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Background: We aimed to elucidate the mechanism of change in mitochondrial fusion- and fission-related mediators for maintaining cell function through the effects of acupuncture treatment and apply findings to a liver disease model. We focused on the optic atrophy-1 (OPA1) and fission protein 1 (Fis1) genes of rat liver cells. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group (no treatment) and LR2, LR3, LR4 and LR8 groups (acupuncture treatment to those points). Acupuncture was performed on each point for 10 minutes once daily for 4 days. Changes in the mRNA expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) and Fis1 were observed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); changes in OPA1, mitofusin-2 (MFN2), mitofusin-1 (MFN1), dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) proteins were observed through western blotting and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expressions were observed through immunohistochemistry. Result: OPA1 decreased in the LR3 and LR8 groups and Fis1 increased in the LR2 and LR4 groups. AMPK and PGC-1α decreased significantly in all acupuncture groups. eNOS and nNOS expression reduced in all acupuncture groups. Therefore, acupuncture can regulate mitochondrial fusion/fission by influencing the following mediators: AMPK, PGC-1α, OPA1, Fis1, eNOS and nNOS.

This study aimed to verify the efficacy of a combined treatment of Jakyakgamcho-tang (JGT) and acupuncture (CV12, ST25, CV4) on colitis induced by dextrane sulfate sodium (DSS). Changes in immuno-mediated factors and metabolites were investigated. Colitis symptoms such as body weight loss and elevated disease activity index were alleviated by the combined treatment. Moreover, treatment with JGT and acupuncture restored the disturbed architecture of colon by suppressing inflammatory cytokine levels of IFN-[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), IL-5 ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), and IL-13 ([Formula: see text] < 0.0001) compared with the DSS group. Analysis of metabolic profiles of serum revealed that treatment groups were clearly separated from the DSS group, suggesting that JGT and acupuncture treatment altered serum metabolites. Furthermore, treatments caused opposite metabolite patterns for dimethylbenzimidazole, 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, proline, phosphate, glycolic acid, aspartic acid, tryptophan, phthalic acid, ornithine, and glutamic acid compared with the DSS group. The combined treatment group induced more effective metabolite patterns than the JGT group, implying that acupuncture treatment can restore metabolic changes caused by DSS induction. These results indicate that the simultaneous treatment of JGT administration and acupuncture procedure provides better management of the immune function and inflammatory expression of colitis than a single treatment. It is assumed that intestinal microbial control can be achieved by acupuncture stimulation as well as by taking herbal medicine.

Hepatic diseases, such as hepatonecrosis, hepatitis, and hepatocirrhosis, are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation, ultimately leading to liver failure. In this study, we examined if acupuncture at LR3 can affect mitochondria-related gene expression in a liver damage model of experimentally induced acute liver failure (ALF). ALF was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (D-GalN) in experimental rats, who then received either sham (ALF), manual acupuncture (MA), electroacupuncture (EA), or silymarin (PC, positive control) treatment. Liver tissues were extracted from experimental and untreated control rats for histopathological analysis and expression profiling of genes involved in mitochondrial function. Of the 168 mitochondria-related genes profiled, two genes belonging to the solute-carrier transporter family (Slc25a15 and Slc25a25) and Ndufb7 were upregulated. Gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase was more downregulated in MA than ALF. Furthermore, MA reversed D-GalN-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, destruction of hepatic cell plates, and increase in the levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. MA at LR3 can reduce the risk of D-GalN-induced ALF by inducing the expression of metabolic and inflammation-related genes and regulating proinflammatory factor production in hepatic mitochondria.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of Jackyakgamcho-tang (JGT) on acute colitis. GC/MS-based metabolomics and NGS-based metagenomics were applied to investigate the alteration of metabolites and microbiota in an acute colitis model. The severity of acute colitis symptoms was alleviated by JGT treatment. Induction of colitis and JGT treatment changed compositions of gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-6). They also substantially change metabolites (i.e., lactic acid, linoleic acid, monostearin, and palmitoylglycerol). In addition, some clear correlations were observed among metabolites, cytokine, and microbiota. This study highlights the applicability of metabolomics and metagenomics study for evaluating anti-inflammatory effects of a new functional herbal medicine as a therapeutic agent for acute colitis.

