• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.132-141
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• 2022

Objectives : Some acupoints are commonly utilized to treat a variety of diseases. The acupoints appear to have a wide range of effects caused by several mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to investigate into the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the multipotent effects of individual acupoint stimulation. Methods : We examined the miRNA expressions in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of neuropathic or inflammatory pain rats following ST36 and GB34 electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 spinal nerve ligation. Inflammatory pain was induced by knee joint injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). EA was given under gaseous anesthesia with the same parameters (1mA, 2Hz, 30 min) in 5 consecutive days. Pain behaviors and miRNA expressions were analyzed. Results : In rats with neuropathic and inflammatory pain, EA treatments significantly enhanced the paw withdrawal threshold and weight-bearing force. After nerve injury, 36 miRNAs were upregulated in the DRG of neuropathic rats, while EA downregulated 10 of them. Furthermore, 14 miRNAs were downregulated following nerve damage, while one was increased by EA. 15 miRNAs were increased in the DRG of inflammatory rats following CFA injection, while 5 were downregulated by EA. Furthermore, 17 miRNAs were downregulated following CFA injection, while 7 were increased by EA. The miRNAs rno-miR-335, rno-miR-381-5p, rno-miR-1306-3p, and rno-miR-1839-3p were regulated by EA in both models. Conclusions : In two pain models, EA applied to ST36 and GB34 regulated miRNA expression differently. There appeared to be both acupoint-specific and non-specific miRNAs, and miRNA regulation of differential protein expression may modulate a variety of EA mechanisms.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.153-160
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• 2011

Objective : The objective of this study is to observe the effect of Pharmacopuncture of Anti-inflammatory Herbal compound(AiC) theraphy on elbow pain Methods : The patients diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis and treated mainly with Anti-inflammatory Herbal compound(AiC). After the application of herbal acupuncture, The NRS and ROM of elbow were assessed. Results & conclusion : Symptoms of the patient such as elbow pain and dysfunction were improved after above treatments. so, it is suggested that oriental medical treatment(Pharmacopuncture of Anti-inflammatory Herbal compound(AiC)) is effective on Tennis elbow.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.124-135
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• 2007

Backgrounds : Scutellaria baicalensis has been used as a medicinal plant to treat various disease conditions accompanying inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis against inflammatory, pain and edema Methods : In vitro, the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation were investigated in mouse BV2 microglial cells. In vivo, the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on acetic acid-induced writhing response, carrageenan-induced edema and the plantar test (nociceptive thermal stimulation) were investigated using rats and mice. Results : The present results showed that pre-treatment with the aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expressions in mouse BV2 microglial cells. The aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal pain in mice and also reduced thermal pain in rats. However, no significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced edema in rats. Conclusions : The present study showed that Scutellaria baicalensis possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.151-163
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• 2024

Background: Galangin, commonly employed in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse medicinal properties, exhibits potential in treating inflammatory pain. Nevertheless, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups for 7 days: a normal control group, a galangin-treated (25 and 50 mg/kg), and a positive control celecoxib (20 mg/kg). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a hot plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability test, formalin-induced paw licking test, and carrageenan-induced paw swelling test. The interplay between galangin, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α proteins was evaluated via molecular docking. COX-2, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in serum were measured using ELISA after capsaicin administration (200 nmol/L). TRPV1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion was analyzed by Western blot. The quantities of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were assessed using qPCR. Results: Galangin reduced hot plate-induced licking latency, acetic acid-induced contortions, carrageenan-triggered foot inflammation, and capillary permeability in mice. It exhibited favorable affinity towards TRPV1, NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α, resulting in decreased levels of COX-2, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum following capsaicin stimulation. Galangin effectively suppressed the upregulation of TRPV1 protein and associated receptor neuropeptides CGRP and SP mRNA, while concurrently inhibiting the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, COX-2, and PGE2 mRNA. Conclusions: Galangin exerts its anti-inflammatory pain effects by inhibiting TRPV1 activation and regulating COX-2, NF-κB/TNF-α expression, providing evidence for the use of galangin in the management of inflammatory pain.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.140-151
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• 2005

Objectives: Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR), the young twig of Cinnamomum loureirri nees, has been used for treating symptoms related to pain, rheumatic arthritis and inflammation in Korean herb medicine. This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of CR in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Extracts of CR were prepared and the chemical components of the extracts were examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracts were administrated to the rat paw edema model induced by carrageenan to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CR. The expressions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were also quantified in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)­induced RAW 264.7 macrophages to survey the effect of CR in vitro. The main components were cinnamaldehyde and coumarin. Results: We examined the anti-inflammatory activity of the $80\%$ ethanol extract of Cinnamomi Ramulus in vivo by using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Maximum inhibition of $54.91\%$ was noted at the dose of l1000mg/kg after 2 hours of drug administration in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and this showed a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: The results showed that Cinnamomi Ramulus suppressed dose-dependently LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and also decreased iNOS protein expression. Cinnamomi Ramulus also showed a significant inhibitory effect in LPS-induced PGE2 production and COX-2 expression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.8-14
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• 2004

