• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.184-190
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• 2010

Clinical cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported during the recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for the anemia patients. PRCA is a rare hematological disorder leading to a severe anemia due to an almost complete stop of red blood cell production. Antibody (Ab)-associated PRCA is caused by the EPO-neutralizing Abs that eliminate the biological activity of EPO. In order to detect anti-EPO Abs in human sera, we performed conventional ELISA, directly coated bridging ELISA, and streptavidin coated bridging ELISA, and compared their sensitivity and specificity. Some false positive results were obtained in the conventional ELISA. One positive sample was detected successfully by streptavidin coated bridging ELISA, which was not appeared in the directly coated bridging ELISA. In conclusion, streptavidin coated bridging ELISA was substantially sensitive and specific format and one out of sixty-eight serum samples was proved to be anti-EPO positive.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2018

Objectives: To observe the mitigating effects of a Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) treatment program especially including pharmacopuncture, with Cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin chemotherapy on a both sides breast cancer patient. Methods: AA 74 year-old female patient diagnosed with both sides breast cancer (Right) pT1bpN0M0, (Left) pT1cpN1Mx was admitted to hospital of Dong-eui university in May of 2017. She received Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin from May $31^{st}$ to August $2^{nd}$, 2017 followed by TKM treatment consisting of herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and pharmacopuncture (Trionycis Carapax, Non-toxic Bee Venom, and Cultivated Wild Ginseng Extract) for a period of almost 4 months, from May $13^{th}$ to August $19^{th}$, 2017. Symptoms were evaluated by the grade of chief complaints refer to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). Results: TKM including pharmacopuncture alleviated chemotherapy-induced nausea, fatigue, joint pain, diarrhea, insomnia. Conclusions: This case study potentiates TKM with pharmacopuncture's significant efficacy in aiding breast cancer patients suffering from Cyclophosphamide plus Doxorubicin induced adverse effects. Further research should take place for clear understanding of the exact amount of dosage and safety. Moreover it must be accompanied by long-term follow up researches.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.424-455
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• 2002

Diabetes mellitus is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. The insufficiency of medication to cope with this burden has coincided with a dramatic rise in the prevalence of use of complementary and alternative therapies, especially herbal treatments. This surge in demand presents a challenge to prove the safety and efficacy of these treatments in diabetes. Korean red ginseng (steam treated Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a strong candidate to succeed. It has been shown to possess a multitude of hypoglycemic effects and improve metabolic disturbances related to diabetes in in vitro and animal models. Data in humans is also emerging to support these benefits. Whether these results can be replicated in a rigorous clinical testing program is unclear. We therefore investigated the antidiabetic effects of Korean red ginseng in a series of 2 acute and 1 longterm randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials. This paper provides the rationale for this program of study, expanding on the problem of diabetes, its management, and the possible role for Korean red ginseng. It then describes the design and expected findings.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.141-154
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• 2021

Objectives: Pharmacopuncture is a Korean medicine treatment that combines acupuncture and herbal medicines. The aim of this study was to investigate the current usage status of pharmacopuncture for insomnia among Korean medicine doctors (KMDs). Methods: We conducted a self-reporting online survey targeting KMDs from February 23 to March 15, 2021 with cooperation of the Association of Korean Medicine. Responses of 957 KMDs were analyzed. Results: Types of pharmacopuncture mainly used in treatment for insomnia were placenta pharmacopuncture and Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture. Cephalic and facial region were preferred as the treatment site. For one treatment, total usage of pharmacopuncture was more than 0.5 cc but less than 1 cc. Among respondents, the largest number of respondents thought that clinical experience and patient symptoms were important as selection criteria of acupoints using Pharmacopuncture for insomnia. Average treatment duration of using Pharmacopuncture for insmonia was more than 4 weeks. Most KMDs preferred treatment for one to four times a week regarding the treatment cycle. The use of Pharmacopuncture for insomnia was recognized as having a good effect, although other KMDs were concerned about the insufficient evidence and the high cost due to non-reimbursement of pharmacopuncture therapy. Conclusions: In order to activate pharmacopuncture treatment for insomnia, it is necessary to secure effectiveness and safety through basic research, create evidence through clinical research, and reduce costs for patients.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.150-161
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• 2019

