KJC Korea
Journal Central

Objectives :Acanthopanax cortex belongs to Acanthopanax genus, and it has been used as a tonic and sedative agent to treat the patients with rheumatism, diabetes and liver disease for many years. Cobalt chloride(CoCl2) is used to induce hypoxic condition in vitro study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Acanthopanax cortex extract on CoCl2-induced apoptosis in human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells. Methods :In order to investigate whether Acanthopanax cortex possesses a protective effect on CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity in neuronal cells, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, DAPI(4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining, TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation assay, and Western blotting were performed on SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells. Results :Cells treated with CoCl2 exhibited several apoptotic features, while cells pre-treated with Acanthopanax cortex prior to CoCl2 exposure showed a decrease in the occurrence of apoptotic features. CoCl2 increased HIF-1α expression, however, Acanthopanax cortex treatment decreased CoCl2-induced HIF-1α expression. The extract of Acanthopanax cortex treatment suppressed Bax and caspase-3 expressions, and increased Bcl-2 expression in human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells. Conclusions :These results suggest that Acanthopanax cortex may exert a protective effect on CoCl2-induced apoptosis in SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells.

Objectives :Sorbus commixta cortex(SCC) has been traditionally used in Korea, China and Japan for the treatment of cough, asthma, and other bronchial disorders. Cobalt chloride(CoCl2) is used to induce hypoxic condition in vitro study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SCC extract on CoCl2-induced apoptosis in human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells. Methods :In order to investigate whether SCC possesses a protective effect on CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity in neuronal cells, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, DAPI(4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining, TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation assay, and Western blotting were performed on SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells. Results :Cells treated with CoCl2 exhibited several apoptotic features, while cells pre-treated with SCC prior to CoCl2 exposure showed a decrease in the occurrence of apoptotic features. CoCl2 increased HIF-1α expression, however, SCC treatment decreased CoCl2-induced HIF-1α expression. The extract of SCC treatment suppressed Bax and caspase-3 expressions, and increased Bcl-2 expression in human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells. Conclusions :These results suggest that SCC may exert a protective effect on CoCl2-induced apoptosis in SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells.

Objectives :This study was carried out to investigate the hepato-protective effects of fermented black rice(Oryza sativa Linne) extracts(FBRE) through of HepG2 cell and rats. Methods :In vitro, the cell viability, ammonia level, liver enzymes including AST, ALT, GST and SOD were investigated after the treatment of fermented black rice extract(FBRE) and positive controls of commercial nutraceutical products in NH4Cl-treated HepG2 cell lines. In vivo, liver function biomarkers were measured in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity animal model. 32 male rats were divided into four groups and each group were fed different formula for 4 days, i.e, normal control(C), acetaminophen treatment(AA), Hepakhan 250 mg/kg(commercial product as positive control) + acetaminophen treatment(HK+AA), fermented black rice extracts 250 mg/kg + acetaminophen treatment(FBRE+AA). Weight, food intake, liver enzymes, lipid-protein profiles were investigated. Results :In vitro, FBRE and two commercial products(Hepaglucan and Helpkhan) had shown to improve the cell viability, ammonia level, GPT, SOD in HepG2 cell and there were, however, no change on GST, GOT observed. FBRE had shown that similar or better hepato-protective effects than other commercial products. In vivo experiment, there were no significant change in food intake but body weight decreased in all acetaminophen-treatment groups(p<0.05). GPT and glucose level was significantly decreased in FBRE+AA group(p<0.05). Conclusions :These results suggest that FBRE has potential possibility to improve compromised hepatic function.

