• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.425-431
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Achyranthes Radix(AR) and electroacupuncture(EA) in rats with rheumatoid arthritis induced by type II collagen for 28 days. Control group was daily administered 0.9% NaCl 0.5 $m{\ell}$, Group I was daily administered 0.9% NaCl 0.5 $m{\ell}$ to arthritic rats, Group II was orally administered with Achyranthes Radix 500 mg/kg 0.5 $m{\ell}$ to arthritic rats. Group III was given 2 Hz EA of chok samni acupoint(ST36) in the test group for 30 min/days to arthritic rats. Group IV was daily orally administered with Achyranthes Radix 500 mg/kg 0.5 $m{\ell}$ and 2 Hz EA of chok samni acupoint(ST36) in the test group for 30 min/days to arthritic rats. This studies have been designed to evaluate the hind paw edema, assessment of arthritis indices, analgetic effects by analysis of blood chemistry(WBC, CRP, ALP, AST). In each group, histologic observations, Safranin O-fast green stain were observed and analyzed. The following results were obtained. Group II, III, IV were significantly decreased arthritis indices and the rate of paw edema compared with Group I . Especially group IV was the most significantly decreased. The WBC, CRP, AST, ALT was that Group II, III, IV were significantly decreased compared with Group I . In conclusion, Achyranthes Radix and Ea contribute to the improvement of blood chemistry and change in safranin O-fast green by knee joint of arthritic rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.113-120
• /
• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the effects in inflammatory and pain status on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) induced rats by swimming exercise and Achyranthes Radix(AR) extracts ointment according to the application methods with the change of motor-behavioral and histochemistry study through the change of safranin o-fast green stain in the knee joint and prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ concentration production in serum for 28 days. They were randomly divided into four groups; Group I: RA induction, Group II: application of only swimming exercise after RA induction, Group III: application of only AR extracts ointment after RA induction, Group IV: application of both AR extracts ointment and swimming exercise after RA induction. The following results were obtained. Volume change of hind paw edema and arthritis indices test and arthritic dorsal flexion & plantar flexion pain test, group II, III, IV were showed that significantly decrease to each scores compared with group I (p<.01). Safranin o-fast green stain were showed histological indices, group II, III, IV were showed that significantly decrease the scores of cellular infiltration and synovial hyperplasia(p<.05), pannus formation and cartilage destruction(p<.01) compared with group I. Group IV were the most decreased compared with group II, III. The $PGE_2$ concentration of the group II, III, IV were decreased compared to the group I (p<.01) In conclusion, swimming exercise and AR extracts ointment acts were the most therapeutic intervention in inflammatory and pain control of RA induced rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.390-396
• /
• 2008

Osteoarthritis(OA) diseases are characterized by joint pain, tenderness, limitation of movement, crepitus, occasional effusion, and variable degrees of inflammation without systemic effects. We investigated the effects of Achyrantis radixs cream treatment and low intensity ultrasound in monosodium iodoacetate(MIA) induced experimental osteoarthritis rat. Sprague-Dawley 40 rats of 7-8 weeks, weight $250\;{\pm}\;50$ g were divided into four groups including the control group and ostoarthritis group(30 rats). Histopathological examination, Mankin's score, and immunohistochemical were performed. Histological findings in control group that are similar to those observed in human osteoarthritis, such as disorganization of chondrocytes, erosion and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and subchondral bone exposure. Safranin O-fast green staining revealed that marked diffuse reduction of proteoglycans and chondrocyte treated with MIA. The Mankin's score were closely correlated to the grade of histological findings. The level of Bax and caspase-3 expression decreased experimental groups. This study shows that a Acyranthes Radix cream treatment and low intensity ultrasound exerts a beneficial influence on the severity of chondral lesion in osteoarthritis rats. This treatments could related to a reduced level of chondrocyte apoptosis through anti-apoptotoc capacities of MIA-induced apoptotic protein overexpression.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.65 no.2
• /
• pp.186-195
• /
• 2022

