• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.139-149
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• 2009

1. Objectives The roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton (SFA) are widely used as a herbal remedy for allergic inflammation. In this study, we invested the effect of SFA on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and histamin releas and we demonstrated that SFA suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), and interleukin -8 (IL-8), through inhibition of the $NF{\kappa}B$, JNK and p38 pathway in the human mast cell line, HMC-1. 2. Methods To accomplish this, we invested passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and histamin release at an animal experiment. In addition, we investigated the effect of SFA on the production of inflammation-related cytokines in HMC-1 cells that were co-treated with PMA and A23187, which can induce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. 3. Results and Conclusions SFA induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and histamin releas and supressed the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and IL-8. In addition, the protein levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ were also decreased by SFA treatment. Furthermore, SFA inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor $NF{\kappa}B$ through inhibition of the phosphorylation and degradation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$, which is an inhibitor of $NF{\kappa}B$. Moreover, SFA also inhibited induction of MAPKs (JNK, p38) and $NF{\kappa}B$ promoter-mediated luciferase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that SFA could be used as a treatment for mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.638-645
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• 2019

Objectives: For the risk management of airborne fungal diseases, our aim was to evaluate airborne fungi and study the toxicity associated with fungal allergic diseases using fungal species native to Korea. Methods: Fungi were isolated from outdoor air samples collected from Seoul, Incheon, Cheonan, Gwangju, Ulsan, Busan, and Jeju and tested for their cytotoxicity potential and their ability to induce proliferation and secretion of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in human mast cells (HMC-1). Results: More than 18 species of fungi were collected from outdoor air in Korea over one year, and the strains were identified and systematically analyzed. The results showed that the Cladosporium (59%) and Alternaria (22%) strains are the most common in outdoor air. Three of the collected strains (Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Penicillium) showed mild toxicity in cells involved in allergic inflammation, and twelve induced cell proliferation in HMC-1 cells. More importantly, many strains (Edgeworthia, Trametes, Emmia, Irpex, Talaromyces, Penicillium, Periconia, Epicocum, Bipolaris) induced the MDC protein in activated HMC-1 cells. Conclusion: Nineteen percent of the tested strains caused cytotoxicity in mast cell lines, whereas, most of the non-toxic strains contributed to cell activity. Among the tested strains, more than 80% increased the expression of MDC protein, which contributes to the severity of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and rhinitis. It is, in fact, one of the markers for these conditions. Therefore, airborne fungus could be considered as an important marker for environmental risk management for allergic diseases in Korea.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.379-386
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• 2024

Basophils and mast cells are specialized effector cells in allergic reactions. Haliotis discus hannai (abalone), is valuable seafood. Abalone male viscera, which has a brownish color and has not been previously reported to show anti-allergic activities, was extracted with acetone. Six different acetone/hexane fractions (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 100%) were obtained using a silica column via β-hexosaminidase release inhibitory activity-guided selection in phorbol myristate acetate and a calcium ionophore, A23187 (PMACI)-induced human basophils, KU812F cells. The 40% acetone/hexane fraction (A40) exhibited the strongest inhibition of PMACI-induced-β-hexosaminidase release. This fraction dose-dependently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and calcium mobilization without cytotoxicity. Western blot analysis revealed that A40 down-regulated PMACI-induced MAPK (ERK 1/2, p-38, and JNK) phosphorylation, and the NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to membrane. Moreover, A40 inhibited PMACI-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production. Anti-allergic activities of A40 were confirmed based on inhibitory effects on IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in compound (com) 48/80-induced rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. A40 inhibited β-hexosaminidase release and cytokine production such as IL-4 and TNF-α produced by com 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, it's fraction attenuated the IgE/DNP-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in the ears of BALB/c mice. Our results suggest that abalone contains the active fraction, A40 is a potent therapeutic and functional material to treat allergic diseases.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.9
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• 2012

