• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.437-448
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• 2023

Diabetic ulcer is usually seen in people with uncontrolled blood sugar. Reportedly, many factors such as impaired glucose metabolism, and macrovascular and microvascular diseases caused angiogenesis disorders and delayed the healing of diabetic ulcers, thus affecting the body's metabolism, nutrition, and immune function. This study aimed to explore the effect of paeonol on skin wound healing in diabetic rats and the related mechanism. A rat model of diabetic ulcer was established. High glucose-treated mouse skin fibroblasts were co-cultured with M1 or M2-polarized macrophages treated with or without paeonol. H&E and Masson staining were used to reveal inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, respectively. Immunohistochemistry visualized the expression of Ki67, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Western blot was used to detect interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-4, IL-10, CD31, VEGFA, and collagen I/III. The expression of iNOS and arginase 1 was revealed by immunofluorescence staining. Paeonol treatment augmented collagen deposition and the expression of Ki67, CD31, VEGF, and macrophage M2 polarization markers (IL-4 and IL-10) and reduced wound area, inflammatory cell infiltration, and macrophage M1 polarization markers (IL-1β and TNF-α) in the ulcerated area. In vitro, paeonol treatment promoted M2-polarization and repressed M1-polarization in macrophages, thereby improving the repair of cell damage induced by high glucose. Paeonol accelerates the healing of diabetic ulcers by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.44-53
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• 2024

Background and purpose: The anti-aging standard forest healing program (ASFHP), which uses forest therapy, was reported to be effective in improving psychological, physical, and cognitive functions. However, there are several challenges to directly visiting the forest. This study aimed to investigate the impact of multi-session ASFHP with forest visit on the mental and physical health of the older people with visits to forest facilities and compared them with those of the same program conducted indoors. Methods: Individuals aged over 70 years with concerns about cognitive decline were recruited at dementia relief centers and divided into control and experimental groups. A total of 33 people were administered ASFHP under the supervision of a forest therapy instructor. The control group stayed indoors, while the experimental group visited a forest healing center and repeated the program 20 weeks. Results: The multiple-session ASFHP positively affected cognitive impairment screening test (CIST) total scores (p=0.002), memory (p=0.014), Korean version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status total scores (p<0.001), immediate recall (p=0.001), visuospatial/construction (p<0.001), language (p<0.001), forest healing standard questionnaire total scores (p=0.002), and cognitive function (p=0.019), regardless of location. The forest visits during the ASFHP showed positive effects on orientation (p=0.035), delayed recall (p=0.042), emotional stability (p=0.032), physical activity (p=0.005), and health (p=0.022). The CIST scores of the memory domain were the strongest indicator of the multiple-session ASFHP effects. Conclusions: The 20-week multi-session ASFHP with forest visit showed effects on cognitive improvement and physical and emotional stability compared to indoor education.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.465-470
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• 2023

This study aims to understand marine therapy through an overall review of the marine therapy industry and provide basic data for policy establishment on marine therapy based on this. Talasotherapy refers to the medical use of marine climate, seawater, marine mud, algae, sand and other marine extracts, which are beneficial components of the ocean for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Centers in Taean, Goseong, Uljin, and other marine healing pilot projects should be well combined with programs within rehabilitation clinics so that local tourism and marine healing programs can be combined, and how well the existing marine infrastructure is established is a very important factor. Establish legal and institutional foundations, inter-ministerial and central-local cooperative governance by reorganizing laws and regulations related to marine healing and establishing a cooperative system between ministries and regions. It is necessary to expand the function of the marine therapy R&D project to play a role as a marine therapy center for each coastal region.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2015

Background Wound healing is an interaction of a complex signaling cascade of cellular events, including inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. $K^+$ channels modulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Here, we investigated whether $K^+$ channel-activated MAPK signaling directs collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in wound healing. Methods The human skin fibroblast HS27 cell line was used to examine cell viability and collagen synthesis after potassium chloride (KCl) treatment by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and western blotting. To investigate whether $K^+$ ion channels function upstream of MAPK signaling, thus affecting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, we examined alteration of MAPK expression after treatment with KCl (channel inhibitor), NS1619 (channel activator), or kinase inhibitors. To research the effect of KCl on angiogenesis, angiogenesis-related proteins such as thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), anti-angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pro-angiogenic factor were assayed by western blot. Results The viability of HS27 cells was not affected by 25 mM KCl. Collagen synthesis increased dependent on time and concentration of KCl exposure. The phosphorylations of MAPK proteins such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 increased about 2.5-3 fold in the KCl treatment cells and were inhibited by treatment of NS1619. TSP1 expression increased by 100%, bFGF expression decreased by 40%, and there is no significant differences in the VEGF level by KCl treatment, TSP1 was inhibited by NS1619 or kinase inhibitors. Conclusions Our results suggest that KCl may function as a therapeutic agent for wound healing in the skin through MAPK signaling mediated by the $K^+$ ion channel.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2021

PURPOSE: Aging causes a decrease in muscle mass and a change in posture, which reduces motor function and makes it difficult to perform daily activities independently. As these factors are closely related to the deterioration of the quality of life, it is very important to prevent and manage negative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Forest healing is a nature therapy course that maintains and promotes health using various environmental factors in a forest. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the forest healing anti-aging programs on the physical health of the elderly. METHODS: Ten elderly people participated in this study, as part of a forest healing anti-aging program for two days. Functional fitness, muscle strength, gait function, and balance were evaluated before and after the program. RESULTS: The number of arm curls, chair stands, and steps in a 2-min walk significantly increased (p < .05). 8-feet up & go time was significantly decreased (p < .05). Biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, and calf muscle strength were significantly increased (p < .05). Gait velocity and cadence were significantly increased (p < .05). Step length, stride length, step time, swing time, stance time, and cycle time were significantly decreased (p < .05). Reaching distance in the lateral directions was significantly increased (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The forest healing anti-aging program improves the physical health of the elderly.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.629-636
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• 2011