Objective : Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJ) has been classified as a herb that activates blood flow and clears the stagnated blood. In this study, we evaluated its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity in animals to clarify the effect of AJ on pain or inflammation. Methods : ICR mice and Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with an ethanolic extract of AJ with two dosages of 200 mg/kg (p.o.) and 400 mg/kg (p.o.). Nociceptive responses of acute pain were determined by hotplate and tail-flick tests. The effects of AJ on inflammation were evaluated by flexion/extention test and mechanical hyperalgesia test in models induced by both carrageenan and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Results : AJ showed significant analgesic effects in both hotplate and tail-flick tests at the dose of 400 mg/kg. It also produced a significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and CFA induced arthritis in rats at the dose of 400 mg/kg. Conclusion : We have demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of an 80% ethanolic extract of AJ in animals. This suggests the application of AJ in relief of pain or inflammatory disease.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.369-376
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• 2022

Background: Nonobstetric surgery is sometimes required during pregnancy, and neck abscess or facial bone fracture surgery cannot be postponed in pregnant women. However, dental surgery can be stressful and can cause inflammation, and the inflammatory response is a well-known major cause of preterm labor. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic commonly used for general anesthesia and sedation. Studies investigating the effect of propofol on human amnion are rare. The current study investigated the effects of propofol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human amnion-derived WISH cells. Methods: WISH cells were exposed to LPS for 24 h and co-treated with various concentrations of propofol (0.01-1 ㎍/ml). Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was analyzed using a microassay based on the Griess reaction. The protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2), p38, and phospho-p38 was analyzed using western blotting. Results: Propofol did not affect the viability and NO production of WISH cells. Co-treatment with LPS and propofol reduced COX-2 and PGE₂ protein expression and inhibited p38 phosphorylation in WISH cells. Conclusion: Propofol does not affect the viability of WISH cells and inhibits LPS-induced expression of inflammatory factors. The inhibitory effect of propofol on inflammatory factor expression is likely mediated by the inhibition of p38 activation.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.147-150
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• 2010

Background: Chronic low back pain can be a manifestation of lumbar degenerative disease, herniation of intervertebral discs, arthritis, or lumbar stenosis. When nerve roots are compromised, low back pain, with or without lower extremity involvement, may occur. Local inflammatory processes play an important role in patients with acute lumbosciatic pain. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measurements in patients with chronic low back pain or radiculopathy. Methods: ESR and hsCRP were measured in 273 blood samples from male and female subjects with low back pain and/or radiculopathy due to herniated lumbar disc, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, and other diseases. The hsCRP and ESR were measured prior to lumbar epidural steroid injection. Results: The mean ESR was 18.8 mm/h and mean hsCRP was 1.1 mg/L. ESR had a correlation with age. Conclusions: A significant systemic inflammatory reaction did not appear to arise in patients with chronic low back pain.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 2021

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of radicular pain, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we investigated the engagement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in radicular pain and its possible mechanisms. Methods: An LDH model was induced by autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) implantation, which was obtained from coccygeal vertebra, then relocated in the lumbar 4/5 spinal nerve roots of rats. Mechanical and thermal pain behaviors were assessed by using von Frey filaments and hotplate test respectively. The protein level of TLR4 and phosphorylated-p65 (p-p65) was evaluated by western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Spinal microglia activation was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining of specific relevant markers. The expression of proand anti-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal dorsal horn was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Spinal expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB (p-p65) was significantly increased after NP implantation, lasting up to 14 days. TLR4 was mainly expressed in spinal microglia, but not astrocytes or neurons. TLR4 antagonist TAK242 decreased spinal expression of p-p65. TAK242 or NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid alleviated mechanical and thermal pain behaviors, inhibited spinal microglia activation, moderated spinal inflammatory response manifested by decreasing interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α expression and increasing IL-10 expression in the spinal dorsal horn. Conclusions: The study revealed that TLR4/NF-κB pathway participated in radicular pain by encouraging spinal microglia activation and inflammatory response.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.72-83
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• 2023

Background: Globally, spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a big burden, including 90% suffering permanent disability, and 60%-69% experiencing neuropathic pain. The main causes are oxidative stress, inflammation, and degeneration. The efficacy of the stem cell secretome is promising, but the role of human neural stem cell (HNSC)-secretome in neuropathic pain is unclear. This study evaluated how the mechanism of HNSC-secretome improves neuropathic pain and locomotor function in SCI rat models through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities. Methods: A proper experimental study investigated 15 Rattus norvegicus divided into normal, control, and treatment groups (30 µL HNSC-secretome, intrathecal in the level of T10, three days post-traumatic SCI). Twenty-eight days post-injury, specimens were collected, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, F2-Isoprostanes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were analyzed. Locomotor recovery was evaluated via Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using the Rat Grimace Scale. Results: The HNSC-secretome could improve locomotor recovery and neuropathic pain, decrease F2-Isoprostane (antioxidant), decrease MMP-9 and TNF-α (anti-inflammatory), as well as modulate TGF-β and BDNF (neurotrophic factor). Moreover, HNSC-secretomes maintain the extracellular matrix of SCI by reducing the matrix degradation effect of MMP-9 and increasing the collagen formation effect of TGF-β as a resistor of glial scar formation. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the mechanism of HNSC-secretome in improving neuropathic pain and locomotor function in SCI through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities.