• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.50-62
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• 2003

Objective: Bee Venom(BV) has been used for various kinds of inflammatory or painful conditions in Oriental Medicine clinics, and there publishes reports on its therapeutic effects and the probable mechanism of those therapeutic effects, where CDs and cytokines plays important role. This study investigated the influences of bee venom on the expressions of CDs and cytokines of HMC cell line Methods: In this study we analysed the expression profile of HMC cell line treated with BV of 10-2ug/ml in relation to that of HMC cell line treated with vehicle by way of CD/cytokine microarray hybridization with 342 genes on it. Results: There were no upregulated genes by more than 3 fold, while there showed some downregulated genes by less than 1/3 fold as follows: colony stimulating factor 2, CD122, IL-7, CD112, TNF-alpha, CD138, CD166, TGFbetaR2, CD42b, CD62L, CD111, interleukin 10 receptor alpha, colony stimulating factor 1(macrophage), CD38 antigen(p45), CD121a, CD33 antigen(gp67), colony stimulating factor 1 receptor, B cell linker protein (SLP65) mRNA, CD94, alanyl(membrane) aminopeptidase, immunoglobulin(CD79A) binding protein 1, CD205, CD241, CD207, CDw121b, integrin alpha L(CD11a), integrin beta 1(CD29), CD91, CD42b. Conclusions: Bee venom treatment induced downregulation of some CDs or cytokines including $TNF-{\alpha}$. IL-1R with its possible implication in an antiinflammatory action of BV. Further research on expression profile changes induced by BV treatment is expected.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.63-79
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• 2003

Objective: It makes a through study on the popularization and usefulness paln of Moxa Combustion, therefore popularizing practical use of that. Methods: It was based on the established treatises and books, in order to studying about the literature of Moxa Combustion Results & Conclusions: It makes a through study on the whole of Moxa Combustion, the results as follows. 1. We explained(illustrated) the origin, history, classification and mechanism(effect) of Moxa Combustion 2. The study of standardization plan of Moxa Combustion for popularization - The thermal stimulation of Moxa Combustion was decided the characteristic pattern of combustion temperature by moxa burning and that makes a measure to grasp the effective action of Moxa Combustion upon human body. Thereupon it is necessary to continue further studies by analysing the characteristic pattern of combustion temperature by moxa burning and there clinical effects in practice. 3. The usefulness of Moxa Combustion - The therapeutic effect of Moxa Combustion are hematopoiesis(increase the blood), analgesic function, increase the immunity, antioxidant activity, diuretic action, control of hormone(endocrine gland), supression of carcinogenesis, increase the self involution(natural healing), decrease of GOT/GPT, Glucose, Cholesterol level.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.111-119
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxa bucket moxibustion, to be used as the quantitative data through the measurement of temperature, and to grasp the thermodynamic characteristics of moxa bucket moxibustion. Methods : We have selected the moxa bucket moxibustion. We have made a comparative study of the thermodynamic characteristics of moxa bucket moxibustion. We have examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa bucket moxibustion made by oak wood. Results : 1. We could design the moxa bucket moxibustion so that it has $57.6^{\circ}C$ maximum temperature with 7g weight and 10mm height, if we use more weight of moxa or lower height of moxa, we can observe relatively elevated maximum temperature. We observed the maximum temperature following the measuring position of moxa bucket and we could see higher temperature at the center of the moxa bucket and lower temperature at the side of the moxa bucket. 2. We could design the moxa bucket moxibustion with 5g moxa and 10mm height so that it has 0.12 $1^{\circ}C/sec$ of maximum temperature gradient, and it has relatively high temperature gradient at lower weight and height condition. 3. We could design the moxa bucket moxibustion with 7g moxa and 15mm height so that it has 4,135sec of the longest effective temperature combustion time. If we use more weight of moxa or higher height of moxa, we can observe relatively extended effective temperature combustion time. Conclusions : We observed the longest effective combustion time following the measuring position of moxa bucket. We can see a higher temperature at the center of the moxa bucket and a lower temperature at the side of the moxa bucket.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.169-176
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• 1983

