Cancer cell invasion is crucial for metastasis. A major factor in the capacity of cancer cell invasion is the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix. Salvia miltiorrhiza has been used as a promotion for blood circulation to remove blood stasis. Numerous previous studies have demonstrated that S. miltiorrhiza extracts (SME) decrease lipid levels and inhibit inflammation. However, the mechanism behind the effect of SME on breast cancer invasion has not been identified. The inhibitory effects of SME on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MMP-9 expression were assessed using western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and zymography assays. MMP-9 upstream signal proteins, including mitogen-activated protein kinases and activator protein 1 (AP-1) were also investigated. Cell invasion was assessed using a matrigel invasion assay. The present study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of the SME ethanol solution on MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in TPA-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. SME suppressed TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and MCF-7 cell invasion by blocking the transcriptional activation of AP-1. SME may possess therapeutic potential for inhibiting breast cancer cell invasiveness.

Objectives : This study was aimed to determine which pharmacopuncture was effective in relieving pain in standard pain model, acute grade 3 ankle sprain rat model. Methods : Percentage changes of weight bearing ratio(WBR), as pain indicator, were measured after anti-inflammation, neutro Eohyul, Hwangryunhaedock-decoction pharmacopuncture were injected to Guheo (GB40). Results : In three kinds of pharmacopuncture, neutro Eohyul and Hwangryunhaedock-decoction pharmacopuncture represented more effect in percentage changes of WBR than surgical(non treatment), needling group. Conclusions : Comparing of pharmacopuncture in grade 3 ankle sprain rat model, these results provide basis to select pharmacopuncture in sprain disease. Furthermore, mechanism of pharmacopuncture's analgesia, anti-inflammation should be progressed.

PurposeMetastatic cancers spread from the primary site of origin to other parts of the body. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is essential in metastatic cancers owing to its major role in cancer cell invasion. Crotonis fructus (CF), the mature fruits of Croton tiglium L., have been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disturbance in Asia. In this study, the effect of the ethanol extract of CF (CFE) on MMP-9 activity and the invasion of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated MCF-7 cells was examined.MethodsThe cell viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of MMP-9 was examined by Western blotting, zymography, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. An electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay was performed to detect activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity and cell invasiveness was measured by an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay.ResultsCFE significantly suppressed MMP-9 expression and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CFE attenuated the TPA-induced activation of AP-1.ConclusionThe results indicated that the inhibitory effects of CFE against TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and MCF-7 cell invasion were dependent on the protein kinase C δ/p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/AP-1 pathway. Therefore, CFE could restrict breast cancer invasiveness owing to its ability to inhibit MMP-9 activity.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report a case of Rhabdomyolysis that occurred after shock related to overworking, presenting myalgia(especially in the neck), muscular weakness, and dark urine. Methods : A patient diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis received Korean medical treatment from November 17 th to 24 th. Clinical improvement was evaluated using a numerical rating scale(NRS), neck disability index(NDI), and laboratory tests which included complete blood count, kidney function, liver function, serum eletrolytes and Creatinine kinase(CK). Results : After treatment, myalgia, muscular weakness and dark urine each improved. Laboratory results, including CK, had decreased to within normal range. Conclusions : Korean medical treatment could be effective for Rhabdomyolysis patients. Further extensive studies should be carried out.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report a case of Brown-Sequard syndrome caused by traumatic cervical fracture, presenting pain in the right upper extremity and back of the left hand, motor weakness in the right side and diminished pain and temperature in the left side. Methods : A patient received Korean medical treatment(acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, Silver Spike point electrotherapy(SSP)) and rehabilitation treatment. We evaluated pain with the Numeric Rating Scale(NRS), motor grade with a Medical Research Council(MRC) scale, sensory function and Modified Barthel Index(MBI). Results : After treatment, the patient showed considerable improvement in NRS, motor & sensory function, and MBI. Conclusions : Korean medical and rehabilitation treatments could be effective for Brown-Sequard syndrome patients. More extensive studies should be carried out.