• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.157-166
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• 2007

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate anti-arthritic effects of Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture extract through inhibitory MIF activation. Methods: After Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) knee joint was induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in vivo, Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture solution was applied on $ST_{35}$(犢鼻) and $EX-LE_{202}$(內膝眼) coresponding human body. To research the effect on the expression of MIF, COX-2, MMP-9 mRNA, RT-PCR was performed on LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Results: In the Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture solution treated Raw 264.7 cell, the mRNA expression of cytokines, RA related inflammation factors, such as the MIF, COX-2, and MMP-9 reduced concentration dependently. Positive reaction of RA-related cytokines MIF, $IL-6R-{\alpha}$, STAT3, COX-2, MMP-9 was reduced. Conclusion : Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture extract has significant protecting ability against acute progressive RA by inhibiting the production of MIF, as a top in cytokines related to inflammation.