Objectives : A previous study demonstrated that the connecting points of three yang meridians attenuated changes of nNOS, and Norepinephrine(NE) in rats. The current study investigated the changes in nNOS, NO and NE upon the needle insertion at varying depths at the connecting point of three yin meridians of the hand. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on both left and right sides of the connecting point, including the LU7, HT5 and PC6 acupoints which are three yin meridians of the hand. After insertion, needles were retained for five minutes. Each acupuncture groups were treated acupuncture at each acupoint and at the depths of superficial, middle and deep layer. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each point near meridian vessel was extracted to examine the changes in the expression of nNOS, NO and NE. Results : Compared with the superficial layer group, nNOS production significantly decreased in the middle and deep layer at LU7 acupoint group and in the deep layer at HT5, PC6 acupoint group. The tissue NE decreased in the deep layer on PC6 acupoint and the plasma NE increased at the middle layer at LU7 acupoint group but decreased at the deep layer on at LU7 acupoint group. Conclusions : Acupuncture at connecting points of three yin meridians of the hand can regulate the activities of nNOS, and NE.

Ganghwaljetongyeum (GHJTY) has been used as a standard treatment for arthritis for approximately 15 years at the Korean Medicine Hospital of Dongshin University. GHJTY is composed of 18 medicinal herbs, of which five primary herbs were selected and named new Ganghwaljetongyeum (N-GHJTY). The purpose of the present study was to observe the effect of N-GHJTY on arthritis and to determine its mechanism of action. After confirming arthritis induction using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in rats, N-GHJTY (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/day) was administered once a day for 10 days. In order to determine pathological changes, edema of the paws and weight were measured before and for 10 days after N-GHJTY administration. Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels and histopathological lesions in the knee joint were also examined. Edema in the paw and knee joint of N-GHJTY-treated rats was significantly decreased at 6, 8, and 10 days after administration, compared to that in the CFA-control group, while weight consistently increased. Rats in N-GHJTY-treated groups also recovered from the CFA-induced pathological changes and showed a significant decline in cytokine levels. Taken together, our results showed that N-GHJTY administration was effective in inhibiting CFA-induced arthritis via anti-inflammatory effects while promoting cartilage recovery by controlling cytokine levels.

Objectives : This study was intended to observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters, such as nNOS, NO and NE upon the needle insertion at varying depths at the connecting point. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on both left and right sides of the connecting point, including the LI6, SI7 and TE5 acupoints which are three yang meridians of the hand. After insertion, needles were retained for five minutes. Each acupuncture groups were treated acupuncture at each acupoint and at the depths of superficial, middle and deep layer. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each point near meridian vessels were extracted to examine the changes in the expression of nNOS, NO and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in nNO production, there was a significant increase only in the middle and deep layer at SI7 acupoint, but there was no significant change in the expression of NO. Regarding the formation of norepinephrine within tissues, the middle layer on LI6 acupoint, the middle layer and the deep layer on TE5 acupoint showed a significant increase, while production of plasma norepinephrine was significantly decreased at the middle layer and the deep layer on LI6 acupoint and the deep layer on SI7 acupoint. Conclusions : The effect of needles applied at the connecting point of three yang meridians on the activities of nNOS, and NE could be observed, and it can be induced that the effect of needle stimulation on disrupted nervous system can be examined through additional researches based on this one.

