• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.326-334
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• 2009

The effect of alcoholic extract of Anthocephalus (A.) Cadamba Roxb. was evaluated in experimental models of pain and ulcer. Hot tail flick test, hot plate test and acetic acid induced writhing test were employed for evaluating the peripheral as well as central analgesic mechanism exerted by the extracts. Gastroprotective activity was examined by HCl and ethanol induced gastric damage test. Test group received crude extract 500 mg/kg showed maximum time needed for the response against thermal stimuli (6.26 ${\pm}$ 0.439 s) which is comparable to diclofenac sodium (6.56 ${\pm}$ 0.381 s) in hot tail flick method. These experimental results also followed the experimental results of hot plate test where crude extract 500 mg/kg showed maximum time needed for the response against thermal stimuli (4.74 ${\pm}$ 0.234 s) which is comparable to diclofenac sodium (5.58 ${\pm}$ 0.585 s). The crude extract at 500 and 250 mg/kg showed significant reduction in acetic acid induced writhing in mice with a maximum effect of 68.026% reduction at 500 mg/kg dose which is comparable to standard diclofenac sodium (79.93%). In gastroprotective study the extract of A. Cadamba (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited ulceration induced by both HCl and ethanol dose dependently. Results of the study suggest that the extract possesses both analgesic and gastroprotective activity on mice.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.247-254
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• 1997

The proteinase-activated receptor (PAR-2) belongs to the family of seven transmembrane region receptors, like the thrombin receptor, it is activated by specific proteolytic clea vage of its extracellular amino terminus and a synthetic peptide (SLIGRL). The earthworm protein fraction (EPF) extracted from Lumbricus rubellus elicted dose- and endothelium-dependent relaxations in phenylephrine-contracted rat thoracic aorta, whereas heat inactivated EPF (0.5 ${\mu}g$ /ml) had no effect. In the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-methyl-L-arginine (1.8 micro M), EPF (0.5 ${\mu}g$ /ml)-induced relaxations were partially inhibited. Furthermore, EPF (0.5 ${\mu}g$ /ml) dramatically caused relaxation of thrombin-desenstized rat thoracic aorta. These results indicate that EPF activates PAR-2 in vascular endothelial cell. Intravenous injection of EPF (20 mg/kg, bolus) into anesthetized rats produced a marked depressor response. EPF (0 ~ 80 ${\mu}g$ /ml, gradient) was very effective on increasing of perfusion volume in rabbit ear vessel preparations. These results imply the usefulness of EPF as a vascular smooth muscle relaxant and indicate that the activation of PAR-2 may be a mechanism of EPF on hemokinetic improvement.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.666-675
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• 2013

Background Stem cells are a unique cell population characterized by self-renewal and cellular differentiation capabilities. These characteristics, among other traits, make them an attractive option for regenerative treatments of tissues defects and for aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery. As research regarding the isolation, culture and behavior of stem cells has progressed, stem cells, particularly adult stem cells, have shown promising results in both translational and clinical applications. Methods The purpose of this review is to evaluate the applications of stem cells in the plastic surgery literature, with particular focus on the advances and limitations of current stem cell therapies. Different key areas amenable to stem cell therapy are addressed in the literature review; these include regeneration of soft tissue, bone, cartilage, and peripheral nerves, as well as wound healing and skin aging. Results The reviewed studies demonstrate promising results, with favorable outcomes and minimal complications in the cited cases. In particular, adipose tissue derived stem cell (ADSC) transplants appear to provide effective treatment options for bony and soft tissue defects, and non-healing wounds. ADSCs have also been shown to be useful in aesthetic surgery. Conclusions Further studies involving both the basic and clinical science aspects of stem cell therapies are warranted. In particular, the mechanism of action of stem cells, their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment and their long-term fate require further elucidation. Larger randomized trials are also necessary to demonstrate the continued safety of transplanted stem cells as well as the efficacy of cellular therapies in comparison to the current standards of care.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.67-77
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• 2004

