• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.363-368
• /
• 2010

Allergies are immediate hypersensitive responses to antigens and interleukin (IL)-4 is involved in the initiation and development of allergic responses. $Rb_1$ has been known to have a variety of biological activities including anti-inflammatory activity, but the effect of $Rb_1$ on allergic responses is not known yet. The present study was undertaken to examine whether $Rb_1$ has an inhibitory effect on allergic response in mouse model. In allergic mouse model, our results showed that topical application of $Rb_1$ on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions improved skin condition and inhibited starching behaviors. In addition, $Rb_1$ application not only suppressed mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10, but also prevented the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 transcription. Moreover, $Rb_1$ application suppressed IL-4's secretion. Taken together, these results suggest that $Rb_1$ has a potent inhibitory effect in AD-related T cell cytokine production and may be a candidate for therapeutic agent in allergy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.44 no.11
• /
• pp.1612-1620
• /
• 2015

Inflammation is a complex process involving a variety of immune cells, which defend the body from harmful stimuli. However, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators can also exacerbate diseases such as cancer. Onion peel contains several phenolic compounds, including quercetin at an amount 20 times greater in peel than edible flesh. Therefore, in this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of onion peel ethanol extract (OPEE) were investigated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response. In our results, NO production decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Secretion of IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ was suppressed by 44%, 53%, and 60% respectively, at $100{\mu}g/mL$. Moreover, OPEE also suppressed expression of COX-2, iNOS, $NF-{\kappa}B$, and MAPKs in a dose-dependent manner. Formation of mice ear edema was reduced at the highest dose tested compared to the control, and reduction of ear thickness was observed in the histological analysis as well. In the acute toxicity test, no morality was observed in mice administered 5,000 mg/kg body weight of OPEE over a 2-week observation period. These results suggest that OPEE may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and be a potential anti-inflammatory material.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.364-370
• /
• 2013

Resveratrol (trans-3,4'-trihydroxystillbene), a naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidant found in grapes and red wine, elicits diverse biochemical responses and demonstrates anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects in several cell types. Previously, resveratrol was shown to regulate differentiation and inflammation in rabbit articular chondrocytes, while the direct production of nitric oxide (NO) in these cells by treatment with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) led to apoptosis. In this study, the effect of resveratrol on NO-induced apoptosis in rabbit articular chondrocytes was investigated. Resveratrol dramatically reduced NO-induced apoptosis in chondrocytes, as determined by phase-contrast microscopy, the MTT assay, FACS analysis, and DAPI staining. Treatment with resveratrol inhibited the SNP-induced expression of p53 and p21 and reduced the expression of procaspase-3 in chondrocytes, as detected by western blot analysis. SNP-induced degradation of I-kappa B alpha ($I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$) was rescued by resveratrol treatment, and the SN50 peptide-mediated inhibition of NF-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) activity potently blocked SNP-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Our results suggest that resveratrol inhibits NO-induced apoptosis through the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in articular chondrocytes.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2011

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of modified-Okbyungpoongsan (mOP) on mast cell-mediated allergic response in basophilic leukemia cell line, RBL-2H3 mast cells. Methods : Cells were stimulated with anti-DNP-IgE after the treatment of DNP-HSA (AI/D), and then incubated with different concentrations of mOP (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg/$m{\ell}$) in RBL-2H3 cells. Cell toxicity was determined by WST-1 assay. The degranulation of mast cells was observed by microscope with toluidine blue staining and also the levels of beta-hexosaminidase, histamine and TNF-alpha were measured in culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results : mOP inhibited anti-DNP-IgE-imduced degranulation of mast cells in RBL-2H3 cells. mOP also significantly decreased the levels of histamine and inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha in RBL-2H3 cells, but slightly decreased the level of beta-hexosaminidase. Conclusions : These results indicate that mOP, an oriental prescription could be inhibit the allergic response through suppressing the mast cell activation.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2003