In this study, we investigated the effect of bananas on improving of sluggish blueberry wine fermentation. The alcoholic fermentation was carried out with yeast extract, diammonium phosphate, or 2%, 4%, and 6% banana. The number of viable yeast cells gradually decreased during fermentation and the population stabilized at approximately 104 cfu/ml by the end of fermentation. The average ethanol production rate was 1.32–1.68 times faster according to the addition of banana during 20 days of fermentation. The sugar consumption rate (°Brix/day) was increased 1.30, 1.49 and 1.63-fold by 2%, 4% and 6% of banana addition, respectively. The wines supplemented with 4% and 6% banana contained 61.7 μg/l and 60.8 μg/l of ethyl carbamate, respectively, which was higher than that with 2% banana (54.5 μg/l). Thus, we concluded that 2% banana can be used as a nutritional supplement for yeast to resolve stuck and sluggish blueberry wine fermentation.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate acupoints that appear in ancient records and use with regard to treatment to the wheezing and dyspnea. Methods : We investigated 10 ancient records from Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty that had medical references to wheezing and dyspnea. Results and Conclusions : Out of acupoints that found out to be used for treatment of wheezing and dyspnea in this study, Conception and Governor channels account for 38.9%, the three yang meridians of the foot account for 22.2% and the three tin meridians of the Hand account for 13.9%. In 10 ancient records, CV22(Tian tu) appears 5 times, CV12(Zhongwan) and ST36(Zusanli) appear 4times. A total number of acupoints that appear in the ancient records were 35. In compendium of medicine, the number of acupoints was 21. In cmpendium of acupuncture and moxibustion, the number of acupoints was 10. In the treatment of wheezing and dyspnea, not only acupuncture but also moxibustion has a great importance.

Objectives : In this study we investigated characteristics of eight extra meridians based on the chapter of Pyoung Gi Kyoung Pal Maek Byoung(PGKPMB) of the Pulse Classic(Maijing; PC) and the 27, 28, and question of the Classic of Difficult Issues(Nanjing; CDI). Methods : We searched out the contents of eight extra meridians in historical background, the principal and circulation of eight extra meridians, and the symptoms and pulse diagnosis of eight extra meridians on the PGKPMB of the PC and the 27, 28, and question of the CDI. Results and Conclusions : About development of eight extra meridians, content which was scattered in the CDI was supplemented and developed in the CDI. Also taking over the content in the CDI, the meaning of the eight extra meridians was expanded and supplemented in the PC. In the PC, the mechanism about symptom of eight extra meridians especially has been described. Also materialization of symptom which linked to pathogenic pulse of eight extra meridians had a great impact on future generation.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has facilitated an improvement in acupuncture treatment. In this study, we stimulated Shaochong (HT9), Dadun (LR1), Shaohai (HT3), and Yingu (KI10) acupoints with pulsed laser diodes 532 nm [green laser] and 658 nm [red laser] in rats with induced middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). The animals were divided into 6 groups: intact control; MCAO control without LLLT; LLLT with red laser at HT9·LR1 and HT3·KI10 (RR); LLLT with green laser at HT9·LR1 and HT3·KI10 (GG); LLLT with green laser at HT9·LR1 and red laser at HT3·KI10 (GR); and LLLT with red laser at HT9·LR1 and green laser at HT3·KI10 (RG). We evaluated the immunohistochemical changes in the hippocampal CA1 region, and complete blood count changes. Compared to the MCAO control group, the RG group showed a significant decrease in Bax and cytochrome c levels in the hippocampus, and a significant increase in hemoglobin level, hematocrit, total white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and erythrocyte counts.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on cognitive deficits. However, the effects of laser acupuncture (LA) on cognitive function and its mechanisms of action are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of LA on middle cerebral artery occlusion- (MCAO-) induced cognitive impairment and its mechanisms of action. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was modeled in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by MCAO. After LA or manual-acupuncture (MA) treatment at the GV20 and HT7 for 2 weeks, hippocampal-dependent memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The hippocampus was dissected to analyze choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity and Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax gene expressions. MWM test demonstrated a significant improvement in hippocampal-dependent memory in the MCAO rats after LA treatment. LA treatment significantly reversed the postischemic decrease in ChAT immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA1 region. LA treatment significantly normalized gene expression in the hippocampus which had been altered by MCAO, especially upregulating gene expression of Creb, Bdnf, and Bcl-2 and downregulating gene expression of Bax. This study suggests that LA treatment could improve cognitive impairment in MCAO rats to enhance the cholinergic system in the hippocampal CA1 region and to exert a neuroprotective effect by regulating Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax gene expressions.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of laser acupuncture according to the wavelength(532 nm, 650 nm, 830 nm, 904 nm, and 1064 nm) at the acupoint of GB34 GB39 on neuropathic pain rat induced by tibial and sural nerve transection(TST). Methods : Neuropathic pain in rats was induced by tibial nerve and sural nerve transection. The rats were divided into the intact group, the TST control group, and the laser acupuncture therapy group. The laser acupuncture therapy groups were then divided into subgroups with 532 nm(L532), 650 nm(L650), 830 nm(L830), 904 nm(L904), and 1064 nm(L1064) laser acupuncture therapy. The acupoint of GB34 GB39 was selected, and laser acupuncture therapy was provided on both sides alternatively twice a week in a total of 6 sessions. Results : All the laser acupuncture groups showed a significant decrease in reaction time and force intensity. L532, L904, and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in Bax, the L532 group showed a significant increase in Bcl-2, L532 and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and L532 and L650 groups showed a significant increase in mGluR5, as compared with the TST control group, among nerve tissue reaction. Conclusions : These results showed that laser acupuncture therapy at each of the wavelengths had some significance on neuropathic pain.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of laser acupuncture to the 830 nm on the five transport points with the spleen meridian for treatment to intestinal disease in rat with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis. Methods : Colitis was induced by DSS for 20 days. The laser therapy on the five transport points of spleen meridian (Laser Well Point-SP1(L-WE), Laser Brook Point-SP2(L-BR), Laser Stream Point-SP3(L-ST), Laser River Point-SP5(L-RI) and Laser Sea Point-SP9(L-SE) was practiced twice a week for 5 times. Colon length was measured using a measuring point. Histological evaluation of colitis was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was determined using western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results: Colon length increased significantly L-BR and L-ST points after 5 times of therapy. Damage to the colonic mucosa is an integral feature of the DSS model, so control colonic mucosa tissue was damaged in the areas of ulceration resulting in complete epithelial loss. However histological damage decreased on the epithelial lining at all points. Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 concentrations decreased in all points groups and Interferon(IFN)- increased in L-WE, L-BR, L-RI and L-SE points but L-ST was decreased when compared with control. White blood cell(WBC) and neutrophils(NE) decreased after the fifth acupuncture on the all points. But hemoglobin(HGB) increased after the fifth acupuncture on the L-WE, L-BR, L-ST and L-RI points. Also Mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH) and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC) decreased after the fifth acupuncture on the all points. Conclusions: The present study indicated that five transport points of the spleen meridian can prevent the development of DSS-induced colitis in rat. Thereby suggesting that should be available for decreasing DSS-induced inflammation in a colonic mucosa of tissue.