Objectives : The authors aimed at contributing to the safety of acupuncture in the clinic by analyzing the information of contraindicated acupoints described in Uihakipmun. Methods : We investigated the contents related acupuncture contraindications in Uihakipmun, categorized the contraindicated acupoints by site and identified whether they can cause adverse events from the anatomical point of view. Results : In Uihakipmun, 49 acupoints - BL6, BL8, BL9, ST1, SI18, BL1, BL2, TE18, TE19, TE20, GB1, GB3, GV22, GV24, ST12, ST9, TE16, GV6, BL15, BL30, CV17, LU2, GB22, SP16, CV8, CV9, CV15, KI11, ST30, SP11, BL56, GB32, GB33, GB42, LI13, HT2, TE8, GV17, GB18, EX-HN11, GB21, GV11, GV10, ST17, CV5, CV1, ST42, SP6, LI4 - were described as contraindicated acupoints. Among them, the contraindications induced by acupuncture treatment were described for just 5 acupoints. Anatomically, acupuncture stimulation at the contraindicated acupoints can cause organ, nerve or vessel damage near the acupoints. And the number of contraindicated acupoints in Uihakipmun was increased compared to those in Hwangjenaegyeong, Chimgugabeulgyeong, Bigeupcheongeumyobang, Donginsuhyeolchimgudogyeong and Chimgujasaenggyeong. Conclusions : In Ming dynasty, the knowledge associated with adverse events on acupuncture was increased by the accumulation of medical knowledge. Acupuncture stimulation at the contraindicated acupoints described in Uihakipmun can cause tissue damage, therefore we should perform acupuncture procedure carefully to avoid adverse events when stimulating the contraindicated acupoints.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.151-162
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the perception that gynecological surgery patients have on Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) treatment. Methods: We studied the perception of TKM treatment by questionnaire from August, 2008 to Febrary, 2009 in Kyung-Hee University East-West Neo medical center. A questionnaire was given to 180 women and 150 women answered. Results: Out of 150 women, 93 women(62%) had been given TKM treatment during the last 3 years, while 57 women(32%) hadn't. 53 women(35.5%) had taken herbal medicine within the last 2 weeks, while 97 women(64.7%) hadn't. 71 women(47.3%) reported that they had been given TKM treatment related to the causative disease for the operation, while 22 women(14.7%) hadn't. And 97 women(64.7%) indicated that they were willing to use TKM as a part of their postoperative medical care, 53 women(35.3%) indicated that they weren't. Conclusion: Many patients are willing to take TKM treatment as postoperative care. We need more accumulation of data for demonstrating the efficacy and safety of TKM treatment.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.199-208
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• 2015

Objectives : In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (EESB) on the progression of cell cycle in human renal cell carcinoma Caki-1 cells. Methods : The effects of EESB on cell growth and apoptosis induction were evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results : It was found that EESB treatment on Caki-1 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and induced apoptotic cell death as detected by Annexin V-FITC staining. The flow cytometric analysis indicated that EESB resulted in G2/M arrest in cell cycle progression which was associated with the down-regulation of cyclin A expression. Our results also revealed that treatment with EESB increased the mRNA and proteins expression of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1), without any noticeable changes in cyclin B1, Cdk2 and Cdc2. In addition, the incubation of cells with EESB resulted in a significant increase in the binding of p21 and Cdk2 and Cdc2. These findings suggest that EESB-induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in Caki-1 cells is mediated through the p53-mediated upregulation of Cdk inhibitor p21. Conclusions : Taken together, these findings suggest that EESB may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent and further studies will be needed to identify the biological active compounds that confer the anti-cancer activity of S. baicalensis.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.61-72
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• 2009

