• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.311-321
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• 2019

In this paper, we try to define and classify the concepts of Convergent Research of Korean-Western Medicine (CRKWM) to clarify the goals of research. In addition, some suggestions that are necessary to promote the CRKWM were made. The results are as follows. First, the CRKWM should be used as a concept that refers to 'interdisciplinary research' jointly conducted by experts in both Korean and Western medicines beyond their own fields. Second, True CRKWM is an "eclectic combination of East-West" that combines the advantages of traditional Korean medicine and western medicine to create a new field; it is necessary to redefine the concept of 'Integrative medicine', which is used in different context by the traditional Korean medicine and western fields in Korea, as an "eclectic combination of East-West" type. Third, In order to promote the CRKWM, it is necessary to convert the current dual medical system of relativism to one of pluralism. Forth, In order for CRKWM to be promoted, methodologies, theories, and models that become the backbones of convergence should be developed. As of now, systems medicine and network science are the best fit. Fifthly, In order to promote convergent clinical research, the development of Korean-Western diagnostic model that integrates the pathologies of Western medicine and symptoms of Korean medicine is urgent. Lastly, Mutual understanding between Korean and Western medicine fields should be preceded in order for CRKWM to be stimulated.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2011

Purpose: Eupatilin is an antioxidative flavone and a phytopharmaceutical derived from Artemisia asiatica. It has been reported to possess anti-tumor activity in some types of cancer including gastric cancer. Eupatilin may modulate the angiogenesis pathway which is part of anti-inflammatory effect demonstrated in gastric mucosal injury models. Here we investigated the anti-tumor effects of eupatilin on gastric cancer cells and elucidated the potential underlying mechanism whereby eupatilin suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. Materials and Methods: The impact of eupatilin on the expression of angiogenesis pathway proteins was assessed using western blots in MKN45 cells. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we tested whether eupatilin affects the recruitment of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) to the human VEGF promoter. To investigate the effect of eupatilin on vasculogenesis, tube formation assays were conducted using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The effect of eupatilin on tumor suppression in mouse xenografts was assessed. Results: Eupatilin significantly reduced VEGF, ARNT and STAT3 expression prominently under hypoxic conditions. The recruitment of STAT3, ARNT and HIF-$1{\alpha}$ to the VEGF promoter was inhibited by eupatilin treatment. HUVECs produced much foreshortened and severely broken tubes with eupatilin treatment. In addition, eupatilin effectively reduced tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Conclusions: Our results indicate that eupatilin inhibits angiogenesis in gastric cancer cells by blocking STAT3 and VEGF expression, suggesting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastric cancer.