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Biomedical subjects

Myeong Soo Lee

Publications and source records attributed to Myeong Soo Lee.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Ondamtanggamibang protects neurons from oxidative stress with induction of heme oxygenase-1.

Ondamtanggamibang (ODG) has been used as a remedy to treat psychological anxiety and depression in Oriental medicine. In this study, we found the protective effects of ODG against oxidative stress by induction of the antioxidative enzyme, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in neuronal PC12 cells. Pretreatment with ODG extract protected neuronal cells from damage induced by H(2)O(2) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), but simultaneous treatment with ODG extract did not. ODG also inhibited the intracellular reactive oxygen species elevation by H(2)O(2) and 6-OHDA. ODG stimulation strongly induced the expression of HO-1 in PC12 cells. The protective effect of ODG extract on oxidative stress-induced damage was suppressed by HO inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP-IX). Taken together, these data suggest that ODG treatment has potential protective effects in neuronal cells under oxidative stress.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Effects of abdominal electroacupuncture on parameters related to obesity in obese women: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of electroacupuncture at abdominal meridian points on various obesity-related parameters: body weight (BW), body fat (BF) percentage, body mass index (BMI), percent ideal body weight (PIBW), and waist (WC) and hip (HC) circumferences. All of these parameters changed significantly compared to pretreatment in this pilot uncontrolled study involving 31 women with obesity. The percent reductions were 5.3% in BW, 1.3% in BF, 4.7% in BMI, 6.0% in PIBW, 4.6% in WC, 6.2% in HC, and 2.1% in the WC/HC ratio. The most affected variable was WC (effect size=0.58). Since this was a pilot study with several limitations, such as a small sample size and absence of a control treatment and appropriate follow-up, further studies that include a randomized design, larger sample sizes, and more detailed data about the subjects are needed to convincingly show the effects of electroacupuncture at abdominal meridian points on overweight and obese patients.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2006

Effects of betaine on ethanol-stimulated secretion of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 in rat primary hepatocytes: involvement of p42/44 MAPK activation.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of betaine on the ethanol-induced secretion of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 using radioimmunoassay and Western blotting, respectively, in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. METHODS: Hepatocytes isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with various concentrations of ethanol and PD98059 procedures. The hepatocytes were also treated with different doses of betaine (10(-5), 10(-4), and 10(-3) mol/L). We measured IGF-I and IGFBP-1 using radioimmunoassay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: The ethanol-induced inhibition of IGF-I secretion was attenuated by betaine in a concentration-dependent manner in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. At 10(-3) mol/L, betaine significantly increased IGF-I secretion but decreased IGFBP-1 secretion. In addition, p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity was accelerated significantly from 10 min to 5 h after treatment with 10(-3) mol/L betaine. Furthermore, the changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 secretion resulting from the increased betaine-induced p42/44 MAPK activity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes was blocked by treatment with the MAPK inhibitor PD98059. Betaine treatment blocked the ethanol-induced inhibition of IGF-I secretion and p42/44 MAPK activity, and the ethanol-induced increase in IGFBP-1 secretion. CONCLUSION: Betaine modulates the secretion of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 via the activation of p42/44 MAPK in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Betaine also alters the MAPK activations induced by ethanol.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Protective effects of Korean herbal remedy against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes.

Ondamtanggagambang (ODG) has been used as a prescription for psychological anxiety and depression in Korean medicine. In this study, we found that ODG have protective effects against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Pretreatment with ODG extract prevented H2O2 and ZnCl2-induced cell damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, whereas simultaneous treatment of ODG extract did not. The protective effect of ODG extract on oxidative stress-induced damage was suppressed significantly by heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors, zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP-IX, p < 0.01) and tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP-IX, p < 0.01) in H9c2 cells. ODG stimulation of cells strongly induced the expression of HO-1 protein. Taken together, it is suggested that ODG-induced expression of HO-1 may have a beneficial role in cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study.

This study investigated the effects of aromatherapy massage on the anxiety and self-esteem experienced by Korean elderly women. A quasi-experimental, control group, pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects comprised 36 elderly females: 16 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. Aromatherapy massage using lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and lemon was given to the experimental group only. Each massage session lasted 20 min, and was performed 3 times per week for two 3-week periods with an intervening 1-week break. The intervention produced significant differences in the anxiety and self-esteem and no significant differences in blood pressure or pulse rate between the two groups. These results suggest that aromatherapy massage exerts positive effects on anxiety and self-esteem. However, more objective, clinical measures should be applied in a future study with a randomized placebo-controlled design.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Qi-training and immunological parameters: a cross-sectional study.

