• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.2335-2342
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• 2007

Laser stimulation has been widely studied and used in clinic. However, electrical response by laser stimulation on meridians has not been investigated. In this study, we compared electric potential of laser and acupuncture stimulation on meridians. We measured electric potential variation at acupoints(Samgan(LI3) and Hapgok(LI4)) on Large Intestine Meridian. In laser stimulation results, average peak electric potential is very low($7.53{\pm}3.44{\mu}V$) for before and after stimulation. However, acupuncture stimulation was performed in ground connection condition and resulted in huge variation of average peak electric potential($2.65{\pm}1.53mV$). That is, the intensity and pattern of electric potential were dependent on the ground connection condition and individual. Also, the electric potential pattern was very similar to the pattern of electric charge and discharge of capacitor. The acupuncture stimulation using a insulating needle resulted in lower average peak electric potential variation($0.25{\pm}0.16mV$) than that of acupuncture stimulation. It might present little electrical response of acupuncture stimulation using insulating needles. In point of electrical response, the laser stimulation was determined to be no acupuncture effect at meridian. Acupuncture stimulation seems to be most effective method to induce electrical response at meridians. The procedure and effect of acupuncture might be considered as energy consensus phenomenon by transportation of bio-ion charge between a practitioner and patient.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of various concentrations of Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang (HTT) pharmacopuncture on ST25 (天樞) in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.Methods Colitis was experimentally induced by feeding rats with water mixed with 5% (w/v) DSS for 20 days. The rats were divided into 5 groups: the normal group (Nor, n=5), the control group - colitis induced rats with no treatment (Con, n=5), the acupuncture group - colitis induced rats with acupuncture applied on ST25 (Acu, n=5), the pharmacopuncture group 1 - colitis induced rats with 0.729 mg/250 g/40 μl of pharmacopuncture applied on ST25 (PA-1, n=5), the pharmacopuncture group 2 - colitis induced rats with 3.645 mg/250 g/40 μl of pharmacopuncture applied on ST25 (PA-2, n=5). The changes in weight, excrement concentration and hemafecia were observed 5 times every 2 days. The colon lengths were measured from appendix to the end of colon after the experiment. Hematological and serological exams were conducted the day after the last treatment by cardiac puncturing anesthetized rats.Results ST25 is the abdominal front point (募穴) of large intestine meridian and is known to have effect in colitis. Various concentrations of HTT pharmacopuncture (HTTP) applied on ST25, in rats with DSS-induced colitis inhibited decrease in colon lengths and body weight in both PA-1 and PA-2 groups. Hematological and serological exam results also showed that HTTP has significant effect on colitis in both PA-1 and PA-2 groups.Conclusions Colon lengths were significantly increased in the acupuncture group, PA-1 group and PA-2 group, compared to the control group. The body weight was significantly increased (p<0.05) in PA-2 group after the first treatment, compared to the control group. TNF-α, IL-6, AST were significantly decreased in PA-1 and PA-2 groups, compared to the control group.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.1963-1973
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• 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of including L-glutamine along with glutamic acid as a supplement in weaned piglets' diets with and without whey powder. Methods: Two assays were carried out. A total of 40 piglets ([Landrace×Large White]×Pietrain) weaned at 24 days of age with an initial body weight of 6.6±0.6 kg were used in the first assay, and the following parameters were evaluated: growth performance, the incidence of diarrhea, morphometry, intestinal integrity, and hepatic glycogen index. The animals were then blocked into four groups according to different diets: diet all-grain feeding (G); diet all-grain feeding with whey powder (GW); and with vs without 1% supplementation of the commercial product containing L-glutamine and glutamic acid (A or NA). Whey powder was added according to the stage of life, corresponding to 17%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, in order to meet the need for lactose. The animals were evaluated at 24 to 42 days and at 24 to 55 days of age. The nutrient digestibility for the second assay was carried out by using 24 animals with an average weight of 11.49±1.6 kg, and the same diets were tested. Results: The supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid or the addition of whey powder in diets for weaned piglets provided (p<0.05) greater feed intake, greater weight gain and improved feed conversion in the initial period (24 to 42 days age). However, in the whole period (24 to 55 days age) only amino acid supplementation affected (p<0.05) growth performance. There was a positive interaction (p<0.05) between the type of diet and L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation on villus height, crypt depth and the villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum. In addition, L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the crypt depth and improved the villus:crypt ratio in the jejunum. The inclusion of whey powder affected (p<0.05) positively the digestibility coefficients analyzed except mineral matter digestibility coeficients. The supplementation of 1% the commercial product composed of L-glutamine and glutamic acid improved (p<0.05) only the digestibility coefficient of crude protein. Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementation of 1% commercial product containing L-glutamine + glutamic acid in diets for piglets from 24 to 55 days of age, dispenses with the use of whey powder when evaluating growth performance. Amino acid supplementation alone or associated with whey powder affects (p<0.05) positively the indicators of the intestinal integrity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.628-635
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• 2022

