• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.365-371
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• 2006

Bee Venom aqua-acupuncture (BVA) simultaneously exerts pharmacological effects of biologically active compounds, existed in the whole bee venom, and medicinal effect of the stimulation of acupuncture points. BVA has been considered as a promising therapeutic method for treating various chronic diseases, mainly accompanying severe pain and inflammation. As a painless injection device, jet injectors have been commercially marketed for various clinical applications including insulin injection and vaccination. Among them, a pressure-driven jet injector system could be used for intradermal delivery of a variety of drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effects of the BVA using a needle-free injector (Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$, Bioject Inc., OR, USA), compared to the conventional BV aqua-acupuncture using a typical syringe. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with bee venom $(0.08mg/kg,\;50{\mu}l)$ using Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$ (BVA-B) or a syringe (BVA-5) into the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint, 30 minutes before plantar injection of 2% formalin. It was found that BVA-B-, or BVA-5-treated rats, compared to controls, exhibited significantly less licking behavior during the late phase in the rat formalin test, when compared to controls. During early phase, however, those effects were not significant but substantial. The analgesic effect of BVA-B was also compatible with that of the conventional BVA-5. In the immunohistochemical studies, BVA-B significantly suppressed the expression of formalin-evoked c-fos, a biomarker of neuronal activity, in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These results indicated that BVA-B waseffective in the modulation of pain in the rat formalin test, compared to BVA-5. Taken together, the needle-free jet injector system could be substituted for the conventional aqua- acupuncture with the advantage of little pain.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.65-84
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• 2001

We recently demonstrated that bee venom (BV) injection into acupoint (i.e. Zusanli) produced more potent anti-inflammatory and antinociciptive effect in Freunds adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model as compared with that of non-acupoint injection(i.e back). However, the precise components underlying BV-induced antinociceptive and/or anti-inflammatory effects have not been fully understood. Therefore, we further investigated the anti-arthritic effect of BV after extracting the whole BV according to solubility (water soluble: BVA, ethylacetate soluble: BVE). Subcutaneous BVA treatment (0.9 mg/kg/day) into Zusanli acupoint was found to dramatically inhibit paw edema and radiological change (i.e. new bone proliferation and soft tissue swelling) caused by Freunds adjuvant injection. In addition, the increase of serum interleukin-6 by RA induction was normalized by the BVA treatment as similar with that of non-arthritic animals. On the other hand, BVA therapy significantly reduced arthritis induced nociceptive behaviors (i.e., nociceptive score for mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia). Furthermore, BVA treatment significantly suppressed adjuvant induced Fos expression in the lumbar spinal cord at 3 weeks post-adjuvant injection. However, BVE treatment (0.05 mg/kg/day) has not any anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effect on RA. Based on the present results, we demonstrated that BVA might be a effective fraction in whole BV for long-term treatment of RA-induced pain and inflammation. However, it is clear necessary that further fraction study about BVA was required for elucidating an effective component of BVA.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.44-53
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• 2020

Objectives: Our review aimed to summarize and evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) in the treatment of shoulder pain. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of BVA on shoulder pain were searched up to October 2019 in 11 electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CiNii, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, Kmbase, NDSL, RISS, OASIS). The methodological quality of the included RCTs were evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Seven studies were included in the review, and four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Comparing BVA plus conventional therapy (CT) with saline injection plus CT, it showed an effect in favor of BVA plus CT in visual analog scale (VAS) and pain rating scale (PRS) (p = 0.02, p = 0.009, respectively). Comparing BVA plus physiotherapy (PT) with saline injection plus PT, it showed that there was no significant difference in VAS and verbal rating scale (VRS) between the two groups. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that BVA could be beneficial as an adjuvant treatment for shoulder pain.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.97-109
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• 2014

Objectives Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is emerging as a potential therapeutic option for several conditions. However, evidence regarding accurate estimates of its adverse events are not available. Therefore, by combining occurrence rates of adverse events in relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we have aimed to give an overall estimated rate of each adverse event following BVA intervention. Methods A systematic search for adverse events of BVA in Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, NDSL, KoreaMed, KISS, RISS, KISTI, and KMbase was performed. For the quality assessment of the trials, we applied the CONSORT harms reporting recommendations. The overall occurrence rate of each adverse event was assessed as the primary outcome. The overall drop-out rate due to adverse events was assessed as the secondary outcome. Results Ten RCTs reported adverse events following BVA. Two RCTs were eligible of further synthesis. Adverse events of pruritus, localized edema, and erythema occurred significantly more frequently in the BVA group compared to the control group. Data of drop-outs were available in seven RCTs. However, no comparisons showed a significant difference. Conclusions Currently evidence of adverse events is far from sufficient for assessing a reliable, precise occurrence rate. Still, limited evidence shows a tendency that adverse events occur more frequently after the appliance of BVA compared to the control. Thus, we await well designed future studies of BVA with more proper and strict harms reporting methods.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2009

1. Objectives To evaluate effects of bee venom acupuncture on cardiovascular system and differences according to each constitution. 2. Methods Heart rate variability, pulse wave and the velocity of cerebral blood flow were measured before bee venom acupuncture(BVA), right after and after 30 minuets, had been applied to 20 subjects. 3. Results 1. BVA did not have effects on measurement variables of heart rate variability. 2. BVA had effects on pulse wave, showing total time, radial augmentation index up and height of percussion wave, time to percussion wave, sum of pulse pressure down. 3. BVA did not have effects on the cerebral blood flow velocity when considering not Sasang Constitution. 4. Considering Sasang Constitution, BVA demonstrates different responses in time to preincisura wave, mean blood flow velocity, peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity. 4.Conclusion From those results, the following conclusions are obtained. Cause BVA alters pulse wave and makes differences in the cerebral blood flow velocity according to Sasang Constitution. Various methods of BVA treatment are needed considering Sasang Constitution.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.249-252
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• 2005