This article examined the effects of qi-training on peripheral T lymphocyte concentrations in a cross-sectional study involving three groups of subjects: normal healthy subjects (n = 22) and two groups of qi trainees (group Q1: qi-training for 1-12 months, n = 52; and group Q2: qi-training for >12 months, n = 63). Nonparametric statistical tests revealed significant differences between the groups in TH/TS/C ratio (p < .001) and in the ratio of memory TH lymphocytes (CD45RA-) to naïve TH lymphocytes (CD45RA+) (p < .001). These findings suggest that qi-training modulates peripheral T lymphocyte concentrations. However, the functional modulation of T helper lymphocytes should be tested in a larger population and compared with other interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Is there any difference in the effects of Qi therapy (external Qigong) with and without touching? A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the effects of Qi therapy without touching or with touching on anxiety, mood, neurohormones, and cellular immune function. Twenty-four healthy male subjects were randomly assigned to either QTN (n = 12) or QTT (n = 12). They received Qi therapy (external Qigong) without touching (QTN) or with touching (QTT). Nonparametric statistical tests revealed no significant differences between the effects of QTN and QTT (all p > .05). Separate Wilcox signed rank tests for each intervention revealed significant effects on anxiety, alertness, depression, fatigue, tension, cortisol levels, and NK cell cytotoxicity for both QTN and QTT, and on neutrophil function for QTN only. These findings suggest that there are few differences between the effects of QTN and QTT. However, the reproducibility of the findings should be tested with multiple sessions, and long-term follow-up tests.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effects of contralateral electroacupuncture on brain function: a double-blind, randomized, pilot clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of contralateral acupuncture on brain function using blind-spot mapping. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Forty (40) healthy volunteers in whom the right-side blind spot was larger than the left-side one-which indicates lower left-brain function-were randomly assigned into the following two groups in which electroacupuncture was applied to: (1) the contralateral ST36 acupuncture point (right side), and (2) the ipsilateral ST36 acupuncture point (left side). OUTCOME MEASURE: Blind-spot perimetry length was the outcome measure. RESULTS: Electroacupuncture to the contralateral side decreased the blind-spot perimetry length by 5.0 (-9.3 to 0.9) [median (interquartile range, IQR)], whereas that to the ipsilateral side increased the length by 4.5 (-3.7 to 7.8) [median, IQR]. There was significant difference in this length between the two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that electroacupuncture application increased or decreased the brain function- as assessed by changes to the blind spot-depending on the treatment side: Contralateral-side treatment has a better effect than ipsilateral-side treatment on brain function. However, further randomized studies that include both right- and left-side-enlarged subjects with a sham needle are needed to convincingly show the effects of contralateral acupuncture on brain function.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2006

Pilot study of hormone replacement therapy and menopausal symptoms, depression, and quality of life in Korean climacteric women.

This cross-sectional survey compared scores on the Menopausal Symptoms Index, Depression, and the Quality of Life for 65 Korean climacteric women receiving regular hormone replacement therapy (M age=52.8 yr., SD=6.3) and 70 Korean climacteric patients not receiving such therapy (M age =51.6 yr., SD=7.1). Depression scores were positively correlated with the Menopausal Symptoms Index in both groups (r = .58 in the Therapy group and r = .50 in the Control group) and negatively correlated with scores for Quality of Life (r = -.48 in the Therapy group and r = -.68 in the Control group). Scores on the Menopausal Symptoms Index were negatively correlated with ratings of Quality of Life in both groups (r = -.53 in the Therapy group and r = -.45 in the Control group). These results suggest that hormone replacement therapy is associated with reduced Depression scores and higher Quality of Life scores in this sample of Korean climacteric women.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Menstrual cycle and Yin-Yang in healthy nursing college students.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between several menstrual characteristics and Yin-Yang, using the traditional Korean Sasang typology in 565 female college students. Using the questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification, which consists of 121 forced-choice items, subjects were classified into three groups: So-Yang (small Yang, n=194), Tae-Eum (large Yin, n=164) and So-Eum (small Yin, n=207). Tae-Eum-type subjects showed significantly higher body mass index (BMI) values than other types. There was also a significant difference in menstrual duration between the Tae-Eum and So-Eum groups. However, there were no differences in the cycle or pattern of menstruation, or in the amount of menstrual blood among the groups. There were also no significant differences in the menstrual variables between Yin and Yang subjects. In conclusion, our results regarding the relationship between menstrual cycle and Yin-Yang types are inconsistent with traditional theory. However, this study shows that menstrual duration and BMI differ significantly among Sasang types.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2005

Effects of home-based daily exercise therapy on joint mobility, daily activity, pain, and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

We investigated the effects of home-based daily exercise on joint mobility, functional capacity, pain, and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The patients were randomly assigned to a wait-list control group or to an exercise-therapy group. The exercise-therapy group performed a 20-min exercise program once per day for 8 consecutive weeks. After 8 weeks, compared with the control group, the exercise group showed improvements in joint mobility (cervical flexion, extension, shoulder flexion, abduction, hip abduction, and knee flexion), finger-floor distance, and functional capacity. Pain and depression scores were significantly lower after the exercise program in the exercise group than in the control group. These findings indicate that exercise therapy increases joint mobility and functional capacity, and decreases pain and depression in patients with AS. Home-based exercise, which is easily accessible to patients, might be an effective intervention for AS.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

Effects of nutritional supplement with herbal extract on bone mineral density and height in prepubescent children - a preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a nutritional supplement with herbal extracts on height and on the bone mineral density (BMD) development of prepubescent children who were in the 25th percentile of standard height of their age. All children were administered a supplement for 6 months, with height and BMD measured. The supplement increased significantly the height and BMD, compared with the baseline in both boys and girls. The annual growth rate was higher than the standard rate. These preliminary data indicate that supplements enhanced the rate of BMD and height development, although this result must be replicated in a large population-based study and placebo-controlled trials to confirm the conclusions.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2005

Perceptions, knowledge and misuse of an oriental herbal drug: a survey of 608 Korean female nursing college students.