Objectives :The study was designed to experiment anti-inflammation and anti-obesity effect of Euiiin-tang(yìyǐrén-tāng) granules to the C57 BL/6J mice which was induced obesity by high-fat diet. Methods :We performed a cytotoxicity analysis of Euiiin-tang by MTT assay principles. We investigated the effects of Euiiin-tang on restraining enzyme revelation of inflammation acceleration and hindering inflammation by measuring iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB revelation. We treated Euiiin-tang to 3T3-L1 in Oil Red O experiment and measured a reduction effect of accumulation of fat. In order to investigate the obese inhibitory effects of Euiiin-tang, C57BL/6 mice were induced by high fat diet. C57BL/6 mice were divided into three group(normal, high fat diet, high fat diet with Euiiin-tang granules) and fed for 6weeks. The measurements have been performed on ; the body weight ; the weight of mice’ liver, kidney and epididymal AT ; the quantity of AST, ALT, γ-GTP, BUN, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, plasma insulin, blood leptin. Results :After an experiment of measuring iNOS and COX-2 revelation, Euiiin-tang showed efficacy of restraining enzyme revelation of inflammation acceleration. Treating Euiiin-tang hindered vitality of NF-κB, so we could identify effects of hinderance of inflammation. It was shown that accumulation of fat was significantly reduced after treating Euiiin-tang to 3T3-L1 in Oil Red O experiment. After treating Euiiin-tang in oral for 6 weeks’ experiment, it was identified that it had an efficacy of restraining body weight gain. As a result of measuring the weight of mice’ liver, kidney and epididymis, the weights were reduced comparing with high fat diet group, so it came out that it has prevention effect in accumulation of fats. The AST, ALT, γ-GTP, BUN levels were lower in group of Euiiin-tang than that of high fat diet group. In terms of blood lipids, it was verified that total cholesterol level was in normal range with group of Euiiin-tang and HDL cholesterol level was higher than that of the high fat diet group. While concentration of plasma insulin was lower in group of Euiiin-tang than that of high fat diet group. Also the blood leptin concentration was lower in group of Euiiin-tang than that of high fat diet group. Conclusions :From all these results, it can be concluded that the Euiiin-tang showed a significant efficacy as obesity treatment and it is thought to be a safe treatment that we could expect even the efficacy of anti-inflammatory.

Objectives : The study was designed to experiment the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture which was made with mixture of Wild ginseng, Bovis Calculus, Ursi Fel and Moschus to the adipocyte and C57BL/6J mice which was induced obesity with high-fat diet. Methods : We treated wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture to NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast(3T3-L1) and Raw264.7 mouse macrophage(macrophage cell). We measured cytotoxicity using MTT assay principles. We tried to find out anti-obesity effect by measuring NO production, adiponectin, PPAR-γ expression and Oil Red O experiment. And by measuring NO production, iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB expression, we tried to find out anti-inflammatory effect. In animal experiments, subject groups were divided into normal diet group, high fat diet group, and high fat diet and wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture in BL23 treated group. We observed the changes of body weight, organ’s weight, AST, ALT, γ-GTP, BUN, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Plasma insulin, leptin. Results : As a result of treating wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture, there was no cytotoxicity except 50% concentration. When wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture was treated to 3T3-L1 which is preadipocyte, it has an anti-obese effect. In case of treating wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture to macrophage cell, we could found out anti-inflammatory effect. After injecting wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture in corresponding part of BL23 for 6 weeks' mice, it was identified that it has an efficacy of restraining a body weight gain. After 6 weeks, as a result of measuring the weight of mice's liver, kidney and epididymis, the weight reduced comparing with high fat diet group, so it came out that it has prevention effect in accumulation of fats. The AST, ALT, γ-GTP, BUN level were lower in group of wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture than the group of high fat diet. After measuring blood lipids, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level were normal in group of wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture and HDL cholesterol level were higher than the group of high fat diet. Concentrations of Plasma insulin and blood leptin were lower in group of wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture than the group of high fat diet. Conclusions :From all these results, the wild ginseng complex pharmacopuncture showed the significant efficacy as a obesity treatment and it is thought as a safe treatment that could expect even the efficacy of anti-inflammatory.

Objectives :This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Bangpungtongseong-san(Fangfengtongsheng-san) treatment on the change of the adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Methods :Arthritis was induced by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA, 0.1 ml) into the tail base of rats. Arthritic rats were divided into control(n=8) and treated(n=8) group. The control group was taken distilled water and the treated group, extracts of Bangpungtongseong-san(Fangfengtongsheng-san) by orally for 15 days. At the end of the experiment(28 days after CFA injection), gross and histopathological examinations on the articular structures of ankle joints were performed. The total number of white blood cells was measured by the ADVIA(automated blood cell counter, Bayer Co., Ireland). And also, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) contents in paw exudate of rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method. Results :1. Body weight(g) gain rate(%) of the treated group was increased significantly compared with control group at the 15th day after injection. 2. The thickness of ankle joints of the treated group was decreased significantly compared with the control group. 3. Histopathologically, finding of fibrous ankylosis of the treated group was decreased compared with the control group. 4. The total number of white blood cells in the treated group was decreased significantly compared with the control group. 5. TNF-α content and IL-1β content in paw exudate of the treated group were decreased significantly compared with the control group. Conclusions :On the basis of these results, we suggest that Bangpungtongseong-san(Fangfengtongsheng-san) has inhibiting effects on the progression of arthritis in CFA-induced arthritis model.

