• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2013

Objectives: Galgeun-tang (GGT, gegen-tang, kakkon-to), an herbal formula, is used to treat the common cold, fevers, headaches, hangovers and neck and upper back stiffness. The drugs currently used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited by the significant adverse effects associated with their long-term usage. The need to efficiently manage the AD response while reducing side effects has led to the development of alternative remedies. Methods: To assess the effects of GGT on AD, the anti-inflammatory and anti-AD properties of GGT were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Results: Nitric oxide (NO) and histamine production on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells and phorbol-12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/A23187-treated MC/9 cells, respectively, were inhibited by GGT. GGT reduced thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) release on TNF-${\alpha}$/IFN-${\gamma}$ stimulated HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. GGT reduced both plasma levels of IgE and histamine and the dermatitis score in house dust mite induced atopic dermatitis-like lesions on NC/Nga mice. However, there were no significant histopathological differences observed between the GGT group and the AD-induced group, such as AD-like lesions in the dorsal skin or ear or mast cell infiltration in the dorsal skin. Conclusions: These results indicate that GGT inhibits chemokine production by keratinocytes and the atopic dermatitis response in NC/Nga mice, suggesting that GGT may be useful as a therapeutic remedy for treating AD and allergic inflammation-related diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.201-211
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• 2010

Objectives : Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which is characterized by severe pruritis, erythema, edema, effusion and scabs. The aim of this study was to understand effects of Arctium lappa Linne, which is well known for its efficacy for various skin diseases, on atopic dermatitis Methods : We conducted this experiment using the DNFB-induced NC/Nga mice. After two weeks of applying DNFB to NC/Nga mice, severe symptoms of atopic dermatitis occurred. We divided the mice into three different groups: a control group which was given no treatment at all, a group treated with dexamethasone (1mg/kg), and another group treated with Arctium lappa Linne (300mg/kg). After one week of treatment, results were recorded according to their improvement on skin, itching behavior, IL-4, and INF-$\gamma$ measurement, which is a significant criterion for diagnosing atopic dermatitis. Results : Itching behavior showed significant improvement in the Arctium lappa Linne group. However Arctium lappa Linne failed to reduce IL-4 and INF-$\gamma$ count. Also there was no satisfying improvement on AD-like skin lesions on the rostral back of the NC/Nga mice treated with Arctium lappa Linne. Conclusions : Arctium lappa Linne showed improvement in itching behavior in NC/Nga mice induced by DNFB. Arctium lappa Linne showed neither significant improvement on skin lesions nor in IL-4 and INF-$\gamma$ measurement.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2017

Objectives : Atopic Dermatitis is a recurrent, chronic, allergic eczema with severe itching sensation. This study designed to research Sihocheonggan-tang & Sihocheonggan-san to find out treatability for atopic dermatitis. Methods : We got 14 search results with searching word '시호청간탕', '시호청간산' in 'OASIS', 'NDSL', 'RISS'. We classified these studies according to the type of study, diseases, treatment methods and treatment outcomes. Results : In the analysis of the diseases, Sihocheonggan-tang & Sihocheonggan-san was given for Eczema nummulare, Ermatitis seborrheica, Erythema multiforme, Eczema and Atopic dermatitis. In the analysis of the treatment methodes, the dosage form of Sihocheonggan-tang & Sihocheonggan-san was herbal medication, pill, granules and herbal medication & pill. In the analysis of the treatment outcomes, the symptoms of all patients were improved. In the experimental researches, it was proved that Sihocheonggan-tang & Sihocheonggan-san has effects that affect anti-inflammatory, skin protection and recovery of keratinocyte. Conclusions : For this study, we can consider Sihocheonggan-tang & Sihocheonggan-san is effective for atopic deramatitis. So, it is necessary to carry out clinical trial for Sihocheonggan-tang & Sihocheonggan-san in atopic dermatitis to evaluate safety and efficacy.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.490-494
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• 2014

Dermatophagoides farinae plays important role in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis as environmental allergens. Also, many studies revealed that D. farinae was the main causative allergen for Korean dogs with atopic dermatitis. To identify major allergens of D. farinae in Korean atopic dogs allergic to D. farinae by immunoblot using commercial allergenic extracts, 26 dogs from two groups were enrolled in the study. Control group consists of 10 dogs with no clinical signs of disease and atopic group consists of 16 dogs diagnosed as atopic dermatitis. Sera from Korean dogs with atopic dermatitis showed six allergens of D. farinae extract by procedure of immunoblot. The molecular weights of identifying protein bands were 177, 109, 75, 44, 27, 15 kDa. The major allergens showing reactivity with greater than 50% of atopic dogs were detected at approximately 44, 109 and 177 kDa. Subsequent investigations will be carried out to verify the identity of the allergens detected in this study.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 2024

