechanisms of Yijin-tang on Meniere's disease. Methods : The active compounds of Yijin-tang were screened via the TCMSP database and their target proteins were screened via the STITCH database. The GeneCard was used to establish the Meniere's disease-related genes. The intersection targets were obtained through Venny 2.1.0. The related protein interaction network was constructed with the STRING database, and topology analysis was performed through CytoNCA. GO biological function analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis for core targets were performed through the ClueGO. Results : Network analysis identified 126 compounds in five herbal medicines of Yijin-tang. Among them, 15 compounds(naringenin, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, baicalein, baicalin, calycosin, dihydrocapsaicin, formononetin, glabridin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, mairin, quercetin, sitosterol, nobiletin) were the key chemicals. The target proteins were 119, and 7 proteins(TNF, CASP9, PARP1, CCL2, CFTR, NOS2, NOS1) were linked to Meniere's disease-related genes. Core genes in this network were TNF, CASP9, and NOS2. GO/KEGG pathway analysis results indicate that these targets are primarily involved in regulating biological processes, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Conclusion : Pharmacological network analysis can help to explain the applicability of Yijin-tang on Meniere's disease.

Objectives : Recently, the number of patients with dry eye syndrome has been steadily increasing. However, established treatment for it does not yet exist. This study compared electronic moxibustion with acupuncture for patients with dry eye in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods : This trial was designed as an investigator-initiated, single-blinded, comparative, randomized controlled trial. Thirty patients with dry eye were randomized to the electronic moxibustion treatment group(EMG) or the acupuncture treatment group(AG) in equal proportion. The participants who assigned to the EMG were treated with electronic moxibustion to ten acupoints including both sides of BL2, GB14, TE23, and LI4 for 12 minutes. The participants who were assigned to the AG were treated with acupuncture to the same acupoints for 15 minutes. Over 4 weeks, each intervention was carried out twelve times in total. The primary outcome was the ocular surface disease index(OSDI). The secondary outcomes were the subjective symptoms visual analog scale(VAS), quality of life(QoL), Schirmer I test(SIT), and general assessment. Adverse events and vital signs were also investigated for safety assessment. Results : In intragroup comparisons, both the EMG and the AG significantly improved the OSDI scores, the subjective symptoms VAS scores, the QoL scores, and the SIT results after 4 weeks of the trial. However, there were no statistical differences in intergroup comparisons between the two groups after 4 weeks. The safety of electronic moxibustion and acupuncture was confirmed by no occurrence of serious adverse events. Conclusions : Both electronic moxibustion and acupuncture were effective for dry eye syndrome, and they were safe. Electronic moxibustion and acupuncture can be used for dry eye syndrome as equivalent treatments.

목적 : 마이크로니들 패치는 피부장벽의 주요 구성성분인 각질층을 관통할 수 있어 일반적인 경피를 통한 약물 전달 수단보다 더 효율적으로 약물을 전달할 수 있다는 장점이 있어 다양한 분야에서 응용되고 있다. 본 임상연구는 아토피피부염 환자의 피부 건조 증상에 대하여 용해성 히알루론산 마이크로니들 패치와 외용제를 병행하여 용해성 마이크로니들 패치의 유효성과 안전성을 평가하였다. 방법 : 본 연구는 단일 기관, 연구자 주도, 평가자 눈가림, 인체 분할 연구로 설계된 무작위 배정 임상시험으로, 피부건조 증상이 있는 아토피피부염 환자 20명을 대상으로 임상연구를 수행하였다. 한 명의 피험자에서 2곳의 시험 병변을 선택한 후, 무작위 배정으로 각각 시험 병변과 대조 병변을 결정하여 2주 동안 매일 양측 병변에 모두 아로마 크림을 도포한 다음, 시험 병변에만 용해성 히알루론산 마이크로니들 패치를 추가로 부착하였다. 결과 : 1차 유효성 평가지표인 local scoring atopic dermatitis(L-SCORAD) index는 치료 후에 시험 병변이 대조 병변보다 유의성 있게 호전되었다. 2차 유효성 평가지표 중 피부 건조감 VAS와 피부 수분 함유량도 시험 병변이 대조 병변보다 유의성 있는 개선을 보였다. Investigator's Global Assessment scale, 소양감 VAS, 경피수분손실량에 있어서는 시험 병변과 대조 병변 모두 치료 후에 유의성 있게 호전되었으나, 두 병변 간의 차이에는 유의성이 없었다. 이상 반응은 나타나지 않았으므로 안전성도 확인되었다. 결론 : 용해성 히알루론산 마이크로니들 패치와 외용제 병행치료는 외용제만 사용하였을 때보다 L-SCORAD index 및 피부 건조감 VAS, 피부 수분 함유량에 있어서 아토피피부염의 증상을 유의성 있게 개선시켰다.

Objectives : The objective of this study is to predict how future infectious diseases will affect healthcare utilization patterns within korean medicine hospitals and, specifically, departments of ophthalmology, otolaryngology and dermatology of Korean medicine. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients who visited Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital during Pre COVID-19(from March 1st, 2018 to Feb 29th, 2019) and Post COVID-19(from March 1st, 2019 to Feb 28th, 2022). The data was analyzed by visit type and diagnosed disease code. Results : 1. After the COVID-19 break-out, the number of first visit patients increased but those of revisit patients, total patients, and revisit/first visit ratio decreased in all departments. 2. In Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, the decrease rate of the number of total patients diagnosed with diseases of respiratory system(J00-J99) was the highest, while that for diseases of circulatory system(I00-I99) was the lowest. 3. In the department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology of Korean Medicine, the decrease rate of the number of total patients with nose disease was the highest, followed by eye disease and ear disease. 4. In the department of Dermatology of Korean Medicine, the number of total patients with dermatitis remained consistent, while the number of total patients with skin appendage disease showed relatively high decrease rate. Conclusions : Severe or chronic diseases showed relatively low decrease rate of the number of total patients. While mild diseases or diseases with high probability of exposure to COVID-19 infection during treatment showed high decrease rate of the number of total patients.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the treatments of Stomatitis in Korean medicine. Methods : We reviewed domestic journals through databases on RISS, KISS, OASIS, KISTI to search case reports and follow-up studies about 'Stomatitis' and '口瘡' using the terms with 'Korean medicine' or 'Korean medicine treatment'. Also, we used CNKI to find Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) from Chinese journals by using the term '口腔炎'. Results : A total of 16 articles were searched. Those of 7 are case report, 2 are follow-up study, 7 are RCTs. The way to treat stomatitis were through using herb medicine, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, herbal acupuncture, external preparation, indirect moxibustion and so on. All papers reported that after Korean medicine treatment, symptoms of stomatitis are relieved. Conclusions : According to these journals, Korean medicine is helpful to treat Stomatitis. In the future, more clinical studies are needed to establish the foundation of Korean medicine to treat stomatitis.

Objectives : The aim of this study is to report the improvement of symptoms in patients with systemic erythema multiforme through Korean medicine treatment. Methods : We treated 51 years old male patient who diagnosed with erythema multiforme for 15 days with acupuncture, herbal medicine, pharmacopucture, cupping therapy and Hwangryunhaedok-tang wet dressing therapy. We used two herbal medicine; Hwabanhaedok-tang for first 10 days and Danggwieumja for another 5 days. Improvement of symptoms was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and photography of lesions. Results : Most of the erythema disappeared, leaving only pigmentation. Subjective symptoms of patients such as itching, hot flash, dryness were decreased from VAS 7 to VAS 1-2. Conclusions : We found that Korean medicine treatment including herbal medicine, acupuncture was effective in improving systemic acute erythema multiforme.