It is well known that the acupuncture has been used effectively for the relief of certain types of pain. Although the precise mechanism of action of acupuncture analgesia is unknown, it is generally accepted that their analgesic properties are related to the activation of endogenous opiate system in central nervous system. And it is suggested that pain-relieving properties of acupunture may be related to a stimulation of peripheral nerve underlying the acupuncture point on the skin. However, the efficacy of acupuncture has no relationship between the site of pain and the acupuncture point. Consequently, the present study was undertaken to investigate electroacupuncture analgesia in relation to the site of peripheral nerve stimulation. Cats were decerebrated ischemically and the flexion reflex as an index of pain was elicited by stimulating the sural nerve (20V, 0.5 msec duration) and recored as a compound action potential from the nerve innervated to the posterior biceps femoris muscle in the ipsilateral hindlimb. Bilateral common peroneal nerve and contralateral superficial radial nerve were selected as the site of peripheral nerve stimulation. For the stimulation of peripheral nerve, a stimulus of 20 V intensity, 2 msec-duration and 2 Hz-frequency was applied for 60 min respectively. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1) Both stimulation of contralateral common peronal nerve and contralateral superficial radial nerve did not change the flexion reflex and there were no significant differences between them. 2) Stimulation of ipsilateral common peroneal nerve markedly depress the flexion reflex, the effect being reversed by naloxone application. These results suggest that stimulation of ipsilateral common peroneal nerve has the analgesic effect but both stimulation of contralteral common peroneal nerve and contralateral superficial radial nerve to the pain site where flexion reflex was elicited have no analgesic effect.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.109-119
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• 2001

Objective : There are many reports that acupuncture has thermoregulatory effects on human and animals. To investigate the effect and mechanism of antipyretic action of acupuncture, we observed the body temperature and cytokine expressions in the hypothalamus of rats. Methods : Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, i.p., 2.5mg/kg) was injected to conscious rats (Sprague-Dawley, male, n=4l) to cause hyperthermia and simple needling (stainless steel, 0.25 mm o.d., 5 mm insertion for 10 sec with no manipulation) was performed bilaterally with the measurement of rectal temperature. Next, we sacrificed rats to remove brain and determined the level of mRNA for interleukin-6 (IL-6), $interleukin-1{\beta}{\;}(IL-1{\beta})$, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and $interferon-{\gamma}{\;}(IFN-{\gamma})$ in the hypothalamus by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Resul1s : Needling on forepaw (acupoint HT8) and needling on hindpaw (acupoint BL66 and acupoint LR2) significantly inhibited LPS-induced fever of rats (P<0.01, 10 min after treatment respectively), but same treatment on proximal tail (non-acupoint) did not cause any change on fever. The levels of IL-6 and $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA in the hypothalamus was significantly enhanced by LPS-injection, while the level of IL-6 and $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA was markedly reduced after treatment on BL66 (P<0.01). Treatment on forepaw reduced it slightly, but not significantly. Equivalent stimulation on proximal tail did not cause any changes. Conclusions : Our results indicate that acupuncture stimulation on various body parts has differential thermoregulatory effects on LPS-induced fever of rats with site-specificity. And, we suggest that its antipyretic action might be accompanied with the suppression of hypothalamic production of pro-inflammatory cytokine of immune system, IL-6 and $IL-1{\beta}$.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.92-97
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• 2001

