• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.129-142
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• 2010

Background : The Bonghan theory is a hypothesis on the anatomical structure of the acupuncture point and meridian system. It has been regarded as a misunderstanding of the lymphatic system, or as a made-up story, for the past 40 years. Since 2002, Many studies have been published either to support the theory or to refute the old viewpoint. Objective : The purpose of this study was to find out the validity of the refutation by reviewing the publications. Methods : Searches were made from online databases (Riss4u.net, Google.com, Sciencedirect.com, Pubmed.com, baidu.com, and ci.nii.ac.jp) from 1960 to 2009. The search terms that were used were "Bonghan," "Bong han," "봉한," "thread-like structure," "KИM БOH XaHOM", "CИCTEMA KEHPAK," "鳳漢," "鳳漢管," and "鳳漢学說." References from the searched publications were also used. Results : Since the 1960s, 107 publications were identified as related works, but only 11 publications sought to refute the Bonghan theory. Two publications were researches, and nine were reviews. In the analysis of the correlation of the arguments with the publication contents, it was found that the research of G. Kellner reviewed the Bonghan system properly but that V. V. Kosmatov did not classify the ear-reflex zone as a traditional acupuncture point. For the review publications, only two reviews contained proper arguments, but seven publications were identified as broad interpretations, wrong translations, etc. Moreover, the two proper reviews were grounded on the research of G. Kellner. Conclusions : We found that the scientific origin of the refutation of the Bonghan theory is only one research by G. Kellner. This result suggest that Bonghan theory was not discussed enough to determine the invention.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.1300-1307
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• 2017

Cheonggukjang is well known as a traditional fermented food in Korea and has various biological activity. In this study, immune-enhancing activity of extract of cheonggukjang fermented with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (SRCM100730) was examined in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Treatment with extract augmented production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) from RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, increased mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ was observed. In addition, the extract synergistically enhanced production of NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Analysis of intracellular pathways revealed that the immune-enhancing activity of cheonggukjang extract was related to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$). These results suggest that cheonggukjang fermented with B. amyloliquefaciens (SRCM100730) is a beneficial food effective for activation of immune responses.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.63-71
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• 2011

Objectives : We studied the ISP(information strategy plan) of oasis spanning 5 years. From this study we aimed at total road map to upgrade the service systematically and to carry out the related projects. If we do it as road map, oasis will be the core infra service contributing to the improvement of TKM(traditional korean medicine) research capability. Methods : We carried out 3 step ISP method composed of environmental analysis, current status analysis and future plan. We used paper, report and trend analysis document as base materials and did the survey to get opinions from users and TKM experts. We limited this study to drawing the conceptual design of oasis. Results : From environmental analysis we knew that China and USA built up the largest TM databases. We did the survey to get the activation ways of oasis. And we did the benchmarking on the advanced services through current status analysis. Finally we determined 'maximize the research value based the open TKM knowledge infra' as oasis' vision. And we designed oasis' future system which is composed of service layer, application layer and contents layer. Conclusion : First TKM related documents, research materials, researcher information and standards are merged to elevate the TKM information level. Concretely large scale TKM information infra project such as TKM information classification code development, TKM library network building and CAM research information offering are carried out at the same time.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.235-241
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to isolate soy curd forming bacterial strains. Soy curd forming bacteria were isolated from Kimchi, a traditional Korean vegetable food that is fermented using lactic acid bacteria. Among 196 bacterial strains, ten isolates (strain No. 2-2-2, 2-15-2, 2-18-1, 2-19-2, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-8-1, 3-8-3, 3-17-1, 4-39-5) formed firm soy curd. The isolated bacterial strains were identified by molecular biological and biochemical analyses. The genomic DNAs extracted from the isolated bacterial strains were used as a template for PCR amplification of 16S rDNA region. By comparing the results of the 16s rDNA sequences with GenBank data, the isolated strains were identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides group and Lactobacillus sakei group. The phylogenetic position of soy curd forming strains and their related taxa were investigated using neighbor-joining method. L. mesenteroides group was further identified as L. mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum based on biochemical properties. L. sakei group was named Lactobacillus sp., because it showed a variety of biochemical properties.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2008

