• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제59권5호
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• pp.442-448
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• 2016

Objective : Increased expression of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is associated with the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma levels of VEGF in normal subjects and in patients with CCM and to evaluate change in these levels following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods : Peripheral venous blood was collected from 6 patients with CCM before SRS using Gamma Knife and at the 1 week, 1 month, 3month, and 6 month follow-up visits. Plasma VEGF levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers as controls. Results : Mean plasma VEGF level of 41.9 pg/mL (range, 11.7-114.9 pg/mL) in patients with CCM at baseline was higher than that of the healthy controls (29.3 pg/mL, range, 9.2-64.3 pg/mL), without significant differences between CCM patients and controls (p=0.828). Plasma VEGF level following SRS dropped to 24.6 pg/mL after 1 week, and decreased to 18.5 pg/mL after 1 month, then increased to 24.3 pg/mL after 3 months, and 32.6 pg/mL after 6 months. Two patients suffering from rebleeding after SRS showed a higher level of VEGF at 6 months after SRS than their pretreatment level. Conclusion : Plasma VEGF levels in patients with CCM were elevated over controls at baseline, and decreased from baseline to 1 month after SRS and increased further for up to 6 months. Theses results indicated that anti-angiogenic effect of SRS might play a role in the treatment of CCMs.

• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.35-39
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• 2016

Background: The superficial lymphatic system is divided into areas called lymphatic territories which are separated by watersheds. When the lymphatic system fails to remove its load either due to surgery, radiotherapy or some congenital malformation of it then the fluid and the proteins and wastes contained within it accumulates in that territory. Anastomotic connections exist across the watersheds and while they can work unaided manual lymph drainage (MLD) can significantly help drainage across them into unaffected lymphatic territories. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of a manual technique in moving fluids and softening hardened tissues using a tape measure and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Methods: We examined the movement of fluids from the affected limbs of lymphedema patients who underwent a standardized 30-min treatment using the Dr. Vodder method of MLD. We chose a typical cross section of patients with secondary leg or secondary arm lymphedema. The lymphedema patient was also measured after the conclusion of treatment and underwent a follow-up control measurement, within 8 weeks. Both evaluation tools indicated a movement of fluid to different and unblocked lymphatic territories as well as a softening of tissues in some of the affected limbs. Results: MLD is an effective means of fluid clearance when it accumulates as a consequence of a failure of the lymphatic system. It seems likely that MLD has a systemic effect on the lymphatic system and that it can improve flow from otherwise normal tissues. Conclusions: It is hypothesized that a series of treatments would result in even more significant improvements.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.235-241
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste has been reported to have an anti-obesity effect. Because adipose tissue is considered a major source of inflammatory signals, we investigated the protective effects of Doenjang and steamed soybean on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low fat diet (LF), a high-fat diet (HF), or a high-fat containing Doenjang diet (DJ) or a high-fat containing steamed soybean diet (SS) for 11 weeks. RESULTS: Mice fed a DJ diet showed significantly lower body and adipose tissue weights than those in the HF group. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size and number were observed among the HF diet-fed groups, consumption of Doenjang alleviated the incidence of crown-like structures in adipose tissue. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced mRNA levels of oxidative stress markers (heme oxygenase-1 and $p40^{phox}$), pro-inflammatory adipokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1), macrophage markers (CD68 and CD11c), and a fibrosis marker (transforming growth factor beta 1) by Doenjang consumption. Gene expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin was significantly induced in the DJ group and the SS group compared to the HF group. The anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects observed in mice fed an SS diet were not as effective as those in mice fed a DJ diet, suggesting that the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation and aging may be involved in the observed health-beneficial effects of Doenjang. CONCLUSIONS: Doenjang alleviated oxidative stress and restored the dysregulated expression of adipokine genes caused by excess adiposity. Therefore, Doenjang may ameliorate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity via inhibition of inflammatory signals of adipose tissue.