목적 :본 연구는 최근 임상에서 많이 사용하는 자하거 약침액이 과산화수소($H_2O_2$)로 야기된 송과선 세포의 Apoptosis에 있어서 세포 보호에 미치는 영향과 그 기전을 분석하였다. 방법 :송과선 세포주에서 자하거 약침액의 $H_2O_2$로 인한 Apoptosis에 대한 방어 기전을 관찰하기 위하여 면역세포화학법. 세포화학법 및 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)을 시행하였다. 결과 : 자하거 약침액 투여군에서는 nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase의 발현이 $H_2O_2$ 투여군보다 감소하였다. RT-PCR에서는 caspase-3의 발현이 자하거 약침액 투여군에서 $H_2O_2$ 투여군보다 억제되었다. 결론： 이상의 결과를 통하여 자하거 약침액이 $H_2O_2$로 유발된 Apoptosis에서 세포보호 효과가 있으며 그 기전은 iNOS와 caspase-3의 억제에 기인할 가능성을 시사한다고 하겠다.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.25-39
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• 1997

Shoulder hand syndrome is characterized by pain, vasomotor instability, and tenderness, mainly in the distal upper extremity. The pathophysiologic mechanism of this syndrome is not yet proved. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of thermographic imaging on shoulder hand syndrome after stroke for early diagnosis and its clinical pattern analysis including acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy. This study was performed from June to September in 1996 on 46 stroke patients who were admitted at Oriental hospital of Kyung Hee Medical Center. The study group were 23 patients with shoulder hand syndrome. The control group were 23 patients without shoulder hand syndrome. Skin temperatures on the both upper extremities were measured by Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(D.I.T.I.) before the study and 3 weeks later again. The results were as follows; 1. The shoulder hand syndrome group were significantly more restricted in shoulder passive range of motion than the control group. 2. The shoulder hand syndrome group showed significant temperature difference of both dorsal hands. 3. The electroacupunture therapy group were significantly more improved on the temperature difference of both dorsal hands than acupuncture therapy group in 3 weeks later. 4. Both posterior arms showed the biggest temperature difference from 11 to 30 days in shoulder hand syndrome group. 5. The lesser passive ROM(range of motion) of shoulder group showed significantly increased temperature difference of both hands. The above results show that measurement of shoulder passive range of motion and D.I.T.I. is a useful method for early diagnosis on shoulder hand syndrome and its clinical pattern analysis including evaluation of acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy. Continuous study will be needed for more clinical application and evaluation on shoulder hand syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.94-98
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• 2014

Numerous oral and maxillofacial surgeons have found facial space infections after tooth extraction. Most of these infections can be managed easily, but some of them could be life-threatening. Among the facial infections, temporal space infections are rare. Most temporal space infections could be observed as secondary to maxillary third molar infections, maxillary sinusitis, and maxillary sinus fractures. Note, however, that there are insufficient studies on temporal space abscess due to mandibular second molars, especially with acupuncture. A 74-year-old female came to our hospital with severe trismus and facial swelling on the right temporal, buccal, posterior auricular, and cervical regions. The patient had undergone extraction of tooth #47 secondary to dental caries by a general dentist about a month ago. After the dental procedure, the patient had been treated with acupuncture therapy around the right temporomandibular joint area at the oriental medicine clinic. We performed emergency incision and drainage under general anesthesia and started antibiotic treatment with IV ampicillin/sulbactam 3 g every 24 hours and vancomycin 1 g every 24 hours for 5 days. The patient's symptoms subsided and ultimately disappeared. Temporal space abscess after mandibular molar extraction is quite rare. In this case, the spreading mechanism against gravity is considered to be acupuncture therapy.

• 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.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.302-312
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine whether Phellodendri Cortex extract (PCE) could improve learning and memory impairments caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the rat brain. The effect of PCE on modulating pro-inflammatory mediators in the hippocampus and its underlying mechanism were investigated. Injection of LPS into the lateral ventricle caused acute regional inflammation and subsequent deficits in spatial learning ability in the rats. Daily administration of PCE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 days markedly improved the LPS-induced learning and memory disabilities in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance test. PCE administration significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-$1{\beta}$, and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in the hippocampus, as assessed by RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry. Together, these findings suggest that PCE significantly attenuated LPS-induced spatial cognitive impairment through inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in the rat brain. These results suggested that PCE may be effective in preventing or slowing the development of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, by improving cognitive and memory function because of its anti-inflammation activity in the brain.