Objective : To explore the histological feature of the cervical disc degeneration in patients with degenerative ossification (DO) and its potential mechanisms. Methods : A total of 96 surgical segments, from cervical disc degenerative disease patients with surgical treatment, were divided into ossification group (group O, n=46) and non-ossification group (group NO, n=50) based on preoperative radiological exams. Samples of disc tissues and osteophytes were harvested during the decompression operation. The hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining and Safranin O-fast green staining were used to compare the histological differences between the two groups. And the distribution and content of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 between the two groups were compared by a semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. Results : For all the disc tissues, the content of disc cells and collagen fibers decreased gradually from the outer annulus fibrosus (OAF) to the central nucleus pulposus (NP). Compared with group NO, the number of disc cells in group O increased significantly. But for proteoglycan in the inner annulus fibrosus (IAF) and NP, the content in group O decreased significantly. IHC analysis showed that TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were detected in all tissues. For group O, the content of TGF-β1 in the OAF and NP was significantly higher than that in group NO. For p-Smad2 in IAF and p-Smad3 in OAF, the content in group O were significantly higher than group NO. Conclusion : Histologically, cervical disc degeneration in patients with DO is more severe than that without DO. Local higher content of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 are involved in the disc degeneration with DO. Further studies with multi-approach analyses are needed to better understand the role of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway in the disc degeneration with DO.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.15-29
• /
• 2014

Objectives We have studied to know effects of Bangkeehwangkee-tang on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced osteoarthritis in rats. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of monosodium iodoacetate into knee joint cavity of rats. Rats are devided into 4 groups; Sham, control, Bangkeehwangkee-tang, Shinbaro. Sham group was injected by normal saline into knee joint cavity only. Control group was taken no treatment and Experimental groups were taken extracts of Bangkeehwangkee-tang and Shinbaro by orally once a day for 4 weeks. The content of TNF-$\alpha$, IL- $1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in synovial fluids were analysed. COX-2 in chondrocytes and blood PGE2 concentration were analysed. Histopathological examination was performed by Safranin-O fast green staining and Mankins score checking. Results The content of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ in experimental groups were decreased compared with control group. COX-2 in chondrocytes and blood PGE2 concentration in experimental groups were decreased compared with control group. Histopathologically, osteoarthritic scores of experimental groups were decreased compared with control group. But the content of IL-6 in synovial fluids was not significantly compared with control group. Conclusions According to these results, it can be suggested that Bangkeehwangkee-tang has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA induced osteoarthritis in rats.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.167-172
• /
• 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related joint disease characterized by degradation of articular cartilage and its association with chronic pain. Purified Bee venom (PBV) has been traditionally used to the treatment for inflammatory diseases. The purpose of the current study is to examine whether PBV regulates the pro-inflammation against a mouse model of knee OA induced by papain. We studied the effect of PBV on papain-induced OA in the knee joints of mice. Mice were split into following groups: normal control, papain induced OA, OA treated with PBV, OA treated with meloxicam as positive control. Proteoglycan deposition was analyzed by safranin O-fast green staining and H&E staining. Papain injection significantly degraded the proteoglycan in OA mice at 42 days. Cartilage proteoglycan density was significantly higher in PBV treated OA group than those of the positive control groups. These results demonstrate that PBV efficiently suppresses pathological processes in an OA model. Thus, PBV could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OA.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.11-18
• /
• 2018