This study was designed to survey college students about their knowledge and use of Uwhangchungsimwon (UC), a Traditional Oriental herbal remedy for emergency and acute treatment of stroke, numbness, hypertension, epilepsy and arteriosclerosis. Students at three female nursing colleges in Korea completed a questionnaire containing 29 questions about the students' demographics, knowledge and use of UC, and the placebo effect. Of 608 respondents, 217 (36%) had taken UC. Eighty-three per cent reported that UC alleviated examination tension and 28% knew that it is used as an emergency drug for stroke. Forty-two per cent believed that UC has a "placebo effect" and 20% considered its effects were more than that of a placebo. Fifty-eight per cent of those using UC felt that it was effective in inducing psychological relaxation, 4% considered that it increased their energy levels, and 6% felt it was effective in "clearing the head"; 33% reported no effects. Users also reported adverse effects: 30% reported drowsiness, 17% reported a "heavy head" and 15% experienced indigestion. Most respondents (73%) obtained information about UC from family members and friends and 33% from newspapers or the media. These results confirm health practitioner should recognize that UC is used widely for purposes other than its intended purpose (i.e., to treat stroke and hypertension) and that such use can cause adverse effects. More systematic research is needed to increase the safety of consumers when using herbs and herbal supplements.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Two case reports of the acute effects of Qi therapy (external Qigong) on symptoms of cancer: short report.

This paper reports upon two case studies addressing the short-term effects of Qi therapy on symptoms of cancer in two terminally ill oncology patients. Changes in anxiety state, pain, discomfort, depression, mood, alertness, and fatigue in two cancer patients were assessed. Treatment involved four therapy sessions on alternate days over a 7-day period. After 20 min of Qi therapy, both patients experienced improvements in mood and alertness, and a reduction in pain, anxiety, depression, discomfort, and fatigue, on both the first and last days of the interventions. Furthermore, the scores recorded on the last day for most symptoms were improved than those recorded on the first day. Although the results of these two case studies do not constitute conclusive evidence, the data suggest that Qi therapy may have some beneficial effects on some symptoms of cancer.

Affect↗
PubMed2005

Effects of Korean traditional herbal remedy on heart rate variability: linear and nonlinear analysis.

Heart rate variability was compared in 20 subjects taking traditional herbal remedy (Ondamtanggamibang) or placebo control pill, in placebo controlled design experiment. Herbal remedy group reported more pleasant and clam emotions than did the placebo group. Herbal remedy reduced the heart rate and increased heart rate variability (HRV) as indicated by a reduced low frequency/high frequency power ratio of heart rate variability. With nonlinear analysis, the Poincaré plot index of HRV and approximate entropy was greater in the herbal remedy group than in the control group. These findings suggest that herbal remedy stabilizes the sympathovagal function and cardiac autonomic nervous system by inducing more positive emotions than does placebo therapy. In conclusion, herbal remedy may act by stabilizing both the autonomic nervous system and the emotional state.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Efficacy of Qi-therapy (external Qigong) for elderly people with chronic pain.

To test the efficacy of Qi-therapy (external Qigong) in improving symptoms of pain and mood states in elderly peoples with chronic pain. Forty-three elderly people with chronic pain were randomly assigned either to an intervention or a general care group. The intervention group was given four weeks of Qi-therapy whereas the control group was given standard care. Compared with the control group, Qi-therapy participants experienced improvements in positive mood and psychological variables over the four-week program. Compared with baseline values, pain and psychological benefits remained significantly improved after two weeks of follow-up. These findings suggest that Qi-therapy may help the elderly cope with pain and associated mood disturbances.

Affect↗
PubMed2005

Development of a system and improvement of the stimulus pattern to discriminate the acupuncture point and meridians.

The conventional acupuncture-point stimulus pattern uses direct current (DC) to discriminate acupuncture point and meridian lines, which are fundamental to diagnosis and treatment in Oriental medicine. However, DC is insufficiently reliable in discriminating these acupuncture points and lines. To overcome these problems, the authors extracted optimal parameters (e.g., squarelike waveform with a frequency of 4 kHz) with a single power alternating current (SPAC) stimulus pattern of 1.28 V. The SPAC stimulus pattern has little or no effect on cells and the body's physiological state and minimizes polarization and ionization of cells because it uses low voltage and alternating current. The authors developed a new meridian discrimination system that can be used with the SPAC.

Acupuncture Points↗