The prevalence of allergic disease has been increasing over the past few decades in the majority of Western industrialized nations. There are some socioeconomic disparities regarding allergic disease status and management. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is Korean medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease. It is known that KMP6 has an improving effect on the spleen and stomach functions in traditional Korean medical theory. Here, we hypothesized that KMP6 could be used to regulate the inflammatory reaction. We show the molecular mechanisms of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on inflammatory reactions. A molecular docking simulation showed that hesperidin, component of KMP6, regulate the enzymatic activity by interaction in the active site of caspase-1. KMP6 control the activity of caspase-1 in activated human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). KMP6 reduced the expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-2 in HMC-1 cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein production and mRNA expression were inhibited by KMP6. In the activated HMC-1 cells, KMP6 suppressed the activation of mitogen-ativated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB. In addition, KMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that KMP6 may attenuate allergic reactions via the regulation of caspase-1/RIP-2 signaling pathway. These studies will help advance the social welfare system.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.71-81
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• 2007

Objective : In this study, herbal medicine(GJE, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis; HCT, Houttuynia cordata Thunb.; CIL, Chrysanthemum indicum Linne; PMS,Paeonia moutan Sims, P. subfruticosa Makino; APL, Agrimonia pilosa Ledebour) were screened for their inhibitory activities against Tyrosinase and PMA plus A23187-induced $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 productions in HMC-1 cells to reveal their skin -whitening and anti-allergic effect. Method : To investigate Tyrosinase inhibition we treated Mushroom Tyrosinase(Fluka, 93898) $10{\mu}{\ell}$ and 7.5mM Tyrosine (Sigma, T3754) $20{\mu}{\ell}$ with 80% ethanol medicine extracts. Then we observed 96well micro plate extinction at 490nm. In the next experiment, to investigate Anti-allergic effect we blended cultured Human Mast Cells(HMC-1) with medicine extracts. We treated the blended solution with Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA) and A23187, then observed $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) at 450nm. Results : In inhibiting Tyrosinase the results are as follows. 1. We observed 22% inhibition of Mushroom Tyrosinase at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentration of GJE extracts. 2. We also could observe that the decreased Mushroom Tyrosinase activities in HCT, CIL extracts. In inhibiing $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 productions in HMC-1 cells the results are as follows. 1. Of the extracts examined, HCT, PMS, APL extracts showed over 50% inhibitions of Cytokines at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentration. 2. In particular, APL extracts showed the best inhibitory effect on Cytokine productions in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that GJE extracts contributes to the anti melanin activities and represent a potential source of whitening agent. Thus these herbal medicines suggest novel drugs on anti-allergic effects.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.393-399
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• 2011

The mast cell is one of the major effector cells in inflammatory reactions and can be found in most tissues throughout the body. Activated mast cells can produce histamine, as well as a wide variety of other inflammatory mediators such as eicosanoids, proteoglycans, proteases, and several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, and interleukins (IL-6), IL-8, IL-4, IL-13. In the present study, we isolated two bacterial strains (J80 and G147) from fermented soybean and Jeotgal, and investigated the inhibitory effects of their extracts which were prepared by several pretreatment methods (sonication for 20 min, heating at $100^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, autoclaving at $121^{\circ}C$ for 15 min) on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory response. The pretreated bacterial extracts had no cytotoxicity against Human Mast Cell (HMC-1). Among various pretreatments, the extracts treated at $100^{\circ}C$ showed highest inhibition of histamine release (J80, 28.46%; G147, 41.14%). The J80 and G147 extracts treated at $100^{\circ}C$ resulted in the inhibition of IL-6 secretion by 38.46% and 56.45%, respectively. The J80 extract treated at $100^{\circ}C$ resulted in the inhibition of TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion by 66.67%, but G147 extract showed the highest inhibition effect by 41.1% when treated with sonication. These results suggest that bacterial extracts treated at $100^{\circ}C$ have a higher level of anti-inflammatory effects than other treatments such as sonication or autoclaving.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.211-216
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• 2004