This study was carried out to assess hip joint in Labrador retrievers. From 1999 to 2004, 131 Labrador retrievers were tested by British Veterinary Association(BVA)/Kennel club(KC) scoring scheme, 66 were tested by $PennHIP^{(R)}$ method. In this study the mean score by BVA/KC scoring scheme was $12.5{\pm}6.6$ and the mean DI was $0.53{\pm}0.14$. It was found that Labrador retrievers of Samsung Guide Dog school have better hip joint condition than that of Labrador retrievers registered in BVA, and have similar mean DI to PennHIP breed mean score. This study suggested that using both BVA/KC scoring scheme and $PennHIP^{(R)}$ method was a specific method which can make the most possible definitive diagnosis, could provide baseline hip information for the hip joint in Labrador retrievers as Guide Dog.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2008.04a
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• pp.45-46
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• 2008

The conventional biased vertical alignment (BVA) mode has several advantages such as rubbing- and protrusion-free, wide-viewing angle and stable LC dynamics against external pressure. However manufacturing process of BVA mode is difficult task because the pixel and bias electrode signal are different in each frame. To solve this problem, we investigated the pattern free vertical alignment (PFVA) by using the UV-curable reactive mesogen (RM), in which the LC molecules were made to be pre-tilted. Eventually transmittance and response time in PFVA mode were found to be improved as compared to BVA mode.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.11-16
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• 2005

Objective : The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of BVA in the treatment of patients with acute ankle sprain. Design : A prospective randomized double-blind study of BVA was conducted. Setting : The study was done in the Kyungwon University Seoul Hospital from August 1st, 2004 to June 15th, 2005. Patients : 30 patients diagnosed with acute ankle sprain, especially 2nd degree on the Ankle grade pain chart(AGPC) participated in the study, who were divided into two groups (A and B) randomly by a coordinator flipping a coin. Group A and B were relevant to control and BVA group respectively, of which a coordinator never informed any other participant involved. Eventually 13 of 17 in group A and 11 of 13 in Group B finished all the process of the clinical trial. Intervention : In both group A and B, The Procedure of acupuncture treatment was made similar by appearance that four acupoints such as 坵墟(GB40), 中封(LR4), 商丘(SP5), 解谿(ST41) of the injured side were selected and Normal saline aqua-acupuncture(control, as a placebo) or BVA was done and then acupuncture at 坵墟(GB40), 中封(LR4), 商丘(SP5), 解谿(ST41), 足三里(ST36), 陽陵泉(G34) of the affected side was given again. the needles were retained for 20 minutes under the infrared rays. The treatment was given daily for a week. Outcome Measures : Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AHS) and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) were followed by three treatments. Statistical Analysis : Analysis regarding variations in AHS and VAS is carried out by applying Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed rank test sign test with level of significance at 5%. Results : At the end of the treatment, there was significant statistical differences between the two groups in VAS and AHS as well, while at the 3rd day only a VAS showed statistical significance. In each group, both VAS and AHS showed statistical significance along with duration of treatment. Conclusions : BVA was thought to be effective alternatives for relieving symptoms of acute ankle sprain, although further study was needed on the large scale.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.39-54
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• 2006

Objectives : Herniation of Nucleus Pulpous (HNP) of Lumbar is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture, bee venom acupuncture (BVA), and bee venom Pharmacopuncture (BVP) therapy for HNP. Methods : We separated 35 patients with HNP of L-spine into three groups; Acupuncture treated group, BVA treated group, and BVP treated group, and monitored for 30 days. 4 grades of recovery degree, score of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were examined for comparison. Results : 1. Visual Analogue Scale of low back pain and radiating pain showed significant decrease in BVA and BVP groups compared to the Acupuncture group at VAS0_2, VAS0_3 evaluations. 2. ODI of disability of daily activities showed significant decrease in BVA and BVP groups compared to the Acupuncture group at VAS0_1, VAS0_2, and VAS0_3 evaluations. 3. Compared to the Acupuncture group, BVA and BVP groups were improved in S.L.R.T and R.O.M of L-spine as confirmed by the physical examination. 4. Treatment efficacy was more apparent in acute cases as ODI was significantly lower than chronic cases. Conclusion : BVA and BVP therapies can be used in addition to the acupuncture therapy for highly effective treatment of HNP. Further clinical studies are required to verify these findings.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.63-70
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• 2002

Objective: To evaluate the effects of bee venom acupuncture(BVA) on the rehabilitation and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients Methods: Patients with RA were treated with the BVA therapy twice a week for 3 months. Tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, morning stiffness, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP), patient global assessment, physician global assessment, Korean health assessment questionnaire(KHAQ) were estimated and analyzed before and after BVA therapy. Results: Tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, morning stiffness showed significant decrease after BVA therapy. But, as acute inflammatory reactants, ESR showed no significant difference and CRP showed significant increase after BVA therapy. Patient global assessment, physician global assessment, and KHAQ index showed significant improvement after BVA therapy. Conclusions: BVA therapy can improve rehabilitation and health-related quality of life in RA patients as well as clinical symptoms and signs. Further study is required in more population with large scale including acute inflammatory reaction of BVA therapy.