Jangjahwa(張子和) was influenced by "Hwangjenaegyeong(黃帝內經)" and Yuhagan(劉河間)'s theory, and other classics. Also, his clinical experience was helpful to theorize his thought. Thus, he improved medical theory by combining previous medical theory and his own experience. The essence of his thought is the importance of pathogenic Gi[邪氣] as the cause of disease and is Sambeop(三法) of Hantoha(汗吐下) as the methodology for removing pathogenic Gi[邪氣] away. He regarded pathogenic Gi as the cause of disease, and eliminated pathogenic Gi for the remedy. Namely, Sambeop(三法) of Hantoha(汗吐下) was selected as the best efficient method for driving pathogenic Gi away. Sambeop of Jangjahwa(張子和) have different meaning from previous one. Traditionally, Diaphoretic Therapy[汗法] was regarded as therapy for exogenous disease[外感病], and its effect was regarded as Balhanhaepyo(發汗解表). Emetic therapy[吐法] was throwing up Dameumsuksik(痰飮宿食) of stomach and above diaphragm. Purgation therapy[下法] means Tongbyeon(通便), Hajeok(下積), Sasil(瀉實), Chuksu(逐水) were regarded as therapy for Yangmyeongsiljeung(陽明實證) of Sanghan(傷寒). He submitted a new extensive concept of Sambeop adding traditional one, and expanded the application range of Sambeop. All methods, can cause circulation of Gihyeol(氣血) by opening the 'Hyeonbu(玄府)', like Moxibution therapy[灸薰], Steaming[蒸], Washing[洗],Heat therapy[慰], Cauterization[烙], Acupuncture therapy[鍼刺], Stone needling, Physical and breathing exercise[導引], Massage[按摩] were regarded as Diaphoretic Therapy[汗法]. Especially, he thought that Diaphoretic Therapy and venesection[瀉血] have same medical implication. If we examine the process of pushing out pathogenic Gi[邪氣] by means of Sambeop(三法), we can find the intermediation, that is circulation of Gihyeol(氣血). Its meaning is implied in the word of 'opening Hyeonbu(玄府)'. He thought that the circulation of Gihyeol(氣血) is the key to control health. Gihyeol(氣血) was circulated well under the physiological balance, but it was not circulated well under the invasion of pathogenic Gi[邪氣]. In other words, pathogenic Gi is the immediate cause of bad circulation of Gihyeol(氣血) and disease. Naturally, the doctor must remove pathogenic Gi that cause bad circulation for healing by means of Sambeop(三法). In my opinion, because the ultimate goal of Jangjahwa(張子和) was circulation of Gihyeol(氣血) by removing pathogenic Gi[邪氣], the concept of Sarnbeop(三法) could be expanded.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2015

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a representative traditional herbal medicine with many different pharmacological properties including anticancer, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory activities. Only a few studies have explored the molecular mechanism of KRG-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: We investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the protopanaxadiol saponin fraction (PPD-SF) of KRG using in vitro and in vivo inflammatory models. Results: PPD-SF dose-dependently diminished the release of inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$], and downregulated the mRNA expression of their corresponding genes (inducible NO synthase, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and cyclooxygenase-2), without altering cell viability. The PPD-SF-mediated suppression of these events appeared to be regulated by a blockade of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and TANK (TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa-B activator)-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), which are linked to the activation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3). Moreover, this fraction also ameliorated HCl/ethanol/-induced gastritis via suppression of phospho-JNK2 levels. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of PPD-SF could be mediated by a reduction in the activation of p38-, JNK2-, and TANK-binding-kinase-1-linked pathways and their corresponding transcription factors (ATF2 and IRF3).

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.29-45
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• 2015

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro antibacterial effects of Yeonkyokeumpae-jeon (YKKPJ) have been used for treating various gynecological diseases including mastitis in Korea, and individual six kinds of herbal composition aqueous extracts - Forsythiae Fructus (FF), Millettiae Caulis (MC), Lonicerae Flos (LF), Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb (FT), Taraxci Herba (TH) and Prunellae Spica (PS) against E. coli. Methods: Antibacterial activities against E. coli of YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF, FT, TH and PS aqueous extracts were detected using standard agar microdilution methods. In addition, the effects on the bacterial growth curve were also monitored at MIC and $MIC{\times}2$ levels. The effects on the intracellular killing and bacterial invasion of individual test materials were also observed using Raw 264.7 and MCF-7. The results were compared with ciprofloxacin, a second generation of quinolone antibiotics in the present study. Results: MIC of YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF, FT, TH, PS aqueous extracts against E. coli were detected as $0.039{\pm}0.013mg/ml$, $0.064{\pm}0.033mg/ml$, $0.108{\pm}0.053mg/ml$, $0.078{\pm}0.027mg/ml$, $16.250{\pm}8.385mg/ml$, $15.625{\pm}9.375mg/ml$, $0.254{\pm}0.131mg/ml$, repectively. YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF, FT, TH, PS aqueous extracts showed antibacterial effects against to E. coli, except for FT and TH, which were showed negligible antibacterial effects, respectively. In addition, ciprofloxacin with YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF and PS aqueous extracts also showed marked dosage-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth, and favorable inhibitory effects on the both bacterial invasion and intracellular killing assays using MCF-7 and Raw 264.7 cells were detected in this experiment. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study suggest that traditional polyherbal formula YKKPJ aqueous extracts showed more favorable antibacterial activities as compared to individual six kinds of herbal composition aqueous extracts. The antibacterial effects of YKKPJ against E. coli considered as results of complicated synergic effects of their six kinds of herbal components rather than simple antibacterial effects of single herbal components. It means, YKKPJ aqueous extracts may show potent anti-infectious effects against E. coil for mastitis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.214-220
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• 2019

Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HT) is prescribed in oriental medicine to treat inflammation-related diseases. This study examined the anti-bacterial effect to select the index components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) HT. The disc diffusion method and minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) tests were conducted to measure the antibacterial activity of HT. The strains were Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli 23724. Berberine and geniposide were selected as the index components of HT and were analyzed quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a result, the inhibition ring was formed at $11.7{\pm}1.3mm$ and $8.7{\pm}0.7mm$ at HT 20 mg and 10 mg on S.aureus ATCC 25923, respectively; and $8.0{\pm}0.0mm$ at HT 20 mg on E.coli ATCC 23724. The MIC were 31.25 mg/mL in S.aureus ATCC 25923 and 125.0 mg/mL in E.coli ATCC 23724. In quantitative analysis for standardization, HT contained 16.55 mg/g of berberine and 81.85 mg/g of geniposide. Overall, when antibiotics are developed using natural products, they may reduce the side effects and inhibit resistant bacteria. If research on HT continuously proceeds, positive developments are expected to be made in oriental medicine as well as in various other industries.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.215-223
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• 2020

Sasa (S.) quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae), which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, is a type of bamboo grass distributed widely in Jeju Island, Korea. S. quelpaertensis leaves are used for therapeutic purposes in traditional Korean medicine. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of the S. quelpaertensis ethyl acetate fraction (SQEA) in a mouse model to mimic alcoholic liver damage. The mice were administered orally with 30% alcohol (5 g/kg) once per day with or without SQEA treatments (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days consecutively. Alcohol consumption increased the serum alcohol content and histopathological changes but reduced the liver weight. Moreover, the livers of the alcohol group exhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and lipid droplet coating protein perilipin-2. On the other hand, SQEA dose-dependently attenuated the alcohol-induced serum ethanol content and liver histopathological changes but increased the liver weight. Moreover, SQEA attenuated the level of CYP2E1 and inhibited alcohol-induced lipogenesis in the liver via decreased perilipin-2 expression. These results suggest that SQEA can provide a potent way to reduce the liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.207-216
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• 2021

Supplement of high-protein food plays an important role in improving the symptoms of malnutrition and the immune capacity of the body, but the association of high-protein diet and gut microbiota remained unaddressed. Here, we systematically analyzed the internal organs and gut microbiota in C57(WT) or PD-1H-depleted (KO) mice (T cells were activated) fed with pupae or feed for six weeks. We observed that the body weight gain in the mice fed with pupae increased less significantly than that of the feed group, while the villi and small intestine lengths in the pupa group were reduced compared with that of mice given feed. However, the average body weight of the KO mice increased compared with that of the WT mice fed with pupae or feed. Pupae increased the concentration of blood glucose in WT, but not in KO mice. Moreover, in the feed group, there was no difference in the weight of the internal organs between the WT and KO mice, but in the pupae-fed group, liver weight was decreased and spleen weight was increased compared with that of KO mice. The amounts/plural/amounts of Melainabacteria, Chloroflexi, and Armatimonadetes were specifically upregulated by pupae, and this upregulation was weakened or eliminated by PD-1H depletion. Some bacteria with high abundance in the feed-fed KO mice, such as Deferribacteres, Melainabacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes and Verrucomicrobia, were decreased in pupae-fed KO mice, and Proteobacteria and Deinococcus were specifically enriched in pupae-fed KO mice. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Akkermansia were associated with weight loss in the pupae-fed group while Lachnospiraceae and Anaerobiospirillum were related glucose metabolism and energy consumption. Based on high-throughput sequencing, we discovered that some gut bacteria specifically regulated the metabolism of a high-protein diet, and PD-1H deficiency improved life quality and sustained blood glucose. Moreover, PD-1H responses to high-protein diet through modulating the type and quantity of gut bacteria. These findings provide evidence about the association among gut microbiota, T cell activation (for PD-1H depletion) and high-protein diet metabolism, have important theoretical significance for nutrition and health research.