Citrus unshiu (Rutaceae) has long been known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of CUWE (Citus unshiu water extract) on the production of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and tryptase was examined. In addition, a possible mechanism for the inhibition of trypsin-stimulated human leukemic mast cell-1 (HMC- 1 ) activation was determined. To do so, $TNF-{\alpha}$ production from the HMC-1 cells that were stimulated by trypsin (100 nM) in the presence or absence of CUWE $(10,\;100,\;and\;100\;{\mu}g/ml)$ was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-PCR. The tryptase production was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was analyzed by Western blot. Trypsin activity was measured by using Bz-DL-Arg-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) as substrate. Results showed that the CUWE inhibited production of both $TNF-{\alpha}$ and tryptase from the trypsin-stimulated HMC-1 in a dose-dependent manner. The CUWE a1so inhibited the ERK phosphorylation and trysin activity. These results indicate that the CUWE had an inhibitory effect on $TNF-{\alpha}$ and the tryptase productions by blocking the ERK phosphorylation and trypsin activity.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.731-734
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• 2003

Five known kaurane type diterpenoids, 16$\alpha$H, 17-isovaleryloxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (1), 16$\alpha$-hydroxy-17-isovaleryloxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (2), paniculoside-IV (3), 16$\alpha$-hydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (4), and ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (5) were isolated from the root of Acanthopanax koreanum by repeated column chromatography and reversed phase preparative HPLC. The structures of these compounds were established from physicochemical and spectral data. Among the isolated compounds 16$\alpha$H, 17-isovaleryloxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (1) showed potent inhibitory activity ($IC_50$ value, 16.2 $\mu$ M) on TNF-$\alpha$ secretion from HMC-1, a trypsin-stimulated human leukemic mast cell line.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.105-137
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Gupoongjeseuptang (GPJST) on atopic dermatitis by in vivo experiment using NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, which has histological and clinical similarities to the atopic dermatitis of human. Methods : To investigate the effect of GPJST on atopic dermatifis, we evaluated atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by clinical skin index and analyzed immunological parameters in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), splenocytes, draining lymph node (DLN) and performed skin histology in ears and dorsal skin of atopic dermatitis-like skin NC/Nga mouse in vivo. Results : In vivo, clinical skin severity score were significantly lower in GPJST group than control group. IgE, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IgG1, IgM, IgG2a and IgG2b levels in serum decreased remarkably in GPJST group than control group. Also, total absolute number of $CD3^+CD69^+$, and $CCR3^+$ cells recovered as normal in PBMCs and $CD3^+$, $CD3^+CD69^+$ decreased significantly compared with control group in isolated DLN from NC/Nga mouse and total absolute number of $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$, $CCR3^+CD3^+$ in dorsal skin of NC/Nga mouse decreased by GPJST. We analyzed ear and neck-back skin after biopsy and dyeing by hematoxyline/eosin (H&E) and toluidine staining (mast cells marker) and obtained results that GPJST are very effective to histological symptoms (dermal and epidermal thickening, hyperkeratosis and inflammatory cell (CD4, $CCR3^+$) infiltration). Conclusions : This study demonstrates immunological activity of GPJST on atopic dermatitis-like model mice.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.87-90
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• 2013

The potential role of topical valproate (VPA) in hair regrowth has been recently suggested. However, safety reports of VPA as a topical formulation are lacking. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether VPA causes skin irritation in humans. We first performed a cell viability test and showed that VPA did not exhibit toxicity toward HaCaT keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and RBL-3H mast cells. We then performed clinical patch test and skin irritation test through transdermal drug delivery with the help of microneedle rollers. No significant findings were obtained in the clinical patch test. In the skin irritation test, only 1 patient showed erythema at 1 hr, but the irritation reaction faded away within a few hours. Erythema and edema were not observed at 24 hr. We concluded that VPA has minimal potential to elicit skin irritation. Therefore, we consider that VPA can safely be applied to human skin.