• 한국한의학연구원논문집
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.79-85
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• 2007

Objective : To investigate documented surveys about adverse events of acupuncture therapy. Methods: We searched Medline with the terms of 'acupuncture/adverse event(s)', 'acupuncture/side effect(s)' and 'CAM/adverse event(s)' using Pubmed and set the limits to human study. Results: There were 5 prospective studies, 3 reviews and 3 surveys in our searching. There were 3 reports about acupuncture related adverse events in UK ranging from 10.7% to 15% of which the rate of significant events were from 0.13% to 0.14%. In Germany, there were 11% of acupuncture related adverse events in one report and 7.5%(significant events were 45 in 190,924 patients) in another report. In Australia, one study reported that every adverse event associated with acupuncture occurred in 8-9 month per one practitioner. In Japan, 0.14% of acupuncture related adverse events in 48 practitioners were reported in one systemic review. A cumulative review about significant adverse events associated with acupuncture reported 715 adverse events of which most frequent accidents were pneumothorax and central nervous system injury. Conclusion : The risk of adverse event associated with acupuncture is far lower than that associated with other general medical interventions. However, some safety guidelines about the acupuncture performance are needed.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.28-36
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• 2009

Objectives: Fatigue is a prevalent symptom encompassing both acute and chronic manifestations. Most fatigue symptoms can be cured by taking a rest or removing underlying causes. However, chronic fatigue is frequently problematic due to its duration and effect on quality of life. There are no particularly effective therapies for chronic fatigue of unknown causes, and patients in Korea usually visit an Oriental clinic. This study aimed to analyze the current status of treatments and patients with chronic fatigue, and then map out of a strategy for development of generalized-treatments for chronic fatigue in Oriental Medicine. Methods: Clinical information related to chronic fatigue was selected from various different databases such as PubMed, KoreaMed, KStudy, DBPIA, OIM, and KOMS. Also, to understand current tendency of medical examination and treatment related with chronic fatigue, we requested Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service for clinical datum from 2003 to 2007. Results: The medical fees of National Health Insurance related with fatigue show an explosive year-on-year increase. On the other hand, it has been decreasing annually in the western medical fields. To take charge of clinical fields related with chronic fatigue by Oriental Medicine, we should make a unified diagnostic system. Then, we should also make standard evaluation tools and develop herbal drugs according to this unified diagnostic system. Conclusions: Fatigue-related symptoms will be a main target of Oriental medicine in the future. We expect that various studies related with chronic fatigue will be undertaken hereafter.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.165-175
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• 1982

Changes in handling of $Li^+$ by contralateral kidney during acute $Li^+$ loading were investigated immediately after unilateral ureteral obstruction. Carotid artery, jugular vein, renal vein and ureter of experimental animal were catheterized and renal venous flow was shunted to .external jugular vein. In experimental group right ureter was ligated. One to two hours after operation a single shot of LiCl solution (2 mEq/kg) was intravenously injected and then .arterial, renal venous blood and urine samples were taken sequentially for 1 to $1{\frac{1}{2}}$ hours. Urine volume, plasma and urinary concentrations of $Li^+$, $Na^+$ and $K^+$ were measured and urinary excretion of them were calculated. Results obtained were as follows: 1) In experimental group urine volume, urinary excretion of $Na^+$, and $K^+$ by contralateral kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction were slightly larger than mean value of both kidney in control group. 2) During acute $Li^+$ loading contralateral kidney in experimental group showed limited $K^+$ excretion, but urinary flow and $Na^+$ excretion were comparable to mean value of both kidney in control group. 3) Urinary osmolar concentration in experimental group was much lower than that in control group, and it was maintained at low level even after Li loading. 4) In experimental group plasma$Li^+$ concentration decreased more slowly than in control group after a single shot of LiCl solution. 5) Urinary excretion of $Li^+$ in experimental group was markedly decreased, even lesseer than mean of both kidney in control group. 6) From the above results it was concluded that immediately after unilateral ureteral obstruction contralateral kidney showed normal water and $Na^+$ diuretic response to Li load but urinay $Li^+$ excretion was decreased and reclaimed $Li^+$ to systemic circulation.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.222-231
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• 1999

Uwhangchungsimwon(UC) has been used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions including stroke, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, autonomic imbalance, mental instablity, etc in Korean traditional hospitals, In particular it is often initialy chosen for emergency care of acute stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of UC on cerebral hemodynamics. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, we studied changes of mean flow velocity and pulsatility index(PI) of middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) from 11 health young volunteers who were administrated with 1 pill UC and 11 health controls who were not. We obtained hypercapnia with breath-holding and evaluated cerebrovascular reactivity with breath-holding index(BHI). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM). In UC administration group, the evaluation was performed during basal condition. and repeated at 20, 40, and 60 min after administration. In controls, the evaluation was performed at corresponding time intervals. Mean flow velocity in middle cerebral artery, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate did not change during the observation period and were not different between these two groups. However, administration of UC was associated with decreases in PI by $3.6{\sim}12.4%$ in BHI by $17.9{\sim}24.8%$ compared with pre-administration period. Decreases in PI and BHI with UC were significantly different compared with control group (p<0.05). These results indicate that UC decreases PI and BHI in cerebral artery, which is due to a dilation of cerebral resistance vessels.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.45-51
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• 2004