Objectives : To observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters NO and enzymes that create NO, such as nNOS, iNOS and eNOS, upon the needle insertion on river point, one of the five transport points of three yang meridians on the forefoot. Methods : Based on rats, needle was inserted on both sides of LI5, SI5 and TE6, which are river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot, and were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture and tissues from each point around meridian vessels were extracted to be examined on the changes of the expression of NO, as well as of nNOS, iNOS and eNOS. Results : In terms of the effect on NO creation in tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. In terms of the effect on expression of nNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In iNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In eNOS within tissues, SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. Conclusions : The effect on the function of NO, nNOS, iNOS and eNOS of needle insertion on the river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot could be observed, and based on this study, it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on the changes of nervous system could be found out through additional research.

Objectives : The Meridians and acupuncture points are the fundamental theories for acupuncture therapy. They have been associated with nervous system, but It is not well defined. We investigated that the effects of acupuncture at the river points(LU8, HT4, PC5, SP5, KI7, LR4) on the changes in the expression of nNOS, iNOS, eNOS, and NE in rats. Methods : The Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups each non-acupuncture and acupuncture group. We inserted needle and retained for 5 minutes on both left and right sides of LU8, HT4, PC5, SP5, KI7, LR4 which were the river points of five transport points for 6 yin meridian vessels. After that, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture, and tissues for each point near meridian vessels were extracted to examine the changes in the changes of nNOS, eNOS, iNOS and NE. Results : The LU8 and HT4 group showed a significant decrease on nNOS. In terms of eNOS and iNOS, the LU8 group decreased significantly while the KI7 group increased significantly. However, the experimental groups didn`t show any significant changes on the plasma and tissue norepinephrine without plama NE in SP5 group. Conclusions : The effect on the nNOS, iNOS, eNOS of acupuncture at LU8 and KI7 could be observed, and it is considered that the effect of acupuncture related with on nervous system could be studied by additional researches based on this one.

