Yeoung-Su Lyu

Inhibitory effect of Asparagus cochinchinensis on tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from astrocytes.

We investigated whether an aqueous extract of Asparagus cochinchinensis Merrill (Liliaceae) roots (ACAE) inhibits secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from primary cultures of mouse astrocytes. ACAE dose-dependently inhibited the TNF-alpha secretion by astrocytes stimulated with substance P (SP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-1 has been shown to elevate TNF-alpha secretion from LPS-stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore investigated whether IL-1 mediated inhibition of TNF-alpha secretion from astrocytes by ACAE. Treatment of ACAE to astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL-1 secretion. Moreover, incubation of astrocytes with IL-1 antibody abolished the synergistic cooperative effect of LPS and SP. These results suggest that ACAE may inhibit TNF-alpha secretion by inhibiting IL-1 secretion and that ACAE has a antiinflammatory activity in the central nervous system.

Oriental medicine Jangwonhwan reduces Aβ(1-42) level and β-amyloid deposition in the brain of Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jangwonhwan, a boiled extract of 12 medicinal plants/mushroom including Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), has been prescribed for patients with cognitive dysfunction and are believed to induce brain activity enhancement, provide light sedation, and facilitate sound sleep. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was carried out to investigate whether Jangwonhwan has a beneficial effect on the brain of Alzheimer disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The transgenic mice of Alzheimer disease, Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9, were fed a modified recipe of Jangwonhwan consisting of a boiled extract of 7 herbs/mushroom (called LMK02-Jangwonhwan) at 400mg/kg/day of dose for 3 months from 4.5 months of age. Immunohistological and ELISA analyses were used to assess the Abeta accumulation and plaque deposition in the brain. Other in vitro and in vivo works were performed to understand the underlying mechanism. RESULTS LMK02-Jangwonhwan notably reduced Abeta(1-42) and Abeta(1-40) levels, concomitantly with a reduction of plaque deposition, in the brain of Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. LMK02-Jangwonhwan partially suppressed oxidative stress accumulation, and prevented the down-regulation of phospho-CREB and calbindin typically seen in the hippocampus of AD-like brains. In vitro study with SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells showed that LMK02-Jangwonhwan inhibited oxidative stress and Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that LMK02-Jangwonhwan confers a therapeutic potential to ameliorate AD-like pathology in the brain of Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.

The Effect of Acupuncture on Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Patients with Chronic Headache: A Preliminary Report

Acupuncture has been widely used as a treatment for various conditions like headache and stroke, especially in Asian countries such as Korea and China. But few scientific investigations have been carried out. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of acupuncture on the production of inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic headache (CH). Patients with CH were treated with acupuncture during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CH disappeared markedly after three months of treatment with acupuncture. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from a normal group and those from the patients with CH, before and after treatment with acupuncture, were cultured for 24 hours in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The amount of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in LPS culture supernatant was significantly increased in the patients with CH compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). But those cytokines came down toward the levels of the healthy group (p < 0.05) after treatment with acupuncture, although the levels still remained elevated. Plasma cytokine levels were analyzed to evaluate any change due to acupuncture treatment. There was little difference in the levels of IL-1 or IL-6 due to the treatment with acupuncture in the patients with CH, but significantly reduced plasma levels of TNF-alpha were observed. These data suggest that acupuncture treatment has an inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine production in patients with CH.

Clinical Studies on HWANGRYUNHAEDOKTANG Herbal Acupuncture Therapy on Headache

Objective: There are many treatments for headache. We suggested the clinical effect and utilization of HWANGRYUNHAEDOKTANG herbal acupuncture on headache. Methods: 1. We injected distillation of HWANGRYUNHAEDOKTANG(2.0cc) on Both Pung-Ji(GB20) of patients. In 20 minutes later, We examined therapeutic value of headache. 2. We examined effects of HWANGRYUNHAEDOKTANG Herbal acupuncture by sex , age, area of headache, period of history, degree of headache. Results and Conclusions: 1. There was a significantly effect of HWANGRYUNHAEDOKTANG Herbal acupuncture on headache. 2. In therapeutic value, The effect of HWANGRYUNHAEDOKTANG Herbal acupuncture by each type is significant.

