• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.855-869
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity. MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 ㎍/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant. Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.94-106
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• 2019

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san(GJS) on atopic dermatitis(AD) induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB) in mice. Methods : The mice(Balb/c mice) were divided into three groups; normal Balb/c mice with oil treatment(Sham group), DNCB-induced AD mice(AD group), and GJS treated AD mice(GJS group). GJS group were orally administered GJS daily for 2 weeks. We observed changes of clinical skin severity score, the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP), interleukin(IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$ in skin and mast cell infiltration. Also, serum immunoglobulinE(IgE), IL-4, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 were evaluated. Results : The clinical skin severity score of GJS group was decreased compared to AD group. In hematoxylin and eosin staining results, GJS group showed a significant reduction of epithelial skin thickness. In addition, expression of TSLP and mast cell infiltration in skin were also reduced by GJS treatment compared to those of AD group. Thus, we evaluated expression of IL-4, Th2-dependent cytokine, and $TNF-{\alpha}$, pro-inflammatory cytokine in skin. GJS significantly reduced both IL-4 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ compared to AD mice. Moreover, levels of IgE, IL-4, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in plasma also significantly decreased by oral GJS treatment. Conclusion : The present study suggests that GJS can significantly reduced symptoms of AD, therefore it can be a promising candidate for anti-atopic dermatitis treatment.

• CELLMED
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.7.1-7.4
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• 2019

In this study, we investigated an inhibitory effect of AST cream on atopic dermatitis (AD) using a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD murine model. Topical treatment with AST cream ameliorated the severity of AD-like lesional skin through decreases in infiltration of inflammatory cells and time of scratching behaviors. Also, AST cream reduced histamine and IgE levels in serum. The protein levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in AD-like lesional skin were suppressed by AST cream. These findings suggest that AST cream would be an alternative therapeutic agent for AD-like skin diseases.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1003-1009
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• 2008

This study was performed to determine the effects of $\gamma$-irradiation on the antiallergic activity of alginate. An alginate aqueous solution was $\gamma$-irradiated at 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 100 kGy. First, the molecular weight (Mw) of alginate rapidly decreased as the $\gamma$-irradiation dose increased up to 20 kGy. Then, the antiallergic activity of the $\gamma$-irradiated alginate was measured. Interlukin (IL)-4 cytokine and IgE level were significantly decreased in the $\gamma$-irradiated alginate groups as compared to the control group in vitro. The mice intraperitoneally administered with the $\gamma$-irradiated alginate exhibited lower ovalbumin-specific IgE and IgG1 level in serum than the control mice. Furthermore, the $\gamma$-irradiated alginate suppressed total and ovalbumin-specific IgE secretions in the splenocytes. Increased IL-2 level was observed in the culture supernatants of the splenocytes that were obtained from the mice administerd with the $\gamma$-irradiated alginate, while IL-4 level decreased. The present study indicates that $\gamma$-irradiated alginate can suppress allergy in a mouse allergy model.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.79-88
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• 2009

Objectives : It has been recently shown that Piperis Longi Fructus (PLF) is involved in the reduction of eosinophil recruitment and production of Th2 cytokines in vivo. However, the main therapeutic mechanisms of PLF remains a matter of considerable debate. To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of PLF, we examined the influence of PLF on regulatory T cells number, IgE, histamine production in vivo and Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in vitro. Methods : All mice were immunized on two different days (21 days and 7 days before inhalational exposure) by i.p. injections of 0.2 $m\ell$ alum-precipitated Ag containing 100 ${\mu}g$ of OVA bound to 4 mg of aluminum hydroxide in PBS. Seven days after the second sensitization, mice were exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin for 30 min/day on 3 days/week for 12 weeks(at a flow rate of 250 L/min, 2.5％ ovalbumin in normal saline) and PLF (150 mg/kg) were orally administered 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice at 8 weeks of age were stimulated with anti-CD3 (1 mg/ml) plus anti-CD28 (1 mg/ml) antibody for 48hrs. IL-4 and IFN-$\gamma$ in the culture supernatants were measured by ELISA Results : The suppressive effects of PLF on asthma model were demonstrated by the increase the number of regulatory T cells and by reducing IgE, histamine production in vivo and modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Conclusions : These results indicate that PLF has a deep inhibitory effects on asthma model mice by increase the number of regulatory T cells, and by reducing IgE, histamine production.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.634-639
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• 2005