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the large intestine disease that results in chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) is known for its pharmacological activities. Persicaria tinctoria (PT) is also used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the attenuating effects of Rg3-RGE with PT on oxazolone (OXA)-induced UC in mice. Methods: A total of six groups of mice including control group, OXA (as model group, 1.5%) group, sulfasalazine (75 mg/kg) group, Rg3-RGE (20 mg/kg) group, PT (300 mg/kg) group, and Rg3-RGE (10 mg/kg) with PT (150 mg/kg) group. Data on the colon length, body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histological changes, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Real-time PCR of inflammatory factors, ELISA of inflammatory factors, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were obtained. Results: Overall, the combination treatment of Rg3-RGE and PT significantly improved the colon length and body weight and decreased the DAI in mice compared with the treatment with OXA. Additionally, the histological injury was also reduced by the combination treatment. Moreover, the NO production level and inflammatory mediators and cytokines were significantly downregulated in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the model group. Also, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) were suppressed in the combination treatment group compared with the OXA group. Furthermore, the number of immune cell subtypes of CD4⁺ T-helper cells, CD19⁺ B-cells, and CD4⁺ and CD25⁺ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) was improved in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the OXA group. Conclusion: Overall, the mixture of Rg3-RGE and PT is an effective therapeutic treatment for UC.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.1698-1710
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• 2022

Objective: Raw potato starch (RPS) is resistant to digestion, escapes absorption, and is metabolized by intestinal microflora in the large intestine and acts as their energy source. In this study, we compared the effect of different concentrations of RPS on the intestinal bacterial community of weaned piglets. Methods: Male weaned piglets (25-days-old, 7.03±0.49 kg) were either fed a corn/soybean-based control diet (CON, n = 6) or two treatment diets supplemented with 5% RPS (RPS5, n = 4) or 10% RPS (RPS10, n = 4) for 20 days and their fecal samples were collected. The day 0 and 20 samples were analyzed using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, followed by total genomic DNA extraction, library construction, and high-throughput sequencing. After statistical analysis, five phyla and 45 genera accounting for over 0.5% of the reads in any of the three groups were further analyzed. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the day 20 fecal samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: Significant changes were not observed in the bacterial composition at the phylum level even after 20 d post feeding (dpf); however, the abundance of Intestinimonas and Barnesiella decreased in both RPS treatment groups compared to the CON group. Consumption of 5% RPS increased the abundance of Roseburia (p<0.05) and decreased the abundance of Clostridium (p<0.01) and Mediterraneibacter (p< 0.05). In contrast, consumption of 10% RPS increased the abundance of Olsenella (p<0.05) and decreased the abundance of Campylobacter (p<0.05), Kineothrix (p<0.05), Paraprevotella (p<0.05), and Vallitalea (p<0.05). Additionally, acetate (p<0.01), butyrate (p<0.05), valerate (p = 0.01), and total SCFAs (p = 0.01) were upregulated in the RPS5 treatment group Conclusion: Feeding 5% RPS altered bacterial community composition and promoted gut health in weaned piglets. Thus, resistant starch as a feed additive may prevent diarrhea in piglets during weaning.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.539-545
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of beekeeping by-products added to drinking water on the growth performance and intestinal and fecal microflora of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. A total of 72 five-week-old ICR mice with an initial body weight (BW) of 24.57 ± 0.60 g were used in a two-week experiment. The four treatment groups were as follows; 1) CON, normal distilled water; 2) T1, CON with 0.7% beehive extract; 3) T2, CON with 0.7% propolis (PRO); and 4) T3, CON with 0.7% royal jelly (RJ). Each treatment consisted of 6 replicate cages with 3 mice per cage. At 0 - 1 week, T3 showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency (G : F) than that of CON. Compared with CON, T2 showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) BWG and feed intake at 1 - 2 weeks. During the entire period, T2 and T3 showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) BWG and G : F compared to CON. The amount of Salmonella and Lactobacillus in the large intestine was significantly decreased and increased (p < 0.05) in T2 and T3, respectively, compared to CON. The amount of Escherichia coli in the fecal matter was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared to CON in all treatment groups to which beekeeping by-products were added. In conclusion, the addition of PRO or RJ to the drinking water of ICR mice had a positive effect on the growth performance and the intestinal and fecal microflora.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.471-476
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to study the probability of cancer occurrence due to photoneutron dose exposure of the colon and thyroid gland, which are normal organs, in 3D CRT, IMRT 5 portals, and IMRT 9 portals, which are radiotherapy methods for prostate cancer. The total prescribed dose for prostate cancer was 6600 cGy, 220 cGy per dose, and 30 divided irradiations were applied for the total number of times. After setting up the Rando phantom on the treatment table (couch) of the medical linear accelerator used in the experiment, an optically stimulated luminescence albedo neutron dosimeter was placed on the corresponding area of the large intestine and thyroid gland of the phantom for measurement. During 3D CRT of prostate cancer, the probability of secondary cancer due to photoneutron dose to the colon and thyroid gland, which are normal organs, was 1.8 per 10,000 people. And IMRT 5 portals were 8.7 per 10,000 people, which was about 5 times larger than 3D CRT. IMRT 9 portals derived the result that there is a probability that 1.2 people per 1,000 people will develop cancer. Based on this study, the risk of secondary radiation exposure due to the dose of photoneutrons generated during radiation therapy is studied, and it is thought that it will be used as useful data for radiation protection in relation to the stochastic effect of radiation in the future.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2007