The Current State of Clinical Studies on Scalp Acupuncture - Treatment for Dementia-by Search for China Literature published from 2001 to 2011 in CAJ(China Academic Journals) -

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to obtain some knowledge concerning the scalp acupuncture treatment on patients with dementia for the future practice and research from clinical studies in China. Methods : The literatures were searched using the data base-China Academic Journals(CAJ) (2001-2011). Results : We found out 1 case study, and 17 randomized controlled trials(RCT) which met the inclusion criteria in most studies. There were 3 types of scalp acupuncture-applying method, cho-si scalp acupuncture(焦氏頭鍼法), combination of using ordinary acupoints(正經鍼) and extraordinary acupoints(經外寄穴), standard method of scalp acupuncture(標準頭鍼法). The often used acupoints are Yundongqu(運動區), Ganjuequ(感覺區), Yuntingqu(暈聽區), Zuyunganqu(足運感區), Sishencong (HN23), Baihui(GV20), Shenting(GV24), Fengchi(GB20), Dingnieqianxiexian(MS6), and Dingniehouxiexian(MS7). Conclusions : There were significant improvements on the scalp acupuncture-treated groups, compared to the control groups(western medication group or other acupuncture treatment group). Results of this study could be used for future studies concerning the scalp acupuncture for dementia.

A Study on the Reliability and Factor analysis of Pattern Identification for Tic Disorders in children

AbstractObjectives : We purposed to objectify the pattern diagnosis of Tic disorders through factor and reliability analysis regarding a pattern identification questionnaire concerning Tic disorders i n children. Methods : We chose and studied 144 children who were pattern-diagnosed ou t of 200 tic disordered children who visited H hospital in Seoul from January 2006 to April 2011.Results : 1. TTD (50%) was the most common type and the occurrence rate in male children was higher(4.76:1). Also, the rate of hospital visits was highest at the age 8(23.6%). 2. In results concering pattern diagnosis, Gan-poong-nae-dong w as most frequently diagnosed in 53 patients (36.8%), and Dam-hwa-yo-sin (42 patients), Gan-sin-um-her (30 p atients), and Bee-her-gan-wang (6 patients) .3. In an attempt to verify the reliability of the questionnaire, the coefficient regarding the whole questions (Cronbach α) came to 0.909. Moreover, the reliability coefficie nt foreach sub factor was 0.687 in Gan- poong-nae-dong, 0.817 in Dam-hwa-yo-sin, 0.851 in Bee-her-gan-w ang, and 0.726 in Gan-sin-um-her, respectively. Thus, their consistency was ensured.4. In exploratory factor analysis concerning the most common fi ve questions in the questionnaire, the questions of Dam-hwa-yo-sin and Gan-poong-nae-dong appeared to be part of di fferent factors. While, Gan-sin-um-her and Bee-her-gan-wang questions showed that they belong to the same factors.5. In factor analysis excluding both Gan-sin-um-her and Bee-her -gan-wang questions, both showed significant results; however, the one excluding Gan-sin-um-her showed improved resul ts.Conclusions : From the above results concerning the Pattern Identification Qu estionnaire for Tic Disordered children, three separated patterns of Bee-her-gan-wang, Dam-hwa-yo-sin, Gan-poo ng-nae-dong are thought to be available for clinical use. However, further validity studies are needed. Key Words : Tic disorders, Pattern Identification, Gan-poong-nae-dong

Nardostachys chinensis induces granulocytic differentiation with the suppression of cell growth through p27Kip1 protein-related G0/G1 phase arrest in human promyelocytic leukemic cells

Abstract Context: Nardostachys chinensis Batalin (Valerianaceae) has been used in Korean traditional medicine to elicit stomachic and sedative effects. However, the anti-leukemic activities of N. chinensis have not been well examined. Objective: To investigate the effect of N. chinensis on differentiation and proliferation in the human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. Materials and methods: The dried roots and stems of N. chiensis are extracted using hot water and then freeze-dried. The yield of extract was 12.82% (w/w). The HL-60 cells were treated with 25–200 μg/ml of N. chinensis for 72 h or 100 μg/ml of N. chinensis for 24–72 h. Results: Nardostachys chinensis significantly inhibited cell viability dose dependently with an IC50 of 100 μg/ml in HL-60 cells. Nardostachys chinensis induced differentiation of the cells as measured by reduction activity of NBT and expression of CD11b but not of CD14 as analyzed by flow cytometry, which indicates a differentiation toward the granulocytic lineage. Nardostachys chinensis also induced growth inhibition through G0/G1 phase arrest in the cell cycle of HL-60 cells. Among the G0/G1 phase in the cell cycle-related protein, the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27Kip1 was increased in N. chinensis-treated HL-60 cells, whereas the expression levels of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, cyclin E, and cyclin A were decreased. Interestingly, N. chinensis markedly enhanced the binding of p27Kip1 with CDK2 and CDK6. Discussion and conclusion: This study demonstrated that N. chinensis is capable of inducing cellular differentiation and growth inhibition through p27Kip1 protein-related G0/G1 phase arrest in HL-60 cells.