Purpose : An understanding of the immunological process is required if primary prevention of atopic diseases is to be developed in early childhood. But, it is too hard to distinguish atopy from nonatopy under the age of two clinically, because the expression of phenotype and cytokines is vague in early childhood. We evaluated DNA methylation changes at Th2 interleukin-4 gene in peripheral blood from atopic children. Methods : We selected 15 allergic children(mild : eight, moderate to severe : seven) and seven normal controls by using family allergy scores and clinical histories. We measured Total IgE and Der f II specific IgE levels and cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Der f II stimulation and extracted DNA from Der f II specific T cells. We examined the change of CpG methylation in DNA from atopic and nonatopic children. Results : In T cells from normal children, IL-4 DNA were predominantly methylated; otherwise, CpG demethylation occurred in Der f II specific T cells from allergic children. Conclusion : IL-4 DNA methylation changes occurred in T genes from allergic children and DNA methylation assay in early childhood.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Objectives Alismatis Rhizoma has been known to suppress inflammation and allergic reaction. However, the cellular target of Alismatis Rhizoma and its mechanism of action remain unclear. This study was designed to examine the effect of Alismatis Rhizoma extract (ALC) on the RBL-2H3 mast cells in vitro and on the OVA/alum sensitized mice ex vivo. Methods In the study, RBL-2H3 mast cells were cultured in minimal essential medium (MEM) for 24 hours, and treated separately with cyclosporin A and varying doses of ALC, and then stimulated with Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (50 ng/ml) and Ionomycin ($0.5{\mu}M$). The levels of IL-13, IL-4 were measured by ELISA analysis. The mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, GM-CSF, $TNF-{\alpha}$ were analyzed with Real-time PCR. Also, manifestations of MAPKs transcription factors and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 translocation were analyzed by western blotting in vitro. Subsequently, for ex vivo experiment, we induced allergic inflammation on Balb/c mice by OVA/alum and administered ALC orally. And we measured serum OVA-specific IgE level and IL-4, IL-13 in the splenocyte culture supernatant by ELISA analysis. Results ALC was shown to suppress mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, GM-CSF, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and to inhibit the IL-13, IL-4 production. Also ALC reduced an activation of mast cells specific signal MAPKs transcription factors and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 from the western blot analysis in in vitro experiment. In ex vivo, ALC oral adminstration decreased the level of OVA-specific IgE in serum, and IL-4, IL-13 in the splenocyte culture supernatant. Conclusions ALC is shown to reduce inflammation and allergic response by suppressing Th2 cytokines through the regulation of transcription factors MAPKs and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 in mast cells. Administration of ALC suppressed OVA-specific IgE in ovalbumin allergy model through the inhibition of Th2 cytokine. In conclusion, ALC can be considered as an effective treatment for allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.84-95
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• 2014

Objective : Ephedra sinica (ES) has has been used as remedy of allergic diseases for a long time in Korea. In the present study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of ES on experimental allergic asthma mouse model using ovalbumin (OVA). Methods : BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with 100 ug of OVA and 1 mg of aluminum potassium sulfate of 0.2 ml phosphate-buffered saline(PBS) intraperitoneally on day 1 and 15. mice were challenged on 3 consecutive days with 5% OVA and AHR was assessed 24 h after the last challenge. we examined the lung histology, airway hyper sensitivity, total inflammatory cell count in bronchoaveloar lavage fluid(BALF), Th2-associated cytokines production and IgE production. Results : ES potently inhibited the lung damage and the development of Penh. ES also reduced the number of BAL cells during OVA-induced allergic asthma. Furthermore, ES inhibited cytokines production such as IL-4, IL-13 productions, and IgE level of serum. Conclusion : These results suggest that ES may inhibit the production of IL-4, IL-13, IgE and infiltration of inflammatory cell and be beneficial oriental medicine for allergic asthma.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.65-76
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• 2018

Although there has been a steady increase in the prevalence of food allergies worldwide in recent decades, no effective therapeutic strategies have been developed. Modulation of the gut microbiota composition and/or function through probiotics has been highlighted as a promising target for protection against food allergies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the allergy-reducing effects of a probiotic mixture (P5: Lactococcus lactis KF140, Pediococcus pentosaceus KF159, Lactobacillus pentosus KF340, Lactobacillus paracasei 698, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 26N) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy. Administration of P5 significantly suppressed the oral OVA challenge-induced anaphylactic response and rectal temperature decline, and reduced diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, P5 also significantly inhibited the secretion of IgE, Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17), which were increased in mice with OVA-induced food allergy, and induced generation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. These results revealed that P5 may have applications as a preventive agent against food allergy.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.162-170
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• 2000

Purpose : Studies on the Regulatory Effect of Cytokine Production in Taumin Patients with Cerebral Infarction by Cheongsimyeonjatang Method : ELISA(enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay) Result : Chungsimyeunjatang(CYT) is a prescription for the cerebral infarction (CI) patients of Taeumin according to Sasang constitution philosophy. Taeumin patients with CI were treated with CYT during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CI disappeared markedly in about two to four weeks after oral administration of CYT in all patients. The mean interleukin (IL)-2 plasma levels were slightly lower in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean IL-4, IL-6 and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients. There were no significant differences in $interferon-{\gamma}$ $(IFN-{\gamma})$ levels between the groups. Serum $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-2 levels derived from T helper (Th)1 cells were elevated significantly in the patients with CI by CYT administration. Significant reduced plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells and IgE were observed in the patients treated with CYT. During the period of CYT administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that CYT has a good CI treatment effect, and that its action may be due to regulation of cytokine Production.