Objectives : Many studies have reported that acupuncture analgesia was mediated through the activation of peripheral and central opioid receptors. However, there has been little electrophysiological study on the adrenergic mechanism of acupuncture analgesia in chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the role of adrenoceptors in the production of acupuncture analgesia in the chronic pain model. Methods : In the rat with chronic inflammation and nerve injury, dorsal horn cell (DHC) responses to afferent C fiber stimulation were used as a pain index and changes in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia were recorded before and after intravenous administration of selective adrenoceptor antagonists. EA stimulations (2Hz, 0.5msec, 3mA) were applied to the contralateral Zusanli point for 30 min. Results : EA stimulation induced long-lasting inhibition of DHC responses in the rat with chronic inflammation and nerve injury. In both models of inflammation and neuropathic pain, α-adrenoceptor antagonist (phentolamine) significantly attenuated an inhibitory effect of EA on DHC responses. Selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist (yohimbine) also had a similar suppressive action on DHC responses to that of phentolamine. However, β-adrenoceptor antagonist (propranolol) did not have any inhibitory effect on DHC responses in either model of chronic pain. Conclusions : These experimental findings suggest that in rats with chronic pain, EA stimulation with low frequency and high intensity produced an analgesic effect which was mediated through an activation of α2-adrenoceptors.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.199-211
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• 2003

Objective : This is clinical report about the Wei syndrome(?證)-patient diagnosed as Guillian-Barre syndrome. Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS), what is called acute inflammatory polyneuritis, is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks parts of peripheral nervous system. GBS is subclassified into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy(AIDP), acute motor or motor-sensory axonal neuropathy(AMAN, AMSAN), and the other variants. The cause and mechanism of this syndrome are unknown yet. The typical Guillain-Barre syndrome could be diagnosed by the patient's syndroms and physical exams as the rapid onset of weakness, paralysis and loss of reflexes. The analysis of CSF and electrical test of nerve and muscle function can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Most of the cases usually occur shortly after a viral infection. Method & Result : This is the clinical report about the one patient daignosed as Guillain-Barre syndrome. The patient, 9-year-old girl had the hemiparesis after upper respiratory infection. We characterized her as Wei syndrom(?證). The patient was treated by acupunture, indirect moxibustion, herb medication(通竅湯 加味方, 四物湯合檳蘇散 加味方) and had significant improvement in the Wei syndrome(?證). Conclusion : We report that we had good effects of oriental medical treatment on Guillain-Barre syndrome.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.291-292
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• 2001

We report a case of malignant pericardial effusion originated from adenocarcinoma of the lung incidentally diagnosed by bone scintigraphy, prior to echocardiographic detection. A 76 year-old man with adenocarcinoma of the lung underwent Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy to evaluate skeletal metastasis. Anterior images of the chest of the bone scintigraphy unexpectedly showed diffuse increased activity in the region of the heart surrounded by an oval-shaped band of increased activity corresponding to the periphery of the cardiac silhouette (Fig. 1). There was no evidence of bony metastasis. Pericardial effusion was confirmed by echocardiography (Fig. 2) and malignant cells were revealed by subsequent microscopic examination of the pericardial fluid. Bone scintigraphy using Tc-99m phosphate compounds is commonly used to detect bony metastasis in cancer patients. Tc-99m phosphate compounds occasionally accumulate in extra-osseous sites, including $pleural^{1,2)},\;pericardial^{3,4)},\;and\;ascitic\;fluids^{5,6)}$. It has been reported that their accumulation in serous effusions should strongly suggest $malignancy^{1-6)}$. The exact mechanism for accumulation of Tc-99m phosphate compounds in serous effusions is unclear. Several investigators have proposed that the radiopharmaceuticals exuded directly from peripheral vessels to the serous cavity due to increased vascularity and vascular permeability, and bleeding by disruption of blood vessels due to cancerous $infiltration^{5,6)}$.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1154-1161
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• 2005

Yin Yang theory is the first and the last one to interpret diseases apply to treatment in oriental medicine. So it is regarded as the way of heaven and earth, the discipline of all things, the origin of change, the beginning of giving birth and death, the source of spirit. These regulatory passages are needed to compare with western medical physiology and analyzed whether it has scientific bases or not. The Yin Yang theory of traditional oriental medicine are summerized from the descriptions of Scripture of Documents, Ying Wei theory of Huangdi Neijing. Meanwhile up-to-date neurobiological and molecular genetic theories on circadian physiology are reviewed in western medicine. Sunshine is transferred through RGC to SCN, herein the central circadian rhythm is made by zeitgeber and interaction of melatonin secreted from pineal body and orexin from mp pan of hypothalamus. So HPA axis is activated and controlled under the circadian rhythm and affects peripheral tissues and cells of whole body through glucocorticoid hormones. First of all, the circadian rhythm makes the basic patterns of human life in biological and sociological meaning. It is almost same context with the record of the Scripture of Documents. Also the Ying Qi and Wei Qi is basically same with the sleep-awake mechanism, that is melatonin/orexin signal or per/clk/bmal/cry genes with circadian activation and activity of each organ's physiological function. Conclusively it can be said that Yin Yang is a priori principle of living things and the beginning of giving birth and death for activation of them biologically, as is described in Huangdi Neijing.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.432-437
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• 2007