Objectives :This study was performed to investigate the effects of Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) on the Complete Freund's Adjuvant(CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Methods :Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of CFA into the base of tail. Arthritic rats were divided into control(n=8) and Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treated(n=8) group. Control group was taken distilled water for 15 days. Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treated group was taken extracts of Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) by orally for same duration. Normal group(n=8) was injected with light mineral oil and was taken distilled water. Gross structure of hind paw were observed at every 5 days after treatment. Body weight, paw edema volume and ankle joint thickness were measured at 0, 5, 10, 15th day after treatment. Histopathological examination on the tarsal joint and distal tibia of the right hind paw were performed at the 15th day after treatment. White blood cell counts in blood were analysed at the 15th day after treatment. The content of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in paw exudate were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) at the 15th day after treatment. Results :1. Grossly, the severity of arthritis in the Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treated group were alleviated compared with control group. 2. Paw edema volume(ml) of Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treat group was significantly decreased compared with control group. 3. Ankle joint thickness(mm) of Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treat group was significantly decreased compared with control group. 4. Histopathologically, destructive lession of synovial membrane, articular cartilage and bony tissue in Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treated group were alleviated compared with control group. 5. Total WBC(103/μl) of Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treated group was significantly decreased compared with control group. 6. TNF-α content(pg/ml) in paw exudation of Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) treat group was significantly decreased compared with control group. Conclusions :On the basis of these results, Gamchobuja-tang(gāncǎofuˋzˇl-tāng) has anti-arthritic effects on the progression of CFA-induced arthritis in rat. And it's effect is related with reduced secretion of TNF-α.

Objectives :Low back pain is the most common pain in our life, and herniated intervertebral disc(HIVD) of L-spine is one of the most common diseases that causes low back pain. This study was designed to analyze the general distribution and hospital cost by day and case of oriental medical treatment for lumbar HIVD. Methods :The 273 inpatients for treatment of HIVD were analyzed according to the distribution of sex, age, the duration of hospitalization, the contributory factors, the clinical findings on admission, the duration of HIVD and the hospital cost per case and day which were evaluated respectively. Results :1. The total hospital cost per case averaged 1,463,077 won, which was divided into room charge 513,824 won(35.12%), performance fee 371,229 won(25.37%), herbal medication 269,364 won(18.41%), food expenses 182,536 won(12.48%), korean medical physiotherapy 116,307 won(7.95%) in order. 2. The total hospital cost per day averaged 105,322 won, which was divided into room charge 37,106 won(35.23%), performance fee 26,524 won(25.18%), herbal medication 19,871 won(18.87%), food expenses 12,591 won(11.95%), korean medical physiotherapy 7,995 won(7.59%) in order. 3. There was statistically significant difference in the average duration of hospitalization and consultation fee on the sex and duration of hospitalization. 4. There was statistically significant difference in expenses by consultation and herbal medication on the contributory factors. 5. There was statistically significant difference in the average duration of hospitalization on the clinical findings on admission. Conclusions :This study provides a variety of information about the medical expenses of lumbar HIVD inpatients at oriental medicine hospital. Understanding the patterns of medical expenses may be an first important step in designing efficient pain therapy for patients and an effort to improve oriental medical expenses.

Objectives :This study is intended to understand the developmental needs and directions of oriental medicine clinical practice guideline. Methods :Looking through previous studies, reported guideline and bibliography, we could find out the current state of oriental medicine clinical practice guideline. Results & Conclusions :1. Standardized oriental medicine clinical practice guideline is needed based on evidence-based medicine(EBM). 2. At the current state of oriental medicine clinical practice guideline, development through formal consensus is needed, which is one of methodology of clinical practice guideline. 3. More studies are needed to develop oriental medicine clinical practice guideline.