Type II collagen (CII), major component of hyaline cartilage, has been considered as an auto-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the clinical and biological significances with regard to the CII autoimmunity need to be clarified in human RA. The presence of antibodies to CII has been identified in sera, synovial fluid, and cartilage of patients with RA. In our study, the increased titer of IgG anti-CII in sera was well correlated with C-reactive protein, suggesting that this antibody may reflect the inflammatory status of RA. The titer of anti-CII antibodies (anti-CII Abs) tended to be higher in early stages of diseases. In our extending study, among 997 patients with RA, 269 (27.0%) were positive for circulatory IgG antibody to CII, those levels were fluctuated over time. It is hard to assess the significant amount of T cell responses to CII and CII (255~274) in RA. By using a sensitive method of antigen specific mixed lymphocyte culture, we can detect the presence of CII-reactive T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients. Sixty seven (46.9%) of 143 patients showed positive CII reactive T cell responses to CII or CII (255~274). The frequencies of CII reactive T cells were more prominent in inflamed synovial fluid (SF) than in peripheral blood. These T cells could be clonally expanded after consecutive stimulation of CII with feeding of autologous irradiated antigen presenting cells (APC). Moreover, the production of Th1-related cytokine, such as IFN-${\gamma}$, was strongly up-regulated by CII reactive T cells. These data suggest that T cells responding to CII, which are probably presenting the IFN-${\gamma}$ producing cells, may play an important role in the perpetuation of inflammatory process in RA. To evaluate the effector function of CII reactive T cells, we investigated the effect of CII reactive T cells and fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (FLS) interaction on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. When the CII reactive T cells were co-cultured with FLS, the production of IL-15 and TNF-${\alpha}$ from FLS were significantly increased (2 to 3 fold increase) and this increase was clearly presented in accord to the expansion of CII reactive T cells. In addition, the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-17, T cell derived cytokines, were also increased by the co-incubation of CII reactive T cells with FLS. We also examined the impact of CII reactive T cells on chemokines production. When FLS were co-cultured with CII stimulated T cells, the production of IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1${\alpha}$ were significantly enhanced. The increased production of these chemokines was strongly correlated with increase the frequency of CII reactive T cells. Conclusively, immune response to CII was frequently found in RA. Activated T cells in response to CII contributed to increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were critical for inflammatory responses in RA. The interaction of CII-reactive T cells with FLS further augmented this phenomenon. Taken together, our recent studies have suggested that autoimmunity to CII could play a crucial role not only in the initiation but amplification/perpetuation of inflammatory process in human RA.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.51-58
• /
• 2008

Objectives : Trimellitic anhydride (TMA), a sensitizer that induces occupational asthma and atopic dermatitis, is widely used industrially to make epoxy and alkyd resins, plasticizers, high temperature polymer, and surfactants. The aim of this study was to investigative the effects of aqueous extracts of Lonicera japonica Flower(LJFAE) on TMA-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in Balb/c mice. Methods : The dried flowers of L. japonica were extracted with distilled water at $100^{\circ}C$ for 7 h. The extract was freeze-dried following filteration through 0.45 ${\mu}m$ filter. Mice were orally administrated with or without LJFE of a different doses(25-100 mg/kg) for 28 days. In the challenge period, mice were externally applied at difference doses of LJFAE one time per day 30 min before TMA treatment. We examined the effects of LJFAE on the the serum levels of IgE and prostagladin E2 (PGE2), the Thl/Th2 cytokine production of spleen cells, ear swelling responses, and the leukocyte infiltration induced by TMA. Results : The orally and externally administration of LJFAE dose-dependently reduced the serum levels of IgE and PGE2 production as well as ear swelling responses and leukocyte infiltration in TMA-induced Balb/c mice. Furthermore, the levels of Thl (TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gammer}$, IL-2)/Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) cytokine production from spleen cells stimulated with anti-CD3 and CD28 mAbs was markedly suppressed by the orally and externally treatment with LJFAE in a concentration dependent manner. Conclusions : These results suggest that LJFAE suppresses the inflammatory mediators and regulates the Thl/Th2 cytokines. Therefore, these properties may contribute to the strong anti-CHS response effect of LJFAE.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.311-317
• /
• 2019

Mast cells are the most prominent effector cells of Type 1 hypersensitivity immune responses. CYC116 [4-(2-amino-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-N-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl] pyrimidin-2-amine] is under development to be used as an anti-cancer drug, but the inhibitory effects of CYC116 on the activation of mast cells and related allergy diseases have not reported as of yet. In this study, we demonstrated, for the first time, that CYC116 inhibited the degranulation of mast cells by antigen stimulation ($IC_{50}$, ${\sim}1.42{\mu}M$). CYC116 also inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-${\alpha}$ ($IC_{50}$, ${\sim}1.10{\mu}M$), and IL-6 ($IC_{50}$, ${\sim}1.24{\mu}M$). CYC116 inhibited the mast cell-mediated allergic responses, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (ED50, ~22.5 mg/kg), and passive systemic anaphylaxis in a dose-dependent manner in laboratory experiments performed on mice. Specifically, CYC116 inhibited the activity of Fyn in mast cells and inhibited the activation of Syk and Syk-dependent signaling proteins including LAT, $PLC{\gamma}$, Akt, and MAP kinases. Our results suggest that CYC116 could be used as an alternative therapeutic medication for mast cell-mediated allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.23.1-23.16
• /
• 2021