Objectives : This experimental study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution manufactured with freezing dryness method to use eye drop. To identify the use of it as eye drop, the eye irritation test of rabbits and the antibacterial test of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Candida albicans were performed. Methods : 1. The eye irritation test of this material was performed according to the Regulation of Korea Food & Drug Administration(2005. 10. 21, KFDA 2005-60). After Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution was administered in the left eye of the rabbits, eye irritation of the cornea, iris and conjunctiva was observed at 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7day. 2. After administering Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution on bacterial species(Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Candida albicans) which cause Keratitis, MIC(Minimum Inhibition Concentration) and the size of inhibition zone were measured. Anti-bacterial potency was also measured using the size of inhibition zone. Results : 1. After Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution was administered in the left eye of the rabbits, it was found that none of nine rabbits have abnormal signs and weight changes. 2. After Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution was medicated in the left eye of the rabbits, no eye irritation of the cornea, iris and conjunctiva was observed at 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7day. 3. There was no response to MIC on bacterial species(Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Candida albicans) after Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution was medicated. Conclusions : The present study suggests that Bovis Calculus pharmacopuncture solution is a nontoxic and non-irritant medicine, which does not cause eye irritation in rabbits, but dosen't have antibacterial effects on bacterial species(Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Candida albicans) which cause Keratitis. These study result recommends that more research on other herbal medicines of eye drop for Keratitis are required.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2023

Skin and joint diseases are relatively common in dogs. Nutritional complementation is one of the various management strategies for these disorders. This study evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of Kyungokgo-gamibang in dogs with skin and joint diseases. Thirty dogs with diseases were included and divided into three groups: control group (n = 15), skin group (n = 10), and joint group (n = 5). The skin and joint groups were fed skin and joint gums composed of Kyungokgo-gamibang extract with standard treatment for four weeks. The control group included dogs with skin diseases who were administered standard skin infection treatment for 4 weeks. The physical and laboratory results showed no remarkable adverse effects of Kyungokgo-gamibang extract after its administration in dogs. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using quality of life scale, and levels of cytokines, including interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α, for 4 weeks in all groups. Dermatologic clinical scales were performed for 4 weeks in the control and skin groups. Both the control and skin groups had significantly decreased dermatologic clinical scales, including pruritus and erythema scales (p < 0.05). Among the cytokine levels, only IL-2 concentration was significantly decreased in the skin group after 4 weeks of administration of the Kyungokgo-gamibang extract (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference between the levels of cytokines on days 0 and 28 in the joint group. The quality of life scale was significantly increased after week 4 compared to week 0 in the skin (p = 0.008) and joint groups (p = 0.041). This study suggests that Kyungokgo-gamibang extract can be applied in managing dogs affected by skin and joint diseases without adverse effects.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1081-1100
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• 2019

Objectives: This study is an overview of the meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials investigating the clinical effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture for patients with stroke. Methods: Core electronic databases were searched from their inception to 21 May 2019. A measurement tool to assess systematic reviews (AMSTAR 2) was applied to screen high-quality studies. The results of these studies were summarized, and additional meta-analysis was conducted. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Results: Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria. Four were excluded owing to insufficiency of AMSTAR 2 or low data reliability. The finally selected 12 studies were about pharmacopuncture using either a single herb extract, such as Dengzhan xixin, Sanch, Ginkgo biloba, or Acanthopanax, or a mixture of herbs, such as Compound danshen, Shenxiong, Xingnaojing, or Mailuoning. Most of the patients were from China, with acute ischemic stroke. All the studies using a pharmacopuncture versus a non-pharmacopuncture design reported the significant superiority of pharmacopuncture on every outcome measure. On the other hand, in a few studies, pharmacopuncture was inferior to active control in improving neurological deficit. Few studies reported adverse events. Conclusions: It is difficult to apply the results of this study directly to Korea, because the level of evidence is generally low and the clinical settings and social acceptance of pharmacopuncture therapy differ in Korea and China. Further studies are warranted to confirm the domestic applicability of evidence generated in China and to create evidence that supports the domestic situation.