Objectives :The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Tae-gyeok exercise, one of the Korean traditional martial arts, on the quality of life in the elderly. Methods :Eighteen participants have trained six-week Tae-gyeok exercise program every two hours a week by a trainer having 10 years experience. The quality life was measured by 36-item short-form health survey(SF36) before and after the exercise. Of them, 5 were droped, therefore, 13 were analyzed by Wilconxon's singed rank test. Results :The quality of life in the elderly was improved after Tae-gyeok exercise program, however, the result showed marginal statistical significance(p=0.075). Physical functioning score of functional status showed statistical significant increase(p=0.021). Though other items of SF36 were improved, but there were no statistical significances. Conclusions :Tae-gyeok exercise program appeared to be effective in the improvement of quality of life for the elderly. Though this study has some weakness in terms of small number of participants and short training period, we need to study the effects of Korean traditional Qigong program rather than Chinese style Qigong.

Objectives :This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Chuna treatment on cervicogenic headache caused by traffic accident. Methods :This study was carried out on the 38 patients who have received hospital treatment from May 1 to December 31, 2011 in the department of oriental rehabilitation medicine, Dongsuwon oriental medicine hospital. Group A got acupuncture-therapy, herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture, Interferential Current Therapy(I.C.T), cupping therapy and Group B got chuna threatment beside. To evaluate the efficiency of each treatment, all patients were examined with visual analogue scale(VAS) and neck disability index(NDI) before treatment and after the 6th day. Results :After being treated by our method, Group A and Group B were significantly decreased in VAS, NDI after 6 days of treatment. But there were significant difference between Group A and Group B in VAS, NDI. Conclusions :In this study, there was significant effect on Chuna treatment group compared with common treatment group on the cervicogenic headache caused by traffic accident.

Objectives :The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of bee venom pharmacopuncture and ouhyul herbal acupuncture on low back pain caused by traffic accident. Methods :This study was carried out on 20 patients who have received treatment in Jaseng Oriental Hospital. 20 patients were divided Bee venom pharmacopuncture group and ouhyul herbal acupuncture group. VAS, patient condition grade and Five-point Likert Scale were compared after treatment. Results :1. Both group were significantly improved in visual analog scale(VAS) and patient condition grade after 4 weeks of treatment. Bee Venom pharmacopuncture group compared with ouhyul herbal acupuncture group was significantly improved in visual analog scale(VAS) and patient condition grade after 4 weeks of treatment. 2. There was no significant difference between Bee Venom pharmacopuncture group and ouhyul herbal acupuncture group in Five-point Likert scale. Conclusions :We found out that bee venom pharmacopuncture treatment is considered to be effective and useful in Low back pain caused by traffic accident.

Objectives :This study was performed to evaluate the difference of effect between Soyeom pharmacopuncture and Jungsongouhyul pharmacopuncture on acute whiplash injury by traffic accident. Methods :The clinical study was conducted to acute whiplash injury patients who had admitted in Woosuk University Hospital from December 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In one group, patients were treated with the oriental medicine therapy and Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy. And in the other group, patients were treated with the oriental medicine therapy and Jungsongouhyul pharmacopuncture therapy. To estimate the efficacy of treatments use McGill pain questionnaire-short form(SF-MPQ), Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Neck disability index(NDI). Results :Both group represented effective improvement in SF-MPQ, VAS and NDI of posterior neck pain and no statistical significance difference. Conclusions :Through this study, Soyeom pharmacopuncture and Jungsongouhyul pharmacopuncture therapy is considered to be effective for reducing pain in acute whiplash injury patients.