Chemokines are key factors that influence the migration and maintenance of relevant immune cells into an infected tissue or a tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is believed that the controlled administration of chemokines in the tumor microenvironment may be an effective immunotherapy against cancer. Previous studies have shown that CCL3, also known as macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha, facilitates the recruitment of dendritic cells (DCs) for the presentation of tumor Ags and promotes T cell activation. Here, we investigated the role of CCL3 in regulating the tumor microenvironment using a syngeneic mouse tumor model. We observed that MC38 tumors overexpressing CCL3 (CCL3-OE) showed rapid regression compared with the wild type MC38 tumors. Additionally, these CCL3-OE tumors showed an increase in the proliferative and functional tumor-infiltrating T cells. Furthermore, PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade accelerated tumor regression in the CCL3-OE tumor microenvironment. Next, we generated a modified CCL3 protein for pre-clinical use by fusing recombinant CCL3 (rCCL3) with a non-cytolytic hybrid Fc (HyFc). Administering a controlled dose of rCCL3-HyFc via subcutaneous injections near tumors was effective in tumor regression and improved survival along with activated myeloid cells and augmented T cell responses. Furthermore, combination therapy of rCCL3-HyFc with PD-1 blockade exhibited prominent effect to tumor regression. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that appropriate concentrations of CCL3 in the tumor microenvironment would be an effective adjuvant to promote anti-tumor immune responses, and suggest that administering a long-lasting form of CCL3 in combination with PD-1 blockers can have clinical applications in cancer immunotherapy.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.249-258
• /
• 2018

Airborne pollution causes oxidative damage, inflammation, and premature aging of skin. Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound that has various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-melanogenic activities but it is unstable to heat and light. Resveratryl triacetate (RTA) is a new cosmetic ingredient that is more stable than resveratrol and its skin safety and whitening efficacy have been reported previously. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resveratrol and resveratryl triacetate (RTA) on the inflammatory responses of human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) exposed to airborne particulate matters with a diameter of < $10{\mu}m$ (PM10). Cultured HEKs were exposed to PM10 in the absence or presence of resveratrol and RTA. Assays were undertaken to determine cell viability, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. PM10 treatment decreased cell viability, and increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Resveratrol and RTA reduced cell death and ROS production induced by PM10. PM10-induced mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines was either attenuated (IL-6), or enhanced ($IL-1{\beta}$), or unaffected ($TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-8) by resveratrol and RTA. PM10-induced IL-6 protein expression was attenuated by resveratrol and RTA. This study suggests that resveratrol and RTA have activities regulating cell damage and inflammatory responses of the skin exposed to airborne particulate matters.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.254-260
• /
• 2019

Background: The primary aims of periodontal disease treatment is to remove dental plaque and calculus, the main causes of tooth loss, and restore periodontal tissue destroyed by inflammation. Periodontal disease treatment should also help maintain the alveolar bone, alleviate inflammation, and promote periodontal ligament cell proliferation, which is essential for tissue regeneration. Conventional antibiotics and anti-inflammatories have adverse side effects, especially during long-term use, so there is a need for adjunct treatment agents derived from natural products. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the herbal flavone baicalein has the osteogenic activity under inflammatory conditions, and assess the involvement of osteoblast immediate early response 3 (IER3) expression. Methods: Human osteoblastic MG-63 cells were cultured with the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in the presence and absence of baicalein. Proliferation was assessed using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and expression of IER3 mRNA was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of IER3 protein levels and activation of associated signal transduction pathways were assessed using western blotting. Results: Baicalein increased IER3 mRNA and protein expression synergistically. In addition, baicalein reversed the suppression of cell proliferation, and the downregulation of osteogenic transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Baicalein also upregulated the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2). The upregulation of IER3 by pro-inflammatory cytokines was blocked by pretreatment with inhibitors of AKT, p38, JNK, and ERK 1/2. Conclusion: Baicalein mitigates the deleterious responses of osteoblasts to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, IER3 enhanced the effect of baicalein via activation of AKT, p38, JNK, and ERK pathways.