• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2008

Immune system can protect host attacking from a variety of microorganism and virus through innate and adaptive immunities. The innate immune system can be activated by recognition of conserved carbohydrates on the cell surface of pathogen resulting in protection, immunity regulation and inflammation. Immunostimulating and anti-tumor ${\beta}$-glucan, major cell wall component of many fungi, could be recognized as pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) by C-type lectin such as pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) of host innate immunity cells. In spite of many studies of basidiomycetes ${\beta}$-glucan on immunostimulation, little is known about the precise mechanism as molecular-level. Among C-type lectins, dectin-1 was cloned and reported as a ${\beta}$-glucan receptor. In this report, we demonstrated induction of cytokine gene transcription by Ganoderma lucidum ${\beta}$-glucan in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by RT-PCR analysis. The expression of murine dectin-1 (MD-1) on RAW264.7 macrophage by RT-PCR showing both the full length, 757 bp $(MD-1{\alpha})$ and alternative spliced form, 620 bp $(MD-1{\beta})$. Both $MD-1{\alpha}$ and $MD-1{\beta}$ mRNAs were induced by ${\beta $-glucan both in the absence and presence of LPS. To explore expression of inflammatory cytokines by ${\beta}$-glucan, RAW264.7 cells were treated with ${\beta}$-glucan for 12 hours. As a result, the expressions of IL-1 IL-6, IL-l0 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were increased by ${\beta}$-glucan treatment in a dose-dependent fashion. From these results, ${\beta}$-glucan induced transcriptions of dectin-1 and immune activating cytokine genes, indicating induction of immune allertness by expressing dectin-1 and secreting inflammatory cytokines.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.261-265
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• 2013

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat cancers, inflammation, and urinary diseases. This study aimed to determine any protective effects of S. barbata crude extract (CE-SB) against rat liver tumorigenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA). Liver malfunction indices in serum were measured by biochemical examination. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine liver pathology. Contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in liver homogenates to evaluate oxidative stress. The levels of liver malfunction indices in the CE-SB groups, especially in the CE-SB high dose group, were lower than that of the model group (P<0.05). The results from histological examination indicated that the number of liver nodules in the CE-SB groups decreased compared with the model group (P<0.05). Content of MDA determined in liver was significantly decreased, and level of SOD elevated by CE-SB. CE-SB can inhibit experimental liver tumorigenesis and relieve hepatic injury in rats.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.71-78
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• 2014

Purpose: Host modulatory therapy has been proposed as a treatment for periodontal diseases. A class of herbal medicines, known to be immunomodulators, alters the activity of immune function through the regulation of informational molecules such as cytokines. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that herbal immunomodulator drugs act as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) in alleviating periodontal inflammation by improving clinical and biochemical parameters. Methods: Sixty healthy subjects (30 in each group) with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-masked randomised controlled trial. The control group was treated with SRP and a placebo, whereas the test group was treated with SRP followed by dietary supplementation of Septilin for 3 weeks. Periodontal clinical parameters and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated for all patients at the baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Results: Improved gingival index scores found in the test group as compared to the control group were found to be statistically significant only after 3 weeks (P<0.001). In contrast, the decrease in the sulcus bleeding index and pocket depth scores was statistically highly significant in the test group as compared to the control group after 3 weeks and 6 weeks (P<0.001). However, reduced clinical attachment level and CRP scores, as reflected in the test group as compared to the control group, were not found to be statistically significant after both 3 weeks (P>0.05) and 6 weeks (P>0.05). Conclusions: The results of this clinical-biochemical study suggest that dietary supplementation with herbal immunomodulatory agents may be a promising adjunct to SRP and may aid in improving periodontal treatment outcomes.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2014