Background : Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic and recurrent skin disease. it is characterized as itch-scratch cycle and topical or systemic use of corticosteroids is required in western medicine. Though its effects on major symptoms are impressive, these treatments are prone to several side effects and tend to recur after months or years. So potential treatments have been actively studied in Estern medicine, especially Sasang constitutional therapy, which has fewer side effects. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Sasang constitutional therapy on treating severe adult Atopic Dermatitis and preventing its recurrent symptoms. Methods : fifteen patients who had severe adult Atopic Dermatitis attended treatment of Sasang constitutional therapy and were followed up for one year. An oriental internal specialist first isolated Sasang constitution and a distinctive body type. Grading of Atopic dermatitis was measured by the guidelines offered by Rajka G. and Langeland T. Results : After treatment with Sasang constitutional therapy, the patients symptoms were improved and the mean Rajka and Langeland score reduced significantly from $7.73{\pm}0.79\;to\;3.4{\pm}10.91$. During the follow-up period of one year, the mean Rajka and Langeland score was $2.72{\pm}2.06$ which was lower than last treatment. Conclusions : The results of this study support Sasang constitutional therapy as an effective therapy for severe adult Atopic Dermatitis. Follow up data suggest that this Eastern medical approach is of greater clinical value than the western medical approach in the long term.

• 대한예방한의학회지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.93-106
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• 2005

A survey was performed for 2 weeks in October 2004 in order to examine the effects and changes of far infrared and anion of office workers aged 40 and older before and after wearing the underwear. In the survey, questionnaires and photoplethysmography were used to measure the difference between the two tests conducted with one week interval. The findings could be summed up as follows: 1. There was no statistically significant difference in changes of vascular aging points and photoplethysmogram wave form before and after wearing the far infrared and anion underwear but the points showed the increasing tendency(p>0.05). 2. A statistically significant difference was confirmed since the total points of each item in the questionnaires increased after wearing the underwear(p<0.001). 3. In connection with the systemic symptoms, a significant difference was found with increased points in all items except for no. 6 after wearing the underwear(p<0.05). 4. With regard to the difference before and after wearing the underwear depending on the Kidney symptoms, there was a significant difference with increased points in all items except for item no. 1 after wearing the underwear(p<0.05). In conclusion, to put on the underwear with effect of far infrared and anion is believed to smooth metabolism and blood circulation, contributing by thus to promoting health and preventing disease. Further studies with wider sampling of subjects are requested to diversify and refine the findings from this sectional study.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.143-151
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• 2004

This study was to investigate single and repeated-dose toxicities of CJ-11555, an anticirrhotic agent, in Sprague-Dawley (SO) rats. In single-dose oral toxicity study, the test article were administered once by gavage to males and females at dose levels of 0 and 2,000 mg/kg. No dead animals and abnormal necropsy findings were found in control and CJ-11555 treated group. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose of CJ-11555 was considered to be higher than 2,000 mg/kg in rats. In the 4-week repeated oral toxicity study, the test article was administered once daily by gavage to male and female rats at dose levels of 0, 10, 50 and 200 mg/kg/day for 4-weeks. In clinical signs, yellow-colored urine and yellow hair coat were observed in the 50 and 200 mg/kg male and female groups. In hematology, erythrocyte count and hemoglobin were significantly decreased in the 200mg/kg male and female groups. In serum biochemistry, total cholesterol was significantly increased and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly decreased in the 50 or 200 mg/kg male and female groups. In histopathological examinations, centrilobular hepatocellular hypertrophy in the liver, congestion and pigmentation in the spleen, hyaline droplets in the kidney were observed in the 50 and 200 mg/kg male and female groups. In toxicokinetic study, CJ-11555 was dose-dependent in systemic exposure and showed better absorption in female with minimum accumulation after multidosing. Based on these results, it was concluded that the 4-week repeated oral dose of CJ-11555 resulted in the suppression of AST activity and centrilobular hepatocellular hypertrophy in both sexes at a dose level of 50 or 200 mg/kg/day. The target organ was estimated to be liver, spleen and male's kidney. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for CJ-11555 in rats following gavage for at least 4-week is 10 mg/kg/day.