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are toxic agents that may be involved in various neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies indicate that ROS are also involved in persistent pain through a spinal mechanism. In the present study, whole cell patch clamp recordings were carried out on substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in spinal cord slice of neonatal rats to investigate the effects of ROS on neuronal excitability and excitatory synaptic transmission. In current clamp condition, tert-buthyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), an ROS donor, induced a electrical hyperexcitability during t-BuOOH wash-out followed by a brief inhibition of excitability in SG neurons. Application of t-BuOOH depolarized membrane potential of SG neurons and increased the neuronal firing frequencies evoked by depolarizing current pulses. Phenyl-N-tert-buthylnitrone (PBN), an ROS scavenger, antagonized t-BuOOH induced hyperexcitability. IN voltage clamp conditions, t-BuOOH increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). In order to determine the site of action of t-BuOOH, miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were recorded. t-BuOOH increased the frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs, indicating that it may modulate the excitability of the SG neurons via pre- and postsynaptic actions. These data suggest that ROS generated by peripheral nerve injury can induce central sensitization in spinal cord.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2003

Background : Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder under immunological influence. Gamichunggumgangwha-tang (CG, Jiaweiqingjinjianghuo-tang) and Gamiyukmigiwhang-tang (YM, Jiaweiliuweidihuang-tang) are herbal tonics for asthma from traditional herbal medicine. Objective : To evaluate the effect of CG and YM on immune cell & serum OA-specific IgE in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in a rat asthma model. Materials and Methods : Rats were sensitized with OA; at day I sensitized group and CG and YM groups were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of Al(OH)3 in a total volume of 2ml. At the same time, 1 ml of 0.9% saline containing $6{\times}10^9$ B. pertussis bacilli was injected by Lp. 14 days after the systemic immunization, rats received local immunization by inhaling 0.9% saline aerosol containing 2% (wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, BALF was collected from the rats. Rats were orally administered with each of CG and YM extract for 14 days since the day after local immunization. Lymphocyte, CD4＋ T cell and CD8＋ T cell counts, CD4＋/CD8＋ ratio in BALF, change of serum OA-specific IgE level, CD4＋ T cell and CD8＋ T cell percentages in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results : CG and YM showed an alleviating effect on asthmatic responses of rats. CG decreased total cell, lymphocyte, CD4＋ T cells in BALF, and serum OA-specific IgE level as compared with the control group. YM decreased lymphocytes as compared with the control group. CD4＋/CD8＋ ratio in BALF from the CG and YM groups and serum OA-specific IgE level from the YM group didn't show any significant variation from the control group. Conclusion : CG alleviated asthmatic hyperreactivity of the immune system through CD4＋ T cells and serum IgE. Further the study of this immune system modulating mechanism is expected.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.339-350
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• 1999

The present study was attempted to examine the effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) on catecholamine (CA) secretion evoked by cholinergic stimulation, membrane depolarization and calcium mobilization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. The perfusion of PACAP (10 nM) into an adrenal vein for 60 min produced a great inhibition in CA secretion evoked by ACh $(5.32{\times}10^{-3}\;M),$ high $K^+\;(5.6{\times}10^{-2}\;M),$ DMPP $(10^{-4}\;M\;for\;2\;min),$ McN-A-343 $(10^{-4}\;M\;for\;2\;min),$ cyclopiazonic acid $(10^{-5}\;M\;for\;4\;min)$ and Bay-K-8644 $(10^{-5}\;M\;for\;4\;min).$ Also, in the presence of neuropeptide (NPY), which is known to be co-localized with norepinephrine in peripheral sympathetic nerves, CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were also significantly depressed. However, in adrenal glands preloaded with PACAP (10 nM) under the presence of VIP antagonist $[(Lys^1,\;Pro^{2.5},\;Arg^{3.4},\;Tyr^6)-VIP\;(3\;{\mu}M)]$ for 20 min, CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were not altered greatly in comparison to the case of PACAP-treatment only. Taken together, these results suggest that PACAP causes the marked inhibition of CA secretion evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as by membrane depolarization, indicating that this effect may be mediated by inhibiting influx of extracellular calcium and release in intracellular calcium in the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells.