• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2005

Purpose : Hypogammaglobulinemia has been observed in nephrotic syndrome, but its pathophysiology remains unknown. We evaluated serum immunoglobulins, IgG subclasses, and vaccine-induced viral antibodies(anti-hepatitis B surface IgG and anti-measles IgG) in children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS). Methods : Using the stored sera, the levels of immunoglobulin(IgC, IgM, IgA, and IgC) and IgG subclasses(IgG 1, 2, ,3, and 4), anti-HBs Ab and anti-measles IgG of 21 children with MCNS were analyzed and compared to those of 25 age-matched healthy children. Results : The mean values of IgG and IgG1 were $390{\pm}187\;mg/dL$ and $287{\pm}120\;mg/dL$ in nephrotic children, and $1,025{\pm}284\;mg/dL$ and $785{\pm}19\;mg/dL$ in control children, respectively. The values of the total IgG and the 4 IgG subclasses in nephrotic children were all significantly depressed(P<0.001), but the IgM($251{\pm}183\;mg/dL\;vs. 153{\pm}55\;mg/dL$, P=0.02) and IgE values(P=0.01) were elevated, and the IgA values were not changed. The seropositivity of anti-HBs IgG was 42.9$\%$(9 of 21 cases) in the MCNS group and 52$\%$(13/25) in the control group, and that of anti-measles IgG was 75$\%$(16/21) and 92$\%$(23/25), respectively, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion : IgG and IgG subclass levels in MCNS children are all depressed without significant seronegativity of the vaccine-induced viral antibodies. Further studies are needed to resolve the cause of hypogammaglobulinemia in MCNS. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:143-148)

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.8
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• pp.886-893
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• 2005

Purpose : Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in children less than 5 years of age. Recent immunohistochemistry findings suggest that many vascular growth factors play a role in the formation of the coronary artery lesions. Active remodeling of the coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease continues in the form of intimal proliferation and neoangiogenesis for several years after the onset of the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) and corticosteroid have been used in the treatment of Kawasaki disease but the exact mechanism is not clear. We have investigated that IVIG and corticosteroid inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-induced tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro on Matrigel assay. Methods : Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were cultured and seeded on Matrigel coated 24 well plates in medium with or without the following agents : VEGF, VEGF plus IVIG, VEGF plus VEGF antibody, VEGF plus methylprednisolone, VEGF, IVIG plus methylprednisolone for 18 hours. The total length of tube structures in each photograph was quantified. Results : IVIG significantly inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs. The inhibitory effect of IVIG was also reversible. In the meantime, VEGF induced the differentiation of HUVECs into capillary like structures on Matrigel, which was inhibited by VEGF antibody in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, IVIG and methylprednisolone inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation of HUVECs. IVIG was more effective in inhibition than methylprednisolone alone. Conclusion : We revealed that VEGF induced the differentiation of HUVECs and this effect was inhibited by IVIG and methylprednisolone.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.130-139
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• 2017

This study investigated the effect of heat stress on the performance and blood characteristics in commercial pig farms. A total of 180 growing pigs and 180 finishing pigs were assigned to two treatments consisting of thermal-neutral period(TNP) and high-temperature period(HTP) with three replications in floor pen, respectively. Feeding trials in the TNP and HTP were individually performed in autumn and summer seasons, respectively. Temperature-humidity index(THI) was calculated by temperature and humidity. Performance and physiological responses were identified per growth stages and feeding trial. Average temperature and THI were $16.8^{\circ}C$ and 61.4 at the TNP, and $25^{\circ}C$ and 74.3 at the HTP, respectively. Growing pigs in HTP exhibited lower BW, ADG and ADFI than in TNP(p<0.01). Similarly, finishing pigs showed lower growth parameters in HTP than in TNP(p<0.01). Lymphocytes and neutrophils of growing pigs were lower in HTP than in TNP(p<0.05). The serum T-PRO and NEFA in finishing pigs were higher in HTP than in TNP(p<0.05). In HTP, finishing pigs had higher cortisol levels than in TNP. Therefore, HTP can negatively influence growth performance and nutritional metabolism in pigs. Our results may provide useful information for developing feeding programs and diets to control heat stress for swine farms.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.489-497
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• 2002

Purpose : The objectives of this study were to investigate the causes of chronic cough and to establish the appropriate diagnostic approach to chronic cough in children. Methods : One hundred and thirty two cases of chronic cough were prospectively evaluated. They visitors to pediatric chronic cough clinics at Kang-nam saint Mary's Hospital of Catholic University from August 2000 to July 2001 for 12 months. Careful history taking by questionnaire, physical examination, radiologic studies of chest and sinus, hematologic and immunologic studies, allergic skin tests, and methacholine challenge tests were performed. Color doppler(CD) ultrasonography were performed and compared with simultaneous 24 Hr. esophageal pH monitoring to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). Results : Age distributions were demonstrated that nine in infants, 82 in early childhood, 38 in late childhood, and three in adolescence. Common causes of chronic cough were bronchial asthma in 40 cases, chronic sinusitis in 22 cases, GERD in seven cases, bronchial asthma combined with sinusitis in 28 cases, bronchial asthma combined with GERD in 14 cases, psychogenic cough in two. cases, foreign body in one case, chronic bronchitis in one case, and bronchiolitis in one case. Comparing with 24 Hr. pH monitoring, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of CD ultrasonography were 88%, 69%, 85 %, and 73% respectively. Conclusion : The most common causes of chronic cough in children were bronchial asthma, sinusitis and GERD in order. We suggest that CD ultrasonography can be used as a good, convenient screening method for patients with suspected GERD in outpatient settings.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.505-511
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• 2002

Purpose : Mean platelet volume(MPV) and platelet distribution width(PDW) are useful parameters in evaluating disorders of platelets. In cases with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP), they change as platelet count increases. In this study, we compared the values of MPV and PDW in ITP patients at diagnosis with those of normal children. We also studied whether the early changes in MPV may predict the clinical course. Methods : From December 1995 to May 2001, 71 patients with ITP were admitted to Ajou University Hospital. They were treated with IVIg 400 mg/kg for five days and MPV, PDW, platelet count were analysed. Normal control group(n=38) was compared. The study group was divided into acute and chronic forms, and also divided into group A, good early responders whose platelets increased more than $100,000/{\mu}L$ within 5 days and group B who did not. Results : Mean value of MPV at diagnosis in ITP patients was lower than the normal control group(P<0.05). In group A, MPV was abruptly increased on the first day after IVIg and then started to decrease. But in group B, MPV was steadily increased until the fourth day after IVIg. In the normal control group, there were inverse correlations between platelet count and MPV(r=-0.415, P<0.05), but in ITP patients, there were positive relationships between platelet count and MPV(r=0.646, P<0.05) at diagnosis. Conclusions : MPV at diagnosis of ITP was lower than the normal control. MPV and PDW could not predict the course of ITP patients, but MPV could distinguish good early responders. More research is needed to find out the reasons of decreased MPV at diagnosis of ITP.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.234-241
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• 2009

Purpose : We investigated the relationship between thyroid hormone and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL-6) and N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods : Serum levels of thyroid hormone, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and NT-proBNP were measured in 52 KD patients in the acute and subacute phase and 10 patients with acute febrile illness (control group). TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Echocardiography was performed to detect coronary artery lesions (CAL) in KD patients. Results : Low $T_3$ syndrome occurred in 63.5% of KD patients. $T_3$ in the acute phase of KD was lower than that in the control. In KD patients, $T_3$ was lowered in the acute phase and elevated in the subacute phase, whereas TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and NT-proBNP were elevated in the acute phase and decreased in the subacute phase. NT-proBNP, and IL-6 were higher in patients with low $T_3$ than in those with normal $T_3$. In addition, $T_3$ inversely correlated with IL-6 and NT-proBNP. Of the 4 patients with CAL, 3 had very low $T_3$. Compared with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-responsive patients, IVIG-resistant patients had lower $T_3$ and higher IL-6 and NT-proBNP. Conclusion : $T_3$ decreases in the acute phase of KD and normalizes in the subacute phase without thyroid hormone replacement. Low $T_3$ may be partially induced by IL-6 rather than TNF-${\alpha}$, and is strongly associated with high NT-proBNP. $T_3$ in KD may be used for the differential diagnosis, monitoring the activity of the disease, and predicting the severity of inflammation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.8
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• pp.857-863
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• 2006

Purpose : To evaluate the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine among very low birth weight infants(VLBWI) who were vaccinated at 0, 1, 6 months of chronological age and to determine the factors associated with antibody formations. Methods : A total of 243 VLBWI admitted to Seoul and Gangneung Asan Medical Center neonatal intensive care units from 1997 to 2004 were included. Of 243, 13 infants were born to HBs Ag positive mother. All infants were given DNA recombinant vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months of chronological age. Infants born to HBs Ag positive mothers received hepatitis B immunoglobulin at birth and a total of 4 doses of vaccinations. An antibody level over 10 mIU/mL, tested at 3-4 months after last vaccination, was regarded as a positive seroconversion. Results : The seroconversion rates were 84.4 percent and 84.5 percent for VLBWI and extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI), respectively. Of 28 seronegative infants who were given revaccinations, 60.7 percent seroconverted, resulting in 95.3 percent, 97.5 percent seroconversion rates for VLBWI and ELBWI, respectively. 76.9 percent of infants born to HBsAg positive mothers seroconverted and none became hepatitis B carriers. Factors such as gestational age, sex, various neonatal illness, and kinds of vaccinations did not influence the formation of the hepatits B antibody, however, the higher the weight at time of first vacciation yielded better seroconversion rate. Conclusion : Revaccination of seronegative VLBWI after 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccinaton is very effective. Therefore, testing the immune status after the hepatitis B vaccination, a practice not routinely done, is highly recommended.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2013

Purpose : This study aims to investigate preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis of rabies that the National Medical Center (NMC) handled and to check whether appropriate measures were performed according to the recent domestic and overseas guidelines after animal bites. Methods : This study surveyed 41 people who were 18 years or under and received preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis of rabies at the NMC from November 2006 to December 2011. Their medical records were reviewed for their age, gender, the reason for preexposure prophylaxis, the body sites of animal bite, the kind of the animal that bit children, the region where the biting occurred and rabies vaccination and inoculation of immunoglobulin. Results : Eleven children took rabies vaccination for preexposure prophylaxis and 30 children received post exposure prophylaxis of rabies. Of patients who were bitten by unvaccinated animals including wild animals or by animals which were not certain to be vaccinated, 50% (13 of 26 children) received postexposure prophylaxis, while 75% (3 of 4 children) of patients who were bitten by vaccinated animals received postexposure prophylaxis of rabies. Ten of 30 bitten patients knew whether or not the biting animals had received rabies vaccination. Of them, four people (40%) were bitten by animals which had received rabies vaccination. Conclusion : To prevent the occurrence of rabies, people and health care providers need to correctly understand latest guideline for rabies preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis and the information for bitten patient, biting animal and area at bitten by animal should be accurately recorded.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.334-340
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• 2003

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary herbal extracts mixture on the growth rate. carcass traits and serological changes in finishing pigs. For the Exp 1, eighty Duroc(Yorkshir(Landrace pigs(81.58$\pm$3.20kg average initial body weight) were used in a 45 day experiment. Dietary treatments included 1) NC(negative control; antibiotics-free diet), 2) PC(positive control; NC diet added 0.1% of chlortetracycline), 3) NCM(NC diet added 0.1% of herbal plant mixture) and 4) PCM(PC diet added 0.1% of herbal plant mixture). Through the entire experimental period, ADG of pigs fed NCM and PCM diets was greater(P<0.08) than that of pigs fed NC diet. There was interaction of ADG(P<0.01) in pigs fed NC diet with herbal plant mixture compared to pigs fed PC diet with herbal plant mixture. ADFI and G/F tended to increase in PC and NCM treatments. However, there were not significantly differences among the treatments. Total protein of serum was improved by supplementation of the herbal plant mixture in NC diet(P<0.04). For the Exp 2. one hundred Duroc(Yorkshir(Landrace pigs(77.36$\pm$2.01kg average initial body weight) were used in a 28 day experiment. Dietary treatments included 1) NC(negative control; antibiotics-free diet), 2) PC(positive control; NC diet added 0.1% of chlortetracycline), 3) PM0.1(NC diet added 0.1% of herbal plant mixture) and 4) PM0.2(NC diet added 0.2% of herbal plant mixture). Through the entire experimental period, ADG tended to increase in PC treatment. However, there was not significantly difference among the treatments. Carcass weight in NC was higher than other treatments(P<0.06). Backfat thickness was higher in pigs fed PC than other treatments. However, there was not significantly difference among the treatments. A grade appearances of carcass tended to increase in pigs fed PM(P<0.09). In conclusion, the results of the experiments suggest that pigs fed PM could be a beneficial growth performance and serogical immunity for finishing pigs.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.481-487
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• 2010

Purpose: Recently many studies show early exposure during childhood growth to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) and/or early exposure to allergens exhibit important role in development of allergy including bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endotoxin and allergen exposure in early life via the airways in the pathogenesis of allergic airways inflammation and airway hyperresposiveness (AHR) in mouse model of asthma. Methods: Less than one week-old Balb/c mice was used. Groups of mice were received either a single intranasal instillation of sterile physiologic saline, 1% ovalbumin (OVA), LPS or $1.0{\mu}g$ LPS in 1% OVA. On 35th day, these animals were sensitized with 1% OVA for 10 consecutive days via the airways. Animals were challenged with ovalbumin for 3 days on 55th days, and airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and cytokine expression were assessed. Measurements of airway function were obtained in unrestrained animals, using whole-body plethysmography. Airway responsiveness was expressed in terms of % enhanced pause (Penh) increase from baseline to aerosolized methacholine. Lung eosinophilia, serum OVA-IgE and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cytokine levels were also assessed. ANOVA was used to determine the levels of difference between all groups. Comparisons for all pairs were performed by Tukey-Kramer honest significant difference test; $P$ values for significance were set to 0.05. Results: Sensitized and challenged mice with OVA showed significant airway eosinophilia and heightened responsiveness to methacholine. Early life exposure of OVA and/or LPS via the airway prevented both development of AHR as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophilia. Exposure with OVA or LPS also resulted in suppression of interleukin (IL)-4, 5 production in BAL fluid and OVA specific IgE in blood. Conclusion: These results indicate that antigen and/or LPS exposure in the early life results in inhibition of allergic responses to OVA in this mouse model of astham. Our data show that early life exposure with OVA and/or LPS may have a protective role in the development of allergic airway inflammation and development of allergen-induced airway responses in mouse model of asthma.