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an inflammatory and pruritic skin disease with a genetic predisposition, characterized by allergic sensitivity. It is known for its distinctive clinical features, including a high recurrence rate and chronic progression. To manage CAD, medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants are commonly used, but consideration should be given to the potential resistance and side effects associated with long-term use. In order to reduce these risks, various adjunctive factors are currently under consideration. One of these adjunctive agents, probiotics have shown effectiveness in regulating atopic dermatitis by modulating immune responses, as demonstrated in several recent studies. In this study, a substance combining three probiotics-L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and Ped. Acidilactici-was used in patients diagnosed with CAD, and its clinical effects and safety were evaluated. The trial involved four groups: a group receiving conventional treatment for atopic dermatitis (A), a group prescribed low-dose probiotics (B), a group prescribed high-dose probiotics (C), and a group prescribed topical probiotics (D). For assessment, the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI), Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) test, gut microbiome, and serum IgE test were conducted. As a result, the CAD severity index (CADESI-4) significantly decreased in the probiotics groups (B & C). In the serum total IgE test, the groups consuming probiotics showed a significant difference, while the group using topical probiotics (D) did not exhibit a significant change. Also, the TEWL test showed improved scores in the probiotics groups (B & C). Therefore, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and Ped. Acidilactici probiotic combination could be considered as an effective adjunctive treatment, especially for atopic patients with moderate to severe skin lesions.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.39-66
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• 2015

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Sesamum indicum extracted (SEI) on atopic dermatitis in an in-vitro and in-vivo experiment using a MC/9 murine mast cells and a NC/Nga mouse. Methods In-vitro experiment, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF mRNA expression were evaluated by Real-time PCR, IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$ production by ELISA and manifestations of NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-jun, c-fos, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 transcription factors by western blotting. In-vivo experiment, we measured WBC, Eosinophil, Neutrophil, and serum IL-5, IL-13 in NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-4 in the spleenocyte culture supernatant by ELISA, the absolute cell numbers of CD4+, CD8+, +Gr-1+CD11b, B220+CD23+ in the axillary lymph node (ALN), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dorsal skin tissue, IL-5, IL-13 by Real-time PCR, the distribution of tissue inflammation and cellular infiltration by H&E and toluidine blue. Results SEI decreased IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, GM-CSF, TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression, IL-13, MIP-$1{\alpha}$ production and the expression of transcription factors including NFAT-1, c-jun, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 in MC/9 murine mast cells. SEI orally administration decreased cell number of WBC, Eosinophil, the level of serum IgE, total cell number of ALN and dorsal skin tissue, absolute cell number of CD4+, CD8+, B220+CD23+ in the ALN. SEI orally administration also increased absolute cell number of CD8+/CD3+ and decreased Gr-1+/CD11b+ in PBMCs, decreased CD4+ in dorsal skin tissue, inhibited IL-5, IL-13 mRNA expression. Infiltration levels of inflammatory immune cells, mast cells and thickness of epidermis decreased in dorsal skin tissue. Conclusions SEI can regulate allergic inflammatory response suppressed the gene expression and production of cytokines that mediate allergic reactions, and will be able to be effectively utilized in the treatment of atopic dermatitis future.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.173-182
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• 2013

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease associated with dysfunction of skin barrier and cutaneous hyper-reactivity to environmental triggers. In the previous study, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities were investigated for various herbal extracts such as Aloe vera L. (AV), Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM), Punica granatum L. (PG), and Dendrobium nobile L. (DN) in order to develop effective therapeutic herbal extracts for atopic dermatitis, In this study, anti-inflammatory activities of these herb extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage RAW264.7 cells were further examined to find the underlying molecular mechanisms. The RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that PG, DN and AV inhibited effectively the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated macrophages, while VM did not. The transfection and luciferase analysis exhibited that all herbal extracts hindered the activation of transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$). The western blot analysis indicated that AV blocked the activation of only JNK MAP (c-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein) kinase not p38 MAP kinase, while VM, PG and DN did not show the activation of both JNK and p38 MAP kinases. These results suggest that AV, VM, PG, and DN have anti-inflammatory activities and thus have the potential to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2010