The Case Report of 3 Dementia Patients Treated by Needle-Embedding Therapy

AbstractObjectives :The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Needle- Embedding Therapy on dementia patients.Methods :We recruited 3 dementia patients who have been experiencing mem ory disorder and orientation disorder. The patients had been evaluated with Mini-Mental State Examination-K (MMSE-K), Global Deterioration Scale(GDS) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The patients were tre ated with herbal medication (Sunghyangjunggi-san) and acupuncture. After 15 days, the patients were added to Need le-Embedding Therapy. We measured MMSE-K, GDS and CDR for every 15 days. The effects of additional Needle-Embedding Therapy were compared with the effects of acupuncture and herbal medicine.Results :After Needle-Embedding Therapy was added, Patients’ memory and orientation have been improved and the score of MMSE-K ascended. The grade of GDS and CDR were maintained or decreased.Conclusions :This study suggests that Needle-Embedding Therapy is significan tly effective on Dementia patients.Key Words :Needle-Embedding Therapy, Dementia, Memory disorder, Orientatio n disorder, MMSE-K & GDS, CDR. Received : August 28, 2012; Revised : September 12, 2012; Accep ted : September 20, 2012Correspondence : Yeoung-su Lyu, Wonkwang University Oriental Me dicine Hospital 2-142-1, Dukjin-Dong Dukjin-Gu, Jeonju-Si Cheolabook-Do SOUTH KOREA 561-190.Tel : +82-63-270-1021, Fax : +82-63-270-1594, E-mail : yslyu@ wonkwang.ac.kr

The Clinical Study of 3 menopausal disorder patients with Palpitation and Depression Treated by Yeongkyekamjo-tang

AbstractObjectives :The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Yeongkyekamjo-tang on patients with menopausal disorder.Methods :We recruited 3 patients with menopausal disorder, who have been suffering from palpitation and depression. In addition, the patients had been administrated Yeongkyekamjo-tang. The patients of menopausal disorder had been estimated with Kuppermans index, Becks Depression Inventory, The Menopause Quiz of Argosy University, visual analogue scale and Heart rate variability. We measured the Kupp ermans index, Becks Depression Inventory and The Menopause Quiz of Argosy University for every seven days. T he heart rate variability was estimated twice, before and after the treatment.Results :After the treatments, symptoms of menopausal disorder were decreased.Conclusions :This study suggests that Yeongkyekamjo-tang is significantly effective on patients with menopausal disorder as well as palpitation and depression.Key Words:Yeongkyekamjo-tang, Menopausal disorder, Depression, Palpitation, Heart rate vari ability Received : May 27, 2012; Revised : June 3, 2012; Accepted : Jun e 6, 2012Correspondence : Yeoung-su Lyu, Wonkwang University Oriental Medicine Hospital 2-142-1, Dukjin-Dong Dukjin-Gu, Jeonju-Si Cheolabook-Do SOUTH KOREA 561-190Tel : 063-270-1021, Fax : 063-270-1594, E-mail : yslyu@wonkwa ng.ac.kr

13 weeks repeated oral dose toxicity studies with LMK02-Jangwonhwan in SD rats

Objectives : The oriental medicine Jangwonhwan, a boiled extract of 12 medicinal herbs/mushrooms, has been prescribed to patients with cognitive dysfunction, as originally described in the Korean medical text, DonguiBogam(amnesia chapter). Recently, a modified formula of Jangwonhwan (LMK02-Jangwonhwan) consisting of seven medicinal plants/mushrooms, was shown to reduce the -amyloid deposition in the brain of Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model for Alzheimer`s disease. The toxicity of LMK02-Jangwonhwan was investigated in SD rats, by a daily oral administration for 13 weeks and NOAEL(No observed adverse effect dose), a definite toxic dose and target organ, as well. Methods : Quality control of the tablet form of LMK02-Jangwonhwan was established by estimating the indicative components, Ginsenoside Rg3 of Red Ginseng and Decursin of Angelicagigas Nakai. The toxicity of LMK02-Jangwonhwan was investigated in 6 week old, specific pathogen free (SPF), Sprageu-Dawley rats by oral administration. Each test group consisted of 10 male and 10 female rats. The groups received doses of 500, 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg/day of test substance for 13 weeks. The clinical signs, death rate, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematological and serum biochemistry, organ weight and pathological changes were examined and compared with those of the control group. Results : The 13-week repeated oral treatment doses didn`t result in any specific symptoms or death. There were no significant changes in the rat`s weight and food consumption. Further, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematological, serum biochemistry test and organ weight revealed no significant differences. Conclusions : The no-observed-adverse-effect level(NOAEL) of LMK02 for male and female Sprague-Dawley rats was determined as 2,000mg/kg/day and the target organ wasn`t confirmed. Because no significant adverse effects were observed, the target organ could not be determined.