Objectives and methods : The Euibujipsung is one of the huge-scale encyclopedias about Oriental Medicine. To search the most frequently used aupoints for dysarthria after stroke, we used Euibujipsung CD-ROM database with several chinese character keyword concerned with vernal function(語, 言, 音, 啞, 瘖, etc). Results : We found four popular acupoints(PC5, GV20, GV16, TE6), and five meridians (Governor vessel, Gall Bladder, Heart, Large Intestine and Triple Energizer). We also found that the extra meridians were used more frequently than other type of meridians. Conclusion : We think that these findings can give further ideas to clinical practice and research fields for stroke rehabilitation in Oriental medicine.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Objectives We aimed to find out the improvement effect of Baekhogainsam-tang (Baihu Jia Renshen-tang, BIT) on metabolic syndrome and alteration of microbiota and gene expression. Methods We used male C57BI/6 mice and randomly assigned them into three groups. Normal control group was fed 10% kcal% fat diet, high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed 45% kcal% fat diet and 10% fructose water. BIT group was fed same diet as HFD group and treated by BIT for once daily, 6 days per week, total 8 weeks. We measured their body weight and food intake every week and performed oral glucose tolerance test 1 week before the end of the study. Then we collected the blood sample to measure triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c. We harvested tissue of liver, muscle, fat, and large intestine for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and histopathological examination. Fresh fecal samples were collected from each animal to verify alterations of gut microbiota and we used RNA from liver tissue for microarray analysis. Results The body weight and fat weight of BIT group were reduced compared to HFD group. The qPCR markers usually up-regulated in metabolic syndrome were decreased in BIT group. Bacteroides were higher in BIT group than other groups. There were also differences in gene expressions between two groups such as Cyp3a11 and Scd1. Conclusions We could find out BIT can ameliorate metabolic syndrome and suggest its effect is related to gut microbiota composition and gene expression pattern.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1461-1478
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• 2022

The maintenance of poultry gut health is complex depending on the intricate balance among diet, the commensal microbiota, and the mucosa, including the gut epithelium and the superimposing mucus layer. Changes in microflora composition and abundance can confer beneficial or detrimental effects on fowl. Antibiotics have devastating impacts on altering the landscape of gut microbiota, which further leads to antibiotic resistance or spread the pathogenic populations. By eliciting the landscape of gut microbiota, strategies should be made to break down the regulatory signals of pathogenic bacteria. The optional strategy of conferring dietary fibers (DFs) can be used to counterbalance the gut microbiota. DFs are the non-starch carbohydrates indigestible by host endogenous enzymes but can be fermented by symbiotic microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This is one of the primary modes through which the gut microbiota interacts and communicate with the host. The majority of SCFAs are produced in the large intestine (particularly in the caecum), where they are taken up by the enterocytes or transported through portal vein circulation into the bloodstream. Recent shreds of evidence have elucidated that SCFAs affect the gut and modulate the tissues and organs either by activating G-protein-coupled receptors or affecting epigenetic modifications in the genome through inducing histone acetylase activities and inhibiting histone deacetylases. Thus, in this way, SCFAs vastly influence poultry health by promoting energy regulation, mucosal integrity, immune homeostasis, and immune maturation. In this review article, we will focus on DFs, which directly interact with gut microbes and lead to the production of SCFAs. Further, we will discuss the current molecular mechanisms of how SCFAs are generated, transported, and modulated the pro-and anti-inflammatory immune responses against pathogens and host physiology and gut health.