This paper describes the smart structural system that uses smart materials for real-time monitoring and active control of bolted joints in steel structures. The impedance-based structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, which utilize the electro-mechanical coupling property of piezoelectric materials, was used to detect loose bolts in bolted joints. By monitoring the measured electrical impedance and comparing it with the measured baseline, a bolt loosening damage was detected. The damage was evaluated quantitatively using the damage metrics in conductance signature with respect to the healthy states. When loosening damage was detected in the bolted joint, the external heater actuated the shape memory alloy (SMA) washer. Then the heated SMA washer expanded axially and adjusted the bolt tension to restore the lost torque. An experiment was conducted by integrating the piezoelectric-material-based SHM function and the SMA-based active control function on a bolted joint, after which the performance of thesmart self-healing joint system was investigated.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.462-470
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• 2022

Background Reactive oxygen species cause serious damage to the physiological function of tissues. Determination of total antioxidant capacity of skin tissue is one of the determinants of damaged tissue function. Mast cells (MCs) are one of the groups of cells that are invited to the site of injury. The healing process begins with the rapid release of various types of MCs' intermediate factors at the site of injury. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) production and secretion have been shown to regenerate the skin. The aim of this research was to evaluate the wound-healing and antioxidant effects of BMMSCs per MCs. Methods Fifty-four albino Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: (1) nonsurgery, (2) surgery, and (3) surgery + BMMSCs. Groups 2 and 3 were operated with a 3 × 8 cm flap and in group 3, cell injections (7 × 10⁹ cell injection at the time of surgery) were performed. After days 4, 7, and 15, percentage of the surviving tissue, histological characteristics, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the groups. For results, Graph Pad Prism 8 software was used, and data were analyzed and compared by analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results BMMSCs' application decreased the amount of MDA, increased SOD activity and survival rate of the flaps, and improved the histological characteristics. Conclusion This study revealed the protective effects BMMSCs alongside MCs against oxidative stress on the survival of the flaps. However, for clinical use, more research is needed to determine its benefits.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the fracture healing effect of extracts from Cnidium officinale and Angelica sinensis (CO/AS) in mice with femoral fracture. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal, control (phospate-bufferd saline), positive control (tramadol), CO/AS extract 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg. By using Collier's method, all groups except normal group went through femoral fracture. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured to evaluate the safety of CO/AS. Hematoxylin & eosin, Safranin O staining, x-ray, tensile and compressive force were conducted to assess the effect of CO/AS on fracture. Results The liver function test showed AST, ALT and LDH in CO/AS at 14th and 28th days were not significantly different compared with control group. The renal function test showed BUN in CO/AS at 14th days and BUN and creatinine in CO/AS at 28th days were significantly decreased compared with control group. The morphological & histological analysis and x-ray showed that CO/AS promoted cartilage and callus formation process compared with control group. The tensile and compressive forces test showed tensile in CO/AS 40 mg/kg and tensile & compressive forces in CO/AS 80 mg/kg were significantly increased compared with control group. Conclusions CO/AS extract showed the possibility that it promotes early fracture union and increases bone tensile and compressive strength, while does not have hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, CO/AS has a potential to promote healing of bone fracture and this study warranted the clinical usage of CO/AS at bone fracture.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.5-26
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• 1982

In order to study the effects of traimcinolone acetonide on the wound healing of tongue, eight two healthy albino rats were asesthetized with pentothal. The wound, approximately 1mm in depth and 2mm in diameter, was created on the midlateral aspect of tongue with the tip of small rongeur fourcep. Forty one animals were employed in one of the following groups:(I) Control group: Received 0.5ml/100gm B.W. of saline suspension intralesionally at weekly interval until sacrificed.(II) Experimental group: Received $100\mu\textrm{g}/100gm$ B.W. of trimacinolone acet- onide suspension intralesionally at weekly interval until sacrificed. Biopsy specimens of wounds were taken at 6,18,24 hours, 2,3,5,7,14 and 28 days after wounding. The specimens were sectioned, and observed with light microscope and electron microscope. The results were as follows : 1. In the triamcinolone acetonide treated wound, the epithelial and fibroblastic regeneration were dealayed when compared with controls. 2. After triamcinolone acetonide treated, edema was decreased at the early stage of wound healing. 3. In the triamcinolone acetonide treated wound, the fibroblasts exhibited fine morphological changes and reduction of collagen formation. It seems that triamcinolone acetonide inhibits fibroblast function.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.13-21
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• 2018

The elderly are more likely to experience passive emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression due to decreased physiological function and low participation in social activities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to seek how to apply biophilic design from a healing perspective considering mental health to the residential space for the elderly. Biophilic design has a positive effect on the psychological stability of human being and the creation of a human-centered environment that provides various benefits to people's health through the combination with natural elements. The method of this study is as follows. First, survey tools are developed by reviewing literature related to biophilic design and planning factors in housing. Second, we conduct the survey around mental health status and preference of applying biophilic design patterns to the elderly and pre-elderly. Third, we propose a plan to apply biophilic design patterns in houses based on the analyzed results. The biophilic design pattern covered in this study is meaningful in that it seeks clues, the housing plan to create healing environment for the elderly with the nature friendly view.