• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.628-642
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• 2018

Background/Aims A Subset of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have mild inflammation due to immune activation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines may cause intestinal inflammation. We studied their expression in relation to gut microbiota. Methods Expression of TLRs and cytokines was assessed in 47 IBS patients (Rome III) and 25 controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was further performed to confirm the expression of TLR-4 and TLR-5. Results Of 47 patients with IBS, 20 had constipation (IBS-C), 20 diarrhea (IBS-D), and 7 unclassified (IBS-U). The mRNA levels of TLR-4 and TLR-5 were up-regulated in IBS patients than controls (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). Expression of TLR-4 and TLR-5 at protein level was 4.2-folds and 6.6-folds higher in IBS-D than controls. The mRNA levels of IL-6 (P = 0.003), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL-11) (P < 0.001) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR-3) (P < 0.001) were higher among IBS patients than controls. Expression of IL-6 (P = 0.002), CXCL-11 (P < 0.001), and CXCR-3 (P < 0.001) were up-regulated and IL-10 (P = 0.012) was down-regulated in IBS-D patients than controls. Positive correlation was seen between TLR-4 and IL-6 (P = 0.043), CXCR-3, and CXCL-11 (P = 0.047), and IL-6 and CXCR-3 (P = 0.003). Stool frequency per week showed positive correlation with mRNA levels of TLR-4 (P = 0.016) and CXCR-3 (P = 0.005), but inversely correlated with IL-10 (P = 0.002). Copy number of Lactobacillus (P = 0.045) and Bifidobacterium (P = 0.011) showed correlation with IL-10 in IBS-C, while Gram-positive (P = 0.031) and Gram-negative bacteria (P = 0.010) showed correlation with CXCL-11 in IBS-D patients. Conclusions Altered immune activation in response to dysbiotic microbiota may promote intestinal inflammation in a subset of patients with IBS.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.656-668
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• 2018

Background/Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were reported to be responsible for intestinal permeability in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) rats in our previous study. However, whether and how miRNAs regulate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D remains largely unknown. Methods We established the IBS-D rat model and evaluated it using the nociceptive visceral hypersensitivity test, myeloperoxidase activity assay, restraint stress-induced defecation, and electromyographic (EMG) activity. The distal colon was subjected to miRNA microarray analysis followed by isolation and culture of colonic epithelial cells (CECs). Bioinformatic analysis and further experiments, including dual luciferase assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were used to detect the expression of miRNAs and how it regulates visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats. Results The IBS-D rat model was successfully established. A total of 24 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the distal colon of IBS-D rats; 9 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Among them, the most significant upregulation was miR-200a, accompanied by downregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and serotonin transporter (SERT). MiR-200a mimic markedly inhibited the expression of CNR1/SERT. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assay confirmed that CNR1/SERT are direct targets of miR-200a. Rescue experiments that overexpressed CNR1/SERT significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-200a on the IBS-D rats CECs. Conclusions This study suggests that miR-200a could induce visceral hyperalgesia by targeting the downregulation of CNR1 and SERT, aggravating or leading to the development and progression of IBS-D. MiR-200a may be a regulator of visceral hypersensitivity, which provides potential targets for the treatment of IBS-D.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.396-402
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• 1996

This study was conducted to determine the effect of treatment with the plant-growth-promoting bacteria on the growth and yield of red pepper(Capsicum annuum L.) with different soil electrical conductivity(EC) levels. The mixed liquid culture was done pseudomonas P and saboraud dextrose medium. The isolated bacteria(IB) were inoculated by spray of 3.7ml at 1/2000a pot filled with different soil electrical conductivity level(2.9, 8.6, 11.5dS/m) every week, respectively, with mixed liquid culture (Pseudomonas P+Sabouraud dextrose) of eight strains. The plant height of red pepper with IBs treatment in different soil EC levels showed better growth than IBs nontreatment in the order of the 2.9>8.6>11.5 dS/m. The yield of pepper with IBs treatment in different soil EC level was higher in 13% than IBs nontreatment and chemical properties($P_2O_5$, K, Ca, Mg) of the soil after harvest in IBs treatment were slightly increased, while organic matter and EC of IBs treatment were slightly decreased than those of IBs nontreatment. Moisture content of the soil after the harvesting with IBs treatment was slightly increased than IBs nontreatment.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.283-288
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• 2019

$Foxp3^+$ regulatory $CD4^+$ T (Treg) cells play an essential role in preventing overt immune responses against self and innocuous foreign antigens. Selective expansion of endogenous Treg cells in response to the administration of interleukin (IL)-2/antibody complex, such as the IL-2/JES6-1 complex (IL-2C) in mice, is considered an attractive therapeutic approach to various immune disorders. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of IL-2C in allergic airway inflammation models. IL-2C treatment ameliorated Th17-mediated airway inflammation; however, unexpectedly, IL-2C treatment exacerbated Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation by inducing the selective expansion of Th2 cells and type-2 innate lymphoid cells. We also found that IL-2 signaling is required for the expansion of Th2 cells in lymphoproliferative disease caused by Treg cell depletion. Our data suggest that IL-2C is selectively applicable to the treatment of allergic airway diseases depending on the characteristics of airway inflammation.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.313-320
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• 2019