Purpose: Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused predominantly by gram-negative anerobes. The host inflammatory response to these bacteria causes alveolar bone loss that is characterized as periodontitis. Omega-3 fatty acids (${\omega}$-3 FAs) have anti-inflammatory properties, thus have been used to treat some chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with ${\omega}$-3 FAs as a host modulating agent in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Sixty otherwise healthy subjects with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in our randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The control group (CG, n=30) was treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) and given a placebo; the treatment group (TG, n=30) was treated with SRP and dietary supplementation of ${\omega}$-3 FAs (one 300 mg tablet daily for 12 weeks). Periodontal clinical parameters and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated in all patients at baseline, a 6-week and 12-week period after treatment. Results: A significant reduction in the gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level was found in the TG compared to the CG at a 12-week period. However, no statistically significant changes in serum CRP levels were found. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ${\omega}$-3 FAs can successfully reduce gingival inflammation, pocket depth, and attachment level gain. Dietary supplementation with ${\omega}$-3 FAs may have potential benefits as a host modulatory agent in the prevention and/or C management of chronic periodontitis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.411-430
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• 1998

The aim of the presents study is to investigate and compare the antioxidative effects and qualities of the cultivating root of Cynanchum Wilfori, which is increasingly used in recent days, with those of the wilding root, which has mainly been used in the past in oriental medicine for a tonic and also for prevention and treatment of various geriatric diseases including aging progress. For comparison of their antioxidative effects, the activities of the total extracts on lipid peroxidation and the activity of aldehyde oxidase(EC 1.2.3.1) as well as xanthine oxidase(EC 1.2.3.2) were investigated in vitro. In addition, their inhibitory effects on the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, which is known to induce inflammation and concerned with free radicals, were also determined in vitro. Furthermore, the amino acid contents of both roots were analyzed in order to compare their qualities. The results are as follows: 1. The wilding root inhibited significantly the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, showing five times more portent than the cultivating root. 2. Both of the wilding root and the cultivating root inhibited aldehyde oxidase activity in a dose-dependant manner. The wilding root was more effective than the other. 3. Both of the wilding root and the cultivating root dose-dependently suppressed lipid peroxidation in rat brain, kidney, and liver. 4. The anti-peroxidative effects of both roots appeared to be most strong in brain and least in liver. In particular, the cultivating root exhibited a significant inhibition on brain lipid peroxidation. 5. The cultivating root contained 15 amino acids including five essential amino acids in contrast with the less contents in the wilding root.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.92-98
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• 2010

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to relieve pain, reduce fever and inhibit inflammation. NSAIDs function mainly through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). Growing evidence suggests that NSAIDs also have immunomodulatory effects on T and B cells. Here we examined the effects of NSAIDs on the antigen presenting function of dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: DCs were cultured in the presence of aspirin or ibuprofen, and then allowed to phagocytose biodegradable microspheres containing ovalbumin (OVA). After washing and fixing, the efficacy of OVA peptide presentation by DCs was evaluated using OVA-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells. Results: Aspirin and ibuprofen at high concentrations inhibited both MHC class I and class II-restricted presentation of OVA in DCs. In addition, the DCs generated in the presence of low concentrations of the drugs exhibit a profoundly suppressed capability to present MHC-restricted antigens. Aspirin and ibuprofen did not inhibit the phagocytic activity of DCs, the expression level of total MHC molecules and co-stimulatory molecules on DCs. Ibuprofen rather increased the expression level of total MHC molecules and co-stimulatory molecules on DCs. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit the intracellular processing event of the phagocytosed antigen, and further suggest that prolonged administration of NSAIDs in high doses may impair the capability of DCs to present antigens in asiociation with MHC molecules.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.23-37
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• 2013