Purpose: We analyzed the incidence and related factors of radiation dermatitis; at first, to recognize whether a decrease in radiation dermatitis is possible or not in breast cancer patients who received radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: Of 338 patients, 284 with invasive breast cancer who received breast conservation surgery with radiotherapy at Chonbuk National University Hospital from January 2007 to June 2009 were evaluated. Patients who also underwent bolus, previous contralateral breast irradiation and irradiation on both breasts were excluded. For patients who appeared to have greater than moderate radiation dermatitis, the incidence and relating factors for radiation dermatitis were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 207 and 77 patients appeared to have RTOG grade 0/1 or above RTOG grade 2 radiation dermatitis, respectively. The factors found to be statistically significant for the 77 patients who appeared to have greater than moderate radiation dermatitis include the presence of lymphocele due to the stasis of lymph and lymph edema which affect the healing disturbance of radiation dermatitis (p=0.003, p=0.001). Moreover, an allergic reaction to plaster due to the immune cells of skin and the activation of cytokine and concomitant hormonal therapy were also statistically significant factors (p=0.001, p=0.025). Conclusion: Most of the breast cancer patients who received radiation therapy appeared to have a greater than mild case of radiation dermatitis. Lymphocele, lymphedema, an allergy to plaster and concomitant hormonal therapy which affect radiation dermatitis were found to be significant factors. Consequently, we should eliminate lymphocele prior to radiation treatment for patients who appear to have an allergic reaction to plaster. We should also instruct patients of methods to maintain skin moisture if they appear to have a greater than moderate case of radiation dermatitis.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.15-24
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• 2011

Background: Type I allergy is involved in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis which are accompanied by an acute and chronic allergic inflammatory responses. Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional medicine in the East Asian region. This study examined whether a Rehmannia Glutinosa pharmacopuncture solution (RGPS) had anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory effects in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Methods: We determined the effect of RGPS on cell viability using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We also examined the effect of RGPS on the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and the secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using ELISA. In addition, we evaluated the effect of RGPS on the mRNA expression of various cytokines; IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using RT-PCR. Furthermore, we assessed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}$B using Western blotting after RGPS treatment. Results: We found that RGPS ($10^{-4}$ to $10^{-1}$ dilution) did not cause any cytotoxicity. We observed significant inhibition of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release and suppression of the protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and mRNA expression of multiple cytokines in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells after RGPS treatment. Additionally, RGPS suppressed not only the phosphorylation of MAPKs, but also the transcriptional activation of NF-${\kappa}$B in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that RGPS inhibits degranulation and expression of cytokines including IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ via down-regulation of MAPKs and NF-${\kappa}$B activation in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. In conclusion, RGPS may have beneficial effects in the exerting anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory activities.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.355-361
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• 2008

Pollen is very important causing factor for allergy such as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma, and pollen allergy has a remarkable clinical impact all over Korea. The main pollination period covers about half the year, from spring to autumn, and the distribution of airborne pollen taxa of allergological interest is related to pollen season dynamics. Korean academy of pediatric allergy and respiratory diseases (KAPARD) has evaluated the pollen characteristics and nationwide pollen count for over 10 years since 1997. Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from nationwide 8 stations (Seoul, Guri, Cheongju, Daegu, Kwangju, Busan, Kangneung, and Jeju) by using 7 days-Burkard sampler (Burkard Manufacturing Co Ltd, Hertfordshire, UK) in South Korea (July 1, 1997-June 30, 2007). They were counted and recorded along with the meteorological factors daily. Tree pollen is a major airborne allergen in spring, grass is most common in summer, and weed pollen is major pollen in autumn in Korea. There has two peak seasons for pollen allergy, as summer and autumn. There is some evidence suggesting that the prevalence of allergic diseases in Korea has been on the increase in the past decade. However, recent findings of the phase I and II studies of the international Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) study showed the absence of increases or little changes in prevalence of asthma symptoms and diagnosis rates in Korea, whereas the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were increased. We reported the evidence that sensitization rate to weed pollen has been increased yearly since 1997 in childhood. Climate change and air pollution must be the major causing factors for the increase of pollen counts and sensitization rate to pollen. Climate change makes the plants earlier pollination and persisting pollination longer. In conclusion, data on pollen count and structure in the last few years, the pathogenetic role of pollen and the interaction between pollen and air pollutants with climate change gave new insights into the mechanism of respiratory allergic diseases in Korea.