• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.241-246
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• 2004

Mercury is a widespread metal and consequently there are large populations that currently exposed to low levels of mercury. Endotoxin is a component of the gram-negative bacteria and promotes inflammatory responses. The present study was designed to determine the impact of mercury on lymphocytes phenotype populations and endotoxin-induced inflammatory cytokine expressions in immune organ, spleen and thymus. Male BALB/c mice were exposed continuously to 0, 0.3, 1.5, 7.5, or 37.5 ppm of mercuric chloride in drinking water for 14 days and at the end of the treatment period, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 2 h prior to euthanasia. The dose-range of mercury used did not cause hepatotoxicity. Mercury at 7.5 and 37.5 ppm dose-dependently decreased CD3$^{+}$ T lymphocytes in spleen; both CD4$^{+}$ and CD8$^{+}$ single positive lymphocyte populations were decreased. Exposure to 7.5 and 37.5 ppm of mercury decreased the CD8$^{+}$ T lymphocyte population in the thymus, whereas double positive CD4$^{+}$ / CD8$^{+}$ and CD4$^{+}$ thymocytes were not altered. Mercury altered LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine gene expressions such as, tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$, interferon ${\gamma}$, and interleukin-12 in spleen and thymus. Results indicated that decreases in T lymphocyte populations in immune organs and altered cytokine gene expression may contribute to the immune-modulative effects of inorganic mercury.ganic mercury.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2665-2669
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• 2015

CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in regulation of immnue response and maintenance of self-tolerance. Studies have found Tregs could suppress tumor-specific T cell-mediated immune response and promote cancer progression. Depletion of Tregs can enhance antitumor immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells and capable of activating antigen-specific immune responses, which make them ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy. Now various DC vaccines are considered as effective treatment for cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation of Tregs in BALB/C mice with hepatocellular carcinoma and investigate the interaction between tumor-derived Tregs, effector T cells (Teff) and splenic DCs. We found the percentages of Tregs/CD4+ in the peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were higher than in normal mice. Tumor-derived Tregs diminished the up-regulation of costimulatory molecule expression on splenic DCs, even in the presence of Teff cells and simultaneously inhibited IL-12 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion by DCs.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.921-933
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• 2007

This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of the KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder on Alzheimer's Disease Model Induced by ${\beta}A$. The effects of the KBCMT hot water extract on expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, NOS-II, COX-2 mRNA and production of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, NO in BV2 microglial cell line treated by lipopolysacchaide(LPS). The effects of the KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder on (1) the behavior (2) expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, MDA, CD68 and CD11b; (3) AChE in serum (4) the infarction area of the hippocampus, and brain tissue injury in Alzheimer's diseased mice induced with ${\beta}A$ were investigated. The KBCMT hot water extract suppressed the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA in BV2 microglia cell line treated with LPS. The KBCMT hot water extract suppressed the production of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, NO in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS. The KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder a significant inhibitory effect on the memory deficit was shown for the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$ in the Morris water maze experiment, which measured stop-through latency and distance movemet-through latency The KBCMT ultra-fine powder suppressed the expression of TNF-a protein significantly in the microglial cell of mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. The KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder reduced the MDA and suppressed the over-expression of CD68, CD11b in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. The KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder decreased AChE significantly in the serum of the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. The KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder reduced infarction area of hippocampus, and controlled the injury of brain tissue in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. The KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder reduced the tau protein, GFAP, and presenilin1, 2 of hippocampus in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. These results suggest that the KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder may be effective for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Investigation into the clinical use of the KBCMT hot water extract & ultra-fine powder for Alzheimer's disease is suggested for future research.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2015

Background: Panax ginseng (i.e., ginseng) root is extensively used in traditional oriental medicine. It is a modern pharmaceutical reagent for preventing various human diseases such as cancer. Ginsenosidesd-the major active components of ginsengd-exhibit immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanism and function underlying such effects are not fully elucidated, especially in human monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng root on $CD14^+$ monocytes purified from human adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and on their differentiation into DCs that affect $CD4^+$ T cell activity. Results: After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, monocyte levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 increased through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, TNF-${\alpha}$ production and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK decreased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized monocytes.We confirmed that DCs derived from $CD14^+$ monocytes in the presence of ginsenoside fractions (Gin-DCs) contained decreased levels of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. The expression of these costimulatory molecules decreased in LPS-treated DCs exposed to ginsenoside fractions, compared to their expression in LPS-treated DCs in the absence of ginsenoside fractions. Furthermore, LPS-treated Gin-DCs could not induce proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) production by $CD4^+$ T cells with the coculture of Gin-DCs with $CD4^+$ T cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenoside fractions from the ginseng root suppress cytokine production and maturation of LPS-treated DCs and downregulate $CD4^+$ T cells.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.111-129
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Coicis Semen Herbal-acupuncture solution (CS-HAS) at the Joksamni (ST36) on the collagen-induced arthritis in the DBA/1J mouse. The author performed several experiments to analyze the effects of CS-HAS on arthritis; change of the weight; the spleen size and adhesion rate; serum cytokine levels; serum antibody levels; changes of immunocyte counts; the histological changes of joint. Results : In the Coicis Semen Herbal-acupuncture (CS-HA), arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis, and the degree of joint edema were decreased. In CS-HA, there was no weight loss. The size of the spleen, adhesion rate, and the edema and transformation of joint were lowered. In CS-HA, the levels of IL-1${\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, IgG, IgM, and anti-collagen II in serum and the levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-4, IL-10 in spleen were significantly decreased. In CS-HA, the expression ratios of $CD45^+$ to $CD3e^+$ and $CD8^+$ to $CD4^+$ were decreased. Also, the overall $CD4^+/CD8^+$ cell ratio was lowered in spleen. Ratios of the $CD4^+/CD25^+$, $CD45^+/CD69^+$ cells were decreased in lymph nodes. In addition, ratios of the $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells were also decreased in synovium. In the histological study, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation, and collagen fiber destruction were decreased with CS-HA treated group. Conclusions : From the results mentioned above, it is suggested that CS-HA at the ST36 has several significant effects on the collagen-induced arthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.191-206
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• 2006

Objective & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix herbal-acupuncture solution(APR-HAS) at Joksamni(ST36) on collagen IT induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. The author performed several experimental items to analyze several cytokines and immune cells related with RA. Results : 1. In the APR-HA group, the incidence of arthritis and arthritis index were significantly decreased. 2. In APR-HA group, the levels of IL-6, $INF-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IgG, IgM, $IL-{\beta}$ and Anti-collagen II in serum of the CIA mouse were significantly decreased. 3. In APR-HA group, the level of $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-4 in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture were significantly decreased. 4. In histology, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased in the APR-HA group, and the collagen fiber expressions in the APR-HA group were similar with that of the Normal group. 5. In the APR-HA group, CD3e+/CD19+ and CD4+/CD8+ were similarly maintained as Normal group in the CIA mouse lymph nodes, 6. In the APR-HA group, CD3e+/CD69+ was significantly decreased in the CIA mouse joint. 7. In the APR-HA group, CD11a+/CD19+ and CD11b+/Gr-l+ were significantly decreased in the CIA mouse lymph nodes 8. In the APR-HA group, CD4+/CD25+ was decreased in the CIA mouse spleen cell. 9. In the APR-HA group, CD4+/CD25+ was similarly maintained as Normal group in the CIA mouse lymph nodes.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.63-78
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was carried out to know the effects of Gwan-Jul-Bang-7 (hereafter referred to GJB-7) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on the mouse. Methods: To assess the effects of GJB-7 on mouse with arthritis induced by collagen II, we conducted several experiments such as analysis of cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, total cell number of draining lymph nodes and paw joints, value of immunocyte in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell), DLN (draining lymph node) and paw joint, measurement of cytokine and anti-collagen II, observation of the histological changes of joint. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against HFC (human fibroblast cells) was not observed in any concentration and hepatotoxicity was not observed in the GJB-7 treated group. 2. The incidence of arthritis significantly decreased. 3. Total cell number of draining lymph nodes significantly increased and total cell number of paw joints significantly decreased. 4. The percentage of $CD8^+$ cells in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) significantly increased. The percentage of $CD3^+/CD69^+$, and $CD3^+/CD49b^+$ cells in PBMC significantly decreased. 5. The percentage of $CD19^+,\;CD3^+$, and $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in DLN (draining lymph nodes) significantly increased. The percentage of $B220^+/CD23^+$ cells in DLN significantly decreased. 6. The percentage of $CD3^+,\;CD4^+$, and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in paw joints significantly decreased. 7. The production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, and MCP-1 significantly decreased. 8. Anti-collagen II in serum significantly decreased. 9. With the hematoxylin and eosin stain, inflammation of joint decreased. Under Masson's trichrome stain, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation and the expression of collagen fibers decreased. Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that GJB-7 had immunomodulatory effects. So we expect that GJB-7 could be used as an effective drug for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.771-779
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• 2004

This study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary $\beta$-carotene supplementation on lipid metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities in hyperlipidemic rats. Fifty Sprague-Dawley male rats aging 7 weeks were fed the control diet (CD,5% corn oil) and the high fat diet (HFD,15% beef tallow +1% cholesterol) for 4 weeks and then 0.02% $\beta$-carotene was supplemented to CD and HFD group for 8 more weeks. Serum lipid compositions, lipid peroxides and antioxidative enzymes in liver were analyzed at 4, 8 and 12week of the experiment. Serum levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol were higher in HFD groups than in CD groups (p < 0.001), Serum levels of HDL-cholesterol were higher in CD groups than in HFD groups (p < 0.01) . The effect of $\beta$-carotene supplementation was not significant in all groups but tended to be lower in total lipid, total cholesterol and Triglyceride. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in plasma and liver were showed significantly higher in HFD groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). The effects of $\beta$-carotene supplementation on the level of plasma and liver TBARS were not found except HFD groups at 12 week. Liver conjugated diene levels in HFD groups were higher than in CD groups (p < 0.01), but the effect of $\beta$-carotene supplementation did not show any differences. Liver lipofuscin levels were not significantly different among all groups. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were significantly lower in HFD groups at 8 week (p < 0.001) but were not significantly different at 4 and 12week. The activity of SOD in $\beta$-carotene supplemented HFD group was significantly higher at 8 week (p < 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was significantly lower in HFD groups (p < 0.01) and was significantly increased in groups supplemented $\beta$-carotene (p < 0.05). It is suggested that $\beta$-carotene supplementation partly decreases the serum lipid and lipid peroxide levels and increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes in hyperlipidemic rats.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.1 s.34
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• pp.41-46
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• 1984

Cadmium (Cd) was administered by a series of weekly intraperitoneal injections at dose of 2mg/kg in rabbits and rats. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and thromboxane $B^2(TXB_2)$ in platelet-rich plasma from Cd-poisoned animals were significantly higher than those of the control group. Furthermore, the inhibition of 6-keto-prostaglandin $F_{1{\alpha}}$, production in Cd-treated aorta ring was inversely related to the enhancement of platelet aggregation. These results suggest that Cd not only inhibits prostacyclin synthesis in the arterial endothelium, but also stimulates the platelet aggregation by enhancing thromboxane AZ production. These findings are assumed to support the evidence of an effect of Cd toxicity on the vascular wall and platelet function in raising arteriall pressure.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.79-86
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• 1990

Cyclodextrin hydrolase from Bacillus stearothermophilus KFCC 21203 was purified and the properties of the purified enzyme were investigated. The enzyme was purified 15 folds with 77 % recovery by ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and Ultro AcA 34 gel filtration. The specific activity and the molecular weight of the enzyme were 1.30 units/mg protein and about 29,500, respectively, The maximum activity of the enzyme was shown at $55^{\circ}C$ and pH 5.5. However, stable temperature and pH were $40^{\circ}C$ and $5.0{\sim}8.0$, respectively. The Km value for ${\gamma}-cyclodextrin$ was $3.78{\times}10^{-3}$ M. The degradation activity of the enzyme was selectively high for ${\gamma}-cyclodextrin$, and very low for ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$, but not for ${\alpha}-cyclodextrin$. The decomposed products of ${\gamma}-cyclodextrin$ were mainly glucose and maltose, and a little mlatotriose. The activity of the enzyme was very high for amylose, potato starch, corn starch, amylopectin and maltooligomer, and relatively high for glycogen and dextrin. The decomposed products of them were mainly glucose and maltose.