Objectives This study was performed to investigate the effects of Saengkanggamchotang (SKT) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced osteoarthritis in rats. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA (50 ul, 60 mg/ml) into knee joints of rats. Rats are divided into a total of 4 groups (normal, control, positive comparison group, SKT treated group, each n=6). Normal group are not treated at all without inducing osteoarthritis whereas control group were induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and oral medicated with 20 ml of distilled water per day. Positive comparison group was injected with MIA and after 7 days, that was taken indomethacin (30 mg/kg/mouse). SKT treated group was injected with MIA and after 7 days that was taken SKT (30 mg/kg/mouse). Positive comparison group and SKT treated group were oral medicated for each substance a total of 4 weeks with one time per day. After experiments (from 1 week after injection of papain to 4 weeks elapsed), the functions of liver and kidney, Prostaglandin E2, inflammatory cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$), osteocalcin, TIMP-1, MMP-9 within serum. Knee joint structures were observed by H&E, safranin-O staining method, and amount of cartilage were measured by ${\mu}CT$-arthrography. Results 1) Hind paw weight bearing ability was significantly improved. 2) Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. 3) Prostaglandin E2, osteocalcin, TIMP-1, MMP-9 in serum were significantly decreased. 4) Inflammatory cytokine IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly decreased, and IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ were decreased but had not significant. 5) In terms of histopathology, significantly reduced subsidence of cartilage and bone in H&E staining. And in Safranin O staining, proteoglycan content in synovial membrane was significantly increased compared with control group. 6) Destruction of cartilage on ${\mu}CT$-arthrography was significantly reduced. Conclusions Based on all results mentioned above, Saengkanggamchotang (SKT) is believed to be meaningful for suppressing the progress of osteoarthritis and its treatments.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.645-650
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• 2002

Extraosseous pulmonary chondrosarcoma is rare neoplasm, which is characterized into two groups. One is termed a primary chondrosarcoma, and arise de novo (bronchial cartilage), the other is termed a secondary chondrosarcoma, and is superimposed on preexisting benign cartilagenous neoplasms, such as a chondroma or hamartoma. The preferred treatment is surgical resection. We recently experienced a secondary chondrosarcoma changed from a hamartoma. A 54-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal chest X-ray with mild dyspnea. We performed a percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy and sputum examination. The abnormal mass had been diagnosed as a chondromatous hamartoma with active pulmonary tuberculosis, which had been treated with anti-tuberculosis regimens. Despite her medication, an abnormal mass had grown. Therefore, we undertook a pneumonectomy with chest wall reconstruction. Histopathologically, the mass was a grade II, dedifferenciated chondrosarcoma, with chronic granulomatous inflammation and necrosis. We suggest this case had changed from a chondromatous hamartoma to a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, with associated pulmonary tuberculosis. We report this case with a brief literature review.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.342-346
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• 2006

Pulmonary tuberculomas show variable responses to treatment, with some even increasing in size after treatment. To date, however, no data have been reported on the response of tumorous type of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB-T) to treatment observed both bronchoscopically and histologically. We report a case of bacteriologically- and biopsy-proven EBTB-T that showed delayed response to anti-tuberculosis treatment. Even after EBTB-T was treated with antituberculosis drugs for 15 months, the bronchoscopic findings and the histologic findings of chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseation necrosis still remained. However, in fourteen months after the completion of treatment, the lesioneventually disappeared without further treatment.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.39-42
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• 2014

Asthma is an allergic inflammation and house dust mite (HDM) is a major allergen to induce asthma pathogenesis. Regulation of eosinophil apoptosis is an essential immune process and its dysregulation is implicated in asthma. In the present study, we examined the effects of HDM on spontaneous apoptosis of asthmatic eosinophils and on cytokine secretion in eosinophils of normal subjects including non-atopic and atopic normal. Extract of Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (DP) inhibited eosinophil apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. DP increased the secretion of G-CSF, GM-SCF, and IL-4, which is involved in suppression of eosinophil apoptosis, but IL-5 expression was not altered after DP stimulation. DP also elevated the release of IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and CCL2, which are anti-apoptotic or survival factors. The secretion of G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-${\alpha}$ due to DP is higher in atopic normal than that in non-atopic normal. In conclusion, DP increases the survival of eosinophils and its mechanism may be associated with cytokine release. These findings may enable elucidation of asthma pathogenesis induced by HDM.