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) develop through the continuous interaction with intestinal antigens such as commensal microbiome and diet. However, their respective roles and mutual interactions in the development of IELs are largely unknown. Here, we showed that dietary antigens regulate the development of the majority of $CD8{\alpha}{\beta}$ IELs in the small intestine and the absence of commensal microbiota particularly during the weaning period, delay the development of IELs. When we tested specific dietary components, such as wheat or combined corn, soybean and yeast, they were dependent on commensal bacteria for the timely development of diet-induced $CD8{\alpha}{\beta}$ IELs. In addition, supplementation of intestinal antigens later in life was inefficient for the full induction of $CD8{\alpha}{\beta}$ IELs. Overall, our findings suggest that early exposure to commensal bacteria is important for the proper development of dietary antigen-dependent immune repertoire in the gut.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.948-956
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the effectiveness of Jeoreongchajeonja-tang as a treatment for patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Methods: Two irritable bowel syndrome patients who had visited Semyung University Korean Medical Hospital were enrolled. The patients were diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria, and the treatment effect was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and the colon transit time. Results: After treatment with Jeoreongchajeonja-tang for 4 weeks, the GSRS score was improved and colon transit time was delayed. Conclusions: This study suggests that Jeoreongchajeonja-tang is effective for improving diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. More extensive study is needed in the future.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.23.1-23.16
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• 2023

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder (FBD). Objectives: To assess the therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin (PF) on IBS in rats. Method: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, model, positive drug, low-dose PF, medium-dose PF and high-dose PF groups (n = 10). After gavage for 2 consecutive weeks, the effect of PF on abdominal pain symptoms was assessed based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, fecal water content and pathological changes in colon tissues. D-lactate, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) p65 was detected by Western blotting. The abundance and diversity changes of intestinal flora were explored using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Result: In PF groups, the mucosal morphology of colon tissues was intact, and the glands were arranged neatly and structured clearly, without obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, PF groups had significantly elevated pain threshold, and mRNA and protein levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, decreased AWR score at 20 mmHg pressure, fecal water content, mRNA levels of IL-1β, TGF-β, and TNF-α, protein level of p-NF-κB p65 and level of serum D-lactate, and reduced levels of serum IL-1β, TGF-β, and TNF-α (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). PF groups had higher abundance of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Bacteroides, but lower abundance of Desulfovibrio, Parasutterella, and Enterococcus than those of the model group. Conclusions: PF exerts therapeutic effects on IBS in rats probably by regulating the intestinal flora, and then up-regulating the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissue while down-regulating the levels of IL-1β, TGF-β, TNF-α, D-lactate and p-NF-κB p65.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.82-86
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• 2006

Propylene Carbonate (PC) has the interesting properties of being able to dissolve and dissociate lithium salts, thus leading to highly conducting electrolytes even at low temperatures. Moreover, electrolytes that contain PC are stable against oxidation at voltages up to ~5 V. However, it is known that, when lithium is intercalated into graphite in pure PC based electrolytes, solvent co-intercalation occurs, leading to the destruction of the graphite structure. (i.e., exfoliation). The objective of this study was to suppress PC decomposition and prevent exfoliation of the graphite anode by co-intercalation. Electrochemical characteristics were studied using Kawasaki mesophase fine carbon (KMFC) in different 1 M $LiPF_6$/PC-based electrolytes. Electrochemical experiments were completed using chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. From the observed results, we conclude that the MA and $Li_2CO_3$ additive suppressed co-intercalation of the PC electrolyte into the graphite anode. The use of additives, for reducing the extent of solvent decomposition before exfoliation of the graphite anode, could therefore enhance the stability of a KMFC electrode.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.343-362
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• 2019

Background/Aims There has been major progress in our understanding of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and novel treatment classes have emerged. The Rome IV guidelines were published in 2016 and together with the growing body of Asian data on IBS, we felt it is timely to update the Asian IBS Consensus. Methods Key opinion leaders from Asian countries were organized into 4 teams to review 4 themes: symptoms and epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and investigations, and lifestyle modifications and treatments. The consensus development process was carried out by using a modified Delphi method. Results Thirty-seven statements were developed. Asian data substantiate the current global viewpoint that IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. Socio-cultural and environmental factors in Asia appear to influence the greater overlap between IBS and upper gastrointestinal symptoms. New classes of treatments comprising low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosacharides, and polyols diet, probiotics, non-absorbable antibiotics, and secretagogues have good evidence base for their efficacy. Conclusions Our consensus is that all patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders should be evaluated comprehensively with a view to holistic management. Physicians should be encouraged to take a positive attitude to the treatment outcomes for IBS patients.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.81-105
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost-saving effect of R&D investment in the ICT industry. As is well known, the R&D investment induces both the product innovation and the process innovation, in turn leads the effect of creating profit and cutting cost. However, it appears that studies concerned with the cost-saving effect of R&D investment have been unproductive, while most existing studies concentrate on the topic involved with the creating profit of R&D investment. Therefore, we extend the effect of R&D investment to a framework of the cost-saving focusing on the ICT industry. To empirically analyze the effect, we built a simultaneous three-equation model comprising a translog cost function and two cost share equations, and employed the SUR analysis. As a result, we found out that the cost-saving effect on the total cost is statistically significant. In addition, we examined relationships between the R&D investment and each cost of production elements. The results show that on the one hand, the R&D investment and the intermediate good cost have the substitution relationship. On the other hand, the complementary relationship is observed between the R&D investment and each labor or capital cost.