Clinically, acupuncture therapy is useful for the control of acute or chronic pain. This study was designed to elucidate the antinociceptive mechanism of acupuncture and the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular reflex elicited by toothache. Expression of c-Fos, a neuronal activation marker, and the phenylethanalamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) were examined 1.5 hours after noxious intrapulpal tooth stimulation. Manual acupuncture was performed 20 min before noxious intrapulpal stimulation by 2 M KCl injection into upper or lower anterior tooth pulp. The acupuncture points were Li4 (Hegu) between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones or St36 (Zusanli) between the anterior crest of the tibial tuberosity and the fibula head below the patella. After noxious intrapulpal tooth stimulation, Fos-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were identified in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) and the transitional region between the subnucleus caudalis and the subnucleus interpolaris (Vi), in the inferior olivory nucleus (IO) connecting the cerebellum and other brain regions, and also the thalamic ventral posteromedial (VPM) nucleus and centrolateral (CL) nucleus, respectively. In addition, Fos-IR neurons were found in the central cardiovasuclar regulation centers, such as the hypothalamus supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and rostral ventromedulla (RVLM). All acupuncture at St36 or Li4 significantly suppressed Fos-IR neurons in all Fos-expressed brain areas except the IO nucleus and attenuated the increases in arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) after noxious intrapulpal stimulation. Its Fos-suppressive effects were mostly blocked by naloxone, an opioid antagonist. In addition, acupuncture at St36 or Li4 significantly decreased Fos-containing PNMT, and this effect was also reversed by naloxone. These results suggest that: 1) tooth pulpal noxious signals transmit to the Vc and Vc/Vi transitional region and the 2nd afferent neuron synapse in the thalamic VPM and CL, 2) tooth pulpal pain elicits cardiovascular reflex mediated by NTS, VLM, hypothalamic SON and PVN, and 3) acupuncture reduces cardiovascular reflex elicited by toothache, is associated with the adrenergic system.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with unroofing techniques enabled clear imaging of the intracellular cytoskeleton and the cytoplasmic surface of the cell membrane under aqueous condition. Many actin filaments were found to form a complex meshwork on the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane, as observed in freeze-etching electron microscopy. Characteristic periodic striations of about 5 nm formed by the assembly of G-actin were detected along actin filaments at higher magnification. Actin filaments aggregated and dispersed at several points, thereby dividing the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane into several large domains. Microtubules were also easily detected and were often tethered to the membrane surface by fine filaments. Furthermore, clathrin coats on the membrane were clearly visualized for the first time in water by AFM. Although the resolution of these images is lower than electron micrographs of freeze-etched samples processed similarly, the measurement capabilities of the AFM in a more biologically relevant conditions demonstrate that it is an important tool for imaging intracellular structures and cell surfaces in the native, aqueous state.

This study compared the characteristics of temperature of the electronic moxibustion and Gu-Gwan moxibustion using a cotton dummy by designing and manufacturing the electronic moxibustion using a heat-wire heater easy to control temperature and time. As a result, as for Gu-Gwan moxibustion, the maximum temperature on the surface of dummy was measured 41.6°C, and infrared sensor 42.7°C while the electronic moxibustion measured 44.3°C of thermocouple and 46.43°C of infrared sensor, showing higher thermal efficiency. Also, as a result of measuring temperature change in the depth of 0mm, 2mm, 4mm, 6mm and 10mm for the same period of time, the electronic moxibustion showed better thermal conductivity than Gu-Gwan moxibustion.