Objectives :M-puncture is a new method to solve molecular lesion related to chronic pain in the way of Aδ-fiber stimulation or PML excitation. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Molecular Targeting by Acupuncture(M-puncture) for patients with chronic pain, and to conduct more researches in the usage of M-puncture for treating chronic pain. Methods :22 patients, who were diagnosed as NNPS were selected. They have been treated twice a week for 6weeks, then Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Pain Rating Score(PRS) were used to measure their pain. And, they have been checked HRV once a week, MMPI once every two weeks. The VAS, PRS, HRV, MMPI patterns were analyzed by using ‘Pared T-test' and ‘Kruskal-Wallis test'. Results :1. After 1st, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th M-puncture therapy, there were statistical significance in improvement of VAS(p<0.05) and, each times of therapy, there were statistical significance in improvement of PRS(p<0.05). 2. There were very significant improvement of VAS and PRS(p<0.001), when we compared the change in VAS and PRS before 1st treatment and 12th treatment. 3. There was no statistical significance in VAS and PRS by age, pain region, duration of disease and, grade of NNPS. 4. There was no statistical significance in HRV. 5. There were significant improvement of Hs, Ds, Hy, when we compared the change in MMPI between 1st check up and 2nd check up(p<0.05) and, there were very significant improvement of Hs, Ds, Hy, when we compared the change in MMPI between 1st check up and 4th check up(p<0.001). Conclusions :The results indicate that M-puncture had good effect on chronic pain patients who diagnosed NNPS.

Objectives :To estimate the difference on effects of superficial acupuncture at biceps brachii muscle belly and musculotendinal junction on symptoms in exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS). Methods :A prospective, randomized, controlled, observer and subject-blinded trial was taken. 33 healthy subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups : muscle belly(needling at the center of biceps brachii belly; n=11), musculotendinal junction(needling at the margin of biceps brachii belly; n=11), and control(sham needling; n=11). DOMS of the non-dominant elbow-flexors was experimentally induced through eccentric contractions until exhaustion. The outcome measures were pain perception(visual analogue scale, VAS; range: 0-10 cm), mechanical pain threshold(MPT) by pressure algometer, electrical contraction and fatigue by superficial electromyography. Treatment was applied immediately, 24 and 48 hours after DOMS induction. Measurements of MPT were made prior to DOMS induction as well as before and after every treatment session. VAS data were acquired after DOMS induction as well as pre-and post-treatment. Final pain, MPT were performed 72 hours after DOMS induction. Results :Following nonparametric testing, there were no significant differences between groups in outcome measures at baseline without MPT. After 72 hours, pain perception(VAS) was significantly lower in the musculotendinal junction group compared to the muscle belly and control subjects. However, the mean MPT, electrical contraction and fatigue scores were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions :Although acupuncture seemed to have no effects on mechanical pain threshold, electrical contraction and fatigue, it proved to reduce perceived pain arising from exercise-induced muscle soreness.

Objectives :The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the burning acupuncture and soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the ischiofemoral ligament injury. Methods :Burning acupuncture therapy was administered three times and soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy was administered two times during 18 days. The improvement of clinical symptoms was evaluated by VAS(visual analogue scale) and SF-MPQ(short form-McGill pain questionnarie). Results :After treatment, the patient's VAS score was reduced to 1 point. The SF-MPQ score of Sensory point and affective point reduced from 15 to 5, from 7 to 0 respectively. Conclusions :Burning acupuncture and soyeom pharmacopucnture therapy for ischiofemoral ligament injury was effective. Although this case presented valuable result, further research is encouraged to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment with large number of patient.

This study was performed to report the effect of oriental medical programs on the 3 Japanese patients. These 3 patients were treated by acupuncture, oriental medicine, cupping, massage therapy, spa, oriental soap and infrared therapy. The state of patients was measured by Dinamika. After treatments, many indexes on Dinamika increased. These results suggest that the oriental medical programs including such treatments mentioned on the 2nd line are effective to improve the health. However more studies which will be taken in different respect should be followed.

Objectives :This study was performed to report the effect of the conservative oriental medical treatment in the patient with rotator cuff partial tear. Methods :37 year old man lifting heavy package repeatedly was diagnosed with supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon partial tear on left shoulder magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). This patient underwent severe left shoulder pain and range of motion(ROM) limitation. We treated him by acupuncture, a bee venom injection, a herbal medicine, cupping and moxa treatment, physical therapy from January 28th 2011 to April 2nd 2011. Within this treatment period of time, we measured visual analogue scale(VAS), ROM and physical examination changes. Results :After these treatments, shoulder ROM and physical examination recovered signifcantly and static VAS score changed 9 to 0, kinetic VAS score changed 10 to 0.5. Conclusions :In this study, oriental medical treatment was effective in the patient with partial tear of rotator cuff. But this treatment tends to take a long time, so patients with severe pain may give up conservative treatment and choose an operation in a short period of time. Thus, if the more various case studies are reported, patients will follow conservative oriental treatment with confidence.