Objectives : Saururus chinensis and Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae) are perennial herbs using for medicinal purposes in Korea. The objectives of this study are to compare anatomical key characters between two medicinal plants and to provide fundamental information for the identification of two herbal medicines by using anatomical features. Methods : Cross-sections of root, rhizome, stem, petiole, and leaf for each species were observed in this study. Materials were analyzed through dehydration, paraffin embedding and micro-sectioning, and double staining with Safranin O and Fast-Green FCF. Observations of permanent preparation were conducted using light microscope. Results : S. chinensis and H. cordata were distinguished with anatomical differentiations; Idioblasts with essential oil were scattered in the parenchyma cell of cortex, pith, and phloem of S. chinensis, on the other hand, in H. cordata, idioblasts were distributed ring-shaped in the cortex of the root. S. chinensis had two cycles of vascular bundles in the stem while H. cordata had one cycle. Hypodermis layer was conspicuous in a stem of H. cordata, crystals were observed the only parenchyma in a stem of S. chinensis, and epidermal oil cells were developed in the epidermis of H. cordata. S. chinensis had air cavity at the cortex and pith of the stem. The shape of cross-section was polygonal in the stem of S. chinensis and was circular in the stem of H. cordata. Conclusions : We investigated anatomical study of Korean S. chinensis and H. cordata. To identify two herbal medicines, we considered main anatomical features and provided identification key here.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.49-54
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Bangki is commonly Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma (SC) in Korea. But it often confused with others such as Cocculi Radix (CR), Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (SR) and Aristolochiae Fangchi (AR) due to the similarity in herbal names and morphological characteristics. However, because all of these types of Bangi have different healing properties, they need to be differentiated. Methods : A discrimination on external features of original plants and external characteristics of herbal medicines was carried out using visual examination, stereoscope. For the examination of Internal characteristics of herbal medicines, tissues were dyed using fast green FCF, hematoxylin and safranin O, and the features were observed by the microscope. Results : In external morphology of original plants, the original plants of SC and AR were lignum plants and others were herbaceous plants. The leaf blade and the petiole were another discriminative criteria. In external morphology of herbal medicines, SR and AR have powders and others didn't. Also, SC and CR were determined by the dense of the radiation pattern in the cross section. In internal morphology of herbal medicines, SR and AR were distinguished by the dense of Stone cells. Moreover, SC and CR were different in the pattern of medullary ray and vascular bundle. Conclusions : The results above could be used as identification keys of Bangki. Moreover, these identifications might attribute as a fundamental material to further studies like physicochemical pattern analysis and biological reaction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.151-159
• /
• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether light-emitting diodes (LED) irradiation could be effective in a noninvasive, therapeutic device for the treatment of osteoarthritis(OA). METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Vehicle control (saline); monosodium iodoacetate-injection (MIA); LED irradiation after MIA injection (MIA-LED); indomethacin-treatment after MIA injection (MIA-IMT). OA was induced by intra-articular injection of 3 mg MIA through the patellar ligament of the right knee. Vehicle control rats were injected with an equivalent volume of saline. The LED was irradiated for 15 min/day for a week after 7 days of MIA treatment. To compare with the effect of LED irradiation, the indomethacin was administrated 20 mg/kg twice a week orally after 7 days of MIA treatment. Knee joints were removed and fixed overnight in 10% neutral buffered formalin and decalcified by EDTA for 2 week before being embedded in paraffin. The assessment of OA induction were monitored by knee movement and radiographic finding. Histologic analysis were performed following staining with hematoxylin and eosin, safranin O-fast green, or toluidine blue, picrosirius red, and histologic changes were scored according to a modified Mankin system. Apoptotic cell in tissue sections was detected using TUNEL method. RESULTS: Radiographic examination could not show the differences between the MIA-treated and the MIA-LED-treated rats. In the histologic analysis, however, LED irradiation prevented cartilage damage and subchondral bone destruction, and significantly reduced mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration and pannus formation. LED irradiation also reduced apoptosis of cartilage cells, but it prevented apoptosis of infiltrated inflammatory cells in synovium. In addition, LED irradiation showed an increase of collagen production in the meniscus. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the 840 nm LED irradiation would be a suitable non-thermal phototherapy for the treatment of OA, as a cartilage protection and anti-inflammatory modality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.10
• /
• pp.1510-1518
• /
• 2014

This study investigated the effects of calcium citrate on papain-induced osteoarthritis in C57BL/6J mice. Osteoarthritis was induced by injecting $6{\mu}L$ of papain into the knee joints of mice. Calcium citrate was made by crushing the centrifuged precipitate after reacting 0.5 M citric acid with 1 kg of oyster shell extract. The mice were divided into five groups (n=8). The normal group was untreated, whereas the papain group was induced to have osteoarthritis and treated with $200{\mu}L$ of water per day. The papain+DS group was treated with diclofenac sodium. The papain+calcium citrate groups were treated with calcium citrate at 150 and 300 mg/kg/bw for 28 days. Proteoglycan contents in articular cartilages were measured by safranin O/fast green staining and hematoxylin & eosin staining. Histopathological changes in cartilages were analyzed by the Rudolphi score approach. Contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in plasma, were measured by the ELISA method. Body weights among the treated groups were not significantly different compared with that of the normal group. Cartilage loss and joint instability in the calcium citrate group improved significantly (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner compared with the papain group. Further, proteoglycan content of the calcium citrate group was considerably (P<0.05) higher than that of the papain group. Osteoarthritis scores in the calcium citrate group were considerably (P<0.05) reduced compared with the papain group. In the group treated with calcium citrate, contents of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in plasma were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in a dose-dependent manner in comparison with the normal group. Based on these results, we suggest that calcium citrate is effective for treatment of osteoarthritis.